Minggu, 26 September 2010

KERJAKAN DENGAN CARA BEDA

KERJAKAN DENGAN CARA BEDA

Beberapa ekor lalat nampakterbang berpesta diatas sebuah tong sampah didepan sebuah rumah. Suatu ketikaanak pemilik rumah keluar dan tidak menutup kembali pintu rumah kemudian nampakseekor lalat bergegas terbang memasuki rumah itu. Si lalat langsung menujusebuah meja makan yang penuh dengan makanan lezat. "Saya bosan dengansampah-sampah itu, ini saatnya menikmati makanan segar" katanya.

Setelah kenyang si lalat bergegasingin keluar dan terbang menuju pintu saat dia masuk, namun ternyata pintu kacaitu telah terutup rapat. Si lalat hinggap sesaat di kaca pintu memandangikawan-kawannya yang melambai-lambaikan tangannya seolah meminta agar diabergabung kembali dengan mereka.
Si lalat pun terbang di sekitarkaca, sesekali melompat dan menerjang kaca itu, dengan tak kenal menyerah silalat mencoba keluar dari pintu kaca. Lalat itu merayap mengelilingi kaca dariatas ke bawah dan dari kiri ke kanan bolak-balik demikian terus dan terusberulang-ulang. Hari makin petang si lalat itu nampak kelelahan dan kelaparandan esok paginya nampak lalat itu terkulai lemas terkapar di lantai.

Tak jauh dari tempat itu nampakserombongan semut berjalan beriringan keluar dari sarangnya untuk mencari makandan ketika menjumpai lalat yang tak berdaya itu, serentak mereka mengerumunidan beramai-ramai menggigit tubuh lalat itu hingga mati. Kawanan semut itu punberamai-ramai mengangkut bangkai lalat yang malang itu menuju sarang mereka.
Dalam perjalanan seekor semutkecil bertanya kepada rekannya yang lebih tua "Ada apa dengan lalat ini Pak?,mengapa dia sekarat?".
"Oh.. itu sering terjadi, adasaja lalat yang mati sia-sia seperti ini, sebenarnya mereka ini telah berusaha,dia sungguh-sungguh telah berjuang keras berusaha keluar dari pintu kaca itunamun ketika tak juga menemukan jalan keluar, dia frustasi dan kelelahan hinggaakhirnya jatuh sekarat dan menjadi menu makan malam kita" Semut kecil itunampak manggut-manggut, namun masih penasaran dan bertanya lagi "Aku masihtidak mengerti, bukannya lalat itu sudah berusaha keras? kenapa tidakberhasil?".

Masih sambil berjalan danmemangggul bangkai lalat, semut tua itu menjawab "Lalat itu adalah seorang yangtak kenal menyerah dan telah mencoba berulang kali, hanya saja dia melakukannyadengan cara-cara yang sama". Semut tua itu memerintahkan rekan-rekannyaberhenti sejenak seraya melanjutkan perkataannya namun kali ini dengan mimik& nada lebih serius "Ingat anak muda, jika kamu melakukan sesuatu dengancara yang sama namun mengharapkan hasil yang berbeda, maka nasib kamu akanseperti lalat ini".

"KITA ORANG-ORANG SUKSES TIDAKMELAKUKAN HAL-HAL YANG BERBEDA, TETAPI KITA HANYA MELAKUKANNYA DENGAN CARA YANGBERBEDA".

Inilah mungkin yang dimaksudkandalam sebuah hadits yang diperdebatkan keshahihannya " Perbedaan yang terjadidi antara ummatku adalah Rahmat ".

Betapa banyak orang yang habiswaktunya hanya untuk memperdebatkan kuat dan lemahnya kedudukan sebuah Haditsatau tafsir Al-Qur'an, tetapi sayang tidak pernah mampu mengambil HIKMAH darisesuatu yang diperdebatkan tersebut.

OK, jangan sia-siakan Ramadhanberlalu tanpa nilai dan tanpa makna, STOP MUSIK, STOP TV/FILM dan STOPNGEGOSIP, segera Install Zikir dan Al-Qur'an dalam Jiwa kita bersama RYI dijalur CURHAT BEBAS HAMBATAN.

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Ustadzah FATIMAH ZAHRA Tasikmalaya : 081220596128
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SATU MATA DARI IBU

SATU MATA DARI IBU

Sahabat Rumah Yatim Indonesia yang dimuliakan Allah SWT, tanpa terasa beberapa hari lagi Bulan Mulia ini akan segera meninggalkan kita, tak ada kuasa sedikitpun bagi kita untuk mencegah keberlaluannya, maka berbahagialah bagi kita yang telah mengisinya dengan berbagai kebajikan dan memaksimalkan ibadah di hari-hari yang masih tersisa saat ini.

Mari kita perbanyak waktu kita tinggal di dalam Majid untuk sejenak muhasabah/interopeksi diri terhadap segala kesalahan dan kekhilafan yang telah berlalu, mari kita do’akan orang-orang yang telah manyayangi dan mengasihi kita, Ibu kita, Ayah kita, istri kita , saudara-saudara kita dan anak-anak kita serta orang-orang yang mungkin pernah kita sakiti.

Kepada orang-orang yang pernah berjasa kepada kita janganlah kita perlakukan seperti pada kisah ini……..

Ibuku hanya memiliki satu mata. Aku membencinya sungguh memalukan. Ia menjadi juru masak di sekolah, untuk membiayai keluarga. Suatu hari ketika aku masih SD, ibuku datang. Aku sangat malu. Mengapa ia lakukan ini? Aku memandangnya dengan penuh kebencian dan melarikan diri.

Keesokan harinya di sekolah “Ibumu hanya punya satu mata, ya?!?!” Ieeeeee, jerit seorang temanku. Aku berharap ibuku lenyap dari muka bumi. Ujarku pada ibu, “Bu. Mengapa Ibu tidak punya satu mata lainnya? Kalau Ibu hanya ingin membuatku ditertawakan, lebih baik Ibu mati saja!!!” Ibuku tidak menyahut.

Aku merasa agak tidak enak, tapi pada saat yang bersamaan, lega rasanya sudah mengungkapkan apa yang ingin sekali kukatakan selama ini. Mungkin karena Ibu tidak menghukumku, tapi aku tak berpikir sama sekali bahwa perasaannya sangat terluka karenaku.
Malam itu.....Aku terbangun dan pergi ke dapur untuk mengambil segelas air. Ibuku sedang menangis, tanpa suara, seakan-akan ia takut aku akan terbangun karenanya.

Saya memandangnya sejenak, dan kemudian berlalu. Akibat perkataanku tadi, hatinya tertusuk. Walaupun begitu, aku membenci ibuku yang sedang menangis dengan satu matanya. Jadi aku berkata pada diriku sendiri bahwa aku akan tumbuh dewasa dan menjadi orang yang sukses.

Kemudian aku belajar dengan tekun. Kutinggalkan ibuku dan pergi ke Singapura untuk menuntut ilmu.
Lalu aku pun menikah. Aku membeli rumah. Kemudian akupun memiliki anak.
Kini aku hidup dengan bahagia sebagai seorang yang sukses. Aku menyukai tempat tinggalku karena tidak membuatku teringat akan ibuku.

Kebahagian ini bertambah terus dan terus, namun suatu ketika ibuku datang.....
Apa?! Siapa ini?! Itu ibuku. Masih dengan satu matanya. Seakan-akan langit runtuh menimpaku. Bahkan anak-anakku berlari ketakutan, ngeri melihat mata Ibuku. Lalu aku katakan padanya, “Siapa kamu?! Aku tak kenal dirimu!!” Untuk membuatnya lebih dramatis, aku berteriak padanya, “Berani-beraninya kamu datang ke sini dan menakuti anak-anakku! !” “KELUAR DARI SINI! SEKARANG!!”
Ibuku hanya menjawab perlahan, “Oh, maaf. Sepertinya saya salah alamat,” dan ia pun berlalu. Untung saja ia tidak mengenaliku. Aku sungguh lega.

Aku tak peduli lagi. Akupun menjadi sangat lega.
Suatu hari, sepucuk surat undangan reuni sekolah tiba di rumahku di Singapura.
Aku berbohong pada istriku bahwa aku ada urusan kantor. Akupun pergi ke sana .. Setelah reuni, aku mampir ke gubuk tua, yang dulu aku sebut rumah.. Hanya ingin tahu saja. Di sana , kutemukan ibuku tergeletak dilantai yang dingin. Namun aku tak meneteskan air mata sedikit pun. Ada selembar kertas di tangannya. Sepucuk surat untukku.

“Anakku..Kurasa hidupku sudah cukup panjang.. Dan..aku tidak akan pergi ke Singapura lagi..
Namun apakah berlebihan jika aku ingin kau menjengukku sesekali? Aku sangat merindukanmu. Dan aku sangat gembira ketika tahu kau akan datang ke reuni itu. Tapi kuputuskan aku tidak pergi ke sekolah. Demi kau.. Dan aku minta maaf karena hanya membuatmu malu dengan satu mataku.

Ketahuilah anakku, ketika kau masih sangat kecil, kau mengalami kecelakaan dan kehilangan satu matamu. Sebagai seorang ibu, aku tak tahan melihatmu tumbuh hanya dengan satu mata. Maka aku berikan mataku untukmu. Aku sangat bangga padamu yang telah melihat seluruh dunia untukku, ditempatku, dengan mata itu. Aku tak pernah marah atas semua kelakuanmu.
Ketika kau marah padaku.. Aku hanya membatin sendiri, “Itu karena ia mencintaiku” Anakku! Oh, anakku! Selamat tinggal sayang ”

Sahabat, sesungguhnya kebahagiaan yang kita raih dan kita nikmati itu adalah karena ada peran orang lain baik secara langsung maupun tak langsung. Berhentilah sejenak dan renungi hidup kita!, keberhasilan dan kebahagiaan yang manakah yang kita raih sendirian ?

Bersyukurlah atas apa yang kita miliki sekarang dibandingkan apa yang tidak dimiliki oleh jutaan orang lain! Luangkan waktu untuk mendoakan ibu kita!

Dan Tuhanmu telah memerintahkan supaya kamu jangan menyembah selain Dia dan hendaklah kamu berbuat baik pada ibu bapakmu dengan sebaik-baiknya. Jika salah seorang di antara keduanya atau kedua-duanya sampai berumur lanjut dalam pemeliharaanmu, maka sekali-kali janganlah kamu mengatakan kepada keduanya perkataan "ah" dan janganlah kamu membentak mereka dan ucapkanlah kepada mereka perkataan yang mulia (Q.S. Al-Isra : 23 )

AH ! MANA ADA TUHAN ITU ?

AH ! MANA ADA TUHAN ITU ?

Seorang konsumen datang ke tempat tukang cukur untuk memotong rambut dan merapikan brewoknya.
Si tukang cukur mulai memotong rambut konsumennya dan mulailah terlibat pembicaraan yang mulai menghangat.
Mereka membicarakan banyak hal dan berbagai variasi topik pembicaraan, dan sesaat topik pembicaraan beralih tentang Tuhan.
Si tukang cukur bilang,”Saya tidak percaya Tuhan itu ada”. “Kenapa kamu berkata begitu ?” timpal si konsumen. “Begini, coba Anda perhatikan di depan sana , di jalanan… untuk menyadari bahwa Tuhan itu tidak ada. Katakan kepadaku, jika Tuhan itu ada, Adakah yang sakit?, Adakah anak terlantar? Jika Tuhan ada, tidak akan ada sakit ataupun kesusahan. Saya tidak dapat membayangkan Tuhan Yang Maha Penyayang akan membiarkan ini semua terjadi.”

Si konsumen diam untuk berpikir sejenak, tapi tidak merespon karena dia tidak ingin memulai adu pendapat.
Si tukang cukur menyelesaikan pekerjaannya dan si konsumen pergi meninggalkan tempat si tukang cukur.
Beberapa saat setelah dia meninggalkan ruangan itu dia melihat ada orang di jalan dengan rambut yang panjang, berombak kasar (mlungker-mlungker- istilah jawa-nya), kotor dan brewok yang tidak dicukur. Orang itu terlihat kotor dan tidak terawat.

Si konsumen balik ke tempat tukang cukur dan berkata, “Kamu tahu, sebenarnya TIDAK ADA TUKANG CUKUR.”
Si tukang cukur tidak terima,” Kamu kok bisa bilang begitu ?”. “Saya disini dan saya tukang cukur. Dan barusan saya mencukurmu!”
“Tidak!” elak si konsumen. “Tukang cukur itu tidak ada, sebab jika ada, tidak akan ada orang dengan rambut panjang yang kotor dan brewokan seperti orang yang di luar sana”, si konsumen menambahkan.
“Ah tidak, tapi tukang cukur tetap ada!”, sanggah si tukang cukur. ” Apa yang kamu lihat itu adalah salah mereka sendiri, kenapa mereka tidak datang ke saya”, jawab si tukang cukur membela diri.

“Cocok!” kata si konsumen menyetujui. “Itulah point utama-nya!. Sama dengan Tuhan, TUHAN ITU JUGA ADA ! Tapi apa yang terjadi… orang-orang TIDAK MAU DATANG kepada-NYA, dan TIDAK MAU MENCARI-NYA. Oleh karena itu banyak yang sakit dan tertimpa kesusahan di dunia ini.”
Si tukang cukur terbengong !!!

Sahabat, Allah SWT Tuhan Semesta Alam, memang harus kita cari dan kita temukan. Ketika kita sudah menemukan Tuhan maka kita akan dengan mudah mengenalnya, bagaimana cara Dia menyayangi kita, bagaimana cara Dia menolong kita, bagaimana cara Dia menyembuhkan penyakit kita dan segala perbuatanNYA terhadap diri kita akan dengan mudah kita rasakan.

Kemana Mencarinya dan Bagaimana cara Mencarinya ?
Nabi Ibrahim ’alaihissalam mencari Tuhan lewat membaca gejala Alam Semesta, mengamati Matahari, Bulan dan Bintang yang disangkanya sebagai Tuhan tapi semuanya sirna seiring bergulirnya waktu
Nabi Musa ’alaihissalam mendaki bukit Thurissina hingga 40 malam mencari dan mengharap sebuah kepastian akan eksistensi Tuhan Semesta Alam
Ibunda Hajar istri Nabi Ibrahim berlarian antara bukit Shofa dan Marwah mencari dan menghiba mata air Tuhan agar segera dialirkan.
Muhammad SAW berbulan-bulan bertahanus di Goa Hira mencari Tuhan untuk menjawab kegelisahannya atas ummatnya yang semakin akrab dengan perilaku kehewanan.

Karena ada upaya yang keras dan kesungguhan serta kesadaran betapa lemahnya diri ini menghadapi berbagai permasalahan kehidupan maka TUHANpun MEMPERKENALKAN DIRINYA.
Nabi Ibrahim dibukakan pengetahuannya bahwa Matahari, Bulan, Bintang dan seluruh alam semesta ada YANG MENCIPTAKAN, Dialah Allah Tuhan Semesta Alam
Nabi Musa mendengarkan secara langsung jawaban dari Allah SWT ” Sesungguhnya Akulah Allah Tuhan Semesta Alam ”
Ibunda Hajar digembirakan Tuhan dengan mengalirnya Air Zam-Zam dibawah kaki anaknya Ismail dan Muhammad SAW diperkenalkan Tuhan melalui Malaikat Jibril yang membawa Wahyu pertama IQRO’ !

Lalu bagaimana dengan Kita ?
Nabi adalah manusia sama seperti kita juga manusia, bedanya Nabi menerima Wahyu sedangkan kita hanya bisa menerima Hikmah dari Allah SWT. Jadi kitapun sama akan mampu menemukan dan mengenal Tuhan sebagaimana para Nabi mencari dan menukan Tuhan, Caranya ?
Buatlah sebuah Proyek baik kecil-kecilan atau besar-besaran sekalian lalu buatlah Goal Targetnya, bersungguh-sungguhlah dalam melaksakan proyek tersebut kemudian ajukan proposal kepada Tuhan lewat munajat di sepertiga malam, maka lihatlah dan rasakanlah bagaimana cara Tuhan membimbing dan menolong kita menuju Goal Target yang telah kita tetapkan, bisa jadi hasilnya jauh melampaui Goal Target yang telah kita tetapkan.

Contoh Proyek Kecil : Ingin Membiasakan diri bangun Malam untuk Sholat Tahajjud jam 03.00, maka sebelum tidur berwudhulah dahulu, sebutlahlah nama Allah sebanyak mungkin melalui zikir yang kita sukai, sebelum terlelap mintalah dibangunkan jam 03.00 tepat, silahkan coba dan rasakan apa yang terjadi, dan amatilah bagaimana caranya Allah membangunkan kita !

Demikian juga dengan proyek sedang dan proyek besar, kerahkan seluruh potensi kita secara maksimal untuk meraih Goal Target lalu munajatkan disetiap malam dalam Tahajjud kita, maka perhatikanlah bagaimana cara Allah memperkenalkan dirinya kepada kita.
Bagi sahabat-sahabat yang respek dengan program-program ringan dan tepat guna dari Rumah Yatim Indonesia, silahkan ajak sahabat dan keluarga Anda untuk menyalurkan Zakat, Infaq dan Sedekahnya di Bulan Ramadhan yang Mulia ini ditunggu di http://www.rumah-yatim-indonesia.org/

Minggu, 05 September 2010

I would like to Repent, BUT!...

Islamic Nation ~ I would like to Repent, BUT!...
by Islamic Nation on Sunday, September 5, 2010 at 6:18pm

Dear brothers and sisters! O slaves of Allah! Allah has opened the door of repentance, so why should you not enter?



"Repentance has a door whose span is the distance between East and West," says a hadith; (and in another version "its span is the distance traveled in 70 years"). "It will not be closed until the sun rises from the West."



Listen to the call of Allah: "O My slaves! You sin morning and evening and I forgive all your sins. So call on Me, I will forgive you all your sins."



Allah extends His Hands in the night to forgive the sinner of the day and extends His Hands in the day to forgive the sinner of the night. And He loves to hear excuses. So why don't you turn to Him?



How beautiful are the words of the repenting man who says: "I beseech You O Lord, in the name of Your honor, and (by) my ignominy that You have mercy on me. I beseech You in the name of Your Strength and my weaknesses. Your Self-sufficiency and my dependence. To you I submit my sinning, guilty forelock. You have many slaves apart from me. But I have no Master save you. There isn't any refuge but with You nor escape from You except to You. I plead You O Lord, in the manner of the pleading of a destitute, and entreat You in the manner of a broken, downtrodden man. I beseech You in the manner of a blind man in fear. This is a supplication, O Lord, from one whose head is bowed down before your Majesty, whose nose is in the dust, whose eyes are filled with tears and whose heart has submitted."



Consider this story:



lt is reported by a trustworthy man of the past that as he was passing through a street he saw the door of a house open. A woman came out with a child who was crying and pleading while she was pushing him out. She left him outside the house and slammed the door shut in his face. The child left the door and walked a distance. Then he stopped, looked about, began to think, and not finding any other place but his own house where he could take shelter nor anyone who would care for him as his mother would, he returned to his house dejected, sad. He found the door shut.



He sat at the sill, put his cheek on the threshold and slept with tear marks on his cheeks. He was in this state when the mother opened the door. When she saw him in this state she could not control herself. She bent down, grabbed him to her bosom, began to kiss him and say in tears: "Oh my boy! My dear child! My very soul! Where were you? Didn't I tell you not to disobey me? Do my bidding, and don't force me to punish you, while I hate to do that." Then she carried the child back and closed the door behind her.



That is the story of a mother and a child: the story of disobedience, punishment, return, forgiveness and unbound love. But the Prophet, salla Allah u alihi wa sallam, has told us that: "Allah loves His creation more than a woman does her child." In fact, there is no comparison between the love of a mother for her child and that of Allah whose Mercy encompasses everything. Allah, azza wa jall, is immensely pleased with a man when he repents and turns to Him. And we shall never be deprived of anything by a Lord who is more pleased with the repenting man, than that man..



"..who was traveling through an arid land. He dismounted and took shelter under a tree seeking some rest. He lay there with his beast, loaded with food and water, at his side. But when he awoke, lo! The beast was gone! He began to search for it frantically. He climbed a hill but couldn't see a trace of it. He climbed another hill and still no trace of it. Finally, when hunger and thirst overtook him, he said, 'Let me go back to the tree, and lay down there until death overtakes me.' So he went back to the tree, and lay there with eyes closed - in total despair. And lo! As he opened his eyes and raised his head, there the beast was, right before his very eyes, with all the food and water loaded on it intact! He rushed to it and picked up its halter. (Can you imagine his happiness) But lo! Allah is happier with a man when he turns to Him seeking His forgiveness, than the man who found his beast when he had lost all hopes."



Know it, my dear brother, that true repentance of every sin also brings with it humility and devotion to Allah, and that pleading of a penitent is very dear to Allah. So that what follows after repentance is obedience of a greater degree to the extent that sometimes Satan regrets that he enticed him into that sin at all. That is why you will see that those who repent become very much changed personalities.

Allah does not abandon a man who comes to Him a penitent.



Compare the situation with that of a father who used to look after his son with great love and care, providing him with the best of clothing, food and toys. Then one day the father sent him on an errand. But, as the boy was walking an enemy took hold of him, tied him and carried him away to the land of the enemies. There his master treated him exactly in the opposite manner. So that whenever the boy remembered his father and his treatment, his eyes swelled with tears, and the heart with pain.



He was in this condition of ill-treatment at the hands of his enemies, when their caravan happened to pass by his father's place again. As he looked around he found his father standing nearby. He ran to him and threw himself at him crying "My father! My very father!". His master followed him and was trying to pull him away, but the boy clung to his father, refusing to let him go. What do you think of this father? Do you think he will abandon him to the enemy, refusing to take back the child? If not, then what is your opinion of the Lord whose love of His creation is greater than the love of a father for his child? When a slave of His runs away from his enemies, and throws himself at the threshold of His door, rolling down in dust before him, saying:



"O my Lord! Have mercy upon him who has no one to show Mercy save You, no Helper save you, no refuge save You, no Savior save You, I am Your slave, in Your need, dependent on You, beggar at Your door, You are the refuge, with You is the shelter, there is refuge but with You, nor escape from You except to You" then surely the Lord is not going to turn him back empty handed.



Come along then. On to the good deeds, to virtuous living, in the company of the righteous, steering yourself safe from deviations after the right direction, and misguidance after guidance. And Allah is with you.


REPENT

Hell is Still Hot
In Case You Forgot

Jumat, 03 September 2010

Stories from the grave (part 4)

Islamic Nation | Stories from the grave (part 4)
by Islamic Nation on Friday, August 27, 2010 at 8:29am





Shaikh Abbas batawy said in his lecture : There was Man , Really young man ,He was playing Soccer with His friends ,The young man Told his friends 30 minute until prayer time ,Lets stop and go pray , His friends said 30 minute til prayer we can still play , The young man said I'm Filled with dirt and sand I Have to go wash and make wudoo' and get started for prayer .



Then young man reached his car Suddenly he Stopped he placed his hands on the car , and 1 hand in his heart ,he felt something was hurting him inside , He said to his friend I need water , his friend hurried to get for him some water

and his other friends was around him and asking "Whats Wrong? do you need us to call ambulance ?" ,

His friend got him some water ,"

The young man said : Ashhado an la Elah ela ALLah wa Ana Muhammad Rasool Allah ( I bear witness that there is no God but ALLAh and Muhammad is prophet of ALlah) Then he died..



It is narrated in al-Saheeh from ‘Uthmaan (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever dies knowing that there is no god except Allaah will enter Paradise.”



Shaikh Abbas : SubHanAllah This Young man suppose to get married after a month and he has no siblings ,the family called me to there house to start cleaning the young man body , I entered the room ,I saw him still wearing his training suite even the socks was on his feet , I was Thinking this young kid was playing like a horse and Now he's a died body,



the mother entered the room and started to cry and cry and shaking the body of her only son: " Wake up Wake up Your not died , we just had lunch Wake up your furniture for your new house is ready its in the car Just wake up let me know your just sleeping" .



May Allah give strength to his parents

Now guys do you know when you will die ?! or where ?! did you forget to pray ?! why not start praying from now?don't you want paradise (jannah)?!





“Verily, you (O Muhammad) will die, and verily, they (too) will die”

[al-Zumar 39:30]

And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing)”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:185]

Stories from Graves (part 3)

Islamic Nation| Stories from Graves (part 3)
by Islamic Nation on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 11:53pm





Shaikh abbas Batawy in His lecture said : Listen to this emotional Story , This story has effected me Alot , Once a young man came to me he said :"shaikh my brother is dead and he's in another country (shaikh was in saudia arabia) so please shaikh we will go get the body and bring him to and put him in Makkah



shaikh : It's impossible its Hajj Time and we can't do this



The young Man :"its ok shaikh Allah will make is easy for us "

SHaikh : "Ok Allah Kareem"

So they did bring the body the next day and we took him in Ambulance of the airport and we went to his brothers House to wash him , Shaikh Abbas said: :" the dead person Was easy to wash his brothers came and said ok shaikh shall we start washing the shaikh said I Already finished "

So they want to go Makkah , One of his brothers said: 'Shaikh Before we go to makkah let's go to my family's house and let my dad say there final Good-bye "



So we went there shaikh Abbas said: " His father wasn't old but because he couldn't control the situation his son's were holding him from the shoulders So we he saw his Son's Body ,He was kissing him and put his head in the chest of his dead son and SUDDENLY his dead son was Tearing !! Shaikh abbas was amazed ! he said: " I thought its a sweat so i took a tissue and remove it"



After that one of the Sons told his father :" Dad Did you see him cry?"

The father : " Cry ?! No thats impossible i want to see him again!"

Shaikh abbas Opened the face of the dead son ,The father started to cry again and again and put his hand on his sons forehead ,THE DEAD SON STARTED TO TEAR AGAIN SubhanAllah ,I Wash dead bodies over 20 years and i have never seen that....



So we continued and we want to reach Makkah and put the body there ,, We went there It was crowded with Hujaj ,Suddenly The Hujaaj started to open the ambulance and Took him to Makkah , The shaikh said Over 2 million person prayed in His janaza SubhanAllah ....



Shaikh Abbas :" I cant remove this story from my head i want to know whats his story ? what he did in his life ?



He went to his brother ,and asked him the brother said :" He was Good to my parents ,Imagine shaikh when my father goes to the Bathroom he holds his shoes ,and when my dad couldn't move he took him to the Bathroom And wash him,when my mom feels pain he puts his hands on the pain and start reciting Quran "



SubhanAllah No wonder ..

Allaah has mentioned kind treatment of parents alongside the command to worship Him alone. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents” [al-Isra’ 17:23]

“Worship Allaah and join none with Him (in worship); and do good to parents…” [al-Nisa’ 4:36]

Honouring one’s parents means obeying them, respecting them, praying for them, lowering one's voice in their presence, smiling at them, lowering the wing of humility to them, not showing displeasure towards them, striving to serve them, fulfilling their wishes, consulting them, listening to what they say, not being stubborn towards them and respecting their friends both during their lifetime and after they have died. That also includes not travelling without their permission, not sitting in a place higher than theirs, not starting to eat before they do, and not showing preference to your wife or child over them. Honouring them also means visiting them, offering them gifts, thanking them for bringing you up and treating you kindly when you were small and after you grew up. It also means striving to reduce the arguments between them, by offering sincere advice and reminding them as much as you can, and making excuses to the one who is wronged, and saying and doing things to calm them down. No matter how your father treats you, you should follow the good manners described above, so as to avoid everything that may make him angry or upset, so long as that does not lead to sin or disobedience towards Allaah, because the rights of Allaah come before the rights of other people.

Stories from the Grave (part 2)

Islamic Nation| Stories from the Grave (part 2)
by Islamic Nation on Friday, August 27, 2010 at 11:32am

Shaikh Abbas Albattawy Said In his Lecture :



Once I reiceved a call from a lady who wash the died women she said : Shaikh I Need you to Help ..



Shaikh Abbas : Whats Wrong?!



The lady said : I Have a dead body of a young Girl i don't know how to tell you this ....



shaikh Abbas: Please do tell what happened ?



the Lady : Im trying to Put her hands Down and she has a pause of a dancer ( 1 hand on her waist and the other hand on Her head )



shaikh abbas: Ok try to get some warm water and put her hands down



the Lady: I Tried and i did put hot water on her Bones but it didnt move and Im afraid to break her bones because it's Haram



Shaikh abbas: Ok Go Ask Her Mom what Happened and try to solve the problem ...



The Lady Went to Ask the mother of the young girl:" What happened Why your girl pausing like a dancer"?



The Mother Burst to tears She said : " Me and My daughter went to wedding party ,my daughter heard A Song she loves so she went to the stage and started to dance after 1 round she dropped and died we had to take her to the other room so we don't ruin the peoples wedding , And She always send her young Brother to get the Latest Cds and i Tried to advice her but she never listens "



It is prescribed, however, for Muslim men and women also to pursue the means that Allaah has permitted, placing their hope in Him and fearing Him, pursuing the means whilst also putting their trust in Allaah and depending on Him to bring what they hope for and keep them safe from what they fear, for He is the Ever-Responsive and Most Generous who says (interpretation of the meaning): “And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine” [al-Talaaq 65:2-3] “and whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him” [al-Talaaq 65:4] “And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful”[al-Noor 24:31] So you must repent to Allaah from whatever sins you have committed in the past and be steadfast in obeying Allaah, whilst thinking positively of Him and fearing His wrath. Be of good cheer and have the hope of a good end

True Story from Grave (part 1)

True Story from Grave (part 1)
by Islamic Nation on Friday, August 27, 2010 at 12:35am






Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “But those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allaah), for them will be the Fire of Hell. Neither will it have a complete killing effect on them so that they die, nor shall its torment be lightened for them. Thus do We requite every disbeliever!” [Faatir 35:36]

“No doubt! Verily, the Awliya’ [close friends] of Allaah, no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve. 63. Those who believed, and used to fear Allaah much (by abstaining from evil deeds and sins and by doing righteous deeds). 64. For them are glad tidings, in the life of the present world, and in the Hereafter. No change can there be in the Words of Allaah. This is indeed the supreme success” [Yoonus 10:62-64]

for the sinners among those who believe in the Oneness of Allaah, those who have committed major sins (kabaa’ir), they will be punished in accordance with the degree of their sins for a period decreed by Allaah, then they will die a lesser death such that they no longer feel anything, for a period decreed by Allaah. Then they will be brought out dead, turned into coals and carried like luggage, and they will be thrown into the rivers of Paradise and the water of life will be poured over them. Then they will grow, like wheat at first, but quickly, like herbs. Then they will get stronger and be fully formed, and will be taken to their homes in Paradise.

---

Shaikh Abbas Albatawy Used to wash the dead more Than 20 Years we will share the stories he seen in the Graves

Shaikh Abbas said : Once i was preparing for cleaning the dead people ,and the helpers came and told me there is a new dead body we received to wash , All the sudden a Young man entered with the dead body in the Room, and Told everyone to Go out , shaikh abbas said : i was surprised if that young man didnt see me wearing the uniform of the grave he would let me out also , then shaikh abbas started to open the dead body ,The young man Started to Cry in a loud voice , shaikh abbas told him : If you Can't handle it go out and call someone else , the young man said : No No Only me who will wash the body ,shaikh abbas started again to open the body the young man Cried Again ,Shaikh Abbas Said : JUST GO OUT , The young man refused to go , So shaikh abbas said i want to chat with him while im cleaning the body so he wont panic againg , So Shaikh Abbas Told the young man , How do you know this guys ,

the Young man Said : IM HIS FATHER IM HER BROTHER IM HER MOTHER IM EVERYTHING IN HIS LIFE

shaikh abbas: So are you a family member ?

Young Man : No I told you im More than His family

shaikh abbas: Ok tell me your story ..

The Young Man : Imagine this Shaikh Me and my friend we were in the same elementary school and same high school and we Graduated together ,and subhanAllah we married sisters , and we lived in building and our apartment's front of each other , we go pray together we work in the same place ,I see him more than i see my family ,Can you Imagine shaikh he's dead now ...

shaikh Abbas : even i don't see my brother that much..



They finished cleaning the body then they prayed for Janaza ,,The Next day i came to the grave and there was another dead body to wash ,shaikh abbas said: Im not good of remembering people but i opened the body i asked the father ,this face looks familiar to me do i know him ?

the father said : Shaikh this is my son he was yesterday here to wash his friend

Shaikh abbas was washing the body and started to cry .. he asked the father what happened to him how did he die ?

The father said : After he came from the grave he told his wife ,wake me up in asr prayer so we can prepare janaza for my friend , then he went to sleep and never woke up again ,he died of oppression ...





shaikh abbas : said SubhanAllah His Friend grave number was 10 and his grave Number 11 ,They lived Together and Died Together SubhanAllah "Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) said: 'Those who love one another for My glory, will have minbars of light, and the Prophets and martyrs will wish that they had the same." [Reported by al-Tirmidhi, who said it is a hasan sahih hadith]

Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) gives to those who love one another for His sake a gift which is even greater than this status and blessing: that is His precious love which is very difficult to attain. This is proven by the hadith of Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu `anhu) in which the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "A man went to visit a brother of his in another village. Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) sent an angel to wait for him on the road. When the man came along, the angel asked him, 'Where do you intend to go?' He said, 'I am going to visit a brother of mine who lives in this village.' The angel asked, 'Have you done him any favour (for which you are now seeking repayment)?' He said, 'No. I just love him for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala).' The angel told him, I am a messenger to you from Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala), sent to tell you that He loves you as you love your brother for His sake."' (Muslim)

A Man collapse wakes and believe he is in Jannah!

Islamic Nation| A Man collapse wakes and believe he is in Jannah!
by Islamic Nation on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 12:31am

Shaikh Muhammad al-Arifi’ says;

He (a poor man) went on making tawaaf around the Ka’abasaying “Oh Allah forgive us and tajaawaz anna (??)” And so the poor man was supplicating. [Eventually] He became very hot and had a heat stroke and collapsed on the ground.

So they (people) picked him up and took him to the Ajyaad Hospital, opposite the Haram. They put him in the hospital – cool was the place with a white bed and bed cover and cool moist air was blown onto him

After 4-5 hours, he awoke. Upon waking up, he turned right and left only to find the room all white. He looked to the bed cover, mattress and bed only to find that they [too] where white. The poor man smelt the smell [in the room] – and of course it was the smell of dettol – but it was better than his smell, and the smell pleased him.

So he assumed that he was in Jannah! (Paradise) [To which] he exclaimed: “Allahu Akbar! Ash-hadu anna wa’ad Allahi hakun! Al JANNAH! Al Jannah! (Allah is the greatest! I bear witness that Allah’s promise is true! Al Jannah! Al Jannah!”)”

He then turned to his right and found 5 nurses [standing there]. When he saw them wearing all white, he said: ”Allahu Akbar! Al hoor al ayn! Al hoor al ayn! Al hoor al ayn!” [the women of Paradise]

The nurses didn’t understand what this man was saying. So they assumed that he was crazy. [This man then] tried to get out of his bed, he took the bed cover [off him] and threw it down, to get to the “Hoor Al Ayn”The nurses rushed towards him to hold him. So he told them,“No, one by one, one by one!” So the poor man thought he was [in Jannah/Paradise] with the Hoor Al Ayn!

A Letter from a new Muslim sister to her Parents

Islamic Nation| A Letter from a new Muslim sister to her Parents
by Islamic Nation on Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 6:40pm


Hello Mami and Papi,


I don't know how else to approach you in order to explain my reasoning behind my life changing decision and have you listen and understand at the same time.


Since I can long remember I have not be a strong believer of Christianity, there was a lot that did not make sense to me, for example, why I have to beg for forgiveness to a priest? Why I have to pray to saints and not straight to God, why is Jesus the SON of God, why are their SOO many versions of the bible?


Prior to the beginning of my sophomore semester (September 2005) my curiosity took its place and I went ahead and began doing some research. This research of course was mild, but when Ramadan hit in October of 2005 I observed the way my Muslim friends used to worship Allah (God) and how they were so true to their religion, it was beautiful...


The religion became a fascination to me, and I truly wanted to know more. I purchased a few books in the UK and read some pamphlets on the religion. I did not make any decisions but I continued to read and become more familiar to Islam.


Islam began making sense to me, the idea that we pray only to Allah, that we ask Allah for help and for forgive us, how a book (the Quran) that was written thousands of years ago remains unchanged as of today (there are different translations but no different versions) . Also how a book that was written years ago managed to explain scientific situations that was only discovered by man kind only a couple of year ago. Or how the Quran has managed to explains how babies develop in the womb? How would anyone thousands of years ago know this and in such detail? Especially since scientist discovered the explanation of these situations less that 100 years ago?? How can we explain those wonders of the book? Also how can I deny the holy book when it has been so clear in explaining advanced technology, how the day turns into the night, the creation of human beings by water (as we know scientifically to be known that we came from cells) layers of heaven (which we describe now in scientific terms as the atmospheric levels?). Furthermore, the beginning of the universe and the movement of tectonic plates (there are numerous other examples of the science behind the Quran).


What also has touched me is that Islam believes in ALL THE PROPHETS - JESUS MOSES DAVID ABRAHAM AND MOHAMMAD (pbuh) they all coexist in he Quran, the Quran also tells us that we must respect ALL religions. Mami and Papi, I can not explain how many times I have made my self clear to you of what I believed in, I could not have given myself away anymore! Every time I spoke hours and hours on end about Islam, and how I knew so much.


Also I began of interacting more with Muslim friends; I felt that they would be able to give me a clear explanation of Islam.


Also Islam played a major part in self respect, and it helped my appreciate my self more, and realize that I should stay away from harmful situation such as drinking, smoking, going out with people that only meant trouble. I told you what my friends were like, they were heading the wrong direction, and I did not want to be in that direction and believing in Islam made it easier for me to walk away from the powers of shayten and do better.


Also Islam was and has been the reason for my success in school. I have placed my mind in my studies instead of going out all the time as my old friends did, and trust me you would not like me to be like them, because if I had been than you would have every single reason to think I was a bad person, that I was irresponsible and that I was a disgrace to the family. After almost one year of studying Islam I had no doubt in my mind that it was not the right religion.


I was prepared to become a Sunni Muslim. In early June 2006 I attended the mosque in Westbury NY to ask further questions about Islam and after speaking to a sister and the imam of the mosque I knew that it was time to make the right decision. I did shahada around 2 weeks later which is the Islamic creed; it means to testify or to bear witness in Arabic, the declaration of the belief. I stated in front of 80- 100 Muslims "ash hadu anla ilaha illallah, wa ash hadu anla Mohammad roosul Allah" which translates to "I believe in one and only God and Mohammad is his messenger" It was such a beautiful experience. I had been accepted into the Islam. I was welcomed by every single Muslim at the mosque with open arms, I felt too special, it felt so right, I knew I had made the best decision in my life, and it was something that was going to bring positive sides of me. It is so hard to explain the rush, and the emotional and faith satisfaction that I had at that moment, but I knew there was something wrong, that I was not able to celebrate my happiness with the people in my life that I loved the most, the meant to most to me, and that was you and papi. The moment was wonderful but not complete. I really wish you could have been as proud of me as I was for myself.


It hurt so much to think and feel that my biggest challenge would be to openly tell you about me and Islam, about me and my faith, about me and my happiness. I know that you both want the best for me, you want me to be happy and you want me to be responsible, and you want me to be independent and make the RIGHT decisions. I have done the right decision, and I made it all by myself, and I read about Islam all by myself, I discovered Islam in me all by myself, IT WAS ME who made every decision from the point were I began in the Islamic interest to the point where I am now.


I can't lie to you and tell you I had no influences because how else would I have been influenced by wanting to know more about Islam? Well from observing other people. How do we know as humans whether eating a chocolate cake taste good or not? We taste it, we try others to compare and then we make a final decision and if we like it we continue to eat if we don't then we disregard it.


Mami and Papi, I know I might seem weak sometimes in certain situations, and I know I display signs of vulnerability , but converting into Islam was decided by me, its hard and it hurts to think that all this studying, research of Islam and me converting has been credited to someone else, but at the end of the day the only one that knows the truth is God and it is to him that I will be standing in front of on the day of Judgment, and it is him that knows everything.


I believe in Islam, I believe in God, the only difference between Christianity and Islam that I don't believe in is that Jesus is the son of God BUT I DO BELIEVE THAT HE WAS A MESSENGER OF GOD. It is stated in the Quran that all the prophets were messengers of God, they all came to spread the news and religion of God, but that they all came in their own time, and that Mohammad (pbuh) was the last messenger of God.


I know my word is hard to believe after the incidents these past two days, but there is nothing more that I can do to prove to both of you when it comes to the decisions that I made about Islam.


And most importantly I want you both to understand that it is virtually impossible to explain ALL of my reasoning behind my belief in Islam, this email is not even 1/100th of it all, I have spent hours and hours and hours speaking to others about my feeling towards Islam, and I wish and pray to Allah that one day I will be able to express everything I feel about Islam with both of you.


I still remain to be the daughter that you had almost 21 years ago, it has not changed the way I feel about you, you still are the most important people in my life, I love you both more than anything, I just have a different belief and its one which will bring you no shame, it will not physically hurt you, and I will not patronize our relationship.


I love you both very much and I only pray for the best

Singed :Carolina Amirah DeFonseca

Attention Must be Paid

Islamic Nation |Attention Must be Paid
by Islamic Nation on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at 11:42pm

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5 year old son waiting for him at the door.



"Daddy, may I ask you a question?"



"Yeah, sure, what is it?" replied the man.



"Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?"



"That's none of your business! What makes you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily.



"I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?" pleaded the little boy.



"If you must know, I make $20.00 an hour."



"Oh, " the little boy replied, head bowed. Looking up, he said, "Daddy, may I borrow $10.00 please?



The father was furious. "If the only reason you want to know how much money I make is just so you can borrow some to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you're being so selfish. I work long, hard hours everyday and don't have time for such childish games."



The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even madder about the little boy's questioning. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money. After an hour or so , the man had calmed down, and started to think he may have been a little hard on his son. May be there was something he really needed to buy with that $10.00 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door. "Are you asleep son?" he asked.



No daddy, I'm awake," replied the boy.



"I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier," said the man. "It's been a long day and I took my aggravation out on you. Here's that $10.00 you asked for."



The little boy sat straight up, beaming. "Oh, thank you daddy!" he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow, he pulled out some more crumpled up bills. The man, seeing that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, then looked up at the man.



"Why did you want more money if you already had some?" the father grumbled.



"Because I didn't have enough, but now I do," the little boy replied. "Daddy, I have $20.00 now... Can I buy an hour of your time?"





It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “Allaah has called them abraar (righteous) because they honoured (barru) their fathers and children. Just as your father has rights over you, so too your child has rights over you.

Al-Adab al-Mufrad, 94.



Another important matter which is one of the rights of children to which attention must be paid, is treating children fairly. This right was referred to by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in the saheeh hadeeth: “Fear Allaah and treat your children fairly.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2447; Muslim, 1623)

How to seek Laylat al-Qadr

Islamic Nation ~ How to seek Laylat al-Qadr
by Islamic Nation on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 3:26am

In the Name of ALLAH.. Most Benificent.. Most Merciful



Laylat ul-Qadr is the most blessed night. A person who misses it has indeed missed a great amount of good. If a believing person is zealous to obey his Lord and increase the good deeds in his record, he should strive to encounter this night and to pass it in worship and obedience. If this is facilitated for him, all of his previous sins will be forgiven.



Praying Qiyaam



It is recommended to make a long Qiyaam prayer during the nights on which Laylat ul-Qadr could fall. This is indicated in many hadeeths, such as the following:



Abu Tharr (radhiallahu `anhu) relates:



"We fasted with Allah's Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) in Ramadaan. He did not lead us (in qiyaam) at all until there were seven (nights of Ramadaan) left.



Then he stood with us (that night - in prayer) until one third of the night had passed. He did not pray with us on the sixth. On the fifth night, he prayed with us until half of the night had passed. So we said, 'Allah's Messenger! Wouldn't you pray with us the whole night?' He replied:



'Whoever stands in prayer with the imaam until he (the imaam) concludes the prayer, it is recorded for him that he prayed the whole night.'…" [Recorded by Ibn Abi Shaybah, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmithi (who authenticated it), an-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, at-Tahawi (in Sharhu Ma`an il-Athar, Ibn Nasr, al-Faryabi, and al-Bayhaqi. Their isnad is authentic.]



[Point of benefit: Abu Dawud mentioned: "I heard Ahmad being asked, 'Do you like for a man to pray with the people or by himself during Ramadan?' He replied, 'Pray with the people' I also heard him say, 'I would prefer for one to pray (qiyaam) with the imaam and to pray witr with him as well, for the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "When a man prays with the imaam until he concludes, it is recorded that he prayed the rest of that night." [Masaa'il]]



Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu `anhu) narrated that the Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said:



"Whoever stands (in qiyaam) in Laylat ul-Qadr [and it is facilitated for him] out of faith and expectation (of Allah's reward), will have all of his previous sins forgiven." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim; the addition "and it is facilitated for him" is recorded by Ahmad from the report of `Ubaadah Bin as-Samit; it means that he is permitted to be among the sincere worshippers during that blessed night.]



Making Supplications (Duas)



It is also recommended to make extensive supplication on this night. `A'ishah (radhiallahu `anha) reported that she asked Allah's Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), "O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylat ul-Qadr, what should I say during it?" And he instructed her to say:



"Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuh.ibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee - O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me." [Recorded by Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmithi. Verified to be authentic by Al-Albani]



Abandoning Worldly Pleasures for the Sake of Worship



It is further recommended to spend more time in worship during the nights on which Laylat ul-Qadr is likely to be. This calls for abandoning many worldly pleasures in order to secure the time and thoughts solely for worshipping Allah. `A'ishah (radhiallahu `anha) reported:

"When the (last) ten started, the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) would tighten his izaar (i.e. he stayed away from his wives in order to have more time for worship), spend the whole night awake (in prayer), and wake up his family." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]



And she said:



"Allah's Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to exert more (in worship) on the last ten than on other nights." [Muslim]



May ALLAH (swt) grant us the privilage to witness laylut al-Qadr. Ameeeeen.

Love of ALLAH (SWT)

Islamic Nation ~ Love of ALLAH (SWT)
by Islamic Nation on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 4:30pm

Ibn al-Qaiyim mentioned ten causes that result in Allah's love for His slave and the slave's love for his Lord. [These ten are:]



First, reciting the Qur'an while pondering over its meanings and what is meant by it.



Second, getting closer to Allah by performing voluntary deeds after completing obligatory deeds. This is as is stated in a Hadith Qudsi: "My slave continues getting closer to Me by performing voluntary deeds until I love him." [al-Bukhari]



Third, continual remembrance of Allah under all circumstances, with one's tongue, heart and actions. The extent of one's love of Allah is determined by this.



Fourth, giving precedence to what He loves over what you love when you are overtaken by your desires.



Fifth, the heart being avid of Allah's Names, and Attributes and the heart roaming in that garden of knowledge.



Sixth, observing Allah's kindness, goodness and bounties, both hidden and open.



Seventh, and this is the most wonderful, the heart being soft, subdued and meek before Allah.



Eighth, being alone with Allah during the time when the Lord descends during the last portion of the night while reading His Book and ending that by asking for forgiveness and repenting.



Ninth, sitting with the beloved and sincere, benefitting from the most fruitful of their speech. And not to speak unless speaking is more beneficial and you know that it will improve your state and be beneficial to others.



Tenth, remaining away from every cause that comes between the heart and Allah.



These ten causes take the lovers to the station of true love and bring them to their Beloved.

Virtues of Al Aqsa

Virtues of Al Aqsa
by Islamic Nation on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 1:46am

The Importance of Masjid Al-Aqsa







Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allah) Who took His slave (Muhammad SAW) for a journey by night from Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah) to the farthest mosque (in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad SAW) of Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.). Verily, He (Allah) is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.[Qur'an 17:1]

Of all the symbols of Islam, the most neglected in our time is Masjid Al-Aqsa, in Jerusalem. The Ummah for various reasons, from political compromise to appeasement, has ignored not only the virtues but also the plight of this Holy site.

It is with the intention to rekindle the love, affection and devotion of Muslims to Masjid Al-Aqsa that we present these Ahadith. Since the Prophet (saw) showed such great concern and inculcated into the Companions (ra – may Allah be pleased with them all), the need to liberate Masjid Al-Aqsa and Jerusalem. I hope that we can adorn the teachings of our noble Prophet (saw) and take the urgent practical steps required to safeguard Masjid Al-Aqsa.

Masjid Al-Aqsa is no ordinary Masjid; it forms the basis of our history and it is the cornerstone of mankind’s foundation. The noble Prophet (saw) dedicated a great deal of his life in nurturing the Companions to appreciate the excellent qualities of Masjid Al-Aqsa and prepared them to embark on an expedition to liberate Jerusalem which at the time was in the hands of the mighty Roman empire.

Some of the reasons why Masjid Al-Aqsa should form an important aspect of a believer’s dedication, where many pious individuals have given their wealth and lives, include the fact that Masjid Al-Aqsa is:
the first Qiblah of the Muslims
the station of Al-Isra and Al-Miraj (the miraculous journey of Mohammed saw)
the second house of Allah built on earth
the place where hundreds of Messengers of Allah are buried
the place where many companions are buried
a place where miracles were shown by Allah’s will
a place which Allah Himself calls a ‘blessed place’
referred to directly and indirectly, 70 times in the Holy Quran
the place where Angels have descended with Allah’s message
the only place on earth where all the Messengers of Allah prayed at the same time led by Mohammed (saw)
the only Masjid mentioned by name in the Holy Quran, apart from the Ka’bah

It is for the above mentioned reasons and many more that we need to understand our responsibilities regarding safeguarding Masjid Al-Aqsa which is in great danger of being demolished by extremist jews.

Masjid Al-Aqsa – The Second House of Allah on Earth

1, Abu Dharr (ra) reported that he asked the Prophet (saw), “O Messenger of Allah, which Masjid was built first on earth”? The Prophet (saw) replied, “The Sacred Masjid of Makkah”. Abu Dharr (ra) again asked, “Which was next”? The Prophet (saw) said, “Masjid Al-Aqsa”. Abu Dharr (ra) further asked, “How long was the period between the building of the two Masjids”? The Prophet (saw) said, “Forty years”. Apart from these, offer your prayer anywhere when it is time to pray, although excellence is in praying in these Masjids”. (Bukhari :: Book 4 :: Volume 55 :: Hadith 585, Muslim :: Book 4 : Hadith 1056)

The Importance of Visiting Masjid Al-Aqsa

2, Abu Hurayrah (ra) relates that the Prophet (saw) said, “You should not undertake a special journey to visit any place other than the following three Masjids with the expectations of getting greater reward: the Sacred Masjid of Makkah (Ka’bah), this Masjid of mine (the Prophet’s Masjid in Madinah), and Masjid Al-Aqsa (of Jerusalem)”. In another narration the words are, “For three Masjids a special journey may be undertaken: The Sacred Masjid (Ka’bah), my Masjid and Masjid of Jerusalem (Al-Aqsa). (Muslim, Bukhari, Abu Dawud)

Greater Virtue of praying in Masjid Al-Aqsa

3, Abu Darda (ra) relates that the Prophet (saw) said, “A prayed in Makkah (Ka’bah) is worth 1000,000 times (reward), a prayer in my Masjid (Madinah) is worth 1,000 times and a prayer in Al-Aqsa Sanctuary is worth 500 times more reward than anywhere else”. (Tabarani, Bayhaqi, Suyuti)

4, Anas Ibn Malik (ra) relates that the Prophet (saw) said, ” The prayer of a person in his house is a single prayer; his prayer in the Masjid of his people has the reward of 27 prayers; his prayer in the Masjid in which the Friday prayer is observed has the reward of 500; his prayer in Masjid Al-Aqsa (i.e. Al-Aqsa Sanctuary) has a reward of 5,000 prayers; his prayer in my Masjid (the Prophet’s Masjid in Madinah) has a reward of 50,000 prayers, and the prayer in the Sacred Masjid (Ka’bah) has the reward of 100,000 prayers”. (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

The Importance of Donating to Masjid Al-Aqsa

5, Abdullah Ibn Umar (ra) relates, I asked the Prophet (saw), “Apostle of Allah, tell us the legal injunction about (visiting) Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem).” The Apostle of Allah (saw) said, ” Go and pray there. If you cannot visit it and pray there, then send some oil to be used in the lamps”. (Bukhari)

6, Maymunah Bint Sa’d (ra) relates that she asked the Prophet (saw), “O Messenger of Allah, inform us about Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem)”. He said, “Visit it for prayer “. She further asked, “If one of us cannot visit it, what should we do”? He said, “If you cannot go for prayer then send some oil to be used for its lamps, will be as if he has prayed in it”. (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, Abu Dawud, Tabarani)

The Virtues of Wearing Ihram From Masjid Al-Aqsa

7, Umm Salamah (ra) relates that the Prophet (saw) said, “If anyone puts on Ihram for Hajj or Umrah from Masjid Al-Aqsa and then proceeds to the Sacred Masjid (Ka’bah), their past and future sins will be forgiven, or they will be entered into Paradise”. (Abu Dawud)

The Blessed Land of Masjid Al-Aqsa

8, Zaid Ibn Thabit (ra) reports that the Prophet (saw) said, “How blessed is Al-Sham”! The Companions (ra) asked, “Why is that”? The Messenger (saw) replied, “I see the Angels of Allah spreading their wings over Al-Sham”. Ibn Abbas (ra) added, “And the Prophets lived therein. There is not a single inch in Al-Quds (Jerusalem) where a Prophet has not prayed or an Angel not stood”. (Tirmidhi, Ahmad)

9, The Prophet Mohammed (saw) said, “Allah has blessed what lies between Al-’Arish (in Egypt) and the Euphrates and has made Palestine particularly Holy”. (Kanz Al-Umal)

Masjid Al-Aqsa – The First Qiblah (direction of prayer)

10, Abdullah Ibn Umar (ra) narrates, “We prayed along with the Prophet (saw) facing Al-Quds (Jerusalem) for 16 or 17 months. Then Allah ordered him saw) to turn his face towards the Ka’bah (in Makkah). (Bukhari)

11, Al-Bara (ra) added, “Before we changed our direction towards the Ka’bah in prayer, some Muslims had died or had been killed and we did not know what to say about them (regarding their prayers). Allah then revealed: And Allah would never make your faith (prayers) to be lost (i.e. the prayers of those Muslims facing Bayt Al-Maqdis were valid) {2:143} (Bukhari)

Masjid Al-Aqsa – The Station of Al-Isra and Al-Miraj

12, Abu Hurayrah (ra) narrates that the Prophet (saw) said, “On the night journey Allah’s Apostle (saw) was taken on a night journey (Al-Isra and Al-Miraj), two cups, one containing wine and the other containing milk were presented to him (saw) at Al-Quds (Jerusalem). He looked at them and took the cup of milk. Angel Gabriel said, “Praise be to Allah, who guided you to Al-Fitrah (the right path); if you had taken (the cup of) wine, your Ummah would have gone astray”. (Bukhari)

13, Regarding the statement of Allah in the Holy Quran, “And We granted the vision (ascension to the Heavens) which we made you see (as an actual eye witness) was only made as a trial for the people”. (17:60) Ibn Abbas (ra) said, “The sights which Allah’s Apostle was shown on the Night journey where he was taken to Bayt Al-Maqdis (i.e. Jerusalem) were actual sights, (not dreams). And the Cursed tree (mentioned) in the Quran is the tree of Zaqqum. (Bukhari)

14, Jabir Ibn Abdullah (ra) relates that the Prophet (saw) said, “When the people of Quraysh did not believe me (i.e. the story of his Miraculous Night Journey), I stood up in Al-Hijr and Allah displayed Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem in front of me, and I began describing it to them while I was looking at it”. (Bukhari)

15, Abdullah Ibn Hawwala (ra) reports that the Prophet (saw) said, “I saw on the night of Al-Isra and Al-Miraj (the Night Journey) a white column resembling a pearl which the Angels were carrying . I asked them, “What are you carrying”? They said, “The Column of the Book, we have been ordered to place it in Al-Sham. Later in my sleep, I saw the Column of the Book being taken away from under my headrest. I began to fear lest Allah the Almighty had abandoned the people of the earth. My eyes followed the Column of the Book. It was a brilliant light in front of me. Then I saw it was placed in A;-Sham. (Tabarani)

16, Anas (ra) relates that the Prophet (saw) said, “I was brought the Buraq, a tall white beast, bigger than a donkey, smaller than a mule. It could place his hooves at the farthest boundary of his gaze. I mounted it until I arrived at Bayt Al-Maqdis. I tied it at the ring where the Prophets tied it before (i.e. Buraq Wall or the Western Wall). I entered Masjid Al-Aqsa Sanctuary and prayed 2 rak’ah there…” (Muslim)

Masjid Al-Aqsa – The Place for Major Events

17, Mujamma Ibn Al-Harith (ra) narrates that the Prophet (saw) said, “Ibn Maryam (Jesus) will kill Al-Dajjal (the Anti-Christ) at the door of Ludd (a town in Palestine)”. (Ahmad, Tirmidhi)

18, The Messenger of Allah (saw) said regarding Al-Dajjal: “He will stay in the land forty days; he will enter every place on earth except the Ka’bah, the Prophet’s Masjid, Al-Aqsa Sanctuary and Mount Sinai”. (Ahmad)

19, Nahik Ibn Suraym Al-Sakuni (ra) relates that the Prophet (saw) said, “You will fight the pagans until the remnant of you fights on the river of Jordan, you to the east of it (present day Jordan) and they to the west of it (occupied Palestine)”. (Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani)

20, Maymunah Bint Sa’d (ra) reports that she asked the Prophet (saw), “O Messenger of Allah, give us a pronouncement about Al-Quds (Jerusalem)”. The Prophet (saw) replied, “It is the land where they will be raised (Al-Hashr) and gathered (Al-Mahshar)”. (Ahmad, Tabarani)

21, Muadh Ibn Jabal (ra) relates that the Prophet (saw) said, “The Flourishing state of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) (under the non-Muslims) will be taken when Yathrib is in ruins, the ruined state of Yathrib will be when the Great War comes, the outbreak of the Great War will be at the conquest of Constantinople and the conquest of Constantinople when Al-Dajjal (Anti-Christ) comes forth”. He (the Prophet) struck his thigh with his hand and said, “This is as true as you are here or as you are sitting (meaning Muadh Ibn Jabal). (Abu Dawud)

22, Awf Ibn Malik (ra) reports that the Prophet (saw) said, “The rest of the world will be destroyed forty years before Al-Sham is”. (Ibn Asakir)

23, The Messenger of Allah (saw) said regarding the inhabitants of the blessed land, “They and their wives, children and slaves (male and female) are in ribat (guardians, literally a fort) in the cause of Allah”. (Tabarani)

24, Al-Nawwas Ibn Saman Alkalbi (ra) narrates that the Prophet (saw) said, “If Al-Dajjal comes forth while I am amongst you then I shall dispute with him on your behalf, but if he comes after I am not with you, a man must dispute on his own behalf, and Allah will take to protecting every Muslim. Those of you who live up to his time should recite over him the opening verses of Surah Kahf, for they are your protection from his trial”. We asked, “How long will he remain on earth”? He (saw) replied, “Forty days, one like a year (1 day will be equivalent to 1 year), one like a month, one like a week and the rest of his days like yours”? We asked, “Will one day’s prayer suffice us in the day which will be like a year”? He replied, “No, you must estimate of its extent. Then Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Virgin Mary) will descend at the white minaret to the east of Damascus. He will then catch Al-Dajjal up at the gates of Ludd and kill him”. (Abu Dawud)

Masjid Al-Aqsa – The place of Mujahideen

25, Umamah Al-Bahili (ra) reports that the Prophet (saw) said, “A group of my Ummah will remain on truth, they will vanquish their enemy and those who disagree with them will not be able to harm them until Allah commands”. “Where are these people”? The Companions (ra) asked. The Prophet (saw) said, “In and around Al-Quds (Jerusalem). (Ahmad)

26, Muawiyah Ibn Sufyan (ra) relates that the Prophet (saw) said, “There is a group among my followers who will continue to be openly on the truth. No one who opposes them can harm them until the coming of the Hour”. The Companions (ra) asked, “Where will they be”? The Messenger of Allah said, “They will be in and around Bayt Al-Maqdis (i.e. Jerusalem)”. (Ahmad)

27, Abu Hurayrah (ra) relates that the Prophet (saw) said, “A group of my Ummah will not cease to fight at the gates of Damascus and at the gates of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) and its surroundings. The betrayal or desertion of whoever deserts them will not harm them in the least. They will remain victorious, standing for the truth, until the Final Hour rises”. (Tabarani)

Masjid Al-Aqsa – The Best Place of Residence

28, Abdullah Ibn Umar (ra) reports that the Prophet (saw) said, There will be migration upon migration. The best of the inhabitants of earth will reside where Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) migrated (Jerusalem)”. (Abu Dawud)

Masjid Al-Aqsa – The Desired Site of Musa (Moses)

29, Abu Hurayrah (ra) reports that the Prophet (saw) said, “The Angel of death was sent to Musa. When he came to Musa, Musa punched him on the eye. The Angel returned to Allah and said, “You sent me to a servant who does not want to die”. Allah ordered the Angel, ‘Return to him and tell him to put his hand on the back of an ox and for every hair that will come under it, he will be granted one year of life’. Musa asked, “O Lord! What will happen after that”? Allah replied, ‘Then death’. Musa decided, let it be now’. Musa then requested Allah to let him die close to the Sacred Land (near Masjid Al-Aqsa) so much so that he would be at a distance of a stone’s throw form it”. Abu Hurayrah (ra) added, the Prophet (saw) then said, “If I were there, I would show you his grave below the red sand hill on the side of the road”. (Bukhari)

Liberation of Masjid Al-Aqsa Prophesied

30, Awf Ibn Malik relates, “I went to the Prophet (saw) during the battle of Tabuk while he was sitting in a leather tent. He said, ‘Awf, Count six signs, between now and the approach of the Hour (Qiyamah/Doomsday): my death, the conquest of Al-Quds (Jerusalem); a plague that will afflict you (and kill you in great numbers) as the plague that afflicts sheep; the increase of wealth to such an extent that even if one is given 100 hundred Dinars (Arabian currency), he will not be satisfied; then an affliction which no Arab house will escape; and then a truce between you and Banu Asfar (i.e. Byzantines) who will betray you and attack you under eighty flags. Under each flag will be twelve thousand soldiers”. (Bukhari)

31, Shadad Ibn Aws (ra) reports that the Prophet (saw) said, “l-Sham will be conquered and Al-Quds (Jerusalem) will be conquered and you or your sons will be Imams there, if Allah will”. (Tabarani)

The Preference of Masjid Al-Aqsa

32, Once the Prophet (saw) advised Abdullah Ibn Hawwala (ra) to join the army in al-Sham, over any other. However, the Prophet (saw), noticing Ibn Hawwala’s indifference said, “Do you know what Allah says about Al-Sham? Allah said, ‘Al-Sham you are the quintessence of My lands (safwati min biladi) and I shall inhabit you with the chosen ones among My servants’”. (Tabarani)

33, Abdullah Ibn Amr (ra) reports that the Prophet (saw) repeated the following statement three times: “When the dissension takes place belief shall be in Al-Sham”. One version of hadith states, “safety will be in Al-Sham”. (Tabarani)

34, Abdullah Ibn Hawwala reports that the Prophet (saw) said, “At some point you will be (split into) standing armies: one army in Al-Sham, on in Yemen and one in Iraq”. Abdullah Ibn Hawala asked he Prophet (saw), “Choose for me, Messenger of Allah in case I live to see that day”. The Prophet (Saw) replied, “You must go to Al-Sham, for it is the chosen land of Allah in all His earth. He protects, by sending them there, the chosen ones among His servants. If you do not wish to go there, then go to Yemen. Allah has given me guarantee concerning Al-Sham and its people. (Abu Dawud, Ahmad)

Masjid Al-Aqsa – The Site of the Future Caliphate

35, Abdullah Ibn Hawwala Al-Azdi (ra) reported, the Prophet (saw) put his hand on my head and said, “Ibn Hawwala if you see that the Caliphate has taken abode in the Holy Land then the earthquakes and tribulations and great events are at hand. The last Hour on that day will be closer to people than my hand is to your head”. (Ahmad, Abu Dawud)

36, Yunus Ibn Maysarah (r) relates that the Prophet (saw) said, “This matter (the Caliphate) will be after me in Madinah, then Al-Sham, then Al-Jazira, then Iraq, then in Madinah, then in AL-quds (Jerusalem). If it is in Al-Quds, its home country is there, and if any people expel it, it will not return there forever”. (Ibn Asakir)

37, Al-Numan Ibn Bashir (ra) relates that the Prophet (saw) said, “Prophethood will last with you for as long as Allah wants it. Then Allah will end it if He wishes to end it. Then there will be the Rightly Guided Caliphs according to the method of Prophethood and things will be as Allah wishes them. Then Allah will end it if He wishes it. Then there will be a voracious kingdom and things will be as Allah wishes them. Then Allah will end it if He wishes. Then there will be Khilafah (Caliphate) according to the method of Prophethood. Thereafter the Prophet (saw) fell silent”. (Ahmad)

38, Abd Al-Rahman Ibn Abi Umayrah (ra) relates that the Prophet (saw) said, “There will be an oath of allegiance according to guidance in Al-Quds (Jerusalem)”. (Bukhari, Muslim)

Masjid Al-Aqsa – The Place Where Allah’s Revelation Descended

39, Abu Umama (ra) reports that the Prophet (saw) said, “Prophethood descended upon me in three places: Makkah, Madinah and Al-Sham. Once it is brought out from any of them, it shall never return to it”. (Abu Dawud) In another narration it states, “The Quran was revealed in three places – Makkah, Madinah and Al-Sham”. (Tabarani) Ibn Kathir, the great scholar of Islam, said, “Al-Sham here means Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem). (Abu Dawud, Tabarani)

Masjid Al-Aqsa – Mentioned By Name In The Holy Quran

40, Aishah (ra) reports that the Prophet (saw) used to recite Surah Al-Isra every night in his prayer:Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allah) Who took His slave (Muhammad SAW) for a journey by night from Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah) to the farthest mosque (in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad SAW) of Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.). Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer. (17:1)

Gifts for those who Fast

Islamic Nation ~ Gifts for those who Fast
by Islamic Nation on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 6:09pm

We can not find a better gift or greater masterpiece than to present to those who fast gifts from the Prophet of guidance sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam.



They are those practical hadiths that have been mentioned in connection with rewards and blessings. Behold! They are the hadiths that lead to the doors of happiness and the paths of goodness in this world and the Hereafter.



0 you who fast! Record these hadiths and implement them:



The Prophet sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam said: 'Whoever says at daybreak:



"There is no God save Allah alone, He has no partner, to Him belongs the dominion and the praise and He has power over all things"; such a person will have the equivalent of a slave from the son of Ismail; ten good deeds will be written for him, ten misdeeds will be erased, and he will be elevated ten levels. He will be protected from Satan until evening, and if he says it in the evening, he would have the same rewards until morning' (Ahmad, Abu Daud, Ibn Majah - sahih).



The Prophet sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam also said: 'Whoever says in the morning or in the evening: "O Allah! You are my Lord. There is no God beside You. You created me and I am Your slave and I have taken a covenant to You and promised You what I am able to do. I seek refuge with You from the evil of what I have done, I acknowledge Your favour upon me and I acknowledge my sin. Forgive me because none forgives sins except You." If a servant died during the day or night after having said this prayer, he will enter Paradise' (Ahmad, Abu Daud, Al Nisa'e, Ibn Majah, Ibn Hibban, Al Hakim - sahih; Al Bukhari transmits another version of this hadith).



Again the Prophet sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam said: 'Whoever says at morning or evening: "Glory and praise be Allah the Great" one hundred times, no one will come forward on the Day of Judgement with better than he; except if someone said the same as him and added to it' (Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Daud, Al Tirmidhi).



'Whoever said: "Glory and praise be to Allah the Great", a date tree will be planted for him in the Paradise' (Al Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban, Al Hakim - sahih).



'Whoever says: "Glory and praise be to Allah" one hundred times in a single day his sins would be erased even if they were like the waves of the sea' (Bukhari and Muslim).



'Whoever implements ten verses of the Quran will not be included among the negligent. Whoever implements one hundred verses will be considered among the obedient. And, whoever implements one thousand verses will be among he extremely rich' (Abu Daud, Ibn Hibban - sahih).



'Whoever says in the evening: "In the name of Allah with whose name there can be no harm in the earth or in the heavens and He is the Hearer the Knower" three times, he will not be afflicted with a sudden calamity before morning. And whoever says it in the morning three times will not be afflicted with a sudden calamity before evening' (Abu Daud, Ibn Hibban, Al Hakim - sahih).

'Whoever says: "I seek refuge with the perfect words of Allah from the evil that He created" three times in the evening will not be harmed by the bite of a serpent during that night' (Al Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban, Al Hakim - sahih).



'Whoever says upon leaving his house: "In the name of Allah, I trust in Allah, there is no movement and no power except with Allah", it would be said to him: "You have been contented and you took precaution", Satan will turn away from him' (Al Tirmidhi, Abu Daud, Ibn Hibban, Ibn al Sunni - sahih).



'Whoever says when he hears the caller to prayer: "And I bear witness that there is no God save Allah, He is alone and has no partner and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. I am pleased with Allah as Lord, Muhammad as Prophet and Islam as religion" all his sins will be forgiven' (Muslim and the other five).



'Whoever recites the Surah al Ikhlas ten times, Allah will build for him a house in the Paradise' (Ahmad - sahih).



'Whoever recites the Surah al Kahf on a Friday, a light will be created for him until the next Friday' (Al Hakim and Al Bayhaqi - sahih).



'Whoever recites the verse of the throne after every compulsory prayer will not be forbidden entrance to Paradise' (Ibn Hibban and Al Nisa'e - sahih).



'Whoever recites Surah al Ikhlas it is as if he read one-third of the Quran' (Ahmad, Al Nisa'e, Al Tirmidhi - sahih).



This bouquet from Muhammad sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam we grant to all those who fast.



O Allah! Help us to remember You, thank You and worship You in the best way. Amen

The Excellence of FRIDAY

Islamic Nation ~ The Excellence of FRIDAY
by Islamic Nation on Friday, September 3, 2010 at 3:15am


Abu Huraira(RA) reported the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as saying:



‘The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he was made to enter Paradise, on it he was expelled from it. And the Last Hour will take place on no day other than Friday.’



The Holy Prophet also said on the occasion of Friday: ‘We who are the last shall be the first on the Day of resurrection, except that every Ummah (nation) was given the Book before us and we where given it after them.



It was this day (Friday) which Allah prescribed for us and guided us to it and the people came after us with regard to it, the Jews observing the next day and the Christians they day following that.’



With regard to Friday, the Holy Prophet was also reported as saying:



‘There is no time on Friday at which no Muslim would stand, pray and beg Allah for what is good but He would give it to him’ and he pointed with his hand that (this time) is short and narrow.



There is a good deal of difference of opinion among the scholars as to what exactly is that fortunate hour on Friday when the supplication would be granted.



The best course is that this hour should be treated as hidden, and the whole day should be spent in supplication and glorification of Allah. It was the Holy Prophet’s practice to attach special significance and honour to Friday.



Examples of this behaviour are numerous, however, the following could be cited:



On that day, he recommenced reciting Soorah as-Sajdah (in fajr) [and al-Insaan] because it is inclusive of all affairs relevant to Friday;



taking a bath, using perfume and miswak, going to Friday’s congregational prayer early, listening to the sermon, wearing one’s best clothes and remembering Allah all the time.



When the Holy Prophet stood on the pulpit delivering Friday speech (sermon), his eyes would redden and his voice rise sharply with extreme anger.



He, however, used to shorten the speech but prolong the prayer following it.





Wishing you a Blessed Friday.. Inshallah.

The Etiquette of Salat al-Jumaah

Islamic Nation ~ The Etiquette of Salat al-Jumaah
by Islamic Nation on Friday, September 3, 2010 at 3:25am

"O believers, when the call is proclaimed for the prayer on Friday, come to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business, that is better for you if you but did know." [Al-Jumuah, 62:9]





Purifying and cleaning oneself



The person intending to perform Salat al-Jumuah is highly encouraged to have ghusl (full bath or shower). The majority of the scholars are of the opinion that the ghusl for Salat a-Jumuah is recommended (sunnah) but not obligatory. The ghusl is performed starting from the time of Fajr Prayer. Also, if a person performs ghusl and then later invalidates his ablution, he need not repeat the ghusl. Making ablution (wudhu) suffices. Furthermore, one ghusl may be used for removing sexual defilement (janabah) and for Salat al-Jumuah.



Going early to the masjid



There is a great reward in going early to Salat al-Jumuah, beginning after sunrise. By leaving for Salat al-Jumuah, one gets the reward of waiting for the Prayer, making dhikr (remembering Allah) and voluntary prayers during that time. Abu Umamah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) said, "The angels sit at the doors to the Masjids and with them are scrolls in which they record the people [who come]. When the Imam appears, the scrolls are rolled up." Abu Umamah was asked, "Does the one who comes after the Imam still have a Friday Prayer?" he said, "Certainly, but he is not one of those who is recorded [as coming early]." [Ahmad and al-Tabarani]



Dressing well for Salat al-Jumuah



This is a special time that requires Muslims to appear in the best manner possible. One should therefore put on his best attire for Salat al-Jumuah.

The Prophet (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) said, "If one has the means, he should buy two pieces of clothing, other than his work clothes or [everyday clothing], to wear on Friday." [Abu Dawud]



Performing tahiyyat al-Masjid

If a person comes late to the Friday Prayer while the Imam is delivering the khutbah, should he pray the two rak`ahs of tahiyyat al-Masjid (prayer of greeting the mosque) and the sit or should he simply skip them? The strongest opinion is to perform the tahiyyat al-Masjid based on the Hadith of the Prophet (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam): "If one of you comes to the Masjid, he should pray two rak`ahs before he sits" [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. However, tahiyyat al-Masjid is not required of the person giving the khutbah. Also, this requirement is limited only to prayers offered in a Masjid.



Other Etiquette of Salat al-Jumuah:


Walking to the Masjid whenever feasible as there is a reward for every step taken to the Masjid.
Avoiding stepping over people to get to a particular spot in the Masjid.
Avoiding dividing two people who are sitting together.
Not making someone stand and taking his place.
Not clasping one’s hands and intertwining one’s fingers while waiting for the prayer.
Sitting in the front rows and close to the Imam whenever possible.
Remaining quiet while the Imam is delivering the khutbah. This actually includes listening to the Imam and not playing with anything while the Imam is speaking.
Going to the Masjid in a state of calmness and not being hurried.
Reciting surah al-Kahf (surah 18) as an authentic Hadith states: "For whoever recites surah al-Kahf on Friday, it will be a light for him from that Friday to the next." [Al-Bayahaqi and Al-Hakim] The surah could be read any time of the day.



Indeed, Salat al-Jumuah is one of the most important acts of worship in Islam. The Prophet (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) has described the wonderful blessings and benefits that Allah has vouchsafed upon Muslims through this magnificent act. Knowing how important this prayer is in Allah’s sight, Muslims must do their best to perform it in the best way possible. They should strive and sacrifice for the sake of this Prayer.

Zakaat Al-Fitr is WAJIB

Islamic Nation ~ Zakaat Al-Fitr is WAJIB
by Islamic Nation on Friday, September 3, 2010 at 7:13pm


1. MEANING



Zakaah al-Fitr is often referred to as Sadaqah al-Fitr. The word Fitr means the same as Iftaar, breaking a fast and it comes from the same root word as Futoor which means breakfast. Thus, Islamically, Zakaah al-Fitr is the name given to charity which is distributed at the end of the fast of Ramadaan.



2. CLASSIFICATION



Sadaqah al-Fitr is a duty which is Waajib on every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or adult as long as he/she has the means to do so.



The proof that this form of charity is compulsory can be found in the Sunnah whereby Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims; one Saa` of dried dates or one Saa` of barely. [collected by Bukhaaree - Arabic/English, vol. 2, p. 339, no. 579]



The head of the household may pay the required amount for the other members. Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree said, "On behalf of our young and old, free men and slaves, we used to take out during Allaah's Messenger's (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) lifetime one Saa` of grain, cheese or raisins". [collected by Muslim - English transl. vol. 2, p. 469, no. 2155]



3. SIGNIFICANCE



The significant role played by Zakaah in the circulation of wealth within the Islamic society is also played by the Sadaqah al-Fitr. However, in the case of Sadaqah al-Fitr, each individual is required to calculate how much charity is due from himself and his dependents and go into the community in order to find those who deserve such charity. Thus, Sadaqah al-Fitr plays a very important role in the development of the bonds of community. The rich are obliged to come in direct contact with the poor, and the poor are put in contact with the extremely poor. This contact between the various levels of society helps to build real bonds of brotherhood and love within the Islamic community and trains those who have, to be generous to those who do not have.



4. PURPOSE



The main purpose of Zakaah al-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakaah al-Fitr also provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate the festival of breaking the fast (`Eed al-Fitr) along with the rest of the Muslims.



Ibn Abbaas reported, "The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadaan) and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah has given Sadaqah." [collected by Abu Dawood - Eng. transl. vol. 2, p. 421, no. 1605 - rated Saheeh by Shaikh Naser Al-Albanee]



Hence, the goal of Sadaqah al-Fitr is the spiritual development of the Believers. By making them give up some of their wealth, the believers are taught the higher moral characteristics of generosity, compassion (sympathy for the unfortunate), gratitude to God and the righteousness. But, since Islaam does not neglect man's material need, part of the goal of Zakaah al-Fitr is the economic well-being of the poorer members of society.



5. CONDITIONS



Zakaah al-Fitr is only Waajib for a particular period of time. If one misses the time period without a good reason, he has sinned and can not make it up.



This form of charity becomes obligatory from sunset on the last day of fasting and remains obligatory until the beginning of Salaah al-'Eed' (i.e. shortly after sunrise on the following day). However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many of the Sahaabah (companions of the Prophet(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) ) used to pay Sadaqah al-Fitr a couple days before the `Eed.

Naafi reported that the Prophet's companion Ibn `Umar used to give it to those who would accept it and the people used to give it a day or two before the `Eed. [collected by al-Bukhaaree - Arabic/English, Vol. 2, p.339, no. 579]

Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) order that it (Zakaah al-Fitr) be given before people go to make the Salaah (al-'Eed).



And Ibn `Abbaas reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Whoever gives it before the Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah (will not, for it will only be considered as) ordinary charity. Therefore, one who forgets to pay this Zakaah al-Fitr on time should do so as soon as possible even though it will not be counted as Zakaah al-Fitr.



6. RATE



The amount of Zakaah is the same for everyone regardless of their different income brackets. The minimum amount is one Saa` (two handfuls ) of food, grain or dried fruit for each member of the family. This calculation is based on Ibn `Umar's report that the Prophet(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory and payable by a Saa` of dried dates or a Saa` of barley.

The Sahaabee, Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree said, "In the Prophet's time, we used to give it (Zakaah al-Fitr) as a Saa` of food, dried dates, barley, raisins or dried cheese". [collected by al-Bukhaaree - Arabic/English vol. 2, p. 340, no. 582]

Kamis, 02 September 2010

Hear and Obey

Hear and Obey
by Islamic Nation on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 9:51pm

Ibrahim’s wife [Haajar] asked him, “To whom are you leaving us?” And in certain al-Bukhari narrations, she repeated this question or plea over and over again, yet throughout, he did not turn around to answer her; finally, she said, “Did Allāh order you to do this?” He ‘alayhi salamsaid, “Yes.” She said, “Then He will not allow us to waste away (or perish).” In another narration, she said, “I am pleased with Allāh (i.e., with His decree and with being placed in His care).” She did not, however, say, “There are priorities. Instead of leaving us in this barren desert, you should take us with you, for we can then help you in calling others to the way of Allāh.”

If we know that a command is from Allāh subhanahu wa ta’ala, we must only do as the mother of Isma’il did: answer and obey. Being pleased with Allāh’s decree, she began to move briskly from al-Safa to al-Marwa, now hoping to find water, and now fearing for her son who was on the verge of dying.

Some who have weak faith might say, “This was the calamity of near death for the child! What did this experience benefit him, his father, or his mother!” Such people do not appreciate the jihad and patience and sacrifices of Ibrahim alayhi salam and his family; instead, such people uphold a purely worldly view – the very view that has effectively struck down our Nation.

From a realistic and sensible point of view, let us ask, what were the fruits of Ibrahim’s and his wife’s obedience to Allāh subhanahu wa ta’ala? They are fruits that were reaped not just by Ibrahim ‘alayhi salam, his wife, and his child; rather they are fruits that every Islamic Monotheist on the face of the earth has reaped and will continue to reap until the coming of the Hour.

Muslims come to Makkah in throngs from both the east and the west. They are happy and contented because they are making circuits between al-Safa and al-Marwa, in the same place that the mother of Isma’il performed the same circuits. They come from far-off lands in order to train themselves to obey Allāh’s commandments. As they move briskly between the two said mountains, they reflect on how the mother of Isma’il raced back and forth in a state of pain and sadness, placing obedience to her Lord before all else.

Then, by the permission of Allāh, the water of Zamzam gushed forth, water that contains a cure to diseases and sickness and that is blessed and excellent. To this very day, Muslims are eager to drink as much as they can from that very same water and to transport it to their homelands, no matter the distance and the hardships involved.

And Ibrahim ‘alayhi salam built the Inviolable House.The rewards of praying there are many times greater than the rewards of praying elsewhere. People also achieve the rewards of performing tawaf around the Ka’bah, and their supplications are answered. These are the benefits that extend beyond those who obeyed to those that came after them.

Then let us too be obedient to our Lord, even if doing so apparently involves some fatigue, hardship – or even death. Let us forbid ourselves from disobedience and transgression. Will we not then consider and reflect?

A similar lesson can be found in the story of how Musa’s mother, by the command of Allāh subhanahu wa ta’ala, threw her child into the river.

وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَى أُمِّ مُوسَى أَنْ أَرْضِعِيهِ فَإِذَا خِفْتِ عَلَيْهِ فَأَلْقِيهِ فِي الْيَمِّ وَلَا تَخَافِي وَلَا تَحْزَنِي إِنَّا رَادُّوهُ إِلَيْكِ وَجَاعِلُوهُ مِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ

And we inspired the mother of Musa, saying: “Suckle him [Musa], but when you fear for him, then cast him into the reiver and fear not, nor grieve. Verily! We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers.” (Al-Qasas 28:7)

When Allāh subhanahu wa ta’ala commanded Musa’s mother to throw her child into the river, she could only obey. If she had been seen by someone who knew not of her circumstances, her action would have appeared to have been precipitated by a fit of madness, for how would she or Musa ‘alayhi salam benefit from her casting him into a river? Yet in the end, the benefits of her action were beyond what any person could have imagined. Because she obeyed Allāh’s command, her child was safely returned to her. She was saved from sadness, and instead became pleased, knowing that Allāh’s promise is true. And her son, Musa ‘alayhi salam, became from “The Messengers of Strong Will.” (1)

When you are told to do something, do not ask, “What is the benefit of doing this?” But instead say, “Did Allāh order me to do this? Did the MessengersalAllaahu ‘alayhi wa salam order me to do this? Is there any established proof from revelation regarding this matter?” After all, our happiness lies in the obedience of Allāh subhanahu wa ta’ala, even though some acts of obedience seemingly involve a certain degree of fatigue or hardship. Conversely, utter and true misery lies in turning away from Allāh’s commands, even if doing so seemingly offers a life of comfort and happiness in this world.

One does well to reflect on the reason why stories like these are related in the Qur’an and Sunnah. They are not related to entertain, but rather to serve as a reminder and to strengthen the hearts of the believers.

وَكُـلاًّ نَّقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ مِنْ أَنبَاء الرُّسُلِ مَا نُثَبِّتُ بِهِ فُؤَادَكَ

And all that We relate to you (O Muhammad salAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) of the news of the Messengers is in order that We may make strong and firm your heart thereby.