₦airaland Forum

Contemplation 4

Another type of contemplation is over the evil end that others have come to, such as where Allaah Says what means: “Do they not contemplate within themselves? Allaah has not created the heavens and the earth and what is between them except in truth and for a specified term. And indeed, many of the people, in the meeting with their Lord, are disbelievers. Have they not travelled through the earth and observed how was the end of those before them? They were greater than them in power, and they plowed the earth and built it up more than they [i.e., the Makkans] have built it up, and their messengers came to them with clear evidences. And Allaah would not ever have wronged them, but they were wronging themselves.”  [Quran 30: 8-9]

Another type is to contemplate over the power of the Quran and its effect on other creations of Allaah, and then think about how one should react. Allaah Says what means: “Not equal are the companions of the Fire and the companions of Paradise. The companions of Paradise – they are the attainers [of success]. If We had sent down this Quran upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and breaking down from fear of Allaah. And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will give thought." [Quran 59: 20-21]

The Prophet taught us contemplation. When he awoke for the optional night-prayer, he would look to the skies and then recite the this following verse in which Allaah Says what means: “[Those] Who remember Allaah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], 'Our Lord! You did not create this aimlessly…'” [Quran 3: 191]

Therefore, it is Sunnah to recite this verse before one begins his optional night-prayers. There is another opinion which states that he would recite it after praying his two Rak’ah Sunnah for the Fajr prayer.

Contemplation of scholars assists them to produce sound rulings, thereby causing them to reach sound opinions regarding particular matters…Contemplation increases one's faith.

The most important fruit that results from contemplation is knowledge, and once the heart increases in knowledge, its condition changes noticeably for the better, this directly reflects on the limbs and consequently improves the overall status of a person.

What does it mean to contemplate over oneself? It includes contemplating over how Allaah has created his body and form, as well as to contemplate over one's shortcomings, which is vital because nobody can reform himself without contemplating over his shortcomings in order to correct them and rectify himself.

What did the famous Muslim reformers and rejuvenators do in order to change the condition of their people? There can be no doubt that the very first thing they did was to contemplate over the situation of their people in order to ascertain what they lacked and identify where the problems lied, and then, they began reformation by fighting ignorance, sinfulness and other such matters.

Contemplating over the creation of Allaah makes one recognise wonders that are proof of the wisdom of Allaah and His ability. Things that exist are either known or unknown to man, and there are new scientific discoveries daily of matters that have already existed but were unknown to man, but man will never be able to arrive at the essence of some of these matters, such as the human soul for example, which the west has endeavoured to discover, and this is the difference between us and them; therefore, Muslims do not waste any time trying to discover its reality because Allaah Says what means: “…Say, 'the soul is of the affairs [i.e., concern] of my Lord…” [Quran 17: 85]

Likewise, trying to discover the essence of angels comes in the same category. Thus, contemplation over such matters should only be done in light of the texts from the Quran and the Sunnah.

To be continued

Signs of a Hypocrite

Allah, the Exalted, says:

"The Hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire: no helper wilt thou find for them” (The Noble Quran, 4:145)

The Noble Messenger of Allah[peace be upon him] is reported to have said:

"Three are the signs of a hypocrite: When he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he betrays his trust.''[Hadith-Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Barka Jumuah.

Your Shields

How to protect yourself from the whispers of Satan? How to repel his continuous attempts to ensnare you? How to guard your faith against his malicious tricks? Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim recommends the following ten shields in your ceaseless war with Satan:

1. Seeking refuge with Allah from Satan. Allah the Most High says, [And if a whisper from the devil reach thee (O Muhammad) then seek refuge in Allah. Lo! He is the Hearer, the Knower.] (Fussilat 41:36)

2. Reciting the two surahs of Al-Falaq and An-Nas, as they have a wondrous effect in weakening Satan and protecting one from his evils. This is why the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) described them to be of incomparable effect when seeking refuge (An-Nasa’i, 5337).

3. Reciting Ayat Al-Kursi (Al-Baqarah 2:255).

4. Reciting Surat Al-Baqarah. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The house in which Al-Baqarah is recited is not approached by Satan” (Muslim).

5. Reciting the final part of Al-Baqarah. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The last two verses of Surat Al-Baqarah will suffice whoever recites them at night” (Muslim).

6. Reciting the first three verses of Surat Ghafir.

7. Saying “la ilaha illa Allah wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa `ala kulli shay’in qadir” (There is no god worthy of worship except Allah, He has no partner, His is the dominion and praise, and He is able to do all things) a hundred times.

8. Among the most beneficial forms of protection from Satan is the abundant remembrance of Allah the Exalted.

9. Ablution and prayer, which are among the greatest means of protection, especially at the time of anger or desire.

10. Abstinence from excess speech, food, and mixing with people.

Finally it is important to note that the above supplications need to be uttered with full reflection and comprehension. The point here is that they are kinds of remembrance (dhikr), and to remember Allah is not a matter of lip-service. Rather it is a process that involves one’s tongue, heart, and mind. How could one truly remember Allah while the mind is engaged with alien things?

Contemplation 3

Allaah Has mentioned contemplation in the Quran and parallels it with mentioning His favours, His creation and His abilities, such as when He Almighty Says what means: “Would one of you like to have a garden of palm trees and grapevines underneath which rivers flow in which he has every fruit? But he is afflicted with old age and has weak [i.e., immature] offspring, and it is hit by a hurricane containing fire and is burned. Thus does Allaah make clear to you [His] verses that you might give thought.”  [Quran 2: 266] Such a man’s heart would be attached to his garden from the following perspectives:

· It is a huge garden, not a small one.

· It includes many types of trees such as palm trees and grape trees.

· It includes trees that are very expensive.

· The garden is watered by running rivers and not from wells, which would have meant that a great deal of hard effort would be required to irrigate it.

· The man has become old and naturally needs a means of income without having to expend much effort.

· His children are young and sick, and he fears that they would not have any source of income after his death except from this garden.

All the aforementioned points mean that the man's attachment to the garden would be immense, so how devastated would he be if this garden were to be struck by a tornado that would cause a fire that would raze his garden? He would be affected deeply; he would be confounded and distressed. Let us contemplate, why did Allaah give such an example?

This is an example that Allaah gives to those who perform many good deeds, but do them only to be seen doing so. On the Day of Resurrection, these people will need every good deed that they performed and their rewards. They will see the deeds that they performed in this life and also see Hell before their very eyes. The sun will descend, very close to people’s heads. They will sweat greatly. The Siraat will be erected over the Hellfire and the only way for salvation will be by virtue of their good deeds, after the mercy of Allaah. But what will happen then? Allaah will then make their deeds worthless and scatter them everywhere. How devastated will they then be? What would it therefore take to make people contemplate and thus strive to be sincere in their deeds? It would take examples such as these - that are found in the Quran.

Other similar verses are for example where Allaah Says what means: "The example of this [worldly] life is but like rain which We have sent down from the sky that the plants of the earth absorb – [those] from which men and livestock eat – until, when the earth has taken on its adornment and is beautified and its people suppose that they have capability over it, there comes to it Our command by night or by day, and We make it as a harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday. Thus do We explain in detail the signs for a people who give thought.” [Quran 10: 24]

Regarding contemplation upon the Quran and the Sunnah, Allaah Says what means: “And We sent not before you except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message [i.e., former scriptures] if you do not know. [We sent them] with clear proofs and written ordinances. And We revealed to you the message [i.e., the Quran] that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them and that they might give thought.” [Quran 16: 43-44]

To be continued

The second duty is to render personal aid in the satisfaction of needs, attending to them without waiting to be asked, and giving them priority over private needs.

Here too, there are different degrees, as in the case of material support.

The lowest degree consists in attending to the need when asked and when in plenty, though with joy and cheerfulness, showing leasure and gratitude.

Someone said: If you ask your brother to satisfy a need, and he does not do so, then remind him, for he may have forgotten. If he still does not do it, pronounce 'Allahu Akbar' over him and recite this verse, as for the dead, Allah would raise them up" (Quran 6 v 36)

A muslim in the early days would see to the maintenance of his brother's wife and children for forty years after his brother's death, attending to their needs, visiting them daily and providing for them from his wealth so that they missed only the father's person; indeed they were treated as not even by their father in his lifetime.

It was known for a man to go regularly to the door of his brother's household and enquire:

'have you oil, salt or is there anything you need?
If anything is needed, he would attend to it unknown to his brother.

This is how brotherhood and compassion are shown. If a man does not manifest compassion towards his brother in the same degree as to himself, then there is no goodness in it.

In short, your brother's need ought to be like your own, or even more important than your own. You should be on the watch for times of need, not neglecting his situation any more than you would your own. You should see that he does not have to ask, nor to reveal his need to appeal for help. Rather should you attend to it as if you did not know that you had done so. You should not see yourself as having earned any right by virtue of what you have done, but rather count it a blessing that he accepts your effort on his behalf and your attention to his affair. You should not confine yourself to satisfying his need, but try from the start to be even more generous, to prefer him and put him before relatives and children.

Al-Hassan said:
'If a man stands by his brother to the end, then on the day of resurrection, Allah wil send angels from beneath His Throne to escort him to the Garden of Paradise.

It is related that Ibn Umar was looking about to right and left in the presence of of God's messenger (saw), who asked the reason. He replied:
-'there is someone dear and I am searching for him but do not see him.
-If you love someone, ask his name, his father's name and where he lives, then if he is sick, visit him and if he is busy, help him.

Those words point to compassion and generous treatment.

Part of complete compassion is not to partake in solitude of delicious food, nor to enjpy alone an occasion of happiness;rather should the brother's absemce be distressing and the separation sad.

Contemplation 2

Al-Hasan said: "He whose words are not those of wisdom, his silence is not spent in contemplation and his observations are not to take lessons. Such a person is heedless and is squandering his time.” He said regarding the following verse in which Allaah Says what means: “I will turn away from My signs those who are arrogant upon the earth without right…”  [Quran 7: 146] that it means "I (i.e., Allaah) will prevent their hearts from contemplating.”

‘Abdullaah ibn Al-Mubaarak once saw Sahl ibn ‘Uday in silent contemplation, so he asked him: “How far have you reached?” to which he replied: “The Siraat (i.e., the bridge over Hell).”

Bishr said: “If people contemplate over the greatness of Allaah, they will never disobey Him.”

Abu Shurayh once sat down and covered his head with his garment and began weeping. When he was asked why, he replied: “I contemplated, and realised how much of my life has ended, how few my good deeds are, and how close I am to death - so I cried.”

Abu Sulaymaan once advised the people saying: "Train your eyes to cry and your hearts to contemplate.”

Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “Contemplating over good deeds causes one to perform them and regretting evil leads to one abandoning it. When the slave’s main concern is to please Allaah, He will make his silence be spent in contemplation and his speech consist of praise and gratitude to Allaah.”

The most honourable gatherings are those which are spent in contemplation and pondering upon the Names and Attributes of Allaah, Hell, Paradise, the reward of Allaah, the punishment of Allaah, the favours of Allaah, the Hereafter, and the verses of the Quran. These are indeed the sweetest and purest gatherings.

Imaam Shaafi’i said: “Virtue lies in four things: Wisdom, the basis of which is contemplation; chastity, the basis of which is controlling one's desires; strength, the basis of which is controlling oneself at the time of anger; and justice, the basis of which is being moderate in ones views.”

The most beneficial type of contemplation is over:

· What benefits the slave in the Hereafter and how to achieve them.

· Preventing evil consequences in the Hereafter and how to avoid them.

These are the most honourable matters to contemplate over, and the way to attain such benefits and prevent such evils is by contemplating over the favours of Allaah, His commandments and prohibitions, His Names and Attributes in the Quran and the Sunnah, how quickly this life will vanish, and the eternal nature of the Hereafter. The more one thinks about the brevity of this life, the more effort he will exert to appropriately utilise his time. After these matters, the following are next in importance:

· Matters that are beneficial in this life, and how to attain them.

· Evils that could afflict one, and how to avoid them.

To be continued

SINCERITY

Sincerity is the freeing of one's intentions from all impurities in order to come nearer to Allah. It is to ensure that the intentions behind all acts of worship and obedience to Allah are exclusively for His pleasure. It is the perpetual contemplation of the Creator, to the extent that one forgets the creation.

Sincerity is a condition for Allah's acceptance of good deeds performed in accordance with the sunnah of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Allah has commanded this in the Qur'an:

"And they have been commanded to worship only Allah, being sincere towards Him in their deen and true. (98:5)"

Abu Umama has related that a man once came to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and said, "What of a man who joined us in the fighting, his intention being for fame and booty?" The Prophet said, "He receives nothing." The man repeated the question three times and each time the Prophet said, "He receives nothing". Then he said, "Allah only accepts actions that are intended purely for His pleasure."

Abu Sa'id al-Khudri related that the Prophet (saw) said in his khutba during the farewell pilgrimage, "Allah will bless whoever hears these words and whoever understands them, for it may be that those who pass on this knowledge are not those who will understand it the best. There are three things concerning which the heart of a believer should feel no enmity or malice: devoting one's actions to Allah, giving counsel to the Imams of the Muslims, and being loyal to the majority."

What is meant here is that these three things strengthen the heart, and whoever distinguishes himself in them will have a heart purified from all manner of deceit, corruption and evil.

A servant can only free himself from shaytan through sincere devotion, for Allah tells us in the Quran that Iblis said to Him:

"Except those of Your servants who are sincere. (38:83)"

It has been related that a rigtheous man used to say, "O self, be devout and you will be pure." When any wordly fortune, in which the self finds comfort and towards which the heart inclines, intrudes upon our worship, then it impairs the purity of our efforts and ruins our sincerity. Man is preoccupied with his good fortune and immersed in his desires and appetites; rarely are his actions or acts of worship free of temporary objectives and desires of this kind. For this reason it has been said that whoever secures a single moment of pure devotion to Allah in his life will survive, for devotion is rare and precious, and cleansing the heart of its impurities is an exacting undertaking.

In fact, devotion is the purifying of the heart from all impurities, whether few or many, so that the intention of drawing nearer to Allah is freed from all other motives, except that of seeking His pleasure. This can only come from a lover of Allah, who is so absorbed in contemplation of the next world that there remains in his heart no place for the love of this world. Such a person must be devote and pure in all his actions, even in eating, drinking and answering the calls of nature. With rare exceptions, anyone who is not like this will find the door of devotion closed in his face.

The everyday actions of a person who is overwhelmed by his or her love for Allah and the akhira are characterised by his love and they are, in fact, pure devotion.

In the same way, anyone whose soul is overwhelmed by love for and preoccupation with this world, or status and authority, will be so overwhelmed by these things that no act of worship, be it prayer or fasting, will be acceptable, except in very rare cases.

The remedy for love of this world is to break the worldly desires of the self, ending its greed for this world and purifying it in preparation for the next world. This will then become the state of the heart and sincere devotion will become easier to attain. There are a great many actions where a man acts, thinking they are purely intended for Allah's pleasure, but he is deluded, for he fails to see the defects in them.

It has been related that a man was used to praying in the first row in the mosque. One day he was late for the prayer, so he prayed in the second row. Feeling embarrassment when people saw him in the second row, he realised that the pleasure and satisfaction of the heart that he used to gain from praying in the first row were due to his seeing people seeing him there and admiring him for it. This is a subtle and intangible condition and actions are rarely safe from it. Apart from those whom Allah has assisted, few are aware of such delicate matters. Those who do not realise it only come to see their good deeds appearing as bad ones on the Day of Resurrection; they are the ones referred to in Allah's words:

"And something will come to them from Allah which they had never anticipated, for the evil of their deeds will become apparent to them. (39:47-48)"

And also: "Say: Shall We tell you who will lose most in respect of their deeds? Those whose efforts were astray in the life of this world, while they thought that they were doing good works. (18:103-104)"

Yaqub said: "A devout person is someone who conceals things that are good, in the same way that he conceals things that are bad."

As-Sousi said: "True devotion is to lose the faculty of being conscious of your devotion; for someone who identifies devotion in his devotion is a person whose devotion is in need of devotion." To contemplate devotion is to admire it, and admiration is an afflication; and that which is pure is whatever is free of all afflictions. This means that one's deeds should be purified from any self-admiration concerning the actions they entail.

Ayyub said: "It is much harder for the people of action to purify their intentions than it is to execute any of their actions."

Some people have said: "To be devout for a short while is to survive for ever, but devotion is rare." Suhail was asked: "What is the most difficult thing for the self? He said: "Devotion, when the self does not have the good fortunre of being endowed with it."

Al-Fudayl said: "Forsaking action for the sake of other people is to seek their admiration. To act for the sake of their admiration is to associate others with Allah. Devotion is when Allah frees you from both of these states.

FIVE RIGHTS OF A MUSLIM

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said,

"Every Muslim has five rights over another Muslim (i.e., he has to perform five duties for another Muslim): to return the greetings, to visit the sick, to accompany funeral processions, to accept an invitation, to respond to the sneezer [i.e., to say: `Yarhamuk-Allah (may Allah bestow His Mercy on you),' when the sneezer praises Allah].'' [Hadith:Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Salam

I just noticed this thread and would like to say that I am missing lots of people here.

Some Musli brothers and Sisters here may not know them but they happened to be the mover of this section and made this section what it is today.

To start with, I am missing Mustay, our former Moderator.

I am also missing the superwomen in the likes of Ayiba 1,Bib, and what of Dominique for their wonderful contributions?

I am missing my sweet brothers: Samba123, Frizy, Firdaus (gave birth in Saudi Arabia couple of months but has not been able to tell the house), Belloti, Littleb,Ibrahim007, Mrcrackels, Olabowale, Mdsocks and those that might skipped my mind in the course of typing names.

May Allah be with you all and grant your heart desires.

Contemplation 1

Contemplation is one of the greatest deeds performed by the heart; it is the key that opens the door which allows the light of guidance to enter; it is the initial step in the direction of correct understanding and comprehension; many people know its virtue but are unaware of its reality, essence and its fruits.

Allaah has commanded us to contemplate, but few do so. He Almighty also praises the few who actually do. Allaah Says what means: “[Those] Who remember Allaah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], 'Our Lord! You did not create this aimlessly…'” [Quran 3: 191]

[b]‘Ataa’ said: “Ubayd ibn ‘Umayr and I once went to visit ‘Aa’ishah and when we arrived she spoke to us from behind a veil saying: ‘O ‘Ubayd! What stops from visiting me?’ He replied: ‘The narration in which the Prophet said: “Visit at intervals, people would therefore like and miss you more.” Then he asked her: ‘Tell us the most amazing thing that you experienced with the Prophet ; she then wept and said: ‘All his affairs were amazing, but one night he came to me (i.e., it was her turn to spend the night with) and said to me: “Do not interrupt me, for tonight I wish to worship my Lord.” Then, he performed ablution, stood up in prayer, and cried until his beard was soaked; then, he went down into prostration and continued to cry until he soaked the floor, then, he concluded his prayer and laid down on his side until Bilaal came to inform him that it was time for the Fajr prayer, and when Bilaal saw his condition, he inquired: ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Why do you cry so much when Allaah has forgiven all your past and future sins?’ He replied: “Some verses were revealed to me last night; woe to the one who recites them and does not contemplate over them[/b]!” Then he recited what means: “[Those] Who remember Allaah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], 'Our Lord! You did nor create this aimlessly…” [Quran 3: 191]

Muhammad ibn Waas’i narrated: “A man from the people of Basrah travelled to Umm Tharr after the death of Abu Tharr and asked her about the manner in which Abu Tharr would worship, and so she replied: ‘He would spend most of his day in a corner of the house, contemplating.’”[i][/i]

To be continued

There is no moment of respite or rest from the extremely unimaginable throes of hell. The pains are suffered outwardly and inwardly. Every part of the body will suffer its own separately. There shall be no vacant space in hell. Each of its denizens will have a portion to cover. It is not an abode for all but for the proud and haughty one, the sinners, the criminals, the polytheists, unbelievers,hypocrites,transgressors, rejecters of truth, the tyrants, the murderers, the oposers of Allah and His Messenger (saw), the unjust, the concealer of Allah's revelation, the prosecutor of the believers, those who prefer this world to the hereafter, those who committed suicide, the cruel, those who devour properties of orphans and women who dress nakedly and have attachments on their heads. The majority of the inhabitants in hell will be women. Among many other, firaun and his chiefs, wives of prophet Nuh and Lut (AS), Abu Lahab and his wife, jinns who are not muslims will all be present therein. Abu Talib will also be there but he will be the least tormented. There are those who will be caught by the fire up to their ankles, some up to their knees, some up to their waists and some up to their necks.

Each gate of hell is meant for specific class of sinners. Every sin has its own punishment. Those who steal or misappropritate others properties shall be asked to return them to their owners.They will  be asked to go and fetch it from the pit of hell. Thise who fornicate shall be chastised for it. Those who are guilty of many sins altogether shall have to suffer the variety of chastisements for each of their crimes. For those who caused mischief on earth, their uncontrolled tongue, lips and tongues shall be clipped with very big and sharp scissors. As for those who pass derogatory remarks about others, they shall slash out their own flesh and eat it. The slanderers shall wear copper nails on their fingers and prick themselves requently with them. Those who devour orphan's property shall have very large lips as those of camel eating fire. The usurers will be like mad men and shall have very big bellies filled up with snakes; the passerby will trample over them but they will not be able to move away while the snakes will bite them continuosly. As for women who make men claim children that are not theirs, they will be hung down by their bosom in the Hell. As for those who studied the Quran but neither recite it nor act on its orders, sleep and neglect the enjoined prayers, their heads shall be continuously smashed with big rocks. As for those who go about telling lies that are spread all over the world, their sides of mouths, nostrils and eyes shall be torn off from front to back. Snakes and scorpions will continuously bite and sting those who did not pay their zakaat. Their treasures will be heated and their backs will be branded with them. The ,least tormented of the denizens of the hell will be the person who will have two brands of fire under his feet whereby his brain will be on the boil, he will imagine himself the worst tormented and yet he will be least tormented of them.

If a character like mohammed or osama bin laden can go to heaven I dont see why in any fair judgement I will go to hell. . .

Hey my friend

Longest time no see. You are welcome back.

LIFE IN HELL (AL-JAHANNAM)

The unbelievers would be led to hell in crowd until when they arrive there, its gates will be opened. And its keeper will say ,'did Messenger not come to you from among yourselves, reharsing to you the signs of your Lord, and warning you of the meeting of this day of yours? The answer wil be: 'yes' ,  (Quran 39 v 71)

Those who will enter hell will be led into it in batches. The last batch of its denizens will be those who would have been heaped up by the hjanging hooks on the sides of the Siraat. There are those who will be in the hell forever. There are those who will be there for a while. This latter people will be those who believed in the oneness of Allah but are guilty of one sin or the other which would make them to be adjudged to hell. It is necessary to mention here that a day in the hereafter is 50,000 years of our earthly existence. Hence, if somebody is sentenced to a month's stay in the Hell, that meants he will be there for one million and five hundred thousand years. Of course,a year therein will be about eighteen million years! The Hell's fule will be men and stones. The appointed wardens over it will be stern and severe Angels who never flinch the command they receive from Allah but do precisely and willingly what they are commanded.

The most prosperous person (the richest man who enjoyed the best food items and drinks, had fleet of cars, had countless mansions and properties, had the most beautiful wives and a lot of children, had many titles, was respected by all, wielded a lot of power, traveled to many countries etc) in the world who had been adjudged to Hell will be brought out and cast once for a moment in the fire and will be asked, 'son of man, did you enjoy anything in life?" He would say, 'Never, O lord! In this is a reminder for those who have made their wealth and position their gods, and will not obey Allah in their endeavors. This world's fire is just like the flame of Hell fire that has been washed seventy times before it was brought into this world. There are seven stages in hell. These are popularly known as doors or gates of Hell. The different kinds of hell meant for different kinds of sinner. They are

1  Jahannam (Hell fire)
2. Dhatalahab (Flaming fire)
3. Hutamah (Crushing disaster)
4. Sa' iir (Burning)
5. Saqar (scorching fire)
6. Jahiim (fierce fire)
7. Haawiyah (abyss of fire)

Barka Jumuah

As Salaam 'Alaykum wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuh,

Innal hamda lillaah, Was-Salaatu Was-Salaamu 'Alaarasoolillaah,

Authubillah Minash-Sheatanirrajeem Bissmillahi Rahmani Raheem,

Qur'an, Ash-Shura, Surah 42:36-42

Whatever ye are given (here) is (but) a convenience of this life: but that which is with Allah is better and more lasting: (it is) for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord:

Those who avoid the greater crimes and shameful deeds, and, when they are angry even then forgive;

Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance;

And those who, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) help and defend themselves.

The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah. for ((Allah)) loveth not those who do wrong.

But indeed if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong (done) to them, against such there is no cause of blame.

The blame is only against those who oppress men and wrong-doing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a penalty grievous.

DEEDS WITH RECURRING BENEFITS

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said,

"When a man dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: A continuous charity, knowledge by which people derive benefit, pious son[child] who prays for him.''

[Hadith –Muslim]

Commentary: The three things are indeed man's own good deeds which somehow continue to exist even after his death. For example, places like a hospital, a mosque, a religious school and a water-well etc built by a person continue to provide recurring benefits and rewards even after a person leaves this world. So long as they exist and people benefit from them, the deceased person will keep receiving his due reward. Also the deceased will obtain reward for whatever good he thought people and knowledge that he imparted and people continue to practise on it. A pious child is a tremendous asset. Whatever good the child does will weigh in the scales of the parents good deeds when the parents meet Allah.

I do not know why people are being pessimist here. Is it not Argentina we are talking about? If we are to talk of favourites, Argentina are not among. Even if you look at their qualifying matches, they struggled to qualify just like Nigeria did and they were beaten mercilessly by Brazil in the final.

We should know that this is not club matches but WORLD cup. Let us keep our fingers crossed and wait for the Dday

Salam

I like this OP; although quite short but very precise. It hits the nail on the head.

Jazakhallah

But I kinda all the time feel afraid and unsure of the way the Muslim brotherhood/sisterhood is dwindling.

Very correct here.

Muslims are virtually always mistrusting one another; refusing to assist one another; leaving ones' in need helplessly; some are almost dying because there is no-one to turn to for their need, for instance in hospitals, some even in their homes; and mention other numerous scenarios. There's need for overhauling and reshuffling of things in our lives, wallahi.

I feel like weeping at your post above. This is what we are facing in the muslim world. We have lots of very rich muslims who could assist the needy but prefer spending  money on musicians.

Two muslims could come together and build a mosque but Muslims prefer spending money on 'gambling' of any sort and promote unclothedness. You could see a storey building meant for mosque under construction for up to 10 years or more but wealthy muslims pray there and would never assist. Rather than donate generously, they would donate generously with 200 or 100!!

Muslims are supposed to be their brothers' keepers but some have thrown that into a thrash can, resorting to greediness.

If we are to follow Shariah (the area of Zakat and sadaqah), no muslim would be poor but Muslims prefer spending their money on what would not profit them in the hereafter.

I could say Muslims are the richest, yet the poorest.

We all saw what happpened recently when nine activists were killed but Muslim world would not come together to arrive at a reasonable conclusion (not war).

I could go on and on but to me, I believe there would be a change and I have been seeing those changes though it may take time. The change would further be achieved when we abide by the teaching of Allah and His prophet (saw). I have been seeing changes in the way people are being taught by their leaders. What I mean is that, some that have indulged in Bidah are now seeing the difference between Sunnah and leaving the Bidah practice while some that love 'follow follow' ' my chief Imam said this, said that' have changed and seek proof, facts from the Quran or Hadith before accepting such.

I believe you and I can achieve what we felt is lacking by talking to people we come in contact with, beautiful preaching with citation from Quran,. Hadith, dwelling on the life of the companions, media, fora etc and I know that change is coming because ISLAM is from Allah and would keep increasing no matter what but the increment would be based on monotheism, acceptance of Shariah, message of Allah and Sunnah of the prophet (saw).

I many a times wish I own the earth to enrich everyone. Wallahi seeing needy on a street leaves me deeply thoughtful, sometimes pensive.

Together we could make a change through beautiful preaching,media,fora and discussion with those we come across. 

I came to know that most of these rich people have not opened the Quran let alone known what it entails and they are the ones you would be seeing flashing their golden tooth to show that they are Alhajis or Alhajas.

May Allah strengthen Muslim brotherhood/sisterhood among ummah as practised during the reign of His Noble Prophet, Mahammad (S.A.W) by his guided Companions, amin.

Amin.  I believe the time would come and there are changes as Allah swt said that we should invite people to the way with beautiful preaching.

Easy Good Deeds

Taking the Revolution into Everyday

1. Think of Allah before you take any action. Make duah before everything- sleeping, eating, studying, driving,

2. Read the Qur'an in Arabic and the meaning every day- take the time out of your busy schedule to listen to the words Allah.

3. Become a serious student of this Deen. Try to make it to the next Islamic class, dawah college or meeting.

4. Evaluate yourself daily before going bed. Thank Allah for good deeds, repent to Him for your mistakes and sins.

5. Avoid looking at unlawful pictures, whether they be from television, magazines, or otherwise.

6. Study the history of Islam. Learn of the great scholars and warriors who died with Allah on their lips and Islam in their hearts. Strive to emulate them.

7. Spend some time listening to recitation of the Quran. Find reciters that you like, try Abu Bakr ash-Shaatri, al-Ghamdi, as-Sudais, al-Minshawi, As-shuraim, Abdul Basit etc.

8. Encourage your non-practicing friends to come to Islamic events.

9. Hang out with other Muslims.

10. Talk to your non-Muslim friends about Islam. Have you taken the time to explain the basics to them?

11. Go to at least one convention/conference/camp a year.

12. Perform the sunnah and nawafil salahs as much as possible. Find time to pray extras, such as Salatud-Duhaa, Qiyaamul-layl, and Tahajjud.

13. Subscribe to a Muslim magazine.

14. Buy Islamic gear instead of the latest Tommy Hil, CK, Nike, or Adidas,

15. Take the time to understand what's going on in the Muslim world today. Do your part to get involved and help relief organizations.

16. Try to fast Mondays and Thursdays as of today.

17. Lower your gaze.

18. Start reading Qur'an after Salat-ul Fajr.

19. Go to bed early so that you can wake up far Salat-ul Fajr.

20. Keep yourself in a state of wudu' most of the time.

21. Really listen to speakers. Take their advice to heart, commit yourself to change.

22. Give yourself time alone, so that you can think about your life, your deeds, and make dhikr.

23. Start giving sadaqah daily, no matter how little. Make it a habit like eating and drinking.

24. Spend more time reading Islamic books, especially the Seerah, Hadeeth, and Fiqh.

25. Associate with knowledgeable people, hafidh, qari', and other ulama. You might learn something.

26. Try to learn how to make dawah to non-muslims. It is an art requiring knowledge and diplomacy.

27. Watch as little television as possible. Seriously.

28. Go to the masjid.

29. Don't criticize if you dislike something- do your part to change it.

30. Stand up for right, forbid evil. Just say no to gheebah.

31. Avoid eating too much. Do not eat unless you are hungry and try not to fill your stomach

32. If you like to listen to music, replace them with nasheed, music with Islamic lyrics or with Quranic recitation. (Some examples: Whisper of Peace, Prayers of the Last Prophet etc)

33. Buy Islamic videos, tapes, posters, books, clothes, support your Muslims brothers and sisters and make Islam a part of every aspect of your life.

34. If you meet any new Muslims, buddy up with them and make them feel like a part of your community.

35. Break out of your clique.

36. Keep three extra Qur'an translations and some literature in your home at all times. You never know when you'll find someone interested who wants to know more.

BE BRAVE

PREPARE FOR STRUGGLE

PERSEVERE

HAVE CERTAINTY THAT ISLAM WILL BE VICTORIOUS

Fear Allah wherever you are in all times and all places. Stand up for Islam no matter who likes it or dislikes it. Dedicate yourself to changing this world. Go against the grain. The world needs you. You are the best community raised up for mankind.

Allah has promised the belivers (men and women) Gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein forever and beautiful mansions in Gardens of Edan Paradise) But the greatest bliss is the Good pleasure of Allah That is the supreme success. Q9 V72

Allah has promised the hypocrites (men and women) and the disbelivers, the Fire of Hell therein shall they abide. It will suffice them Allah has cursed them and for them is the lasting torment. V 68

The belivers men and women are helpers, supporters, friends, protectors of one another. They enjoin on the people Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do. And forbid people from Polytheism and disbelief, they perform As-salat, Iqamat as- salat, Fasting and give Zakat and obey (Allah and His Messager) (PBUH) Allah will have his Mercy on them Surely Allah is All Mighty All Wise. V71

Which of them is best for you? (And which of the Blessings of Allah will you deny)? (Q.55V.59)

Barka Jumuah

Islam Needs You to Live for It

What a wonderful story, that a 10-year-old boy should be one of the very first to embrace Islam and then go on to become one of its great leaders and champions. One of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs, `Ali ibn Abi Talib was a cousin of the Prophet (peace be upon him) married to the Prophet's daughter Fatimah. `Ali was a warrior for Islam and a wise counselor and loyal disciple in those early years when Islam was taking hold in the Arabian Peninsula. What is more important about him, though, is that in his early years he lived as a member of the Prophet's household. On one occasion, he was even prepared to offer his life for the sake of the Messenger of Allah.

Ali was born around the year 599 CE. His father was Muhammad's uncle and a member of the powerful tribe of Quraish. The Prophet's own father had died just before his son was born, and Muhammad lost his mother and then his grandfather while still young, so he was taken into the care of his paternal uncle Abu Talib. When Muhammad grew to manhood, he married Khadijah, and five years later, his cousin `Ali was born. Muhammad became the boy's guardian and was to have a profound effect on the boy's life.

We could write at length about `Ali's life, of his acceptance of Islam, and then of the great role he played at the side of the Prophet while Islam was being established. We could further talk about the role he played after the Prophet's death, assisting Abu Bakr and the other leaders of the Muslim faithful, before being called upon himself to assume the leadership. And we could talk about his role as caliph and how he kept the Muslim community together before being assassinated at the age of 62.

Of greater importance to us here, though, is `Ali's journey to Islam and how that journey can teach us and help us to be better Muslims ourselves.

The first thing to note is that when `Ali was a boy, he was taken under the care of Muhammad and brought up in his household. This took a financial burden off the shoulders of Abu Talib, who had a very large family. But it had another effect too. It meant that the young boy was brought up in an atmosphere of virtue and prayer. Although the first revelations of the Qur'an had not been given, Muhammad was an upright and religious man, known to the people of Makkah as Al-Amin, the Trustworthy, and he was given to frequent periods of prayer and fasting. The young boy learned goodness from his cousin and learned to trust his words.

When `Ali was 10, Muhammad received the first revelations. Seeing his cousin and Khadijah in prayer, the boy asked what they were doing. "We were worshiping Allah, the One," he was told, and Muhammad explained to him in a very simple way about Islam. With a wisdom rare for one of such tender years, `Ali replied that he needed to think this over, and he went away to ponder and reflect on what he had heard and seen. The next morning he returned with his mind made up and he accepted Islam. "My eyes are sore and my legs are thin," he said, "but I'll stand by you, Messenger of Allah."

So, not only was the young boy brought up in the Prophet's house, but he also made the decision of accepting Islam on his own. He did not just do as he was told, as many boys of his age might do, but he embraced Islam with his mind and his heart. Do we, as Muslims, need the example of a 10-year-old boy to teach us that we should, every day, make Islam our own and declare Shahadah not only with our lips, but with our minds and our hearts too?

After accepting Islam, `Ali was brave and courageous in its defense. On one occasion, he risked his life by impersonating the Prophet and sleeping in his bed to foil the plot of the Makkans who wished to kill him, so that Muhammad could escape to Madinah in safety. `Ali was distinguished, too, as a warrior of Islam, becoming a champion at the Battle of Badr and joining almost all of Muhammad's battles. `Ali was publicly praised by the Prophet and given his daughter Fatimah's hand in marriage.

Are we similarly brave in defending the name and the message of Allah's Prophet? Yes, it is easy for us to cry out loud that we are prepared to die for the Prophet, but are we prepared to live for him too? Crying out of love for the Prophet is not enough. Do we follow the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet with such eagerness? Do we devote our whole lives to the message of Islam?

After accepting the message of Islam, the young `Ali's journey as a Muslim had only just begun. He was to learn each day, for the rest of his life, what Islam means. It is so easy for us to declare with our lips that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, but living out that declaration is another matter. All his life, `Ali grew as a Muslim, becoming the servant of Allah, not just in words, but by how he lived his life.


It is for us, too, to grow as Muslims every day. Whether we were born into Islam or we came to Islam later in life, we need to struggle each day to live as Muslims. Anyone can shout words out loud, condemning aggression against Muslims or refuting falsehood in others or telling others how they should behave. Living as a real Muslim, devoted to prayer and to the welfare of our brothers and sisters, infinitely attentive to the words and the example of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) is a life's work. Let the example of a little 10-year-old boy, `Ali ibn Abi Talib, inspire us to greatness and help us, in sha' Allah, to become pious servants of Allah.

Allah (SWT) said in his Great book Whatever of good reaches you, is from (Allah), but whatever of evil befalls you, is from (yourself). And we have sent you O Muhammed as a Messenger to mankind, and Allah is Sufficient as a Witness.
(Quran 4 V79)

Narrated by Ibn Abbas from the (messenger of Allah PBUH) When a believer dies, the place of earth on which he used to prostrate himself in his Salat, (Prayer) and the gate in  Heaven through which his good deeds used to ascend weep for him    (Tafsir At-Tabari)

So O ye who believe stand firm on Islamic Monotheism by abstaning from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allah has forbidden and by performing all kinds of good deeds which Allah has ordained

Verily, those who says Our Lord is (Allah Alone ) and then they stand firm on such, Angels will descend at the (time of their death)   saying to them Fear not, nor grieve! But recieve the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!   Q41 V30

Alhamdulillah We are Muslims

Barka Jumuah in advance

Increasing One's Faith

Faith is indeed a blessing from Allah and should not be taken for granted. Just as it may increase and become fuller and stronger, it may also weaken and become less and less until it is minimal or non-existent. Hence it becomes very important for a Muslim to take steps not only to preserve his faith but also to increase it.

The uppermost branch of faith is the true, sincere, committed belief in Laa ilaaha illalaah Muhammad Rasoolulaah. Iman has over seventy branches. The lowest or most basic branch is to remove something harmful from the path. Abu Hurairah related that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “Faith has over seventy branches or over sixty branches, the most excellent of which is the declaration that there is no God but Allah and the humblest of which is the removal of what is injurious from the path; and modesty is a branch of faith” Muslim

Basically, to do everything that Allah (swt) has ordered us to do is a part of faith and to avoid all that He has asked us to avoid is a part of faith. A Muslim level and strength of faith are based upon his attitude and approach when he fulfils this. Then we have given The Book for inheritance to such of our servants as We have chosen. But there are among them some who wrong their own souls, some who follow a middle course, and some who are, by Allah’s leave, foremost in good deeds, that is the highest grace.(Quran 35:32)

Thus, man falls into one of the three following categories:

1 Dhaalim li Nafsihi: This person is self oppressed. He is constantly falling into sin and may be committing various acts of shirk.

2 Al- Muqtasid: he does only the basic obligations and is satisfied with this. He may also indulge in those things that are Makrooh (that which has been discouraged by Allah and His Prophet (saws) but not prohibited.

3 Saabiq bil Khaaraat: This person lives as if he were in a race with others in doing that which is liked by Allah. He does all of the obligatory deeds and not being satisfied with this, he will strive to do more of the nawafil (the optional acts in the sunnah). He will make every attempt to avoid the Makrooh acts in fear of what they may lead them to.

One may ask, is it within the capacity of man to avoid all haram and makrooh and live his life doing only halal, fard and naafil deeds? Yes, it is very possible. Allah, (swt), tells us in the Quran: On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear. (Quran 2:286)

O you who believe! Bow down, prostrate yourselves and adore your Lord and do good so that you may prosper. And strive in His cause as you ought to strive; He has chosen you and has placed no difficulties on you in religion. (Quran 22:77-78)

All actions fall into two categories:

1. The obligatory acts which we are asked to avoid or do for the benefit of the individual and society

2. Those other than the obligatory deeds, which guide us to good in this life and which raise our level in the hereafter, placing us among the Saabiq bil Khayraat. Therefore of the first steps to increase is to work harder to do this second category of optional good deeds.

We must look for the doors that lead to good. These doors are many and we often have the opportunity to enter them but don’t realise it.

Kindness to parents and the poor, for example, are entrances to good deeds that are available to most everyone.

And the benefits are two fold:

1. The personal benefit you gain through your deeds; and

2. The benefit that is gained by society when you perform them.

Any door to good that you enter will place you closer to the Saabiq bil Khayraat level of faith. It will help you to attain righteousness and guidance and increase your Iman. Even paradise has doors for the faithful, those who were of the Saabiq bil Khayraat in their life on earth.

Abu Hurairah related that the Messenger (saws) of Allah said: “Those who engage in prayer will be invited to enter by the Gate of Prayer; those who take part in jihad will be invited to enter by the gate of Sadaqah; and those who fast will be invited to enter by the Gate of Ar Rayaan. Abu Bakr said; No distress will rest on him who is invited to enter by those gates, but will any one be invited to enter by those gates, He replied: Yes, and I hope that you may be one. Bukhari and Muslim

Abu Bakr, (ra) was of the Saabiq bil Khayraat. He was never satisfied in doing a little or just one thing. He constantly opened and entered the doors to good and eagerly sought out others.

On one occasion, the Prophet (saws) asked his companions: Who among them had fasted the day before, Abu Bakr replied that he had. He then asked who had visited the sick the previous day; Abu Bakr replied that he did. Then he asked them who had given Sadaqah, and Abu Bakr said that he had. Umar, who always tried to compete with Abu Bakr in doing good deeds, admitted in respect, admiration and humble acknowledgement that he was much less than Abu Bakr.
(Not the exact wording of the hadith)

How does one enter these Iman strengthening doors and thereby step up in levels of faith?

It occurs by possessing those qualities and performing those deeds that constitute the different parts of faith called Shuab Al Eman (shuab meaning parts of faith). In stepping forth, certain approaches must be followed so that ones effort is sincere and upon the path.

Du’a

The first of all deeds is dua - supplication. Due to our absorption in today’s worldly life it is very important that before we perform any deed for Allah we clear our minds of such preoccupations and direct our attention to Him. There are two kinds of dua. - Dua of request for help in this life and the hereafter and dua of worship in which you are actually praising Allah. We should, before setting forth to do any deed, ask Allah to allow us to perform the deed and allow us to perform it well.

A man asked the Prophet, (saws) to teach him a supplication that would embody all supplications. He told him to make the following du’a:

Allahuma aanee alaa dhikrika wa shukrikah wa husn ibaadatik. Abu Dawood and An Nasai

O Allah, help me to remember You often, and to thank You often, and to perfect my worship of You.

Shahadah

The highest branch of faith - Laa ilaaha illallah - must be fully developed within ones life. The understanding of its deep implications will have a tremendous effect in ones level of faith. As well, the one who says it sincerely in his heart will be admitted into paradise.

Muadth bin Jabal asked the Prophet (saws): O Messenger of Allah, tell me of an act which will take me into paradise and will keep me away from Hellfire. He said: You have asked me about a major matter, yet it is easy for him whom Allah Almighty makes it easy for. You should worship Allah, associating nothing with Him; you should perform the prayers; you should pay the Zakah; you should fast Ramadan; and you should make the pilgrimage to the House. Then he said: Shall I not show you the gates of goodness? Fasting (which) is a shield; charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire; and the praying of a man in the depths of the night. Then he recited:

Who forsake their beds to cry unto their Lord in fear and hope and spend out of what We have bestowed on them. No soul Knoweth what is kept hid for them of joy, as a reward for what they used to do. (Quran 16:32)

Then he said: Shall I not tell you of the peak of the matter, its pillar and its topmost part? I said: Yes, O Messenger of Allah. The peak is Islam; the pillar is prayer; and its top most part is jihad.
Al Tirmidhi in An Nawawi 40 Hadeeth

Salah

The quality of the faithful is that they perform Salah with regularity, humility, and submissiveness (khushoo). Allah tells us in the first verses of surat Al Muminoon:

Successful indeed are the believers; those who humble themselves in their prayers. (Quran 23:1-2)

The Prophet, (saws) said: There are five prayers which Allah has prescribed for His servants. For those who perform them properly without disrespectful omissions, there is a guarantee that Allah will admit them into paradise. To those who do not observe them (properly), Allah offers no such guarantee. He may punish them or he may admit them to paradise as He wills. Abu Dawud, An Nasai and Ibn Majaah

Two members of my community may perform the prayer in such a way that their bowing and their prostration are as one, yet their prayers may be as far apart as heaven and earth. Al Haarith

Though a man performs the entire prayer, he may get no credit but for a half of it, or a third of it, or a quarter, a fifth, a sixth, or a tenth. A man gets credit only for that part of his prayer of which he is conscious. Ahmad

If you were to prepare to visit a dignitary, a king or even your supervisor, you prepare yourself for such a meeting with great concern for every detail, being completely absorbed in this encounter. So what of your encounter with Allah during prayer? Shaytan will try as hard as he can to distract you. He will take away from you as much as he is able to and as much as you allow him to.

A Muslim should always approach Salah with the realization that he is preparing to face His Lord. The Prophet, (saws) said: “Verily Allah faces his servant in prayer as long as he does not turn away.” Tirmidhi

It is not possible that a Muslim who observes prayer correctly could stand before his Lord without asking forgiveness for the sins he has committed.

If you develop khushoo in your prayer, you cannot consist in committing sins, because the effort of your prayer makes you aware and ashamed of your misdeeds.

For Example: If you are backbiting, your prayer will make you conscious of your deed. Your level of consciousness will be elevated and your faith will increase. This will make you less likely to fall into major sin.

Fasting

When Muslim fasts he does so not only, through abstaining from food and drink, but also shuns bad deeds, false words, etc.

The Prophet (saws) said: “Whoever does not give up false words and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.” Bukhari

Fasting also presents many benefits other than simply fulfilling the commandments of Allah, and being rewarded for it. If you are prone to, incline, or fall into sin fasting will lessen your evil inclination. For Example: A man who is unable to marry is recommended to fast, this will lessen his desires. We also know from the hadith, The devils are chained during Ramadan that during fasting, man is not as easily influenced by them. This you can see in your own personal change of religious consciousness when you fast during Ramadan.

For the one who fasts properly, gaining the full benefit, it is an exercise and training for the whole year. You gain a kind of power and change which you carry through the whole year. But you should not stop once Ramadan ends. Make fasting a habit, at least occasionally.

The Prophet (saws) consistently fasted at least three days a month. By fasting periodically, you retrieve some of the spiritual uplifting that Ramadan brings throughout the year. This is a very strong faith strengthening tool that all can apply.

Sadaqah

Here we are referring to the charity you give voluntarily, not the obligatory Zakat. It is the voluntary sadaqah that strengthens faith, the more you do, the more you erase your bad deeds. Sadaqah is not only monetary. There are many deeds that are considered sadaqah. If someone wishes to give sadaqah, and you assist in its delivery, for example, you are rewarded for giving sadaqah yourself.

Ayesha (ra) related that the Prophet (saws) informed them as to who would follow him in death saying:

The one who has the longest hands amongst you would meet me most immediately. (Muslim)

She further said:

The Prophets wives used to measure their hands as to who was the biggest. It was the hand of Zainab that was the longest amongst them, as she used to work with her hands and spend that income in charity. (Muslim)

It was Zainab bin Jahsh whose long hand reached out to the poor so often, not with money but food and other things that she had to give, she was the first of his wives to die after him.

The Prophet (saws) said: “Every Muslim has to give sadaqah.” He was asked If someone has nothing to give, what should he do? He said He should work with his hands and benefit himself, and also give in charity (from what he earns).

The people then asked: If he cannot find even that? He replied. Then he should perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds and this will be regarded as charitable deeds. (Bukhari and Muslim)

He also said: “None of you women should consider even a sheep’s trotter to insignificant a gift to give to her neighbor.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Muaadh bin Jabal related from the Prophet (saws): Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire. (Ahmad, Al-Tirmidi and Ibn Maajah)

The Prophet (saws) said: “The believers shade on the day of resurrection will be his sadaqah.” (Ahmad)

O Allah! let me love You as You deserved to be loved, and let me fear You as You deserve to be feared, and let me leave this world serving Your creation for Your sake! "O Allah! let my heart have light, and my sight have light, and my hearing (senses) have light, and let me have light on my right, and let me have light on my left, and let me have light above me, and have light under me, and have light in front of me, and have light behind me; and let me have light." (Bukhari, vol. 8. pp. 221, #329)

Similarly to complete My (Allah) Blessings on you, We have sent among you a Messenger Muhammed (PBUH) of your own reciting to you Our Verses the Quran and purifying you and teaching you the Quran and the Hikmah (Islamic laws and Fiqh jurisprudence, and teaching you that which you used not to know.

O ye who believe, remember Me Allah (by praying, glorifying) , I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me.

O you who bellieve seek help in patience and Prayer. Trully Allah is with the Patient And we shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the Patient.

And when aflicted with calamity, Say: Truly To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.

Q2. V. 151-156

@Jarus

Salam

Please I just want to know what happened to a thread I opened 'Duties of brotherhood in islam'

@Zayhal

Salam. It has been a while. Hope everything is going smoothly? Please, let me know when you come up with good ones.

@Javalove

Salam Brother. I am just reading your post now. I have been very busy and it seems you looked scarce as well.

We have lots to discuss online. I will try to catch you on messenger for full gist.

VIRTUES OF FRIDAY(JUMMAH) PRAYER

Allah, the Exalted, says:

"Then when the (Jumu`ah) Salat is ended, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah (by working), and remember Allah much: that you may be successful.'' (Quran-62:10)

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:

"The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday. On that day Adam was created, he was admitted to Jannah, and he was expelled therefrom.''
[HdithMuslim].

"If a man takes bath on Friday, (or) purifies himself as much as he can with Wudu', oils his hair, applies whatever perfume available in his house, sets forth for the mosque, does not separate two people (to make a seat for himself), performs Salat what is prescribed for him, remains silent when the Imam speaks, his (minor) sins between that Friday and the following Friday will be forgiven.''[Hadith-Al-Bukhari].

"A person who leaves 3 Friday prayers consecutively, Allah puts a seal on his heart."

(Hadith-Ahmad, Tirmizi, abu Dawud).

FALLING INTO CAMPS

THE ANNOUNCER

He will announce that every nation or people should follow what they used to worship. The people of the cross will go with ther cross. The idolaters will go with their idols. Worshippers of every false deities will go with their gods. It will then remain those who used to worship Allah (swt), from the righteous and the mischievous ones, and some of the people of the book (the christians and jews). The hell will be presented to them as if it were a mirage. Then, it will be said to the Jews,'what did you used to worship'?. They will say,'we used to worship Uzayr (Ezra), the son of Allah and they will be told, 'you are liars'. They will be made to fall into the Hell. The christians will aso be asked the same question, they will say,'we used to worship the messiah, the son of God'. They would be told,'you are liars' and they will be made to fall into the Hell too.

The pious one and the hypocrites will still remain. It will be said to them,'what kept you here when all other people have gone'? They will say,'we left them (in the world) when we were in greater need of them than we are today. We heard the call of one proclaiming,'let every nation follow what they used to worship' and now we are waiting for our Lord. Then Allah (swt) will come in a shape other than the one they first saw and He will say,'I am your Lord and they will say,'You are our Lord,'and none will speak to Him but the prophets. It will be said to them,'do you know any sign by which you can recognise Him'? They will say,'by the shin. Allah will then uncover His shin whereupon all believers will prostrate themxelves before Him.

CASE OF THE HYPOCRITE

After the believers have prostrated, there will remain those who used to prostrate themselves in the world for showing off and for gaijing good reputation. They will try to prostrate but they will not be able to do so, for Allah will turn their backbones into a single (vertebrate) bone like one piece of wood. Allah said in

Quran 68 v 42: The day that the shin be laid bare and they shall be summoned to prostrate but they shall not be able.

AS-SIRAAT (THE GREAT BRIDGE)

After the court proceedings, the Siraat will be extended over the Hell.

QURAN 19 V 71-72: There is not one of you but will pass over it (Hell), this is with your Lord, a decree which must be accomplished, then we shall save those who used to fear Allah and were dutiful to Him. And we shall leave the wrongdoers therein (humbled) to ther knees (in Hell).

The companions asked, 'O Allah's messenger, what is the Siraat'?. He said,'it is a slippery bridge on which there are hooks, tongs and spits (like a thorny seed that is wide at one end and narrow at the other and has thorns with bent end). It is thinner than the hair and sharper than the sword. The flame of the Jahaanaam will be rising increasingly, while the thorny plants therein too, will be protruding forthwith. The bridge will be intensely enveloped in darkness but the light of the virtuous ones will guide them. The prophet will stand by the bridge with spirit of integrity and kinship standing on his right and left of the bridge. The first group from the believers will pass over it in a twinkle of an eye like lightning. Those following them woukd pass over with the speed of the wind and then the speed of flying birds, followed by horses and camels according to the quality of their deeds. The prophet (saw) will continue stabding at the bridge, supplicating,'Rabbi Sallim!Rabbi Sallim! (Lord, keep them safe)! (Lord, keep them safe)!. When the quality of people's deeds decline, the speed will slow down till a man will come who would not be able to walk, but will creep along. The last person on the bridge will cross as if being dragged over th bridge. On both sides of the bridge will be hanging hooks which will attach themselves to those they are commanded to seize. He who is merely scratched will be saved but those who are hepaed up will fall into the fire.

An Excellent Hadith

Khalid ibn al Wald (Radi Allahu Ta'ala anhu) narrated the following hadith:

A Bedouin came one day to the Holy Prophet (sallallahu 'alahi wasallam) and said to him,

'O, Messenger of Allah! I've come to ask you a few questions about the affairs of this Life and the Hereafter.'

- 'Ask what you wish' said Rasulullah (sallallahu 'alahi wasallam).

Q: I'd like to be the most learned of men.

A: Fear Allah, and you will be the most learned of men.

Q: I wish to be the richest man in the world.

A: Be contented, and you will be the richest man in the world.

Q: I'd like to be the most just man.

A: Desire for others what you desire for yourself, and you will be the most just of men.

Q: I want to be the best of men.

A: Do good to others and you will be the best of men.

Q: I wish to be the most favored by Allah.

A: Engage much in Allah's praise, and you will be most favored by Him.

Q: I'd like to complete my faith.

A: If you have good manners you will complete your faith

Q: I wish to be among those who do good.

A: Adore Allah as if you see Him. If you don 't see Him, He seeth you. In this way you will be among those who do good.

Q: I wish to be obedient to Allah.

A: If you observe Allah's commands you will be obedient.

Q: I'd like to be free from all sins.

A: Bathe yourself from impurities and you will be free from all sins.

Q: I'd like to be raised on the Day of Judgement in the light.

A: Don't wrong yourself or any other creature, and you will be raised on the Day of Judgement in the light.

Q: I'd like Allah to bestow His mercy on me.

A: If you have mercy on yourself and others, Allah will grant you mercy on the Day of Judgement.

Q: I'd like my sins to be very few.

A: If you seek the forgiveness Allah as much as you can, your sins will be very few.

Q: I'd like to be the most honorable man.

A: If you do not complain to any fellow creature, you will be the most honorable of men.

Q: I'd like to be the strongest of men.

A: If you put your trust in Allah, you will be the strongest of men.

Q: I'd like to enlarge my provision.

A: If you keep yourself pure, Allah will enlarge your provision.

Q: I'd like to be loved by Allah and His messenger.

A: If you love what Allah and His messenger love, you will be among their beloved ones.

Q: I wish to be safe from Allah's wrath on the Day of Judgement.

A: If you do not loose your temper with any of your fellow creatures, you will be safe from the wrath of Allah on the Day of Judgement.

Q: I'd like my prayers to be responded.

A: If you avoid forbidden actions, your prayers will he responded.

Q: I'd like Allah not to disgrace me on the Day of Judgement.

A: If you guard your chastity, Allah will not disgrace you on the Day of Judgement.

Q: I'd like Allah to provide me with a protective covering on the Day of Judgement.

A: Do not uncover your fellow creatures faults, and Allah will provide you with a covering protection on the Day of Judgement.

Q: What will save me from sins?

A: Tears, humility and illness.

Q: What are the best deeds in the eyes of Allah?

A: Gentle manners, modesty and patience.

Q: What are the worst evils in the eyes of Allah?

A: Hot temper and miserliness.

Q: What assuages the wrath of Allah in this life and in the Hereafter?

A: Concealed charity and kindness to relatives.

Q: What extinguishes hell's fires on the Day of Judgement?
A: Patience in adversity and misfortunes.

Related by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (Rahmatullah Ta'ala 'alaih)

CASE OF OPRESSON, EMBEZZLEMENT AND FRAUD

Allah (swt) will also redress all acts of injustice and opression. He will return the rightful possessions of the wronged to them; to such an extent that the seller of milk who diluted it with water will be asked to separate it. It will be such a terrible moment that Allah will even avenge the obligation of the hornless goat from the horned goat.

Those who unjustly take land measuring up to a hand-span will have seven folds of the measuring of that hang around their neck.

Those who have taken what they did not have right to, will carry it on their heads this day. Those who stole or took camels will carry it on their heads while they will be grunting, those of cow will be mooing while those of cow will be bleating.

CASE OF ZAKAAT DEFAULTERS

The gold or silver of the person who has them but fails to pay the Zakat due on it will be melted nto slabs and heated in the hell fire. Thereafter, his sides, forehaead and back will be branded therewith.When the slabs become cool, they will be heated up again and the branding will continue in proportion to his default. In the same way,the owner of camels who does not discharge what is due in respect of them will be thrown on his face in a wide level plain to be trampled upo by the camels. These camels will be strong and fat. They will trample on hi and tear him apart with their teeth. When the last of them would have passed over him, the first of them will begin the process all over again. One who owns cows and goats but does not discharge his obligations in respect of them will be thrown on his face in a wide level plain when none of the animals will be missing and none will be without horns. They will gore him with their horns and will trample on him and when one side has finished the other side will begin.

CASE OF SHOW OFF

Three groups of people will be arraigned before Allah (swt). They are the matyr, the rich man and the servant.They will be shown all the bounties that had been bestowed upon them. They will recognise them. Thereafter, they will be asked the motives behind their actions. They will answer in the following manner:

Martyr: I fought in your cause and was martyred.
ALLAH: You lie. You fought so that you might be called a warrior and so you were known!

Rich man: I spent my money in your cause so as to win Your pleasure.

Allah; You lie. You did all that so that you might be called a philanthropist and so were you called.

Servant: I acquired knowledge and taught it, and I studied the Quran to win Your pleasure.
Allah: You lie. You acquired knowledge so that you might be called a servant and you studied the Quran so that you might be called a Qaari (good reciter of the Quran),and so were you called.

Judgement will then be passed on them. They will be drageed on their faces and cast into hell fire.

AL-MIIZAN (The Justice Scale)

Al-Miizaan means the scale. It refers to the weighing of actions and deeds in the scale as part of the Judgement Day proceedings. No one wil be free from its crushing anxieties and bewilderment. It is one of the three moments the prophet has said that nobody will remember the other. Others are during the acceptance of books of deeds and the crossing over the bridge over hell (siraat). People will come forward one by one to weigh what is in their records of confirmation. If virtues outweigh vices, such a fellow will be fortunate to enter paradise. If otherwise, the hell will be his share. Allah said

Quran 101 v 6-11:Then, he whose balance of deeds will be (found) heavy, will be in a life of good pleasure and satisfaction;but he whose balance (of good deeds) will be (found) light, he will have his abode in a fire blazing fiercely.

PRIVATE TALK BETWEEN ALLAH AND THE BELIEVER

The believer will be brought near hs Lord unti; He covers him with his Screen and makes him confess his sins. Allah will ask him,'do you know that you committed such and such sin?'. He will say,'I screen your sins in the world and I forgive them for you today. Then the records of his good deeds will be folded and given to him.

Man is lonely as he he never was and one of the greatest blessing of Islam is it's admirable success in creating strong, warm, rich and durable bonds of love and brotherhood between man and man. This was made possible on the basis of faith in one God (Tawhid) but has also inspired man to follow a pattern of behavior which will sustain and strenghten mutua brotherhood.

The contract of brotherhood is a bond between two persons, like the contract of marriage between two spouses. For just as marriage gives rise to certain duties which must be fulfilled when it is entered into, so does the contract of brotherhood confer uponyour brother a certain right touching your property, your person, your tongue and your heart - by way of forgiveness, prayer,sincerity, loyalty, relief and considerateness.

The first duty is THE MATERIAL ONE

The holy Prophet (saw) said that two brothers are likened to a pair of hands, one of which washes the other. He chose the simile of the two hands, rather than the hand and the feet because the paue are of mutual assistance towards a single aim.

The lowest degree is where you palce your brother on the same footing as your slave or your servant, attending to his need from your surplus. Some need befalls him when you have more than you require to satisfy your own, so you give spontaneously, not obliging him to ask.

At the second degree, you place your brother on the same footing as yourself. You are contented to have him as partner in your property and to treat him like yourself, to the point of letting him sharev ti equally.

At the third degree, the highest of all, you prefer your brother to yourself and set his need before your own. This is the degree of the Siddiq and the final stage for those united in spiritual love.