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On one occasion, Ummu Salamah (radhiyallahu ‘anha), the respected wife of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), was asked, “Which du‘aa would Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) make the most when he was with you (in your home)?” She replied, “The du‘aa that he would make the most was:

يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوْبِ ، ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِيْ عَلَى دِيْنِكَ

Transliteration: Ya Muqallibal Quloob! Sabbit qalbee ‘alaa deenik

Translation: O the Turner of hearts! Keep my heart firm on Your Deen!”

Ummu Salamah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) asked Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) as to why he made this du‘aa in such abundance. He replied, “O Ummu Salamah (radhiyallahu ‘anha)! Every person’s heart is in the complete control of Allah Ta‘ala. Whomsoever Allah Ta‘ala wishes, He keeps steadfast, and whomsoever He wishes, He allows to go astray.” (Sunan Tirmizi #3522)

In the Arabic language, the verb ‘qalaba’ means ‘to turn around’ or ‘turn over’ (e.g. to turn something upside-down). Hence, the heart is called ‘qalb’ in Arabic as the nature of the heart is such that in a mere ‘heartbeat’, it can take a complete u-turn and have a complete turnaround. From being interested, it can suddenly lose interest. From being happy, it can suddenly become sad. From feeling motivated, it can suddenly feel lethargic and depressed. From having conviction, it can suddenly be plagued with doubts and insecurities.

From this, we understand the great importance of safeguarding the heart from elements that influence it towards evil and tempt it towards haraam and sin. For instance, just one stolen glance at a non-mahram is more dangerous and fatal to the heart than even a poisonous arrow. The poison of this glance penetrates deeply, and from loving the halaal spouse, the heart suddenly takes a u-turn and begins to pine for the haraam stranger.

Likewise, one casual conversation or interaction with a stranger, whether in person or through social media, novels, movies, etc. is sufficient to capsize the heart. A person previously had strong imaan and complete conviction in Allah Ta‘ala, but after being exposed to corrupt ideologies, his heart turns and is now besieged with doubts regarding Allah Ta‘ala and Islam. From being a strong, committed Muslim, he becomes a borderline atheist (if not an outright atheist – may Allah Ta‘ala save us and our families!) – all because he did not safeguard his heart.

Therefore, through making this du‘aa, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) taught the Ummah that together with safeguarding the heart from external influences, we should always ask Allah Ta‘ala to keep our hearts stable and firm on Deen. If our hearts remain firm on Deen throughout our lives, then insha-Allah, we will be able to remain away from sins and will pass away while being firm on Deen and imaan.

Anas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) also reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would make this du‘aa in abundance. (Sunan Tirmizi #2140) Hence, in this era of severe imaani challenges, we should all try to make this du‘aa as often as possible, and should teach it to our children as well.

To believe that the months of Muharram and Safar bring misfortune or calamity or that a marriage performed in these months will be negatively affected is an un-Islamic belief. The Noble Qur'an states: "No calamity (or harm) can occur, except by the will of Allah". (Surah 64 - Verse 11).

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alahi Wasallam) said, “…There is no bad omen in the month of Safar” (Bukhari)

To marry during the months of Muharram, Safar or any other month of the year is allowed as Islam has placed no restrictions in this regard. We should reaffirm our belief and conviction that benefit and harm is from Allah Ta'ala alone and occur with his knowledge and permission. No time or person brings bad luck or ill fate.

In order to draw from the protection and mercy of Allah Ta'ala, we should develop the capacity to perform actions that prevent calamities and misfortunes such as performing our five daily Salah, making daily Dua for goodness and protection, seeking forgiveness, repentance, abandoning sins and vices, improve our conduct and give regular charity.

Mygreatestday:
Actually in the dream,i saw a young black man selling healing rings when it got to my time to buy the ring from him, he told me that he would not sell to me because I'm not a Muslim ?
Do they sell healing rings or rings for any other purpose in Islam ?
What is the stand of Islam on dreams ?
Thanks for your response

Arguments, quarrels, fights, bullying, mocking and bad conduct have become common today among Muslims. Muslims seem to be fighting over just about everything, especially on social media. Disputes and arguments are detrimental and weaken the resolve of a believer.

The conduct of believers ought to be one of tolerance, forgiveness and understanding. The Qur'an says, “Obey Allah and His Rasool and do not fight among yourselves, lest you should lose courage and your strength diminishes. Be patient. Verily, Allah is with the patient.” (Surah Anfal Verse 46)

To get along with others and keep people together one must exercise patience over their provocation and ignore their negative comments as far as possible. One should not be so rigid and uncompromising in one's opinion that if it was not accepted then it leads one to become angry and argumentative. Also, the verse prohibits arguments and fights, not the expression of a sincere view or difference of opinion. A difference of opinion which is sincere and honest shall never lead to disputes. Quarrels arise when a person wants to foist his view on others and is not prepared to listen the other view. (Adapted from Mariful Quran – Surah Anfaal – Verse 46)

There are numerous Ahadith where arguing is discouraged, and glad tidings are given for one who quells an argument.

Anas (R) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, "…Whoever forsakes an argument, even when he is right, a palace will be built for him in the middle of Jannah …” (Tirmizi)

Mygreatestday:
Please i need some one to help me answer some of my questions.
Any one willing to do so should quote my comment .
I got the message to convert to Islam in my dream .
I also need your prayers for good health.
Mods please help make this post more visible .
Lalasticlala ,Seun .
Thanks
Lukgaf,fadal,Babaheekmat
Rash4ductluv, Antichristian, Empiree, Thatfairguy1,

A pious student was once studying in Delhi and would sleep in a nearby Masjid. One night, a young woman was on her way to visit some of her relatives who resided in the area, when a riot broke out. She could not manage to escape the commotion and violence in time and quickly ran into the Masjid in fear of her life. When the student noticed her, he was alarmed and explained that the Masjid was not an appropriate place for her to hide. “People may notice us here and my honour will be tarnished. They will then evict me from the Masjid, to the detriment of my studies,” he pleaded.

She explained, “If I leave the safety of this Masjid, I fear that my honour and dignity may be blemished by the rioting mobs out in the streets.”

Her explanation silenced him as he realised the gravity of the situation. He directed her to a corner of the Masjid, where she could remain seated, and returned to continue with his studies. He was immersed in his books for the duration of the night, but occasionally he would place his finger in the flame of a lamp that he was using as a source of light. The young woman too remained awake and intently watched the young man.

Close to dawn, he said to her, “The rioters have dispersed and the streets appear to be safe. I am prepared to accompany you to ensure that you reach your home safely.”

“But,” she remarked, “I will not leave this Masjid until you explain to me why you kept placing your finger in the flame throughout the night.”

He replied, “That is a private matter and I would request you not to question me further about it.”

But the young woman would not give in. When he realised that he could not convince her otherwise, he explained, “Shaitān was continuously enticing me to fulfil my desires with you. Hence, I kept placing my finger in the flame to remind myself of the unbearable intensity of the fire of Jahannam. If I could not bear the negligible burns from a worldly flame, how would I ever bear the torment of the fire of Jahannam? I am grateful to Allāh Subhānahu wa Ta’ala that He saved me from sin throughout the night.”

The young woman left and reached her home safely. She was from a wealthy family and was soon to be married to a family relative. She immediately declined the offer to marry him and said to her parents, “My desire is to marry the student from the Masjid.”

Her parents and family tried their utmost to convince her. Others began harbouring suspicions regarding her. When she heard their remarks, she explained what had transpired on that fateful night and concluded, “The student has the fear of Allāh Subhānahu wa Ta’ala within his heart, and such a man will never harm or inconvenience others. My desire is to marry him.”

Eventually, her family consented and the nikaah was performed. The student who had lived in a Masjid now became the owner of his very own home, due to his fear of Allāh Subhānahu wa Ta’ala. [Ādābul Muta’allimīn, p23]

Allāh Subhānahu wa Ta’ala handsomely rewards a person who abstains from harām.

SOURCE: Pearls from the Path Vol. 3 Compiled by Afzal Ismail

Praise be to Allah.

Prayer is the greatest pillar of Islam after the Shahaadatayn. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Between a person and kufr and shirk stands the abandonment of prayer.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2766. Classed as saheeh by Ibn Maajah, 1078,and by al-Albaani).

Salaah is so called because it is a connection (silah) between a person and his Lord. Whoever does not pray, his zakaah, fasting, Hajj, jihaad, enjoining of what is good, forbidding of what is evil, reading of Qur’aan and upholding of family ties will not be accepted. Indeed, all his good deeds will be rejected if he does not pray.

The scholars, including Imaam Ahmad, said that whoever does not pray should be executed as a kaafir, and his body should not be washed or shrouded, the funeral prayer should not be offered over him, he should not be buried in the Muslims’ graveyard and his Muslim heirs cannot inherit from him.

It is not permissible for you to abandon prayer, because you never know when death will catch you unawares.

The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said at the end of his life, during his final sickness:

“(Adhere to) prayer, (adhere to) prayer and (take care of) those whom your right hands possess (i.e., slaves).”

(Narrated by Imaam Ahmad, 3/117; Ibn Maajah, 2697; Ibn Hibbaan, 1220. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Irwaa’, no.2178).

Prayer is the pillar of Islam. Imaam Ahmad said: Your share of Islam is according to your share of prayer. What we want for you is for you to pray regularly, doing the prayers on time with the Muslims in their mosques. It is haraam for you to abandon prayer, for abandoning it is kufr. This issue has been discussed in great detail by the scholars in their books. And it was said that (the one who abandons prayer) is to be executed as a punishment, as is well known. And Allaah knows best.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.



There is no harm to accommodate two wives in one house, or two separate houses if there is any benefit in that. Muslim scholars have clearly mentioned that basically providing one house for two wives is forbidden unless they agree to that. Ibn Qudamah wrote in his book al-Mughni: ‘A husband is not allowed to keep his two wives in a house without their previous agreement since it causes harm to them due to the Ghirah (a feeling of great fury and anger when one’s honour and prestige is injured or challenged) they have that leads to disputes and disagreements.’ However, this ruling does not mean that they should avoid visiting each other, or that they should cut their relations. Instead they should raise his children to love each other, to have mercy on each other to support and respect each other. The husband should appreciate and teach his wives to love each other and to visit each other and should teach the rights of each family member.

A person can eliminate some problems by making two apartments with a separate entrance as well as the necessary facilities.

Allah knows best.

Just like mentors, it is essential to choose the right role models. There is a big difference between someone who studies and learns from the biographies of pious men and someone who is obsessed with the biographies of tyrants. The first has chosen his role models wisely, while the latter may end up following the worst of role models.

When choosing a role model, whether alive or deceased, look for the following qualities; righteousness, self-discipline, selflessness, good character, and productivity.

Righteousness
The primary quality of a good role model is righteousness. Our role models must be people who love God, are close to Him, and bring us closer to Him. Any role model that takes us away from our Creator is causing great harm to our soul. It doesn’t matter what worldly benefits we get out of such relationships; the bottom line is that if any relationship damages our relationship with our Creator, it is problematic and not worth it.
We must choose role models who are people of piety. Spending time with them should bring us closer to God, and make us better people. This is the primary role of any good role model.

Self-Discipline
A good role model has a high level of self-discipline. Good role models demonstrate strong self-discipline through their ability to meet their goals, fulfill their duties, and get things done on schedule. Studying the life of a highly disciplined individual will help us become more disciplined ourselves.
The easiest way to find out if a role model is disciplined is to look at their daily schedule and the frequency with which they achieve their goals and keep their promises.

Selflessness
A good role model is selfless. This quality is a part of having good character, but it warrants distinct mention because it is one of the most important characteristics we can learn from our role models.
When someone chooses an egotistical role models, that vanity may rub off and cause that person to grow into the worst version of himself. When our role models are selfless, we inherit this beautiful quality and will find it much easier to live our lives in a way that is beneficial to others.

Good Character
A good role model should be a person of outstanding moral character. This does not mean perfection, because no human alive today is perfect. They should be people who hold themselves to the highest standards and inspire others to do the same as well.
In Islam, there is a difference between character (akhlāq) and manners (adab). Character refers to our internal state, while manners refer to our actions. Manners can be faked, but good character can’t. A person can pretend to be polite and friendly, while inside he is full of malice and ill-will. This is called faking good manners. However, a person cannot fake true character as this resides in the heart.
A person of good character will naturally have good manners. Because manners are the natural consequence and outward reflection of character. Character is the key, and that is why it is crucial to find role models who have outstanding character; this will reflect in their manners and their dealings with others.

Productivity
A role model must show us how to live a productive lifestyle. Their lives must be productive, and fruitful. From their lives, we should be able to extract lessons on how to be productive and get things done.
When we analyze the life of ʿUmar II, we find that he had all of these qualities. He was righteous, disciplined, selfless, productive, and held himself to the highest standards of character. There are books written about ʿUmar’s character and piety, and this is evidence that he is a great role model, and one worthy of study and emulation.
In summary, a good role model will inspire you to become righteous, disciplined, selfless, and productive, while showing you how to live your life with exemplary character.

Praise be to Allah.

Many young men in our ummah nowadays are facing addiction to pornography, because it is so easily available online. This type of addiction makes a person unable to be content with real-life, permissible intimacy with his wife, because he is addicted to a haraam virtual reality and because of his following his whims and desires.

The issue is not merely one of whether he feels happy with you and enjoys intimacy with you; rather it has to do with his addiction to viewing other women, especially as he did this in the first month of his marriage to you.

This addiction is a sickness which needs a remedy.

Some of the greatest and most effective remedies for addiction include: keeping away – voluntarily or otherwise – from the source of this addiction; keeping oneself busy with things that will benefit one in this world or the hereafter; and visiting a psychologist who can intervene with medicines and talk therapy, if necessary.

This requires effort on your part to help him give up this addiction, by trying to distract him from electronic devices that opened the door to that, and speaking to him about research that warns against addiction to these devices. You can also try to fill his time with beneficial matters, both worldly and religious, and help him to strive to obey Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.

If you find that he is reluctant and rejects these attempts, then you can suggest to him to go to a psychologist, to try to rid himself of his addiction to these devices and the symptoms of anxiety that result from that.

We advise you, as a matter of urgency, to consult a trustworthy and religiously committed female advisor, even if that is online, so that she can advise you in detail about how to handle different issues of life with him in general, and your marital relationship in particular.

Please note that it is not permissible to divulge details of your marital relationship and the like to any man other than your father, whether he is a psychologist or otherwise, because of what that may lead to of opening the door to temptation or haraam infatuation.

In brief, your aim here is to distract him with yourself from others, and make him content with that which is halaal so that he will not seek that which is haraam. Strive hard to achieve that and seek reward with Allah with regard to this important matter.

With regard to him looking at clips of the third sex – may Allah guide us and him – this is perverse behaviour, because he is enjoying looking at something that is perverse. But that does not necessarily mean that he is homosexual, because a homosexual man does not usually enjoy looking at female forms; rather it is the exact opposite.

We ask Allah to guide us and you, for He, may He be glorified, is indeed able to do that.

And Allah knows best.

The rise of Taliban has handed another opportunity to the anti-Islam world and media to raise doubts about the “Freedom of Women” in an Islamic government. I want here to limit myself to what they actually mean and want from the “Freedom” they talk of.

I often feel amused at the innocence with which the most ruthless players of the current world present the issue of ‘Freedom of Women’. The truth is that when they talk of the freedom of women, it is in fact the freedom of men they are seeking: freedom of men to enjoy the beauty of female body, use them, exploit them and avail their all kinds of services including those for the marketing. When women are made to shed their clothes it is men who enjoy it. When they are given liberty to indulge in whatever they want it is men who get the opportunity to play with them. The man dominated market knows it too well that the most profitable human sentiment to market is the physical attraction between the two genders. They have exploited this attraction to the hilt earning trillions of dollars in the process. So all the services of women are now available in the market and the rising proximity between them reaps huge benefits for all kinds of market, from garments to cosmetics, from hotelling to tourism and from media to entertainment.

Men Enjoy, Women Suffer
If anyone suffers most from this “freedom”, though all suffer in the longer run, it is women themselves and their children. It is they who become pregnant, it is they who have to abort their children, and if they are forced by the circumstances to deliver, it is mostly they who have to look after them as single parents. While both men and women catch Sex Transmitted Diseases, women are more likely to catch because of their anatomy. And it is they who have to face the brunt of crimes including rapes and attempted rapes.

Due to this freedom, sex transmitted diseases remain a big threat even in those countries which have the most advanced medical care system. During around last thirty years, more than 38 million people have died of A IDS and double that number are still fighting death. Still one million people die of AIDS every year and of course the number is much greater in those areas where there is more “freedom” than where there is little. But the media will never highlight these deaths lest the sex market suffer. Women and children are big sufferers. Here is an excerpt from the Abstract of a WHO report gives an idea of what the “Freedom” brings in terms of gender:

“For HIV/AIDS cases and deaths among adults other than those due to heterosexual transmission, there seems to be an overwhelming excess of males. For AIDS among children, there seems to be a small excess of males over females overall, and a small excess of females over males for perinatal transmission. For adult cases due to heterosexual transmission, sex differences vary greatly according to time and place. In the United States, female cases far exceed male cases…”



According to another report from Sub Saharan Africa, “it is estimated that women account for 58% of the people living with HIV (PLWH) in the region, a skewed distribution that has been existing for years, and women on average acquire HIV as much as 5–7 years earlier than their male peers.” If trend is showing some change in Western countries, especially Europe, it is because of rising homosexuality and more frequent use of IV drugs by males. Where women are involved, they suffer more.



Rapes and Brutal Killing of Children in Wombs
50 to 70 million times every year women have to abort but nobody talks of this brutality on unborn human beings. Even the sex of the aborted happens to be more females than males especially in countries like India. Hundreds of thousands of times women are raped but nobody ever talks of the real reasons behind this because the reasons are related to big markets including liquor and sex. And to swell the number of “rapes” in the more “conservative” countries, they have found an “excellent” idea of including complaints by wives of force by husbands as “rapes”. Still, America remains at the top of the total number of rapes every year and in countries like South Africa, more than a quarter of women have faced rape attempts.

Islamic restrictions on men rather than women
The crime rates are surely much less in Islamic countries, especially where Islamic legal system is in force like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE. Still, Islam is often targeted for being anti women. They again forget that the so called restrictions on women in Islamic system are in fact restrictions on men. They are prevented from enjoying their bodies. If women enjoy more safety anywhere, it is in true Islamic systems. They face much lesser chances of being raped and kidnapped, becoming mistresses and prostitutes, much much lesser chances of having to abort out of compulsion, even lower chances of becoming single parents. The children too are safest there with remarkably lower chances of being aborted, of having to live with a single parent and much lower chances of living with unnatural and gay parents.

Freedom in Method and Freedom in Results
It would be hugely better, safer and healthier for mankind if the world understands the difference between Freedom in Method and Freedom in Results. What they talk of is the former with massive negative impact on the latter. If accidents are to be saved, there have to be restrictions on trafficking. If “Freedom” is given in traffic, chaos will be the result. It is no surprise that majority of deaths in accidents occur due to drunken driving. Even in technology, good results require strict methodology. If society has to be safe from the diseases, crimes and chaos, there is no other option but to make the laws related to all kinds of behaviour strict in letter, spirit and application.

Praise be to Allah.

The one who wants to stop himself showing off has to do the following things to rid himself of this problem:

He should remember that Allaah is always watching His slave.

This is the status of ihsaan (perfection in worship) which Jibreel (peace be upon him) mentioned to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), which is that you should worship Allaah as if you can see Him, and even though you cannot see Him, He can see you. (Narrated by Muslim, 97).

When a person feels that Allaah is always watching him, what other people think will become insignificant, and this will make him respect and fear only Allaah.

Seeking the help of Allaah to rid himself of the habit of showing off.

Allaah says that the believers should say (interpretation of the meaning):

You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything) [al-Faatihah 1:5].

One of the things that will be of benefit in this matter is seeking the help of Allaah and calling upon Him. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: O people, beware of this shirk (form of polytheism), for it is more subtle than the footsteps of an ant. The one whom Allaah willed should speak said to him, How can we beware of it when it is more subtle than the footsteps of an ant, O Messenger of Allaah? He said, Say, Allaahumma innaa naoodhu bika min an nushrika bika shayan nalamuhu wa nastaghfiruka limaa laa nalam (O Allaah, we seek refuge with You from knowingly associating anything with You, and we seek Your forgiveness for that which we do unknowingly).

(Narrated by Ahmad, 4/403; classed as saheeh (authentic) by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami, 3731).

Knowing the effects of showing off and how it will be judged in the Hereafter.

Not knowing this leads to one falling into this sin or persisting in it. One should realize that showing off destroys all one's actions (i.e., cancels out the reward), and that it brings the wrath of Allaah. The wise person does not waste his energy in doing things that do not bring any reward, let alone deeds that bring the wrath and anger of Allaah.

One of the greatest ahaadeeth (prophetic narrations)concerning the punishment in the Hereafter of those who show off is the following, in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

When the Day of Resurrection comes, Allaah, may He be blessed and exalted, will come down to judge between His slaves, and every nation will be kneeling. The first ones to be called forth will be a man who learned the Quraan by heart, a man who fought for the sake of Allaah, and a man who had a lot of wealth. Allaah will say to the Quraan-reader, Did I not teach you that which I revealed to My Messenger? He will say, Yes, O Lord. He will say, What did you do with that which I taught you? He will say, I used to read it night and day. Allaah will say to him, You have lied, and the angels will say to him, You have lied. Allaah will say, Rather you wanted it to be said that So and so is a reader of Quraan, and that is what was said. Then the wealthy man will be brought forth, and Allaah will say to him, Did I not give you ample provision so that I did not leave you in need of anybody? He will say, Yes, O Lord. He will say, What did you do with that which I gave you? He will say, I used to uphold the ties of kinship and give in charity. Allaah will say to him, You have lied, and the angels will say to him, You have lied. Allaah will say, Rather you wanted it to be said that So and so is generous, and that is what was said. Then the one who was killed for the sake of Allaah (apparently) will be brought forth and Allaah will say to him, Why were you killed? He will say, I was commanded to fight in Jihaad (battle) for Your sake, so I fought until I was killed. Allaah will say to him, You have lied, and the angels will say to him, You have lied. Allaah will say, You wanted it to be said that So and so was courageous, and that is what was said. Then the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) struck my knee and said, O Abu Hurayrah, these three are the first of the creation of Allaah who will be dragged into the Fire on the Day of Resurrection.

(Narrated and classed as hasan (sound)by al-Tirmidhi, 2382; classed as saheeh by Ibn Hibbaan, 408, and Ibn Khuzaymah, 2482).

Thinking about the punishment in this world for showing off

Just as there will be a punishment in the Hereafter for showing off, so too there is a punishment for it in this world, which is that Allaah will expose him and make his bad intentions known to others. This is one of the interpretations of the hadeeth of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him):

Whoever shows off, Allaah will expose him. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6134; Muslim; 2986).

Ibn Hajar said: al-Khattaabi said, this means: whoever does something that is not sincerely for the sake of Allaah, merely wanting people to see him and hear him, will be punished for that Allaah will expose him and make known what he is concealing.

It was said that whoever does something with the intention of gaining status and prestige among people, and does not seek the Face of Allaah by doing it, Allaah will make him the subject of bad speech among the people in whose eyes he wanted to gain status, and he will have no reward for it in the Hereafter. (Fath al-Baari, 11/336)

Concealing worship and not making a display of it

The further away a person gets from places where his worship can be seen, the safer he is from showing off. Whoever looks for places where people gather, the Shaytaan makes him keen to show off his worship so that they will praise him for it.

The acts of worship which should be hidden are those which are not obligatory or those in which it is not the Sunnah to do them openly, such as Qiyaam al-Layl (night prayer), and giving charity, and the like. This does not apply to calling the Adhaan (call to prayer),praying in congregation and other things which cannot and should not according to shareeah (Islamic law) be hidden.

We ask Allaah to make our words and deeds sincere, and to forgive us for what we commit of showing off. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

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What the Shi’ah do on ‘Ashoora’ of beating their chests, slapping their cheeks, striking their shoulders with chains and cutting their heads with swords to let the blood flow are all innovations that have no basis in Islam. These things are evils that were forbidden by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), who did not prescribe for his ummah to do any of these things or anything similar to them to mark the death of a leader or the loss of a martyr, no matter what his status. During his lifetime (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) a number of senior Sahaabah were martyred and he mourned their loss, such as Hamzah ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib, Zayd ibn Haarithah, Ja’far ibn Abi Taalib and ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Rawaahah, but he did not do any of the things that these people do. If it was good, he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would have done it before us.

Ya’qoob (peace be upon him) did not strike his chest or scratch his face, or shed blood or take the day of the loss of Yoosuf as a festival or day of mourning. Rather he remembered his missing loved one and felt sad and distressed because of that. This is something no one can be blamed for. What is forbidden is these actions that have been inherited from the Jaahiliyyah, and which Islam forbids.

Al-Bukhaari (1294) and Muslim (103) narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “He is not one of us who strikes his cheeks, rends his garment, or cries with the cry of the Jaahiliyyah.”

These reprehensible actions that the Shi’ah do on the day of ‘Ashoora’ have no basis in Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not do them, nor did any of his companions. None of his companions did them when he or anyone else died, although the loss of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was greater than the death of al-Husayn (may Allaah be pleased with him).

Al-Haafiz Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Every Muslim should mourn the killing of al-Husayn (may Allaah be pleased with him), for he is one of the leaders of the Muslims, one of the scholars of the Sahaabah, and the son of the daughter of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), who was the best of his daughters. He was a devoted worshipper, and a courageous and generous man. But there is nothing good in what the Shi’ah do of expressing distress and grief, most of which may be done in order to show off. His father was better than him and he was killed, but they do not take his death as an anniversary as they do with the death of al-Husayn. His father was killed on a Friday as he was leaving the mosque after Fajr prayer, on the seventeenth of Ramadaan in 40 AH. ‘Uthmaan was better than ‘Ali according to Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah, and he was killed when he was besieged in his house during the days of al-Tashreeq in Dhu’l-Hijjah of 36 AH, with his throat cut from one jugular vein to the other, but the people did not take his death as an anniversary. ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab was better than ‘Ali and ‘Uthmaan, and he was killed as he was standing in the mihraab, praying Fajr and reciting Qur’aan, but the people did not take his death as an anniversary. Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq was better than him but the people did not take his death as an anniversary. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is the leader of the sons of Adam in this world and the Hereafter, and Allaah took him to Him as the Prophets died before him, but no one took the dates of their deaths as anniversaries on which they do what these ignorant Raafidis do on the day that al-Husayn was killed. … The best that can be said when remembering these and similar calamities is that which ‘Ali ibn al-Husayn narrated from his grandfather the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), who said: “There is no Muslim who is afflicted by a calamity and when he remembers it, even if it was in the dim and distant past, he says Inna Lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon (verily to Allaah we belong and unto Him is our return), but Allaah will give him a reward like that of the day when it befell him.”

Narrated by Imam Ahmad and Ibn Majaah, end quote from al-Bidaayah wa’l-Nihaayah (8/221).

And he said (8/220): The Raafidis went to extremes in the state of Bani Buwayh in the year 400 and thereabouts. The drums were beaten in Baghdad and other cities on the day of ‘Ashoora’, and sand and straw was strewn in the streets and marketplaces, and sackcloth was hung on the shops, and the people expressed grief and wept. Many of them did not drink water that night, in sympathy with al-Husayn, because he was killed when he was thirsty. Then the women went out barefaced, wailing and slapping their faces and chests, walking barefoot in the marketplaces, and other reprehensible innovations… What they intended by these and similar actions is to impugn the state of Banu Umayyah (the Umayyads), because he was killed during their era.

On the day of ‘Ashoora, the Naasibis of Syria do the opposite of what the Raafidis and Shi’ah do. They used to cook grains on the day of ‘Ashoora and do ghusl and perfume themselves, and wear their finest garments, and they took that day as an Eid for which they made all kinds of food, and expressed happiness and joy, intending thereby to annoy the Raafidis and be different from them.

Celebrating that day is an innovation (bid’ah), and making it an anniversary for mourning is also an innovation. Hence Ibn Taymiyah said:

Because of the killing of al-Husayn (may Allaah be pleased with him), shaytaan caused the people to introduce two innovations: the innovation of mourning and wailing on the day of ‘Ashoora’, by slapping the cheeks, weeping, and reciting eulogies. … and the innovation of rejoicing and celebrating. … So some introduced mourning and others introduced celebration, so they regarded the day of ‘Ashoora’ as a day for wearing kohl, doing ghusl, spending on the family and making special foods. … And every innovation is a going astray. None of the four imams of the Muslims or any other (scholars) regarded either of these things as mustahabb. End quote from Minhaaj al-Sunnah (4/554).

It should be noted that these reprehensible actions are encouraged by the enemies of Islam, so that they can achieve their evil aims of distorting the image of Islam and its followers. Concerning this Moosa al-Musawi said in his book al-Shi’ah wa’l-Tas-heeh:

But there can be no doubt that striking heads with swords and cutting the head in mourning for al-Husayn on the tenth day of Muharram reached Iran and Iraq and India during the British occupation of those lands. The British are the ones who exploited the ignorance and naiveté of the Shi’ah and their deep love for Imam al-Husayn, and taught them to strike their heads with swords. Until recently the British embassies in Tehran and Baghdad sponsored the Husayni parades in which this ugly spectacle appears in the streets and alleyways. The aim of the British imperialist policy of developing this ugly spectacle and exploiting it in the worst manner was to give an acceptable justification to the British people and the free press that opposed British colonialism in India and other Muslim countries, and to show the peoples of these countries as savages who needed someone to save them from their ignorance and savagery. Images of the parades that marched in the streets on the day of ‘Ashoora’, in which thousands of people were striking their backs with chains and making them bleed, and striking their heads with daggers and swords, appeared in British and European newspapers, and the politicians justified their colonization of these countries on the basis of a humane duty to colonize the lands of these people whose culture was like that so as to lead these peoples towards civility and progress. It was said that when Yaseen al-Haashimi, the Iraqi Prime Minister at the time of the British occupation of Iraq, visited London to negotiate with the British for an end to the Mandate, the British said to him: We are in Iraq to help the Iraqi people to make progress and attain happiness, and bring them out of savagery. This angered Yaseen al-Haashimi and he angrily walked out of the room where the negotiations were being held, but the British apologized politely and asked him with all respect to watch a documentary about Iraq, which turned out to be a film about the Husayni marches in the streets of al-Najaf, Karbala’ and al-Kaazimiyyah, showing horrific and off-putting images of people striking themselves with daggers and chains. It is as if the British wanted to tell him: Would an educated people with even a little civility do such things to themselves?

And Allaah knows best. May Allah keep guiding us all and protect us from any deviation. آمِيْن يَارَبَّ الْعَالَمِينْ

Speech is a reflection of the character of a person and says much about who we are. It is an extension of what is in the heart.

Our beloved Prophet (Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was an example of the best speech and character. Nabi never shouted, or used vulgar language. He was not abusive to anyone and spoke with dignity and integrity.

Regrettably, today, people speak loosely to their parents, teachers, elders, spouses, employees, students and fellow humans. Shouting, screaming, harshness and vulgarity has become common. Some make derogatory and racial statements about others, sometimes publicly.

More dangerous and problematic is when people publicly make irresponsible and derogatory remarks about fellow Muslims. This is contrary to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah and serves to sow division in the Ummah.

The Noble Qur’an warns us not to label people and to avoid causing hurt and offense to others. In Surah Hujurat, the Qur’an advises us, Do not ridicule people - Do not insult one another - Do not label each other with offensive names - Do not backbite about each other.

Abu Hurayrah (R) narrates that Rasulullah (Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the last day, should speak only that which is good or remain silent.” (Sahih Bukhari)

These are the beautiful teachings of Islam that serve to create harmony and cohesion in a community.

Ali radiyallāhu anhu mentioned in a hadeeth that he frequently had pre-seminal fluid emissions (كنت رجلا مذاء) or what the young generation know as pre-cum (slang). He used to take a ritual bath (ghusl) whenever he had it because he thought the ruling was the same with the emission of semen (Sheikh Abdullah Ibn Abdulrahmān Al-Bassām mentioned this in his sharh of Umdatul ahkām). He (Ali) was ashamed to ask the Rasul the ruling on pre-seminal fluid because (as mentioned by Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen) emission of pre-seminal fluid is related to urges and the private parts. Ali was both the prophet's Nephew and Son-in-law, and thus he felt ashamed to mention such issue to the Rasul.

Instead he sent Miqdād Ibn Al-Aswad to ask the Rasul, and he was told (by the Rasul) to (only) wash his private part, and then perform ablution (i.e preseminal fluid nullifies ablution).

One may say that first paragraph was an overkill. Why go to that extent to discuss a topic like urges? In my defence I will say, I needed to get two points out as a form of introduction:

●Urges are normal occurrences among healthy humans. In fact the chaste and spiritually conscious are more likely to feel sexual urges because they do not seek unlawful means to satisfy their sexual needs, so there is a chance of accumulation.

●The intensity varies among humans. Some have negligible urges. Others have normal urges that come and go. Some others have urges so severe they are difficult to control. Then there are the Nymphomaniacs (and Satyromaniacs).

Perhaps one of the most trying aspects of puberty is handling urges, and people's choices at such a delicate period has left a life long mark on some. Like we have always mentioned, the human sexual biology is designed towards procreation, and once your body senses that you are ready it recruits a cocktail of actions and hormones, many beyond your immediate control, to push you towards the one thing that will ensure the continuity of human existence - sex.

From the development of masculine and feminine features at puberty that will be considered sexually arousing and attractive, to the menarche, nocturnal emitions (wet dreams), early morning erections and the others that may come unannounced, pre-seminal emissions and 'wetness' (in women) that mess up underwears (teenagers at puberty without proper counseling have been known to go to lengths to hide these things from parents and siblings). All these are meant for just one purpose, to drive a man to have sex with a woman, get her pregnant and produce offsprings. The pleasure you chose to derive from the process is entirely at your discretion. Nature's major concern is that you are 'pushed' to shoot shots, that find good 'nets' and become 'goals'.

Now you see that urges are normal human feelings, and there is nothing sinful about having them. What you do with them is what determines what side of the scale your actions will be recorded. However some urges can be extremely difficult to handle, and it is ignorance of this fact that makes parents delay marriage of their children (daughters especially). There are persons that if they don't get married at a certain age, it will take a miracle for them not to commit Zina. That's why any society that has too many unmarried adults will most definitely have cases of promiscuity in abundance. You can't cheat nature, and there is a limit to how much even fasting can help curtail urges.

Crazy urges seem to have a mind of their own. It wil feel like your head wants to go North but your body wants to go South. This is what Allāh has commanded, but.....but...but...damn, it's so overwhelming to resist. Why not just a taste, just once....then just another....then another...boom, you have joined the bandwagon of people who satisfy their urges with the harām.

What can you do?
1. Fear Allāh.
The fear of Allāh may not automatically guarantee you won't falter and sin, but the extent of the fear determines how much resistance you can put up against the roaring inferno of urge inside. More importantly, piety is not the perfection many struggle to depict in public. Piety is something that exists between a slave and His Lord, in public and in secret!

2. Learn self restrain.
Do not be someone who naturally gives in to his desires without a fight. Be the master of your body not a slave to it. Be able to say no to the longings of your loins. This requires a lot of discipline. If children can be taught discipline to refuse sweets from strangers despite their love for it, adults can teach themselves to resist the temptation to fulfill their urges in unlawful means despite their longing for it.

3. Marry as early as you can.
This is the only workable solution, although the first two points need to be present otherwise marriage will solve nothing. Irrespective of what the society now makes of it, Islam 'encourages' people to get married early. This will considerably shorten the duration a person has to spend suppressing urges that threaten to consume him.

4. Avoid free mixing with the opposit gender.
A woman can get so aroused that all it will take to tip her over to a point of sexual recklessness is a touch on her skin from a male. Some women get super aroused by simply being in close proximity with males, perceiving the signature masculine scent, listening to their voices or even just looking at their exposed physique. Free mixing may have become such a norm that some people have adapted to it, their urges have been numbed from over excitement after repeated exposures, yet it still portends a danger to young, inexperienced teenagers and those who are struggling to keep their chastity in the world of today. It is safer to limit your interactions with the opposite sex to only what is necessary. I did not bother mentioning those of men because they are more known.

5. Know that those unlawful alternatives you have fashioned out for satisfying your urges - masturbation, pornography, non penetrative sexual activities, etc- , besides being a sin against Allāh, quenches nothing. They are just temporary reliefs, and the urge returns once you stop. That is why you have to keep consuming more till you get addicted, which is when things take a turn for the worse.

6. Keep the company of the pious, and avoid materials that trigger sexual thoughts.
If you keep friends that are always discussing butts, boobs, size and other sexual inanities, you obviously will think more often of sex. Keep friends that remind you of keeping your duties to Allāh. Avoid materials, video and print, that have sexual connotations. These are triggers that will make your resolve harder to keep.

7. Fill your time with beneficial activities that give you less time to think of sex. An iddle mind is the devils workshop.

8. Pray.

Ask Allāh to help you guard your chastity.

May Allāh ease our affairs.

advocatejare:
Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala said:

فَلَآ أُقْسِمُ بِرَبِّ الْمَشٰرِقِ وَالْمَغٰرِبِ إِنَّا لَقٰدِرُونَ
"So I swear by the Lord of risings and settings that indeed We are able"
(QS. Al-Ma'aarij 70: Verse 40)


Who is the Lord of risings and settings that Allah was swearing with?

Praise be to Allah.

It is obligatory to read Qur’aan with the letters with which Allaah has revealed it, with sound Arabic pronunciation, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And truly, this (the Qur’aan) is a revelation from the Lord of the ‘Aalameen(mankind, jinn and all that exists),

193. Which the trustworthy Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] has brought down

194. Upon your heart (O Muhammad) that you may be (one) of the warners,

195. In the plain Arabic language”

[al-Shu’ara 26:192-195]

“Verily, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’aan in order that you may understand” [Yoosuf 12:2]

It is not permissible for anyone to deliberately change any letter of it when he is able to pronounce it correctly. This is a kind of mistake which is a sin.

If a person finds it difficult to pronounce the letters correctly – such as people in whose language some of the Arabic letters, such as tha’, dhal and kha’ do not exist – they have to try to learn the correct pronunciation, but if they are unable to master it then they are excused, but their example should not be followed, and they should be called upon to strive their hardest to learn and correct their pronunciation. And none of them should lead the prayer, unless he is leading others like him who cannot pronounce well either.

Ibn al-Jazari (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Whoever is able to read the words of Allaah with correct Arabic pronunciation but he deliberately pronounces it incorrectly like a non-Arab, out of arrogance, stubbornness and complacency, or because he is too proud to go to a scholar who could help him to correct his pronunciation, is undoubtedly falling short and sinning and being dishonest. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Religion is sincerity: to Allaah, to His Book, to His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk.”

But if a person’s tongue will not obey him or he cannot find someone to teach him the correct pronunciation, then Allaah does not burden any soul beyond its scope.

End quote from al-Nashr fi’l-Qiraa’aat al-‘Ashr, 1/299

It should be noted that Allaah has made it easy to memorize and recite Qur’aan, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And We have indeed made the Qur’aan easy to understand and remember; then is there any one who will remember (or receive admonition)?” [al-Qamar 54:17]

Hence we see many of our brothers in the countries referred to who are able to pronounce the letters perfectly, better than many of their Arab brothers. So you should strive to learn the correct pronunciation and recite Qur’aan with proper Tajweed, and not despair or give up.

And Allaah is the Source of strength.

Living in harmony is important for a stable society. The Noble Quran encourages believers to unite their ranks and work towards mutual harmony.

Allah Ta'ala calls on Muslims in the following verses to reconcile with each other:

“Verily the believers are brothers, so reconcile between your brothers.” (Surah Hujarat – Verse 10)

“There is no good in most of their secret consultations (due to their sinful nature) except in him who enjoins charity, a good deed or reconciliation between people …” (Surah Nisa – Verse 114)

“So, fear Allah and reform your relationships …” (Surah Anfaal – Verse 1)

When two Muslim individuals, families, or groups break ties or behave acrimoniously towards each other, then it is the duty of Muslims to attempt reconciliation between the disputing parties. There is great merit in reconciliation, as it prevents a host of evils which surface as a result of discord. Unresolved disputes, friction and acrimony lead to deadly spiritual maladies of jealousy, enmity, malice, rancour, vengeance and many other evils.

One harm of unresolved discord and disunity in families is that future generations may continue this legacy of disunity, based on the unresolved disputes of their elders.

Abu Darda (R) narrates that Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) asked the Sahabah (R), “Should I not inform you of an action that is more superior than (Nafl) Salah, (Nafl) fasting and (Nafl) charity?” The Sahabah (R) replied, “Surely, O Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).” Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Reconciling between two parties…” (Abu Dawood)

Note: Attempting to reconcile between two parties is more superior to optional Salah, fasting and charity due to the benefits attributed to this action.
Let us work on uniting people and strive to remove disunity and discord.

First established in the year 622 AD, the Islamic calendar consists of 12 lunar months, totaling 354 or 355 days per year.

In most countries, the calendar’s main use is now in determining the dates of religious events, such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the holy month of Ramadan. However, several countries, such as Saudi Arabia, use it as an official calendar.


The Hijra

The first year of the Islamic calendar marks the “Hijra” (migration) of Islam’s prophet Muhammad in 622 AD from his birthtown, Mecca, to Yathrib, currently called Medina.

The event holds special significance for Muslims, as it was after Hijra that Islam gained many followers.

According to Muslim tradition, Prophet Muhammad fled Mecca after God warned him of an assassination plot against him. The prophet only told his closest companions, Abu Bakr and Ali, of his plan to escape.

After a miraculous nocturnal escape from the tribe of Quraysh, Prophet Muhammad and his companion Abu Bakr hid in a cave outside Mecca. With a bounty on his head, the prophet stayed in the cave for three days before resuming his journey to Yathrib.

After the Hijra, Prophet Muhammad gained more supporters and Islam began to expand on a large scale in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as in Persia and Africa.

Pre-Islamic calendar
Muslims began using the Islamic calendar in the 17th year after the Hijra, approximately seven years after Prophet Muhammad died.

Prior to the establishment of the Islamic calendar, Muslims used a lunar calendar, with similar month appellations as the Islamic one. However, they did not numerically track years and only referenced them based on the occurrence of major events.


The most famous example of the years’ names is “A’am al-Fil” (The year of the elephant), which coincided with 571 AD and is commonly known as Prophet Muhammad’s birth year.

The year’s name derives from the story, mentioned in the Quran, of Abraha, a Christian ruler of Yemen. He marched upon Mecca with a large army, including war elephants, intending to demolish the Kaabah—Islam’s most sacred site.

However, according to the story, the elephants refused to destroy the holy site and a flock of birds dropped clay stones on the army to protect Mecca.

Establishment of the Islamic calendar

Muslims established the Islamic calendar under the reign of the second Muslim Caliph, Umar Ibn al-Khattab. The main reason behind the establishment of the calendar was the unprecedented expansion of the Islamic Caliphate, pushing Muslims to adopt a unified calendar for counting years.

Caliph Umar Ibn al-Khattab suggested the adoption of the Hijra as the start of the Islamic calendar, which all the prophet’s companions approved.

Another suggestion for the beginning of the Islamic calendar was the year Prophet Muhammad received his first revelations, in approximately 610 AD. However, the companions preferred the first option because the Hijra represented the actual birth of an Islamic nation.

When establishing the Islamic calendar, the companions had different opinions about what the first month should be. Many suggested the month of Safar, as it was the month when Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Yathrib.

In the end, they agreed on the month of Muharram because it comes right after the Hajj season—one of the most important annual rituals for Muslims.

Difference with the Gregorian calendar

Hijri years are 354 days, eight hours, and 48 minutes long—the duration it takes the moon to circle the Earth 12 times. This makes the Islamic calendar 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar.

The difference in duration makes the Islamic and Gregorian calendars unsynchronized. The two calendars mark a new year on approximately the same day only once every 33 years.

The difference also gradually pushes the Islamic calendar closer to the Gregorian calendar year-wise. While 622 years separated the two calendars at the establishment of the Islamic calendar, today, only 578 years separate them.

Through its over 14 centuries of existence, the Islamic calendar has documented wars and truces, births and deaths, and celebrations and mournings across the Muslim world. Today, in a multicultural context, it coexists with the civil calendar and connects Muslims with their eventful history and most sacred rituals.

Rashduct4luv:
May Allah grant us istiqama (patience and steadfastness) like the best of those pious predecessors.

Aamin.

Among the most compelling contemporary challenges, are the alarmingly increasing temptations to compromise on one’s basic beliefs.

When a person loses focus of what is important in his/her life, then selling off the most valuable asset becomes easy. In so doing, he/she is the biggest loser.

In a Hadith of Sahih Muslim, Rasulullah (ﷺ) warned the ummah of a time when people would put their worldly aspirations ahead of their religious obligations.

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) reports that Rasulullah (ﷺ) said:

‘Be quick in increasing your good deeds, before such trials arrive, in which a person who was a believer in the morning will become a kafir (non-believer) by the evening, or he who was a believer in the evening would become a non-believer by the morning; because of him selling his din (religion) in exchange of the acquisitions of the world.’ (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 309)

The different forms

‘Selling one’s religion has two forms’, says the Grand Mufti; Muhammad Rafi’ ‘Uthmani (may Allah protect him):

‘Formally renouncing one’s religion for another because of the temptation of wealth etc.
To forgo/compromise a deed of Islam in exchange of worldly gain. Such a person doesn’t necessarily become a non-believer, but he is guilty of a very serious sin.’ (Dars Muslim, vol.1 pg.402)
This Hadith is actually a diagnosis of the current state of the world. This epidemic has engulfed all facets of society, the learned and the layman.

When a man’s priority is his worldly assets, then to compromise on his religion is not considered serious anymore! The increasing number of such opportunities is scary.

For this reason, we find it has become so easy for people to say (or do) the wrong just to satisfy certain individuals, or merely to attain particular positions/possessions etc. We may not realise it, but this is actually a form of ‘selling one’s religion’.

These are people who were actually given a subtle choice; either stick to your religious practice and be deprived of the worldly gain that’s on offer, or vice-versa. Those who choose wisely will not regret their decision.

One should be scared at the thought of being in such a situation, for very few in these days will pass the test! May Allah Exalted and High save me and all from such trials. Amin.

Allah Most High says regarding those who chose unwisely:

‘Those are the ones who have purchased misguidance in exchange of guidance. Their trade was not profitable, and neither were they guided.Their example is like that of a person who lights a fire. When it brightens his surroundings, Allah removes their light and leaves them in darkness, unable to see.’ (Surah: 2, Ayah: 16-17)

A Lesson from History

There are countless inspirational anecdotes on the subject, of which I chose to quote the following only:

Imam ‘Affan ibn Muslim As-Saffar (رحمه الله) was a reliable Muhaddith (Hadith Master) but he possessed little of this world.

His condition was so dire, that he once had to ask his associate; Imam ‘Amr Al-Fallas (رحمه الله) for some food as he had nothing to feed his household; who numbered close to forty!

When this illustrious Imam was asked to support the innovated view of the then leader regarding the Holy Quran, he refused. He was threatened that his monthly pension from the public treasury –which was a hundred silver coins-, would be withheld.

He responded by reciting the verse:

‘And in the sky is your sustenance and whatever you are promised’ (Surah: 51, Ayah: 22)

When he returned home, his family (who were nearly 40 in number) reproached him for this.

A few moments later, he heard a knock on the door. It was a person who seemed to be a hard labourer that had come to hand him a bag of one hundred silver coins saying:

‘O Abu ‘Uthman! May Allah preserve you like you preserved the din (religion). I will be giving this to you every month.’ (Adabul ikhtilaf of Al-Muhaddith Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah, pg.105)

Moral

Those who value their religion are actually valued by their creator.

Who forsakes his religion in any way, may be forsaken by his Creator when he needs Him the most.

History is filled with proofs for both of the above.

We ask Allah Most High to save us from such trials, but in the event that they cannot be avoided, may He inspire us with the strength to withstand the temptations of this world, especially when it results in serious damage to our din.

Question:
Does throwing grains of corn conform with Islam after prayers?

Answer
All praise belongs to Allah.

He asked that after we have supplicated, can we throw corn or guinea corn — like (what they call) "garri adua"? This is not part of Islam. It is not part of Islam. It is the person that does it that you will ask where he found it. You know we do not instruct you to do it. So, it is the person who does that you will ask where he found it. It is not part of Islam.

What Allah says is: "O you who believe! Do your duty to Allah and fear Him. Seek the means of approach to Him, and strive hard in His Cause as much as you can. So that you may be successful." (Surah Al-Maeda, Verse 35

As regard implementing this verse, you may have given something out in charity (before making supplication) or you may first observe fast or first give alms to the poor, then you will now supplicate that "O Allah, consider these good deeds that I have done, do this specific thing for me".

This is what conforms with the Sunnah of the prophet — may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. We call that "At-tawasul bi-Ala'mmal solihat" — using our good deeds as a means to approach Allah.

So it is not that after supplication, you will now start throwing maize. We are Muslims. So there are lot of laws and evidences. We will not just innovate lies with our brains.

Praise be to Allah.

In order for wudoo’ to be valid, it is essential to remove anything that will prevent the water from reaching the skin, whether it is lipstick or anything else. But if the colour or trace of it is left, even if the water touches the skin and runs off it without sticking, then wudoo’ is valid.

Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (1/492):

If there is wax, dough, henna and the like on one of his limbs, which prevents water from reaching any part of it, then his tahaarah is not valid, whether the amount is large or small. If there are traces of henna and its colour left on the hand, without there being any solid material left, or elsewhere, or traces of liquid grease whereby water flows over the limb but does not stay there, his tahaarah is valid. End quote.

Based on this, you should remove the lipstick before you do wudoo’, so that there will be nothing left that could prevent the water from reaching the skin, but if the colour or a trace of grease is left, that does not matter.

And Allaah knows best.