October 29, 2011
Hajj / Makkah and Medina Pilgrimage Guide Video (Urdu) Part 3
This a Hajj / Umra Documentary providing guidance to the pilgrims going on their journey to Makkah and Medina. It is in Urdu language. It is a step by step guide providing details of the Hajj religious rituals, history of the Holyland and Duas. It comes in 6 parts.
Hajj / Makkah and Medina Pilgrimage Guide Video (Urdu) Part 2)
This a Hajj / Umra Documentary providing guidance to the pilgrims going on their journey to Makkah and Medina. It is in Urdu language. It is a step by step guide providing details of the Hajj religious rituals, history of the Holyland and Duas. It comes in 6 parts.
If you wish to download the video files in WMV format. With request for prayers, if any one of you in fortune to goes on hajj or umra.
Hajj (Arafat) orignal Labiak
Hajj (Arafat) orignal Labiak
"Labbaika Allahumma, Labbaik, Labbaika laa shareeka laka labbaik. Innal-Hamda wanni'mata laka wal mulk La shareeka lak".
Which means: Here I am, O Allah, here I am, there is no partner for you, Here I am! Surely, all praise and blessings are for you and dominion is Yours. There is no partner for you.
"Labbaika Allahumma, Labbaik, Labbaika laa shareeka laka labbaik. Innal-Hamda wanni'mata laka wal mulk La shareeka lak".
Which means: Here I am, O Allah, here I am, there is no partner for you, Here I am! Surely, all praise and blessings are for you and dominion is Yours. There is no partner for you.
October 28, 2011
Agaya Hajj Ka Mahina- Mohammed Ali Soharwardi
Agaya Hajj Ka Mahina- Mohammed Ali Soharwardi
Hazrat Jibrail [Alayh Salam] once came to Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم and said "Allah Almighty has given me the knowledge to count every leaf on earth, every fish in the sea, every star in the sky and every particle of sand on earth, but there's only one thing I cant count." Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked "What is it?", Jibrail(A.S) replied, "When one of Your (PBUH) )Ummati recites Durood or Salaams to You (PBUH), the blessings Allah Almighty showers upon him become impossible for me to count." SubhanAllah
Sayyiduna Abu Dardah ( Razi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu ) reported: the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, "Whoever recites durood on Me in the morning
ten times and in the evening ten times, for him shall be My intercession on the day of Qiyamah."
"By Him in whose Hands My life is, none of you will have faith till he loves Me more than his father and children."
-- Prophet Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم ), narrated by Abu Huraira (RaziAllahu Anhu)
Sayyiduna Abu Dardah ( Razi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu ) reported: the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, "Whoever recites durood on Me in the morning
ten times and in the evening ten times, for him shall be My intercession on the day of Qiyamah."
"By Him in whose Hands My life is, none of you will have faith till he loves Me more than his father and children."
-- Prophet Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم ), narrated by Abu Huraira (RaziAllahu Anhu)
Hajj Introduction
Hajj
Introduction
Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam. Hajj was made obligatory in the 9th year of Hijra. The Holy Prophet sent off 300 Muslims under the leadership of Hazrat Abubakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) to Mecca so that they could perform Hajj. That was the year when it was banned for the Mushrikeen (those who associate partners with Allah) to enter Ka’ba. It was also made unlawful to perform Tawaaf (circling of Ka’ba) with naked body.
Introduction
Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam. Hajj was made obligatory in the 9th year of Hijra. The Holy Prophet sent off 300 Muslims under the leadership of Hazrat Abubakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) to Mecca so that they could perform Hajj. That was the year when it was banned for the Mushrikeen (those who associate partners with Allah) to enter Ka’ba. It was also made unlawful to perform Tawaaf (circling of Ka’ba) with naked body.
The following year, 10th Hijra, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) announced a head of time he himself would perform Hajj that year. He led tens of thousands of Muslims to Hajj that year and demonstrated to Muslims how to perform all the rites and rituals of the Hajj. This Hajj is known in history as Hajjatul Wida’ or Farewell Pilgrimage because this proved to be the last Hajj the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) performed. At the end of this farewell pilgrimage, the divine revelation that had started some 22 years ago came to an end with the following verse of Surah Al-Maidah:
“This day have I completed My commandments for you, and have brought to its fullness the favor that I have bestowed upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion”
Hajj is an act of worship just like Salat (five daily prayers) and Sawm (fasting in the month of Ramadan). Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca in the last month of Muslim calendar and worship Allah. Hajj is a special worship that lasts for several days. This is an occasion that brings Muslims of all countries, colors, and races to one place – the Ka’ba. This is a unique opportunity of worshipping Allah collectively in a large gathering at one place.
Significance & Philosophy of hajj
Every nation and society has a center of unity where they get together to worship God. They see prosperity and culture as relics of unity. People of the society get to know each other and understand each other’s difficulties. They form a unified front to remove these difficulties and achieve their goals. Allah says in the Holy Quran: “And to every people We appointed rites of sacrifice, that they might mention the name of Allah…” (22:34)
With this idea, Hajj has been made a pinnacle of worship in order that Muslims who gather to perform Hajj can praise their Lord and Master, be thankful for His blessings, and humbly pray to Him for the removal of their difficulties. Muslims living in various parts of the world get to know each other, lay the foundation of social culture, give advice to each other, and provide opportunity for collective struggle.
Upon Whom Is It Obligatory To Perform Hajj
An adult Muslim of a sane mind, an able body and having means to bear the expenses must perform this act of worship once in his/her lifetime. There should be peace on the way to Mecca and there should be no hindrance or restriction in traveling to Mecca. Hajj is not obligatory for children, the sick, and those who are unable to bear the expenses for Hajj.
What are the Timings of Hajj (Pilgrimage)
There are specific months for performing the Hajj and are called “Months of Pilgrimage.” These three Islamic months are Shawwal, Ze-Qa’d and Dul-Hajj. During these three “Months of Hajj”, one prepares for the pilgrimage, attains good morals, and completes other physical conditions for the pilgrimage. All the essential duties of the pilgrimage have to be completed between 8th and the 13th day of Dul-Hajj. Additional tawaaf (circling around the Ka’ba), however, may be performed until the end of the month of Dul-Hajj.
“This day have I completed My commandments for you, and have brought to its fullness the favor that I have bestowed upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion”
Hajj is an act of worship just like Salat (five daily prayers) and Sawm (fasting in the month of Ramadan). Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca in the last month of Muslim calendar and worship Allah. Hajj is a special worship that lasts for several days. This is an occasion that brings Muslims of all countries, colors, and races to one place – the Ka’ba. This is a unique opportunity of worshipping Allah collectively in a large gathering at one place.
Significance & Philosophy of hajj
Every nation and society has a center of unity where they get together to worship God. They see prosperity and culture as relics of unity. People of the society get to know each other and understand each other’s difficulties. They form a unified front to remove these difficulties and achieve their goals. Allah says in the Holy Quran: “And to every people We appointed rites of sacrifice, that they might mention the name of Allah…” (22:34)
With this idea, Hajj has been made a pinnacle of worship in order that Muslims who gather to perform Hajj can praise their Lord and Master, be thankful for His blessings, and humbly pray to Him for the removal of their difficulties. Muslims living in various parts of the world get to know each other, lay the foundation of social culture, give advice to each other, and provide opportunity for collective struggle.
Upon Whom Is It Obligatory To Perform Hajj
An adult Muslim of a sane mind, an able body and having means to bear the expenses must perform this act of worship once in his/her lifetime. There should be peace on the way to Mecca and there should be no hindrance or restriction in traveling to Mecca. Hajj is not obligatory for children, the sick, and those who are unable to bear the expenses for Hajj.
What are the Timings of Hajj (Pilgrimage)
There are specific months for performing the Hajj and are called “Months of Pilgrimage.” These three Islamic months are Shawwal, Ze-Qa’d and Dul-Hajj. During these three “Months of Hajj”, one prepares for the pilgrimage, attains good morals, and completes other physical conditions for the pilgrimage. All the essential duties of the pilgrimage have to be completed between 8th and the 13th day of Dul-Hajj. Additional tawaaf (circling around the Ka’ba), however, may be performed until the end of the month of Dul-Hajj.
THE MESSAGE, A movie On The Life Of Holy Prophet Mohammed(P.B.U.H)
A movie On The Life Of Holy Prophet Mohammed(P.B.U.H)
The Messenger and Prophet Muhammad Praise and Peace upon him Message
The Messenger and Prophet Muhammad Praise and Peace upon him Message
muhammadislammuslimmuslimsquranhadithjihadprophetmessager
muhammadislammuslimmuslimsquranhadithjihadprophetmessager
October 26, 2011
Shirk and Other Sins that Lead Us Away from Islam
Shirk (Associating Partners with Allah)
Islâm is the only Religion that teaches pure and absolute monotheism. Both the Qur’ân and the Sunnah stress the oneness of Allâh the Almighty. It is our obligation to know the Truth that Allâh is One, Who Alone deserves true worship, so that we can refrain ourselves from associating partners with Him. Our Only Creator not only commands us to worship Him but also wants mankind to know the Truth that He has no partner. Therefore, we should not associate partners with Him. Allâh the Almighty says:
“O mankind! Worship your Guardian Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer), Who created you and those who came before you that you may become righteous; Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith fruits for your sustenance; then set not up rivals unto Allâh when you know (the truth).” (2:21-22)
“Serve Allâh and join not any partners with Him: and do good to parents, kinsfolk orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet) and what your right hands possess: for Allâh loves not the arrogant the vainglorious.” (4:36)
In a long Hâdîth compiled by Imam Bukhâri the Prophet (pbuh, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) asked a group of people regarding knowing the meaning of the belief in the oneness of Allâh:
“Do you know what is meant by believing in Allâh Alone?” They replied, “Allâh and His Messenger know better.” Thereupon the Prophet (pbuh) said, “It means: 1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allâh; 2. to offer prayers perfectly; 3. to pay the zakat (obligatory charity); 4. to observe fast during the month of Ramadan; and 5. to pay Al-Kumus (one fifth of the booty to be given in Allâh’s Cause).” (Bukhâri 1/50)
It is for the guidance of the non-Muslims that they should believe in the absolute Oneness of Allâh the Exalted. Otherwise, Allâh will never guide them to the Right Path, which is Islâm that leads the Believers to eternal happiness in Paradise. All their good deeds will be in vain if they continue associating partners with Allâh and join others in worship with Him. Allâh the Most High says:
“This is the Guidance of Allâh. He gives that guidance to whom He pleases, of His servants. But if they were to join other gods with Him, all that they did would be vain for them.” (6:88)
“And indeed it has been revealed to you (O Muhammad), as it was to those (Allâh’s Messengers) before you: ‘If you join others in worship with Allâh, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers.’” (39:65)
For their own salvation, they must believe that indeed Allâh the Most High is One God and that they must refrain from committing shirk (associating partners with Allâh). Allâh our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) makes it very clear that shirk is a very great sin that deserves eternal punishment in the Hell-Fire:
“ ... Allâh forgives not that partners should be set up with him; but He forgives anything else, to whom He pleases; to set up partners with Allâh is to devise a sin most heinous indeed.” (4:47- 48)
‘Abdullâh ibn Mas‘ûd (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allâh’s Messenger (pbuh) said, “Anyone who dies worshipping others along with Allâh will definitely enter the Fire.” I said, “Anyone who dies worshipping none along with Allâh will definitely enter Paradise.” (Bukhâri 2/330, 6/24 and Muslim 168)
Aside from Shirk, Allah and His Messenger (pbuh) warn us of other major sins that lead us out of the fold of Islam. Some of these major sins are as follows:
Loving others and the world above Allah and His Messenger (pbuh):
"They love them as they love Allah. But those who believe, love Allah more. If only, those who do wrong could see, when they will see the torment, that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is Severe in punishment.” ( 2:165)
"Say (to them O Muhammad): 'If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, your possessions that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear may slacken, and dwellings you love, if these are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), and to struggle in His Way, then wait until Allah brings about His Command (Punishment). And Allah guides not the people who are all fasiqun (rebellious and disobedient to Allah).'" (9:24)
"Whosoever desires the life of the world and its glitter, to them We shall pay in full their deeds therein, and they will have no diminution therein. They are those for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but Fire and vain are their deeds they did therein. And of no effect is that which they used to do.” (11:15-16)
Taking the enemies of Allah (the disbelievers and the polytheists) as friends and/or supporters:
“Let not the believers take disbelievers for their auliya (friends or supporters) in preference to believers. Whoever does this has no connection with Allah unless you are guarding yourselves against them as a precaution. Allah bids you to beware (only) of Himself. And to Allah is the Final return.” (3:28)
“ O you who believe! Take not My enemies and your enemies (disbelievers and polytheists) as friends, showing affection towards them, while they have disbelieved in what has come to you of the Truth and have driven out the Messenger and yourselves (from your homeland) because you believe in Allah your Rabb. If you have come forth to strive in My cause and to seek My Good Pleasure, (then take not these disbelievers and polytheists as your friends). You show friendship to them in secret, while I am All-Aware of what you conceal and what you reveal. And whosoever of you (Muslims) does that, then indeed he has gone (far) astray from the Straight Path. (60:1)
“Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them, for Allah loves those who are just. Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection). And whoever will befriend them, then such are the wrong doers.” ( 60:8-9)
Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is ) the Messenger of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets, and Allah has full knowledge of all things.” (Qur'an, 33: 40)
Those who disbelieve in the above Qur'anic Ayah about Prophet Muhammad as the Seal (Final) Prophet and believe in men who claim to be "prophets" are disbelievers. We must believe the above clear Qur'anic Ayah about the finality of the prophethood because Allah has commanded us to believe the Qur'an, the whole of it; otherwise, we become disbelievers:
“. . . Then is it only a part of the Book that you believe in. And do you reject the rest? But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life? And on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous chastisement for Allâh is not unmindful of what you do. These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter: their chastisement shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped.” (2:85-86)
Denying the Sunnah by believing that Islam is only the Qur'an:"
Say (O Muhammad to mankind): 'If you (really) love Allâh then follow me (i.e. accept Islâmic Monotheism, follow the Qur’ªn and the Sunnah), Allâh will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.' Say (O Muhammad): 'Obey Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad).' But if they turn away, then Allâh does not like the disbelievers." (3: 31)
"And whoever opposes the Messenger after the guidance has been manifested unto him, and follows other than the believers' way, We appoint for him that unto which he has turned, and expose him unto hell--a hapless journey's end!" ( 4:115)
"O mankind! Verily, there has come to you the Messenger (Muhammad) with the truth from your Rabb (Sustainer). So believe in him, it is better for you. But if you disbelieve, then certainly to Allâh belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. And Allâh is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise." ( 4: 170)". . . So let those who go against his (the Prophet) command beware, lest a trial befall them, or there befall them a painful chastisement." (24:63)
“And those who believe in Allah and His messengers they are the Truthful and the martyrs in the eyes of their Rabb (only God and Sustainer). They shall have their Reward and their Light. But those who reject Allah and deny Our Signs, they are the Companions of Hell-Fire.” (57:19)
Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said, “By Him in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, he amongst the community of Jews or Christians hears about me; but does not affirm his belief in that with which I have been sent (i.e., Islam) and dies in his state (of disbelief), he shall be but one of the denizens of Hell-Fire.” (Muslim 1/ 284)
Judging other than the Shari'ah (Allah's Law Based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah and the right deduction from these two Revealed Sources): are some who take (for worship) others beside Allah
“But those who disobey Allah and His Messenger and transgress His limits will be admitted to a Fire, to abide therein. And they shall have a humiliating punishment.” (4:14)
"... And if any fail to judge by what Allah has revealed, they are wrongdoers.” (5:45)
"It is not for a believing man nor a believing women, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter, to have the choice in their affair; and whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has surely gone astray in manifest error." (33:36)
"O you who believe! Obey Allâh, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad) and render not vain your deeds." (47: 33)
“. . . Then is it only a part of the Book that you believe in. And do you reject the rest? But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life? And on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous chastisement for Allâh is not unmindful of what you do. These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter: their chastisement shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped.” (2:85-86)
Ridiculing Any Aspect of Islam
"And if you (O Muhammad) question them, they (the hypocrites) will say: "We were only talking idly and jesting." Say (to them o Muhammad), "What, then were you mocking Allah and His Signs and His Messenger. Make no excuse you have disbelieved after you have believed..." (9:65-66)
Hating Any Aspect of Islam
"That is because they hate that which Allah has sent down (Qur'an and Sunnah or the Shari'ah), so He has made their deeds in vain." (47:9)Performing and/or being Pleased with Sorcery
"The devils disbelieved, they teach people sorcery." (2:102)
Believing that one may obtain salvation by following other than the religion of Islam (or by refusing to call the infidels, like the Jews and Christians, infidels, or to doubt their unbelief, or to say their religion is still correct)
"The true religion with Allah is Islam." (3:19)
"Whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it shall not be accepted of him and in the Hereafter he shall be among the losers." (3:85)
"And they say, 'Be Jews or Christians then you shall be guided.' Say: 'Nay, rather the religion of Abraham, a man of pure faith, and he was not of idolaters.'" (2:135)
Turning away from Islam by neither learning nor acting upon its Teachings"And who does greater evil than he who is reminded of the signs of His Rabb, then turns away from them? We shall take vengeance upon the criminals." (32:22)
The above divine injunctions must serve as admonitions to all of us to refrain from committing sins that will lead us away from the True Path, Islam. The best way to do this is to learn Islam according to its authentic Sources. We need to read more of the Qur'an and the authentic Ahadith as well as Islamic books (or reading materials) based on these revealed sources of knowledge and guidance. In this way, we know the sins or unlawful beliefs and deeds that turn us away from Islam and be able to avoid them.
Increasing One’s Faith
Al-Hamdu lillaahi Rabbil 'Aalameen was-Salaalu was-Salaamu 'alaa Nabeeyanaa Muhammad wa 'alaa Aalihi wa Sahbihi wa man tabaa Sunnatihi ilaa Yawmiddeen.
Faith is indeed a blessing from Allaah 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 nonexistent. 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 i1aaha illallaah Muhammad Rasoolullaah. Eemaan has over seventy branches. The lowest or most basic branch is to remove something harmful from the path. Abu Hurayrah 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 Allaah 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 Allaah, subhaanahu wa ta'alaa, 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's level and strength of faith are based upon his attitude and approach when he fulfills this.
“Then we have given the Book (the Qur'an) 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.” (Qur’an) 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 maybe 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 Allaah and His Prophet (s.a.w.s.), but not prohibited).
3 - Saabiq bil Khayraat: This person lives as if he were in a race with others in doing that which is liked by Allaah. He does all of the obligatory deeds and, not being satisfied with this, he will strive to do more of the Nawaafil (the optional acts in the Sunnah). He will make every attempt to avoid the Makrooh acts in fear of what they may lead him to.
One may ask, is it within the capacity of man to avoid all haraam and makrooh and live his life doing only halaal, fard and naafil deeds? Yes, it is very possible. Allaah, subhaanahu wa ta’ala tells us in the Qur-aan:
“On no soul does Allaah place a burden greater than it can bear …” ( 2:286)
“O you who believe! Bow down, prostrate yourselves and adore your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) 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 …” (22: 77-78)
All actions fall into one of two categories:
1) The obligatory acts which we are asked to avoid or do for the benefit of the individual and society. If we do not perform them, we are falling into sin.
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 Eemaan 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 realize it. Kindness to parents and the poor, for example, are entrances to good deeds that are available to most everyone. And the benefits are twofold: I) 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 and closer to the Saabiq bil-Khayraat level of faith. It will help you to attain righteousness and guidance and increase your Eemaan. Even paradise has doors for the faithful, those who were of the Saabiq bil-Khayraat in their fife on earth. Abu Hurayrah related that the Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.s.) said: “...Those who engage in prayer will be invited to enter by the Gate of Prayer; those who take part in jihaad will be invited to enter by the Gate of Jihaad; those who give sadaqah will be invited to enter by the Gate of Sadaqat and those who fast will be invited to enter by the Gate of Ar-Rayyaan.” 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 all those gates?” He replied: “Yes, and I hope that you may be one.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Abu Bakr, radi Allaahu 'anhu, 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, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, 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. 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 acknowledgment that he was much less than Abu Bakr.
How does one enter these Eemaan -- 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-Eemaan (Shuab meaning parts). In stepping forth, certain approaches must be followed so that one’s effort is sincere and upon the right path.
1-Du'aa
The first of all deeds is du'aa - supplication. Due to our absorption in today's worldly life it is very important that before we perform any deed for Allaah we clear our minds of such preoccupations and direct our attention to Him. There are two kinds of du'aa: Du'aa of request for help in this life and the hereafter and du'aa of worship in which you are actually praising Allaah. We should, before setting forth to do any deed, ask Allaah to allow us to perform the deed and allow us to perform it well. A man asked the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam -- to teach him a supplication that would embody all supplications. He told him to make the following duaa:
“Allahumma a'anee'alaa dhikrika wa shukrikah wa husnibaadatik.” (“Oh Allah, Help me to remember You often, and to thank You often, and to perfect my worship of You.”) (Abu Daud and Nasai)
2-Shahaadah
The highest branch of faith - Laa i1aaha illallaah - must be fully developed within one's life. The understanding of its deep implications will have a tremendous effect in one's level of faith as well. The one who says it sincerely in his heart will be admitted into paradise. Mu'aadh bin Jabal asked the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam: “O Messenger of Allaah, tell me of an act which will take me into paradise and will keep me away from Hell-fire. He said: You have asked, me about a major matter, yet it is easy for him whom Allaah Almighty makes it easy. You should worship Allaah, associating nothing with Him; you should perform the prayers; you should pay the Zakaah; you should fast Ramadaan; 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 (which) extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire; and the praying of a man in the depths of night. Then he recited:
“Who forsake their beds to cry unto their Rabb in fear and hope and spend out of that We have bestowed on them; no soul knows what is kept hid for them of joy, as a reward for what they used to do.” (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 Allaah.” He said: “The peak of the matter is Islaam; the pillar is prayer; and its topmost part is jihaad ...” (An-Nawawi Forty Hadith)
3-Salaah
The quality of the faithful is that they perform Salaah with regularity, humility, and submissiveness (khushoo'). Allaah, subhaanahu wa ta'aalaa, tells us in the first verses of Soorat Al-Mu-minoon:
“Successful indeed are the believers; those who humble themselves in their prayers.” (23:1-2)
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “There are five prayers which Allaah has prescribed for His servants. For those who perform them properly without disrespectful omissions, there is a guarantee that Allaah will admit them to paradise. To those who do not observe them (properly), Allaah offers no such guarantee. He may punish them or he may admit them to paradise as He wills.” (Abu Daud, Nasai and Ibn Majah)
“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, 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 Allaah during prayer? Shaytaan 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 Salaah with the realization that he is preparing to face His Rabb. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “Verily Allaah faces his servant in prayer as long as he does not turn away.” (Tirmidhi) The sharh (explanation) of this hadeeth tells us that to “turn away” has two meanings:
1) The turning away of the heart so that your heart is not really present in your prayer.
2) The turning away of the eyes, looking about in distraction while praying.
The renown scholar, Ibn Al-Qaym[1], has described the different performances of Salaah in relation to khushoo' and classified people into four categories:
1- The one who offers prayer but is late in doing so, does not observe the requirements such as a proper ablution, and does not cover the 'awrah. As for the performance of the prayer itself, the pillars of the prayer are deficient, standing and prostration are not performed properly.
2- This person fulfills the physical conditions for prayer and performs the prayer as required yet is completely overcome by al-wasaawis - the whisperings of Shaytaan. His mind is completely removed from his prayer until the time for tasleem.
3- This person also offers the prayer properly and is also afflicted by al-wasaawis but he fights it and is in a constant battle.
4- This very special person is he who finds prayer an oasis. He approaches it the prerequisites perfectly before his Rabb. He may even be unaware of happenings around him due to his private meeting with Allaah.
In the first case, this person has made the attempt to fulfill his obligation to pray but is not sincere. He will be punished for the deficiencies in his prayer. In the second case, we have a person who makes sincere efforts to fulfill the prayer but is weak against Shaytaan and does not fight him. He will be rewarded for only the part of his prayer he did well as described in the hadeeth above; one half, one third, etc. As for the third category, this person is considered a mujaahid against the whisperings of Shaytaan. He will be rewarded for his sincere efforts and Allaah will direct him to righteousness. The final category is of those very rare individuals, the one we all wish to be in. They perform the prayer as the Prophets of Allaah did, removing their hearts completely from the world. They love prayer most of all. Their eyes are filled with joy and ecstasy when they perform it. There is no question of their reward and their superiority of faith.
Prayer is a very important part of one's Eemaan and plays a significant role in life. To achieve its benefits, it must be performed properly. It helps prevent one from committing evil and makes one successful in this fife as well as in the Hereafter - but only when it is performed properly, humbly and sincerely. At the time of prayer angels spread about calling man to “put out the fire (of sins)” that he is burning. (At-Tabarani)
Allaah has promised us that prayer removes sins committed between them. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Verily when a Muslim performs Wudu properly, and then observes Salaah five times a day, his sins fall off just as these leaves have fallen off. He then recited the following aayah: 'And establish regular prayers at the two ends of the day and at the approaches of the night; for those things which are good removes those things which are evil. That is a reminder for the mindful.'” (11:114) (Ahmad)
It is not possible that a Muslim who observes prayer correctly could stand before his Rabb 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, In Shaa Allaah, increase. This will make you less likely to fall into major sins.
4- Fasting:
When a Muslim fasts he does so not only through abstaining from food and drink but he also shuns bad deeds, false words, etc. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “Whoever does not give up false words and evil actions, Allaah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.” (Bukhari)
Fasting also presents many benefits other than simply fulfilling the commandments of Allaah and being rewarded for it. If you are prone to incline to or fall into sin, fasting will lessen your evil inclinations. For example, a man who is unable to marry is recommended to fast which will lessen his desires. We also know from the hadeeth, “The devils are chained during Ramadaan...” 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 with you through the year. But you should not stop once Ramadaan ends. Make fasting a habit, at least occasionally. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, consistently fasted at least three days a month. By fasting periodically you retrieve some of the spiritual uplifting that Ramadaan brings throughout the year. This is a very strong faith strengthening tool that all can apply.
5- Sadaqah:
Here we are referring to the charity you give voluntarily not the obligatory Zakaah, which you are subject to punishment if you do not give. 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, you are rewarded for having given sadaqah yourself. 'Aa-ishah related that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, 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. She further said: They (they wives of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) used to measure their hands as to who was the longest. It was the hand of Zaynab that was the longest amongst them as she used to work with her hand and spend (that income) in charity.” (Muslim) It was Zaynab bint Jahsh whose “long hand” reached out to the poor so often; not with money, but with food and other things that she had to give, that was the first of his wives to die after him.
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, 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 rind even that?” He replied: “He should help the needy who appeal for help.” They then asked: “If he cannot do 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 (the bone with very little meat on it) too insignificant a gift to give to her neighbor.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Mu'aadh bin Jabal related from the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam: “Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” (Ahmad, Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, also said: “The believer's shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his Sadaqah.” (Ahmad)
The more you are involved in giving Sadaqah, truly for the sake of Allaah, not to show off before others, the more it will encourage you to do good which will also strengthen you in faith.
Eternal Life Rewards and Punishments
Eternal Life: Rewards and Punishments
By Shadiah Hamza Sheikh, Ph. D.
3. Dying in Jihad, which also includes dying guarding soldiers fighting for Allah’s cause
4. Dying giving Da’wah (guiding) to the rulers.
5. Dying defending one’s money, women or oneself.
6. Dying in child birth.
7. Dying with a plague.
8. Reading Surah Tabarak would ease the grave trial.
By Shadiah Hamza Sheikh, Ph. D.
(Dr. Shadiah Hamza Sheikh is the Dean of the English Department, King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She is one of the Wisdom Enrichment Foundation’s International Board of Advisers. An active da’iyah, the Author has been giving Islamic lectures to women expatriates from various countries in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This brief account of the Prophet’s life is a summary of one of her public lectures, which she delivered in 1996 at the Riyadh Military Hospital Jaliat (Call and Guidance) Center for Women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.)
* * * * *
Those who believe in the oneness of Allah and His Messenger Muhammad (s.a.w.), including all obligations ordered by Islam, and do the righteous good deeds, their reward with their Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) is “Eden Paradise” -- i.e., gardens of eternity, underneath which, rivers flow, they will abide therein forever.
On the other hand those who disbelieve in the religion of Islam, the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.), from among the people of scripture (Jews and Christians) and Al-Mushrikun will abide in the fire of Hell. (Al Bayyinah 6-8)
The Good Signs of Death:
1. Dying saying “La Ilah Illa Allah” will automatically enter one Paradise.
2. Dying on a Friday “Whoever dies on a Friday, Allah prevents him from the grave trial” (Ahmed and Turmithi)3. Dying in Jihad, which also includes dying guarding soldiers fighting for Allah’s cause
4. Dying giving Da’wah (guiding) to the rulers.
5. Dying defending one’s money, women or oneself.
6. Dying in child birth.
7. Dying with a plague.
8. Reading Surah Tabarak would ease the grave trial.
Reward and punishment of a person is shown to him the minute of his death. Ibn Al Bar’a narrated a long Hadith about that, saying that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) told Assahaba: “When a pious (mu’min) is about to die, the angel of death would sit near his head, show him his place in heaven and says to his soul (O you the one in complete rest and satisfaction come back to your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer), to God’s forgiveness and Paradise.” (Al Fajr 27-28)
Angels descend with a shroud and perfume from heaven, and the angel of death, then, takes the soul puts it in the shroud and perfume and pass it to the angels to ascend with it to heaven. When they pass it to the first heaven, other angels ask: “Whose good soul is it?” They reply: “It is so and so, would you let it ascend to the next heaven?” They would not only agree, but also join them in ascending it to the higher heaven, and so on until they reach the seventh heaven, where Allah tells his angels to register the pious in illiyyun (nearest to Allah) and take his soul back to his body in his grave. The grave trial then starts.
Two stern and severe angels would ask the deceased: “Who was he worshipping, they would shout (frightening him) who is your God? What is your religion and who is your Prophet? He would answer, “Allah is my God, Islam is my religion and Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) is my Prophet.” At that time a voice from heaven would call, “Open a door in heaven for him”, and a good looking man would tell him the good news of Allah granting him paradise. Then he shows him his place in heaven. That good looking man is the person’s deeds.
As far as the Kafir (non-believer) is concerned, the same happens except the angel of death would take his soul violently and the angels in every heaven would ask: “Whose stinky soul is it?” Then the gates of heaven are never opened to him:
“Those who believe our Ayat, and treat them with arrogance, for them the gates of heaven will not be opened and they will not enter Paradise until the camel goes through the eye of the needle .” (Al A’araf 40)
Angels then take his soul back to his body and the two severe angels would squeeze him asking the same questions, and every time the deceased would not know the answer, and the grave would tighten and squeeze him until his ribs overlap. An ugly man (his bad deeds) shows him his place in hell and hits him hard on the head so hard that he becomes dust and Allah returns him as he was, then he hits him again and so on until the day of judgment.
The Inhabitants of Hell:
Hell has seven gates, every one is assigned for a specific class of sinners: “And surely Hell is the promised place for them all, it has seven gates, for each of those gates is a special class of sinners assigned.” (Al Hijr 42-43)
Its depth is so extensive that it would take a stone thrown in it 70 years for it to reach the bottom. And its fuel is evil and hard hearted people, Jinn, stones and idols that were worshipped instead of Allah.
After judgement, people will be sent to Hell or Paradise, according to their deeds. Then Allah would save those who guarded against evil.
Some of the Inhabitants of Hell:
1. Hypocrites -- “Indeed the hypocrites will be in the lowest depth of the fire “(An- Nisa:145)
2. Polytheists -- “Those who reject the truth among the people of the Book and the polytheists will be in the fire of Hell, dwelling therein forever. They are the worst creatures.” (Bayyinah: 5-6)
3. Sinners and criminals -- “Indeed the criminals will be in the punishment of Hell, dwelling therein forever. It will not be lightened for them and they will be overwhelmed there in despair. (Zukhruf:74-76)
4. Pharaoh, the wives of Lut and Nuh, Abu Lahab and his wife and Abu Talib.
5. Those who are unjust -- “It will be said to those who were unjust: taste the eternal punishment. Are you recompensed except for what you used to earn “(Tawbah:63)
6. Transgressors -- “For him who had transgressed and preferred the life of his world, indeed Hell will be his shelter.” (Nazi’at 39)
7. Tyrants -- “But they asked victory and disappointment is the lot of every obstinate tyrant. In front of him is Hell and is given pus to drink.” (Ibrahim:15-16)
8. People of the Book who reject Islam.
9. Murderers of Believers -- “And whoever kills a believer intentionally his recompense is Hell to abide therein forever.” (Buruj 10)
10. Those who commit suicide.
11. Women who were ungrateful: Imran bin Husayn narrated that Prophet (s.a.w.) said “I looked into Paradise and saw that the majority of its inhabitants were the poor, and I looked into Hell and saw that the majority of its inhabitants were women who are ungrateful to their husbands.” (Al Bukhari)
Description of Paradise:
Paradise or Heaven has eight gates. This was narrated in an authentic Hadith compiled by Imam Muslim that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said “The opening of every gate is like forty years walking. One of the gates is called “Al Rayyan” for fasting people.” Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said, that Allah says in a Hadith Qudsee:
“I have prepared for my good slaves that which no human eye has seen, nor that of which no human ear has heard, and nor that of which no human heart has thought of.” The Prophet (s.a.w.) then recited “No person knows what is hidden from them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.” (Al Sajdah 17)
Castles are made up of bricks: one brick of gold and another of silver cemented with Musk (perfume), pearl and ruby are its floor, and saffron is its grass. Its inhabitants live (dwell) forever young and never bored. They will have Essah’s age, Ayyub’s patience, the handsome and beautiful face of Yousef, and they will also have Muhammad’s tongue (few words will have so many meanings).
The description of paradise which the pious have been promised is that in it are rivers of water, the taste and smell of which are not changed rivers of milk of which the taste never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink, and rivers of clarified honey (clear honey). (Surah Muhammad:14)
As for Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) and his followers’ river, it is called (Al Kawther). At-Tirmithi narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “While I was walking in heaven I came across a river, its banks are gold, its mud is Musk, its water is sweeter than honey and it is whiter than ice.”
More description of Paradise are to be found in Surah Al Rahman 47-75 and Al Waqe’a 11-40.
Means by which to avoid Hell and guarantee Paradise:
Everyone must pass over Hell’s fire, however, those who have taqwa (the fear of Allah, the restrain of guarding of one’s self from evil, righteousness, piety and good conduct) will be saved.
There are actions which would protect one from Hell-fire. The best among these deeds are salaah and jihad or martyrdom for the sake of Allah the Almighty.
It was narrated in a Hadeeth Qudsee, “The best thing my slave does that gets him closer to me is obligatory salaat, and then if he does the nawafil (supererogatory or extra prayers), I like him more. And if I like him, I protect his hearing and his sight from going to haram things and anything he asks for, I give him, and if he asks refuge from anything, I will protect him. I never hesitate in anything which I do except when I take the Muslim’s soul away. He hates death and I hate harming him.” (Bukhari)
Rewards of Al Shaheed (Martyr) according to the Hadith (Tirmidhî and Ahmad):
· The soul of the martyrs dwell in Paradise whenever they like.
· All the Shaheed’s sins and faults are forgiven with the first drop of blood that comes out of his body.
· He sees his place in Paradise and Allah makes him intercede for 70 of his family.
· He will not feel the grave trial: Martyrs are the only people who are spared the grave trial.
· He will not feel the agony of death.
· He will not be horrified by the Great Gathering on the day of Resurrection.
· He does not feel the pain of the killing except like that of a pinch.
· Allah will marry him to Hur-al-een.
Finally, let us pray together to Allah to “Let us live Muslims and die Muslims without disgracing or subjecting us to temptations.”
We ask You our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) to give us a merit in this world and a merit in the here after, and to protect us from the agony of fire and make the agony of death and grave trial easy for us.
O Allah! We ask You to raise the standing of Islam and Muslims and degrade the standing of Al-Kufr and Al-Kafirin. May the blessing and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.), his family, his companions and followers.
Islam at a glance
Islam at a glanceThe word Islam means 'submission to the will of God'.
Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over 1 billion followers. The 2001 census recorded 1,591,000 Muslims in the UK, around 2.7% of the population.
Muslims believe that Islam was revealed over 1400 years ago in Mecca, Arabia.
Followers of Islam are called Muslims.
Muslims believe that there is only One God. The Arabic word for God is Allah.
According to Muslims, God sent a number of prophets to mankind to teach them how to live according to His law. Jesus, Moses and Abraham are respected as prophets of God. They believe that the final Prophet was Muhammad. Muslims believe that Islam has always existed, but for practical purposes, date their religion from the time of the migration of Muhammad. Muslims base their laws on their holy book the Qur'an, and the Sunnah. Muslims believe the Sunnah is the practical example of Prophet Muhammad and that there are five basic Pillars of Islam. These pillars are the declaration of faith, praying five times a day, giving money to charity, fasting and a pilgrimage to Mecca (atleast once).
The Qur'an
Introduction of The Qur'an
The Qur'an is the holy book for Muslims, revealed in stages to the Prophet Muhammad over 23 years.
Qur'anic revelations are regarded by Muslims as the sacred word of God, intended to correct any errors in previous holy books such as the Old and New Testaments.
Origin
The Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by God in Arabic.Some Qur'anic fragments have been dated as far back as the eighth, and possibly even the seventh, century. The oldest existing copy of the full text is from the ninth century.Although early variants of the Qur'an are known to have existed, Muslims believe that the text we have today was established shortly after the death of the Prophet by the Caliph Uthman.
Contents
There are 114 chapters in the Qur'an, which is written in the old Arabic dialect.All the chapters except one begin with the sentence Bismillahir rahmanir raheem, 'In the name of Allah the most merciful and the most kind'. This is the thought with which Muslims should start every action.The longest chapter of the Qur'an is Surah Baqarah (The Cow) with 286 verses and the shortest is Surah Al-Kawther (abundance) which has 3 verses.
The arrangement of surahs does not correspond to the chronological order in which they were revealed.The Qur'an is sometimes divided into 30 roughly equal parts, known as juz'. These divisions make it easier for Muslims to read the Qur'an during the course of a month and many will read one juz' each day, particularly during the month of Ramadan.
Translations
Translations of the Qur'an exist in over 40 languages but Muslims are still taught to learn and recite it in Arabic, even if this is not their native language and they cannot converse in it.Translations are regarded by Muslims as new versions of the holy book, rather than as translations in the conventional sense.
Memorising the Qur'an
At the time of the revelation of the Qur'an, books were not readily available and so it was common for people to learn it by heart.Committing the Qur'an to memory acted as a great aid for its preservation and any person who is able to accomplish this is known as a hafiz.
Respect
The Qur'an is treated with immense respect by Muslims because it is the sacred word of God.While the Qur'an is recited aloud, Muslims should behave with reverence and refrain from speaking, eating or drinking, or making distracting noise.
Sunnah and Hadith
In addition to the Qur'an, the other sacred sources are the Sunnah, the practise and examples of the Prophet Muhammad's life, and the Hadith, reports of what the prophet Muhammad said or approved.Both the Hadith and Sunnah must adhere to a strict chain of narration that ensures its authenticity, taking into account factors such as the character of people in the chain and continuity in narration. Reports that fail to meet such criteria will be disregarded.One famous example is that of the scholar of Hadith literature, Imam Bukhari, who travelled several hundred miles on horseback to acquire a Hadith. When he arrived, he saw the man that knew the Hadith deceiving his donkey into thinking there was grain in a sack in order to induce him to move forward. Imam Bukhari promptly left without approaching the man because he was not willing to allow any individual with a questionable personality to join a chain of narration or contribute knowledge that would define the practice of the religion.
BENEFITS
BENEFITS
This sublime belief, which includes those great principles, bears numerous and useful types of fruits for whoever believes in it.
Virtues of Belief in Allah:
Belief in Allah, His names, and His attributes instills in the individual the love and glorification of Allah that result in his performing Allah's instructions and avoiding His prohibitions. These are the means of achieving ultimate happiness in this life and the hereafter for both the individual and the society: "Whoever, male or female, does righteous deed, while believing, We shall assuredly grant him a goodly life, and We shall reward them according to the best of their deeds" (16:97).
Virtues of Belief in the Angels:
Appreciating the dignity of Allah, His might, and His sovereignty.
Gratitude toward Allah because He puts some of the angels in charge of His servants, recording their deeds and other things that benefit them. ¥ Love and admiration for the angels because of what they are doing, namely, worshipping Allah in the best possible manner and praying for the believers.
Virtues of Belief in the Books:
Appreciating Allah's mercy and care for His people in that He sent down a book to every nation for its guidance.
Appreciating Allah's wisdom, for He revealed in these books to every nation that which suits them. The glorious Qur'an is the final book and it is suitable to all people at all times until the Day of Judgment.
Showing gratitude for Allah's mercy in revealing these books.
Virtues of Belief in the Messengers:
Appreciating Allah's mercy and care for His people for sending them those great messengers to guide them to the straight path. Thanking Allah for this great favor.
Loving and respecting the prophets and praising them in what they deserve, because they are Allah's messengers and His choice among His people. They worshipped Allah according to the best of their ability, conveyed His message to mankind, gave sincere advice to the people, and bore patiently whatever hurt they received.
Virtues of Belief in the Day of Judgment:
Endeavor to obey Allah to get the reward of that day and to avoid any disobedience to him for fear of His punishment.
A consolation for the believer for whatever he misses of worldly enjoyment by what he hopes to gain of blessings and reward of the hereafter.
Virtues of Belief in Fate and the Divine Decree:
Dependence on Allah when doing any action, because both the cause and effect are the result of Allah's decree.
Ease of mind and comfort, because when the individual knows that everything is by Allah's decree and that mishaps are going to take place anyway, his soul will be at ease and his heart will be satisfied with Allah's decree. No one has a more comfortable life, worry-free soul, and stronger confidence than a believer in fate.
Freedom from arrogance when a goal is achieved, because this is a blessing from Allah through what He decreed of the causes of good and success. The individual should thank Allah for that and free himself from arrogance.
Freedom from worry and boredom in case of failure or mishap, because that is by Allah's decree, the One who possesses the heavens and the Earth. Since that is going to happen anyway, the individual should be patient and hope for the reward from Allah. Allah points to the last two virtues in the following verse: "No misfortune can happen on earth or in yourselves but is recorded in a decree before We bring it into existence, that is really easy for Allah; that you may not grieve for what escapes you, nor rejoice in what has come to you. Allah does not love any vainglorious boaster" (57:22-3).
We pray to Allah, the Exalted, to reward us for this belief, to realize for us its fruits, to increase our blessings, to keep us on the right path to which He has guided us, and to bestow on us a blessing from Him. He is indeed the Giver. Praise and gratitude be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be on Prophet Muhammad, his family, his Companions, and those who rightly follow them.
FATE AND THE DIVINE DECREE
Belief:
We believe in Fate, whether good or bad, which Allah has measured and ordained for all creatures according to His previous knowledge and as deemed suitable by His wisdom.
Levels of Belief:
Belief in Fate has four levels:
1) Knowledge: We believe that Allah, may He be exalted, knows everything. He knows what has happened and what will happen and how it will happen. His knowledge is eternal. He does not acquire a new knowledge nor does he forget what He knows.
2) Recording: We believe that Allah has recorded in the secured tablet (al Lowh al Mahfuz) whatever is going to happen until the Day of Judgment: "Did you not know that Allah knows all that is in heaven and Earth? Surely that is in a book. Surely that for Allah is an easy matter" (22:70).
3) Will: We believe that Allah has willed everything in heaven and Earth. Nothing happens except by His will. Whatever He wills will take place, and whatever He does not will not take place.
4) Creation: We believe that "Allah is the Creator of all things; He is the Guardian over all things, and to Him belong the keys of the heavens and the Earth" (39:62-3). This level includes whatever Allah Himself does and whatever His creatures do. Thus each saying, deed, or omission of the people is known to Allah, Who has recorded, willed, and created them: "To those among you who will to be upright. But you shall not will except as Allah wills, the Lord of the Worlds" (81:2829); "And had Allah willed they would not have fought one against the other; but Allah does whatever He desires" (2:253); "Had Allah willed, they would not have done so, but leave them alone and their false inventions" (6:137); and "And Allah created you and what you do" (37:96). Man's Free Will:
We believe, however, that Allah has granted man a power and a free will by which he performs his actions. That man's deeds are done by his power and free will can be proven by the following points:
1) Allah says: "So approach your fields (wives) when and how you will" (2:223); and "Had they desired to go forth, they would have made some preparation for it" (9:46). In these verses, Allah affirmed for man "a going forth" by his will and "a preparation" by his desire.
2) Directing man to do or not to do. If man has no free will and power, these directions mean that Allah is asking man to do that which he cannot do. This proposition is rejected by Allah's wisdom, mercy and truthful statement: "Allah does not charge a soul beyond its capacity" (2:286).
3) Praising the virtuous for his deeds and blaming the evildoer for his actions and rewarding each of them with what he deserves. If the action is not done by the individual's free will, then praising the virtuous is a joke and punishing the evildoer is an injustice, and Allah is, of course, far from joking and being unjust.
4) Allah has sent messengers who are "bearing good tidings, and warning, so that mankind might have no argument against Allah after the messengers" (4:165). If the individual's action is not performed by his free will, his argument is not invalidated by the sending of messengers.
5) Every doer of actions feels that he does or does not do a thing without any coercion. He stands up and sits, comes in and goes out, travels and stays by his own free will without feeling anybody forcing him to be any of these actions. In fact, he clearly distinguishes between doing something of his own free will and someone else forcing him to do that action. The Islamic law also wisely distinguishes between these states of affairs. It does not punish a wrongdoer for an action done under compulsion.
No Excuse for Sinners:
We believe that the sinner has no excuse in Allah's divine decree, because he commits his sin by his free will, without knowing that Allah has decreed for him, for no one knows Allah's decree before it takes place: "No soul knows what it will earn tomorrow" (31:34). How can it be possible, then, to present an excuse that is not known to the person who is advancing it when he commits his offense? Allah invalidated this type of argument by saying: "The idolaters will say 'Had Allah willed, we would not have been idolaters, neither our fathers, nor would we have forbidden anything.' So did the people before them cry lies until they tasted our might. Say: 'Have you any proofs that you can show us? You follow nothing but assumption, and you are Lying"' (6:148). We say to the sinner who is using divine decree as an excuse: 'Why did you not perform deeds of obedience, assuming that Allah has decreed them upon you, since you did not know the difference between good deeds and sins? That is why, when Prophet Muhammad told his Companions that everyone's position in paradise or hell has been assigned, they said: 'Should not we rely on this and stop working?' He said: 'No, work and everyone will be directed to what he is created for"' (Bukhari and Muslim).
We say to the sinner who is trying to find an excuse in the divine decree: "Suppose you want to travel to Makkah. There are two roads that may take you there. You are told by a truthful person that one of these roads is dangerous and difficult, the other is easy and safe. You will take the second one. You will not take the first road and say it is decreed upon me. If you did, people would consider you crazy."
We may also say to him: "If you are offered two jobs, one of which has a higher salary, you will certainly take the one with the higher salary. Why do you choose what is lower in the hereafter and use the divine decree as an excuse?"
We may further say to him: "We see you when you are afflicted with a disease, you knock at every physician's door looking for treatment and bearing whatever pain that may result from surgical operations and the bitterness of medicine. Why do not you do the same when your heart is spiritually sick with sins?"
Evil Not Attributed to Allah:
We believe that evil should not be attributed to Allah, due to His perfect mercy and wisdom. The Prophet said: "And evil is not attributable to You" (Muslim). Thus Allah's decree by itself has no evil whatsoever, because it is coming from mercy and wisdom. Evil may, however, result from some of His decrees, because the Prophet said in the supplication for gunut which he taught to al-Hasan: "And protect us from the evil of what You decreed" (Tirmidhi and others). Here, the Prophet attributed evil to what He decreed. Despite this, evil in His decree is not pure evil. It is rather evil in one respect and good in another, or it is evil in one case and good in another. Thus corruption in the land resulting from drought, disease, poverty, and fear is evil, but it is good in another respect. Allah, the Exalted said: "Corruption has appeared on the land and sea for what men's hands have earned. Allah has ordained this for men, so that they may taste some of what they have done, in order that they may turn back (from evil)" (30:41). Cutting off the thief's hand or stoning the adulterer is an evil thing for the thief and the adulterer, but it is good for them in one respect, because it is a purification for them so that the punishment of this life and the hereafter are not combined for them. These punishments are good in another respect: their application protects property, honor, and relationships.
THE DAY OF JUDGMENT
Belief in the Day of Judgment:
We believe in the Final Day, which is the Day of Judgment, when people will be resurrected and then told to remain in the abode of enjoyment or in the abode of severe punishment.
The Resurrection:
We believe in the resurrection, which is Allah's bringing to life all those who have died, and when Israfil shall blow the horn for the second time: "And the trumpet shall be blown, and all who are in the heavens and who are in the Earth shall fall down fainting, except those that Allah shall spare. Then, it shall be blown again and they shall rise gazing around them" (39:68). People will arise from their graves, answering the call of the Lord of the universe. They will be barefooted, naked, and uncircumcised: "As We started the first creation, so We shall bring it back again. This is a promise from Us, so We shall assuredly fulfill it" (21: 104).
The Records and Scales:
We believe in the records of deeds that will be given to people in their right hands or behind their backs, in the left hands: "As for him who is given his book in his right hand, he shall surely receive an easy reckoning and he will return to his family rejoicing. But as for him who is given his book behind his back, he shall call for destruction on himself and will burn in a blazing fire" (84:7-12); "Every man's work We have fastened on his own neck, and on the Day of Judgment We shall bring out for him a book which he will see spread open, saying: 'Read your own book! Enough for you this day that your own soul should call you to account"' (17:13-14).
We believe that scales of deeds will be set up on the Day of Judgment, and that no soul shall be wronged: "Whoever has done an atom's weight of good shall see it" (99:7-8); "Those whose scales are heavy, they are the successful; but those whose scales are light, they are the ones who have lost their souls in Hell dwelling forever. The fire will burn their faces, and there they will be gloomy with lips displaced" (23: 102-4); and "He that does a good deed shall be rewarded ten times the like of it, and he that does evil shall only be rewarded the like of it, and they shall not be wronged" (6:160).
The Prophet's Intercession:
We believe in the special great intercession of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. He will plead with Allah, after His permission and on behalf of mankind, to judge among His servants when they suffer from worries and troubles that they cannot bear. They will go to Adam, then to Noah, then to Abraham, then to Moses, then to Jesus, and finally to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
We believe in the intercession that concerns some believers who were to be taken out from the fire. This mediation is granted to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and to others among the prophets, the believers, and the angels.
We believe also that Allah will save from hell some of the believers without the intercession of any one, but by His grace and mercy.
The Prophet's Pool:
We believe in the pool of the Prophet, peace be upon him, the water of which is whiter than milk and sweeter than honey and better in fragrance than musk. Each of its length and width is the distance of a month's travel. Its glasses are as stars in beauty and number. The believers among the Prophet's followers come to take from this great cistern a drink after which they will never be thirsty.
The Straight Path:
We believe in the straight path (sirat) set up over hell. People pass over it according to their deeds: the first of them as fast as lighting, then as fast as wind, then as fast as birds, and then as fast as a running man. The Prophet will be standing on the path, saying: "Lord, Save! Save!," as some people's deeds will fall short. Some of them will come crawling. At both sides of the path there are hooks designed to take whom Allah wills: some are saved but bruised; others are thrown into hell. (Bukhari and Muslim).
We believe in all that is mentioned in the Qur'an or the prophetic sayings concerning that day and its horrors, may Allah save us from them.
We believe in the intercession (Shafa'ah) of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, for the people of paradise to enter therein. This intercession is exclusively limited to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Paradise and Hell:
We believe in paradise and hell. Paradise is the abode of enjoyment which Allah, the Exalted, prepared for the righteous. No eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard of, and no human being has ever thought of the blessings that they will enjoy there: "No soul knows what comfort is kept hidden for them, as a reward for their deeds" (32:17). Hell is the abode of punishment that Allah has prepared for the unbelievers and the evildoers. The torture and horror in it cannot be imagined: "Surely, We have prepared for the evildoers a fire, whose pavilion encompasses them. If they call for help, they will be helped with water like molten copper which will scald their faces. How dreadful a drink and how evil a resting place!" (18:29).
Both paradise and hell exist now and will never perish: "Whoever believes in Allah and does righteousness, He will admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein for ever. Allah had indeed made for him an excellent provision" (65-11); "Certainly, Allah has cursed the unbelievers and prepared for them a blazing fire to dwell therein forever, they shall find neither protector nor helper. On the day when their faces are turned about in the fire they shall say: 'Would that we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger!"' (33: 64-6).
We confirm paradise to whom it is confirmed in the Qur'an or the prophetic traditions either by name or description. Among those who are granted paradise and mentioned by name are Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman, 'All and others who were specified by the Prophet, peace be upon him (Bukhari and Muslim). Among those whom we confirm to enter paradise because they fit the description are the faithful and the pious.
We likewise confirm hell to whom it is confirmed in the Qur'an and the sayings of the Prophet, whether in name or description. Among those who are mentioned by name to be in hell are Abu Lahab, 'Amr Ibn Luhai al-Khuza'i, and others (Bukhari and Muslim). Confirmation of hell that is based on description includes every unbeliever, polytheist, or hypocrite.
What Happens in the Grave:
We believe in the Trial of the Grave, which involves questioning the deceased person in his grave about his Lord, his religion, and his prophet. There "Allah confirms those who believe with a firm saying, in the present life and the hereafter" (14:27). The believer will say: "Allah is my Lord, Islam is my religion, and Muhammad is my prophet." The unbeliever or the hypocrite will say: "I do not know. I heard the people saying something and I said it."
We believe in the comfort of the grave for the believers: "Those whose lives the angels take in state of purity, saying 'peace be on you; enter paradise for what you were doing' (16:32).
We believe in the punishment of the grave for the transgressing unbelievers: "If you could only see when the evildoers are in the agonies of death and the angels are stretching out their hands, saying, 'Give up your souls! Today you shall be rewarded with the punishment of humiliation for what you used to say untrue about Allah, and for scornfully rejecting His signs"' (6:93). The sayings of the Prophet are numerous and well-known in this area. A Muslim must believe in all that is reported in the Qur'an and the prophetic traditions concerning the unseen matters. He should not contradict it by his worldly experience, because the affairs of the hereafter cannot be measured by the affairs of this life. The difference between them is very great. Allah is the source of help.
MESSENGERS
Belief in Messengers:
We believe that Allah has sent to His people messengers who were "bringing good tidings and warning, so that mankind might have no argument against Allah after the Messengers. Allah is All-mighty, All-wise" (4: 165).
The First and Last Messengers:
We believe that the first among the messengers is Noah and the last is Muhammad, peace be upon them all: "We revealed to you as We revealed to Noah and the prophets after him" (4: 163); and "Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets" (33:40).
The Best Messengers:
We believe that the best among the messengers is Muhammad, then Abraham, Moses, Noah, and Jesus, son of Mary. It is they who are meant by the following Qur'anic verse: "And when We took a compact from the prophets, and from you, and from Noah, and Abraham, then Moses, and Jesus, son of Mary. We took from them a solemn compact" (33:7).
We believe that Muhammad's message, peace be upon him, includes all the merits of the messages of those dignified messengers, because Allah says: "He ordained for you what He enjoined on Noah and what He revealed to you and what He enjoined on Abraham, Moses and Jesus; namely, establish this faith and be united in it" (42:13).
Messengers Are Human Beings:
We believe that all messengers are created human beings who have none of the divine qualities of Allah. Allah, the Exalted, said about Noah, who was the first among them: "I do not say to you, 'I possess the treasures of Allah.' I do not know the unseen, and I do not say 'I am an angel"' (11:31) Allah directed Muhammad, who is the last among them, to say: "I do not say to you I possess the treasures of Allah, nor do I know the unseen, and I do not say to you I am an angel" (6:50); and to say that "I have no power to bring profit or hurt for myself, but only as Allah wills" (7:188); and: "I have no power to hurt or benefit you. Say none can protect me from Allah, nor can I find any refuge besides Him" (72:91-2).
We believe that the messengers are among Allah's servants. He blessed them with the message and described them as servants, in the context of praising and honoring them. He says about Noah, the first among them: "You are the descendants of those whom We carried with Noah, he was a truly thankful servant" (17:3).
Allah said about the last among them, Muhammad, peace be upon him: "Blessed be He who sent down the Qur'an to His servant, that he may warn mankind" (25:1). As for some other messengers, he said: "And mention Our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, men of might and vision" (38:45); "And remember Our servant David, who was a mighty and penitent man" (38: 17); "And to David, We gave Solomon, he was an excellent and penitent servant" (38:30).
Allah said about Jesus, son of Mary: "He is only a servant whom We blessed and We made him an example to the children of Israel" (43: 59).
We believe that Allah concluded all messages with the message of Muhammad, peace be upon him, to all people, because He said: "Say, 'O mankind, I am Allah's Messenger to you all. To him belongs the Kingdom of the Heavens and the Earth; there is no god but He. He ordains life and death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered Prophet who believes in Allah and His words. Follow him so that you may be rightly guided"' (7:158).
Islam: The Universal and Final Message:
We believe that the Shari'ah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is the religion of Islam, which Allah has chosen for His servants. He does not accept any other religion from anyone, for He, the Exalted, said: "Surely, the true religion in Allah's sight is Islam" (3:19), "Today I have perfected your religion for you and I have completed My favor upon you, and I have chosen Islam to be your religion" (5:3), and "Whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted from Him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers" (3:85).
It is our opinion that whoever claims that any religion other than Islam is acceptable, such as Judaism, Christianity and so forth, is a non believer. He should be asked to repent.
It is also our opinion that whoever rejects the universal message of Muhammad, peace be upon him, rejects the message of all messengers, even if he claims that he believes and follows His Messenger. Allah, the Exalted, said: "Noah's people rejected the Messengers" (26:105). Thus, Allah considered them as rejecting all of the messengers despite the fact that there was no messenger before Noah. This is also clear from the following verses: "Those who disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers, and wish to make division between Allah and His Messengers, and say: 'We believe in some and disbelieve in others,' wishing to take a midway course. Those indeed are the unbelievers, and We have prepared for the unbelievers a humiliating punishment"(4:150-51).
We believe that there is no prophet after Muhammad, Allah's Messenger, peace be upon him. Whoever claims prophet hood after him, or believes in anyone claiming it, is a disbeliever and one who rejects Allah, His Messenger, and the Muslims' consensus.
The Rightly Guided Caliphs:
We believe that the Prophet, peace be upon him, has rightly guided successors who carried out his Sunnah in spreading knowledge calling to Islam, and managing the Muslims' affairs. We believe that the best among them and the most entitled to the caliphate was Abu Bakr as Siddiq, then 'Umar Ibn al-Khattab, then 'Uthman Ibn Affan and then 'All Ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with them all. Thus their succession to the caliphate was according to their virtues. Allah, the Exalted, who possesses infinite wisdom, would not appoint a ruler over the best of generations unless he was the most superior among them and had the best claim to caliphate.
We believe that the inferior among those rightly guided companions can be superior in a specific virtue to those who were better than him but that he does not deserve absolute superiority, for the elements constituting superiority are varied and numerous.
We believe that the Muslim Ummah is the best among nations, and Allah, the Dignified and Exalted, has blessed it, because He said: "You are the best nation ever brought forth for mankind, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah" The Prophet's Companions:
We believe that the best among the Muslim Ummah are the Prophet's Companions, then their followers, and then those who followed them.
We also believe that a group of this Ummah will always remain victorious on the right path, unharmed by those who let them down or those who oppose them, until the Day of Judgment.
We believe that the disputes that took place among the Prophet's Companions were the result of sincere interpretations that they worked hard to reach. Whoever was right among them will be rewarded twice, and whoever was wrong among them will be rewarded once and his mistake will be forgiven.
It is our opinion that we should stop talking about their mistakes and mention what they deserve of beautiful praise. We should purify our hearts from hatred and malice against any of them, because Allah said about them: "They are not equal: those among you who spent and who fought before the conquest of Makkah. Those are higher in rank than those who spent and fought afterwards. But to all Allah has promised a great reward" (57:10). And Allah said about us: "And those who came after them say: 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith, and do not put in our hearts any malice against those who have believed. Our Lord, You are the most Kind, Most Merciful"' (59:10).
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