Ayath, hadees, Name of Allah - of this week

Surah Al Baqarah (2) verse 185:
"Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide
to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between
right and wrong). So every one of youwho is present (at his home)
during that month should spendit in fasting, but if any one is ill, or
on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later.
Allah intends every facility for you; He does not wantto put to
difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to
glorify Him in thatHe has guided you; and perchance ye shall be
grateful. " [ 2:185 ]
Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 2 :
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 123:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of
the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils
are chained."
Listen to this Dua'a:
Transliteration: (how it sounds)
Wa-i th q a la ibr a heemurabbi ijAAal h atha baladan a minan wa o
rzuqahlahu mina a l ththamar a ti man a mana minhumbi A ll a hi wa a
lyawmi al- a khiri q a lawaman kafara faomattiAAuhu qaleelan thummaa
dt arruhu il a AAa tha bi a l nn a ri wabi/saalmaseer
Meaning:
And remember Abraham said:"My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and
feed its people with fruits,-such of them as believe in Allah and the
Last Day." He said:"(Yea), and such as reject Faith,-for a while will
I grant them their pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment
of Fire,- an evil destination (indeed)!" [ 2:126 ]
Name of Allaah
AL-KHAFIZ
(The Abaser)

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Day of Arafaah in different time zones

What will be the day of Arafat for countries that are in different time zones?
Praise be to Allaah.
The day of 'Arafaah and the fasting that goes withit should be
observed in each country according to the local times of fajr and
maghrib. Fasting on this day expiates the sins of two years, as the
Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allaah be upon Him) said:"Fasting the
day of 'Arafaah, I hope, will expiate the sins of the year before it
and the year to come, and fasting the day of 'Aashooraa' (the tenth
day of Muharram), I hope, will expiate the sins of the year before
it." (Reported by Muslim, 1976).
And Allaah knows best.

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A List of the Major Signs

Auf bin Malik (R.A.) says: I came to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi
Wasallam) while he was in his skin tent during the Tabuk expedition.
He said to me, "Count six things before the advent of Qiyamah:
*. My death
*. The conquest of Jerusalem
*. Mass deaths amongst you people, just as when sheep die in large
numbers during an epidemic
*. Abundance of wealth to such an extent that if a person were to be
given a hundred Dinars he will still not be satisfied
*. General anarchy and bloodshed, that no Arab household will be spared
from it
*. Then a life of peace as a result of a peace agreement between
youand the Banil Asfaar (Romans) which they will break and attack you
with a force consisting of eighty flags and under each flag will be an
army of twelve thousand men."
(Bukhari).
Signs Before the Major Signs (i.e. before the emergence of Imam Mahdi)
Christain Rule Will be dominant
ANOMALOUS INCIDENTS WILL OCCUR
Occurrence of red winds, disfiguration of faces (man to pig), and
people being swallowed into the ground.
GENOCIDE
A man from Abu Sufyaan'sprogeny massacres descendents of Nabi (S.A.W)
and rules over Syria and Egypt.
WAR
A major war between Muslims and Christians: Half the Christian army
will sign a peace treaty with the Muslim army, while the second half
of the Christian army remains the common enemy.
ISTANBUL CONQUERED BY CHRISTIANS
The enemy half of the Christian army conquers Constantinople (Istanbul), Turkey.
ISTANBUL RECONQUERED JOINTLY BY MUSLIM AND CHRISTIANS
The Muslims and the goodhalf of the Christian army conquer
Constantinople together, against the enemy Christians. Thereafter, a
Christian willsay the victory was due tothe cross, and the Muslim will
say it was due to Islam. A battle between both sides will ensue, and
the Muslim Ruler will be martyred.
SYRIA CONQUERED BY CHRISTIANS
The two Christian armies reunite, conquering Syria.
CHRISTIAN DOMINATION
Christians dominate the world up to Khaiber (near Madinah), and they
will pursue Muslims with 80 flags, with 12,000 men under each flag.
MUSLIMS AWAIT IMAM MAHDI
TOTAL ECLIPSE
A total eclipse of the sun and moon will occur in Ramadhan, prior to
Imam Mahdi's emergence.
The Major Signs:
IMAM MAHDI EMERGES
At age 40, Imam Mahdi appears in Makkah, then flees to Madinah.
MUSLIM ARMY MARCHES
The army of Mansoor from Khurasaan will head towards Makkah to aid
Imam Mahdi. They will win many battles on the way. No force will be
able to stop them. They will carry black flags.
SUFYAANI ARMY SWALLOWED BY THE EARTH.
The Sufyaani army (an Anti-Muslim force) from Syria singles out Imam
Mahdi for execution. On the way to Makkah, they get swallowed into the
ground. A second Sufyaaniarmy is created with 960,000 men (of 80
nations).
CONFRONTATION IN SYRIA
Imam Mahdi and the Muslim army go to Syria to confront the Christians.
The Christians, before the battle, will ask Muslims for the return of
their prisoners-of-war. The Muslims will refuse. The battle will
begin. One-third of Imam Mahdi's army will flee (their repentance will
not be accepted), one-third will be martyred, and one-third will gain
victoryover the Christians.
MUSLIM ARMY UNDER IMAM MAHDI CONQUERS PALESTINE
JIHAAD ON INDIA
A jamaat of Muslims wages Jihaad on India and be successful.
SYRIA UNDER MUSLIM RULE
Imam Mahdi returns to Syria and establishes Muslim rule over the landshe passes.
ANIMOSTIY RIFE AMONGST THE PEOPLE
At this time, Muslims will be weak and there will bevery few pious people.
3 RUMORS OF EMERGENCE OF DAJJAL... 3 YEARS OF DROUGHT
Before the emergence of Dajjal there will be three years of drought.
The first year, the skies will retain 1/3 of its water, the second
year 2/3, and all ofits water the third year.
DAJJAL APPEARS
Dajjal appears. His followers, the Yahudis, will number 70,000 and
will wear expensive silk attire and carry double edged swords.
HADHRAT ISA (A.S.) (JESUS) APPEARS
Hadhrat Isa (A.S.)descends during the lifetime of Imam Mahdi.
DAJJAL KILLED AT THE GATEOF HUDD
Hadhrat Isa (A.S.) kills Dajjal at the Gate of Hudd,near an Israeli
airport, in the valley of "Ifiq." The final war between the Yahudi's
will ensue, and the Muslims be victorious.
TOTAL PEACE
With the death of Dajjal, all wars will end. Jihad will be stopped;
peace, harmony, and tranquility will be on earth. The earthwill
produce abundant crops and fruit. The people will follow Islam.
HADHRAT ISA RECEIVES REVELATION
The revelation tells that the Yajooj and Majooj willsoon be released
and the believers should be taken to Mt. Toor (Sinai).
YAJOOJ AND MAJOOJ ("Gog and Magog") RELEASED
The Yajooj and Majooj surge forth in large numbers.....

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The Minor Signs of the Last Day

by Mohammed Ali Ibn Zubair Ali
Qiyamah will come when...
Hadhrat Abu Musa Ash'ari (R.A.) narrates that Rasulallah (Sallallahu
Alayhii Wassallam) said,"Qiyamah will come...
*. When it will be regarded as a shame to act on Quranic injunctions.
*. When untrustworthy people will be regarded as trustworthy and the
trustworthy will be regarded as untrustworthy.
*. When it will be hot in winter.
*. When the length of daysis stretched, i.e. a journey of a few days
is covered in a matter of hours.
*. When orators and lecturers lie openly.
*. When people dispute over petty issues.
*. When women with children come displeased on account ofthem bearing
offspring, and barren women remain happy on account of having no
responsibility of offspring.
*. When oppression, jealousy, and greed become the order of theday.
*. When people blatantly follow their passions and whims.
*. When lies prevail over the truth.
*. When violence, bloodshed and anarchy become common.
*. When immorality overtakes shamelessness and is perpetrated publicly.
*. When legislation matters pertaining to Deen is handed over to the
worst elements of the Ummat, and if people accept them and are
satisfied with their findings, then such persons will not smell the
fragrance of Jannat.
*. When the offspring become a cause of grief and anger (for their parents).
The following is part of a lengthy Hadith narrated by Hadhrat Abdullah
Ibn Mas'ood (R.A.) when he inquired from Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhi
Wassallam) about the Signs of Qiyamah.
*. Music and musical instruments will be found in every home.
*. People will indulge in homosexuality.
*. There will be an abundance of illegitimate children.
*. There will be an abundance of critics, tale-carriers, back-
bitersand taunters in society.
*. People will establish tieswith strangers and severrelations with
their nearand dear ones.
*. Hypocrites will be in control of the affairs of the community and
evil,immoral people will be at the helm of business establishments.
*. The Masjid will be decorated, but the hearts of the people willbe
devoid of guidance.
*. The courtyards of Masjids will be built beautifully and high
mimbars (pulpits) will be erected.
*. Gangsters and evil people will prevail.
*. Various wines will be consumed excessively.
Auf bin Malik (R.A.) says: I came to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi
Wasallam) while he was in his skin tent during the Tabuk expedition.
He said to me, "Count six things before the advent of Qiyamah:
1 My death
2 The conquest of Jerusalem
3 Mass deaths amongst you people, just as when sheep die in large
numbers during an epidemic
4 Abundance of wealth to such an extent that if a person were to be
given ahundred Dinars he will still not be satisfied
5 General anarchy and bloodshed, that no Arab household will be spared from it
6 Then a life of peace as a result of a peace agreement between you
and the Banil Asfaar
(Romans) which they will break and attack you witha force consisting
of eighty flags and under each flag will be an army of twelve thousand
men."(Hadith: Sahih Bukhari).
IRAQ and SYRIA
Abu Nadhrah says: "We were sitting in the company of Jabir bin
Abdullah (R.A.) when he said: 'Soon the people of IRAQ will neither
receive any food (grain) nor any money.'" We asked, "Why would such a
thing happen?" He replied,"Because of the non-Arabs." (i.e they will
prevent food from going into Iraq, in the form of"sanctions" to this
day.) He then said: "Soon the people of Shaam (SYRIA) will neither
receive any money nor grain." We asked as to why this would happen. He
replied:"Because of the Romans (christians)."
CONCEITED PEOPLE:
Hadhrat Abbas (R.A) narrates that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhi
Wassallam) has said,"Islam will spread far and wide, across the seas.
Horses will cross the land and seas in the cause of Jihaad. Then a
time will come wherein a group of people will emerge whichrecites the
Quraan. They will claim,
'We have recited the Quraan and is there anyone who understands the
Quraan better than us? There is NO ONE more proficient than us in the
study of the Quraan.'
Then Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) asked the Sahaba, "Do
you see any good in their claims?" TheSahaba replied, "No". Rasulallah
(Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) said,"But these conceited claimants will
be from myUmmah and will be the fuel of the Fire."
from "Signs of Qiyamah" (excerpts)
by Mohammed Ali Ibn Zubair Ali

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The mercy of the merciful Prophet

A Bedouin came to Rasul Allah and told him, "Give me from what Allah
gave you, not from the wealth of your mother nor from the wealth of
your father." The Sahaabah were furious at the man and step forward to
discipline him for what hesaid. Rasul Allah commanded everyone to
leave him.
Then by the hand, Rasul Allah took him home, opened his door and
said,"Take what you wish and leave what you wish." Theman did so and
after he completed, Rasul Allah asked him, "Have I honored you?" "Yes,
by Allah,"
said the Bedouin. "Ash hadu an laa ilaaha illa Allah, wa ashhadu anna
Muhammadar Rasul Allah."
When the Sahabah heard of how the man changed, Rasul Allah taught them.
"Verily the example of myself, you and this Bedouin is that of a man
who had his camel run away. The townspeople tried capturing the camel
for him by running and shouting after the camel, only driving it
further away. The man would shout, 'Leave me and my camel, I know my
camel better.' Then he took some grass in his hand, ruffled it in
front of the camel, until it came willingly.
'By Allah, had I left you to this Bedouin, you would have hit him,
hurt him, hewould have left without Islam and eventually haveentered
hellfire."

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If a menstruating woman misses the fast of ‘Ashoora’, can she make it up after that?

If a women is in impure condition on 9th 10th and 11th of Muharram,
due to which she can not fast. is itpossible to make up those fast on
other days after her GUSUL?.
Praise be to Allaah.
If a person misses the fast of 'Ashoora', it cannot be made up because
there is no proof for that, and because the reward is connected to
fasting on the tenth day of Muharram, and that time has passed.
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked: If the
day of 'Ashoora' comes and thewoman is menstruating, can she make up
the fast? Is there a principle concerning naafil acts of worship that
may be madeup and those that may notbe made up? May Allah reward you
with good.
He replied: Naafil acts of worship are of two types: those for which
there is a reason and those for which there is no reason. Those for
which there is a reason end when the reason ends, and they cannot be
made up. An example of that is tahiyyatal-masjid (two rak'ahs to
"greet the mosque"). If a man comes and sits down, and sits for a long
time, then he gets up wanting to pray tahiyyat al-masjid, it will not
be tahiyyat al-masjid, because that is aprayer that is done for a
reason and is connected tothe reason; once the reason no longer
applies, itis no longer prescribed. Another example, it wouldseem, is
the day of 'Arafah and the day of 'Ashoora'. Ifa person delays fasting
theday of 'Arafah and the day of 'Ashoora', with no excuse, there is
no doubt that it cannot be made up and it would not benefit him if he
did make it up, i.e., it would not benefit him in the sense of it
being the day of 'Arafah orthe day of 'Ashoora'.
But if that day comes when a person has an excuse, such as the
womanwho is menstruating or bleeding following childbirth, or a person
whois sick, then it seems that itcannot be made up in this case
either, because it is connected to a specific dayand the ruling ceases
to apply once that day is past.
End quote from Majmoo' Fataawa Ibn 'Uthaymeen, 20/43
But if a person is excused for not fasting – such as women who are
menstruating or bleeding following childbirth, or those who are sick
or are travelling – and he usually fasts on that day or he hadthe
intention of fasting that day, then he will be rewarded for his
intention,because of the report narrated by al-Bukhaari (2996) from
Abu Moosa (may Allah be pleased withhim) who said: The Messenger of
Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "Ifa person
falls sick or travels, he will have a reward recorded for him like
that of what he used to do when he was at home and was healthy."
Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "He will have a reward
recorded for him like that of what he used to do when he was at home
andwas healthy" means that he is like one who used to do an act of
worship then was prevented from doingit, but he had the intentionthat
were it not for the obstacle he would have continued to do it. End
quote.
Fath al-Baari.
And Allah knows best.

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Is the fast invalidated if pus comes out of the body?

Does water (pus) coming out of acne wounds invalidate fast? And what
if the amount of blood coming out of such wound is small? Does it
invalidate fasting?.
Praise be to Allaah.
The fasting person is not affected if blood comes out of his wounds
and that does not invalidate his fast. Rather the difference of
scholarly opinion has to do with wet cupping in particular. The more
correct opinion is that it does invalidate the fast because of the
text which indicates that, which is the words of the Prophet
(blessings and peace of Allah be upon him): "The cupper and theone for
whom cupping is done both break their fast."
Narrated by Abu Dawood, 2367; Ibn Maajah, 1679. Classed as saheeh by
al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked: If a person
is fasting and he bleeds, does he have to break his fast or should he
complete it?
He replied: Bleeding does not affect him, except in the case of
cupping, if he is treated with cupping. The correct view is that the
fast is broken by cupping. There is a difference of scholarly opinion
concerning the matter, but the correct view is that it does break the
fast, because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)
said: "The cupper and the one for whom cupping is done both break
their fast." But if he has a nosebleed or is injured in his foot or
handwhen he is fasting, his fastremains valid and that does not affect
him.
End quote from the Shaykh's website on the following link:
http://binbaz.org.sa/mat/18726
Some of the scholars differentiate with regard to bleeding in general
between that which occurs as the result of a person's actions and
choice and results in a lot of blood coming out, as inthe case of
donating blood, for example, whichdoes break the fast, by analogy with
cupping, and that in which he has no choice, such as injuries and the
like, which does not break the fast even if there is a lot of blood.
This has been discussed previously in the answer to question no. 37918
.
With regard to pus and the like coming out of wounds, this does not
affect the one who is fasting. It says in ad-Diya' al-Laami' min
al-Khutab al-Jawaami' (5/465), by Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allah
have mercy onhim): The fast is not broken by lancing a wound to drain
the pus from it, even if blood comes out. End quote.
And Allah knows best.

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Fasting on his birthday and on the birthday of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)

Is it permissible to fast on the birthday of the Prophet (blessings
and peace of Allah be upon him) on the basis of the hadeeth in Saheeh
Muslim, al-Nasaa'i and Abu Dawood, which says that when he (blessings
and peace of Allah be upon him) was asked about fasting on Mondays,he
said: "That is the day on which I was born…"
Also on the basis of this hadeeth, is it permissible for a person to
fast on theday on which he was born, following thereby the example of
the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)? Please
explain.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Muslim (1162) narrated from Abu Qataadah al-Ansaari (may Allah be
pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of
Allah be upon him) was asked about fasting on Mondays and he said: "On
(that day) I was born and on it Revelation came down to me."
Al-Tirmidhi (747) narrated, in a hadeeth that he classed as hasan,
from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger
of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "Deeds are
presented (to Allah) on Monday and Thursday andI like my deeds to be
presented when I am fasting."
Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.
From the saheeh hadeeths quoted above, itis clear that just as the
Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) fasted on Mondays
out of gratitude for the blessing of his birth on this day, he also
fasted it because of its virtue, because the Revelation came down to
him on that day, and on that day deeds are presented to Allah. So he
(blessings andpeace of Allah be upon him) liked his deeds to be taken
up when he was fasting. The fact that he was born on that day wasone
of several reasons for fasting that day.
If a person fasts on Mondays, as the Prophet (blessings and peace of
Allah be upon him) did, hoping for forgiveness on that day, out of
gratitude for the blessings that Allah bestowed upon His slaves on the
day – the greatest of which blessings is the birth of His Prophet and
His sending him – and hopingto be among the people who are forgiven on
that day, then this is something good and is in accordance with what
is proven of the Sunnah of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah
be upon him). But he should not single out one week for that to the
exclusion of others, or one month to the exclusion of others.Rather he
should do that as much as he can on a permanent basis.
With regard to singling out one day of the year for fasting it, in
celebration of the birth of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah
be upon him), this is an innovation (bid'ah) that is contrary to the
Sunnah of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). The
Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) fasted on Mondays,
and no otherday, but from year to the next, his birthday may come on
that day or any other day of the week.
For more information on the ruling on celebrating the Prophet's
birthday (Mawlid), please see the answer to questions no. 13810 and
70317 .
Secondly:
What is widespread among people nowadays of celebrating birthdays isan
innovation that is not prescribed in Islam. The Muslims do not have
any special days that they celebrate apart from the two Eids, Eid
al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
This has been discussed before in several answers;please see no. 26804
and 9485 .
Moreover, what comparison can there be between the birth of the
Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), which is indeed a
blessing and a mercy for all of mankind as Allah says (interpretation
of themeaning): "And We have sent you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم)
not but as a mercy for the 'Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that
exists)" [al-Anbiya' 21:107] and a harbinger of good for all mankind,
and the birth or death of any other humanbeing? Moreover, what would
that attitude of his Companions, and the righteous who came after
them, be towards such an action?
It is not known that any of the salaf or early scholars said that it
is prescribed to fast on any particular day of the weekor the month or
the year, and regard that day as a "festival" because the Prophet
(blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to fast on the day of
his birth every week, which was a Monday. If that was prescribed, the
people of knowledge and virtue of the early generations whohastened to
do all that is good would have hastened to do it before us. As they
did not do that, it is known that this is something that is innovated
and it is not permissible to do it.

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Ramadan Announcement 2012 / 1433 AH – RamadanMubarak!

Ramadan Announcement by the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA):
First day of Ramadan will be Friday, July 20, 2012
and Eid ul-Fitr on Sunday, August 19, insha'Allah.
"O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was
prescribedto those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint."
Qur'an 2:183
The Fiqh Council of North America recognizes astronomical calculation
as an acceptable Shar'i method for determining the beginning of lunar
months including the months of Ramadan and Shawwal. FCNA uses Makkah
al-Mukarrama as a conventional point and takes the position that the
conjunction must takeplace before sunset in Makkah and moon must set
after sunset in Makkah.
On the basis of this method the dates of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr for
the year 1433 AH are established as follows:
1st of Ramadan will be onFriday, July 20, 2012
1st of Shawwal will be on Sunday, August 19, 2012
Ramadan 1433 AH:
The Astronomical New Moon is on July 19, 2011 (Thursday) at 4:24
Universal Time (7:24 a.m. Makkah time). Sunset at Makkah on July 19 is
at 7:05 p.m., while moonset is at 7:11 p.m. Moon is born before sunset
in Makkah and moonset is after sunset. Therefore first day of Ramadan
is Friday, July 20, insha'Allah.First Tarawih prayer will be on
Thursday night.
Eid al-Fitr 1433 AH:
The Astronomical New Moon is on August 17, 2011 (Friday) at 15:54
Universal Time (6:54 p.m. Makkah time). On Friday, August 17, sunset
at Makkah is 6:49 p.m. and moonset is 6:30 p.m. Moon is born after
sunset in Makkah and moon sets before sunset. On Saturday, August 18,
sunset at Makkah is 6:49 p.m. and moonset is at 7:11 p.m. Moon is born
24hours before sunset, whilemoonset is after sunset. Therefore, first
day of Shawwal, i.e., Eid al-Fitr is Sunday, August 19, insha'Allah.
May Allah (swt) keep us on the right path, and accept our fasting and
prayers. Ameen.

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Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays when he owes expiation for breaking an oath

I have several expiations to offer due to the fact that I broke
several oaths.These expiations are taking quite a lot of time.
Therefore, in the mean time, can i fasts on mondays and thursdays as
nafil fasts?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
What the Muslim should do is protect his oaths andnot swear oaths a
great deal or swear oaths except with regard to matters that are
deserving of oaths. Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of
the meaning): "And protect your oaths (i.e. do not swear much)"
[al-Maa'idah 5:89].
Shaykh as-Sa'di (may Allah have mercy on him) said in his Tafseer:
"And protect your oaths (i.e. do not swear much)" means refrain from
swearing by Allah falsely, or swearing oaths frequently, and protect
them if you do swear oaths by not breaking them, unless breaking the
oath is better.
Tafseer as-Sa'di, 1/242
Secondly:
The expiation for breaking an oath (kafaarat yameen) is to feed or
clothe ten poor persons, or to free a slave.If that is not possible,
then one should fast for three days. Allah, may He be exalted, says
(interpretation of the meaning):
"Allah will not punish you for what is uninentional in your oaths, but
He will punish you for your deliberate oaths; for its expiation (a
deliberate oath) feed ten Masakin (poor persons), on a scale of the
average of that with which you feed your own families; or clothe them;
or manumit a slave.But whosoever cannot afford (that), then he should
fast for three days.That is the expiation for the oaths when you have
sworn. And protect your oaths (i.e. do not swear much). Thus Allah
make clear to you His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs,
revelations,etc.) that you may be grateful"
[al-Maa'idah 5:89].
It is not permissible for you to move to the option of fasting unless
you are unable to do any of the three acts of expiation, namely
feedingpoor people, clothing them or freeing a slave.
Ibn al-Mundhir (may Allahhave mercy on him)said:
(The scholars) are unanimously agreed that if a person who swore an
oath is able to feed or clothe poor people, or to free a slave, it is
not acceptable for him to fast if he breaks his oath. End quote.
al-Ijmaa', p. 157
Thirdly:
There is no reason why you should not observe naafil fasts, such as on
Mondays and Thursdays and so on, before observing fasts of expiation,
or before you have finished all of them, but that is on condition that
you do not regard them as part of the expiation.
But we advise you to hasten to observe the fasts of expiation first,
if you are unable to do the things mentioned above with regard to
offering expiation for breaking an oath. Hastening to observe the
fasts of expiation takes priority because it is obligatory and doing
what is obligatory takes precedence over observing naafil fasts.

And Allah knows best.

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Categories of its inhabitants

Disbelievers:
"But those who disbelieveand deny Our signs will becompanions of the
Fire; they will abide therein."
[Sahih al-Baqarah, 2: 39]
"Those who have disbelieved and died while they are disbelievers will
have the curse of Allah upon them and the [curse of the ] angels and
all of mankind.[they will abide] eternally therein. The punishment
will not be lightened for them, nor will the punishment be postponed."
[Sahih al-Baqarah, 2: 161-162]
Hypocrites:
"Indeed the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire; you
will find no helper for them."
[an-Nisa, 4: 145]
"The hypocrites are afraid that a surah be sent downabout them,
showing them what is [really] in their hearts. Say, 'Ridicule you! But
verily, Allah will expose all that you fear.' If you question them,
they declare, 'We were only talking idly and playing.' Say, 'Is it
Allah and His signs and His messengers that you were mocking?' Make no
excuses that you were rejected faith after havingaccepted it. IF We
pardon some of you, We will punish others because they were criminals.
The hypocrites - men and women are of one another. They enjoin evil
and forbid what is just and close their hands [in stinginess]. They
have forgotten Allah, so He has forgotten them. Verily, thehypocrites
are rebellious and perverse. Allah has promised the hypocrites men and
women and the rejecters of faith the fire of Hell; they will dwell
therein. It is sufficient for them. And Allah will curse them, and
they will have an enduring punishment."
[at-Tawbah, 9: 64-68]
Polytheists (Those who Associate Something with Allah): "Those who
reject [truth] among the People of the Book and the polytheists were
not going to depart [from their ways] until there comes to them clear
evidence - a messenger from Allah, rehearsing pure scriptures, wherein
are upright laws [or decrees]. Nor did those who had been given the
scripture make schisms until after there had cometo them clear
evidence. And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, sincere
in religion to Him, to establish regular prayer, and to pay zakah. And
that is the upright religion. Those who reject [truth] among the
People of the Book and the polytheists will be in the fire of Hell,
dwelling therein forever. They are the worst of creatures."
[al-Bayyinah, 98: 1-6]
People of the Book (Who Reject Islam):
"Those reject [truth] among the People of the Book are the polytheists
will be in the fire of Hell, dwelling there therein forever. They are
the worst of creatures."
[al-Bayyinah, 98: 6]
Arrogant Rejecters of the Truth:
"But those who reject Our signs and treat them witharrogance - they
are the companions of the Fire, dwelling therein forever."
[al-A'raf, 7: 36]
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
overwhelmedthere in despair. And We have not wronged them, but it is
they who have wronged [themselves]."
[az-Zukhruf, 43: 74-76]
The Unjust:
"Then it will be said to those who were unjust, 'Taste the eternal
punishment. Are you recompensed except for what you used to earn?'"
[Yunus, 10: 52]
Transgressors:
"But when there comes the Greatest Event - the Day when man will
remember what he strovefor and the Hellfire will bebrought forth for
[all] to see - then for him who had transgressed and preferred the
life of this world, indeed Hellfire will be his shelter."
[an-Nazi'at, 79: 34-39]
Concealers of Allah's Revelations:
"Those who conceal what We have sent down of proofs and guidance after
We have made it clear to the people in the scripture- those are cursed
by Allah and cursed by those who [are entitled to] curse."
[Surah al Baqarah, 2: 159]
("those who curse" refers to the angels and believers.)
Tyrants:
"But they asked victory, and disappointment is thelot of every
obstinate tyrant. In front of him is Hell, and he is given pus to
drink. He will gulp it but will hardly be able t oswallow it, and
death will come to him from every place, yet he will not die. And in
front of him will be a heavy punishment."
[Ibrahim, 14: 15-17]
"[It will be said to the twoangels], 'Throw into Hellfire every
obstinate rejecter [of Allah] - who prevented good, transgressed, and
doubted, who set up another god besides Allah- throw him into the
severe punishment.'"
[Qaf, 50: 24-26]
Murderers:
"And whoever kills a believer intentionally - hisrecompense is Hell to
abide therein forever, andthe warth and the curse of Alllah is upon
him, and He has prepared for him agreat punishment."
[an-Nisa, 4: 93]

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Some of its inhabitants

Imran bin Husayn (radiAllahu anhu) narratedthat the Prophet (salAllahu
alayhi wasalam) 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 inhabitantswere women."
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Usamah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) stated: "I stood at the gate of Paradise and saw that the
majorityof the people who entered it were the poor, while those of
means were held [for account], except the companions of the Fire, who
were already ordered to [be taken to] the Fire. And I stood at the
gate of the Fire and [saw that] the majority of those who entered it
were women."
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Ibn Abbas (radiAllahu anhu) stated: "The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi
wasalam) said, 'I looked into the Hellfire, and the majority of its
dwellers were women who were ungrateful.' It was asked, 'Did they
disbelieve in (i.e.were ungrateful to ] Allah?' He replied, 'They were
ungrateful to their husbands and were ungrateful for favors and the
good deeds done for them. If you had always been good to one of
themand then she saw something in you not to her liking, she would
say, 'I have never seen any good from you at all."'"
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Pharaoh:
"And We sent Musa with Our clear [signs] and an authority manifest
unto Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they followed the command of Pharaoh.
And the command of Pharaoh was no right guide. He will go before his
people on the Day of Judgment and lead them into the Fire. And how
evilwill be the place to which they are led. And they are followed by
a curse in this[life] and on the Day of Judgment. And evil is the gift
which will be given [to them]."
[Hud, 11: 96-99]
"The Fire - they will be exposed to it morning and evening, and on the
Day that judgment will beestablished [it will be said], 'Cast the
people of Pharaoh into the severest punishment.'"
[Ghafir, 40: 46]
The Wives of Nuh and Lut:
"Allah has given an example of those who disbelieve: the wife of Nuh
and the wife of Lut. They were under two of Our righteous servants but
betrayed them; so they [the two prophets] did not benefit them [the
wives] before Allah at all, and they were told, 'Enter the Fire with
those who enter.'"
[at-Tahreem, 66: 10]
Abu Lahab and His Wife:
"May the hands of Abu Lahab be ruined, and ruined is he. His wealth
will not avail him nor thatwhich he gained. He will enter a flaming
fire and his wife [as well] - the carrier of firewood - around her
neck a rope of palm fiber."
[Masad, 111: 1-5]
Amr bin Luhayy:
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "I saw 'Amr bin Luhayy bin Qam'a bin
Khindif, brotherof Bani Ka'b, dragging his intestines in the Fire."
[Muslim]
Amr bin Amir al-Khuya'i:
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) stated that Allah's Messenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "I saw 'Amr bin 'Amir al-Khuya'i
dragging his intestines in the Fire; he was the first who dedicated to
animals to false deities."
[Muslim]
Abu Talib:
Ibn Abbas (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "Of the inmates of the Fire, the one
with the easiest punishment will be Abu Talib; he will be wearing
apair of shoes which will cause his brain to boil."
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
"He will say, 'Enter into the company of communities who passed away
before you - of jinn and men - into the Fire.'"
[al-A'raf, 7: 38]
"If your Lord had so willed, He could have make mankind one people,
but they will not cease to dispute except those on whom your Lordhas
bestowed His mercy. And the word of your Lord will be fulfilled:
'Certainly I will fill Hell with jinn and men all together.'"
[Hud, 11: 118-119]
"Then they will be throwninto it [the Hellfire] on their faces - they
and those straying in evil and the soldiers of Iblees, all together."
[ash-Shu'ara, 26: 94-95]

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True peace comes with remembering Allah and growing closer to Him

When we remember God, we also realize that we areconstantly in His
presence, and thus we are liberated from the self-destructive habits
that consume us.
So often in life we are wronged by others, and the temptation to
respondin a demeaning and un-Islamic manner is very strong.
Fortunately, we can avoid wrong responses in the case of mistreatment
by relying on Allah and knowing thatHe is the All-Knowing. When we
take part in wrong responses, we fall victim to disobediences that
lead the soul away from righteousness, and into the pits of
retaliation and cruelty.
"Surely in Allah's remembrance do the hearts find peace." (13:28)
Those who seek God and remember Him will find contentment and joy in
their lives with the knowledge that they are under the protection of
Allah. When we utter praise to the Almighty andthank Him for his
countlessbounties, our hearts are filled with inner peace
andreflection. How happy and blessed are those who seek refuge in
their Lord, the Most Beneficent and Most Merciful Allah.

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In a season of consumerist madness,let’s be grateful, and give

At this time of year the stores are pushing their sales at us.
Advertising is everywhere. There if a frenzy to buy, buy, buy. Let's
realize that this is nota spiritual way of life. It's not an
appropriate lifestyle for someone who is dedicated to God. The
consumerist madness is a deception. There's no joy or peace attached
to it. It's a shallow illusion.
Look at what society has done to itself in the name of consumerism. A
day of thanks (Thanksgiving) has become the prelude to "Black Friday",
the biggest shopping day of the year. It used to be that Black Friday
did not begin until Friday morning, out of respect for Thanksgiving.
Then the starting gun was moved to midnight, and now it has crept into
Thursday evening. Nothingis sacred.
The Prophet 'Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus the son of Mary), peace be upon
him, has been turned into a marketing strategy. His purported birthday
has become a month of shopping insanity, presided over by a mythical
sub-deity named Santa. People go into debt,they fight over sale goods…
no mention is made of faith.
We Muslims fall prey to the same consumerist lifestyle. Sometimes the
holy month of Ramadan becomes a month of shopping, sleeping and binge
eating, astaghfirullah.
Let us – Christians, Muslims, Jews and all people of God – not
followthis path. Let's hew to a way of sacrifice, zakat
(purification), sadaqah (charity), zuhd (giving up material luxury).
We don't have to be monks, but we must focus on the things that
matter: faith and family.
There are movements thatadvocate a simple living, back-to-nature,
low-impact lifestyle. In Islam this is called zuhd , which could be
translated as detachment or asceticism. Zuhd is a choicethat a person
makes to give up the hunger for material possessions and transgressive
carnal experiences, and live a simple lifestyle dedicated to God.
That's what we need.
The faith in our hearts is more important than the brand name of the
clothes we wear. Where our feet carry us – to someplace good or bad –
is more important than the cost of our shoes. The sincerity in our
hearts is more important than any gift. May Allah help us to see what
is important in life.
The Enjoyment of Delusion
There's a powerful verse from the Bible, Proverbs 30:8-9:
Give me neither poverty nor riches,
grant me only my share of bread to eat,
for fear that surrounded by plenty, I should fall away
and say, "Yahweh – who isYahweh?"
or else in destitution, take to stealing
and profane the name of my God.
(Yahweh is an ancient Hebrew name for God).
If you visit the shopping malls at Christmastime, and read the news
stories of people lining up from the night before and huddling in
sleeping bags in order to buy the latest gadgets, then trampling each
other in the rush; if you turn on the TV to the usual Christmas
comedies and "Frosty the Snowman"cartoons, you see that God has been
forgotten, and has even become taboo. It's not politically correct to
speak of God. Just watchwhat we broadcast, be hypnotized by our
Christmas elevator music, buy and forget…
Allah says about this:
"Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and
adornment and boastingto one another and competition in increase of
wealth and children – like the example of a rainwhose [resulting]
plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned
yellow; then it becomes debris. And in the Hereafter is severe
punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the
worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion." – Quran, Surat
Al-Hadeed, 57:20
This theme is struck repeatedly in the Quran. The amusement and
adornment of the dunya isan illusion that dries up and crumbles like a
corn stalk, and becomes dust. It is empty, the enjoyment ofdelusion .
Wow. That phrase, "enjoyment of delusion", makes me think of a madman
alone in a room, tied in a straight jacket, engaged in a pleasant
delusion playing only in his mind.
I know people who have abedroom devoted to all the junk that they have
bought but do not use. They never enter that room and the door is kept
locked. Isn't that a kind of mental illness?
Gratitude
How do we resist the onslaught of the season? How do we remember Allah?
The greatest tool in our toolbox is gratitude. By looking at what
we've been blessed with, our hearts become content. Socrates commented
that contentment is natural wealth, while luxury is artificial
poverty. Contentment does not mean complacency or passivity; it refers
to a state of awareness of our blessings, and gratitude for the
smallest to the greatest provisions – the tiniest cells in our bodies,
to the grand earth itself.

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Going to Allah when we need Him

Do we think we can go to Allah only when we "need" Him?
I'm not saying that it's wrong. I'm saying that it's impossible.
We need Allah every hour, every day. Every heartbeat,every breath,
every bite of food, every ray of sunshine. We need Him when we are
poor and sick, and when we're rich and robust. We need Him when we're
starving in thegutter, or cruising on top of the world. We depend on
Allah more than a newborn baby depends onits mother, even when we
don't see it.
Our failure to see this reality does not change the fact that it is
true. We can achieve nothing without Allah. I write this article only
by His will. Youget out of bed, pour your cereal, hug your children,
go to work, run that 5K race, and breathe, all by means of the gifts
He has given.
When we're doing well, and everything is butter, that's the time to
turn to Allah even more, with gratitude and praise. If we do that,
then when we're having hard times He'll be there for us, He'll rescue
usand lift us up, even if we don't ask.
This not my idea. I did not make this up. The Messenger of Allah (sws)
said, "Remember Allah during times of ease andHe will remember you
during times of difficulty." (Tirmidhi)
Remembrance of Allah is not only a matter of prayer. It is also
kindness to others. If I have an excess of energy, I need to use that
to help someone who is ill, weak, depressed,or lost. If I have been
blessed with wealth, intelligence, knowledge, ortalent, then I need to
use that to bring someone relief.
I need Allah , I know that. Ifeel it.
We need Allah with every rotation of the earth. So yes, go to Allah
when you need Him – at every moment in time.

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1a] The punishment for breaking the fast in Ramadaan with no excuse

1a]
For Allaah is Most Generous, Forbearing and Most Merciful, as He says
(interpretation of the meaning):
"Know they not that Allaah accepts repentance from His slaves and
takes the Sadaqaat (alms, charity), and that Allaah Alone is the One
Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful?"
[al-Tawbah 9:104]
If you try fasting and find out how easy it is and what comfort it
brings and how close it brings you to Allaah, you will never give it
up.
Think about what Allaah says at the end of the verses on fasting
(interpretation of the meaning):
"Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things
difficult for you"
[al-Baqarah 2:185]
The phrase, "so that you may be grateful to Him" shows that fasting is
a blessing for which we must give thanks. Hence some of the salaf used
to wish that the whole year was Ramadaan.
We ask Allaah to help youand guide you, and to open your heart to that
which will bring you happiness in this world and in the Hereafter.
And Allaah knows best.

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1] The punishment for breaking the fast in Ramadaan with no excuse

1]
I do not fast. Will I be punished on the Day of Resurrection?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Fasting in Ramadaan is one of the pillars on which Islam is built.
Allaah tells us that He has prescribed it for the believers of this
ummah [nation], as He prescribed it for those who came before them.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for
you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become
Al-Muttaqoon (the pious"
[al-Baqarah 2:183]
"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed theQur'aan, a guidance for
mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between
right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescenton the first
night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must
observe Sawm (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey,
the same number[of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be
made up] from other days. Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not
want to make things difficult for you. (He wantsthat you) must
complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah
[i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for
having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him"
[al-Baqarah 2:185]
Al-Bukhaari (8) and Muslim (16) narrated that Ibn 'Umar (may Allaah be
pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) said: "Islam is built on five (pillars): the
testimony that there is no god but Allaah and Muhammad is the
Messenger of Allaah; establishing prayer; paying zakaah; Hajj; and
fasting Ramadaan."
Whoever does not fast has abandoned one of thepillars of Islam, and is
committing a grave majorsin. Indeed some of the salaf were of the view
that he is a kaafir [disbeliever] and apostate– we seek refuge with
Allaah from that.
Abu Ya'la narrated in his Musnad from Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allaah be
pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) said: "The bonds of Islam and the bases of religion are
three, on which Islam was founded. Whoever gives up one of them
becomes a kaafir thereby and it is permissible to shed his blood: the
testimony that there is nogod but Allaah, the prescribed prayers and
fasting Ramadaan."
This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Dhahabi, and as hasan by
al-Haythami in Majma' al-Zawaa'id, 1/48, and by al-Mundhiri in
al-Targheeb wa'l-Tarheeb,no. 805, 1486. Classed as da'eef by
al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Da'eefah, no. 94.
Al-Dhahabi said in al-Kabaa'ir, p. 64.
Whoever does not fast in Ramadaan without being sick or having any
other excuse that allows him not to fast is more evil than the
adulterer or drunkard, indeed they doubted his Islam and thought that
this was heresy.
A saheeh report which warns against not fasting was narrated by Ibn
Khuzaymah (1986) and Ibn Hibbaan (7491) from Abu Umaamah al-Baahili
who said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) say: "Whilst I was sleeping two men came to me and
took my by the arm and brought me to a cragged mountain. They said,
'Climb up.' I said, 'I cannot.' They said, 'We will make it easy for
you.' So I climbed up until I wasat the top of the mountain. Then I
heard loud voices. I said, 'What are these voices?' They said, 'This
is the howling of the people of Hell." Then I was taken until I saw
people hanging by their hamstrings, with thesides of their mouths
tornand blood pouring from their mouths.' I said, 'Whoare these?' He
said, 'These are people who broke their fast before it was time.'"
Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Mawaarid al-Zam'aan, no.
1509.
Al-Albaani (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: This is the punishment
of those who fasted then broke the fast deliberatelybefore the time
for breaking the fast came, sowho about those who do not fast at all?
We ask Allaah to keep us safe andsound in this world and inthe
Hereafter.
Our advice to the brother who asked this question is to fear Allaah
and to beware of His wrath, vengeance and a painful punishment. He
should hasten to repent to Allaahbefore the destroyer of pleasures
that splits people apart [i.e., death] takes him unawares. Today there
is action and no reckoning, but tomorrow there will be the reckoning
and no action. Note that whoeverrepents, Allaah will accepthis
repentance, and whoever draws closer to Allaah one hand span, Allaah
will draw closer to him one cubit....

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The Great number of inhabitants

"And most of the people are not believers even though you take great
care in this respect."
[Yusuf, 12: 103]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated: "The Prophet (salAllahu
alayhi wasalam) said, 'The first man to be called on the Day of
Resurrection will be Adam, who will be shown his descendants. And it
will be said to them, "This is your father, Adam." Adam will say,
[responding to the call],"Labbayk wa sa'dayk." Then Allah will say [to
Adam], "Bring forth from your descendants the delegations of the
Fire." He will say, "O Lord, how many should I bring?" Allah will
answer, "From every hundred, ninety-nine.'"
The companions said, 'O Messenger of Allah, if ninety-nine out of
every one hundred of us are brought forth , then what will remain of
us?' The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) stated, 'My nation among
other nations is like a white hairon a black bull.'"
[Sahih al-Bukhari]

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How thirty people ate in the dark

Sheikh Abul Hasan Antaki (RA.) lived in Raye, a city in Khorassan. One
day, it chanced that the Sheikh had more than thirty guests, while he
did not have sufficient bread withhim. He could not bake more bread,
for, it was late at night. So, he broke the few loaves he had into
small pieces and spread them over a piece of cloth, which he had
laidbefore his guests. When they were going to start eating, the
Sheikh put outthe lamp. Everybody seemed to start eating and one could
hear the sound of their chewing. After a while, the sound stopped and
it was presumed that everybodyhad finished eating. The Sheikh then
lighted the lamp and they saw that all the pieces were lying
untouched; nobody had eaten anything. Because the food was little,
everyone was thinking about his brothers next tohim and wanted them to
eat instead.
Source: "Fadhail-e-Sadaqaa: Part II" translated by Prof. Abdul Karim.
May Allah make us useful for each other in terms of pleasing Allah.

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Interesting stories about Prophet Muhammad's childhood

Abdul Muttalib (Prophet Muhammad's grandfather) was more passionate
with his grandson (young Muhammad) than with hisown children. He never
left the boy a prey to loneliness, but always preferred him to his own
kids. Ibn Hisham reported:A mattress was put in the shade of Al-Ka'bah
for Abdul Muttalib. His children used to sit around that mattress in
honour to their father, butMuhammad used to sit onit. His uncles would
take him back, but if Abdul Muttalib was present, he would say: "Leave
my grandson. I swear by Allahthat this boy will hold a significant
position." He used to seat the boy on his mattress, pat his back and
was always pleased with what the boy did. Source: Ibn Hihsam, 1/168.
It is also reported that during Amina's (Prophet Muhammad's mother)
pregnancy, she felt no pain or discomfort. She had always heard
womencomplaining about the hardships of pregnancy, but she felt very
well. During these months Amina had many dreams. One night in a dream
she saw a light coming out of her. The light was shining on castles of
Syria. Source:Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd, 1/63.

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