Allah Has Created a Powerful Love among Muslims

The love among Muslims is a naturally occurring love resulting from
a faith-based sincerity. Is not based on any self-interest;
believers love one another solely for Allah's approval. This
sincere love also brings with it a lofty conception of humility.
And when love and humility are combined together, the result is a
powerful bond among Muslims.
The people to whom believers most direct their love as
manifestations of Allah are their brothers in faith. As our Lord
says in one verse, "The faithful are brothers..." (Surat
al-Hujurat, 10), Muslims are one anothers brothers. Therefore, as
with blood brothers, the relationship between Muslims is based on a
profound love, and they watch over and protect one another.
Allah gives love to the heart of every Muslim who loves Him, fears
Him and genuinely strives to seek His approval. Our Lord states that
it is His Presence that creates love among believers:
" As for those who have faith and do right actions, the All-Merciful
will bestow His love on them." (Surah Maryam, 96)
Since these people love Allah, they will also love His creations and
feel affection and compassion for them. They will wish to protect
them and seek the best for them. As Allah tells believers, whom He
has made his best and most virtuous servants:
" Say: 'I do not ask you for any wage for this –except for you to
love your near of kin. If anyone does a good action,We will
increase the good of it for him. Allah is Ever-Forgiving,
Ever-Thankful'." (Surat ash-Shura, 23)
Muslims Loving One Another in This World Is a Moral Virtue of Paradise
It is incompatible with Qur'anic moral values for the bond of love
that Muslims feel for one another to be limited to a small
community. That bond of love must include all sects and communities
and even the entire Islamic world. Allah disapproves of coldness,
and even conflict, between sects and communities. All Muslims must
hope to enter paradise and strive for that by doing good works. But
in order to enter paradise they must love one another. In paradise,
all Muslims are a single community, and verses reveal that Muslims
will recognize one another there, talk with one another, be friends
and love one another:
" in Gardens of Delight. A large group of the earlier people but few
of the later ones.
On sumptuous woven couches, reclining on them face to face." (Surat
al-Waki'ah, 12-16)
Another verse reveals that brotherhood, profound love and devotion
among Muslims is one of the features of paradise as follows.
" We will strip away any rancor in their hearts – brothers, resting
on couches face-to-face." (Surat al-Hijr, 47)
Muslims are a single community in paradise, and there are no
communities or groups that do not love another, and everyone is
equal. There is also an obligation for his model in paradise as
described in the verses to be adopted and implemented in this
world, too. Allah warns Muslims in another verse that they must be
very considerate of one another and that there must be a bond of
love between them, and He reveals that this will be pleasing to
Him:
" Allah loves those who fight in His Way in ranks like well-built
walls." (Surat as-Saff, 4)

The believers are brothers

The believers are brothers, so make peace between your brothers and
fear Allah so that hopefully you will gain mercy. (Surat al-Hujurat,
10)
Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not quarrel among yourselves
lest you lose heart and your momentum disappear. And be steadfast.
Allah is with the steadfast. (Surat al-Anfal, 46)
Allah loves those who fight in His Way in ranks like well-built
walls. (Surat as-Saff, 4)
Hold fast to the rope of Allah all together, and do not separate.
Remember Allah's blessing to you when you were enemies and He
joined your hearts together so that you became brothers by His
blessing. You were on the very brink of a pit of the Fire and He
rescued you from it. In this way Allah makes His Signs clear to
you, so that hopefully you will be guided.(Surah Al 'Imran, 103)
He has laid down the same religion for youas He enjoined on Nuh:
that which We have revealed to you and which We enjoined on Ibrahim,
Musa and 'Isa: 'Establish the religion and do not make divisions in
it.' What you call the idolaters to follow is very hard for them.
Allah chooses for Himself anyone He wills and guides to Himself
those who turn to Him. (Surat ash-Shura, 13)
Those who were already settled in the abode, and in faith, before they
came, love those who have emigrated to them; do not find in their
hearts any need for what they have been given; and prefer them to
themselves, even if they themselves are needy. It is the people who
are safe-guarded from the avarice of their own selves who are
successful. (Surat al-Hashr, 9)
Those who have come after them say: "Our Lord, forgive us and our
brothers who preceded us in faith, and do not put any rancor in our
hearts toward those who believe. Our Lord, You are All-Gentle, Most
Merciful." (Surat al-Hashr, 10)

In the Qur'an, every community has a leader

HADITH: Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) said: "When you are three people,
appoint one from amongst you as your leader. (Munawi, Faidhul
Qadir, I, 431 (Muslim, Nessai, Ahmad)
EVERY HUMAN COMMUNITY HAS A LEADER
(Remember) the day when We will call every people with their
leaders ; then whoever is given his book in his right hand, these
shall read their book; and they shall not be dealt with a whit
unjustly. (Surat al-Isra, 71)
PROPHET ABRAHAM (A.S.) BEING MADE AN IMAM FOR PEOPLE
And when his Lord tried Abraham with certain words, he fulfilled
them. He said: Surely I will make you a leader of men. Abraham
said: And of my offspring? My covenant does not include the unjust,
said He. (Surat al-Baqara, 124)
THOSE IN COMMAND
You who believe! obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in
command among you. ..( Surat an-Nisa, 59)
When news of any matter reaches them they spread it about, whether
it is of a reassuring or disquieting nature. If they had only
referred it to the Messenger andthose in command among them , those
among them, able to discern the truth about it would have had
proper knowledge of it. (An-Nisa, 83)
MASTERS OF DIVINE KNOWLEDGE
Surely We revealed the Torah in which was guidance and light; with
it the prophets who submitted themselves (to Allah) judged (matters)
for those who were Jews, and the masters of Divine knowledge and
the doctors, because they were required to guard (part) of the Book
of Allah, and they were witnesses thereof; therefore fear not the
people and fear Me, and do not take a small price for My
communications; and whoever did not judge by what Allah revealed,
those are they that are the unbelievers. (Surat al-Mai'da /44)
IN THE QUR'AN, MUSLIMS PRAY TO BE AN EXAMPLE TO THOSE WHO HAVE PIETY
..those who say, 'Our Lord, give us joy in our wives and children
and make us a g ood example for those who have fear of Allah ';
(Surat al-Furqan, 74)
EGYPT'S KING: PROPHET JOSEPH (A.S.) BEING GIVEN A HIGH RANK, A TRUSTED ADVISOR
And the King said: "Bring him to me so that I may employ him to my
person." So when he spoke to him, he said: " Today you are with us in
high rank and trusted. "
(Yusuf 54)
PROPHET JOSEPH (A.S.) BECOMING A MANAGER
There, Joseph said: "Now, O king, that you have faith in me, then
entrust ''me with the granaries and the storehouses of the
agricultural and natural products of the land and with the treasuries
of the realm , and you shall find me trustworthy and capable of
guarding the interests of the kingdom and knowing how to manage and
administer affairs cleverly ". (Surah Yusuf, 55)
ALLAH GAVE POWER TO PROPHET JOSEPH (A.S.)
And thus We established Joseph in the land so he could live in any
place he pleased . We grant Our grace to anyone We will and We do
not allow to go to waste the wage of any people who do good. (Surah
Yusuf, 56)
THE POWER OF DHU'L-QARNAYN
They will ask you about Dhu'l-Qarnayn. Say: 'I will tell you
something about him.'
Verily We established his power on Earth , and We gave him the ways
and the means to all ends. (Surat al-Kahf,/ 83-84)
PHARAOH LEADING HIS PEOPLE IN THE WORLD AND ON THE DAY OF RISING
..to Pharaoh and his ruling circle. They followed Pharaoh's command
but Pharaoh's command was not rightly guided.
He will go ahead of his people on the Day of Risin g and lead them
down into the Fire. What an evil watering-hole to be led to!
(Hud/97-98)
SONS OF ISRAEL ASKING FOR A LEADER FROM ALLAH
What do you think about the council of the tribe of Israel after
Moses' time when they said to one of their Prophets, ' Give us a
king and we will fight in the Way of Allah!'... (Surat al-Baqara,
246)
RULER TALUT
Their Prophet said to them, ' Allah has appointed Talut to be your
king .' They said, ' How can he have kingship over us when we have
much more right to kingship than he does? He has not even got much
wealth !' He said, ' Allah has chosen him over you and favored him
greatly in knowledge and physical strength. Allah gives kingship to
anyone He wills. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing.' (Surat
al-Baqara, 247)
THE SIGN OF KINGSHIP
Their Prophet said to them, ' The sign of his kingship is that the
Ark will come to you, containing serenity from your Lord and certain
relics left by the families of Moses and Aaron. It will be borne by
angels. There is a sign for you in that if you are believers.' (Surat
al-Baqara, 247)
GOLIATH: THE LEADER OF THE ARMY
When they came out against Goliath and his troops , they said, 'Our
Lord, pour down steadfastness upon us, and make our feet firm, and
help us against this unbelieving people.' (Surat al-Baqara, 250)
KINGS OF THE SONS OF ISRAEL
Remember when Moses said to his people, 'My people! remember
Allah's blessing to you when He appointed Prophets among you and
appointed kings for you, and gave you what He had not given to
anyone else in all the worlds. (Surat al-Mai'da, 20)
PROPHET SOLOMON (A.S.) LEADING
Return to them. We will come to them with troops they cannot face
and we will expel them from it abased and humiliated.' (Surat
an-Naml, 37)
PROPHET SOLOMON (A.S.) LEADING THE TROOPS
Solomon's troops, made up of jinn and men and birds, were assembled
for him, paraded in tight ranks. (Surat an-Naml, 17)
PROPHET SOLOMON (A.S.) HAVING A COUNCIL
Said an 'Ifrit, of the Jinns: "I will bring it to thee before you
rise from your council : indeed I have full strength for the
purpose, and may be trusted."
(Surat an-Naml, 39)
LEADER OF THE ANTS
Then, when they reached the Valley of the Ants, a [female] ant said,
'Ants! enter your dwellings so that Solomon and his troops do not
crush you unwittingly .' (An-Naml 18)
A FEMALE LEADER: QUEEN OF SHEBA
I found a woman ruling over them who has been given everything. She
possesses a mighty throne. (Surat an-Naml, 23)
She said, 'Council! give me your opinion about this matter. It is
not my habit to make a final decision until I have heard what you
have to say.'
They said, 'We possess strength and we possess great force. But the
matter is in your hands so consider what you command.'
She said, ' When kings enter a city, they lay waste to it and make
its mightiest inhabitants the most abased. That is what they too
will do. (Surat an-Naml, 32-34)
THE MESSENGERS BEING THE LEADER OF THE MUSLIMS
It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of
Truth to exalt it over every other religion, even though the
idolaters detest it. (Surat at-Tawba, 33)
RULING THE WORLD- LEADERS: THOSE WHO ARE GIVEN AUTHORITY
We desired to show kindness to those who were oppressed in the land
and to make them leaders and make them inheritors and establish
them firmly in the land and to show Pharaoh and Haman and their
troops the very thing that they were fearing from them. (Surat al-
Qasas, 5-6)
..those who safeguard their prayer:
such people are the inheritors. (Surat al-Muminun, 9-10)
He said, 'We will kill their sons and let their women live. We have
absolute power over them!'
Moses said to his people, ' Seek help in Allah and be steadfast. The
earth belongs to Allah. He bequeathes it to any of His servants He
wills. The successful outcome is for those who have fear of Allah.'
(Surah al-A'raf / 127-128)
We wrote down in the Zabur, after the Reminder came: 'It is My
servants who are righteous who will inherit the earth.'
Certainly there is a transmission in this for people who worship.
(Surat al-Anbiya', 105-106)
And We bequeathed to the people who had been oppressed the easternmost
part of the land We had blessed, and its westernmost partas well. The
most excellent Word of your Lord was fulfilled for thetribe of Israel
on accountof their steadfastness. And We utterly destroyed what
Pharaohand his people made and the buildings they constructed (Surat
al-A'raf, 137)
GUIDING LEADERS
We made them l eaders, guiding by Our command, and revealed to them
how to do good actions and establish prayer and pay alms, and they
worshipped Us. (Surat al-Anbiya', 73)
LEADERS OF FALSEHOOD
When it is the turn of the leaders of falsehood to be cast into Hell
those who preceded them of their people shall be told: "Here is
another crowd to join you in the crowd of your sins. They are not
welcomed in the beautitude of heaven but Hell claims them as her
own".
(Surah Sad, 59-60)
SUCCESSORS IN THE WORLD
It is He who appointed you successors on the Earth and raised some
of you above others in rank so He could test you regarding what He
has given you. (Surat al-An'am, 165)
They said: We have been persecuted before you came to us and since
you have come to us. He said: It may be that your Lord will destroy
your enemy andmake you rulers in the land , then He will see how you
act.
(Surat al-A'raf, 129)
Then Weappointed you after them to be successors on the Earth so We
might observe how you would act.. (Surah Yunus, 14)
He Who responds to the oppressed when they call on Him and removes
their distress, and has appointed you as successors on the Earth.
Is there another god besides Allah? How little you pay heed. (Surat
an-Neml, 62)
It is He Who made you successors on the Earth ... (Surah Fatir, 39)
DAVID (A.S.) THE SUCCESSOR
"'David! We have made you a successor on the Earth,so judge between
people with truth... (Surah Sad, 26)
HUD'S PEOPLE, THE OVERLORDS
Remember when He set you up as overlords following Noah´s folk, and
made you grow so very tall. Remember God´s benefits so that you may
prosper. (Surat al-A'raf/69)
PEOPLE OF THAMUD, THE SUCCESSORS
Remember when He set you up as overlords after Ad, and settled you
down on the Earth. (Surat al-A'raf/74)
PEOPLE OF NOAH, THE SUCCESSORS
But they denied him so We rescued him, and all those with him, in
the Ark and We made them the successors ... (Surah Yunus/73)
VERSES IN THE QUR'AN ABOUTASKING AND WAITINGFOR A LEADER (A SAVIOR)
What reason could you have for not fighting in the Way of Allah –
for those men, women and children who are oppressed and say, 'Our
Lord, take us out of this city whose inhabitants are wrongdoers! Give
us a protector from You! Give us a helper from You!'? (Surat an-Nisa',
75)
Or did you suppose that you would enter the Garden without facing
the same as those who came before you? Poverty and illness afflicted
them and they were shaken to the point that the Messenger and those
who had iman with him said, 'When is Allah's help coming?' Be
assured that Allah's help is very near. (Surat al-Baqara, 214)

Fathwa, - Women's rights to sexual intimacy

Question:
I have some questions about rights to sexual intimacy (all related questions):
1) If a wife has to always fulfill her husband's sexual desires even
when shedoesn't want to, does this mean that he has to fulfill her
desires when he doesn't want to, as well? Can a wife"demand" sex as
husbands can?
2) Is it sinful for a husband to refuse his wife? If refusing a
husband can lead him to other sin, doesn't refusing a wife lead HER to
sin, as well?
3) What constitutes a"valid" reason for refusing intimacy? For
example, even though husbands can enjoy their wives while they're
menstruating by putting a garment over their privates, does she have
to engage in intimacy if she is having slight cramps, not even
a"valid" sickness?
4) Shouldn't the husband just respect that his wife is simply"not in
the mood"? Wouldn't he enjoy it more if she IS in the mood, or is he
like an animal that needs his desires fulfilled ASAP?
Please help me as I have trouble coming to terms with this seemingly
"unfair" concept, even when the couple is mutually respectful and
communicative. If a sister could answer, that would be appreciated.
May Allah reward you best.
Answer:
In the Name of Allah.
Praise be to Allah.
May Allah's peace and blessings shower upon our beloved Messenger.
Dear Sister,
I pray this message finds you in good health and spirits.
You have raised some very important points:
1) If a wife has to always fulfill her husband's sexual desires even
when she doesn't want to, does this mean that he has to fulfill her
desires when he doesn't want to, as well? Can a wife "demand" sex as
husbands can?
Answer:
The husband is obligatedto keep his wife chaste. While scholars have
distinguished between a man's right to "demand" sex and a woman's
right to "request" sex, it is nonetheless a man's religous duty to
keep his wife sexually satisfied. A woman may not have an explicit
legal right to demand sex in the same fashion as a man; however, this
distinction merely accounts for the inherent temperamental,physical,
and emotional differences between the sexes. Ustadha Hedaya Hartford,
in her excellentguide to Islamic marriage, states that both Hanafi and
Shafi'i scholars hold that a man should make love to his wife at least
every four nights. [Hedaya Hartford,Islamic Marriage: Starting Off On
the Right Foot. Beirut and Damascus: Dar al-Fikr, 2000]
2) Is it sinful for a husband to refuse his wife? If refusing a
husband can lead him to other sin, doesn''t refusing a wife lead HER
to sin, as well?
Answer:
Yes, it is sinful for a man to consistently refuse his wife. Note the
word"consistently." It is a given that sometimes one spouse or the
other won't be in the mood. However, as Ustadha Hedaya says, sex
should never be used as a weapon. There is great blessing in
satisfying your spouse, even if you don't feel like it. A woman who is
not sexually satisfied in her marriage may be led to sin. This is a
possibility for both spouses if they are not receiving their rights.
Scholars emphasize that a man must keep his wife chaste. How can he do
this if he refuses her?
3) What constitutes a"valid" reason for refusing intimacy? For
example, even though husbands can enjoy theirwives while they''re
menstruating by putting a garment over their privates, does she have
to engage in intimacy if she is having slight cramps, not even
a"valid" sickness?
Answer:
Valid reasons include menstruation, postpartum bleeding, illness,
exhaustion, and physical inability. Note that a woman cannot have sex
while menstruating or experiencing postnatal bleeding. However, if
shesimply doesn't feel up to it, then the best thing to do is to
explain to her husband how she feels. Perhaps there are other ways she
can explore to satisfy him. Furthermore,she should let him know that
when she feels better, she looks forwardto having intercourse. This
will create a sense ofanticipation and let him know that she loves
him.
4) Shouldn't the husbandjust respect that his wife is simply "not in
the mood?"Wouldn't he enjoy it more if she IS in the mood, or is he
like ananimal that needs his desires fulfilled ASAP?
Answer:
Yes, both spouses need to understand that sometimes one or the other
won't be in the mood. However, as I stated before, this shouldnot
become a habit. It is very easy to keep puttingoff your husband, but
think of the long term. It may be good to sit downand count how often
youput him off. It may be more than you think. Also worth exploring:
why aren't you in the mood? Is there s0mething he could do
differently? How often do you two just sit and enjoy each other's
company? Talking, laughing, cuddling, and kissing are things couples
should do on a regular basis, not just when they have sex. These
little ways of showing love really do foster a strong relationship and
preparethe couple for further intimacy.
Another suggestion is to look at your husband's timing. Do you have
children? Do you work orgo to school? Perhaps your husband is
approaching you after you've had a long day. There are things you can
do to alleviate this and create a positive, loving environment where
BOTH of you crave intimacy.
Please read these articleson SunniPath. They are of benefit.
*** Turning Sex Into Sadaqa *** www.sunnipath.com/res ources/Questions
/qa00000608.aspx
*** Bedroom: If wife is tired. ***
www.sunnipath.com/res ources/Questions /qa00002906.aspx
May Allah bless you and your husband to find a solution that is
mutually beneficial.
And Allah alone gives success.

Fathwa, - Who has the religious and legal right to name an infant: the mother, father, or ...

Question:
Who has the religious and legal right to name an infant: the mother,
father, or someone else? Even if the wife really wants aspecific name
and SHE is the one who carried for 9 months and SHE is the one who
will go through the pains of delivery while the husband does nothing
of the sort, can his choice override the mother's choice for her
child's name?
Answer:
Dear Sister,
I pray this message finds you and your family well.
From the ahadith of the Prophet, peace be upon him, one understands
that it is the duty of the parents to give the child a good and
respectable name. In answer to your question, it was pointed out to me
that the father has the ultimate say in naming the child based on his
role as amir of the family.
To prevent bad feelings, you and your husband might settle on a
compromise. Perhaps you can both decide on aname that is mutually
pleasing. Or you could pick your husband's choice as the child's first
name, and give him yourchoice as a middle name,or vice versa. Maybe
you can take turns, that is, your first child get's the name Dad
wants, the second gets Mom's choice, etc.
Ultimately, the father is the amir of the family, but a good amir is
the one who decides through mutual consultation. It is possible for
you to recognize your husband's role as the amir, while at the same
time, making your own wishes clear.
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar:
Allah's Apostle said,"Surely! Everyone of you is a guardian and is
responsible for his charges: The Imam (ruler) of the people is a
guardian and is responsible for his subjects; a man is the guardian of
his family (household) and is responsible for his subjects; a woman is
the guardian of her husband's home and of his children and is
responsible for them; and the slave of a man is a guardian of his
master's property and is responsible for it. Surely, everyone of you
is a guardian and responsible for his charges."
[Bukhari, Volume 9, Book89, Number 252]
Allah Most High speaks ofmutual consultation, or shura, as one of the
qualities of the believers,"And those who answer the call of their
Lord and establish worship, and whose affairs are a matter of counsel,
and who spend of what We have bestowed on them." [As-Shura, 42:38]
I pray that Allah gives you a solution through mutual consultation
that is beneficial to all.
And Allah knows best.

Fathwa, - Permission to observe voluntary fast?

Question:
My wife is really struggling with the idea that why does a woman need
to get her husband's permission to observe voluntary fast? She is
really confused about the fact that this is an act between her and
Allah, why does she need permission from a human being? She has got
some answers from local Imams saying that the man is more inclined
towardsgoing out and committing Zina, so that's why the woman should
be readily available for her husband. This answer really made her
upset, becuase she contested that there are women out there who are as
vulnerable as men. Canyou please provide us a detailed answer, becuase
she is really struggling with this spiritually and physically.
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Praise be to Allah.
May Allah's peace and blessings shower upon our beloved Messenger.
Dear Brother,
I pray this message finds you and your wife in good health and spirits.
The basis for a woman's asking her husband's permission to do a
voluntary fast comes from the hadith of the Prophet, Allah bless him
and give him peace, "A woman should not fast (optional fasts) except
with her husband's permission if he is at home (staying with her)."
[Sahih Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 62, Number 120]
Our duty as Muslims is to approach the teachings of the Prophet, peace
be upon him, with the attitude enjoined by the Qur'an, "And it
becomethnot a believing man or a believing woman, when Allah and His
messenger have decided an affair (for them), that they should (after
that) claim any say in their affair; and whoso is rebellious to Allah
and His messenger, he verily goeth astray in error manifest."
[Al-Ahzab, 33:36]
The essence of Islam resides in sublimating our inclinations to what
the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, brought us.
Please reassure your wife that her seeking your permission to perform
a voluntary fast is neither demeaning nor degrading to her. Unlike
obligatory fasts, which are an obligation solely due to Allah Most
High, voluntary fasts involve the rights of a fellow human being,
namely the husband. Out of respect and consideration for each other,
both husband andwife should check with each other before performing a
voluntary fast.
My teacher told me that the fundamental purposes of marriage arelove,
intimacy, and companionship. It's hard to satisfy these purposes if
the spouses do not make themselves sexually available to eachother. In
Islam, marriage is a form of contract, based on the premise that the
woman will make herself sexually available to the man with his promise
that he will support her and their children. It is the wife's
religious and legalobligation to make herself available to her
husband. Likewise, it is the husband's religious and legal obligation
to satisfy his wife. Thus, they keep each other chaste.
Your wife is correct: there are some women out there who are inclined
to stray. However, generally speaking, the urge for men to stray is
usually much stronger. The rulings of Sacred Law usually address
themselves to general cases, rather than exceptions.
When a woman gets her husband's consent to perform a voluntary fast,
she can attain to much baraka (blessing) because:
1. She is following the Sunna of our Beloved Prophet, Allah bless him
and give him peace.
2. She is letting her husband know how much she cares about him.
3. She is exemplifying the noble spirit of Islamicmarriage: an
attitude of loving, compassionate concern.
4. When she exhibits such a positive attitude, Allah willing, her
husband will reciprocate.
May Allah Most High blessyou and your wife.
And Allah knows best.

Juwayriyyah Bint Al-Haarith

The fifth year of Hijrah )the Migration of Prophet Muhammadfrom Makkah
to Al-Madeenah( was a year rich in major events. During its second
half, the Muslims were busy fighting the Parties )coalition of the
tribes that rallied against them in an attempt to impede the spread of
Islam(.
Muslims dug a trench around Al-Madeenah to defend it against the
enemies outside. But a greater danger was facing them from inside,
that of the Jewish tribes who breached the peace treaty. After
defeating the Parties, the Prophetrallied the Muslims against the
Jewish tribe of Banu An-Nadheer first. They blockaded their fortress
for twenty-five days until they all surrendered. Then the Muslims set
off towards the tribe of Banu Al-Mustaliq who were gathering forces to
fight them.
The two armies met at a watering well called Al-Muraysee'.A fierce
battle took place which ended by a heavy defeat of Banu Al-Mustaliq.
Most of their fighters were killed and their women were taken
captives. Their leader,Al-Haarith Ibn Dhiraar, escaped, but his
daughter, Barrah, fell to the hands of the Muslims.
The Prophetdistributed the captives among the Muslims. The daughter of
Al-Haarith fell to the lot of Thaabit Ibn Qays. 'Aa'ishahwho
accompanied the Propheton this expedition, related: "When the
Prophetdistributed the captives of Banu Al-Mustaliq, she)Barrah( fell
to the lot of Thaabit Ibn Qays )(. She was married to her cousin, who
was killed during the battle. She gave Thaabit a deed )document(,
agreeing to pay him for her freedom. She was a very beautifulwoman.
She captivated every man who saw her. She came to the Prophetto ask
for his help in the matter. As soon as I saw her at the door of my
room, I took a dislike to her, for I knew that he would see her as I
saw her. She went in and told himwho she was, the daughter of
Al-Haarith Ibn Dhiraar, the chief of his people. She said: 'You can
see the state to which I have been brought. I have fallen to thelot of
Thaabit, and have given him a deed for my ransom, and I have come to
ask your help in thematter.' Hesaid:'Would you like something better
than that? I will discharge your debt, and marry you.'She said: 'Yes,
O Messenger of Allaah!''Then it is done.'Hereplied." ]Ahmad[
This was the event that turned Barrah's )later named Juwayriyyah by
the Prophet( life around. For not only did she accept Islam, thus
saving herself from Hellfire, but by accepting the Prophetfor her
husband and thus became Umm Al-Mu'mineen )Mother of the Believers(.
The news that the Prophethad married Juwayriyyahspread out, and now
that Banu Al-Mustaliq were the Prophet's relatives by marriage, the
Muslims found it hard to keep them as their captives. "The relatives
of the Messenger of Allaah!" They exclaimed. They set them free. A
hundred families were released from captivity because of this blessed
marriage."I do not know a woman who was a greater blessing to her
people than she." Said 'Aa'ishah.
Juwayriyyahwas a woman ofexceptional beauty, and because she belonged
to the highest classof her society, sheacquired the best upbringing
and education that was available during her time. Shewas twenty years
old when the Prophetmarried her. No doubt, shewas the source
ofjealousy for his other wivesbut this did not prevent them from
appreciating her good character and companionship.
When the Prophetwent back to Al-Madeenah after that raid)on Banu
Al-Mustaliq(, with Juwayriyyahand was at a place called
'Thaatul-Jaysh', heentrusted her to one of the Ansaar )supporters of
the Prophetfrom Al-Madeenah(. Her father, Al-Haarith, discovered that
shehad been captive and went back to Al-Madeenah, bringing his
daughter's ransom. When he reached Al-'Aqeeq )a place near
Al-Madeenah(, he looked at the camels he had brought as her ransom and
admired two of them greatly, so he hid them in one of the passes of
Al-'Aqeeq. Then he came to theProphetdragging the camels behind him,
and told him: "My daughter is too noble to be takenas a captive. Set
her free by this ransom." The Prophetreplied:"Isn't it better that we
let her choose for herself?""That is fair enough," said Al-Haarith. He
cameto his daughter and said: "This man is letting you choose so do
not dishonor us!" "I choose the Messenger of Allaah," shereplied
calmly. "What a disgrace!"he exclaimed.
The Prophetthen said:"Where are the two camels which you have hidden
in Al-'Aqeeq in such-and such a pass?"Al-Haarith exclaimed: "I bear
witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allaah, and that you
Muhammad are the Messenger of Allaah! For none could have known of
this but Allaah." Heand his two sons who were with him and some of his
men accepted Islam. The Prophetasked him again for his daughter's hand
and heaccepted. The Prophetgave his new bride four hundred Dirhams as
her dowry.
Juwayriyyahaccepted Islam wholeheartedly and followed the excellent
example of her husbandin the worship of her Lord, trying to even
compete with himat times. Heleft her roomonce for Fajr )dawn prayer(
and came back after Dhuha)forenoon(: "I spent all the time you were
absent supplicating," she told him. Hesaid: "Shall I tell you a few
words, if yousay them they will be heavier in the scale )on the Day of
Judgment( than what you have done? You say; 'Subhaana Allaahi 'adada
khalqih, subhaana Allaahi ridha nafsihi, subhana Allaahi zinata
'arshihi, subhaana Allaahi midaada kalimaatih.")Exalted)and Praised(
is Allaah as many times as the number of His creatures, and as much as
pleases Him, and as much as the weight of His Throne, and as much as
the ink for His Words(.]At-Tirmithi[
Juwayriyyahspent her life in seclusion after the Prophetpassed away.
The Caliphswould provide for her sustenance, but she would spendit all
for the sake of Allaah. Sheperformed Hajj many times, and was known
for her passionate worship.
Shekept away from all the trials that raged later during her life.
Shedied during the caliphate of Mu'aawiyahat the age of sixty five.

Umm Salamah- II

Her widowhood and marriage to the Prophet
In the third year of Hijrah)Migration of the Prophetfrom Makkah to
Madeenah(, Abu Salamahfought in the Battle ofUhud. In that historic
andcrucial battle, his arm was wounded by a poisoned arrow shot by the
enemy. Helater recovered after treatment, but could survive only for a
few months. His wound relapsed and ultimately hedied.
Umm Salamahwas immensely grief-stricken at the demise of her loving
husband. When the Prophet, sallalaahu alayhi wa sallam, heard about
this, he sallalaahu alayhi wa sallam went to offer condolences to
herand asked her to havepatience and bear the calamity with fortitude.
According to one narration, when the Prophet sallalaahu alayhi wa
sallam paid a condolence visit to Umm Salamahafter the death of her
husband, hesallalaahu alayhi wa sallam asked her to pray Allaah to
grant Abu Salamah the lofty rank of the righteous and grant her a
better husband than him.
At this, Umm Salamahwondered who could be a better husband for her
than Abu Salamah. Seeing the forlorn state of Umm
Salamahaftershewaswidowed, Abu Bakrsent her a proposal for marriage,
which Umm Salamahdeclined.
The Prophet, sallalaahu alayhi wa sallam, was greatly impressed with
the courage, which Umm Salamahdisplayed in facing the misfortunes and
adversities of life. He sallalaahu alayhi wa sallam was also highly
moved for her tragic situation and sent the proposal for marriage to
her through 'Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab. Umm Salamahconsented, and in
Shawwal, the 4th year of Hijrah, her marriage to the Noble Prophet,
sallalaahu alayhi wa sallam, took place.
A Historical example of her wisdom
In the 6th Hijrah year, theProphetaccompanied by his 1,400
companionsdecided to perform 'Umrah )minor Pilgrimage(. When Quraysh
learned about this, they decided to stop the Muslims from performing
the pilgrimage; but when theMuslims decided to fight them they feared
and signed a treaty with the Muslims, which consisted of several terms
and conditions which appeared to be unfair forthe Muslims as it
prevented them from performing 'Umrah that year.
The Prophetaccepted these conditions in adherence to the Divine
Command instructing himto do so. Then the Prophetordered the Muslims
to slaughter animals in sacrifice)indicating the end of the 'Umrah
rites(. But the Muslims hesitated in offering the sacrifice, which
grieved the Prophet.
Umm Salamahwho was with the Propheton this journey, heard this and
suggested to theProphetto offer the sacrifice, shave his head and take
off the Ihraam. The Prophetdid so acting on her advice. When the
companionssaw that the Prophet's command was irrevocable, they at once
sacrificed their animals and shaved their heads.
Her character:
Umm Salamahled a very simple and austere life. Shewas a devout
worshiper. Every month, shefasted for three days )other than the
fasting of Ramadan(. Once, shewore a necklace, which had a little
amount of gold in it.The Prophetdid not like her wearing even this
little amount of gold.So Umm Salamahimmediately took it out.
Umm Salamahwas very generous. Sheimplored others also to give away in
the cause ofAllaah. Whatever shehad, shewould readily give away to a
beggar or a needy person.
Once, a few destitute people came to her begging for charity
importunately. Umm Salamahordered her maid not to send them back
empty-handed, and if there was nothing in the houses, she should give
them just a few dates.
Umm Salamahhas narrated 378 Hadeeths ofthe Prophet. In moral
excellence and nobility ofconduct, she ranks, among the Prophet's
wives, next only to 'Aa'ishah. Shewas an excellent reciter of
theQuran, and her style was much similar to the Prophet's. Shewas
endowed with exceptionally beautiful countenance, deep knowledge,
intelligence and sound judgment.
Her death:
After a life filled with faith and righteous deeds, the Mother of the
Believers, Umm Salamahdied in the year 61 A.H., aged 84 and the
venerable Companion, Abu Hurayrahled the people in her funeral prayer,
after which shewas buried in Al-Baqee' Cemetery in Madeenah.

Umm Salamah- I

Her real name was Hind; while her title was Umm Salamah. Shecame from
the family of Makhzoom, which belongs to the Quraysh tribe. Her
father's name was Abu Mugheerah Ibn 'Abdullaah Ibn 'Umar Ibn Makhzoom
and her mother was 'Aatikah Bint 'Aamir who belonged to the family of
Faraas.
Umm Salamahwas first married to her cousin Abu Salamah Ibn
'Abdul-Asad. He was a young man with exceptionally good nature and
unblemished conduct. It was improbable for this young man of
exceptionally lofty moralsto remain unmoved by the noble and
life-giving message of the Noble Prophet, Muhammad sallalaahu alayhi
wa sallam.
Defying his tribesmen, Abu Salamahembraced the new faith and entered
the fold of Islam. Umm Salamahfollowed suit.
Thus, the couple joined the rank of those noble souls, who had won the
unique distinction of embracing the new faith in its early phase.
These noble souls suffered all kinds of hardships and harassment in
the cause of Islam, but they did not budge even an inch from the right
path. As the number of the people who had embraced the new life-giving
faith increased, the persecution and torture meted out to them also
increased in intensity.
When this persecution reached intolerable levels, the Noble Prophet
sallalaahu alayhi wa sallam gave permission to his followers to
migrate toAbyssinia, which was ruled at that time by a kind-hearted
king, in order to protect their lives and preserve their religion.
According to an authentic narration, Abu Salamahand Umm Salamahwho has
already enteredthe fold of Islam, also migrated toAbyssinia. Theycame
back to Makkah after spending some time in exile. From Makkah,
theyleft for Madeenah on their second migration. Those days, Abu
Salamahhad only one camel with him. He theyseated Umm Salamahand his
young son, Salamah, at the saddle. Holding the reins of his camel,
hestarted his long journey on foot.
When her family came to know about the couple's planned destination,
theyintercepted the camel and told Abu Salamahthat he could proceed,
but they would not allowtheir daughter )Umm Salamah(. They took away
the reins of the camel from Abu Salamahand forced Umm Salamahto
dismount. In the meantime, Banu 'Abdul-Asad, the members of Abu
Salamah's clan, appearedon the scene and snatched Umm Salamah's child
from his mother and threatened Banu Mugheerah that if they did not
allow their daughter to accompany her husband, they would also not
allow the child to accompany his mother. As for Abu Salamahthey said
thathe was free to go anywhere liked.
By this time, the Noble Prophet, sallalaahu alayhiwa sallam, had given
permission to his Companionsto migrate to Madeenah, where they could
live in peace and safety from the torture of Quraysh. Abu Salamahleft
for Madeenah, leaving his wife and child behind. Umm Salamahwas
staying with Banu Mugheerah while her child was in the custody of Banu
'Abdul-Asad. Thus, the three of them – the father, the mother and the
child – were undergoing the pain of living separately.
Umm Salamahwas grief-stricken due the separation from her childand
husband. Everyday shewould go and sit forlorn on a hillock, crying and
longing to join her husband and son. A whole one year passed like
this.
One day, a kind-hearted and influential man from the clan of Banu
Mugheerah saw her pathetic condition and was moved by her agony.He
called out the people of his tribe and said: "This woman is our own
flesh and blood, how long will we keep her away from her husband and
child? By Allaah! Our tribe is very brave and honorable; we can't
tolerate persecution of innocent people."
Hearing this, her tribesmen gave permission to Umm Salamah theyto join
her husband in Madeenah. When Banu 'Abdul-Asad heard of this,they also
took pity and sent her child, Salamah, to her. Shetook the child and a
camel to ride alone to Madeenah. At At-Tan'eem )in the outskirts of
Makkah(, she met 'Uthmaan Ibn Talhah Ibn Abu Talhaha chivalrous and
decent man of Makkah. When hesaw Umm Salamahtraveling alone with a
small baby, he thought: "How unbecoming of me,if I did not escort this
lonely woman traveler of Quraysh to Madeenah!"
Hetook the reins of Umm Salamah's camel and started for Madeenah.
Whenever they stopped on the way,'Uthmaanwould withdraw to rest under
the shade of a tree. Whenthey reached Qubaa', where Abu Salamahwas
staying, 'Uthmaanreturned to Makkah and Umm Salamahrejoined her
husband, who thanked Allaah for once again reuniting his family.
Umm Salmahalways remained grateful to 'Uthmaanfor his thoughtful and
kind gesture. Sheused to say: "I have never seen a more gallant and
compassionate man than 'Uthmaan Ibn Talhah."

Dought and Clear, - Is it permissible to offer money to a person on the condition that he does a good deed?.

Is it permissible to offer money to a person on the condition that he
does a good deed ? For example, can I say to a Muslim uncle, I will
give you 500 Dirhams if you grow and keep a beard?.
Praise be to Allaah.
It seems that there is nothing wrong with doing that. Allaah has
enjoined certain actions upon His slaves, and has promised a great
rewardin this world for doing them, so as to encouragepeople to do
them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a
way for him to get out (from every difficulty).
And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine"
[al-Talaaq 65:2-3]
The Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever
would like his provision in this world to be increased and his life
span to be extended,let him uphold the ties of kinship." Narrated by
al-Bukhaari, 5986; Muslim, 2557.
As a way of encouragingrighteous deeds, the Prophet(peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) gave permission for the one who
killed a kaafir on the battelefield to take his spoils.
It was narrated that Abu Qutaadah (may Allaah bepleased with him)
said: The Messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said, during the year of Hunayn: "Whoever kills an enemy and has
proof of that will have his spoils."
Narrated by al-Bukhaari,2973; Muslim, 1751.
"Spoils" here refers to the money, luggage, clothing and weapons that
a fighter has with him.
And the scholars regarded it as permissible to offer prizes for
memorizing soorahs from the Qur'aan or ahaadeeth, or for winning a
contest of knowledge.
The scholars of the Standing Committee were asked:
What is the ruling on receiving prizes for Qur'aan memorization contests?
They replied:
There is nothing wrong with that, and there is no difference between
men and women in this regard.
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa'imah, 4/126
This has to do with giving and offering: it is permissible to offer
and give money to one who lets his beard grow or does other things
required by sharee'ah.
But with regard to the one who takes that money: if he let his beard
grow in order to take the prize, then he will not be rewarded forhis
action, but if the prize motivated him to fulfil the command of
Allaah, or if he started because of the prize andthen changed his
intention after that and adhered to (following the ruling), then he
will be rewarded for that in which his intention was sound, and it
will not matter that at first he was doing it for the prize.
It was narrated from Anas that a man asked the Prophet(peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) for sheep between two mountainsand he
gave them to him, then he went to his people and said, "O my people,
become Muslims,for by Allaah Muhammadgives generously and he does not
fear poverty."
Anas said: People would become Muslim only for worldly gains, but as
soon as they became Muslim Islam became dearer to them than this world
and everything in it.
Narrated by Muslim, 2312.
Al-Nawawi said:
This is how it appears in most copies: "fa ma yuslim (as soon as
[they] became Muslim)." In some copies it says "fa ma yumsi (before
the day ended)." Both are correct. The first means that shortly after
they became Muslim, Islam became dearer to them, i.e., at first they
professed Islam for worldly purposes, with no sound intention in their
hearts, then by the blessing of the Prophet(peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) and the light of Islam, their hearts were soon
opened to true faith which took root in their hearts, and then Islam
became dearer to them than this world and everything in it.
Sharh Muslim, 15/72, 73.
And Allaah knows best.

Dought and Clear, - Will a woman be rewarded for her work in the home even if she does not intend to seek reward?.

If a woman works in herhouse without intending to seek reward for her
work with Allaah, will she be rewarded for her work or not?.
Praise be to Allaah.
A woman's work in the home is important work in which she helps to
spread love and mercy inher home, and she plays a major role in
raising her children and helps her husband in his work,da'wah and
pursuit of knowledge.
In this regard, this work is like all other kinds of work: a woman
will not be rewarded for it unless her intention in doing it is
sincerely for the sake of Allaah alone.
There follow some texts which support this view,as well as some of the
comments of the scholars.
1 – al-Bukhaari (may Allaah have mercy on him) included inKitaab
al-Eemaan(the Book of Faith) a chapter in whichhe listed shar'i
duties, which included seeking reward for doing them.
Al-Bukhaari (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
"Chapter: what was narrated about actions being but by intentions, and
every person will have but that which he intended. This includes
faith, wudoo', prayer, zakaah, Hajj, fasting and other rulings. Allaah
says(interpretation of the meaning):"Each one does according to
Shakilatihi (i.e. his way or his religion or his intentions)"
[al-Isra' 17:84]. A man may seek the reward of charity forhis spending
on his family. And the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: "But jihad and good intentions."
Saheeh al-Bukhaari(1/29), Kitaab al-Eemaan.
Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
The words "Chapter: what has been narrated…" mean: a chapter which
explains what has been narrated as evidence that shar'i actions are
judged according to intention.
Fath al-Baari(1/135, 136)
2 – It was narrated that Abu Mas'ood al-Badri (may Allaah be pleased
with him) said: The Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said: "If a Muslim spends on his family, seeking reward for that with
Allaah, thenit will an act of charity on his part." Narrated
byal-Bukhaari (55), Muslim (1002).
Spending on his wife and children is a man's shar'i duty, but he will
not be rewarded for it unless he seeks reward thereby.
Al-Qurtubi said:
The apparent meaning isthat the reward for spending on them can only
be attained by intending to draw closerto Allaah, whether it is
obligatory or permissible, and this implies that whoever does not
intend to draw closer to Allaah will not be rewarded, but he has
discharged his duty in the case of obligatory spending.
Fath al-Baari(1/136)
Ibn Hajar said:
It may be understood from this that the reward cannot be attained by
doing the deed unless it is also accompanied by the intention.
Al-Tabari said: spending on one's family is obligatory, and he will be
rewarded for what he gives according to hisintention. There is no
contradiction between its being obligatory and its being called
charity, rather it is better than voluntary charity.
Fath al-Baari(9/498)
Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
Seeking reward thereby means seeking the Countenance of Allaah
thereby. That does not include whatever he spends absent-mindedly
(i.e., heedless of the intention and without intending to seek reward
thereby). Rather this refers to the one who seeks reward. The way to
seek reward is to spend it with the intention of fulfilling theduty of
spending and kind treatment that has been enjoined upon him.
Sharh Muslim(7/88, 89).
3 – It was narrated from Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqaas (may Allaah be pleased
with him) that the Messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) said: "You will never spend anything, seeking thereby the
Countenance of Allaah, but you will be rewarded for it, even what you
put in your wife's mouth." Narrated by al-Bukhaari (56) and Muslim
(1628).
Ibn al-Haaj al-Maaliki (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
He should not neglect to give his wife a morsel or two, because the
Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "even a
morsel that he puts in his wife's mouth." He will earn reward even
though there is some pleasure for him in putting a morsel in his
wife's mouth, but he should seek reward in allof that, i.e., in
bringing the food and in giving it to her.
Al-Madkhal (1/224).
Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
You will never spend anything, seeking thereby the reward of Allaah,
but you will be rewarded for it. The attainment of reward is dependent
upon that, i.e., on seeking the Countenance of Allaah. This is what
matters.
Fath al-Baari(5/367).
Conclusion:
A woman will be rewarded for her work in the house if she seeks reward
with Allaah for that, and is sincere in her intention.
And Allaah knows best.

Dought and Clear, - Does a good intention intercede for one?.

Does a good intention intercede for one? Or are there other considerations with regard that?.
Praise be to Allaah.
No act of worship will be accepted from a Muslim unless it meets two basic conditions:
1 – Sincerity of intentiontowards Allaah, may He be exalted. This means that the aims of the person in his words and deeds, both outward and inward, should be to seek the Countenance of Allaah alone.
2 – It should be in accordance with the ways in which Allaah hasordained that He be worshipped only. That is achieved by following the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and what he taught, and shunning anything that goes against that, and not introducing any new acts or forms of worship that have not been narrated in proven reports from him(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).
The evidence for these two conditions is the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
" So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord"
[al-Kahf 18:110]
Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
"So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord" – means His reward
"let him work righteousness" – means, that is in accordance with the laws of Allaah.
"and associate none as apartner in the worship of his Lord" – means the deed by which is sought the Countenance of Allaah alone, with no partner or associate. These are the two features of the deed thatis acceptable: it must be sincerely for the sake of Allaah alone, and it must be in accordance with the sharee'ah of the Messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Endquote.
Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 4/108
Hence Allaah says in the greatest soorah in the Qur'aan (interpretation):
" You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything)"
[al-Faatihah 1:5], to indicate that Tawheed and sincerity are essential in order for a deed to be valid.
The second condition comes immediately afterthat:
"Guide us to the StraightWay"
[al-Faatihah 1:6]
No act of worship is valid unless it is in accordance with the right way, the straight path, which Allaah has enjoined, by following His Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Inal-Saheehit is narrated from 'Aa'ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever does anyaction that is not in accordance with this matter of ours will have it rejected." Narrated by Muslim, 1718. i.e., his deed will be thrown back at him and not accepted from him. If anyone goes against these two conditions (sincerity towards Allaahalone and following His laws) in any action, then he will not benefit from it. The one who seeks goodness and wants to please his Lord, let him worship Him and draw near to Him by the means that He has ordained. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Say (O Muhammad to mankind): If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism,follow the Qur'aan and the Sunnah), Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful"
[Aal 'Imraan 3:31]
So it is not sufficient to have a good intention, and it will not intercede for him if he goes against sharee'ah and worships Allaah by means of any kind of bid'ah (innovation). Many of those who invent innovations – because of their ignorance – invent theseinnovations in order to draw closer to Allaah.
Hence when Ibn Mas'ood(may Allaah be pleased with him) denounced those who gathered to remember Allaah (dhikr),they gave the excuse that their intention was good and that they did not mean anything but good, and he said to them: "How many of those who intend good do not attain it!" Narrated by al-Daarimi, 204. So it is not sufficientto have a good intentionin order to do good and attain the reward and draw closer to Allaah. Rather it is essential to also act in accordance with sharee'ah and avoid bid'ah.
A good intention may intercede for a person intwo cases:
1 – Turning habits into acts of worship
A good intention may turn a habit into an act of worship for which a person will be rewarded. So by eating and drinking he may intend to strengthen himself to obey Allaah, and by getting married he may intend to keep himself and his wife chaste, and so on.
2 – Earning reward without doing any deed,if the Muslim is definite in his intention.
A Muslim may form a definite intention to do acts that are prescribed in sharee'ah, then something prevents him from doing that – but hewill still be rewarded forit. There are a number ofahaadeeth concerning that, such as the following:
1 – It was narrated that Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: We were with the Propheton a campaign and he said: "You did not travel any distance or cross any valley but inMadeenah there are men who were with you, but they were kept behind by sickness." According to another version: "… but they shared the reward with you." Narrated by Muslim, 1911.
2 – It was narrated from Abu'l-Darda' (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophetsaid:"Whoever goes to his bedintending to get up and pray at night, then his eyes overwhelm him and(he sleeps) until morning, the (reward for) that which he intended will be written for him, and his sleep is a charity for him given by his Lord, may He be glorified and exalted." Narrated by al-Nasaa'i, 1787; Ibn Maajah, 1344; classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani inSaheeh al-Targheeb, 601.
3 – It was narrated from Sahl ibn Haneef that the Prophetsaid: "Whoever sincerely asks Allaah for martyrdom will attain the status of the martyrs even if he dies in his bed." Narrated by Muslim, 1909.
And there are many other such reports, all of which indicate that whoever forms a sincere, definite intention to do good or obey Allaah, then is prevented from doing that deed, Allaah will decree the reward for him.
So this is the case where a sincere intention will intercede for a person until he is rewarded for it.

2 God in Islam: Does God Exist? God and Logic, God and Commonsense, Proof of God

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair and his beard cut as
always. He started to have a good conversation with the barber who
attended him. They talked about somany things on various subjects.
Suddenly, they touched the subject of God. The barber said: "Look man,
I don't believe that God exists as you say so."
"Why do you say that?" Asked the client
Well, it's so easy; you just have to go out in the street to realize
that God does not exist. Oh, tell me, if God existed, wouldthere be so
many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed,
there would be neither suffering nor pain. "I can't think of a God who
permits all of these things." The client stopped for a moment thinking
but he didn't want to respond so as to prevent an argument.
The barber finished his job and the client went out of the shop. Just
afterhe left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with a long
hair and beard (it seems that it had been a long time since he had his
cut and he looked so untidy). Then the client again entered the
barbershop and he said to the barber: know what? Barbers do not exist.
"How come they don't exist?" asked the barber."Well I am here and I am
a barber."
"No!" - The client exclaimed. "They don't exist because if they did
there would be no people with long hair and beard like that man who
walks in the street."
"Ah, barbers do exist, what happens is that people do not come to me."
"Exactly!" - Affirmed the client. "That's the point. God does exist,
what happens is people don't go to Him and do not look for Him that's
why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

1 God in Islam: Does God Exist? God and Logic, God and Commonsense, Proof of God

It is a well known incident of Baghdad. A person arrived there whowas
a non-believer in God. He had no proof of his belief nor was he
willing to listen to any argument regarding the existence of God. He
said that the universe came into existence by itself and continues to
exist. Any argument based on Noble Qur'an and Hadith too wouldn't
convince him. People went to the extent of telling him that there must
be someone who created the universeand runs it. He boasted saying that
the entire citywas unable to convince him about the existence of Allah
(SWT).
The Vizier of Baghdad asked Sheikh Mufeed to handle the situation. The
vizier said that the person was visiting the court everyday and he
posed his question to thegathering in the presence of the ambassadors
from the non-Muslim countries. The inability to give him a convincing
reply was causing a lot of embarrassment.
Sheikh Mufeed thus agreed to attend the court for a debate with the
non-believing person. The person was very cunning that he wouldn't
utter any word when arguments about the existence of Allah (SWT) were
advanced to him.
Sheikh Mufeed attended the court and told to the person, "You have
claimed that you have contested the claim of all the courtiers about
the existence of Allah (SWT) and that they were unable to convince
you. Allah (SWT) willing, I shallcome tomorrow and givea convincing
reply to your question! But you must report at the court promptly at
the appointed time. I am wondering if you will absent yourself fearing
to face my debate on the subject!"
The non-believing man replied with lot of confidence, "There is no
chance of my running away from the debate. Infact, I have the fear
that you might try to escape since none of your compatriots has been
able to convince me and you may meet the same fate!"
The appointed time arrived the next day but there wasn't any sign of
Sheikh Mufeed in the court. Since Sheikh Mufeed had ridiculed the
person by saying that he might try to elude the debate by absconding
from the court, the man looked around the court and smiled
sarcastically. All the courtiers felt belittled that the Sheikh Mufeed
had made tall claims but had absented himself from the proceedings.
The Sheikh Mufeed purposely arrived at the court very late. When he
arrived in front of the non-believing man, he asked, "Where were you
hiding yourself?!"
The Sheikh Mufeed replied, "I would have reached the court on
schedule, but as I reached the riverside, I saw a peculiar scene
there. It was so astonishing that my feet wouldn't advance towards my
destination! Isaw a boat in the river that was floating on the water
without any sailor.It was coming ashore on one side, picking up
passengers and disembarking them on the other side. From that side it
picked up passengers and dropped them on this side! When Isaw the boat
had no sailor I was very astonished!"
The non-believing man had a hearty laugh and said, "How is it that the
boat was making the up and down trips without any sailor?"
The Sheikh Mufeed now said, "When you think that a small boat cannot
fend for itself without someone to row it, then how do you imaging
thatsuch a big universe will function without the Onewho controls it!"
The non-believing man said that none else had debated with him in this
manner! I now bear witness that there is no god but Allah (SWT)!