Story - I, the other woman

Hi all known and unknown friends! I wanted to write my storyhere for a
long time. It is really trivial thing to readon the net I have an
affair with a married man.
I know that many of you are going to call me names and tell me who
terrible is that I'm destroying a family but I am also sure that many
ofyou will support me. We met in the most trivial way via the
Internet. It turned out that we had so many things in common, hobbies,
interests, personality...
To clarify we both lived in the same city, but we are born in small
towns. Ididn't intentionally seduce him, we didn't plan all of this it
just happened. Later on he told me he had never cheated on his wife
for the 10 in years in which they were married. And now he assures me
that he wanted to divorce herand marry me. I am 29 years old, divorced
with no children and he has 2.
He is very kind and considerate, but I'm afraid of all the possible
consequences. I want to be with him but I do not want his children to
live without a father. I'm afraid that I will not meethis expectations
and he will someday leave me. We see each other almostevery day, our
work is linked.
I do not know what to do. Everything is great between us, but on the
other hand there are his marriage, his wife, his children. Early in
our relationship he said that he would get a divorce but still he does
nothing. It seems to me that I'm not insistent enough.
Tell me your opinion and what you think is best forall of us.

Story - I think I am going to die...

Hello,
I want to tell you what happened to me and how this story turned my
life upside down, and I am not the same person any more......
It was during last year's summer. I used to live in a small town near
the capital, I studied and lived there. I had a steadyboyfriend for
almost 2 years; we loved and respected each other. He studied in the
same university I did. We would see each other every day, take a walk
together, we took pleasure in the love that filled us, we were more
than happy, but…as you know all good things come to an end.
Problems started when after my last annual examI decided to go to the
seaside with my friends from the town where my parents live. My
boyfriend didn't come cause he didn't have the opportunity ( he had
work in the town). So one morning my friends and I left for the
seaside. We arrived somewhere around 1 am at night. Wewent to the
hotel to check in, took a quick shower and went to bed, cause we were
all dead tired. On the next morning we went to the beach. The first
thing I noticed was the most amazing man I have ever seen, a handsome
man sitting alone on the beach, obviously waiting for someone. I told
my friends to go and I will catch them later.
I approached him and with some cheek I sat on the sand next to him, I
looked at him and smiled. He immediately gave me his hand as if hehad
been waiting for thisall day long. So we introduced each other and
chatted for over an hour, he told me a lot about himself, and I
basically told him everything. And suddenly, when we both paused
talking and as if we were enjoying one another, he said that obviously
the friend he was waiting for, won't be coming. He invited mefor a
coffee and I accepted, of course. I wasso happy and pleased with him,
it was a long time since I had so much fun. He was treating me (
someone he didn't know)so well, making me laugh, I felt so good….I
didn't want this moment to end. So we went for a coffee and we chatted
for almost 2 hours. He told me how much he loved the sea, and I
supported him fully in this. We liked each other so much, we felt
we've know each other forever.
When I was leaving for the seaside, despite my good mood, I thought I
would not stop thinking of "my man" and would not have good time, but
while I was with Mario ( that was the name of the boy I met at the
beach) I did not think of Steve ( my friend in the town) not even
once. I was so happy and enjoying the moment.......
After that I started going out with Mario, and not with my friends,
day after day. Days would pass and I kept feeling amazing………. but then
the day I had to leave came. I felt terrible. Mariowas from other city
and the distance was so huge…I think I loved him.. He also felt bad
thatwe I had to leave, but that's life. We promised to write and to
see each other next summer.
I left for my home town, and he remained at the sea, we were so far
from each other.........
After a long and boring trip I came back home and when I arrived my
parents called me to see if I was all right. After that Steve called,
my God,I had totally forgotten about him, but fate reminded me where I
was....
A couple of hours after I arrived I met Steve and you know what……my
heart beat faster. SO my "previous love" for him burst out again after
20 days absence??? We spent 2 hours together and he kept asking how
Ispent at the seaside and Iwas forced to think of something, I wasn't
ready to tell him the truth. After all I was cheating on him the whole
time...
Everything was back to normal, but I wasn't the same. In my thoughts
he was " my prince Mario". God, you should hear my heart beating when
I think of him, my heart was filled with love.
A couple of days later Steve and I went to my parents' place. We
thought of spending some time with them. One day as I was sitting and
having lunch with Steve and my parents, I felt sick. My mother said
she would come with me to the doctor. I was told I was pregnant. My
God, I stood shocked, we had sex the previous night with Steve, but it
was notpossible that I got pregnant. I was certain, the child was
Mario's. How would I tell my parents, they would certainly drive me
away, they loved Steve so much.So I kept it all to myself and
everybody was happy. I was most happy cause I would give birth to a
child from my loved one. ..
In the meantime I kept receiving letters from Mario almost every week
and was so happy. One day in one of my letters I shared that I was
pregnant from him; I thought he would be happy and that he wouldwant
to see me, but alas….......after this letter he stopped writing and I
never got an answer from him.
I was tempted to look forhim, to find out what he was doing and
thinking, but I realized he left the address he was living on.
Now, months after this, I am pregnant, married to Steve and unhappy.
Where is the love of my life? So his I- love-you's were all lies?
Maybe I am to blame, cause I cheatedon the man who loved me and was
truthful to me? What is wrong with me? Why do I keep lovingthe one
from the sea who hurt me so much?
I live with my parents with Steve now, he loves me dearly and I
pretend. I don't know how much I would stand this.
My parents want to buy us a house, for me, my husband and the innocent
baby that is going to be born.
How do I live with this lie? The child will remind me of my big,
seaside love…….and it is not guilty, it has the right to live, and I
would need to keep living with Steve and pretend I am happy…What if in
the meantime I die of sadness for my beloved one???

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

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The Power of Dua

The Power of Dua
The dua can change our life, our outlook, and our fate. It is the most
potent weapon of a believer.
By Khalid Baig
POSTED: 14 RABI-UL-AWWAL 1423, 27 MAY 2002
Once Prophet Muhammad(sal-Allahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) passed by a people
who were suffering from some affliction. "Why don't they make dua
(prayer) toAllah for protection?" he said. With all the suffering and
disasters Muslims are facing in various parts of the world, the
question can be directed to all of us today.
It is not that we have forgotten dua completely; we refer to it
regularly. But our ideas and practice regarding dua have become
distorted. Often it is reduced to the level of a ritual. Generally it
is considered when all our efforts have failed — an act of last
resort. It is belittled through actions and sometimes even withwords.
Is it any wonder that today mostly a mention of dua is meant to
indicate the hopelessness of a situation?
What a tragedy, for dua is the most potent weapon of a believer. It
can change fate, while no action of ours ever can. It is the essence
of ibadah or worship. With it we can never fail; without it we can
never succeed. In the proper scheme of things, dua should be the first
and the last resort of the believer, with all his plans and actions
comingin between.
The most empowering conversation
Dua is conversation with Allah, out Creator, our Lord and Master, the
All Knowing, the All Powerful. This act in itselfis of extraordinary
significance. It is the most uplifting, liberating,empowering, and
transforming conversation a person can ever have. We turn toHim
because we know that He alone can lift our sufferings and solve our
problems. We feel relieved after describing our difficulties to our
Creator. We feel empowered after having communicated with the All
Mighty. We sense His mercy all around us after talking to the Most
Merciful. We get a new commitment to follow Hispath for that is the
only path for success. We feel blessed with each such commitment.
Our first and last action
In every difficulty our first action is dua, as is our last. We ask
Allah to show us the way to handle that difficulty; we seek His help
in followingthe path He shows to us; we seek His aid in making our
efforts successful. When we fall sick, we know that we cannot find the
right doctor without His Will; that the best doctor may not be able to
diagnose our condition without HisCommand; that the best treatment
plan will not succeed without His Permission. We make duafor all of
these. We make dua before we seek medical help, while we are receiving
it and after it has been delivered.
The essence of worship
Dua is the essence of ibadah. A person engaged in dua affirms his
belief in Tawheed (monotheism) and shuns belief in all false gods.
With each dua his belief in Allah grows. He beseeches Him, affirming
his own powerlessness. A person seriously and sincerely engaged in dua
understands exactly the relationship between himself and the Creator
and affirms it through hisactions. That is the essence of worship!
Additionally, such a person can never becomearrogant or proud, a
logical result of true worship.
Our most potent weapon
Dua is our most potent weapon in all struggles of life as well as in
jihad in the battlefield. During the battle of Badr, the Prophet
Muhammad stood up all night in prayer seeking Allah's help in the
battle between unequal armies that would follow the next day. In the
decisive battles against the crusaders, Sultan Salatuddin Ayyubi was
busy day and night. His days were devoted to Jihad. His nights were
spent making dua, crying, seeking Allah's help. This has been the
practice of all true mujahideen.
Big and small
We should make it a point to make dua for all things big and small. It
is the beginning of wisdomto realize that big and small are arbitrary
labels that are totally irrelevant in this context. Nothing istoo big
for Whom we areasking from; nothing is too small for the one who is
asking. That is why we have been taught to ask Allah when we need
something as small as shoelaces. We should ask as a beggar, as a
destitute person, for that is what we in reality are in relationship
to Allah. At the same time we should ask with greathope and conviction
that we shall be granted our prayers. We should remember the Hadith:
"There is nothing more dear to Allah than a servant making dua to
Him." On the other hand, a prayer lacking concentration and conviction
is no prayer atall.
All times and all needs
We should make dua at all times, not only during times of distress.
The Prophet Muhammad said: "Whosoever desires that Allah answers his
duas in unfavorable and difficult conditions, he should make plentiful
dua in days of ease and comfort." Also he said: "The person who does
not ask from Allah, Allah becomes angry with him."
We should ask for all of our needs: those related to this world as
well as those related to the Hereafter. Those who only concentrate on
the former are, in effect, announcing that they don't care for their
life inthe permanent abode. They should blame nobody but themselves
for the total ruin in that world that Qur'an assuresus awaits them.
Those who only concentrate on the later are also showing lack of
balance, for we need Allah's help to lead a good life here as well.
All people
We should make dua not only for ourselves but also for our parents,
brothers and sisters, spouses and children, relatives and friends,
teachers and other benefactors, and destitute and struggling Muslims
everywhere. We should pray for them for the good in this world as well
as in the Hereafter. The Prophet said: "The dua of a Muslim for his
brother (in Islam) in his absence is readily accepted. An angel is
appointed to his side. Whenever he makes a beneficial dua for his
brother the appointed angel says, 'Aameen. And may you also be blessed
with the same.'" [Sahih Muslim]
In the dark ages that we are living in today, everyday brings fresh
news about atrocities committed against our brothers in Palestine,
Kashmir, India, Afghanistan, Iraq, Chechnya, and the list goes on. And
what do wedo? We can continue to just feel frustrated and depressed.
We can petition the determined perpetrators or a fictional
"International Community". We can just forget all this and move on to
some other subject.Or we can stand up before Allah and pray for His
help, who alone can help. The dua can changeour life, our outlook, and
our fate. It is the most potent weapon. But it works only for those
whotry sincerely and seriously to use it.

I Asked Allah for Strength

"I asked Allah for strength and Allah gave me difficulties to make me strong.
I asked Allah for wisdom and Allah gave me problems to solve.
I asked Allah for courage and Allah gave me obstacles to overcome.
I asked Allah for love and Allah gave me troubled people to help.
I asked Allah for favors and Allah gave me opportunities.
Maybe I received nothingI wanted, but I received everything I needed –
Alhamdulillah."

Every day do your best,Allah will do the rest

Wash your heart every morning with salat, then warm it up with dhikr.
Begin each day with faithin you heart, and know that no matter how
steepthe mountain, Allah is with you as you climb. Every day do your
best, Allah will do the rest.

Allah Will Make a Way Out

Are you stressed? Take a deep breath, and as you release it, let your
heart slow down and be calm. Step back and look at your situation
objectively. It's almost never as bad as you think. Just do your best,
and trust Allah. He will show you a way forward,and bring you through.
He will bring you relief from a direction you did not expect. This is
true. I have experienced it over and over in my life, and itis a
promise from Allah:
"And whoever is conscious of Allah, He willmake for him a way out, And
will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies
upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will
accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a
[decreed] extent." (Quran 65:2-3)
Here is a true story that illustrates this point in anamazing way:
The Hotel Manager
Recently, a Muslim man was caught in a dilemma,where he faced two
choices, both of which were onerous. This man was the manager of one
of the largest hotels in Egypt. The hospitality industry in Egypt is
one of the most competitive in the world so this manager always
strived to provide the best possible service in his hotel. He paid
attention to the smallest details, setthe budget priorities, observed
his staff, and got personally involved whenever a problem occurred. He
was very good at his job. Because of this he was highly valued by his
superiors.
However, there was one element of the job that galled him. A duty that
hefelt ashamed over. In any large hotel in Egypt, serving alcoholic
drinks isa must, and that duty waskilling him inside. He knew that
serving alcohol is haram. It is forbidden by Allah, and whatever money
comes from it is not blessed but haram; but it was part of the job and
had to be taken care of, regardless of how he felt towards it.
Time went by and he performed his job admirably, but this business of
selling alcohol was eating him up inside. Finally he decided to go to
one of the well- known Egyptiansheikhs and ask his advice. After
arranging for an appointment to meet this sheikh, he met him and
explained the problem. The sheikh without hesitation said, "You must
leave this job."
That was not enough of an answer for the manager. He explained tothe
sheikh, "This is the only job I know. I've been working in this field
all my life. I don't know what else to do. I have a wife and children
to take care of. I can't just leave the job and be unemployed and
penniless like so many others in Egypt."
The sheikh replied, "Did you come to me thinking that I might give you
permission to do what Allah forbids? Leave this job for the sake of
Allah."
The man, not knowing what to do, said, "But I have family to take care
of. I'm their only source of money. How will I feedmy children? If I
leave thejob, I won't be able to provide them with the simplest needs
of life. What shall I do?"
The sheikh reminded the manager of a verse from the Quran:
"And whoever is conscious of Allah, He willmake for him a way out, And
will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies
upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him."
The man returned to the hotel, knowing that he had to make the most
difficult decision of his life. He knew now that this job would not
satisfy Allah. As frightened as he was for his future, he was not
willing to lose his faith and lose the hereafter because of a job; but
he trembled when he thought of the risk he was taking, and the fear of
what the future might hold for himand his family.
At the hotel the manager went about his job, looking normal on the
outside. But inside he was thinking furiously, considering. Then he
made his decision. He decided to quit the job with no regrets. He
became convinced that this was the right thing to do. With a strong
faith and an absolute trust in Allah, he made a plea to the heavens:
"O Allah, I trust You, and I'm doing this only for You. I know you
will make for me away out, so please help me."
He headed directly to his office, sat at his desk, andbegan writing
his resignation.
As he was writing, the phone in front of him rang. It was his superior
at the corporation office, calling with news. The manager was stunned
and could hardly believe the news he heard, but it was true. The man
was informed that he had been promoted and would no longer be
responsible for managing this hotel but instead he would manage a new
hotel located in Al-Madinah, the holy city of our Prophet (peace be
upon him), and right next to the Masjid of the Prophet. Of course,
beingin Saudi Arabia, this new hotel sold no alcohol.
His dua had been answered in a heartbeat, from one moment to the next,
before he even finished the letter of resignation.
Till this day, the man is still the manager of the hotel in Madinah.
Subhan'Allah…
"Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we haveforgotten or erred.
Our Lord, and lay not upon usa burden like that which You laid upon
those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have
no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon
us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving
people." (Quran 002.286)

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

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Udhiyah for the deceased

Is it permissible to offer a sacrifice for the dead?.
Praise be to Allaah.
The Muslims are agreed that it is prescribed to offer a sacrifice
(udhiyah), and it is permissible to offer a sacrifice on behalf of one
who has died, because of the general meaning of the hadeeth of the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), "When the son of
Adam dies, all his good deeds come to an end except three: ongoing
charity, beneficial knowledge, ora righteous son who willpray for
him." Narrated by Muslim. Abu Dawood, al-Tirmidhi and al-Nasaa'i, and
by al-Bukhaari in al-Adab al-Mufrad from Abu Hurayrah. Slaughtering
asacrifice on his behalf is a kind of ongoing charity, because it
benefits the person offering the sacrifice, the deceased person, and
others.
And Allaah is the Source of strength.
Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas.

Ruling on fasting the days of al-Tashreeq

I have the habit of fasting every Thursday and it so happened that I
fasted on Thursday 12th Dhu'l-Hijjah. On the Friday I heard that it is
not permissible to fast on the Days of al-Tashreeq and that Thursday
was the third of the days of al-Tashreeq. Is there any sin on me if I
fasted that day? Is it true that it is not permissible to fast on the
days of al-Tashreeq or should we avoid fasting only onthe first days
of Eid?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Fasting on the two days of Eid is haraam, as indicated by the hadeeth
of Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: The
Prophet (peaceand blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade fasting on
the day of al-Fitr and al-Nahr." Narrated by al-Bukhaari,1992; Muslim,
827. The scholars are unanimously agreed that fasting on these two
days is haraam.
It is also haraam to fast on the days of al-Tashreeq which are the
three days after Eid al-Adha (the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhu'l-Hijjah)
because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
"The days of al-Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking and remembering
Allaah." Narrated by Muslim, 1141.
Abu Dawood (2418) narrated from Abu Murrah the freed slave of Umm
Haani that he entered with 'Abd-Allaahibn 'Amr upon his father 'Amr
ibn al-'Aas. He offered them food and said, "Eat." He said, "I
amfasting." 'Amr said: "Eat, for these are the days onwhich the
Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would
tell us not to fast and forbade us to fast, and these are the days of
al-Tashreeq."Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.
But it is permissible to fast on the days of al-Tashreeq for a
pilgrimwho does not have a hadiy (sacrificial animal).It was narrated
that 'Aa'ishah and Ibn 'Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them) said:
No one was allowed to fast on the days of al-Tashreeq except one who
could not find a hadiy. Narrated by al-Bukhaari,1998.
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen said: It is permissible for those who are doing
Hajj qiraan or tamattu', if they cannot find a hadiy, to fast these
threedays so that the Hajj season will not end before they fast. But
apart from that it is not permissible to fast on these days, even if a
person is obliged to fast for two consecutive months; he should not
fast on the day of Eid and the three days following it, but then he
should continue his fast.
Fataawa Ramadaan, p. 727.

What should one say when slaughtering the udhiyah?

Is there a specific du'aa' that I can recite when slaughtering the udhiyah?.
Praise be to Allaah.
The Sunnah for one whowants to slaughter the udhiyah is to say when
slaughtering it:
Bismillaah, wa Allaahu akbar, Allaahumma haadha minka wa laka, haadha
'anni (or if it is being offered on behalf of someone else, haadha'an
[fulaan]), Allaahumma taqabbal min [fulaan] wa aali [fulaan].
(In the name of Allaah, Allaah is most great. O Allaah, this is from
You and to You. This is on mybehalf (or if it is being offered on
behalf of someone else, This is on behalf of [So and so]). O Allaah,
accept (this sacrifice) from [So and so] and the family of [So and
so]) – here he should mention his name instead of [fulaan]or [So and
so].
What is obligatory here is to say Bismillaah; the rest is mustahabb
but is not obligatory.
Al-Bukhaari (5565) and Muslim (1966) narrated that Anas said: The
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sacrificed
twohorned rams that were white speckled with black. He slaughtered
them with his own hand,said Bismillaah and Allaahu akbar, and put his
foot on their necks.
Muslim (1967) narrated from 'Aa'ishah that the Messenger of Allaah
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) ordered that a horned ram
be brought to him so that he could sacrificeit. He said, "O 'Aa'ishah,
give me the knife." Then he said, "Sharpen it on a stone." So she did
that, then he took it and took the ram, and he lay it down and
prepared to slaughter it. He said, "In the name of Allaah, O Allaah
accept (this sacrifice) from Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and
the ummah of Muhammad," then he sacrificed it.
Al-Tirmidhi (1521) narrated that Jaabir ibn 'Abd-Allaah said: I was
present with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
on the day of al-Adha at the prayer place. When he had finished his
khutbah he came down from his minbar and a ram was brought which the
Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
slaughtered with his own hand. He said, "In the name of Allaah, Allaah
is Most Great. This is on behalf of myself and on behalf of those of
my ummah who have not offered a sacrifice." Classed as saheeh by
al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.
In some reports the words "O Allaah, this is from You and to You" are
added. See Irwa' al-Ghaleel, 1138, 1152.
Allaahumma minka (O Allaah, from You) means this sacrifice is a gift
andprovision that has reached me from You. Laka (to You) means, it
issincerely for You alone.
See al-Sharh al-Mumti', 7/492.

Guidance of the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) regarding Eid prayers

I would like to know the guidance of the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) regarding Eid prayers.
Praise be to Allaah.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to offer
the Eid prayers in the prayer-place (musalla). There is no report of
his offering the Eid prayer in his mosque.
Al-Shaafa'i said in al-Umm: It was narrated that the Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to go out on
the two Eids to the prayer-place in Madeenah, as did those (caliphs)
who came afterhim, unless there was anexcuse such as rain etc. The
people of other lands did likewise, apart from the people of Makkah.
He used to wear his mostbeautiful garments to goout to pray. He had a
suit(hullah) which he would wear for Eid and Jumu'ah (Friday prayer).
A hullah is a two-piece suit of the same kind of fabric.
He used to eat dates before going out on Eid al-Fitr, and he would eat
an odd number of them.
Al-Bukhaari (953) narrated that Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him)
said: The Messengerof Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) did not go out on the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten
some dates, and he would eat an odd number.
Ibn Qudaamah said: We do not know of any differing opinion concerning
the fact that it is mustahabb to eat early on the day of Eid al-Fitr.
The reason for eating before the prayer is so that no one will think
that it is essential to fast until the prayer has been offered.
And it was said that this was in order to hasten to obey the command
of Allaah Who enjoined breaking the fast after He enjoined fasting.
If no dates are available, he should have something else for
breakfast, even if it is only water, so that he can fulfil the Sunnah
in principle, which is to have something for breakfast before
prayingon Eid al-Fitr.
With regard to Eid al-Adha, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) used not to eat anythinguntil he came back from the
prayer-place, then he would eat some of the meat of his sacrifice.
It was narrated that he used to do ghusl for both Eids. Ibn al-Qayyim
said: Two weak (da'eef) hadeeths have been narrated concerning this…
but it was proven from Ibn 'Umar, who was very keen to follow the
Sunnah, that he usedto do ghusl before goingout on the day of Eid.
And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to go out to
the Eid prayer walking, and come back walking.
Ibn Maajah (1295) narrated that Ibn 'Umar said: The Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to go out to
the Eid (prayer) walking and come back walking. Classed as saheeh by
al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah.
Al-Tirmidhi (530) narrated that 'Ali ibn Abi Taalib said: It is Sunnah
to go out to the Eid (prayer) walking. Classedas hasan by al-Albaani
inSaheeh al-Tirmidhi.
Al-Tirmidhi said: Most of the scholars followed this hadeeth and said
that it is mustahabb for a man to go out to the Eid (prayer) walking.
It ismustahabb for him not to ride unless he has an excuse.
When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) reached
the prayer-place, he would begin the prayer with no adhaan or iqaamah,
andwithout saying "Al-salaatu jaami'ah (prayer is about to begin)."
The Sunnah is not to do any of these things.
And he did not offer any prayer in the prayer-place before or after
the Eid prayer.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would start
with the prayer, before the khutbah. He prayed two rak'ahs, with seven
consecutive takbeers in the first rak'ah, including takbeerat
al-ihraam (the takbeer with which the prayer begins), and a brief
pause between each two takbeers. There is no report of him saying any
particular dhikr between the takbeers, but it was narrated that Ibn
Mas'ood would praise Allaah and send blessings upon the Prophet (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him).
But Ibn 'Umar, who was always keen to follow the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him), used to raise his hands with each
takbeer.
When he had completed the takbeers, he would start to recite. He would
recite al-Faatihah then recite Qaf wa'l-Qur'aan il-majeed (Soorah Qaaf
50) in the first rak'ah and Aqtarabat il-saa'ah wa anshaqqa al-qamar
(Soorat al-Qamar 54) in the other. Sometimes he recited Sabbih isma
rabbika al-A'la (Soorat al-A'laa 87) and Hal ataaka hadeeth
al-ghaashiyah (Soorat al-Ghaashiyah 88). Both were narrated in
saheehreports, but no other soorahs are mentioned in saheeh reports.
When he had finished reciting he would say takbeer and bow. When he
had finished bowing and prostrating and had stood up again, he would
say five takbeers. When he had completed the takbeers he would start
to recite again. The takbeer was the first thing that he would do in
each rak'ah and his recitation was followed by rukoo' (bowing).
Al-Timridhi narrated from the hadeeth of Katheer ibn 'Abd-Allaah ibn
'Amr ibn 'Awf, from his father, from his grandfather, that the
Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
recited takbeer in the Eid (prayer), seven times in the first rak'ah
before reciting Qur'aan and fivetimes in the second rak'ah before
reciting Qur'aan. Al-Tirmidhi said:I asked Muhammad – i.e.,al-Bukhaari
– about this hadeeth and he said: There is nothing more sound than
this concerning this topic. And I say likewise.
When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had
finished the prayer, he would move away and stand facing the people,
with the people sitting in their rows, and he would address them,
preaching and exhorting, with commands and prohibitions. If he wanted
to dispatch anyone on a mission he would do so, and if he wanted to
enjoin anything he would do that.
There was no minbar on which he would stand, and the minbar of
Madeenah was not brought out. Rather he would address them standing on
the ground. Jaabir said: I attended Eid prayer with the Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). He started with
the prayer before the khutbah, with no adhaan and no iqaamah, then he
stood, leaning on Bilaal, and enjoined us to fear and obey Allaah. He
preached to the people and reminded them, then he went over to
thewomen and preached tothem and reminded them. Agreed upon.
Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to go out on
the day of al-Fitr and al-Adha to the prayer place. He would start
with the prayer, then he would go and stand facing the people, with
the people sitting in their rows… This hadeeth was narrated by Muslim.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) started all
his khutbahs with praise of Allaah. It is not narrated even in one
hadeeth that he started the khutbah of Eid with takbeer. Rather Ibn
Maajah narrated in his Sunan (1287) that Sa'd al-Qaraz, the muezzin of
the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: The
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say the
takbeer between thetwo sermons and he used to say takbeer a great deal
throughout the khutbah of Eid. This was classed as da'eef by
al-Albaani in Da'eef Ibn Maajah. Although the hadeeth is da'eef, it
doesnot indicate that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) used to beginhis khutbah with takbeer.
It says in Tamaam al-Mannah: Although it does not indicate that it is
prescribed to begin the Eid khutbah with takbeer, its isnaad is da'eef
and includes one man who is da'eef (weak) and another whois majhool
(unknown), so it is not permissible toquote it as evidence thatit is
Sunnah to say takbeer during the khutbah.
Ibn al-Qayyim said:
People differed as to how the khutbah on Eid and on the occasion of
prayers for rain (istisqa')should begin. It was saidthat they should
begin with takbeer and it was said that the khutbah of istisqa' should
begin with prayers for forgiveness, and it was said that they should
begin with praise. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: this is
thecorrect view. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) used to beginall his khutbahs with praise of Allaah.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) granted a
concession allowing those who attended the Eid prayers either to sit
and listen to the khutbah, or to leave.
Abu Dawood (1155) narrated that 'Abd-Allaah ibn al-Saa'ib said: I
attended Eid (prayer) with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him), andwhen he had finished the prayer
he said: "We are going to deliver the khutbah, so whoever wants to sit
and listen to the khutbah, let him do so, and whoever wants to leave,
let him go." Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to vary
his route on the day of Eid. He would go by one route and come back by
another.
Al-Bukhaari narrated (986) that Jaabir ibn 'Abd-Allaah said: On the
day of Eid, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
would vary his route.

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Abu Sufyan ibn al-Harith - Biographies of the Companions (Sahabah)

Rarely can one find a closer bond between two persons such as existed
between Muhammad the son of Abdullah and Abu Sufyanthe son of
al-Harith. (ThisAbu Sufyan of course was not the same as Abu Sufyan
ibn Harb, the powerful Quraysh chieftain.)
Abu Sufyan ibn al-Harith was born about the same time as the
blessedProphet. They resembledeach other a great deal. They grew up
together and for a time lived in the same household. AbuSufyan was a
cousin of the Prophet. His father, al-Harith, was the brother of
Abdullah; both were sons of Abd al-Muttalib.
Abu Sufyan was also a foster-brother of the Prophet. He was for a
short time nursed by the lady Halimah who looked after the young
Muhammad in the toughand bracing atmosphereof the desert.
In their childhood and youth, Abu Sufyan and Muhammad were close and
intimate friends. So close were they, that one might naturally have
expected Abu Sufyan to have been among the first to respond to the
call of theProphet, peace be upon him, and follow wholeheartedly the
religion of truth. But thiswas not to be, at least not for many, many
years.
From the time the Prophet made public his call to Islam and first
issued the warning to members of his clan about the dangers of
continuing in their existing state of unbelief, injustice and
immorality, the fire of envy and hatred eruptedin the breast of Abu
Sufyan. The bonds of kinship snapped. Where once there was love and
friendship, there was now revulsion and hate. Where once there was
brotherhood, there was now resistance and opposition.
Abu Sufyan at this time was renowned as one ofthe best fighters and
horsemen of the Qurayshand one of their most accomplished poets. He
used both sword and tongue in the battle against the Prophet and his
mission. All his energies were mobilizedin denouncing Islam
andpersecuting the Muslims.In whatever battle the Quraysh fought
against the Prophet and whatever torture and persecution they meted
out to the Muslims Abu Sufyan had a part to play. He composed and
recited verses attacking and vilifying the Prophet.
For twenty years almost this rancor consumed hissoul. His three others
brothers - Nawfal, Rabiah and Abdullah, had all accepted Islam but not
he.
In the eighth year after the Hijrah, however, shortly before the
Islamic liberation of Makkah, Abu Sufyan's position began to shift, as
he explains: "When the movement of Islam became vigorous and
well-established and news spread of the Prophet's advance to liberate
Makkah, the world caved in on me. I felt trapped. 'Where shall I go?'
I asked myself. 'And with whom?' To my wife and children, I said:
'Get ready to leave Makkah. Muhammad's advance is imminent. I shall
certainly be killed. Ishall be given no quartershould the Muslims
recognize me.'
'Now,' replied my family,'you must realize that Arabs and non-Arabs
have pledged their obedience to Muhammad and accepted his religion.
You are still bent on opposing him whereas you might have been
thefirst to support and help him.'
They continued trying toinfluence me to re-consider my attitude to
Muhammad's religion and to re-awaken in me affection towards him.
Eventually God opened my heart to Islam. I got up and said to my
servant, Madhkur: 'Get ready a camel and a horse for us.' I took my
son Jafar with me and we galloped with great speed towards al-Abwa
between Makkah and Madinah. I had learnt that Muhammad had camped
there. As I approached the place, I covered my face so that no one
could recognize and kill me before I could reach the Prophet and
announce my acceptance of Islam directly to him.
Slowly, I proceeded on foot while advance groups of Muslims headed
towards Makkah. I avoided their path out of fear that oneof the
Prophet's companions would recognize me. I continued in this
fashionuntil the Prophet on his mount came into my view. Coming out
into the open, I went straightup to him and uncovered my face. He
looked at me and recognized me. But, he turned his face away. I moved
to face him once again. He avoided looking at me and again turned away
his face. This happened repeatedly.
I had no doubt - as I stood there facing the Prophet that he would
have been pleased with my acceptance of Islam and that his
companionswould have rejoiced at his happiness. When, however, the
Muslims saw the Prophet, peace be on him, avoiding me, they too looked
at me and shunned me. Abu Bakr met me and violently turned away. I
looked at Umar ibn al-Khattab, my eyes pleading for his compassion,
but I found him even more harsh than Abu Bakr. In fact, Umar went on
to incite one of the Ansar against me.
'O enemy of God,' lashed out the Ansari, 'you are the one who
persecuted the Messenger of God, peace be on him, and tortured his
companions. You carriedyour hostility towards the Prophet to the ends
of the earth'.
The Ansari went on censuring me in a loud voice while other Muslims
glared at me in anger. At that point, I saw my uncle, al-Abbas, and
went to him seekingrefuge.
'O uncle,' I said. 'I had hoped that the Prophet, peace be on him,
would be happy about my acceptance of Islam because of my kinship
tohim and because of my position of honor among my people. You know
what his reaction has been. Speak to him then on my behalf that he may
be pleased with me.'
'No, by God,' replied my uncle. 'I shall not speak to him at all after
I have seen him turning away from you except if an opportunity
presents itself. I do honor the Prophet, peace and blessings of God be
on him, and I stand in awe of him.'
'O uncle, to whom then will you abandon me?' I pleaded.
'I do not have anything for you except what you have heard,' he said.
Anxiety and grief took hold of me. I saw Ali ibn Talib soon after and
spoke to him about my case. His response was the same as that of my
uncle. I went back to my uncle and said to him: 'O uncle, if you
cannot soften the heart of the Prophet towards me, then at least
restrain that man from denouncing me and inciting others against me.'
'Describe him to me,' said my uncle. I described the man to him and he
said: 'That is Nuayman ibn al-Harith an-Najjari.' He sent for Nuayman
and said to him: 'O Nuayman! Abu Sufyan is the cousin of the Prophet
and my nephew. If the Prophet is angry with him today, he will be
pleased with him another day. So leave him...' My uncle continued
trying to placate Nuayman until the latter relented and said: 'I shall
not spurn him anymore.'
"When the Prophet reached al-Jahfah (aboutfour days journey from
Makkah), I sat down at the door of his tent. My son Jafar stood beside
me. As he was leaving his tent, the Prophet sawme and averted his
face. Yet, I did not despair of seeking his pleasure. Whenever he
camped at a place, I would sit at his door and my son Jafar would
stand in front of me... I continued in this fashion for some time. But
the situation becametoo much for me and I became depressed. I saidto
myself:
'By God, either the Prophet, peace be on him, shows he is pleasedwith
me or I shall take my son and go wandering through the land until we
die of hunger and thirst.'
When the Prophet came to hear of this, he relented and, on leaving his
tent, he looked more gently towards me then before. I so much hoped
that he would smile."
Eventually the Prophet relented and told Abu Sufyan, "There is now
noblame on you." He entrusted the newcomerto Islam to Ali ibn Abi
Talib saying: "Teach yourcousin how to perform wudu and about the
Sunnah. Then bring him back to me." When Ali returned, the Prophet
said:
"Tell all the people that the Messenger of God is pleased with Abu
Sufyanand that they should be pleased with him."
Abu Sufyan continued:"The Prophet then entered Makkah and I too
entered in his entourage. He went to the Sacred Mosque and I also
went, trying my bestto remain in his presence and not separate from
him on any account...
Later, at the Battle of Hunayn, the Arabs put together an
unprecedented force against the Prophet, peace be on him... They were
determined to deala mortal blow to Islam and the Muslims.
The Prophet went out to confront them with a large number of his
companions. I went out with him and when I saw the great throngs
ofmushrikin, I said: 'By God, today, I shall atone for all my past
hostility towards the Prophet. peace be on him, and heshall certainly
see on my part what pleases God and what pleases him.'
When the two forces met, the pressure of the mushrikin on the Muslims
was severe and the Muslims began to lose heart. Some even began to
desert and terrible defeat stared us in the face. However, theProphet
stood firm in the thick of battle astride his mule "Ash-Shahba" like a
towering mountain, wielding his sword and fighting for himself and
those around him... I jumped from my horse and fought beside him. God
knows that I desired martyrdom beside the Messenger of God. My uncle,
al-Abbas, took the reins of the Prophet's mule and stood at his side.
I took up my position on the other side. With my right handI fended
off attacks against the Prophet and with my left I held on to my
mount.
When the Prophet saw my devastating blows onthe enemy, he asked my
uncle: 'Who's this?' 'This is your brother and cousin. Abu Sufyan ibn
al-Harith. Be pleased with him. O Messenger of God.'
'I have done so and God has granted forgiveness to him for all the
hostility he has directed against me.'
My heart soared with happiness. I kissed his feet in the stirrup and
wept. He turned towardsme and said: 'My brother! Upon my life! Advance
and strike!'
The words of the Prophet spurred me on and we plunged into
thepositions of the mushrikin until they were routed and fled in every
direction."
After Hunayn, Abu Sufyan ibn al-Harith continued to enjoy the good
pleasure of the Prophet and the satisfaction of being in his noble
company. But he never looked the Prophet directly in the eye nor
focussed his gaze on his face out of shame and embarrassment for his
past hostility towards him.
Abu Sufyan continued tofeel intense remorse for the many and dark days
he had spent trying to extinguish the light of God and refusing to
follow His message. Henceforth, his days and nights he would spend
reciting the verses of theQuran seeking to understand and follow its
laws and profit by its admonitions. He shunned the world and its
adornments and turned to God with every fibre of his being. Once the
Prophet. peace be on him, saw him entering the mosque and asked his
wife: "Do you know who is this, Aishah?" "No, O Messenger of God." she
replied. This is my cousin. Abu Sufyan ibn al-Harith. See, he is the
first to enter the masjid and the last to leave. His eyes do not leave
his shoelace."
When the Prophet, peace be on him, passed away, Abu Sufyan felt
intense grief and wept bitterly.
During the caliphate of Umar, may God be pleased with him, Abu Sufyan
felt his end drawing near. One day people saw him in al-Baqi, the
cemetery not far from the Prophet's mosque wheremany Sahabah are
buried. He was digging and fashioning a grave. They were surprised.
Three days later, Abu Sufyan was lying stretched out at home His
family stood around weeping but he said:"Do not weep for me. By God, I
did not commit any wrong since I accepted Islam." With that, he passed
away.

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Ch 9: Inside the House

Leaving the auspicious and glowing meeting at the house of Ziad b.
Umar, Isabella took the road straight to her home which ran through
the Palace of Martyrs to Suqul Asafir. Isabella's house was just a few
paces away. The meeting had filled her with such joy that, unmindful
of everything around, she walked quietly and soberly with downcast
eyes. Half an hour later she reached home whereher mother was waiting
impatiently for her. On enquiry about the cause of her delay Isabella
named a friend of her's, at whose house she was delayed. On her
mother's order the dining table was set and she immediately sat down
and began to eat. Soon her father (the head priest) also arrived and
the night passed peacefully.
Early next morning the Muezzins called for the Fajr prayer from all
mosques of Cordova. Howpleasant is the sound andhow, in the salubrious
hour of morning, people were being roused for bowing and prostrating
for the Fajr prayer with the name of Allah. How enchanting is the
sound of Allah-o-Akbar, Allah-o-Akbar, (Allah is great, Allah is
great). Now the gongs of churches also began to toll. How jarring and
meaningless is the sound. Truly the condition of each community is
known from its rites. From mosques devotees beganto emerge. Labourers,
traders and cultivators took their respective ways to places of work,
markets and fields. The chirping of birds had somewhat subsided.
Hearing the call of prayerIsabella got out of her bed and went to the
library room of her houseand sitting at a table began to study a book.
Inthe meantime Peter and Michael also came there and Isabella stood up
andreceived them with respect. A little later Isabella's father also
came and took his seat inthe room and Isabella's mother was also
called in. Isabella was frightened at this unexpected, uncalled
andstrange gathering and suspected that these people had assembled
onher account and probably her association with Islam had come to
their knowledge . Colour went out of her face and her heart began to
throb quickly and so, taking theexcuse of thirst, she wentfor water to
another room.
The head priest, addressing Isabella's mother, Peter and Michael said:
Do you know what is the state ofIsabella and how is she trying to
humiliate and degrade us? It is to think about this matter that I have
given you the trouble to come over here.
Peter: Oh ! What is the matter!
Head Priest: It is all very serious. I have been hearing for some time
that Isabella has given upChristian creed and has secretly embraced
Islam.
Helena (Isabella's mother): Fie, fie ! What are you talking? Jesus
Christ may never do it. What is the matter that you are so enraged
todaythat, without any reason,you have made my daughter a Muslim ?
Head Priest: What I am saying is quite true. If nottoday, you will
learn it a few days after.
Peter: Holy father, you have said something strange. Isabella is a
very good girl. She has studied theology. She is not ignorant as to
accept the bloody religion of Islam.
Helena: Well, I am just calling the girl. I do not know what caused
this suspicion in you.
So saying Helena went to the room where Isabella was sitting horrified
in a corner. Helena at once caught the hand of Isabella and said to
her: Listen, daughter, your father calls you. Isabella who had
realised the situation rose up and followed her mother to the large
room and presented herself to the head priest.
Isabella's father beckoned to Michael and asked him to talk to her.
Michael: Daughter, we have heard that you haverevolted from
Christianity. Is it true? If anyone has given wrong report about you,
you may refute it.
Isabella heard this and kept quiet and, lowering her eyes, began to
weep. Warm tears began to drop on her rosy cheeks.
Helena: Just see. Did not I tell you that someone hasfalsely accused
my daughter. What refutation could she give!Her tears speak that the
allegation of her revolt from Christianity is quite false.
Head Priest: You just keepquiet for a while and let Isabella herself
reply. Yes,daughter, tell me what is this report about you?
Isabella continued to remain silent with bowed head. But on persistent
questioning from Peter and Michael she was compelled to open her lips.
Isabella: I have not yet accepted Islam but continue to remain Christian.
Michael: If you have not yet accepted Islam, do you intend to accept
it in future?
Isabella: Why do you ask me about future? I can put the same question to you.
Michael: Then tell me what is your opinion about Islam?
Isabella: I do not abuse Islam like others for in the Muslim sacred
Books Christ is praised and Muslims speak well of him.
Michael: Then you love Islam and Muslims?
Isabella: You may call it love or anything else. Anyway I am not
ungrateful. If Muslims respect our Christ, then I also must respect
their Prophet and their Sacred Book.
Peter: So it is clear now that in your heart you have become a Muslim,
otherwise you would nothave so praised Islam andMuslims. But now tell
me what do you think about the religion you have been believing, that
is Christianity.
Isabella: I have faith in the Bible and all revealedbooks, but I do
not accept the flaws which later Christians have introduced in
religion.
Head Priest (addressing Michael, Peter and Isabella's mother): Now you
have known her ideas. There is no other remedy to it except the sword.
Peter: Please give me time. I will explain to her and she will surely
be reformed. I will remove her misunderstandings. Anyway, she has
studied books on theology.
Head Priest: Well, you may try and see, otherwise I will think of some
other remedy for her.
After this talk the meeting dispersed and the head priest, taking
Peter and Michael with him, left for the great church as there was a
large crowd of Christians of Spain to see the relics (bones, etc.) of
Prophets and the head priest. Theyhad come from long distances to
participate in the ceremony and the head priest had gone to bless
thousands of Christians.
The priests having left, Isabella went to her room and silently
thought about her future. She was now convinced that she was sure to
be put to torture and she will have to face severe trials. Yet she
found her mind at ease and heart strong and prepared to meet all
troubles.
She took out a paper from her table and wrotea letter to her friend
Mirano (daughter of Priest Michael) to the following effect:
"My dear sister!
"Last night at nine I attended the meeting of Muslim divines at which
my spiritual father Umar Lahmi and other divines were present. How can
I describe its atmosphere, my sister ! A wonderful spiritual assembly
it was. My participation in it greatly fortified my heart. I wish you
were also present there. I have made a promise with their spiritual
leader Ziadb. Umar to take you with me tomorrow or day after to them.
A strange thing happened today. It appears that I am going to be put
to trial. Pray that God may keep me ever on the right path. It so
happened that my father got some information about me that I have
embraced Islam and so he called your father [Michael] andPeter to his
house and many questions were asked from me. Now, justfancy with my
father on one side and Michael andPeter on the other, in what
difficult position I was placed. But I also gave them stunning
replies. Now, Peter has given promise to my father that he will make
me understand. If any such occasion comes you must also be present
along with other three friends . Other details I will give you
verbally.
"Your sister, Isabella."
After finishing the letter she called her maidservant and told herto
go to Mirano and bring from her a book. She also gave her the letter
which, she said, was lying with her for some time and asked her to
deliver it to Mirano. The maid-servant did as she was ordered and,
going to Michael's house,gave the letter to Mirano,who immediately
openedand read it and said to the maid-servant that shewill herself
bring the book in the evening.
Isabella and her other friends met together in the evening in the same
garden in which Isabella had first heard the talk ofUmar Lahmi. She
informed her friends all that had happened and consulted them. It was
also decided that next evening they should all go to attend the
meeting of Ziad b. Umar and also inform him of everything. After
enjoying the evening walk of the garden all the girls left for their
respective homes.
Isabella – A girl of Islamic Spain

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Eid al-Adha and its connection with Hajj

The relationship betweenEid al-Adha and Hajj is a hotly-debated issue
among Muslims all over the world. A small minority of Muslims argue
that Eid al-Adha must be celebrated a day after the Wuquf of Arafah in
an attempt to centralize Islam and dictate the Islamic calendar from
Makkah. The majority argue that Eid al-Adha is not linked to the Day
of Arafah or rituals of Hajj but is a separate Islamic event.
Therefore Eid al-Adha must be observed in accordance with local moon
sighting. Here is the simple evidence to support the majority view of
the Ahl Sunna.
1. When Eid al-Adha and Hajj were initiated.
The Prophet (PBUH) initiated the two Eids after observing that the
inhabitants of Madinah celebrated their two local festivals. He
introduced the two Eids as the alternative Islamic festivals. The
Hadith recorded by Abu Daud reports:
"Anas ibn Malik reports that the Prophet came to Madina and saw they
hadtwo days of festivity. He asked, 'What are these two days?' They
said, 'Weused to celebrate these days in Jahiliyya. The Prophet (PBUH)
said, 'Allah has replaced them with better two days: theday of Fitr
and the day ofAdha."
There are some reports that the Prophet (PBUH) offered the first Eid
prayer at Madinah in the first year of migration. The more authentic
and widely accepted report, on the other hand, indicates that the
first Eidprayer was observed in the second year of the Hijrah.
Hajj, on the other hand, was made obligatory in the ninth year of
Hijrah. The Prophet sent Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) as
the head of the Hajj convoy in this year . If Wuquf of Arafah (Hajj)
and Eid al-Adha were so closely intertwined then they would have been
ordained by Allah and the Prophet simultaneously.
2. Hajj Date Confirmation
The Prophet (PBUH) connected Eid al-Fitr withthe completion of the
month of Ramadan, namely the first day of Shawwal. Eid al-Adha was
connected with the 10th of Zil-Hajjah. There is no report that the
Prophet (PBUH) ever triedto find out the day of Hajj or Arafah during
his stay in Madinah in an effort to make Eid al-Adha coincide with day
of Arafah or Hajj.
During the time of the Prophet (PBUH) it was possible to travel
between Makkah and Medinah with ease within ten days. The Prophet
(PBUH) never dispatched anybody to find out exactly when was the day
of Arafah so as to connect the Eid with Arafah. It was quite possible
for him to find out when the Moon of Zil-Hajjah was sighted in Makkah
as the Hajj was performed on the 10th ofZil-Hajjah. Ten days were
sufficient to establish theexact sighting date in Makkah. This
historical fact proves that the day of Arafah is not directly
connected with Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Adha is connected with the 10th of
Zil-Hajjah and not withthe observance of Hajj.
3. After Hajj became obligatory.
Even after the Hajj was made obligatory, Eid al-Adha remained an
independent institution. There is no report that the Prophet (PBUH)
madeany conscious effort to find out the Day of Arafah or to correlate
Eid al-Adha with the Day of Hajj or 10th of Zil-Hajjah in Makkah. Had
it been a significant religious issueto link the Adha with Hajjthen
the Prophet (PBUH) would have made efforts to search for the Day of
Arafah in Makkah. Instead he went with thelocal sighting of Madinah.
4. Practice of Muslims since the Prophet's (PBUH) time
The Muslim Ummah for the last fourteen centuries has been following
this tradition of separating the Adha from Hajj. History tells us that
no Caliph or scholar has ever tried to search for the Day of Arafah in
Makkah and connect Eid al-Adha with it. Actually doing so would have
been an unsurpassable challenge as Islam is spread across the world
and it would have causedundue hardships for the Ummah. That is why the
classical jurists have not worried about this issue at all. They seem
to be content with the local moon sighting and connecting Eid al-Adha
with the locally agreed upon 10th of Zil-Hajjah, rather than Makkan
10th of Zil-Hajjah.
5. Differences between those performing Hajj and those who are not
The scholars of Islamic Fiqh have clearly established a distinction
between the rules and rituals of the Hujjaj (pilgrims) and rules and
rituals for the non-Hujjaj.
For instance Mina is actually classed as part ofMakkah and falls
within its city limit. As such Eid al-Adha is Wajib (incumbent) upon
all those in Mina and yet no Hujjaj who is present in Mina on the
tenth of Dhul-Hijjah offers the Salah of Eid-ul-Adha. If Eid al-Adha
was the celebration of Hajj and was so closely linked then one would
expect the actual people who have performed this spiritual journey to
offer the Salah of Eid-ul-Adha -but they do not.
Furthermore, the sacrifice of Eid-ul-Adha is Wajib (incumbent) upon
all those who posses enough wealth to satisfy the least condition of
Nisab. However, such a sacrifice is not required by the Hujjaj in Mina
according to most Fuqaha (jurists). The sacrifice made by the Hujjaj
is not the result of them being Sahib-al-Nisab but rather by them
combining umrah with Hajj in the Hajj of Tamattu or Qiran. If the
Umrah is not combined with Hajj, then even this sacrifice is not
required.
Conclusion
Unity in the Ummah does not come from centralization. Hajj is the key
pillar of Islam and an event of great power and spirituality but this
isfor the Hujjaj (pilgrims) who are actually performing the Hajj in
Makkah and the surrounding areas. It is clear that no attempt wasbeen
made to directly intertwine Hajj and Eid al-adha in Islamic
history.Eid al-Adha should be marked on the locally agreed upon 10th
of Zil-Hajjah rather than Makkan 10th of Zil-Hajjah.

Eid al-Adha

" festival of sacrifice "), also called Feast of the Sacrifice , the
Major Festival , [ 1 ] the Greater Eid and Bakrid , [ 2 ] is an
important 3-day religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to
honour thewillingness of the prophet ʾIbrāhīm (Abraham) to sacrifice
his young first-born son Ismā'īl (Ishmael) a as an act of submission
to God's command and his son's acceptance to being sacrificed, before
God intervened to provide Abraham with a ram to sacrifice instead. [ 3
]
Eid al-Adha is the latter ofthe two Eid holidays , the former being
Eid al-Fitr . The basis for the Eid al-Adha comes from the 196th verse
of the 2nd sura of the Quran . [ 4 ] Theword "Eid" appears once in the
5th sura of the Quran, with the meaning"solemn festival". [ 5 ] The 3
days and 2 nights of Eidal-Adha are celebrated annually on the 10th,
11th and 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah , the twelfth andlast month of the
lunar Islamic calendar . [ 6 ] In the international Gregorian calendar
, the dates vary from year to year, drifting approximately 11 days
earlier each year.
Like Eid al-Fitr , Eid al-Adha begins with a Sunnah prayer of two
rakats followed by a sermon ( khuṭbah ). Eid al-Adha celebrations
startafter the descent of the Hajj from Mount Arafat , a hill east of
Mecca . Ritual observance of the holiday lasts until sunset of the
12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. [ 7 ] Eid sacrifice may take place until
sunset on the 13th day. [ 8 ] The days of Eid have been singled out in
the Hadith as "days of remembrance". The days of Tashriq are from the
Fajr of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah up to the Asr of the 13th of Dhul
Hijjah (5 days and 4 nights). This equals 23 prayers: 5 on the
9th-12th, which equal 20

Eid al-Adha: The Festival of the Sacrifice

The Festival of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) is one of two major
Islamic celebrations and takes place on the tenth day of the Islamic
month Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar in which
millions of Muslims from around the world make an annual pilgrimage to
Makkah in order to worship Allah and to commemorate the willingness of
the Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) tosacrifice his son Ishmael in
response to a command from God. Satisfied with Abraham's devotion, God
replaced Ishmael with a sheep at the last second, and the sheep was
slaughtered instead. While pilgrims in Makkah re-enact this scene by
slaughtering sheep of their own,Muslims who can afford it in the rest
of the world also participatein this rite by slaughtering sheep,
camels and cows. One third of the meat is distributed to the poor, one
third to neighbors and relatives while one third is kept by the person
who offered the sacrifice for use within his or her own family.
India is home to approximately 150 million Muslims who celebrate the
Eid in the same way as their non-Indian brothersand sisters in faith.
It is a very happy time which is marked by special prayers, visits to
family and friends, gifts to children and, of course by food. For
manyfamilies, it may be one of the few times during the year that they
have the opportunity to enjoy meat, and only the best dishes are
served. The following are some recipes for Indian dishes which are
popular on Eid al-Adha: