Your faith is your key to happiness

'Aa ' ishah was once asked, "Who is the best of women?" Sheanswered,
"She who does not usefoul language, who is unaware ofmen's cunningness
(so she does not become their rival), and whose heart is occupied with
nothing but adorning herself for her husband and caring for her
children."
Know, my dear sister, that believing in Allaah The Exalted is the
essence of your happiness and the source of comfort and tranquillity.
Indeed, misery, suffering, and constant agonies are caused by
abandoning faith inAllaah The Almighty, and neglecting His
remembrance, thankfulness to Him, and failing to fulfil the due rights
of the acts of worship. Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): } "Those
who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of
Allaah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allaah the hearts are
assured." { [Quran 13:28 [H.S1 [
} "And whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will lead a
depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection
blind." { [Quran 20:124]
A young Muslim immigrant to theUSA narrates that he had worked for a
wealthy businessman who owns companies there. Whenever this
businessman passed by this young man, he would find him smiling and
appearing happy, whereas, the employer was sad, worried and gloomy all
the time. Once he asked the young Muslim man about the secret behind
his smilewhich reflects happiness and joy. The young man simply
answered him, "Because I am Muslim." Thenthe businessman exclaimed,
"WillI find this happiness that you feelif I embrace Islam?" The young
man answered, "Yes." Then he accompanied his employer to an Islamic
Centre where he embraced Islam and then burst into tears. When he was
asked about the reason why he was crying, he answered, "This is the
first time in my entire life that I have experienced real happiness."
] Tareek As-Sa'aadah (The Way to Happiness)]
A mother's advice to her daughter
When 'Awf ibn Muhallim al-Shaybaani, one of the most highly respected
leaders of the Arab nobility during the Jaahiliyyah , (pre-Islamic
era) married his daughter Umm Iyaas to al-Haarith ibn 'Amr al-Kindi,
she was made ready to be taken to the groom, then her mother, Umaamah
came in to her, and advised her daughter saying,
My dear daughter, you are leavingthe home in which you have
beenbrought up and were raised, to a home which you do not know, and
with a new companion who you are not accustomed to. By marrying you,
he has become your guardian and superior. Therefore, be a slave to him
and he will be a slave to you.
My dear daughter, maintain theseten traits and he will always support
you. As for the first and second trait: Be content in your life with
him and be an obedient companion.
The third and fourth: Continuously be attentive to what his eyes fall
on and to what his nose might smell. Do not let him behold you
unattractive, and let him only smell pleasant scentsfrom you.
The fifth and the sixth: Be attentive to the time of his meals, and be
quiet during his sleep; for hunger is agitating, anddisturbing one's
sleep arouses anger.
The seventh and eighth: Preserve his money, and look after his
household and children, for guarding his money is a good
characteristic, and looking after his household and children is a way
of honoring him.
As for the ninth and tenth traits: Never expose his secrets or disobey
his orders, for if you expose his secrets you will not besafe from his
betrayal, and if you disobey his orders you will make him angry.
In addition, avoid expressing happiness while he is sad, or being
gloomy while he is happy, for the first quality is an act of
negligence, and the second displeases him.
Honor him the best you can, and he will honor you the best he can.
The more you agree with him, the longer he will stay in your company.
Know, that you will not attain what you aspire for unless you favor
his contentment over yours,and his desires over yours whether
concerning something that pleases or displeases you.
Steps to marital happiness
· Remember that you are not a man:
Many wives face marital failure due to developing complexes about
their femininity. Such women are not proud of their femininity, and do
not acknowledge their husbands' roleof being in charge and their right
to lead the family. Such women are paranoid, constantly feeling that
their husbands are trying to subdue them and exercise their
masculinity over them. Consequently, such a wife will try to prove
that she is equal to him. These poisonous beliefs will ruin their
lives and turn it into a living hell.
Such a woman should know that men and women complete one another; men
enjoy the qualities that women lack, and similarly, women enjoy the
qualities that men lack. Men's right to take charge over women does
not mean humiliation or suppression;rather, it means leadership,
responsibility, wisdom, compassion, mercy and affection.By virtue of
man's right to take charge, he can take his wife through their life
journey tosafety and happiness.
· Search for the positive side:
Many wives do not feel happy in their marriages because of their
negative perspective of their husbands; they only see their flaws and
defects. Their husbands might have countless good qualities that
surpass their defects, but their melancholic perspective of their life
blinds them from such good traits, thusshe is only able to see her
husband's weaknesses.
A wise wife should look for her husband's positive traits, enumerate
them, try to foster them and praise him for them. Moreover, she should
be patient with his flaws and defects, and try to overlook them. Were
she toconfront her husband's abuse with kindness, it would deeply
affect him and perhaps drive him to change his bad behavior with her,
and replace his flaws and defects with positive qualities.
· Make sure of your husband's love for you:
Verifying your husband's love for you is essential for the wife to
attain marital happiness. On the one hand, a husband should affirm his
love for his wife from time to time. On the other hand, a wife should
remind herself of her husband's love for her and tryto find reasons
which could verifythat love; the first of which was his proposal to
marry her in the first place which proves his attraction towards her
and his love for her. Besides, the fact thathe is still married to her
also indicates this. Add to that, the fact that he financially
supports her, tends to her, cares for her, and feels protective
jealousy over her. All this highlights his love forhis wife.
· Your happiness lies in your contentment:
How many women have deprived themselves of attaining marital happiness
because of wishing for what others have? The wife pushes her husband
to satisfy herdesires by providing her with luxuries that are not
necessary at all, knowing that he cannot afford that. On seeing her
husband unable to provide her with what she wants, she loses respect
for him and sees him as alazy and passive person.
If such a wife were to judge her life fairly, she would have seen
countless positive points and the bright side of the pages of her
life, that can guarantee her happiness if she is content with the
blessings that Allaah The Exalted has bestowed upon her. In the past,
the Muslim wife would stand at her porch biddingher husband farewell,
as he wentto work and remind him, "Fear Allaah The Almighty, and
beware,beware of bringing back home anything that is unlawful; we
canendure hunger, but we can never endure Hell." It is worth
mentioning that a happy person is not he who gets all that he wishes
for; since one's desires cannot be fully satisfied, and wishes
continue until the last breath. Actually, true happiness isfound in
contentment.

Hijaab is not a personal choice

Contrary to whatever you may believe, Hijaab (Islamic covering) is not
a free personal choice. As aMuslim woman, you are not free; you are a
slave of Allaah The Almighty. What is the relationship between freedom
and uncovering parts of your body, adorning yourself, and uncovering
your face? Does the belief that 'beauty of the soul is the real
beauty' entitle a woman to be indecently dressed?
The enemies of Islam have turnedwomen into a cheap commodity; they
despise you; they do not respect your mind, thought or character; they
are only concerned about your body. Otherwise, let me know: What is
the rationale behind an attractivewoman appearing on an advertisement
for razors or tires? Does this show respect for a woman's mind? Or
does this point to the fact that the media and marketing industry only
think about exploiting her body? Why do they not let women who are
covered in Hijaab be shown in their ads?
If you could listen to what your colleagues in the university or work
say about you behind your back, you would be horrified. They speak
about your looks. They do not care for your intelligence or
personality; they are only concerned about your femininity. This is
the nature of man, and whoever claims otherwise is either a liar or
abnormal.
Wearing Hijaab is not a free personal choice, and you are certainly
not free to do as you think fit; you are a slave of Allaah The
Almighty. You have no right to disobey His orders. Allaah The Almighty
Says (what means): } And whoever turns away from Myremembrance –
indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We willgather him on the
Day of Resurrection blind." He will say,"My Lord, why have You raised
me blind while I was [once] seeing?" [Allaah] will say, "Thus did Our
signs come to you, and you forgot them; and thus will you this Day be
forgotten." And thus do We recompense he who transgressed and did not
believe in the signs of his Lord. And the punishment of the Hereafter
is more severe and more enduring. { [Quran 20:124-127]
Hijaab is not a free personal choice because it is the commandof
Allaah The Almighty and His Messenger , and the consensus of the
Muslim scholars. Furthermore, Hijaab gives you the chance to test the
truthfulness of those who claim that they are only concerned withyour
mind and character. If the case is true as they claim, wearing Hijaab
will help them focus on your character, not your make-up, clothes, or
charms. At this point you will discover the truth, and you will not
find any man paying you attention or speaking to you because they do
not need anything from you except your femininity.
It is shameful that a woman whopretends to respect herself and cherish
her honor and dignity seeks to impress people with her body. Surely,
you humiliate your humanity by failing to adhere to correct Hijaab and
by showing off your face in place.
An American woman says that she got fed up with such widespread
corruption in her society, where a woman is judged only according to
her appearance, and this greatly influences her field of work,
promotions, and the opportunities of practical and emotional life. She
adds that a woman has to always appear beautiful and attractive in
order to attain easy success in every stage of her life.
This woman converted to three religions that could not soothe her
agony. Now she adheres to a sect of Judaism because she admires the
fact that this sect obliges women to dress modestly and admonishes
them not to intermix with men except in case of necessity.
Another American woman says that she has embraced one of theold pagan
religions of the Native Americans because that religion pays special
respect to women, orders them to wear decent clothes and prohibits
extramarital and premarital relationships. She adds that she feels
that this religion respects women and protects values in society.
A practicing Muslim woman relates that she had been fully covered in
Hijaab when she was obliged to travel to a European country with her
family to receivemedical care for her father. In thehospital, a nurse
asked her permission to see her face, and when the nurse saw it, she
was shocked. She thought that the woman covered her face because she
was ugly or had a defect. When the nurse asked the woman why she was
covering up, the woman explained to her that Islam sees women as a
jewelthat must be kept away from the eyes of strangers. The woman said
that the nurse was listening attentively, and later, she said,"How
wonderful! I wish I could cover myself up like you. I suffer alot from
people's looks at the details of my body and feel that I am a dummy;
even here I feel that all people are staring at me."
Professor Sigrid Hunke, author of the famous book Allah's Sun
Risesover the West , outlines the glory of the Arabs and Muslims and
theinfluence of their civilization on the Western renaissance. In an
Islamic conference, she was asked to give advice to a Muslim woman who
wanted to discard her Hijaab . She said,
"A Muslim woman should not take the European or American women as role
models. By doing so, she loses the elements of her character. Thus,
she has to abide by the original guidance of Islam and follow in the
footsteps of theearly righteous women. She should cherish their
values and adapt them to the needs of modern times. She should also
focus on her significant mission of being a mother of the future Arab
generation."
Helen Stanberry, an American writer and a freelance journalist for
more than 250 American newspapers, publishes a daily article read by
millions of Americans. She spent several weeks in an Arab country, and
when she returned home, she said that the Arab society is perfect and
sound, and it should adhere to its customs which limitthe freedom of
young women and men reasonably. She adds that the Arabs have inherited
manners which necessitate limiting the freedom of the woman,
respecting the mother and father, and, more than that, eliminating the
immorality of theWest which is destroying the society and families in
Europe and America. She advises the Arabs to continue preventing the
free intermixing between the two sexes, narrow the freedom of the
girl, and adhere to Hijaab like the earlier generations did. This
would be better for the Arabs than immorality, liberty and the
profligacy of Europe and America.
Anger with this inferior look at women was condemned in the words of
Meryl Streep, an American actress, and the 1983 Academy Award winner.
In a press conference, she said that every time she visited a public
place, people would scrutinize the measurements of her body tomake
sure that she was a beautiful and worthy of being thebest American
actress. This disturbed her a lot because she knew that people looked
at her only to judge her body. .
She contested the so-called Women's Liberation Movement, saying that
she does not like the present-day concepts about women because they
view the ideal woman to be the one who has a slim body. [ Excerpted
from the book "Risaalah Ila Hawaa' by Rasheed Al-'OOwayid [
A woman so fond of the Abaya that she wears it at home
A Korean girl wrote on the internet, "I love your dress…yes…Ilove this
Abaya which fully covers the body. I love it so much and love to wear
it. I asked my cousin, who works in the Gulf region to send me one.
Once it was sent to me, I wore it immediately. Although many people
mocked me and were surprised at my appearance, I stillwear it from
time to time and sometimes at home. I feel greatlycomfortable and
content when wearing it."
At a time when women all over the world are searching for their
identity by returning to decency and covering up, many Muslim women
are trying to find ways and justifications to say that Hijaab is not a
religious obligation, or that the essence is more important than
appearances.
Muslim sister, do not sacrifice theeverlasting life in the Hereafter;
do not risk it. You cannot do that.It is either everlasting bliss or
everlasting doom. Many women before you followed the way of liberation
and pride, but they reaped loss, failure, depression and misery. What
will you lose if you put on Hijaab ? What will you lose if you cover
your hair, arms and legs? Please, answer: What loss will you incur?
What has your friend who puts on Hijaab lost? Do not expose yourself
to the anger of Allaah The Almighty; otherwise, you live in suffering,
misery and pain. You have to put on Hijaab and quit the futile
argument. Just put it on. You arenot wiser than the women who wore
it, nor are you more beautiful or smarter than they are. You may ask
them about it. Oslave of Allaah, The Compeller, return to your Lord,
submit and surrender to Him; beware of the anger of Allaah The
Sovereign. Hijaab is not a free, personal choice and you are not free.
Islamhas its rules and principles, so whoever claims to adhere to it
is not allowed to violate its rules. Whoever accepts Islam as a
religion should submit to its orders and avoid its prohibitions.
Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): } Whoever does righteousness,
whether male or female, while he is a believer, We will surely cause
him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in
the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do. { [Quran
16:97]

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

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Hazrat Imam Hassan (R.A) & Hussain (R.A)

Story 1
Hazrat Sayyiduna Imam Hussain (R.A) is the beloved son of Hazrat
Sayyiduna Ali and Bibi Fatima (R.A) and the most beloved grandson of
Rasoolullah (S.A.W).
He was born on the 5th of Sha'baan in the year 4Al-Hijri. Our Beloved
Prophet (S.A.W) gave theAzaan in his right ear and the Iqaamah in his
left ear. He then placed his blessed saliva in the mouth of Hazrat
Imam Hussain (R.A) and made Dua for him.
On the 7th day he was named Hussain and his Aqeeqa was performed.
Rasoolullah (S.A.W) commanded Hazrat Bibi Fatima (R.A) to remove his
hair and to give silver in charity equivalent to the weightof the
hair.
Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) was without doubt a very handsome
personality. From his chest down to his blessed feet he was the image
of Rasoolullah (S.A.W), whereas his elder brother Hazrat Imam Hassan
(R.A) was the image of Rasoolullah(S.A.W) from his chest upto his
blessed head. The blessed face of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) was so
bright that it would even shine in the darkness of night.
Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) was taught by Rasoolullah (S.A.W), Hazrat
Bibi Fatima (R.A) and Hazrat Ali (R.A). Holy Prophet (S.A.W) loved
Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) due to his piety and pure heart.
The Beloved Rasool (S.A.W) was also aware that the time would come
when his beloved grandson would save the Ummah from destruction at the
hands of a corrupt and tyrant leader.
Rasoolullah (S.A.W) lovedHazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) dearly. Hazrat
UmarFarooq (R.A) said, "Once, when I presented myself in the court of
Rasoolullah (S.A.W) I sawthat he was walking on his knees carrying
HazratImam Hussain (R.A) on his blessed back.
When I saw this, I said, "Your mode of transport is most splendid. On
hearing this, the BelovedRasool (S.A.W) replied, "OUmar, the passenger
is also very splendid.""
Hazrat Ya'la bin Marwaa (R.A) reports that Rasoolullah (S.A.W) said,
"Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain. Whosoever has kept Hussain
as his beloved, Allah is his beloved."
Hazrat Jaabir ibn Abdullah (R.A) states, "I heard from Rasoolullah
(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), "Whosoever wishes to see the leader of
Paradise, he should look at Hussain ibn Ali (R.A).""
Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) was a very kind, gentle, generous,
merciful and Allah-fearing personality. He always cared for the poor
and oppressed, assisted the helpless, gave comfort to those in pain
and sorrow and showed great love and affection towards orphans. He was
the embodiment of the character of his grandfather Sayyiduna
Rasoolullah (S.A.W) and of his blessed parents. His tolerance and
patience was also exemplary. This was manifested by the fact that his
martyrdom had been foretold by the Beloved Rasool (S.A.W) and even
though he wasaware of this, he still made Sabr and waited for the Will
of Allah (S.W.T) to take its course.Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) was
also blessed with bravery of the highest degree and this bravery and
fearlessness was manifested on manyoccasions, particularly during the
Battle of Karbala.
Story 2
The following incidents should give us a glimpse of the exemplary
personality of Hazrat Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (R.A):
Once, Hazrat Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (R.A) wrote some words in
calligraphy on a blackboard. After they had completed writing, they
both told each other that the other's writing was better. They could
not come to an agreement as to whose writing was better, so they took
their work to Hazrat Ali (R.A) and asked him to make the decision.
He looked at their work and asked them to take it to their mother
Hazrat Bibi Fatima (R.A). She looked at their work andsaid that the
best personto make such a decision would be their beloved grandfather
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (S.A.W).
Both brothers then wentto the court of the Beloved Rasool (S.A.W), who
looked at their work and said, "This decision will be made byHazrat
Jibra'il (A.S).
Immediately Hazrat Jibra'il (A.S) appeared and said, "O Prophet of
Allah, this decision will be made by Almighty Allah (S.W.T)." Thus
Almighty Allah commanded Hazrat Jibra'il (A.S) to take an apple from
Jannat and to drop it over their boards. The best piece ofwork will be
that on which the apple will fall.
Hazrat Jibra'il (A.S) then did as commanded and dropped the apple over
the boards. The apple fell and split into two equal pieces, half on
the board of Hazrat Imam Hassan and half on the board of Hazrat Imam
Hussain (R.A).
Subhaanallah! This showed that both of their calligraphic writingwas
equal. It also shows us what excellence has been bestowed on the
grandsons of Rasoolullah(S.A.W) that the decision concerning their
writingis made in the Divine Court of Almighty Allah (S.W.T).
S tory 3
Once, Hazrat Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (R.A) had gone outside for a
long time and Hazrat Bibi Fatima (R.A) became very worried. She was
still thinking about where the children might have gone when the
Beloved Rasool (S.A.W) arrived at her home. She immediately asked her
beloved father, "Ya Rasoolullah (S.A.W), Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain
cannot be found. They have gone out and we do not knowtheir
whereabouts."
Just then, Hazrat Jibra'il (A.S) descended and said, "Ya Rasoolullah
(S.A.W), there is nothing to worry about. Both thechildren are at a
certain place and Almighty Allah has appointed angels to protect
them."
On hearing this, Rasoolullah (S.A.W) wentto the spot pointed out by
Hazrat Jibra'il (A.S) and He (S.A.W) saw that both the beloved
grandsons were resting and an angel had one of his wings under them
and was shading them with the other wing. TheBeloved Rasool (S.A.W)
kissed both of them and carried them home to Hazrat Bibi Fatima (R.A).
Story 4
Once a Bedouin presented himself in the court of Hazrat Imam Hussain
(R.A) and said, "I heard your beloved grandfather (S.A.W) say that
when one is in needof anything, then one should request this from one
of four persons; either from a pious Arab,or from a pious master, or
from a Hafizul Qur'an, or from a graceful person, and all these four
qualities are found in you in the highest form.
The reason for this, is that if the entire Arabia received piety, it
is through your blessed family, and generosity is your beautiful
quality; asfor the Qur'an, this was revealed in your home and
concerning your gracefulness, I heard your beloved grandfather (S.A.W)
say, "If you wish to see me, then look at Hassan and Hussain.""
Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) listened to his words and then said, "I
heard my beloved grandfather Rasoolullah (S.A.W) saying, "Piety is
according to one's knowledge." I will thus ask you three religious
questions. I have with me this bag. If you answer one question I shall
give you one third of what is in the bag; if you answer two, then I
shall give you half of what is in this bag and ifyou answer all the
questions, then I shall give you all of what is in the bag."
Bedouin was very pleased and requested Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) to
present the questions. He asked, "Which action is the most exalted
amongst allactions?"
The Bedouin replied, "Tobring faith in Allah." Imam Hussain (R.A)
thenasked, "What protects a servant from destruction?"
He answered, "In having complete trust (faith) in Allah." Imam Hussain
(R.A) then asked, "What is that through which a servant attains his
splendour?" He answered, "By knowledge which is accompanied with good
deeds."
He asked, "And if one does not have this quality?" He answered, "He
should have that wealth in which there is generosity." He then asked,
"And what if one does not have such wealth?" He said, "He should be
patient in his poverty."
Imam Hussain (R.A) thenasked, "And what if someone is not in such
poverty (where he is patient)?" The Bedouin replied, "Then he should
be struck by a bolt of lightning." On hearing these answers, Hazrat
Imam Hussain (R.A) smiled and gave him the entire bag.
Story 5
Once Hazrat Imam Hassan, Hazrat Imam Hussain and Hazrat Abdullah ibn
Jaafar (R.A) had gone together on Hajj. On their way, the camel which
was carrying food, water andbelongings went astray and was left far
behind.
They came to a shack belonging to a very old woman. All three of them
went over to the shack and told the woman that they were very thirsty
and asked if she could spare them something to drink. The old woman
kindly milked her goats and presented the goats milkfor them to drink.
They then kindly asked ifshe had anything for them to eat. The old
woman said that the food was not prepared but if they wished to wait,
she would slaughter the goat and cook it for them. They thus agreed to
wait. The goat was slaughtered and the old woman cooked a delicious
meal.
All of them happily partook in the meal, andon leaving they informed
the old womanthat they were of the Quraish tribe and they invited her
to visit them in Medina Shareef, so that they may return hergenerous
favour. The three of them then continued on their journey. Her husband
came home later that day and found that she had cooked the goat. He
was very angry that she had fed the goat to people she did not even
know.
Some time passed and both the old woman andher husband became very
poor. They travelledto Medina Munawwarah where they earned very little
money gathering and selling camel droppings. Once while she was
walking in Medina Shareef, Hazrat Imam Hassan (R.A) spotted her. He
immediately went up to her and asked if she recognized him.
The old woman said thatshe could not and Imam Hassan (R.A) explained
to her that he was amongst those who stopped at her shack and partook
in a meal which she provided for them. On hearing this she was very
pleased and she informed HazratImam Hassan (R.A) of her situation.
Hazrat Imam Hassan (R.A) took her to his home and gave her one
thousand goats and one thousand dinars in cash. He then asked his
servant to take her to the home of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A). Imam
Hussain (R.A) asked her what her brother had given her, and he too
blessed her with one thousand goatsand one thousand dinars.
Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) then asked his servant to take her to the
home of Hazrat Abdullah ibn Jaafar (R.A).He was very pleased to see
her and asked what both Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (R.A) had given
her. She replied that all together they had given her two thousand
goats and two thousand dinars. On hearing this he gave her two
thousand goats and two thousand dinars.
The old woman was nowvery pleased, and took the four thousand goats
and four thousand dinars and went to her husband. She presented these
to him and said, "This is a gift from that generous family to whom I
had fed one goat." Subhaanallah! What generosity did Hazrat Imam
Hussain (R.A) and his family possess.
May Allah (S.W.T) grant usthe Taufeeq to instil in us; and our
children the beautiful qualities possessed by Hazrat Imam Hassan and
Imam Hussain (R.A) Ameen.

Hazrat Ali Murthuda (Radi Allah Unho)

ELECTIONS
After Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) passed away, Sayyiduna Ali
(radi Allahu anhu) waselected as the fourth Caliph by the Muslims.
During the period of the first three Caliphs, Madinatul Munawwarah
continued to be the capital of the Muslim world, but Sayyiduna Ali
(radi Allahu anhu) transferred the Islamic capital to Kufah in Iraq.
EARLY LIFE
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was the sonof Abu Taalib, an uncle of
Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Sayyiduna Ali
(radi Allahu anhu) was married to Sayyadah Bibi Fathima (radi Allahu
anha) , the daughter of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) . They had 3 sons, Sayyiduna Hassan, Sayyiduna Hussain and
Sayyiduna Mohsin (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in).
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) took part inthe battle of Badr,
Khandaq and Khaibar. AtKhaibar, it was Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu
anhu) who subdued the Jews with his furious assault. He also held many
important positions during the time of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) and the first 3 Caliphs before him.
He had a love for learning and was a greatand learned person himself.
He had been given the title of "BaabulI'lm" or "Gate of Learning" by
Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He was also
called "Asaadullah" or "Lion of Allah."
OPPOSITION The situation in Madinatul Munawwarah after the murder
(Shahaadah) of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) was serious.
Sayyiduna Ali ( radi Allahu anhu's) first task was to rid Madinatul
Munawwarah of the rebels and to return the situation to normal.
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was able to force the rebels to
withdraw from Madinatul Munawwarah and to establish peace and order in
the city. The powerful governor of Syria, Sayyiduna Mu'awiyah (radi
Allahu anhu) , challenged Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) and
refusedto pay homage to him. Sayyiduna Mu'awiyah (radi Allahu anhu)
insisted that Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) arrest the murderers of
Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) and hand them over to him.
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was a man with a deep sense of
justice and did not want to accuse the wrong people. He needed a
peaceful period to trace the culprits. But, Sayyiduna Mu'awiyah (radi
Allahu anhu) beganaccusing him of protecting the murderers, and in
this way the old enmity between the two families were revived.
SAYYIDUNA MU'AWIYAH (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) Unlike most of Sayyiduna
'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu's) governors, Sayyiduna Muaawiyah (radi
Allahu anhu) displayed great administrative ability and was very
popular. He was a God-fearing man and especially known for his mercy.
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was very strict in piety and straight
forward. Sayyiduna Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhu) declared his
disobedience to him, because he felt that he was better qualified to
lead the Muslim world.
BATTLE OF THE CAMEL Another serious development took place.Sayyadah
Aishah (radi Allahu anha) and two leading Sahaba, Sayyiduna Talha and
Sayyiduna Zubair (radi Allahu anhuma) declaredtheir opposition to the
Khilaafat of Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) . They left Madinatul
Munawwarah for Makkatul Mukarramah and from there travelled to Basrah
where they rallied men and new supporters.
Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) had to crush all opposition. A bloody
battle took place near Basrah on the 9th of December 656 A.C. This
battle was sparked off by a third force who were the real
troublemakers. Just before the battle, both parties had already
reached an agreement to settle the dispute. But this third force, the
real assassinators of Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhu), launched
an overnight attack on both camps simultaneously. Each side were under
the impression that the other had attacked. The battle began. Several
thousand men were lost including the two Sahaba. Sayyadah Aishah (radi
Allahu anha) was safe. She was ridinga camel during the battle-hence
the name "Battle of the Camel." Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu)
treated her in a most noble and dignified manner and respectfully sent
her back to Madinatul Munawwarah. She praised him and deeply regretted
opposing Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu). Kufa was now made the
capital of the Islamic world.
BATTLE OF SIFFIN Sayyiduna Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhu) ralliedan army
to face Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu). A battle took place at
Siffin on the Syrian border in the July of 567 A.C. Sayyiduna
Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhu) was no match for Sayyiduna Ali (radi
Allahu anhu) andbegan to retreat. By the clever proposal of Sayyiduna
Amr bin Al As (radi Allahu anhu), the retreating army raised pieces of
the Holy Quran on their spears demanding judgement between the two
parties. Many pious Muslims on the side of Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu
anhu) refused to fight seeing the Holy Quran displayed in the air.
JUDGEMENT
Two men, one from eachside, were appointed to settle the dispute.
Sayyiduna Abu Musa (radi Allahu anhu) , a pious Sahaba from Sayyiduna
Ali (radi Allahu anhu's) side, and the skilled Sayyiduna Amr (radi
Allahu anhu) from Sayyiduna Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhu's) side.
Sayyiduna Musa (radi Allahu anhu) declared in front of the Muslims
that it was decided to recommend the removal of both Sayyiduna Ali and
Sayyiduna Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhuma) and that the Muslims should
select another man for the Khilaafat. Sayyiduna Amr (radi Allahu anhu)
replied that: "He has declared the removal of his leader, while I
would conform Muaawiyah as the Caliph." Chaos followed.
KHAARIJEES Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) prepared tomeet Sayyiduna
Muaawiyah (radi Allahu anhu) again in battle, but he was moved from
his task by a serious conflict that occurred among his men. Some
narrow-minded people accused Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) of
accepting a man-made judgement. Their slogan was: "There is no
judgment but with Allah." They declared that Sayyiduna Ali, Sayyiduna
Muaawiyah and Sayyiduna 'Uthman (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in) were
unbelievers and that Jihad should be declaredagainst them. Ever since
this event, they have been known as the "Khaarijees" , which means,
"those who left the fold." They maintained that the Khilaafat should
be given to the most eligible Muslim, regardless of his origin. The
Kharijees are not regarded as Muslims.
ASSASSINATION On the 17th of July 659 A.C., Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu
anhu) overcame the Khaarijees in a battlenear Nahrawan, in which, it
is said, that 40 000 lives were lost.
In the early morning of the 24th of January 661 A.C., Abdul Rahman bin
Muljim, a Khaariji fanaticlay in ambush in the Masjid of Kufah and
stabbed Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) when he entered the musjid.
He passed away from thewound. He was 63 years old.
PERSONAL LIFE Sayyiduna Ali (radi allahu anhu) lived a simple life. He
refused any luxury food and wore simple clothes thinking of the poor.
He should sleep on the ground and even sit on the floor. He repaired
hisown clothes and shoes and even did manual labour. He spent nights
in Salaah and should fastfor three days in a row. Honesty, piety,
justice and love of truth were the main marks of his character.

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Beginning of Creation - 130 hadith found in ' Beginning of Creation ' ofSahih Bukhari.

413
Narrated 'Imran bin Husain: Some people of Bani Tamim came to the
Prophet and he said (to them), "O Bani Tamim! rejoice with glad
tidings." They said, "You have given us glad tidings, now give us
something." On hearing that the color of his face changed then the
peopleof Yemen came to him and he said, "O people of Yemen ! Accept
the good tidings, as Bani Tamim has refused them." The Yemenites said,
"We accept them. Then the Prophet started taking about the beginning
of creation and about Allah's Throne. In the mean time a man came
saying, "O 'Imran! Your she-camel has run away!'' (I got up and went
away), but l wish I had not left that place (for I missed what Allah's
Apostle had said).
414
Narrated Imran bin Husain: I went to the Prophet and tied my she-camel
at the gate. The people of Bani Tamim came to the Prophet who said "O
BaniTamim! Accept the good tidings." They said twice, 'You have given
us the good tidings, now give us something" Then some Yemenites came
to him and he said, "Accept the good tidings, O people of Yemem, for
Bani Tamim refused them." They said, "We accept it, O Allah's Apostle!
We have come toask you about this matter(i.e. the start of
creations)." He said, "Firstof all, there was nothing but Allah, and
(then He created His Throne). His throne was over the water, and He
wrote everything in the Book (in the Heaven) and created the Heavens
and the Earth." Then a man shouted, "O Ibn Husain! Your she-camel has
gone away!" So, I went away and could not see the she-camel because of
themirage. By Allah, I wishedI had left that she-camel (but not that
gathering). Narrated 'Umar: One day the Prophet stood up amongst us
for a long period and informed us about the beginning of creation (and
talked about everything in detail) till he mentioned how the people of
Paradise will enter their places and the people of Hell will enter
their places. Some remembered what he had said, and some forgot it.
415
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Allah the Most Superior
said, "The son of Adam slights Me, and he should not slight Me, and he
disbelieves in Me, and he ought not to do so. As for his slighting
Me,it is that he says that I have a son; and his disbelief in Me is
his statement that I shall not recreate him as I have created (him)
before."

Good Morning tips

Every bad situation will have something positive.Even a stopped Clock
is correct twice a day.Think of this n lead ur life.Good Morning
We're not 2 close in distance. We're not 2 near in miles. But text can
still touch our heartsn thoughts can bring us smiles. Good morning
U need a little inspiration to get going,a little smile to brighten up
and AMS from someone who cares to color ur day.. GOOD MORNING
ur soul came back from dreamland reunited with a sleeping
senselesspiece of ur self slowly open ur eyes realist it's abrand new
day. GM
The world does not needmore mountains 2 climb,More seas to cross,or
more stars 2 shine, What the world needs is only more of U Gud Morning
somewhere out there beneath the pale moon light someone think in of u
some where out there where dreams come true. good Morning
welcome to new morning with a smile on ur face,love in ur heart,good
thoughts in ur mind u will have a wonderfull day,gud morning
Never forget what sumeone say to you whaen they are angry.because that
is when truth comes out Good Morning
Superb thought.never try to maintain relations in your life. just try
to maintain life in your relations.good Morning
A good plan for 2day is better than a great plan for tomorrow. look
backward with satisfaction and look forward with confidence.Good
Morning

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If there is something on his feet that prevents thewater from reaching them and he is not able to remove it

There are things stuck tomy feet because my feet are very cracked, and
I cannot remove it. Does this invalidate wudoo'? On one occasion
tarmac got stuck to my feet and I removed some of it but I was not
able to removethe rest. Is this prayer permissible?
There is an app for mobile phones which gives the times for prayer and
so on, but it has copyright. Is this permissible?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
It is obligatory to remove anything that may prevent water from
reaching the skin, but one is forgiven for a very small amount such as
dirt under the fingernails or in cracks in the feet, after trying hard
to remove it.
Al-Mardaaawi said in al-Insaaf (1/158): If thereis a little dirt under
the fingernails that preventsthe water reaching under them, his
purification is not valid. This was stated by Ibn 'Aqeel. … And it was
said that it is valid, and this isthe correct view.
This is the view to whichthe author (Ibn Qudaamah) was inclined, and
it was the view favoured by Shaykh Taqiy ad-Deen [Ibn Taymiyah]. And
it was said that it is valid on the part of one for whom it is
difficult to avoid it, such as those who do handicrafts or hard work
such as farming and so on.
Shaykh Taqiy ad-Deen said: If there is something of such material
anywhere on the body, such as blood, dough and the like, if it is a
small amount, then itdoes not matter. End quote.
If it is not possible to remove what has got stuck to the skin and
there is a great deal of it, it is not pardoned. In that case you
should wipe over it, as in the case of a plaster cast. Shaykh Ibn
'Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said: If there is some
barrier that is preventing the water from reaching the skin in that
case you cannot say that that limb has been washed, but Shaykh
al-Islam (may Allah have mercy on him) said: A small amount is
forgiven, especially for one who has that problem. This applies to
workers who use paint, because they often have one or two spots that
they have either forgotten or couldnot find any means of removing them
at present. According to the opinion of Shaykh al-Islam (may Allah
have mercy on him), they are forgiven for this. But we learn from the
hadeeth –which was narrated by Muslim (243) from 'Umar ibn al-Khattaab
(may Allah be pleased with him), which says that a man did wudoo' and
omitted a place the size of a fingernail on his foot. The Prophet
(blessings and peace of Allah be upon) saw him and said: "Go back and
do your wudoo' properly," so he went back, then he prayed – that
something may not be forgiven even if it is small, if it is possible
to remove it before the time for the prayer ends.In that case he
should remove it, otherwise he should wipe over it and it becomes like
a plaster cast.

Can he do tayammum on intensely cold days in the case of janaabah?

Can I pray after doing tayammum in the case ofjanabah on intensely
cold days, knowing that I do not have the ability to purify myself
immediately? In additionto that, I get ill because of the cold that
affects my back, which affects me a great deal.
Praise be to Allaah.
The person who becomes junub and wants to pray must washhimself with
water, because of the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of
the meaning):
"If you are in a state of Janaaba (i.e. after a sexual discharge),
purify yourselves (bathe your whole body)"
[al-Maa'idah 5:6]
But if a person is unable to use water because there is none
available, or it is available but using it will make his sickness
worse, or because it is very cold – and he has no means of heating it
– then he may do tayammum with dust instead of doing ghusl with water,
because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"But if you are ill or on a journey, or any of you comes after
answering the call of nature, or youhave been in contact with women
(i.e. sexual intercourse), and you find no water, then perform
Tayammum with clean earth"
[al-Maa'idah 5:6]
The verse indicates that a sick person who will be harmed by using
water, such as if doing ghusl will lead to his dying or his sickness
getting worse, or his recovery being delayed, should do tayammum.
Allaah has told us how todo tayammum, as He says:
"and rub therewith yourfaces and hands"
[al-Maa'idah 5:6] And Allaah has told us the reason for this law, as
He says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Allaah does not want toplace you in difficulty, but He wants to
purify you, and to complete His Favour to you that you may be
thankful"
[al-Maa'idah 5:6]
It was narrated that 'Amribn al-'Aas (may Allaah be pleased with him)
said: I experienced a wetdream on a cold night during the campaign of
Dhaat al-Salaasil, and I was afraid that if I did ghusl I would die,
so I did tayammum, then I prayed Fajr with my companions. They
mentioned that to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) and he said: "O 'Amr, did you lead your companions in prayer when
you were junub?" I told him what had kept me from doing ghusl and I
said: "I heardAllaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 'And do not
kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allaah is Most
Merciful to you' [al-Nisa' 4:29]." The Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) smiled and did not say anything.
Narrated by Abu Dawood, 334; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh
Abi Dawood.
Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
This hadeeth indicates that it is permissible for the one who thinks
that using water will kill him to do tayammum, whether that is because
of cold or some other reason, and it is permissible for the one who
has done tayammum to pray with those who have done wudoo'.
Fath al-Baari, 1/454
Shaykh 'Abd al-'Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
If you can find warm water or you are able to heat the cold water, or
you can buy water from your neighbour or from someone else, then you
must use that, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"So keep yourduty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you can"
[al-Taghaabun 64:16]. You have to do whateveryou can, whether
buyingthe water, heating it or whatever ways will enable you to do
wudoo' as prescribed with water. If you are unable to do that and the
cold is severe and is posing a danger to you, and there is no way for
you to heat it or to buy some warm water from those who are around
you, then you are excused, and tayammumis sufficient for you, because
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"So keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him as much as you can"
[al-Taghaabun 64:16]
and:
"and you find no water, then perform Tayammum with clean earth and rub
therewith your faces and hands"
[al-Maa'idah 5:6]
The one who is unable to use water comes under the same ruling asone
who cannot find any water.
Majmoo' Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 10/199,200
You have to wash whatever you can of your body, such as washing the
hands, feet and so on, so long as that will not cause you any harm,
then do tayammum.
We ask Allaah to grant you a speedy recovery, and to make what has
befallen you an expiation for your sins and cause you to rise in
status.
And Allaah knows best.

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The clear truth

Once Bayazid Bustami (a renowned pious individual) was going ona
journey when a Christian accompanied him along. When it was time for
mid-day meal, Bayazid suggested to hiscompanion that he should go to
the village at hand and have food. The Christian said, "No, Bayazid
you are a godly person. Pray to God that He may furnish the food
here."
Bayazid offered two units of Nawafil in prayer and begged of Allah,
"My Lord! This manwants to test my religion. Please, protect its good
name so that I may not be put to shame. Kindly arrange for our food."
He had hardly finished his prayer when a person appeared with four
loaves of bread and some curry. Both of them ate to their fill and
resumed their journey.
In the evening the Christian companion said that he would arrange for
the supper. He also reaised his handsin prayers and at once appeared a
man with eight loaves of bread and double quantity of curry. Bayazid
was wonder-struck and asked him what he had prayed for. The Christian
replied that first he should be converted to Islam and then he
woulddisclose the detail of the prayer. At this, Bayazid converted him
to Islam.
The companion related that he had prayed like this: "O Lord! If Islam
is a true religion and you are kind to Bayazid, provide us with the
double quantity of food that we had at midday. So the response to my
prayer is obvious."
Source: Extracted from the book "From Darknessto Light" written by
Prof.Gazi Ahmed who was converted to Islam from Hinduism by Prophet
Muhammad (SAW) through several dreams.

Easy way to change ourselves

There was a king long time ago and he had a vast kingdom. Though he
had tremendous amount of wealth, but he didn't have peace of heart. So
he decided to be a good Muslim. He heard that there is a very pious
man who stays in a jungle and thatmany people go to visit him for
advice. The king decided to visit him for some advice also. When he
got there, he asked the pious man "How can I become pious like you?"
The pious man replied that remember death 40 times a day for 40 days.
The king thought that it was very easy and he thanked him and left for
his palace. He remembered death 40 times a day for 40 days but no
change came to his life. He was same as before.
The king became angry and called that pious man to his court. The king
told him that he is nothing but a liar and that he should be killed
before he fools other people. It was decided that he will be
beheadedthe next day. But the Pious man had a request. He asked if he
could become the king for a day. He promised that after getting the
command, he will not kill the previous king or do any harm to him. So,
the king agreed and made the pious man the king for a day. As soon as
the pious man became the king, he went to the market and saw a man
selling peanuts. He told the soldiers to catch that man and bring him
to the palace. So, the peanut sales man was brought to the court. The
pious man told the peanut sales man that hewill be killed tomorrow.
The peanut sales man became frightened and dropped all his peanuts. He
started crying and asked what he did. But the pious man said that he
will be killed tomorrow and locked upin jail for today.
Now, as the peanut salesman knew that he is going to die, he forgot
about everything else and started asking forgiveness from Allah. He
started praying and doing excessive dhikir (remembrance of Allah). The
Pious man ordered that the most beautiful prostitute in the city
should be brought and placed in the jail with peanut sales man. She
was brought and she asked the man to commit adultery with her. Now the
pious man brought the previous king and told him to watch. The peanut
sales man started yelling at the woman to get away because he is going
to die tomorrow and this evil deed will surely cause him problems
withAllah.
Then the pious man asked the previous king if he understood what is
going on. The Pious manexplained that when youreally know that you
willdie, then you will surely stay away from all evil deeds and engage
yourself into the worship of Allah. So, remembering death once
properly would be enough to change the life of a human being.
Ofcourse, the peanut sales man was released afterwards.

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Quran: the way to salvation

The Book of Allaah is the rain thatbrings forth true life on Earth.
I bear witness that there is no deity besides Allaah—alone, who has no
partner, no equal; Lord of the Messengers, Creator of the heavens and
the earths. I bear witness that Muhammad is His devoted-servant and
His Messenger sent with a Clear Bookthat separates guidance from
misguidance, deception from righteousness, and conjectures from
certainty.
Allaah revealed the Book (Noble Quran) in order for us to read it, and
mull over it with care and vigilance; to enrich our souls from its
remembrance; to carry itand construe it in the best of manners; to
affirm it and strive to establish its commands and prohibitions; pick
the fruits of its precious knowledge that is our way to Allaah and to
glean the wisdom from its gardens and flowers.
For it is His Book, and nothing else, that can guide His seekers
toHim. It is the path that leads the traveler to Allaah. It is His
brilliantLight that illuminates the darkness of uncertainty and
disbelief. It is His mercy of guidance and source of happiness for all
creation. It is the bridge that connects His devotee to Him when all
else fails. It is the great door to Him that remains open, when all
else is closed. It is the straight path that is not tainted by the
opinions of mortals. It is the remembrance full of wisdom thatis not
swayed by desires. It is the noble revelation containing wisdom that
sages can never fathom. Its wonders never end, nor are its clouds
barren, its signs are never exhausted, its agreements never
contradict.
The more a soul delves into its depths, the more it increases in
insight and guidance. It is the cure for mankind from diseases of the
heart. It is life to the hearts and pleasure and brillianceto the
souls. It is the harbinger that calls night and day: "O seekers of
good, hurry to me"
It is the caller of faith at the headof the straight path, calling
(whatmeans): "O our people, respond to the caller of Allaah and have
faith in Him so He may forgive your sins for you and may save you from
a painful chastisement." [Referring to verse 31 of chapter 46]
The Quran is Allaah's greatest blessing on us. It is the fulfillment
of His promise to Aadam and his descendants, as Allaah Almighty Says
(what means): ''…There shall come to you guidance from Me, and
whatsoever follows My Guidance no fear shall be on them, nor shall
they sorrow'' [Quran 2:38]
It is the only weapon for struggling against the forces of evil and
temptation in this world.It is the only means to overpowerour fear and
anxiety. It is the onlyLight as we grope in the darkness, with which
to find our way to success and salvation. It isthe only healing for
our inner sickness, as well as the social ills that may surround us.
It is the constant reminder of our true nature and destiny, of our
stationand our duties.
But alas! Desires have put out thelamps of the hearts, and opinionsof
the mortal humans have shut those doors of Divine guidance and lost
the keys. The hearts are laden with the rust of their own earning, so
much so that they do not find the realities of the Quranopening to
them. The burdens of ignorance have so settled upon itthat its
knowledge does not blossom into righteous actions.
Woe unto you, how have you made the nourishment of your heart those
vain opinions that contradict the Quran and Sunnah (Prophet's
Tradtion) that neither replenish it nor quench its thirst?So now your
heart does not accept nourishment of the Word of the Lord of the
worlds, and thespeech of His eminent Messenger!
For how will you ever find your way through the darkness of
conjectures and opinions of mortals to the clear distinction ofright
and wrong when you haveclosed your eyes to the light of the Book of
Allaah and the way ofthe Messenger?
Woe unto you, how have you adulterated the right opinions with the
sick ones, and the accepted ones with the rejected ones, and have
managed to incapacitate your souls from receiving the guidance and
knowledge from the Book that is immune to falsehood from all
directions.
Nay, but it is, by Allaah, a trial that has blinded the hearts from
the sources of righteousness and has embezzled the minds from their
goals.
The Book of Allaah is the coolnessof eyes for which the
competitorscompete, the finality to which the contenders contend.
How can you still be in the dark under a rising sun?
How can you lose your way undera bright constellation?
Glory be to Allaah, The Exalted!

What is Hajj (Pilgrimage)?

The word Hajj, linguistically, means heading to a place for the sake
of visiting; in Islamic terminology, it implies heading to Makkah to
observe the rituals of pilgrimage.
Hajj is obligated by Allaahupon every Muslim, male and female, who is
physically and financially capable. It is obligatory only once during
the lifetime of a Muslim. Allaah Almighty Says (what means): "…And
[due] to Allaah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for
whoever is able to find thereto a way…." [Quran 3:97]
The Prophet said: "Islam is built upon five (pillars): the testimony
that none has the right tobe worshipped except Allaah and Muhammad is
the Messenger of Allaah, the establishment of the prayer, paying
Zakaat, Hajj to the House (i.e. Ka'bah,) and fasting in Ramadhaan."
[Al-Bukhaari & Muslim]
The Prophet also said: "Hajj is mandated once, so whoever does it more
(than that), then it is supererogatory." [Abu Daawood and Ahmad]
Hajj was prescribed in the sixth year after Hijrah(migration) upon the
revelation of the following verse in which Allaah Says (what means):
"And complete the Hajj and 'Umrah for Allaah..." [Quran 2:196]
Hajj is not a new institution introduced by Islam, rather it is as old
asthe Ka'bah itself. Allaah Almighty Says (what means): "Indeed, the
first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Bakkah
[i.e., Makkah] – blessed and a guidance to the worlds." [Quran 3:96]
The whole origin of Hajj is rooted to the acts of devotion of Prophet
Ibraaheem . This demonstrates that Muhammad did not innovate this
institution, all he did was to clear it of all the evil practices that
had crept into it. After a few centuries of the death of Ibraaheem and
his son Ismaa'eel, may Allaah exalt their mention, people abandoned
their teachings and gradually went astray, like all otherpeople around
them. Hundreds of idols were installed in the Ka'bah, which was built
by Ibraaheem and Ismaa'eel,may Allaah exalt their mention, as a centre
for the worship of the One True God. Ironically enough, idols were
madeafter the image of Ibraaheem and Ismaa'eel too, whose whole lives
had been spent eradicating idol-worship.The descendants of Ibraaheem
who had himself repudiated all idols, began to worship idols. The
Ka'bah was turned into a type of temple for idol-worship and
superstition. This predicament lasted for about two thousand years,
until the advent of Prophet Muhammad .
Hajj is rightly said to be the perfection of faith, since it combines
in itself all the distinctive qualities of other obligatory acts of
prayer, patience, privation of amenities of life, devotion, Zakaat
(alms), slaughtering the sacrificeand supplication. In fact, the
physical pilgrimage isa prelude to the spiritual pilgrimage to Allaah
when man would bid goodbye to everything ofthe world and present
himself before Him as His humble servant saying: 'Here I am before
You, myLord, as a slave.'
There are three forms of Hajj:
1. Hajj At-Tamattu': This is where a pilgrim assumes Ihraam for 'Umrah
only, during the months of Hajj, which means that when he reaches
Makkah, he makes Tawaaf and Sa'i for 'Umrah. Then he shaves or clips
his hair. On the eighth day of Thul-Hijjah,the pilgrim assumes Ihraam
again for Hajj only and carries out all ofits requirements.
2. Hajj Al-Ifraad: This is where a pilgrim assumes Ihraam for Hajj
only. When he reaches Makkah, he performs Tawaaf for his arrival
andSa'i for Hajj. He does not shave or clip his hair as he does not
disengage from Ihraam. Instead, he remains in Ihraam until after he
stones the Jamratul–'Aqabah on 'Eedday. It is permissible for him to
postpone his Sa'i for Hajj until after his Tawaaf for Hajj (i.e.
Tawaaf Al-Ifaadhah).
3. Hajj Al-Qiraan: This is where a pilgrim assumes Ihraam for both
'Umrah and Hajj, or he assumes Ihraam first for 'Umrah, then makes his
intention for Hajj before his Tawaaf for Hajj. The obligations on one
performing Ifraad are the same as those on oneperforming Qiraan,
except that the latter must slaughter whereas the former is not
obligated to do so.
The best of the three forms is Tamattu'. It is theform that the
Prophet encouraged his followersto perform.
Hajj is undertaken in company with all the other pilgrims. The months
of Hajj are: Shawwal, Thul-Qi'dah and Thul-Hijjah (the last three
months of the Hijri calendar). One can perform 'Umrah for Hajj
At-Tamattu' at any time within these three months (i.e. he may perform
'Umrah during the Hajj season, and then subsequently making Hajjthe
same year at the fixed time, beginning on the eighth day of
Thul-Hijjah).
The Makkan territory is sacred. The pilgrim enters this territory in a
state of Ihraam (a state inwhich one is forbidden to do certain things
that are otherwise permissible).
Ihraam, for men, entails wearing a special garment. A male pilgrim is
not allowed to wear form-fitting clothes or to cover his head or hands
with gloves, or his feet with socks or shoes. This is done in order to
foster a sense of humility and a feeling of brotherhood among the
Muslims.
The male pilgrim's garment consists of two sheets of white woollen or
cotton cloth, of which one is wrapped around the waist and reaches
below the knees and above the ankles, while the other is wrapped
around the upper part of the body. The head and the right shoulder are
left uncovered during Tawaaf. This attire is for males, whereas
females have to cover all of their body except the face and hands.
Before donning this dress, the pilgrim is recommended to take a bath
(Ghusl). A man in Ihraam is consecrated. Hecannot hunt, pick plants,
shed blood, or have sexual intercourse or partake in whatever leads to
it.
The excellence of Hajj:
1. It is one of the best deeds:
Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet was once asked: "What is the
best deed?" He replied: "To believe in Allaah and His Messenger." The
enquirerthen asked: "What next?"The Prophet replied: "To fight in the
cause of Allaah." He again asked: "What is the next best thing?" He
replied: "Hajj 'Mabroor' (i.e., the Hajj that is free of sin andall
its pillars and conditions are fulfilled)." [Al-Bukhaari]
2. It is a form of Jihaad:
Al-Hasan Ibn 'Ali and his father, said that a man came to the Prophet
and said: "I am a coward and a weak person. Is there anything I can
do?" The Prophet replied: "You may go for a Jihaad that involves no
fighting, that is, Hajj." ['Abdur-Razzaaq and At-Tabaraani]
The Prophet also said: "Hajj is the Jihaad for theold, the weak and
the women." [An-Nasaa'i]
3. It wipes away past sins:
Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet said: "He who performs Hajj
seeking Allaah's pleasure and avoids all lewdness and sins (therein)
will return after Hajj free from all sins, just as he was on theday
his mother gave birth to him." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
4. Pilgrims are the Guests of Allaah:
The Prophet said: "Pilgrims and those performing 'Umrah are Allaah's
guests; their prayers are answered and their supplications for
forgiveness are granted." [An-Nasaa'i andIbn Maajah]
5. The Reward of Hajj is Paradise:
The Prophet said: "All sins committed in between the performance of
one 'Umrah and the next are expiated and erased, andthe reward of Hajj
'Mabroor' is nothing saveParadise." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

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Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (Radi Allah Unho)

EARLY LIFE Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiAllahu anhu's) real name was
Abdullah, and he was given the title of "As Siddique" or "Testifier to
the Truth." His father, 'Uthman, was known as Abu Quhafah and his
mother, Salma, was known as Ummul Khair. He was two and a half years
younger than Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
He was the first among the Sahaba to accept Islam. He accompanied
Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) during the Hijrah
to Madinatul Munawwarah. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiAllahu anhu) was a
merchant. He freed many slaves, including Sayyiduna Bilal (radi Allahu
anhu) and Sayyiduna Umayyah bin Qahaf (radi Allahu anhu) . He
participated in all the battles in which Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) had to fight the Kuffar.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiAllahu anhu) loved his faith more than
anything else. At the Battle of Badr, his son, Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman
(radi Allahu anhu) , was fighting on the side of the Kuffar. After
accepting Islam, Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman (radi Allahu anhu) said to his
father, "O Father, at Badr, you were twice under my sword, but my love
for you held my hand back." To this, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu
anhu) replied, "Son, if I had you only once under my sword, you would
have been no more." He was so uncompromising in his faith.
At the time of the Battle of Tabuk, he donated all his wealth to the
war effort, and when Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) asked him, "What have you left for your family,?" he
replied, "Allah and His Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)."
AS A CALIPH After his election as the Caliph, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi
Allahu anhu) addressed the Muslims with these words:
"O People! I have been chosen by you as your leader, although I am
nobetter than any of you. IfI do any wrong, set me right. Listen,
truth is honesty and untruth is dishonesty. The weak among you are the
powerful in my eyes, as long as I do not give them their dues. The
powerful among you areweak in my eyes, as longas I do not take away
from them what is due to others.
"Listen carefully, if people give up striving for the Cause of
AlmightyAllah, He will send down disgrace upon them. If people become
evil-doers, Almighty Allah will send down calamities upon them.
"Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Rasul (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam). If I disobey Allah and His Rasul (sallallaahu alaihi
wasallam), you are free to disobey me."
Such was the first Caliph of Islam. Indeed, the world would be a
better place to live in, if we hadleaders like Sayyiduna Abu Bakr
(radi Allahu anhu).
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiAllahu anhu) now sent Sayyiduna Usamah (radi
Allahu anhu) on the expedition to Syria to fight the Romans, even
though he had to attendto all the internal problems of the Islamic
State.
The news that SayyidunaRasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had
passed away, made some new Muslims think that the Islamic State would
crumble and they refused to pay the Zakaah. These new Muslims could
not yet get used to their faith and its requirements until then.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) declared, "By Allah! Even if a
single thread is due from a man, he must give it. If he refuses, I
will declare war against him."
RENEGADES AND IMPOSTERS Some others became imposters and renegades.
Tulaiha, Musailimah, Maalik bin Nuwairah, Aswad Ansi and a woman named
Sajah claimed that they were prophets and caused a great deal of
confusion. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) was quick to take
action against these imposters.
Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) was sent to deal with
Tulaiha who fled to Syriaand later became a Muslim. Maalik bin Nuwarah
was killed. Sayyiduna Ikramah (radi Allahu anhu) and Sayyiduna
Surahbil (radi Allahu anhu) were sent to take action against
Musailimah, but they were defeated. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiAllahu
anhu) sent Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) to tackle the
notorious Musailamah who married Sajah. In the fight that followed,
Sayyiduna Wahshi (radi Allahu anhu) killed Musailamah. Musailamahand
Aswad Ansi also claimed to be prophets while Sayyiduna Rasulullah
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was alive. Aswad was killed by the
Muslims of Yemen.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiAllahu anhu's) swift and bold steps saved the
Islamic State from the serious danger of chaos and confusion. He could
now attend to other urgent problems.
ERA OF CONQUESTS During his Khilaafat, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiAllahu
anhu) had to take action against the Iranian Empire. The Emperor of
Iran, KhusrouParvez, was killed by his son, Shirooya, and the whole
empire fell into chaos and disorder. Hurmuz, the Persian governor of
Iraq, was very hostile to the Arabs and he was also cruel to the
Muslims living in thatarea.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiAllahu anhu) sent Sayyiduna Muthamia (radi
Allahu anhu) to take action against the Iranians in Iraq. His forces
were not enough and Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) was
then sent with reinforcements. The Muslim army captured vast areas of
the Iranian Empire in several battles.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiAllahu anhu) then turnedhis attention to the
Romans who were causing trouble in the North-West frontier. Sayyiduna
Abu Bakr (radiAllahu anhu) sent 4 separate armies under Sayyiduna
Ubaidah bin Jarrah, Sayyiduna Amr Ibnul As, Sayyiduna Yazidbin Abu
Sufyaan and Sayyiduna Surahbil bin Hasnal ( radi Allahu anhumul
ajma'in) to dealwith the Roman power.
The four armies joined into one unit to face the Romans more
effectively.The Romans had amassed 150 000 soldiers, but the total
Muslim army was only 24000. Reinforcements were requested. Sayyiduna
Abu Bakr (radiAllahu anhu) asked Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi
Allahu anhu) to take charge of the Iraqi front and Sayyiduna Muthanna
(radi Allahu anhu) to rush to the Syrian front to help fight the huge
Roman army. The armies met in Yarmuk after Sayyiduna Abu Bakr
(radiAllahu anhu) passed away. In this battle, the Romans were totally
defeated.
PASSES AWAY Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiAllahu anhu) fell ill at thistime
and passed away on the 21st of Jamadi-ul-Aakhir 13 A.H. (22 August
634). His rule lasted 2 years and 3 months. He was 63 years old.
One of the many contributions of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiAllahu anhu)
was the collection and compilation of the Holy Quran.
PERSONAL LIFE He lived a very simple, pious and upright life. He was a
true servant of Almighty Allah and a meticulous follower of Sayyiduna
Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
He wore ordinary clothes and his meals were very simple. He attended
to house-hold work and would go out at night and seek the poor and
destitute. Humility and modesty were the keynotes of hischaracter. He
felt embarrassed when people showered praiseson him or showed him
immense respect. He often fasted during the day and spent the
wholenight in Salaah and meditation. He was a great orator and a
master of genealogy (one who can trace a person's family line). In
personal life, he was a Saint. He used all his powers to promote the
interest of Islam and the good of people.

The Khulfa-e-Raashideen

Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, Sayyiduna Umar Al Farouq, Sayyiduna 'Uthman Ghani
and Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in) were the consecutive
successors of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
These four Khulafaa (pl. for Caliph) are called the
"Khulafaa-e-Rashidun" or the "Rightly Guided Caliphs." Together, these
four Khulafaa ruled the Islamic State for about 29 years. They are
called "Rightly Guided" becausethey ruled the people of that time
exactly according to the Holy Quran and the commands of Sayyiduna
Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
Quotation Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar (radi Allahu anhu) has said:
"Those who are desirousof following anyone, should follow the Sahaba
who were the best of community, whose hearts were pure,whose wisdom
was profound and who did not believe in the exhibition of outer life.
They were a people whom Allah had selectedHis Nabi (sallal laahu
alaihi wasallam) and who extended His religion to the world.
Therefore, try to imitate their ways and manners,for by Allah, they
were rightly guided people."
A Hadith on the Status of the Four Khulafa In the book,
"Shawaa'idul-Haqq" , Sayyiduna Shaikh Abu Abdullah (radi Allahu anhu)
narrates the following incident.
Once I visited the Holy City of Mecca and met a man who claimed that
he never felt thirsty. When I asked him the reason for this strange
event, he replied, "Therewas a time when I did not have any respect
for the Sahaba of Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). One night,
I dreamt that it was the Day of Qiyamah and there were many people in
various queues looking very thirsty and ragged. I decided to follow a
queue. We arrived at theFountain of Kauther and saw that it had four
corners. At each corner were the four Caliphs, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr,
Sayyiduna Umar, Sayyiduna Uthman and Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu
anhum). I thoughtthat there was no need for me to approach the first
three Caliphs as I only believed in Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu).
Yet, when Iapproached him, he turned his head away in displeasure.
Feeling extremely alarmed, I approached the other three Caliphs and
they also behaved in the same manner. By now I was very despondent.
"I noticed that Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was also
approaching the Fountain. I ran towards him and explained to him the
behaviour of thefour Caliphs. He replied, 'Why should beloved Ali
offer you a cool drink, when you bear hatred and scorn for the
Sahaba?' When I heard this, I asked Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) whether I would be forgiven or not if I
askedpardon for my incorrect beliefs. He replied that I would be
forgiven. I then recited the Kalimahagain and asked for forgiveness. I
was then ordered to return to the Fountain of Kauther and drink from
it. After this, Iawoke from my sleep. From that night onwards, I have
never felt thirsty. I then warned my family that I would only accept
those as my true family if they accepted my true beliefs.Some of them
did accept".
The presence of the four Caliphs at the four Pillarsof Kauther is also
substantiated by a Hadith. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) said ,"The Fountain of Kauther possesses four Pillars: one
commanded by Abu Bakr, the second by Umar, the third by Uthman and the
fourth by Ali (radi Allahu anhum)".
Again, explaining the lofty status of these four Caliphs, Sayyiduna
Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said ,"He who speaks good
about Abu Bakr, his religion is well established; he who speaks good
about Umar, his religious path has been well grounded'he who speaks
good about Uthman is enlightened with the Noor of Almighty Allah' and
he who speaks goodabout Ali holds on to a bond that never breaks. They
who speak well of my Sahaba (Companions) are truly Mu'mins".
(Shawaa'idul Haqq)

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Birthday greating tips

As you slide down the banister of life,may all the splinters point in
theright direction.happy Birthday.
God made the sun,the earth,the moon,the stars, but love he could not
make another one when he made a love like you.happy birthday.
I would like to thank god for bringing you 2 life. and i would like 2
ask god 2 give you as much years to live as he can.Happy Birthday.
Do not keep your mind dal or boring always keep smileing-then the
whole world will smile with you.happy birthday.
'If there's something that you're dreaming of then may it all come
true,because you deserve it all..HAPPY BIRTHDAY'.
'Most of us can remember a time when a birthday- especially if it was
one's own-brightened the world as if a second sun has risen'.
Your birthday only comes around once a year so let's make today a day
to remember.Happy Birthday.
Wishing you all the fun and excitement that onlybirthdays can
bring,Happy Birthday.
'Birthday Bring Along A truly wonderful chance to leave aside every
caren simply enjoy.Have An Extra-Special Birthday'.
On your special day..maydis day b filled with the warm sunshine of
love n the bright rainbow colors of laughter.Happy Birthday.May this
birthday be just the beginning of a year filled with happy
memories,wonderful moments and shinning dreams.Happy Birthday.
EVERYTHING IS SPECIAL,EVERYTHING IS LOVELY, THESE ARE THINGSWISH YOU
ON YOUR 'BIRTHDAY'.
Stealing the blue from the splashing seas, A tinge of green from the
youthful trees, A bit of orange from the sunset hues,Happy Birthday.
Its A Dedicated Ceremony, An Aniversary,But Not Wedding. The Easy Way
To Tell Is Its Birthday. Have A Smile In All The Way.
Your birthday is the mostspecial day of the year Wishing you a
Wonderful Birthday n A Happy year ahead n wishing that your day.
Remembering the good times..We have had together.. On your birthday
and always.Missing you and wishing you a Happy Birthday.
I wish a future which is bright n beautiful, I wishu new beginning n
goodhealth,I wish u love n blessings all life long,happy birthday.
For all the wishes you make,may every candle on your cake you get a
wonderful surprise.Happy Birthday.
The smiles,not the tears; Count all the pleasures that you've had, But
never count the years.Happy Birthday.
I know I wished you this before,but every year I wish it more:Happy Birthday.

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