The Khulfa-e-Raashideen - Biographies

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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Henna and its uses in the past and today

"The best thing with which to color your gray hair is henna or katm."
[Abu Daawood and At-Tirmithi]
Jaabir Ibn 'Abdullaah narrated that Abu Quhaafa (the Father of Abu
Bakr) came on theday of the conquest of Makkah with his hair andbeard
extremely white. The Prophet said: "Change his hair color with
something and do not use black."
Salmah, the Prophet's ,maid, said: " Anyone whocomplained to the
Prophet from pain in his head, he would say tohim, 'cup it. ' And when
complained from pain in the foot, he would tell him, 'Dye it with
henna.' " [Abu Daawood and Ibn Maajah]
She also said: "Whenever the Prophet had an ulcer, fester or eczema,
he ordered me to put henna on it." [Authentic, Jaami' al-Usool by Ibn
al-Atheer]
Henna has been utilized since ancient times as a dye to color the
nails, hands, feet and hair. The traditional henna is manufactured
from a plant known as LawsoniaAlba. This plant is cultivated in Saudi
Arabia, India, Sri Lanka, Iran, Egypt, North Africa and Australia
among others.
The effective dye component of henna is called Lawsone. It consists of
fat, resin, manitol and volatile oils.
It is mentioned in the Islamic Encyclopedia of Medicine that the
ancientEgyptians used henna in mummification.
The Egyptian henna is typically a green substance that gives the hair
a reddish brown color. Other colors are obtained by adding other dyes
to the natural henna. Some women in Sudan add a substance called
paraphenylen ediamine to the henna toreduce the time needed for dyeing
from an hour to several minutes. But this mixture can be fatal
although its cause is unknown and this is why people who apply henna
are warned against adding this substance. Henna in itself is safe
anddoesn't have any known side effects. It is 100% natural. The henna
foundin different brands of shampoos in stores and pharmacies is free
of this substance.
Recent medical researches:
Many people in recent years have been inclined to use natural
substances.The idea of returning to using some old substances that
were once used as cosmetics is gaining ground in the medical field.
One of these substances is henna. If we look at the different haircare
products available off-the-shelf like shampoos, conditioners, hair
color and hair creams, we will find that much of them contain henna.
This substance is described in the Hadeeths as being the best source
for hair dyeing. What is the scientific evidence that encourage the
return to the use of henna?
An American magazine specializing in skin diseases, Cutis, once
published an article about henna in its first edition in 1986. Dr.
Natu is a famous professor of skin disease from New York University in
America, stated that henna has several benefits, the most important
being as follows:
1. Its effects are not permanent. It does not stick permanently to the
roots of the hair like other artificial hair colors. Henna starts to
fade after 3 to 6 weeks. Itthen disappears completely and leaves no
residue.
2. Henna is compatible with all natural hair colors.
3. Henna enhances the natural color of hair and gives it shine. One
would have to use it several times before any visible changes in color
appear.
4. Henna strengthens each individual hair, restores damaged hair and
prevents split ends. There are many different shampoos and
conditioners that containhenna and do not give the hair any new color.
They give it beauty and glow.
5. Extensive usage of henna is safe in comparison with other
artificial substances. There are only rare cases of skin sensitivity.
Didn't the prophet say, "The best thing to color your hair with is
henna and katam." Recent medical evidence in our hands proves what the
Prophet said. That is not strange because the Prophet said, "Henna
isthe best perfume for the people of Jannah." If the henna is the
preferred perfume in paradise, it is the ideal hair treatment on this
earth.

The Prophet's guidance on treating skin rashes and scabies

In the books of Imaams Al-Bukhaari and Muslim it isnarrated that Anas
said: "The Messenger of Allaah has allowed Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn 'Awfand
Az-Zubayr Ibn Al-'Awwaam to wear silk garments because of a skin rash
they had." In another narration, "Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn 'Awf and Az-Zubayr
Ibn Al-'Awwaam complained to the Prophet during a battle that they had
a skin rash, and he allowed them to wear silk garments which I saw
them wearing."
There are two areas of interest regarding this narration, one in the
area of Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) and another medical.
In the area of Fiqh, in principle, wearing silken garments is allowed
only for women and is disallowed for men, except whenthere is a
legitimate need. For instance, men are allowed to wear silken garments
in cold weather, when one has only a silken garment to wear and when
complaining from mange, rashes, mites or lice, as evident by the last
narration.
According to Imaams Ahmad andShaafi'i wearing silken garments is
allowed for men if a necessity warrants it. The permission given to
some Muslims due to special circumstances applies to all thosewho face
similar circumstances.
Several scholars said that the narrations that prohibit silken
garments for men apply in general. They said that the aforementioned
narration might entail a specific permission for only 'Abdur-Rahmaan
Ibn 'Awf and Az-Zubayr . They say that it is possible, though, that
this permission applies to other Muslims. When there is a probability
regarding a certain ruling, adhering to the general text is warranted.
This is why some of the narrators of this narration commented: "I do
not know if the permission does apply to whoever comes after them
('Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn 'Awf and Az-Zubayr)."
The correct opinion is that the permission is general in its
indication and that there is no evidence that it is specific or
restricted. Similarly, the Prophet once said to Abu Burdah:"This
permission applies to you and none else after you." Also, Allaah said
to His Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sail am, regarding the woman who
offered herself in marriage to theProphet (what means):
"...A privilege for you only, not forthe (rest of the) believers..."
[Quran, 33:50]
In the medical area, silk is produced by an animal and is a remedy.
Silk has many benefits, such as soothing and strengthening the heart
and helping relieve several of its ailments. Silk also helps against
black bile and whatever ailments it might cause. Further, silk
strengthens the eyesight when used as eyeliner. Raw silk, which is
used in preparing medications and remedies, is hot and dry in the
first degree. When silk is usedin clothes, it is mild and heats
thebody. Sometimes it could chill thebody.
Ar-Raazi said: "Silk is hotter than linen, colder than cotton and
develops the flesh. Every typeof thick clothes weakens the body and
hardens the skin."
There are three types of clothes, one that brings warmth and also
heats the body. Another type f clothes brings warmth but provides no
heat to the body. Thethird type does not bring warmthor heat. There is
no type that brings heat but not warmth to those wearing it. For
instance clothes made of wool and animalhair elevate body temperature
and bring warmth to the skin. Onthe other hand, silk, Kittan
(linen)and cotton garments only bring warmth to the skin. Kitten
clothes are cold and dry, wool clothes are hot and dry, while cotton
garments are moderate. Silken garments are softer and less hot than
wool. The author ofAl-Minhaj stated that wearing silk, "Does not bring
as much warmth as cotton, because it is milder."
Every type of soft, polished clothes heat the body less and in less
effective in helping the decomposition process. That is why it is
better that this type of clothes is worn during summer and in hot
areas.
Since silken garments are neither dry nor thick as the other types of
clothes they help as a treatment for skin rashes that result form dry,
thick material. Hence, the Prophet allowed Az-Zubayr and
'Abdur-Rahmaan to wear silken garments due to their skin rash. Also,
silken garments are the least hospitableto mites or lice, for it is
not the best environment where mites live and thrive.
The types of body wear that neither elevates the body temperature nor
brings warmth are made of iron, lead, wood, sand, and so forth.
If one asks, "since silk provides the best type of clothes and the
most suitable for the body, why was it prohibited for men by the
Islamic legislation, which is the mot honorable, perfect legislation
and which allows the good and pure things and only prohibits the
impure things?
Scholars answered this stating different reasons, such as, that Islam
prohibited silken garments for men so that they observe patience and
abandon wearing them for Allaah's sake. Others saythat silk was
prohibited because it leads to arrogance and pride.
Yet others say that silk was prohibited because of its softnesson the
skin that leads to femininebehavior while weakening manhood and
masculinity. Hence,you rarely see a man wearing silken garments who is
not affected by its softness by inadvertently imitating feminine
behavior and softness, even if he was among the most masculine men.
Wearing silken garments will certainly diminish the manly qualities
and masculinity, although these qualities will not disappear all
together.
As for those who do not comprehend these facts, let themsubmit to
Allaah's wise decisions and adhere to the texts that prohibit it for
men.
The Prophet said: "Allaah hasallowed silk and gold for the females of
my nation and prohibited them for the males of my nation."
[An-Nasaa'i]
In another narration, the Prophet said: "Wearing silk and gold is
prohibited for the males of my Nation and allowed for the females."

Miswaak: The natural toothbrush

The Miswaak was known before Islam, but Islam added a religious
perspective to its usage.
The Prophetic guidance:
The Prophet Muhammad recommended Muslims to clean their teeth using a
Miswaak every day; especially upon waking up, when performing
ablution, before prayer, when reciting the Quran, before sleeping,
when entering the house, and when the mouth has a foul odor.
There are many Prophetic narrations thattalk about Miswaak. Following
are some of them:
'Aa'ishah related that the Prophet said: "Ten things are part of one's
natural disposition: Trimming the moustache,growing a beard, (using)
the Miswaak, sniffing water, cutting the nails, washing hands,
plucking armpits, shaving pubic hair, and conserving water." [Muslim]
Furthermore, he highlighted its importance, saying: "If it were not
that it would create hardship for my people, I would have ordered them
to use the Miswaak with every ablution and with every prayer."
[Al-Bukhaari]
Medical discoveries:
The Miswaak is a natural tool for brushing the teeth. It is taken from
theroots and branches of particular desert trees. It differs from one
region to another, but in Arabia and Asia it is taken from the Arak
tree. This is the most famous variety, and is the kind that was used
by the Prophet .
Its scientific name is Salvadora Persica. It is a tree that grows in
hot equatorial countries, especially in desert valleys. It is
widespread in the South of Saudi Arabia , Yemen , Sudan , Egypt , and
elsewhere.
Salvador Persica is an upright evergreen small tree or shrub, seldom
more than one foot in diameter, reaching a maximum height of
threemeters. The leaves are small, oval, thick and succulent with a
strong smell of cress or mustard.
The Miswaak is also obtained from other trees. In Africa, for example,
it is cut from Lime and Orange trees, and in America some are cut from
the Senna tree.
As the Arak tree is so well-known, and as it was the kind that the
Prophet used, it has been scientifically studied. The following
summarize the various discoveries regarding Miswaak.
Health effects of Miswaak :
Physically, the Miswaak isa natural toothbrush. It iscomposed of a
compact group of minute natural fibers that perform exactly the same
functionas a normal toothbrush except that it is made of natural
rather than plastic fibers. For this reason it may be more gentle on
the gums.
Miswaak's natural toothpaste is made up of many substances that
areimportant for cleaning teeth. Many researchers have studied the
Miswaak in depth, and have proven that Miswaak contains over ten
different natural chemical compounds considered essential for good
oral and dental hygiene.
They are: fluoride, silica, tannic acid, resins, alkaloids
(salvadorine), volatile oils (sinigrin), sulfur vitamin C, sodium
bicarbonate, chlorides, calcium, benzylisothiocyanate (BIT), and
others including salicylic acids, sterols, trimethylamine, saponins,
flavenoids.
Some of these components are stain removers and teeth whiteners, some
protect teeth against caries, some are bactericidal and antiseptic,
some helpin healing and to repair tissues, some promote
remineralization (building) of tooth enamel, and some give the
pleasant taste and smell.
Cytotoxicity:
Results of cytotoxictests showed no cytotoxic (celldamaging) effects
from using freshly cut Miswaak. However, the same plant used 24
hoursafter cutting did contain harmful components. Based on these
findings, researchers recommend cutting the used portion of the
Miswaak after it has been used for a day and preparing a fresh part.
Scientific comparison between Miswaak and toothbrushes:
A clinical trial study on Ethiopian schoolchildren,comparing Miswaak
withthe conventional toothbrush, found Miswaak to be as effective as
the toothbrush in removing oral deposits. The study also found
instruction and supervision to be important since the children in the
sample were not familiar with techniques for using Miswaak.
How to use Miswaak:
The method of preparinga Miswaak for use is to cut a branch or root of
the Arak tree into pieces between 10 cm and 20cmin length, and between
4mm and 14mm in diameter. Occasionally some are thicker than this.
Fresh Miswaak is brown in color, with a hot, pleasant taste. People
usually strip off some of the Miswaak's thin bark from one end, then
chewthat end a little to separate the fibers so that they become like
thefibers of a normal toothbrush. They then use it to brush their
teeth.
Length and diameter:
A length of 15cm is recommended, which is convenient to grip, and easy
to manipulate in a confined space. The diameter is normally less than
1 centimeter, which provides a supple stick firm enough to transmit
the pressure of the cleansing action to the teeth without breaking.
Freshness: Miswaak should be freshly cut so that it is supple, easily
chewed, and still rich in active constituents. The root should be
whitish-brown in color; a dark brown color indicates that the Miswaak
is no longer fresh.
If a stick is dry, the end for chewing should initially be soaked in
fresh water for 24 hours. It should be noted that soaking for unduly
long periods causes loss of active constituents and diminishes the
therapeutic properties, although the mechanical effects on the teeth
can still occur.
The end: Before Miswaak is used, the end should be washed with water.
It is then chewed repeatedly until the fibers stand out like the
bristles of a toothbrush. These fibers should be trimmed every 24
hours.
Brushing technique:
The techniques employedfor removing plaque mechanically are similar to
that for the toothbrush and the chewing stick; i.e., vertical and
horizontal brushing. The cleaning movement should alwaysbe directed
away from the gingival margin of the teeth (away from the gums) on
both the buccal(outer cheek) and lingual(inner cheek) surfaces.
Care should be taken to avoid damaging the soft tissues of the mouth.
Satisfactory cleaning can be achieved if this procedure is followed
forfive minutes.
There are two basic holds: Pen-grip (three-finger) or palm-grip (five
finger-grip). In each case the aim is to ensure firm but controlled
movementof the brush end of the Miswaak within the oral cavity, so
that every area of the mouth is reached with relative ease and
convenience.
When to use Miswaak:
In general, the Miswaak should be used a minimum of five times a day
(i.e. before each prayer). However it is recommended to use it all the
time, whenever possible.
Common mistakes in Miswaak use:
1. The end is either too thin or too thick.
2. Keeping it in the mouth while doing otherthings.
3. Not cutting the end every day.
4. Forgetting that teeth have five faces (inner, outer, two sides, and
biting/chewing face), and only using Miswaak to clean the outer faces.


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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

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