Believers' bonds of love are a shield that eliminates oppression

One of the main characteristics of Muslims is that they have a great
love of Allah, Allah's messengers and prophets and for all Muslims
who seek Allah's approval. This bond of love and friendship between
believers is revealed as follows in the Qur'an:
" Your friend is only Allah and His Messenger and those who have
iman: those who establish prayer and pay alms, and bow." (Surat
al-Ma'ida, 55)
Muslims Love for One Another Is a Manifestation of the Profound
Love and Passion for Allah
The true source of Muslims' love for one another is their profound
love of Allah. Believers whose aim in the life of this world is to
earn the approval and mercy of Allah and paradise spend their whole
lives for Allah. As revealed in the Qur'an in the verse " Say: 'My
prayer and my rites, my living and my dying, are for Allah alone,
the Lord of all the worlds, " (Surat al-An'am, 162) , they seek to
earn Allah's approval in all they do and in all their behavior. The
love of believers who dedicate all they have to earning Allah's
approval is also for Allah alone.
The love of a believer who knows Allah, who witnesses His might and
greatness at every moment and who feels His love, affection and
mercy throughout his life, is incomparable stronger than any other
love. His love for other believers will similarly be powerful and
profound since it is based on love of Allah. The fact that he knows
that the friendship he enjoys with other believers will last for all
time in the hereafter is another reason for that being very strong
and permanent. Allah cites the moral values of the Prophet John
(pbuh) in the Qur'an as an example of the love of believers:
"[After the child had been born and grown We said], 'John, take
hold of the Book with vigor.' We gave him judgment while still a
child, and tenderness and purity from Us – he had piety –" (Surah
Maryam, 12-13)
Our Prophet (saas) also reveals in the hadiths that believers' love
for one another is for Allah's approval:
Abu Zarr (pbuh) relates: "Rasulullah (saas) said: "The most virtuous
of deeds is to love for Allah's sake and to hate for Allah's sake."
(Kütüb-i Sitte, Vol. 10, p. 140; Abû Dâvud, Sünnet 3, 4599)
"The strongest bonds of faith are friendship for Allah, enmity for
Allah and love for Allah." (Kütüb-i Sitte, Vol. 10, p. 141)
Believers with a great love and fear of Allah and who honestly
strive for His approval of them, are auspicious people who bring
beauty to the world. Because of these superior virtues they also
love Allah's creations, feel affection and compassion for them, and
wish to protect them and do them good.
Allah has revealed that in return for this fine love and their
sincere devotion to our Lord that stem from the faith in believers'
hearts and their fear of Him, they will be rewarded with paradise,
the place of the best love and devotion.
The Qur'an is the Basis of Love
Our Lord does not only command His servants to love in the Qur'an. He
also describes in detail what form the foundation of love will
take. For example, He reveals that at the basis of a person's love
for someone else will lie patience, loyalty, generosity, care,
truthfulness, courage, protectiveness and loving other more than
one loves oneself. Allah refers to this love as follows in the
Qur'an:
" Those who were already settled in the abode, and in faith, before
they came, love those who have made pilrgrimage to them and do not
find in their hearts any need for what they have been given and
prefer them to themselves even if they themselves are needy. It is
the people who are safe-guarded from the avarice of their own
selves who are successful." (Surat al-Hashr, 9)
As revealed in this verse, characteristics such as consideration,
loyalty and fortitude are the most significant indicators of love.
People who are egotistical and selfish, and not patient and
forgiving, are totally devoid of true love. Our Lord, who of course
has a flawless knowledge of the behavior and attitudes of the
servants He creates, their psychology in other words, describes the
features of people who are loveless and do not behave in accordance
with the moral values of the Qur'an in detail in that book, and
thus makes it easier for Muslims to identify those characteristics.
Allah reveals in the Qur'an that hard work and care and attention
are necessary for love. He notes that loves needs to be tended, just
like a flower. Some people who do not know the true love that
Allah describes in the Qur'an imagine that love is dependent on
physical appearance and that people can only be loved if they are
attractive. Yet people's anatomical structures consist of flesh,
fat, bone and blood; therefore, were it not for the skin, the work
of Allah's matchless creation, there would be very little about people
to like. People who turn their love toward matter do not in fact
love that appearance. It is at this point that the basis of the
true love that believers feel for one another emerges. This is
because believers love people, not just for their external
appearance, but for the moral virtues they embody in their souls.
And it is believers who live by the moral values of the Qur'an and
seek the approval of Allah who possesses these moral qualities. For
that reason, MUSLIMS LOVE OTHER MUSLIMS. AND AMONG MUSLIMS, THEY
MOST LOVE THOSE THEY REGARD AS HAVING THE MOST PIETY AND BEING THE
MOST SINCERE BECAUSE ACCORDING TO THE QUR'AN, LOVE IS DEPENDENT ON
PEITY, AND MUSLIMS MOST LOVE THE PERSON THEY REGARD AS HAVING MOST
OF ALLAH'S APPROVAL. This is revealed as follows in a verse :
" Some people set up equals to Allah, loving them as they should
love Allah. But those who have faith have greater love for Allah. If
only you could see those who do wrong at the time when they see the
punishment, and that truly all strength belongs to Allah, and that
Allah is severe in punishment." (Surat al-Baqara, 165)

Fathwa, - Relationships

Question:
There is a big difference between love & arranged marriages, or so
I've heard. But what I don'tunderstand is how love marriages can
actually "exist" if you don't become their boyfriend or friend first.
When you have a love relationship with someone you must getto know the
person first before deciding on something big like marrying them! But,
if you started to hang out with that person, wouldn't you become their
"boyfriend" or"girlfriend"? Please help me clear this up.:)
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful
Dear Sister,
Assalamu alaikum,
I pray this message finds you well.
Let's address some issues and definitions here.
An "arranged" marriage does not have to be absent of love. Even in a
situation where the marriage is arranged by parents or relatives, it's
possible for the intendedcouple to get to know one another and come
tolove each other.
A "love" marriage is not necessarily all about love. In fact, many
people think they love each other only to get married and find out
that what they thought was love was really just lust.
It is possible to have a"love" marriage without becoming someone's
boyfriend or girlfriend or dating. However, given the tendencies of
human nature, it is difficult to stay within the limits of the
Shariah. That is why Muslim cultures place a lot of emphasis on
marriages being family affairs. And that is why Islamic law places
strict conditions on interactions between unmarried males and females.
It is possible for two people to love each other based on qualities
like character, piety, compassion, and personality. It doesn't always
have to be physical. However, it is really only through marriage that
love is both tested and strengthened. That is why it is best--to the
extent possible--to save these strong feelings for after marriage,
where they can be acted upon in a lawful fashion.
And Allah knows best.

Fathwa, - Christian man wants to convert for marriage

Question:
It has been a while that I'm seeing a Christian, and he wanted to
marry me and he said that he is willing to do whateverit takes which
means that he is ready to become a Muslim but the question is I'm
afraid to go into this relation ship because what if he converted and
didn't believe in it? Wouldn't it be wrong? By the way I'mmuhajaba.
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Praise be to Allah.
May Allah's peace and blessings shower upon our beloved Messenger.
Dear Sister,
I pray that this message finds you in good health and iman.
I advise you, woman to woman, to exercise the utmost caution in this
situation. Love often blinds us to certain realities. When a Muslim
woman becomes attracted to a non-Muslim man, she needs to ask herself
some questions.
1. Why do I love this person? How is he bringing me closer to myCreator?
2. If I weren't in the picture, would he still be interested in Islam?
3. Do I want to be married to a man whose sole interest in Islam is
because of me, rather than for Allah?
4. What happens if we marry and have children? Will he be able to
provide a good example of Muslim manhood, especially to my sons?
5. How will this affect myrelationship with my family, especially my parents?
6. How will I get along with non-Muslim in-laws? Will I be comfortable
in such a situation?
My advice to you is to stop seeing him in private, if that is indeed
the case. The only time you should see him is in the presence of your
father or wali (male guardian). Introduce himto practicing Muslim men.
This is the difficult part: you need to separate your emotions from
this situation and really thinkabout the consequences of such a
marriage. There is the possibility that he may become Muslim and never
practice. This has happened to many Muslim women, who often find
themselves wishing that they'd considered the long-term. Or, he may
end up being a very sincere Muslim. Only AllahMost High knows what is
in his heart.
What you must do is be the best example of a Muslima to him. Show him
by your character and conduct the right way to do things: the way that
is most pleasingto Allah.
Turn to Allah with your hopes and prayers. Make istikhara, the
guidance prayer. You can view the details at:
http://qa.sunnipath.com /issue_view.asp?HD=1& ID=1056&CATE=4.
Last, but certainly not least, please consult yourfamily. You
absolutely need to involve them in this process. I've witnessed the
heartbreak that can ensue when a Muslim woman picks a spouse
completely against the wishes of her family. Please consider your
family's feelings.

Fathwa, - My Husband Doesn'tWant Children Now

Question:
wI am 25 and my husband is 28. We have been married 9 months and are
both working but living with relatives. We are planning inshaAllah to
move on our own in January. Thing is I really very much want to start
having children soon, but my husband wants to wait2 or more years.
I''m really unhappy with this decision. His reason is he wants us to
save money and possibly continue his studies, pay his debts and save
for our future. I''m very happy with my husband and our marriage but
I''m very much desiring to be a mother sooner rather than later.
Shouldn''t he have more trust in Allah?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah.
May the peace and blessings of Allah showerupon our beloved Messenger.
Dear Sister,
The key to resolving this situation is to maintain open, loving
communication with your spouse. A woman's heart may yearn for
children, while her husband may want to wait. Sometimes the reverse is
true: he's ready right away and she wants to wait.
I know that the maternalurge is very strong. But it's also important
to consider both the short and the long term. An important decision
such as this one should be mutual.
I do suggest that you give your husband a little more time for the
simple reason that you are still newlyweds. Becoming parents
completely changes your life. It is very beneficial for husband and
wife to establish a firm marital foundation and a solid relationship
before having children. Then when the stresses of parenthood come into
play, husband and wife have a repository of strength, love, and
friendship to draw upon.
Trust me, having kids canbe stressful, albeit the stress is good
stress. Takethis time to enjoy each other and the activities that
become very difficult or even impossible to do once you start a
family.
It's also important to make your expectations very clear to your
husband. While you may be willing to wait a while, let him know that
you don't want to hold off indefinitely. Now is the time to understand
how the female body works. Most women are in their childbearing prime
in their 20s. After awoman reaches age 30 or 35, her fertility begins
to decline and conception does becomemore difficult. So it's a good
idea to set a date so to speak and look forward to the anticipation of
conception and parenthood. It's a wonderful thing to plan for.
I don't think it's an issue of your husband not trusting in Allah Most
High enough. Give him the benefit of the doubt. You live with
relatives, and he wants to continue his studies. When you have your
own family, you will definitely want your own space. I think he's also
being prudent to consider your finances. Having children requires some
income. For example, there's the cost of prenatal care, your hospital
stay, decorating the nursery, laying in all those supplies, as well as
your child's well-baby visits. It is actually in your future child's
or children's best interests for Mom and Dad to be as prepared as
possible.
Last, but certainly not least, both of you should make istikhara. Turn
to Allah Most High for guidance in all situations; Allah willing you
will make the best decision. And emphasize the sunna of our
belovedMessenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. The Prophet
lovedchildren and taught his Ummah to be kind and generous to the
young. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that
Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "When a man dies, accrual
of merit in his favor from good deeds ceases except from three
actions: 1. A charity which continues after hisdeath; 2. Knowledge
left behind from which men continue to benefit, and 3. Righteous
offspring who pray for him." (Muslim 4005)

The Prophet's acts of worship during Hajj -II

4- Heeding Allaah's hudood )limits(
Heeding Allaah's limits is the highest degree of piety. It is an
indication of true belief, and a sign of perfect submission to Allaah.
The Prophetmore than anyone else, was a strict observant of Allaah's
limits. Hewas the most devout of all, and used to glorify Allaah's
sanctities more than any one else, as was seen on many occasions
during Hajj. For example, when heoffered Hady, out of consideration
for his companions he did not end his Ihraam, although he ordered
those who did not offer Hady to end theirs, and to perform
Umrahsimultaneously with the Hajj. However, having interpreted his
order merely as a non-obligatory permission, they kept their Ihraam.
Expressing their desire tostay in the state of Ihraam, some of them
said "Do we come to 'Arafah after having sex with our wives?" Upon
hearing this, the Prophetresponded:"You know for sure that I am more
devout, more truthful, and more righteous than any of you. Yet, had I
not offered Hady, I would have ended my state of Ihraam. You,
therefore, should end your state of Ihraam."]Al-Bukhaari[
5- His tranquility and submission to Allaah
Presence of the heart, and submissiveness to Allaah, Almighty, can be
attained only through tranquility and strict discipline of the senses.
The outer appearance in this regard, is an indication of the inner
reality. In his Hajj, the Prophetcombined both elements: Firstly,
heattained a presenceof the heart. Nothing could diverthis attention
away from his rituals, or from showing submission and humility to
Allaah. Standing with his hands raised close to his chest, he
privately offered his supplication for extended periods of time.
Secondly, all of the Prophet'ssenses were full of submission and
surrender to Allaah, Almighty. He would walk quietly in reverence and
tranquility goingabout his rituals. Jaabirreported: "The
Prophetperformed Al-Ifaadhah in tranquility." ]Al-Bukhaari[ Ibn
'Abbaasreported that as he and the Prophetwere movingtogether on the
Day of 'Arafah, they heard loud noises, clatteringand roars of camels.
The Prophetthen pointed his whip at the people and said: "Be quiet;
haste is no indication of righteousness!" ]At-Tirmithi[
6- Doing plenty of good deeds
Not only did the Prophetenjoined good, hewas also keen on doing the
same during the Hajj. This is manifest in his performance of all the
favorable Hajj rituals. He performed Ghusl)ritual body wash( before
assuming Ihraam, wore perfume upon assuming and ending
it,]Al-Bukhaari[, marked and garlanded the sacrificial animal, and
frequently recited talbiyah aloud until hehad cast the
Jamaratul-'Aqabah )'Aqabah Stone(. ]Al-Bukhaari[ He also started
Tawaaf as soon as he entered the House, ]Al-Bukhaari[, walked briskly
in Tawaaf, touched the two corners of the Ka'bah, offered two Rak'ahs
of Tawaaf behind Maqaam Ibraaheem )Ibraaheem's station(,]Muslim[,
supplicated Allaah on the hills of Safaa and Marwah, ranin the middle
of the valley, supplicated upon touching the two corners and while
throwing the jamaraat ]Al-Bukhaari[. There are many other acts that
heperformed.
7- His moderation and equanimity
Islam encourages moderation and censures exaggeration. In fact
equanimity was the most significant attitude of the Prophetin the
Hajj. Heabhorred exaggeration—hedid neither too much nor too little.
Two acts of worship can be stressed in this regard. Firstly, headopted
a happy medium between his acts of worship]Al-Bukhaari[, and his
responsibility as a leader of the Muslims. However, hedid not neglect
his duty to his wives and his household who needed care and affection.
Secondly, healso took equal care of his body and soul. This is a very
important point, as the awe-inspiring surroundings of the Hajj may
compel many people to observe the spiritual and entirely forget the
physical side of their being. The Prophethowever, took very good care
of his body. For example, on Tarwyah Day hemoved closer to Mina in
order to be near 'Arafah ]Muslim[; slept during the nights of 'Arafah
and Muzdalifah ]Al-Bukhaari[; took breakfast on the Day of
'Arafah]Al-Bukhaari[; but did not offer supererogatory prayers
]Muslim[. Hetook shelter in a dome made from camel hair erected
especially for him, moved between the sacred sites]Al-Bukhaari[, and
performed some of the Hajj rituals riding on camelback ]Muslim[.
Furthermore, he even had someone who served and helped him. ]Ibn
Maajah[
8- Renouncement of the present life
The Prophetrenounced the present life and rejected all that was not
vital for the Hereafter. There are countless examples of his
denunciatory attitude towards the present life. Listed are but a few:
Heused an old, shabby camel saddled with a piece of velvet hardly
worth four Dirhams )silver currency(. Heallowed Usaamah Ibn Zaydto
ride behind him on his camel back from 'Arafah to Muzdalifah, and
allowed Al-Fadhl Ibn 'Abbaasto ride behind him from Muzdalifah to
Mina. ]Al-Bukhaari[

The Prophet's acts of worship during Hajj -I

Introduction
Hajj is one of the most prominentforms of worship in Islam. It is
anembodiment of true following of the Prophet'sexample. Unfortunately,
it has recently become apparent that too much emphasis is being placed
upon rulings pertaining to common mistakes committed by pilgrims
during Hajj, and to what validatesor invalidates this major ritual.
The fact that these rulings are indeed important, even necessary)since
the validity of Hajj is largelycontingent on them( has made people
forget other equally important aspects of the Prophet'sconduct during
the Hajj. As a consequence, pilgrims nowadays perform many acts that
do not exactly follow his guidance.
The main aim of this article is therefore, to give an accurate account
of the Prophet'sacts of worship during Hajj, with the hope that this
will help those who wish to accurately follow the Prophet'sexample.
The Prophet'sacts of worship during Hajj
Educating and leading the pilgrims, as well as caring for his wives
and household did not prevent the Prophetfrom worshipping Allaah, or
from showing submissiveness to Him. This attitude took various forms,
and here are some of the most significant examples:
1.Realizing and enhancing Tawheed)Islamic monotheism(
Tawheed is one of the fundamental principles of Islam that the
Prophetrealized and fostered. This was very evident in his conduct
during the Hajj as it was in his recitation of Talbiyah)saying
Labbayka Allaahumma labbayk(, which has become the Hajj motto. It
means that the act of Hajj is offered to Allaah, the One, Who has no
associates. The Prophetcontinued to recite Talbiyah from the moment he
began the ritual, and until he hadcast Jamratul-'Aqabah )Aqabah stone(
on the Slaughter Day )i.e. 'Eed day(. His Talbiyah went as follows:
"Labbayka Allaahumma labbayk. Labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk.
Innal-hamda wan-n'imata laka wal-mulk, laa shareeka lak".
Moreover, the Prophetobserved strict devotion in all his deeds.
Healways asked Allaahto help him avoid hypocrisy and showing-off.
Anasreported that he heard the Prophetsay:"O Allaah, make my
Hajj)pilgrimage( free of hypocrisy andshowing-off."]Muslim[
While he was on the hills of Safaaand Marwah, the Prophetsupplicated
to Allaah as narrated by Jaabirwho said, "The Prophetbegan by
ascending As-Safaa until the Ka'bah was visible to him, then he faced
Qiblah and said"Laa ilaaha illallaah, Allaahu Akbar" )There is no god
worthy of worship but Allaah, Allaah is the greatest( andrepeated "Laa
ilaaha illallaah." There are no associates to Him; He is the Owner of
the universe, to Him we give thanks, He is the Omnipotent; there is no
god worthy of worship but Allaah, theOne... "He repeated this three
times until he reached Al-Marwah, where he did the same as he did on
As-Safaa."]Muslim[
The Prophetsupplicated Allaah on the Day of 'Arafah saying as narrated
in the authentic hadeeth,"The best invocation is performed on the Day
of 'Arafah, and the best supplication ever offered by me or by
previous apostles is: Laa ilaaha illallaah. There are no associates to
Him; He is the Owner of the universe, to Him wegive thanks, He is the
Omnipotent; there is-no god but Allaah, the One."]Muslim[
2.Repudiating the polytheists and insisting on acting differently from them
In many of the Hajj rituals, the Prophetinsisted on acting differently
from the polytheists and on following in the footstepsof our father
Ibraaheem. This attitude was culminated by his rejection of their
actions in the sermon he delivered on the Day of 'Arafah. "All
Jaahiliyah )pre-Islamic( traditions are under my feet," the
Prophetdeclared.]Muslim[ Some of the most important rituals that the
Prophetinsisted on changing are as follows:
Talbia:The polytheists used to associate other gods with Allaah when
they said "Except one associate; he is yours; you own him and whatever
he owns."]Al-Bukhaari[ The Prophetmade Tawheed )monotheism( pure, and
cast away the association of other gods with Allaah, repudiating such
practice.
Another example of the Prophet'sinsistence on acting differently from
the polytheists isseen in his stopping with the pilgrims at 'Arafah,
unlike the Quraysh who used to stop at Muzdalifah, saying:"We do not
perform Al-Ifaadah )departure( except from Haram."]Al-Bukhaari[
3.His overwhelming supplication, invocation and humility to Allaah
Supplication has a special status in Islam as it aims at expressing
total submissiveness, surrender and humility to Allaah. The
Prophetsaid: "Supplication is worship." ]Abu Daawood[ He used to
per-form supplication during the Hajj more than at any other time. He
would supplicate Allaah, Almighty, in Tawaaf, and while standing on
the hills of Safaa and Marwah. He also offered lengthy supplications
on the Day of 'Arafah, riding on his camel back, raising his hands
close to his chest as if he were a poor man begging for
sadaqah)charity(. Hewould remain in that condition from the moment he
had chosen the spot at which he would stop after salaah)prayer( and
until sunset. Healso did the same at Al-Mash'ar Al-Haraam )the Sacred
Monument( in Muzdalifah right after he had offered the Fajr)dawn(
prayer and almost until sunrise. ]Al-Bukhaari[ On the Daysof Tashreeq,
and when hehad cast the first two jamaraat)pebbles(, he would face
Qiblah, raise his hands, and start a prolonged
supplication.]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[

Evolution of the science of the Quran –I

The Era of the Companions:
The Quran is the final revelation sent by Allaah to Prophet Muhammad.
It is an eternal miracle that grows in clarity and strength with time
and each new scientific discovery. It was revealed over nearly
twenty-three years, during which the Prophettaught it and explained it
to his companions. He sallallaahu' alayhi wa sallam also answered all
of their questions and did not die before completely delivering
themessage of the Quran, making it clearly understood.
At the same time, the Companionswere verykeen to memorise, understand
and practice it. Due to their mastery ofArabic, the purity of
theirminds and hearts, and because they had witnessed the Quran being
revealed under many circumstances and in response to diverse events,
they were able to accumulate much understanding and knowledge of the
Quran.
Some of them actually mastered its knowledge. Abdullaah bin Mas'oodwas
one of those whorealised this great achievement. He described his
knowledge of the Quran by saying:"I swear by Allaah that there is not
a verse of the Quran except that I know where and why it was revealed,
and if I knew of anyone who knows the Book of Allaah more than I do, I
would travel to him."]Al-Bukhaari[
Other Companions devoted all of their lives to the Quran. Abdullaah
bin 'Umarfor example,was reported by Imaam Maalikin 'Al-Muwatta'as
having spent eight consecutive years completely memorising and
learning Soorah)chapter( Al-Baqarah )the second Quranic chapter(.
It was also reported that the Companionsused to say, "It is considered
tobe a great thing that one of us learns the Soorahs Al-Baqarah and
Aal 'Imraan )The second and third chapters(." And that: "They used to
learn the Quran from the Prophetten verses at atime, and that they
would not go beyond them until they had learned all possible knowledge
and actions in them and applied them."
This great knowledge was not all written down as text, except for what
was written down by some Companions. The reason was that the basic
process of teaching and learning in those times was the oral
tradition. Only the Quran itself and those Companions' writings were
received in written format by the next generation of Muslims.
However, many of the Companionswere known for their excellentknowledge
and understanding of the Quran. People like 'Uthmaan, Ali, Zayd,
Ubay,Ibn Mas'ood, Ibn 'Abbaas and Ibn 'Umaras well as others, had many
brilliant and inspired students, such as Mujaahid, Qataadah and
'Ataa'who then conveyed that knowledge to the rest of Ummah )Muslim
community( as the practice of writing down knowledge became
widespread.
The Companions' circles of teaching were attended by hundreds of
students. As those students went back home, they taught othersthe same
knowledge as they had learned. Within a short period of time, the
Companions' knowledge, was spread across the vast Muslim lands.
What is so remarkable is that after writing became popular, the pieces
of knowledge collected from different scholars who had never seen or
known one another were found to be the same and, therefore, supported
oneanother – showing consistency in the knowledge and the guidance of
Islam.
To this day and forever, no other Ummah or religion can claim
similarity to this unique feature of Islam.

The birth of the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam

Muhammadthe Masterof Prophets, was born in Bani Hashim lane in Makkah
on Monday morning, the ninth of Rabi' Al-Awwal, the same year of the
Elephant Event, and forty years of the reign of Kisra
)KhosruNushirwan(, i.e. the twentieth or twenty-second of April, 571
A.D., according to the scholar Muhammad Sulaimân Al-Mansourpuri.
Ibn Sa'd reported that Muhammad's mother said: "When he was born,there
was a light that issued out of my pudendum )genital organs( and lit
the palaces ofSyria." Ahmad reported on the authority of 'Arbadh Ibn
Sariya something similar to this.
It was but controversially reported that significant precursors
accompanied his birth: fourteen galleries of Kisra's palace cracked
and rolled down,the Magians' sacred fire died down and some churches
onLakeSawasank down and collapsed.
His mother immediately sent someone to inform his grandfather
'Abdul-Muttalib of the happy event. Happily he came toher, carried him
to Al-Ka'bah, prayed to Allaah and thanked Him. 'Abdul-Muttalib called
thebaby Muhammad, a namenot then common amongthe Arabs.
The first woman who suckled him after his mother was Thuyebah, the
freed slave of Abu Lahab, with her son, Masrouh. She had suckledHamzah
Ibn 'Abdul-Muttalib before, and laterAbu Salamah Ibn 'Abd Al-Asad
Al-Makhzumi.
Babyhood:
It was the general customof the Arabs living in towns to send their
children away to bedouin wet nurses so that they might grow up in the
free and healthy surroundings of the desert whereby they would develop
a robust frame and acquire the pure speech and manners of the
bedouins,who were noted both forpurity of their language and for being
free from those vices which usually develop in sedentary societies.
The Prophetwas later entrusted to Haleemah bint Abi Dhuaib from Bani
Sa'd Ibn Bakr. Her husband was Al-Harith Ibn 'Abdul 'Uzza called Abi
Kabshah, from the same tribe.
Muhammadhad several foster brothers and sisters, 'Abdullah Ibn
Al-Harith, Aneesah bint Al-Haarith, Hudhafah or Judhamah bint
Al-Haarith)known as Ash-Shayma'(, and she used to nurse theProphetand
Abu Sufyan Ibn Al-Haarith Ibn 'Abdul-Muttalib, the Prophet's cousin.
HamzahIbn 'Abdul-Muttalib, the Prophet's uncle, was suckled by the
same two wet nurses, Thuyeba and Haleemah As-Sa'diyah, who suckled the
Prophet.
Traditions relate how Haleemah and the whole of her household were
favoured by successive strokes of good fortune while the baby
Muhammadlived under her care. Ibn Ishaq states that Haleemah narrated
that she, along with her husband and a suckling babe, set out from her
village in the company of some womenof her clan in quest of children
to suckle. She said:
It was a year of drought and famine and we had nothing to eat. I rode
on a brown she-ass. We also had with us an old she-camel. By Allaah we
could not get even a drop of milk. We could not have a wink of sleep
during the night for the child kept crying on account of hunger.
Therewas not enough milk in my breast and even the she-camel had
nothing tofeed him. We used to constantly pray for rain and immediate
relief. At length we reached Makkah looking for children to suckle.
Not even a single woman amongst us accepted the Messenger of
Allâhoffered to her. As soon asthey were told that he was an orphan,
they refused him. We had fixed our eyes on the reward that we would
get from the child's father. An orphan! What are his grandfather and
mother likely to do? So we spurned him because of that. Every woman
who came with me got a suckling and when we were about to depart, I
said to my husband: "By Allâh, I do not like to go back along with the
other women without any baby. I should go to that orphan and I must
take him." He said,"There is no harm in doing so and perhaps Allaah
might bless us through him." So I went and took him because there was
simply no other alternative left for me but to take him. When I lifted
him in my arms and returned to my place I put him on my breast and to
my great surprise, I found enough milk in it. He drank to his heart's
content, and so did his foster brother andthen both of them went to
sleep although my baby had not been able to sleep the previous night.
My husband then went to the she-camel to milk it and, to his
astonishment, he found plenty of milk in it. He milked it and we drank
to our fill, and enjoyed a sound sleep during the night. The next
morning, my husband said: "By Allaah Haleemah, you must understand
that you have been able to get a blessed child." And Ireplied: "By the
grace of Allaah, I hope so."
The tradition is explicit on the point that Haleemah's return journey
and her subsequent life, as long as the Prophetstayed with her, was
encircled with a halo of good fortune. The donkey that she rode when
she came to Makkah was lean and almost foundered; it recovered speed
much tothe amazement of Haleemah's fellow travellers. By the time they
reached the encampments in the country of the clan of Sa'd, they found
the scales of fortune turned in their favour. The barren land sprouted
forth luxuriant grass and beasts came back to themsatisfied and full
of milk. Muhammadstayed with Haleemah for two years until he was
weaned as Haleemah said:
We then took him back to his mother requesting her earnestly to have
himstay with us and benefit by the good fortune and blessings he had
broughtus. We persisted in our request which we substantiated by our
anxiety over the child catching a certain infection peculiar to
Makkah. At last, we were granted our wish and theProphetstayed with
usuntil he was four or five years of age.
When, as related by Anas in Sahih Muslim, Gabriel came down and ripped
his chest open and took out the heart. He then extracted a blood-clot
out of it and said: "That was the part of Satan in thee." And then he
washed it with the waterof Zamzam in a gold basin. After that the
heartwas joined together and restored to its place. The boys and
playmates camerunning to his mother, i.e. his nurse, and said:"Verily,
Muhammadhasbeen murdered." They allrushed towards him and found him
all right only his face was white.
After this event, Haleemah was worried about the boy and returned him
to his mother with whom he stayed until he was six.

Dought and Clear, - Rulings on Tawbah, - Permissibility of a fornicator Marrying a Believing Woman.

Please tell me, can I marry a beliver if I`ve had sex with a
non-Muslim? Please answer.
Praise be to Allah.
If a fornicator repents sincerely, Allah accepts his repentance. Allah
says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And those who invoke not any other ilaah (god) along with Allah, nor
kill such person as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause,
norcommit illegal sexual intercourse and whoever does this shall
receive the punishment. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day
of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace; Except those
who repent and believe (in Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous
deeds; for those, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and
Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And whosoeverrepents and does
righteous good deeds; then verily, he repents towards Allah with true
repentance" [25:68-71]
See also question no. 728.
If he repents, then he may marry a believing woman. If a fornicator
repents, he should conceal his past and not spread word of it.
And Allah knows best.

Dought and Clear, - Rulings on Tawbah, - BeingCertain That Repentance is Accepted.

If a person repents and feels that he has fulfilledall the conditions
of repentance, can he be sure that his repentancehas been accepted, or
should he just hope thatthis is so?
Praise be to Allah.
We put the following question to Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih
al-'Uthaymeen, may Allahpreserve him, who answered as follows:
No, he can only hope that this is so. No one can be sure that his
repentance has been accepted.
And Allah knows best.

Dought and Clear, - Rulings on Tawbah, - Repentance From One Type of Sin While Committing Another.

Is repentance from a particular sin acceptablewhile I am a victim of another?
Praise be to Allah.
Yes, repentance from a particular sin is acceptable even if the
repentant insists on another sin which is of adifferent nature and not
the same as the one from which he has repented. To take an example, if
a man repents from having accepted interest but not from drinking
wine, his repentance over accepting interest is acceptable, and vice
versa. But if he repents from simple interest but not compound
interest then his repentance is invalid. So also if he repents from
taking drugs but insists on drinking wine, or vice versa, then that
repentance is invalid too. It will also be incorrect and unacceptable
if a man repents from adultery with a woman but commits it with
another.In all these cases they have only shifted from one variety of
sin to another within the samekind.
And Allah knows best.

Doubting God and Words of God, Religious Stories for Kids, Religious Stories for Children

This is a fictional story, only for the purpose of explanation and
easy understanding.
The night fell heavy in the heights of the mountains and the man could
not see anything. All was black. Zero visibility, and the moon and the
stars were covered by the clouds. As he was climbing only a few feet
away from the top of the mountain, he slipped and fell in to the air,
falling at great speed.He could only see black spots as he went down,
and the terrible sensation of being sucked by gravity.
He kept falling and in themoments of great fear, it came to his mind
all the good and bad episodes of his life. He was thinking now about
how close death was getting, when all of a sudden he felt the rope
tied to his waist pull him very hard. His body was hanging in the air.
Only the rope was holding him and in that moment of stillness he had
no other choice other to scream: "Help me God".
All of a sudden a deep voice coming from the sky answered, "What do
you want me to do?"
"Save me God".
"Do you really think I can save you?"
"Of course I believe You can."
"Then cut the rope tied to your waist."
There was a moment of silence and the man decided to hold on to
therope with all his strength.The rescue team tells thatthe next day a
climber was found dead and frozen. His body hanging from a rope. His
hands holding tight to it. Only one foot away from the ground.
Conclusion: And We? Howattached we are to our rope will we let go?
Don'tever doubt about the God and words of God. We should never say
that He has forgotten us or abandoned us.

The ultimate truth of life, Religious Stories for Kids, Religious Stories for Children

This is a fictional story, only for the purpose of explanation and
easy understanding.
A man who is constantly in trouble, prays to god one day and due to
his persistent and dedicated prayer, the god appears in front of him
and pleasingly tells him "my dear, do tell me what your doubts are
about?"
The man happily starts to narrate this "Oh my merciful Lord, I have a
vision, in which I could see my past life and I have doubts on it
which Iwanted you to clear." Smilingly god tells him to carry on.
The man says thus "Lord, I saw that in my past, whenever I was happy
and good things happened in my life, I could see two pairs of foot
steps on the path of life. One of them is mine; I could not understand
the other pair of footstepwhich was following me. Whose does these
belongto?"
Smilingly god says "Dear, whenever you were having good time and
happy, I would silently walk behind you allowing you to enjoy
thefruits of your good deeds."
The man then asks "Ok, Lord, I saw that whenever am in troubles or sad
times I saw two pairs of footsteps again! And this time, the second
pair was beside me all along the path."
Calmly god says "Dear, whenever you were in bad situations of life, I
would walk beside you, guiding you through the tough times into the
good times ahead."
The man, satisfied with the reply, then looked puzzled and sad;
says"But Lord, I also had a vision that whenever am in the worst of
troubles and the most toughest times I have ever faced inmy life, I
saw only one deep pair footsteps all along the path. Why haveyou
deserted me when I need you the most?"
Now god, looks at him lovingly and says "Oh my poor creature, you
could see only one pair of footsteps during the worst part of your
life because those belonged to mine and I was carrying you all along,
onmy shoulders! Remember this, I never have and willdesert you, my
dear" Thus saying the god disappeared!
Conclusion: The ultimate truth of life! Never doubt the almighty and
remember that he never ever gives-up on us! We should never say that
He has forgotten us or abandoned us.

Allah Has Created a Powerful Love among Muslims

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

The believers are brothers

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

In the Qur'an, every community has a leader

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

Fathwa, - Women's rights to sexual intimacy

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

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

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

Fathwa, - Permission to observe voluntary fast?

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

Juwayriyyah Bint Al-Haarith

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

Umm Salamah- II

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

Umm Salamah- I

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

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

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