Ch 9: Inside the House

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

Greeting (The salutation of peace to the Muslim when greeting and departing)

It is a recommended sunnah (way, tradition) to greet the muslim; it is
fard (obligatory) to reply.
Exceptions are that women are not expected to have to speak to non-mahram men.
The generally expected greeting is "As sala'amu alaikum" (peace be
uponyou) and the generally expected reply is"walaikum as sala'am" (and
unto you also, peace).
Adding "wa rahmatullahi" (and mercy) and/or "wa barakatuhu" (and
blessings) is a commendable act. If someone adds mercy and/or
blessings in their salaams to you, you should reply with the same or
add more goodness to it (i.e. if someone says "As sala'amu alaikum wa
rahmatullahi", you should reply with "As sala'amu alaikum wa
rahmatullahi" or also add"wa barakatuhu".
The Order to Greet
The Noble Qur'an An-Nur 24:61
...when you enter the houses, greet one another with a greeting from
Allâh (i.e. say: As-Salâmu 'Alaikum - peace be on you) blessedand
good. Thus Allâh makes clear the Ayât (these Verses or your religious
symbols and signs, etc.) to you that you may understand.
The Noble Qur'an An-Nisa4:86
When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is
better than it, or (at least) return it equally. Certainly, Allâh is
Ever a Careful Account Taker of all things.
*.
Ibn Katheer raheemahullaah explained this verse by saying: "If the
person greeted you with the Salaam you should reply in a better form,
or reply similarly. However, the extended form is preferable, but the
shorter is compulsory. Which means that greeting is preferable but the
greeting in return is compulsory, and it should be in the form of the
Salaam and not in any other form."
Hadith - Sahih Bukhari 4.543, Narrated Abu Huraira, r.a.
The Prophet said, "Allah created Adam, making him 60 cubits tall. When
He created him, He said to him, "Go and greet that group of angels,
and listen to their reply, for it will be your greeting (salutation)
and the greeting (salutation) of your offspring." So, Adamsaid (to the
angels), As-Salamu Alaikum (i.e. Peace be upon you). The angels said,
" As-salamu Alaika wa Rahmatu-l-lahi " (i.e. Peace and Allah's Mercy
be upon you). Thusthe angels added to Adam's salutation the
expression, 'Wa Rahmatu-l-lahi.' Any person who will enter Paradise
will resemble Adam (in appearance and figure). People have been
decreasing in stature since Adam's creation.
The Noble Qur'an Al-An'am 6:54
When those who believe in Our Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses,
lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) come to you, say: "Salâmun
'Alaikum" (peace be on you); your Lord has written Mercy for Himself,
so that, if any of you does evil in ignorance, and thereafter repents
and does righteous good deeds (by obeying Allâh),then surely, He is
Oft­Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Hadith - Sahih Muslim 96, Narrated Abu Hurayrah
The Messenger of Allah, observed: You shall not enter paradise so long
as you do not affirm belief (in all those things which are the
articles of faith) and you will not believe as long as you do not love
one another. ShouldI not direct you to a thingwhich, if you do, will
foster love amongst you: (i.e.) give currency to (the practice of
paying salutation to one anotherby saying) as-salamu alaykum.

Who First?

Hadith - Sahih Bukhari 8.251, Narrated Abu Hurayrah
Allah's Apostle said, " The riding one should greet the walking one,
and thewalking one should greet the sitting one, andthe small number
of persons should greet the large number of persons. "
Hadith - Malik's Muwatta Book 53, Number 53.1.1
Yahya related to me fromMalik from Zayd ibn Aslam that the Messengerof
Allah, said," The one riding greets the one walking, and when one of a
group of people gives a greeting, it is enough for all of them. "
The person coming or going, should first offer the salutation (salaams):
Hadith - Abu Dawood 5189, Narrated Abu Hurayrah
The Prophet said: When one of you comes to an assembly, heshould give
a salutation and if he feels inclined toget up, he should give a
salutation, for the formeris not more of a duty than the latter.
The pious muslims is anxious to give salaams first
Hadith - Abu Dawood 5178, Narrated Abu Umamah
The Prophet said: Those who are nearest to Allah are they who are
first to give a salutation.
During Salah
Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #991,Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar , Transmitted by Tirmidhi.
I asked Bilal: How did Allah's Apostle respond to them as they greeted
himwhile he was in prayer? Thereupon he said: He only made a gesture
withhis hands (in order to respond to the greeting).
Hadith - Sunan of Abu Dawood 927, Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar
The Apostle of Allah went to Qubato offer prayer. Then the Ansar (the
Helpers) came to him and gave him a salutation while he was engaged in
prayer. I asked Bilal: How did you find the Apostle of Allah
responding to them when they gave him a salutation while hewas engaged
in prayer. He replied: In this way, and Ja'far ibn Awn demonstrated by
spreading his palm, and keeping its inner side below and its back side
above.
Hadith - Abu Dawood 924, Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas'ud
We used to salute during prayer and talk about our needs. I came to
the Apostle of Allah and found him praying. I saluted him, but he did
not respond to me. I recalled what happened to me in the past and in
the present. When the Apostle of Allah finished his prayer, he said to
me: Allah, the Almighty, creates new command asHe wishes, and Allah,
the Exalted, has sent a fresh command that you must not talk during
prayer. He then returned my salutation.
Hadith - Bukhari and Muslim
Ibn Mas'ud reports: "We used to greet the Messenger of Allah while he
was in salah and he would respond to our greeting. When we returned
from Abyssinia, we greeted him [during prayer] but he did not respond
to our salutation. We said to him: 'O Messenger of Allah, we used to
greet you while you were in salah and you used to respond to us!' He
then said: ' Prayer demands one's complete attention.' "

Supplications Examples to be Used in Every Day Situations

" And remember your Lord by your tongue and within yourself,
humbly and with fear without loudness in words in the mornings,
and in the afternoons and be not of those who are neglectful.
Surely, those who are with your Lord (angels)
are never too proud to perform acts of worship to Him,
but they glorify His Praiseand prostrate before Him. "
The Noble Qur'an - Al-A'raf 7:205-206
" Supplication is the pith of worship. "
Tirmidhi, Narrated Anas ibn Malik
" No one offers a supplication without Allah bringing him what he asks
or keeping away from him a like amount of evil,
provided he does not askfor something sinful or for breaking ties of
relationship. "
Tirmidhi, Narrated Jabir ibn Abdullah
" If anyone finds pleasurein receiving an answer from Allah in times
of difficulty,
he should make many supplications when timesare easy. "
Tirmidhi, Narrated AbuHurayrah, gharib tradition
Waking Up
Alhamdu lillahil-ladhi ahyaana ba'da ma amaatana wa ilaihin nushur.
Praise is to Allah Who bring us lifes after He hasbrought us death and
unto Him is the return. [Abu Dawud 4/264, Ahmad 2/389]
Getting Dressed
Alhamdu lillahil-ladhi kasaani hadha (aththauba) wa razaqaneehi min
ghairi haulim-minni wa la quwwatin.
Praise is to Allah who hasclothed me with this (garment) and provided
it for me, though I was powerless myself and incapable. [Bukhari,
Muslim, Dawud, Ibn Majah, At-Tirmidhi]
Getting Undressed
Bismillah.
By/In the Name of Allah. [At-Tirmidhi 2/505]
Before Eating
Bismillah.
By/In the Name of Allah. [Ibn Majah 1/557, see also An-Nawawi, Kitabul
Adhkar 4/342]
If you forgot to say the above before eating, then say the following
as soon as you remember:
Bismilaah i 'awwalihi wa aakhirihi.
In the Name of Allah, over the beginning of it and the end of it.
[Recorded by al-Tirmidhi,According to al-Hilaali, this hadith is sahih
due toits supporting evidence. See al-Hilaali, vo. 2, pp. 580-581]
After Sneezing
The muslim who sneezed should immediately say:
Alhamdulillah
All praises and thanks are(due) to Allah.
The muslim who hears a sneezer say"Alhamdulillah" should then say:
Yar hamu-kAllah
May Allah have mercy upon you.
The original sneezer may then say:
Yahdeekumu-llaahu wa yuslihu baalakum.
May Allah guide you and set your affairs in order. [Bukhari 7/125]
When a disbeliever sneezes, the Muslim says:
Yahdeekumu-llaahu wa yuslihu baalakum.
May Allah guide you and set your affairs in order. [At-Tirmidhi 5/82,
Ahmad 4/400, Dawud 4/308]
Before Entering the Toilet
[Bismillahi] Allahumma inna 'audhu bika minal khubthi wal khabaa'ith.
[By the Name of Allah]. Oh Allah, I seek protection in You from
unclean spirits, male and female. [Abu Dawud 4/264, Ahmad 2/389]
After Leaving the Toilet
Ghufraanak(a).
I seek Your forgiveness.
Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi, Narrated 'Aisha, r.a.
When Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) came out from the privy, he
said: (I seek) forgiveness from Thee. [Transmitted by Tirmidhi,Ibn
Majah and Darimi]
Before Sleeping
Bismika Rabbi wada'tu janbi, wa bika arfa'uhu, fa'in amsakta nafsi
farhamha, wa in arsaltaha fahfazha, bima tahfazu bihi 'ibaadakas
saaliheen.
With Your Name my Lord,I lay myself down; and with Your Name I rise.
And if my soul You take, have mercy on it, and if You send it back
then preserve it as you preserve Your righteous slaves. [Bukhari
11/126, Muslim 4/2083]
Bismika Allahuma amootu wa ahya.
In Your Name, Oh Allah, I die and I live. [Dying and living are
metaphors for sleep and wakefulness, Allahu Alam. See Qur'an 2:258,
3:156, 7:158, Al-Asqalani, Fath Al-Bari 11/113, Muslim 4/2083]
Brief Alertness During Sleep (i.e. stirring in the bed, turning over in the bed)
La ilaha illallahul WahidulQahharu, Rabbus samaawaati wal ardi wa ma
bainahumal Azeezul Ghaffaru.
There is no deity but Allah, the One, the Victorious, Lord of the
heavens and the earth and all that is between them, the All-Mighty,
the All-Forgiving. [Al-Hakim, An-Nasa'i, see also Al-Albani]
Waking Up from a Bad Dream
A'udhu bikalimaatil lahit taammaati min ghadabihi wa 'iqaabihi, wa
sharri ibaadihi, wa min hamazatish shayaateeni wa an yahdurun.
I seek refuge in the Perfect Word of Allah from His anger and His
punishment, from the evil of His slaves and from the taunts of jinn
and from their presence. [Abu Dawud 4/12. See also Al-Albani]
Upon Entering the Marketplace
laa 'ilaaha 'illa-llaahu wahdahu laa sh areeka lahu lahu-lmulku wa
lahu-l-hamdu yuhyee wa yumeetu wa huwa hayyun laa yamootu biyadihi-l-
kh airu wa huwa 'ala kulli sh ai 'in qadeer.
There is none worthy of worship except Allah, alone, without any
partner with Him. For Him is the Dominion and to Him is the praise. He
gives life and He brings about death; He is living and does not die.
In His hand is all good and He has power over all things. [Recorded by
al-Tirmidhi. According to al-Albani, this hadith is hasan . See
al-Albani, Sahih al-Jaami , vol. 2, p. 1070