Women of Paradise

In the first issue, we learnt about the Black woman and her love for
Allaah. Once again we will take a trip back in time and visit another
great woman, Asmaa' bint Abi Bakr , one of the Sahabah (female
Companions) of the Prophet . This journey requires that we free our
minds from the ideas of modernists and pay special attention to the
life this blessed companion led, and compare it to our own lives. As
always, we will make this trip through the authentic narration from
the Scholars of Hadith. Brace yourselves as we now journey back in
time to the golden era at the time of the Prophet .
Asmaa' daughter of Abu Bakr said:"az-Zubair (Ibn al-`Awwam, the cousin
ofthe Prophet , through his aunt) married me. He had neither wealth,
slaveor anything else like it, except a camel (to get water) and a
horse. I used to graze his horse, [provide fodder to it and look after
it, and ground dates for his camel. Besides this, I grazed the camel],
made arrangements for providing [it with] water and patched up [his]
leather bucket and kneaded the flour. But I was not proficient in
baking the bread, so my female neighbors used tobake bread for me [and
they were sincere women]. And I used to carry on my head the stones
(seeds) of the d~tes from az-Zubair's land which Allaah's Messenger
had endowed him, and it wasat a distance of two miles(from Madinah).
"As I was one day carrying the stones of dates upon my head I happened
to meet Allaah's Messenger along with a group of hisCompanions. He
called me and said to the camel to sit down so that he should make me
ride behind him. I felt shy to go with men and I remembered az-Zuhair
and his gheerah (1) , and he was the man having the most gheerah. When
the Messenger of Allaah understood my shyness, he left. I came
toaz-Zubair and said: 'The Messenger of Allaah met me as I was
carrying the stones of the dates on my head, and there was with him a
group of his Companions, he said to the camel to sit down so that I
mount it, I felt shy from him, and remembered your gheerah.' Whereupon
he (az-Zubair) said: 'By Allaah, the carrying of dates' stone upon
your head is more severe a burden on me than riding with him.' [And I
led this life of hardship] until Abu Bakr sent afterwards a female
servant who took upon herself the responsibility of looking after the
horseand I felt as if she had emancipated me (2) ." Remember that
Asmaa' was the sister in law of the Prophet !
Asmaa' reported: "I performed the householdduties of az-Zubair and he
had a horse, I used to look after it. Nothing was(more) for me than
looking after the horse. I used to bring grass for it and looked after
it, then Igot a servant as Allaah's Messenger had some prisoners of
war in his possession. He gave me a female servant. She then began to
look after the horse and thus relieved me of this burden. A person
came and he said:'Mother of Abdullah, I am a destitute person and I
intend that I should start business under the shadow of your house.' I
(Asmaa') said: 'If I grant you permission, az Zubairmay not agree to
that, so you come and make a demand of it when az-Zubair is also
present there.'
He came accordingly and said: 'Mother of Abdullah,I am a destitute
person. I intend to start small business in the shadow of your house.
I said: 'Is there not in Madinah (any place for starting the business)
except my house?' Az-Zubair said: 'Why is it that you prohibit the
destitute man to start business here?' So he started business and he
(earned so much) that we sold our slave-girl to him. Az-Zubair came to
me while the money was in my lap. He said: 'Give this to me.' I said:
'(I intend) to spend it in charity.'" [Muslim] Notice how Asmaa' had
been in favorof allowing that person to start business under the
shadow of their house, but she did not like to do anything whichcould
be a source of annoyance or disgust to her husband. She, therefore,
posed a question in order to solicit the opinion of her husband and
when his reaction was found favorable, she agreed to this proposal.
Dear Sister, Allaah (T) has made you a protected jewel in Islam whom
the liberalists are trying to make an object of trade, and the
modernists [among Muslims] are trying to strip you of your modesty and
shyness. Read these ahadith carefully, over and over, and ponder on
them very deeply. They contain a gold mine for both women and men.
Asmaa' had thefollowing credits to her personality (among others):
*. She was one of the most noble women of Arabia at that time.
*. The daughter of the pure and the noble AbuBakr , the leader of his
tribe, and the first Caliph of Islam.
*. The sister-in-law of the best of mankind. Mohammad , who named her
"Thaatun-Nitaaqayn" (the one with two belts), for her heroic act
during the Hijrah [migration] of the Prophet and Abu Bakr , from
Makkah to Madinah.
*. The sister of the most knowledgeable woman, 'Aishah who is among
the only seven Companions of the Prophet who narrated more than a
thousand ahadith.
*. The wife of az-Zubair Ibn al-`Awwaam, one ofthe ten people promised
Paradise by the Messenger of Allaah . Az-Zubair was brave, courageous
and defended the Prophet with his sword.
*. The Mother of ameerul-mu'mineen 'Abdullah Ibn az-Zubair who was
given bay`a inHijaz and was killed by al-Hajjaaj (3) : and
*. the mother of 'Urwah, who when he entered in prayer he would forget
about this life It was 'Urwah who when his leg had to be cut, was told
to drink wine as an anesthesia but refused to drink wine and instead,
gave intructions to cut it while he was in prayer. They did, and he
did not feel anything until he woke up.
Asmaa', may Allaah (T) be pleased with her, was one of the most noble
personalities, yet was veiled and shy in front of men. She refused to
be with men, mingle with them, ride among them or go with them; and.
by Allaah, the men being talked about were no ordinary men! They
werethe Messenger of Allaah , and his Companions. She served her
husband as a true wife should, staying at home to take care of her
household. She was very careful at guarding and preserving her honor,
and the honorof her husband. Did she ever pressure az-Zubair by
reminding him of her honorable lineage as the daughter of the noble
Abu Bakr? She was patient for the hardship she went through, and was
loving and respectfultowards her husband. Can a woman be richer than
Asmaa'?
Her father, Abu Bakr , was a rich merchant. Yet, she carried stones of
dates on her head, and walked miles to get water and date seeds. She
also dealtwith horses and camels [which she did not do in her father'
s house], baked bread, pleased herhusband, yet would not takc
decisions without him, even if it were an obvious decision for the
pleasure of Allaah (T).
Dear sister, wake up! Realize that the modernists and liberalistsare
leading you to a pathother than the path of the Believers. Allaah (T)
says (the meaning (of which is): And whoever contends with, and
contradicts the Messenger after guidance has been clearly conveyed to
him, and chooses a path otherthan that of the Faithful Believers, We
shall leave him in the Path he has chosen and land him in Hell, what
an evil refuge!" [an Nisaa 4:115] (4) .
Which path leads you to happiness of this world and the hereafter, to
the pleasure of Allaah (T) andthe company of Asmaa' in Paradise? Is it
the path of tabarruj (5) and .sufoor (6) and Ikhtilaat (7) or the path
of Hijab and Modesty?
Remember the golden words of Asmaa' when she said:"I felt shy to go
with men, and I remembered az-Zubair and his gheerah." Remember also
what the Black woman said: "But I become uncovered, so please invoke
Allaah for me [make du'a to Allaah for me] that I may not become
uncovered." This illustrates what kind of a pure and clean society it
was, and what kind of amazing women they were. They were the followers
of the Qur'an and the Sunnah, the Salafthat we are proud to follow. We
ask you to think about this, and pray to Allaah (T) to makeus all
among the pure women and men whom Allaah (T) is pleased with,and whom
the Messengerof Allaah will be pleased and happy to meet in Paradise,
for theyfollowed his Sunnah. though they never met him: and they
followed the practice of his Companions, though theynever met them
either.
Imagine, dear sister. that you are among the blessed ones who
succeeded in passing over the Sirat (8) , and found in front of you
the Hawdh (pool) of the Prophet and you drank from it. Imagine
yourself entering Jannah? and findhlg RasoolAllaah who he ishappy to
see you. Imagine you are among those whom he called"my brethren" (9) .
Imagine yourself among the blessed ones when the veil will be
withdrawn, and the people of the Paradise"will not have known anything
dearer to them than looking upon the Countenance of their Lord."
[Muslim] Indeed, the reward of Allaah (T) isinvaluable; the reward
ofAllaah (T) is Paradise; its price is following and practicing the
Qur'an andthe Sunnah the way that Asmaa' and az-Zubair andall the
Sahabah did (may Allaah (T) be pleased withthem all).
Back home to the fifteenth century Hijrah [twentieth of the Christian era] ...
We hope and pray that after journeying throughthese authentic ahadith
with us, we can put into practice all that we have learnt. We remind
you that our happiness, the pleasure of our eyes and the comfort of
our heartsstart with you by your following of the Qur'an and the
Sunnah and the practice of the Salaf:
We hope to see you insha'Allaah in our next trip to the golden age
through some other ayahs of the Qur'an and the authentic ahadith.
(1) the feeling of honor a man has towards the female members of his family.
(2) al-Bukhari, Muslim and Ahmad; additional narration in brackets "[
]"are from Muslim.
(3) Abdullah Ibn az-Zubair (R) sought advice trom his mother Asmaa' in
fighting al Hajjaaj and hisameer AbdulMalik after these two called him
to surrender in peace. She replied: lf you went out [in fighting] to
revive theBook of Allaah (T) and the Sunnah of His Prophet, know that
the goat does not get tortured by slaughtering [i.e. once slain, it
does not feel anything when the skin is removed]. So die on the truth.
But if you went out seeking theworldly life, then there is no goodness
in you alive or dead. My Son! Die withhonor and dignity and do not
surrender. [Musnad al Haiku]. After this meeting with Asmaa'.Abdullah
went out to fight ...he was killed in Makkah ... May Allaah (T) have
Mercy on him and be pleased with him.
(4) The faithful believers are the Sahabah [the companions of the
Prophet ]. Shaikh-ul-lslam Ibn Taymeeyah commented on this verse"All
who contradict and oppose the Messenger after the right path has been
clearly shown to them. have followed other than the Path of the
believers: and all whofollow other than the Path of the believers have
contradicted and opposed the Messenger after the right Path has been
shown to them. If one thinks that he is following the Path of the
Faithful believers and is mistaken, he is in the same position as one
who thinks he is following the Messenger and is mistaken"
(5) Displaying one's beauty
(6) Revealing beauty
(7) Mingling with men
(8) The narrow bridge hanging over hell.
(9) Part of the hadith fromSahih Muslim which continues: '...the
Sahaabah replied "Aren't we your brethren?'' He said: "You are my
companions; my brethrenare people who come later, believe in me (and
obviously follow me), even though they did notsee me."' This hadith
will be the subject of one of our future articles, whereit will be
referenced appropriately. and mentioned in its entirety,insha'Allaah.

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Women of Paradise

Part 1: 'The Black Woman'
Paradise is for believing men and women.
We often hear speakers in Friday prayer or in admonitions talking
about Paradise and all of us find our hearts, minds and thoughts tuned
on tothat 'frequency'. However, majority of the speakers talk about
Paradise as if it were a house for men only. Reality is not like that.
Paradise is for the believing men and women. The only price for it is
sound belief in Allaah, love of Allaah and His Messenger salla Allaahu
alaihi wa sallam, and obedience to Allaah and His Messenger salla
Allaahu alaihi wa sallam.
In what follows are the glad tidings given by the Messenger of Allaah
salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam, to some of the women among his
companions.
*. Narrated 'Aisha radhiya Allaahu anha: I did not feel jealous of any
of the wives of the Prophet as much as I did of Khadija (although) she
died before he married me, for I often heard him mentioning her, and
Allaah had told him to give her the good tidings that she would have a
palace of Qasab (i.e. pipes of precious stones and pearls in
Paradise), and whenever he slaughtered a sheep, hewould send her
women-friends a good share of it. [Sahih al-Bukhari]
*. Anas reports that the Messenger of Allaah, salla Allaahu alaihi wa
sallam, said: ' The best women of mankind are four: Mariam daughter of
`Imraan, Assiya wife of Pharaoh, Khadija daughter of Khuwailid, and
Fatima the daughter of the Messenger of Allaah. ' [Bukhari and Muslim]
*. Narrated Abu Huraira: Jibreel (Gabriel) came to the Prophet and
said,'O Allaah's Apostle! This is Khadija coming to you with a dish
having meat soup (or some food or drink). When she reaches you, greet
her on behalf of her Lord (i.e. Allaah) and onmy behalf, and give
herthe glad tidings of having a Qasab (palace in Paradise) wherein
there will be neither any noise nor any fatigue (trouble).'
[al-Bukhari]
*. Narrated 'Ata bin Abi Rabah: Ibn 'Abbas said to me, 'Shall I show
you a woman of the people of Paradise?' I said, 'Yes.' He said, 'This
blackwoman came to the Prophet and said, 'I get attacks of epilepsy
and my body becomes uncovered; please invoke Allaah for me.' The
Prophet said (to her), ' If you wish, be patient and you will have
(enter) Paradise; and if you wish, I will invoke Allaah to cure you. '
She said, 'I will remain patient,' and added, 'but I become uncovered,
so please invoke Allaah for me that I may not become uncovered.' So he
invoked Allaah for her.' [al-Bukhari]
The aforementioned ahadeeth clearly state the stature of some of the
women given the glad tidings of Jannah (Paradise). What can the women
of today do in order to achieve that pinnacle of success, Paradise?
To do so one MUST learn how these women lived, how they behaved, how
they spoke, how they dressed, how they walked, etc. In this issue of
al-Mu'minah we will try to learn from the black woman mentioned in the
last Hadith, insha'Allaah. The black woman is not even known by her
name, or her exact whereabouts, rather she is known by her deeds, her
faith, her modesty, her chastity, and for her being an inmate of
Paradise. And, in the end, that is what matters most. When Abdullah
Ibn Abbas radhiya Allaahu anhu said 'this black woman', he did not
mean to point at her race or to belittle her in any way. Indeed, he
but meant to teach the people around him a great principle of Islam
which is mentioned in the verse, [in the meaning of] : ' O people! We
have created you from a man and a woman and made you into peoples and
tribes so that you may know each other, verily the most honorable
among you in the sight of Allaah are the most pious. '
The same principle is mentioned in the Hadith: ' Allaah does not look
at your pictures (shapes) and bodies but He looks at your hearts (and
your deeds). ' [Muslim] She (the black woman) was physically sick, yet
she sought cure in the du`a of the Messenger of Allaah, salla Allaahu
alaihiwa sallam. She knew thatthe one who cures, ash-Shaafee, is
Allaah, and Allaah would answerthe du`a of His Messengersalla Allaahu
alaihi wa sallam. We conclude fromthat that du`a heals all diseases be
they of the body or of the heart. When commenting on this Hadith,
al-Hafidh Ibn Hajar said: 'It is inferred from this hadith that the
cure of diseases through du`a and supplication to Allaah (wa
al-iltijaa' ilaa Allaah) is the most successful way of healing, but
this cannot be fulfilled unless two conditions are satisfied: pure
intention and sincere trust in the effectiveness of the du`a, and
righteousness and reliance on Allaah.
The fact that the Prophet salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam said: ' If
you wish, be patient and you will have (enter) Paradise ' is a proof
for the virtue andreward of patience during sickness. In another
Hadith, he, salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam, says: ' Whenever a
hardship affects the Muslim, he will be forgiven for it even whenhe is
picked by a spike. ' [Muslim]
And in another Hadith, also narrated by Muslim, Ummu as-Sa'ib cursed
fever, to which the Prophet salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam told her: '
Do not curse fever, for it takes away the sins like the blaze [fire]
takes away the impurities of iron. ' The black women preferred the
suffering of this world to getting the eternal reward of Paradise! She
suffered from sickness, yet her pain and discomfort did not force her
to forego pleasing Allaah! And no matter who one is, if one is in the
path of Allaah, one will encounter difficulties, because Paradise is
rounded by hardships. If things are easy and life is rosy, then one
must check oneself; are we following the trueIslam? Especially in this
western environment it may be difficult for a young woman to wear the
dress of modesty, the hijab (even though it is mandatory), not to talk
to men and keep away from them (which is also mandatory), except if
necessary.
All these may be difficult to achieve for some in the beginning, but
when one overcomes herself for the sake of Allaah, then all the other
obstacles become baseless. So, how to overcome oneself? By knowing
Allaah by His names and attributes; by loving and obeying Allaah and
His Messenger,salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam; and then the help of
Allaah will come, insha'Allaah. She (the black woman) preferred being
patient, but could not tolerate that her honor, her modesty and her
chastity be damaged or even touched, nor thatany part of her body be
uncovered, though she had no control over it. Indeed she was a real
slave and servant of Allaah; she was a faithful,a believer, a
Muslimah, a righteous and pious woman, a truthful woman, and she was
loyal to Allaah and His Messenger, salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam. Not
onlyhaving these awe-inspiring qualities, she was also a wise and
agreat woman, as her memorable words rang...: '... but I become
uncovered, so please invoke Allaah for me that I may not become
uncovered.'
If words are to be written in Gold, these words should be written in
gold ... Remember this simple equation:
Iman + Suffering + Patience = Paradise
It can also be inferred that the righteous Muslimwoman inherently
loves to be covered, loves modesty and chastity andhates revealing her
body and her beauty. The black woman, radhiya Allaahu `anha could
sustain being so sick but could not bear to be uncovered in front of
people.
The issue, one must understand, is not of black or white or Arab or
non-Arab, rich or poor, noble[with lineage] or not, it is rather of a
creedso deeply rooted in the hearts of Muslims like blood flows in the
arteries and veins of people. They are those who are totally committed
to Islam. Fourteen Hundred years of history showed that Muslim women
could sustain hunger, poverty, sickness but could never sustain
disobeying Allaah. The wife would tell her husband when leaving for
work: 'Fear Allaah in us, for we can sustain hunger and thirst but we
cannot sustain Hell fire [i.e. do not acquire unlawful earning].'
Dear sisters, ask yourself what made Khadija radhiya Allaahu `anha be
greeted by Allaah Subhanahu wa Ta`ala and by Jibreel alaihi as-Salaam.
Ask yourself what made Khadija be rewarded a Palace in Jannah as no
one can imagine. Reading the biography of Khadija andothers like her
in greatness, one would wish to be at their service; to carry their
shoes, wash their clothes,to serve them in any possible way and get
du`a from them. It is sad that we just don't know the great
personalities ofthis Ummah. If only we strive to study the lives ofthe
righteous that preceded us, we would find in them immense guidance for
our existence, and if we know them and follow them we could be in the
forefront of mankind ...
It is said, 'Iman (faith) is not by hope, it is rather what occurs in
the heart and is proved by the deeds [maa waqa`a fil qalbi wa
saddaqahul-`amal].' We leave you to think about this and prayto Allaah
to make us all among the dwellers of Paradise and to bestow upon us
the faith and thepatience that lead us to Paradise. And to bless
thepresent Muslim Ummah with many women like the black woman, radhiya
Allaahu `anha (may Allaah be pleased with her), who help us focus on
the straight path ...

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Explanation of Soorah al-Maa'oon

The verses:
In the name of Allaah, theMost Beneficent, the MostMerciful.
Almighty Allaah Says (what means): "Have you seen the one who denies
the Recompense? For that is the one who drives away the orphan.
Anddoes not encourage the feeding of the poor. So woe to those
whopray. [But] are heedless of their prayer – Those who make show [of
their deeds]. And withhold [simple] assistance." [Quran 107: 1-7]
Explanation:
"Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense?" [Quran107:1] Here,
Allaahthe Most High asks His Messenger if he has seen the one who
rejects the Deen - that is, the Appointed Time, the Requital and the
Reward .
"For that is the one who drives away the orphan." [Quran 107:2] That
is, he coerces and oppresses the orphan, denying him his rights, and
refusing to feed him, or give him anyaid .
" And does not encourage the feeding of the poor." [Quran 107:3] As
Allaah Says (what means) : "No! But you do not honour the orphan, And
you do not encourage one another to feed the poor." [Quran 89: 17-18]
That is, the one in need, who hasnothing, he does not support or
maintain him, or attend to his needs .
"So woe to those who pray. [But] are heedless of their prayer." [Quran
107:4-5] According to Ibn `Abbaas and others, this verse refers to the
hypocrites who pray in public but not in private, and for this reason
Allaah Says (what means): "…to those who pray" who are among those who
pray, but doesnot mean everyone who prays. These people, at first, are
steadfast in their prayers, then they become neglectful of them either
entirely, as stated by Ibn `Abbaas or they become careless about
praying on time until they pray after the prescribed time. `Ataa'
said: "All praise is due to Allaah who Says (what means): "…heedless
of their prayer" rather than neglectful in their prayers." However,
this verse is comprehensive and covers both meanings. Whoever is
neglectful by delaying hisprayers, is careless in implementing the
prescribed Sunnahs (recommended supererogatory acts) in prayer,
fulfilling its conditions, or does not pray with a fitting sense of
humility and does not reflect on the meaning may be considered a
hypocrite in his actions as confirmed by the Hadeeth (Prophetic
saying) that the Messenger of Allaah said: "This is the prayer of the
hypocrite, this is the prayer of the hypocrite: He sits and observes
the sun until it is between the horns of Satan (about to set), thenhe
quickly prays four Rak'ahs (units of prayer) in which he barely
mentions Allaah." [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim]
The prayer referred to is the 'Asr (afternoon) prayer and the delay is
until the end of the permitted time which is atime at which it is
despised to offer prayers,when the hypocrite rapidly performs his
prayer (so that his movements resemble the rapid pecking of a
chicken), hastily, without a fitting sense of humility. Likewise, the
one who prays in order to be seen by others, and not to gain the
pleasure of Allaah, is like the one who doesn't pray at all. Allaah
Says (what means) : " Indeed , the hypocrites [think to] deceive
Allaah, but He is deceiving them. And when they stand for prayer, they
stand lazily,showing [themselves to] the people and not remembering
Allaah except a little." [Quran 4:142] While Allaah says here what
means: "…Who are heedless of their prayer." [Quran 107:5]
"Those who make show [of their deeds]." [Quran 107:6]
Imaam At-Tabaraani stated: "The Messenger ofAllaah said: "Indeed, in
Hell there is a valley (which is so terrible) that the Hellfire
wishes, four hundred times a day, that it were not a part of it. It
has been prepared for those among the community of Muhammad who
perform deeds in order to be seen doing them..."
Imam Ahmad narrated that the Messenger of Allaah said: "Whoever
performs a (good) deed in order to gain a good reputation, Allaah will
make him despised and degraded." However, if a person sincerely
performs a good deed, solely for the sake of Allaah, that happens to
be seen by others and it pleases them, there is no sin for him in
this, and the proof for this is the narration of Abu Hurayrah who
said: "I was praying once when aman entered (the mosque), and this
pleased me, so I told the Messenger of Allaah about it, and he
said:"Two rewards have been written for you - the reward of praying in
secret and the reward of being seen."
Imaam Ibn Jareer saidthat the Messenger of Allaah said that:"Those
"Who are heedless of their prayer" are those who delay theirprayers
and do not pray them at the right time." Delaying the prayer may
simply mean praying it late, or it may mean not praying it at all, or
it may mean delaying the prayer until the prescribed time has expired
.
"And withhold [simple] assistance." [Quran 107:7]
These people do not behave well in worship, nor do they behave well
towards their fellow men; they will not even lend to those in need,
though it would be returned to them, nor do they like to pay Zakaah
(obligatory alms) or other forms of charity. Ibn Abu Nujayh said that
`Ali said that the word Al-Maa'oon means Zakaah, and this was
alsorelated by Imaam As-Suddi may Allaah havemercy on him. This was
also attributed by more than one person to Ibn `Umar .
Many narrations suggest that the word is more general than this and
even includes things commonly shared, such as buckets, spades and
axes, etc. It is narrated that the Messenger of Allaah was asked
whatAl-Maa`oon is, to which he replied: "The stone (i.e. pots and
pans, etc.), the iron (i.e. axes, spades etc.) and all such things."

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Virtues of reading the Quran

To reflect upon the verses of Allaah is a form of worship; it is
something that will draw one close to Allaah, Most High. This
reflection is not a reckless and wandering one, rather, it includes a
study of the classical Tafseer (exegesis) of the verses being pondered
over. Allaah, Most High, Says in the Quran (what means): " Then do
they notreflect upon the Quran? If it had been from [any] other than
Allaah, they would have found within it much contradiction. " [Quran:
4:82]
The Book of Allaah is unlike any other; it is the timeless Speech of
Allaah, and not a created thing. Itis the study guide for life, death,
and what follows. Therefore, it deserves a far more careful study than
anyone else's speech. It necessitates that its reader return to the
early narrations of those who witnessed its revelation and heard its
explanation by the one deputed by Allaah to rehearse and explain His
Words to humanity, Muhammad . For if one wouldtry to ponder over the
meanings of the verses without having done this study, then surely the
filth of the time that he lives in and his ignorance of the correct
application and understanding that the early Muslims had wouldcause
him to understand some things not intended by Allaah, Most High, and
therefore he would go astray, thinking to be worshipping Allaah. So,
let every sincere Muslim who hopes to earn Allaah's Love by reciting
and reflecting over Allaah's Book holdtight to the meanings explained
by the Prophet and those taught by the Companions and their immediate
followers, and the early scholars of Islam.
Dear Muslim brother and sister! Know that reciting and pondering over
the Book of Allaah and devoting regular time to its study and
implementation has tremendous benefits in this life and the next. Let
us now lookat just a few of them to attach ourselves more firmly to
the majestic Words of Allaah. Each benefit stands as enough of an
encouragement to shun any laziness we have and dedicate ourselves
wholly to the Quran.
Reading and Reflecting Over the Quran Fulfils an Islamic Duty
The Prophet summarised this religion with his statement: " Thereligion
(of Islaam) is naseehah (offering sincere advice)! " Tameem bin Aws
said: " We asked, 'To whom?' " He replied: " To Allaah, His Book, His
Messenger, the leaders of the people, and to their subjects. "
[Muslim] The sincerity that is due to the Book of Allaah includes its
regular recitation, learning the rules of Tajweed (the recitation of
the Quran, according to specified rules) and reciting it beautifully,
learning about its Tafseer and the reasons for its revelation,
affirming that it is the truth, the perfect Speech of Allaah and not
part of the creation, honouring it and defending it, abiding by the
orders and prohibitions found in it, and teaching it and calling to
it.
The Quran will be a Proof for or against Us on the Day of Judgement
This is due to the statement of the Messenger : " And the Quran is a
proof for you or against you. " [Muslim] So, one of two things will
occur with this proof, the Book of Allaah. It will either be in one's
favour, a proof for us on the Day when we will desperately need every
single good deed, or it will be something standing against us. The
very Speech of our Creator as a proof against us! Who could be saved
from the terrors of that Day if Allaah's own Speech is against Him?
Think carefully, dear Muslim brothers and sisters, about your position
with the Quran. Are you neglecting it, contradicting it, and being
heedless of its orders and prohibitions? Are you thinking deeply over
it? Will it be on your side on the Day of Judgement?
The Quran will Intercede for Us on the Day of Judgement
Abu Umaamah related that the Prophet said: " Read the Quran, for
indeed it will come on the Day of Standing (Judgement) as an
intercessor for its companions. " [Muslim]
The Quran Raises One's Status in this Life
In Saheeh Muslim, which is one ofthe two most authentic books of
prophetic narrations, we find a wonderful story about how a man from
the people of Paradise,'Umar bin Al-Khattaab understood this
principle. The story is that once, some men came to question him
during his reign as caliph regarding the leadership of Makkah. The men
asked: " Who do you use to govern Makkah? " He said: " Ibn Abzaa. "
They asked: " And who is Ibn Abzaa? " 'Umar replied: " A freed slave
from thosewe freed. " They remarked: " You left a freed slave in
command of the People of the Valley (the noble tribes of the Quraysh)?
" He replied: " Indeed he is a reciter of the Book of Allaah and is
knowledgeable about the obligations of the Muslims. Haven't you heard
the statement of your Messenger : "Verily Allaah raises some people by
this Book and lowers others by it" "?
The People of the Quran are from Best of People
'Uthmaan said that the Prophet said: " The best of you are those who
learn the Quran and teach it to others. " [Al-Bukhaari]
There are Ten Rewards for Every Letter Recited from the Quran
As a Hadeeth (prophetic statement) in At-Tirmithi proves: " Whoever
reads a letter from theBook of Allaah, he will have a reward, and this
reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not sayingthat 'Alif, Laam,
Meem' (a combination of letters frequently mentioned in the Holy
Quran) is a letter, rather I am saying that 'Alif' is a letter, 'Laam'
is a letter and 'Meem' is a letter. " [At-Tirmithi] So increase your
recitation of the Quran to gain these merits, as well as the following
ones.
The Reciters of the Quran Will Be in the Company of the Noble and
Obedient Angels
'Aa'ishah related that the Prophet said: " Indeed the one who recites
the Quran beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, will be in the company
of the noble and obedient angels.As for the one who recites with
difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will
have twice that reward. " [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
So dear brother or sister Muslim, do not let the Shaytaan (Satan) give
you false excuses, such as 'I am not an Arab.' or 'It is not in my
language.' This Hadeeth is a firm proof against these whisperings.
Dedicate yourself to the Book of Allaah, whether you are an Arab or
not! The excuses have been eliminated and the pathway has been cleared
for you to embrace the Book of Allaah without holding back or offering
excuses! Surely you will not hesitate to seek a teacher or a study
circle for the Quran once you hear the last and perhaps greatest
benefits of reading and contemplating over the Quran.
One's Position and Rank in Paradise is Determined by the Amount of
Quran He Memorised in this Life
'Abdullaah bin 'Amr bin Al-'Aas heard the Prophet saying:"It will be
said to the companion of the Quran: 'Read and elevate (through the
levels of Paradise) and beautify your voice as you didwhen you were in
the worldly life! For verily, your position in Paradise will be at the
last verse you recite!'" [Abu Daawood and At-Tirmithi]
The Quran Leads to Paradise
The Quran states (what means): " Indeed the Quran guides to that which
is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers whodo
righteous deeds that they will have a great reward. " [Quran: 17:9]
The Prophet said: " The Quran is an intercessor - something given
permission to intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever
puts it in front of him, itwill lead him to Paradise; whoever puts it
behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire. " [At-Tabaraani]
Know, dear brothers and sisters, that these nine benefits from the
numerous benefits available can only be attained by a sincere
commitment to the Book of Allaah, and not simply by an empty claim of
love for it. Rather,the heart must be sincerely attached to the Book
of Allaah and the limbs and tongue will follow suit in this
attachment. One must know that we only mentioned a few of the numerous
benefits of reading and reflecting over the Quran. There are many
other benefits that await your reading of the Quran and books of
Hadeeth, such as the chapter of the Quran that will plead on your
behalf in the grave, and that it is a physicalhealing, a source of
rest and relaxation for your heart, among many other things.

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