Hajj, - Virtues of Udhiyyah – Sacrifice

*."Sacrificing (animals) has been ordained on every Ummah so that the
Name of Allah is mentioned on these particular animals which Allah has
bestowed on them…" (Surah An'aam)
*."We have made the sacrifice of camels and cows among the salient
features of (the Deen) of Allah. There is benefit in it for you."
(Surah Hajj)
*."Neither the flesh (of the sacrificed animals) nor their blood reach
Allah. But, it is your taqwa (piety and sincerity of heart) which
reaches Him. Convey glad tidings to the sincere ones." (Surah Hajj)
*."Perform Salaat for your Rabb and sacrifice (animals)." (Surah Kauthar)
*."Truly my prayer, my sacrifice, My life and death, are all for
Allâh; the Rabb of the Worlds."
*.Hadhrat Ayesha (radiallahu anha) narrates that Rasulullah
(Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "During the days of Qurbaani there
is no deed of man more loved by Allah Ta'ala than sacrificing of
animals. On the Day of Qiyaamah the sacrificed animal will arise with
its horns, hair and hoofs. Allah Ta'ala accepts the sacrificed animal
before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore, render the Qurbaani
wholeheartedly and happily." ( Ibn Majah, Tirmizi, Hakim)
*.Hadhrat Zaid bin Arqam (radiallahu anhu) narrates that the Sahaabah
enquired from Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) about the
Qurbaani practice. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "It
is the way of your father, Ibraheem (alayhis salaam)." The Sahabah
asked: "What will we acquire by it?" Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi
Wasallam) replied: "A good deed (is recorded for you) in return for
every hair (on its body)." The Sahaabah asked: "0 Rasulullah! If there
is wool on the body?" Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "A
good deed in return for every strand (of wool on its body)." (Hakim,
Ibn Majah)
*.Hadhrat Ali (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu
alayhi wasallam) said to Faatimah (radiallahu anha): "0 Faatimah! Get
up and be present at your Qurbaani (when it is about to be
slaughtered). All your sins are forgiven as the first drop of its
blood reaches the earth. Rememberthat on the Day of Qurbaani its flesh
and blood will be brought and after increasing it by seventy times, it
will be placed in your Scale of good deeds." Its flesh and blood will
be brought and after increasing it by seventy times, it will be placed
in your Scale of good deeds." Hadhrat Abu Saeed (radiallahu anhu)
asked: "0 Rasulullah! Is this reward exclusive for the Family of
Muhammad? Truly, they deserve such great thawaab-or is this thawaab
for all Muslims as well?" Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)
said: "For the Family of Muhammad as well as for all Muslims in
general." (Isbahaani)
*.Hadhrat Husain Ibn Ali (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah
(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The Qurbaani rendered
wholeheartedly, happily and with sincerity of intention will on the
Day of Qiyaamah be a shield against Jahannum for the sacrificer."
(Tibrani)
*.Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah
(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "He who is by the means but does
not render the Qurbaani, should not come to our place of Eid Salaah."
(Targheeb)
*.Hadhrat Abu Talha (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah
(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sacrificed one sheep for himself and one
sheep on behalf of his Ummah. In this regard Rasulullah (sallallahu
alayhi wasallam) said: "This Qurbaani is for the one in my Ummah who
believes in me and who acknowledges me." (Musali, Kabiri, Ausat)
*.Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah
(sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Fatten your animals (of
sacrifice-feed them well), for they will be your mounts on the Siraat
(the Bridge over Jahannum)." (Kanzul Ummaal)
*.There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Qurbani than the
sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of
Judgement with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). Allah
accepts the sacrifice before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore
sacrifice with an open and happy heart. (Tirmizi, Ibne Majah)
*.Hadhrat Husain bin Ali(radhiyallahu anhu) reported that
Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that: " Whosoever
sacrifices with sincerity and for virtue, will enjoy this sacrifice as
the cause of safety from Jahannam." (Tabraani)
*.Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbas(radhiyallahu anhu) reported that
Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that: " The best
expenditure on the Day of Eid-ul-Adha is to spend one's money in
sacrifice." (Tabraani, Isbahaani)
*.Hadhrat Ayesha(radhiyallahu anha) reported that
Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that: " For every hair
of sacrifice, one virtue is recorded." (Tirmizi)

Hajj, - Virtues of Zam Zam Water

The water of Zam-Zam has countless of virtues and it is extremely pure
and clean. It is the most blessed and purest of all waters on earth.
Allama Taahir Karwi, writes in this regard:
1.The inception of this well was owing to Hadhrat Ismaeel (alaihimus
salaam) and his mother Hadhrat Haajira (R.A).
2.Its coming into existence was owing to the intervention of Hadhrat
Jibraeel (alaihis salaam).
3.Its position is upon the most blessed place on earth, i.e. near the
Kaaba Shareef and within the Haram.
4.This well is surrounded by three such sacred places, viz. Hajre
Aswad, Safa and Marwah which grants it virtue (over all other wells).'
5.This is such blessed water, from which Prophets, Pious and
Allaah-fearing people have drank.
6.This such a pure water, with which, Hadhrat Jibraeel (alaihis
salaam) bathed the pure heart of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam).
7.This water also has this virtue that Rahmatul lil ' Aalameen,
MuhammadMustafa (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), twice rinsed his blessed
mouth in the bucket of its well, thereby granting it the virtue of
having the effect of his Mubarak mouth.
8.The world over, this is such a blessed water, that it has been
praised by the most Truthful of all the truthful people (sallallahu
alaihi wasallam).
9.
Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) requested this water from
MakkahMukarramah, whilst he was stationed in MadinahMunawwarah.
Narrations, Incidents and Ahaadith on Zam- Zam
1.
It is reported from Hadhrat Jaabir (radhiayallahu anhu) that
Rasullullah(sallallahu alaihi wasallarn) said: "That person who has
completed seven Tawaafs of the Kaaba Shareef, then he performs 2
Rakaats Salaat behind the Maqaam-e-Ebrahim, and he has a drink of the
water of Zam-Zam, all his sins will be forgiven." (Tafseer Waahidi]
2.
Nabi Kareem (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "The water of Zam- Zam
has a cure for all ailments. " [Dailami]
3.
Hadhrat Abdullaah lbn Abbaas (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that
Nabi(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "The water of Zam-Zam is the
best water on the surface of the earth."
4.
Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "The stomach of a
believer is satiated with the water of Zam-Zam, and the stomach of a
Munaafiq is not satiated." It is as though this is a sign of
hypocrisy.
5.
Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "For whatever object
Zam-Zam is drunk, that object will definitely be fulfilled. If one
drinks it with the purpose of being cured, then Allaah Ta'ala will
grant cure for the drinker, or if one drinks it for his thirst to be
removed then Allaah Ta'ala will remove his thirst. Because it is the
well of Jibraeel (alaihi salaam), and with it Allaah Ta'ala quenched
the thirst of Hadhrat Ismaeel (alaihi salaam).
6.
Once Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) came to the well of
Zam-Zam. A bucket was taken out for him. Rasullullah (sallallahu
alaihi wasallam) drank from it, and he rinsed his mouth therein. It is
reported in another narration that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)
washed his blessed face therein and rinsed his mouth. It is reported
that Hadhrat Abbaas (radhiayallahu anhu) took out the bucket for Nabi
(sallallahu alaihi wasallam).
7.
It is reported from Hadhrat Abdullaah Ibn Abbaas(radhiyallaahu anhu)
that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Fever is from the
fire of Jahannam, hence cool it off with the water of Zam-Zam. "
8.
Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Gazing upon five things
is also an lbaadat,- The Qur'aan Majeed, Kaaba Shareef, one's parents,
the face of an Aalim and Zam-Zam. To look upon Zam-Zam, one's sins are
forgiven."
9.
Hadhrat Ali (radhiayallahu anhu) reports that amongst all the cities,
two cities are the best. Makkah Mukarramah, and that city, wherein
Hadhrat Aadam (alaihis salaam) came down. Two cities are the worst;
'Ahqaaf' and 'Hazre Maut'. The best well is that of Zam-Zam and the
worst is 'Barhowt', wherein the bodies of the Kuffaar were thrown.
10.
It is reported from Ibn Jareej that the best water on earth is the
water of Zam-Zam, and the worst water is the water of the well of
Barhowt, which is situated in the valley of Hazre Maut.
11.
It is reported frorn Hadhrat Abdullaah Ibn Abbaas (radhiyallahu anhu):
"Perform Salaat in the place of the chosen ones and drink from the
drink of the pious." He was asked; "What is the Prayer- place of the
chosen ones?" He replied: "Below the Mezaab-e- Rahmat(below the water
out-let in the Harem)." He was asked about the drink of the pious, to
which he replied;'The water of Zam-Zam."
12.
Abdul Aziz bin Rawaad says that there was once a pious shepherd, who
drank from Zam-Zam whenever thirst overcame him. He would derive
therefrom the taste, pleasure and effects of milk. When he took from
the water of Zam-Zam for wudhu for Salaat, then he would get the
effects of water.
13.
Sheikh-ul-islaam Siraajud Deen Balqini (rahmatullahi alaih) mentions
that the water of Zam-Zam is even more virtuous than the water of
Kauther, because the blessed heart of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi
wasallam) was washed in this water, and it is not possible that Nabi
(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) heart be washed except with the best of
waters.
14.
It is reported in one narration that the person in whose stomach
enters the water of Zam-Zam, will never enter jahannum, because the
Fire and Zam-Zam can never be in one and the same place.
15.
It is reported from Hadhrat Abdullaah Bin Umar (radhiyallahu anhu)
that the water in the well of Zam-Zam which comes from the direction
of Hajre Aswad is actually a spring from Jannat.
16.
Sayyidinah Abu Zarr Ghifaari (radhiyallahu anhu) reports the incident
of his acceptance of Islaam, when he came to Makkah, thus: "When I
heard of the announcementof Nabuwwat of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi
wasallam), then I went to Makkah, and enquired about him(sallallahu
alaihi wasallam). The people attacked me, with the result I fell down
unconscious. When I regained consciousness, I ran to the Kaaba Shareef
and hid behind the Ghilaaf. At times during the night I saw Nabi
(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) making Tawaaf of the Kaaba, and I even
made Salaam to him. Once, Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) asked me
when I had come here. I replied that it has been thirty days since my
arriving there. He asked me who was supplying me with food; I replied
that besides the water of Zam-Zam, I had no other source of
nourishment. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) replied that surely
this was blessed and it was the best food of all foods."
17.
Hadhrat Rabaah reports from Hadhrat Aswad: "He mentions that once such
a stage passed him while in Makkah that for three days he had no food.
He spent his time at the well of Zam-Zam, drinking therefrom. He says
that he derived the pleasure and effects of milk from this water "
18.
Mufti Abu Bakr Umar Ma'roof Shaneeni, who was frorn amongst the top
Ulama of Yemen, states that a person was afflicted with a serious
illness. His illness took a bad turn. He went to a doctor, who turned
hirn away due to the very serious nature of the illness, and said that
this person had no rnore than three days to live. When the patient
heard this, it was as tough the earth beneath him had opened up. He
turned away thoroughly dejected. Allaah Ta'ala placed this thought in
his mind that why should he not drink from the water of Zam-Zam,
because Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said that it was a water
which had Shifaa (cure). With this intention he left Yemen and arrived
in Makkah. He drank Zam-Zam water to his fill. He felt that something
was breaking in his stomach. Immediately he left the Haram and went to
relieve himself. He had a bout of diarrhea. He went and drank Zam-Zam
water for a second time and again had a bout of diarrhea. He stayed
for a few days in Makkah. After Allaah Ta'ala had granted him cure, he
returned to his home country and presented himself before the doctor.
The doctor was surprised and asked him if he was the very same person
who had the certain disease. He replied in the affirmative. The doctor
asked him what medicine he had used. He indicated that he had been
cured through the Barkat of the water of Zam- Zam.
19.
In the same way a blind person drank from the water of Zam-Zam and put
some on his eyes. Allaah Ta'ala granted his sight.
20.
Allama Zahni states in 'Tabqaat' that when Sheikh Khatieb Saghdaadi
went for Haj, then he drank thrice from the well of Zam-Zam, and he
asked Allaah Ta'ala for three of his needs. Allaah Ta'ala fulfilled
all three of his needs through the Barkat of Zam-Zam.
21.
Allama Taajudeen Subki (rahmatullahi alaih) writes in 'Tabqaat':
"Allama Muhammad Bin Ishaq Bin Khuzaima was asked: 'Where did you
attain such heights in knowledge?' he replied that Nabi (sallallahu
alaihi wasallam) said that for whatever purpose the water of Zam-Zam
is drunk, that will be fulfilled. Hence, he says, he drank it with the
du'aa of acquiring knowledge, and Allaah Ta'ala fulfilled his desire.
"
22.
Sheikhul lslaam Ibn Hajar (rahmatullahi alaih) states that when he was
still a student of Hadith when he drank Zam-Zam and made du'aa that
Allaah Ta'ala make him an excellent Haafiz of Hadith like Allama
Zahri. He says that 20 years later he made Hajj, and he felt that
Allaah Ta'ala had granted him progress in his knowledge. He says that
he made a du'aa then, that Allaah Ta'ala grant him higher stages in
rank. He said that he had hope Allah Ta'ala will surely fulfill that
duaa.

Hajj, - Virtues of Performing Hajj

Hazrat Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that
Rasullullah(Sallallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said: "Whoever performs Hajj
for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor
commits any evil deed, shall remain from it as free from sin as the
day on which his mother gave birth to him.'
Hazrat Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that
Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said: "Verily there shall be
no reward for a righteous pilgrimage except Jannah"
Hazrat Ayesha(radhiyallahu anha) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu
alaiyhi wassallam) said: "There is no day in which Allah sets free
more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafaat. And on
that day Allah draws near to the earth and by way of exhibiting His
pride remarks to the Angels: "What is the desire of these servants of
mine."
"Hazrat Talhaa(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(Salallahu
Alaihi Wassallam) said: "Apart from the day of the battle of
Badrthere is no day on which the Shaytaan is seen more humiliated,
more rejected. More depressed and more infuriated, than on the day of
Arafaat, and indeed all that is only because of beholding the
abundance of descending mercy (on that day) and Allah's forgiveness of
the great sins of the servants". (Mishkaat)
Hazrat Ibn Shimaastah(radhiyallahu anhu) reports we were present
around Hazrat Amr Ibn al-Aas(radhiyallahu anhu) before he passed away.
He cried for a long time and then related the story of his embracing
Islam. He said: "When Allah caused Islam to enter my heart, I came to
Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and said: 'O messengerof
Allah, put forth your hand that I may swear allegiance. 'When
Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) stretched forth his hand, I
withheld mine. Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) inquired:
"What troubles you 'O Amr?" I said: I went to make a condition that
Allah shall forgive my previous sins". Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi
wassallam) replied: 'O Amr, do you then not know that Islam washes
away all sins committed in disbelief, and that the Hijrat (migration)
washes away all sins committed before Hajj?"
Hazrat Sahl bins Sa'ad(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that
Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: "When a Muslimshouts
Labbaik, then verily every stone, tree and all the ground to his right
and to his left recites the same, and this continues till that cry
reaches the end of the earth".
Hazrat Abu Moosa(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that
Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "The Hajji shall
intercede on behalf of four hundred families or he said four hundred
people from his family, and verily does he return from Hajj (sinless)
as on the day his mother gave birth to him."
Hazrat Ibn Umar(radhiyallahu anhu) report that Rasullullah(sallallahu
alaiyhi wassallam) said: "When you meet a Hajji (on his way home) then
greet him, shake hands with him and ask him to beg forgiveness of
Allah on your behalf before he enters his home, for his prayer for
forgiveness is accepted since he is forgiven by Allah for his sins."
Hazrat Buraidah (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that
Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "The expenses incurred
during Hajj is like that incurred in Jihaad; rewarded seven hundred
times."
Hazrat Jaabir(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu
alaiyhi wassallam) said: "A Hajji never becomes poor and destitute."
Hazrat Aayesha (radhiyallahu anha) reports that she once sought
permission from Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) to go for
Jihaad. Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: "You Jihaad
is Hajj."
Hazrat Ibn Abbaas(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that
Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "Whoever desires to
perform Hajj, should hasten towards performing it."
Hazrat Abu Hurairah(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that
Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: "Whoever sets forth in a
journey to perform Hajj and passes away on route, for him shall be
written the reward of a Haaji until the day of Qiyaamah; and whoever
sets forth to perform Umrah and passes away on route, for him shall be
written the reward of a Mu'tamir until Qiyaamah; and whoever sets
forth on a journey to fight in the way of Allah and passes away on
route, for him shall be written the reward of a Mujaahid until the day
of Qiyaamah."
Hazrat Ibn Abbaas(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that a Sahabiyah (a
Muslim lady who saw Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) once said
to Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam): "O Rasullullah(Salallahu
Alaihi Wassallam), the obligation of Hajj has come at a time now when
my father is a very old and weakly man. He is unable to remain seated
on a camel (or horse). Can I then proceed to perform Hajj on his
behalf?"
Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: "Yes, you can."
Another Sahabi(radhiyallahu anhu) also came with a similar request: "O
Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam), my sister made vow that she
would perform Hajj. Now she has passed away. What should we do?"
Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: "Should she have
passed away while she owed someone something, would you have settled
that debt?"
The man replied: "Yes indeed."
Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said: "This is a debt due
to Allah. Settle it." (Mishkaat)
Hazrat Jaabir(radhiyallahu anhu) reports: "Verily Allah causes three
people to enter into Paradise through one Hajj; The deceased, (on
whose behalf this Hajj is being performed) the Haaji performing it and
he (the heir or others) who makes possible its performance (by
financial aid)."

Fathwa, - Watching Health Videos

Question:
Is it permissible to watch exercise videos where people are not fully
covered (as almost ALL exercise videos seem to be) for the purpose of
improving physical health?
Answer:
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
Watching videos is not integral to improving one�s physical health.
Rather, physical exercise is the means, and knowledge of it can be
reasonably sought through printed materials. Thus, it would not be
permitted to watch videos showing people who are improperly dressed.
And Allah alone gives success.

Fathwa, - I find it difficult to forget about a brother who is already engaged, what should I do?

Question:
I find it difficult to forget about a brother who is already engaged,
what should I do?
Answer:
Wa alaikum assalam,
There is a concept, which in Arabic is known as �istidraj� which
simply means something that is seen as good for a person is in reality
a source of misguidance. In the case you have described [f: details
omitted for privacy], it is possible that now that you want to
wholeheartedly improve yourself, that the Shaytan is attempting to
misguide you back into wrongful action by continuing your fascination
with this brother.
The right thing to do would be to continue to improve yourself through
any means possible, and to forget this other brother who is already
engaged. It is not an easy task, but there is a great deal of reward
in leaving something a person deems great purely for the sake of Allah
Most High. Insha Allah He Most High will help you through this time.
Until you are able to truly forget about this brother, you should
avoid seeing him if possible (i.e. don�t go anywhere he is known to
hang out at) and when he is present you should lower your gaze and not
look at him.
Make a great deal of supplication to Allah Most High, to only let you
do what is pleasing to Him, and to help you find a more suitable
brother. There are many good, pious brothers out there, it is only the
Shaytan who would like to make it seem like this brother may be the
best of them. Insha Allah may you find someone much better than this
person who will help you (as you help him) on the path to Allah.
If you have any further questions, you can contact me again. I know
this is a trying time and the advice I have given is easier said than
done, however it is what is best for you at this point in time given
that the brother is already engaged.

Fathwa, - I am in love with a Hindu girl who has a boyfriend

Question:
I am in love with a Hindu girl. She has a boyfriend with whom I am
pretty sure she has sexual relations. I have tried to forget her but
can't stop thinking about her. What can I do?
Answer:
In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. May the peace and blessing of
Allah be showered upon the Prophet Muhammad, his family, companions,
and those who follow them with sincerity.
First and foremost, turn to Allah. Only Allah can make you forget this
girl and heal the pain that you are feeling. I know it is difficult in
matters of the heart, but you need to be a little bit rational here.
Ask yourself why you love her. Is it for her character, her deen, or
her looks? She is Hindu. Have you thought about the ramifications for
your religion and your future if you were to pursue a relationship
with her? Would she make a suitable wife and raise Muslim children?
Also, there's the issue of virginity. Are you as a Muslim man willing
to deal with a woman that has a sexual history, especially when,
insha'Allah, you can find a woman that has remained chaste?
These are all issues that you need to consider. Insha'Allah, with much
prayer and striving toward Allah, it will be possible for you to find
someone much better. I know it is hard, but believe me, you can
recover and grow to love a Muslim woman who will make a much better
companion for you. Think about your future. And think about what type
of mother you would want for your own children.
If you have any contact with this girl, you need to cut that
immediately. Do not go to places or be with people that will remind
you of her. Try to focus on other things, your worship, your family,
your studies or work. If you focus on her, you will end up frustrated
and depressed.
Make salatul-hajah, a special prayer for needs and desires, and ask
Allah to send you someone better. Is it possible for you to talk to
your mother? She might be able to ease your heart. When you feel that
you are ready, ask your family and trusted friends to find a good
Muslim girl for you. There are many good sisters out there who need
good Muslim husbands.
Finally, pray to Allah to make your heart strong for the deen:
"Allahumma, ya muqallib al-qulub wa'l absar, thabbit qalbi ala
deenik." "O Allah, O Controller of the hearts and eyes, let my heart
hold fast onto your religion."
And Allah alone gives success.
And Allah knows best.

Articles, - A time for strengthening the family bond

The Prophetsaid:"No one who severs the ties of kinship will enter
Paradise."]At-Tirmithi[
The religion of Islam places great importance on maintaining the ties
of kinship between family members. All Muslims are to show kindness,
generosity, and respect toward both their nearest and most distant
relatives, whether they are Muslims or not. Allah Almighty places such
importance on maintaining the ties of kinship that whoever cuts off
the ties of their family, Allah Almighty cuts them off from Him. And
the Quran goes as far to say that the one who cuts off the ties of
kinship will be cursed.
Allah Almighty says in the Noble Quran )what means(:"But those who
break the covenant of Allah after contracting it and sever that which
Allah has ordered to be joined and spread corruption on earth – for
them is the curse, and they will have the worst home."]Quran 13:25[
These days are an excellent time to mend burnt bridges and reach out
to family members that you may have not seen in a long time or that
you are at odds with.
These blessed days serve to open our hearts and minds as we humble
ourselves before our Creator in sincere worship. Take the first step
in reconnecting with your kin for the sake of Allah Almighty and to
strengthen your family unit.
Take the First Step
Regardless of how much time has passed since you have seen a family
member or whatever transgression has made you keep your distance, use
this time to reach out to a relative that you have been estranged
from.
It's as easy as picking up the phone and inviting him or her to your
home for a meal or meeting in a neutral place, such as a cafe, for a
cup of coffee. The worst that can happen is that they turn you down or
hang up the phone on you. At least Allah Almighty will know that you
tried to fulfill your obligation of maintaining family ties.
But the best that can happen is that your desires for renewing the
relationship will be reciprocated.
Forgiveness is Key
There is no need to rehash the past once your estranged family member
is in your presence. Forgiveness is the key to reestablishing your
bond. So let bygones be bygones, even if in the innermost recesses of
your heart you still feel that your kinsman wronged you.
A perfect exemplar can be found in Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with
him. Word came to him that his very own cousin, whom he had been
giving much financial support, had publicly slandered his beloved
daughter 'Aa'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her. Abu Bakr, may Allah
be pleased with him, immediately stopped giving him charity. Allah
Almighty then revealed the celebrated verse )which means(:
"And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to give
]aid[ to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for the cause
of Allah, and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that
Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." ]Quran
24:22[
No sooner did Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, hear this than
he resumed his cousin's financial assistance, and, indeed, increased
it over what he used to regularly give him.
United We Stand
A family that stands together is far stronger than one splintered into
factions. So even if you are not at odds with one of your kin, you
might know of family members who are not preserving their ties of
kinship. You can do your part as a Muslim by acting as a mediator to
reunite them under the same flag of Islam.
It might be difficult at first, especially since human emotions like
pride and anger get in the way. But remind your family members that it
is really Satan stoking the flames of discontent and that they must
make peace against all odds to maintain the family bond. Should you
find the situation too volatile to handle on your own, con-tact your
local imam or someone in your community known to offer good help in
counseling to assist you in your endeavor.
Watch the Garden Grow
A family that is content with its members is like a garden that bears
the most beautiful fruit and flowers that the human eye has ever
beheld. As the discontent and anger melts away between kin, you will
start to see the flowers in your family's garden blossom to reveal the
beauty that Allah Almighty intended.
To keep that garden flourishing, weed out problems before they take
root and nip familial discord in the bud. Most importantly, water your
garden with lots of blessings from Allah, the All-Powerful, to keep
your family together.
Trust in Allah Almighty and supplicate Him for assistance to keep your
family thriving for many years to come.

Dought & clear, - Should the one who is slaughtering the sacrifice utter the intention at the time of slaughter?.

If the one who is slaughtering a sacrifice says, "This is on behalf of
So and so," i.e., he names the one on whose behalf the sacrifice is
being offered at the time of slaughter, is this uttering the
intention?.
Praise be to Allaah.
This is not uttering the attention, because if the one who is offering
the sacrifice says, "This is on my behalf and on behalf of my
household," he is stating what is in his heart. He has not said, "O
Allah, I want to offer a sacrifice," as would be said by the one who
wants to utter his intention. Rather he is only expressing what is in
his heart. The intention was already there, from the time he brought
the animal, lay it down and slaughtered it, so he had already formed
the intention. End quote.

Dought & clear, - She gets yellowish andbrownish discharge before and during her period, and that may last all month

I am not married and my period comes regularly every month. But my
problem is that it starts off yellow, tinged with beige and brown, and
sometimes goes on for three or four days with pain in the lower
abdomen, intense agitation and bad mood. Then it becomes black for one
or two days at the most, then red blood comes for between five and
seven days, then it goes back to a brown colour, then yellow, then
after one or two days of the yellow discharge, sometimes there is a
white discharge, the sign of purity (end of the period), or sometimes
the yellow discharge continues until the next period, i.e., it lasts
for a month.
My question is: when should I pray and when should I stop praying?
When should I fast and when should I not fast?
Praise be to Allah.
Firstly:
The yellowish or brownish discharge that precedes the blood is not
regarded as the menses; the same applies to that which comes after
seeing the white discharge (that signals the end of the period),
because Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "We used not
to regard the yellowish brownish discharge after the white discharge
(that signals the end of the period) as being of any significance."
Narrated by Abu Dawood, 307; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani inIrwa'
al-Ghaleel, 199
With regard to yellowish and brownish discharge that comes after the
bleeding and before the white discharge (that signals the end of the
period), this is regarded as menses, because of the report narrated by
Maalik inal-Muwatta', 130, from Umm Salamah, according to which she
said: The women used to send to 'Aa'ishah, the Mother of the
Believers, small vessels containing the pieces of cotton on which
there were yellowish traces from the menstrual blood, and they would
ask her about praying, and she would say to them: Do not be hasty
until you see the white discharge, referring to that which signals the
end of the period.
This was also narrated by al-Bukhaari in a mu'allaq report (Kitaab
al-Hayd, Baab iqbaal al-Maheed wa idbaarihi; classed as saheeh by
al-Albaani inIrwa' al-Ghaleel, 198
Based on that, the yellowish or brownish discharge that lasts for
three or four days before the bleeding starts is not regarded as
menses, and you should not stop praying or fasting at that time.
The black blood and the red blood that comes after it, and the
yellowish discharge, are menses, until you see the white discharge or
complete dryness.
If you see the white discharge or complete dryness, any discharge
after that, yellowish or brownish, is not regarded as menses.
Please see questions no. 171945, 157020and 82507
Secondly:
If the red blood continues, or the yellowish or brownish discharge
that come after it, before the white discharge or complete dryness
appear – if that goes on for longer than fifteen days, then you
aremustahaadah(i.e., experiencingistihaadahor irregular, non-menstrual
bleeding), according to the majority of scholars. Some scholars say
that istihaadah cannot be proven unless that continues for the entire
month or for the entire month apart from two or three days. This is
the view favoured by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah and those who
followed him and those who do not think there is any maximum length
for the menses, and their view is closer to the apparent meaning of
the evidence.
If it becomes clear that you are experiencing istihaadah, then in the
following months you should act in accordance with your cycle as it
was in the past. So you should stop praying and so on for the duration
of bleeding, until the appearance of the white discharge (signalling
the end of the period) that you mentioned in your question, then you
should do ghusl. For example, if your period, before experiencing
istihaadah, used to last for ten days, then you should do ghusl after
the tenth day, and do wudoo' at the time of each prayer.
A woman who did not have a regular cycle before experiencing
istihaadah should base her actions on differentiating between
different kinds of bleeding. This has been explained in the answer to
question no. 68818
Our advice to you is to consult a specialist doctor for treatment of
these ongoing discharges.
And Allah knows best.

Dought & clear, - Etiquette of Eid

What are the Sunnahs and etiquettes that we should act in accordance
with on the day of Eid?.
Praise be to Allaah.
The Sunnahs that the Muslim should observe on the day of Eid are as follows:
1 – Doing ghusl before going out to the prayer.
It was narrated in a saheeh hadeeth inal-Muwatta'and elsewhere that
'Abd-Allaah ibn 'Umar used to do ghusl on the day of al-Fitr before
going out to the prayer-place in the morning.Al-Muwatta'428.
Al- Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said that the Muslims were
unanimously agreed that it is mustahabb to do ghusl for Eid prayer.
The reason why it is mustahabb is the same reason as that for doing
ghusl before Jumu'ah and other public gatherings. Rather on Eid the
reason is even stronger.
2 – Eating before going out to pray on Eid al-Fitr and after the
prayer on Eid al-Adha:
Part of the etiquette is not to go out to pray on Eid al-Fitr until
one has eaten some dates, because of the hadeeth narrated by
al-Bukhaari from Anas ibn Maalik, who said that the Messenger of
Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used not to go out
on the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates… of which
he would eat an odd number. Al-Bukhaari, 953.
It is mustahabb to eat before going out to emphasize the fact that it
is forbidden to fast on that day and to demonstrate that the fast has
ended.
Ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) suggested that the reason for
that was so as to ward off the possibility of adding to the fast, and
to hasten to obey the command of Allaah.Al-Fath, 2/446
Whoever does not have any dates may break his fast with anything that
is permissible.
But on Eid al-Adha it is mustahabb not to eat anything until one comes
back from the prayer, so he should eat from the udhiyah if he has
offered a sacrifice. If he is not going to offer a sacrifice there is
nothing wrong with eating before the prayer.
3 – Takbeer on the day of Eid
This is one of the greatest Sunnahs on the day of Eid because Allaah
says (interpretation of the meaning):
"(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that
you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is
the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to
Him"
[al-Baqarah 2:185]
It was narrated that al-Waleed ibn Muslim said: I asked al-Awzaa'i and
Maalik ibn Anas about saying Takbeer out loud on the two Eids. They
said, Yes, 'Abd-Allaah ibn 'Umar used to say it out loud on the day of
al-Fitr until the imam came out (to lead the prayers).
It was narrated in a saheeh report that 'Abd al-Rahmaan al-Sulami
said, "They emphasized it more on the day of al-Fitr than the day of
al-Adha.". Wakee' said, this refers to the takbeer. SeeIrwa'
al-Ghaleel, 3/122/
Al-Daaraqutni and others narrated that on the morning of Eid al-Fitr
and Eid al-Adha, Ibn 'Umar would strive hard in reciting takbeer until
he came to the prayer place, then he would recite takbeer until the
imam came out.
Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated with a saheeh isnaad that al-Zuhri said: The
people used to recite Takbeer on Eid when they came out of their
houses until they came to the prayer place, and until the imam came
out. When the imam came out they fell silent, and when he said takbeer
they said takbeer. SeeIrwa' al-Ghaleel, 1/121
Saying takbeer when coming out of one's house to the prayer place and
until the imam came out was something that was well known among the
salaf (early generations). This has been narrated by a number of
scholars such as Ibn Abi Shaybah, 'Abd a l-Razzaaq and al-Firyaabi
inAhkaam al-Eidaynfrom a group of the salaf. For example, Naafi' ibn
Jubayr used to recite takbeer and was astonished that the people did
not do so, and he said, "Why do you not recite takbeer?"
Ibn Shihaab al-Zuhri (may Allaah have mercy on him) used to say, "The
people used to recite takbeer from the time they came out of their
houses until the imam came in."
The time for takbeer on Eid al-Fitr starts from the night before Eid
until the imam enters to lead the Eid prayer.
In the case of Eid al-Adha, the takbeer begins on the first day of
Dhu'l-Hijjah and lasts until sunset on the last of the days of
tashreeq.
Description of the takbeer:
It was narrated in the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah with a saheeh
isnaad from Ibn Mas'ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) that he used
to recite takbeer during the days of tashreeq:
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, wa Allaahu akbar,
Allaah akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd(Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is most
Great, there is no god but Allaah, Allaah is Most great, Allaah is
most great, and to Allaah be praise).
It was also narrated elsewhere by Ibn Abi Shaybah with the same
isnaad, but with the phrase "Allaahu akbar" repeated three times.
Al-Mahaamili narrated with a saheeh isnaad also from Ibn Mas'ood:
"Allaahu akbaru kabeera, Allaahu akbaru kabeera, Allaahu akbar wa
ajallu, Allaahu akbar wa Lillaah il-hamd(Allaah is Most Great indeed,
Allaah is Most Great indeed, Allaah is most Great and Glorified,
Allaah is Most Great and to Allaah be praise)." Seeal-Irwa', 3/126.
4 – Offering congratulations
The etiquette of Eid also includes the congratulations and good wishes
exchanged by people, no matter what the wording, such as saying to one
anotherTaqabbala Allaah minna wa minkum(May Allaah accept (good deeds)
from us and from you" or "Eid mubaarak" and other permissible
expressions of congratulations.
It was narrated that Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: When the companions of
the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) met one another
on the day of Eid, they would say to one another, "May Allaah accept
(good deeds) from us and from you." Ibn Hajar said, its isnaad is
hasan.Al-Fath, 2/446.
Offering congratulations was something that was well known among the
Sahaabah, and scholars such as Imam Ahmad and others allowed it. There
is evidence which suggests that it is prescribed to offer
congratulations and good wishes on special occasions, and that the
Sahaabah congratulated one another when good things happened, such as
when Allaah accepted the repentance of a man, they went and
congratulated him for that, and so on.
Undoubtedly these congratulations are among the noble characteristics
among the Muslims.
The least that may be said concerning the subject of congratulations
is that you should return the greetings of those who congratulate you
on Eid, and keep quiet if others keep quiet, as Imam Ahmad (may Allaah
have mercy on him) said: If anyone congratulates you, then respond,
otherwise do not initiate it.
5 – Adorning oneself on the occasion of Eid.
It was narrated that 'Abd-Allaah ibn 'Umar (may Allaah be pleased with
him) said that 'Umar took a brocade cloak that was for sale in the
market and brought it to the Messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him), and said, "O Messenger of Allaah, buy this and
adorn yourself with it for Eid and for receiving the delegations." The
Messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to
him, "Rather this is the dress of one who has no share (of piety or of
reward in the Hereafter)…" Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 948.
The Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) agreed with
'Umar on the idea of adorning oneself for Eid, but he denounced him
for choosing this cloak because it was made of silk.
It was narrated that Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The
Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had a cloak which
he would wear on the two Eids and on Fridays.Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah,
1756,
Al-Bayhaqi narrated with a saheeh isnaad that Ibn 'Umar used to wear
his best clothes on Eid.
So a man should wear the best clothes that he has when going out for Eid.
With regard to women, they should avoid adorning themselves when they
go out for Eid, because they are forbidden to show off their
adornments to non-mahram men. It is also haraam for a woman who wants
to go out to put on perfume or to expose men to temptation, because
they are only going out for the purpose of worship.
6 – Going to the prayer by one route and returning by another.
It was narrated that Jaabir ibn 'Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased
with him) said: On the day of Eid, the Prophet(peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) used to vary his route. Narrated by al-Bukhaari,
986.
It was said that the reason for that was so that the two routes would
testify for him on the Day of Resurrection, for the earth will speak
on the Day of Resurrection and say what was done on it, both good and
bad.
And it was said that it was in order to manifest the symbols of Islam
on both routes, or to manifest the remembrance of Allaah (dhikr), or
to annoy the hypocrites and Jews, and to scare them with the large
number of people who were with him. And it was said that it was in
order to attend to the people's needs, to answer their questions,
teach them, set an example and give charity to the needy, or to visit
his relatives and uphold the ties of kinship.
And Allaah knows best.

For children, - Know your Master the Awaited One: Imam Mahdi (as)

The master of the oppressed, the master of true believers, the master
of the age and the master of Earth before Doomsday.
He is the Savior of humanity, the Disposer of justice, the Proof of
God, the Awaited One, and the Heir of the Bible, the Torah, the Noble
Qur'an and all other heavenly books.
He is none other than the 12th and last apostle (Imam) after Prophet
Mohammed (SAW). He has many other titles, among them is also the
Guided One (Al-Mahdi in Arabic). His name is Mohammed son of Imam
Hassan Askari (as). He was born in Samarra (Iraq) on Friday 15th of
the month of Shabaanin 255 AH.
His father our 11th Imam, Imam Hassan Askari (as), was imprisoned
most of his life by Abbasid Caliphs to prevent him from having a son
whom they feared will bring the justice and equity that was promised
and remove tyranny and tyrants from the face of the earth. The 11th
Imam, Imam Hassan Askari (as) was poisoned in prison at the age of 28
in the year 260 AH by Al-Mu'tamid, the Abbasid Caliph.
The Awaited One, the 12th Imam, Imam Mahdi (as) is the only son of his
father, and he was 5 years old at the time of his father's death. His
mother was Nargis Khatoon (sa), for whom this article is being
dedicated.
Nargis Khatoon (sa), the Mother of Imam Mahdi (as) was a Roman
princess. She was the most pure offspring of the then European nations
and races. It was destined that Nargis Khatoon (sa) would go to the
streets of Baghdad to become owned by the most pure of men, the 11th
Imam, Imam Hassan Askari (as) and become the mother of the 12th Imam,
Imam Mahdi (as).
The story of how they met and joined is recorded in many history books
as well as sparsely in the scriptures of holy traditions of the
infallibles (the Prophet Mohammad (SAW), his daughter Fatima (sa) and
the twelve Imams (apostles)). It is in fact a most amazing love
storyin history.
This love story would also give a glimpse of the personality of the
offspring of their holy marriage, the master of the world, the
Anointed One, the twelfth Imam. So to know better our master, the
Awaited One Imam Mahdi (as), it would be appropriate to introduce his
mother Nargis Khatoon (sa) and the amazing love story of her marriage.

For children, - Nargis Khatoon (sa), the Mother of Imam Mahdi (as)

Among the attributes of Almighty God are the Cherisher, the Sustainer,
the Discipliner. He is All-seeing and All-knowing, and wherever there
is a need for cherish, He cherishes. There is no doubt that good
issues, He shall put in the hands of good people. He knows who the
best is; He chooses the important issues to give to important people
among his servants, so they can accomplish it the best.
To cherish His servants and guide them to the right path of salvation,
the complete religion, and consummate the mission of prophets from
Adam (as) to Jesus (as), Almighty God created certain elite of people,
Prophet Mohammad (SAW) and his pure progeny (as), whom He made pure,
pious, faithful, faultless, and disciplined teachers and leaders of
humanity. They are the teachers who can fulfill the law of God and
nourish with their purity and piety the chosen servants of God.
Almighty Allah said about those elite people: "...and surely Allah
wishes to remove all abomination from you, ye members of the family
(of Mohammad), and to make you pure and spotless." (Noble Qur'an:
Al-Ahzab 33, verse 33)
Also, Almighty God chose from among the other nations, some pure and
chastised ladies who can be mixed with the pure waters of Imamate
(apostle hood), so that immaculate offspring will be born.
The Match Maker, makes matches, above the powers of the human?
Yes, lies the power of fate, when you thought it was astray
The beloved made it strait
Two examples can be given, one of them is Shahr Banu (sa) the eldest
daughter of Yazdegerd III, the last Emperor of the Sassanid dynasty of
Persia (Iran), who was brought from Persia (Iran) to become the wife
of 3rd Imam, Imam Hussain (as), the master of martyrs, and thus the
mother of our 4th Imam, Imam Zainul Abideen (as).
Similarly, Nargis Khatoon (sa), the daughter of a great Roman Caesar,
was chosen by Almighty Allah to become the Mother of our 12th Imam,
Imam Mahdi (as). Nargis Khatoon (sa), the beautiful princess, who was
also the descendant of one of the disciples of Prophet Jesus the son
of Mary (as), was sent to Samarra, Iraq, to become the wife of our
11th Imam, Imam Hassan Askari (as)so she can nourish in her pure
womb the shinning joule, the awaited holy spirit, Al-Mahdi (the Guided
One) the son of Imam Hassan Askari (as).