For children, - Ramadan Story: Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and Ramadhan Eid

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It was the day of celebration and a day of rejoicing. There was an air of festivity in the streets of Madina. All the people, both young and old were dressed in their best clothes, especially for this special day of Ramadhan Eid.
As it was time for early morning Ramadhan Eid prayers everyone made their way to an open piece of land on the outskirts of the city of Madina. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) arrived and led the prayers. After they had finished they all greeted each other and everyone was walking back home. The children running and playing in excitement, smiling and laughing, without a care in the world.
As Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) walked back home, he suddenly became aware of a little boy (Zuhair Bin Saghir) sitting by himself on the side of the path. The little boy was crying and looked very sad. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) bent down and patted him on the shoulders and asked 'why are you crying?' 'Please leave me alone' sobbed the little boy. The boy didn't even see who was talking to him. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ran his fingers through the boy's hair and very gently and kindly asked him again why he was crying. This time the boy said, 'My father was martyred fighting, and now my mother has married again and my stepfather does not want me to live at home any more. Today is Ramadhan Eidand everyone is happy. All the children have new clothes and nice things to eat, but I don't have any clothes except what I am wearing. I have no food and I don't even have a place to live.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said to him, 'I know how you feel, I lost both my mother and father when I was a little boy.' The boy was surprised to hear that it was an orphan who was comforting him, and when he looked up to his great surprise it was the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and he immediately jumped up to his feet out of love and respect.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said to him 'If I were to become your new father and my wife you new mother, and my daughter your new sister, would that make you feel better?' 'Oh yes, that would be the best thing in the world!' The boy started smiling. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) took him home and gave him new clothes and good food on this beautiful day of Ramadhan Eid. The boy indeed had a wonderful Ramadhan Eid that day.
Moral:We should think of others that are less fortunate than ourselves on this beautiful day of Ramadhan Eid. Not everyone has such a wonderful day. It is a day of celebration, but take a moment to stop and think of those who are less fortunate than ourselves by following the Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

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Family Issues, - Guidance for the Muslim Wife - Complete book. (Part 9)

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FAULTS WOMEN SHOULD REFRAIN FROM
1. They do not give a logical answer which can satisfy the questioner. They add many unnecessary points and the actual answer is still not known. Always remember that if anyone asks a question, fully understand what is being said and then reply accordingly.
2. When women are given some work, they listen and keep quiet. This leaves the speaker in doubt because he does not know whether the answer is in the affirmative or in the negative. In this manner the task remains undone.
3. Women normally scream when giving the maid a task to perform or tell anyone something. There are two evils in this: One is shamelessness and lack of concealment (pardah) because the sound reaches outside. The second evil is that the message is not understood and the work remains undone.
4. Women generally waste money in useless avenues even if they have to take a loan. It is sinful to waste. Whenever you intend spending, first examine whether there is any deeni benefit or any worldly need. After thoroughly pondering, if there is a need and a benefit, go ahead and spend. As far as possible avoid taking debts even if you have to undergo a little hardship.
5. Always be punctual especially when travelling. Do not delay unnecessarily.
6. Do not take too many things on a journey. This restricts the space. The greatest problem is for the accompanying men who have to look after everything. In certain places they have to carry the things and certain places they have to pay the transport costs. Take similar precautions on a train-journey because the more provisions you take, the more problems will arise.
7. Upon reaching a place, women should not descend from the car immediately. First send a male to find out if there is anyone and inform them of your arrival. If there is any male he will separate himself. When you are informed that there is no male in the house, you can enter.
8. When two women are conversing, it often happens that one begins to speak while the other has not as yet finished speaking. In fact it occurs very often that both start speaking together. Neither of them listen to the other. What benefit is there in speaking in such a manner?
9. Women keep jewellery or money carelessly under the pillow or open in some corner even though they have the means to protect it in a safe place.
10. Sometimes you send a woman for some work and she goes and begins something else. She returns after having completed both tasks. The person who sent her is confronted with extreme anxiety and doubt because he has estimated that the work will take a certain amount of time and when that time passes by, he begins to get worried. In the meanwhile the woman thinks to herself that there is no harm in doing both errands simultaneously. Do not do so. First complete the initial task thereby honouring his request and thereafter tackle your other work at ease.
11. A common defect is of laziness and procrastination i.e. to leave work for later. Most often harm is caused.
12. There is no brevity in the nature of some women and a woman does not realise that the situation requires haste. Therefore the task has to be done as quickly as possible. Sometimes the actual work is spoilt and the opportunity lost.
13. If something is lost, women normally accuse without investigating. Do not become suspicious on the slightest of doubts.
14. Too much money is spent on purchasing betel leaf (paan) and tobacco. At least five or six poor people can be fed with that money. By eating paan unnecessarily, one becomes addicted.
15. If there are two people speaking about some matter, do not unnecessarily meddle. As long as you are not asked for your advice, remain silent.
16. After returning from a gathering do not describe the form, clothing and jewellery of other women to your husband. This may incline his heart to one of them ultimately resulting in anguish.
17. Do not interrupt someone who is engaged in some work. This is a loathsome habit. Wait until he finishes his task and then address him.
18. Always speak properly so that you are understood. Sometimes due to not understanding the message correctly, animosity is created between two people.
19. Listen with full attention when you are spoken to. Do not do something else or begin to speak to someone else.
20. Admit your faults and do not make feeble excuses.
21. Do not criticize any small or insignificant present which is given to you by saying, "what was the need to send such a present? Did the sender not have any shame in sending it?" This is an evil habit. The sender could only afford that much. Appreciate it and be grateful.
22. Do not hesitate in doing a task which is assigned to you.
23. Do not stitch clothes while you are wearing them.
24. At the time of arrival and departure, women attempt to cry even if they have to force themselves because they fear that if they do not shed a few tears people will say they are bereft of love.
25. Do not carelessly leave a needle in the pillow as it can prick someone.
26. Always protect the children from heat and cold as neglect in this regard results in illness.
27. Do not feed the children when they are not hungry nor insist on feeding the visitors.

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Family Issues, - Guidance for the Muslim Wife - Complete book. (Part 8)

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THE METHOD OF LIVING TOGETHER
1. Before shutting the door at night, make certain that no cat or dog is left in the house. Sometimes they can harm a person at night. Even if they do not cause any harm, they make a din all night and prevent you from sleeping.
2. Occasionally place your clothing and books out in the sunlight.
3. Keep the house clean and tidy.
4. Do not make yourself accustomed to leisure if you desire good health. Do some manual work. The best manual task for women is to use the hand-mill (to grind flour). It keeps the body healthy.
5. When going to meet someone do not sit for too long nor converse at length. This may frustrate or disturb her in her work.
6. All the family members should be particular in fixing a place for everything. This will prevent time being wasted when the object is required.
7. Do not place a bed, chair, utensil, brick, stone or slab on the way. This can injure someone who accidently knocks it, especially in the dark.
8. When anyone tells you to do something, reply immediately either in the affirmative or in the negative so that he/she knows whether you are going to do the task or not.
9. Sprinkle less salt on the food, because if there is less it can always be remedied but if there is an excess it is difficult to correct.
10. Do not cut chillies and place them in daal or vegetable curry. Grind them instead, because by cutting, the seed remains in the pieces. If any piece comes in the mouth, it burns severely.
11. If you happen to drink water at night, look carefully into the utensil and if there is no light, place a cloth etc. over it before drinking so that no particles go in the mouth.
12. Do not throw a child up in the air jokingly nor let him hang out of the window. This can seriously injure the child.
13. When a utensil is emptied always wash it and place it upside down. When you want to use it again, wash it first.
14. After placing a utensil on the ground when dishing food into it, do not place it on the table or daster khwan without first wiping the bottom.
15. If you are visiting someone at his/her house do not ask for anything. It may be insignificant but it can be embarrassing if the person does not have the required item.
16. Do not spit or clean your nose where other people are sitting. If there is a need, excuse yourself and go to one side.
17. Whilst partaking of meals do not mention something which can offend the listener and make him feel uncomfortable.
18. Do not mention anything in front of a sick person or his family that make them lose hope in his life. He will be heartbroken. Comfort him by saying that Insha-Allah your illness will soon be cured.
19. If you want to mention something about a person while he is also present then do not indicate to him by winking or by gestures. He will unnecessarily be placed in doubt. This can only be done if the statement is permissible in Shariat, otherwise if it is unlawful then to make such a statement will be sinful.
20. Do not gesticulate too much when speaking.
21. Do not clean your nose with your dress or sleeve.
22. Do not cleanse yourself where there is urine and stool. Move one step away to purify yourself.
23. Always dust your shoes before wearing them. There can be a harmful creature inside. Similarly dust your clothes and bed as well.
24. If a woman has a boil on her private part do not ask her where it is as this can be embarrassing.
25. Do not sit in a place where people are moving about. This causes unnecessary obstruction.
26. Do not let any smell arise on the body or clothing. If you do not have a clean pair of clothes, wash the one you are wearing and take a bath.
27. Do not sweep where people are sitting.
28. Do not throw pits and peels on anyone nor on the road.
29. Do not play with a knife, scissors, needle or any sharp instrument. You may be careless and hurt yourself.
30. If any visitor comes from a distant place ask him if he wants to relieve himself and direct him to the toilet. Do not try to prepare a lavish meal as this will be time consuming. Prepare a simple meal so that he can partake of it immediately. When he intends departing, arrange his breakfast early. In short there should be no disturbance in his comfort and need.
31. Do not emerge from the bathroom or toilet tying your clothing on the back, rather wear the clothing properly inside.
32. If someone asks you something, first answer him and then proceed with other work.
33. Whenever you say anything or answer anyone, open your mouth properly and speak clearly so that the next person understands what you are saying.
34. If you have to give someone something, do not throw it from far. Damage will be caused if the other person does not hold it. Give it from close by.
35. One should not speak or scream between two persons that are teaching and learning or conversing.
36. If someone is involved in some work or conversation, do not go and begin speaking with him immediately. Wait for an opportunity and only begin speaking when he turns his attention towards you.
37. When giving anyone something, do not remove your hands until the person has held it properly. Sometimes due to a slight negligence, damage is caused.
38. When eating, gather the bones in one place. Similarly do not spread peels etc. of anything all around. When all are gathered, place them on one side.
39. Do not run or put your head up when walking. You may fall.
40. Close a book carefully. Very often the first and last pages get folded.
41. Do not praise a (ghair mahram) man in front of your husband. Some men get highly offended.
42. Similarly do not praise other women in front of your husband. He may become inclined to her and leave you.
43. Do not ask someone about her home, wealth, jewellery and clothing when meeting her if you are not closely associated to her.
44. Specify 3 or 4 days a month for cleaning the entire house. Remove all webs, lift the mats, sweep under them and put everything in its place.
45. You should not take a written note or book away from in front of someone to read it yourself. It may contain something personal which is not meant for you.
46. Be very careful when ascending and descending steps. It is better if you place your one foot on the steps, then place the other one on the same step as well. Then advance to the next step in a like manner. It is not suitable for girls and ladies to have one foot on one step and another on another step. Prevent the children also in their infancy.
47. Do not dust your clothing or a book where someone is sitting in such a manner that dust falls on him. Similarly you should not blow with your mouth or dust with a cloth but instead you should go further away and dust it.
48. On hearing news about someones grief, worry or sickness do not mention it to anyone unless you have made certain. His relatives especially should not be told, because if the information is wrong, it will unnecessarily worry other people.
49. Similarly do not inform distant relatives if there is a slight illness as this may cause unnecessary concern and anxiety.
50. Do not spit or put paan (betel-leaf) on the wall. Similarly do not merely wipe your hands on the wall or door. Wash them instead.
51. If there is need for more food on the table, do not take a utensil from in front of someone. Instead, take the food in another dish.
52. If someone is sitting on the bed or lying down, do not call him. If you pass by, walk in such a manner that you do not bump the bed. If you want to put something on that bed or take something, do so quietly.
53. Do not leave food uncovered. Even if you leave something on the table that is going to be eaten last, cover it also.
54. The visitor should leave a little food on the table if he is satisfied so that the host does not get the impression that the food was less and thereby feel ashamed.
55. Whichever utensil is completely empty and has to be put in the cupboard or unit should be placed upside down.
56. When walking, lift your foot completely and step forward. Do not drag your feet. Apart from wearing out the shoe, it also looks unmannerly.
57. Always be careful that a portion of the scarf or shawl does not hang on the ground.
58. If someone asks for salt or for some other food, bring it in a utensil, not in the hand.
59. Do not speak of shameless things in front of girls as this can make them lose their modesty.

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Family Issues, - Guidance for the Muslim Wife - Complete book. (Part 7)

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A NEW HOUSE, NEW FACES
The nature of children is like a plain paper. Whatever is imprinted on it initially will remain forever. Therefore it is important to create good images on this clean and pure page. Whatever habit, good or evil is inculcated in childhood remains for life. Hereunder a few points relating to the upbringing of children will be mentioned.
1. The first nourishment of a child is the mother's milk. She should partake of halaal and pure food so that the milk which is formed from it is pure. Milk has a great effect on the life of children.
2. Muslim children have to carry the banner of bravery during their lives. They should be taught to be courageous. Women have a habit of frightening children, sometimes from the police and sometimes from some other fearful thing. This is an abominable habit and creates cowardice.
3. Just as a weak plant rots due to excessive water, so are children spoilt when given excessive food and at improper times. Appoint a time for feeding the child so that he remains healthy. Do not overfeed him.
4. Do not decorate them excessively. Yes, do consider their cleanliness and bathe them daily in summer.
5. Do not inculcate a habit in boys of wearing expensive clothing and in girls of wearing jewellery, etc. from the beginning. It is not a commendable habit of having vanity and pride from childhood.
6. Children are covetous by nature. Therefore make an attempt to discard this habit of theirs by teaching them to give food, clothing, money etc. to the poor. In the same manner teach them to distribute food etc. to their brothers and sisters in order to learn the habit of generosity.
7. Children can learn well by means of examples. Explain the evils of eating excessively to them, but do not mention anyone's name.
8. Do not give children so much that they develop the habit of asking nor frustrate them so much that they lose hope. Do not fulfil all their wishes as this spoils their nature.
9. Friends have a great effect. Keep your children away from those who have evil habits, or escape from studies or are used to ceremonious food and clothing.
10. Anger, speaking lies, to be envious of others, stealing, back-biting, defending ones statement, to speak of futile things excessively, to laugh unnecessarily and to deceive are all dangerous characteristics. If the child commits any of them, admonish him immediately.
11. Just as a child is spoilt by impoliteness similarly is he spoilt by excessive affection and love. If he breaks anything or hits someone, punish him accordingly so that he does not repeat the act. If love and affection is shown at such an occasion, it will permanently spoil the child.
12. Encourage acts of piety and inculcate the habit of salaah from the age of seven.
13. When the child is capable of going to Madrasah, make him first learn the Quran. Do not let him abscond.
14. Occasionaly read the stories of the pious to him.
15. Books that besmirch the character are very common. Do not allow him to read books that contain love stories, subject matter that is contrary to the shariat or useless stories and poems etc. Instead, teach him to read books of deen and good morals.
16. Moderation is praiseworthy in every act. Do not bind him to studies all the time. When he returns from madressa, permit him to play for a while so that he becomes active, but the entertainment should not be spiritually or physically harmful.
17. Besides deeni (religious) education, also teach him a trade or profession. Learning a skill will enable him to earn at the time of need and difficulty and support himself and his family.
18. Educate girls, the minimum being such that they can write letters and be able to calculate the expenses of the house.
19. Inculcate in children the habit of doing their work themselves.
20. Remember that when a child does a praiseworthy act he should be congratulated and shown love, in fact he should be rewarded as an encouragement. When he commits a wrong act, he should be reprimanded in privacy and warned not to repeat the crime. If he repeats the act, punish him accordingly.
21. Teach them to respect elders in general and the fathers in particular. The mother should make the child fear the father so that he is respected.
22. Do not allow the child to do any act in secret, whether it is playing, eating, or any other work. Remember that if he does anything in secret he regards it as unlawful. If it is something wrong he should be taught to forget such a habit and if it is good like eating or drinking, he should be taught not to hide and do things suspiciously.
23. Teach the child to do menial tasks and to exercise for physical well-being e.g. calisthenics or walking for a kilometer.
24. Another way of pleasing the child is to give him a few cents occasionally so that he spends them according to his desire, but ensure that he does not buy something without your knowledge nor anything harmful.
25. Remind the child as often as possible of the following etiquettes when partaking of meals:
To begin by saying Bismillah, to eat with the right- hand, to eat from directly in front of himself, not to stare at the food as greedy people do, not to eat hastily, to chew the food properly, not to take another morsel before swallowing the first one, to take the morsel properly so that gravy does not spill onto the clothing and the fingers do not mess unnecessarily, not to move the face when chewing a morsel, not to be bare-headed whilst eating, to wash the hands before and after meals, to drink water with the right hand and in 3 breaths and to praise Allah after eating.
It has been predestined for women to be brought up in their parents home and live somewhere else. At the time of your departure to your new house your mother, sisters and near relatives will be shedding tears in the sorrow of your separation and bidding you farewell. On the contrary when you reach there you will be welcomed with smiles and laughter. The whole house will be full of love and joy. Ecstasy will be emanating from all sides. Everyones face will be cheerful and their speech humorous. Each and every person will be smiling and you will reach this house like a light that is brought to a gathering. You will be the centre of attention. Young and old, everyone will desire to see you. Every movement of yours will be observed and every action criticized. But all this tumult will only be for a few days. During this commotion it is your obligation to be cautious. You should spend the preliminary days with extreme dignity, free of pride and a cheerful disposition free of childishness.
The first person whom you will have contact with in your new house will be your life-partner and your companion.
With this person you have to spend your whole life and attach all your hopes to him. If he desires your life can be one of lament and sorrowful destruction. In short your future progress or retrogress depends entirely on him. Therefore your first obligation will be to try and understand your life-partner and to mould all your desires according to his wishes as far as possible.
The most important factor is to recognize the nature of a person. There will be comfort for each one in recognizing the nature of the other and living accordingly. Today there are numerous cases where the lives of the husband and wife were destroyed merely because there existed a difference in their nature and each one did not understand the others temperament. You may have indeed heard of or witnessed incidents like these in every city and village where the union was destroyed.
We have information of a girl whose husband neither calls her nor separates from her. He also does not send any money for her expenses. Life has become worse than death. The cause for this conflict is not very complex. The matter has deteriorated due to a minor issue. The girl admits that the husband initially loved her intensely, but she did not appreciate his love. She always went against his opinion. Initially the matter was not serious and the husband bore it but the girl did not change her habit. This resulted in more quarrels until it became impossible for the husband and wife to live together. We are not advocating that the husband was not at fault. He may also have been guilty. In short this situation arose because they did not understand each others temperament. The woman should realise that she is the one to suffer more harm because the husband is free to marry while she has many difficulties to face.
From this example you may have understood what my aim is. I am not advocating that the wife must obey every trivial command. However I am certain that if she acts intelligently and understands the habits and temperament of the husband, the situation will not deteriorate.
There is one distinguishing feature in males and that is he does not tolerate anything that goes against his opinion. If any woman does not want her life to be ruined, it is in her interest not to openly oppose the husband in any matter. A sensible approach should be adopted to persuade him. This is called "practical wisdom".
I remember an incident of Delhi which is significant because of the many lessons that can be learnt from it. A girl by the name of Fathima was married to a man from a decent, well-educated family. Fathima was also well-educated, understanding and had a good nature. When she arrived at her in-laws, a new world was revealed to her. All the faces were strange and their ways unique. Besides the mother-in-law, there were 3 sisters-in-law. The eldest was Azraa who had seperated from her husband after having a dispute with him. This was probably due to her ill-temper. The second sister-in-law was Zuhra who was not as yet married. The youngest was Sugra who was about 7-8 years old.
Fathima noticed from the very outset that the mother-in-law was ill-tempered. She quarrelled very often with her daughters and son. Azraa was convinced that she could not live with her in-laws after her dispute with them. Zuhra also did not seem to be amicable and polite. Fathima initiallly acquainted herself with Sugra who provided her with the information she required. The father-in-law was a sensible and pious man. Fathima's husband, Aslam was educated in a western institute and was fashion conscious. He was always engrossed in adorning himself. He had no concern for domestic affairs. Fathima was badly trapped in a house where each individual had a unique character. If there was someone immature in her place, the situation would have deteriorated immediately. However Fathima was sensible and determined. After assessing the situation at her in-laws she intended to remedy it.
She was surprised to learn that the combined income of the father-in-law and husband was sufficient to run the house, yet it was in a deplorable state. The expenses seemed to surpass the income. The father-in-law was unaware of the situation. He used to hand over his salary to his wife and never enquired where the money was spent. The mother-in-law spent the money as she pleased. Everyone feared her and dreaded her temper. There were 2 maids in the house who were thieves. As for the male servant, he was clamourous and never listened to the women. If they said anything he would answer them back. It was not the work of any ordinary person to improve the condition of such a corrupt house. It was impossible for her to decelerate the moving train of this house all of a sudden.
She observed each individual with a keen eye. The ill-tempered mother-in-law used to stare at Fathima with stern eyes. The stare alone prevented her from taking any action. Azraa never spoke to Fathima in a respectable manner. She used to complain day and night of her own in-laws and this left no opportunity for Fathima to confront her. Fathima tolerated her insults. She knew that it was a great achievement to repel evil with nobility. She practised on the following verses of the Quran:
When they (the pious servants of Allah)listen to futile talk, they turn away from it and say "We have our work and you have your work. Be peaceful, we seek not the ignorant." (Al Quran 28:55)
It is mentioned in a hadeeth that whoever listens to someones insult and bears it with patience, the angels reply on his behalf. Allah loves those who have patience and raises their status. In short, Fathima used to listen to them but never replied. The second sister-in-law was cunning, extremely clamorous, quarrelsome and accused for every petty thing. However Fathima became acquainted with her temperament.
She did not give her an opportunity to begin a quarrel. However she used to hurl epithets from far off. Fathima used to practice on the Quranic verse: "Fight off evil with good and repel bad character with good character".
Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam has said in this regard that a brave person amongst you is not the one that floors the next person. However a brave person is one who suppresses his anger. At another instance he said that whoever tolerates his enemy's evil speech is a brave person. The youngest sister-in-law was on Fathima's side because she won her confidence from the outset.
The mutual love of the husband and wife did not remain after a while. There was no open confrontation because Fathima, due to her self-respect did not let such a situation arise. However the relationship between the two was not healthy. The main reason for this relationship not developing was the mother-in-law. She used to incite the son secretly. She used to attempt to cause friction between the two at every opportunity. The mother's provocation and his own attitude became a stumbling block.
The man's condition deteriorated to such an extent that he used to spend all his time, besides his employment time with other men. Now he even used to have his meals away from home. He used to come home from school, wash and change quickly, have tea hastily and leave home to enjoy himself. He used to return home at eleven or twelve o'clock at night. If he desired he came. Then he used to sleep through till the morning. There was no time left to speak to his wife.
First of all Fathima attempted to bring her husband onto the right track. She did not begin quarelling with her husband, but instead spoke more cheerfully to him. It never occurred to the husband for once that his coming home late at night displeased the wife. In fact he used to ponder as to what a strange wife he has who does not even care about anything. Whether I come home late or early she does not even bother. But the wife was silently planning.
The hadeeth of Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam in which he said: "O woman! Remember your husband is your heaven and your hell." i.e. earning your husband's pleasure will entitle you to jannat and earning his displeasure will entitle you to jahannam, had a great effect on Fathima.
She also knew another hadeeth in which it is mentioned that amongst women the best is the one that keeps her husband happy when he looks at her, obeys him when he commands her, and does not earn his anger by disobeying him with regards to his life and wealth. In other words the woman that pleases her husband with her life and wealth is the best in the sight of Allah and his Rasul Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. Therefore why should she not be pleased when the husband was happy. One day she found the husband in a good mood and asked him fearfully if she could make a comment:
ASLAM: With pleasure, what is the matter?
FATHIMA: It is nothing serious but it is worrying me. You remain outside the whole day. I know that men have hundreds of jobs to do, and if they remain away from home during the day there is no problem. Men cannot remain at home like women, but the problem is that you remain away from home for a major portion of the night as well and I feel afraid of being alone.
ASLAM: What can I do, I do not have sufficient time during the day. At night I go out for some fresh air as you know it to be my habit. And there, some friend or another takes me away. I also want to return early but they do not let me go until it becomes quite late. I regret that because of me you have to take the trouble of waiting. From tomorrow I will try coming early Insha-Allah.
FATHIMA: May Allah fulfil our intentions.
This incident was forgotten.The wife let the husband do as he desired and did not remind him about the incident. However there was a slight change in that instead of returning at eleven or twelve o' clock he began returning at 9 o'clock. How effective was the wife's advice and why should it not be because when something is uttered at the appropriate occasion it is effective.
After a few days it became known that he had fallen into the company of some vagabonds and that he was wasting his health and his valuable time at evil places. Fathima was not such a fool to engage herself in combat with him and immediately demand an explanation. If she had done this she would have lost her husband as well as her respect. She carried on planning secretly. She never spoke out of turn and did not even bring a word of complaint on her tongue. She acted innocent as if she was unaware of her husband's actions. She was looking for an opportune moment when the advice would not go heedless.
One day she found an opportunity and began saying: "All these companions of yours are like the wind. Their company is highly poisonous for you. They are all self-seeking without the slightest concern for you. I know that what I am saying now may hurt you but you are educated and understanding. I am deficient in intelligence. To advice you is tantamount to teaching Luqman, The Wise and to light a lamp in front of the moon, but what can I do, I am compelled. I cannot see you going astray or falling into evil company with my eyes closed. Can I be happy to see you in such a condition? Can I overlook the harm that is afflicting your life and property? I cannot remain blind to all this. Remember what I am saying very clearly. If (May Allah forbid) you fall into some kind of difficulty then those who are claiming to be your bosom-friends and saying that "where your perspiration falls we will sacrifice our blood," are all companions of a moving vehicle. When the time comes no one will assist. What must people be saying after seeing you in such evil company? They may not be mentioning anything in front of you out of respect, but behind your back they will definitely be rebuking you.
What can be a more decent and interesting pastime for educated people than reading books. How wonderful will it be if you spend your time at home reading books instead of wasting it in evil company. You will not only be cheerful but you will be safe from these indecent people. Do not think that I am telling you this for personal motives. Even if it is for personal motives then what harm is there. After all I am your wife. There can be no one more helpful and obliging than me. I do not want you to sit at my feet the whole day. Not at all. Men are not imprisoned in the house like women. The one who intends to imprison them is insane. It is essential for your good health to walk in the fresh air for a while but be moderate.
The husband, on hearing this conversation agreed because he was understanding. At that moment he became so ashamed that he could not answer. If something is said at the appropriate time how can there be an answer for it? He kept quiet and from that moment regret for all his actions was visible on his countenance and he began saying to himself: "What must I do? I cannot change my ways all of a sudden." His inner self was reproaching him. At that very moment he resolved to lessen all relationships gradually.
If Fathima was not far-sighted and understanding and was like the women of today who begin quarrelling immediately, she would have lost her husband. She did not even inform her husband that she knew all about his activities. Whenever the husband came home, she immediately welcomed him cheerfully and obeyed whatever he said. She never interrupted him nor said anything to hurt his feelings.
Fathima knew that her husband was like a sick person who was in need of the doctor's compassion and cure. She was compassionate to him and simultaneously began curing him. Eventually she was successful and due to her wisdom did not disgrace herself.
Remember that the house you are now going to, was under the control of your mother-in-law. All the affairs of the house went according to her wishes. More importance was attached to her opinion in all the matters of the house. Your life-partner may have also obeyed her.
It is thus apparent that the whole system of the home cannot change all of a sudden. The affairs of the house will continue to run as before. The people of the house will continue obeying the elders. You do not have to feel offended about this. If you have this hope that upon your arrival all the individuals of the house will relinquish their choices and regard you as their superior, this is a misunderstanding on your part and from such hope you will achieve nothing except anguish and anxiety.
By accepting the guardianship of the elders one benefit is that if any difficult situation arises, their experience simplifies the matter. And if there is any mistake in work done in consultation with the elders, you will not be disgraced. The cause of most disputes between men and women in this world is the lack of understanding on behalf of the women. Men become frustrated by the lack of understanding and uncouth manners of women. They become annoyed and choose another road. They do not think of coming home for years and due to the evil character of the women, become stone-hearted.
Some women feel that they hail from wealthy homes, they have brought so many commodities, thus it is below their dignity to obey the husband, mother-in-law and father-in-law. This is sometimes so extreme that they do not even speak to their husbands properly. Leave aside serving him, they do not even do their own work. They make him dance to their tune. As long as the husband fulfils all their whims and fancies and obeys them, there will be peace in the house.
These kind of women regret one day when all their wealth cannot prevent the separation from the husband. The husband becomes frustrated and annoyed while she sits at home shedding tears of blood. The reality is that no matter how much dowry is given it cannot decrease the rights of the husband.

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Personal, - 'Our Hearts are Still Adhering to the Truth'

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In his book,Siyar A‘laam An-Nubalaa’)11/238(, Ath-Thahabi, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said that during the ordeal of Imaam Ahmad, may Allaah have mercy upon him, it was said to him,“O Abu ‘Abdullaah! Do you not see that falsehood is being victorious over the truth?”He replied,“No. The victory of falsehood over truth is when the hearts change from guidance to error but our hearts are still adhering to the truth.”
How badly are we in need for this accurate criterion that shows the reality of the victory of falsehood over truth, especially in this age when many hearts have been affected by trials of doubtful issues and desires, we seek refuge with Allaah The Almighty from them.
One of the most serious trials is confusion about the reality of the victory of the truth in one’s heart which may be induced by any cause, since confusion about the criteria of judgment necessarily leads to an unstable methodology. At this point, the person on his way of Allaah The Almighty becomes confused because of the confusion of criteria, as he sometimes links the truth to the greater number of followers; some other times, he links it to power; and sometimes to victory of the people of falsehood or any other thing. None of this brings any benefit to man.
Indeed, the conviction of Imam Ahmad, may Allaah have mercy upon him, in refuting this allegation, that some of his companions mentioned, was not an instant reaction, but it was the result of his profound understanding of the Book of Allaah and theSeerah)biography( of His Messenger,sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, along with his scrutiny of the history of the people of the truth in their struggle against falsehood and the people who follow it.
Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:
·}That He should establish the truth and abolish falsehood, even if the criminals disliked it.{]Quran 8:8[
·}And say, "Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, ]by nature[, ever bound to depart."{]Quran 17:81[
·}Rather, We dash the truth upon falsehood, and it destroys it, and thereupon it departs. And for you is destruction from that which you describe.{]Quran 21:18[
Anyone who contemplates the previous verses and those that are similar can never be shaken regarding the fact that the truth must be victorious and must triumph over falsehood and those who follow it.
Since this is addressed to our dear Muslim sisters, they should bear this fact in mind especially at this time when many women are awed by the glamour of falsehood and have weakened belief in the truth.
This entails that women should recognize the truth by means of its evidence so that it would remain an established belief in the heart and cannot be shaken by temporary changes or temptations.
The concealedFitnah)trial( in this regard is represented in two matters:
The first one is the confusion between truth and falsehood because of the great number of those who call to falsehood and the powerful means that they use to propagate it.
The second one is that many Muslim women have become negligent in seeking the truth and knowing its supporting proof which gives strength to their‘Aqeedah)creed( and faith. Supporting proof is like a weapon that is necessary for the one who is engaged in fighting. If someone goes to war without a weapon, what would happen to him?
Because of this, the evidence that a woman holds to support the correctness of what she is doing will be vulnerable and she will be in a state of emotional defence without being able to show the proofs and make her true argument victorious. She will be criticized by others and will soon receive a fatal blow because of attacks of criticism. When this happens, she will become weak enough to be a recipient which is a disaster as she surrenders and her faith deteriorates )we seek refuge with Allaah The Almighty from this(.
In conclusion, Muslim women nowadays, are badly in need to be armed with knowledge that is coupled with proof, not only to be enlightened and certain regarding religious matters, but also to transfer this knowledge to others before they are swept away by the flood, and before they become confused about the criteria of judging the victory of the truth. To Allaah The Almighty belongs the command before and after. Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}He whom Allaah guides is the ]rightly[ guided, but he whom He leaves astray -- never will you find for him a protecting guide.{]Quran 18:17[

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Personal, - Understanding the Value of Time - II

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The sole reason behind the punishments that afflict the Muslim Ummah )nation( is our decline in supporting our religion and negligence of our duties. Inadvertently, the Muslim woman has contributed to the defeatism which has afflicted us by restricting the scope of her responsibility to a bare minimum and neglecting her duty in raising and educating her children.
This painful truth calls upon us to utilize our time in fulfilling our duties, for which we will be questioned on the Day of Judgment. In a Hadeeth )narration(, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"A woman is a guardian in her husband's home and is responsible for those under her guardianship."]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
Let us fulfill our duty in raising the men and women of the future and then look for entertainment. The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, guided us how to drive worry and grief away from our souls, through strengthening our relationship with Allaah The Almighty, rushing wholeheartedly to do acts of obedience and making the Hereafter one's primary concern. Worries and grief are nothing but the result of hankering for the pleasures of this perishable abode.
It was narrated on the authority of Anas ibn Maalik, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"If a man’s sole concern is the Hereafter, Allaah will make his richness within his heart, grant his reunification and the worldly life will be forced to come to him. If a man’s sole concern is this worldly life, Allaah will make his poverty between his eyes, inflict him with disunity and will not have from this world but what was predetermined for him."
Indicating the extent of distress and the depressed life that the negligent one who turns away from the remembrance of Allaah The Almighty experiences in this worldly life, in addition to what is prepared for him in the Hereafter, Allaah The Exalted Says )what means(:}And whoever turns away from My remembrance -- indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind." He will say, "My Lord, why have You raised me blind while I was ]once[ seeing?" ]Allaah[ will say, "Thus did Our signs come to you, and you forgot them; and thus will you this Day be forgotten."{]Quran 20: 124-126[
So, let our goal be the satisfaction of Allaah The Almighty and our way to attain this be following His Sharee'ah )Islamic legislation(. When we do that, we will not feel that our spare time is an unbearable void which brings forth worries and sadness. Rather, our time will be filled with the remembrance of Allaah The Almighty, obedience to Him and our whole life will be filled with worship through words and deeds which bring one closer to Allaah The Almighty. This conforms to the Hadeeth )narration( where the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"Take benefit of five before five: your life before your death, your health before your sickness, your free-time before your preoccupation, your youth before your old age and your wealth before your poverty."]Muslim[
Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allaah have mercy on him, wondered at the manner in which people of his time used to waste their time and said,
I see most people trying to push time ]to make it move faster, i.e., waste time[. When they remain awake during the night, they waste it in insignificant conversations or reading a book for entertainment; during the daytime, they sleep; and at the end of the day they are either on the coast of the Tigris or in markets. We liken them to those who are talking aboard a ship which is sailing fast with them while they are unaware. I see a few people who realize the meaning of existence and they prepare the provisions for departure. Nevertheless, they are different in this aspect ]only[ due to the extent of knowledge that is available at their place of residence.
When Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allaah have mercy on him, said this about the people of his time, then what should we say about the people of our time? Mindless entertainment has become the essence of many people's lives, and boredom is a major cause of psychological ailments, while worry and fear of the future have become specters that chase people with weak characters and faith.
Today, most people spend most of the night watching various TV programs, then sleep until noon and spend the rest of the day pursuing the pleasures of this worldly life. Excessive sleep is the habit of idle and imprudent people. Serious and diligent people are careful with their time just as a niggardly person is with his money, or even more than that. It was narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"There are two favors )of Allaah(, and in them most people are deceived: good health and spare time."

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Personal, - Understanding the Value of Time - II

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The sole reason behind the punishments that afflict the Muslim Ummah )nation( is our decline in supporting our religion and negligence of our duties. Inadvertently, the Muslim woman has contributed to the defeatism which has afflicted us by restricting the scope of her responsibility to a bare minimum and neglecting her duty in raising and educating her children.
This painful truth calls upon us to utilize our time in fulfilling our duties, for which we will be questioned on the Day of Judgment. In a Hadeeth )narration(, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"A woman is a guardian in her husband's home and is responsible for those under her guardianship."]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
Let us fulfill our duty in raising the men and women of the future and then look for entertainment. The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, guided us how to drive worry and grief away from our souls, through strengthening our relationship with Allaah The Almighty, rushing wholeheartedly to do acts of obedience and making the Hereafter one's primary concern. Worries and grief are nothing but the result of hankering for the pleasures of this perishable abode.
It was narrated on the authority of Anas ibn Maalik, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"If a man’s sole concern is the Hereafter, Allaah will make his richness within his heart, grant his reunification and the worldly life will be forced to come to him. If a man’s sole concern is this worldly life, Allaah will make his poverty between his eyes, inflict him with disunity and will not have from this world but what was predetermined for him."
Indicating the extent of distress and the depressed life that the negligent one who turns away from the remembrance of Allaah The Almighty experiences in this worldly life, in addition to what is prepared for him in the Hereafter, Allaah The Exalted Says )what means(:}And whoever turns away from My remembrance -- indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind." He will say, "My Lord, why have You raised me blind while I was ]once[ seeing?" ]Allaah[ will say, "Thus did Our signs come to you, and you forgot them; and thus will you this Day be forgotten."{]Quran 20: 124-126[
So, let our goal be the satisfaction of Allaah The Almighty and our way to attain this be following His Sharee'ah )Islamic legislation(. When we do that, we will not feel that our spare time is an unbearable void which brings forth worries and sadness. Rather, our time will be filled with the remembrance of Allaah The Almighty, obedience to Him and our whole life will be filled with worship through words and deeds which bring one closer to Allaah The Almighty. This conforms to the Hadeeth )narration( where the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"Take benefit of five before five: your life before your death, your health before your sickness, your free-time before your preoccupation, your youth before your old age and your wealth before your poverty."]Muslim[
Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allaah have mercy on him, wondered at the manner in which people of his time used to waste their time and said,
I see most people trying to push time ]to make it move faster, i.e., waste time[. When they remain awake during the night, they waste it in insignificant conversations or reading a book for entertainment; during the daytime, they sleep; and at the end of the day they are either on the coast of the Tigris or in markets. We liken them to those who are talking aboard a ship which is sailing fast with them while they are unaware. I see a few people who realize the meaning of existence and they prepare the provisions for departure. Nevertheless, they are different in this aspect ]only[ due to the extent of knowledge that is available at their place of residence.
When Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allaah have mercy on him, said this about the people of his time, then what should we say about the people of our time? Mindless entertainment has become the essence of many people's lives, and boredom is a major cause of psychological ailments, while worry and fear of the future have become specters that chase people with weak characters and faith.
Today, most people spend most of the night watching various TV programs, then sleep until noon and spend the rest of the day pursuing the pleasures of this worldly life. Excessive sleep is the habit of idle and imprudent people. Serious and diligent people are careful with their time just as a niggardly person is with his money, or even more than that. It was narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"There are two favors )of Allaah(, and in them most people are deceived: good health and spare time."

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Personal, - Understanding the Value of Time - I

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It is a common practice in most Muslim countries that women allocate the afternoon for receiving or visiting friends, with some differences in the manner of the visits – they may be organized on a regular basis or spontaneous. Whatever the case may be, during the visit a veritable state of emergency is declared at home where extraordinary preparations are made which exhaust one's efforts and wealth and waste time. The day of the visit turns into a virtual competition between families, each trying to offer the most lavish hospitality and appear the most immaculate.
If you ask the majority of women about the goal behind the visit, the most likely answer would be:We meet for entertainment, to kill some time and get rid of boredom.
This answer is surprising, because time is nothing but a person's allocated age, for which he will be questioned. And when will that questioning be? It will be on the Day of the Great Terror. It is the Day when a soul will not possess the power to do anything to benefit itself or anyone else; and the command, that Day, is entirely with Allaah The Almighty.
It was narrated on the authority of Abu Burdah, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:"A slave's two feet will not move on the Day of Judgment until he is questioned about four )things(: His youth, how he spent it, his knowledge, how he acted upon it, his wealth, how he earned it and how he spent it and his body, how he used/wasted it."]At-Tirmithi[
And who will the questioner be? He is the Lord of the Worlds who created the Jinn and mankind in order to worship Him, not for diversion and entertainment. Allaah The Exalted Says )what means(:}Had We intended to take a diversion, We could have taken it from ]what is[ with Us -- if ]indeed[ We were to do so.{]Quran 21: 17[
What will we say to the Lord of the Worlds when He asks us about wasted time? Even if such time is used in deeds that do not include impermissible words and deeds, it inevitably includes vain talk and idle chatter which was dispraised by the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, who said:"The most hateful to me and farthest from Me on the Day of Judgment will be the ostentatious chatterers, transgressing ranters and arrogant loudmouths."
A person who wastes his time has wasted an irretrievable part of his life. The person who does this will have great regret. Does the woman have a free hand and a right to waste her time as she wants? Where are the rights of the husband and the children? When will she fulfill the rights of her community and the Muslim Ummah )nation(?
To whom will she entrust her responsibility if her only concern is going out of her home and partaking in insignificant diversions? One of them could answer claiming that she has fulfilled her rights, believing that her task is restricted to cleaning her house, satisfying her husband, and giving birth to children, and her interest in bringing up her children does not go beyond feeding them, clothing them and helping them to be successful in their studies.
No, O Sister!
You are the one who nurtures future Muslim generations and the one who provides the Muslim community with its pillars: righteous women and men. Your duty )and the duty of every Muslim woman( is to provide our children with a guided upbringing and prepare them through Islamic teachings which will enable them to bear the trust, serve the Ummah and build the long-sought noble Muslim community.
If we neglect our children and interest ourselves only in entertainment, our children will truly become orphans while their parents are still alive.
Even the orphan who loses his parents may find those who treat him with affection and take care of him. However, a child whose parents are preoccupied with means of entertainment can never find those who treat him mercifully treat or feel his suffering. A woman who is always busy with herself will not find enough time to supervise her children, direct them towards goodness, follow them up and enjoy their company, while these duties undoubtedly help her fulfill her mission and satisfy her Lord.
It is true that this world, the venue of tests, is full of troubles and hardships and such meetings are intended for entertainment and amiability. Nevertheless, is entertainment the goal of the woman who feels that she guards one of Islam's forts and is keen that Islam is not attacked through this fort? Or is it the goal of vain women? While entertainment is necessary from time to time, this should not be at the expense of other women and their time.
We often complain about the intellectual invasion perpetrated by our enemies and the fact that we are subject to destruction and infighting. Have we made preparations to face them? At the very least, have we sufficiently protected ourselves against them spiritually and intellectually, that we have the free time to seek entertainment?
Our current suffering entails that we deal with our reality according to the fundamental teachings of Islam in order to rise from our dormancy. Otherwise, our hopes will remain a mirage and our wishes will remain mere dreams that we hope will be materialized one day. How strange it is that we expect our dreams to materialize without putting in work, efforts or striving continuously towards realizing them! Allaah The Exalted Says )what means(:}And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allaah is with the doers of good.{]Quran 29: 69[

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Dought & clear, - Ruling on raising one's voice in sending blessings upon the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allaahbe upon him) between the rak’ahs of Taraweeh

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What is the ruling on raising one's voice in sending blessings upon the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) and praying that Allaah be pleased with the Rightly Guided Caliphs between the rak’ahs of Taraweeh?.
Praise be to Allaah.
There is no basis for that -- as far as we know – in sharee’ah. Rather it is an innovation so it should not be done. Nothing will be good for the last of this ummah except that which was good for the first of it, which is following the Qur'aan and Sunnah and the path of the early generations of the ummah (the salaf) and avoiding that which differs from that. End quote.
Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz(11/369).
And Allaah knows best.

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Dought & clear, - Ruling on Takbeer in Unison Before the ‘Eid Prayer

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Before the ‘Eid prayer, the people recite dhikr (words of remembrance) in unison. Is this an innovation or is it prescribed in the ‘Eid prayer? If it is regarded as an innovation, what should we do? Should we leave the prayer place until the prayer begins?
Praise be to Allah.
The takbeer (formula used to magnify Allah) of ‘Eid is one of the Sunnahs (Prophetic traditions) that were prescribed by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and it is an act of worship like all other acts of worship: we should limit ourselves to what is narrated and it is not permissible to introduce any thing new into the way it is done; rather that which is narrated in the Sunnah and reports is sufficient.
Our fuqah (jurists) have examined the takbeer in unison that is done nowadays, and they did not find any evidence to support it, so they ruled that it is an innovation. This is because introducing a new act of worship or introducing a new manner in which an act of worship is done is regarded as a blameworthy innovation and is included in the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): “Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.” Narrated by Muslim (1718).
Al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraheem (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
The takbeer which was done in al-Masjid al-Haram on the day of ‘Eid was where one person or a number of people would sit on the roof of Zamzam and say takbeer, and the people would repeat after them in the mosque. Then al-Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baz denounced this way and said that it was an innovation. What the Shaykh meant was that it was a partial innovation when done in this particular manner. He did not mean that the takbeer itself was an innovation. Some of the common folk of Makkah were upset by this, because they were used to it, and this is the reason why he sent this message. With regard to doing the takbeer in this manner, I do not know of any basis for it. The one who claims that this way is prescribed in shariah (Islamic law) has to bring proof and evidence. Moreover, this is a minor issue that should not have reached the level it did. End quote.
Majmoo’ Fatawa al-‘Allamah Muhammad ibn Ibraheem, 3/127, 128
Al-Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad and all his family and Companions.
I have studied what was published by the respected Shaykh, Ahmad ibn Muhammad Jamal (may Allah help him to do that which pleases Him) in one of the local newspapers, in which he says that he finds odd the ban on takbeer in unison in the mosque before the ‘Eid prayer because it is regarded as an innovation which must be stopped. In his article, al-Shaykh Ahmad tries to prove that takbeer in unison is not an innovation and that it is not permissible to ban it, and his opinion is supported by some writers. Because of the fear that this matter may cause confusion for those who do not know the truth, we have to explain that the basic principle with regard to the takbeer on the night before ‘Eid and before the ‘Eid prayer of ‘Eid al-Fitr after Ramadan, and during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, and on the days of al-tashreeq, is that it is prescribed at these great times and that it has a great deal of virtue, because Allah says concerning the takbeer on ‘Eid al-Fitr (interpretation of the meaning):
“(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allahu Akbar: Allah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.”
[al-Baqarah 2:185]
And He says about the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and the days of al-tashreeq (interpretation of the meaning):
“That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allah on appointed days (i.e. 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th day of Dhul‑Hijjah), over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice).”
[al-Hajj 22:28]
“And remember Allah during the appointed Days.”
[al-Baqarah 2:203]
What is included in the dhikr that is prescribed on these known days is both takbeer in general and specific takbeer, as is indicated by the Sunnah and the actions of the early Muslims (the salaf). The description of the takbeer that is prescribed is that each Muslim should say takbeer by himself on his own, raising his voice enough so that the people can hear him and follow his example and be reminded by it. As for the innovated takbeer in unison, that is when a group of people -- two or more -- raise their voices in saying takbeer together, so they start together and end together in unison and in a certain manner.
There is no basis for doing this and there is no evidence to support it, so it is an innovation in the manner of takbeer for which Allah has not sent down any authority. So the one who denounces takbeer done in this manner is in the right, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever introduces something into this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected” (narrated by Muslim), i.e., it is rejected and is not prescribed. And he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Beware of newly invented matters, for every newly invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is a going astray.” The takbeer in unison is a newly invented matter, so it is an innovation. If what the people do is contrary to shariah then it must be stopped and denounced, because the acts of worship are tawqeefi (i.e., limited to what is mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah) and nothing is prescribed therein except what is indicated by the Quran and Sunnah. As for people's views and opinions, they cannot be taken as proof if they go against the shar’i evidence. Similarly, acts of worship cannot be proven on the basis of al-masalih al-mursalah (i.e., that which serves the interests of the Muslim community). Acts of worship can only be proven with a text from the Quran or Sunnah, or definitive scholarly consensus.
What is prescribed is for each Muslim to say takbeer in the manner prescribed and proven according to the shar’i evidence, which is to say takbeer individually.
Takbeer in unison was denounced and banned by al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraheem, the mufti of Saudi Arabia (may Allah have mercy on him), and he issued a fatwa (verdict) concerning that. I have issued more than one fatwa stating that it is not allowed, and a fatwa stating that it is not allowed was also issued by the scholars of the Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas.
Al-Shaykh Hammood ibn ‘Abd-Allah al-Tuwaijri (may Allah have mercy on him) wrote an important essay denouncing and banning it, which has been printed and is in circulation. In this essay he quotes sufficient evidence to show that takbeer in unison is not allowed, praise be to Allah. As for what our brother al-Shaykh Ahmad quoted about the actions of ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) and the people in Mina, this does not prove anything, because what he (may Allah be pleased with him) and the people did in Mina does not come under the heading of takbeer in unison; rather it comes under the heading of takbeer that is prescribed, because he (may Allah be pleased with him) raised his voice in takbeer in accordance with the Sunnah and so as to remind the people of it, so they said takbeer, each one on his own. This does not mean that they and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) agreed to raise their voices in takbeer in unison from beginning to end, as those who say takbeer in unison do nowadays. Thus everything that is narrated from the righteous early generations (may Allah have mercy on them) about the takbeer was all done in the prescribed manner. Anyone who claims something other than that has to produce evidence. Similarly, the call to prayer for the ‘Eid prayer, Taraweeh, qiyam (night prayer) or Witr is all innovation for which there is no basis. It is proven in the saheeh hadeeths (authentic narrations) from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that he used to offer the ‘Eid prayer with no adhan (call to prayer) or iqamah (final call to prayer), and as far as we know, none of the scholars said that there is a call with other words. The one who claims that has to establish proof. The basic principle is that there is no call to prayer in these cases. So it is not permissible for anyone to prescribe an act of worship, whether it involves words or actions, except with evidence from the Holy Quran or the saheeh Sunnah or scholarly consensus -- as stated above -- because of the general meaning of the shar’i evidence which forbade innovation and warned against it, such as the verse in which Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Or have they partners with Allah (false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not ordained?”
[al-Shoora 42:21]
This evidence also includes the two hadeeths mentioned above, such as that in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.” Saheeh – agreed upon.
And he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said in the Jumu’ah khutbah (Friday sermon): “To proceed. The best of speech is the Book of Allah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The worst of matters are those which are newly invented and every innovation is a going astray.” Narrated by Muslim in hisSaheeh. And there are many similar hadeeths and reports.
And it is Allah Whom we ask to guide us and al-Shaykh Ahmad and all our brothers to the proper understanding of His religion and help us to remain steadfast in adhering to it, and to make us all callers to guidance and supporters of the truth, and to protect us and all the Muslims from everything that is contrary to His laws, for He is Most Generous. May Allah send peace and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and Companions. End quote.
Majmoo’ Fatawa Ibn Baz, 13/20-23
It says inFatawa al-Lajnah al-Daimah, 8/310:
Each person should say takbeer out loud, but there is no proof from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) for reciting takbeer in unison. He said: “Whoever does an action that is not part of this matter of ours will have it rejected.”
It also says (8/311):
Reciting takbeer in unison is not prescribed; rather, it is an innovation, because it is proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever introduces something into this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.” The righteous early generation (the salaf) did not do that, neither the Sahabah nor the Tabi’een, nor those who followed them, and they are the example to be followed, and what is required is to follow and not innovate in matters of religion. End quote.
It also says (24/269):
Takbeer in unison is an innovation, because there is no evidence for it, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever does an action that is not part of this matter of ours will have it rejected.” What ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) did is not evidence for reciting takbeer in unison; rather what ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) did was to say takbeer by himself, and when the people heard him they said takbeer, each one by himself. This does not indicate that they all said takbeer in unison. End quote.
It also says (2/236), volume 2:
Reciting takbeer all together in unison after the prayer or at times other than prayer is not prescribed; rather it is an innovation that has been introduced into the religion. What is prescribed is to remember Allah a great deal, without reciting in unison, by reciting tahleel, tasbeeh and takbeer, reading the Quran, and asking for a great deal of forgiveness, in obedience with the words of Allah (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance.
And glorify His Praises morning and afternoon.”
[al-Ahzab 33:41-42]
“Therefore, remember Me (by praying, glorifying). I will remember you.”
[al-Baqarah 2:152];
and in obedience to what was encouraged by the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) when he said:
“To saySubhan Allah wa’l-hamdu Lillah wa la ilaha ill-Allah wa Allahu akbar(Glory be to Allah, praise be to Allah, there is no God but Allah and Allah is most great) is dearer to me than everything on which the sun rises.” Narrated by Muslim. And he said: “Whoever saysSubhan Allah wa bi hamdihi(Glory and praise be to Allah) one hundred times a day will have his sins forgiven, even if they are like the foam of the sea.” Narrated by Muslim and al-Tirmidhi.
And it is following the early generation of this ummah, as it is not narrated from them that they recited takbeer in unison; rather that was done by those who follow innovations and whims and desires. Moreover, dhikr is an act of worship, and the basic principle with regard to acts of worship is that they should be restricted to that which is enjoined by the Lawgiver, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) warned against innovations in religion and said: “Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.”
And Allah knows best.

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Dought & clear, - The bid’ah of superstition about getting married in Shawwaal

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Is what people say about avoiding getting married in Shawwaal correct?
Praise be to Allaah.
Ibn Mandhour said: “Shawwaal is one of the well known names of months, the name of the month which follows Ramadaan and is the first of the months of Hajj.”
It was said that it was called after the drying up of the camels’ milk (tashweel), when it becomes scanty. This is what happens to the camels when the heat becomes intense and there are no longer any dates on the palm trees… The Arabs were superstitious about getting married at that time, and they would say that the bride would keep away from her groom like the female camel when she has been impregnated and lifted (shaalat) her tail. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) declared their superstition to be false. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) married me in Shawwaal and consummated the marriage with me in Shawwaal, and which of his wives was more favoured by him than me?”
(Narrated by Ahmad inal-Musnad, 6/54; this version narrated by him. Also narrated by Muslim in hisSaheeh, 2/1039,Kitaab al-Nikaah, hadeeth no. 1423. Also narrated al-Tirmidhi in hisSunan, 2/277,Abwaab al-Nikaah, hadeeth no. 1099; he said it is asaheeh hasanhadeeth. Also narrated by al-Nasaa’i in hisSunan, 6/70,Kitaab al-Nikaah,Baab al-Tazweej fi Shawwaal. Also narrated by Ibn Maajah in hisSunan, 1/641,Kitaab al-Nikaah, hadeeth no. 1990. (Lisaan al-‘Arab, 11/277, headingShawwaal).
The reason why the Arabs of the Jaahiliyyah were so superstitious about marrying during Shawwaal was that they believed that a woman would keep away from her husband like the she-camel that has lifted (shawwalat) its tail after being impregnated keeps away from the he-camel.
Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “The fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) consummated his marriage with ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) during Shawwaal was a refutation of the notions that some people held, that it was disliked to consummate a marriage between the two Eids, lest that lead to separation of the spouses. But that was a false notion.” (al-Bidaayah wa’l-Nihaayah, 3/253)
Being superstitious about getting married in Shawwaal is the matter of falsehood, because superstition in general is part of the “evil omen” (tiyarah) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade when he said, “There is no contagion and no evil omen.” (Sharh Saheeh Muslim li’l-Nawawi, 14/219, 218). And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
Said, “Tiyarah(believing in evil omens) isshirk.”
(Narrated by Imaam Ahmad in hisMusnad, 1/440. Also narrated by Abu Dawood in hisSunan, 4/230,Kitaab al-Tibb, hadeeth no. 3910). Also narrated by al-Tirmidhi in hisSunan, 3/84, 85,Abwaab al-Siyar, hadeeth no. 1663; he said, it is asaheeh hasanhadeeth. Also narrated by Ibn Maajah in hisSunan, 2/1170,Kitaab al-Tibb, hadeeth no. 3538. Also narrated by al-Haakim inal-Mustadrak, 1/17, 18,Kitaab al-Eemaan; he said it is a hadeeth whoseisnaadissaheehand its narrators arethiqah, although they [al-Bukhaari and Muslim] did not narrate it; al-Dhahabi agreed with him in hisTalkhees).
Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in his commentary on the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her): “This indicates that it is mustahabb to get married and to consummate the marriage in Shawwaal. Our companions [fellow-scholars] have stated that this is mustahabb, quoting this hadeeth as evidence for that.”
By saying this, ‘Aa’ishah was aiming to refute the ignorant belief of the Jaahiliyyah, and what some of the common folk still believe today, that it is makrooh to get married or to consummate the marriage in Shawwaal. This is false and there is no basis for this belief. It is one of the leftovers of the Jaahiliyyah, when they used to be superstitious about that because of the connations of the name of Shawwaal which related to the drying up of the camel’s milk and the lifting of its tail…”
(Sharh Saheeh Muslim li’l-Nawawi, 9/209)

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