7 WAYS TO FIGHT LAZINESS

As-Salamu Alaykum (peace be upon you), THE SEVEN WAYS TO FIGHT  LAZINESS, BOREDOM & WEAKNESS WHEN TRYING TO STUDY By: Sheikh Ahmed Najmi The Questioner says: "I'm weak in my reading the books of benefit and when I begin to read some of the books of `Ilm (knowledge) I feel weakness and boredom; so what is your advice for me, and what is the correct path in reading the books which contain beneficial knowledge; benefit us (those seeking reward)?" Firstly: It is a must for the one who seeks knowledge to purify his intention for Allah the Lord of the worlds, and make his seeking the `Ilm (knowledge) being only for the purpose and goal of obtaining the pleasure of Allah; and in order to know the truth, to act by it, and to know falsehood so as to refrain from it. Secondly: To act by that, which he has learned from knowledge within in himself, and to try and teach what he has learned from knowledge to others. Thirdly: To safeguard what he has learned by memorizing it, and reviewing the `Ilm (knowledge) so it does not escape him. Fourthly: To be steadfast in learning what he does not know, so to add knowledge on top of knowledge. Fifthly: To ask Allah constantly to bestow & grant him with beneficial knowledge and provisions that are vast, and actions that are accepted; and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would say if he prayed the Fajr prayer after he would make Taslim (Salam to the right then the left) this Du'a: "O Allah, I ask you for knowledge which is beneficial and sustenance which is good, and deeds which are acceptable." (To be said after making salaam for the Fajr prayer) Sixthly: If he was to feel tired and weak when he is in front of knowledge and ready to study, then he should ask Allah to make for him will power and a desire to gain knowledge and dedicate himself to it. Seventhly: Its obligatory on the student of knowledge to refrain from disobedience, for indeed disobedience kills the heart and weakens the understanding and its narrated about Imam Shafi'i he said: "I complained to my teacher Wa'ki about my weak memory so he directed me to leave of sin and then he said, `know!!!! That knowledge is light; and the light of Allah He does not give it to a disobedient person." And I say the proof for that is found in the Book of Allah when He Glorified be He Says, "O you who believe! If you obey and Fear Allah, He will grant you Furqan a criterion, and will expiate for you your sins, and forgive you, and Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty." [Noble Quran 8:29] "O you who believe Fear Allah, and believe too in His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), he will give you a double portion of His Mercy, and he will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight), and he will forgive you. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. So what is important is that the student of knowledge needs consistent striving, striving against himself and against ones passions and lower desires and its greed, and to tire himself out in acquiring knowledge, and to hope that Allah will enable him to achieve that, and the success (Tawfiq) is from Allah." [Noble Quran 57:28]

Tips on How to Treat Our Mothers

As-Salamu Alaykum (peace be upon you), Tips on How to Treat Our Mothers And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination. [Noble Quran 31:14] They carried us in their wombs for nine months, then endured the pain of labor, and then nurtured us and did everything for us when we were helpless babies and children; they bear the teenage years with patience and advice. We hope this compilation of ways on how to treat our mothers will put a smile on the faces of your mothers, and let them know we have not forgotten what they go through. A smile with a warm embrace. Saying thanks often. An offer to wash up the dishes. A cup of tea without her asking. Recite her favorite Surah, Tidy round after she goes to bed, so that when she wakes up the house is tidy. Buy her little ornaments for round the house so when she sees them she remembers you. Rub her feet (after all, that's where Paradise is). Phone your mum just to tell her you love her. Buy her surprise gifts. Go to her when she calls you. Write a poem for her. If you're on the phone, and your mother is asking something tell the person to wait. Cook for her. Let her teach you to cook even if you know, she will enjoy the fact that you're coming to her to ask. Bring your wife to her to learn how to cook, she will enjoy teaching her your favorite recipes, and both of you praise her cooking. Clean the house without your mum having to ask. Tell her how happy you are that she is a part of your life and your own families. Always take your mothers side in front of your wife and mother over differing opinions; you can appease your wife later on out of sight. Give her money to treat herself. Make breakfast for her. Go to get the shopping for her. If your mother likes to get the shopping, in then be patient with her as she goes up and down the aisles. Do your own washing and ironing. Spread the salaam when you leave and return from the home. Comb her hair. Massage her shoulders. Do well in school Pray all your prayers on time Help with your younger siblings so she can put her feet up. Teach your younger siblings to also help around the house, a mother needs time for her Ibadah too; her Ibadah should not have to fit around housework all the time. Look good and smell nice and be polite so that you're a good example of her upbringing. Don't always have your mum waking you up for prayer; try to wake her up instead. Help her with new technology, this stimulates her brain and keeps her mentally fit. Take an interest in her hobbies. If its sewing making sure she has all the things she needs. Ooo and ahhh, at her creations. Listen to lectures together; watch programs together this is what makes the bond stronger between you. Take the bins out and remember to bring them in, once they are emptied, this chore is something Muslim mums don't like as they have to cover them selves all up to take it out. If affordable, try to buy her the best and freshest food at the supermarket Take her out for drives in the car, especially if you live in the city take her to the countryside, go with the whole family and take a picnic. When you drive make sure you remember that there is a fragile vessel beside you, who would like to see what's out of the window rather than a blur because you're speeding. No white knuckle rides please. Ask your mother about her youth, most mothers love recalling their past Be good to her relatives and her friends Name some of your children after her side of the family, as a lot of the time it's the dad who chooses her children's names. Have a good relationship with your brothers and sisters; there is nothing more worrying to a mother than seeing her children at odds with one another. Never raise your voice or speak in a harsh tone to your mother. Tell her regularly what's going on in your life, don't let her hear your news from others. Seek her opinion in all major decisions, she has been there and done that. Always thank and praise her for the good job she has done over the years. Kiss her when you go and come from the house. Make Du'a for her Always ask her to make Du'a for you and your family, this brings her closer to your family. Ring your mother if you're going to be late getting home. Try not to stay out too late, as she will not sleep till you're safely inside. Be patient when she is not feeling well, bring her all she needs, and go with her to the doctors so she has support. Remind your mother to be a good Muslimah , and tell her heart softening stories and about paradise and hell. Read to her Islamic books What ever you learned in a gathering or class, share it with her. Remind her to read Surah al-Kahf on Fridays Take her to the mosque if she wishes to go. Make sure she has contact with other good sisters who will increase her Iman. Take her to her friends yourself or arrange transport. Invite her to your house at the weekend. Take cooked food to her, to give her a rest. Encourage her to do the Sunnah fasts, and then break fast with each other. Know what makes your mother smile and do it often. Be an active and a productive member of society. Mothers are happy when they see this. Buy your mum flowers, the smell and prettiness of flowers do wonders. Lead your mother and family in the Salah. Get married and choose a spouse who your mother approves of. Choose a wife who is soft hearted and will treat your mother well. Don't put off jobs that need done around the house. Remind her always of the traps of the Shaytan, remind her to do her daily Adkhars. Choose your own friends wisely. Pay for her to do Hajj and Umrah and go with her. Don't remind her of how much you spent on her. Look after her health, reminding her of the benefits of a good diet and some exercise. Always ask your mums advice about your own household, this makes her happy and lets her know you value her opinion. If there is any problem with your wife and mother, then never carry tales saying what the other said as most of that is done in anger. Read Ruqya Ayat over water and give her it to drink. Buy her beauty products, and perfumes. Be there when there is any lifting to be done. Let her listen and correct your mistakes, when you're memorizing Quran. Always intervene in any disputes between your parents calmly. Give her some money from your salary every month, so she can save for something she wants to buy, or to give in charity. Lay your head in each others lap, you might be 12 or 40 but in your mothers eyes you're still her child. Give charity on her behalf regularly. Give charity on behalf of her deceased relatives. Buy her gold, women like it and it's an investment. Listen to her complaints with understanding, and give her solutions that she can imply to make her life better. Walk at her pace with her on the inside protected from the road. If she wants to share what's in her glass with you, drink from the same side she drank from. Just like children who need quality time, give this to your mother also. Serve her first with the food. When you give her a drink, wait till she has finished then take away her glass. Use affectionate terms for her and other motherly terms of affection. When you see her doing something wrong, even in that disobedience treat her gently and with the upmost respect. Always open the door for her. Try to always speak in her mother tongue, and if your not then translate word for word, so she does not feel left out. Remind her of the rights Islam has bestowed on the mother, and tell her good stories of how others treat their mothers. Never cut your mother off when she is speaking, and be patient when she cuts you off. Sit at her feet and listen to what she is saying. Make her a large part of your grandchildren's lives; always bring them over to visit. Teach your own children to respect their grandparents as well. If you are in a class and you are unsure as to why mum is calling then leave the class to answer the call.' When you're angry with each other, don't leave the house, and don't refuse her food, or any attempts your mother makes to make amends, try to be the first one to defuse the situation. Always knock on her bedroom door before entering Don't enter into debates that you know will irritate each other, especially in the morning and at night.

Do Muslims Beat Their Wives?

As-Salamu Alaykum (peace be upon you), "Do Muslims Beat Their Wives?" Answer - "NO" Special Update: Islam Forbids All Oppression Compiled by Yusuf Estes Women Treatment in Islam We receive many questions about the treatment of women in Islam in general and what Muslim men do with their wives in particular. The following should help to shed some light on this most important subject. Question: I have a question about the treatment of the women in Islam. Could you please tell us why the Quran tells men to "Beat them" meaning their wives?" [Noble Quran 4:34] Answer: Let us consider a very basic understanding of the advent of Islam and the reason for it to be revealed in the time and place where it came. Here is a brief, yet clear statement of purpose with the coming of Islam: Treatment in Relationships - in Islam, it is all about treatment; how you treat your Lord; how you treat His messenger; how you treat yourself; how you treat your family; how you treat others; how you treat your enviornment - it is always about treatement. We must keep in mind the condition of the people who were without the guidance of Almighty God and how they had strayed far away from the message that came with Adam, Abraham, Moses and other great prophets, peace be upon them all. The ignorant and selfish mentality the prevailed throughout the Arab lands did not allow women even the most basic of rights and the treatment of women was abhorent. Women were being treated as property, even less than the status of livestock. They were offered in trade or taken in marriage without consent or consideration for their feelings at all. The customs of the people at the time were far away from anything we might imagine today. Statements in the Quran pertaining to the treatment of the women came to improve their condition and to raise their status to a level of balance alongside of men. Islam came to change the hearts of the people and show them the proper way to worship Allah and to interact with each other. Now let us review the proper method of providing answers for Islam in general. First we would say, "Thank you for asking about Islam. It is our committment to try our best to provide answers to questions to the best of our ability. However, sometimes we come across questions for which we do not have answers. In this case we will refer you to others who may be able to provide you with proper answers." Second, we remind ourselves and the one questioning Islam to be aware, we as Muslims, must never lie about anything, especially our religion. Third, we do have the original text of the Quran and the preserved teachings of Muhammad, peace be upon him. This enables us to verify exactly what was said, intended and taught by Muhammad, peace be upon him, as being the religion of Islam. Fourth, I would like to remind myself and all who read this in the future that not all questions are purely questions. Some contain statements and implications, that may or may not be true. Finally, it is important to keep in mind anytime we discover something in the answers to actually be better than what we already have, we should be committed to change our position and accept that which is true over that which is false and take that which is better for that which is inferior. After taking all of the above into consideration, if we find that the answer to this question provides us with a better approach to understanding what Almighty God has provided us with as a way of life on this earth and in the Next Life, we should then make the logical decsion to begin to worship Him on His terms. Having said that, let us now look to the particular verse in question in the original text (Arabic), followed by the phonetic sounds in Latin letters and then finally, followed by a translation of the meaning to the English language by experts in both Arabic and in Quranic meanings. Transliteration Ar-rejalu qawwa muna 'alan-nisa'a bima fadhdhallahu ba'dhahum 'ala bi'dhi wa bima anfaqu min amwalihim. Fas-saliHatu qaintat HafaTHatul-lilghaybi bimaa HafiTHal-lahu, wal-lati takhafuna nushuza hunna fa'iTHuu hunna wa hjuruu hunna fiil-lmadha ji'i wadhribu hunna. Fa'in aTa'nakum flaa tabghuu 'alayhinna sabiilan. Innal-laha kaana 'aliyaan kabiira(n). One Explanation (tafsir) given of this surahc (chapter 4:34) according to some scholars is: "Men are the support of women as God gives some more means than others, and because they spend of their wealth (to provide for them). So women who are virtuous are obedient to God and guard the hidden as God has guarded it. As for women who are averse in behavior, talk to them suasively, leave them alone in bed and tap them (like a doctor would tap a patient - lightly), if they open out to you, do not seek an excuse for blaming them. Surely God is sublime and great." Meaning of the Words For the three words fa'izu, wahjaru, and wadribu in the original, translated here 'talk to them suasively,' 'leave them alone (in bed - fi'l-madage'),' and tap lightly (percuss them), respectively, Fa'izu (to use persuasive speech or admonishment) Fa'izu, implies the first step should be to make clear to them using straight talk, the position they are in and what is required to comply with the teaching of Islam. This approach may be repeated until it is established she has understood and is willing to comply and come back into line with the proper expected of a Muslim woman. Hajara - Wahjaru (do not touch or molest them) Hajara, he says, means to separate body from body, and points out that the expression wahjaru hunna metaphorically means to refrain from touching or molesting them. Zamakhshari is more explicit in his Kshshaf when he says, 'do not get inside their blankets.' Daraba (tap lightly as 'percuss', not to beat) Daraba (lightly tap them (women).' This view is strengthened by the Prophet's authentic hadith found in a number of authorities, including Bukhari and Muslim: "Could any of you beat your wife as he would a slave, and then lie with her in the evening?" There are other traditions in Abu Da'ud, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, Ahmad bin Hanbal and others, to the effect that he forbade the beating of any woman, saying: "Never beat God's handmaidens." Source: Al-Quran: a contemporary translation by Ahmed Ali, Princeton University Press, 1988; pp78-79 In the past, some translators of this verse have mistakeningly used the word "beat" to represent the word "dhaaraba" in Arabic. This is not the opinion of all scholars and those who are well grounded in both Islam understanding and the English language. Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend from their means (to support the women). Therefore the righteous women are devout and guard in the husband's absence what Allah orders them to guard (e.g. their chastity, their husband's property, etc.). As to those women on whose part you see ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, go back to them (in intimacy), if they return to obedience and do not seek any means of annoyance against them. Certainly, Allah is Most High, Most Great. [Noble Quran 4:34] Other translators have offered words such as, "tap" and "pat" to represent a physical type of admonisment. While definitely coming closer to what might be acceptable in many circles than such expressions as "hit" or "beat", this still does not properly demonstrate the position and usage of such terms in relation to the first of the verse and the connection to the following passage, wherein the clear instructions deal with the women who do not come into compliance. Therefore, it likely be considered to mean: "tap lightly as a doctor would examine a patient". We understand from this some of the translations are not properly representing the spirit of the meaning. Therefore, they cannot be considered to be the representation of what has been intended by Almighty God. Now we can properly understand that Almighty God has commanded the men to provide for the women and allow them to keep all of their wealth, inheritance and income without demanding anything from them for support and maintenance. Additionally, if she should be guilty of lewd or indecent conduct, the husband is told to first, admonish her and then she should cease this lewdness. However, if she should continue in this indecency, then he should no longer share the bed with her, and this would continue for a period of time. Finally, if she would repent then he would take up sharing the bed with her again. Dr. Jamal Badawi (St. Mary's University, Nova Scotia) is of the opinion these (three stages) are necessary steps prior to divorce. Instead of a man saying, "I divorce you" three times in a row, he should follow this procedure before acting hastily and thereby doing something unwise and displeasing to Allah. The first step would be as mentioned above, to give her a "good talking to" and then if she continued in such unpleasing behavior, to leave the bed (not have intercourse with her) for a period of time and then finally, the last straw would be to "pat" her on the arm (as you would stroke a sheep or animal) to signify to her this is the final straw and then if she still persisted in her bad way, he could divorce her. Regardless of the various positions and opinions, there is no permission established through the teachings of the Quran or the Sunnah (way) of Muhammad, peace be upon him, wherein one person could "beat" another person at their own discretion. Any translations of the Quran indicating women can be beaten or abused by men is totally out of touch with the message of Islam from the rest of the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad, peace be upon him. And Allah is All Knowing of the meanings of His ayahs (verses in Quran)

Free Mixing in Islam

As-Salamu Alaykum (peace be upon you), Free Mixing in Islam What is Considered Free Mixing? Men and women are permitted to be in the same place. (i.e. shops, streets etc) Men and women should avoid situations where they are crowded together or seated together. Repetitive acquaintance should be avoided to prevent familiarity. Business like discussion between man and woman is permissible when necessary. Why is it Like This? Prevention of intimate relationships developing outside of marriage. Prevention of gossip and slander that can destroy relationships and families. Prevention of one party "falling in love" and being hurt. Prevention of children being born outside of marriage. Prevention of families being broken up. The Evidence Allah says: "Nor come nigh to adultery". Allah says: "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them." and says: "And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty." [Noble Quran 24:30-31] Allah says: "And when you ask the ladies for anything, ask them from behind a screen. That makes for greater purity for your hearts and for theirs." [Noble Quran 33:53] The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) forbade men and women from being alone together. He said: "Never is a man alone with a woman except that Satan is the third party with them." The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) also said: "Do not enter into the company of women." A man then asked him: "What about her male in-laws?" The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) replied: "The in-law is the most dangerous" The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) also said: "It is better for one of you to be pierced by a steel pin in his head than to touch the hand of a strange woman." Allah says: "Be not too complaisant of speech, lest one in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire: but speak with a speech (that is) proper." [Noble Quran 33:32] The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Any woman who puts on perfume then goes and passes by some men to let them find her scent is a type of adulteress." [Musnad Ahmad, Tirmidhi] Umm Salamah said: "When the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) completed the prayer, the women would get up to leave. He would then wait awhile before standing." Ibn Shahab said: "I believe that he waited for a while to give the women an opportunity to depart before the men." [Sahih al-Bukhari] It was related in al-Bukhari that women at the time of the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) did not circumambulate the Ka'bah along with the men. 'A'ishah used to go around the Ka'bah at a good distance from the men and avoided mixing with them. Once another woman bade to her to go forward with her so they could touch the corner of the Ka'bah. 'A'ishah refused to do so. [Sahih al-Bukhari] One of 'Ayshah's handmaidens came to her and said: "O Mother of believers, I went around the Ka'bah seven times and touched the corner twice or trice". 'Ayshah replied: "May Allah not reward you for pushing your way through men. It would have been sufficient for you to you to say "Allah Akbar" as you passed by". [Musnad al-Shafi'i] Punishment For Zina In This Life Fornication is 100 Lashes "The male and female who commit fornication - flog each of them with one hundred lashes, and let not compassion for the two of them keep you from complying with Allah's religion, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of believers witness their punishment." [Noble Quran 24:2] Adultery is Death The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "It is not permitted to shed the blood of any Muslim .... Except in three cases: a soul for a soul, the married person who commits adultery, and the one who forsakes his religion..." [Bukhari and Muslim] The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When someone commits Zina or drinks wine, Allah removes his faith from him, just as a person takes his shirt off over his head" In The Hereafter The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will not speak to nor look at nor purify three types of people: an old man who commits Zina, a lying king and a vainglorious poor person...." The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "We went on and arrived near a pit which was like and oven, out of which we could hear cries. We glanced into it and naked men and women, who cried out when the flames reached them from below. I asked: 'Who are these, O Gabriel?' He replied, 'Males and females who have committed fornication.'" [Bukhari] The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "If someone commits Zina with a married women, in the grave there will be a punishment on him and on her equal to half the punishment of this Ummah...."  The Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The man who has laid his hand with lust on a woman who is not permissible to him will come on the Day of Judgment with his hand tied to his neck. If he kissed her, his lips will be cut in the Fire, and if he had sexual intercourse with her, his private parts will speak against him in the Day of Judgment saying: 'I did what was forbidden.' Allah Most High will look at him with anger, and the flesh on his face will sag and he will look haggard and old. He will say: 'What did I do?' His tongue will witness against him saying, 'I said what was forbidden'; his hands will speak and say, 'We reached for what was forbidden'; each of his feet will say. 'I went to a forbidden place.'; and his private parts will say, 'I did it.' An one of the guardian angels will say, 'I heard it.' and the other guardian angel will say, 'I wrote it,' and Allah Most High will say, 'I knew it but I concealed it.' Then He will say 'My angels, take him and give him a taste of My punishment. Great is My anger against the man who had so little shame towards Me!'"

Bid'ah

As-Salamu Alaykum (peace be upon you),

Bid'ah - Innovation in the religion of Islam

What is Bid'ah?

Innovation in Islam is the invention, creation or addition of any religious matter which was not originally found in Islam. It is not innovation in general life....like the invention of cars, planes, electricity etc. For aspects of worship or ritualistic behaviors in Islam there must be something in the Quran or the Hadith to explain and confirm its practice.

Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "...and the best speech is the Speech of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the worst of all affairs are the newly invented matters (in the religion)" [Sahih Muslim]


Evidence against Bid'ah

Prophet Mohammad, (peace be upon him) says in this respect: "He who innovates something that is not in agreement with our matter (religion), will have it rejected." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning of the Quran that "This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion" [Noble Quran 5:3]

Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "...Verily he among you who lives [long] will see great controversy, so you must keep to my Sunnah and to the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Khalifahs - cling to them stubbornly. Beware of newly invented matters, for every invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is a going astray, and every going astray is in Hell-fire." [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]


How to identify Bid'ah

It is something that specifies doing something in a specific time, place or manner which does not have evidence to support it. For example fasting on the 15th of Sha'ban and the other rituals that go along with it. Where is the evidence?

An example of evidence for other days of fasting ...Messenger of Allah said: "Fasting on the day of 'Arafah is an expiation for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it. Fasting the day of 'Ashura is an expiation for the year preceding it." [Related by "the group," except for al-Bukhari and at-Tirmidhi]

Reasons Bid'ah exists:

1) Ignorance - The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Allah does not erase knowledge (from earth) by erasing knowledge from slaves (hearts). Rather, He erases knowledge through the death of scholars. When He leaves (earth) without scholars, people will take the ignorant as leaders (and scholars). They (the ignorant) will be asked and then give Fatawa without knowledge. Then, they will be lead, and will lead astray." [Ahmad]

2) Following desires - Allah says: "But if they answer you not O Muhammad, then know that they only follow their own lusts. And who is more astray then one who follows his own lust (desires) without the guidance from Allah" [Noble Quran 28:50]

"Have you seen him who takes his own desires as his god, and Allah knowing (him as such) left him astray, sealed his hearing and his heart, and put a cover on his sight. Who then will guide him after Allah." [Noble Quran 45:23]

3) Blind Following - Allah said what translated means:

"Follow what Allah has sent down." They say: "Nay! We shall follow what we found our fathers following. Even though their fathers did not understand anything, nor were they guided." [Noble Quran 2:170]

4) Imitating the disbelievers - Adopting their celebrations and practices. An example in the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) when the companions asked him to give them an "Anwar Tree" and Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Allahu Akbar! It is the Sunan (traditions of the Mushrikun). You said by He Who has my soul in His Hand, what the children of Israel said to Moses: "Make for us gods as they have gods. He said: 'Verily! You are a people who know not." [7:138] and he (peace be upon him) said: You will follow the traditions of those before you (Jews and Christians)" [at-Tirmidhi]


Dangers of Bid'ah:

1) Thinking you are getting closer to Allah - Allah accepts the actions of those who make their intentions for Him alone and according to His ways.
Shaytan loves Bid'ah because people rarely repent from it thinking they are on the right path getting closer to Allah.

2) Dividing the Ummah - Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

"...my Ummah will be fragmented into seventy-three sects. All of them will be in Hell Fire except one sect. They (the Companions) said: Allah's Messenger, which is that? Whereupon he said: It is one to which I and my companions belong." [At- Tirmidhi]

A Muslim of the Sunnah will be forced to stay away from the practice of Bid'ah and will therefore be separated from other Muslims

3) Destruction of the Sunnah - Ibn Abbas said, "When Bid'ah is created then the Sunnah dies and this continues until that Bid'ah is living and the Sunnah is dead."

And also, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Islam began as something strange, and it shall return as something strange as it began. So give glad tidings to the strangers." It was asked, "Who are the strangers?" He replied, "Those that purify and correct what the people have corrupted of my Sunnah" [at-Tabarani]

This corruption is Bid'ah, where people have changed the religion of Allah until the Sunnah has become corrupted.

4) Committing Shirk - An example from one Muslim country when they lay the foundation of a new house they put up a flag pole and raise a piece of cloth like a scarf or something to protect the house from the evil eye during the time it is being built. Some even place a tire (yes a car tire) on the pole to protect them. They also dip their hand in henna and make a hand print with the henna on the new walls of the house to protect it from the evil eye. This is Shirk!!

5) Damaging the image of Islam - For the Ummah as a whole, Bid'ah hurts the spreading of Islam and Dawah for the sake of Allah. Honour killings (the killing of a daughter for committing fornication) is an example. There is nothing in Islam that allows a family to execute the Islamic Shari'ah their own way. There is a process for dealing with adultery, and for the unmarried person it is in fact 100 lashings, not death. People, ignorant of Islam believe that this is how our religion is and those guilty of this form of Bid'ah, in fact guilty of one of the worst of major sins, taking the life of a Muslim, are harming the way the non Muslims view Islam.

6) Bid'ah is the cause of Fitnah or severe punishment for this Ummah - As Allah says: "For those people who are differing from the commands of Prophet, there will come to them either a Fitnah (test or trial from Allah) or a severe punishment." [Noble Quran 24:63]

And you can look in the Muslim countries where Bid'ah is rampant.

- Celebrating the Prophet's Birthday
- Reading Quran for the dead e.g. Chapter Yasin or celebrate 40 days after a person's died
- Putting head stones or monuments over the grave
- Asking the dead to make Du'a for them or relay the message to Allah

7) Bid'ah is a stepping stone to disbelief - Allah says:

"The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray." [Noble Quran 1:7]

This verse refers to the Christians and the Jews. They introduced new laws into the religion and this took them away from the true message of the Prophets Musa and Issa (peace be upon them). They took to rulings of their priests and rabbis over the words of Allah and his Messengers.

8) Individually, Bid'ah destroys the Hereafter of the person - Narrated Ayshah: Allah's Apostle said, "If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony with the principles of our religion, that thing is rejected."

9) May lead to lying on Allah and His messenger - The Prophet said:

"Whoever knowingly lie upon me, then let him occupy his seat in the Fire (of Hell)". [Bukhari, Muslim & others]

People will twist or fabricate Hadiths or references from the Quran in order to justify their actions. This is known to be one of the things that can take you out of Islam!!


Conclusion

- Allah says in the Quran: "This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion" [Noble Quran 5:4]

- Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"I have left behind me two things, if you cling to them you will never go astray. They are the Book of Allah and my Sunnah" [al-Hakim]

and

"...so cling to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs after me, even if it be with your teeth" [Bukhari]

VOLUNTARY FASTS

As-Salamu Alaykum (peace be upon you),

WHY FAST VOLUNTARY FASTS? What is the point of fasting beyond Ramadan? Of course we have to make up the days missed and perhaps we hear the Friday Khutbah that reminds us to fast the days of Ashura or Arafat so we participate in that, but why go further than this? Voluntary fasting has so many benefits that many are unaware of. There are benefits in all aspects of our lives, physical, spiritual and emotional. Lets now take a look at the virtues of fasting voluntarily. Importance of Fasting in Islam "O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)." [Noble Quran 2:183] "For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in Charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise - for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward." [Noble Quran 33:35] Great Rewards for Fasting Fasting has a unique attribute that no other form of worship has, it is done entirely for Allah. Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Every (good) deed of the son of Adam would be multiplied, a good deed receiving a tenfold to seven hundredfold reward. Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, has said: With the exception of fasting, for it is done for Me and I will give a reward for it, for one abandons his passion and food for My sake. There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts, joy when he breaks it, and joy when he meets his Lord, and the breath (of an observer of fast) is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk." [Muslim] Benefits of regularity in fasting There is also greater benefit in making voluntary fast a regular habit as narrated by A'ishah: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) did not observe fast in any month of the year more than in the month of Sha'ban, and used to say: Do as many deeds as you are capable of doing, for Allah will not become weary (of giving you reward), but you would be tired (of doing good deeds); and he (peace be upon him) also said: The deed liked most by Allah is one to which the doer adheres constantly even if it is small." [Muslim and Bukhari] Fasting as a protection from the Hellfire The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Allah says, "Fasting is a shield with which one may protect oneself from the Fire."' [Sahih al-Jami, 4/114] He (peace be upon him) also said: "Every servant of Allah who observes fast for a day in the way of Allah, Allah would remove, because of this day, his face farther from the Fire (of Hell) to the extent of seventy years' distance." [Muslim] Fasting As An Intercessor The Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said: "The fast and the Quran are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.' The Quran will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.' And their intercession will be accepted."[Ahmad] A Special Gate in Paradise For the One Who Fasts Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "In Paradise there is a gate which is called Rayyan through which only the observers of fast would enter on the Day on Resurrection. None else would enter along with them. It would be proclaimed: "Where are the observers of fast that they should be admitted into it?" and when the last of them would enter, it would be closed and no one would enter it." [Muslim] Fasting as a Means of Entering Paradise The Prophet (peace be upon him) also emphasized the importance that fasting has on entering Paradise. Abu Umamah reported: "I came to the Messenger of Allah and said: 'Order me to do a deed that will allow me to enter Paradise.' He said: 'Stick to fasting, as there is no equivalent to it.' Then I came to him again and he said: 'Stick to fasting."' [Ahmad, an-Nasa'i, and al-Hakim] Special Dwellings in Paradise The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "In Paradise there are dwellings whose inside can be seen from the outside, and the outside can be seen from inside. Allah has prepared them for those who feed the hungry, and speak softly and gently, fast continuously and pray at night whilst the people are asleep." [Sahih al-Jami'] Expiation of Sins Messenger of Allah said: "Fasting on the day of 'Arafah is expiation for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it. Fasting the day of Ashura is expiation for the year preceding it." [Related by "the group," except for al-Bukhari and at-Tirmidhi] Fasting As a Means of Controlling Desires Narrated 'Alqamah: While I was walking with 'Abdullah he said: "We were in the company of the Prophet and he said: 'He who can afford to marry should marry, because it will help him refrain from looking at other women, and save his private parts from looking at other women, and save his private parts from committing illegal sexual relation; and he who cannot afford to marry is advised to fast, as fasting will diminish his sexual power." [Bukhari] Fasting As a Means to Control Our Actions & Speech The true believer who fasts according to what Allah has commanded will be compelled to avoid evil speech and actions, encouraging the believer to be consciously aware of what they are doing and saying at all times during the fast. It is reported by Abu Hurairah: the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)" [Bukhari] And in another Hadith also reported by Abu Hurairah: Allah's Apostle said: "Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, 'I am fasting." The Prophet added, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), 'He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times." [Bukhari] Du'a of a Fasting Person Are Not Rejected The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "There are three prayers that are not rejected: the prayer of a father for his child, the prayer of the fasting person and the prayer of the traveler." [Muslim and Bukhari] The Way in Which the Prophet (peace be upon him) Prescribed Voluntary Fasts 1. Three days every month: Abu Zharr al-Ghifari reported: "The Messenger of Allah ordered us to fast for three days of every month--that is, on the days of the full moon (the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the lunar month). And he said: 'It is like fasting the whole year.'"[an-Nasa'i and Ibn Hibban] 2. Mondays and Thursdays: Abu Hurairah reported that the most the Prophet would fast would be Monday and Thursday. He was asked about that and he said: "The actions are presented on every Monday and Thursday. Allah forgives every Muslim or every believer, except for those who are boycotting each other. He says [about them]: 'Leave them.'" [Ahmad] 3. The Maximum Fast of Every Second Day: Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As: The Prophet said to me: "You fast daily all the year and pray every night all the night?" I replied in the affirmative. The Prophet said, "If you keep on doing this, your eyes will become weak and your body will get tired. He who fasts all the year is as he who did not fast at all. The fasting of three days (a month) will be equal to the tasting of the whole year." I replied, "I have the power for more than this." The Prophet said, "Then fast like the fasting of David who used to fast on alternate days and would never flee from the battle field, on meeting the enemy. [Bukhari] Special Times for Fasting 1. The month of al-Muharram: Abu Hurairah reported that he (the Messenger of Allah) was asked as to which prayer was most excellent after the prescribed prayer, and which fast was most excellent after the month of Ramadan. He said: "Prayer offered in the middle of the night and the most excellent fast after (fasting) in the month of Ramadan is the fast in Allah's month al-Muharram." [Muslim] 2. The day of Ashura: Ibn 'Abbas reported: "The Prophet came to Madinah and found the Jews fasting on the day of 'Ashura. He said to them: 'What is this fast?' They said: 'A great day. Allah saved Moses and the tribes of Israel from their enemies on this day and therefore, Moses fasted on this day.' The Prophet said: 'We have more of a right to Moses than you,' so he fasted on that day also and ordered the people to fast on that day."[Bukhari and Muslim] 3. Six days of Shawwal: Abu Ayyub al-An sari reported that the Prophet, upon whom be peace, said: "Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal will be [rewarded] as if he had fasted the entire year." [Related by "the group," except for al-Bukhari and an Nasa'i] 4. Other specific days: There is also evidence as Hafsah reported: "There are five things that the Prophet never abandoned: fasting the day of Ashura, fasting the [first] ten [days of Dhul-Hijjah], fasting three days of every month and praying two Rak'ah before the dawn prayer." [Ahmad and an-Nasa'i] The Prophet (peace be upon him) would fast the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. (The day of Arafat is the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah) Oh Allah, grant us all the strength of Iman and Taqwa to perform as many voluntary deeds as we can for Your sake, Ameen.

DUA

DUA  '

by Huma Ahmad

 Dua is defined as any invocation or prayer addressed to
Allah (SWT).  In our times, we find many reasons why people do 
not make Dua; we forget, don't know how, or just do not think 
it will be answered.  Fundamental to this is the loss of 
dependence and trust upon Allah.  As Muslims there is
something very wrong when we believe our Duas won't be answered.
We do not turn to Allah in our times of need and instead put our
trust, dependence and hopes on worldly things that we think will
help us. Although these temporal things are the means through
which our Duas can be answered, the root of our being should be
trained automatically to turn to Allah and not anything or
anyone else.  Through Dua, we strengthen our Imaan and our
relationship with Allah, as well as heighten our awareness of
cause and effect that can help inspire and motivate us to be
closer to Islam in our lives.

 We find many reassurances throughout the Quran for those
who make Dua.  Allah the Exalted, has said:  "And your
Lord says: Pray unto me: and I will hear your prayer" (Quran
40:60), "Call upon your Lord Humbly and in secret" (Quran 7:55),
"When My servants question thee concerning Me, I am indeed close
(to them):  I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he
calleth on Me" (Quran 2:186), "Is not He (best) who listens to
the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and who relieves its
suffering." (Quran 27:62)

 Aisha radhiallaahu anha said, "No believer makes Dua and
it is wasted.  Either it is granted here in this world
or deposited for him in the Hereafter as long as he does not get
frustrated."

 In fact, it is even wrong to never make Dua, "Whosoever
does not supplicate to Allah, He will be angry with Him."
[Saheeh Jaami`as-Sagheer #2414]

 A Hadith says "Ad-Du'aa Huwal-3ibaadah",[Abu
Dawud,at-Tirmidhi, Hasan Saheeh], Dua is Ibadah so calling 
upon anyone other than Allah in one's Dua is Shirk. This
is an important condition of having one's Dua accepted; the Dua
should not be directed to other than Allah alone.  A second
condition would be sincerity or Hudoor alqalb, having the heart
present.  Also, one's food, drink, clothes and lifestyle should
be Halal.  One should avoid unlawful, impious or forbidden
sources or means of livelihood.  Fourth, one cannot ask for
something sinful or Haram.  Dua should not be made against
family and property (i.e. to sever the ties of kinship).

 If one asks Allah to curse someone, it rises up to
heaven and goes to the person if they are deserving, if
not it returns to the person supplicating.  Patience is another
condition.  This perseverance in making Dua is important.  One
should not say "Why hasn't Allah answered my Dua" or "I have
prayed and prayed so many times, but the same was not accepted"
and then become disappointed and give up praying.  An example of
this is like a person who planted a seed or a sapling, and kept
looking after it and watering it and when its complete shape and
height was slow in coming, they left it and forgot about it.

 Lastly one should have expectation, belief with
certainty only Allah can answer the Dua. Understanding
dependence on Allah and asking with absolute resolve and
believing with certainty that one's Dua  will be answered is a
also a condition of acceptance. One should not say "O Allah do
this...if you wish..." because one should appeal to Allah with
determination, for nobody can force Allah to do something
against his Will. If one fulfills these conditions, Allah will
definitely answer the Dua, avert some equivalent evil or give
better in the Hereafter.

 We can and should make Dua in every condition, i.e. in
hardship and in prosperity.  There are also some special
times to make Dua where it is more likely to be accepted:

  1.  When one is oppressed 
  2.  Between the time of Athan and Iqama 
  3.  At the time of the call for prayer 
  4.  At the time of fighting when warriors are engaged with
  each other 
  5.  When it is raining 
  6.  When one is sick
  7.  The last third of the night 
  8.  Ramadan (especially Lailatul Qadr) 
  9.  After the Fard part of prayer 
  10. When traveling 
  11. When breaking fast 
  12. In Sujood 
  13. Fridays, some say on Friday after Asr prayer 
  14. While drinking the water from the well of Zamzam 
  15. At the start of prayer (Dua of Istiftah) 
  16. When one begins the prayer, i.e. with "all praise be to 
  Allah, the Pure and the Blessed one" 
  17. While one recites al-Fatiha (which is a Dua) 
  18. When Ameen is said in the prayer (also relating to Fatiha) 
  19. At the time of raising the head after the Rukoo 
  20. In the last part of the prayer after conveying blessings 
  unto the Prophet (SAW) 
  21. Before finishing the prayer (before Tasleem (saying the 
  Salaam to the angels)) 
  22. At the end of Wudu 
  23. On the day of Arafah 
  24. On waking up from sleep 
  25. At times of adversity 
  26. Prayer after the death of a person 
  27. Dua when someone's heart is filled with sincerity and 
  when it is focused on Allah 
  28. Dua of the parent against or for his children 
  29. When the sun moves from its meridian but before the 
  Dhuhr prayer 
  30. The Dua of a Muslim for his brother without the latter's 
  knowledge
  31. At the time the army advances to fight in the way
  of Allah.

Dua can be beautified and perfected by certain actions:

 1. Have Wudu, face Qibla, be neat and clean 
 2. Raise both hands up to the shoulder with palms open facing up
 3. Use words of Allah and Muhammad (SAW)-
  i.e. Duas found in Quran and Hadith 
 4. Ask by Asma alHusna- Allah's Beautiful Names 
 5. Ask Allah by your good deeds 
 6. Be insistent-repeat (i.e. 3x's) 
 7. Glorify Allah and recite Durud for the Prophet (SAW) at
 both the beginning and end 
 8. Show humility, entreaty, desire and fear while making Dua 
 9. Repent and try to make amends where one has wronged 
 10. Confess mistakes, shortcomings, and sins 
 11. Keep voice between a whisper and speaking aloud 
 12. Show the need for Allah's help and implore Him for release 
 from weakness, hardship and tribulation.  
 13. Seize the opportunity of time, situation and circumstance in
 which prayers are answered 
 14. Avoid rhymed prose to keep concentration 
 15. Crying when making Dua 
 16. The Dua of Dhun-Nun (Yunus) by which he invoked Allah from
 within the belly of the whale was:  "LAa ilaha illa
  Anta, Subhanaka innee kuntu min aDH-DHaalimeen."
  No Muslim ever makes Dua with it but Allah
  answers it." [at tirmidhi in his sunan, ahmad
  and hakim reported it and hakim declared it
  authentic and adh dhahabee agreed] 
 17. End with "Alhamdulillah rabbil alameen"


 We should ask for Dunya things, but not just for the
sake of Dunya itself and for Akhirah things. We should
not ask for punishment to be brought forward in this world or
for early death.  We should not curse any particular human being
or animal, abuse a Muslim for no reason, abuse dead people
without cause and religious excuse, or abuse fever or the wind.
We should not make Dua by saying we have been given rain by this
or that star or what Allah willed, and so and so willed. We
should not make Dua against family and property or for sinful
acts and severing the bonds.

 In the end there can be reasons why the Dua might not be
answered such as not fulfilling conditions like some of
the ones listed above or:  Divine Wisdom, trying to  hurry the
response of one's Dua, Dua for what is sinful or the breaking
off of relations, eating, drinking, or dressing from what is
Haram, not being resolute in making Dua, abandoning the duty of
enjoining what is good and shunning the  evil, the dominance of
unmindfulness, lust and vain desires, not being  submissive
during Salah, or committing particular sins (not divorcing a
vile  woman, giving a loan without a witness, and a man who gave
his wealth to the foolish)

 More information on Dua can be found in a book in
English, a translation of Kitaab ud-Du`aa' by Shaykh
al-`Awaa'ishah (published by Jam`iat Ihyaa Minhaaj al-Sunnah),
the Book of Supplications in Al-Bukhari and Riyadh us Saleheen
and Ajawab Alkafi by Imam Shams Adeen Mohamad bin AbiBakr Bin
Qayem Ajawyzeyah.  Jazakamullahu khairan to those who corrected
and added to the above compilation.  May Allah make us of those
that oft turn to Him in Dua.  Ameen.