21 MAJOR SINS IN ISLAM (GUNAH E KABIRA)

Major sins or Gunah e Kabira in Islam means those sins that are forbidden In Holy Quran by Allah Swt and In Hadiths by Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him because they are not good for the human beings and society so they are forbidden.

The real reason these sins are forbidden by Allah Swt and Prophet Muhammad saw because they are harmful for the mankind. Allah SWT is our creator and he knows best what is good and what is bad for us.  If a person avoids the Majors sins (Gunah e Kabira) his minor sins will also be forgiven by mercy of Our Rab. Allah Swt says in Surah Al Nisa of Quran Kareem

"If you avoid the major of what you have been forbidden to do, We will cancel out for you your other evil deeds and will admit you to Heaven with a noble entry"

There are several Major sins but I will be mentioning some of the them below not all of them.

1 Shirk - Associating partners with Allah SWT.
2 Killing an Innocent human being.
3 Not offering Fard Salah Prayer.
4 Not Giving Zakat - (Charity to Poors) 
5 Not keep Fasts in Ramadan
6 Not doing Hajj despite having money
7 being Disrespect of Parents.
8 Doing Zina
9 taking or giving Interest
10 Lying about Allah Swt and his Prophets
11 Gambling
12 Stealing
13 Oppression
14 Lying
15 Doing Suicide
16 Earning Wealth by unlawful means.
17 unjust Judging
18 Bad conduct towards your life partner
19 Plotting the Evil.
20 treating someone unjustly
21 False Oath taking.

There are many other big sins as well but the above ones are very common in the society at present. May Allah Swt help us in avoiding these Sins and doing the works of virtue in our lives.

20 HADITHS TO TEACH YOUR KID AT AGE OF 5

Dear Brothers & Sisters I would like to share some Hadiths that you must teach your Kid when he/she reaches age of 5. It will help you in keeping your Kid on the Islamic path from small age and he will be following the Islamic guidelines in the future if you will guide him/her from smaller age. Following are these Hadiths to teach your Kid at age of 5.

1 Islamic Pillars are five 1 giving Shahdah that there is no God but Allah 2 Muhammad SAW is Prophet of Allah, Offering Salaah, Giving Zakat, Doing Hajj and fasting in Month of Ramadan.

2 Do Dua when you drink or Eat.

3 When anyone of you forget saying Bismillah at start of eating then he must read Bismillahi Awalu wa Akhriu.

4 Use Left hand while doing Taharat.

5 Don't enter in anyone's house without permission and if you not get the permission go back.

6 Don't drink water while standing but drink it after sitting.

7 Don,t threat your Muslim brother.

8 By giving Charity your Wealth don't reduce and by forgiving others Allah increases your Respect.

9 If a sin is done by you do Virtue because Virtue removes sins.

10 Allah hates those who speak bad.

11 When you wear something or do Wadu start from right side.

12 Allah likes that person who thanks Allah after eating and drinking.

13 if you want to become Lover of Allah and Prophet Saw recite Quran.

14 Truth brings you towards Virtue and Virtue brings you towards Heaven.

15 Save yourself from Lying because lie brings you towards wrong path and wrong path brings you towards hell.

16 No one can become Momin until he likes the same for his brother what he likes for himself.

17 Don't take Gift back after giving.

18 If someone starts talking without saying Salam don't reply him.

19 One Who hides others secrets Allah will hide his secrets on day of Judgment.

20 Accept Dawat of others, don't reject others gifts and don't beat your Muslims brothers

I hope that these Hadiths will help your Kids in learning the Islam well. May Allah Swt help us in taking care of our Kids according to guidelines of Islam.

THE CORRECT FORM OF GHUSL

Brothers and sisters some very important points are listed please take a few minutes to read...

1. Ghusl (complete bath) becomes obligatory in the following conditions:

a) When Al-Mani (fluid) is discharged owing to stimulation (whether actual or imagined) while asleep or awake.

b) When a wet dream occurs.

c) When an actual intercourse takes place (even if no discharge occurs).

d) When the private parts meet (even if no discharge occurs).

e) When a woman comes out of her regular menstrual cycle.

f) When the normal flow of blood ceases from the womb after giving birth.

Note: Ghusl is not obligatory in the following two conditions:

a) If Al-Mani (fluid) is discharged without desire due to a medical condition, or carrying a heavy load or cold

b) When prostatic fluid comes out

2. Ghusl (complete bath) is Sunnah and/or recommended in the following occasions:

a) On Fridays.

b) On Eid days.

c) After giving Ghusl to a bier.

d) Before putting on the Ihram.

e) Before entering Makkah.

f) Before entering Madina.

g) Before commencing the stay of Arafah (during Hajj)

3. Make the intention for Ghusl, “I am intending to purify myself”. 

Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) has said, “Every action is based on Intention, and everyone shall have what he intended”. [Bukhari]

Note: Intention doesn’t need to be uttered verbally or loudly, it is an action of the heart.

4. Wash your hands up to the wrists. 

Narrated 'Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her): Whenever the Prophet (peace be upon him) took a bath after Janaba he started by washing his hands and then performed ablution like that for the prayer. After that he would put his fingers in water and move the roots of his hair with them, and then pour three handfuls of water over his head and then pour water all over his body. [Bukhari]

5. Wash all the impurities from your private parts. 

Maymunah (RA) related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) washed his private parts while having a bath. [Bukhari]

6. Wudhu should now be performed. 

Narrated Maimuna (May Allah be pleased with her): (the wife of the Prophet) Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) performed ablution like that for the prayer but did not wash his feet. He washed off the discharge from his private parts and then poured water over his body. He withdrew his feet from that place (the place where he took the bath) and then washed them. And that was his way of taking the bath of Janaba. [Bukhari]

Note: If the surface where the person is standing is clean then feet can be washed at the same time.

7. You should now rub water through your hair three times, letting the water penetrate down to the roots of the hair. 

Note: It is obligatory for women to have the water reach the roots of the hair according to all four Imams of Fiqh either by untying the plaits of the hair or loosening them (if the water reaches the roots).

8. You should now pour water over the head and the rest of the body three times starting from the right side. 

Narrated 'Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her): Whenever the Prophet (peace be upon him) took a bath after Janaba he started by washing his hands and then performed ablution like that for the prayer. After that he would put his fingers in water and move the roots of his hair with them, and then pour three handfuls of water over his head and then pour water all over his body. [Bukhari]

9. No area of the body (even equal to a hair) should be left dry during Ghusl. 

Narrated Ali ibn AbuTalib (May Allah be pleased with him): The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) said: If anyone who is sexual defiled leaves a spot equal to the breadth of a hair without washing, such and such an amount of Hell-fire will have to be suffered for it. Ali said: On that account I treated my head (hair) as an enemy, meaning I cut my hair. He used to cut the hair (of his head). May Allah be pleased with him. 
[Abu Dawud]

10. It is not necessary to do Wudhu afer Ghusl. 

Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin (May Allah be pleased with her): The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him)took a bath and offered two rak'ahs of prayer and said the dawn prayer. I do not think he performed ablution afresh after taking a bath.. [Abu Dawud]

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Cleanliness is half the faith (Emaan).” [Sahih Muslim]

Please share!!

GOOD & BAD DEEDS OF CHILDREN

Children are one of the most beautiful blessings of ALLAH swt. Their innocence is the best thing in the world. Nothing compared to them looks half so good. This goodness increases many folds if they are brought up in the best way as prescribed in Islam. They have rights and parents and guardians are obligated to listen to them and help them when they need. They are to be fed and clothed and brought up in best possible way.

Childhood is the most delicate age of human life. Whatever happens to one in this age, it leaves its imprints forever. It it the age when personality is built. If brought up in a constructive environment, children would be good human beings and if they are brought up irresponsibly, then the flaws in their personalities will become permanent. Most of the successful people in the history of this world were successful because they un-intentionally shaped their minds in their childhood while same is true for most of the criminals. Those children who are not treated good in their childhood do not become good parents in most cases because of their personality flaws and vice versa.

For these reasons, Islam has made it s responsibility to bring up children in the best manner. Children should be treated with respect and love because they are just like mirror. What you do with them today, they will return you the same and probably more. If they learn love and respect, they will give it back.

Islam starts in the life of a human being in very early age. Children are not exempted when it comes to adhere the deen but the manner of their obedience is different. When a child is born, from that day on, parents become responsible for them. It is their responsibility to make their children familiar with islam at this young age so that it become part of their personality.

As we know, childhood is the age where no sin in incurred but the reward of all the good deeds in given to the child. Plus, parents are also rewarded for that good deed done by child because it was they who taught him to be good. This is indicated by the hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim, narrated by Ibn Abbaas, that a woman lifted a child to the Prophet, salallahu ‘alayhi wa salam, during his farewell Hajj and said: “O Messenger of Allah, is there Hajj for him?” He, salallahu ‘alayhi wa salam, replied: “Yes, and there is reward for you.”

similarly, whoever teaches the child a good act besides parents Is also rewarded. A saying of beloved Prophet Muhammad pbuh indicates it in the following words, “For the one who guides to good, a reward similar to that of the one who performs it.” Narrated in Saheeh Muslim.

Coming to the bad deeds; children learn from their surroundings. If they learn something bad, like abusing or other un-islamic things, then they are free of the punishment because in their age of innocence, they cannot learn the difference between right and wrong. For them, everything is fun and game. So when they do something bad, it befalls on the elders to stop them, especially parents. Because if they are ignored, they might repeat the same thing and learn even more bad things.

Children should not be left with what they do, rather they should be appreciated when they act nicely and they should be stopped in polite way when they at bad.

IF YOU HAVE THESE QUALITIES YOU ARE A GOOD MUSLIM

Quran and Ahadees describes the Qualities of a good Muslim. Following are the Qualities of a Good Muslim according to Quran and Ahadees. You also try to Evaluate that do you have these Qualities and if you have not try to bring them in you to become a Good Muslim.

1 Justice &  Dealing with Equality.

2 Trust in Allah Swt.

3 Patience

4 Rescuing

5 Kind and Gentle to other People.

6 Perfection in his job.

7 Repentance

8 Keeps Kindliness in all matters.

9 Piety

10 Body Purification

11 Good doing

12 Reflection of Allah Grace

13 Loftiness

14 Strength

15 Loves other for Sake of Allah Swt.

16 Forgives others mistakes.

17 Do good deeds Continuously.

18 Good manner and Conduct

19 Loves Virtuous Deeds

These are some of the Qualities of a Good Muslim May Allah Swt help us also to bring these Qualities in ourselves.

IT'S TIME FOR MUSLIM UMMAH TO UNITE

There are more than 50 Muslim countries In the World and total Muslim population is almost touching 2 billion. Islam is fastest growing religion of the world. Arab countries are filled with Oil. all types of resources are available in Muslim countries. despite all these facts Muslim Ummah is badly suffering today. Just take the recent example of Israel attack on Gaza. Israel is a small countries which attacked and killed 2000 Innocent Palestinians and all the Muslim Ummah kept on seeing Instead of taking any action against Israel.

from Afghanistan to Iraq and from Syria to Palestine Muslims are facing occupations, humiliation and unrest. in 1400 years history of this Ummah from last few centuries we are in our worst period right now. There was a time when we ruled the world. When we were ahead than West In Science and education. but today everything is opposite.

So why this is happening with us. First of all we ourselves are responsible for this. we are not united. we have stopped following Quran and Sunnah. we have stopped gaining the knowledge. we are divided into sects and Nationalism. secondly our enemies are also trying hard to make the things worse and worse for us by doing conspiracies.

Remember the Hadith of our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW:

The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches, because of sleeplessness and fever. [Muslim]

Muslim Ummah should be like one body. When one Muslim is in pain in one corner of the world the other in other corner should feel the pain and help him. Loving our country is natural but Nationalism should not overcome the Ummah. Islam is above country. we should also not be divided on basis of Sectarianism. Quran clearly teaches us to not be divided into sects. the solution to overcome sectarianism is following Quran and Sunnah.

we should also be ready to respond to the conspiracies of our enemies. they want to divide and conquer us. we should start gaining knowledge and make progress in different fields of life Including media. we have all types of resources available which are needed to be utilized in right way.

Democracy or martial law will not solve our problems. our struggle should be for Khilafah and establishing the system of Islam.

LOVE AND ISLAM

Normally, when love is mentioned in context of islam, it is about the love of Allah swt, or love of prophet Muhammad pbuh or love of parents, family or friends. In our society, these types of love are allowed and appreciated. But when it comes to the love between a man and woman, it is not seen as something which can have some meaning. Instead, you would find many scholars giving fatwas against those who so much as like each other. Does islam allow such a thing? Is there any place in islam for such a thing?

Well, love is normally taken as a forbidden act. Where in reality of islam, it is not forbidden at all. It should not be thought that islam allows any such relationship openly, but islam sights things in their original manner and sense. So, let us find the original sense of love first. You can do it yourself by asking people randomly about their definition of love. Some would call it wrong, some would call it right. But it actually is a feeling, a kind of attraction that exists between two people. Two people can like each other for many reasons ranging from beauty to religion. Love itself is not satanic because it is a feeling. What becomes satanic is the wrong way to have it. Unfortunately, our society is one of the biggest reason why satan finds it easy to play tricks on the people's minds.

When a boy and a girl like each other, their ultimate wish is to live with each other. Islamically, they can live with each other via nikah. Nikah has its own obligations which require details. But nikah makes the relationship of a man and woman legitimate. If the two people are willing to enter the folds of nikah, then their should be no reason they should not be joined together, except for some reasons where there is involved some kind of fraud.

Remember, our beloved prophet Muhammad pbuh got married to khadijah r.a because she liked his (pbuh) honesty. So she sent the proposal and he (pbuh) accepted it. Later on, the love between them grew. And khadija ra was the beloved wife of Muhammad pbuh. He pbuh loved her so much that when she passed away, He pbuh remained sad for long. And never married another women in her life. Such was the love between the two. Similarly, our beloved prophet pbuh loved Ayesha ra very much. So, love is a feeling. It grows stronger when intentions are pure, and it becomes week where lust and worldly needs are involved.

There is a famous sahih hadith regarding love. Prophet Muhammad pbuh said that there is nothing more liked than nikah for two people who are in love. Now this hadith tells us that islam recognizes the human feelings. Islam does not stop us from being humans. Islam simoly, does not want us to be angels. Because we are not angels but human beings. We, as men and women, coexist. Its inevitable for some of us to fall in love. So, islam simply puts us on the right path and tells us to legitimise the relationship. 

There is another sahih hadith in which prophet Muhammad pbuh said that it should be religion for which a women is liked. That is, now a days, men like women for their faces and beauty. Very few men and women would like some one for their religion. We forget that this world is a temporary place. It is not our permanent residence. We ought to move to the next level. And if we are good enough to reach jannah, then we will all be the best in jannah. So what should matter to us the most in this world should be the akhirah, not the world.

In short and plain words, islam does not stop us from feeling for some one as long as we want to legitimise it. If it is not possible, we should learn to let go. If we stick with a thought or feeling, then this is what islam does not allow. 

ISLAMIC QUESTIONS & ANSWERS RELATED TO MARRIAGE

Marriage is a really Important part of human lives and Islam has given us clear guidelines regarding marriage. It guides us about each and every aspect of marriage. Following we are sharing some frequently asked Questions and their answers related to Marriages.

1 Islam permits Love Marriage or not?

If two people like each other then there is nothing better than marriage for them so Islam surely allows Love marriage. however Islam doesn't allow having any kind of relationship before marriage.

2 what is the minimum age required to get married in Islam?

Islam doesn't gives any specific age at which a girl and boy can married. however Puberty is necessary to get married.

3 can parents force their children to marry specific person?

Its haram to force your children to marry someone. Islam allows everybody to choose their life partners freely.

4 What Is the Islamic way of marriage?

Islamic way of getting married is really simple. Girl and boy will have Nikah in Mosque and next day Boy will give walima party to guests. there is no Mehndi, Barat and Engagement In Islam.

5 Is temporary marriage allowed in Islam for specific period?

temporary marriage which is also known as Mutah is forbidden In Islam because Prophet SAW forbidden it.

6 Can girl get married without permission of her Wali?

Its not allowed for a girl to get married without taking permission from her Wali according to hadith of Rasool Allah SAW.

these are some of  the most asked questions regarding marriages. I hope this post will help all the people who are looking for answers.

CHOOSING RIGHT LIFE PARTNER

Marriage is Sunnah and one of the most liked acts, if done in good intention because its benefits are many fold. Marriages does not only save the individuals from committing Haram acts (zina) but also save the society at large fro going astray. We see how west has crossed all limits and now termed as one of the most open society where no one respected but only desires are respected and served. Therefore, marriage is the best thing to do.

Once one decides to do marriage, he/she should look for the person who is not only good in character but also a fearful muslim because a person of upright character can become a real better half. Marriage is a decision that individuals have to take weighing the pros and cons of their decision. And no forceful decisions can be made as we see parents forcing their kids to marry a person of their choice. It is no sin to choose life partner for kids, but it is not permissible to force them because their children have to lead their lives with their better halves not the parents.

Second and the most important thing is, while deciding for marriage, one should not go beyond the prescribed limits of Islam. Today, young boys and girls call it their right to marry the person of their choice, out of emotions, and then leave their homes and their parents and after sometime when they realize their mistake they come back with empty hands. This is also wrong. There is a respectable way to do everything.

The evils have grown in our society only because we have left Islam and have adopted the modernist life style. This life style looks good apparently but in real this leads to broken families, broken personalities and committing sins. Marriage should not be done to TEST AND TRY a person; rather it should be dealt as a serious matter, matter of life. The individual whose life’s most important matter is considered should also be asked and encouraged to speak so that when the final decision is made, both girl and boy are happy and ready to accept this biggest responsibility.

Girls are mostly forced to get married to a person of their parent’s choice even when they are not ready. They mostly stay quiet and accept it calling it their fate. This is not what Islam says. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.w cancelled nikah of a young virgin girl whose father married her without her will.

Narrated Al-Qasim: A woman from the offspring of Ja'far was afraid lest her guardian marry her (to somebody) against her will. So she sent for two elderly men from the Ansar, 'AbdurRahman and Mujammi', the two sons of Jariya, and they said to her, "Don't be afraid, for Khansa' bint Khidam was given by her father in marriage against her will, then the Prophet cancelled that marriage." (Bukhari Book #86, Hadith #99)

Proof 2:

Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: A virgin came to the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) and mentioned that her father had married her against her will, so the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) allowed her to exercise her choice. (Abu Dawud Book #11, Hadith #2091)

Therefore, it is wrong on part of parents if they try to impose their choice on their kids when it comes to the marriage of their children and it is also wrong if the children do anything out of emotions and then regret and ruin their lives.

Choosing life partner is very important decision so we should be looking for a person who is pious and righteous not the one who has the only qualities of being rich and good looking.

HOW A MUSLIM SHOULD DO BUSINESS?

Being Muslims and living is a Muslim majority society (though not completely Islamic in many aspects) we are more responsible than others when it comes to honesty and justice and truthfulness. Since the western system has failed to maintain the truthfulness and quality of business where, society can benefit, now they realize that there needs to be business ethics and “corporate social responsibility” if they want their business to grow. The business solely depends on the society, if people will not take any interest into a business, it will collapse, and therefore the first thing to run a business successfully is to run it truthfully.

ALLAH (swt) says in Holy Quran: 23: 7

“But those whose desires exceed those limits are transgressors”

Therefore, to exceed the limits and to ask for more than what is the right share means nothing but to invite anger of ALLAH. History has seen that no matter how successfully the buggers planned but in the end, they ended up with nothing but humiliation. The case of ENRON is the biggest example.

But those, who observe their limits, and do not ask for more than their due share, for them ALLAH says:

Holy Quran: 23: 8-11

“Those who faithfully observe their Trusts and their covenants; And who (strictly) guard their prayers. Those will be the heirs. Who will inherit Paradise: they will dwell therein (forever). “

The above verses indicate that those who do their jobs with truthfulness and those who do not break trusts, they will be the dwellers of paradise. This means that ALLAH swt likes such people.

Quran those duties which ALLAH swt has assigned to man, were first offered to the heavens and earth but they refused to take them because these duties need strong personality and moral uprightness and firm believe in ALLAH swt to bear such great responsibilities. Truthfulness, honesty and moral responsibilities are among those duties assigned by ALLAH.

ALLAH swt has told us to do business but keeping ourselves in the prescribed limits of ALLAH and HIS Messenger s.a.w.w. In surah al-baqarah verse number 282, ALLAH swt told us clearly that whenever undergoing and business or debt deal, we must sign contract and make everything transparent. Similarly, in sahih bukhair chapter 35 Messenger of ALLAH s.a.w.w has told us how to do business and trade.

Muhammad s.a.w.w. said:

“if he does  not strive  diligently to promote their welfare, he will not enter Paradise with them.” 

(Bukhari)

Islam teaches us to be just, dutiful, truthful and honest. How ALLAH’s Messenger s.a.w.w has spent His life is a best example for us. All we need to do is to be good Muslims and we will never need any CSR or business ethics as a part of our code because they are already part of our FAITH and a true Muslim’s faith is in his conscience and in his soul.

ISLAMIC TIPS TO DEAL WITH STRESS

Stress is a common problem in today's Materialistic and fast life where everyone is busy and running behind money and caring more about feeding the body instead of feeding the soul. despite having everything people are finding it hard to find real happiness and stay away from stress. In this article I will share some Islamic tips that will help you to get rid of stress and start feeling happy and calm.

1 Start Praying If you don't pray:Believe me the peace and satisfaction that you will find in offering Salah and doing Zikr is not present in any other thing. When you will start offering Salah regularly and do Zikr of Allah SWT it will take you away from stress.

2 Be grateful for what you have:start thanking Allah SWT for what you already have instead of worrying about what you don't have. start counting your blessings everyday. that will give you great joy. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him has taught us to see towards that person who has less money than us instead of seeing towards those who are more richer. doing so will make us appreciate what we have.

3 Care more about hereafter instead of this world: Remember your real destination is hereafter and you are in this world temporarily for a test. this will bring a great change in you.

4 Stop comparing yourself with others: If you are comparing yourself with others you are taking yourself towards stress and you are also insulting yourself. you don't need to compare yourself with other people in anyway.

5 Keep less expectations from others: Often we keep high expectations from other people and when they don't fulfill them we get hurt. so you don't need to expect much from others. 

6 Exercise and walk daily: this is a great tip to find stress keeping yourself active physically. doing exercise and walk helps us in many ways Including Improving our health, confidence and ending stress.

7 Read Holy Quran With Translation:start reading the Book of Allah SWT with translation and understanding. that will bring positive change in you.

8 Involve in welfare activities: Get yourself involved in activities of helping other people. that will greatly help you.

EARNING & SPENDING MONEY FROM ISLAMIC POINT OF VIEW

We are living in a time when the Importance of money is more than ever. the desire of living a lavish life style is more than ever due to Impact of media. Our beloved Rasool SAW has told us that fitnah of my ummah is wealth. Quran tells us that our wealth and our kids are a test for us. there is no doubt that human beings love wealth. when they get the wealth they want even more and this desire never ends till we die. Having wealth is not a bad thing if earned and used in  the right way.

In fact earning money through Halal way and hard work is a virtue. Beloved Rasool SAW said that

Honest traders will be in the category of messengers, saints and martyrs on day of judgement. Bukhari 

another hadith tells us that spending money earned through Halal way on your family is Sadqaah. however its Haram to make money through methods which are forbidden by our Deen like dealing in Interest, doing dishonesty, lying about the Item that you are selling. using money for wrong purposes like bribery, corruption is also Haram.

It is also Important to give Zakat on the money that you have earned. Zakat Purify your wealth and also ends poverty from the society. along with Zakat you should also try to do as much Sadqah as you can. Rasool Allah SAW used to do massive charity.

It is Important to be moderate in spending the money. you should not be wasting the money on unnecessary things and you should also not be a miser. these are some point which we must keep in mind related to Money, earning and spending.

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE HUSBAND AND WIFE

QUESTION

I hear all the time of the duties of the wife in Islam, but nothing regarding the duties of the husband. What are his obligations as a husband? Does he merely have a financial obligation to his wife and nothing more? Who is to decorate the house, mow the lawn, raise the children, cook, clean, wash and iron?

Answer

Before replying to your question, I would like to clarify a basic point which should always be borne in mind in such matters.

One should clearly distinguish between the Islamic teachings and the general practice of the Muslims. Unfortunately, we are living in an age where the vast majority of the Muslims are not aware of the noble teachings of Islam nor do they practice them in their day-to-day lives. Instead, they are mostly influenced by the different cultures in which they are/have been living. Therefore, everything the Muslims practice cannot be attributed to Islam. When one evaluates the virtues of Islam, he should not refer to the practice of the Muslims of today; rather he should turn to the principles laid down in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah. Obviously, if the Muslims have abandoned the guidance of the Shari’ah, it cannot be seen as a defect in the Shari’ah itself. It is a defect in those who have deprived themselves of this Divine Guidance.

Bearing this in mind, here is the answer to your query:

It is evident from a plain study of the relevant material found in the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah that Islam treats the bond of marriage as a bilateral contract between husband and wife, each one of them having some rights and obligations. The Holy Qur’an is very much clear on this point when it says (translation):

And they (the women) have rights similar to their obligations (2:228 )

It is clear from this verse of the Holy Qur’an that the obligations of a wife towards her husband are no less than the rights she enjoys. The Holy Qur’an has summarized the obligations of a husband towards his wife in a few words where it has made it obligatory for him to

‘keep her with fairness’ (2:229).

In another verse, the Holy Qur’an instructs him in the following words:

‘and live with [your wives] in goodness [and fairness]‘ (4:19).

Therefore, it is not correct to say that Islam has laid more emphasis on the obligations of a wife than on that of the husband. The Holy Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has stressed the rights of women in a relatively larger number of his sayings. To quote but a few:

The best of you are those who are best to their wives. (al-Tirmidhi)

No Muslim should detest his Muslim wife. If he dislikes some of her qualities, he may find some other qualities more pleasing.

[Hold fast to my advice with regard to women:] Treat them with goodness/kindness. (al-Tirmidhi)

These few examples are sufficient to illustrate the great concern the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has shown for the rights of a woman. In fact he had dedicated a substantial portion of his last sermon at the Hajjat al-Wada’ (Farewell pilgrimage) to explain and stress the importance of a husband’s obligations towards his wife.

.. It is not a legal (Shar’i) obligation upon a wife to cook the meals or clean the house. If a woman chooses not to do this, her husband cannot compel her to do so. However, apart from the legal injunctions Islam has given some moral instructions to both the husband and wife. They should realise that they are life companions who should not restrict themselves to the legal requirements alone, but should join hands to make mutual life as comfortable and harmonious as possible. They are asked to co-operate with each other in solving their day-to-day problems. For this purpose, it is strongly advised that, as co-operating friends, they divide all the chores and duties between themselves according to their mutual convenience. The wife should take care of the home while the husband undertakes outdoor economic activities etc. this division of chores and duties was the practice of the Muslims during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Even Fatimah (Radhiyallahu ‘anha), the beloved and noble daughter of the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), used to carry out all the household chores herself while her noble husband ‘Ali (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu) carried out all the economic duties. The Holy Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) encouraged her in this.

It is true that from a pure legal point of view a wife may refuse to cook meals or carry out other household chores. Similarly, a husband has the legal right given him by the Shari’ah to refuse her permission to meet her relatives. If both of them restrict themselves to such a difficult ‘legal relationship’, an atmosphere of love, harmony, mutual understanding, and bilateral co-operation cannot develop between them.
A wife should not view household chores as demeaning or disgraceful in any way. In fact, her active contribution to her own home is the basic source of strength for the family and wider society. It is great service not just to her family but to the whole nation since the welfare of the nation is dependant on a healthy institution of the family. It is very strange that when an air hostess serves meals to hundreds of strangers on an aeroplane it is seen as a manifestation of liberalism, progress, and emancipation. However, when a wife renders much lighter services to her own family it is deemed servitude, a disgrace, and backwardness.

Today the western societies are suffering a devastating breakdown of the institution of the family. Their leaders and intellectuals are mourning this devastation, which is caused by nothing other than the lack of mutual co-operation between husband and wife and their failure to determine the rights and obligations of both according to natural, biological and religious requirements.

[I would like to stress on the husband that] he should always remember that the household work undertaken by his wife is not a legal and Shar’i duty upon her. It is a voluntary service on her part for the welfare and benefit of the family. Therefore, he should always appreciate this goodwill from her. At the same time, he should never overburden her with all the household chores. Wherever possible he should try to provide her with servants or assist her himself. It has been reported in many authentic Ahadith that, despite his extremely demanding outdoor duties of Prophethood, the Holy Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to carry out many domestic chores himself. For example, he used to milk the goats, wash and sew his clothes. We do not find anywhere in the Sunnah that he ordered any of his blessed wives to do this for him. However, they would carry out these chores of their own accord without him having to ask them.

[To conclude,] it is not correct to say that the Islamic books written on this subject discuss only the obligations of the wife. In fact, all the books of Islamic Law discuss the rights of both the husband and wife simultaneously. They go as far as to mention that a husband cannot travel for more than four months at any one time without the consent of his wife. Sadly, many Muslims are not aware of the teachings of their religion and, consequently, transgress in their relationship with their wives.

PEOPLE DEAREST TO THE PROPHET (pbuh)

Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) appointed him as the commander of the army of Dhaat al-Salaasil. He said: So I came to him and said, “Which of the people is dearest to you?” He said, “ ‘Aa’ishah.” I said, “Who among men?” He said, “Her father.” I said, “Then who?” He said, “Then ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab,” and he mentioned some other men.

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3662;  Muslim, 2384

CHARACTERISTICS OF A PIOUS HUSBAND

 On the Day of Judgment :Allah will ask men if they fulfilled their obligations towards their families. They who fear Allah will do their best to direct the way his wife and children live by educating himself and his family to living according to the Sunnah of the Prophet(Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and the Holy Qur’an, the final word of Allah.

The Prophet(Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “The best of you is the best one to his family.” [Al-Tabarani]

To share food with her, to provide her with (decent) clothes as he provides himself, to refrain from smacking her, and not ignoring her but in the house. [Ahmad]

One should not hate his believer wife. If he dislikes some of her attitudes, he would (surely) like others (attitudes). [Muslim]

Woman was created from a bent rib and will not be made straight for you on one way (that you like). If you want to enjoy her, you enjoy her while she is still bent. If you want to straighten her up, you will break her. Breaking her is divorcing her. [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

Do (volunteer) fasting (some days) and do not fast (in other days), pray at night (some nights) and sleep (in other nights). Your body has a right on you (to rest), your eye has a right on you (to sleep), and your wife has a right on you. [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

Fear Allah in (treating) women. [Muslim]

Be advised to treat women righteously. [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

And live with them honorably. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing that Allah brings through it a great deal of good. [4:19]

The Prophet (Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said,”A Dinar (a currency) that you spend on your family, a Dinar that you spend on a poor person and a Dinar that you spend in the sake of Allah. The one that carries the most reward is the one that you spend on your family.” [Muslim]

The Prophet(Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said to Saaid ibn Abi Waqqas,”Know that no charity that you give whether small or large, for the sake of Allah, but you will be rewarded for it, even the bite (of food) that you put in your wife’s mouth.” [Bukhari & Muslim]

CHARACTERISTICS OF A PIOUS WIFE

A pious woman’s priority is to seek the pleasure of Allah. She tries acquiring the qualities of a good wife by following the examples of the Prophet(Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and obeying what is commanded in the Book of Allah. Complete obedience and adherence to the Sunnah of the Prophet(Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and Quran is the best of a woman’s qualities.

Examples:
A woman is married for four reasons: for her wealth, for her fame, for her beauty and for her religion. So marry one for her religion and you will win. [Bukhari & Muslim]

Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient (to Allah and to their husbands) and guard in their husband’s absence what Allah orders them to guard (e.g. their honor, husbands property, etc) [4:34]

An-Nasaii narrated that the Prophet(Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) was asked “Who are the best of women?” He replied, “The one who pleases him (her husband) if he looks at her, obeys him if he orders (her) and does not subject her honor or money to what he dislikes.”

Ibn Hibban narrated that the Prophet(Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “If a woman prayed five prayers, fasted in Ramadan, protected her honor and obeyed her husband; then she will be told (on the Day of Judgment): enter Paradise from any of its(eight) doors.”

Reflect on:
If a woman harms (in any way) her husband, then his wife in Paradise tells her: “Do not harm him, May Allah fight you, he is only staying temporarily with you. Soon he will come to us.” [Ahmad & At-Tirmithi]

If a man calls his wife to bed and she refuses till he slept while angry, then the Angels will curse her till the morning. [Muslim]

Allah does not look to the woman who does not appreciate her husband while she cannot stand his departing her. [An-Nasaii].

A woman does not fast while her husband is present without his permission, except in Ramadan. [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

Any woman who asks her husband for divorce for no reason will not smell the fragrance of Paradise. [Sahih Al-Jamii]

The Prophet(Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “If I were to order anyone to bow down to other than Allah, I would order the wife to do so for her husband. By the One who owns the soul of Muhammad,if a wife does not fulfill her obligations towards her husband, then she will not have fulfilled her obligations towards Allah.” [Ahmad]

UNABLE TO PRAY AT WORK: WHAT TO DO?

We ask Allah the Almighty to render our service for His Sake alone and to accept our humble efforts in helping Muslims get a better understanding of Islam.

Do not worry, brother, you are not alone in the problem you are facing. Many new Muslims are going through the same difficulty and even much more complicated issues in their transition period.

We highly appreciate your keenness to offer the prayer, the cornerstone of Islam and the first act of worship you will be asked about in the Hereafter. You have the right to worry about offering the prayer at its due time because it is what connects us with your Creator five times a day amid our busy schedules

We also appreciate helping those who depend on you. For every penny you spend, you will get multiple rewards from Allah.

You should note that prayer can be offered in any clean place. The whole earth is a place of worship as the Prophet (peace be upon him) told us. The prayer can be performed in any corner in an office, in any meeting room, in the car park, even in stock rooms, etc. You can take a prayer mat with you and keep it in your work place. It is clear now that the place is not a problem for you.

With regard to delaying the prayer, it is not permissible for a Muslim to delay his prayers beyond the time when they are due without a legitimate excuse such as sleeping and forgetting. Work is not an excuse for not praying or for delaying a prayer until its time is over. We read in the Quran what gives the meaning of:

{…keep up regular prayer, for prayer is obligatory for the believers at prescribed times.} (An-Nisaa’ 3:103)

A sincere believer does not let business or trade distract him from remembering Allah and establishing regular prayer. We read in the Quran what means:

{Men whom neither trade nor sale (business) diverts from the remembrance of Allah (with heart and tongue) nor from performing the prayer nor from giving the Zakah. They fear a Day when hearts and eyes will be overturned (out of the horror of the torment of the Day of Resurrection).} (An-Nur 24:37)

To find a time for offering the prayer, it is not possible for anyone to work for long hours without a break. You can cut short your lunch break and take five minutes for each prayer. If the break time does not coincide with prayer times, you ask for different break timings.

You have to try all possible means even if that will cause you some difficulty such as working extra hours. You know why? Because the spirituality and peace of mind you will gain from offering the prayer at its time will make you forget the difficulty you encounter.

If all means fail, you can delay the Zhuhr prayer until five minutes before the Asr time and offer the two prayers at one time. If the Maghrib prayer comes while you are still at work, you can also delay it until five minutes before the Isha prayer.  Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) reported that:

“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has often combined Zhuhr and Asr, andMaghrib and Isha, for no fear or travel.” (Muslim)

If it happened that you missed a prayer or delayed it until its time was over, you have to repent to Allah, ask for His forgiveness, pray an increased number of supererogatory prayers, and do good deeds. We read in the Quran what means:

{But there came after them generations who neglected prayer and were driven by their own desires. These will come face to face with their evil,but those who repent, who believe, who do righteous deeds, will enter Paradise.} (Maryam 19:59-60)

{Those who remember God and implore forgiveness for their sins if they do something shameful or wrong themselves– who forgives sins but God?– and who never knowingly persist in doing wrong. } (Aal `Imran 3:135)

We highly advise you to keep striving to offer the prayer at its prescribed time. Be sure that when you make a firm intention to do so, Allah will make a way out for you and He will make it easy for you.

I hope this answers your question.

WHAT'S THE RIGHT WAY TO PERFORM TAHAJJUD?

Tahajjud Prayer is part of the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), which Muslims are preferred to follow all the time.

In his famous work, Fiqh As-Sunnah, Sheikh Sayyid Sabiq elaborates on the subject as follows:

Ordering His Messenger to perform Tahajjud, Allah Almighty says what means:

{And during a part of the night, pray Tahajjudbeyond what is incumbent on you; maybe your Lord will raise you to a position of great glory.} (Al-Israa’ 17:79)

This order, although it was specifically directed to the Prophet, also refers to all Muslims, since the Prophet is a perfect example and guide for us in all matters.

Moreover, performing Tahajjud Prayers regularly qualifies one as one of the righteous and makes one earn Allah’s bounty and mercy. In praising those who perform the late night Prayers, Allah says what means:

{And they who pass the night prostrating themselves before their Lord and standing.}(Al-Furqan 25:64)

Next to these Quranic verses, there also exist a number of hadiths that reinforce the importance of Tahajjud.

`Abdullah ibn Salam reported:

“When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came to Madinah, the people gathered around him and I was one of them. I looked at his face and understood that it was not the face of a liar. The first words I heard him say were: ‘O people, spread the salutations, feed the people, keep the ties of kinship, and pray during the night while the others sleep, and you will enter Paradise in peace.’” (At-Tirmidhi.)

Salman Al-Farsi quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying:

“Observe the night Prayer; it was the practice of the righteous before you and it brings you closer to your Lord and it is penance for evil deeds and erases the sins and repels disease from the body.” (At-Tabarani)

Etiquette of Prayer

The following acts are recommended for one who wishes to perform the Tahajjud Prayer:

Upon going to sleep, one should make the intention to perform the Prayers. Abu Ad-Darda’ quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying:“Whoever goes to his bed with the intention of getting up and praying during the night, but, being overcome by sleep, fails to do that, he will have recorded for him what he has intended, and his sleep will be reckoned as a charity (an act of mercy) for him from his Lord.” (An-Nasa’i and Ibn Majah)

On waking up, it is recommended that one wipes the face, use a toothbrush, and look to the sky and make the supplication which has been reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Abu Hudhaifa reported:

“Whenever the Prophet intended to go to bed, he would recite: (With Your name, O Allah, I die and I live).” And when he woke up from his sleep, he would say: (All the Praises are for Allah Who has made us alive after He made us die (sleep) and unto Him is the Resurrection.)” (Al-Bukhari)

One should begin with two quick rak`ahs and then one may pray whatever one wishes after that. `A’ishah said:“When the Prophet prayed during the late-night, he would begin his Prayers with two quick rak`ahs.”(Muslim)It is recommended that one wakes up one’s family, for Abu Hurairah quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying:“May Allah bless the man who gets up during the night to pray and wakes up his wife and who, if she refuses to get up, sprinkles water on her face. And may Allah bless the woman who gets up during the night to pray and wakes up her husband and who, if he refuses, sprinkles water on his face.” (Ahmad)

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also said:“If a man wakes his wife and prays during the night or they pray two rak`ahs together, they will be recorded among those (men and women) who (constantly) make remembrance of Allah.” (Abu Dawud.)

If one gets sleepy while performing Tahajjud, one should sleep. This is based on the hadith narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who quoted Allah’s Messenger as saying:“When one of you gets up during the night for Prayer and his Quranic recital gets mixed up to the extent that he does not know what he says, he should lie down.” (Muslim.)

Recommended Time for Tahajjud

Tahajjud may be performed in the early part of the night, the middle part of the night, or the latter part of the night, but after the obligatory `Isha’ Prayer (night Prayer).

While describing the Prophet’s way of performing Prayer, Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

“If we wanted to see him praying during the night, we could see him praying. If we wanted to see him sleeping during the night, we could see him sleeping. And sometimes he would fast for so many days that we thought he would not leave fasting throughout that month. And sometimes he would not fast (for so many days) that we thought he would not fast during that month.” (Al-Bukhari, Ahmad and An-Nasa’i.)

Commenting on this subject, Ibn Hajar says:

“There was no specific time in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would perform his late night Prayer; but he used to do whatever was easiest for him.”

Best Time for Tahajjud

It is best to delay this Prayer to the last third portion of the night. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying:

“Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night, inquiring: ‘Who will call on Me so that I may respond to him? Who is asking something of Me so I may give it to him? Who is asking for My forgiveness so I may forgive him?’” (Al-Bukhari)

Amr ibn Absah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saying:

“The closest that a slave comes to his Lord is during the middle of the latter portion of the night. If you can be among those who remember Allah the Exalted One at that time, then do so.” (At-Tirmidhi)

The Number of Rak`ahs in Tahajjud

Tahajjud Prayer does not entail a specific number of rak`ahs that must be performed, nor is there any maximum limit that may be performed. It would be fulfilled even if one prayed just one rak`ah of Witrafter `Isha’.

Samurah ibn Jundub (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

“The Messenger of Allah ordered us to pray during the night, a little or a lot, and to make the last of the Prayer the Witr Prayer.” (At-Tabarani and Al-Bazzar)

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE FIVE DAILY PRAYERS?

Praying five times a day is considered so important to Muslims that we call it one of the Five Pillars of Islam. In other words, along with the declaration of faith, fasting in Ramadan, paying of Zakat and going on pilgrimage once in one’s life to Makkah, prayer is considered essential if we are to call ourselves Muslims.

As with everything in Islam, there is a reason behind all the things we do. Sometimes, if we don’t understand these underlying reasons, many things can just appear as external rules and regulations. Modern men and women are not looking for extra burdens to put on their backs, so there is much more to praying than observing a regulation.

Contrary to what many people think, there is much more to prayer than just asking for things! Of course, we ask things of Almighty God, but we can also spend time thanking Him and praising Him. Indeed, the angels in heaven exist just to do this.

In the holy Quran we read: 
{Most surely, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find solace.}(13:28)

In the Call to Prayer (the Adhan), which is called from the mosque five times a day, the caller says these words: “Come to prayer. Come to Success.” In the Call for the Morning Prayer, he even adds the phrase, “Prayer is better than sleep.”

There is really nothing more beautiful in a Muslim country to wake up in the morning to hear Allah’s name being mentioned from every part of the city. Even for those who are the only Muslims in their town, though, the morning Call to Prayer reminds them just how beautiful a gift prayer really is.

Imagine an air-raid siren being sounded in time of war. People hear the siren and run as fast as they can to take cover from the bombs that would soon be falling on them.

The Adhan is like this air-raid siren, but instead of calling people to take shelter from bombs it is asking them to come to God Almighty and take shelter from the cares of this life. You see, prayer is not an escape from reality. It is an escape to reality. In prayer we can put all things in perspective and see what is really important in life.

When our foreheads are touching the ground in prayer we can’t fool anyone. Maybe in life we manage to fool others by the way we dress or by the words we use. Sometimes we even manage to fool ourselves. But Allah is not to be fooled. He not only created the heavens and the earth and everything in between, but He also knows every leaf that falls from every tree. This is why we can truly be ourselves in His presence when we pray.

For Muslims, praying is not a regulation. It is a gift.

So why five prayers, and why at certain set times during the day? You know, of all the Pillars of Islam, praying five times a day was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in heaven. At first, he was told that Muslims should pray fifty times, but Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) urged Muhammad to go back and say that this was too much.

Allah Almighty then said ten times, and again Moses (peace be upon him) persuaded Muhammad (peace be upon him) to plead that this was too much. Finally, Muhammad (peace be upon him) was told that Muslims must pray five times a day, and Allah added, “I have enforced My obligation and made it light for my servants. He who prays these five prayers will be rewarded as if he had prayed fifty. What I decree cannot be changed.” (Al-Bukhari)

The regulation of praying at certain set times is not just a random idea. The whole idea is to permeate the whole of one’s day with the remembrance of Allah. Some new Muslims say that they lead very busy lives and ask if it is OK to say all the five prayers together in the evening when they have more time.

It is precisely because we live busy lives that we must pray at certain times. The times are simple: when we get up, at noon, in the middle of the afternoon, in the early evening and at night. By praying at these set times we give a routine of prayer to our day. We wake up thinking of Allah and we spend the day interrupting all of our busyness to think of Him again.

So, if you are new to Islam is it easy to adjust to the routine of praying at five fixed times a day? Well, in my own case it certainly wasn’t easy and it took me some time to get used to it. So if at first you are not feeling all that uplifted by getting up to pray at four in the morning, stick with it. The routine itself will help you. By doing good things we become good people. The routine of prayer will make you a better Muslim.

A few simple tips might help. If you find it difficult to get up for the Dawn Prayer, then buy yourself a loud alarm clock, or even two or three, and have them so far out of your reach that you have to get up to turn them off! You might at first even get your telephone company to give you a wake-up call.

As well as an alarm clock, you can also get an alarm clock that will sound the call to Prayer five times a day. There are many Muslim bookshops that sell these and you could probably even get one online. This kind of clock is especially helpful if you live in a country where the Adhan is not called publicly. If that is not possible, set your mobile phone to vibrate and be reminded of the prayer times even while you are in the office!

A problem people sometimes have in prayer is that they are distracted and cannot concentrate. Well, it all depends on how well prepared we are. If we are going to our prayers straight from watching a football match or a sitcom on the TV, then our thoughts will not be on Allah alone. So we need to take time in preparing for prayer.

This, in fact, is what the Ablution gives us time to do. As we wash away the dirt that clings to our bodies, we prepare for the prayer to wash away the dirt that clings to our hearts and our lives.

So, for those new to Islam, setting off on a journey of prayer will bring great benefits. The greatest one of all is that it will help us to put our lives into perspective, seeing that all things come from Allah and that it is to Allah that all will return.

CAN I MAKE DUA AGAINST SOMEONE?

Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet(may Allah bless him and grant him peace), said:

“There are three supplications which are answered: the supplication of the person who is wronged, the supplication of the traveler, and the supplication of a parent for his child. [Al-Adab Al-Mufrad]

Also, It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Sarjis said:

“When the Prophet (peace be upon him) traveled, he would seek refuge with Allah from the hardships of travel, and the sorrows of return, from loss after plenty, from the supplication of the one who has been wronged, and from seeing some calamity befall.” [Sunan an-Nasa'i]

So the supplication of the one who has been wronged is indeed very powerful.

But one needs to pay attention to a number of issues here:

1- First, be careful not to make dua that retaliates an injustice with a greater injustice. In other words, someone might have taken 5 pounds from you, for example, so you make dua that they lose all their money. In essence, your actual right is only the 5 pounds, but instead of asking for fair retribution, you ask for a greater affliction. In this case you risk committing injustice as well against someone. So be careful what you ask for.

2- Second, you might make a DUA against a close family member/a kinship/ or a loved one, for example. If matters got amended between you, you will end up feeling guilty and sorry for the harm you have afflicted on a person who is close to you.

That’s why we should be careful not to commit injustice against anyone in our dua.

Allah [SWT] says:

{And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation – his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers.And whoever avenges himself after having been wronged – those have not upon them any cause [for blame].The cause is only against the ones who wrong the people and tyrannize upon the earth without right. Those will have a painful punishment.And whoever is patient and forgives – indeed, that is of the matters [requiring] determination.And he whom Allah sends astray – for him there is no protector beyond Him. And you will see the wrongdoers, when they see the punishment, saying, “Is there for return [to the former world] any way?} [Quran 42: 40-44]

The verses are clear.

If someone takes one pound from you, then your right is to take one pound back. We don’t ask for a 100 for example, that’s injustice. Allah is also telling us something beautiful. He says it’s our right to seek justice and there is no blame on us in that. But if we’re patient and decided to forgive [in certain cases], then the reward from Allah is unlimited and the person who does that elevates to a very noble status.

{Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.} [Quran 39: 10]

So, you may ask for a just retribution. But, if you choose the other path, then from Allah there will be an unlimited reward.

Remember the dua that the Prophet [peace be upon him] used to make.

Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that whenever the Prophet (saw) stepped out of his house, he would say, “I begin with the Name of Allah, I trust in Allah; O Allah! I seek refuge in You from leading or being led astray, or against slipping or being caused to slip; or doing injustice or being done injustice; or doing wrong or having wrong done to me.”

So make this DUA too:

Ask Allah (SWT) with His infinite Knowledge, Wisdom and Mercy to guide you and mend your affairs in the way that is best for you in this world and the next.