WHICH IS SECOND MOST SINFUL ACT DURING RAMADAN WHICH BREAKS THE FAST?

The second most serious sin that breaks the fast is masturbation. This we get from the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him),“Prophet said that Allah subhanwatala said ‘all the deeds of son of Adam are for himself except for fasting it is for me and I will reward it. The person he abstains from eating, drinking and his desires for my sake’…” So this desire from where we come to know it includes doing masturbation. So when a person masturbates or ejaculates whether by touching his wife or looking at his wife or due to other reason or looking at any other woman. If the ejaculation takes place then the fast gets invalidated. He has to repent to Allah subhanwatala and complete that day of fasting and he should compensate for this fast, keep this fast later when Ramadan gets over. But here there is no Kaffara, there is no penalty. Because that penalty is only for sexual intercourse. Furthermore if a person does not ejaculate and if there is only ‘madhi’ that comes out – fluid. Then the fast does not break. Similarly this is a prostatic fluid (the madhi) and if this white fluid that may come out after urination then the fast does not break. Only thing he has to do is ‘istinja’ i.e. wash his private parts and do wudhu.

WHY OUR PRAYERS ARE NOT ANSWERED

IBRAHEEM IBN ADHAM - may Allaah have mercy on him - a third century scholar, a teacher and a companion of Sufyaan ath-Thawree, was asked about the saying of Allaah - the Most High: "And your Lord says: Call on me I will answer your prayer..." [Soorah Ghaafir 40:60] i.e."We supplicate and we are not answered."

So he said to them:

��"You know Allaah, Yet you do not obey Him,

��You recite the Qur'aan, Yet do not act according to it,

��You know Shaitaan(Devil), Yet you have agreed with him,

��You proclaim that you love the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam, Yet you abandon his Sunnah,

��You proclaim your love for Paradise, Yet you do not act to gain it,

��You proclaim your fear for the Fire, Yet you do not prevent yourselves from sins,

��You say "Indeed death is true", Yet you have not prepared for it,

��You engage yourselves with finding faults with others, Yet you do not look at your faults,

��You eat of that which Allah has provided for you, Yet you do not thank Him,

��You bury your dead, Yet you do not take a lesson from it."

10 HEALTHY HABITS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH) THAT SCIENCE LATER PROVED

A Muslims, we are advised the best example to follow is that of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), for his daily habits not only had spiritual benefits, but also physical and physiological beAdviceAdviceiceefits too. And this is spot on. Allāh says:

“Indeed in Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), you have an excellent example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allāh and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much.” [1]

Many of these benefits have already been affirmed by science too. Here are some of them.

1. Early Riser:

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) slept early and woke up with the Adhan (call of prayer) of Fajr (the morning prayer) each day. Being an early riser has scientifically been correlated with better productivity, as well as better mental health in general. So, waking up early may be hard but with baby steps, even if it’s just waking up 15 minutes earlier to start with, you can begin improving your quality of life.

2. Eating Less:

“The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few morsels to keep him alive. If he must fill it, then one-third for his food, one-third for his drink, and one-third for air.” [2]

The practice of eating less to prevent sickness and disease was emphasized by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and now backed heavily by science much later. The Islamic concept ‘1/3 for your food, 1/3 for your liquids, and 1/3 for your breath’ matches very closely to the Japanese ‘hara hachi bu’ concept, which means eat until you are only 80% full.

3. Eating Slowly:

We now know that it takes our body 20 minutes to send signals to our brain that it is full. Slow eating will help you eat less food and improve your digestion, and it is a practice Muhammad (peace be upon him) did himself and strongly advocated.

4. Mindful Eating:

“Eat together and not separately, for the blessing is associated with the company.” [3]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) stressed this, and today sharing and enjoying food has been proven to reduce stress, improve family and romantic relationships, and build healthy eating habits within children.

5. Water:

“Do not drink in one gulp like a camel, but in two or three (gulps). Mention the Name of Allah (i.e., say Bismillah) when you start drinking and praise Him (i.e., say Al-hamdu lillah) after you have finished (drinking).” [4]

Science today proves that when a person drinks too much water in a short period of time they can experience headaches, imbalance in blood electrolyte levels and sometimes dizziness too. Drinking slowly helps you actually absorb the fluid and get the most benefit out of it.

6. Pomegranates:

“Pomegranate and its rind strengthen digestion (stomach).”[5]

Modern scientific research has proven pomegranates to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet. They contain manganese, which helps in the formation of bone structures during the metabolic process, and potassium, which aids in maintaining cellular function and keeps a balance in fluid levels. They are also potent in flavonoids and polyphenols, antioxidants which protect our bodies against heart disease.

7. Fasting:

“The Messenger of Allāh (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) was keen to fast on Mondays and Thursdays.” [6]

“If you fast any part of the month then fast on the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth.” [7]

Recent evidence is showing that not just the food we eat, but our eating timings and patterns also have a profound impact on our health. Fasting was a regular practice of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)’s life, not just during Ramadan. He would fast until every Monday and Thursday, and also on the 13th, 14th and 15th of each Islamic month. This is similar to the imtermittent fasting practice which has been proven to balance hormone levels, prevent oxidative stress, and reduce overall inflammation. When you think about it, the less food you put into your body the less it focuses on digestion and the more it can focus on healing itself from certain ailments!

8. Dates:

“Allāh’s Messenger (peace be upon him) used to break his fast with fresh dates before going to prayer…” [8]

Dates are the perfect foods to break your fast as they stabilize your blood sugar levels, rebalance blood electrolyte levels, and help kick start your digestive system in preparation for food. Dates were also the food that Maryam (may Allāh be pleased with her) was told to eat in the lead up to childbirth. Dates are now proven to boost oxytocin production in your body and speed up labour.

9. Avoid sleeping on the stomach:

“The Messenger of Allāh (s) came out in the night to check up on his guests, and saw me lying on my stomach. He prodded me with his foot and said, ‘Do not lie in this manner, for it is a way of lying that Allāh hates.’” [9]

Due to the weight of the spine, adults and even babies are told not to sleep on their stomachs by doctors, since this manner of sleeping has a severe effect on the internal organs and the spine. Advice to mothers is not to make their children sleep on their stomachs.

10. Staying Active:

Fulfilling three of the five pillars of Islam requires that Muslims be of sound health and fitness; the five times prayer in itself is a form of exercise that requires movement of your body’s muscles and joints. Good health is also necessary if you intend to fast or participate in the Hajj pilgrimage. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) strongly encouraged physical exercise and told parents to encourage physical activity in their children too by

“Teach your children swimming, archery and horse riding”. In another narration, he said, “Practice archery and horseback riding.”[10]

IF HEART IS CLEAN, WHY COVER THE HEAD?

First of all, we would like to confirm that a sound and sincere heart is the most important thing a Muslim must strive to have, as only God knows the real intentions of each person, and it is only a sound and pure heart which Allah accepts on the Day of Judgment.

Allah the Almighty says in the Quran what means:

And abase me not on the day when they are raised. The day when wealth and sons avail not (any man). Save him who bringeth unto Allah a whole heart.} (Al-Shuaraa, 26:87-89)

Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Deeds (their correctness and rewards) depend upon intentions, and every person gets but what he has intended.“(Al-Bukhari)

Performing good deeds is the believer’s way of proving their dedication to God. It is inexcusable for a person to insist that he or she is a good person but engages in activities that are explicitly prohibited in the Quran.

Performing good deeds should also be done for the sake of Allah, and not to demonstrate some air of superiority in his/her relation to others or for worldly recognition. Though it may be tempting to do the same to please another human being for example, a believer’s intentions should be tailored to please God only.

So, a Muslim woman who is only fulfilling the criteria of Islamic clothes is observing hijab in a limited sense. Hijab of the clothes should be accompanied by controlling one’s actions, eyes, heart, thoughts, and intentions. Therefore, the hypocritical use of hijab is not a good example of Muslim conduct.

Furthermore, Islam means “submission to Allah” and we trust that what He orders us to do is for our own good. We have to learn to obey, even when we don’t see the wisdom in His commands. We have to always remember that He created us and knows better than any of us what is good for us. To think otherwise would be arrogant and tantamount to making ourselves equal to Him.

Allah says in the Quran:

{Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands fathers, or their sons or their husbands’ sons, or their brothers or their brothers’ sons or sisters’ sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigor, or children who know naught of women’s nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed.} (An-Nur 24:30–31)

In response to your comment “it is unfair that a woman has to cover her head just because of man”, it’s important here to draw attention to the fact that the order to lower the gaze was given to men first. Many men conveniently forget that.

Yes, people may stare at a Muslim woman in hijabbecause she looks different from them. But better to be stared at for being different than for exposing some flesh for the sake of fashion.

Yes, she may get treated differently, but so what? If we are ill-treated or persecuted, so were the first Muslims. Don’t we get rewarded for being patient in the face of persecution for the sake of Allah? And if people treat a Muslim woman with a bit more respect for wearing hijab, what’s wrong with that.

The assumption that this command from God to Muslim women to wear hijab is regarded as an insult to non-Muslim women, and that it accuses them of not having self respect seems to be the furthest from the truth.

Hijab is a type of uniform prescribed in the Quran to cover all the head and body except for the face and the two hands, and is neither tight nor transparent, is only decreed on Muslim women for logical reasons. Therefore, we see no point in non-Muslin women getting offended or insulted by this decree which was not directed to them.

So, our advice to you all dear sisters is that you should pray to Allah to strengthen your faith and to help you obey Him. Be proud to be a Muslimah and proud to walk on the straight path.

SIGNS OF DAY OF JUDGEMENT - FROM DIRECT HADITHS :By Dr Zakir Naik

1. Narrated Abu Hurraira (r): While the Prophet(s.a.s) was saying something in a gathering, a Bedouin came and asked him, "When would the Hour (Doomsday) take place?" Allah's Apostle (s.a.s) continued his talk, so some people said that Allah's Apostle had heard the question, but did not like what that Bedouin had asked. Some of them said that Allah's Apostle(s.a.s) had not heard it. When the

Prophet (s.a.s) finished his speech, he said,"Where is the questioner, who inquired about the Hour (Doomsday)?" The Bedouin said, "I am here, O Allah's Apostle ." Then the Prophet(s.a.s) said,

- When honesty is lost, then wait for the Hour (Doomsday)." The Bedouin said, "How will that be lost?" The Prophet said,

- When the power or authority comes in the hands of unfit persons, then wait for the Hour (Doomsday.) (Bukhari)

2. Narrated Anas(rz):

Allah's Apostle (s.a.s) said, "From among the portents of the Hour are (the following):

1. Religious knowledge will be taken away (by the death of Religious learned men).−2. (Religious) ignorance will prevail.−3. Drinking of Alcoholic drinks (will be very common).4. There will be prevalence of open illegal sexual intercourse. (bukhari)

in another hadith anas (r) also adds:

-5. Women will increase in number and men will decrease in number so much so that fifty women will be looked after by one man. (bukhari)3. Narrated `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al−`As (r): I heard Allah's Apostle (s.a.s) saying, "Allah does not take away the knowledge, by taking it away from (the hearts of) the people, but takes it away by the death of the religious learned men till when none of the (religious learned men) remains, people will take as their leaders ignorant persons who when consulted will give their verdict without knowledge. So they will go astray and will lead the people astray." (bukhari)

4. Narrated Abu Huraira(rz)



The Prophet(s.a.s) said, "The Hour (Last Day) will not be established until

(religious) knowledge will be taken away (by the death of religious learned men),2. earthquakes will be very frequent,3. time will pass quickly,4. afflictions will appear,5. murders will increase and 6. money will overflow amongst you." (bukhari)



4.A Narrated Anas ibn Malik (r)



Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "The last hour will not come before time contracts, a year being like a month, a month like a week, a week like a day, a day like an hour, and an hour like the kindling of a fire."



Tirmidhi transmitted it.

5. Narrated Sa'd ibn Abu Waqqas (r) (all the below from tirmidi)



Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "The last hour will not arrive till people come forth who eat with their tongues as cows do."



Ahmad transmitted it.



6 . Narrated Hudhayfah(r)



The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "The last hour will not come till you kill your leader, fight together with your swords, and your worst ones inherit your worldly goods."



Tirmidhi transmitted it.



7. Narrated AbuLubabah ibn AbdulMundhir





Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "Friday is the lord of days and the chief of them in Allah's sight, being greater in Allah's sight than the day of sacrifice and the day of breaking the fast. It has five distinguishing characteristics: on it Allah created Adam, on it Allah sent Adam to the Earth, on it Allah took Adam in death, it contains a time at which no one will ask for anything without Allah giving it, so long as he does not ask for anything

unlawful, and on it the last hour will come. There is no angel near Allah's presence, nor sky, nor earth, nor winds, nor mountains, nor sea which do not fear Friday."



Ibn Majah transmitted. Ahmad transmitted from Sa'd ibn Mu'adh.



8. Narrated Talhah ibn Malik



Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "One of the signs of the approach of the last hour will be the destruction of the Arabs."



Tirmidhi transmitted it.

9. Narrated Abdullah ibn Hawalah al-Azdi (abu dawood)



The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) sent us on foot to get spoil, but we returned without getting any. When he saw the signs of distress on our faces, he stood up on our faces and said: O Allah, do not put them under my care, for I would be too weak to care for them; do not put them in care of themselves, for they would be incapable of that, and do not put them in the care of men, for they would choose the best things for themselves. He then placed his hand on my head and said: Ibn Hawalah, when you see the caliphate has settled in the holy land, earthquakes, sorrows and serious matters will have drawn near and on that day the Last Hour will be nearer to mankind than this hand of mine is to your head.



10. Narrated Anas ibn Malik



The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The Last Hour will not come until people vie with one another about mosques.



11. Narrated Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (rz) Subay' ibn Khalid said: I came to Kufah at the time when Tustar was conquered. I took some mules from it. When I entered the mosque (of Kufah), I found there some people of moderate stature, and among them was a man whom you could recognize when you saw him that he was from the people of Hijaz. I asked: Who is he? The people frowned at me and said: Do you not recognize him? This is Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman, the companion of the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him). Then Hudhayfah said: People used to ask the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) about good, and I used to ask him about evil. Then the people stared hard at him. He said: I know the reason why you dislike it. I then asked: Apostle of Allah, will there be evil as there was before, after this good which Allah has bestowed on us? He replied: Yes. I asked: Wherein does the protection from it lie? He replied: In the sword. I asked: Apostle of Allah, what will then happen? He replied: If Allah has on Earth a caliph who flays your back and takes your property, obey him, otherwise die holding onto the stump of a tree. I asked: What will come next? He replied: Then the Antichrist (Dajjal) will come forth accompanied by a river and fire. He who falls into his firewill certainly receive his reward, and have his load (sins) taken off him, but he who falls into his river will have hisload retained and his reward taken off him. I then asked: What will come next? He said: The Last Hour will come.

12. Narrated AbuHurayrah (rz) (all from abu dawood)



The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The Last Hour will not come before there come forth thirty Dajjals (fraudulents), everyone presuming himself that he is an apostle of Allah.



13. Narrated AbuHurayrah (rz)



The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The Last Hour will not come before there come forth thirty liar Dajjals (fraudulents) lying on Allah and His Apostle.



14. Narrated Sulamah daughter of al-Hurr



I heard the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) say: One of the signs of the Last Hour will be that people in a mosque will refuse to act as imam and will not find an imam to lead them in prayer.



15. Narrated AbuHurayrah (rz)



The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) said: The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he was expelled (from Paradise), on it his contrition was accepted, on it he died, and on it the Last Hour will take place. On Friday every beast is on the lookout from dawn to sunrise in fear of the Last Hour, but not jinn and men, and it contains a time at which no Muslim prays and asks anything from Allah but He will give it to him. Ka'b said: That is one day every year. So I said: It is on every Friday. Ka'b read the Torah and said: The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) has spoken the truth. (other some part of hadith is there which is a masla)

Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman said, "People used to ask the Prophet (S) about good things, but I used to ask him about bad things because I was afraid that they might overtake me. I said, 'O Messenger of Allah, we were lost in ignorance (Jahiliyyah) and evil, then Allah brought this good (Islam). Will some evil come after this good thing?' He said, 'Yes'. I asked, 'And will some good come after that evil?' He said, 'Yes, but it will be tainted with some evil.' I asked, 'How will it be tainted?' He said, 'There will be some people who will lead others on a path different from mine. YOu will see good and bad in them.' I asked, 'Will some evil come after that good?' He said, 'Some people will be standing and calling at the gates of Hell; whoever responds to their call, they will throw him into the Fire.' I said, 'O Messenger of Allah, describe them for us.' He said, 'They will be from our own people, and will speak our language.' I asked, 'What do you advise me to do if I should live to see that?' He said, 'Stick to the main body (Jamah) of the Muslims and their leader (Imam).' I asked, 'What if there is no main body and no leader?' He said, 'Isolate yourself from all of these sects even if you have to eat the roots of the trees until death overcomes you while you are in that state.'" (Bukhari, Kitab al-Fitan, 9/65)



'Abdallah Ibn Masud said: "The Prophet (S) said, 'Islam began as something strange, and it will revert to being strange as it was int he beginning, so good tidings for the strangers.' Someone asked, 'Who are the strangers?' He said, 'The ones who break away from their people (literally, 'tribes') for the sake of Islam.'" This hadith was narrated by Ibn Majah on the authority of Anas and Abu Hurairah. (Muslim, Kitab al-Iman, 1/90; Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Fitan 2/1320 (3988))



Hazrat Ahban bin Saifi has narrated that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) has said:

"Very shortly some differences and disputes are going to arise. When you come upon such a time break your sowrd and hold in your hand a wooden sword and sit quietly in your house, lest some mischievous hand or calamity should fall upon you." (Tirmizi)



"No doubt trials and disorders will soon occur. A man lying during the period of these disorders will be better than the man sitting and the man sitting will be better than the man standing; the man standing will be better than the man running. Then listen! when these trials and disorders begin to descend, then he who possesses camels should take refuge with his camel. He who has cattle, should take refuge with his cattle; he who has land should take refuge with his land; he who has nothing should turn his attention to his sword and strike it against stone. He should try to seek security and shelter as best as possible."



"Only that which was effective for the first of this community will be effective for the last of it."

-Imam Malik (ra) 

JUSTICE IN ISLAM

Description: Justice is a basic objective of Islam and a moral virtue, and the standard of justice envisaged by the Quran.

THE MEANING OF JUSTICE



In the Islamic worldview, justice denotes placing things in their rightful place.  It also means giving others equal treatment.  In Islam, justice is also a moral virtue and an attribute of human personality, as it is in the Western tradition.  Justice is close to equality in the sense that it creates a state of equilibrium in the distribution of rights and duties, but they are not identical.  Sometimes, justice is achieved through inequality, like in unequal distribution of wealth.  The Prophet of Islam declared:

“There are seven categories of people whom God will shelter under His shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His.  [One is] the just leader.”(SaheehMuslim)

God spoke to His Messenger in this manner:

“O My slaves, I have forbidden injustice for Myself and forbade it also for you.  So avoid being unjust to one another.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Thus, justice represents moral rectitude and fairness, since it means things should be where they belong.

The Importance of Justice

The Quran, the sacred scripture of Islam, considers justice to be a supreme virtue.  It is a basic objective of Islam to the degree that it stands next in order of priority to belief in God’s exclusive right to worship (Tawheed) and the truth of Muhammad’s prophethood.  God declares in the Quran:

“God commands justice and fair dealing...” (Quran 16:90)

And in another passage:

“O you who believe, be upright for God, and (be) bearers of witness with justice!...” (Quran 5:8)

Therefore, one may conclude that justice is an obligation of Islam and injustice is forbidden.  The centrality of justice to the Quranic value system is displayed by the following verse:

“We sent Our Messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Book and the Measure in order to establish justice among the people…” (Quran 57:25)

The phrase ‘Our Messengers’ shows that justice has been the goal of all revelation and scriptures sent to humanity.  The verse also shows that justice must be measured and implemented by the standards and guidelines set by revelation.  Islam’s approach to justice is comprehensive and all-embracing.  Any path that leads to justice is deemed to be in harmony with Islamic Law.  God has demanded justice and, although He has not prescribed a specific route, has provided general guidelines, on how to achieve it.  He has neither prescribed  a fixed means by which it can be obtained, nor has He declared invalid any particular means or methods that can lead to justice.  Therefore, all means, procedures, and methods that facilitate, refine, and advance the cause of justice, and do not violate the Islamic Law are valid.[1]

Equality in Justice

The Quranic standards of justice transcend considerations of race, religion, color, and creed, as Muslims are commanded to be just to their friends and foes alike, and to be just at all levels, as the Quran puts it:

“O you who believe!  Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, and your relatives, or whether it is against the rich or the poor...” (Quran 4:135)

According to another Quranic passage:

“Let not the hatred of a people swerve you away from justice.  Be just, for this is closest to righteousness…” (Quran 5:8)

With regards to relations with non-Muslims, the Quran further states:

“God does not forbid you from doing good and being just to those who have neither fought you over your faith nor evicted you from your homes...” (Quran 60:8)

The scholars of the Quran have concluded that these rulings apply to all nations, followers of all faiths, as a matter of fact to all humanity.[2]  In the view of the Quran, justice is an obligation.  That is why the Prophet was told:

“…If you judge, judge between them with justice…” (Quran 5:42)

“We have revealed to you the scripture with the truth that you may judge between people by what God has taught you.” (Quran 4:105)

Furthermore, the Prophet was sent as a judge between peoples, and told:

“…Say: I believe in the Scripture, which God has sent down, and I am commanded to judge justly between you...” (Quran 42:15)

The Quran views itself as a scripture devoted mainly to laying down the principles of faith and justice.  The Quran demands that justice be met for all, and that it is an inherent right of all human beings under Islamic Law.[3]  The timeless commitment of the Quran to the basic standards of justice is found in its declaration:

“And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can change His Words.” (Quran 6:115)

To render justice is a trust that God has conferred on the human being and, like all other trusts, its fulfillment must be guided by a sense of responsibility beyond mere conformity to set rules.  Thus, the Quran states:

“God commands you to render trusts to whom they are due, and when you judge between people, judge with justice…” (Quran 4:58)

The reference to justice which immediately follows a reference to fulfillment of  trusts indicates that it is one of the most important of all trusts.[4]

Justice and the Self

The Quranic concept of justice also extends justice to being a personal virtue, and one of the standards of moral excellence that a believer is encouraged to attain as part of his God-consciousness.  God says:

“…Be just, for it is closest to God-consciousness…” (Quran 5:8)

The Prophet himself instructed:

“Be conscious of God and be just to your children.”[5]

The Quran tells the believers:

“…When you speak, speak with justice, even if it is against someone close to you…” (Quran 6:152)

Specific Examples of Justice Encouraged in the Quran

The Quran also refers to particular instances and contexts of justice.  One such instance is the requirement of just treatment of orphans.  God says:

“And approach not the property of the orphan except in the fairest way, until he [or she] attains the age of full strength, and give measurement and weight with justice…” (Quran 6:152, also see 89:17, 93:9, and 107:2)

Fair dealings in measurements and weights, as mentioned in the above verse, is also mentioned in other passages where justice in the buying, selling, and by extension, to business transactions in general, is emphasized.  There is an entire chapter of the Quran, Surah al-Mutaffifeen (‘The Detractors in Giving Weights,’ 83) where fraudulent dealers are threatened with divine wrath.

References to justice also occur in the context to polygamy.  The Quran demands equitable treatment of all wives.  The verse of polygamy begins by reference to orphaned girls who may be exposed to depravation and injustice.  When they reach marriageable age, they should be married off, even if it be into a polygamous relationship, especially when there is inequality in the number of men and women, as was the case after the Battle of Uhud when this verse was revealed.  But, as the Quran states:

“If you fear that you can not be just, then marry only one…” (Quran 4:3)


In conclusion, ‘to render justice’, in the words of Sarkhasi, a noted classical Islamic jurist, ‘ranks as the most noble of acts of devotion next to belief in God.  It is the greatest of all the duties entrusted to the prophets…and it is the strongest justification for man’s stewardship of earth.’[6]

THE NEED AND IMPORTANCE OF ALLAH’S MERCY

Many have heard the need for Allah’s (God’s) mercy, yet not fully understand its meanings and implications to our existence and forgiveness in the hereafter. Comprehending its meanings, therefore, can help us to strive more through deeds and worship to earn His mercy rather than missing out on His blessings in this life and forgiveness in the hereafter.

To get an idea of its importance, let us first remind ourselves of the high status that Prophet Muhammad (s) holds before Allah. In Surah Al-Hijr (Chapter 15 of the Quran), verse 72, Allah takes an oath on the life of the prophet (s) when telling the story of Prophet Lot (A.S.) The verse starts as follows:

“Verily, by your life (O Muhammad) …” [Quran (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:72)

Ibn Kathir comments on this verse in histafsir by stating, “Allah swore by the life of His Prophet, which is an immense honor reflecting his high rank and noble status. Amr bin Malik An-Nakari reported from Abu Al-Jawza’ that Ibn `Abbas said: “Allah has never created or made or formed any soul that is dearer to him than Muhammad. I never heard that Allah swore by the life of anyone else.””

This is Prophet Muhammad (s), who used to stand in prayer at night so long that his feet would swell up. Observing him engaged in worship with such high devotion, ?’ishah asked him: “Messenger of Allah! Why do you do this, when Allah has forgiven you your past and future sins?”

He replied: “Should I not, therefore, be a thankful servant?” [Sah?h al-Bukh?r?(4837) and Sah?h Muslim (2820)]

Knowing the high honor that the prophet (s) enjoyed before God, now consider the following hadith. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“No one’s deeds will ever admit him to Paradise.” They said, “Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “No, not even me, unless Allah showers me with His Mercy…

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5349; Muslim, 7042

 

So, imagine if the prophet (s) on whose life Allah took an oath (in the Quran) because the prophet (s) is so dear to him, will not be able to enter paradise without Allah’s mercy, how much of His mercy will we need to enter paradise? The same applies to us needing Allah’s mercy in this world. Can we expect to enjoy provisions, rizq, happiness, or any of the blessings of this life without Allah’s mercy?

Knowing this, therefore, how can we afford not to ask Allah for His mercy? More importantly, why do so many of us not long for Allah’s mercy when He has repeatedly reminded us that He is the “Most Merciful”?

About Allah’s Mercy

Allah has repeatedly reminded us in the Quran about His mercy. He says in the Quran:

Say [O Muhammad (s)]: “To whom belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth?” Say: “To Allah. He has prescribed mercy for Himself… (Surah Al-Anaam, 6:12)

He also says:

And your Lord is Rich (Free of all needs), full of mercy;… (Surah Al-Anaam, 6:133)

Allah’s mercy is boundless. It is there for us to ask and for Allah to give it to us if he chooses to shower it on us. In Saheeh Muslim it is narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“Allah has one hundred parts of mercy, of which He sent down one between the jinn, mankind, the animals and the insects, by means of which they are compassionate and merciful to one another, and by means of which wild animals are kind to their offspring. And Allah has kept back ninety-nine parts of mercy with which to be merciful to His slaves of the Day of Resurrection.” [Muslim, al-Tawbah, 6908.]

Another example of Allah’s mercy is illustrated by an example where it was narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab said:

“Some prisoners were brought to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and there was a woman among the prisoners who was searching (for her child). When she found her child she embraced him and put him to her breast. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to us, ‘Do you think that this woman would throw her child in the fire?’ We said, ‘No, by Allah, not if she is able not to.’ The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘Allah is more merciful to His slaves than this woman is to her child.’” [Agreed upon. Al-Bukhaari, 5653; Muslim, 6912.]

 

Asking for Allah’s Mercy

As humans, we tend to commit a lot of mistakes but if those mistakes and sins are done in ignorance and not with the intention to willfully ignore Allah’s commands, Allah may forgive us out of His mercy on us. He says in the Quran,

 Your Lord has prescribed mercy for Himself. So that if any of you does evil in ignorance, and thereafter repents and does righteous good deeds (by obeying Allah), then surely, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah Al-Anaam, 6:54)

However, we run the risk of losing Allah’s mercy when we are arrogant toward His teachings. Allah says in the Quran,

And your Lord is Rich (Free of all needs), full of mercy; if He wills, He can destroy you, and in your place make whom He wills as your successors, as He raised you from the seed of other people. (Surah Al-Anaam, 6:133)

Let us ensure, therefore, that we are constantly striving to perform deeds that are deserving of His mercy. We should also be steadfast and sincere in asking for His mercy in our supplications and Duas.

“O Allah, it is Your mercy that I am seeking…”

LOVE FOR THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH)

It is the nature of man that he is drawn towards good character and beauty, and with this, he starts on the road to muhabbah. Allah bestowed His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) with so much beauty and honor that every believer naturally has intense love for him.

Reason 1: Beloved of Allah

The greatest reason for loving the Prophet is that he is the beloved of Allah. Therefore, it is essential for believers to have muhabbah for him given Allah’s love for him. The Holy Quran is the greatest witness to the Prophet’s beauty and character, and it tells us so much about him. The words of muhabbah that Allah used for His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) are proof of Allah’s love for him; and the honor and power that Allah bestowed upon him is evidenced throughout the Holy Quran.

Proof 1

Whenever Allah addressed the Prophets in the Holy Quran, He did so by name; for example ‘O Adam’, ‘O Noah’, ‘O Zakariah’ and ‘O Moses.’ When He addressed the Prophet of Islam, however, Allah never addressed him by name, rather by pseudonyms and character traits - “O thou folded in garments.” Allah bestowed such honor upon His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) that even He did not refer to him by name.

Proof 2

Allah said in the Holy Quran that we are not to take His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam)’s honorable name among ourselves as if he was a common man.

Deem not the summons of the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) among yourselves like the summons of one of you to another. (24: 63)

This beautiful verse tells the Muslims that the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah is not an ordinary person, so his auspicious name is not to be taken in vain, but rather, he is to be respectfully addressed with ‘O Nabi’ or ‘O Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah’. To refer to the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah directly by name is disrespectful, and the slightest disrespect may render our deeds void.

Proof 3

Different nations and tribes raised objections against their Prophets. The people of those nations refused to accept the truth, altering it into falsehood, to the extent of slandering their prophets. Whenever an objection was raised against a specific Prophet, Allah answered the objection through that particular Prophet. For example, when charged with being mad, the Prophets themselves have answered that they are not mad but are in fact Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam)s from Allah.

However, when it came to charges against His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam), Allah took it upon Himself to respond. For example, whenever the Prophet was charged with being a madman or a poet, Allah Himself answered in the Holy Quran that His beloved is neither mad nor a poet.

You are not, by the grace of your Lord, mad or possessed. (68:2)

When we hold intense love for someone, we offer ourselves as a shield, not letting him brave the harsh winds alone. Allah Himself has done just that with these charges against His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam).

When Allah’s Wrath was invoked against such people who falsely accused His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam), He revealed the following:

Heed not the type of despicable man, ready with oaths – A slanderer, going about with calumnies; (Habitually) hindering (all) good, transgressing beyond bounds, deep in sin – violent (and cruel) – base born. (54:10)

Proof 4

Whenever Allah took oaths from the Prophets, The Prophet of Islam was always mentioned first.

And (remember when) We took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (O Muhammad) and from Noah and Abraham and Moses and Jesus, son of Mary. We took from them a solemn covenant. (33:7)

Hadrat Umar ibn al-Khattab was awestruck upon hearing this verse and remarked, “O Beloved of Allah, your status is so high that you are mentioned first among the Prophets.”

Proof 5

Allah summarized His relationship to the Prophet in a very beautiful way when He u said:

He who obeys Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) has already attained the highest achievement. (33:71)

Proof 6

Allah assigned the same status to obeying His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) as He assigned to Himself. Thus, obedience to the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah is part of obedience to Allah.

He who obeys the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam), obeys Allah. (4:80)

Proof 7

Allah responded to whosoever swore allegiance to His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) under the tree at Hudaibiya:

Verily those who plight their fealty to thee do no less then plight their fealty to Allah. The Hand of Allah is over their hands. (48:10)

Proof 8

Allah awarded such honor to His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam), that the two names, Allah and Muhammad occur side by side in the Kalimah (Testament of Faith), with no joining word separating the two:

There is no deity of worship except Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah.

Allah has also placed His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam)’s glorious name in the prayer and the call to prayer, making sure that His Prophet’s name is constinually honored and praised throughout the world.

Proof 9

The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah was sent as a mercy to all the worlds. The word ‘worlds’ is plural, and therefore, it includes not only humans, but also the Jinn and all other life forms wherever they may exist in creation. The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah said, “I have been sent as a mercy from Allah.”

We sent you not, but as a mercy for all creatures. (21:107)

In a hadith, The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah said:

I am a mercy sent by Allah – Ibn Asakar.

Proof 10

Allah has awarded His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) such a high status that even the angels constantly send blessings upon him. Allah said in the Holy Quran:

Indeed Allah and His angels shower blessings on the Prophet; O you who believe! Ask (and send) blessings on him and salute him with a worthy salutation. (33:56)

There is no bigger proof of the Prophet’s high status than the fact that Allah Himself is constantly sending blessings and mercies upon him, and all of this is solely because he is the beloved of Allah.

Reason 2: Beauty of the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah

Another reason people love one another is beauty; the heart becomes inclined towards anything beautiful. Mere words cannot describe the beauty of the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah. We are told inhadith:

Allah is beautiful and likes beauty.

A poet has penned the following verses:

Beauty itself boasts about the beauty of the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam)
The beauty of galaxies is only the dust of your feet
O Caravan of the desirous! Walk barefoot towards Madinah
The thorns on your way are softer than flowers.

When Allah Himself likes beauty, we can only imagine how beautiful He would have made the one whom He chose as His beloved. Hadrat Anas said that the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah was the most handsome amongst all the prophets and that his hands were softer than silk.

My eye has not seen anything as beautiful as you,
No woman has ever borne anyone as beautiful as you,
Pure from imperfections, as if your features are of your own choosing

Hadrat Aishah Siddiqa is known to have said, “O Zulaikha, you only cut your fingers at seeing (Hadrat) Yusuf. Had you seen the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah, you would have cut open your heart.” She also said, “The sky has its sun, and we have our own sun.”

In yet another narration, we are told that Halima Sadia’s daughter Shima used to ask her mother to send her brother with her when she would go to tend the sheep. When asked why, Shima said to her mother, “I notice that the sheep graze quickly whenever my brother Muhammad is with me. The sheep then gather around where I sit with my brother, and both I and the sheep gaze at his beautiful face.”

Hadrat Qurtubi i said that Allah did not reveal His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam)’s entire splendor because the people would not have been able to bear it.

How can the beauty of Yusuf ever compare to you?
He was the beloved of Zulaikha; you are the beloved of Allah 
Veiled in the secret of humanity is your flawless beauty
Unknown to all that you are part of the beauty of Allah.

Moreover, Hadrat Syed Ata’ullah Shah Bukhari i said while describing the events of the Cave of Thaur – “O Abu Bakr, I see your lap as a desk and the Prophet’s face as the Holy Quran lying within. O Abu Bakr, I see you as aqari who is reading this Quran.”

One night, Hadrat Jabir entered the Mosque of the Prophet and found the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah sitting therein. The full moon was shining brightly, and Hadrat Jabir shifted his gaze to and fro between the moon and the Prophet’s beautiful face. He did this a few times as if comparing the two, and finally decided that the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah was far more beautiful than the moon. Furthermore, Hadrat Ali said:

Whoever laid but a glance upon the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) was awestruck; whoever looked upon him repeatedly was drowned in love and said in praise, ‘I have neither seen anything so awesome before nor will I see the like again.’

1) On the character of the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah, Hadrat Abu Sa’id Khudri said, “The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah was even more modest and shy than a veiled virgin girl.”

2) Before his acceptance of Islam, Hadrat Abdullah bin Salam traveled to meet the person who everyone was saying was a prophet of Allah. Upon relating the event later, he said:

I realized immediately upon seeing his face that it could not be the face of a liar. (Hadith)

3) Hadrat Musaab bin Umair was sitting in a gathering with his head bowed, envisioning the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah. He then raised his head and said, “The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah was of a beautiful complexion with a reddish hue, and his auspicious eyes were large and alluring. His eyelashes were prominent, and his hair was slightly wavy, while his beard was thick. His neck seemed to shimmer like silver, and the perspiration on his brow would glimmer like diamonds. His palms and the soles of his feet had ample flesh to them, and whenever he walked, it seemed as if he were descending from a height. He was of medium height, and the Seal of Prophethood was very prominent between his shoulders. People would be captivated at their first glance of the Prophet and would fall in love with him. The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah was the most generous of all and at the same time the most daring. He always kept his word with people and was the most truthful. He was the best in his social dealings with people and had the kindest nature of all. I have never met anyone like him nor will I meet anyone like him again."

The idols of Azar are envious of your beautiful countenance
However much I praise your beauty, it is always beyond description
Traveling across the world, I fell in love with many a beautiful face
But nothing could ever compare to what I see in you.

The Prophet’s face used to shine like the full moon. There was a slight ruddiness to his fair complexion that added an air of elegance.

The Assembly of the Universe was first convened
You were then presented onto its stage
O leader of the first and the last! There is no being like unto you.
O Mustafa Mujtaba! Praising you is beyond my capability
My heart is too cowardly and my lips too fearful.

4) The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam)’s eyebrows were not joined, and in between them was a vein that swelled whenever he would become angry. His hair was parted in the middle and was down to his earlobes.

5) The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam)’s eyes were round and beautiful, and the thin red veins were very prominent in the whites of those eyes. His eyelashes were long and delicate, and people would not be able to turn their gaze from his face.

He would become more beautiful the more one gazed(Hadith)

6) Both sides of his face were symmetrical, and his teeth were slim and sharp. Light (nur) would shine through a gap between his two front teeth whenever he talked or smiled.

7) The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam)’s nose used to shine radiantly, thus appearing more elevated than it was.

8) The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam)’s thick beard beautified his face even more, and his slender neck used to shimmer like silver.

9) Hadrat Ali used to say that the Seal of Prophethood was between the Prophet’s shoulders and that he was the last of the Prophets.

Reason 3: Grandeur of the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah

The Prophet’s intercession for the believers on the Day of Judgment is yet another reason why every Muslim should love him. The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah reached the inner and outer heights of human character, and this is one of the reasons why Allah made him His beloved. Allah said:

And great is the grace of Allah unto you. (4:113)

Proof 1

The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah said, “Listen carefully! I do not take any pride that I am the beloved of Allah. The banner of Allah will be in my hands on the Day of Judgment, and beneath it shall be Prophet Adam e and all the Prophets. I shall be the first to intercede, and my intercession shall be the first accepted. I, and the destitute of my nation, shall be the first ones to enter Paradise. I am nearer to Allah than the first and the last ones.”

Proof 2

The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah said:

I am the last of the prophets, and there is no prophet after me.

Just as the guest of honor is the last to make his entrance, the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah was the last to grace this world with his noble presence.

The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah also said, “I and the Last Day are joined like the two fingers of a hand.” The gathering is set to conclude after the appearance of the guest of honor, and likewise, creation is also set to conclude after the appearance of the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah. The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah is the highest among the Prophets, his Book is the highest among the Books, and his nation is the best among the nations.

Proof 3

Allah summoned His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) to the heavens during the Ascent (Miraj) and showed him His treasures. It was there that Allah revealed Himself to His noble Prophet, a privilege that had been denied to Hadrat Musa when he had asked to see Allah.

So did (Allah) convey the inspiration to His servant; (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey. (53:10)

Proof 4

Allah referred to His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) with the title of Habibullah, the highest of all titles in Allah’s realm, higher than even Kalimullah,Khalilullah, or Ruhullah.

The beauty of Yusuf – the breath of Isa – the brilliance in Musa’s palm,
All these are seen combined in you.

Proof 5

Allah gave the title of Nabi Ummi (Unlettered Prophet), to His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam). The Prophet never sat as anyone’s student or apprentice; therefore, the Prophet’s teacher was the Creator of the universe Himself.

And taught you what you knew not (before), and great is the grace of Allah unto you. (4:113)

A poet penned the following:

What the philosophers could not fathom and intellectuals could not unravel,
The one donned in a black garment resolved in moments.

Proof 6

The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah was sent to teach mankind human character. Allah says in the Holy Quran:

And you (stand) on an exalted standard of character (68:4)

The Prophet’s superior character brought about the revolution of Islam in the short period of ten years. Our scholars (ulama) have written that the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah conquered Makkah and Madinah with the best of character. The world can easily combat the sword, but it cannot resist impeccable character like that of the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah and his Companions (Sahabah).

The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah was mercy for mankind:

Who would conceal the sinner with his blessed garment?
Who would pray for those who inflicted wounds upon him? 
What else would history call him except mercy?

Proof 7

The first Prophets were sent to various nations, but the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah was sent for all of creation. Allah said:

We have not sent you but as a universal (Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam)) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them. (34:28)

The following poem speaks volumes:

Reaching the utmost heights with his splendor,
Your exquisite beauty drove away all darkness.
All your characteristics became beautiful,
Peace be upon you and your household.

Reason 4 : Favors of the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah

Man is a slave of favors [done to him] (Saying)

Man is weak and dependent upon favors and kindness. It baffles the mind to think how much the Muslim nation owes to the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah.

Proof 1

Allah says in the Holy Quran:

Now has come unto you a Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) from amongst yourselves. It grieves him that you should perish; ardently anxious is he over you. To the believers he is most kind and merciful. (9:28)

Proof 2

The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah said:

Indeed I am the distributor, whereas Allah is the One who gives.

Whatever blessings and favors the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah received from Allah, he would promptly distribute them among the Sahabah. In onehadith, the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah said:

Whatever Allah put in my heart, I have put into the heart of Abu Bakr.

Proof 3

The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah would stand in prayer all night, praying and crying for his disobedient nation, so much so that his feet would swell. The Prophet’s wife Hadrat Aishah Siddiqa related that one night the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah continually repeated the following verse:

If You do punish them, they are Your servants. If You do forgive them, You are the Exalted in power, the Wise. (5:121)

The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah said, “O people, you are running towards the Hellfire, whereas I am desperately pulling you back.” The Prophet lived his life in the likeness of Hadrat Nuh when he said to Allah:

Verily I have called my people to Allah day and night.

Proof 4

Allah presented His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) with fifty prayers on the occasion of the Ascent (Miraj). The Prophet, however, pleaded for leniency at the urging of Hadrat Musa, who knew that the Muslims would not be able to fulfill this weighty demand. The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah kept pleading until this number was reduced to five. At this Allah said, “My beloved, your nation shall observe five prayers, but I shall give them the reward of fifty.” This great reduction in the number of prayers is an enormous blessing that the Muslims enjoy due to the favor of their Prophet.

Proof 5

It is stated in hadith that the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah prayed at Hajj for his disobedient nation. He prayed to Allah to forgive the sins of his nation, even if they were to fall outside the rights of Allah (huquq Allah) and the rights of humanity (huquq al-ibad). Allah accepted the first half of this prayer and He therefore forgives the pilgrims the huquq Allah that they were unable to fulfill or were lacking in. Huquq al-ibad, however, would have to be dealt with on an individual basis with the person whose rights were violated.

After completing the rites at Arafat, the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah went to Muzdalifa and pleaded with Allah using the same prayer, “O Allah, make mankind so content with Your blessings that they forgive one another.” Allah accepted this prayer and said, “O My beloved, I will forgive My rights to whoever comes for Hajj, and I will make your nation so content with My mercies and blessings that they will forgive each other their rights.” This is yet another tremendous favor of the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah upon his undeserving nation.

Proof 6

On one occasion, the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah cried in prayer for a long time, praying for his nation’s forgiveness. Allah responded:

And soon will your Guardian-Lord give you (that wherewith) you shall be well pleased. (93:5)

When this verse was revealed, the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah said, “I will not be content until the last of my nation enters Paradise.”

Proof 7

The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah told his Sahabah that all the Prophets had been granted permission to make a supplication that would be answered exactly as it had been asked, and all of the Prophets used their respective supplications in their lifetimes. The Sahabah asked the Prophet if he had asked anything of His Lord, and the Prophet replied that he had not. He then continued, “I have saved my request for the Day of Judgment. I will supplicate when my nation is presented in front of Allah and keep supplicating until every last one of my nation enters Paradise.”

I would not be surprised if for your sake
The sins of your nation are counted as acts of obedience.
The crimes of your nation are considered so precious,
The least of your nation will be showered with a thousand blessings.

Having intense love for the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah seems obvious and mandatory since the above proofs show that every Muslim is immersed in his favors. All aspects of muhabbah are present in the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah, but the element of intercession alone would make ,muhabbah for him absolutely necessary. A believer loves the Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) of Allah more than his own life, and as Muslims, we are desperate for his intercession.

56 SAYINGS OF OUR BELOVED PROPHET (PBUH)

1) The worst blindness is straying form the straight path after receiving true guidance.

2) Among the virtues of a believer are cleanliness in dress, contentment and thankfulness when one does not have enough.

3) A believer wishes for others what he wishes for himself.

4) When your good deeds please you and your bad deeds cause you grief, you are a believer.

5) The believers are like the parts of a building strengthening one another.

6) Look at those who are less fortunate than you so that you are not ungrateful for the things which you have been blessed with by Allah.

7)  Allah Almighty has cursed the one offering the bribe, the one who is receiving it as well as the go-between.

8) If you are a trustworthy, honest and truthful businessman, you will rise up with the martyrs on the Day of Judgment.

9) The greatest form of charity is the effort to help a poor man, made in secret by one who is poor himself.

10) When Allah Almighty blesses someone with children, and they give their children their love, and meet their parental obligation, Allah saves them from the fire of hell.

11) When you see a coffin passing by stand up (out of respect) whether it is a Muslim or a non-Muslim.

12) Man is tested according to his level of faith. If his faith is firm, his trials increase in severity.

13) For everything there is a way to purify it, and for the body it is fasting.

14) The Almighty forgives him who forgives others.

15) Whoever buys a gift and brings it home to his family he is like one who has given charity.

16) Whatever hardship a person faces – even if it is as small as the prick from a thorn -Allah makes it atonement for his sins.

17) The greatest kin of holy war is to speak up for truth in the face of a ruling authority that deviates from the right path.

18) Whoever follows a path seeking knowledge, Allah Almighty will make that path easy for them.

19) The best thing you can do is to serve your mother, then your mother, then your mother, and then you father, then your relatives.

20) The one who cares for a widow or the needy is like the one who fasts all day and prays all night.

21) Beware of the prayer of the victim of an injustice, for there is no barrier between him and Allah Almighty.

22) Allah Almighty has no regard for a prayer in which a man’s heart is not present with his bodily actions.

23) Previous nations were destroyed because they let off people with high rank and punished the poor and the helpless.

24) The superiority of a learned man over the one engaged only in ritual worship is like that of a full moon over the stars.

25) What comes to you in my name but is in conflict of theQuran cannot be from me.

26) You have rights over women and women have rights over you.

27) Before speaking the salaam should be said. (Tirmizi)

28) Spread the salaam amongst yourselves. (Muslims)

29) Whoever sends one Durood upon me, Allah sends ten blessings (Durood) upon him. (Tirmizi)

30) My intercession is for the big sinners in my Ummah. (Tirmizi)

31) Cleanliness is a part of the Faith. (Tirmizi)

32) Dua is the kernel of Ibaadat. (Tirmizi)

33) Actions depend on their intention. (Bukhari and Muslim)

34) A Muslim is he from whose tongue and hands a Muslim is safe. (Al-Bukhari)

35) The best of you is the one who learned and taught the Quran. (Al-Bukhari)

36) Modesty is a part of faith. (Muslim)
37) Visit the graves because they remind one of the Akhirah. (Muslim)

38) A Muslim is a brother of a Muslim. (Al-Bukhari)

39) To learn the Knowledge of the Deen is fard upon every Muslim man and woman. (Ibn-e-Majah)

40) Salah is a pillar of the Deen. (Tabarâni)

41) Whoever is deprived of tenderness (unto others) is deprived of good. (Muslim)

42) Relate on my behalf even if it is an Ayah. (Al-Bukhari)

43) Whoever remains quiet attains salvation. (Tirmizi)

44) The influence of the gaze is Haq (the Truth). (Al-Bukhari)

45) Religion is the name of well-wishing. (Al-Bukhari)

46) Announce your Nikah (marriage). (Tirmizi)

47) Nikah (marriage) is my Sunnah. (Ibn-e-Majah)

48) Whoever turns from my sunnah is not from me. (Al-Bukhari)

49) Dua rids calamity.

50) I distribute (to people) and Allah gives. (Al-Bukhari)

51) To be ashamed (of sins) is repentance. (Ibn-e-Majah)

52) It is because of those Awliya (Friends) of Allah that it rains and it is because of them that Rizq (sustenance) is given.

53) He who does not have mercy receives no mercy upon himself. (Al-Bukhari)

54) Fasting is a shield (from sins). (Tirmizi)

55) The best sadaqah is that a Muslim man learns knowledge (of the Deen) and then teaches it to his Muslim brothers. (Ibn-e-Majah)

56)  “Whoever innovates a good innovation in Islam has its reward and the reward of those who would practice upon it until the Day of Judgment – without lessening the rewards of those who practice with it. The one who innovates the innovation of misguidance, would take the sin for it and the sin of those who practice upon it until the Day of Judgment–without lessening the sin of those who practice with it.” (Muslim, as-Sahih, 2:705)

PEARLS OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH)

1.  "Definitely Actions are judged by their intentions."(Bukhari)

2.  "A Muslim who plants a tree or sows a field, from which man, birds and animals can eat, is committing an act of charity." (Muslim)

3.  "Allah is One and likes Unity." (Muslim)

4.  "Hell fire is forbidden to the eye that weeps due to the fear of Allah." (Muawiya bin Jiba(R.A.) - Tibrani)

5.  "What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of human beings, to feed the hungry, to help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, and to remove the sufferings of the injured." (Bukhari)

6.  "Do not think that your sustenance is far off. Whatever sustenance is destined, will inevitably come,before one succumbs to death." (Jabir bin Abdullah(R.A.) - Ibn Hibban)

7.  "The most excellent Jihad is that for the conquest of the self." (Bukhari)

8.  "Glad tidings for the man whose earnings are legitimate; whose secret acts are good; whose open acts are better and who does not cause mischief to anyone."(Fash al Ansi quotes Ka'ab Misri - Tibrani)

9.  "The perfect Muslim is not a perfect Muslim, who eats till he is full and leaves his neighbors hungry." (Ibn Abbas(R.A.) - Baihaqi)

10.  "O youngmen ! if you are resouceful to mantain, then marry. This is the best medicine for safeguarding the eye and private parts." (Abdullah bin Mas'ud(R.A.) - Bukhari, Muslim)

11.  "If you put your whole trust in Allah, as you ought, He most certainly will satisfy your needs, as He satisfies those of the birds. They come out hungry in the morning, but return full to their nests in the evening." (Tirmizi)

12.  "Do not be hasty in talking ill of your wife. If any of her actions are disliked, another may be likeable" (Abu Huraira(R.A.) - Muslim)

13.  "He is not of us who is not affectionate to the little ones, and does not respect the old; and he is not of us, who does not order which is lawful, and prohibits that which is unlawful." (Ibn Abbas(R.A.): Tirmizi)

14.  "When Allah created his creatures He wrote above His throne: 'Verily, my Compassion overcomes my wrath."(Bukhari & Muslim)

15.  "There is no greater boon to one's children than to to teach them to behave well" (Abu Ayyub bin Abu Musa(R.A.) - Tirmizi)

16.  "Allah will not give mercy to anyone, except those who give mercy to other creatures." (Abdullah b. Amr(R.A.) - Abu Dawud & Tirmizi)

17.  "Recite the Qur'an for the Qur'an will intercede for the reciter on the Day of Judgement" (Abu Umama(R.A.) - Muslim)

18.  "The best property of a man is, that his tongue is used for the remembrance of Allah; his heart is thankful and his wife is honest and helpful to her husband and accords aid in his faith." (Sau'ban(R.A.) - Tirmizi)

19.  "If you are able, keep your heart from morning till night and from night till morning free from malice towards anyone." (Bukhari)

20.  "There are two slogans that are very simple on the tongue, but are very heavy on the scales and best loved by Allah. These are " Subhanalallahi wa bi hamdi hi"-Glory be to Allah who is worthy of all Praise. " Subhanalallahil azeem"- Glory be to Allah who is the Most High. (Abu Huraira(R.A.) - Bukhari)

21.  "Say what is true, although it may be bitter and displeasing to people." (Baihaqi)

22.  "Whosoever wants to be pleased by seeing the record of his actions on the the Day of Judgement; should increase his prayer for forgiveness" (Zubair(R.A.) - Baihaqi)

23.  "When you see a person who has been given more than you in money and beauty, look to those, who have been given less." (Muslim)

24.  "The gathering(discussions of a meeting) are a trust."(Jaabir(R.A.) - Abu Dawud)

25.  "Be not like the hypocrite who, when he talks, tells lies; when he gives a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he proves dishonest." (Bukhari & Muslim)

26.  "It is better to sit alone than in company with the bad; and it is better still to sit with the good than alone. It is better to speak to a seeker of knowledge than to remain silent; but silence is better than idle words." (Bukhari)

27.  "Backbiting is more severe than adultery." (Abu Saeed(R.A.) - Mishkaat)

28.  "Once a man, who was passing through a road, found a branch of a tree with thorns obstructing it. The man removed the thorns from the way. Allah forgave his sins." (Bukhari)

29.  "Lower oneself to the level of the people."(Ayesha(R.A.) - Abu Dawud)

30.  "Procrastination(of payment) by a rich person is oppression." (Abu Huraira(R.A.) - Bukhari)

31.  "Who are the learned? Those who practice what they know." (Bukhari)

32.  "Verily the better person in Allah's sight is the one who initiates the greeting(salaam)." (Abu Amama(R.A.) - Abu Dawud)

33.  "Information can never be equal to witnessing."(Abdullah bin Abbas(R.A.) - Musnad Ahmad)

34.  "A true Muslim is thankful to Allah in prosperity, and resigned to His will in adversity." (Muslim)

35.  "Do not express joy at the misfortune of your brother, for Allah may have mercy on him and involve you in misfortune." (Wasila bin Aska(R.A.) - Tirmizi)

36.  "That which is less but suffices is better than that which is more but distracts." (Abu Darda(R.A.) - Mishkaat)

37.  "A Muslim who meets with others and shares their burdens is better than one who lives a life of seclusion and contemplation." (Muslim)

38.  "Note! all of you are the shephards(guardians) and all of you are(responsible) to be questioned for your flock(those under your guardianship)." (Abdullah bin Umar(R.A.) - Bukhari)

39.  "The proof of a Muslim's sincerity is, that he pays no heed to that, which is not his business." (Abu Huraira(R.A.): Tirmizi)

40.  "One who directs to good is rewarded similiar to the doer of good." (Abi Masood Al-Ansari(R.A.) - Ibn Majah)

PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH) AS A FAMILY MAN

With the ever increasing rate of wife and child abuse; drug abuse, alcoholism, gambling, broken homes and disintegrated family structures, and the resultant social ills, there has never before been a greater need for the Islamic teachings and guidelines related to family and social life. These teachings and guidelines were exemplified in the daily life and practices of our most Beloved Nabee Muhammad Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam.

Relevant to what I have just said, let us review a few statistics. During a six year period, the number of marriages in the United States has decreased by 1.2%. During the same period of time, the number of divorces has increased by 52.1%. There was one divorce for every three marriages. At this unbelievably accelerated rate of divorce, within a few more years, the number of divorces will probably exceed the number of marriages.

This will lead to a gradual extinction of the family structure, which is the basis for a healthy society. It is estimated today that 50% of all school children in the United States come from broken homes. A disrupted family is not just the separation of family members. It has a far-reaching damaging effect of the individuals involved and on the society as well.

During the same period of time, violent crimes increased by 33.5%. Even of more interest is the further breakdown of violent crimes, which include rape, aggravated assault, murder, and robbery. While the murder rate has increased by 17.4% and robbery by 20.15, rape and aggravated assault have increased by a shockingly high 46.8%. One cannot help but assume some direct or indirect relationship between this type of crime and the weakened family structure and all the related concepts about morality and human social relations.

America today stands bankrupt, decrepit and sterile so far as all higher human values are concerned, America has not only lost the credibility to serve as the guide of humanity, it constitutes the biggest obstacle in the way of humanity in its progress and movement towards its noblest aspirations and goals.

If we are serious in our desire to find a solution to the escalating danger facing the family structure, as Muslims, it is Fard (obligatory) upon us to obtain this solution from a source other than contemporary secular science. The Holy Shari'ah as lived and practiced by our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam is without any question the best and only way for such a solution.

Some of you may question the applicability of our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam's situation to family life today in North America. This question might be based on two assumptions: One is that our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam lived in a totally different society and under totally different social circumstances. The second assumption is that the wives of our Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam who were labelled the "mothers of the believers". were of a different and much better mold than all other women, and therefore whatever applied to them may not be applicable to other women.

I personally feel that these two assumptions are not necessarily true. It is true that our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam lived in a society many thousands of miles and many hundreds of years away from our North American society. However, in our Nabee S.A.W.'s society, corruption, immorality, murder, distorted moral and social values, and evil temptations and pressures were by no means less than what we have in our western society today.

With regard to the wives of our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam, it is true that they were placed in a special position among all women since they were honoured through their intimate affiliations with Almighty Allah's Beloved Nabee S.A.W. for Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala declares in verse 32 of Surah Al-Ahzab:

 

"O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any of the (other) women...."

On the other hand, they were human in all aspects, and several of them have manifested, at times, some of the human attitudes (such as jealousy, demanding, or even quarrelsome) which can be expected from any average woman. In addition, our Beloved Nabee S.A.W. was faced with other difficulties, such as extreme external and internal pressures on him and his family, as well as natural afflictions through the loss of wife or children. We can therefore safely say that our Nabee S.A.W.'s life was far from being a supernatural or even a trouble-free one.

His family life therefore qualifies as a realistic and practical example applicable to each and every one of us. It was all through the Wisdom of Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala that our Beloved Nabee's family life contained the most difficult situations any one of us could face, so that any one of us, when faced with one of these difficult situations, can look to our Beloved Nabee S.A.W. and see how he mastered and dealt with a problem and/or situation.

It is through following the footsteps of Nabee Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam and through the application of his approaches and methodology that we can all find the solution for our contemporary problems. How beautiful and true is Almighty Allah's declaration inverse 21 of Surah Al-Ahzab:

"You have indeed in the Apostle of Allah

a beautiful pattern (of conduct)..."

Throughout his life our Beloved Nabee S.A.W. was an example of decency, respectability, and freedom from corruption and immorality. All are attributes highly essential for a healthy and successful family life. Hoe did he acquire these qualities while growing up in a society full of indecency, dishonesty, corruption and immorality? Let us analyze some of the details of his childhood and his youth, and we may be able to find some clues that will help us answer this question. The first observation we can make is the fact that he was born an orphan. His father Abdullah died before he was born and a few years later his beloved mother Amina died. What are the implications of being an orphan?

There are many implications. One is that there is always an element of deprivation. An orphan cannot have everything other children have. Even if he had everything else, he would still lack the love of his mother and father. Our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam lacked both. This element of deprivation is quite beneficial since the opposite, which is saturation to the extent that one cannot take any more, or to the extent of being spoiled and used to getting anything one wants whenever one wants it, can be quite harmful.

This element of deprivation does not necessarily mean that our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam did not receive enough love and kindness during his childhood. As mamatter of fact, he was surrounded by love and kindness from his foster-mother Halima Sadia R.A., and from his beloved mother Amina for a very short period of time, from his grandfather Abdul Mutallib, and from his uncle Abu Talib. Love and kindness are essential for a healthy upbringing of a child as long as they are not exaggerated to the point of spoiling the child.

Another implication of being an orphan is some degree of independence and self-sufficiency. The parents are not there to do for the child what parents usually do for their children. Some degree of independence and self-suffiency is an excellent character builder.

A third implication of being an orphan is the fact that the personal influence of the parents on their child (which is usually great) is withheld to make room for some other influence and guidance. In the case of our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam, the lack of his parents and their influence made room and opened an unobstructed avenue for the influence and Divine guidance of Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala Who has summarized it so beautifully in verses 6 to 8 of Surah Ad-Dhuha:

"Did He not find you an orphan and gave you shelter and care, and He found you wandering and He gave you guidance, and He found you in need and He made you independent."

How can we apply this analysis to our own situation in trying to improve the methods for the upbringing of our children? If being an orphan is so good, should we eliminate all parents and make all children orphans?

 

Of course not! By no means! The clues we get from the analysis are that parents should not spoil their children and should make them appreciate, to some extent, the feeling of deprivation without going to the extent of neglect and without curtailing the love and kindness which are essential for the child's development.

Another observation we make about our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam's years of childhood and youth is the fact that there was separation of sorts between him and the surrounding corruption of society. The first few years of his life, which may have had the most important impact on the development of his mind and personality, were spent in the clean, non-polluted desert, away from Makkah.

Later on, although he lived in Makkah with corruption and immorality surrounding him, he did not mix with his peers in their improper or immoral activities. He lived within his community and interacted with his people, but he did not melt and become one with his community and his people. It was a kind of insulation and not an isolation. What made him do that?

In his case, it was Divine Guidance and protection. How can this observation be good for us? While we may not be entitled to the same type of Divine Guidance and protection, although Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala could grant them to anyone He may be pleased with, we can still follow the footsteps and methodology with our own choice and free will. It is there for our taking.

The period of our Beloved Nabee S.A.W.'s family life during his marriage to Hazrat Khadijah R.A. could be considered as prototype of an Islamic family life. This implies that we should look at this period as the ideal example for family relationships, practices, and attitudes which we should all try to imitate. The lesson is to provide the means to protect our children from indiscriminate mixing with the non-Islamic surroundings. This will necessitate the creation of a proper environment to provide the children with proper substitutes at the home level and at the community level.

Unfortunately, many Muslim men today feel that it is beneath their dignity to participate in the housework. It is true that the home and housekeeping duties are usually the domain and responsibility of the wife, but a helping hand by the husband can be of tremendous value for it will make the husband understand and appreciate the duties and the problems of his wife. Besides, his behaviour will be an example to the children, who might feel that the housework is for mothers only.

Many of us are taken by frustration and despair when we are faced with difficult problems. Some lose control and completely break down. Many families fall apart after loss of money, failure of business, or any type of trauma. Our Beloved Nabee S.A.W. and his beloved wife Hazrat Khadijah R.A. faced a great many difficulties, including the loss of children, especially the loss of sons in a society which used to kill female infants out of shame; in addition, they suffered the rejection and persecution inflicted on them by their own people.

Their response was not breaking down or giving up. These difficulties probably increased their determination to build up their efforts to cope with the difficulties. This clue should be a good lesson for all marriage partners who are shaken by every little tremor in their family life.

I will quote a single incident to make my point. This incident took place when our Beloved Nabee S.A.W. received the first revelation. The magnitude and the impact of this incident was so great that it literally shook him up. Whom did he go to for counsel and support in such a difficult time? Did he go to his best friend? Did he go to his lawyer? Or to his professor or advisor? Or to the elders of the Community? Or to the high priest? None of these. He went straight home to his wife Hazrat Khadijah R.A. He asked her for support and for her opinion, and apparently knew what he was doing.

Hazrat Khadijah R.A. responded in the most dignified and appropriate manner. She did not faint nor panic. She acted in a most comforting and supportive way. She gave him a vote of confidence and was quoted to have said: "Be steadfast and have good news. By the One who has Khadijah's soul in His Hand, I hope you become the prophet of this nation. By Allah, Allah will not let you down. You are kind, you are most truthful in your word, you carry the needy, you host the guest, and you support the afflicted."

This type of mutual trust and confidence does not develop instantly. It is rather the result of long years of exposure, testing and practice. In such a challenging and difficult situation, our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam would not seek counsel and support from someone he had not trusted and tried before.

The point to be made is that the mutual counselling and support between the marriage partners is an essential ingredient for a successful family life. It serves two purposes: One is that a very useful source of counsel and support will be utilized rather than wasted: and, second, the consulted partner will develop self-confidence in addition to a sense of participation and appreciation, which will further strengthen family ties.

If we follow the exemplary teachings of our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam, I am most confident that we shall Insha'Allah solve the problem of broken homes and destroyed families among the Muslims the world over.

"O Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala! Bless our Beloved Nabee Muhammad Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam, who as the bearer of the most noble lineage proclaimed that You, O Allah, are the very truth, that Your Most Holy and Glorious Qur'an and revelations are the manifest proof, and that Your Path is the infallible road to salvation. O Ya Rabbal Ala'meen! Bless Your Beloved Nabee S.A.W. the pure and chaste one, the immaculate, the one gifted with glorious miracles and confounding impact, and the one endowed with the virtues of absolute exaltedness. O Allah! bless him and his Ummah as many times as there are manifestations of Thy perfection, and honor him, O Allah, with a blessing worthy of his perfection."

We pray that Almighty Allah Azza Wajjal strengthen and unite the Muslim Ummah to carry out His Will for the happiness of our families and for mankind and for life in a better world. Ameen!