SEVEN QUALITIES THAT ALLAH LOVES

1. Tawbah (Repentance)... "For Allah loves
those who turn to Him constantly (in
repentance)"[Surah Al Baqarah 2:222]

2. Taharah (Purification). .."Allah loves those
who keep themselves pure and clean."[Surah
Al Baqarah 2:222]

3. Taqwa (Piety)..."For Allah loves the
righteous (the pious)."[Surah Al Tawbah 9:4]

4. Ihsan (Goodness & Perfection)..."For Allah
loves those who do good"[Surah Ali'Imran
3:134]

5. Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)..."For Allah loves
those who put their trust (in Him)."[Surah
Ali'Imran 3:159]

6. Adl (Justice)..."For Allah loves those who
judge in equity."[Surah Al Ma'idah 5:42]"For
Allah loves those who are fair (and just).
"[Surah Al Hujurat 49:9]

7. Sabr (Patience)..."And Allah Loves those
who are firm and steadfast (As-Sabirin (the
patient))."[Surah Ali'Imran 3:146]

★ SEVEN QUALITIES THAT ALLAH DOES NOT LOVE...

1. Israaf (Extravagance). .."But waste not by
excess: for Allah loves not the wasters (Al-
Musrifun (those who waste by extravagance)).
"[Surah Al An'am 6:141]

2. Istikbaar (Pride)..."Verily He loves not the
arrogant (proud)."[Surah Al Nahl 16:23]

3. Mukhtal Fakhoor (Arrogant boaster)..."For
Allah loves not any arrogant boaster."[Surah
Luqman 31:18]

4. Udwaan (Transgression) ..."For Allah loves
not transgressors." [Surah Al Ma'idah 5:87]

5. Zulm (Evil, Wrongdoing)..."But Allah loves
not those who do wrong (Zalimun (oppressors,
polytheists and wrong doers))."[Surah
Ali'Imran 3:57]

6. Khiyaanah (Treachery)..."For
Allah loves not the treacherous."[Surah Al
Anfal 8:58]

7. Mufsideen (Mischief-makers)...

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…”

OUR DAUGHTERS ARE A BLESSING, NOT A BURDEN

Children are no doubt a great gift from Almighty Allah to all parents. Parents must think of their children as such treasures that the all the wealth and material resources are worthless as when compared to one's children. We, as parents, should thank and be grateful to Almighty Allah for blessing us with children whether they are boys or girls. Today, it is quite disheartening to see that some parents rejoice when the newborn child is a male and show their dissatisfaction when the child is a female. But, this should not be the attitude. Islam does not condone this type of behavior, as such was the manner of the parents in the time of ignorance.

In pre-Islamic times, the Arabs used to be disheartened and annoyed with the birth of girls, so that a father, when informed his wife had given birth to a girl, said,"By Allah she is not as blissful as a son; her defense is crying and her care is but stealing!"
 

He meant she could not defend her father and her family except by screaming and crying, not by fighting and carrying arms. She also cannot be good to them and care for them except by taking from her husband's money to give to her family. Their traditions allowed the father to bury his daughter alive for actual poverty, or for expected poverty, or out of fear of a disgrace she might bring upon them when she grew up. In that context, the Qur'an says, denouncing and derogating them:

 

“And when the girl-child who was buried alive is asked. Upon what sin was she killed for.”[Surah al-Takweer, Verses 8-9] 
 

The Qur'an also describes the condition of fathers when daughters were born:

 

“And when one among of them receives the glad tidings of a daughter, his face turns black for the day, and he remains seething. Hiding from the people because of the evil of the tidings; "Will he keep her with disgrace, or bury her beneath the earth?"; pay heed! Very evil is the judgment they impose!”  [Surah al-Nahl, Verse 58-59]
 

The Qur'an led an uncompromising campaign against those cruel people who kill children-whether male or female. Allah says in the Qur'an:

 

“Indeed ruined are those who slay their children out of senseless ignorance and forbid the sustenance which Allah has bestowed upon them, in order to fabricate lies against Allah; they have undoubtedly gone astray and not attained the path.” [Surah al-Anaam, Verse 140]
 

And Allah Almighty says:

 

“And do not kill your children, fearing poverty; We shall provide sustenance to them as well as to you; indeed killing them is a great mistake.”[Surah Bani Israel, Verse 31]
 

Some ancient laws gave the father the right to sell his daughter if he wished; while others allowed him to hand her to another man who would either kill her or own her if the father killed the other man's daughter. 

When Islam was revealed, it decreed a daughter - like a son - was a gift from Allah, to be granted to whomever Allah wishes of His worshipers: 

 

“For Allah only is the kingship of the heavens and the earth; He creates whatever He wills; He may bestow daughters to whomever He wills, and sons to whomever He wills. Or may mix them, the sons and daughters; and may make barren whomever He wills; indeed He is All Knowing, Able.” [Surah al-Shoora, Verses 49-50]
 

The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) of Islam made Paradise the recompense of every father who conducts himself well with his daughters, has patience in raising them, provides their moral education, and observes Allah's commands concerning them until they come of age or until his . The Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) made the place of the father in Paradise next to him. Hadrat Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam said,

 

“Whoever brings up two girls till they reach the age of puberty, he and I will come on the Day of Resurrection like this,” (and he joined his blessed fingers.)
 

The beloved Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) has stated that

 

“When a boy is born, then he brings one Noor (light) and when a girl is born, then she brings two Noors.”
 

It has been narrated in a Hadith that the Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) has stated that

 

“If parents are kind and generous towards their daughters, then they will be so close to Him (The Holy Prophet Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) in Jannah, like one finger is to the next.”
 

The Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) has also stated that

 

“The person who is faced with hardship due to his daughters, and makes Sabr (is patient), then his daughters will be a Pardah (curtain) between him and the Hell-fire.”
 

Hadrat Ibn ‘Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam said,

 

“...and whoever brings up three daughters or a like number of sisters, training them well and showing kindness to them till Allah enriches them (i.e. till they reach the age of puberty), Allah will guarantee Paradise for him.” A man asked: “O Messenger of Allah! Does this apply to two also?” He said: “even to two.” If they had asked whether to one also, the Messenger of Allah would have said that, “even to one...”
 

Sayyiduna Ibn 'Abbas (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) recounted,

 

“Whoever had a female who was not buried nor insulted by him, and had not preferred his male children to her, Allah admits him to Paradise.” 
 

Daughters are without doubt a great blessing from Almighty Allah. They are a means of salvation and a path to Jannah (Heaven) for their parents. The crux of one narration states that

 

“One who loves his daughters and withstands the hardship of grooming and getting them married, Almighty Allah makes Jannah compulsory (Waajib) on him and keeps him protected from the Fire of Hell.”
 

And in another Hadith, the beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said: 

 

“They will be a shield for him from the Fire.”
 

The beloved Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam commanded:

 

“Whenever you buy anything from the market place first present it to your female children then to your male children.”
 

Hadrat Khwaja Uthman al-Haaroni (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu), the Spiritual Guide (Peer-o-Murshid) of Khwaja-e-Khwajgaan, Hadrat Shaykh Mu’een al-Din Khwaja Ghareeb Nawaaz Chishti Ajmeri (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu), states:

 

“Daughters are a gift from Almighty Allah. Those parents who are kind towards them, then Almighty Allah is generous towards such parents. Those who are merciful to their daughters, Almighty Allah is Merciful towards them.”
 

The great saint, Hadrat Khwaja Uthman Harooni (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) also said,

 

“When a girl is born to a family, then between the parents and Hell, there shall be a distance of five hundred years.”
 

It has been stated that:

 

When parents rejoice at the birth of a daughter, this is greater than making Tawaaf of the Kaaba seventy times.
 

When Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) would hear that one of his relatives or friends had a baby girl, he would say to them,

 

"Congratulations for the Prophets were mostly fathers of daughters."
 

Muslims should also remember that the family of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) is from his beloved daughter Sayyidah Fatima Zahra (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha).

With these open and authentic texts, with the enhanced and repeated good news, the birth of girls is not at all a fearful burden nor is it a bad omen. On the contrary, it is a blessing to be thanked for and a mercy to be desired and requested because it is a blessing of the Almighty and a reward to be gained.

Dear brothers and sisters! Rejoice on the birth of your daughters, love and guide them and give them that which is due to them from your belongings. Do not deprive them of their inheritance as they also have say in this. Remember! Daughters are a blessing and not a burden.

THE MEANING OF.. AMEEN..

According to majority of the Ulema, Aameen is an abbreviation of 'Allaahummastajib lana" (Oh Allah! Accept our Duaa (supplication))

Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) had stated: "I have been granted Aameen (to say) in Salaah and at the time of Du'aa. None was granted such before me except Moosa(Moses) (Alayhis salaam). He would make Du'aa(supplication) and Haroon(Aaron) (Alayhis salaam) would say Aameen. So end your Du'aas with Aameen - Allah will surely answer them for you." (Tafseer Ibn Katheer Vol.1 Pg.56; Darus salaam).

SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ISLAM

1.Summiyyah RadiAllahu Anha mother of Ammar RadiAllahu Anhu and wife of Yassir RadiAllahu anhu was the first to meet martyrdom for the cause of Islam. She was killed by Abu Jahl the enemy of Islam.

2.Did you know that Imam Bokhari Rahmatullah Alaih compiled his collection of 7,275 Ahadith by selection from 600,000. Before writing each Hadith he would make 2 Rakaat nafl Salaat. 

3.The 10 Sahabah who were promised Paradise during their lifetime were Abubakr Siddique, Umar bin Khattab, Uthman bin Affan, Ali bin Abi Talib, Talha Bin Ubaidullah, Saeed Bin Zaid, Abu Ubaidah Bin Jarrah, Zubair bin Awwam, Saad Bin Abi Waqqas, and Abdur Rahman Bin Auf RadiAllahu Anhum Ajmaeen.

4.Ammar RadiAllahu Anhu Built the First Masjid at the request of RasoolAllah Alaihi Wa Sallam. It was the Masjid in Quba. 

5.Two of the Ummahatul Mu’mineen (Mothers of the Ummah), (RasoolAllah Sallallahu Wa Sallam’ wives) died before him, they are Khadija RadiAllahu Anha and Zainab Bint Khuzaimah RadiAllahu Anha.

6.Salmaan Farsi RadiAllahu Anhu was the one who suggested to RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam about digging a trench around the city of Madina at the time of the battle of Khandakh (trench)

7.Abdullah Ibn Zubair (RA) was the first baby boy to be born after Hijrah. His Father was Zubair (RA) and his mother was Asma (RA). His aunt (mother's sister) was none other than Ummul Mu'mineen Aaiysha (RA) and his grand father was Abu Bakr Siddique (RA)

8.Zaid RadiAllahu Anhu is the only Sahabi whose name is mentioned in the Quran (Surah Ahzaab)

9.Rasulullah (SAW) made duaa to Allah Subhanaho Wa Taala that, He strenghten Islam with Umar bin Al-Khattab or Umar bin Hisham i.e. Abu Jahl. Allah accepted the duaa in favour of Umar bin Al-Khattab (RA). 

10.Abu Bakr (RA) received the title 'As-Siddeeq' on readily saying that he accepted Rasulullah (SAW)'s Night Journey (Mairaaj) to the Heavens when the Kuffar asked for his opinion.

11.Ali bin Abi Talib (RA) walked all the way from Makkah to Madeenah, at the time of Hijrah, while hiding from the pursuing Quraish. 

12.Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (RA) was blessed by Allah to be the first host of Rasulullah (SAW) in Madeenah.

13.Rasulullah (SAW) called Yahya (AS) son of Zakariyyah (AS) 'Shaheed bin Shaheed' meaning 'Martyr son of Martyr'. 

14.Uthman bin Affan (RA) did not fight in the battle of Badr as he stayed home to take care of his sick wife Ruqayyah (RA), daughter of Rasulullah (SAW). She died shortly before Madeenah received the news of Victory for the Muslims in the battlefield.

15.All of Rasulullah (SAW)'s children died before him except for his daughter, Fatimah (RA).

16.Amr bin Thabit (RA) became a muslim during the battle of Uhud, and died as a martyr in the same battle. When asked about him, Rasulullah (SAW) said that he was from the People of Paradise, even though he had not prayed a single salaah.

17.Zaid bin Harith (RA) accompanied Rasulullah (SAW)when he went Taif.

18.The cause of Abu Lahab's death was the wife of his brother Abbas (RA), Umul-Fadl (RA). on hearing about the defeat of non-muslims at Badr, he started abusing a muslim servant, so she took a log and hit him, which caused his skull to crack. He died a few days later because of it. 

19.Ameer ul Mumineen Uthman RA. had given the duty of collecting and compiling the first holy Quran to Zaid Ibn Thaabit RA., who fulfilled it by the help of other companions and off course the help of Allah. Zaid RA. once said that "By Allah, if they had asked me to move a whole mountain from its place, it would have been easier than the task of compiling the Quran which they ordered me to fulfill".

20.Abdullah Ibn Masood RA. was the first Muslim to read the Quran publicly near the Kaaba in Makkah, after the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Waa Sallam.

21.Bilaal RA. was the first Muezzin chosen by RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam.

22.RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam had four daughters ZAINAB, RUQQAYYAH, UMM KULTHOOM AND FATIMA RadiAllahu Taala Anhun and three sons QASIM, TAYYAB OR TAHIR, AND IBRAHIM, but all the sons died in their infancy.

23.Did you know that the original name of the holy city of Madinah was "YATHRIB"

24.Rasool Allah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallams' father's name was ABDULLAH and his mother's name was AAMINAH.

25.Khadijah RadiAllahu Anha was the first person and the first woman to take shahada and accept Mohammad Sallallahu alaihi Wa Sallam as the Prophet and Messenger of Allah, followed by Zaid Bin Haritha RA., Ali Ibn Abi Talib RA. and Abu Bakar Siddique RA.

26.The first Hafiz of Quran was Uthman bin Affan (RA, offcourse after RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam.

27.Ali RadiAllahu Anhu Said that he heard The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam say "TALHA(RA) AND ZUBAIR(RA) ARE MY NEIGHBORS IN PARADISE"

28.Did you know that Rasoolallah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam performed only one Hajj in his lifetime.

29.Usamah Bin Zaid(RA) was the son of Zaid Bin Harith(RA)and his wife Barakah(RA)(known also by the name of Umm Ayman(RA))

30.If all Quraans in the world today were destroyed, the original Arabic would still remain, because millions of Muslims, called Huffaz have memorized the text of the Quraan letter for letter from beginning to end, every word and syllable. Also, chapters from the Qur'an are precisely recited from memory by every Muslim in each of the five daily prayers. 

31.The Islamic calender is based on the phases of the moon, with it being approximately 11 days shorter than the 365 days of the year in the Georgian calender. Hence, the dates of our festivals (Eid -ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha) move through the year. 

32.Adam Alayhis salam was approximately 30 Ziraa tall. Ziraa is a measurement and one Ziraa is approximately half a metre. 

33.The Majority of muslims do not live in the middle East. The most populous muslim country is Indonesia, the 4th largest country in the world with approximately 184 million muslims 

34.The splitting of the Moon was was one of the greatest miracle of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa sallam. When Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was 52 years old, the leaders of the disbelievers of the Quraish tribe came to him and said, "If you are a Prophet, then split the moon into two parts." Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) dearly wanted the people to convert to Islam, especially his close friends and relatives. He prayed, raising up his hands, and the moon split into two equal halves. Each part of the moon was seen above different mountains. The disbelievers said, "Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has performed magic." They did not accept Islam. 

35.The Ummah of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), are more than that of all the Ummahs of all the other Ambiya put together. 

36.It is obligatory on every Muslim to love Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi wasallam). The sign of love for him is to adapt his way of life and always remember him. 

37.According to the Qur'an, the Kaaba was first built by the Ibrahim Alaihi Salaam and and his son Ismail Alaihi Salaam.

38.Muslims do not worship the Kaaba; the Kaaba is simply a focal point for prayer ordered by Allah Subhanaho Wa Taala..

39.Prominent Kuffar like Abu Jahl would secretly listen to the verses of the Holy Quran because they were fascinated by it.

BEFORE PERFORMING SALAH HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT THAT

"While you are listening to Adhan, the Compeller of heaven
and earth is calling you to meet Him"

While you are making Wudu, you are preparing yourself to
meet The KING of all the Kings"

While you are on the road to go to the Masjid or going to your
prayer mat , you are responding the call of Allah, the Great Lord of the Mighty Throne"

While you are making Takbirat al Ihram, you are standing
between the hands of you Creator The Authoritative"

While you are reciting Surat Al Fatiha, you are in a private and
intimate conversation with Your Lord, The All Hearing, The All
Knowing"

While you are performing the gestures of Salat, Angels (whose
number is known only by Allah), are still in ruku and others are still in sujud for thousands of years"

"While you are in sujud, you are in the greatest and the most
beautiful place: near to your Lord The One and Only"

"while you are making tasleem (salams at the end of prayer), the
most beautiful feeling that you can have in that moment is that
you can’t wait the next salat to meet your Lord The Most Compassionate, The Merciful"

COPING WITH THE FEAR THAT OUR WORSHIP WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

Dissatisfaction with our sincerity in worship and with our efforts for our faith is usually a good thing. It inspires us to greater efforts, deeper conviction, and a firmer resolve to please our Lord. It prevents us from being prideful and haughty and keeps us from looking down at others when we see their faults and shortcomings.

Sometimes, though, these feelings exceed their proper bounds and can turn destructive, especially if we start feeling that the worship that we are engaged in is not good enough to count; that Allah is not going to accept anything that we do. This can easily lead us down the dark road of despair, where we start to feel that we will never be forgiven and that we cannot hope to attain salvation.

Such feelings deprive us of the peace of mind, the tranquility, and the pleasure that we are supposed to find in worshipping our Lord. This can ultimately lead us to neglect our religious duties.

There are many reasons why we might suffer from these feelings. Sometimes, our distress is the result of our hearing well-intended but misguided exhortations from those who wish to encourage us to greater devotion in our worship. So often we are told how impossible it is to attain true sincerity and how difficult it is for us to work acts of righteousness that Allah will find acceptable.

We need to realize – and hold in our hearts with the greatest conviction – that Allah is merciful and that His mercy is vast. Indeed, He has promised his servants that He will reward them with the best of rewards.

Allah says: “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good shall see it.” [Sûrah al-Zalzalah: 7]

He says: “Whoever works any act of righteousness and has faith; his endeavor will not be rejected. We shall record it in his favor.” [Sûrah al-Anbiyâ’: 92]

Allah is most generous. Whenever He promises something, He fulfills His promise, but whenever He threatens something, He is quick to pardon.

We must consider how Allah so often in the Qur’ân speaks of His mercy. Indeed, when we read the Qur’ân, we need to contemplate on words like the following:

“But your Lord is most forgiving, full of mercy”[Sûrah al-Kahf: 58]

“My mercy encompasses all things” [Sûrah al-A?râf: 156]

“Say: Your Lord is a Lord of all-embracing mercy”[Sûrah ah-An?âm: 147]

This is very important, because sometimes pessimism about our worship arises as a result of some evil deed that we have committed. Satan takes this opportunity to whisper into our hearts that we do not deserve Allah’s mercy, causing us to despair. We must seek refuge with Allah from this deception and not succumb to it. Instead, we need to sincerely turn to Allah and beseech His forgiveness, confidence in the knowledge that Allah forgives all sins.

Allah says: “Say: O my servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of Allah’s Mercy. Truly, Allah forgives all sins. Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Sûrah al-Zumar: 53]

There is no sin that He will not forgive except that of a person who dies on unrepentant polytheism.

Allah says: “Allah does not forgive that anyone should set up partners with Him, but he forgives anything less than that to whom He pleases.” [Sûrah al-Nisâ’: 48]

Allah loves those who turn to Him in repentance, and when His servant repents to Him, it pleases Him immensely. He says: “Allah loves those who turn much in repentance, and He loves those who purify themselves.” [Sûrah al-Baqarah: 222]

This should encourage us to ask for Allah’s grace, knowing that He loves us to do so.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His servant when he repents than one of you would be if he were to lose his mount while traveling in barren land while it was carrying his food and drink. Then, if he were to despair of finding it and went over to a tree and laid down in its shade and while sitting there in hopelessness of ever seeing it again, he sees it standing before him.” [Sahîh Muslim]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “I swear by Him in whose hand is my soul. If it were not that you sinned, Allah would remove you and bring forth a people who would sin and then seek Allah’s forgiveness so He could forgive them.” [Sahîh Muslim]

We should turn to the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) and read therein about Allah’s forgiveness. We should remember how Allah forgave a prostitute – a woman who lived by selling her sexual favors – only on account of a small mercy that she showed to a dog. How then shall it be for someone who strives to do right?

We must hasten to good deeds with the optimism that our sincere deeds will be well received.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) relates to us that Allah says: “Whoever comes with a good deed will be given ten times its worth or more so, and whoever comes with an evil deed will be recompensed its worth or I will forgive it. Whoever draws near to me a handspan, I will come to him the extent of a forearm. Whoever draws near to me the length of a forearm, I will come to him the length of two outstretched arms. Whoever comes to me walking, I will come to him at speed. And whoever comes to me with the Earth’s weight in sin without associating anything with me, I will come to him with forgiveness of equal measure.” [Sahîh Muslim]

We must not despair. “And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord, save those who are astray?” [Sûrah al-Hijr: 56]

Now here is something that we need to fear – for who among us wishes to be among those who are astray!

METHOD OF ISTIKHAARAH

Istikhaarah is to seek guidance from Allah when one is faced with a problem to which no solution is apparent.

Whenever a person is faced with a difficult problem, or becomes hesitant in making a decision and his knowledge of the matter is insufficient to guide him then after seeking advice from trusted friends he should turn to Allah and beseech His grace. He should willingly and with an open heart and mind supplicate for divine guidance and ask for direction so that the problem is solved in his own best interest. The Du'aa at such an occasion is called Istikhaarah.

Istikhaarah is in fact an invaluable teaching of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) with which the Muslims have been favoured. This blessing could give solace to many for all times to come. It is related in the Hadith that Rasulullah (SAW) use to teach the Istikhaarah to the Sahaabah (RA) like the Qur'an is taught to children. In another Hadith it is stated that 'He does not fail who makes Istikhaarah and he does not regret who makes Mashwarah (consultation).

In the Masnoon Istikhaarah, after one has carried out his responsibility as best as one can, one should hand over the entire matter and oneself to the limitless knowledge of Allah Ta'ala. By resorting to Istikhaarah one is now retrieved of making a decision on ones own.

Whenever counsel is sought from a respectable and experienced person, it is expected that he will give good advise and assist to the best of his ability. Similarly Istikhaarah is to seek counsel that the all-Knowing and Merciful Allah? Once Istikhaarah is made then Allah Ta'ala will surely guide him to do what is best for him.

Now there can be no perplexity. Only that will happen which Allah Ta'ala wills and which is good for ones own sake though one may not be able to see it immediately. It is not necessary that one must experience or see an evident change or vision. Allah Ta'ala alone knows what is best for His servants. It is related in the Hadith that 'Success and good tidings for the son of Aadam (Insaan) is in performing Istikhaarah and his misfortune lies in not making Istikhaarah'.

METHOD OF ISTIKHAARAH

When making Istikhaarah begin with performing two Rakaats Nafl Salaat. Then with all sincerity recite the following Du'a.

Allaahumma innee astakheeruka bi ilmika wa-astaqdiruka biqudratika wa-as'aluka min fadhlika al-adheem. Fa innaka taqdiru walaa aqdiru. Wa ta'lamu walaa a'alamu wa anta allaamul ghuyoob. Allaahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna haadhal-amr khayrun liy fiy deeniy wa-ma'aashiy wa-aaqibat amriy, fa'qdruhliy wa-yassirh liy thumma baarik liy feehi. Wa in-kunta ta'lamu anna haadhal amr sharrun liy fiy deeniy wa-ma'aashiy was-'aaqibat amriy. Fa asrifh annee wa-srif 'anhu. Wa aqdurh liyal khayr hayth kaana thumma a-rdhiniy bihee

Trans: O Allah!! Behold I ask You the good through Your Knowledge, and ability through Your Power, and beg (Your favour) out of Your infinite Bounty. For surely You have Power; I have none. You know all; I know not. You are the Great Knower of all things.
O Allah! If in Your Knowledge this matter be good for my faith (Deen), for my livelihood, and for the consequences of my affairs, then ordain it for me, and make it easy for me, and bless me therein.
But if in Your Knowledge, this matter be bad for my faith (Deen) for my livelihood, and for the consequences of my affairs, then turn it away from me, and turn me away therefrom, and ordain for me the good wherever it be, and cause me to be pleased therewith.

While reciting this Du'aa when one reaches HAADHAL AMR (THIS MATTER) at both places he should think of his problem.

May Allah guide and assist us all, Aameen.

HOW TO OFFER SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES

From among the rights of a Muslim on other Muslims, is whenever a Muslim suffers some calamity or whenever a Muslim is involved into some catastrophy, he should be consoled and he should be advised patience.The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said . Whosoever condoled a calamity-striken person, Allah grants Thawab as much to the condoler as the stricken.The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) also said : The woman whose child dies, and some-body consoles that woman and advises her patience, Allah will bless the condoler with a covering in Paradise.Ibn Majah and Baihaqi quoted that a Muslim who condoles another Muslim in his sorrow, Allah grants that condoler the best dress in Paradise.Ibn al-Saniy quotes from Hazrat Umran Bin Husain(R.A.) that the Nabi Moosa(A.S.) submitted to the Allah Ta'ala : "O Allah, A person who condoles a woman whose child is dead, what sort of reward he gets. Allah Ta'ala said : I will accommodate him under the shade other than with Me.

 

In regard to condolence, interpreters say that it can be done for three days. After three days, one should refrain from condolences. But, of course, condoIences should be done even after three days if the condoled was on journey.

The following words for condolences are proven in the Ahaadeeth:

 

 

'A'zama-Ilahu Ajraka wa Ahsana 'Azaa-ka wa Ghafara Li-Mayyitika wa Alhamaka Sabran wa Ajzala Lana ZaaLika Bis-Sabri Ajran'

"May Allah enhance your recompense and be generous in your calamity and forgive the deceased and induce you with patience and multiply for us and for you recompense through patience."

 

In this connection are those words ascribed to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) which he conveyed to his daughter and a letter which the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) addressed to Mu'az Bin Jabal(R.A.) by way of condolence at the death of his son and also those words which somebody uttered after the death of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) ;it is thought that these words belong to Hazrat Khidar(A.S.). Quoted below are the expressions from Hisn Haseen:-

 

Expressing sympathy to the bereaved family:

 

One of the sons or daughters of Hazrat Zainab(R.A.)  fell seriously ill. She sent a man so that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) may wish to come. At that time the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) was engaged in some religious work. So he conveyed through his messenger that tell his daughter that : Ultimately everything belongs to Allah. If the child is in the lap of the mother, even then he is His property. And in case He takes him away from the parents, even then also he is His property. And in Allah's estimation everything is for a time limit. No variation occurs in this principle. So, better  exercise patience and hope for the reward. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam)'s words are so unique and so much dominating over the principle of religion that even secretariates are insufficient to explain them or interpret them. Therefore;expressing sympathy to the bereaved family by greeting with Salaam and saying the following is Sunnah.The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) conveyed in reply to Hazrat Zainab(R.A.) the below mentioned:-

 

 

 

Inna Lillaahi Ma Akhaza Wala-hu Ma A'ta wa Kulla Shai-in 'Inda-hu Be-Ajalim Musamman FaMurha FaI. tasbir wal-Tahtasib.

" To Allah belongs what He takes and to Him belongs what He gives.And there is a set time by Him for everything. Do exercise patience and expect reward(from Allah)."

 

 

Letter of condolence to the bereaved:

 

The following is a letter of condolence sent by Rasulullah(Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) to Hazrat Mu?aaz bin Jabal(R.A.) when his son passed away. The same idea should be adopted when expressing sympathy by letter.

 

 

 

"I begin in the name of Allah,Most Kind,Most Merciful. From Muhammad, Allah's Messenger to Mu'az- Ibn-Jabal. May the peace of Allah be on you.l  praise Allah before you,the One besides whom there is none worthy of worship.

After praising and glorifying Allah, (I say the following.) May Allah give you great reward and may He guide you to exercise patient endurance and may He (also) guide us and you to be grateful to Him

Surely, our souls, wealth and families are wonderful gifts from Allah Azza Wajalla which He has loaned to us so that we may take benefit from them for a set period; and he takes them away after the termination of that period Thus, gratitude becomes binding on us when He gives, and patience becomes obligatory when He takes away.

Your son was also from among the wonderful gifts (of Allah) and a loan (from Him) AIlah enabled you to enjoy him in away that was both enviable (to others) and pleasing (to you); and now, in return for great reward, mercy and forgiveness  providing you exercise patience- he has taken him away from you. So do exercise patience and do not let your bewailing and complaining destroy your reward, for you will be sorry (if this happens) Know that bewailing and complaining does not help bring back anything nor does it repel grief and sorrow. And whatever is to happen is set to happen. May you be in peace."

Condolence of Hazrat Khidr(A.S.):

 

According to the Hadeeth, the day Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu- alayhi-wasallam) passed away, a powerful-looking, beautiful and handsome man with a white beard came leaping across the necks of people till he reached where the sacred body of Rasoolullah (Sallatlaahu-alayhi-wasallam) lay. He wept bitterly and turned towards the Sahabah (RA) and said the undermentioned words. Abu Bakr (RA) and Ali (RA) said that he was Khidr (AS). The words are as follows:

 

 

"Surely, Allah alone grants patience in every misfortune and compensation for anything lost and substitute for anything destroyed. Return to Allah alone and flee towards Him only in times of difficulty His gaze is set on you (and He does not forsake you). Understand this because a genuinely unfortunate and miserable person is one who is not given any compensation for his misfortune."

Condolence of the Angels:

 

When Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu-alayhi-wasallam) passed away, (then according to the Hadeeth), the angels expressed their sympathy to the Ahle Bait and Sahabah (RA) in the following words:

 

 

 

"Peace be on you all and the mercy of Allah and his blessings. Surely, Allah grants sabr and patience in all misfortunes and He alone grants a substitute for anything lost. Hence, rely on Allah alone and have hope in Him alone; For, only that person is a true loser who loses (his) reward and Thawaab. And the peace of Allah be upon you and His rnercy and blessings."

Generally, two sentences are ascribed to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) at the time of condolence, have patience and have hope for Thawab. The aim is that one should say such words to a calamity striken person through which he may feel consoled and his perturbance and impatience is soothed.

TWO BROTHERS... A VERY INSPIRING STORY

TWO BROTHERS

Once there lived two brothers who lost their parents at an early age. They worked together on their family farm. Some years later, the
elder married and had a family with 2 children, while the other was still single. They worked hard together in the day and at the end of each
day they shared their produce equally.

One day while the single brother was working in the fields, he thought to himself, “It’s not right that we share equally everything. I’m alone and my needs are simple. My brother has a big family. He needs much more.” With that in mind he took a sack full of grains and slowly went to his brothers barn and places the sack quietly. He did so every night.

Meanwhile, the married brother thought to himself, “It’s not right that we share everything equally. After all, I’m married and I have my
wife and children to look after me in years to come. My brother has no family and no one can take care of his future. He really should have a bigger share.” So each night he took a bag of grain and put it into his brothers barn quietly.

This went on and both men were puzzled for years because their grain never dwindled.

Then one night, on the way to each others barn, the two brothers coincidentally met and they found out what was happening all these
years! They dropped their bags, cried and embraced one another with tears of happiness.

Moral: love for your brother what you love for yourself.

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.

THE BEARD

WHAT'S IN A BEARD ?
The position that Islam has, or will have, in the world has a great deal to do with how the Muslims look at it, and to what extent they practise on its teachings. There was a time when Islam was running through every vein in a Muslim's body, and his actions were a living portrait of the glory and beauty of Islam, so the flag of Islam fluttering proudly in the sky, lifted by the winds of success. The non-Muslims could not dare to question Islamic concepts, because living examples of Islamic perfection were in front of them. When the spirit of Islam started drifting away from the hearts of the Muslims, their bodies were no longer inclined to take all measures, undergo all hardships to practise their flawless religion. The new place for Islam was not a strong firm heart, but a dark, dusty corner in the human mind. It would no longer be nurtured and cared for, upheld and protected by the warmth of love and devotion, but would now be probed and dissected by the cold, merciless and unfeeling instruments of intellect, theory and logic. It was no longer a deep feeling, a faith or way of life, but had become a set of rules, a doctrine or constitution like the ones made by man, to be amended and abridged at will. 

Where did we go wrong? The answer is simple. We left the pattern of life of our dear Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) who spent his days and nights, his sweat and blood, trying to teach us, and turned to what others had to offer. If we want our respect, dignity and position of honor back, we must revert to that same pattern. This is why the subject of the noble practices of Rasulullah (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) Sunnah, holds so much weight. This article has been compiled as a reminder of one of the very important Sunnahs the beard. We hope that the readers will not only read it carefully, but will make a concerned effort to convey the information to others. 

SOME COMMON EXCUSES 
Allah Ta'ala prefers people who sin and admit their mistakes, over those who do good deeds and behave in a conceited manner. It's unfortunate that today we disobey Allah and instead of admitting it, find some sort of excuse to justify our misdeeds, even if it means criticizing the Shariah or inventing our own guidelines for what is important in Islam and what isn't. Below are some common excuses and reasons people use to explain why they don't keep a beard. If you examine these with an objective, Islamic mind you will see how weak and baseless they really are. The purpose of this article is not to condemn anyone or label anyone under a certain category but, when we say 'Islamic awareness' it means Islamic awareness in its entirety, not just what seems appealing. And that is what we are trying to do, so that each Muslim can at least know what is expected from him. The ability to practise comes from Allah. 

l. One argument that is commonly heard is that the Qur'an is silent on the issue of the beard. To answer this we ask, "Where in the Qur'an does it say that we are only supposed to act on what is in the Qur'an, and reject the teachings of Rasulullah (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam)?" 
The Qur'an very clearly states: 
"Obey Allah and the Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam)" 

There are many commandments that are necessary for us to fulfill, but are not mentioned in the Qur'an. Take for example the number of Raka'ats in each Salaat. They have been explained to us by Rasulullah (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam), yet there is no objection on the authenticity and importance of the matter. To accept only some of Rasulullah's (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) instructions and reject others on the basis that they are not found in the Qur'an amounts to mocking his flawless teachings. 

2. Some people forsake keeping a beard, claiming that the reformation of the heart and purification of the soul is their first priority. They argue that it doesn't matter if one doesn't keep a beard, so long as the heart is clean. 

This type of reasoning is a symptom of one's misunderstanding (or ignorance) of the basic Islamic fundamentals and concepts. The heart that is actually pure will lead its beholder to complete obedience of Allah and his Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam). It defies logic to think that one can have a heart free of all corruptive elements and at the same time sin persistently, not wanting to adopt the noble appearance of the Holy Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam). Everyone will agree that a 'pure' heart will definitely contain the love of Allah. Allah says that if you love me, you must follow the Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam). If you do so, your love for Allah will prove true, and only then will Allah love you in return. 
"Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you..." 

Therefore, it should be correct to say that love for Allah and the disobedience of his Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) are two opposite things, and can never be in a person's heart at the same time. 

3. There is another claim that shaving is only a minor sin.
First of all, since intentionally omitting an obligatory commandment is a major sin, and growing a beard is obligatory (as you will see ahead), it is wrong to say that shaving is a minor sin. It should be known that repetitively and persistently committing minor sins is itself a major sin. That means that for each minute that this act continues, the sin will keep accumulating and will become more weightier than major acts of disobedience, as these latter sins do not progressively increase after the act is over. 

4. Some say that Rasulullah (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) kept a beard merely because it was an Arabic custom in those days. Since shaving is now regarded as the norm and the fashionable thing to do, if the Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) was present with us, he would do the same. (May Allah forgive the Muslims who utter such foolish words, and may he give them the opportunity to repent before they die.) 

The Arabs, amongst other things, used to bury their daughters alive, answer the call of nature in public, braid their beards, perform tawaf naked around Ka'bah and indulge in gambling and drinking wine. The Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) shunned these acts and strictly prohibited his followers from them. However, amongst his teachings is that keeping a beard is an act of Islam, a sign of Muslims, and he ordered the believers to grow their beards in opposition to the non-believers who were accustomed to cutting their beards. 
" Oppose the pagans! Grow you beards long and trim your mustaches." 

5. There is yet another group of people who, despite knowing the unlawfulness of shaving their beard, claim that if they were to keep beards they would lose esteem in the eyes of the people and no longer be looked at in the same way. 

Before we respond, we should explain to these idealists what the true meaning of respect, dignity and honor is. We will mention that if someone only likes a person when they make their appearance in a certain way and despises them otherwise, that's not really liking the person. It's just getting them to look a certain way that appeals to them The same goes for respect. Respect is not gained on the material attributes an individual possesses, but is due to the abstract qualities within. 

Secondly, Allah Ta'ala has clearly stated that the non-Muslims will never be satisfied with us until we get caught up in trying to please them - that we lose our own senses, moral values, and eventually become one of them. If that is what we yearn, then we are opening ourselves up to the wrath and displeasure of Allah. 

Thirdly, if we are looking to earn respect in the eyes of non- Muslims, or expecting to get respect because of them, we are in great deception. How is it possible to get respect from something or someone that Allah has made devoid of? 
How true are the words from Hazrat Umar (R.A.) 
'We were the most degraded people, but Allah gave respect through Islam. If we were to seek respect through a median other than that which Allah has bestowed us with respect, he would surely hurl us into the pits of disgrace. " 

These were just a few general answers to the questions usually raised regarding this issue. 

THE BEARD AN OBLIGATION 
To justify the permissibility of shaving the beard by saying that it is 'merely' a Sunnah and shrug it off with unimportance is not correct. It should be clear that when we say "the beard is a Sunnah", it revolves around the fact that it was one of the many noble practices of Rasulullah (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam). The Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) didn't just keep a beard, he also ordered the Muslims to grow them, and showed his anger and displeasure to those who shaved in his time. All the Sahaba (R.A.), Tabi'een and the righteous Khulafa meticulously observed this practice. All these elements serve to prove that it is obligatory (Wajib) for a Muslim to keep a beard. This fact alone is enough for someone to accept that the growing of a beard is a commandment and must be fulfilled. However, for the benefit of our fellow Muslims and as a reference, we will list some facts. 
"From among the natural practices of Islam is the trimming of the mustache and fully growing the beard. The fire- worshipers grow their mustaches long and cut their beards. Do the opposite: trim your mustaches and let your beards grow long." 

For those individuals who think there may be the proverbial difference of opinion among the scholars' on this matter, the following facts are noted. 

ln the Shafi'ee book, Al-Lubab, Imam Ibn Ar-Rifaah says that Imam Shafi'ee in his book, Kitab-ul-Umm, has clearly stated that shaving the beard is Haraam. 

The Maliki School of thought, as expressed in Kitabul Ibadah and Al-Lihya-fil Islam, says that to shave the beard is Haraam and to trim it in such a way that it changes ones natural and facial features is also Haraam. Sheikh-ul Islam Ibn Taimiyyah has also given the verdict of shaving the beard being Haraam, and has further listed all the Ahadith in which we have been commanded to oppose the actions of non-Muslims. He then comments that Shari'ah orders us to oppose them and if we adopt their appearances it will create the kind of love and friendship for them which is prohibited and which we should be trying to avoid. 

Allama Qurtubi states that shaving the beard, pulling the hair out and shortening it are all not permissible. 

Imam Ibn Hazam Zaniri has quoted a consensus of the Ulama that to cut the mustache and lengthen the beard is Fardh. 

The author of Manhal, in his commentary of Abu Dawood, says: 
"Therefore, to shave the beard is Haraam according to the Muslim jurists Abu Hanifa, Malik, Shafi'ee, Ahmed and others". 

The author of Durr Mukhtar states: 
"None of the scholars have declared it (shaving the beard) as permissible ". 

This is sufficient in proving a consensus of all the scholars of Deen, from the time of the Sahaba (R.A.) to the present day, on the obligation of keeping a beard. Now that we know it is Wajib, we should study the details of the length of the beard as determined by the Shari'ah. 

HOW LONG ? 
Some individuals accept the concept of the beard, but form their own conclusions regarding the length, based on their own research. This is not an appropriate way to look at Shari'ah. Just as it is necessary to consult Ulama in matters pertaining to worship, marital affairs and beliefs, it is also imperative to refer to them for guidance in matters of Sunnah practices. Otherwise we will not be able to practise the Deen as a whole. We will end up taking what seems appropriate to us and discarding whatever we dislike. This will result in a direct breach of Allah's orders. 
"O believers! Enter into Islam completely" 

There is a common misconception that the requirement for an Islamic beard is that it must be visible from forty feet. If the beard fits this description it is in perfect order and there is no set length for the beard in Shari'ah. This view is no more than a combination of speculation and presumption based on opinion and has nothing to do with Islamic principles or any reliable source of information. The Shari'ah has determined that the beard is one fist. How one fist? First of all, let us look at the words. The Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) used to tell the Ummah to grow their beards. Imam Nawawi states the Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) used four terms, at various occasions for this purpose. 
All of them mean "to fully elongate, lengthen". The last word A,aiA means to unreservedly expand the length of something. 

Once a disciple of Khabab (R.A.) asked him how the Sahaba (R.A.) knew that Rasulullah (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) used to be reciting Quran in Zuhr and Asar prayers. He replied "By observing the movement of the blessed beard (not chin) of Rasulullah (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) we could tell that he was reciting." In a Hadith of Tirmizi it is related, "Rasulullah (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) had a very thick beard." Ibn Jawzi has reported from Ali (R.A.) that Rasulullah (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) had a fully-grown beard. 

Whenever the Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) ordered us to do something, his own actions defined the method of that act. This is the case in all matters of Deen, and the beard is no exception. For more details we look at how the Sahaba (r.a.) emulated his actions, because they had seen him and had directly learned from him. Imam Bukhari (R.A.) has relied on the actions of the Sahaba (r.a.) as a yardstick to gauge and define the sayings and practices of Rasulullah (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam). Ibn Umar (R.A.), for example, was known for his care in strictly following the Sunnah. Imam Bukhari (R.A.) states: 
"When Ibn Umar performed Hajj or Umrah, he used to hold his heard with his clasped fist, and cut the hair exceeding it." 

The same is narrated about Hazrat Umar (r.a.) and Hazrat Abu Hurairah (r.a.). This narration is also quoted in Imam Mohammed's Kitabul Athaar. No doubt remains that the Sahaba (r.a.) used to grow their beards quite long during the year, and trim them back to one fist's length after Hajj or Umrah. The beard of the Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) himself was so thick and wide that it covered his upper chest in length and width. 

Based on the evidence and facts from Hadith we can determine the real definition of the beard in Shari'ah. The scholars of Deen have unanimously come to the same conclusions mentioned previously. 

Allama Ibn Hummam in his famous book Fathul Qadeer states: 
"To trim the beard when it is less than one fist in length, like some westerners do, is the way of the hermaphrodites, and none of the scholars have declared it permissible. " 

The decision most accepted by the Shafi'ee scholars is to leave the beard as it is when it exceeds one fist's length. This is the ruling of the Hanafis as well. With the addition that if it is longer than one fist, it is desirable that it be cut back to the fist length. The Maliki scholars also say that if the beard grows exceptionally long, it should be trimmed down to one fist. Although a great deal can be written on this subject, it is the writer's humble opinion that the information provided is sufficient for anyone desiring some general knowledge on the topic and willing to practise upon it. 

Even though cutting the beard is a practice of non-Muslims, you may be surprised to know that there are some distinguished individuals amongst them who disagree with the concept. Below are the excerpts of a thesis written by an American, Dr. Charles Homer. 

"A correspondent has asked me to invent some sort of electronically operated needle, to reduce the time wasted daily on shaving. I do not understand why people dread and tremble at the thought of having a beard. People grow hair on their heads, so why do they regard it as incorrect, defective and unacceptable to have hair on their face? When the hair fails to grow on the head, then baldness is regarded as a defect, and a cause of shame. Every effort is made to hide it. Yet, it is surprising that a man will daily remove hair from his face, depriving himself from that which is a most evident sign of manhood, without a bit of shame. 

"The beard and mustache give the human being's face strength of manhood, a steadfast character, individual integrity and exclusive identity. His survival and safety too are tied to this brave appearance. These are the only hairs that differentiate the males from the females. The hair in all the other parts of the body are common between the male and female. Women, deep in their consciences, are more appreciative of men with beards and mustaches. Profoundly, they prefer a male with a beard to the ones without this manly facial feature. 

"Outwardly it would appear that they dislike the beard and mustache. The only reason for this is that they have bound themselves to follow unrealistic friends and the latest fashion in dress and, unfortunately, these days the beard and mustache are out of fashion. A little bit of hair before the nostrils and the mouth acts as a filter against harmful dust and germs entering the nose and the mouth. A lengthy and thick beard protects the throat from colds.

"A person with a beard has never forsaken his wife. A person with a beard always upholds the honor of the beard that is demanded from him. It gives him that prestige and position that is befitting only for males.

"How unreal it is, that a full grown adult desires that his face appears like that of a child. God had created the beard and the mustache for the male adult to adorn his face with them. Whoever laughs and mocks at those with beards is in fact laughing and mocking Jesus, because Jesus had a heard." 

Dr Homer's statement speaks for itself and needs no explanation, but his concluding words are a real eye-opener for us Muslims. After nineteen centuries have passed he still honours his Prophet Hazrat Isa (AS) so much that he classifies that person who laughs at the beard as having directly insulted Hazrat Isa (AS), because it was his noble practice to keep a beard. For the Muslims who claim to have true love for Rasulullah (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) but fall short of following in his footsteps, it is time to face up to the reality and to accept their responsibilities. 

We ask Allah to forgive us all our shortcomings in obeying Him and His Prophet (sallallaahu alaiyhi wasssallam) and to ask Him to grant us the ability to truly repent for our mistakes and live a life that pleases Him.