Be Very Very Careful who you call a Kafir.-----Takfir

Be Very Very Careful who you call a Kafir.

When the scholrs become corrupt, the whole world becomes corrupt!

Be careful who you call Kafir because only Allah knows who is truly a rejector and who is merely a misguided person. It is not up to us to "sentence" a person to the Hellfire.

We must always maintain courtesy, diplomacy and a never-dying zeal to convey the message to others no matter how discouraging or useless it may seem - don't give up on a non-muslim because most people are good people who simply need a break from the anti-Islamic propaganda around them.

The Fastest Way to Leave Islam

It is always safest to assume that a non-muslim has been misguided, misinformed and fed lies and misconceptions about Islam and Muslims - don't jump to calling him a Kafir.  Remove the name-calling from your articles and websites - wouldn't you rather be safe than sorry - name-calling, especially wrongly branding someone as 'evil', 'kafr' and 'manifestation of satan'  - could entail dire consequences for us on Judgement Day.

Perhaps there is no faster way to leave Islam than by calling other Muslims "kafir" or "mushrik" without discrimination.

About calling other Muslims "kafir," we read the following hadith: It is reported on the authority of Ibn `Umar that the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) said: Any person who calls his brother: O Unbeliever! (then the truth of this label) would return to one of them. If it is true, (then it is) as he asserted, (but if it is not true), then it returns to him (and thus the person who made the accusation is an Unbeliever). [Muslim]

Therefore, if you call other Muslims "kafir" or "mushrik" without discrimination, you could find that you have left Islam, according to the words of the Prophet (s.a.w.), in less than a second.
Making Takfir upon another Muslim

What do you think  about a muslim calling another muslim a kafir?

I think the best people to answer this question would be those who actually call other muslims kafirs.

1732. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "When a person calls his brother (in Islam) a disbeliever, one of them will certainly deserve the title. If the addressee is so as he has asserted, the disbelief of the man is confirmed, but if it is untrue, then it will revert to him.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
( We learn from this Hadith that to call a Muslim a Kafir is strictly prohibited because if the one who has been called as such does not have the traits which makes him a Kafir, then the one who says it will be held Kafir.)



1733. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, "If somebody accuses another of disbelief or calls him the enemy of Allah, such an accusation will revert to him (the accuser) if the accused is innocent.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:  This Hadith also tells us that to call without reason any Muslim a Kafir or enemy of Allah is strictly prohibited.

 
It's conditions and punishment (  It is serious sin wrongly calling someone a kafir and in fact according to authentic hadiths from both shia and sunni sources, including Sahih Bukari and Muslim, it results in the accuser becoming a kafir. )


In Islamic law making takfir or takfeer is the act of declaring a Muslim individual or Muslim group as being kaffirs i.e. non Muslims. Takfir can be done on Muslims living at the present moment, or Muslims who lived in the past.

 Making takfir upon Muslims is not a light issue, and there are several conditions which are needed before takfir can be declared. Secondly, the making of takfir upon other Muslims is reserved for those who have a lot of Islamic knowledge such as the Ulema and Sheikhs, Muslims should not take it upon themselves to call other Muslims kaffirs when they don't have the proper qualifications to do so.

 Before moving on as to show what the scholars say about making takfir upon another Muslim, I would first like to show what the punishment is if takfir is done upon  words of the Prophet (s.a.w.), but a Muslim. From the authentic hadiths of the prophet:

 Volume 8, Book 73, Number 71:

Narrated Abu Dhar:

That he heard the Prophet saying, "If somebody accuses another of Fusuq (by calling him 'Fasiq' i.e. a wicked person) or accuses him of Kufr, such an accusation will revert to him (i.e. the accuser) if his companion (the accused) is innocent." ( Sahih Bukhari)

 Sahih Muslim Book 001, Number 0116:

It is reported on the authority of Ibn 'Umar that the Apostle (may peace and blessings be upon him) observed: When a man calls his brother an unbeliever, it returns (at least) to one of them.

 So as you can see, the punishment of wrongly calling another Muslim is severe, and that if you are wrong and that the Muslim you call a kaffir is not a kaffir then you yourself become the kaffir, which means you shall die in a state of unbelief and be thrown in the hell-fire. So this is why making takfir should be done by those who have a great deal of Islamic knowledge such as the Ulema and sheikhs.

 With all that said we now show what the scholars have to say about takfir and its conditions.

, "The conditions for the judgement of takfeer of a Muslim? And the judgement upon the one who did any action that is mukaffir (i.e. expels from the religion) but only in jest (not seriously)?"

 The sheikh replied by saying, "For the judgement of the takfeer of a Muslim, there are two conditions:

·       The first, that the evidence that this matter is something that expels from the religion is established.

·       The second, the application of the ruling upon the one who does that, in that he has knowledge of it and that he intends it (aaliman bidhaalik qaasidan lahu).

 Thus, if he is ignorant, he does not become a disbeliever, due to His saying, "And whoever contends with the Messenger after the guidance has been made clear to him, and he follows a path other than the path of the believers, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen and land him in Jahannam, an evil refuge" (4:115) and His saying, "And Allaah is not one to misguide a people after He has guided them, until He explains to them that which they should avoid." (9:115), and His saying, "And We never punish until we have sent a Messenger." (17.15).

 However, when this person is neglectful in abandoning learning and attaining clarity, he is not to be excused. Such as when it reaches him that this action of his is kufr, and then he does not verify it (that it is as such), and nor does he investigate, then in this situation, he is not to be excused.

 And if he did not intend (ghayr qaasid) the action (i.e. wilfully, knowingly, deliberately), then he does not become a disbeliever. He does not become a disbeliever. Such as for example, when he is compelled to kufr while his heart is secure with Iman (faith), such as when his thinking becomes confused, so he does not know what he is saying, due to extreme joy and what is like that. Or such as the man with the camel who lost it, then he sat under the tree, waiting for death, and then he finds it tied to the tree, and so he takes it, then he said, "O Allah, you are my servant and I am your lord", so he erred due to extreme joy.

However, the one who did something that expels from the religion, only in jest (maazihan), then he becomes a disbeliever, because he intended that [action or statement] (qasada dhaalik), as has been textually stated by the people of knowledge."

 So as you can see, a Muslim who makes statements out of Kufr because he doenst have a lot of knowledge concerning an issue does not become a kaffir. However so if this person is given proof of his mistake with clear evidences by the Quran and Sunnah, and he persists to continue in his kufr then he is not excused. So this is why Muslims should not be so quick to call a fellow Muslim a kaffir for making absurd statements regarding Islamic issues, rather we should speak with them in a kind manner and refute them with clear evidences. Also if the Muslim makes a statement of kufr or an act of kufr but his heart still has iman then he is still not a kaffir and neither should he be called as such, verily Allah is merciful.

 So therefore this should make it clear to all Muslims that we should NEVER call a Muslim a kaffir at once when they make glaring mistakes concerning Islam, rather we should teach them and correct them and bring them back to the straight path not condemn them and kick them out which will simply alienate them and make their hearts harder!

This reply is in two parts, the first are some primary texts and the second some Hanafi fatwas on the issue.

 Imam Abu al-Qasim ibn `Asakir narrates in Tabyin Kadhib al-Muftari (p. 373-) with his chains:

 "We were sitting with Abu Hurayra whereupon a young man passed by. A man sitting with us said: 'This is a Kafir from among the people of the Fire.' Abu Hurayra rose and went to speak with the young man, asking him: 'Who are you?' He replied: 'Son-and-so, son of So-and-so.' Abu Hurayra said: 'Allah have mercy on your father!' The young man was looking around, so he asked him: 'What are you looking for?' He replied: 'I have not prayed yet.' Abu Hurayra said: 'So you pray?' The young man replied: 'Subhan Allah!' Abu Hurayra: 'And you say Subhan Allah?' He said: 'La Ilaha illAllah!!' Abu Hurayra: 'And you say La Ilaha illAllah?' The young man said: 'I would prefer not to leave Salat even if I were given all there is on the face of the earth.' Abu Hurayra said: 'Allah have mercy on you. Allah have mercy on you. Allah have mercy on you.' Then he came back to his seat in the circle and said: 'I heard the Messenger of Allah say: "Whoever bears testimony against a Muslim of which the latter is not deserving, let him prepare for his seat in the Fire."'"

 A man said to Ibn `Umar: "I have a neighbor who bears witness against me that I commit shirk." He replied: "Say: 'La Ilaha illAllah,' you will make him a liar."

:I was sitting in Ibn `Umar's house when a man came and said: "O Ibn `Umar! There are groups of people bearing witness against us and attributing to us kufr and shirk." Ibn `Umar replied: "Woe to you! Did you not say: 'La Ilaha IllAllah'?!" Whereupon the entire household began to say La Ilaha IllAllah until the house was shaking.

 4. From al-A`mash, from Abu Sufyan:

We came to see Jabir ibn `Abd Allah who lived in Makkah and resided with the Banu Fihr. A man asked him: "Did you [the Companions] use to call anyone from the People of the Qibla [i.e. Muslims], 'Mushrik'?" He replied: "I seek refuge in Allah." The man continued: "Did you call anyone from them 'Kafir'?" He said: "No."

 So this should be enough for now. So therefore all Muslims should refrain from calling another Muslim a kaffir since this could lead you to the hell-fire.

What goes around comes around!
Every soul on this plane is a Muslim, naturally; it is only when outside factors on the material plane get ahold of them that they stray. After this, anyone who says, believes and follows Shahadah is a Muslim. They must both attest to the fact that there is 'No Deity except Allah' which means rejecting Shirk in its entirety, and also that 'Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah' which means they must accept the whole of the Qur'an.

From this points, opinions differ. Some, most notably Imam ash-Shafi'i, say that Faith itself never increases, nor decreases for a Muslim; it is piety which increases and decreases, piety being the measure of how one acts out the concept of Faith in the physical realm. From this standpoint, a straying Muslim, even one who commits grievous sins (assuming this sin is not Shirk) is still a Muslim, provided they believe in Allah and the Message, even if they don't entirely live it out and others, primarily Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal, are of the opinion that both Faith and Piety increase and decrease, and that while most sins will not mean you cease being a Muslim, that there are some sins and actions which would make this so.
(And NO ONE KNOWS WHAT ALLAH SWT KNOWS)

It's become cliché to say that Muslims have reduced Islam to rituals and forgotten other important tenets. While it is crucial to practice the five pillars of Islam, for instance, we cannot ignore other basic aspects of the faith that emphasize brother and sisterhood.

Muslim unity is a Fard (obligatory duty) according to the Quran and Traditions of the Prophet Mohamed (peace and blessings be upon him). Consider the following references below:

From the Quran (49:10): The Believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers; and fear God, that ye may receive Mercy.

Also from the Quran (3:103): And hold fast, all together, by the rope which God (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude God's favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth God make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided.

From the Hadith:

In their love, kindness and compassion for each other, the believers are like a human body: when one part of it is hurt, the rests sympathizes with it in wakefulness and fever (Bukhari, Muslim).

So if they are not sure...
Why open their mouth on something as serious as this??

Surah Fatir 35:45:"If Allah were to punish men according to what they deserve. He would not leave on the back of the (earth) a single living creature: but He gives them respite for a stated Term: when their Term expires, verily Allah has in His sight all His Servants." (Also stated in Surah an Nahl 16:61).

There is the old classic saying - nobody's perfect. A lot of people do wrongs. We are not always comfortable to acknowledge our flaws, that we have a 'bad side', yet we are far too eager to see them in others. What sets one person apart from the rest - is whether we're aware of our short comings. That puts you in a far better position than those who aren't :) Life is all about striving. Sometimes we stumble. The one who stands up and shrugs will gain nothing. The one who knows of their imperfections will learn from such an experience... that - is a good muslim.
 Hmm I see and why can't they live with truth and why can't they face that!!!!

Islam isn't about what we think is right and what we dont is wrong!!

And Allah Knows Best!

"Have fun praying and getting ready for the Day of Judgment coz that day will NOT be fun :) P.S.: don’t forget to make dua for me.

The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree)

.............................Do You Know What  Lailat ul Qadr (Night of Power) is?...........

Know! O  Muslim's, that Allah has made fasting obligatory upon us so that we worship Him doing so; (therefore) so that your fast is acceptable and beneficial (to you) be aware of the following:

Suhoor is A Blessing to Those Who Will Submit.
After the niyah (intention) is made silently, a light meal called suhoor before the beginning of the fast is necessary when following the Sunnah traditions of Ramadan. Suhoor can be as little as a date and a few sips of water but is very necessary as the angels ask for forgiveness for the Muslim partaking of sahoor.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Have sahoor, for in sahoor there is blessing (barakah)." (Reported by al-Bukhari,

 Protecting your prayers
1) Be wary of protecting your prayers: Many people who are fasting are slack in maintaining their prayers despite it being a pillar of the religion, and leaving it is from (the acts of) kufr;

 2) Maintain good manners: Be wary of falling into kufr and cursing the religion, and ill manners towards the people, particularly whilst fasting. Fasting purifies the inner self and does not lead to ill manners, and kufr renders the Muslim outside the fold of the religion;

3) Do not speak unnecessarily even if you are joking, as this will reduce the reward of your fast. Take note of what the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

(If any of you are fasting, then abstain from ignorant and indecent speech that day; and if anyone curses you or strikes you, then say: I am fasting).

[The authenticity of this narration has been agreed upon by al-Bukhari and Muslim]

4) Benefit from the fast by leaving off smoking, which causes cancer and ulcers; Try to maintain your willpower and leave off smoking in the evening just as you left it during the day. As a result, you will be better off in health as well as financially; 

5) Be wary of divulging in excessive eating at the time of breaking the fast, as it can result in ruining the benefit of the fast and harming your health.

6) Do not go to the cinema or watch television, so that you do not see that which will spoil your fast and ruin its effect;

7) Do not go to sleep too late and as a result miss out on the sahoor (pre-dawn meal) and the Salaatul-Fajr. Try to maintain an early start to your work, as the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

(O Allah bless my Ummah in that which they maintain of an early start).

[Saheeh, transmitted by Ahmad]

8) Increase in giving in charity to your relatives and those who are needy; visit your relatives (to maintain family ties) and clear up any disputes and misunderstandings that may exist;

9) Increase in the remembrance of Allah and recite the Qur'an, listen to it and reflect upon its meaning and act according to it. Go to the Mosque to listen to beneficial talks; and doing the i'tikaaf in the masjid during the last ten days and nights of Ramadan is from the Sunnah;

10) Read around the subject of fasting so as to learn its rulings. You will then come to know that eating and drinking forgetfully does not break the fast. Also, having sexual intercourse during the night does not prevent anyone from fasting;

11) Maintain the fast of Ramadan and prepare your children to fast as soon as you feel they are capable, and beware of breaking the fast without an Islamic ally valid reason. Whoever intentionally breaks his fast any day then he is required to make up that day and repent;

12) Beware O my Muslim brother from eating (and drinking during the day) in Ramadan, and beware of openly doing so in front of the people, for indeed doing so is tantamount to fearlessness of Allah, making a mockery of Islam, and brazenness in front of the people. So know that whoever does not fast, and then he has no right to celebrate the 'Eid since 'Eid is a major celebration upon the culmination of the fasting and anticipation for the acceptance of one's worship.

Lailat ul Qadr (Night of Power)

There is night in the month of Ramadan which is better than a thousand months (83 years, 4 months). This night is called Lailat ul Qadr.

According to Hadith, this night occurs during the last ten days of Ramadan on one of the odd numbered nights. Usually it is celebrated on the 27th night of this holy month. It is a night of great importance and enormous blessings for Muslims.
In each of the daily prayer we offer, we solemnly declare to Allah, “Iyyaka na’budu” (You alone do we worship). While the intelligent and committed believer realizes that his very lifestyle spells worship, he knows, remembering the words of our Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam that “Da’aa’ (supplication) is worship”  [Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud] Allah, the Most Merciful, has encouraged the believers to take advantage of certain times during the year to make da’aa’. Such an occasion presents itself annually during Ramadan — especially on the Lailat ul Qadr, the Night of Power. On this night, the single most important event in human history unfolded as, after the Glorious Qur’an was preserved in the Protected Tablet, Jibril descended with the blessed book to reveal it, upon Allah’s command, to His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Accentuating its significance, Allah says “and how would you know (the value of the) Night of Qadr” [97:2]

“Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to exert more (in worship) on the last ten than on other nights.” [Muslim]

So valuable is this Night of Qadr that the Qur’an devotes a special Surah to it “Lailat ul Qadr is better than a thousand months” [97:3] This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The most authentic account of the occurrence of the Night indicates that it can occur on any one of the last ten, odd numbered nights of Ramadan. The fact that the exact night is unknown reflects Allah’s will in keeping it hide. Indeed, the Prophet Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was prevented from telling us its precise time. One day, he came out to tell the companions the exact night. On the way he saw two men arguing with each other. By the will of Allah, he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam forgot and subsequently remembered it. Afterwards the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was instructed not to divulge this information. “Had I been allowed,” he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam remarked once, “I would have told you (of its exact time).” [Ahmad] The Almighty in His wisdom kept this hidden from us for many reasons (WA Allahu ‘Alam). Perhaps He wants us to strive hard in our worship during the last ten days of Ramadan so that we don’t become lazy, worshipping hard on just that one night and denying ourselves the benefit of doing the same on the other nights. “Had people not left their Salah except for that (one) night, I would have informed you (of its exact date).” The sincere believer who worries day and night about his sins and phases of neglect in his life patiently awaits the onset of Ramadan. During it he hopes to be forgiven by Allah for  past sins, knowing that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam promised that all who bear down during the last ten days shall have all their sins forgiven. To achieve this, he remembers the Prophet’s sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam advice in different sayings wherein he used words like “seek”, “pursue”, “search”, and “look hard” for Lailat ul Qadr.  Moreover, Allah and His Prophet Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam provided us some signs of its occurrence.

Allah subhanahu wa Ta’aala describes the night as “..Peace until the rise of the morn.” [97:5] The Prophet Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam described the, night as serene, tranquil, and peaceful. The sun at sunrise would appear reddish and without its normal blazing and sharp rays. Ubayy radiyallaahu ‘anhu said : “On the morning of the night of Qadr the sun would rise without any beams; (it is like) a wash basin until it raises.” [Muslim]

Abu Hurairah radiyallaahu ‘anhu said: “We mentioned the night of Qadr to the Messenger of Allah (S) and he said: “Which of you remembers when the moon rises and it is like half a bowl.” [Muslim]

Ibn Abbas radiyallaahu ‘anhu said that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: “The night of Qadr is a night of generosity and happiness, it is not hot and neither is it cold. The sun comes up in its morning weak, reddish.”

The Prophet Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam added that, “the angel of earth on that night of Qadr will be more numerous than all the pebbles of the earth.”

What should one do during the last ten days in pursuit of Lailat ul Qadr? The devoted servant of Allah makes these nights alive with prayer, reading and reflecting on Qur’an. The long Qiyam prayer has been particularly recommended during the nights on which Laylat ul-Qadr could fall. This is indicated in many hadiths, such as the following:

Abu Dharr (radiyallaahu `anhu) relates: “We fasted with Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in Ramadan. He did not lead us (in Qiyam) at all until there were seven (nights of Ramadan) left. Then he stood with us (that night – in prayer) until one third of the night had passed. He did not pray with us on the sixth. On the fifth night, he prayed with us until half of the night had passed. So we said, ‘Allah’s Messenger! Wouldn’t you pray with us the whole night?’ He replied:

‘Whoever stands in prayer with the imam until he (the imam) concludes the prayer, it is recorded for him that he prayed the whole night.’…” [Recorded by Ibn Abi Shay bah, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmithi (who authenticated it), an-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah.
Abu Dawud mentioned: “I heard Ahmad being asked, ‘Do you like for a man to pray with the people or by himself during Ramadan?’ He replied, ‘Pray with the people’ I also heard him say, ‘I would prefer for one to pray (Qiyam) with the imam and to pray witr with him as well, for the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: “When a man prays with the imam until he concludes, it is recorded that he prayed the rest of that night.
Abu Hurayrah (radiyallaahu `anhu) narrated that the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whoever stands (in Qiyam) in Laylat ul-Qadr [and it is facilitated for him] out of faith and expectation (of Allah’s reward), will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim; the addition "and it is facilitated for him" is recorded by Ahmad from the report of `Ubaydah Bin as-Samit; it means that he is permitted to be among the sincere worshippers during that blessed night.

He makes du’aa’ to Allah, penitently beseeching Him for His forgiveness. He is inspired by the Prophet’s sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam words “Our Lord, most Exalted, Most high comes down to the lowest heaven during the last third of each night and announces (reassuringly): Whoever makes du’aa’, I shall answer it. Whoever asks (for something Halaal) I shall grant it; and whoever seeks forgiveness, I shall forgive him.” [Bukhari] The believer, conscious of Allah and their sins, will continue to beseech Allah, in and out of prayer, during his prostration.

`Aisha (radiyallaahu `anhu) reported that she asked Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, “O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylat ul-Qadr, what should I say during it?” And he instructed her to say:

“Allahumma innaka `afuwon tuh, ibbul `afwa fa’fu `innee – O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me.” [Recorded by Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmithi]

Aisha radiyallaahu ‘anhu said:  “When the (last) ten started, the Prophet Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would tighten his izar (i.e. he stayed away from his wives in order to have more time for worship), spend the whole night awake (in prayer), and wake up his family.” [Bukhari and Muslim]  For a time, the only concern will be cleansing oneself of the forgetfulness that this life propagates in one’s heart, the sins that accumulate, darkening the heart, making it insensitive to disobeying Allah. He begs Allah to keep him away from misfortunes in this world, the punishment of the grave, and the torment of Hell. He asks Allah to make him patient and steadfast in struggling to maintain his Islam in this world and asks Him to overlook his shortcomings, periods of laziness and neglect. Sincere devotion on that night will render the believer forgetful of the time, until he is surprised by the Adhan of Fajr. After Fajr, as the sun creeps above the horizon, reddish and weak in its appearance, without any rays, the effort at night will have been worthwhile. The believer rejoices, knowing that this was quite possibly Lailat ul Qadr and “Whoever stays up (in prayer and remembrance of Allah) on the Night of Qadr fully believing (in Allah’s promise of reward for that night) and hoping to seek reward (from Allah alone and not from people), he shall be forgiven for his past sins.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

It is narrated from Aisha radiyallaahu ‘anhu that she said: “I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the Night of Qadr what should I say?” He said: “Say: O Allah you are pardoning and you love to pardon so pardon me. “ [Ahmad, Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi]

It is also the Night when all ordainments for the year are decreed. Allah Ta’aala said, which means:

    {By the manifest Book (the Qur’an) that makes thing clear. We sent it (this Qur’an) down on a Blessed Night (i.e. the Night of Qadr) in the month of Ramadan. Verily we are ever warning [mankind that Our Torments will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of Worship]. Therein (that night) is decreed every matter (amran) of ordainment} [The Smoke 44:2-5]

The virtue of the last ten days of Ramadan and Laylat al-Qadr

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the Trustworthy Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to strive hard (in worship) during the last ten days of Ramadan in a way that he did not strive at any other times.

(Muslim, 1175: ‘Aisha). Among the things he did were secluding himself in I’tikaaf and seeking Laylat al-Qadr during this time. (By Bukhari: NO1913 and Muslim, -1169). In a hadith of ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that when the last ten days of Ramadan came, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would stay up at night, wake his family and gird his loins. (By Bukhari: NO.1920.  and Imam Muslim 1174). Muslim added: he strove hard and girded his loins.

Her phrase “girded his loins” is a metaphor for his preparing himself to worship and strive hard in worship, more than usual. It has the meaning of “rolling up one’s sleeves” to worship (i.e. getting ready to make a great deal of effort).

It was also said that it was a metaphor for keeping away from women and abstaining from sexual relations.

The phrase “stay up at night” means that he would stay awake, spending the night in prayer, etc. It was reported in another hadith that ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “I never saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) recite the entire Qur’an in one night, or spend a whole night in prayer until the morning, or fast an entire month, except in Ramadan.”

The words “stay up at night” may mean that he spent most of the night in worship, or that he did not stay up for the entire night, but he did that at the times of ‘Isha and Suhoor, and other times, in which case it would mean that he stayed up for most of the night.

The phrase “and wake his family” means that he would wake his wives to pray Qiyam. It is known that he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to wake his wives all year round, but he used to wake them to spend part of the night in Qiyam. In Saheeh al-Bukhari it is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) woke up one night and said, “Subhan Allah! What tribulations have come down tonight! What treasure has come down tonight! Who will wake up the dwellers of the apartments? There may be women who are clothed in this world and naked in the Hereafter.”
(Al-Bukhari: NO 1074). It was also reported (in Saheeh al-Bukhari) that he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to wake ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) when he wanted to pray Witr. (Al-Bukhari: No 952). But when he woke his wives during the last ten nights of Ramadan, this was more persistent than at other times of the year.

The fact that he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did this indicates the importance he attached to worshipping his Lord and making the most of this special time.

The Muslim should follow the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), for he is the best example, and he should strive hard in worshipping Allah. He should not waste the hours of these days and nights. For we do not know, perhaps this time will never come again, for the spoiler of pleasures, i.e., death, which must come to all men, may come and snatch him and his life will end; then he will feel regret at the time when regret will be of no avail.

Among the unique virtues of these special nights is that Laylat al-Qadr is among them. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Haa-Meem. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’an and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings.]

By the manifest Book (this Qur’an) that makes things clear.

We sent it (this Qur’an) down on a blessed night [(i.e. the Night of Al-Qadr) in the month of Ramadan]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship].

Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments.

As a Command (or this Qur’an or the Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messengers),

(As) a mercy from your Lord. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” [Al-Dukhaan 44:1-6]

Allah sent down the Qur’an on this night which the Lord of the Worlds has described as blessed. It was reported from a group of the Salaf – including Ibn ‘Abbas, Qutaadah, Sa’eed ibn Zubair, ‘Ikrimah, Mujaahid and others – that the night on which the Qur’an was sent down was Laylat al-Qadr.

The phrase Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments means, on that night the destiny of all creatures for the coming year is decreed. On that night it is written who will live, who will die, who will be saved, who will be doomed, who will be destined for Paradise, who will be destined for Hell, who will be granted honour, who will be humiliated, where drought and famine will occur, and everything else that Allah wills in that year.

What is meant by the idea that the destiny of all creatures is written on Laylat al-Qadr is – and Allah knows best – that on Laylat al-Qadr they are transferred from al-Lawh al-Mahfooz.  “You may see a man furnishing his home or plowing his field, and he is one of those who are going to die,” i.e., it has been decreed on Laylat al-Qadr that he is one of those who are going to die (in the coming year). And it was said that on this night, the destiny of people is shown to the angels.

The meaning of “Qadr” is veneration or honour, i.e. it is a night that is venerated because of its special characteristics, and because the one who stays up during this night becomes a man of honour. And it was said that Qadr means constriction, in the sense that the knowledge of precisely when this night is, is hidden. Al-Khaleel ibn Ahmad said: it was called Laylat al-Qadr because the earth is constricted by the great numbers of angels on that night, and Qadr means constriction. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “But when He tries him, by straitening his means of life [fa qadara ‘alayhi rizqahu]…” [Al-Fajr 89:16] “.i.e.: by constricting or reducing his provision.

And it was said that Qadr means Qadar, i.e., that on this night the decrees for the coming year are ordained, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments” [al-Dukhaan 44:4]

• And because Allah’s decrees are decided and written down on this night.

So Allah has called it Laylat al-Qadr, because of its great value and high status with Allah, and because so many sins are forgiven and so many faults are concealed during this night. For it is the night of forgiveness, as it was reported in  from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever stays up during Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.”

(Al-Bukhari, 1910; Muslim, 760).

Allah has given this night special characteristics which make it unique:

1. It is the night on which the Qur’an was sent down.

• Allah described it as being better than a thousand months, as He said (interpretation of the meaning): “The night of al-Qadr is better than a thousand months” [al-Qadr 97:3].

• Allah described it as being blessed, as He said (interpretation of the meaning): “We sent it (this Qur’an) down on a blessed night” [al-Dukhaan 44:3].

• On this night, the angels and the Spirit [al-Rooh] descend, “i.e., many angels descend of this night because it is so blessed, and the angels come down when Allah’s blessing and mercy come down, just as they come down when Qur’an is recited, and they surround the circles of dhikr (gatherings where Allah is remembered), and they beat their wings for the one who sincerely seeks knowledge, out of respect for him.”

The Spirit [al-Rooh] is Jib reel (peace be upon him), who is specifically mentioned in this manner as a sign of respect for him.

• This night is described as peace, i.e., it is safe, for the Shaitan cannot do any evil or cause any harm on this night.

On this night, many people are saved from punishment because of what they do to worship Allah, may He be glorified.

• “Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments” [al-Dukhaan 44:4 – interpretation of the meaning]

, i.e., the affairs of that year are dispatched from al-Lawh al-Mahfooz to the angels who record the decrees: who will live, who will die, what provision people will be given, what will happen until the end of that year, every matter of ordainments is decreed, and it cannot be altered or changed. . All of this is already known to Allah before it is even written down, but He makes known to the angels what is to happen, and commands them to do whatever they are enjoined to do.
• Allah forgives the previous sins of the one who stays up and prays during this night out of faith and in hope of earning the reward from Him. It was reported in the hadith of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven, and whoever stays up during Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.”. The phrase “out of faith and in the hope of earning rewards” means, believing in Allah’s promise of reward for this, and seeking the reward, with no other aim or purpose, such as showing off etc.”

Allah has revealed a Surah concerning this night which will be recited until the Day of Resurrection, in which He mentions the honour and great value of this night. This is the Surah in which He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree).

And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is?

The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).

Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jib reel] by Allah’s Permission with all Decrees,

(All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.” [Al-Qadr 97:1-5]

The phrase And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? serves to draw attention to the importance and great significance of this night.

The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months means, it is better than over eighty three years, as we have already mentioned. This is a great virtue, the value of which no one can fully understand except the Lord of the Worlds, may He be blessed and exalted. This encourages the Muslim to spend this night in prayer and to seek the Face of Allah by doing so. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to seek this night, hoping to gain some good from it, and he is the example for this Ummah.

It is Mustahabbat to seek it during Ramadan, especially in the last ten nights of the month. It was reported in Saheeh Muslim that Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) said: the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did I’tikaaf during the first ten days of Ramadan, then he did I’tikaaf during the middle ten days in a Turkish tent [the word qubbah, translated here as “tent”, refers to a tent or any circular structure] in which a mat was placed. He said: so he took the mat in his hand and put it at the side of the tent, then he raised his head to speak to the people, so they came closer to him. He said: “I did I’tikaaf during the first ten days, seeking this night, and then I did I’tikaaf during the middle ten days. Then someone came to me and told me that it is in the last ten days, so whoever among you wants to do I’tikaaf, let him do so.” So the people did I’tikaaf with him. He said: “I was shown an odd-numbered night, in the morning of which I was prostrating in mud and water”. Then in the morning of the twenty-first, he got up to pray Fajr and it was raining; the roof of the mosque leaked, and there was mud and water. He came out when he had finished praying, and there was mud and water on his forehead and nose. That was the morning of the twenty-first, one of the last ten days.
(Saheeh Muslim, 1167).
( Still here, islamicchildrenstudy!  just joking He!He!He! good read on).
In a report, Abu Sa’eed said: “It rained on the night of the twenty-first, and the roof of the mosque leaked over the place where the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was praying. I looked at him, when he had finished praying Salat al- Fajr, and his face was wet with mud and water.”
 Muslim narrated a hadith from ‘Abd-Allah ibn Unays (may Allah be pleased with him) that was similar to the hadith of Abu Sa’eed, except that he said, “it rained on the night of the twenty-third.” According to a hadith narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both), the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Seek it in the last ten days of Ramadan, when there are nine days left, and seven days left, and five days left.” (Narrated by, al-Bukhari, 4/260).

Laylat al-Qadr is in the last ten days of Ramadan, as stated in the hadith of Abu Sa’eed quoted above, and as stated in the hadith of ‘Aisha, and in the hadith of Ibn ‘Umar who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten days of Ramadan.”

(The hadith of ‘Aisha R.A. was narrated by al-Bukhari, 4/259; the hadith of Ibn ‘Umar was narrated by Muslim, 2/823. This wording is that of the hadith of ‘Aisha R.A).

It is more likely to be one of the odd-numbered nights, because of the hadith of ‘Aisha R.A. who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten nights.”

(Narrated by al-Bukhari, 4/259)

We should seek it especially in the odd-numbered nights, i.e., on the twenty-first, the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. It was reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Seek it in the last ten nights, on the odd-numbered nights.”

(Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1912, see also, 1913. Also narrated by Muslim, 1167 see also 1165).

According to the hadith of Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both), the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan, when there are nine left, when there are seven left, when there are five left.”

(Al-Bukhari -no.917-1918). So it is more likely to be one of the odd-numbered nights.

In Saheeh al-Bukhari it was narrated that ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Samit said: the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came out to tell us when Laylat al-Qadr was, and two of the Muslims were arguing. He said: “I came out to tell you when Laylat al-Qadr was, and so and so and so and so were arguing, so it [the knowledge of when Laylat al-Qadr was] was taken away from me. Perhaps this is better for you. So seek it on the ninth and the seventh and the fifth”

(Al-Bukhari, No.1919). i.e. on the odd-numbered nights.

This hadith indicates how bad it is to argue and fight, especially with regard to matters of religion, and that this is a cause of goodness being taken away or concealed.

 “But odd-numbers have to do with what is past [i.e., when one starts counting from the beginning of the month], so it should be sought on the twenty-first, the twenty-third, the twenty-seventh or the twenty-ninth; or it may be with regard to what is left, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘when there are nine left, or seven left, or five left, or three left.’ On this basis, if the month has thirty days, these will be even-numbered nights, so on the twenty-second there will be nine days left, on the twenty-fourth there will be seven days left. This is how it was explained by Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri in the Saheeh hadith, and this is how the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) prayed Qiyam during this month. If this is the case, then the believer should seek it in all of the last ten days.”

Laylat al-Qadr is more likely to be in the last seven days. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that a man among the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was shown Laylat al-Qadr in a dream, and that it was one of the last seven nights. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “It seems that your dreams agreed that it is one of the last seven nights, so whoever wants to seek it let him seek it in the last seven nights.”

(Narrated by al-Bukhari-- No 1911; Muslim, 1165). Muslim reported: “Seek it in the last ten nights, and if any of you are weak or unable to do that, then let him not miss the last seven.”

It is most likely to be on the night of the twenty-seventh. It was reported, in a hadith narrated by Ahmad from Ibn ‘Umar and a hadith narrated by Abu Dawood from Muawiyah, that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Laylat al-Qadr is the night of the twenty-seventh.”

The view that it is the night of the twenty-seventh is the opinion of most of the Sahabas and the majority of scholars, and Ubayy ibn Ka`b (may Allah be pleased with him) used to assert, without saying “inshaa Allah”, that it was the night of the twenty-seventh. Zuhr ibn Hubaysh said: I said: What makes you say that, O Abu-l-Mundhir? He said: by the signs of which the Messengers of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told us: that the sun rises that morning with no visible rays.
(Narrated by Muslim, No 2/268).

Many marfoo’ hadiths were narrated which said that it was on this particular night.
. It was reported that ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) gathered the Sahabas together and included Ibn ‘Abbas even though he was very young. They said, “Ibn ‘Abbas is like one of our children. Why have you brought him here with us?” ‘Umar said: “He is a youth who has a good mind and who asks lots of questions.” Then he asked the Sahabas about Laylat al-Qadr, and they agreed that it was one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. He asked Ibn ‘Abbas about it, and he said: “I think I know when it is: it is the night of the twenty-seventh.” ‘Umar said, “What makes you think that?” He said, “Allah made the heavens seven, and the earths seven, and the days seven, and He created man from seven, and He made Tawaaf seven (circuits), and al-Saa’ee seven, and the stoning of the Jamaar seven.” So Ibn’ Abbas thought that it was the night of the twenty-seventh because of this analysis. This has been soundly reported from Ibn ‘Abbas.

Another of the ways in which the conclusion was reached that it is the night of the twenty-seventh is by noting that the word feehaa (therein) in the ayah (interpretation of the meaning): “Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jib reel A.S.]” [al-Qadr 97:4] is the twenty-seventh word of Surat al-Qadr [in the original Arabic].(Allah knows best)
There is no sharri evidence (daleel) to support this manner of analysis, and there is no need for such calculations, because we have sufficient sharri evidence available to us.

The fact that it is usually the night of the twenty-seventh – and Allah knows best – does not mean that this is always the case. It could be the night of the twenty-first, as mentioned in the hadith of Abu Sa’eed quoted above, or it could be the twenty-third, as mentioned in the report of ‘Abd-Allah ibn Unays (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted above. According to a hadith narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both), the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Seek it in the last ten days of Ramadan, when there are nine days left, and seven days left, and five days left.”
(Al-Bukhari: no. 4/260).
Some of the scholars thought that it is more likely that Laylat al-Qadr moves and does not come on a specific night each year. “This is the apparent meaning because of the conflict between the Saheeh hadith on this matter, and there is no way to reconcile the hadith apart from saying that Laylat al-Qadr moves.”

Allah has concealed this night so that His slaves will strive to seek it, and will strive hard in worship, just as He has concealed the hour of jummah, and so on.

So the believer should strive hard during the days and nights of these ten days, seeking Laylat al-Qadr and following the example of our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and he should strive in making du’aa’ and seeking to draw close to Allah.

It was reported that ‘Aisha said: “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, what do you think, if I witness Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say?’ He said: ‘Say, O Allah, You are forgiving and Generous and you love forgiveness, so forgive me.’”
(Narrated by Imam Ahmad,

Thirdly: a greater virtue is attached to I’tikaaf on this night than on any other night of the year. I’tikaaf means staying in the mosque to worship Allah, may He be exalted. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to spend these ten days in I’tikaaf, as stated in the hadith of Abu Sa’eed quoted above. He spent the first ten days in I’tikaaf, and then the middle ten days, then he told them that he had been seeking Laylat al-Qadr, and that he had been shown that it was in the last ten days, and he said: “Whoever was doing I’tikaaf with me, let him do I’tikaaf for the last ten days.” It was reported from ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to do I’tikaaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away, then his wives did I’tikaaf after him.

There is also a similar report narrated from Ibn ‘Umar.

When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) wanted to do I’tikaaf, he would pray Fajr, then enter the place where he was to do I’tikaaf, from the hadith of ‘Aisha.

It is Sunnah for the person in I’tikaaf to keep himself busy with worship, and it is forbidden for him to have intercourse or to do anything that leads to it, because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And do not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while you are in I‘tikaaf (i.e. confining oneself in a mosque for prayers and invocations leaving the worldly activities) in the mosques” [al-Baqarah 2:187].

And he should not go out of the mosque except in the case of a pressing need.

The signs by which Laylat al-Qadr is known

The first sign: it was reported in Saheeh Muslim from the hadith of Ubayy ibn Ka`b (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) announced that one of its signs was that when the sun rose on the following morning, it had no (visible) rays.
(Imam Muslim, no.762).

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Laylat al-Qadr is a pleasant night, neither hot nor cold, and the following day the sun rises red and weak.”
That the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Laylat al-Qadr is a bright night, neither hot nor cold, in which no meteors are seen.”
(Imam  Ahmad).

These three Saheeh hadith explain the signs which indicate Laylat al-Qadr.

It is not essential for the one who “catches” Laylat al-Qadr to know that he has “caught” it. The point is to strive hard and to be sincere in worship, whether or not one knows that one has “caught” it. It may be that some of those who do not know that may be better with Allah and higher in status than those who did know which night it was, because the former strove hard. We ask Allah to accept our fasting, our prayer at night, and to help us to remember Him and to thank Him and to worship Him properly. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad?

A night such as Lailat ul Qadr was not granted to any religious community (Ummah) before Muslims. Only the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) were favored with a night of huge reward. Once reason, it  was granted, was to enable Muslims to equal the worship of any people who lived before us. In the distant past it is said that people lived very long lives of hundreds of years. We, today, live much shorter lives. And so Allah gave us Laylat ul Qadr to enable us to do as much worship as a man who lived even hundreds of years longer. If in a lifetime, you only worshipped on Lailat ul Qadr ten times, you would have equaled in those ten nights 833 years of worship.
Signs of Laylat tul Qadr

   
     There are some signs that reveal which night is Laylat’ ul ‘Qadr.
   
      The night will be peaceful, neither hot nor cold, with a clear moon shinning but with no rays.
   
      There will be no shooting stars in the night
   
      At sunrise the sun will rise as just a disc without and radiant beams of light.
   
      One companion of the Prophet reported that Laylat’ ul ‘Qadr he tasted sea water and it was sweet.
Laylat’ ul ‘Qadr, the Night of Power, is among the holiest of days during the month of Ramadan.
Laylat’ ul ‘Qadr is expected to fall during the last ten days of Ramadan: around September 1-9, 2010.

Being the Most Generous

Another Sunnah tradition of Ramadan is being very generous. It is a time to help the poor and the needy and to give the best, not the worst. It is a time when all Muslims should rush to help those in need. Prophet Mohammad never refused anyone who asked of him.

"The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was more generous in doing well than a blowing wind." (Reported by, al-Bukhari).

 I ask Allah swt, The Most High, to make us from those who fulfill our duty of fasting during the month of Ramadan. I also ask Him, The Most High, to forgive and pardon us our sins during this blessed month.

May Allah grant us all a life changing Ramadan this YEAR? Ameen!

"Have fun praying and getting ready for the Day of Judgment coz that day will NOT be fun :) P.S.: don’t forget to make dua for me.

ZAYNAB (r.a) – DAUGHTER OF MUHAMMAD(pbuh)

  Ramadan
ZAYNAB (r.a) – DAUGHTER OF MUHAMMAD(pbuh)

This is the love story between Zainab bint Muhammad and Abu El'Ass ibn Rabee'; Zainab was the daughter of the Prophet (PBUH) and her cousin Abu El'Ass, was Khadeeja's (RA) nephew. He was one of the nobles of the Quraish, and the Prophet (SAW) loved him very much.

One day Abu El'Ass went to the Prophet (SAW) before he had received his mission of Prophethood and said: "I want to marry your eldest daughter". So the Prophet replied: "I must ask her first". He (SAW) went to Zainab R.A and asked her: "Your cousin came to me and he wishes to marry you, do you accept him as your husband?" Her face turned red with bashfulness and she smiled.

(This day I will marry my friend, the one I laugh with, live for, dream with, love).
So Zainab married Abu El'Ass, the beginning of a great love story. They had two children; Ali and Omama.

Then Muhammad became a Prophet while Abu El'Ass was away from Makkah. Abu El'Ass returned to find his wife a Muslim. When he first came back, his wife said "I have great news for you". He stood up and left her. Zainab R.A was surprised and followed him as she said, "My father became a Prophet and I have become a Muslim". He replied, "Why didn't you tell me first?" Hence a big problem began between the two; a problem of religion and belief.

She told him, "I wasn't going to disbelieve in my father and his message, he is not a liar, and he is "The Honest and Trustworthy". I'm not the only believer; my mother and my sisters became Muslims, my cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib R.A became a Muslim, your cousin Othman ibn Affan R.A. became a Muslim, and your friend, Abu Bakr, became a Muslim".

He replied, "Well, as for me, I don't want people to say, 'he let down his people and his forefathers to please his wife'. And I am not accusing your father of anything". Then he said, "So will you excuse me and understand?" She replied, "Who will excuse and understand you if I don't? I will stay beside you and help you until you reach the truth." And she kept her word for 20 years.
(Love is like war, Easy to begin but hard to end) He! He! He!

Abu El'Ass remained an unbeliever, and then came the migration. Zainab went to her father and asked him for the permission to stay with her husband. The Prophet (SAW) replied, "Stay with your husband and children".

So Zainab stayed in Makkah, until the battle of Badr occurred. (The Great Battle of Badr took place on the seventeenth of Ramadan, two years after the Hijra.) . Abu El'Ass was to fight in the army of Quraish against the Muslims. For Zainab, it meant that her husband will be fighting her father, a time Zainab R.A. had always feared. She kept crying out: "O Allah, I fear one day the sun may rise and my children become orphans or I lose my father".

So the battle started, and ended in victory for the Muslims. Abu El'Ass was captured by the Muslims, and news of this reached Makkah. Zainab asked, "What did my father do?" They told her, "The Muslims won". So she prayed to Allah, thanking Him. Then she asked: "What did my husband do?" They said: "He was captured". She said, "I'll send a payment to release him". She didn't own anything of much value, so she took off her mother's necklace, (She loved the necklace very much) and sent it with Abu El'Ass's brother to the Prophet SAW.

While the Prophet (SAW) was sitting, taking payments and releasing captives, he saw Khadeeja's necklace.  He held it up and asked: "Whose payment is this?" They said: "Abu El'Ass ibn Rabee". He cried and said "This is Khadeeja's necklace". As soon as the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saw that necklace, he had a feeling of extreme compassion and his heart palpitated for the great memory. (Love knows no limit to its endurance no end to its trust, Love still stands when all else has fallen.)

(Memories are like a blanket that keeps us warm in a lone cold starry night. You look up at the glittery stars and remember a forgotten smile. Then its dawns onto you, that the blanket itself has many memories woven into its threads. All these threads of small memories suddenly sum up moments of laughter, tears, pride and joy in your life).

 The Companions who were present there gazed in amazement having being captivated by the magnificence of the situation.

After a long silence, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) stood up and said "People, this man is my in-law, should I release him? And do you accept the return of this necklace to my daughter?" They answered in unison "Yes, Messenger of Allah".

The Prophet (SAW) gave the necklace to Abu El'Ass and said to him: "Tell Zainab not to give away Khadeeja's necklace". Then he (SAW) said, "Abu El'Ass, Can we speak privately?" He took him aside and said, "Allah has ordered me to separate between a Muslim and a disbeliever, so could you return my daughter to me?" Abu El'Ass reluctantly agreed.

Zainab stood on the gates of Makkah waiting for the arrival of Abu El'Ass. When he finally came he said, "I am going away". She asked, "Where to?" He replied, "It is not me who is going, it is you. You are going to your father. We must separate because you are a Muslim". She implored him, "Will you become a Muslim and come with me?" But he refused.

So Zainab took her son and daughter and traveled to Madinah, and for 6 years she refused to remarry, hoping that one day Abu El'Ass would come.

After 6 years, Abu El'Ass was traveling in a caravan from Makkah to Syria. During the journey, he was intercepted by some of the Prophet's companions. He escaped and asked for Zainab's home. He knocked on her door shortly before the dawn prayer. She opened the door and asked him "Did you become a Muslim?" He whispered "No, I come as a fugitive". She implored him once more "Can you become a Muslim?" Again his answer was a negative. "Do not worry." She said, "Welcome my cousin, welcome, the father of Ali and Omama".

After the Prophet (SAW) prayed the dawn prayer in congregation with the people, they heard a voice from the back of the mosque, "I have freed Abu El'Ass ibn Rabee". Zainab had granted Abu El'Ass' freedom. The Prophet (SAW) asked, "Have you heard what I heard?" They all said, "Yes, Messenger of Allah". Zainab said, "He is my cousin and the father of my children and I have freed him". The Prophet (SAW) stood up and said, "O people, I declare that this man was a very good son-in-law, he never broke his promise, and neither did he tell lies. So if you accept, I will return his money back and let him go. If you refuse it's your decision and I will not blame you for it." The companions agreed, "We will give him his money". So the Prophet (SAW) said to Zainab, "We have freed the one you have freed, O Zainab." Then he (SAW) went to her and told her "be generous to him, he is your cousin and the father of your children, but don't let him get near you, he is prohibited for you." She replied, "Sure, father, I'll do as you say".

She went in and told her husband, "O Abu El'Ass, didn't you miss us at all? Won't you become a Muslim and stay with us?" But he refused. Abu El'Ass then took the money and returned to Makkah. Once he returned he stood up and announced, "O people, here is your money. Is there anything left?" They replied, "No, Abu El'Ass, there is nothing left, thanks a lot." So Abu El'Ass said, "I testify that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger." Then he went back to Madinah and ran to the Prophet (SAW) as he said, "Dear Prophet, you freed me yesterday, and today I say that I testify there is no god but Allah and you are His Messenger." He asked the Prophet, "Will you give me the permission to go back to Zainab?" The Prophet (SAW) smiled and said, "Come with me"; he took him to Zainab's house and knocked on her door. The Prophet (SAW) said, "O Zainab, your cousin came to me and asked if he can return to you". Just like 20 years before, her face turned red with bashfulness and she smiled.

The sad thing was, a year after this incident, Zainab died. Abu El'Ass shed hot tears because of her death and drove those who were around him to tears. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) came with eyes full of tears and a heart full of sorrow. Zainab's death reminded him of the death of his wife, Khadeejah. He told the women, who gathered around Zainab's corpse, "Wash her three times and use camphor in the third wash." He performed funeral prayers on her and followed her final resting place. Abu El'Ass returned to his children, Ali and Omama. Kissing them and wetting them with his tears, he remembered the face of his departed darling.

May Allah be pleased with Zainab, the Prophet's daughter! May He reward her with Paradise for her patience, endurance and struggle!

Abu El'Ass would cry so profusely that the people saw the Prophet himself weeping and calming him down. Abu El'Ass would say, "By Allah, I can't stand life
May Allah grant us all a life changing Ramadan this YEAR? Ameen!

"Have fun praying and getting ready for the Day of Judgment coz that day will NOT be fun :) P.S.: don’t forget to make dua for me.

Fasting is Safe and Effective ---Ramadan

Well Ramadan has already come and we have only few weeks remaining! How quickly does something you love go when it has just arrived?

Millions of people overeat, and common health problems like diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol issues, heart disease and even cancer can be caused by this overload to your system. Fasting is all about restricting your dietary intake to liquids only. Fruit juice, tea, and water are the most common liquids for fasting. Some people take special supplements or eat limited kinds of food, while others swear off everything until they drop those extra pounds

There has been much contention in the scientific field about whether or not fasting is beneficial to one's health. Fasting is an integral part of many of the major religions including Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Many are dubious as to whether the physiological effects are as beneficial as the spiritual promoted by these religions. There is a significant community of alternative healers who believe that fasting can do wonders for the human body

Fasting technically commences within the first twelve to twenty-four hours of the fast. A fast does not chemically begin until the carbohydrate stores in the body begin to be used as an energy source. The fast will continue as long as fat and carbohydrate stores are used for energy, as opposed to protein stores. Once protein stores begin to be depleted for energy (resulting in loss of muscle mass) a person is technically starving.

For us who fast, we know how we benefit from the yearly abstinence. However now we see that the rest of the world has found evidence to support what we have known all our lives.

The benefits of fasting must be preceded by a look at the body's progression when deprived of food. Due to the lack of incoming energy, the body must turn to its own resources, a function called autolysis.  Autolysis is the breaking down of fat stores in the body in order to produce energy. The liver is in charge of converting the fats into a chemical called a ketone body, "the metabolic substances acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid”, and then distributing these bodies throughout the body via the blood stream. "When this fat utilization occurs, free fatty acids are released into the blood stream and are used by the liver for energy.”. The less one eats, the more the body turns to these stored fats and creates these ketone bodies, the accumulation of which is referred to as ketosis.

Of course fasting has many benefit not least medical and physical ones, it is not these reasons why we fast. Fasting brings about Taqwa, fear of Allah and realization of His blessing that He has bestowed upon us. By fasting we empathize and sympathize with the one who have no food, or drink as well as those who cannot get married or those who cannot be with their spouses. In this blessed month we have the opportunity to overcome Shaitan and his hole he has on us, this month is the time we can put into practice the template of belief we want to achieve... so achieve it what you waiting for!!!

Allah has blessed His slaves with certain seasons of goodness, in which Hasanaat (rewards for good deeds) are multiplied, sayi’aat (bad deeds) are forgiven, people’s status is raised, the hearts of the believers turn to their Master, those who purify themselves attain success and those who corrupt themselves fail. Allah has created His slaves to worship Him, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): “And I (Allah) created not the jinn’s and humans except that they should worship Me (Alone).”

Is fasting beneficial for human health?

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the basic religious duties of Muslims. In the past it was thought that the benefits of fasting were limited to spiritual and emotional effects. However, recent studies indicate that a person can benefit in many physical and psychological ways from fasting. The studies reveal that the body’s immune system, blood circulation, digestive organs, reproductive and urinary systems as well as the heart may all benefit from fasting.

Many Muslims think that fasting has a detrimental effect on their physical performance. Such thinking has led many Islamic countries to decrease working hours during Ramadan.

But a new U.S. study conducted by the Institute of Islamic Medicine for Education and Research in Panama City, Florida has proven that fasting does not have a negative effect on the muscles or on physical performance. Nor does it necessarily result in tiredness or lethargy.

The study concluded that there is in fact an improvement in the body’s ability to bear physical and muscular effort and the performance of the heart is also said to improve. The study monitored the physical performance of 20 healthy people, including 12 males and 8 females, before and during fasting. The participant’s ages ranged from 12 to 52 years old.

The study found that participants’ heart rates decreased from 170 beats per minute before fasting to 159 per minute while fasting. That suggests a 6 percent improvement in heart rate. Moreover, a significant improvement in blood pressure was also recorded.

The study also found that participants noticed less breathing difficulties during Ramadan, and felt less tiredness in the legs when exercising. Muscle performance was also said to improve.

Various other studies have shown that fasting increases the amount of free fatty acids in the blood, which aside from glucose are the body’s main source of energy. Fatty acids help to reduce the depletion of glycogen in the liver and muscles during exercise, and prevent the depletion of glucose in blood. Under the normal conditions, glucose is the main source of energy. However, physical effort forces the body to use up glucose quickly, leaving a person feeling tired and exhausted.

The body’s dependence on glucose decreases during fasting since sufficient quantities of amino acids are available in the blood to supply the body with energy. The result of this is an improvement in overall muscle performance.

Another recent study, prepared by Dr. Jad al-Maula Abdul-Aziz, a professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Cairo University, concluded that fasting helps to eliminate about 35 percent of the toxins that accumulate in the body during our normal activities such as eating and breathing. Fasting helps to reduce these harmful toxins and in so doing protects the body’s cells from diseases and delays aging.

Another scientific study shows that fasting helps to regulate the blood pressure. Dr. Ibrahim Hamed, researcher in the Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, at the National Research Center in Cairo, concluded that fasting is an effective treatment for patients suffering from arteriosclerosis, characterized by the hardening of plaque-covered arteries. During a period of fasting, which continues for more than 12 hours a day, the digestive system has nothing to do and thus stops working. This prevents the blood from gathering around the stomach and intestines and allows the circulatory system to flow freely and regularly, which as a side effect may reduce pain caused by arteriosclerosis.

He added that during a period of fasting, the body burns any stored fats in the body and converts them to energy. This, it has been found, reduces the possibility of infecting healthy people with arteriosclerosis.
There has been much contention in the scientific field about whether or not fasting is beneficial to one's health. Fasting is an integral part of many of the major religions including Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Many are dubious as to whether the physiological effects are as beneficial as the spiritual promoted by these religions. There is a significant community of alternative healers who believe that fasting can do wonders for the human body.

It sets our body clock if done regularly for a month. Being a Muslim i can say that Since Muslims fast from dawn to dusk everyday and eat at fixed times this helps the body to detoxify and rejuvenates better than other types of skipping meals whatsoever. Moreover fasting is prescribed by Allah the Almighty the creator who has more knowledge of his creations than anyone in this universe. So follow his commands and be healthy physically and spiritually, for doing this all one needs is determination.

If a person does not avoid false talk and false conduct during Fasting, then Allah (God) does not care if he abstains from food and drink.

(Prophet Muhammad as reported by Bukhari & Muslim)

Still here (http://islamicchildrenstudy.blogspot.com) He!He!He! Just joking

Make dua at times where your duas are most likely to be answered – before breaking the fast, during your Salah, Qiyam ul layl, the last 10 nights etc. May Allah answer and grant all of your duas. Please make dua for me too!

The benefits of fasting must be preceded by a look at the body's progression when deprived of food. Due to the lack of incoming energy, the body must turn to its own resources, a function called autolysis. Autolysis is the breaking down of fat stores in the body in order to produce energy. The liver is in charge of converting the fats into a chemical called a ketone body, "the metabolic substances acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid”, and then distributing these bodies throughout the body via the blood stream. "When this fat utilization occurs, free fatty acids are released into the blood stream and are used by the liver for energy."  The less one eats, the more the body turns to these stored fats and creates these ketone bodies, the accumulation of which is referred to as ketosis.

Detoxification is the foremost argument presented by advocates of fasting. "Detoxification is a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph glands, and skin.”. This process is precipitated by fasting because when food is no longer entering the body, the body turns to fat reserves for energy. "Human fat is valued at 3,500 calories per pound," a number that would lead one to believe that surviving on one pound of fat every day would provide a body with enough energy to function normally.  These fat reserves were created when excess glucose and carbohydrates were not used for energy or growth, not excreted, and therefore converted into fat. When the fat reserves are used for energy during a fast, it releases the chemicals from the fatty acids into the system which are then eliminated through the aforementioned organs. Chemicals not found in food but absorbed from one's environment, such as DDT, are also stored in fat reserves that may be released during a fast. One fasting advocate tested his own urine, feces and sweat during an extended fast and found traces of DDT in each.

A second prescribed benefit of fasting is the healing process that begins in the body during a fast. During a fast energy is diverted away from the digestive system due to its lack of use and towards the metabolism and immune system.  The healing process during a fast is precipitated by the body's search for energy sources. Abnormal growths within the body, tumors and the like, do not have the full support of the body's supplies and therefore are more susceptible to autolysis. Furthermore, "production of protein for replacement of damaged cells (protein synthesis) occurs more efficiently because fewer 'mistakes' are made by the DNA/RNA genetic controls which govern this process." A higher efficiency in protein synthesis results in healthier cells, tissues and organs.  This is one reason that animals stop eating when they are wounded, and why humans lose hunger during influenza. Hunger has been proven absent in illnesses such as gastritis, tonsillitis and colds.  Therefore, when one is fasting, the person is consciously diverting energy from the digestive system to the immune system.

In addition, there is a reduction in core body temperature. This is a direct result of the slower metabolic rate and general bodily functions. Following a drop in blood sugar level and using the reserves of glucose found in liver glycogen, the basal metabolic rate (BMR) is reduced in order to conserve as much energy within the body as can be provided.  Growth hormones are also released during a fast, due to the greater efficiency in hormone production.

Finally, the most scientifically proven advantage to fasting is the feeling of rejuvenation and extended life expectancy. Part of this phenomenon is caused by a number of the benefits mentioned above. A slower metabolic rate, more efficient protein production, an improved immune system, and the increased production of hormones contributes to this long-term benefit of fasting. In addition to the Human Growth Hormone that is released more frequently during a fast, an anti-aging hormone is also produced more efficiently. "The only reliable way to extend the lifespan of a mammal is under-nutrition without malnutrition."  A study was performed on earthworms that demonstrated the extension of life due to fasting. The experiment was performed in the 1930s by isolating one worm and putting it on a cycle of fasting and feeding. The isolated worm outlasted its relatives by 19 generations, while still maintaining its youthful physiological traits. The worm was able to survive on its own tissue for months. Once the size of the worm began to decrease, the scientists would resume feeding it at which point it showed great vigor and energy. "The life-span extension of these worms was the equivalent of keeping a man alive for 600 to 700 years."

In conclusion, it seems that there are many reasons to consider fasting as a benefit to one's health. The body rids itself of the toxins that have built up in our fat stores throughout the years. The body heals itself, repairs all the damaged organs during a fast. And finally there is good evidence to show that regulated fasting contributes to longer life. However, many doctors warn against fasting for extended periods of time without supervision. There are still many doctors today who deny all of these points and claim that fasting is detrimental to one's health and have evidence to back their statements. The idea of depriving a body of what society has come to view as so essential to our survival in order to heal continues to be a topic of controversy.

When properly utilized, fasting is a safe and effective means of maximizing the body’s self-healing capacities.  The results can be truly amazing

 May Allah grant us all a life changing Ramadan this YEAR? Ameen!

"Have fun praying and getting ready for the Day of Judgment coz that day will NOT be fun :) P.S.: don’t forget to make dua for me.

Fasting Is Not Merely About Hunger and Thirst.

Fasting is not merely about hunger and thirst.

Praise be to Allah, we praise Him and seek His help and forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allah from the evil of our own selves and from our evil deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides cannot be misled, and whomsoever He leaves astray cannot be guided. I bear witness that there is no god except Allah alone, with no partner or associate, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.
Moment we are born to the last rites of our life and every moment in between are laden with rituals, though some of us may deny it. Whether we go to the gym, eat our food; go to sleep, wear clothes, drive some place, in our intimate moments, or picking that phone up, we follow rituals.

It is an annual training or a refresher. It requires one to abstain from food, drink, intimacy, ill will, ill talk, ill actions or any temptations from dawn to dusk, every day for a month. One has to rise above his or her baser desires. Islam gifts this month to its followers to inculcate discipline to bring moderation in their daily lives.

Discipline is necessary to do things on time, managing personal relationships, driving to a destination or keeping within budget to achieve the goals; the result is worth the discipline to most people. When joyous, whether we are a theist or not, we have to express that sentiment, otherwise a sense of incompleteness lingers in our hearts.
Every faith is composed of a set of unique rituals to bring discipline and peace to human life. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five key rituals that Muslims around the world observe.

 More than 1,400 years ago, the holy month of Ramadan offered Muslims the chance to strengthen their minds and exercise self-discipline in order to attain higher things. In Islamic history, Ramadan was a time when major battles were fought and won. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also used to be the most active during the month of fasting.

Does Ramadan still hold the same spiritual and ethical values in the 21st century?

“Ramadan is a month of worship and active work. If we adjust our lifestyles properly, we can do both and also be more productive,”

“Unfortunately, people become more tense and irritated during Ramadan. One can easily notice the bad moods, the tension and the inability to put up with anyone or anything,”

I believe that even if people have bad habits, they must try hard to convey the spirit of Ramadan by being more forgiving and understanding.

For friends of Allah

(interpretation of the meaning)It is He Who has sent down to you (Muhammad SAW) the Book (this Qur’an). In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book [and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkaam (commandments, etc.), Al-Farâ'id (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudud; and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah , and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings save Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in it; the whole of it are from our Lord." And none receive admonition except men of understanding.

Allah has blessed His slaves with certain seasons of goodness, in which Hasanaat (rewards for good deeds) are multiplied, sayi’aat (bad deeds) are forgiven, people’s status is raised, the hearts of the believers turn to their Master, those who purify themselves attain success and those who corrupt themselves fail. Allah has created His slaves to worship Him, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): “And I (Allah) created not the jinn’s and humans except that they should worship Me (Alone).” [Al-Dhaariyaat 51:56]

One of the greatest acts of worship is fasting, which Allah has made obligatory on His slaves, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“… Observing al-sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become al-muttaqoon (the pious).” [Al-Baqarah 2:183]
Allah encourages His slaves to fast:
“… And that you fast, it is better for you, if only you know.” [Al-Baqarah 2:184 – interpretation of the meaning]
He guides them to give thanks to Him for having made fasting obligatory on them:
“… That you should magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.” [Al-Baqarah 2:185 – interpretation of the meaning]
He has made fasting dear to them, and has made it easy so that people do not find it too hard to give up their habits and what they are used to. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“… For a fixed number of days…” [Al-Baqarah 2:184]
He has mercy on them and keeps them away from difficulties and harm, as He says (interpretation of the meaning:
“… but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days…” [Al-Baqarah 2:184]

Still here islamicchildrenstudy.blogspot.com  He!He!He! (joking) lets read on.
However, fasting is not only a part of worship, but a great instrument for self-discipline too. It is a training of the mind and the body to endure and harden up against all hardships, to persevere under difficulties and not give up. Food means gratification of the senses and to starve the senses is to elevate them to contemplation. Luqman, the wise once said, "When the stomach is full, the intellect begins to sleep. Wisdom becomes mute and the parts of the body restrain from acts of righteousness."
No wonder then, that in this Month the Hearts of the Believers turns to their Most Merciful Lord, fearing their Lord above them, and hoping to attain His reward and the great victory (Paradise).
As the status of this act of worship is so high, it is essential to learn the ahkaam (rulings) that have to do with the month of fasting so that the Muslim will know what is obligatory, in order to do it, what is haram, in order to avoid it, and what is permissible, so that he need not subject himself to hardship by depriving himself of it.
If you keep on learning, you can never forget. You will be master in that. So same like that this one month, if every Muslim practice good deeds than he or she will not commit bad deeds whole year.

Although Ramadan is popularly known in the West for its culinary delicacies and fancy Iftar (ceremonial breaking of fast at sundown), the spirit and intent of Ramadan lies in a human transformation in a month-long inner spiritual journey of finding oneself in tune with spirituality.

God has no need for the hunger or thirst of someone who hurts others, violates their dignity or usurps their rights, said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The fasting of the stomach must be matched by the fasting of the limbs. The eyes, ears, tongue, hands and feet all have their respective fasts to undergo. The tongue's temptations, for example - lies, backbiting, slander, vulgarity and senseless argumentation - must be challenged and curbed to maintain the integrity of the fast.

Ramadan is a beginning and that it is a fruitful time to sow these virtues so that they may be reaped later. Actually, for those who believe, a person’s life is Ramadan, adolescence is when the fasting begins, and deaths the breaking of the fast. One month of Ramadan is like a rehearsal for a fast that will last a life time. Those who know how to continue to enjoy the virtues gained in this month are aware that the remuneration of staying thirsty and hungry in this world will come to them when they break the fast with God’s words “My servants, I used to see you off color, with your eyes and cheeks sunken and you used to endure this for Me. Eat and drink to your hearts’ content for all that you sent ahead in advance in days past.”.
Fasting is not merely about hunger and thirst. It is also definitely not about turning night into day either. The spirit and intent of Ramadan lies in human transformation in a month long inner journey of struggle and discovery. It is to do one’s utmost to become, more generous, more patient, and an overall better, human being.

And Allah knows best

Each Breath is a Blessing. --The Concept Of Being Grateful To Allah,

........God Increases His Blessings on Those Who Are Grateful.........

Gratefulness:
Being grateful is to render one’s thanks to someone who has shown favor, to express gratitude and to appreciate. The concept of being grateful to Allah, on the other hand, is to grasp and express that every kind of grace and favor is granted exclusively by Allah. In the Qur’an, the opposite of being grateful is defined by the term “disbelief”, which is synonymous to being ungrateful. Only this definition indicates the importance attached to being grateful as worship and the detrimental consequences it may have for a believer.

Gratefulness to Allah is one of the concepts mostly emphasized in the Qur'an. In almost 70 verses, the importance of rendering thanks to Allah is stated, the examples of those who are grateful and ungrateful are given and the end they face is related. The reason why so much importance is given to this concept is simply because it is a mere indication of one’s faith and affirmation of the unity of Allah. In one of the verses “being grateful” is described as “worshipping only to Allah”:

O you who believe! Eat of the good things that We have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah, if it is Him you worship. (Al-Baqara, 172)

Rasulullah (saws) said: "If happiness reaches him (the believer), he is grateful."

True gratefulness can only be generated when one has Taqwa, an understanding of our object of creation and makes an effort to attain it.

THE NATURE OF SHUKR

Accepting that all benefit is from the True Benefactor (Mun’im Haqeeqi), the effect of which is to be happy with the Benefactor and be ever ready to render obedience to Him, is the meaning of Shukr.

The meaning of Shukr envisages:

Acceptance of the fact that all benefit is from Allah, The True Benefactor :( Mun’im Haqeeqi). This acceptance induces:

One of the best gifts Allah swt has granted mankind is the ability to feel and express gratitude. Being grateful at the most basic level is very simple and very beneficial. It is simple because it requires no special knowledge, skill, equipment, or preparation - anyone can access the gift of thankfulness. Yet most of us fall short of the mark in expressing due thanks for what others do, and probably all of us owe far more thanks to Allah (swt) than we even understand. However, improvement is also simple: just make it a practice to notice blessings and kindnesses, to think about them, and to honor them.

One reason gratitude is beneficial is because it improves relationships, - whether interpersonal or with our Creator. When we can feel and express appreciation for God's blessings or other's kindnesses, affection grows. But the personal benefits are also great; a thankful heart is a content and awed heart. Even in times and circumstances of hardship, we always have much to appreciate. When we acknowledge this, our burdens are easier to bear.

Our breathing comes without thought, and yet each breath is a blessing. The struggle for breath is an agony that we are usually spared thousands upon thousands of times without thanking for it. If the gift of breath is taken from us, we will die; breath is life. It is but one of countless examples of blessings from God we owe thanks for. At the very least, we should appreciate that it is a gift from God, be satisfied with the gift, and never use the gift of breath for anything opposing Allah swt. One could possibly say that if we truly wish to express gratitude for the gift of breath, we must never allow ourselves to purposely breathe in any haram substances and we must never use our breath to utter any lies, backbiting, or other haram speech. For even if we claim to feel gratitude, the proof of real thankfulness comes in our actions. If we are thankful for a gift, we will not be careless with it. If someone gave you a birthday present you really loved, you would use it with caution in order to protect it. Similarly, if we are truly grateful for the blessing of breath, we will use it with caution, too.

    In many verses, Allah advises His Messengers to be grateful and Moses is one of them:

(Allah) said: "O Moses! I have chosen you above (other) men, by the mission I (have given you) and the words I (have spoken to you): take then the (revelation) which I give you, and be of those who give thanks." (Al-Araf, 144)

Every person is in need of God at every instant of life. From the air one breathes to the food he eats, from the ability to use one's hands to the faculty of speech, from being sheltered to being in a joyful spirit, one lives completely in need of what God creates and grants him. Still, a vast majority of people do not perceive their weaknesses and those they are in need of God. They suppose that things develop spontaneously or that they acquire everything by their own efforts. This is an important error, as well as a serious ingratitude towards God. Ironically, people who render their thanks to a person for even an insignificant gift, spend all their lives ignoring the countless blessings that God gives them all through their lives. However, so great are the blessings granted to a person that one could never count them? God relates this fact in a verse as follows:

If you tried to number God's blessings, you could never count them. God is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat an-Nahl: 18)

Despite this fact, most people fail to give thanks for any of the blessings they have. The reason for this is related in the Qur'an: Satan, who pledged to misguide people from God's way, said that his ultimate aim is to make people be ungrateful to God. Satan's defiant statements to God emphasize the importance of giving thanks to God:

'Then I will come at them, from in front of them behind them, from their right and from their left. You will not find most of them thankful.' He (God) said, 'Get out of it, reviled and driven out. As for those of them (mankind) who follow you, I, will fill up Hell with every one of you.' (Surat al-Araf: 17-18)

Believers, on the other hand, aware of their weaknesses and in humility before God, render their thanks to Him for every blessing granted. Wealth and possessions are not the only blessings for which believers render their thanks to God. Knowing that God is the Owner and Possessor of everything, believers express their inner gratefulness for good health, beauty, knowledge, wisdom, love of faith and hatred from disbelief, understanding, insight, foresight and for power. They are thankful for being rightly guided and for being in the company of believers. A beautiful landscape, easy handling of their affairs, fulfillment of their wishes, tidings of great joy, respectful conduct or any other blessings make believers immediately turn to God, express their gratefulness to Him and reflect on His mercy and compassion.

In return for good morals displayed, a reward awaits believers. This is another of the secrets revealed in the Qur'an; God increases His blessings on those who are grateful. For example, God grants even more health and power to those who render their thanks to God for the good health and strength they have. God bestows even more knowledge and property to those who are grateful for their knowledge or wealth. This is because they are sincere people who are contented with what God gives and are pleased with the blessings and who take God as their friend. God relates this secret in the Qur'an as follows:

And when your Lord announced: "If you are grateful, I will certainly give you increase, but if you are ungrateful, My punishment is severe."' (Surah Ibrahim: 7)

Being grateful is also a sign of one's closeness to and loves of God. People who give thanks have the insight and capability to perceive the beauties and blessings that God creates. God's Messenger, peace be upon him, also referred to this when he said:

When God gives you property, the bliss of God's blessing and offering must be reflected on you.

On the other hand, a disbelieving or ungrateful person will only see the imperfections and faults even in the most beautiful environment, and thus will be unhappy and discontented. Indeed, as a divine purpose in God's creation, such people always come across with seemingly unfavorable events and unpleasant scenes. On the other hand, God displays more of His bounties and blessings to those who have a sincere and insightful outlook.

That God increases His blessings to those who are grateful is one of the secrets of the Qur'an. However, one needs to keep in mind that sincerity is a prerequisite for being grateful. No doubt, one's way of showing his gratitude without turning sincerely to God and feeling the inner peace of God's infinite mercy and compassion, which is solely intended to impress people, would be sheer insincerity. God knows what hearts harbor, and will bear witness to this insincerity. Those who have insincere inner intentions may conceal it from other people, but not from God. Such people may render their thanks with affected manners when there is no affliction, but at times of hardship, it is possible that they may readily lapse into ungratefulness.

It should be also noted that true believers remain grateful to God even under harshest conditions. Someone looking from outside May see the diminishing of some blessings believers enjoy. However, believers, who are able to perceive the good aspect of every event and situation, see goodness in this too. For example, God states that He will test people with fear, hunger and loss of wealth or life. In such a situation, believers rejoice and feel grateful, hoping that God will reward them with the gifts of paradise in return for the steadfastness they displayed in this test. They know that God does not impose on anyone more than he can bear. The steadfastness and submission of such awareness lead them to patience and gratitude. Therefore, it is an obvious attribute of believers to show unwavering dedication and submission and God promises to expand His blessings on His grateful servants both in the life of this world and in the hereafter.

1. Happiness with the Benefactor.

2. Eagerness to execute the commands of the Benefactor and to abstain from his prohibitions. One should consider all benefit, goodness and pleasant conditions as the bounties of Allah and regard these to be in greater measure than what one really deserves. Praise is to be offered to Allah and His bounties should not be employed in evil and sin. His favors should be used in obtaining His Pleasure. This is the true meaning of Shukr.

This conception of Shukr will be comprehended only when one has realized the purpose underlying creation and the functions of the various aspects of creation. For instance, the eye is a ni’mat of Allah Ta’aala. Its Shukr is to employ it correctly–to employ it in only lawful avenues, e.g. making tilaawat of the Qur’an Majeed, acquiring knowledge, studying the wonderful creation of Allah so as to gain lesson and realize the greatness and splendor of Allah Ta’aala, etc. The Shukr of the eye further demands that it be restrained from glancing at and viewing objects which Allah Ta’aala has prohibited. Similarly, the ear is a ni’mat. Its Shukr is to employ It correctly, e.g. in listening to the thikr of Allah, to such talks which remind one of the Aakhirat, and to prevent it from listening to evil, nonsensical and futile talk.

The tongue is a ni’mat. Its Shukr is to employ it in thikr, in expressing hamd, Thaana and Shukr of Allah, and to restrain it from complaining in adversity and from all evil generally. It is highly inappropriate and sinful for such a worthless slave as man to complain about any condition which Allah Ta’aala, the True King, has imposed on him. A word of Shukr emanating from the tongue is recorded as an act of obedience.

Mere expression of Shukr with the tongue unaccompanied by the true state of Shukr of the heart is only lip-service. It is essential that along with verbal expression of Shukr, the heart should value and honour the ni’mat of The Benefactor. Mere verbal Shukr will be like the outer-casing, like the outer-covering which is its external form. The rooh (soul and essence) of Shukr is that the honour and appreciation of the Mun’im (Benefactor) and the ni’mat (the bounty) are ingrained in the heart.

The initial stage of Shukr is at the intellectual level. In other words, it is the correct understanding of the true meaning of Shukr and the realization of the honour of the Benefactor. The final stage of Shukr is the manifestation of its effect on one’s body, movements and all states. In short, all the beliefs, acts of worship, mundane acts, moral and social life of the shaakir (the one who is truly grateful to Allah) will be in conformity with the Shari at.

ACQUIRING SHUKR

Say “Al-hamdu lillah” (All thanks and praise belongs to Allah) often:  A constant utterance of this phrase reminds you of the source of all blessings and happiness in this life. This practice of attributing all good actions to Allah keeps you humble and content and has a positive affect on your relations with people. Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, has instructed us to say “Al-hamdu lillah” on daily basis: “Allah is pleased with His servant if, when he eats something he thanks Allah for it, and when he drinks something he thanks Allah for it” (Muslim).

Shukr is acquired by contemplating the bounties of Allah Ta'aala. Every ni’mat is to be related to Him. By degrees such meditation will imbue the Love of Allah in the heart, the result of which will be the attainment of the perfect stage of Shukr.

The Qur’an enjoins for careful attention to the favors of Allah and repeatedly reminds us of the favors we tend to forget. Volumes of book would surely be insufficient to name the favors of Allah. Allah fashioned man into a man, He endowed him five senses enabling him to perceive the world around him, guided him to the true path through His Book and Messenger, provided the explanations of the verses, desired no hardship for His servants, He saved them from the oppression of unbelievers, made their habitations homes of rest and quite for them, created fresh water, variety of food, sea- products, ships sailing together with night and day.

A person can never say: “I fulfill my regular prayers and engage in righteous deeds but do not give thanks to Allah” he. A person who is not grateful to Allah is someone who does not occupy himself with the remembrance of Allah, and hence is heedless of Him. A worship performed in a heedless mood surely has no value in the presence of Allah. A person who consumes everything given to Him like animals without pondering over the reason why it is granted and the One, who grants them, surely needs to change this attitude. Otherwise, expecting to get a reward from Allah and hoping to attain Heaven would be meaningless. That is why a believer should never neglect to render thanks to Allah:

Very few of my servants are grateful. (34:13)"

Expressing thanks to God is a great form of worship, and at the minimum is part of our daily prayers. Allah swt has taught us that when we give thanks, blessings increase. Not only is this true about the blessings directly from God, but it applies for gratitude to the blessings of Allah swt that come from people as well. For example, a child who demonstrates true appreciation for Eid gifts or quality time spent with daddy inspires the giver to happily continue to give to that child, while a child who seems to take a gift for granted or does not seem to like or appreciate it may find the giver less generous in the future. God is not in need of our thanks and is not hurt in the least by our ingratitude, but gratitude enriches us immeasurably. "Allah is not in need of the obedience of His bondsmen, for He has the power to increase blessings forever. Therefore be a grateful bondsman to Allah, and in this manner you will see wonders.”

Even feeling and expressing gratitude is itself a merciful blessing from God.

"Complete thankfulness is to sincerely repent your inability to convey the least amount of gratitude, and expressing this by means of your sincere glorification of Allah. This is because fitting thanks is itself a blessing bestowed upon the bondsman for which he must also give thanks; it is of greater merit and of a higher state than the original blessing which caused him to respond with thanks in the first place. Therefore, every time one gives thanks one is obliged to give yet greater thanks, and so on ad infinitum, and this while absorbed in His blessings and unable to achieve the ultimate state of gratitude. For how can the bondsman match with gratitude the blessings of Allah, and when will he matches his own action with Allah's while all along the bondsman is weak and has no power whatsoever, except from Allah?”

The very first verse of the Qur’an begins with “Praise belongs to God.” (Al-Fatiha) This shows that God expects mankind to express its gratitude and admiration to Him. But this is a very trying expectation! We know that this world is full of unpleasant experiences and nobody can be insulated from them. According to the Quran, “Man is born in toil.” Indeed, it is not possible for anyone to create a life of absolute bliss for himself.

How then a person can become grateful and appreciative of God’s grace in the real sense? The only way to be so is through patience. It is only when a man patiently endures worldly problems that it is possible for him to express his feeling of gratefulness to God. It is for this reason that the Qur’an associates gratefulness with patience. (31:31)
(Read islamicchildrenstudies) checking to see if you reached this far (joking) He! He! He!
Recite and memorize the Duas of Prophet Muhammad: The most natural and beautiful way to thank Allah is the words of the Prophet himself. The Prophet told Muadh, “By Allah, I love you, so do not forget to say at the end of every prayer, ‘O Allah, help me to remember You and to give thanks to You and to worship You well’” (Ahmad and At-Tirmidhi).

The world would be a better place if we were more grateful to Allah swt and to others. Therefore, I would like to publicly thank God for His continued mercy toward me, and to thank my parents for their love. Those few words are not adequate at all, but should not be left unsaid. I invite readers to use the comments section to thank Allah swt and/or any person.

When you thank someone, make sure you mean it: When you say “Jazakallahu Khairun” (May Allah reward you the best) to your wife, does it come from your heart? Or is it received as another cold cliché? Be a little creative when you really want to express your gratitude to someone. Say it with a personal thank you card. Show it with flowers. Accompany it with a genuine smile. Charge it with emotions. Enhance it with a meal or a meaningful gift.

"Have fun praying and getting ready for the Day of Judgment coz that day will NOT be fun :) P.S.: don’t forget to make dua for me.