Wednesday, 29 August 2012

Sahih Al-Bukhari’-Imam Bukhari


In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful.

‘Sahih Al-Bukhari’
Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) - Who was he?
 To acquire (this science) solely for the pleasure of Allah.

“The most authentic book after the Holy Qur’an is Sahih Bukhari
This is the conclusion that every learned religious Scholar came to.
No matter how great these Scholars were, they were forced to unanimously agree that ‘Sahih Al-Bukhari’ is the most authentic work in Hadith literature ever compiled.

Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’an)
and surely, We will guard it (from corruption).).
(Qur'an 15:9)
The transmission of the Qur'an, from the day of its revelation up to the present day, is flawless.
The chapters and verses have been in constant use amongst Muslims and have been passed on perfectly intact from one generation to the other.
The Qur'an we know today is the same Qur'an which was revealed to the Prophet some fourteen centuries ago.
Today all of the copies of the Qur’an in the world are the same.
There is no difference and change among them.
In addition, millions of hafiz have it in their memory millions of tongues recite it every moment.
No other book written by a person has that quality and characteristic; neither does any of the holy books.
 It is necessary that the last word of Allah, His eternal command that is valid until the Day of Judgment, has such a unique rank and a high honor.

The steps of knowledge by Sufyan Ibn Uyaynah [ra]:
1} the first step in knowledge is to listen,
2} then to be quiet and attentive
3} then to preserve,
4} then to put it into practice,
5} then to spread it.

Imam ash-Shafi ((rahmatullahi alayhi) said:
''O my brother, you will not gain knowledge except through six,
I will inform you of their details with clarity, Intelligence, strong yearning, hard work, and surviving on the minimum, and the companionship of a teacher, and a long time.''

“The most authentic book after the Holy Qur’an.” This is the conclusion that every learned religious Scholar came to.
No matter how great these Scholars were, they were forced to unanimously agree
That ‘Sahih Al-Bukhari’ is the most authentic work in Hadith literature ever compiled.
We seem to have heard a lot about the magnificence of this compilation,
But how much do we really know about the person who actually compiled this book?
How much do we know about the man who had spent endless years traveling to many lands in search of people who had picked up the gems that had fallen from the lips of the Noble Messenger of Allah (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) so that he may gather these precious gems and present them to the world in the form of ‘Sahih Al-Bukhari.’
At the age of eighteen he visited Makkah accompanied by his mother and elder brother, Ahmad ibn Ism`l.
After performing the pilgrimage, his brother returned with his mother, but Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) stayed there for further education.
 Meanwhile, he wrote a book called, Qady as-Sahbah wat-Tbi`n.
After this he went to Madinah al-Munawwarah to compile the famous book of Asm` ar-rijl (Names of men of transmission) called, Trkh al-kabr,
 While sitting by the tomb of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) during moonlight hours.
 Muhammad ibn Yusuf al-Furyb said that at the time he had copied Trkh al-kabr, Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) did not yet have any facial hair.

The problem of forging of Hadith
During the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam),:emphasis was on the penning down of Qur’an
And as such the Hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)were simply committed to memory.
Though on individual level there were some attempts to scribe the Hadith, e.g. Abu Hurairah R.A. had made a private compilation,
on official level the first attempt was made by Umar bin Abdul Aziz (R.A.) for the compilation of the Hadith.
It would be erroneous to think that the Suhaba did not take pains for preservation of Hadith,
In fact some of the Sahaba (Companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) dedicated their lives to this cause.
The reason behind not writing down the Hadith during the life time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) is a different topic and needs a separate discussion.

The absence of any complete compilation of Ahadith encouraged some unscrupulous persons,
in the later period, to attribute many sayings to  the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) which he never had said.
 These sayings got currency among people and soon it became difficult to differentiate the Sahih Ahadith from the forged ones.
When the menace of forged Ahadith spread its ugly head, the Muhaddithin took upon them the task of maintaining the purity of Hadith literature.
The Muhaddithin developed criterion by which to categories the Ahadith into different categories like Sahih, Hassan, Gharib, Mauzu (forged) etc.
 It was made compulsory to narrate the Hadith with complete chain of narrators,
 Then the Muhaddith would go into the credentials of each of the narrator in the chain and accordingly the Hadith would be categorized.
 Later on when the chain of narration began to be forged, the Muhaddithin would enquire whether the person narrating from had met him or not.
The incompletion of the chain would raise doubts about the authenticity of the Hadith.
Some of the Muhaddithin had developed the spiritual insight to identify a Hadith, or the Hadith had an aura of sublimity which is lacking in the words of the common human being.
(It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: He was taught by one Mighty in Power,)

Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi)- Who was he?
Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi), who was one of the greatest compilers of Ahadith, became blind at a young age.
He had recourse to many famous and skilled doctors of his time but their treatments made no difference.
His mother was a pious worshipper and a righteous woman.
She cried out for help in the court of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) the Almighty,
 for her child and begged for the restoration of his eyesight.
 At last, "the river of mercy flowed over her," and Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) accepted her invocation.
One night, she visited Ibrahim alayhi -salaam in a dream and was told,
"Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) has restored the sight of your son because of your intense and beautiful invocations."
In the morning, as Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) got up from his bed, glimmers of light reached out into his eyes.
That is, his eyesight was fully restored.
Here we learn about dua's working when all has failed:
Make use of salah and Dua to solve any problem that even the best experts of this world cannot solve.
Unfortunately, the Muslims are turning away from these deeds today when they need them the most.
We pray for Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) to give us the true understanding of Islam. Ameen

 Abu‘abd Allah Muhammad ibn Isma’il, later known as Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi), was born in Bukhara on 13 Shawwal, 194 A.H. (July 21 810 A.C).  
 He lost his father when he was still a child. He was brought up by his illustrious and virtuous mother.  
He began his study of the Hadith at the early age of eleven. In his 16th year,
 he made pilgrimage of the Holy places along with his mother and elder brother.
 There he attended the lectures of the great teachers of Hadith in Makkah and Madinah.
He was still 18 years old, when he wrote a book on the decisions made by the Companions of  the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and their followers. 

Younus Ibn 'Ubayd [ra.] said:
"With good manners you understand the knowledge.
With the knowledge, your actions are corrected.
With actions, wisdom is obtained.
With wisdom you understand zuhd [abstinence] and are granted its benefits.
With zuhd comes abandoning the world.
With abandoning the world, comes the desire for the Hereafter.
With desire for the Hereafter the pleasure of Allah [the Mighty and Majestic] is obtained."

His elder brother, Rashid ibn Isma’il reports that the young Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) used to attend the lectures And discourses of learned men along with him and other pupils. But, unlike other pupils he never took notes of these discourses.
They criticized him for not taking notes of the lectures and thus wasted his time. Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) did not give any reply.
One day, being annoyed by their consistent criticism of his carelessness, Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) asked his fellow pupils to bring all they had noted down.
By that time, his fellow pupils had taken down more than 15 thousand Ahadith.
 Young Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi), to the amazement of all, Narrated all the 15 thousand Ahadith from his memory with minutest details which had not been noted down by the follow pupils. 
Later, he started on a study pilgrimage of the world of Islam, which lasted 16 years.
Of this period, he spent five years in Basra, visiting Egypt, Hijaz, Kufa and Baghdad several times and wandered all over Western Asia in quest of knowledge and learning . During his travels he reported Ahadith from 80,000 persons.
With the help of his exceptional memory he could retain these Ahadith with all their sources in his mind to be penned down at an opportune time.  
Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) was one of the greatest scholars this Ummah (Islamic nation) has ever produced.
The fame of his knowledge and his prodigious memory spread far and wide, and people used to travel thousands of miles in order to meet him and hear from him the Ahadith (Sayings of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace).

Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) often used to engage in archery while on horseback.
Once he missed the target and his arrow struck the pillar of a bridge, causing it to be damaged.
 He jumped of his horse, removed the arrow from the pillar and said to his companion,
“Go to the owner of this bridge and explain to him that we have caused some damage to the pillar of his bridge.
Beg for forgiveness from him. In addition, ask him to allow us to rebuild the pillar or to accept the equivalent sum of money for damages caused.”
When the owner was informed of this, he said,
“Tell Abu Abdullah (Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) that he has done nothing wrong. In fact, may all my wealth be sacrificed for him?”
When Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) heard his reply,
He was extremely happy and read five hundred Ahadith (Prophetic sayings) to those who had come from afar.
He also gave out three hundred dirhams in Sadqah (charity).
On another occasion, a group of traders from Syria came to purchase some goods from Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi).
They offered to purchase the goods from him at a price which would yield a profit of five thousand dirhams.
Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) said to them,” Return to your homes for today.”
The next day, another group of traders came to him and offered to purchase the goods at a price that would have enabled him to make a profit of ten thousand dirham. Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) refused, saying,
“I had already made an intention last night to sell these goods to the first group of traders who had come. I do not wish to change my intention now.
O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth.
He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins... (Al-Ahzab, ayat 70-71)

There is a famous happening in the life of Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) by which one can get an idea of how much care the Muhaddithin took
in ascertaining the authenticity of the Hadith.
Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) traveled to meet a man in order to take Hadith from him.
But he saw this man calling his horse with an empty vessel in his hand, as if there was food in that vessel, moving it in order for the horse to come near so he can grab the horse.
So Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) asked him, "What is in that vessel?" And the man said, "Nothing."
Then Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) said, "By Allah, I will not take Hadith from you, because you are a liar."
So it is not befitting for an individual (him or her) to be with the liars, or to be upon that which is a lie, or to be consistent upon lying.
Rather, they must consider lying as a tremendous act of evil. And know that lying is from the major sins.
 And it is a must that a person repents from lying; he has to make Tawba to Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala for lying.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said:
 "Indeed, truthfulness is that which one finds ease in his heart with, and indeed a lie is that which a person's heart is not at ease with."
So the one who is truthful, or the one you find being at ease, this is the truthful person.
And the one who is in a state of unrest, this is the individual who is a liar.
You find today that they have a lie detector's test, which monitors the person's internal movement, and this confirms the statement of the Prophet.
And Allah (Subhanahu WA Ta’aala) said:
Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah... (Al-Ahzab, ayah 23)
And also, I wanted to bring the attention of the dangers of lying, even if you are joking.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Woe to the one. Woe to the one.
Woe to the one from the hellfire, the one who lies in order to make the people laugh."
An individual should not look at the matter of making people laugh -
Even though it's a lie - rather we should look at it as something that angers Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD).
 "Every day that a person does not disobey Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) is a day of celebration".
So we should be pleased with that which Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) is pleased with.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said:
"I guarantee a house in the middle of Paradise for the one who leaves off lying even when joking."

What is meant here by the lie is Tawriyah, which is not a pure lie. Rather, it is like an individual saying to his wife,
'You are better than the moon to me.' And, yes, she is better than the moon, because she is a believer.
Or an individual says, speaking to his brother, 'he (the one who he has a dispute with) supplicates for you.'
 And indeed, the believer supplicates for the believers. Or 'he mentions you with good.'
But a person should not swear by Allah regarding a matter and then he falls into a pure lie, which is opposing reality.
And the meaning of Tawriyah is that a person makes a statement intending one thing, and the person hearing the statement understands another thing.

It is similar to the action of Abu Bakr (RadiAllahu 'anhu) when he was traveling with the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam),
And the people came and said, 'Who is this man with you?' And Abu Bakr said, "Indeed, he is a guide who is guiding us to the right path."
Abu Bakr meant by his statement that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) was a guide guiding people to the Paradise of Allah.
But the individuals who heard the statement understood that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) was a man who was guiding him on a path in the desert.
PERSONALITY
Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) belonged to a financially strong and religious family.
Once a person had to return him 50,000 Dirham, but when Imam Bukhari found him unable o pay him back he asked him to pay, Just 10 Dharam per month.
He was a very simple person. He preferred to do the work himself.
Once near Baghdad he was building an Inn all alone, carrying bricks and tools all by himself.
One of his students Muhammad bin Hathim Varak requested him to do it for him.
But he refused saying, 'THESE WILL BENIFIT ME ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT'.
According to Varak Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) monthly income was about 500 Dirham. Most of which was spent on the welfare of his students.
He never liked to have the luxuries life. He was not fond of eating or other things. He even ate grass and dry bread as food.
Taqlid
Taqlid refers to the practice of an unqualified, lay person (in a specific field of specialization) submitting to and accepting the authority of an expert in that field, without demanding proof and justification for every view, opinion or verdict expressed by such an expert authority.
Imitation is a natural tendency of human existence, practiced by millions of people worldwide in every facet of life.
The simplest and most tangible example of Taqlid is that of a child learning his basic alphabets at school.
Every child learning his alphabets is unconsciously practicing Taqlid.
A learner driver taking instructions from a driving instructor is practicing Taqlid.
People going to a specialist doctor for medical treatment and following his instructions is another example of Taqlid.
A lay person soliciting a legal opinion from an advocate or following the advice of a tax consultant is another common case of Taqlid.
A client at an engineering firm, asking for the engineer's advice on complex engineering calculations is yet another instance of Taqlid in action.
The millions of 'facts' in the myriad of sciences such as astronomy, archaeology, etc. are all distinct examples of Taqlid.
Who ever questions the 'fact' that the sun is really 93 million miles away from the earth!
It is taken for granted that this is the findings of the 'experts' in these fields and everyone simply accepts it as such.
School teachers teach these to their pupils as 'gospel truth' and children learn and memorize these 'facts' with the hope of succeeding in their exams.
There are countless such examples of Taqlid in everyday existence.
By way of extension, Taqlid is the easy option for ordinary people in the context of Islamic Fiqh or Law too.
Taqlid in Islam simply refers to accepting and following the verdicts of expert scholars of Islamic Fiqh in their exposition
and interpretation of Islamic Law, without demanding from them an in-depth explanation of the intricate processes (Ijtihad) Required in arriving at such a verdict. It simply means that ordinary folk do not have to do Ijtihad.
The duty of ordinary people is to trustingly accept the authority of the learned scholars in this matter and act upon their verdicts.
In this sense, Taqlid is a great blessing for common people, for it is beyond the capacity of everyone to understand the extremely complex And complicated mechanics of Ijtihad.
The ability to do Ijtihad requires many long years of study and erudition and a great deal of exertion in acquiring a mastery of various Islamic sciences.
  Not with standing lovethe Sahaba had for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)
 And the dedication they had for promotion of Hadith,
They observed great care in narrating it, fearing they might not make some error in the narration and thereby, unwittingly,
Attribute something to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) which he had not said. They preferred others to narrate.
They would not even tolerate that the order of words would be altered or that they would use their own words.
If they had any doubt regarding the order of the words or were not confident of their memory, they would mention even that.
From the above discussion one can get an idea of how delicate is the matter of Ahadith and how much care has been observed by the Muhaddithin in narrating Hadith.
 In our times around the world, Hadith are being narrated carelessly.
To prove the superiority of ones cult or of some particular school of thought, etc,
Hadith are being narrated without caring for their authenticity.
When a person hears a Hadith which suits his ideas, he narrates them in public carelessly and nobody dares to object, fearing contempt.
 My friends Caution is needed in the narration of the Hadith my brothers/sisters.
Only that person who is well versed with the Hadith literature should narrate Hadith
And at least should know the difference between various categories of Hadith
And that he should narrate from an authentic compilation and that Hadith should be narrated along with Takhreej.
One should desist from narrating Hadith which one has simply heard from someone else.
There is a Hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), narrated by Bukhari,(rahmatullahi alayhi)
Which I have loosely translated as:
Whoever attributed a lie to me should make hell as his dwelling place.
My Dear Islamic Brothers/sisters! Our pious predecessors had Madani intellects; their minds reached places we are negligent of.
 May Allah protect us from the disasters of treachery? 

Muhammad ibn Ahmad said:
 “When Abu ‘l-Abbas Walid ibn Ibrahim was deposed as the chief justice of Rayy
 (Formally of the great cities of Persia located a few miles from Tehran) and he came to Bukhara,
My teacher, Abu Ibrahim Al-Khatalli took me with him to see Walid.
 My teacher requested him to narrate those Hadith to me which he had heard from his teachers.
He replied, ‘I have not heard anything from them.’ My teacher was quite shocked and remarked,
‘How can you say that you have not heard anything from them whereas you are a deeply-read scholar?’
    Walid then related his story saying,
‘When I became a rational and mature adult and I developed a passion toward the science of Hadith,
 I went to Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) and explained my intentions to him.
He advised me thus, “Son, before you set out to pursue any field, make sure you are well-grounded with its prerequisites and demands.
And remember that a person cannot become a perfect scholar in the science of Hadith [Muhaddith] until
And unless he writes four things with four other things,
Which are as indispensable as four things, which resemble four other things? (He must write these things) in four times, with four conditions, in four places, upon four things, from four types of people, and for four objectives. All of these four-angled things can only be Achieved with another four things coupled with another four. Once all these things are achieved, four things will become insignificant before him and he will be tried with four other things. If he exercises patience in these four trials, Allah will honor him with four things in this world and award him four things in the hereafter.”

I said, “May Allah has mercy upon you. Please explain these four-angled things for me.” He said, “Certainly. The four things he has to write are:

(1) The statements and commands of Allah’s Messenger (the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam).
(2) The sayings of the Companions and their relative ranks.
(3) The sayings of the Followers and their ranks (i.e. who among them are reliable and who are not),and
(4) The conditions of all the narrators who narrate Hadith.

These (four pieces of information) must be written together with the following four things:
(1) The actual names of the narrators,
(2) Their appellations or titles [Kuna],
(3) Their places of residence, and
(4) Their dates of birth and death (to determine whether the narrator actually met the people he has narrated from).

(These are indispensable to him) just (as four things are necessary with four other things
(1) As praises [tahmid] of Allah (are necessary) with the khutba,
(2) As salutations [Salawaat], (are necessary) with mention of the name of Allah’s Messenger (the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam).
(3) As (the recitation of) Bismillah (is necessary) with a Sura (of the Qur’an), and
(4) As the takbir (is necessary) with the Salât.

These resemble four other things (which are names of four categories of Hadith:
(1) The musnadat [narrations traceable to the Messenger],
(2) The mursalat [narrations transmitted by a Follower from the Messenger directly without a Companion in between],
(3) The mawqufat [narrations traceable only to a Companion], and
(4) The maqtu'at [narrations traceable only to a Follower].

(These things must all be written) in four times:
(1) In his childhood,
(2) In his age of discernment (i.e. close to maturity),
(3) In his youth, and
(4) In his old age.

(In other words, he must continue acquiring Hadith at all times throughout every stage of his life? They must be written) under four conditions:
(1) While his is occupied,
(2) While he is free,
(3) In his poverty, and
(4) In his affluence.

(In other words, he must diligently pursue the knowledge of these things no matter what his circumstances may be. This is done) at four places:
(1) In mountainous terrain,
(2) On the seas,
(3) In cities, and
(4) In rural areas.

(In other words, he must Endeavour to acquire this science from the right teacher, no matter where that teacher is located.
 He writes what he has acquired) upon four things:
(1) Upon stones,
(2) Upon shells,
(3) Upon skins, and
(4) Upon bones.

(In other words, even when be does not find paper he will continue recording it somewhere) until he finds the paper upon which to preserve it. (He acquires it from four different types of people:
(1) From his seniors,
(2) From his juniors,
(3) From his counterparts, and
(4) From the books of his father, provided he has firm conviction that these are his father’s books.

(In other words, he Endeavour’s to acquire this science in every way possible without feeling ashamed to obtain it even from his juniors. He has four objectives for doing all of these things:
(1) To acquire (this science) solely for the pleasure of Allah,
(2) To practice upon the Hadith which confirm to the verses of the Holy Qur’an?
(3) To propagate (the science) to those who seek it, and
(4) To write it out so that it can be a source of guidance to those who will come after him.

Thereafter, the aforementioned four things cannot be acquired (unless he has first acquired) four other things that are part of human acquisition:
(1) The knowledge of how to read and write,
(2) Lexicography and vocabulary,
(3) Morphology, and
(4) Syntax,

Together with four other things that are not of human acquisition, but are bestowed by Allah:
(1) Sound health,
(2) Ability,
(3) An ardent desire for learning, and
(4) A retentive memory.

Once all the aforementioned four-angled things are attained by him, then four things will become insignificant before him:
(1) His family,
(2) His children,
(3) His wealth and
(4) His motherland.

He will then be afflicted with four things:
(1) His enemies will rejoice at his distress,
(2) His friends will reproach him,
(3) The ignorant will taunt him, and
(4) The scholars [Ulamã] will be jealous of him.

Once he exercises patience on these calamities, Allah will honor him with four things in this world:
(1) The honor of contentment [qana'a],
(2) Conviction coupled with awe and dignity,
(3) The pleasure of sacred knowledge ['ilm] and
(4) Eternal life.

(On top of that,) Allah will honor him with four things in the hereafter:
(1) The honor of intercession on behalf of whomever he pleases,
(2) The shade of the throne of Allah on the day when there will be no shade available except the shade of His throne,
(3) The privilege to provide water to whomsoever he pleases from the pool of Muhammad [al-Kawthar], and
(4) Close proximity with the Prophets [Ambiya'] in the Highest of the High Places [alá ‘illiyyin].

So now, my son, I have told you whatever I have heard from my teachers.
Now you have the choice to either pursue this field or to abstain from it.”

These are the principles and rules Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) has laid out for every individual who wishes to become a Hadith scholar or a student of Hadith.
We should take heed of Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi)’s advice and hold firmly onto it.
In actual fact, the science of Hadith is even more difficult to attain than Imam Bukhari (rahmatullahi alayhi) describes.


Imam Ash-Shafi (rahmatullahi alayhi) said: If you want to speak, then you should ask yourself, 'Is this speech going to be something that is good?'
 If it is good, then proceed forward and speak. Put your trust in Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala. And seek His reward.
If however, the speech is going to be something that is evil, then remain silent.
And if a person doesn't know if the speech is going to be good or evil - and this is the third state -
 Then leave it off for the believer fears the doubtful matters. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said:
   And the one who keeps away from the doubtful matters, and then he has saved himself regarding his religion and regarding his honor.

If I said anything correct, then it is from Allah (Subhanahu WA Ta’aala),
      And if I erred, then that is from me and Shaitan.
May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make us from the Companions of His Book and unite us with His righteous slaves in the highest gardens of Paradise. Amen.
May Allah Subhanahu wata`aalaa grant us what is best in this world and the next!
Action speaks louder then words my friend’s practice Islam the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did.
 May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him?
May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make our efforts sincere and keep us all on the straight path...........
Feel free to Share the information here with everyone you know
         P.S.: "Have fun praying don’t forget to make Dua for me.

Sunday, 19 August 2012

EID MUBARAK

Eid is a time of happiness and joyous spiritual renewal. It's a time for pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. Eid, which means festivity, is complete when everybody smiles. Spreading our joy and happiness is the surest way for us to complete this festivity.

Yet many among us will have little occasion to smile this Eid. Many among us will spend their Eid alone, unable to share in the happiness of Eid. From little children in orphanages to senior citizens in old homes, countless people in institutions spend a time of happiness isolated from the celebrations rampant in the rest of the country .Eid Al Fitr is also a time of forgiveness and making amends so it is famous for its sweet character: sweet food and sweet talk.
This day is the opportunity to make amends and set aside arguments and conflicts of recent times. People hug each other and forgive each other any mistakes of the past year and wish each other salvation and blessing.
 EID the day of Charity: Eid doesn’t just stand for an extravaganza it also involves charity and kindness for the poor and the needy. We believed that Eid is the best occasion to give charity and Muslims are recommended to assist the poor in bettering his life by whatever means possible.
It was the day of celebration and a day of rejoicing. There was an air of festivity in the streets of Madinah. All the people, both young and old were dressed in their best clothes, especially for this special day of Ramadan Eid. As it was time for early morning Ramadan Eid prayers everyone made their way to an open piece of land on the outskirts of the city of Madinah.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) arrived and led the prayers.

After they had finished they all greeted each other and everyone was walking back home.

The children were running and playing in excitement, smiling and laughing, without a care in the world. As The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)walked back home, he suddenly became aware of a little boy (Zuhair Bin Saghir) sitting by himself on the side of the path.

The little boy was crying and looked very sad. The
Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) bent down and patted him on the shoulders and asked 'why are you crying?' 'Please leave me alone' sobbed the little boy. The boy didn't even see who was talking to him. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) ran his fingers through the boy's hair and very gently and kindly asked him again why he was crying.

This time the boy said, 'My father was martyred fighting, and now my mother has married again and my stepfather does not want me to live at home any more. Today is Eid and everyone is happy. All the children have new clothes and nice things to eat, but I don't have any clothes except what I am wearing. I have no food and I don't even have a place to live.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said to him, 'I know how you feel, I lost both my mother and father when I was a little boy.' The boy was surprised to hear that it was an orphan who was comforting him, and when he looked up to his great surprise it was the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), and he immediately jumped up to his feet out of love and respect.The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said to him 'If I were to become your new father and my wife you new mother, and my daughter your new sister, would that make you feel better?' 'Oh yes, that would be the best thing in the world!'

The boy started smiling.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) took him home and gave him new clothes and good food on this beautiful day of Ramadan Eid. The boy indeed had a wonderful Ramadan Eid that day.

We should think of others that are less fortunate than ourselves on this beautiful day of Ramadan Eid. Not everyone has such a wonderful day. It is a day of celebration, but takes a moment to stop and think of those who are less fortunate than ourselves by following the Sunnah of our
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam).
So If you are interested & spread this Massage of
"KINDNESS" Participate It. Give Happiness to poor Children in shape of EIDI, Clothes, Gifts. & anything you can this EID.
A thing to keep in mind is that while preparing for Eid One doesn’t forget those who cannot afford to buy a new dress, may be you can add color of happiness to anyone’s Eid. If you cannot afford to do much for someone you can at least buy sweets and small gifts for poor kids as eidi
also remember poor and week people of Muslim society on Eid day search around your town
and must help those in the form of Fitr and Zakat, so they can also celebrate Eid with happiness.
I am so amazed with how fast the days flew by. It was just like yesterday we were counting days
and now we are bidding goodbye to this holy month as ordained by the Lord and Master of the universe.
Of all the changes in our life, this seeming shrinkage in time and in hours is often unnerving but only
 for those who care to think about it.
Signs of end time, I’m told, a reason for more devotions, I believe, as our days hasten to end.
As we conclude this year’s fasting and bid farewell to the holy month,
we should all remember the lessons learnt and strive to be steadfast in all the good things
we got accustomed to in the month.
I join the millions of the Muslim faithful in praying to almighty Allah to accept our worship
and free us from hell-fire and spare our lives to witness many more Ramadans.
      Those POOR CHILDREN who can't celebrate EID And can’t have fun on the occasion of
GREAT EID...Because they don’t have much Money or HEALTH!
All MY DUA'S and BEST WISHES are for THEM...
 And LOTS AND LOTS OF LOVE....
Either they read or don’t read,
Either they get this massage or not,
I Pray to Great Allah SWT.... that
 O! ALLAH ALWAYS MAKE THEM HAPPY,
KEEP THEM SMILING,
ALL THEIR LIFE,
IN PEACE, BETWEEN LOVE...
 EID MUBARAK
TO ALL POOR FRIENDS OF
ENTIRE MUSLIM WORLD,
To their family and their friends,
And to everyone…
 
If I said anything correct, then it is from Allah (Subhanahu WA Ta’aala),
      And if I erred, then that is from me and Shaitan.
May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make us from the Companions of His Book and unite us with His righteous slaves in the highest gardens of Paradise. Amen.
May Allah Subhanahu wata`aalaa grant us what is best in this world and the next!
Action speaks louder then words my friend’s practice Islam the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did.
 May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him?
May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make our efforts sincere and keep us all on the straight path...........
Feel free to Share the information here with everyone you know
         P.S.: "Have fun praying don’t forget to make Dua for me.

Wednesday, 15 August 2012

Sabr/Patience is an extremely important virtue for a believer


Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen. Was-salatu was-salaamu alaa Khayril mursaleen. Muhammadin-nabeey-yil Ummiy-yee, wa-‘alaa aalihee, wa sahbihee, aj-ma’een.
Ammaa ba’ad:
Innalláha wa malaaikata yusallúna alan nabi. Yá ay yuhal latheena ámanu sallú alayhi wasalli mú tas leema. Allahumma Salli alá Muhammad, WA ala áli Muhammad, Kama salayta ala Ibrahim, WA ala ali Ibrahim. Allahumma barik ala Muhammad, wa alaa áli Muhammad, kama barakta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali ibrahim. Fil ála meen, innaka hameedun majeed.”

 Ramadan patience
Sabr/Patience is an extremely important virtue for a believer
  Sabr is an extremely important virtue for a believer.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) talking to some poor Muslims from Ansar whom he had given whatever he had, said:
"Whoever practices Sabr, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’aala gives him Sabr.
 And no one can be given anything better or more far-reaching (comprehensive) than Sabr”: Bukhari and Muslim.

   In This month of Ramadan patience has been the most important lesson for all of us.
Like it or not we have all been applying patience in our daily life in Ramadan.
Those who have not have lost out. (Why be a loser? pray more).
     My dear friend we are all tested by Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) in numerous ways in this dunya and it all depends on how we handle it...
Life comes and goes just as quickly for those who live morally as for those who do not.
Those who exhibit impatience when facing the tests that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) creates while they are in this world, who revolt against them by becoming impatient, and who are not constant in their morality and worship one day will die and find themselves between Heaven and Hell.
Those who choose patience and surrender to Destiny spend their temporary life here in the finest possible way
And will enter Paradise due to their trust in Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD).
Those who spend their life being impatient,
And complaining about their difficulties and troubles will find them in the darkness of Hell, just as they lived here in the darkness of irreligion, and will realize that they have sacrificed eternal life for a short temporary life on Earth.
Hardships and ease are a trial for you.
 Everything Allah chooses for you; from good or evil, is for your benefit.
Whatever occurred to you could not have missed you and what missed you could never have reached you.
Rewards are only for those who are patient with the Decree of Allah.
Panic and impatience cannot prevent Allah’s Decree. Shakwah, Shikwa etc (complaining) is contradictory to Sabr (patience).
 Allah alone can protect you from harm and ease your difficulties. Sabr is obligatory!
If the affliction results from acts of obedience to Allah, such as injury on the battlefield, losing money during Hijra
(migrating for the sake of Allah), losing a job because of accepting Islam or because one attempts to follow the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) like growing the beard, wearing the lower garment above the ankles, etc, then the affliction is a trial. Whoever bears it with patience will be rewarded and whoever exhibits annoyance may invoke the wrath of Allah upon himself.
If the affliction befalls due to sinful actions, such as illnesses caused by drinking alcohol and using drugs etc,
 then the affliction is a punishment from Allah. Hasten to avoid all sinful acts and turn towards Allah in repentance and ask his forgiveness. Otherwise, know that the punishments of the Hereafter are far more severe and unbearable.
If the affliction is neither connected to neither a good deed nor a sin, such as other kinds of disease and sickness, losing a child, or failing in business, then you should evaluate your actions.
 If you are involved in some kind of disobedience to Allah then the affliction is a punishment for you and a reminder to leave your evil deeds. Otherwise, Allah has caused this affliction to test your patience. The Messenger of Allah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “One amongst the inhabitants of Hell, who had lived a
 life of ease and pleasure in the world, would be made to dip in the Hell Fire only once on the Day of Resurrection.
 Then he would be asked: ‘O son of Adam, Did you find any comfort. Did you get any blessing?’ He would say: ‘By Allah, no, my Lord!’ Then a person, from the inhabitants of Paradise, who had led the most miserable life (in the world), would be made to dip once in Paradise and it would be said to him: ‘O son of Adam, did you face any hardship or experience any distress?’ he would say: ‘By Allah! No never have I experienced any hardship or distresses.” (Saheeh Muslim, No. 6738)

  “And certainly, we shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad
 tidings to as-Saabireen (the patient ones).
 Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Inna Ilahi WA Inna Ilaihi Raaji’un (Verily to Allah we belong and verily, to Him we shall return).”
 They are those on whom are the Salawaat (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are
 those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones.” (2:155-157)
    But Do You Know What Sabr/patience really is?
 It implies patience, forbearance, perseverance, determination, fortitude, constancy and steadfastness.
Sabr/patience assumes different dimensions depending upon which aspect of life is the point of reference:
Here is one example:-Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) demonstrated best of Sabr/patience in all of the situations
 Described below giving us a vivid picture of what a perfect and ideal Sabr/patience looks like.
The most outstanding example of Sabr/patience in the way of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) demonstrated
In the face of persecutions from non-Muslims was that of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)'s 13 years in Makkah and his experience in Taaif.
 That was humanity at its best, Sabr/patience par excellence and Ihsan without a parallel. (Sunna in operation)
To prepare for this, he was admonished at the very outset of the mission,
"And practice Sabr for the sake of your Lord." Al-Mudaththir 74:7
And then he (Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) was reminded,
"Rejected were the messengers before you and they continued to practice Sabr while they were being rejected and persecuted, until Our help reached them?" Al-Anam 6:34
"And practice Sabr; certainly Allah does not let the reward of the Muhsineen be lost." Younus 11:115
He (Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) indeed excelled in what he was commanded.
The same is expected from us.
Although we may not be able to reach that level of excellence, our goal is to strive towards that level.
We all have an obligation to revive Islam (Dawa), and we are bound to face all kind of difficulties requiring us to exhibit appropriate Sabr in response to all of those circumstances.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did warn us about this situation,
"A time is going to come on people when remaining steadfast on Deen will be like holding a burning coal in one's hand." Anas R.A. in At-Tirmizi
…….Lowest level of Sabr:-
One of the best qualities of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) was his inexhaustible Sabr/patience,
 Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) was always with Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) because Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) is always with those who patiently persevere.
Tears or Sadness is not against the spirit of the patience.
When the grandson of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), (son of Zainab R.A.), was taking his last breath in the Prophet's lap, tears came down from Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam),’s eyes.
When Sad R.A. wondered, the Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam explained,
 "This is an expression of mercy that Allah has put in the hearts of people.”. : Bukhari and Muslim.
This kind of patience is the lowest level of Sabr expected of the believers and is one of the qualities emanating from the Taqwa in the heart.
The test of the patience is at the initial shock. With time, everyone cools down.
The patient person controls his/her reactions at the very outset.
Reacting emotionally in the beginning and then cooling off is indicative of lack of patience.
The Messenger of Allah Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) told a women crying over the grave of her husband, "Maintain Taqwa and be patient.
“Later on he explained to her, "The real Sabr (patience) is that which is demonstrated at the initial shock.Bukhari and Muslim.
The Messenger of Allah Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said, "Allah Tabaaraka WA Ta’aala says: O son of Adam!
If you remained patient restraining yourself and expecting my reward at the initial shock,
I will not be happy without rewarding you with Jannah.” Ibn Majah.
The complementary quality for this Sabr is Shukr (gratitude) which means thanking Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala for any good things,
Happy occasions, successes, health, profitability, good harvest and prosperity we enjoy in our life.
Because all of these things depend, in addition to our hard work, on many favorable circumstances and conditions that are beyond our control,
A believer thanks Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala for providing the ability to work hard and making our efforts fruitful through all those favorable circumstances and conditions.
This is what is alluded to in the following Ahadith:
The Messenger of Allah Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said, "Wondrous are the believer's affairs.
For him there is good in all his affairs, and this is true only for a believer. If he encounters something troubling, he remains steadfast with patience, and that is good for him.
If he experiences something pleasing, he thanks Allah, and that is good for him. : Muslim.
       O ye believe! Endure and out-do all others in endurance: [3: 200]
      And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops: but give glad tidings to the steadfast. [2: 155]]
       Seek help in steadfastness and prayer. Lo! Allah is with the steadfast. [2: 153]

 
 Abu Sayed Khudri [RA] related that some people from among the Ansar requested the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) to give them something and he gave them; they asked again and he gave them till he exhausted all that he had. Then he Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said to them:  ''Whenever there is anything with me, I do not hesitate to give it to you. Remember: One who desires chastity, Allah makes him chaste; one who wants contentment, Allah makes him content; and the person who aspires for steadfastness, Allah bestows steadfastness upon him. No one has been awarded a better bounty than patience and submission.''  (Bukhari and Muslim)
Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)  demonstrated best of Sabr in all of the situations giving us a vivid picture of what a perfect and ideal Sabr looks like.

The most outstanding example of Sabr in the way of Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala demonstrated in the face of persecutions from non-Muslims was that of our Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam 13 years in Makkah and his experience in Taaif. That was humanity at its best, Sabr par excellence and Ihsan without a parallel. To prepare for this, he was admonished at the very outset of the mission,

"And practice Sabr for the sake of your Lord." Al-Mudaththir 74:7
And then he was reminded,
"Rejected were the messengers before you and they continued to practice Sabr while they were being rejected and persecuted, until Our help reached them." Al-Anam 6:34
"And practice Sabr; certainly Allah does not let the reward of the Muhsineen be lost." Yunas 11:115

"The fair settlement for a wrong is equal retribution.
However, whoever forgives and reconciles his reward is due on Allah, and Allah does not like the unjust.
 And whoever avenges himself after being wronged, they are not to be blamed.
The blame is on those who oppress people and wrongfully rebel in the land.
For them, there will be a painful punishment.
And indeed whoever practices Sabr and forgives that is a highly resolute, top-notch behaviour" Ash-Shuraa Quran: 42:40
    Once, a person was verbally abusing Abu Bakr while the Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam was curiously watching with a smile. After taking much abuse quietly, Abu Bakr responded to a few of his comments. At this, the Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam exhibited his disapproval, got up and left. Abu Bakr caught up with the Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam and wondered, "O Messenger of Allah, he was abusing me and you remained sitting. When I responded to him, you disapproved and got up." The Messenger of Allah Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam responded,

"There was an angel with you responding to him. When you responded to him, Shaitan took his place."
He then said,
"O Abu Bakr, there are three solid truths: If a person is wronged and he forbears (without seeking revenge) just for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’aala, Allah will honor him and give him upper hand with His help; if a person opens a door of giving gifts for cementing relationships with relatives, Allah will give him abundance; and, if a person opens a door of seeking charity for himself to increase his wealth, Allah will further reduce his wealth." Abu Hurairah R.A. in Musnad Ahmad.
The prime example for practicing Sabr, forbearing and then forgiving is the behaviour of Yusuf in response to his brothers' wrongs. The Holy Qur’an observes:
"Indeed, whoever maintains Taqwa and practices Sabr, Allah does not let the reward of the Muhsineen be lost." Yusuf 12:90
The above two dimensions of Sabr were purely from the perspective of the personal life of a Muslim. The third and fourth dimensions cover the kind of Sabr needed in the Islamic work. No matter what dimension of sabr we talk about, we must always remember, that our Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam provided the best examples in all of them.
        He indeed excelled in what he was commanded. The same is expected from us.
 Although we may not be able to reach that level of excellence, our goal is to strive towards that level.
 We all have an obligation to revive Islam as a movement and we are bound to face all three kind of difficulties mentioned in this section requiring us to exhibit appropriate Sabr in response to all of those circumstances. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did warn us about this situation,
"A time is going to come on people when remaining steadfast on Deen will be like holding a burning coal in one's hand." Anas R.A. in At-Tirmizi
This world my friend is but a believer’s prison.Gather all the strength at your command and be patient/Sabr and forbearing throughout its ups and downs. With courage and fortitude, stand against adversities and calamities. Make yourself understand that the agitation and anguish inside you, aside from involving a great disgrace by them, are futile in confrontation with sufferings and calamities.
Be happy with Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) and don’t complain in front of creatures about His irresistible decrees and inevitable ordainments. During the times of hardships, turn your heart's attention to the focal point of Absolute Perfection (Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)  and you will witness its effects in this world itself and your heart will attain such an expanse that it will become the realm of the manifestation of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) 's sovereignty. Richness and contentment will then pervade your heart such that everything related to this world will become worthless in your eyes. Sabr, forbearance and restraint bring fair, plentiful rewards and have sublime and beautiful forms in the world of Barzakh (purgatory).
If you have faith in Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) and you believe that all the affairs lie in His mighty hands,
You will not complain before Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) of the hardships of life and the adversities that strike you.
 Rather, you will accept them willingly, fulfill your duties and thank Him gratefully for His bounties.
 If there's one thing I've really learned from studying Islam and is now definitely part of my being is Sabr/patience.
Once you get it's a treasure to hold tight .It's not easy, but it's possible! I Pray to our creator Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) grant all of us Sabr/patience. Amen.
"It is Allah Who has created me, and it is He Who guides me; and when I am ill, it is He who cures me
"And it is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink..."And who will cause me to die, and then will bring me to life (again);
"And Who, I hope will forgive me my faults on the Day of Recompense, (the Day of Resurrection)" (Surah Al Shuraa)
And remember what our beloved prophet Muhammad SAW saying: Whoever remains patient,
Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) will make him patient.
Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience. Sahih Bukhari.
Anas bin Malik [R.A...] related that the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said:  '' No one should wish for death because of misfortune that befalls him. If any body should be so hard up with life he could say: Allah, keep me alive as long as life is good for me, and I may die when death is better for Me.'': [Bukhari and Muslim].
My beloved Brothers and Sisters,
 I ask Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) to grant us Sabr /patience,
I ask Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) to grant us Sabr/ patience,
I ask Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) to grant us Sabr/ patience.
Ya Allah, we ask you to relieve the suffering of all those who are under the oppression, and to heal those that are sick, and to help us in gaining a part of your knowledge in our studies and to use that knowledge for the benefit of all his creation.
Ya Allah please guide our footsteps to the right path and forgive us our mistakes and shortcomings.

 Allahumma ighfirlana wa irhamna
WA ‘fina wa afu ‘anna
WA tawalana wa tub ‘layna
WA arina al Haq haqan warzookna atiba’a
WA arina al baatila baatilan warzookna ijtinaba
WA unsor illah hum ill muslimeen
WA akhir da’wana wal hamdu illah rab il ‘Aalameen
WA salamun ‘al mursaleen
WA aqim al salah…

The big Question is can keep your Sabr going?
What has Ramadan done for you?
What where the lesson learnt?
Take stoke of your life now, if you have not done so by now, Do it my friend...

I’d like to pray for all of us to be included in the group of persons who are being rewarded by the virtue of sabr.

If I said anything correct, then it is from Allah (Subhanahu WA Ta’aala),
      And if I erred, then that is from me and Shaitan.
May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make us from the Companions of His Book and unite us with His righteous slaves in the highest gardens of Paradise. Amen.
May Allah Subhanahu wata`aalaa grant us what is best in this world and the next!
Action speaks louder then words my friend’s practice Islam the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did.
 May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him?
May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make our efforts sincere and keep us all on the straight path...........
Feel free to Share the information here with everyone you know
         P.S.: "Have fun praying don’t forget to make Dua for me.

Thursday, 2 August 2012

The Qur’an was revealed to be recited, respected, understood and internalized.


I Seek refuge in Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), from the Shaitan.
      In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
         Islam has two primary sources, the Qur’an, and (Sunna) the authentic Traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), that explain and sometimes expand on that of the Qur’an.
         
Bismillah Al-Hamdulillah WA salatu WA Salamu 'ala RasulAllah
Amma ba'd

The HOLY QURAN IS SIMPLE TO UNDERSTAND IMPOSSIBLE TO IMITATE.
The Qur’an was revealed to be recited, respected, understood and internalized.
Are you learning Qur’an this Ramadan? Are you reading more then last Ramadan? Have you improved on it this Ramadan?
The Holy Qur'an says that no man will be able to forge even a part of it and that no corruption shall touch it from any side. It is a miracle that the Holy Qur'an has remained unchanged and unaltered during all these 1400 years and it shall remain so till the Day of Resurrection, for Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), has taken it on Himself to protect it.
The Book of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) is like an ocean. The less learned, like children, collect pebbles and shells from its shores. The scholars and thinkers, like pearl divers, bring out from it the highest philosophy, wisdom and rules of a perfect way of living. For easy daily recitation, the Qur'an is divided into thirty equal parts. One part takes only twenty-four reading minutes, and the whole Book requires twelve reading hours. There are 114 chapters, and 6,226 verses, containing 99,464 words made up of 330, 113 letters.
.The first chapter is recited in every prayer.
   It is important to Muslims. It can be translated as follows:
    Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening)
   Praise is only for Allah, Lord of the Universe.
The most Kind, the most Merciful.
The master of the Day of Judgment.
You alone we worship and to you alone we pray for help.
Show us the straight way, the way of those whom you have blessed.
Who have not deserved your anger? Nor gone astray.

"Shahru ramadaanal-lathi unzila feehil-Quraana huda linnaasi wa bay-yinaatim-minal hudaa wal furqaan. Fa man shahida minkumu shahra fal yasumhu" Qur’an (2:185).

"Ramadan is the (month) in which the Qur'an was sent down, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting."
This Quranic verse explains the inseparable link between the Qur’an and the month of Ramadan
The Qur’an is characterized by a unique phenomenon never found in any human authored book.
Every element of the Qur’an is mathematically composed - the Surah, the verses, the words, the number of certain letters, the number of words from the same root, the number and variety of divine names, the unique spelling of certain words, the absence or deliberate alteration of certain letters within certain words, and many other elements of the Qur’an besides its content. There are two major facets of the Quran’s mathematical system: (1) The mathematical literary composition, and (2) The mathematical structure involving the numbers of Surah and verses. Because of this comprehensive mathematical coding, the slightest distortion of the Quran’s text or physical arrangement is immediately exposed.

"Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the night of Al-Qadr.
And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr is?
The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months
Therein descend the angels and the Ruh (Gabriel) by Allah's Permission with all Decrees,
Peace! Until the appearance of dawn (97:1-5)
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (i.e. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does well of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know." (2:183-84)

"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days.

Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him" (2: 185).

The relationship between the Month of Fasting and the Book of Guidance (Al-Qur'an) are tied in the heavens.
 It is well acknowledged that the revelation of the Qur'an to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) began in the month of Ramadan in the Cave of Hira where he used to make an annual retreat.

"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)…." (Qur'an 2 verse 185).
The importance of this relationship is further strengthened with the knowledge that Angel Jibril Alayhi salaam would visit the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) every night in Ramadan to recite the Qur'an together: "…in the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him, and Jibril used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) used to recite the Qur'an to Jibril, and when Jibril met him, he used to be more generous than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare)." (Bukhari)
The more reason we are encouraged to read and study the Qur'an in this blessed month is because Ramadan intends to make us closer to the Qur'an. It wants to make us a part of their union because whoever studies and abide by the Qur'an will no doubt attain the goal of Ramadan (self-restraints, piety and noble conducts. This is because the Qur’an is guidance, mercy and protection all packed for the adornment of the believer. "And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) as Muslims)." (Qur'an 16 verse 89)
The month of Ramadan should be filled with the recitation of the Qur’an and reflection on its meaning. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Verily, Allah elevates some people with this Qur'an and humiliates others by it." (Muslim)
The Qur'an will also elevate its reciters on the Day of Judgment. Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)'s Messenger, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The one who was devoted to the Qur'an will be told on the Day of Judgment: ‘Recite and ascend (in Ranks) as you used to recite when you were on earth. Your rank (station) will be at the last verse you recite." (Abu Dawud & Tirmidhi)
Further, it will also intercede for its reciters on the day when we would require all help. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam): "Recite the Qur’an for indeed it will come on the Day of Judgment as an intercessor for its Ashhab (those who read memorize and implement it)". (Muslim)
In order to benefit from the gift of the Qur'an, we have to recite it (avoid reading too fast, remember we have been instructed to "…recite the Qur’an (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style." (Qur'an 73 verse 4). Follow the etiquettes of reciting it, which includes being in a state of wudu, correct pronunciation, seeking refuge from Shaitan). Then we have to memorize it .The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it" [Bukhari]).
For those who are already in the habit of reading the Qur'an every Ramadan,
Try and make sure to complete the entire Qur'an, if you have not been doing so in the past.
 Also, take this as an opportunity to get into the habit of reading the Qur'an daily even when Ramadan is over.
If you have not been reading the Qur'an during Ramadan in the past,
Then decide how much time you can reasonably take out of your schedule to read Qur'an on a daily basis.
 Don't push yourself to do too much,
Otherwise you'll end up right back where you started: not reading the Qur'an at all. Also remember,
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.
” Therefore, it's very important that you make a Ramadan schedule that you can stick to.

Is There A Minimum One Should Read?
Well, some scholars – such as Imam Ahmad and others –
Have disliked for a person to not complete the Qur'an at least every 40 days,
 Based on a Hadith of `Abdullah b. `Amr in which the Prophet the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) Instructed him to recite the Qur'an in forty days. Another narration gives the minimum as once a month.
However, this should not be taken as something obligatory,
 Particularly for those: who are not in the habit of reading Qur'an at all, or are not proficient in reciting the Qur'an, such as new Muslims.
 For them to attempt, all at once, to start reading the entire Qur'an once a month would probably become a barrier to them reading the Qur'an at all.
 As a bare minimum, one should study ten verses a day. This is based this on the narration of ibn Masud that the Companions used to learn the Qur'an ten verses at a time.
Since the hunger and thirst brought on by fasting softens the heart and makes it more receptive, this is an excellent time to try and read and contemplate the Qur'an. For that reason, I would highly recommend not merely reading the Qur'an, but studying it. It was the Sunnah of The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) to study the Qur'an nightly with Jibril. It was this sort of thoughtful study of the Qur'an that had an impact on the quality of The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) deeds. He was already the most generous of all human beings, yet study of the Qur'an in this month increased him in generosity.

The Messenger of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) (prayers of Allah be upon him and his family) has said: “These hearts rust just as iron rusts; and indeed they are polished through the recitation of the Qur’an.”
We have to live the Qur'an (the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) he was described as the Walking Qur'an by his wife, Aishah (RadiAllahu anha). The Qur’an was revealed to be recited, respected, understood and internalized. So, don’t just recite the Qur’an in Ramadan, memorize it, digest it and live it!

Set of rules for dealing with the Qur’an.
   Before one touches the book one must perform ritual washing or ablution i.e. beginning with the intention of ablution and the washing of the face, followed by the washing of 2 hands up to the elbows, to be followed by washing part of the head and finally the washing of the 2 legs up to the ankles.
 The Qur'an itself states that only those who are clean and pure should touch the sacred text: "This is indeed a Holy Qur'an, in a book well-guarded, which none shall touch but those who are clean..." (56:77-79). The Arabic word translated here as "clean" is mutahiroon, a word that is also sometimes translated as "purified".
   Some argue that this purity or cleanliness is of the heart, i.e. that only Muslim believers should handle the Qur'an. However, the majority of Islamic scholars interpret these verses to also refer to a physical cleanliness or purity, which is attained by making formal ablutions (wudu). Therefore, most Muslims believe that only those who are physically clean through formal ablutions should touch the pages of the Qur'an.   
Muslims are to listen in attentively whilst the Qur'an is being read.
    For the ease of reading so that we can pay attention to the meanings of the Qur’an) a special book stand (rihal) is used to keep it of the floor in respect of the Holy Book.
    There are various customs in different areas - these include:  The Qur'an is covered with cloth to keep it clean and protect it.
      It is kept on a high shelf with nothing above it. Before some readers will read it they touch their forehead with the book and kiss the cover.
The Qur’an was given to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) over 23 years (13 years whilst he was in Makkah and 10 years while he was in Madinah).  The longest chapters are at the beginning of the Holy Book and the shorter ones at the end of the Qur’an.
Children start with memorizing the smaller chapters at the end.
  
Tajweed
The word "Tajweed" means to improve, make better.
   Tajweed of the Holy Qur'an is the knowledge and application of the rules of recitation so the reading of the Qur'an is as the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), recited.
Tajweed and its application can only be learned with a qualified teacher.
The rules themselves can be studied independently, but their correct application can only be done by listening to, reciting to, and being corrected by, a qualified teacher of the Qur'an.
Do all Arabs know how to recite the Qur'an with proper Tajweed? (Simple answer is NO)
Unfortunately many do not know proper Tajweed. 
In the days of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), there was no need for the study of Tajweed because they talked with what is now known as Tajweed; in other words, it was natural for them.
 Now, over 14 centuries later, colloquial Arabic has changed radically from the classical Arabic with which the Qur'an was revealed, and Arabs have to study Tajweed, just in the same way that non-Arabs do.

Do you want to learn the Qur’an?
I want to learn to recite the Qur'an with proper Tajweed, but don't know where to start.
The first step is finding a qualified Qur'an teacher who will listen to you and point out your mistakes, and help you practice fixing them. 
You will need to learn the Arabic letters and vowels too.
What if there aren't any qualified teachers where I live?
Then your task is going to be a little harder, but certainly not impossible.
 You need to work with tapes of good reciters. That allows the student to repeat what the reciter has just read.
You will need to work on the pronunciation of letters by getting a description of the articulation points and practice placing your tongue, lips, or finding the place in your throat where the letter is articulated from, and compare it to the letter when recited by the Sheikh.

My friends do not lose heart. Keep the following Hadith in the back of your mind:
“Recite the Qur'an, for on the Day of Resurrection, it shall come as an intercessor for its companion.” [Muslim]
The Messenger of Allah (blessings of Allah be upon him and his family) has said:
 “The best of those amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and then teaches it to others.”

May Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) give us the Tufiq to be able to study the Qur’an and implement it in our daily lives in accordance to the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam?)

If I said anything correct, then it is from Allah (Subhanahu WA Ta’aala),
      And if I erred, then that is from me and Shaitan.
May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make us from the Companions of His Book and unite us with His righteous slaves in the highest gardens of Paradise. Amen.
May Allah Subhanahu wata`aalaa grant us what is best in this world and the next!
Action speaks louder then words my friend’s practice Islam the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did.
 May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him?
May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make our efforts sincere and keep us all on the straight path...........
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