Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave a special attention for Dates as part of the believer’s diet especially during the Holy month Ramadan. Allah Almighty mentioned Palm trees many times in the Quran, and made it the food of the dwellers of Paradise, So what are the secrets of this great nutriment? Is it possible to think of using dates as remedy for some diseases? What do scientists of today say about dates?
Dates are one of the most nourishing fruits and It’s called sometimes “Bread of Desert”, More than two third of dates’ weight is natural sugar. This fruit was highly esteemed by the ancient civilizations more than 5000 years ago; ancient Egyptians considered dates as a symbol of fertility, while the Romans and the Greeks used it to ornament their stately triumph pageants[1]. Today, dates are widely-grown in the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Egypt, Iraq, Spain, Italy and the United States. There are more than 600 varieties of dates [2].
Next, we are going to explore the usefulness of dates to humans throughout the different stages of their lives.
Dates and the Prebirth period
Dates stimulate the uterus by regulating and brisking its contractions which facilitate delivery. The uterus is a relatively large muscular organ and it urgently requires an adequate supply of natural sugar during labor and delivery. Being laxative, dates are essential for pregnant women before delivery in order to purge the colon and intestine and to facilitate delivery. The miraculous ness of the Quranic verse shows evidently as Allah tells Mary: (And shake the trunk of the palm tree towards thee – thou wilt cause ripe dates to fall upon thee) [Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave a special attention for Dates as part of the believer’s diet especially during the Holy month Ramadan. Allah Almighty mentioned Palm trees many times in the Quran, and made it the food of the dwellers of Paradise, So what are the secrets of this great nutriment? Is it possible to think of using dates as remedy for some diseases? What do scientists of today say about dates?
Dates are one of the most nourishing fruits and It’s called sometimes “Bread of Desert”, More than two third of dates’ weight is natural sugar. This fruit was highly esteemed by the ancient civilizations more than 5000 years ago; ancient Egyptians considered dates as a symbol of fertility, while the Romans and the Greeks used it to ornament their stately triumph pageants[1]. Today, dates are widely-grown in the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Egypt, Iraq, Spain, Italy and the United States. There are more than 600 varieties of dates [2].
Next, we are going to explore the usefulness of dates to humans throughout the different stages of their lives.
Dates and the Prebirth period
Dates stimulate the uterus by regulating and brisking its contractions which facilitate delivery. The uterus is a relatively large muscular organ and it urgently requires an adequate supply of natural sugar during labor and delivery. Being laxative, dates are essential for pregnant women before delivery in order to purge the colon and intestine and to facilitate delivery. The miraculous ness of the Quranic verse shows evidently as Allah tells Mary: (And shake the trunk of the palm tree towards thee – thou wilt cause ripe dates to fall upon thee) [Miriam – 25]
Nutriment and medicine for children
Dates contain natural sugar which is easily absorbed and digested, thus, it is safe and comforting for children’s stomach and intestine. And the dates juice is useful especially if we mix it with Milk to become very nourishing and restorative drink for children and adults. Dates and honey paste is used for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery in children but it should be taken three times a day.
This paste also comforts and hardening the gums during teething and facilitates the process.
It is advisable to purchase the good varieties of dates and to wash them thoroughly before use especially when used as food or remedy for children. Here, we should mention the prophetic tradition of (Al Tahneek); rubbing the newborn’s mouth with a well-chewed date and feeding him with it. Science has proved that giving the newborn some sugar dissolved in water provides the child with the necessary nutrition and improves their immunity against diseases.
and when we know that sugar in dates is the most easily absorbed and digested type of sugar so it will be suitable nutriment for newborns but the dates should be well-chewed or soaked in water to be easy for the newborn to take. This proves that the great prophet (PBUH) preceded today’s doctors to this type of nutrition. It’s no wonder that he preceded them as he is the messenger of their God.
Figure (1) Dates are the best nutriment for newborns since pregnancy and during breast feeding
An effective treatment for constipation
Dates can be used in the treatment of intestinal disturbances and it also helps the intestine perform their function effectively, and helps establishing a colony of friendly bacteria in the intestines. Dates are also highly beneficial in the treatment of constipation as the roughage provided by it stimulates sluggish bowels. They should be immersed in water at night and taken after making them into fine syrup the next morning to secure laxative effect [3].
A Remedy for Sexual Debility
Date syrup can be used as a treatment for weak heart. It can also be use for the treatment of sexual weakness. When it’s mixed with milk and honey, dates can be used as a tonic for the treatment of sexual disturbances for both sexes, and such syrup strengthens the body and raises its energy levels. The elderly would benefit from this syrup too. It improves their stamina and purges their bodies from the toxins that have accumulated in their cells along the years.
An Ideal Nutriment for Fasters
It was very weird that western physicians who treat their patients by fasting advise them by taking the natural sugar in fruits and water when breaking the fast [4]. And when we know that dates contain a high ratio of such easily-absorbed sugar then dates and water are the best nutriments for fasters.
Here we remember the Hadith of our prophet (PBUH) : (When any of you breaks his fasting he should eat dates cause dates are blessing, if he didn’t find dates then drink water cause water is purifying) [Narrated by Abu Dawood].Here we see that the prophet (PBUH) showed us the principles of effective fasting, by eating dates and drinking water at breakfast centuries before Westerns.
The prophetic wisdom out of having Dates for breakfast might be reduce the hunger and consequently, reduce the amounts of food consumed; therefore the fasting will be effective and useful. And if we remember that fasting consider the best weapon to excise toxics out of the body, then having dates (toxin-resistive) when you break your fast represent a real integrated treatment against weakness and fatigue resulted from the accumulation of toxic chemicals and heavy metals in the cells of the body.
Figures (2) Date lose 1/3 of their water content when dried in the sun. Dried dates contain a high ratio of natural sugar hence; they are the best food for fasters
A Treatment for Obesity
The wide variety of nutritious elements in dates makes it hunger-resistive! And when we know that the cause behind Obesity is a persisting feeling of hunger and an appetite for food which drives a person to consume larger amounts of fats and sugar when he eat his meal. So treatment by eating few dates when feeling hungry helps reduce hunger and be filled. These dates will provide the body with the necessary sugar and stimulate the intestine which reduce hunger greatly, and eventually, reduce food consumption. The miraculous ness of the prophet’s saying shows as he said: (A household that has dates doesn’t feel hunger) [narrated by Muslim]. We can conclude that dates can be used to treat Obesity.
It is a long-established custom among Muslim parents to put a piece of well-chewed date (or other available sweet fruit) in the mouth of a newborn baby. Muslims do this following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, , believing him to bee, as the Quran says, sent as a healing and a mercy to mankind. We may infer from the way this custom originated that there is a virtue in it. There is - complimentary to the virtue and pleasure of following the Sunnah (the practice of the Prophet) - placing a `sugary substance' inside the mouth of a new-born baby dramatically reduces pain sensation and heart rate.
An interesting scientific medical study, published in the British Medical Journal (No. 6993, ), proved beyond any doubt the benefit of giving a new-born child sugar, in order to reduce the feeling of any painful procedure like heel pricking for a blood sample or before circumcision.
The study, entitled “the analgesic (pain killing) effect of sucrose in full term infants: a randomized controlled trial', was done by Nora Hoary, Christopher Wood, Gillian Griffiths and Malcolm Levine in the post-natal ward in the Leeds General Infirmary in England.
60 healthy infants of gestational age 37-42 weeks and postnatal age of 1-6 days were randomized to receive 2ml of one of the four solutions: 12.5% sucrose, 25% sucrose, 50% sucrose, and sterile water (control).
The first group of 30 babies received sugar syrup before a routine blood test (heel pricking, which is usually painful) done to detect jaundice. The other 30 babies were given only sterile water as a control group.
Placing 2ml of a 25% or 50% sucrose solution on the tongue before pricking the heel significantly reduced the crying time, compared to babies who got water. Also, their heart rate returned to normal more quickly. The stronger sugar solution had the greater effect, crying being reduced further with increasing concentration of sucrose. From which we may conclude that sucrose (sugar) placed on the tongue May bee a useful and safe form of analgesia for use with newborn infants.
Blass and Hoffmeyer also showed that 12% solution of inter-oral sucrose significantly reduced the duration of crying in new-born babies subjected to heel pricking or circumcision.
Date in numbers:
Having high medical and nutritious value, dates are expected to be the best food for the future. Dates contain as high a percentage as 88% of carbohydrate (starch), (2.5-5%) of fat, (2.3-5.6%) of Protein and (6.4-11.5%) of Vitamins and dietary fiber. The flesh contains (0.2 – 5%) of oil, whereas the seed’s weight is (7.7 -9.7%) oil. The weight of the seed is (6.6 – 14.2%) of the date’s weight.
Dates contain Vitamins A, B1 and B2, and contain Fluorine who defeats teeth decay. Other minerals that are found in various proportions in dates include boron, calcium, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous, sodium and zinc. Additionally, the seeds contain aluminum, cadmium, chloride, lead and sulphur in various proportions. Selenium, element believed to help prevent cancer and important in immune function, is also found in dates.
The practice of the Prophet, upon him b piece, is recorded in the collections of his sayings and reports about him, of which the most revered are the two Sahih collections of Bukhari and Muslim:
Abu Buradah reported from Abu Musa, who said: `I had a new-born baby; I took him to the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, who called him Ibrahim. The Prophet (saw) chewed a date then he took it and rubbed the inside of the baby's mouth with it.'
There are many other reported incidents like this one.
The date contains a very high percentage of sugar (70-80%); it has both fructose and glucose which have high calorific values, it is easily and quickly digestible, and very helpful to the brain. The date contains 2.2% protein, vitamin A, vitamins B1, B2 ad nicotruic acid (against Pellagra); it has traces of minerals needed for the body such as potassium, sodium, calcium, iron, and manganese, copper. Potassium, of which percentage is very high, has been found to be very effective for cases of hemorrhage, such as the occasions of birth or circumcision.
We may note that the Sunnah also commends dates for the breaking of the fast in Ramadan. Dates should be eaten, if available, before the sunset prayer - this is medically and nutritionally the best way and the Sunnah.
The great worth of dates is also indicated in a famous and beautiful passage of the Quran, Surah Maryam, verses 25-6:
And shake towards you the trunk of the palm-tree and it will drop on you fresh ripe dates. So eat and drink and be comforted.
This was the prescription of Allah, the Creator, for the blessed Bibi Maryam at the time of the birth of Isa (A.S.) Jesus, the blessed Prophet of Allah. It was a prescription to make the delivery easy and comfortable.
As in the example have briefly recorded in this example, we believe further research will confirm for those who still doubt the full worth and truth, the wisdom, of the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.
We shall show them our signs on his furthest horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. Is it not sufficient that your Lord is witness over all things? (Quran Fussilet, 41.53)
As the authors of the medical study referred to intend trying new sugary or sweet substances, we shall recommend that they try dates for the newborn for the relief of pain.
I hope Muslim medical scientists and researchers take this new discovery on board, and that many more ideas and practices in the teaching of Islam needing investigative research and objective, scientific study will get the attention they deserve
Dear Believer if you are feeling weak, don’t hesitate to take 7 dates in the morning as the prophet (PBUH) recommended. those Seven dates weigh around 70 gm, so if you take them, then you actually took 70 milligrams of calcium- which is very useful for the bones, joints and nerves, 35 milligrams of phosphorus which is nutritious to the brain and 7 milligrams of iron which is strengthens the body in general and the heart in particular.
It’s also suitable for reducing weight as it only contains 0.25 gm of fat. So if you suffer from Obesity, then this meal is the right thing for you. This prophetic meal regulates and stimulates the bowels with the10 gm of dietary fiber it contains.
So won’t you say yes to the prophetic advice?
Nutriment and medicine for children
Dates contain natural sugar which is easily absorbed and digested, thus, it is safe and comforting for children’s stomach and intestine. And the date’s juice is useful especially if we mix it with Milk to become very nourishing and restorative drink for children and adults. Dates and honey paste is used for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery in children but it should be taken three times a day.
This paste also comforts and hardening the gums during teething and facilitates the process.
It is advisable to purchase the good varieties of dates and to wash them thoroughly before use especially when used as food or remedy for children. Here, we should mention the prophetic tradition of (Al Tahneek); rubbing the newborn’s mouth with a well-chewed date and feeding him with it. Science has proved that giving the newborn some sugar dissolved in water provides the child with the necessary nutrition and improves their immunity against diseases.
and when we know that sugar in dates is the most easily absorbed and digested type of sugar so it will be suitable nutriment for newborns but the dates should be well-chewed or soaked in water to be easy for the newborn to take. This proves that the great prophet (PBUH) preceded today’s doctors to this type of nutrition. It’s no wonder that he preceded them as he is the messenger of their God.
Figure (1) Dates are the best nutriment for newborns since pregnancy and during breast feeding
An effective treatment for constipation
Dates can be used in the treatment of intestinal disturbances and it also helps the intestine perform their function effectively, and helps establishing a colony of friendly bacteria in the intestines. Dates are also highly beneficial in the treatment of constipation as the roughage provided by it stimulates sluggish bowels. They should be immersed in water at night and taken after making them into fine syrup the next morning to secure laxative effect [3].
A Remedy for Sexual Debility
Date syrup can be used as a treatment for weak heart. It can also be use for the treatment of sexual weakness. When it’s mixed with milk and honey, dates can be used as a tonic for the treatment of sexual disturbances for both sexes, and such syrup strengthens the body and raises its energy levels. The elderly would benefit from this syrup too. It improves their stamina and purges their bodies from the toxins that have accumulated in their cells along the years.
An Ideal Nutriment for Fasters
It was very weird that western physicians who treat their patients by fasting advise them by taking the natural sugar in fruits and water when breaking the fast [4]. And when we know that dates contain a high ratio of such easily-absorbed sugar then dates and water are the best nutriments for fasters.
Here we remember the Hadith of our prophet (PBUH) (When any of you breaks his fasting he should eat dates cause dates are blessing, if he didn’t find dates then drink water cause water is purifying) [Narrated by Abu Dawood].Here we see that the prophet (PBUH) showed us the principles of effective fasting, by eating dates and drinking water at breakfast centuries before Westerns.
The prophetic wisdom out of having Dates for breakfast might be reduce the hunger and consequently, reduce the amounts of food consumed; therefore the fasting will be effective and useful. And if we remember that fasting consider the best weapon to excise toxics out of the body, then having dates (toxin-resistive) when you break your fast represent a real integrated treatment against weakness and fatigue resulted from the accumulation of toxic chemicals and heavy metals in the cells of the body.
Figures (2) Date lose 1/3 of their water content when dried in the sun. Dried dates contain a high ratio of natural sugar hence; they are the best food for fasters
A Treatment for Obesity
The wide variety of nutritious elements in dates makes it hunger-resistive! And when we know that the cause behind Obesity is a persisting feeling of hunger and an appetite for food which drives a person to consume larger amounts of fats and sugar when he eat his meal. So treatment by eating few dates when feeling hungry helps reduce hunger and be filled. These dates will provide the body with the necessary sugar and stimulate the intestine which reduce hunger greatly, and eventually, reduce food consumption. The miraculous ness of the prophet’s saying shows as he said: (A household that has dates doesn’t feel hunger) [narrated by Muslim]. We can conclude that dates can be used to treat Obesity!.
It is a long-established custom among Muslim parents to put a piece of well-chewed date (or other available sweet fruit) in the mouth of a newborn baby. Muslims do this following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), believing him to bee, as the Quran says, sent as a healing and a mercy to mankind. We may infer from the way this custom originated that there is a virtue in it. There is - complimentary to the virtue and pleasure of following the Sunnah (the practice of the Prophet) - placing a `sugary substance' inside the mouth of a new-born baby dramatically reduces pain sensation and heart rate.
An interesting scientific medical study, published in the British Medical Journal (No. 6993, ), proved beyond any doubt the benefit of giving a new-born child sugar, in order to reduce the feeling of any painful procedure like heel pricking for a blood sample or before circumcision.
The study, entitled `the analgesic (pain killing) effect of sucrose in full term infants: a randomized controlled trial', was done by Nora Hoary, Christopher Wood, Gillian Griffiths and Malcolm Levine in the post-natal ward in the Leeds General Infirmary in England.
60 healthy infants of gestational age 37-42 weeks and postnatal age of 1-6 days were randomized to receive 2ml of one of the four solutions: 12.5% sucrose, 25% sucrose, 50% sucrose, and sterile water (control).
The first group of 30 babies received sugar syrup before a routine blood test (heel pricking, which is usually painful) done to detect jaundice. The other 30 babies were given only sterile water as a control group.
Placing 2ml of a 25% or 50% sucrose solution on the tongue before pricking the heel significantly reduced the crying time, compared to babies who got water. Also, their heart rate returned to normal more quickly. The stronger sugar solution had the greater effect, crying being reduced further with increasing concentration of sucrose. From which we may conclude that sucrose (sugar) placed on the tongue May bee a useful and safe form of analgesia for use with newborn infants.
Blass and Hoffmeyer also showed that 12% solution of inter-oral sucrose significantly reduced the duration of crying in new-born babies subjected to heel pricking or circumcision.
Date in numbers:
Having high medical and nutritious value, dates are expected to be the best food for the future. Dates contain as high a percentage as 88% of carbohydrate (starch), (2.5-5%) of fat, (2.3-5.6%) of Protein and (6.4-11.5%) of Vitamins and dietary fiber. The flesh contains (0.2 – 5%) of oil, whereas the seed’s weight is (7.7 -9.7%) oil. The weight of the seed is (6.6 – 14.2%) of the date’s weight.
Dates contain Vitamins A, B1 and B2, and contain Fluorine who defeats teeth decay. Other minerals that are found in various proportions in dates include boron, calcium, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous, sodium and zinc. Additionally, the seeds contain aluminum, cadmium, chloride, lead and sulphur in various proportions. Selenium, element believed to help prevent cancer and important in immune function, is also found in dates.
The practice of the Prophet, upon him b piece is recorded in the collections of his sayings and reports about him, of which the most revered, are the two Sahih collections of Bukhari and Muslim:
Abu Buradah reported from Abu Musa, who said: `I had a new-born baby; I took him to the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, who called him Ibrahim. The Prophet (saw) chewed a date then he took it and rubbed the inside of the baby's mouth with it.'
There are many other reported incidents like this one.
The date contains a very high percentage of sugar (70-80%); it has both fructose and glucose which have high calorific values, it is easily and quickly digestible, and very helpful to the brain. The date contains 2.2% protein, vitamin A, vitamins B1, B2 ad neoteric acid (against Pellagra); it has traces of minerals needed for the body such as potassium, sodium, calcium, iron, and manganese, copper. Potassium, of which percentage is very high, has been found to be very effective for cases of hemorrhage, such as the occasions of birth or circumcision.
We may note that the Sunnah also commends dates for the breaking of the fast in Ramadan. Dates should be eaten, if available, before the sunset prayer - this is medically and nutritionally the best way and the Sunnah.
The great worth of dates is also indicated in a famous and beautiful passage of the Quran, Surah Maryam, verses 25-6:
And shake towards you the trunk of the palm-tree and it will drop on you fresh ripe dates. So eat and drink and be comforted.
This was the prescription of Allah, the Creator, for the blessed Bibi Maryam at the time of the birth of Isa (A.S.) Jesus the blessed Prophet of Allah. It was a prescription to make the delivery easy and comfortable.
As in the example have briefly recorded in this example, we believe further research will confirm for those who still doubt the full worth and truth, the wisdom, of the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.
We shall show them our signs on his furthest horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. Is it not sufficient that your Lord is witness over all things? (Quran Fussilet, 41.53)
As the authors of the medical study referred to intend trying new sugary or sweet substances, we shall recommend that they try dates for the newborn for the relief of pain.
Finally, we hope Muslim medical scientists and researchers take this new discovery on board, and that many more ideas and practices in the teaching of Islam needing investigative research and objective, scientific study will get the attention they deserve
Dear Believer if you are feeling weak, don’t hesitate to take 7 dates in the morning as the prophet (PBUH) recommended. those Seven dates weigh around 70 gm, so if you take them, then you actually took 70 milligrams of calcium- which is very useful for the bones, joints and nerves, 35 milligrams of phosphorus which is nutritious to the brain and 7 milligrams of iron which is strengthens the body in general and the heart in particular.
It’s also suitable for reducing weight as it only contains 0.25 gm of fat. So if you suffer from Obesity, then this meal is the right thing for you. This prophetic meal regulates and stimulates the bowels with the10 gm of dietary fiber it contains.
So won’t you say yes to the prophetic advice?!
.....Sufyan b. ‘Uyainah– Allah has mercy on him – said:
"The first step in knowledge is to listen, then to be quiet and attentive, then to preserve it, then to put it into practice and then to spread it " .
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
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Friday, 14 May 2010
Belief in Angels-- ( without which there is no faith)
Belief in angels is one of the six pillars of belief or faith without which there is no faith. Whoever does not believe in any of these pillars is not a believer (mu’min). These pillars are belief in: Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and that predestination, both good and bad, comes from Allah.
Angels are a part of the world of the Unseen which we cannot comprehend. Allah has told us about them in many places in the Qur’aan and via His Prophet Muhammad (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him). There follows a number of proven reports concerning the angels, which hopefully will make you realize the greatness of the Creator and the greatness of this religion which has told us so much about them:
Of what are they created?
They are created from light, as ‘Aa’ishah reported: “The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: ‘The angels are created from light, just as the jinn are created from smokeless fire and mankind is created from what you have been told about.’” (Reported by Muslim, no. 2996).
When were they created?
We have no knowledge of precisely when they were created, because there is no text to tell us this. But they were created before mankind for certain, because the Qur’an says (interpretation of the meaning): “Behold, your Lord said to the angels: ‘I will create a vicegerent on earth.’ . . .” [al-Baqarah 2:30] The fact that Allah told them of His intention to create man indicates that they already existed.
Their great size
Allah says concerning the angels of Hell:
“O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern and severe, who flinch not (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do (precisely) what they are commanded.” [al-Tarim 66:6]
The greatest of all the angels is Jib reel (Gabriel), upon whom be peace, who was described in the following report:
“From ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas‘ood, who said: the Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) saw Jib' reel in his true form. He had six hundred wings, each of which covered the horizon. There fell from his wings jewels, pearls and rubies, only Allah knows about them.” It was reported by Ahmad in al-Musnad, and Ibn Katheer said in al-Bidaayah 1/47 that its isnaad is jayyid.
The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said, describing Jibreel:
“I saw Jibreel descending from heaven, and his great size filled the space between heaven and earth.” (Reported by Muslim, no. 177).
Among the greatest angels are those who carry the Throne (of Allah), who were described in the following report:
“From Jabber ibn ‘Abdullaah from the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him), who said: ‘I have been given permission to speak about one of the angels of Allah who carry the Throne. The distance between his ear-lobes and his shoulders is equivalent to a seven-hundred-year journey.’” (Sunan Abee Daawood, Kitaab al-Sunnah, Baab fi’l-Jahamiyyah).
They have wings
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Praise be to Allah, Who created (out of nothing) the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels messengers with wings – two, or three, or four (pairs) adds to Creation as He pleases: for Allah has power over all things.” [Faatir 35:1]
Their beauty
Allah said, describing Jibreel, upon whom be peace (interpretation of the meaning):
“He [the Prophet] has been taught by one Mighty in Power, Dhoo Mirrah (free from any defect in body and mind), then he rose and became stable.” [al-Najm 53:5-6]
Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “‘Dhoo Mirrah means that he has a beautiful appearance.” Qutaadah said: “He is tall and beautiful.”
The idea that angels are beautiful is firmly established in all people’s minds, so much so that they liken a beautiful human to an angel, as the women said about Yoosuf:
“. . . When they [the women] saw him, they did extol him and (in their amazement) cut their hands: they said: ‘Allah preserve us! no mortal is this! This is none other than a noble angel!’” [Yusuf 12:31]
Their differences in size and status
The angels are not all of one size or status; there are differences between them just as there are differences in virtue. The best of them are those that were present at the battle of Badr, as is stated in the hadith narrated by Mu‘aadh ibn Rifaa‘ah al-Zuraaqi from his father, who had been one of the people present at Badr. He said: “Jibreel came to the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) and asked, ‘How do you rate the people among you who were present at Badr?’ He said: ‘They are the best of the Muslims,’ or something similar. [Jibreel] said: ‘So it is with the angels who were present at Badr.’” (Reported by al-Bukhari, no. 3992).
They do not eat or drink
This is indicated by the conversation between Ibrahim, the “friend” of Allah and the angels who visited him. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Then he turned quickly to his household, brought out a fatted calf, and placed it before them. He said, ‘Will you not eat?’ (When they did not eat), he conceived a fear of them. They said: ‘Fear not,’ and they gave him glad tidings of a son endowed with knowledge.”
[al-Dhariyaat 51:26-28]
“But when he [Ibrahim] saw their hands went not towards the (meal), he felt some mistrust of them, and conceived a fear of the. They said: ‘Fear not: we have been sent against the people of Lut.’” [Hud 11:70]
They do not get bored or tired of remembering and worshipping Allah
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“They celebrate His praises night and day, nor do they ever slacken.” [al-Anbiyaa’ 21:20]
“. . . For in the presence of your Lord are those who celebrate His praises by night and by day. And they never become tired (nor feel themselves above it).” [Fussilat 41:38]
Their number
The angels are many, and their number is known only to Allah. The Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said, described the Much-Frequented House (al-Bayt al-Ma‘moor) in the seventh heaven:
“Then I was taken up to the Much-Frequented House: every day seventy thousand angels visit it and leave, never returning to it again, another [group] coming after them.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Faith, no. 3207).
‘Abdullaah said: “The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: ‘Hell will be brought forth that day by means of seventy thousand ropes, each of which will be pulled by seventy thousand angels.” (Reported by Muslim, no. 2842).
Their names
The angels have names, but we know only the names of a few of them. We have to believe in the names reported in the Qur’aan and Sunnah texts, as a part of general belief in the angels. Among the names of angels that are known to us are:
(1) Jibreel (Gabriel) and (2) Mikaa’eel (Michael)
“Say: Whoever is an enemy to Jibreel – for he brings down the (revelation) to your heart by Allah’s will, a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings to those who believe -
Whoever is an enemy to Allah, and His angels and prophets, to Jibreel and Mikaa’eel – Lo! Allah is an enemy to those who reject Faith.” [al-Baqarah 2:97-98]
(3) Israfeel
From Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abd al-Rah' man ibn ‘Awf, who said: “I asked ‘Aa’ishah the Mother of the Believers about what the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) used to start his prayer with when he got up to pray at night (qiyaam al-layl). She said: ‘When he got up to pray at night, he would start his prayer (with the words): ‘O Allah, Lord of Jibreel, Mikaa’eel and Israafeel, Creator of heaven and earth, Know er of the unseen and the seen, You are the Judge of the matters in which Your slaves differ; guide me with regard to disputed matters of Truth by Your permission, for You guide whomever You will to the Straight Path.’” (Reported by Muslim, no. 270).
(4) Malik
He is the Keeper of Hell, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “They [the people in Hell] will cry: ‘O Malik! Would that your Lord put an end to us!’. . .” [al-Zukhruf 43:77]
(5) Munkar and (6) Nakeer
From Abu Hurayrah, who said: “The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: ‘When the deceased is buried (or he said: when one of you is buried), there come to him two blue-black angels, one of whom is called Munkar and the other Nakeer. They ask him, ‘What did you used to say about this man?’ and he says what he used to say: ‘He is the slave and Messenger of Allah: I bear witness that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the slave and Messenger of Allah. They say, ‘We knew beforehand that you used to say this.’ Then his grave will be widened for him to a size of seventy cubits by seventy cubits and it will be illuminated for him. Then they tell him, ‘Sleep.’ He says, ‘Go back to my family and tell them.’ They tell him, ‘Sleep like a bridegroom whom no-one will wake up except his most beloved,’ until Allah raises him up. If (the deceased) was a hypocrite, he says, ‘I heard the people saying something so I said something similar; I do not know.’ They say: ‘We knew beforehand that you used to say this.’ The earth will be told to squeeze him, so he will be crushed until his ribs are interlocked, and he will remain like that until Allah raises him up.’” (reported by al-Tirmidhi, no. 1071. Abu ‘Isa said: It is a ghareeb hasan hadeeth. It is judged hasan in Saheeh al-Jaami‘, no. 724).
(7) Haaroot and (8) Maaroot
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“. . . and such things as came down at Babylon to the angels Haaroot and Maaroot . . .” [al-Baqarah 2:102]
“. . . and none can know the forces of your Lord, except He. And this is no other than a warning to mankind.”
[al-Muddaththir 74:31]
Their powers
The angels have great powers given to them by Allah, including the following:
The ability to take on different forms. Allah has given the angels the ability to take on forms other than their own. Allah sent Jibreel to Maryam (Mary) in the form of a man, as Allah says:
“. . . Then We sent to her Our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects.” [Maryam 19:17]
Angels also came to Ibrahim in human form, and he did not know that they were angels until they told him so. Similarly, angels came to Lut in the form of young men with beautiful faces. Jibreel used to come to the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) in different forms: sometimes he would appear in the form of Dihyah al-Kalbi, a Sahaabee who was very handsome, and sometimes in the form of a Bedouin. The Sahaabah saw him in his human form, as is reported from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab in the two Saheehs. (‘Umar) said:
“One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him), there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of travel were to be seen on him, and none of us knew him. He walked up and sat down by the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him). Resting his knees against his and placing his hands on his thighs, he said: ‘O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.’. . .” (Saheeh Muslim, no. 8).
Many other ahaadeeth refer to the angels taking human forms, such as the hadeeth about the one who killed a hundred, in which it says “. . . there came to them an angel in human form . . .” and the hadeeth about the blind man, the bald man and the leper.
Their speed
The greatest speed known to man today is the speed of light; the angels are able to travel much faster than this. Hardly had an enquirer completed a question to the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him), but Jibreel would bring the answer from Allah.
Their duties
Among the angels is one whose task it was to convey the revelation from Allah to His Messengers; this is al-Rooh al-Ameen, Jibril, upon whom be peace. Allah says:
“Say: whoever is an enemy to Jibreel – for he brings down the (revelation) to your heart by Allah’s will. . . ” [al-Baqarah 2:97]
“Which the trustworthy spirit has brought down,
Upon your heart, that you may be (one) of the Warner's.”
[al-Shu‘araa’ 26:193-194]
Another is responsible for rain, directing it wherever Allah wishes. This is Mikaa’eel, upon whom be peace. He has helpers, who do what he tells them, by the command of his Lord; they direct the winds and clouds, as Allah wills.
Another is responsible for blowing the Trumpet, which will be blown by Israafeel at the onset of the Hour (the Day of Judgement).
Others are responsible for taking people’s souls: these are the Angel of Death and his helpers. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Say: ‘the Angel of Death, put in charge of you, will (duly) take your souls, then shall you be brought back to your Lord.’” [al-Sajdah 32:11] There is no proof in any saheeh hadeeth that his name is ‘Azraa’eel.
Others are responsible for protecting the slave throughout his life, when he stays home and when he travels, when he is asleep and when he is awake. These are the “angels in succession” concerning whom Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“It is the same (to Him) whether any of you conceal his speech or declare it openly, whether he be hid by night or go forth freely by day.
For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the Command of Allah. Verily! Allah will not change the good condition of a people so long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves (by committing sin and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah). But when Allah wills a people’s punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Him no protector.”
[al-Ra‘d 13:10-11]
Others are responsible for recording the deeds of man, good and bad. These are the “honourable scribes” (kiraaman kaatibeen) and are referred to in the ayah (interpretation of the meanings):
“. . . and He sends guardians (angels guarding and writing all of one’s good and bad deeds) over you . . .” [al-An‘aam 6:61]
“Or do they think that We hear not their secrets and their private counsel? (Yes We do) and Our Messengers (appointed angels in charge of mankind) are by them, to record.”
[al-Zukhruf 43:80]
“(Remember!) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being after he or she has attained the age of puberty), one sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions).
Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).”
[Qaaf 50:17-18]
“But verily, over you (are appointed angels in charge of mankind) to watch you,
Kiraaman (honourable) kaatibeen – writing down (your deeds).”
[al-Infitaar 82:10-11]
Others are responsible for testing people in the grave. These are Munkar and Nakeer. From Abu Hurayrah who said: “The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: ‘When the deceased is buried (or he said: when one of you is buried), there come to him two blue-black angels, one of whom is called Munkar and the other Nakeer. They ask him, ‘What did you used to say about this man?’ . . .” [The hadeeth is quoted in full above]
Some of them are the keepers of Paradise. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And those who kept their duty to their Lord will be led to Paradise in groups, till, when they reach it, its gates will be opened and its keepers will say: Salaamun ‘alaikum (peace be upon you!). You have done well, so enter here, to abide therein.”
[al-Zumar 39:73]
Some of them are the keepers of Hell, the “guards of Hell”, whose number is nineteen and whose leader is Malik, upon whom be peace. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups, till, when they reach it, the gates thereof will be opened. And its keepers will say, ‘Did not the Messengers come to you from yourselves, – reciting to you the Verses of your Lord, and warning you of the Meeting of this Day of yours?’ They will say: ‘Yes, but the Word of torment has been justified against the disbelievers!’” [al-Zumar 39:71]
“Then. let him call upon his council (of helpers),
We will call the guards of Hell (to deal with him)!” [al-‘Alaq 97:17-18]
“And what will make you know exactly what Hell-fire is?
It spares not (any sinner), nor does it leave (anything unburnt)!
Burning the skins!
Over it are nineteen (angels as guardians and keepers of Hell).
And We have set none but angels as guardians of the Fire, and We have fixed their number only as a trial for the disbelievers – in order that the People of the Scripture may arrive at a certainty and the believers may increase in Faith . . .” [al-Muddaththir 74:27-31]
“And they will cry: ‘O Malik (Keeper of Hell)! Let your Lord make an end of us.’ He will say: ‘Verily you shall abide forever.’” [al-Zukhruf 43:77]
One of the angels is responsible for the sperm in the womb, as is mentioned in the hadeeth of Ibn Mas‘ood (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: “The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him), whose truthfulness is confirmed, said: ‘The way that each of you is created is that he is gathered in his mother’s womb for forty days as a sperm drop, and then for a similar length of time as a blood-clot, and then for a similar length of time as a lump of flesh. Then an angel is sent and he breathes the spirit into (the foetus), and is charged with four commands: to write down his provision, his life-span, his actions, and whether he will be wretched or happy. By the One besides Whom there is no other god, one of you may do the deeds of the people of Paradise until he is just a cubit away from entering it, then his fate will overtake him and he will begin to do the deeds of the people of Hell, so he will enter Hell; and one of you may do the deeds of the people of Hell until he is just a cubit away from entering it, then his fate will overtake him and he will begin to do the deeds of the people of Paradise, so he will enter Paradise.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, al-Faith, no. 3208 and by Muslim, no. 2643).
Some angels carry the Throne of Allah, as He describes in the Qur’aan (interpretation of the meaning):
“Those (angels) who bear the Throne (of Allah) and those around it glorify the praises of their Lord, and believe in Him, and ask forgiveness for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah) (saying): ‘Our Lord! You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who repent and follow Your way, and save them from the torment of the blazing Fire!’” [Ghaafir 40:7]
Some of the angels travel throughout the world, seeking out gatherings of dhikr (remembrance of Allah). Abu Hurayrah said: “The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: ‘Allah, be He be blessed and exalted, has angels who travel the highways seeking out the people of dhikr. When they find people remembering Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, they call out to one another, “Come to what you hunger for!” and they enfold them with their wings, stretching up to the lowest heaven. Their Lord asked then, and He knows better than them, “What are My slaves saying?” They say: “They are glorifying, magnifying, praising and extolling You.” He asks, “Have they seen Me?” They say, “No, by Allah, they have not seen You.” He asks, “And how would it be if they saw Me?” They say, “They would be even more fervent and devoted in their praise and worship.” He asks, “What are they asking me for?” They say, “They ask You for Paradise.” He asks, “And have they seen it?” They say, “No, by Allah, O Lord, they have not seen it.” He asks, “And how would it be if they saw it?” They say: “They would be even more eager for it and they would beseech You even more earnestly.” He asks, “And what do they seek My protection from?” They say, “From the Fire of Hell.” He asks, “Have they seen it?” They say, “No, by Allah, they have not seen it.” He asks, “And how would it be if they saw it?” They say: “They would be even more afraid and anxious to escape it.” Allah says: “You are My witnesses that I have forgiven them.” One of the angels says: “So-and-so is not really one of them; he came (to the gathering) for some other reason.” Allah says, “They were all in the gathering, and one of them will not be excluded (from forgiveness).”’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, al-Faith, no. 6408).
Some of them are responsible for the mountains. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him): “Have you ever faced any day more difficult than the day of Uhud?” He said: “I suffered at the hands of your people and the worst that I suffered was what I suffered at their hands on the day of ‘Aqabah. That was when I went to call Ibn ‘Abd Yaalayl ibn ‘Abd al-Kalaal to Islam, and he did not respond. I left, feeling depressed and hardly knowing where I was going. I did not recover until I found myself in Qarn al-Tha‘aalib. I raised my head and saw that I was being shaded by a cloud. I looked, and saw Jibreel in the cloud. He called me and said: ‘Allah has heard what your people said and how they responded to you. He has sent the Angel of the Mountains so that you can tell him to do to them whatever you want.’ The Angel of the Mountains called me and greeted me, then said: ‘O Muhammad, tell me what you want me to do. If you want, I can crush them between two mountains.’” The Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: “All I hope for is that Allah will bring forth from their loins people who will worship Allah alone and not associate any partner with Him.” (Reported by al-Bukhari, Faith, no. 3231).
Some of them visit the Much Frequented House (al-bayt al-ma‘moor). In the lengthy hadeeth describing the Israa’ and Mi‘raaj (the Night Journey and the Ascent to Heaven), the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said:
“Then I was taken up to the Much-Frequented House: every day seventy thousand angels visit it and leave, never returning to it again, another [group] coming after them.”
There are also angels standing in rows, who never get tired or sit down, and others who bow or prostrate, and never raise their heads, as was reported by Abu Dharr R.A., may Allah be pleased with him, who said: “The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: ‘I see what you do not see and hear what you do not hear. The heaven makes a noise like groaning, and it has the right to (or it is no surprise), for there is no space in it the width of four fingers, but there is an angel there, placing his forehead in sujud (prostration) to Allah. By Allah, if you knew what I know, you would laugh little and weep much, you would not enjoy your relationships with women and you would go out in the street praying to Allah.’” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, no. 2312)
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1. Muhammad s.a.w.(PBUH) says that ‘if a person recite ‘Ayatal Kursi’ after every prayers Farz Salah(Namaz) then there will be nothing between him and Heaven except Death .
2. There is a Hadith that says ‘La Haula Wala Quuatailla billahil aliyul azeem’ is such a great medicine that it cures every disease and the most minor disease it cures is ‘Sorrow’.
3. Another Hadith says ‘if a person recite Surah ikhlaas (Kul huwallahu ahad…) 10 times in a day then Allah build a palace for him in the Heaven.(Subhan Allah)’
and the last but not the least
Allah says ‘ spread the knowledge whatever u have. Its the duty of each n every Muslim to spread these beautiful sayings.
Every good act is charity
JAZAK ALLAHU KHAIR
May Allah Forgive our sins…Ameen
Remember the Prophet PBUH said if u have knowledge pass it on
Even if it is just one verse. So Forward this message and help us in our
Mission to keep the Muslim's on the right path,
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. !!
Angels are a part of the world of the Unseen which we cannot comprehend. Allah has told us about them in many places in the Qur’aan and via His Prophet Muhammad (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him). There follows a number of proven reports concerning the angels, which hopefully will make you realize the greatness of the Creator and the greatness of this religion which has told us so much about them:
Of what are they created?
They are created from light, as ‘Aa’ishah reported: “The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: ‘The angels are created from light, just as the jinn are created from smokeless fire and mankind is created from what you have been told about.’” (Reported by Muslim, no. 2996).
When were they created?
We have no knowledge of precisely when they were created, because there is no text to tell us this. But they were created before mankind for certain, because the Qur’an says (interpretation of the meaning): “Behold, your Lord said to the angels: ‘I will create a vicegerent on earth.’ . . .” [al-Baqarah 2:30] The fact that Allah told them of His intention to create man indicates that they already existed.
Their great size
Allah says concerning the angels of Hell:
“O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern and severe, who flinch not (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do (precisely) what they are commanded.” [al-Tarim 66:6]
The greatest of all the angels is Jib reel (Gabriel), upon whom be peace, who was described in the following report:
“From ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas‘ood, who said: the Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) saw Jib' reel in his true form. He had six hundred wings, each of which covered the horizon. There fell from his wings jewels, pearls and rubies, only Allah knows about them.” It was reported by Ahmad in al-Musnad, and Ibn Katheer said in al-Bidaayah 1/47 that its isnaad is jayyid.
The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said, describing Jibreel:
“I saw Jibreel descending from heaven, and his great size filled the space between heaven and earth.” (Reported by Muslim, no. 177).
Among the greatest angels are those who carry the Throne (of Allah), who were described in the following report:
“From Jabber ibn ‘Abdullaah from the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him), who said: ‘I have been given permission to speak about one of the angels of Allah who carry the Throne. The distance between his ear-lobes and his shoulders is equivalent to a seven-hundred-year journey.’” (Sunan Abee Daawood, Kitaab al-Sunnah, Baab fi’l-Jahamiyyah).
They have wings
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Praise be to Allah, Who created (out of nothing) the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels messengers with wings – two, or three, or four (pairs) adds to Creation as He pleases: for Allah has power over all things.” [Faatir 35:1]
Their beauty
Allah said, describing Jibreel, upon whom be peace (interpretation of the meaning):
“He [the Prophet] has been taught by one Mighty in Power, Dhoo Mirrah (free from any defect in body and mind), then he rose and became stable.” [al-Najm 53:5-6]
Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “‘Dhoo Mirrah means that he has a beautiful appearance.” Qutaadah said: “He is tall and beautiful.”
The idea that angels are beautiful is firmly established in all people’s minds, so much so that they liken a beautiful human to an angel, as the women said about Yoosuf:
“. . . When they [the women] saw him, they did extol him and (in their amazement) cut their hands: they said: ‘Allah preserve us! no mortal is this! This is none other than a noble angel!’” [Yusuf 12:31]
Their differences in size and status
The angels are not all of one size or status; there are differences between them just as there are differences in virtue. The best of them are those that were present at the battle of Badr, as is stated in the hadith narrated by Mu‘aadh ibn Rifaa‘ah al-Zuraaqi from his father, who had been one of the people present at Badr. He said: “Jibreel came to the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) and asked, ‘How do you rate the people among you who were present at Badr?’ He said: ‘They are the best of the Muslims,’ or something similar. [Jibreel] said: ‘So it is with the angels who were present at Badr.’” (Reported by al-Bukhari, no. 3992).
They do not eat or drink
This is indicated by the conversation between Ibrahim, the “friend” of Allah and the angels who visited him. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Then he turned quickly to his household, brought out a fatted calf, and placed it before them. He said, ‘Will you not eat?’ (When they did not eat), he conceived a fear of them. They said: ‘Fear not,’ and they gave him glad tidings of a son endowed with knowledge.”
[al-Dhariyaat 51:26-28]
“But when he [Ibrahim] saw their hands went not towards the (meal), he felt some mistrust of them, and conceived a fear of the. They said: ‘Fear not: we have been sent against the people of Lut.’” [Hud 11:70]
They do not get bored or tired of remembering and worshipping Allah
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“They celebrate His praises night and day, nor do they ever slacken.” [al-Anbiyaa’ 21:20]
“. . . For in the presence of your Lord are those who celebrate His praises by night and by day. And they never become tired (nor feel themselves above it).” [Fussilat 41:38]
Their number
The angels are many, and their number is known only to Allah. The Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said, described the Much-Frequented House (al-Bayt al-Ma‘moor) in the seventh heaven:
“Then I was taken up to the Much-Frequented House: every day seventy thousand angels visit it and leave, never returning to it again, another [group] coming after them.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, Faith, no. 3207).
‘Abdullaah said: “The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: ‘Hell will be brought forth that day by means of seventy thousand ropes, each of which will be pulled by seventy thousand angels.” (Reported by Muslim, no. 2842).
Their names
The angels have names, but we know only the names of a few of them. We have to believe in the names reported in the Qur’aan and Sunnah texts, as a part of general belief in the angels. Among the names of angels that are known to us are:
(1) Jibreel (Gabriel) and (2) Mikaa’eel (Michael)
“Say: Whoever is an enemy to Jibreel – for he brings down the (revelation) to your heart by Allah’s will, a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings to those who believe -
Whoever is an enemy to Allah, and His angels and prophets, to Jibreel and Mikaa’eel – Lo! Allah is an enemy to those who reject Faith.” [al-Baqarah 2:97-98]
(3) Israfeel
From Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abd al-Rah' man ibn ‘Awf, who said: “I asked ‘Aa’ishah the Mother of the Believers about what the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) used to start his prayer with when he got up to pray at night (qiyaam al-layl). She said: ‘When he got up to pray at night, he would start his prayer (with the words): ‘O Allah, Lord of Jibreel, Mikaa’eel and Israafeel, Creator of heaven and earth, Know er of the unseen and the seen, You are the Judge of the matters in which Your slaves differ; guide me with regard to disputed matters of Truth by Your permission, for You guide whomever You will to the Straight Path.’” (Reported by Muslim, no. 270).
(4) Malik
He is the Keeper of Hell, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “They [the people in Hell] will cry: ‘O Malik! Would that your Lord put an end to us!’. . .” [al-Zukhruf 43:77]
(5) Munkar and (6) Nakeer
From Abu Hurayrah, who said: “The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: ‘When the deceased is buried (or he said: when one of you is buried), there come to him two blue-black angels, one of whom is called Munkar and the other Nakeer. They ask him, ‘What did you used to say about this man?’ and he says what he used to say: ‘He is the slave and Messenger of Allah: I bear witness that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the slave and Messenger of Allah. They say, ‘We knew beforehand that you used to say this.’ Then his grave will be widened for him to a size of seventy cubits by seventy cubits and it will be illuminated for him. Then they tell him, ‘Sleep.’ He says, ‘Go back to my family and tell them.’ They tell him, ‘Sleep like a bridegroom whom no-one will wake up except his most beloved,’ until Allah raises him up. If (the deceased) was a hypocrite, he says, ‘I heard the people saying something so I said something similar; I do not know.’ They say: ‘We knew beforehand that you used to say this.’ The earth will be told to squeeze him, so he will be crushed until his ribs are interlocked, and he will remain like that until Allah raises him up.’” (reported by al-Tirmidhi, no. 1071. Abu ‘Isa said: It is a ghareeb hasan hadeeth. It is judged hasan in Saheeh al-Jaami‘, no. 724).
(7) Haaroot and (8) Maaroot
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“. . . and such things as came down at Babylon to the angels Haaroot and Maaroot . . .” [al-Baqarah 2:102]
“. . . and none can know the forces of your Lord, except He. And this is no other than a warning to mankind.”
[al-Muddaththir 74:31]
Their powers
The angels have great powers given to them by Allah, including the following:
The ability to take on different forms. Allah has given the angels the ability to take on forms other than their own. Allah sent Jibreel to Maryam (Mary) in the form of a man, as Allah says:
“. . . Then We sent to her Our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects.” [Maryam 19:17]
Angels also came to Ibrahim in human form, and he did not know that they were angels until they told him so. Similarly, angels came to Lut in the form of young men with beautiful faces. Jibreel used to come to the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) in different forms: sometimes he would appear in the form of Dihyah al-Kalbi, a Sahaabee who was very handsome, and sometimes in the form of a Bedouin. The Sahaabah saw him in his human form, as is reported from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab in the two Saheehs. (‘Umar) said:
“One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him), there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of travel were to be seen on him, and none of us knew him. He walked up and sat down by the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him). Resting his knees against his and placing his hands on his thighs, he said: ‘O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.’. . .” (Saheeh Muslim, no. 8).
Many other ahaadeeth refer to the angels taking human forms, such as the hadeeth about the one who killed a hundred, in which it says “. . . there came to them an angel in human form . . .” and the hadeeth about the blind man, the bald man and the leper.
Their speed
The greatest speed known to man today is the speed of light; the angels are able to travel much faster than this. Hardly had an enquirer completed a question to the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him), but Jibreel would bring the answer from Allah.
Their duties
Among the angels is one whose task it was to convey the revelation from Allah to His Messengers; this is al-Rooh al-Ameen, Jibril, upon whom be peace. Allah says:
“Say: whoever is an enemy to Jibreel – for he brings down the (revelation) to your heart by Allah’s will. . . ” [al-Baqarah 2:97]
“Which the trustworthy spirit has brought down,
Upon your heart, that you may be (one) of the Warner's.”
[al-Shu‘araa’ 26:193-194]
Another is responsible for rain, directing it wherever Allah wishes. This is Mikaa’eel, upon whom be peace. He has helpers, who do what he tells them, by the command of his Lord; they direct the winds and clouds, as Allah wills.
Another is responsible for blowing the Trumpet, which will be blown by Israafeel at the onset of the Hour (the Day of Judgement).
Others are responsible for taking people’s souls: these are the Angel of Death and his helpers. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Say: ‘the Angel of Death, put in charge of you, will (duly) take your souls, then shall you be brought back to your Lord.’” [al-Sajdah 32:11] There is no proof in any saheeh hadeeth that his name is ‘Azraa’eel.
Others are responsible for protecting the slave throughout his life, when he stays home and when he travels, when he is asleep and when he is awake. These are the “angels in succession” concerning whom Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“It is the same (to Him) whether any of you conceal his speech or declare it openly, whether he be hid by night or go forth freely by day.
For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the Command of Allah. Verily! Allah will not change the good condition of a people so long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves (by committing sin and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah). But when Allah wills a people’s punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Him no protector.”
[al-Ra‘d 13:10-11]
Others are responsible for recording the deeds of man, good and bad. These are the “honourable scribes” (kiraaman kaatibeen) and are referred to in the ayah (interpretation of the meanings):
“. . . and He sends guardians (angels guarding and writing all of one’s good and bad deeds) over you . . .” [al-An‘aam 6:61]
“Or do they think that We hear not their secrets and their private counsel? (Yes We do) and Our Messengers (appointed angels in charge of mankind) are by them, to record.”
[al-Zukhruf 43:80]
“(Remember!) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being after he or she has attained the age of puberty), one sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions).
Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).”
[Qaaf 50:17-18]
“But verily, over you (are appointed angels in charge of mankind) to watch you,
Kiraaman (honourable) kaatibeen – writing down (your deeds).”
[al-Infitaar 82:10-11]
Others are responsible for testing people in the grave. These are Munkar and Nakeer. From Abu Hurayrah who said: “The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: ‘When the deceased is buried (or he said: when one of you is buried), there come to him two blue-black angels, one of whom is called Munkar and the other Nakeer. They ask him, ‘What did you used to say about this man?’ . . .” [The hadeeth is quoted in full above]
Some of them are the keepers of Paradise. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And those who kept their duty to their Lord will be led to Paradise in groups, till, when they reach it, its gates will be opened and its keepers will say: Salaamun ‘alaikum (peace be upon you!). You have done well, so enter here, to abide therein.”
[al-Zumar 39:73]
Some of them are the keepers of Hell, the “guards of Hell”, whose number is nineteen and whose leader is Malik, upon whom be peace. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups, till, when they reach it, the gates thereof will be opened. And its keepers will say, ‘Did not the Messengers come to you from yourselves, – reciting to you the Verses of your Lord, and warning you of the Meeting of this Day of yours?’ They will say: ‘Yes, but the Word of torment has been justified against the disbelievers!’” [al-Zumar 39:71]
“Then. let him call upon his council (of helpers),
We will call the guards of Hell (to deal with him)!” [al-‘Alaq 97:17-18]
“And what will make you know exactly what Hell-fire is?
It spares not (any sinner), nor does it leave (anything unburnt)!
Burning the skins!
Over it are nineteen (angels as guardians and keepers of Hell).
And We have set none but angels as guardians of the Fire, and We have fixed their number only as a trial for the disbelievers – in order that the People of the Scripture may arrive at a certainty and the believers may increase in Faith . . .” [al-Muddaththir 74:27-31]
“And they will cry: ‘O Malik (Keeper of Hell)! Let your Lord make an end of us.’ He will say: ‘Verily you shall abide forever.’” [al-Zukhruf 43:77]
One of the angels is responsible for the sperm in the womb, as is mentioned in the hadeeth of Ibn Mas‘ood (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: “The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him), whose truthfulness is confirmed, said: ‘The way that each of you is created is that he is gathered in his mother’s womb for forty days as a sperm drop, and then for a similar length of time as a blood-clot, and then for a similar length of time as a lump of flesh. Then an angel is sent and he breathes the spirit into (the foetus), and is charged with four commands: to write down his provision, his life-span, his actions, and whether he will be wretched or happy. By the One besides Whom there is no other god, one of you may do the deeds of the people of Paradise until he is just a cubit away from entering it, then his fate will overtake him and he will begin to do the deeds of the people of Hell, so he will enter Hell; and one of you may do the deeds of the people of Hell until he is just a cubit away from entering it, then his fate will overtake him and he will begin to do the deeds of the people of Paradise, so he will enter Paradise.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, al-Faith, no. 3208 and by Muslim, no. 2643).
Some angels carry the Throne of Allah, as He describes in the Qur’aan (interpretation of the meaning):
“Those (angels) who bear the Throne (of Allah) and those around it glorify the praises of their Lord, and believe in Him, and ask forgiveness for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah) (saying): ‘Our Lord! You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who repent and follow Your way, and save them from the torment of the blazing Fire!’” [Ghaafir 40:7]
Some of the angels travel throughout the world, seeking out gatherings of dhikr (remembrance of Allah). Abu Hurayrah said: “The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: ‘Allah, be He be blessed and exalted, has angels who travel the highways seeking out the people of dhikr. When they find people remembering Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, they call out to one another, “Come to what you hunger for!” and they enfold them with their wings, stretching up to the lowest heaven. Their Lord asked then, and He knows better than them, “What are My slaves saying?” They say: “They are glorifying, magnifying, praising and extolling You.” He asks, “Have they seen Me?” They say, “No, by Allah, they have not seen You.” He asks, “And how would it be if they saw Me?” They say, “They would be even more fervent and devoted in their praise and worship.” He asks, “What are they asking me for?” They say, “They ask You for Paradise.” He asks, “And have they seen it?” They say, “No, by Allah, O Lord, they have not seen it.” He asks, “And how would it be if they saw it?” They say: “They would be even more eager for it and they would beseech You even more earnestly.” He asks, “And what do they seek My protection from?” They say, “From the Fire of Hell.” He asks, “Have they seen it?” They say, “No, by Allah, they have not seen it.” He asks, “And how would it be if they saw it?” They say: “They would be even more afraid and anxious to escape it.” Allah says: “You are My witnesses that I have forgiven them.” One of the angels says: “So-and-so is not really one of them; he came (to the gathering) for some other reason.” Allah says, “They were all in the gathering, and one of them will not be excluded (from forgiveness).”’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, al-Faith, no. 6408).
Some of them are responsible for the mountains. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him): “Have you ever faced any day more difficult than the day of Uhud?” He said: “I suffered at the hands of your people and the worst that I suffered was what I suffered at their hands on the day of ‘Aqabah. That was when I went to call Ibn ‘Abd Yaalayl ibn ‘Abd al-Kalaal to Islam, and he did not respond. I left, feeling depressed and hardly knowing where I was going. I did not recover until I found myself in Qarn al-Tha‘aalib. I raised my head and saw that I was being shaded by a cloud. I looked, and saw Jibreel in the cloud. He called me and said: ‘Allah has heard what your people said and how they responded to you. He has sent the Angel of the Mountains so that you can tell him to do to them whatever you want.’ The Angel of the Mountains called me and greeted me, then said: ‘O Muhammad, tell me what you want me to do. If you want, I can crush them between two mountains.’” The Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: “All I hope for is that Allah will bring forth from their loins people who will worship Allah alone and not associate any partner with Him.” (Reported by al-Bukhari, Faith, no. 3231).
Some of them visit the Much Frequented House (al-bayt al-ma‘moor). In the lengthy hadeeth describing the Israa’ and Mi‘raaj (the Night Journey and the Ascent to Heaven), the Prophet (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said:
“Then I was taken up to the Much-Frequented House: every day seventy thousand angels visit it and leave, never returning to it again, another [group] coming after them.”
There are also angels standing in rows, who never get tired or sit down, and others who bow or prostrate, and never raise their heads, as was reported by Abu Dharr R.A., may Allah be pleased with him, who said: “The Messenger of Allah (Peace & Blessings of Allah be upon Him) said: ‘I see what you do not see and hear what you do not hear. The heaven makes a noise like groaning, and it has the right to (or it is no surprise), for there is no space in it the width of four fingers, but there is an angel there, placing his forehead in sujud (prostration) to Allah. By Allah, if you knew what I know, you would laugh little and weep much, you would not enjoy your relationships with women and you would go out in the street praying to Allah.’” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, no. 2312)
.......................................
1. Muhammad s.a.w.(PBUH) says that ‘if a person recite ‘Ayatal Kursi’ after every prayers Farz Salah(Namaz) then there will be nothing between him and Heaven except Death .
2. There is a Hadith that says ‘La Haula Wala Quuatailla billahil aliyul azeem’ is such a great medicine that it cures every disease and the most minor disease it cures is ‘Sorrow’.
3. Another Hadith says ‘if a person recite Surah ikhlaas (Kul huwallahu ahad…) 10 times in a day then Allah build a palace for him in the Heaven.(Subhan Allah)’
and the last but not the least
Allah says ‘ spread the knowledge whatever u have. Its the duty of each n every Muslim to spread these beautiful sayings.
Every good act is charity
JAZAK ALLAHU KHAIR
May Allah Forgive our sins…Ameen
Remember the Prophet PBUH said if u have knowledge pass it on
Even if it is just one verse. So Forward this message and help us in our
Mission to keep the Muslim's on the right path,
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. !!
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
PERFORM ISTIKHARA (-Such a powerful tool.)
“Humility is to leave your home and not to meet ANYONE except that you believe him to be better than you.” ~Imam Hassan Al-Basri
“The Three Abandoned Prayers”. In it, the author discusses three prayers that have been largely underused by many Muslims, but which hold great power.
They were Salat-ut-Tawbah (The Salah of Repentance), Salat-ul-Istikhara (The Salah of Seeking A God-Guided Outcome in Times of Decision),
Salat-ul-Tasbih (The Salah of Glorification of God).
No doubt, many of us have been heedless of these powerful tools for growing in our closeness to Allah, but one in particular which is important to re-think is Istikhara.
....The Abandoned Prayer....
....Salat-ul-Istikhara.......
The procedure for this Salah is best described by the hadith:
On the authority of Jabber Ibn ‘Abdullah he said: The Prophet (S) would instruct us to pray for guidance in all of our concerns, just as he would teach us a chapter from the
Quran. He (S) would say ‘if any of you intends to undertake a mater then let him pray two supererogatory units (two rak’ah naafilah) of prayer and after which he should supplicate:
‘O Allah, I seek Your counsel by Your knowledge and by Your power I seek strength and I ask You from Your immense favor, for verily You are able while I am not and verily
You know while I do not and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know this affair -and here he mentions his need- to be good for me in relation to my religion,
my life, and end, then decree and facilitate it for me, and bless me with it, and if You know this affair to be ill for me towards my religion, my life, and end, then remove it
from me and remove me from it, and decree for me what is good wherever it be and make me satisfied with such.’
Such a powerful tool we have been given, to admit our complete lack of knowledge, power, ability, and sight, and the absolute dominance of Allah (swt) in all these abilities.
Such a great and mighty prayer, comprehensive in its outlook, its span of time, and its effect on our lives. Balanced within this world and the Hereafter. Something which
only Divine Guidance could have brought us.
Many of us use this prayer, rightfully, to seek Allah’s assistance in making decisions concerning school, getting a job, getting married, going to Hajj, or maybe even
choosing a house. Unfortunately though, we have relegated one of the most powerful duas available, to only the most important decisions.
What we don’t realize however is that this prayer need not only be for the most important, crucial decisions in our lives. Why do those who are in Islamic Work, not use
this prayer when making decisions in the organization? Why not use it when making difficult choices at work? For a specific project choice or topic choice for a paper in
school? Why do we not use it every time we say: “Ya Allah…I wish you would just me what is best for me!” or “Ya Allah! I wish you would just show me what to do!”
So many decisions to make. So many decisions at workplaces. But in these decisions, we don’t remember that much of our worry can be removed by leaving the decision
to Allah (swt).
What made the Companions the unique Quranic generation was that their entire thought process revolved around the Quran and around supplication to Allah swt .They relegated to Allah and His Messenger, every decision in their lives, after putting forth an intelligent and sincere effort at solving their problems.
As the Prophet said: “Ad-Dua mukh-ul-’ibaadah”.
"Supplication is the essence of worship".
Anytime a Muslim is making a decision, he or she should seek Allah's guidance and wisdom. Allah alone knows what is best for us, and there may be good in what we perceive
as bad, and bad in what we perceive as good.
If you are ambivalent or unsure about a decision you have to make, there is a specific prayer for guidance (Salat-l-Istikhara) that you can do to ask for Allah's help in making your decision.
According to Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 21, Number 263:
Narrated Jabber bin 'Abdullah (R.A).: The Prophet (Sallal Laho Alaihi Wasallam) used to teach us the way of doing Istikhara, in all matters as he taught us the Suras of the Quran.
He said, "If anyone of you thinks of doing any action he should offer a two Rakat prayer other than the compulsory ones and say (after the prayer):
"Istikhara" means to seek goodness from Allah (Exalted is He), meaning when one intends to do an important task they do istikhara before the task.
The one who does the istikhara is asking Allah Almighty, the Knower of Unseen (Exalted is He) to guide him or her to know whether the task is better for him or not.
Salat al-Istikhara is a powerful tool that Allah has given us to ask His guidance in all matters. We should not hesitate to pray Istikhara before making any choice in our lives, big or small.
It's important to do this prayer with sincerity, knowing in our hearts that only Allah can give us the guidance we seek, and resolved to follow the guidance He gives us, even if it clashes with our own desires.
We should also say the duas with firm conviction, not begging or pleading, but asking Allah clearly for guidance.
And we should not be impatient after our dua. We do not put Allah on a timetable. We say our prayers and trust that Allah has heard us and will answer us in the way that is best.
The Prophet (SAW) used to teach us the way of doing Istikhara (Istikhara means to ask Allah to guide one to the right sort of action concerning any job or a deed), in all matters
as he taught us the Suras of the Quran. He said, "If anyone of you thinks of doing any work he should offer a two Rakat prayer other than the compulsory ones and say
(after the prayer):
'Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika, Wa astaqdiruka bi-qudratika, Wa as'alaka min fadlika al-'azlm Fa-innaka taqdiru Wala aqdiru, Wa ta'lamu Wala a'lamu,
Wa anta 'allamu l-ghuyub. Allahumma, in kunta ta'lam anna hadha-l-amra Khairun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa'aqibati amri (or 'ajili amri wa'ajilihi) Faqdirhu wa yas-sirhu li thumma
barik li Fihi, Wa in kunta ta'lamu anna hadha-lamra shar-run li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa'aqibati amri (or fi'ajili amri wa ajilihi) Fasrifhu anni was-rifni anhu. Waqdir li al-khaira haithu
kana Thumma ardini bihi.
(O Allah! I ask guidance from your knowledge, And Power from Your Might and I ask for your great blessings. You are capable and I am not.
You know and I do not and you know the unseen. O Allah! If you know that this job is good for my religion and my subsistence and in my Hereafter... (Or said: If it is better for my present and later needs). Then You ordain it for me and make it easy for me to get, And then bless me in it, and if You know that this job is harmful to me In my
religion and subsistence and in the Hereafter... (Or said: If it is worse for my present and later needs). Then keep it away from me and let me be away from it. And ordain for me whatever is good for me, and make me satisfied with it). The Prophet added that then the person should name (mention) his need.
WAY TO PERFORM ISTIKHARA:
First pray Two Cycles (raka') of ritual Prayer (nafil) such that in the first raka' after Surah Fatiha (Allhamd"¦) recite Surah al-Kafirun (Chapter 109)
and in the second raka' after Fatiha (Allhamd"¦)
recite Surah al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112). After finishing prayer recite (supplication/dua'): Dua .
How many times?
It depends. Sometimes it takes only once to get the answer and sometimes it takes longer. It is better to do istakhara seven (7) times. If you have received an answer,
you may stop doing istikhara. You do not have to continue to do istikhara for 7 days. It is better that right after reciting the supplication, given above, sleep with ablution
(people who cannot keep the ablution for longer times due to health problems do not have to worry about ablution before falling asleep) facing the direction of the Qiblah
(facing the Qiblah is not required but it is a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Peace Be Upon Him). It is better to recite salutations (durood/ salawat) on the Prophet of Allah.
Grace and Peace is upon him before and after the above Dua (supplication).
When one is not clear about the result of the istikhara, the fuqaha mention that it is recommend to repeat it, up to seven times if necessary (usually done on separate occasions).
In general, when it is not possible to perform the istikhara prayer itself (such as when one is out on the road, or in one's menstrual period), it is recommended to simply
read the dua itself.
The istikhara prayer may be made for a specific matter or be made for a general seeking of all that is best. Some scholars including Ibn `Arafah before him saw this kind of
istikhara prayer as being superior. Others, including Sheikh Ibn al-Arabi, recommended performing a general istikhara prayer for all that is good every day, ideally at the
time of the Duha prayer (after sunrise).
Imam al-Nawawi mentioned that before the istikhara prayer, one should seek advice (istikhara) from those whose knowledge, wisdom, and concern one is confident.
Ibn Hajar al-Haytami and others mentioned that one of the benefits of this is to further distance oneself from the desires of one's own egotistic inclinations.
It is recommended to open the dua of istikhara [below], with praise of Allah and sending blessings on the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace), and to close it in this
manner, too.
Like other duas, it is recommended that one face the Qiblah.
It is disliked to 'hasten' in seeking the answer to one's istikhara, like other duas, because the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) said,
"Your prayers are answered, unless you hasten, saying, 'I prayed, but no answer came.'"
One should be pleased with what Allah chooses for one, and not seek to follow one's whims after the answer to one's supplication becomes clear.
.....Sufyan b. ‘Uyainah– Allah has mercy on him – said:
"The first step in knowledge is to listen, then to be quiet and attentive, then to preserve it, then to put it into practice and then to spread it " .
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 Three Abandoned Prayers”. In it, the author discusses three prayers that have been largely underused by many Muslims, but which hold great power.
They were Salat-ut-Tawbah (The Salah of Repentance), Salat-ul-Istikhara (The Salah of Seeking A God-Guided Outcome in Times of Decision),
Salat-ul-Tasbih (The Salah of Glorification of God).
No doubt, many of us have been heedless of these powerful tools for growing in our closeness to Allah, but one in particular which is important to re-think is Istikhara.
....The Abandoned Prayer....
....Salat-ul-Istikhara.......
The procedure for this Salah is best described by the hadith:
On the authority of Jabber Ibn ‘Abdullah he said: The Prophet (S) would instruct us to pray for guidance in all of our concerns, just as he would teach us a chapter from the
Quran. He (S) would say ‘if any of you intends to undertake a mater then let him pray two supererogatory units (two rak’ah naafilah) of prayer and after which he should supplicate:
‘O Allah, I seek Your counsel by Your knowledge and by Your power I seek strength and I ask You from Your immense favor, for verily You are able while I am not and verily
You know while I do not and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know this affair -and here he mentions his need- to be good for me in relation to my religion,
my life, and end, then decree and facilitate it for me, and bless me with it, and if You know this affair to be ill for me towards my religion, my life, and end, then remove it
from me and remove me from it, and decree for me what is good wherever it be and make me satisfied with such.’
Such a powerful tool we have been given, to admit our complete lack of knowledge, power, ability, and sight, and the absolute dominance of Allah (swt) in all these abilities.
Such a great and mighty prayer, comprehensive in its outlook, its span of time, and its effect on our lives. Balanced within this world and the Hereafter. Something which
only Divine Guidance could have brought us.
Many of us use this prayer, rightfully, to seek Allah’s assistance in making decisions concerning school, getting a job, getting married, going to Hajj, or maybe even
choosing a house. Unfortunately though, we have relegated one of the most powerful duas available, to only the most important decisions.
What we don’t realize however is that this prayer need not only be for the most important, crucial decisions in our lives. Why do those who are in Islamic Work, not use
this prayer when making decisions in the organization? Why not use it when making difficult choices at work? For a specific project choice or topic choice for a paper in
school? Why do we not use it every time we say: “Ya Allah…I wish you would just me what is best for me!” or “Ya Allah! I wish you would just show me what to do!”
So many decisions to make. So many decisions at workplaces. But in these decisions, we don’t remember that much of our worry can be removed by leaving the decision
to Allah (swt).
What made the Companions the unique Quranic generation was that their entire thought process revolved around the Quran and around supplication to Allah swt .They relegated to Allah and His Messenger, every decision in their lives, after putting forth an intelligent and sincere effort at solving their problems.
As the Prophet said: “Ad-Dua mukh-ul-’ibaadah”.
"Supplication is the essence of worship".
Anytime a Muslim is making a decision, he or she should seek Allah's guidance and wisdom. Allah alone knows what is best for us, and there may be good in what we perceive
as bad, and bad in what we perceive as good.
If you are ambivalent or unsure about a decision you have to make, there is a specific prayer for guidance (Salat-l-Istikhara) that you can do to ask for Allah's help in making your decision.
Should you marry this certain person? Should you attend this graduate school? Should you take this job offer or that one? Allah knows what is best for you, and if you are not sure about a choice that you have, seek His guidance.
According to Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 21, Number 263:
Narrated Jabber bin 'Abdullah (R.A).: The Prophet (Sallal Laho Alaihi Wasallam) used to teach us the way of doing Istikhara, in all matters as he taught us the Suras of the Quran.
He said, "If anyone of you thinks of doing any action he should offer a two Rakat prayer other than the compulsory ones and say (after the prayer):
"Istikhara" means to seek goodness from Allah (Exalted is He), meaning when one intends to do an important task they do istikhara before the task.
The one who does the istikhara is asking Allah Almighty, the Knower of Unseen (Exalted is He) to guide him or her to know whether the task is better for him or not.
Salat al-Istikhara is a powerful tool that Allah has given us to ask His guidance in all matters. We should not hesitate to pray Istikhara before making any choice in our lives, big or small.
It's important to do this prayer with sincerity, knowing in our hearts that only Allah can give us the guidance we seek, and resolved to follow the guidance He gives us, even if it clashes with our own desires.
We should also say the duas with firm conviction, not begging or pleading, but asking Allah clearly for guidance.
And we should not be impatient after our dua. We do not put Allah on a timetable. We say our prayers and trust that Allah has heard us and will answer us in the way that is best.
The Prophet (SAW) used to teach us the way of doing Istikhara (Istikhara means to ask Allah to guide one to the right sort of action concerning any job or a deed), in all matters
as he taught us the Suras of the Quran. He said, "If anyone of you thinks of doing any work he should offer a two Rakat prayer other than the compulsory ones and say
(after the prayer):
'Allahumma inni astakhiruka bi'ilmika, Wa astaqdiruka bi-qudratika, Wa as'alaka min fadlika al-'azlm Fa-innaka taqdiru Wala aqdiru, Wa ta'lamu Wala a'lamu,
Wa anta 'allamu l-ghuyub. Allahumma, in kunta ta'lam anna hadha-l-amra Khairun li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa'aqibati amri (or 'ajili amri wa'ajilihi) Faqdirhu wa yas-sirhu li thumma
barik li Fihi, Wa in kunta ta'lamu anna hadha-lamra shar-run li fi dini wa ma'ashi wa'aqibati amri (or fi'ajili amri wa ajilihi) Fasrifhu anni was-rifni anhu. Waqdir li al-khaira haithu
kana Thumma ardini bihi.
(O Allah! I ask guidance from your knowledge, And Power from Your Might and I ask for your great blessings. You are capable and I am not.
You know and I do not and you know the unseen. O Allah! If you know that this job is good for my religion and my subsistence and in my Hereafter... (Or said: If it is better for my present and later needs). Then You ordain it for me and make it easy for me to get, And then bless me in it, and if You know that this job is harmful to me In my
religion and subsistence and in the Hereafter... (Or said: If it is worse for my present and later needs). Then keep it away from me and let me be away from it. And ordain for me whatever is good for me, and make me satisfied with it). The Prophet added that then the person should name (mention) his need.
WAY TO PERFORM ISTIKHARA:
First pray Two Cycles (raka') of ritual Prayer (nafil) such that in the first raka' after Surah Fatiha (Allhamd"¦) recite Surah al-Kafirun (Chapter 109)
and in the second raka' after Fatiha (Allhamd"¦)
recite Surah al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112). After finishing prayer recite (supplication/dua'): Dua .
How many times?
It depends. Sometimes it takes only once to get the answer and sometimes it takes longer. It is better to do istakhara seven (7) times. If you have received an answer,
you may stop doing istikhara. You do not have to continue to do istikhara for 7 days. It is better that right after reciting the supplication, given above, sleep with ablution
(people who cannot keep the ablution for longer times due to health problems do not have to worry about ablution before falling asleep) facing the direction of the Qiblah
(facing the Qiblah is not required but it is a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Peace Be Upon Him). It is better to recite salutations (durood/ salawat) on the Prophet of Allah.
Grace and Peace is upon him before and after the above Dua (supplication).
When one is not clear about the result of the istikhara, the fuqaha mention that it is recommend to repeat it, up to seven times if necessary (usually done on separate occasions).
It is not necessary that you get a dream or even a "feeling." Rather, the istikhara is a prayer that Allah guide you towards that which is best (khayr) for you. If you do the prayer of guidance (istikhara) with the proper manners, the most important of which is to truly consign the matter to Allah and suspend your own inclinations, then Allah will make events unfold in the direction that is the best for your worldly and next-worldly affairs.
In general, when it is not possible to perform the istikhara prayer itself (such as when one is out on the road, or in one's menstrual period), it is recommended to simply
read the dua itself.
The istikhara prayer may be made for a specific matter or be made for a general seeking of all that is best. Some scholars including Ibn `Arafah before him saw this kind of
istikhara prayer as being superior. Others, including Sheikh Ibn al-Arabi, recommended performing a general istikhara prayer for all that is good every day, ideally at the
time of the Duha prayer (after sunrise).
Imam al-Nawawi mentioned that before the istikhara prayer, one should seek advice (istikhara) from those whose knowledge, wisdom, and concern one is confident.
Ibn Hajar al-Haytami and others mentioned that one of the benefits of this is to further distance oneself from the desires of one's own egotistic inclinations.
It is recommended to open the dua of istikhara [below], with praise of Allah and sending blessings on the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace), and to close it in this
manner, too.
Like other duas, it is recommended that one face the Qiblah.
It is disliked to 'hasten' in seeking the answer to one's istikhara, like other duas, because the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) said,
"Your prayers are answered, unless you hasten, saying, 'I prayed, but no answer came.'"
One should be pleased with what Allah chooses for one, and not seek to follow one's whims after the answer to one's supplication becomes clear.
.....Sufyan b. ‘Uyainah– Allah has mercy on him – said:
"The first step in knowledge is to listen, then to be quiet and attentive, then to preserve it, then to put it into practice and then to spread it " .
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. !!
Saturday, 8 May 2010
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone
In the Quran, Allah says: "When My servants ask about Me, I am indeed close to them. I listen to the prayer of every supplicant, when he calls on me. Let them also, with a will, listen to my call, and believe in me, so that they may walk in the right way" (Quran 2:186).
The word dua in Arabic means "calling" - the act of remembering Allah and calling upon Him.
Aside from the daily prayers, Muslims are encouraged to call upon Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and strength throughout the day. Muslims can make these personal supplications or prayers (dua) in their own words, in any language, but there are also recommended examples from the Quran and Sunnah.
As parents, we should try and teach our children this and try to make our home, a place where Allah is remembered.
Supplication or Dua to Allah is of paramount importance in Islam. The benefits of supplication are immense as are its virtues. Supplication is an act of obedience to Allah. By offering supplications, we are actually carrying out Allah’s command.
Allah says: “And your Lord said: Supplicate to Me, I shall answer you.” [Surah Ghâfir: 60]
There are many supplications that the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to say in different situations. With this in mind, below are some free printable supplications. InshaAllah, the hope is that you will print them and put them in your homes as a reminder to your families.
.....Supplications for when you wake up...
Laa illaha illallahu wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer Subhaanallahi, walhamdu lillaahi, wa laa 'ilaha 'illallahu, wallaahu 'akbar, wa laa hawla wa laa Quwwata 'illaa billaahil-'Aliyyil-'Adheem, Rabbighfir lee.
Translation
There is none worth of worship but Allah alone, who has no partner, His is the dominion and to Him Belongs all praise, and He is able to do all things. Glory is to Allah. Praise is to Allah. There is none worth of worship but Allah. Allah is the Most Great. There is no might and no powers except by Allah’s leave, the Exalted, the Mighty. My Lord, forgive me.
Reference:
Whoever says this will be forgiven, and if he supplicates Allah, his prayer will be answered; if he performs ablution and prays, his prayer will be accepted. Al-Bukhari, cf. Al-Asqalani, Fathul-Bari 3/39, among others. The wording here is from Ibn Majah 2/335.
What to say after completing the prayer
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer, Allaahumma laa maard'a limaa 'a'tayta, wa laa mu'tiya limaa mana'ta, wa laa yanfa'u thal-jaddi minkal-jadd.
Translation
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things. O Allah, there is none who can withhold what you give, and none may give what you have withheld; and the might of the mighty person cannot benefit him against you.
Reference:
Al-Bukhari 1/255, Muslim 1/414.
…..What to say after completing the prayer……
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku, wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay 'in Qadeer. Laa hawla wa laa quwwata 'illaa billaahi, laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu, wa laa na'budu 'illaa 'iyyaahu, lahun-ni'matu wa lahul-fadhlu wa lahuth-thanaa'ul-hasanu, laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu mukhliseena lahud-deena wa law karihal-kaafiroon.
Translation
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things. There is no power and no might except by Allah. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and we do not worship any other besides Him. His is grace, and His is bounty and to Him belongs the most excellent praise. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah. (We are) sincere in making our religious devotion to Him, even though the disbelievers may dislike it.
Reference:
Muslim 1/415.
What to say after completing the prayer
Subhaanallaahi, walhamdu lillaahi wallaahu 'Akbar, - Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamduwaHuwa'alaaKULLIshay'inQadeer
Translation
Glory is to Allah. , and praise is to Allah , and Allah is the Most Great (each said thirty-three times). None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things.
Reference:
Muslim 1/418, whoever says this after every prayer will be forgiven his sins even though they are as the foam of the sea.
What to say after completing the prayer
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu yuhyee wa yumeetu wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer.
Translation
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise. He brings life and He causes death, and He is Able to do all things. (Recite ten times in Arabic after the Maghrib and Fajr prayers.)
Reference:
At-Tirmithi 5/515, Ahmad 4/227. See its checking in Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah's Zddul-Ma'ad 1/300.
Words of remembrance for morning and evening
Allaahumma 'Aalimal-ghaybi wash-shahaadati faatiras-samaawaati wal'ardhi, Rabba KULLI shay 'in wa maleekahu, 'ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta, 'a'oothu bika min sham nafsee, wa min sharrish-shaytaani wa shirkihi, wa 'an 'aqtarifa 'alaa nafsee soo'an, 'aw 'ajurrahu 'ilaa Muslimin.
Translation
O Allah, Knower of the unseen and the evident, Maker of the heavens and the earth, Lord of everything and its Possessor, I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but you. I seek refuge in you from the evil of my soul and from the evil of Satan and his helpers. (I seek refuge in you) from bringing evil upon my soul and from harming any Muslim.
Reference:
Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/142 and AbuDawud.
Words of remembrance for morning and evening
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer.
Translation
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things. (Recite ten times 1 in Arabic or one time to ward off laziness.) 2
Reference:
1Allah will write ten Hasanaat (rewards) for whoever recites this ten times in the morning, and forgive him ten misdeeds and give him the reward of freeing ten slaves and protect him from Satan. Whoever recites this ten times in the evening will get this same reward. An-Nasa'i, 'Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah (no. 24). Its chain of transmission is sound (Sahih). Albani 1/272. Abu Hurayrah R.A. narrated that the Prophet SAW said: "Allah will write one hundred Hasanat for whoever says, There is no God but Allah alone, He has no partner. To Allah is possession of everything, and to Him all praise is. He is Capable of all things' ten times in the morning, and forgives him one hundred misdeeds. He will have the reward of freeing a slave and will be protected from Satan throughout the day unto dusk. Whoever says it in the evening will have the same reward." Ahmad 8/704, 16/293. Its chain of transmission is good (Hasan), Ibn Baz, p. 44.
2 Whoever recites this in the morning, will have the reward of freeing a slave from the Children of Isma'il. Ten Hasanaat (rewards) will be written for him, and he will be forgiven ten misdeeds, raised up ten degrees, and be protected from Satan until evening. Whoever says it in the evening will have the same reward until morning. Abu Dawud 4/319, 3/957, Ahmad 4/ 60, Ibn Majah 2/331, Ibn Al-Qayyim Zadul-Ma'ad 2/388. Its chain of transmission is sound (Sahih). Al-Albani 1/270.
Words of remembrance for morning and evening
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer.
Translation
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things. (Recite 100 times in Arabic upon rising in the morning).
Reference:
Whoever recites this one hundred times a day will have the reward of freeing ten slaves. One hundred Hasanaat (rewards) will be written for him and one hundred misdeeds will be washed away. He will be shielded from Satan until the evening. No one will be able to present anything better than this except for someone who has recited more than this. Al-Bukhari 4/95, Muslim 4/2071.
What to say before sleeping
Allaahumma 'Aalimal-ghaybi wash-shahaadati faatiras-samaawaati wal'ardhi, Rabba KULLI shay 'in wa maleekahu, 'ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta, 'a'oothu bika min sharri nafsee, wa min sharrish-shaytaani wa shirkihi, wa 'an 'aqtarifa 'alaa nafsee soo 'an, 'aw 'ajurrahu 'ilaa Muslimin.
Translation
O Allah, Knower of the unseen and the evident, Maker of the heavens and the earth, Lord of everything and its Master, I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but you. I seek refuge in you from the evil of my soul and from the evil of Satan and his helpers. (I seek refuge in you) from bringing evil upon my soul and from harming any Muslim.
Reference:
Abu Dawud 4/317. See also Al-Albani, Sahih-Tirmithi 3/142.
What to say before sleeping
Allaahumma Rabbas-samaawaatis-sab'i wa Rabbal-'Arshil-'Adheem, Rabbanaa wa Rabba KULLI shay 'in, faaliqal-habbi wannawaa , wa munzilat-Tawraati wal-'Injeeli, wal-Furqaani, 'a'oothu bika min sharri KULLI shay 'in 'Anta 'aakhithun binaasiyatihi. Allaahumma 'Antal-'Awwalu falaysa qablaka shay'un, wa 'Antal-'Aakhiru falaysa ba'daka shay'un, wa 'Antadh-Dhaahiru falaysa fawqaka shay'un, wa 'Antal-Baatinu falaysa doonaka shay'un, iqdhi 'annad-dayna wa 'aghninaa minal-faqri.
Translation
O Allah! Lord of the seven heavens and Lord of the Magnificent Throne. Our Lord and the Lord of everything, splitter of the grain and the date-stone. Revealer of the Torah and the Injeel1 and the Furqan (the Quran), I seek refuge in You from the evil of everything that You shall seize by the forelock.2 O Allah You are the First and nothing has come before you, and You are the Last, and nothing may come after You. You are the Most High, nothing is above you and you are the Most Near and nothing is nearer than you. Remove our debts from us and enrich us against poverty. 3
Reference:
1 The Scripture that was revealed to 'Isa (Jesus).
2 See: Quran Al-'Alaq 96:15, where seizure by the forelock proceeds being cast into Hell.
3 Muslim 4/2084.
Invocations in times of worry and grief
Allaahumma 'innee 'abduka, ibnu 'abdika, ibnu 'amatika, naasiyatee biyadika, maadhin fiyya hukmuka, 'adlun fiyya qadhaa'uka, 'as'aluka biKULLI ismin huwa laka, sammayta bihi nafsaka, 'aw 'anzaltahu fee kitaabika, 'aw 'allamtahu 'ahadan min khalqika, 'awista'tharta bihi fee 'ilmil-ghaybi 'indaka, 'an taj'alal-Qur'aana rabee'a qalbee, wa noora sadree, wa jalaa'a huznee, wa thahaaba hammee .
Translation
O Allah, I am your slave and the son of your male slave and the son of your female slave. My forehead is in Your Hand (i.e. you have control over me). Your Judgment upon me is assured and Your Decree concerning me is just. I ask You by every Name that You have named Yourself with, revealed in Your Book, taught any one of Your creation or kept unto Yourself in the knowledge of the unseen that is with You, to make the Quran the spring of my heart, and the light of my chest, the banisher of my sadness and the reliever of my distress.
Reference:
Ahmad 1/391 and Al-Albani graded it authentic.
Invocations for if you are stricken by in your faith
Huwal-'Awwalu wal-'Aakhiru wadh-Dhaahiru wal-Baatinu, wa Huwa biKULLI shay'in 'Aleem. (Recite the Ayah)
Translation
He is the First and the Last, the Most High and the Most Near. And He is the Knower of all things (in Arabic).
Reference:
Al-Hadid 57:3, Abu Dawud 4/329. Al-Albani graded it good in SahihAbu Dawud, 3/962.
-------How to seek Allah's protection for children-------
The Prophet (SAW) used to seek Allah's protection for Al-Hasan and Al-Husain by saying:
'U'eethukumaa bikalimaatil-laahit-taammati min KULLI shaytaanin wa haammatin, wa min KULLI 'aynin laammatin.
I seek protection for you in the Perfect Words of Allah from every devil and every beast, and from every envious blameworthy eye.
Reference:
Al-Bukhari4/119.
Invocation for entering a market
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, yuhyee wa yumeetu, wa Huwa hayyun laa yamootu, biyadihil-khayru, wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer.
Translation
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise. He brings life and He causes death, and He is living and does not die. In His Hand is all good, and He is Able to do all things.
Reference:
At-Tirmithi 5/291, and Al-Hakim 1/538. Al-Albani graded it good in Sahih Ibn Majah 2/21 and Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/152.
What to say if something happens to please you or to displease you
When something happened that pleased him, the Prophet (SAW) used to say:
Alhamdu lillaahil-lathee bini'matihi tatimmus-saalihaat.
And if something happened that displeased him, he used to say:
Alhamdu lillaahi 'alaa KULLI haal.
When something happened that pleased him, the Prophet (SAW) used to say:
Praise is to Allah Who by His blessings all good things are perfected.
And if something happened that displeased him, he used to say:
Praise is to Allah in all circumstances.
Reference:
Ibn As-Sunni, 'Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah, and Al-Hakim who graded it authentic 1/499. See also Al-Albani, Sahihul-Jami' As-Saghir 4/201.
Invocation to be recited while standing at Safa and Marwah
Whenever the Prophet (SAW) approached Mount Safa, he would recite:
'Innas-Safaa wal-Marwata min sha'aa'irillaah. 'Abda'u bimaa bada'allaahu bihi.
He began (his Say) at Mount Safa climbing it until he could see the House. He then faced the Qiblah repeating the words:
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaah, Allaahu 'Akbar
Then he said:
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer, laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu ilahaahu, 'anjaza wa'dahu, wa nasara 'abdahu, wa hazamal 'ahzaaba wahdahu.
Then he would ask Allah for what he liked, repeating the same thing like this three times. He did at Mount Marwah as he did at Mount Safa.
Whenever the Prophet (SAW) approached Mount Safa, he would recite:
Surely Safa and Marwah are among the signs of Allah. I begin by that which Allah began.
He began (his Say) at Mount Safa climbing it until he could see the House. He then faced the Qiblah repeating the words:
There is none worthy of worship but Allah, and Allah is the Most Great.
Then he said:
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, who has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, He fulfilled His Promise, He aided His slave, and He alone defeated Confederates.
Then he would ask Allah for what he liked, repeating the same thing like this three times. He did at Mount Marwah as he did at Mount Safa.
Reference:
Muslim 2/888.
Invocation to be recited on the Day of Arafat
The Prophet (SAW) said: The best invocation is that of the Day of Arafat, and the best that anyone can say is what I and the Prophets before me have said:
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer.
The Prophet (SAW) said: The best invocation is that of the Day of Arafat, and the best that anyone can say is what I and the Prophets before me have said:
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things.
Reference:
At-Tirmithi. Al-Albani graded it good in Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/184, and also Silsilatul-'Ahadith As-Sahih 4/6.
What to say to foil the devil's plots
'A'oothu bikalimaatil-laahit-taammaatil-latee laa yujaawizuhunna barrun wa laa faajimn min sharri maa khalaqa, wa bara'a wa thara'a, wa min sharri maa yanzilu minas-samaa'i, wa min sharri maa ya'ruju feehaa, wa min sharri maa thara'a fil-'ardhi, wa min sharri ma yakhruju minhaa, wa min sharri fitanil-layli wannahaari, wa min sharri KULLI taariqin 'illaa taariqan yatruqu bikhayrin yaa Rahmaan.
Translation: I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allah -which neither the upright nor the corrupt may overcome - from the evil of what He created, of what He made, and of what He scattered, from the evil of what descends from the heavens, and of what rises up to them, from the evil of what He scattered in the earth and of what emerges from it, from the evil trials of night and day, and from the evil of every night visitor, except the night visitor who comes with good. O Merciful One.
Reference:
Ahmad 3/419, with an authentic chain of narration, and Ibn As-Sunni (no. 637). Al-Arna’ut graded its chain authentic in his checking of Al-'Aqidah At-Tahawiyyah p. 133. See also Majma'uz-Zawa'id, 10/127.
The excellence of remembering Allah
Allah's Messenger (SAW) said: Whoever says:
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer.
Ten times, Will have the reward for freeing four slaves, from the Children of Isma'il.
Allah's Messenger (SAW) said: Whoever says:
Translation
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things.
Ten times, will have the reward for freeing four slaves from the Children of Isma'il.
Reference:
Al-Bukhari 7/67, Muslim 4/2071, sees also invocation no. 93 of this book.
The word dua in Arabic means "calling" - the act of remembering Allah and calling upon Him.
Aside from the daily prayers, Muslims are encouraged to call upon Allah for forgiveness, guidance, and strength throughout the day. Muslims can make these personal supplications or prayers (dua) in their own words, in any language, but there are also recommended examples from the Quran and Sunnah.
As parents, we should try and teach our children this and try to make our home, a place where Allah is remembered.
Supplication or Dua to Allah is of paramount importance in Islam. The benefits of supplication are immense as are its virtues. Supplication is an act of obedience to Allah. By offering supplications, we are actually carrying out Allah’s command.
Allah says: “And your Lord said: Supplicate to Me, I shall answer you.” [Surah Ghâfir: 60]
There are many supplications that the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to say in different situations. With this in mind, below are some free printable supplications. InshaAllah, the hope is that you will print them and put them in your homes as a reminder to your families.
.....Supplications for when you wake up...
Laa illaha illallahu wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer Subhaanallahi, walhamdu lillaahi, wa laa 'ilaha 'illallahu, wallaahu 'akbar, wa laa hawla wa laa Quwwata 'illaa billaahil-'Aliyyil-'Adheem, Rabbighfir lee.
Translation
There is none worth of worship but Allah alone, who has no partner, His is the dominion and to Him Belongs all praise, and He is able to do all things. Glory is to Allah. Praise is to Allah. There is none worth of worship but Allah. Allah is the Most Great. There is no might and no powers except by Allah’s leave, the Exalted, the Mighty. My Lord, forgive me.
Reference:
Whoever says this will be forgiven, and if he supplicates Allah, his prayer will be answered; if he performs ablution and prays, his prayer will be accepted. Al-Bukhari, cf. Al-Asqalani, Fathul-Bari 3/39, among others. The wording here is from Ibn Majah 2/335.
What to say after completing the prayer
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer, Allaahumma laa maard'a limaa 'a'tayta, wa laa mu'tiya limaa mana'ta, wa laa yanfa'u thal-jaddi minkal-jadd.
Translation
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things. O Allah, there is none who can withhold what you give, and none may give what you have withheld; and the might of the mighty person cannot benefit him against you.
Reference:
Al-Bukhari 1/255, Muslim 1/414.
…..What to say after completing the prayer……
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku, wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay 'in Qadeer. Laa hawla wa laa quwwata 'illaa billaahi, laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu, wa laa na'budu 'illaa 'iyyaahu, lahun-ni'matu wa lahul-fadhlu wa lahuth-thanaa'ul-hasanu, laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu mukhliseena lahud-deena wa law karihal-kaafiroon.
Translation
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things. There is no power and no might except by Allah. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and we do not worship any other besides Him. His is grace, and His is bounty and to Him belongs the most excellent praise. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah. (We are) sincere in making our religious devotion to Him, even though the disbelievers may dislike it.
Reference:
Muslim 1/415.
What to say after completing the prayer
Subhaanallaahi, walhamdu lillaahi wallaahu 'Akbar, - Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamduwaHuwa'alaaKULLIshay'inQadeer
Translation
Glory is to Allah. , and praise is to Allah , and Allah is the Most Great (each said thirty-three times). None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things.
Reference:
Muslim 1/418, whoever says this after every prayer will be forgiven his sins even though they are as the foam of the sea.
What to say after completing the prayer
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu yuhyee wa yumeetu wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer.
Translation
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise. He brings life and He causes death, and He is Able to do all things. (Recite ten times in Arabic after the Maghrib and Fajr prayers.)
Reference:
At-Tirmithi 5/515, Ahmad 4/227. See its checking in Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah's Zddul-Ma'ad 1/300.
Words of remembrance for morning and evening
Allaahumma 'Aalimal-ghaybi wash-shahaadati faatiras-samaawaati wal'ardhi, Rabba KULLI shay 'in wa maleekahu, 'ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta, 'a'oothu bika min sham nafsee, wa min sharrish-shaytaani wa shirkihi, wa 'an 'aqtarifa 'alaa nafsee soo'an, 'aw 'ajurrahu 'ilaa Muslimin.
Translation
O Allah, Knower of the unseen and the evident, Maker of the heavens and the earth, Lord of everything and its Possessor, I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but you. I seek refuge in you from the evil of my soul and from the evil of Satan and his helpers. (I seek refuge in you) from bringing evil upon my soul and from harming any Muslim.
Reference:
Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/142 and AbuDawud.
Words of remembrance for morning and evening
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer.
Translation
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things. (Recite ten times 1 in Arabic or one time to ward off laziness.) 2
Reference:
1Allah will write ten Hasanaat (rewards) for whoever recites this ten times in the morning, and forgive him ten misdeeds and give him the reward of freeing ten slaves and protect him from Satan. Whoever recites this ten times in the evening will get this same reward. An-Nasa'i, 'Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah (no. 24). Its chain of transmission is sound (Sahih). Albani 1/272. Abu Hurayrah R.A. narrated that the Prophet SAW said: "Allah will write one hundred Hasanat for whoever says, There is no God but Allah alone, He has no partner. To Allah is possession of everything, and to Him all praise is. He is Capable of all things' ten times in the morning, and forgives him one hundred misdeeds. He will have the reward of freeing a slave and will be protected from Satan throughout the day unto dusk. Whoever says it in the evening will have the same reward." Ahmad 8/704, 16/293. Its chain of transmission is good (Hasan), Ibn Baz, p. 44.
2 Whoever recites this in the morning, will have the reward of freeing a slave from the Children of Isma'il. Ten Hasanaat (rewards) will be written for him, and he will be forgiven ten misdeeds, raised up ten degrees, and be protected from Satan until evening. Whoever says it in the evening will have the same reward until morning. Abu Dawud 4/319, 3/957, Ahmad 4/ 60, Ibn Majah 2/331, Ibn Al-Qayyim Zadul-Ma'ad 2/388. Its chain of transmission is sound (Sahih). Al-Albani 1/270.
Words of remembrance for morning and evening
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer.
Translation
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things. (Recite 100 times in Arabic upon rising in the morning).
Reference:
Whoever recites this one hundred times a day will have the reward of freeing ten slaves. One hundred Hasanaat (rewards) will be written for him and one hundred misdeeds will be washed away. He will be shielded from Satan until the evening. No one will be able to present anything better than this except for someone who has recited more than this. Al-Bukhari 4/95, Muslim 4/2071.
What to say before sleeping
Allaahumma 'Aalimal-ghaybi wash-shahaadati faatiras-samaawaati wal'ardhi, Rabba KULLI shay 'in wa maleekahu, 'ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta, 'a'oothu bika min sharri nafsee, wa min sharrish-shaytaani wa shirkihi, wa 'an 'aqtarifa 'alaa nafsee soo 'an, 'aw 'ajurrahu 'ilaa Muslimin.
Translation
O Allah, Knower of the unseen and the evident, Maker of the heavens and the earth, Lord of everything and its Master, I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but you. I seek refuge in you from the evil of my soul and from the evil of Satan and his helpers. (I seek refuge in you) from bringing evil upon my soul and from harming any Muslim.
Reference:
Abu Dawud 4/317. See also Al-Albani, Sahih-Tirmithi 3/142.
What to say before sleeping
Allaahumma Rabbas-samaawaatis-sab'i wa Rabbal-'Arshil-'Adheem, Rabbanaa wa Rabba KULLI shay 'in, faaliqal-habbi wannawaa , wa munzilat-Tawraati wal-'Injeeli, wal-Furqaani, 'a'oothu bika min sharri KULLI shay 'in 'Anta 'aakhithun binaasiyatihi. Allaahumma 'Antal-'Awwalu falaysa qablaka shay'un, wa 'Antal-'Aakhiru falaysa ba'daka shay'un, wa 'Antadh-Dhaahiru falaysa fawqaka shay'un, wa 'Antal-Baatinu falaysa doonaka shay'un, iqdhi 'annad-dayna wa 'aghninaa minal-faqri.
Translation
O Allah! Lord of the seven heavens and Lord of the Magnificent Throne. Our Lord and the Lord of everything, splitter of the grain and the date-stone. Revealer of the Torah and the Injeel1 and the Furqan (the Quran), I seek refuge in You from the evil of everything that You shall seize by the forelock.2 O Allah You are the First and nothing has come before you, and You are the Last, and nothing may come after You. You are the Most High, nothing is above you and you are the Most Near and nothing is nearer than you. Remove our debts from us and enrich us against poverty. 3
Reference:
1 The Scripture that was revealed to 'Isa (Jesus).
2 See: Quran Al-'Alaq 96:15, where seizure by the forelock proceeds being cast into Hell.
3 Muslim 4/2084.
Invocations in times of worry and grief
Allaahumma 'innee 'abduka, ibnu 'abdika, ibnu 'amatika, naasiyatee biyadika, maadhin fiyya hukmuka, 'adlun fiyya qadhaa'uka, 'as'aluka biKULLI ismin huwa laka, sammayta bihi nafsaka, 'aw 'anzaltahu fee kitaabika, 'aw 'allamtahu 'ahadan min khalqika, 'awista'tharta bihi fee 'ilmil-ghaybi 'indaka, 'an taj'alal-Qur'aana rabee'a qalbee, wa noora sadree, wa jalaa'a huznee, wa thahaaba hammee .
Translation
O Allah, I am your slave and the son of your male slave and the son of your female slave. My forehead is in Your Hand (i.e. you have control over me). Your Judgment upon me is assured and Your Decree concerning me is just. I ask You by every Name that You have named Yourself with, revealed in Your Book, taught any one of Your creation or kept unto Yourself in the knowledge of the unseen that is with You, to make the Quran the spring of my heart, and the light of my chest, the banisher of my sadness and the reliever of my distress.
Reference:
Ahmad 1/391 and Al-Albani graded it authentic.
Invocations for if you are stricken by in your faith
Huwal-'Awwalu wal-'Aakhiru wadh-Dhaahiru wal-Baatinu, wa Huwa biKULLI shay'in 'Aleem. (Recite the Ayah)
Translation
He is the First and the Last, the Most High and the Most Near. And He is the Knower of all things (in Arabic).
Reference:
Al-Hadid 57:3, Abu Dawud 4/329. Al-Albani graded it good in SahihAbu Dawud, 3/962.
-------How to seek Allah's protection for children-------
The Prophet (SAW) used to seek Allah's protection for Al-Hasan and Al-Husain by saying:
'U'eethukumaa bikalimaatil-laahit-taammati min KULLI shaytaanin wa haammatin, wa min KULLI 'aynin laammatin.
I seek protection for you in the Perfect Words of Allah from every devil and every beast, and from every envious blameworthy eye.
Reference:
Al-Bukhari4/119.
Invocation for entering a market
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, yuhyee wa yumeetu, wa Huwa hayyun laa yamootu, biyadihil-khayru, wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer.
Translation
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise. He brings life and He causes death, and He is living and does not die. In His Hand is all good, and He is Able to do all things.
Reference:
At-Tirmithi 5/291, and Al-Hakim 1/538. Al-Albani graded it good in Sahih Ibn Majah 2/21 and Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/152.
What to say if something happens to please you or to displease you
When something happened that pleased him, the Prophet (SAW) used to say:
Alhamdu lillaahil-lathee bini'matihi tatimmus-saalihaat.
And if something happened that displeased him, he used to say:
Alhamdu lillaahi 'alaa KULLI haal.
When something happened that pleased him, the Prophet (SAW) used to say:
Praise is to Allah Who by His blessings all good things are perfected.
And if something happened that displeased him, he used to say:
Praise is to Allah in all circumstances.
Reference:
Ibn As-Sunni, 'Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah, and Al-Hakim who graded it authentic 1/499. See also Al-Albani, Sahihul-Jami' As-Saghir 4/201.
Invocation to be recited while standing at Safa and Marwah
Whenever the Prophet (SAW) approached Mount Safa, he would recite:
'Innas-Safaa wal-Marwata min sha'aa'irillaah. 'Abda'u bimaa bada'allaahu bihi.
He began (his Say) at Mount Safa climbing it until he could see the House. He then faced the Qiblah repeating the words:
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaah, Allaahu 'Akbar
Then he said:
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer, laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu ilahaahu, 'anjaza wa'dahu, wa nasara 'abdahu, wa hazamal 'ahzaaba wahdahu.
Then he would ask Allah for what he liked, repeating the same thing like this three times. He did at Mount Marwah as he did at Mount Safa.
Whenever the Prophet (SAW) approached Mount Safa, he would recite:
Surely Safa and Marwah are among the signs of Allah. I begin by that which Allah began.
He began (his Say) at Mount Safa climbing it until he could see the House. He then faced the Qiblah repeating the words:
There is none worthy of worship but Allah, and Allah is the Most Great.
Then he said:
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, who has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, He fulfilled His Promise, He aided His slave, and He alone defeated Confederates.
Then he would ask Allah for what he liked, repeating the same thing like this three times. He did at Mount Marwah as he did at Mount Safa.
Reference:
Muslim 2/888.
Invocation to be recited on the Day of Arafat
The Prophet (SAW) said: The best invocation is that of the Day of Arafat, and the best that anyone can say is what I and the Prophets before me have said:
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer.
The Prophet (SAW) said: The best invocation is that of the Day of Arafat, and the best that anyone can say is what I and the Prophets before me have said:
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things.
Reference:
At-Tirmithi. Al-Albani graded it good in Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/184, and also Silsilatul-'Ahadith As-Sahih 4/6.
What to say to foil the devil's plots
'A'oothu bikalimaatil-laahit-taammaatil-latee laa yujaawizuhunna barrun wa laa faajimn min sharri maa khalaqa, wa bara'a wa thara'a, wa min sharri maa yanzilu minas-samaa'i, wa min sharri maa ya'ruju feehaa, wa min sharri maa thara'a fil-'ardhi, wa min sharri ma yakhruju minhaa, wa min sharri fitanil-layli wannahaari, wa min sharri KULLI taariqin 'illaa taariqan yatruqu bikhayrin yaa Rahmaan.
Translation: I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allah -which neither the upright nor the corrupt may overcome - from the evil of what He created, of what He made, and of what He scattered, from the evil of what descends from the heavens, and of what rises up to them, from the evil of what He scattered in the earth and of what emerges from it, from the evil trials of night and day, and from the evil of every night visitor, except the night visitor who comes with good. O Merciful One.
Reference:
Ahmad 3/419, with an authentic chain of narration, and Ibn As-Sunni (no. 637). Al-Arna’ut graded its chain authentic in his checking of Al-'Aqidah At-Tahawiyyah p. 133. See also Majma'uz-Zawa'id, 10/127.
The excellence of remembering Allah
Allah's Messenger (SAW) said: Whoever says:
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa 'alaa KULLI shay'in Qadeer.
Ten times, Will have the reward for freeing four slaves, from the Children of Isma'il.
Allah's Messenger (SAW) said: Whoever says:
Translation
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things.
Ten times, will have the reward for freeing four slaves from the Children of Isma'il.
Reference:
Al-Bukhari 7/67, Muslim 4/2071, sees also invocation no. 93 of this book.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Reflection Of Your Own Inner Self.
Using Very Bad Language
Mahmud was a very pious man, but he was not very attractive looking. One day, he was walking along the road, minding his own business, when a lady came up to him, and started calling him names and abusing him. This lady kept saying all kinds of nasty things, and Mahmud just listened to her patiently. Finally, when she was finished calling him names and abusing him, Mahmud just greeted her, smiled, and said
"and a nice day to you," and continued on his way.
Why did Mahmud, the pious man, behave this way?
It is because he knew that everything she said was just a reflection of her own inner self.
If you use bad language, you are just making obvious to everybody how far away you really are from Allah, since your words are in reality a reflection of your own inner self.
A young man, a student in one of the universities, was one day taking a walk with a Professor, who was commonly called the student's friend, from his kindness to those who waited on his instructions.
As they went along,they saw lying in the path a pair of old shoes, which they supposed to belong to a poor man who was employed in a field close by,and who had nearly finished his day's work.
The student turned to the professor, saying: "Let us play the man a trick: we will hide his shoes, and conceal ourselves behind those bushes, and wait to see his perplexity when he cannot find them."
"My young friend," answered the professor, "we should never amuse ourselves at the expense of the poor. But you are rich, and may give yourself a much greater pleasure by means of this poor man. Put a coin in each shoe, and then we will hide ourselves and watch how this affects him."
The student did so and they both placed themselves behind the bushes close by. The poor man soon finished his work, and came across the field to the path where he had left his coat and shoes.
While putting on his coat he slipped his foot into one of his shoes, but feeling something hard, he stooped down to feel what it was, and found the coin. Astonishment and wonder were seen upon his countenance. He gazed upon the coin, turned it around, and looked at it again and again.
He then looked around him on all sides, but no person was to be seen. He now put the money into his pocket, and proceeded to put on the other shoe; but his surprise was doubled on finding the other coin.
His feelings overcame him; he fell upon his knees, looked up to the heavens and uttered aloud a fervent thanksgiving in which he spoke of his wife who was sick and helpless, and his children without bread, whom this timely bounty, from some unknown hand,would save from perishing.
The student stood there deeply affected, and his eyes filled with tears. "Now," said the professor, are you not much better pleased than if you had played your intended trick?"
The youth replied, "You have taught me a lesson which I will never forget. I feel now the truth of these words, which I never understood before: "It's more blessed to give than to receive."
Abdullah bin Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallAllahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that encouraging good, prohibiting evil, lifting the burden of the weak person and removing an offensive thing from a path are all acceptable prayers to Allah.
[ibn Majah].
Swearing is considered a debauchery and an immoral act.....
Bukhari and Muslim reported that Ibn Massaoud narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Swearing to a Muslim is a debauchery and an immoral act, and killing a Muslim is an act of Kufr.” Such behaviour (swearing) contradicts the complete Iman of the person who does it. Imam Ahmad and Tirmizi reported that Ibn Masoud narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “A Muslim is not a person who slanders, curses, speaks obscene words or is abusive.” Bukhari also reported that Abdullah Bin Omar narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “A Muslim is a person whom all Muslims are safe from his tongue and hands.”
In a long Hadith reported by Tirmizi, Ahmed, and Ibn Majah; Mu’adh narrated that "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) mentioned to him what brings him closer to Paradise and what makes him be farther from the Hellfire, and then he told him: “Shall I not inform you of what controls all that.” Mu’adh said: “Please tell me O! Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam)”. So the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) took his tongue (with his fingers) and told him: “Restraint this one.” Then Mu’adh said: “O! Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam), are we held accountable for what we say.”
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “How are you asking this question?” People are not thrown into the Hellfire on their faces or noses except due to the result of their tongues.”
................Be careful what you Plant..........
An emperor in the Far East was growing old and knew it was time to choose his successor. Instead of choosing one of his assistants or his children, he decided something different. He called young people in the kingdom together one day. He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next emperor. I have decided to choose one of you."
One boy named Ling was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his mother the story. She helped him get a pot and planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it carefully. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.
Ling kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks went by. Still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants but Ling didn't have a plant, and he felt like a failure. Six months went by, still nothing in Ling's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed.
Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Ling didn't say anything to his friends, however. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow.
A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But honest about what happened, Ling felt sick to his stomach, but he knew his mother was right. He took his empty pot to the palace. When Ling arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other youths. They were beautiful in all shapes and sizes. Ling put his empty pot on the floor and many of the other kinds laughed at him. A few felt sorry for him and just said, "Hey nice try."
When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. Ling just tried to hide in the back. "What great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the emperor. "Today, one of you will be appointed the next emperor!" All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Ling at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered his guards to bring him to the front. Ling was terrified. "The emperor knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me killed!"
When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. "My name is Ling," he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor asked everyone to quiet down. He looked at Ling, and then announced to the crowd, "Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!" Ling couldn't believe it. Ling couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new emperor? Then the emperor said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds, which would not grow. All of you, except Ling, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor!"
If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap victory.
If you plant consideration, you will reap harmony.
If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.
If you plant openness, you will reap intimacy.
If you plant patience, you will reap improvements.
If you plant faith, you will reap miracles.
If you plant dishonesty, you will reap distrust.
If you plant selfishness, you will reap loneliness.
If you plant pride, you will reap destruction.
If you plant envy, you will reap trouble.
If you plant laziness, you will reap stagnation.
If you plant bitterness, you will reap isolation.
If you plant greed, you will reap loss.
If you plant gossip, you will reap enemies.
If you plant worries, you will reap wrinkles.
If you plant sin, you will reap guilt.
So be careful what you plant now, It will determine what you will reap tomorrow, The seeds you now scatter, Will make life worse or better, your life or the ones who will come after. Yes, someday, you will enjoy the fruits, or you will pay for the choices you plant today. Honesty in Islam.
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. !!
Mahmud was a very pious man, but he was not very attractive looking. One day, he was walking along the road, minding his own business, when a lady came up to him, and started calling him names and abusing him. This lady kept saying all kinds of nasty things, and Mahmud just listened to her patiently. Finally, when she was finished calling him names and abusing him, Mahmud just greeted her, smiled, and said
"and a nice day to you," and continued on his way.
Why did Mahmud, the pious man, behave this way?
It is because he knew that everything she said was just a reflection of her own inner self.
If you use bad language, you are just making obvious to everybody how far away you really are from Allah, since your words are in reality a reflection of your own inner self.
A young man, a student in one of the universities, was one day taking a walk with a Professor, who was commonly called the student's friend, from his kindness to those who waited on his instructions.
As they went along,they saw lying in the path a pair of old shoes, which they supposed to belong to a poor man who was employed in a field close by,and who had nearly finished his day's work.
The student turned to the professor, saying: "Let us play the man a trick: we will hide his shoes, and conceal ourselves behind those bushes, and wait to see his perplexity when he cannot find them."
"My young friend," answered the professor, "we should never amuse ourselves at the expense of the poor. But you are rich, and may give yourself a much greater pleasure by means of this poor man. Put a coin in each shoe, and then we will hide ourselves and watch how this affects him."
The student did so and they both placed themselves behind the bushes close by. The poor man soon finished his work, and came across the field to the path where he had left his coat and shoes.
While putting on his coat he slipped his foot into one of his shoes, but feeling something hard, he stooped down to feel what it was, and found the coin. Astonishment and wonder were seen upon his countenance. He gazed upon the coin, turned it around, and looked at it again and again.
He then looked around him on all sides, but no person was to be seen. He now put the money into his pocket, and proceeded to put on the other shoe; but his surprise was doubled on finding the other coin.
His feelings overcame him; he fell upon his knees, looked up to the heavens and uttered aloud a fervent thanksgiving in which he spoke of his wife who was sick and helpless, and his children without bread, whom this timely bounty, from some unknown hand,would save from perishing.
The student stood there deeply affected, and his eyes filled with tears. "Now," said the professor, are you not much better pleased than if you had played your intended trick?"
The youth replied, "You have taught me a lesson which I will never forget. I feel now the truth of these words, which I never understood before: "It's more blessed to give than to receive."
Abdullah bin Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallAllahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that encouraging good, prohibiting evil, lifting the burden of the weak person and removing an offensive thing from a path are all acceptable prayers to Allah.
[ibn Majah].
Swearing is considered a debauchery and an immoral act.....
Bukhari and Muslim reported that Ibn Massaoud narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Swearing to a Muslim is a debauchery and an immoral act, and killing a Muslim is an act of Kufr.” Such behaviour (swearing) contradicts the complete Iman of the person who does it. Imam Ahmad and Tirmizi reported that Ibn Masoud narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “A Muslim is not a person who slanders, curses, speaks obscene words or is abusive.” Bukhari also reported that Abdullah Bin Omar narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “A Muslim is a person whom all Muslims are safe from his tongue and hands.”
In a long Hadith reported by Tirmizi, Ahmed, and Ibn Majah; Mu’adh narrated that "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) mentioned to him what brings him closer to Paradise and what makes him be farther from the Hellfire, and then he told him: “Shall I not inform you of what controls all that.” Mu’adh said: “Please tell me O! Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam)”. So the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) took his tongue (with his fingers) and told him: “Restraint this one.” Then Mu’adh said: “O! Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam), are we held accountable for what we say.”
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “How are you asking this question?” People are not thrown into the Hellfire on their faces or noses except due to the result of their tongues.”
................Be careful what you Plant..........
An emperor in the Far East was growing old and knew it was time to choose his successor. Instead of choosing one of his assistants or his children, he decided something different. He called young people in the kingdom together one day. He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next emperor. I have decided to choose one of you."
One boy named Ling was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his mother the story. She helped him get a pot and planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it carefully. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.
Ling kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks went by. Still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants but Ling didn't have a plant, and he felt like a failure. Six months went by, still nothing in Ling's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed.
Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Ling didn't say anything to his friends, however. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow.
A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But honest about what happened, Ling felt sick to his stomach, but he knew his mother was right. He took his empty pot to the palace. When Ling arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other youths. They were beautiful in all shapes and sizes. Ling put his empty pot on the floor and many of the other kinds laughed at him. A few felt sorry for him and just said, "Hey nice try."
When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. Ling just tried to hide in the back. "What great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the emperor. "Today, one of you will be appointed the next emperor!" All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Ling at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered his guards to bring him to the front. Ling was terrified. "The emperor knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me killed!"
When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. "My name is Ling," he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor asked everyone to quiet down. He looked at Ling, and then announced to the crowd, "Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!" Ling couldn't believe it. Ling couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new emperor? Then the emperor said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds, which would not grow. All of you, except Ling, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor!"
If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.
If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.
If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.
If you plant perseverance, you will reap victory.
If you plant consideration, you will reap harmony.
If you plant hard work, you will reap success.
If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.
If you plant openness, you will reap intimacy.
If you plant patience, you will reap improvements.
If you plant faith, you will reap miracles.
If you plant dishonesty, you will reap distrust.
If you plant selfishness, you will reap loneliness.
If you plant pride, you will reap destruction.
If you plant envy, you will reap trouble.
If you plant laziness, you will reap stagnation.
If you plant bitterness, you will reap isolation.
If you plant greed, you will reap loss.
If you plant gossip, you will reap enemies.
If you plant worries, you will reap wrinkles.
If you plant sin, you will reap guilt.
So be careful what you plant now, It will determine what you will reap tomorrow, The seeds you now scatter, Will make life worse or better, your life or the ones who will come after. Yes, someday, you will enjoy the fruits, or you will pay for the choices you plant today. Honesty in Islam.
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. !!
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