Learning the Surah of Al-Quran: Surah Fussilat/ Ha Mim Sajadah (41: Explained in Detail)

The disbelievers had given clear notice to the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wassalam to the effect, "You may continue your mission of inviting the people to yourself, but we will go on opposing you as hard as we can to frustrate your mission." To accomplish this objective they had devised a plan that whenever the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wassalam or one of his followers would to recite the Qur'an before the people, they would at once make so much noice that no one could hear anything.

They were saying:"If an Arab presents a discourse in Arabic, what could be the miracle in it? Arabic is his mother tongue. Anyone could compose anything that he pleased in his mother tongue and then make the claim that he had received it from God. A miracle would be if the person would suddenly arise and make and eloquent speech in a foreign tongue which he did not know. Then only could one say that the discourse was not of his own composition, but a revelation from God."

In response to this, this Surah has clearly stated:"This Qur'an is an unchangeable Book and you cannot defeat it by your noise and falsehoods. Whether falsehood comes from the front or makes a secret and indirect attack from behind, it cannot succeed in refuting it. Now that, the Qur'an is being presented in your own language so that you may understand it, you say that it should have been revealed in some foreign language. But had We sent it in a foreign language, you yourselves would have said: What a joke! The Arabs are being given guidance in a non-Arabic language, which nobody understands. In fact, you have no desire to obtain guidance. You are only inventing new excuses for not affirming the faith. Have you ever considered that if this Qur'an is really from Allah, then what fate you would meet by denying and opposing it?"

Major issues, Divine Laws and Guidance

- The Qur'an is revealed to give admonition

- Woe to those why deny the Hereafter and do no pay Zakat (charity)

- Story of the creation of earth, mountains, seas, skies and heavens.

- Example of Allah's scourge upon the nations of 'Ad and Thamud.

- On the Day of Judgement, man's own ears, eyes and skin will bear witness against him relating to his misdeeds.

- Those who say their God is Allah and stay firm on it, have angels assigned for their protection.

- The best in speech is the one who calls people towards Allah, does good deeds and says,"I am a Muslim."

- The message which is revealed to the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wassalam is the SAME MESSAGE which was revealed to prior Prophets.

- The Qur'n is a GUIDE and HEALING for the believers. It is similar to the Book given to the Prophet Musa alaihi salam.- On the Day of Judgement, all those Gods to whom people worshipped besides Allah, shall vanish.

- Have you considered that if The Qur'an is really from Allah and you deny it, what will happen to you?

TRANSLATION:

Surah Fussilat (41: Explained in Detail) 

 refer to http://quran.com/41

References:

i) http://quran.com/41

ii)http://www.quranexplorer.com/quran/ , go to Surah Fussilat/ Ha Mim Sajadah

iii)The Meanings of the Noble Quran with explanatory notes by Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani (Maktaba Ma'ariful Quran - Quranic Studies Publishers, Karachi, Pakistan)pp880-890

iv) http://www.surah.my/41

v) The Meaning of the Al0Qur'an - The Guidance for Mankind, Muhammad Farooq-i-Azam (1997),pp524-530.

Video recitation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmqQ8iUWdJo

Exercising the T's for Ramadan & its Merits

"All the “T’s” of Ramadan must be kept in mind so that when Ramadan comes, “everything is to the T!”. These “T’s” are: Tilawah, Tahajjud, Taraweeh, Tasbeehat, Tadharru’ (fervent Dua), Tatawwu’ (Nafl Ibadah), Tasahhur (eatingSehri/Suhoor), Taubah (repentance),Tawadhu (humility) and Tafakkur (contemplation). May Almighty Allah make this Ramadan a turning point in the life of the long-suffering Ummah. Aameen." - Mufti Zubair Bayat

Ramadan is the month that requires action and activity. It is all about altering our timetables and schedules, and it demands us to train ourselves to attain Taqwa (fear of Allah or devotion to Him) which in turn, is the element to carry us successfully through the ongoing journey towards the hereafter (akhirah), In Shaa Allah.

This abstinence in itself is a worship. One month of strictly conducting oneself in this manner will In Shaa Allah have the effect of enabling one to live the next eleven months in a similar manner in the complete obedience of Allah. Thus, can we afford to waste this time? Can we still have time for “loafing?” Is it possible for a person who values Ramadan to spend hours eating? or loitering around after taraweeh feasts and gatherings?, or have time for any other idle pursuits? Can we afford to spend valuable time glued to the airwaves listening to the opinions and views of one and all, whereas that time could have been used to at least recite the Holy Quran or send Durood upon our beloved Prophet (p.b.u.h.)? And entertainment? How can it be possible? The last thing that any Muslim who values Ramadan should be bothered about is, who somewhere in the world is whacking a little red ball all over a field or who is kicking a ball between two posts! Let alone comedy or other shows!

What are the SPECIAL MERITS of Ramadan and WHY do Muslims anticipate Ramadan so much??

i) Increased rewards and forgiveness

The reward of every Fardh (compulsory) act is multiplied seventy times while every Nafl (optional) act earns the reward of one Fardh out of Ramadan. (Ibn Khuzaymah). It is important to understand the latter aspect in its proper perspective. Tahajjud (Nafl Salah in the last third of the night) is an extremely great ibadah (worship). Great virtues have been narrated for this Salah. However, a lifetime of tahajjud cannot equal one Fardh of Fajr Salah! Yet in the month of Ramadan Almighty Allah grants us the reward of a Fardh action for every Nafl performed.

The fish in the sea seek forgiveness for those fasting until they break their fast . Allah decorates His Jannah (Paradise) every day and then says, “The time is near when My pious servants shall cast aside the great trials and come to me.” (Musnad Ahmed).

Whoever stands in prayer and worship in (the nights of) Ramadan, with Iman and with sincere hope of gaining reward , all his previous sins are forgiven (Bukhari, Muslim).

When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are flung open, the doors of the Hellfire are closed and the Shayateen are imprisoned. (Bukhari)

On the last night of Ramadan the fasting Muslims are forgiven. (Musnad Ahmed)

ii) Fasting and Iftar

All good deeds are for the one who renders them, but fasting. Fasting is exclusively for me (Allah) -(Bukhari).

The odour of the mouth of a fasting person is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk - (Bukhari)

Fasting is a shield, as long as the fasting person does not tear it up (by disobedience) (Nasai').

Not a single prayer made by a fasting person at the time of breaking the fast is rejected. (Ibn Majah)

iii) Lailatul-Qadr

Whoever stands in prayer and worship in the night of power with Iman and with sincere hope of gaining reward , all his previous sins are forgiven. ( Muslim)

Look for the night of power among the odd numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. (Mishkat)

iv) Iktikaf

The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) observed I’etikaf for ten days every year in the month of Ramadan. In the year he passed away he observed it for twenty days. (Bukhari)Refer to notes on Iktikaf https://www.facebook.com/notes/%D8%B3%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A7-%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%B1/itikaf-101/10150992411498757

Source taken with minimal editing from:http://www.haqislam.org/prepare-for-ramadan/ 

Half of Our Deen – Marriage in Islam

Love is a fruit of piety. Love without piety is mischief.

From an Islamic perspective, in choosing a partner, the most important factor that should be taken into consideration is Taqwa (piety and consciousness of Allah). There is no concept of courtship in Islam as it is practiced in the West. There is no dating or living in de facto relationship or trying each other out before committing to each other. There is to be no physical relationship whatsoever before marriage. [4]

According to Islamic tradition, marriage should be entered into for the sake of Allah. Marriage is, therefore, Ibadah (worship).

Allah's guidance should be sought on all matters, particularly the decision to marry and who to marry. Likewise, when we experience problems we must call on Allah to help us through the trying times.

Allah says in Surah Ghafir, "And your Lord said: Invoke Me (believe in Me alone and ask Me anything) I will respond to your (invocation). Verily, those who scorn My worship (i.e., they do not believe in My Oneness or ask Me), they will surely enter hell in humiliation"(40:60).

Marriage is such an important step in attaining Taqwa that even Rasulullah sallahu alaihi wassalam spoke of marriage as being ‘half of your Deen: ‘Whoever has married has completed half of his religion; therefore let him fear Allah in the other half!” – Bayhaqi.

Marriage is the most demanding training ground of faith. By claiming it to be ‘half of your Deen’, Rasulullah sallahu alaihi wassalam was not making an idle statement. When human couple strive hard to get their marriage and family right in the eyes of Allah Subhana Wa Taa’la, they are indeed well on the road to Jannah. [2][4]

Uhibukka fillah

In Islam the healthy marriage begins with a strong practice of Islamic tradition and spousal selection based on the Quran and Sunnah.

Muslims can choose a spouse for many reasons but piety is considered the best reason. Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger as saying, A woman may be married for four reasons: for her property, her status, her beauty and her religion; so try to get one who is religious, ..."(Muslim).

Many Muslim couples enter into marriage each with their own set of baggage and often lack the personal relationship with Allah that will help them to be successful as a married couple. 

In the nutshell, part of the problem in most marriages is a lack of Islamic education and spiritual development. Individuals entering into marriage are bent on getting what they want while neither practicing forbearance and patience, nor committing themselves to one another for the sake of Allah. Many of these problems can be prevented by learning and implementing the teachings of Islam. Quran offers many references concerning rights and limits in marriage, love and divorce. There is even an entire surah (chapter) named Al Talaq (The Divorce).

The Quran also says: "And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts)..." (30:21)

"They (your wives) are as a garment to you, and you are as a garment to them." (2:187)

"He it is Who created you from a single soul, and of the same did He make his spouse, that he might find comfort in her."(7:189).

If a spouse is chosen merely for his or her attractiveness or socioeconomic status, the likelihood is that those attributes will be the sum total of the marriage. [3]

A healthy marriage is based on strong Iman (faith) and strong Taqwa (fear of Allah). Because the couple unites for the sake and love of Allah, they are able to make decisions and resolve problems upon based this commitment.

Fikr (reflection) and Dhikr (remembrance) of Allah are a regular part of the marriage. The couple keeps their obligations to Allah and remembers Him often, even in their most intimate affairs. They reflect on what He has given them and on ways to improve their relationship with Him and thus with each other.

The couple not only strives in the cause of Allah but are also knowledgeable of their own and each other's rights, roles and responsibilities. The spouses honor and ensure that each other's rights are fulfilled and they work together to develop a strong Islamic personality.[1]

When The Teaching of Islam is Not the Reason for the Marriage

Problems in this realm may occur because the husband is Muslim and the wife is not and does not support an Islamic family life.

Given this, it is important to explore some of the problems Muslim couples are experiencing in marriage:

Religiously incompatible - It may also mean that the husband and wife are Muslim but one is more observant in the practice of the faith while the other may be described as Muslim but not religious.

The husband may not want the wife to wear Hijab despite her desire to do so. When a disagreement arises, one spouse wants to refer to Quran and Sunnah for the answer while the other ignores these primary sources of guidance to the preference of cultural traditions as the basis for decision-making.

Financial problems - It is essential that Muslims determine the importance of Islam in their lives prior to marriage. Each individual's level of religiosity will affect decision making, problem solving, daily practices and fulfillment of religious obligations.

These often result when the husband is either unemployed or underemployed or the couple has poor money management and budgeting skills.

When the wife enters the workforce under these conditions the additional stress of childcare and fulfilling homemaking duties become a concern.

Also the high potential for employment discrimination experienced by Muhajabas (Muslim women who wear the traditional Islamic dress and headscarf) add to the family's stress. The husband's self- esteem is severely affected in such circumstances because he is unable to fulfill one of his primary Islamic obligations.

Cross-cultural marriage - While marriage to someone of the same culture should not be the primary criteria for marriage, cross-cultural marriages seem to be at risk for marital discord. 

Frequently, the couple finds it very difficult to accept and adjust to each other's cultural norms and traditions. When Islam is not the primary guide in their lives and each one operates from a cultural base unfamiliar to the other communication problems, parenting problems and emotional and/or physical abuse often arise out of the frustration.

Cross-cultural marriage seems to work best when both spouses commit to make Islam according to Quran and Sunnah a priority. In issues not having to do with worship, both have to be tolerant and willing to compromise.

Differences in parenting style - Lack of parenting skills, significant differences in parenting styles, lack of knowledge of the examples of healthy, effective parenting from the Sunnah, the stress of adjusting to life with a new baby, or as a stepparent can lead to discord in the marriage.

Good marriage preparation affords the couple an opportunity to learn about their obligations as parents based on examples in the Quran and Sunnah.

Marriage in Islam is a beautiful way for two people to bring together their families, heritage and culture for the purpose of bringing more little Muslims into the world, in love, commitment and dedication to Allah, His Book, His prophet, peace be upon him, and surrender to Him in peace (Islam). [1]

Seeking Marriage – Islam Tradition versus Bida’ah/Culture

The prayer of Istikhara (decision making), a tradition of Prophet Muhammad, should also be undertaken in the selection of a mate, asking Allah's guidance in the choice of the mate best to assist one in preserving his or her Iman (faith) in order to prepare for the Ahkirah (Life after death). If Istikhara is performed sincerely asking Allah's guidance in the choice of a mate the marriage will be established at the outset on the best foundation.

Salatul Istakharah (the prayer for letting Allah to choose for you), is the most important and most effective way to find what will make you the happiest and give you the best partner for your life here and in the Hereafter.

Trust Allah - do the Salatul Istakharah...

The Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet are rich with wisdom and the best examples of appropriate Islamic behavior in family life. It is important that those seeking marriage study the examples put forth by Allah and His Messenger in choosing a mate as well as resolving marital problems.

Although marriage is an institution of divinely-ordained by Allah, each marriage is a contract between the spouses. Marriage is a social contract, a noble contract and a sacred contract (Khurshid Ahmad, 1974).

Allah says, "Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good admonition, and have disputations with them in the best manner; surely your Lord best knows who goes astray from His path, and He knows best those who follow the right way" (16:125).

In this tradition of Nasiha is opportunity for individuals before marriage and couples after marriage to obtain good advice from family, community elders, Imams or Muslim counselors and social workers regarding ways to prevent and intervene early in potential marital problems.

It is clear that inherent in the teachings and traditions of Islam are many opportunities to prevent and address marital problems.

In the nutshell…

Most couples spend more time preparing for the wedding than they do preparing for the marriage. Premarital programs focus on preparation for the marriage and for a long and harmonious family life in service to Allah.

However, the primary goal of developing and implementing a marriage preparation program that results in stronger Muslim families who will, in turn, strengthen and renew the foundation of Islamic society through the 21st century should be of paramount concern.

REFERENCES

[1] Preparing Muslims for Marriage - http://www.soundvision.com/info/marriage/prepare.asp
[2] Marriage in Islam – Islam’s Ruling on Marriage - http://www.islamswomen.com/marriage/marriage_in_islam.php
[3] The Muslims Marriage Guide - http://www.biharanjuman.org/MarriageGuide.pdf
[4] Dating (in Islam?) - http://islamnewsroom.com/news-we-need/653-loveandmarriageinislam

6 Wills of Imam Ghazali r.a.

(1) When you meet an ignorant, take them as more noble because when they do commit sins, it is due to their ignorance, WHILE we commit sins realizing its consequences. 

(2) When you meet a child, take them as more noble too as compared to yourself, as they are not yet burdened with sins.

(3) When you meet the elders, take them as more noble, for they've spent more time on ibadah and taubat as compared to yourself.

(4) When you meet the pious people, take them too as noble than you, for they have vast knowledge and also spend most of their time performing ibadah.

(5) When you meet the sinners, do not quickly take yourself as a great and noble person, but instead, say this to yourself, "Just maybe, they will repent later in their lives, but what about our own ending?"

(6) When you meet the disbelievers, know that its not certain that they will end up being one forever.

Imam Ghazali r.a. has taught us to educate our hearts by constantly reflecting on our deeds, be more humble by observing your own actions rather than condemning others.

Are YOU a DAYOOTH/ CUCKOLD?

Could you be a Dayooth ? So, what is a dayooth? A dayooth in English means "cuckold". In a simple base terms, this is a word used to describe a man who wishes to watch while his wife has sex with another man.

Now, you're reading this and thinkin'...

"...what is this guy writing about now? Who here does that? But Islam explains 'ad-dayooth" or the cuckold man on different levels. "

The Prophet said,"Ad-dayooth la' yad khullul janna". The ad-dayooth will not enter Janah, so where will they go ? In Hell.

SO, who are the ad-dayooth? Ad-dayooth is a man who :

1. Allows his wife/sister/daughter to go out of the house not covered properly.

Meaning just because she is wearing a headscarf doesnt mean she is in "hijab". If the skin of her feet are showing , or she's wearing a half sleeve t-shirt or you can see the shape of anything, or you can tell her bra size, then SHE IS NOT WEARING HIJAB. Because khemar = headscarf. So, wearing a headscarf with tight clothes means you aren't in HIJAB. She can't show the skin of her feet. Wearing a headscarf with skinny jeans/leggings and a tight t-shirt is not hijab. The man that allows this is a DAYOOTH.

This could be your sister , your wife or your daughter. Are you not jealous that men look at these women up and down stripping them with their eyes. You are allowing to these men to have sex with them indirectly by allowing these women -whom YOU are responsible for to do whatever they want.

If you think this is "extreme" then you don't know the Quran. Read the tafseer of Surah An-Nisa before commenting. Men are leaders of women. Imams. Now, its the other way around. The husband has his pants wayyy past his ankles, the wife is behind him all dolled up, high heels, pushing her butt out, wearing a corset to push her chest out . Bro, what can you NOT SEE? I can see everything. And if you think that a woman who shows the skin of her feet is wearing hijab then -like i said-read the Quran in a language you understand.

2. Ad dayooth is a man who doesnt have a problem with his wife/sister /daughter sitting around non-family males and shaking their hands and mixing.

3. The ad-dayooth is a man who follows his wife's orders ABOVE THE PROPHETS COMMANDS.

    Example:

    Bro, why do you shave?

    Ans: my wife doesn't like a beard.

    Bro, Allah, through Jibril, through Muhammad COMMANDED us to do this. But, yeah, there's always an excuse,     this is man who lives to please his wife OVER ALLAH.

4. RIBA: I 'll tell you the most reason why men get into riba in the first place is because of their wives .

"honey, when will we get a better car? my brother/sister/neighbour/colleague is driving an accord/camry/alphard / bmw? "

You know its haram, but she convinces you to do it because you love her, not remembering on the Day of Judgement she will run far from you.

Be a Man.

You think no-one is looking at your wife/sis/daughter when she doesnt go out? Either you are Captain Oblivious or your wife looks like a man. 

Now,.. look at your sister's/ wife's/ daughters's pictures posted in FB and THINK.

Source copied from:

http://listofbidaas.blogspot.com/2012/09/are-you-dayooth-cukold.html#!/2012/09/are-you-dayooth-cukold.html