Turn A Blind Eye

Subhan'Allah...the Qur'an describes everyone and everything. Often, we, out of our pride, arrogance and love for this Dunya and what is in it, we choose to fold our arms and turn a blind eye over a munkar that's happening before our very eyes.

We became oblivious and forget that in the future...on the Day of Judgement, the day we will have to face Allah, The Judge Himself, and explain to Him, the wrongs and the rights we've done in this Dunya.

Zaid b. Khalid al-Juhani reported Allah's Apostle, sallallahu alaihi wasallam,as saying: “Should I not tell you of the best witnesses? He is the one who produces his evidence before he is asked for it.” Sahih Muslim, 1719, Book 30, Hadith 25/Book 18, Hadith 4268.

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah , ” ..that is to carry out justice for the sake of Allah’s pleasure alone, only then it will be true and just in the real sense, free from diversion, changes, and lies. “even if it be against yourselves”..become a just witness even though it will harm yourself. If we are being asked for something, answer with the truth even if we know it will give us the bad outcome, because Allah Ta’ala will provide ways for things to be solved for those who obeys Him. “or parents and relatives. ”.. And even when we have to become a witness against our own blood, do not protect them, but be a witness for what is true, even when it will cause them harm, for the truth will be the ending for every soul. “Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. “..do not protect them due to their wealth, and do not pity them just because they are poor, for Allah will take care of them. He’s More Paramount for either both of you and He Knows better what’s good for both of them. ”- Surah An-Nisa (4:135).

“So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. ”.. do not follow our nafs, fanatic feeling, or hatred in giving fair judgement as a witness in every matters. Keep a strong will on being just in any situation.” And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.”.. So, be fair and just, for it is near to Taqwa (righteousness) - Surah Al-Ma’idah(5:8)

Commentaries – Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Tafsirul Quranil ‘Azimi Jilid 4, 1421 H/ 2000 M:309-310.

From Quran.com “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah , witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.”- Surah Al-Ma’idah(5:8)

The Du'a of Umm Salamah

Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah salallahu alaihi wassalam saying,

"When a person suffers from a calamity and utters: `Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji`un. Allahumma ujurni fi musibati, wakhluf li khairan minha (We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. O Allah! Compensate me in my affliction, recompense my loss and give me something better in exchange for it), then Allah surely compensates him with reward and better substitute.''

Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: When Abu Salamah (May Allah be pleased with him) died, I repeated the same supplication as the Messenger of Allah salallahu alaihy wassalam had commanded me (to do). So Allah bestowed upon me a better substitute than him (I was married to Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah salallahu alaihy wassalam).[Muslim].

➨ ➨ The better substitute which fell to Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) as her lot, was her marriage with the Prophet salallahu alaihi wassalam after the death of her husband Abu Salamah (May Allah be pleased with him). She got the reward in her earthly life. If somebody remains deprived of it in the world, he is sure to have it in the life to come. However, this depends on the Will of Allah, for being the Creator, He has the best knowledge of what is appropriate and good for us !!

Thanks to Masnoon Islamic Duas 

INTIFADA: Fa-inna ma'al 'usri yusra(94:5)

“Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said, ‘When is the help of Allah?’ Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.” - Surah Al-Baqarah (2:214)

"...After a difficulty, Allah will soon grant relief... "- Surah At-Talaq (65:7)"Certain hardships are so consuming that we cannot focus on anything but the difficulty. But we have to remember that if we were to enumerate the blessings of Allah (swt), we would not be able to count them. Reminding ourselves of the other blessings in our lives helps us to see the test within the context of the grand scheme of things. Just the fact that you can make sajda (prostration), and call out, “O Allah!” is a blessing that surpasses all others."

"There is a purpose behind the trial, and this purpose corresponds to our internal state and our relationship with Allah (swt). Allah (swt) has 99 Beautiful Names, and it should suffice us to know that He is the Most Merciful, the Most Just and the Most Wise. Your test is not being put upon you by a random being, but by the Almighty Allah, who is closer to us than our jugular vein."

"Tests are a way to purify us. The Prophet ﷺ said, “No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that,”  [Bukhari]."..."These tests, as burdensome as they are, ease our burden on the Day of Judgment, if we respond with patience."

"Trials also have a way of reminding us of our purpose. If we are far from Allah (swt), the test is usually to bring us close to Him. Whatever heedlessness we are engaging in, the test should make us realize we have no one, no one at all, but Him."

"If we are close to Allah (swt), it is to test our resilience. Are we only close to Allah (swt) in times of ease, or does our trust extend to the times of hardship? When we are tested, do we leave the good deeds that we used to do? Allah (swt) describes such people in the following verse:

There are among men some who serve Allah, as it were, on the verge: if good befalls them, they are, therewith, well content; but if a trial comes to them, they turn on their faces: they lose both this world and the Hereafter: that is loss for all to see!" - Surah Al-Hajj (22:11) "

" ... tests are also out of Allah’s love. The Prophet ﷺ said, “When Allah loves a servant, He tests him,” [Tirmidhi]. In a hadith qudsi (a hadith relating the words of Allah [swt]), Allah (swt) tells Jibreel to delay the response to the du`a’ of a servant because Allah (swt) loves hearing his voice [Tabarani].



Sometimes the answer to a test is that need for Allah (swt), those long hours spent in the night, and the tears of sincerity."

Make du'as for our brothers and sisters who are currently being tested, and may Allah reward the Shuhadas Jannatul Firdous. If we have some love for the Ummah, do what is needed without thinking twice (even as small as boycotting the source thats contributing towards their loss and suffering in this Dunya), if we're not able to be there in Gaza, ourselves.Just imagine ourselves in their shoes. 

Source copied from:-

Why am I tested?, http://www.suhaibwebb.com/relationships/withthedivine/why-am-i-tested/ , Accessed on 31st July 2014.

The People of Taqwa according to Ali radi'Allahu anhu

Hammam ibn Shuraih radi’Allahu anhu, a companion of Ali radi’Allahu anhu, asked him to narrate the qualities of the people of taqwa so that he would be able to see them in front of him. Ali radi’Allahu anhu said, “When Allah Created His creation, He did so while He was completely independent of their obedience towards Him and of their disobedience towards Him. No disobedience can hurt Him and no obedience can benefit Him. Then He distributed amongst them (the creation) their means of sustenance and placed them on earth.

The people of taqwa on earth are those of virtue:-

1. Their speech is correct (TRUE).
2. Their garments are of moderate nature and their walk is one of humility.
3. They spend the evening in gratitude and the morning in remembrance.
4. They lower their gazes when they see something that Allah has forbidden them to see and they give ear to beneficial knowledge.
5. They maintain their integrity in both adversity and prosperity
6. They sleep in alarm and they awake in joy .
7. If their carnal selves make it difficult for them to fulfill that which they dislike they deprive them (their selves) of that which they like.
8. The apple of their eyes is in what does not perish and their abstemiousness is in what disappears.
9. Had it not been for the appointed time that Allah has written for them (death), their souls would not remain an extra second in their bodies out of yearning for reward and fear of punishment.
10. Their hearts humble their selves content their diet meagre their matters simple; their Deen safe-guarded, their desires killed and their anger subdued.
11. Their hopes are realistic and their mistakes few;
12. Goodness is expected from them and evil is shielded against them.
13. If they are among those who are oblivious, they are counted amongst those who remember (Allah).
14. If they are among those who remember, they are not written among the oblivious.
15. They pardon those who wrong them; they provide for those who deprive them and meet those who sever ties with them.
16. They are never profane and always lenient.
17. Their wrong doings are almost non-existent and their good deeds are always present.
18. They are resolute when the earth quakes, steadfast in calamities and grateful in prosperity.
19. They are not prejudiced against those they dislike nor do they favour those they love.
20. They acknowledge the truth before it appears and do not lose anything they are entrusted with
21. They acknowledge the truth before it appears and do not lose anything they are entrusted with
22. They do not call anyone names nor do they hurt their neighbors.
23. They do not curse at the time of difficulties nor do they venture into falsehood.
24. Their remaining aloof is not out of pride and arrogance and their being close is neither a ploy nor a scheme.
25. The Creator ranks Supreme in their eyes, so everything else becomes immaterial to them.
26. They are with Paradise as if they had already witnessed it and enjoyed its presence.
27. They are with Hell as if they have already seen it and tasted its torment.
28.  Their hearts grieve and their evil (if any) is non-contagious
29. Their bodies are lean, their needs are few and their souls are chaste.
30. The observe patience for a few days and experience everlasting comfort.
31. This is a profitable exchange that their Lord has made pleasant for them.
32. The world tempts them, but they do not succumb. It imprisons them, but they ransomed themselves in exchange.
33. During the nights they stand in rows and read portions of the Qur'an.
34. They recite it with proper recitation which grieves their hearts and drink the Qur'an like medicine.
35. If a verse of yearning comes along, they reach for it and believe it is their destination.
36. If an intimidating verse comes along, they pour their hearts towards it and believe that Hell and its screams are in their ears
37. They sleep on their foreheads and elbows (i.e. they engage in prayers so much that it is as if they sleep in those postures) and implore Allah to deliver them.
38. In the day they are tolerant and learned, kind and God-fearing.
39. Fear has chipped away at their bodies as if they were arrows.
40. Anyone looking at them would think that they were sick. But they are not sick.
41. Some will say that they are confused. A great fear has made them look like that.
42. They condemn themselves and are apprehensive about their deeds.
43. They are never content to do only a few actions (during the day), nor do they ask for a great deal.
44. If one of them is called 'pious' he fears what will be said of him and says: 'I know myself better than you do. My Lord knows me better than I do’.
45. They say O Allah! Do not take me to task for what they are saying about me and (O Lord) make me better than they think. Forgive my sins which they do not know about.'
46. Their signs are that they are strong in Islam, resolute in their softness, firm in their belief.
47. They crave for knowledge and are knowledgeable with tolerance.
48. They perform good deeds in that they perform it in fear (of rejection)
49. Moderate in richness; pleasant in hunger; forbearing in distress; seeking halal; active in (pursuing) guidance and they abhor greed.
50. Silence does not bother them and if they laugh they do not raise their voices.
51. If they are treated with injustice they remain patient until Allah vindicates them
52. Their own selves live in toil while others are comfortable around them
53. Their abstinence from those who stay away from them is their exoneration (from malice).
54. Their proximity to those who are close to them is a means of mercy (for those who are close to them).
55. They combine knowledge with tolerance and speech with action.

Source copied from :http://forum.whyislam.org/printer_friendly_posts.asp?TID=25349

A Splendid Paragon: Walking on Eggshells

Sundays are the best day to spend time alone with our husband by going out and do something together. Trips to bookstores, friends’ humble home (who also unfailingly reminds us of Allah Ta’ala in everything that they do) and sometimes just quenching our thirst at the nearest lassi or juice joint- which has always been the highlight of our day, Masha’Allah.

My husband loves buying me books and I love reading them in return, regardless of what he bought me. All of the books he ever bought are on Deen and unfailingly it has always opened up my perspectives, as a guide sent by Allah (in a form of books) whenever I asked of Him. Alhamdulillah. Whenever we go to these bookstores, usually I’ll wait in the car as the bookstores are usually filled with ‘maulanas’. He bought me another 3 books (may Allah reward my husband with khair) and one of it simply titled, “A Gift to the Husband and Wife” by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi. 

A Gift to the Husband and Wife by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi

This is the translated version from its original Urdu book and hence, the language is to be excused a little (remember Yoda?), but, we shall never disregard the content. I took the liberty to write down the title for each chapter as it was not readily available (also for better future references).

The first chapter was a brief 2-page recollection of hadiths on the rights of both, husband and wife, and the second chapter reads, "The Importance of Staying Separately After Marriage". I'd say, this is interesting enough to read the rest of the 8-pages of this chapter. 

Its very informative and leads to the fact that Islam is just to its believers, in any situation and predicament.

Islam will not be 'the way of life' if its not guiding us towards achieving 'sukun', Insha'Allah.

Table of Contents

A Splendid Paragon : An Incident of Hadhrat Thanwi rahimahullah
Hadhrat Thanwi narrates: "The moment I got married, my father made me live on my own. Living separately has also been a custom in our family. My father provided a house as well as expenses for the house. I felt very ashamed (to take from him). I was concerned about getting a job. With due gratitude unto Allah Ta'ala, that also got sorted out (in Kanpur). A sum of 25rupees was fixed as a monthly income. I was under the impression that it is a very large sum and a wage of 10rupees should suffice. I remained alone for a few days. Then I called the family over (to Kanpur) as well. Experience proved to me that the sum of 25rupees was not after all surplus. The entire sum used to be spent.

From home, she was always requesting me to build a separate house. I continued averting and putting it off by advising her that we are to live in this world for a short while only. Why build a house? When I went for Hajj, she also followed later on. She complained to Haji Saheb Rahmatullahi alaihi (a reference to Haji Imdaadullah Saheb, the Shaikh of Hadhrat Thanwi) that she asked me to build a house and I am refusing to do so. Haji Saheb said to me, " Your wife is asking you to build a separate house for her. Is there any problem with that? This is quite appropriate as one is more comfortable in one's own house." I thought to myself that the wife devised a very convincing plan to build a house. I finally told Haji Saheb: " Very well. The house will be built." On our return (to India), the house was built and I also wrote to Haji Saheb about it. He replied, "May your house be Mubarak (blessed)."

Hadhrat Thanwi rahimahullah alaihi says, "After building a separate house, I realized that without it there was no peace and comfort. However, if somebody is in dire straits and he is unable to build a house, it is another matter altogether." (Malfoozat page 137-140)


Source taken from:
A Gift to the Husband and Wife, Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi, Kutub Khana Mazhari, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi.

Husband's and Wife's Duties in Islam

The husband’s duties to his wife are as follows: 

First Duty: To financially support his wife. This is a financial right, and includes: food, drink, clothing, and other basic needs. 

Allah says: “Someone who is well off should spend from his fortune, and whoever is poor should spend from what Allah gives him.” 

Islamic Law does not define this expenditure monetarily, but left it to the customary practices of society. 

The Prophet (peace be upon him) says: “Fear Allah when it comes to women, for they are helpers you took in faithfulness to Allah. You also find it permissible to enjoy their femininity lawfully with Allah’s word. You owe it to them to spend money on them for their food and clothes in kindness.” [Sahîh Muslim] 

The expenditure should be within the means of the husband. He should not be asked to spend what he cannot afford. 

Second Duty: To provide appropriate housing within the means of the husband. The wife has a right to her own home wherein she can feel comfortable. Allah says, regarding a newly divorced woman: “House them as you house yourselves as is available.” If this is for the divorced woman, then the wife who is under the marriage contract is worthier. 

Third Duty: Assisting them in their quest for salvation by teaching them their religion and reprimanding them for disobeying Allah. 

Allah says: “O believers! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire which is fuelled by men and stones.” 

Fourth Duty: To pay a dower. This is a right which precedes the contract. It is a symbol of honoring the woman and it is not permissible to neglect it until after the contract. 

The wife’s duties to her husband are as follows: 

First Duty: Obedience. A wife should be as obedient as she can to her husband. This preserves the family and protects it from collapsing. This is part of Islam’s organizing of the family structure. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked: ‘Which women are the best?’ he answered: “The one who pleases him when he looks at her, obeys him when he asks something of her, and is not disobedient in herself or her money in what he hates.” [Musnad Ahmad] 

One should note that a wife’s obedience to her husband falls into one of four categories:

1- To ask her to do something this is commanded by Islam, such as the five prayers. Here the wife must obey her husband, and she would be considered sinful from two perspectives if she fails to obey.

2- To ask her to do something which is beneficial to him, or to refrain from doing something which is harmful to him, such as things which have to do with his food or clothes. She should obey him here unless there is a valid excuse not to.

3- To ask her to do something which falls into her personal affairs, such as asking her to give him money or forbidding her from speaking to a friend for no good reason. Here she can obey him if she wants but she does not have to. She should consider the benefit and harm of such obedience.

4- To order her to disobey Allah’s commands, and here she must disobey her husband.

Second duty: Not to leave the house unless the husband permits it. She should also never sleep outside the house unless she has permission. 

Third duty: To refrain from fasting voluntarily unless she has permission. Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “It is not permissible for a woman to fast while her husband is present unless he permits it, nor is it permissible for her to allow anyone into the house unless he permits it.” 

Fourth duty: Not to let anyone into the house unless he permits it. This is also derived from the above-mentioned hadîth. 

Fifth duty: To guard his property. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The best women who have ridden camels are those of Quraysh. They are the most tender to a young child and guard what their husbands own.” [Sahîh al-Bukharî] 

Sixth duty: To serve and run the house in a reasonable fashion. This does not mean physical work on the part of the woman if a woman of her standing does not generally engage in physical work. It also does not mean physical work if her health does not permit it.

So, what are other rights of wife towards her husband, if everything has been taken care of for the husband? How would the wife feel useful when the husband don't seem to need her or calling her for anything else?

REFERENCE & SOURCE

1. http://www.al-islam.org/principles-marriage-family-ethics-ayatullah-ibrahim-amini/part-1-duties-women
2. http://sunnah.org/msaec/articles/responsibilities_husband.htm
3. http://en.islamtoday.net/node/570

The Selfless Mother of 4

During the time of 'Umar radi'Allahu anhu in 16 Hijri, the famous battle of Qadisiyah was fought between the Muslim and the Persians. Khansa' radi'Allahu anha, along with her four sons (Yazeed, Mu’awia, Amro and Amrah), took part in this battle.

On the eve of the battle, she encouraged all her four sons, saying, "O my sons! You embraced Islam and migrated of your own free will. By Allah, besides Whom there is no one worthy of worship, you all are the sons of the same father. I never betrayed your father, nor defamed your maternal uncle. I never allowed a blot to come on your high birth nor polluted your pedigree."

"You know what rewards Allah Ta'ala has promised for those who fight against the non-believers in His path. You must remember that the everlasting life of the Akhirah is far better than the transitory life of this world. Allah Ta'ala has said in the His Book:-



"O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful."- Surah 'Ali 'Imran

"When you get up tomorrow morning, be prepared to contribute your best in the battle. Go ahead into the enemy lines, seeking help from Allah Ta'ala. When you see the flames of battles rising high, get right into the centre and face the enemy chiefs. If Allah wills it, you will get your abode in Jannah with honour and success."

The next day, when the battle was in full swing, all the four sons advanced towards the enemy lines. One by one, they attacked the enemy, reciting the words of their mother in verse and fought till all of them were martyred.

When the mother got the news, she said,"Alhamdulillah, Glory to Allah Who has honoured me with their martyrdom. I hope that Allah Ta'ala will unite me with them under the shade of His Mercy."

Here is a mother of that time! She exhorts her sons to jump into the flames of battle and, when all the sons are killed in quick succession, she glorifies Allah Ta'ala and thanks Him. May we be like Khansa' and let our children travel in the path of Allah, rather than preferring them to be under their nose, at home, fearing for their safety and what not.

When Khansa returned to Madina, 'Umar radi'Allahu anhu went to her house to condole with her over the death of her sons. Khansa merely said: "Congratulate me, Amirul Mominin, 

For verily I am the mother of martyrs." 

Source taken from:-

Fada'il Amal, Stories of the Sahabah, pp 160.

Al-Shindagah, http://www.alshindagah.com/janfeb2002/Woman.htmlhttp://www.alshindagah.com/janfeb2002/Woman.html. Accessed on 3rd August 2014.