Criteria of Blood donation in Islam:

You can donate blood but there're 3 criteria in Islam to donate.
1. The life of patient must be in danger, if he/she can survive without blood so you're not allowed to donate blood.
2. There's no side effect to your body or life by donating blood.
3. It should not be for the sake of money. And even you can donate blood to a non muslim as
Allah says in quran in Surah al-Mai'dah Ch: 5 V: 32 that "if you save a Human being so it means you save the whole humanity.." So Allah SWT use the word Human Being not Muslim..so Alhamdulillah you can donate blood to the non muslim also as some people don't know or have misconception about it..It will give you the equal reward..as Prophet Muhammad PBUH said Allah is one who gives you better and more...:)

Five Levels of Prayer...

Ibn al-Qayyim writes in his book al-Waabil al-Sayyib:

“When it comes to prayer, people are of five levels:

1) The first is the level of the one who wrongs himself and is negligent. He does not do wudoo’ properly, or pray at the right time or make sure he does all the necessary parts of prayer.

2) The second is one who observes the outward essentials of prayer, prays on time and does wudoo’, but he has lost the battle against his own self and is overwhelmed with waswaas (insinuations).

3) The third is one who observes the outward essentials of prayer, prays on time and does wudoo’, and also strives against his own self and against waswaas, but he is preoccupied with his struggle against his enemy (i.e. the Shaytaan), lest he steal from his prayer, so he is engaged in salaah and jihaad at the same time.

4) The fourth is one who when he stands up to pray, he fulfils all the requirements of the prayer, and his heart is fully focused and alert lest he omit anything, and his concern is to do the prayer properly and perfectly. His heart is deeply immersed in his prayer and worship of his Lord.

5) The fifth is one who does all of that, but he takes his heart and places it before his Lord, looking at his Lord with his heart and focusing on Him, filled with love and adoration, as if he is actually seeing Him. That waswaas and those thoughts diminish, and the barriers between him and his Lord are lifted. The difference between the prayer of this person and the prayer of anyone is else is greater than the difference between heaven and earth. When this person prays, he is preoccupied with his Lord and content with Him.

PUNISHMENTS:
The first type is punishable;
the second is accountable;
the third is striving so he is not counted as a sinner;
the fourth is rewarded and the
fifth is drawn close to his Lord

The Virtues and Sunnah's of Jumah

Hadhrat Ali Ibn Abu Taalib (RA) narrated: on the pulpit in the mosque of Kufah: When
Friday comes, the devils go to the markets with their flags, and involve people in their needs
and prevent them from the Friday prayer. The angels come early in the morning, sit at the
door of the mosque, and record that so-and-so came at the first hour, and so-and-so came at
the second hour until the imam comes out (for preaching). When a man sits in a place where
he can listen (to the sermon) and look (at the imam), where he remains silent and does not
interrupt, he will receive a double reward. If he stays away, sits in a place where he cannot
listen (to the sermon), silent, and does not interrupt, he will receive the reward only once. If
he sits in a place where he can listen (to the sermon) and look (at the imam), and he does
not remain silent, he will have the burden of it. If anyone says to his companion sitting
besides him to be silent (while the imam is preaching), he is guilty of idle talk. Anyone who
interrupts (during the sermon) will receive nothing (no reward) on that Friday. Then he (the
narrator) says in the end of this tradition: I heard the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him)
say so. (Abu Dawood 1046)

1. Jummah preparations should begin on Thursday such as clipping the nails, removing of
the hair etc (Ihya aul-Uloom, vol. 1, page 161)

2. To have a bath (Ghusl) (Bukhari, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

On one Friday, Rasulallah said: "O Muslims! Allah Ta'ala has made this day a day of Eid. So have a bath on this day, whoever has perfume should apply it, and use the Miswaak.“ (Ibn Majah)

3. To use Miswaak (Ibid)

4. To use Attar (Perfume) (Ibid)

5. To wear nice clothes (Abu Dawood, Chapter of Ghusl on the day of Jummah)

6. To proceed early as possible to the Masjid for Jummah

Rasulallah (Pbuh) said: "On the day of Jummah, the angels stand at the entrance of that Masjid in which Jummah salaat is to be offered. They write down the name of the person who enters the Masjid first, and thereafter the name of the person who follows, and they continue doing this. The person who entered first will receive the reward of sacrificing a camel in the path of Allah; the one who followed him will get the reward of sacrificing a cow, thereafter a chicken, thereafter the reward of giving an egg as charity in the path of Allah. Once the khutbah commences, the angels close the register and begin listening to the
khutbah. “ (Bukhari and Muslim)

7. To walk to the Masjid if possible for every step is a reward of a years Nafl Fast (Tirmidhi)

8. One should listen very attentively to the khutba even if one does not understand. One
should not speak or even warn another to keep quite while the khutba is in progress.

9. To try to sit as close as possible to the Imaam. (Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi)

10. If the Saffs (rows) are already filled, one should not jump over the shoulders of the
musallies in order to get to the front. (Abu Dawood)

11. One should not fiddle with clothes or fingers but listen attentively (Ibn Majah)

12. When Rasulallah (Pbuh) name is mentioned in the khutba then it is permissible to recite
durood in the heart only without the movement of the lips or tongue.

13. Between the two khutba’s one should make dua. It is permissible to make dua without
raising hands or moving the lips (I.e. dua should be made in the heart only without the
movement of the lips or the tongue) (Aadaab -E - Zindagee)

14. To read: Surah Al A’ala (Sura no 87) in the first rakaat of Jummah Salah and Surah
Gaathia (Surah no 88) in the second rakaat. (Bukhari)

15. Related by Hakim and Bayhaqi, from Abu Sa`id “Whoever recites Surat al-Kahf on Friday, light shall shine forth for him between the two Fridays.” (Ibn Hajar, Talkhis al- Habir)

16. Rasulallah (Pbuh) is reported to have said, “Recite Durood upon me in abundance on the day of Jummah since they are presented to me.” (Ibn Majah)

17 . Making abundant dua on Jummah

Rasulallah (Pbuh) said: "There is such an hour on Friday that if any Muslim makes dua in it, his dua will definitely be accepted.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

18 . Reciting Durood 80 times after Asr:

According to a Hadith recorded in Tabarani on the authority of Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) :
Abu Hurraira (RA) reports that the Holy Prophet (Pbuh) said: “Whoever recites the following Durood eighty times immediately after Asr Salaat on Friday, before standing up from his place, Allah will forgive eighty years of sins and grant him the reward equivalent to eighty years of worship.”

Allahumma salli alaa muhammadinin nabiyyil ummiyyi wa-ala aalihi wasallim tasleema
O Allah bless Muhammad, the unlettered Prophet, and his family and grant them best of peace. (Jame Sagheer)

19. Abu Hurraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: The five daily prayers, and from one Jummah to the next, are an expiation for whatever sins come in between, so long as one does not commit any major sin. (Muslim, 233)

20. It was narrated from Abu Hurraira that the Prophet (Pbuh) said: Whoever does Ghusl then comes to Jummah, and prays as much as Allah decrees for him, then listens attentively until the khutbah is over, then prays with him (the imam), will be forgiven for (his
sins) between that and the next Jummah and three more days. (Muslim, 857)

Al-Nawawi (Ra) said:
The scholars said that what is meant by his being forgiven between the two Jummah and three more days is that a good deed is worth ten like it, so he will be rewarded with ten rewards for each of the good deeds that he did on Friday. Some of our companions said:
what is meant by what is between the two Jummah is from Jummah prayer and the khutbah until the same time on the following Friday, so that it will be seven days, no more and no less, then three days are added making ten in all.

21. Coming early to Jummah brings a great reward.

Abu Hurraira (Ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: “Whoever does Ghusl on Friday like Ghusl for janaabah, then goes to the prayer (in the first hour, i.e., early), it is as if he sacrificed a camel. Whoever goes in the second hour, it is as if he sacrificed a cow; whoever goes in the third hour, it is as if he sacrificed a horned ram; whoever goes in the fourth hour, it is as if he sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour it is as if he offered an egg. When the imam comes out, the angels come to listen to the khutbah.”
(Bukhari, 814 and Muslim, 850)

22. If a person walks to Jummah prayer, for every step he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year.

It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws al-Thaqafi that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh)
said: Whoever does Ghusl on Friday and causes (his wife) to do Ghusl, and sets out early, and comes close to the imam and listens and keeps quiet, for every step he takes he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year.” (al-Tirmidhi, 496)

Ibn al-Qayyim (Ra) said in Zaad al-Maâ’aad, 1/285:

Finally after quoting the hadith which speak of the virtues of Jummah prayer:
What we have quoted, when taken all together, indicates that the expiation of sins from one Friday to the next is subject to all the conditions mentioned above being met, namely doing Ghusl, cleaning oneself, putting on perfume, wearing one's best clothes, walking in a calm and dignified manner, not stepping over people, not pushing between two people, not offending others, praying nafil prayers, listening attentively and avoiding idle speech.

May Allah give us the ability to act upon all of these virtuous deeds and Sunnah of Rasulallah (Pbuh). Ameen

Deeds of getting Paradise easily

[Sahih:Bukhari:: Volume 8, Book 73, Number 36 :

Narrated by Abu Huraira

Allah's Apostle said, "The one who looks after and works for a widow and for a poor person is like a warrior fighting for Allah's Cause." (The narrator Al-Qa'nabi is not sure whether he also said "Like the one who prays all the night without slackness and fasts continuously and never breaks his fast.")

 

[Sahih:Bukhari:: Volume 8, Book 73, Number 37 :

Narrated by Abu Sulaiman and Malik bin Huwairith

We came to the Prophet and we were (a few) young men of approximately equal age and stayed with him for twenty nights. Then he thought that we were anxious for our families, and he asked us whom we had left behind to look after our families, and we told him. He was kindhearted and merciful, so he said, "Return to your families and teach them (religious knowledge) and order them (to do good deeds) and offer your prayers in the way you saw me offering my prayers, and when the stated time for the prayer becomes due, then one of you should pronounce its call (i.e. the Adhan), and the eldest of you should lead you in prayer.

 

[Sahih:Bukhari:: Volume 8, Book 73, Number 38 :

Narrated by Abu Huraira

Allah's Apostle said, "While a man was walking on a road. he became very thirsty. Then he came across a well, got down into it, drank (of its water) and then came out. Meanwhile he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. The man said to himself "This dog is suffering from the same state of thirst as I did." So he went down the well (again) and filled his shoe (with water) and held it in his mouth and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for that deed and forgave him." The people asked, "O Allah's Apostle! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?" He said, "(Yes) There is a reward for serving any animate (living being)."

 

 

Power of "Istighfar" (A moving story) for everyone

This story about "Istighfar" (seeking forgiveness from Allah) is from the life of Imam Ahmed Bin Hanbal, who is considered as a renowned scholar of Islam and a famous theologian. Imam Ahmed is also considered to be the founder of the Hanbali school of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and is one of the most celebrated Sunni theologians, often referred to as the "Sheikh ul-Islam" or the "Imam of Ahl al-Sunnah."

During his old age, while Imam Ahmed was travelling he stopped by a town. After the prayers, he wanted to stay for the night in the masjid yard because he didn't know anyone in the town. Owing to his humility, he hadn't introduced himself to anyone thinking that if he did, he would be welcomed by many people.

Failing to recognize Ahmed bin Hanbal, the caretaker of the mosque refused to let him stay in the mosque. As Imam Ahmed was quite old, the caretaker had to drag him out of the mosque. On seeing this, a baker from a nearby place felt pity for this man (Imam Ahmed) and offered to be the host to him for the night. During his stay with the baker, Imam Ahmed observed that the baker would constantly recite Istighfar (seek forgiveness from Allah). Imam Ahmed asked the baker if the constant practice of saying Istighfar had any effect on him. The baker responded by telling Imam Ahmed that Allah had accepted all of his duas (supplications), except one. When he asked him what dua was it that hadn't been accepted, the baker replied that he had been asking Allah to provide him the privilege to meet the famous scholar Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal.

On this, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal said that Allah had not only listened to his dua but had dragged him onto his (the baker's) doorsteps. [Summarized from Al Jumuah magazine, vol 19, issue 7]

This story is a reminder of the power of saying Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) frequently. Let's remember that the prophet used to say Istighfar frequently during the day.

Khuda say Husn nay Ik Roz ye Sawal Kiya - By Allama Iqbal

Khuda say Husn nay Ik Roz ye Sawal Kiya

One day Beauty asked a question to Creator.

Jahaan mein Kiun na mujhay tu nay Lazawaal kiya

 Why didn’t you make me ever lasting?

Mila Jawaab k Tasveer Khana hai Dunya

It was answered that this world is a theater

Shab Daraaz Adem ka Fasana hai Dunya

This world is a fiction of a long non existing night.

Hoi hai Rang-e-Taghaiyur say jab namood is ki

Though, it (this world) was decorated with variation of colors

Wohi Haseen hai Haqeeqat Zawaal hai Jis ki

Hence, only that will be called beautiful whose beauty is going to be finished. (that means if beauty stays for ever then what will be its opposite? When Beauty lasts / destroys, only then we can say what is beauty)

Kahin Qareeb tha , ye Guftagu Qamar nay suni

Moon was somewhere nearby and he heard all this conversation.

Falaq pay aam hoi Akhtar-e-Sehar nay Suni

Suddenly this conversation was spread all over the sky, and the morning-star also heard it.

Sehar nay Taray say Sun kar Sunai Shabnam ko

Listening from star, Morning told this to Dew-droplet.

Falaq ki Baat bata di Zamee k Mehram ko

Secrets of Sky was told to earth’s companion

Bhar aye phool k Ansu Payaam-e-Shabnam say

This message of Dew droplet made the flower’s eyes tearful.

Kali ka Nanha sa Dil Khun ho gaya Gham say

The tiny heart of blooming flower was grieved with intense sadness.

Chaman say Rota huwa Mausam-e-Bahaar gaya

The spring season left the garden while crying.

Shabab Saair ko aya tha, Sogwaar gaya…!

The youth seems had come for a short visit and left sorrowful.

 

The Medical Benefits of Sajdah (prostration)

Dr. Muhammad Karim Beebani
[Saudi Gazette]

(The Muslim World weekly July 7, 2000)
Sajdah is a unique position or stance in the regular prayers, which a Muslim is supposed to offer at least five times a day. Although the basic purpose of obligatory prayers is not to provide an exercise for people yet it is being increasingly recognized that it has plenty of medical advantages for the human body. Here it is worth mentioning that Holy Prophet Muhammad has mentioned in a hadith in Ibn Majah that prayer is a cure for many diseases. The fact is that a person who offers his prayers regularly that too in the mosque is protected from many diseases which he many not even know.
The position of Sajdah in which the forehead touches the earth is exclusively associated with the Muslim form of prayer. It is the climax of a Muslim’s prayer and as mentioned in a Hadith a Muslim is nearest to Allah in this position.
Abu Huraira (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the messenger of Allah said:
“The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating himself, so make supplication (in this state)”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
A’ishah Siddiqa (radiAllahu anha) narrates that Holy Prophet used to prolong the prostration to such an extent that one could recite fifty verses (of the Qur’an) before he would lift his head
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
In another Hadith narrated by Anas bin Malik (radiAllahu anhu) the Holy Prophet advised Muslims to perform Ruku (bowing) and Sajdah properly.
In another Hadith he advised to perform Sajdah and Bowing calmly and to get up only when the body has come to ease.
In supplication for the victory, He also performed long bowing (Ruku) and Sajdah in the special prayers at the time of eclipse. Hence the first positive effect upon a person who prostrates or does Sajdah is that he comes nearest to Allah and hence in that condition he can supplicate. This is a great psychological advantage and it gives relief to the person concerned as life is full of worries and in this position he gets at least a transient refuge from the agonizing problems. When a person goes to the position of prostration Sajdah his whole body is in active motion. This position can be considered as a mini dive as the musalli (one who offers prayer) goes to rest his forehead on the ground while his hands are placed at the sides. This brings most of the body muscles if not all in active motion and serves to give them some exercise.
The hands are then specifically stretched out and thence the forearm as well as arm muscles are supposed to bear the weight in the Sajdah position. It gives good exercise to the muscles of the upper limb. Holy Prophet in a hadith advised not to put the forearms flatly on the ground but to keep them elevated above ground and this is better for the forearm and arm muscles.
Sajdah is a unique position as this is the only position in which brain (or head) becomes lower than the heart and hence for the first time the blood gushes towards the brain with full force whereas in all other positions (even when lying) brain is above the heart when it has to work against gravity to send blood to the brain.
In the position of Sajdah due to the increased blood supply the brain receive more nourishment and it has good effect upon memory, vision, hearing, concentration, psyche and all other cognitive abilities. People who offer their prayers regularly have more will power and can cope with the difficulties of life in a much better manner. They have less incidence of headaches, psychological problems and other defects of cognitive function.
In the unique position of Sajdah the neck muscles get best exercise. They have to bear the load when the forehead lies at the ground hence the neck muscles become stronger. One can note the tense pressure at the neck muscles in the position of Sajdah specially the active motion of the neck and the facial muscles when the head is being lifted. (e.g. one inch above the ground) and it will be noticed that they are in a very active motion.
More strong cervical muscles mean the cervical vertebra will be better protected. Strength of cervical muscles is important as the head rests upon cervical vertebra supported by cervical musculature.
Infact head performs rotator movements over the cervical vertebra. In any accident cervical neck examination is especially important to the physicians because of its extraordinary importance.
It is uncommon that a person who offers his prayers regularly will get the usual neck myalgias or cervical spondylosis as the neck muscles particularly become very strong due to the 34 sajdahs offered daily in five prayers.
Position of Sajdah is also said to be a good treatment for the retroversion of uterus, a disease of women.
Most of us do not know that the position of Sajdah is an excellent exercise for men (for manpower). It may be a good information to the Viagra dependents. While getting up from Sajdah the perinneal muscles are one of those muscles which have to pull the trunk back to sitting position and they contract actively. Similarly while standing up from Sajdah the perennial muscles are again actively mobilised and this gives much strength to the muscles important for manpower.
The unique position of Sajdah also has positive effects upon the back muscles as while going into Sajdah and getting up from it the back muscle contract actively and they become stronger. Probably it is because of this reason that a person who is regular in prayers will uncommonly get backache.
After performing Sajdah either the musalli stands up or he sits to pray Attahiyyat. In this position the person sits calmly while his hands rest at his thighs which are folded backwards. This is much similar to the relaxation position of Yoga and has soothing effect upon one’s health and mentation.
Holy Prophet Muhammad used to elongate the position of Ruku (bending) and Sajdah positions and he advised to do so. In the light of the above facts it is appropriate to say that from medical point of view as well this advice is a golden rule for health.
Finally it must be reminded that prayer is not meant to be an exercise. However there are a lot of medical advantages associated with it.
Still the best blessing is the peace of mind, which a person derives by the accomplishment of his duty to Allah by fulfilling an obligation.

Golden Rule of Happiness in relationship - Hadhrat Luqmaan(a.s)

Hadhrat Luqmaan Alayhis salam – who was unanimously Hakeem (wise) and a Nabi according to some was employed as a laborer in an orchard.   One day, the owner of the orchard came and asked him to bring some cucumbers.  He peeled one and gave it Hadhrat Luqmaan who started eating it with relish.  The owner, witnessing Hadhrat Luqmaan eating the cucumber with such relish thought that it must be rather delicious.  He placed a slice of it into his mouth and on finding it was extremely bitter, spat it out and frowned.

“This cucumber is rather bitter,” he addressed Hadhrat Luqmaan, “but you were eating it as thought it was very delicious.”

Hadhrat Luqmaan said, “Yes, of course!  It is bitter.”

“Why didn’t you say so?” asked the master.

He replied, “What can I say?  I thought to myself that the hand from which I ate sweet things thousands of times, if the same hand gives me something bitter just once, how can I show it on my face?”

This is such a principle that if both spouses remember it, there will never be an opportunity for contention and dispute.

The wife should remember that the husband has put up with all her frivolities thousands of times, what is there if he is hard with me just this once?  The husband on the other hand should also ponder over the thousands of times his wife had served him diligently.

(At-Tableegh vol 7 page 128)

 

An Act Of getting Paradise

When the Muhajirin (Emigrants) from Makkah came to Madinah, they had great difficulty in getting drinking water. Hadrat Uthman (R.A.) bought a well named “bi’r-i-Rumah” from a Jew for twenty thousand dirhams for free use of Muslims. That was the first trust ever made in the history of Islam. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) gave him the glad tidings of Paradise for this act.

Rotten Potatoes

A teacher has decided to let her class play a game. The teacher told each child in the class to bring along a plastic bag containing a few cooked potatoes. Each potato will be given a name of a person that the child hates, so the number of potatoes that a child will put in his/her plastic bag will depend on the number of people he/she hates So when the day came, every child brought some potatoes with the name of the people he/she hated. Some had 2 potatoes; some 3 while some up to 5 potatoes.

The teacher then told the children to carry with them the potatoes in the plastic bag wherever they go (even to the toilet) for 1 week. Days after days passed by, and the children started to complain due to the unpleasant smell let out by the rotten potatoes. Besides, those having 5 potatoes also had to carry heavier bags. After 1 week, the children were relieved because the game had finally ended.

The teacher asked: “How did you feel while carrying the potatoes with you for 1 week?”

The children let out their frustrations and started complaining of the trouble that they had to go through having to carry the heavy and smelly potatoes wherever they go.

Then the teacher told them the hidden meaning behind the game.

The teacher said: “This is exactly the situation when you carry your hatred for somebody inside your heart. The stench of the hatred will contaminate your heart and you will carry it with you wherever you go.

If you cannot tolerate the smell of rotten potatoes for just 1 week, can you imagine what is it like to have the stench of hatred in your heart for your lifetime???”

Moral of the story: Throw away any hatred for anyone from your heart so that you will not carry it for a life time. Forgiving others is the best attitude to take Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love & to be loved is the greatest happiness. Fate determines who comes into our lives. The heart determines who stays…
Source: Muftisays.com

 

Everything is Decreed and Computed

From a Sermon of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas may Allah be pleased with him, a companion of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said,

“O people! Indeed, livelihood has been decreed and no human will exceed what had been decreed for him; therefore, seek your livelihood with ease.

And the span of life is limited, no one can exceed what had been decreed for him; therefore, hasten without delay to do good deeds before life is over.

All deeds are computed, none will be forgotten, neither small nor big; therefore, commit many good deeds.

O people! Indeed, there is ease in moderation, and there is sufficiency in economization, and there is comfort in abstinence.

For every deed there is a reward.

Everything which is coming will be here very soon.”

Reference: From a Sermon of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

 

Qurbani

Katle Hussain asal mein marge Yazeed hai

Islam zinda hota hai har karbala ke baad

Superiority In Islam

Abu Zarr (radhiyallahu anhu) narrates that the Apostle of Allah (once) said to him: 'You as a person, enjoy no superiority over a white-skinned or a black-skinned man. You can, of course, be superior through piety and fear of Allah.'
(Musnad Ahmad)

Commentary
It shows that honour and superiority does not rest with wealth, nationality, birth, language or face and figure. it is determined by piety (i.e., fear of Allah and the way of life stemming from it). Thus, with Allah, he is greater in honour who is more pious. As the Qur'aan says:

'Verily, the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you.'
(Al Qur'aan 49:13)

It is related by Mu'aaz ibn Jabal (radhiyallahu anhu) that the Apostle of Allah sent him to Yemen as the governor (and when he was leaving for that place) the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam went with him (for some distance by way of a send-off), giving him (necessary) instructions and advice. At that time, Mu'aaz ibn Jabal (at the bidding of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was riding on his mount while the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam was walking on foot beside him.

The last thing the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, after he had given the necessary instructions was: 'We may not meet again after this year (i.e., it is the last year of my life and I am about to depart from the world). It is possible that (when you return from Yemen) you may visit this mosque and my grave.' On hearing it, Mu'aaz ibn Jabal began to cry. Turning his face away from him and in the direction of Madinah, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam remarked, 'Much closer and dearer to me are the bondmen who fear Allah (and observe piety), whoever they are and wherever they may be.'
(Musnad Ahmad)

Commentary
The concluding part of the above Hadeeth denotes that spiritual nearness and attachment is the main thing, and, in the sight of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, it is dependent on piety. Hence, however distant a man may be from the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam physically, he may be in Yemen or in any part of the world, if he possesses the virtue of piety and has the fear of Allah, he is close to him, or, rather, with him. On the other hand, if a person is near him, in the physical sense, but his heart is devoid of piety, he is removed from the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam and the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam is removed from him, all the seeming nearness not withstanding.

The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam has, in this way, consoled Mu'aaz ibn Jabal. He has advised him not to grieve over the apparent separation for with piety and the fear of Allah in his heart he will not be far from him even if he lived in Yemen. Moreover, the present existence is transitory, and the permanent dwelling place is the future world where all the righteous bondmen of Allah will live with the Prophet forever and there will be no question of separation.

The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam had turned his face away while speaking these words, probably because he too had been moved to tears at the weeping of Mu'aaz ibn Jabal and wanted to conceal it from him. It could also be that the spectacle of a true friend weeping was unbearable for the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, therefore, he looked away.

The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam ordered Mu'aaz ibn Jabal to ride on his mount while, for himself, he preferred to walk on foot by his side. What a great lesson and good example does it contain for those who are regarded to be the religious and spiritual deputies of the Apostle.

Important Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) Terminology

..:: Important Islamic Jurisprudence Terminology ::..

 

» Fard – Obligatory:

An act commanded by Allah in the Holy Qur’an is known as Fard. The following explains a Fard in detail:

a. An act that is obligatory to be executed
b. It has been proven by rigorously authenticated texts
c.  The denial of any Fard renders one to come out of the folds of Islam.
d. If one omits to perform any Fard without any valid shari’i reason, then such a person becomes a fasiq (transgressor) and the person is regarded as a major sinner. [Fatawa Ridawiyyah – Vol. 2, Page 194]

» Wajib – Necessary:

An act that is almost as compulsory as a Fard. The Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam never omitted it. It is a graded second, below a Fard in its necessity.

a. An act that is compulsory to do.
b. It is proven by religious arguments through ijtihad.
c.  One who denies a Wajib is misguided.
d. If one omits a Wajib without any valid shari’i reason, then he is a transgressor and liable for the punishment of Hell.
e.  To miss a Wajib once (deliberately, without any valid reason) is a minor sin (Gunah-e-Saghira). However, persistently omitting a Wajib shall turn it into a major sin (Gunah-e-Kabira).

» Sunnat-e-Mu’akkadah:

“Sunnat” generally means: an act done or liked by the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam in relation to worship. One shall gain reward for performing a Sunnah, but there is no sin of on omits it. However, to continually omit it is a sin, and if one shows dissatisfaction to a Sunnah, then this is kufr (disbelief).

a. Sunnat-e-Mu’akkada is an act necessary to perform.
b. An act that was always performed by the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam, but occasionally omitted so as to differentiate from something that is Wajib.
c.  One gains the displeasure of Allah Most High and His Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam if a Sunnat-e-Mu’akkadah is omitted even if it is occasionally. Thus, making it a habit to omit a Sunnat-e-Mu’akkadah is an act of earning even more displeasure of Allah and His Beloved and inevitably, one becomes liable for punishment.
d. The status of a Sunnat-e-Mu’akkadah is near a Wajib.
e.  Sunnat-e-Mu’akkadah is sometimes known as Sunnat-e-Huda.

» Sunnat-e-Ghayr Mu’akkadah:

a. If it is performed one shall reap reward.
b. The Messenger of Allah had performed such an act, but also omitted it without any reason.
c.  To omit a Sunnat-e-Ghayr Mu’akkadah is disliked in the Islamic Law (Shari’ah). However, one is not punished for this.
d. Sunnat-e-Ghayr Mu’akkadah is also known as Sunnat-e-Zawa’id.

» Mustahab – Desirable Acts:

a. An act that is appreciated by the Sacred Islamic Law (Shari’ah)
b. There is no harm if one omits it
c.  One gains reward for doing it, but one is not punished for omitting it.

» Mubah:

a. An act that is neither commanded nor prohibited by the Shari’ah.
b. There is no reward for doing it, and no punishment or omitting it.

» Haram – Unlawful:

a. Totally forbidden in Islam.
b. Proven by rigorously authenticated texts.
c.  Anyone who denies something proven from the Qur’an and Hadith to be Haram, becomes a kafir.
d. If this act is committed deliberately and intentionally, even once, then such a person is a transgressor (fasiq), and has committed a major sin (Gunah-e-Kabira). Thus, such a person shall be punished.
e.  To refrain from such acts is rewarded.
f.   Haram is considered the opposite of Fard.

» Makruh-e-Tehrimi:

“Makruh” generally means something that is not desirable i.e. something that is disliked by the Islamic Law.

a. Makruh-e-Tehrimi is something that is essential to refrain from.
b. To do an act that is Makruh-e-Tehrimi is a sin and against the commands of the Shari’ah.
c.  Anyone who does it is a Fasiq, and will be punished.
d. There is reward to refrain from such acts.
e.  If such acts are done once, then they are not classed as a major sin. However, to persevere on such acts does turn it into a major sin (Gunah-e-Kabira).
f.   It is considered the opposite of a Wajib.

» Isa’at:

a. An act that is necessary to avoid.
b. It is considered the opposite of Sunnat-e-Mu’akkadah.

 

» Makruh-e-Tanzihi:

a. An act that is disliked by the Shari’ah.
b. If this act is done, then there is no sin or punishment. However, it is bad to make it a habit of doing such an act.
c.  One gains reward for not doing it.
d. It is considered the opposite of Sunnat-e-Ghayr Mu’akkadah.

» Khilaf-e-Awla:

It is best to avoid such acts, but if done then there is no sin or punishment. It is considered the opposite of Mustahab

 

Naseeha - Friends & Friendship

*** Down to earth Story **

Hadhratwala (rah) narrated; There was a youngster - like one of today's youngsters - who had become friendly with another youth. The youngster's elderly father noticed his coming home late at nights and enquired, "One night, two nights, three nights, and now every night you are coming home very late. What is your story?" The youngster replied, "I go to visit a friend of mine. Sitting and talking with him, it tends to get a bit late."

The father said, "Really? Oho! There are still such friends today?" The father continued," When you are about to visit your friend tomorrow, let me know. I also wish to meet this dear
friend of yours."

The following evening the youngster got ready and informed his father that he was about to leave to visit his friend. His father said, "Very well. I will be with you in a minute." The father kept
himself busy with first one task and then another, causing some delay. The youngster became restless."Don't fret. I am coming now," the father said. Deliberately he
busied himself some more until it became quite late. "At last I am free. Let us go," he said.

The streets were empty. It was close to midnight and most people had retired for the night. On reaching the friend's house the youngster knocked on the door and called out to his friend.

His friend enquired from inside. "Who is it?"

(Mind you, the friend still wants to know who it is!)

The youngster gave his name. "Oh! It. is rather late...Never mind.

Hang on." The friend came to the door and opened it. "Why have you come so late?" he asked.

The father had coached his son along the way as to what to say. Accordingly the son replied, "Some problem has cropped up causing my delay. I have landed myself in some problem."
The word "problem" had a noticeable affect on the friend. He yawned and said, "I was fast asleep; I am still feeling heavy-headed, and my mind is not quite clear. What you do is
come back in the morning. Then we will see what is what." Saying this, the friend closed the door, fastened the door-chain and went back to bed.

After a few moments of deathly silence the father spoke. "I have seen your friend of these times. And so have you. Now you come with me. I also have a friend from the old days. He has gone quite old, and so have 1.1 have not seen him for ages, but never mind, let me show you what type of friend he is." Late as it was, father and son proceeded to the house of the father's friend. When they reached there the father knocked on the door and called out to his friend. The knocking woke up the friend and he called back from inside, "I will be with you in a minute."

(You will note that he did not ask "Who is it?" Even after an absence of several years he had recognized the voice immediately, in contrast to the youngster's friend.) He did not come to the door "in a minute". There was some delay. And when he did open the door he presented a strange spectacle as he stood in the doorway: in his one arm he was clutching a bag; in his other arm he had a stick; and on his head was balanced a pot!

After salaams were exchanged, the father asked his friend, "What is all this?"

The friend replied, "Nothing really. When I recognized your voice the thought struck me that, coming at this time of the night after an absence of several years, you must have some special problem. I have hurriedly made these few preparations, and this caused the delay in my coming to the door." The friend went on to explain: "This pot on my head has some food: if you have nothing to eat, this is to take home for your family. This bag in my hand contains money: if some creditor is making life difficult for you, this is to settle your debts. Thirdly, it may be that some enemy is after your blood: I may be old but I can still wield a stick quite deftly, and I'll contribute at least two or three shots with this stick."

The father reassured his friend, "No. There are no problems with food or money. There is also no fight, it is just that this son of mine used to come home late at night because of some friend of his. We went and saw this friend. I, in turn, offered to show him my old friend, which I have done. Shukria - thank you very much. Really, I am not in need of anything. Please forgive us for
Inconveniencing you at this late hour."

"You are welcome. It is your right," his friend said. Making salaam, father and son took their leave. The lesson on the true friendship that existed in those years had been forcefully
driven home to the youngster. This is not an age in which you will find such friendships. So-called friends have earned some fancy titles for themselves:

Selected Discourses of Maisihul-Ummat Hadhrat Maulana Masihullah Khan Sahib

 

The Sunnahs of Eid-ul-Adha

1. To awaken earlier than usual (Before Fajar)

2. To brush the teeth with Miswaak

3. To have a bath (Ghusl)

4. To be well dressed in an Islamic manner

5. To be dressed in one’s best clothes (Doesn’t necessarily have to be new)

Note: Care should be taken that we do not incur debts or transgress the limits of modesty on the clothes we purchase and wear on Eid day as is seen in Muslim communities of today. Many of our brothers are seen with unsuitable haircuts and inappropriate clothing imitating the kuffaar and many of sisters are seen dressed provocatively attracting unwanted attention and the gaze of strange men upon them. What would happen if we were to die in such a state? We should adopt modesty in everyday of our lives and should never imitate the kuffaar in anyway. May Allah save us from this evil. Ameen

6. To use Attar (Perfume)

7. To perform Eid Salah at the Eidgah (An open ground)

8. Avoid eating before Eid Salah on the day of Eid ul Adha

9. To go to the place of Eid Salah early

10. To walk to the place of Eid Salah (If it is within walking distance because every step is reward)

11. To read aloud “Takbeerat” on the way to the place of Prayer for Eid-ul-Adha :

“Allaahu Akbar Allaahu Akbar Laa ilaaha illallaahu Wallaahu Akbar walillaahil hamd”.

12. To use different routes to and from the place of Eid Salaah

13. To frequently read the takbeers (Loudly for Eid Ul Adha)

14. To pray the Eid-ul-Adha early.

15. To read two rak’ahs Waajib Salaatul Eidain without any Adhaan or Iqaamah

16. It is forbidden to pray Nafil prayer before or after the prayer.

17. To read the two rak’ahs Nafl prayer on reaching home.

18. During Eid Salaah, in the first rak’ah, Rasulallah would recite Surah Ala (No. 87) and Suratul Ghathia  in the second rak’ah.

19. Reciting these Sura’s in the Eid prayer should not be regarded as obligatory for other Sura’s may also be recited.

20. When Rasulallah(s.a.w.s) completed the prayer of Salaatul Eidain he would stand facing the people who were seated in their rows and deliver a khutba issuing instructions and commanding them to do good. If he intended to send an army he did so and likewise issued any special orders he wished to.

21. The Khutba was delivered after the Eid Salaah

22. During both the khutba’s of Eid Rasulallah(s.a.w.s) used to recite the Takbeerat frequently

23. The khutba of both Eids are Sunnah but to listen to them is Waajib. It is totally prohibited (Haraam) to walk around, talk or even read Salaah whilst the khutba is in progress.

24. To shake hands and hug one another on happy occasions is Mubaah (permissible). The general principle of a Mubaah act is not to regard the act as compulsory as that projects a wrong image of Deen. Furthermore, people should not regard the meeting on the day of Eid as compulsory and an inseparable part of the occasion.

25. The greeting on Eid: Jabyr ibn Nufayr said: ‘When the companions of Allah’s Messenger met on the day of Eid, they would say to each other, ‘Taqaballahu minna wa minkum (May Allah accept from us and you).” [Al Mahamiliyyat; hasan isnad; see Fath ul Bari 2:446]

Allah hame amal ki taufeeq ataa farmaye. Aameen