399. Khushoo

By Asma Bint Shameem

Khushoo is the presence of the heart during an act of ibaadah. 

When your heart is fully occupied with what you’re  saying or hearing, and you’ve blocked out everything else, you're in a true state of Khushoo. 

TIPS TO INCREASE KHUSHOO 

General tips:

1. Educate yourself and learn how the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam prayed. 

Try and pray as close to the Sunnah as you possibly can. 

2. Learn the meaning of the Surahs, the duaas and adhkaar you normally read during Salaah. 

3. Memorize new surahs. And understand their meanings. 

4. Memorize new and different adhkaar of the rukoo’, sujood, tashahhud etc. 

There’s much more to rukoo’ than just “Subhaana Rabbi al-Adheem”. 

And “Subhaanakallaahumma wabihamdika...” is *not* the *“only”* opening duaa for Salaah. 

(Where to find more Sunnah adhkaar of the Salaah? 

I recommend” Hisnul Muslim”)

5. Learn the rules of Tajweed and how to pronounce everything correctly in your recitation. 

6. Stay away from sin. 

The farther someone is from Allaah, the harder it is for them to have khushoo in their Salaah. 

7. Stay away from things that will affect your heart and consequently your concentration in Salaah, like music, movies, TV dramas, wasting time, excessive involvement in the dunya, etc 

Preparation BEFORE the Salah. 

1. WAIT for the next prayer in the TRUE sense of the word. 

2. Reply to the adhaan. Then say the Sunnah duaa at the end. 

This mentally prepares us for the Salaah. 

3. Make wudhu well, concentrating on each part when washing. 

The better the wudhu, the more the khushoo. 

4. Use the siwaak, make sure your breath (and YOU!) smell fresh and clean. 

5. Wear nice, clean clothes. NOT your pajamas! 

Would you meet someone important in your crumpled up clothes? 

Then what about standing in front of the Lord of the Worlds?

6. Find a place that’s away from disturbing noises and sounds. 

If you’re praying at home, turn off the TV. 

Put away your phone. 

Take care of distractions. 

7. If you’re praying in the masjid, go early and wait. And engage in dhikr, Qur’aan or nawaafil while you wait. 

8. Try not to use a prayer mat that has bright colors and designs that could distract you. 

Actually you don’t even need a prayer mat. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam didn’t use one. 

9. Pray on TIME. 

If you wait till the last moment, you’ll rush through the Salaah and there’s no way you’ll have any Khushoo. 

During the Salaah 

1. Clear your mind as you say Allaahu Akbar. 

2. Reflect on your position, standing with your hands folded on your chest, eyes downcast, head bowed low.... a sinful, insignificant, little slave standing in front of his Almighty Master...Allaah, Lord of the Heavens and Earth. 

Subhaan Allaah. 

3. Reflect. 

Reflect on the meanings of Allaahu Akbar, the meanings of your recitation, the meaning of your Tasbeeh, the meanings of your Tashahhud. 

Say it with your heart; not just your tongue. 

Reflect. And then reflect some more. 

4. Vary what you read in Salaah. Vary the surahs that you recite, the  adhkaar that you read, the duaas that you make. 

Varying what you recite will help in concentration tremendously. 

5. Recite everything SLOWLY, beautifully, taking care to pronounce the letters well, perfecting your tajweed.

6. Recite everything, while moving your tongue and lips, so you can hear yourself read, ever so slightly. 

And pay ATTENTION to what you’re reading. 

7. Move from one position to another with ease, deliberation, calmness and at a measured pace. Don’t be in a rush or move through positions too quickly. 

And don’t start the dhikr until your bones have settled in the new position. 

8. Try to be still and not make too many unnecessary movements. 

9. Concentrate on the different positions and make sure they’re correct. 

For example, when bowing, make sure your hands are firmly placed on the knees and your back is straight. And when making sujood, make sure you’re prostrating firmly on all seven bones. 

10. Prolong your sujood. 

Know that you are closest to your Rabb in this position. 

Take advantage of this closeness and make long duaas, for they’re most likely to be answered in this situation. 

11. If the Shaytaan distracts you during Salaah, say Aa’oodhu billaah, spit dryly to your left, and then re-focus. 

AFTER the Salaah 

1. Don’t just get up right away after saying the salaam. 

Rather, remain sitting and say the adhkaar proven from the Sunnah that are to be said at this time. 

2. Again reflect on what you’re saying and say it like you mean it.  

3. Make an honest assessment of your Salaah and look at how you did. 

See when you lost khushoo and why. Then set yourself on fixing it the next time. 

4. Remember practice make perfect. 

It’s obvious you won’t get to that level of khushoo you want, right away. 

The key word here is perseverance. Keep at it. 

Keep refocusing and keep practicing until you *train your mind* to think of nothing but Allaah...until you have the perfect khushoo, 

Bi idhnillaahi Ta’aala. 

May Allaah give us Khushoo in our Salaah and all our ibaadaat.

And Allaah knows best

398. A Sinner...That’s Better Than The Pious?

By Asma bint Shameem 

Ibn al-Qayyim said:

How *close* this *sinner* is to the *MERCY* of Allaah, and how *close* this *conceited* one is to the *WRATH* of Allaah! 

A *sin* that leads to *humility* is *MORE BELOVED* to Him than an act of *obedience* which fills a person with *conceit*. 

If you *sleep all night* then wake up feeling *regret* (for not having prayed qiyaam al-layl), that may be *BETTER* for you than if you were to pray all night and wake up in the morning filled with 

*self-admiration*; 

for the deeds of the one who admires himself are *NOT ACCEPTED.* 

Perhaps your *laughing* whilst admitting to your *shortcomings* is *BETTER* than your *weeping* with *piety* but being filled with *conceit*. 

The *GROANING* of the *SINNER* is *MORE BELOVED* to Allaah than the *tasbeeh* of the *conceited*.”

(Madaarij al-Saalikeen, 1/177, 178) 

Subhaan Allaah!

No matter how many times we read this reminder from Ibn al-Qayyim, it’ll never be enough!

_*“The groaning of the sinners is more beloved to Allaah than the tasbeeh of the conceited!!”*_

What a reminder for ALL of us!

Ask yourself this:

- Am I being ‘amazed’ by my own good deeds?

- Am I looking down on someone, even if he’s a sinner?

- Am I backbiting someone?

- Or mocking another?

- Do I feel I’m better, smarter, closer to Allaah, more pious than others?

- Do I think I don’t sin?

- Is *‘self-admiration’* a word somewhere in my vocabulary?

If *yes* to any of the above, then better be careful. 

And make Taubah. NOW. 

Don’t be counted amongst the conceited.

397. Lose Your Job? Don't Lose Hope

By Asma bint Shameem

 As world markets suffer from the ongoing global financial crisis and housing markets slump, as jobs are lost and unemployment rates rise high, as businesses close down and people don't have a source of income, you worry. 

You worry about the growing global recession and its challenges. 

And you worry about your family, your kids, how to provide for them, how to put food on the table, how to pay the bills....

 

In times such as these, this is a reminder for my brothers and sisters, as the reminder always benefits the believers.

"But remind, the Reminder will benefit the believers." (Surah adh-Dhaariyaat: 55)

 

KEEP YOUR IMAAN STRONG

 

1. Remember....NOTHING happens except by the will and decree of Allaah:

 

Belief in al-qadar (the Divine decree) is one of the pillars of our Imaan, and no one’s faith is complete without it. 

So if you lost your job, it was by the Will and Decree of Allaah. 

Allaah says:

 “No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but it is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (al-Lawh al-Mahfooz) before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allaah” [al-Hadeed 57:22] 

And the Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) said: 

"KNOW that what has passed you by was not going to befall you, and that what has befallen you was not going to pass you by. 

And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship." (Tirmidhi-Saheeh)  

2. It is Allaah that provides for you and NOT your employer.

Remember that Allaah is al-Razzaaq (the Provider) and the Best of those who provide. 

It was Allaah who was providing you before you lost your job and it is still HE that will provide you after you lost it. 

The one who fed you when you were in your mother's womb will also feed you when you are an adult. 

And it was not you who was putting food on the table for your family. 

Rather it was Allaah using you as a *means* to provide for them.

Allaah says:

"Except for Allah, is there any other Creator who provides for you out of heaven and earth? 

There is no god except He. Where then do you turn?" (Surah Faatir:3)

3. Know that your provision was written for you BEFORE you were even born:

Allaah had sent an angel to write down your provision for you when you were 120 days old in your mother's womb, and you will get it, no matter what. 

"(the angel) says, 

‘O Lord, male or female? Doomed or blessed? What is his provision? What is his lifespan?’ And that is written in his mother’s womb.” (Bukhaari)

 

There is NOTHING that can take it away. 

And you will not die until you have had your full provision. 

The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) said: 

 “The Holy Spirit (Jibreel) has inspired to me that no soul will die until it has completed its appointed term and received its provision in full, so fear Allaah and do not be desperate in seeking provision, and no one of you should be tempted to seek provision by means of committing sin if it is slow in coming to him, for that which is with Allaah can only be attained by obeying Him.” (Saheeh al-Jaami’, no. 2085)  

 

4. It is a TEST for you from Allaah:

Remember that disasters and calamities are a test of a believer’s patience. 

And so He will test you to see how strong you are and how you will react to His test. 

And know if Allaah loves a person, He tests him. 

Allaah says:

"We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, and decrease of goods, life and fruits. Give glad tidings to the patient." (al-Baqarah:155)

 

5. Surely, it is a means of expiation of your sins

Calamities are a means of expiation of sin and raising one's status. 

The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) said: 

“There is nothing that befalls a believer, not even a thorn that pricks him, but Allaah will record one good deed for him and will remove one bad deed from him.” (Muslim). 

And he said: 

“Trials will continue to befall the believing man and woman, with regard to themselves, their children and their wealth, until they meet Allaah with no sin on them.” (Tirmidhi, saheeh by al-Albaani)

 

WHAT TO DO?

  

1. Have tawakkul on Allaah 

Always think to yourself...

Allaah wouldn't decree something for me unless it was good for me. 

Have faith in Allaah's Words....

He said 

"But you may hate a thing although it is good for you, and may love a thing although it is evil for you. Allah knows, and you do not." (Baqarah:216)

 

The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) said: 

“If you put your trust in Allaah in the true sense, He will grant your provision as He grants to the birds, who go out in the morning hungry and come back full.” (Ahmad, Ibn Maajah and al-Tirmidhi).

 

2. Be patient

Remember that with every difficulty comes *ease* and with hardship comes *relief*.

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for all his affairs are good and this does not apply to anyone except the believer. 

If something good happens to him he is grateful, and that is good for him, and if something bad happens to him he is patient, and that is good for him.” (Muslim). 

 

3. Review your life and make LOTS of istighfar

Look at your life. 

Is there something that you need to improve on? 

Is there something that you need to give up? 

Is there anything that may be a cause of Allaah's warning or punishment to you? 

Allaah says:

 “And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned” [al-Shoora:30]

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

 “ a man may be deprived of provision by a sin that he commits.”  (Ibn Maajah-saheeh by al-Albaani)

 

If there is such an issue, NOW is the time to fix yourself. 

Ask Allaah sincerely to forgive you and He will. 

There is no doubt in that.For He is al-Ghafoor, ar-Raheem.

Allaah says:

‘Ask forgiveness from your Lord, verily, He is Oft‑Forgiving. 

He will send rain to you in abundance, and give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers.’”[Nooh 71:10-12] 

4. Fear Allaah and obey Him as much as you can:

 

Obedience is the KEY to the Mercy of Allaah and fearing Him (taqwa) is a means to attain all success. 

Allaah says:

“And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. 

And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him. 

Verily, Allaah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allaah has set a measure for all things” [al-Talaaq:2-3] 

 

5. Make dua and do LOTS of good deeds

Never forget that Dua is the WEAPON of the believer. 

Pray to Allaah with the attitude of *certainty* and He will surely respond. 

Do a lot of acts of worship, such as reading Qur’aan, fasting, giving charity, etc. 

This will get rid of your worry and anxiety, and give you happiness, peace of mind and success in this dunya as well as in the Hereafter. 

Allaah says:

“Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer; verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)” (al-Nahl:97)

Also, worship at times of hardship and tribulation has a special sweetness to it and a great reward. 

The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Worshipping at times of tribulation and confusion is like migrating to join me.” (Muslim) 

6. Uphold ties of kinship

 

If there are any family members that you have cut off from or are not on speaking terms, etc., correct that and ask them for forgiveness, even if it was not your fault. 

Why? 

 Because the Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) said:  

“Whoever would like his provision to be increased and his life span to be extended, let him uphold the ties of kinship.” 

 

7. Do your best to seek Halaal earnings.....

Work hard to find a means of living for your family. That is a responsibility placed upon you by Allaah.

Imam Ahmad was asked about a man who sat in his house or in the masjid and said, “I will not do anything until my rizq comes to me.” He said, “This is a man who has no knowledge.

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:. 

"Strive to do that which will benefit you and seek the help of Allaah, and do not feel helpless." (Muslim). 

8. But don't lose sight of the Aakhirah

However, do realize that this world is only temporary and the REAL life is that of the Hereafter. 

This world should not be the main concern of the Muslim, rather our focus should be on what we do for the Aakhirah. 

The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) said: 

“Whoever is mainly concerned about the Hereafter, Allaah will make him feel independent of others and will make him focused and content, and his worldly affairs will fall into place. 

But whoever is mainly concerned with this world, Allaah will make him feel in constant need of others and will make him distracted and unfocused, and he will get nothing of this world except what is decreed for him.” (Tirmidhi- saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’). 

 May Allaah make it easy for all of us and grant us relief from all difficulty. Ameen. 

And Allaah knows best

396. Lottery

By Asma Bint Shameem

Lottery is haraam in Islaam because it’s another word for gambling. 

And that’s a major sin. 

How can it be that she won the lottery without purchasinga ticket?

Either the email is a scam Or she bought the ticket. 

No third option. 

She must make Taubah to Allaah and resolve firmly never return to this sin again. 

She must also NOT accept the money. 

Allaah says:

" O who you believe! Intoxicants (e.g. alcohol, beer, drugs) and *gambling* and idols and (lottery by) arrows are an abomination of Satan’s work, so avoid them so that you may get salvation. Satan's only desire is to create among you enmity and hatred by means of intoxicants and gambling and stop you from praying and remembering Allaah. 

*Will you not then stay away?* 

(Surah Ma'idah:90-91) 

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said:

“This gambling – which is any transaction in which a person may win or lose, and he does not know whether he will be a winner or a loser – is all haraam. 

Indeed, it is one of the major sins, and its abhorrent nature is no secret when one realizes that Allaah mentions it in conjunction with idol-worship, alcohol and azlaam (arrows for seeking luck or decision). 

Whatever benefits may be hoped for from gambling *pale* into insignificance beside the harm that it causes. 

Allaah says:

“They ask you (O Muhammad) concerning alcoholic drink and *gambling*. 

Say: ‘In them is a *great sin*, and (some) benefits for men, but the sin of them is greater than their benefit.’”

[al-Baqarah 2:219]

Think about this aayah, where benefits (manaafi’) are mentioned in the plural, and sin (ithm) is mentioned in the singular. 

Allaah did not say, “In it are many sins and (some) benefits for men”, rather He said: *“a great sin”*. 

This is an indication that the benefits, no matter how numerous they may be, are insignificant when compared with this great sin; 

the great sin far outweighs them. 

So its sin is greater than its benefits, no matter what they are.”

(Fataawa Islamiyyah, 4/441)

And Allaah knows best

395. Seven Amazing Benefits Of Istighfaar

By Asma bint Shameem 

Mistakes and shortcomings are part of our human nature and no one is exempt from this. 

In fact it’s EXPECTED that we will sin. 

But it’s ALSO expected of the BEST of us that we should seek forgiveness from our Rabb for our mistakes and shortcomings. 

And turn to Him with repentance. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“By He in whose hand is my soul, if you did not sin, Allaah would wipe you out and bring into existence people who *did* sin, then ask Allaah for forgiveness – and He would forgive them.” (Muslim)

And he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“All the sons of Adam are sinners and the BEST among the sinners are those who REPENT.” (Ahmad and others- Hasan by al-Albaani)

It is out of the infinite Mercy of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala that He provides us ways and means to have our sins forgiven and gives us the chance to rectify our mistakes. 

Making Istighfaar is one of them. 

In fact, making Istighfaar brings a most generous reward from the Most Generous, the Most Forgiving, the Most Loving, even though we’ve sinned against Him. 

So what are some of the benefits of Istighfaar? 

1.  It wipes away our sins and brings Allaah’s Mercy and Forgiveness. 

Allaah says:

“And whoever does evil or wrongs himself but afterwards seeks Allah’s forgiveness, he will find Allah Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 

(Surah an-Nisaa:110)

2. Istighfaar is the means to success in this life and the next. 

Allaah says:

"And turn to Allaah in repentance, all of you, O believers, so that you might succeed." (Surah an-Noor: 31)

3. A lot of sincere Istighfaar prevents calamities and tribulations. 

Allaah says:

"And Allaah would not punish them while they seek forgiveness." 

(Surah al-Anfaal: 33).

4. Making much Istighfaar also takes away our problems and distress, saves us from awkward situations and brings us provision from places we never expected. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

"Whoever makes Istighfaar frequently, Allaah will provide a way for him out of every distress and provide for him from sources he could never expect." (Ahmad- saheeh by Shaakir)

5. Lots of Istighfaar is one of the ways that Allaah blesses people with children, wealth, rain and provision. 

A man once came to al-Hasan al-Basri and complained to him:

“The sky does not shower us with rain.” 

He replied: “Seek Allaah’s forgiveness (Say 'Astaghfirullaah')

Then another person came to him and said, “I complain of poverty.” 

He replied: “Seek Allaah’s forgiveness" 

Then another person came to him and complained, “My wife is barren; she cannot bear children.” 

He replied: “Seek Allaah’s forgiveness."

The people who were present, said to al-Hasan: 

“Every time a person came to you complaining, you instructed them to seek Allah’s forgiveness?”

Al-Hasan al-Basri said, 

“Have you not read the statement of Allaah when He said: 

"Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Truly He is Oft-Forgiving. He will send rain to you in abundance; increase you in wealth and children; grant you gardens and bestow on you rivers." 

(Surah Nuh:10-12]

6. Istighfaar brings Allaah’s guidance and increases Imaan. 

 Ibn Taymiyyah said:

“Whoever sees (from himself) that his chest is not expanding and he is not obtaining any sweetness of Emaan and the light of guidance then let (him) increase in repentance and Istighfaar (seeking Allah’s Forgiveness).” (al-Fataawaa al-Kubraa 5/62)

And he said:

The testification of Tawheed opens the door to goodness and Istighfaar (seeking forgiveness) from sins closes the door to evil. 

[Fatawa 11/256]

7. Istighfaar brings us closer to Allaah.

 Imam al-Shafi’i said:

“I complained to Waki’ regarding my poor memory

So he guided me to abandon all sins. 

And he said to me ‘The Knowledge of Allaah is a Light. 

And the Light of Allaah is not given to a sinner.”

And there are lots more benefits Alhamdulillaah. 

So make lots of Istighfaar ALWAYS. 

Don’t let any chance go by without doing Istighfaar. 

Make it a DAILY habit. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“By Allaah, I seek forgiveness from Allaah and I repent to him more than seventy times in a day.” 

(al-Bukhaari)

Think about this for a second.

Why would the one who’s past and future sins were forgiven make Istighfaar more than 70 times a day?

If he made Istighfaar more than 70 times a day, what about me and you?

May Allaah forgive us and enable us to turn to Him with true and sincere repentance. 

Ameen.

394. Is It Allowed For Me To Eat Food That’s Prepared For The Mawlid?

By Asma bint Shameem

It depends on what kind of food it is. 

1. *If it’s non-meat*

If it’s anything that’s vegetarian or it’s just fruits or sweets or cakes etc, then there’s nothing wrong with eating that. 

Although celebrating the Mawlid is an innovation in the Deen and the one who celebrates this is guilty of bid’ah, the food prepared for this occasion itself is “generally” permissible. 

So as long as you’re *not participating* in the innovated festival or *condoning* it or *assisting them* in it in any way, then it’s *permissible* to eat this food, if someone brings it to you or you happen to come across it.

That’s because generally speaking, things are PERMISSIBLE in principle  unless there’s a Shar’ee text to prohibit them. 

In fact, we can even eat sweets, veggies and fruits prepared by the non Muslims for their shirki or innovated festivals. 

Their shirk doesn’t change’ it or ‘affect’ it in any way. 

*Proof*:

Someone said to our Mother Aaishah radhi Allaahu anhaa:

“We have some wet nurses from among the Magians, and they have a festival on which they bring us gifts. 

She said: 

*As for what is slaughtered for that day, do not eat it, but eat from their vegetables.”*

(Ibn Abi Shaybah)

If it was wrong, Aaishah radhi Allaahu anhaa would have never eaten from their food. 

And Abu Barzah said that he had some Magian neighbors who used to bring him gifts on the occasion of Nayrooz and Mahrjaan, and he used to say to his family: 

*“Whatever is of fruits, eat it, and whatever is otherwise, reject it.”*

2. *If the food is MEAT*

If the food contains meat, then there are two scenarios 

A) If the meat is from an animal  that they’ve slaughtered *especially* for this occasion, in the name of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam 

OR 

The animal is slaughtered by someone who commits *shirk*, by believing that the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam  can hear us and answer our duaas, 

or he’s “haadhir naadhir” (present everywhere), 

or he’s in control of the universe or other shirki beliefs,

then it’s *not permissible* to eat that meat. 

That’s because the meat has been slaughtered in the name of *other than Allaah*. 

And that’s haraam. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:  

“Allaah has cursed the one who slaughters (a sacrifice) to other than Allaah.”

(Saheeh Muslim 1978)”

The scholars of the Standing Committee said:

“Sacrificing animals on the occasion of commemorating the birth of a prophet or a Waliy (pious person) to glorify them is *judged as sacrificing an animal to other than Allaah, which is Shirk* (associating others with Allaah in His Divinity or worship). 

Therefore, it is not permissible to eat from these animals.”

(al-ifta Fatwa #10685)

B) If the meat is from an animal that’s been sacrificed for Allaah Alone and the slaughtering person does not commit shirk, then it’s permissible to eat this meat, even if the person does bid’ah. 

*Conclusion*

As long as the food is vegetarian, or it’s fruits, sweets, cakes, etc., or if the meat is from an animal that’s not been slaughtered in the name of other than Allaah or by someone who commits shirk, it’s permissible to eat it. 

Of course, keep in mind that it’s not allowed to participate in these innovated celebrations in any way. 

But if someone brings this food to you  or you happen to come across them without you seeking out these sweets, or food then the basic principle is that they’re permissible.  

And Allaah knows best

393. How Should I Do Ghusl From Major Impurity According To The Teachings Of The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi Wa Sallam?

By Asma bint Shameem 

‘Ghusl’ is the bath taken to uplift major ritual impurity following Janaabah, menses or Nifaas. 

There are two ways of performing ghusl:

-A short basic way

-A complete and preferred way

*THE SHORT BASIC BATH*

This is the basic essential form of ghusl, and is the minimum required for a person to be purified. 

*How to perform the basic ghusl*

1. Make the intention in the heart for purifying yourself from major impurity 

2. Wash the entire body with water once, making sure that the water reaches everywhere including the roots of the hair.

Rinse the mouth and nose as well, according to the correct scholarly opinion.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:

“The evidence that this ghusl is valid is the words of Allaah: 

“If you are in a state of Janaabah, purify yourselves (bathe your whole body)” [al-Maa’idah 5:6]. 

Allaah did not mention anything apart from that. 

If a person washes his entire body once, then it is true to say that he has purified himself.”

(al-Sharh al-Mumti’ 1/423)

*THE COMPLETE BATH* 

This is the more “preferred” way of taking a purity ghusl since this is a more complete way of bathing.

This can be done in two ways. 

1. *The first way of ghusl according to the Sunnah*

Aishah radhi Allaahu anhaa reported:

When the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam did ghusl for janaabah, he would:

wash his hands and do wudhu’ as for prayer, 

then he would bathe himself, 

then he would run his fingers through his hair, 

then when he thought that it [the water] had reached his scalp, he would pour water over it [the head] three times, 

then he would wash the rest of his body.”

[al-Bukhaari (248) and Muslim (316)] 

2. *ANOTHER way of ghusl* 

Maymoonah Bint al-Haarith, radhi Allaahu anhaa, the wife of the Messenger of Allaah Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi Wa Sallamnarrated:

“I prepared some water for the Messenger of Allaah Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi Wa Sallam  to bathe with due to Janaabah.

He washed his hands, two or three times. 

Then, he  washed his private area. 

After washing his private area, he washed off his hand, two or three times.     

Then, he rinsed his mouth and cleansed his nose. 

Then, he washed his face three times. 

Then, he washed his hands, up-to, and including, the elbows. 

Then, he poured water over his head three times. 

Then, he moved to a different area and washed his feet. 

After that, I (Maymoonah) came to him with a piece of cloth, but he (Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi Wa Sallam) did not want it; he (Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi Wa Sallam) removed the water with his hand.” 

(al-Bukhaari 276)

So the way to do ghusl according to the Sunnah of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi Wa Sallam is the following:

1. Make the intention to purify yourself from major impurity with the bath. 

Remember that there are *NO specific words or Aayaat or Du’aas to be read*. 

The niyyah is in the *HEART*. 

2. Say Bismillaah (Recommended)

3. Wash your hands 3 times. 

4. Wash your privates. 

5. Make wudhu like you would for Salaah.

6. Pour water on your head 3 times making sure all the roots are completely wet. 

7. Pour water on your body starting from the right side then left. 

And make sure water reaches everywhere. 

Shaikh ibn Uthaymeen said:

“When he (meaning the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) wanted to do ghusl in the case of janaabah, he would wash his hands, then wash his private part and anywhere else that the impurity had reached, then he would do complete wudhu’, then he would wash his head three times with water, then he would wash the rest of his body. 

This is how complete ghusl is done.”

(Fataawa Arkaan al-Islam, p. 248.)

Some important points:

▪️The way to do Ghusl from Janaabah or from menses or nifaas is the same. 

▪️ The way of ghusl is the same for men and women. 

▪️ It’s allowed to use shampoo and soap if you like but to ‘purify’ oneself, just water is enough. 

▪️ The spouses can take ghusl together using the SAME water. 

Aaishah radhi Allaahu anhaa said:

The Messenger of Allaah Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi Wa Sallam and I used to bathe from the same container. We would scoop the water together, simultaneously.” 

(al-Bukhaari 273)

▪️If there’s anything that would prevent water from reaching the parts, it should be removed *before* starting the ghusl. 

For example, nail polish, paint, dried dough, wax, etc. 

▪️ If women are wearing rings, earrings, or bangles, etc., there’s no need to take them off unless they’re tight and water does not reach underneath. 

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said: 

“The fuqaha’ said that it is Sunnah to move them (rings, earrings, etc).

But if it is tight, it is *essential* to move it, because if it is not moved the water will not reach what is underneath it and Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, says: “…wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows …” [al-Maa’idah 5:6]. 

So it is essential to wash the entire hand, from the fingertips to the elbow.” 

(Liqa’ al-Baab al-Maftooh, no. 232)

And Allaah knows best

392. The Reality Of Halloween

By Asma Bint Shameem

The Reality of Halloween

(adapted from an article on the Internet)

 

Knock, Knock, Knock..... You open the door and there stands one or more children standing in some sort of costume, highly excited and all screaming at the top of their lungs...."TRICK or TREAT", with out knowing the meaning of what they are saying or doing. 

As an adult, do you know what Halloween represents? Most people are ignorant of what Halloween is all about and for that matter don't care.

Most kids in America grow up trick or treating and never know what it is all about. All they want to do is get as much candy as they can and do whatever they have to do to get it!! 

We all have stories to tell of Halloween, but do you really know what it is all about?? 

If all you know of it is what I have described above, you may want to read a little further and find out more info about what you are celebrating.

Where did it begin?

It began over 2000 yrs ago with people known as the Celtics. They lived in what is today England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This was also the beginning of the Celtic new year, a time to give thanks to the sun god for the harvest.

What is it all about?

Halloween, All saints day, All hallows eve or All souls day is a festival. It was held to honor the Samhain the so called "lord of death". It was a Druidical belief that on the eve of this festival Samhain, lord of death, called together the wicked spirits that within the past 12 months had been condemned to inhabit the bodies of animals.

It was a pagan belief that on one night of the year, the souls of the dead return to their original homes, there to be entertained with food.

If food and shelter were not provided, these evil spirits would cast spells and cause havoc toward those failing to fulfill their requests.

Sacrifices were offered on this night to the dead spirits because it was thought they visited their earthly dwellings and former friends.

There was also a prevailing belief that at death the souls of the good men were taken possession of by good spirits and carried to paradise; but the souls of the wicked men were left to wonder in the space between the earth and the moon, or consigned to the unseen world. 

These wandering spirits were in the habit of haunting the living...But there were means by which ghosts might be exorcised.

To exorcise these ghosts, that is to free yourself from their evil sway, you would have to set out food and provide shelter for them during the night.

 If they were satisfied with your offerings, they would leave you in peace. If not, they were believed to cast an evil spell on you.

In modern day Satanism and Witchcraft covens, this is the day when Satan himself comes to "fellowship" with his followers.

Many changes have occurred over the centuries, but one thing has stayed the same, and that is the practice of giving an "offering".

Oh we do it under the name of fun but what is the real meaning? Is it still the same as in the old days? I say the answer is YES.

The Christian Connection

The celebration in the Roman Catholic Church, which was later to merge with Samhain, was known as All Saints' Day. All Saints' Day originated in the 7th century when the Pantheon at Rome was wrested from the barbarians, made into a cathedral, and renamed the Church of the Blessed Virgin and All Martyrs. Thus, from honoring "all gods" (which is the meaning of the Greek word "pantheon") the Pantheon became the center for glorifying all saints.

This day that honored all the "hallowed" saints was first observed on the evening of May 13, and was known as the All hallows festival. The day was officially authorized in 835 by Pope Gregory IV after it was moved to November 1 to coincide with Samhain. It began on the evening of October 31, which was called All Hallows Eve.

Thus, without forcing the pagans to drop their pagan practices and accept Christianity, the Roman Catholic church merely made room to accommodate the barbarians.

Just as it confiscated the pagan Pantheon for its own uses, this church incorporated the customs of Samhain to further its mission to convert the known world to Catholicism.

The two celebrations made strange bedfellows: one in respect of evil spirits, the other honoring "saints."

Nevertheless, the joining of the two celebrations produced a hybrid of beliefs about what was supposed to happen in the spirit world. Souls in purgatory appeared as witches and toads to persons who had wronged them.

Halloween fires took on a new meaning and now were used to comfort souls in purgatory as people prayed while holding burning straw in the air.

Even the idea of trick-or-treating by evil spirits took on an acceptable church flavor: costumed children went around on All Souls Day offering to fast for the departed souls in return for money or an offering.

As the Celts converted to the new religion, they did not forget their stories of the dead traveling to the afterworld on Halloween. Rather, exhibitions of this night became more evil and the observance adopted even more malicious overtones.

Where do Witches, Black cats and Jack-O-Lanterns fit in?

In America it's a pumpkin, but in Europe it was often a turnip, large beet, potato, rutabaga or even a skull with a candle in it. The fearsome face of the jack-o-lantern was representative of the god of the dead, Shamin, who would drive off less powerful evil spirits abroad that night. As glimmering lights flickered over an English marsh or an Irish bog, people imagined dead souls had returned to earth. They would place the jack-o-lantern on posts and in windows to ward off the spirits of the dead on Halloween.

The word jack-o-Lantern is an abbreviation of "Jack of the Lantern." Jack is another name for joker or Satan. In the Irish tale, a man named Jack was fond of playing tricks on the devil. Annoyed, the devil tossed Jack a burning coal from hell. With the coal in his "lantern" Jack was condemned to walk the earth forever searching for rest.

Thus the jack-o-lantern is a Halloween idol that keeps alive an ancient symbol of demonic superstition.

Witches and Black Cats

A pagan practice that was not eradicated upon the coming of Christianity was witchcraft. The word "witch" comes from the Anglo-Saxon Wicca, or "wise one." Witches were thought to be possessors of magic.

Witches, who worship the deities of nature, have living talismans or symbols through which they derive their dark powers. They invoke evil spirits to enter the bodies of their talismans. Some have dogs, owls, snakes or swine for their talismans, but the most common are cats.

Cats have been closely associated with a mystery religion from the Egyptians to the Norse. But the Celts had a particular fear of cats, believing they were humans who had been changed into feline form by evil powers. The black cat particularly was connected to demonic powers.

Black cats are the chief idol of the goddess of Wicca, Diana. In legend, she turns into a black cat to commit incest with her brother, Lucifer. Eventually the Druids themselves came to be regarded as witches.

Witch hunting during Halloween became almost a national pastime in the colonial years of our nation. But that was yesterday. Halloween is regarded as the high "Sabbath" for practicing witches today.

Orange, black, and red, the devil's colors, are the colors associated with Halloween. Black prefigures black magic and demonic influence. The black of night is when these forces of evil are busiest, using the cover of darkness for their sinister works.

Skulls and Skeletons

The skeleton is a form of the god of the dead, the witches' "horned god." The Dictionary of Satanism by Wade Baskin says this about skulls and skeletons under "skull worship": "Skulls play an important role as sacred relics and as objects of worship among primitives. Among Polynesians and Melanesians, skulls of ancestors are worshiped in order to establish connections with the spirits of the dead. Like the head of Osiris in Egypt, the skulls of ancestors may also serve as tutelar deities. The head or its parts, each of which may stand for the whole, can be used as magical food or as a means of increasing the fertility of the soil." Under "Skull," the Dictionary of Lore and Legend says, "Symbol of death, often with crossed bones beneath."

Fire Rites

Being that Halloween is a Celtic new year's festival, many of its surviving rituals trace to the Celtic feast. The fire rite was practiced in many areas around the world on the night before the new year. The old fire was allowed to go out and a new one was kindled—usually a sacred fire from which the fires of the village were relit. The fires were thought to rejuvenate the waning sun and aid in banishing evil spirits. The Druids built hilltop fires to celebrate important festivals. Ghosts and witches feared fire, it was thought, and so fire became the best weapon against evil spirits. Witchcraft was punished by burning at the stake, fire being used as a means purification. The light that fires gave off was a sign of sacredness.

Apple Bobbing

Popular at Halloween parties is apple bobbing. It was a means of divination among the Druids and survives in cultures influenced by the Celts. Because the apple is also a common love charm, the practice of ducking for apples seems to have been associated with the selection of a lover. Apple bobbing was originally a fertility rite deriving from the Christmas observance, which was replete with various fertility rites.

Is Halloween a TRICK or TREAT?

Most absolutely a TRICK. As you can see from all the above the real meaning of Halloween has been watered down. It is Satan's objective to get all to worship him. God tells us to not have any thing to do with this.

Is it not our duty as responsible Muslims to follow what ALLAH and HIS PROPHET MOHAMMAD (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) taught us to do? HE taught us what is right and what is wrong. HE has left the choice upon us to make. Has it not been mentioned time and time again in the Quran that the Satan is our enemy?

From Surat Ya Sin "innahu lakum adu wum mubeen" ..."For that he was to you an enemy avowed"

If you are a Muslim, you have no reason to be part of this 'holy' day of Satan.

May Allah protect us from Satan and from all that is evil. 

Ameen.

391. What Is Bid’ah And WHY Is It WRONG?

 By Asma bint Shameem 

The Sharee'ah definition of bid'ah:

"A newly invented way (beliefs or action) in the religion, in imitation of the Sharee'ah, by which nearness to Allaah is sought, while not being supported by any authentic proof - neither in its foundations, nor in the manner in which it is performed."

In simple language, bid’ah is any newly invented matter in the DEEN, an act that a person does, with the intention of coming close to Allaah or seeking reward for it, but it is not supported by any authentic basis or proof from the Qur'aan or Sunnah. 

We as Muslims should follow only the way of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam and the way he practiced the deen. 

He sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam WAS and IS our best example to follow. 

He UNDERSTOOD the deen the BEST and PRACTICED it the BEST. 

And the Prophet sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam gave people like me and you, specific INSTRUCTIONS to FOLLOW HIM and the way of his Sahaabah and he WARNED us of innovations and bid’ah. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

"Whoever from you lives after me will see much differences; then upon you is my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Khalifas after me: bite on it (i.e. my Sunnah) with your molars (meaning cling to it and don't let it go) And beware and stay away from innovated matters, for EVERY innovation is MISGUIDANCE." 

(Abu Dawud, Saheeh by Albaani)

And he said:  

"I have left you with two matters; you will not go astray as long as you adhere to them: Allaah's Book and the Sunnah of his Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam." 

(al-Haakim, hasan by al-Albaani)

So Bid’ah is introducing something NEW In Islaam, something that has NO BASIS in the Sharee’ah or practice of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam or his Sahaabah. 

Bid’ah is ONLY in the matter of DEEN

Another important thing to keep in mind is that bid’ah is ONLY in the matters of DEEN. 

And NOT in the matters of dunya. 

That’s why using cars, and airplanes and electricity and computers and emails and loudspeakers are all OKAY to use because all that is part of the DUNYA, and NOT the DEEN. 

Proof:

At the time of the battle of Khandaq, the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam liked and ACCEPTED the suggestion by Salmaan al-Faarisi radhi Allaahu anhu of digging a trench. 

That was a NEW thing. But because it was related to the DUNYA, the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam had no Issues accepting that. 

Bid’ah ONLY involves those deeds that are person does in order to earn REWARDS with Allaah, to come to Him, to please Him. 

ANYTHING that is NOT PROVEN from the authentic practice or teachings of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam or has NO BASIS in our Deen comes under bid’ah.

A VERY SCARY incidence! 

Amr ibn Yahya narrated his father told him:

"We used to sit at Abdullah Ibn Masood’s house before Fajr prayer. If he exited we would follow him to the masjid. 

Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari then came to us and asked us, 

‘Did Abu Abur-Rahman (Abdullah Ibn Masood) come out yet?’ 

We said, ‘No’, so he sat with us till he emerged. 

We all stood up when he exited. 

He (Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari) said, ‘O Abu Adur-Rahman, I just saw something which I did not recognize, and I did not see, all thanks to Allah, but good.’ 

He (Ibn Masood) said, ‘What is it?’ 

He (Abu Musa) said, ‘If you live you will see it. I saw in the masjid people sitting in circles waiting for the prayer. In each circle there is a leader, and they have stones in their hands. 

He (the leader) would say, ‘Say Takbir (Allahu Akbar) 100 times’, so they say Takbir 100 times. 

He (the leader) would then say, ‘Say Tahil (La Ilaha Illa Allah) 100 times’, so they say Tahil 100 times. 

He (the leader) would then say, ‘Say Tasbih (Subhana Allah) 100 times’, so they say Tasbih 100 times. 

Ibn Masood said, ‘Did you not order them to count their evil deeds, and guarantee them that none of their good deeds will be lost?’ 

Then he and us left till we reached one of the circles. 

Then he (Ibn Masood) stood next to the circle and said, ‘What are you doing?’ 

They said, ‘O Abu Abdur-Rahamn, (these are) stones that we count our Takbir, Tahil, tasbih, and Tah’mid (Alhumdu’lillah).’ 

Ibn Masood said, ‘Count your EVIL DEEDS, for I guarantee that none of your good deeds will be lost. 

What is the matter with you, O nation of Muhammad?!

How soon you come to your destruction! 

The companions (of Muhammad) are still many, these are his clothes still not worn out and his cookware did not break yet. 

By whom my soul is in His Hands, you are either following a religion better than Muhammad’s or followers of a way of evil.’ 

They said, ‘By Allaah, O Abu Abdur-Rahman, we sought only what is good.’ 

Ibn Masood said, ‘Many people seek good, but they do not reach it. 

The Messenger told us some people who read the Qur’an will not have the Qur’an leave their throats (to their hearts). 

By Allaah I do not know if most of you are from them.’ 

Then he left them. 

Amr Ibn Salamah said, ‘We saw most of those people fighting against us, in the battle of Nahrawan with the Khawaarij.’" (Tirmidhi- authenticated by al-Albaani)

Bid'ah is a SEVERE sin and a reason that may incur the WRATH of Allaah, may Allaah protect us.

 Sufyan ath-Thawree said: 

“Innovation is MORE PLEASING to IBLEES THAN SIN, since a person makes repentance from sin but does not repent from innovations!”

This is because the person regards bidah as something good and thinks he will receive reward from Allaah and therefore does not repent from it, whereas he who commits a sin knows that it is wrong and if Allaah guides him, will eventually repent from it.

It is such a great sin, it can lead one to Hell. May Allaah protect us. 

Allaah says:

"And whoever *opposes* the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and *follows OTHER than the WAY of the believers* (meaning the Sahaabah)– We will turn him where he wants to turn and ROAST him in HELL, and evil it is as a destination" (Surah an-Nisaa':115)

Abdullaah Ibn 'Umar said, 

"EVERY innovation is MISGUIDANCE, EVEN  if the people see it as something GOOD."

Imam Ash-Shafi'i said:

"Whosoever considers an innovation to be good has CORRECTED the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam." 

(Bulugh al-Maram)

And Ibrahim al-Masayrah said, 

"He who honors an innovator has ASSISTED in the DEMOLITION of ISLAAM." 

(Sharh Usul I'tiqad)

Al-Fudhayl  said: 

“Beware of the one who sits with innovators; he who sits with innovators will not be granted wisdom. 

I wish there was a FORTRESS of STEEL between ME and the INNOVATORS.”

Is there something that’s a ‘good’ bid’ah?

There’s NO such thing as a ‘good bid’ah’. 

Yes there’s a hadeeth from Saheeh Muslim that is often (mis)used by the people who follow bid’ah. 

The hadeeth they quote is the following:

“'Whoever starts a good thing in Islam, and others do likewise after him, there will be written for him a reward like that of those who followed him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.” (Muslim)

The hadeeth is definitely authentic BUT it has to be understood correctly. 

There’s a background to the hadeeth. 

 Jareer ibn Abdullaah radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

"Some people from the Bedouin came to the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam, wearing woollen garments. He saw that they were in bad shape and in desperate need, so he urged the people to give them charity. 

The people were very slow to respond, and it could be seen in his face (that he was upset). 

Then a man of the Ansaar brought a package of silver, then another came, and another and another, and his face was filled with joy. 

The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

'Whoever starts a good thing in Islam, and others do likewise after him, there will be written for him a reward like that of those who followed him, without it detracting in the least from their reward. 

Whoever starts a bad thing in Islam, and others do likewise after him, there will be written for him a burden of sin like that of those who followed him, without it detracting in the least from their burden.'" (Muslim)

As we can see from the hadeeth, the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam was praising the Sahaabi who started giving charity and others saw him and got ENCOURAGED to do the same. 

That's because giving charity is an ALREADY ESTABLISHED deed in Islaam. 

The Sahaabi did NOT INTRODUCE anything NEW in the religion. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam was happy that the Sahaabi REVIVED the Sunnah of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam of giving charity, when other people were RELUCTANT to do it. 

Bid’ah is to practice an act of worship that is not done according to the authentic practice or teachings of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam. 

And we’re supposed to FOLLOW the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam. 

*If there was nothing wrong with bid’ah and the practice of the Prophet was not important and anyone can worship Allaah however they wanted, then what was the use of sending the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam as a Messenger?*

*Why would Allaah even BOTHER to send him Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam?*

Isn’t the Qur’aan the *“rules” and “commands”* sent by Allaah and isn’t the Sunnah the *“practical application”* of those rules?

Anything that’s NOT in accordance with the teachings and practice of the 

Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam is bid’ah. 

Anything that’s OPPOSITE of the Sunnah is bid’ah. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“KULLU bid'atin Dalala wa kullu dalalatin fin-naar.”

“EVERY innovation is a misguidance and every misguidance leads to the Hellfire.” (saheeh Muslim)

The word “Kullu” means EACH and EVERY newly invented thing in the religion is wrong. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam also said:

"Whoever invents in this affair of ours (Islaam) what is not from it, then it is REJECTED."(al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

And in another narration,

"Whoever performs an ACTION not in accordance with our affair, then it is REJECTED." 

( Muslim)

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam will DISOWN the people of bid’ah. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“I will be ahead of you in reaching my fountain, and there will be people who will be prevented from reaching it, therefore, I will say: 

'Yaa Rabbi! These are my followers!' 

It will be said: 

'You do not know what they innovated and altered after you (i.e., after your death)!

Therefore, I will say: “AWAY FROM ME! AWAY FROM ME!”

(al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

Astaghfirullaah imagine the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam PUSHING AWAY and DISOWNING those who invent acts of worship that are NOT PROVEN from the authentic practice or teachings of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam and 

are involved in bid’ah!

What a WRETCHED, WRETCHED situation!

May Allaah protect us. 

Hudhayfah radhi Allaahu anhu said:

"The people used to ask the Messenger of Allaah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam about the good, and I used to ask him about the evil out of fear that it would reach me." 

So I asked the Messenger of Allaah: 

"O Messenger of Allaah, we were living in ignorance and evil, then Allaah brought this good to us. 

So will there be any evil after this good?" 

He replied: "Yes."

I then asked: "Will there be any good after this evil?" 

He replied: "Yes, but it will be tainted." 

So I asked: "What will be its taint?" 

He replied: "A people who guide others to other than my way, you will approve of some of their actions and disapprove of others." 

I further enquired: "Then is there any evil after this good?" 

He said: "Yes! Callers at the gates of Hell - whoever responds to their call, they will be thrown into the fire." 

I then said: "O Messenger of Allah! Describe them to us." 

He said: "They will be from our people and speak our language." 

I asked: "So what do you order me to do if that reaches me?" 

He said: "Stick to the Jama'ah (the united body) of the Muslims and their Imaam (ruler)." 

I further asked: "What if they have neither Jama'ah or an Imaam?" 

He said: "Then keep away from all those sects, even if you have to bite upon the roots of a tree, until death reaches you whilst you are in that state."

(Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

 Imaam Ibnul Qayyim said:

“If the (bright) sun of the Sunnah rises in the heart of a servant, the mist (or fogginess) of every Bid’ah is cut from his heart and the darkness of every (act, practice or belief of) misguidance ceases to exist.” [Madaarij As-Saalikeen (1/379)]

What about compiling the Qur’aan in a ‘book’ form as an ‘example’ of bid’ah?

Compiling the Qur'aan in the form of a book is NOT bidah. 

That's because the Quraan was ALREADY written down at the time of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam on leaves, bones, leather, and whatever they could find, because they did not have paper back then. 

In fact, he sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam had special SCRIBES who would write down the Quraan for him  when he sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam dictated it to them. 

Zayd ibn Thaabit said: 

"When Abu Bakr delegated me to collect the Mus-haf – I sought the Qur’aan and I gathered it from pieces, i.e., leaves, patches of leather, shoulder-blades of sheep and camels, leaves of palm trees, and the hearts of men." 

Also it is proven from saheeh ahaadeeth that the Prophet (sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) forbade traveling with the Qur’aan to the land of the enemy. 

This shows that the Qur’aan was written down and gathered together at that time and the people used to take it with them when they travelled. But it was not complete. 

Alhamdulillaah the Sahaabah completely gathered all the various parts of the Qur’aan together so that the Qur’aan is PRESERVED wholly and not lost. 

So the writing down of the Qur’aan and putting it together was NOT something NEW in the Deen. 

It was ALREADY ESTABLISHED. 

So it’s NOT bid’ah. 

What about Taraaweeh?

Some might give the example of Umar radhi Allaahu anhu when he gathered the people together to pray Taraaweeh behind one Imaam. 

And he said “What a good innovation (bid’ah) this is.”

Here Omar radhi Allaahu anhu is using the word ‘bid’ah’ In the LINGUISTIC sense and NOT in the sense of introducing something NEW in the religion 

How can anyone say that?

They can say so with CONFIDENCE because the Taraaweeh prayer was a ALREADY CONFIRMED SUNNAH of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam and the established practice of his Sahaabah. 

It was NOT something NEW in the Deen. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam HIMSELF prayed it and led the  Sahaabah. 

 Proof:

Aa’ishah Radhi Allaahu anhaa said that the Messenger of Allaah (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) prayed one night in the masjid, and the people followed him in prayer. 

Then he prayed the next night, and many people came. 

Then they gathered on the third or fourth night, and the Messenger of Allaah (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) did not come out to them. 

The next morning he sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam said: 

“I saw what you did, and nothing kept me from coming out to you except the fact that I feared that it would be made obligatory for you.” And that was in Ramadhaan." 

(al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

This PROVES that praying Taraweeh in congregation was ALREADY an established Sunnah of the Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam), but he (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) refrained from reading it continuously because he feared that it might become fardh on me and you. 

When the Prophet sal Allaahu alayhi wa Sallam passed away, Umar Radhi Allaahu anhu REVIVED this Sunnah, because the Sharee’ah was now established and complete. 

And there was no fear of Taraaweeh becoming obligatory on us. 

Therefore Omar radhi Allaahu anhu’s statement and action can NOT be used to establish NEW INNOVATED things in the Deen. 

Hope this will clarify the concept of bid’ah and will explain any MISCONCEPTIONS associated with the concept of bid’ah. 

May Allaah protect us from ALL bid’ah and enable us to distinguish between it and the REAL Sunnah of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam Ameen 

And Allaah knows best.