552. April Fool: A Look Behind The Mask

By Asma bint Shameem

Today I'm going to talk about April Fool's Day. 

Not about its history, or its origin, or who fooled who. 

It doesn't really matter. 

What matters is what goes on this day, and how wrong it is, not only from the point of view of our Deen but also morally, and psychologically. 

So what happens this day? 

People play practical jokes on someone and pull pranks this day so that they can get a good laugh. 

They spend time and think of innovative ways to 'fool' someone or 'trick' them, each trying to outdo the other, so that they can come up with a better trick or a funnier joke or a smarter bluff, by lying to them, or deceiving them or scaring them or inconveniencing them in some way.

HOW IS IT WRONG?

They Laugh AT someone

Let me ask you this; 

Is it really 'funny' that you made someone a laughing stock? 

Sure, the joke's really funny as long as YOU are not the one being laughed at!

Is it really right that someone is picked on and made a 'fool' by others who 'think' they're smarter than them and so they can trick them?

Isn't that what BULLYING is all about??!

Remember bullying is not just about 'lunch money'. 

Bullying is about power. 

It's about someone who feels the need to make themselves feel powerful by making someone else feel weak and powerless. 

If you think about it, the vast majority of practical jokes are in reality, bullying; 

the exercise of power of one person over another. 

Even the crude, basic ‘jokes’ like the whoopee cushion are about someone reducing another person to a figure of fun, to be jeered at. 

They're often about the humiliation of the victim. 

Practical jokes tell the victim: you're not as smart as the rest of us or you'd never have fallen for it. 

They tell them you're stupid and gullible and worthless. 

And if you get upset about it, you're still stupid because you don't have a 'sense of humor' and 'you take yourself too seriously'. 

Subhaan Allaah! How can such behaviors be justified?!

From a psychological perspective, practical joking is, in reality, a way of getting away with bullying another person to bolster a very low, undernourished self esteem by making someone else feel small. 

And the effects of such psychological trauma can last for a very, very long time. 

And what does our Deen say about it? 

Allaah tells us it's absolutely WRONG and a sin. 

Allaah says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا يَسْخَرْ قَوْمٌ مِّن قَوْمٍ عَسَىٰ أَن يَكُونُوا خَيْرًا مِّنْهُمْ وَلَا نِسَاءٌ مِّن نِّسَاءٍ عَسَىٰ أَن يَكُنَّ خَيْرًا مِّنْهُنَّ وَلَا تَلْمِزُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَلَا تَنَابَزُوا بِالْأَلْقَابِ بِئْسَ الِاسْمُ الْفُسُوقُ بَعْدَ الْإِيمَانِ وَمَن لَّمْ يَتُبْ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ

"O you who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the latter are better than the former: Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the latter are better than the former: Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: How bad is it, to insult one's brother after having Faith. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed Zalimun (wrong-doers)." (Surah Hujaraat:11)

Here Allaah is clearly telling us, ORDERING us NOT to laugh at people, not to make fun of them, not to humiliate them in any possible way. 

Yet playing April Fool jokes on someone is doing EXACTLY what Allaah is commanding us NOT to do. 

It involves humiliation and degradation 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

"None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."

(al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

As Muslims, we're supposed to LOVE one another and love for them what we love for ourselves. 

Yet, if we play jokes on someone, or trick them or laugh at them, how do you suppose that makes them feel?  

Is this what we would want for ourselves? 

Just because they didn't say anything doesn't mean, they didn't feel hurt or embarrassed or degraded or humiliated. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

 "By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another." (Jaami' al-Tirmidhi- hasan) 

How can we love one another and yet play mean jokes and poke fun at him at the same time?

In reality, these April Fool jokes are not funny at all.  

They're sick, childish and immature. 

Just because people are laughing doesn't mean it's funny. 

Always remember: if your goal is to get people to laugh at someone else, and that someone else is not you, you are practicing humiliation.

It involves LYING and DECEIVING

Some tricks on April Fool's Day involve lying and deceiving the 'victim' to believe things that are not true. 

And once they fall for it, everyone else has good laugh. 

We forget that lying is a MAJOR SIN. 

In fact, lying is so bad we can't lie EVEN IN A JOKE! The Prophet  Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam CURSED such a person. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

"Woe to the one who tells lies to make people laugh, woe to him." (Abu Dawood-saheeh by Albaani). 

And he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

"Whoever deceives is not from me." (Muslim)

Abu Bakr radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

"O people, beware of lying, for lying is contrary to faith."(Ahmad)

And Ibn Mas'ood radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

"Lying is never appropriate in earnest or in jest. 

Then he recited the words of Allaah: 

"Fear Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds)." [at-Tawbah 9:119]. Then he said: 

Do you find any concession allowing that to anyone?” 

(Ibn Abi Shaybah)

And yet for a few seconds of petty laughter, we lie to someone and fool them. 

How far we are from the beautiful instructions of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam!

He said:

"A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He does not wrong him. He does not fail him [when he needs him]. He does not lie to him. And he does not show contempt for him. Piety is here" and he pointed to his chest three times. "It is enough of evil for a person to hold his brother Muslim in contempt. All of a Muslim is inviolable to another Muslim: his blood, his wealth and his honor." 

(Muslim)

It causes harm and inconvenience 

Whether it is turning off the water line or wrapping cellophane over the toilet bowl, or taking the air out of all their tires, April Fool jokes cause harm and inconvenience to others which is absolutely contradictory to what our Deen teaches us, even if it's in a joke. 

Our deen encourages us to HELP our brother and make things EASY for them, NOT make things difficult. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

"Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allaah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allaah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection." 

(al-Bukhaari)

And he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

"Allaah will aid a servant (of His) so long as the servant aids his brother." 

(Muslim)

How can we read the above ahaadeeth and not take heed? 

If Allaah will aid us, as long as we're helping our brother or sister, them what about if we're doing the OPPOSITE by making things difficult for them or causing them inconvenience? 

Is April Fool really worth it? 

Why, we can t even TALK about our brother behind his back in a manner that he doesn't like or else it counts as BACKBITING, a MAJOR SIN! Then, what about DOING things that he doesn't like?

It involves Scaring someone 

Sometimes April Fool's tricks involve scaring someone in some way or frightening them by pointing weapons at them, turning off the power, making scary noises, etc. 

Again, it's wrong, immoral and NOT appropriate from any angle. 

One time, the Sahaabah were traveling somewhere with the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam and one of them fell asleep. 

Some of the other companions got a rope and tied him up, and he got scared. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

“It is not permissible for a Muslim to frighten another Muslim.'" 

(Abu Dawood  - saheeh). 

Someone who scares a Muslim even in a joke by pointing a weapon at him is CURSED and doing something that's haraam. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

"He who pointed a weapon towards his brother the angels invoke curse upon him even if he is his real brother so long as he does not abandon it" (the pointing of weapon towards one's brother." (Muslim)

Life is not all about 'living it up' and having 'fun' all the time

Yes it's allowed to laugh and have fun but not only should everything be in moderation, but to laugh AT someone, was and never will be okay. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

"Do not laugh too much, for laughing too much deadens the heart." 

(Saheeh al-Jaami') 

And Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqaas said: 

"Set a limit to your jokes, for going to extremes makes you lose respect and incites the foolish against you." 

Just Don't Do it!

Don't go along if someone asks you to join them in fooling someone. 

If we go along with them and assist them in this evil, then we're equally sinful. So try and stop them and explain why it's wrong. 

Allaah says:

 وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ

"Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Severe in punishment." (al-Ma'idah:2)

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

"Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart - and that is the weakest of faith." (Muslim)

Conclusion

Dear brothers and sisters, Islaam is a comprehensive religion. Its teachings touch upon all aspects of life. Islaam, therefore, goes well beyond articles of faith and ritual acts of worship. 

All of our behavior, manners, ethics and practices must reflect our belief in this religion. 

And that includes not hurting, humiliating, bullying, scaring, mocking or inconveniencing anybody, be it Muslim or non-Muslim. 

And it doesn't matter whether it's April 1st or any other day. 

May Allaah give us the ability to TRULY understand this beautiful perfect Deen and enable us to implement it in our PRACTICAL lives. Ameen.

551. 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

550. Got The Winter Blues? Make The Most Of It!

By Asma bint Shameem

Ahhh...Winter! 

Alhamdulillaah it’s here.

The nights are long and the days are short..... the temperatures have dropped and the weather is really cool!

What a perfect time to take advantage of the weather and utilize it to your benefit. 

You can increase your good deeds, take care of your obligations and earn the Pleasure of Allaah all at the same time!

How? One might ask...

Its SIMPLE. 

Make the most of winter by *fasting* during its short days and *praying Qiyaam* during the long nights.

The smart Muslim is always looking for opportunities and ways to increase his good deeds, seek forgiveness from his Rabb, and improve his Deen. 

He values *each* and *every* moment of his life, observing his duties to the BEST of his ability because he is preparing.....preparing for that ultimate, inevitable meeting with Allaah, Rabbul 'Aalameen.

And the winter season is one PREFECT and EASY way to do just that.

'Umar ibn al-Khattaab once said: 

"Winter is booty for the devout worshippers."

Meaning, it is *easy* to gain rewards from Allaah by striving in worship during winter through fasting and praying than in the summer, which is like gaining easy war booty without the hardships of war.

FAST DURING THE DAYS

Since the days are short, it is EASY to fast Alhamdulillaah. 

How many of us have days of fasting that we have to make up, either because of sickness, traveling, or just plain neglect and laziness? (May Allaah to protect us from that).

And how many sisters have to make up their fasts due to feminine reasons, either from this past Ramadhaan or even before?

We all know that making up the days of fasting is FARDH on every adult Muslim man and woman and not doing so is a SIN. 

Straight forward, its an order from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala.

Allaah says:

"The month of Ramadhaan is the month in which the Qur'aan was sent down, a guidance for the people, and clear verses of guidance and the criterion. 

Therefore, whoever of you witnesses the month, let him fast. 

But he who is ill, or on a journey should (fast) a similar number (of days) later on. Allah wants ease for you and does not want hardship for you. 

And that you FULFILL the number of days and exalt Allaah who has guided you in order that you be thankful."

[Surah al-Baqarah:185]

 

Thus, we should RUSH to fast the number of days we missed.

 

And what better opportunity than this?

 

How much easier could it get?

The days are short and the weather is cool, so you don't really get thirsty or even feel hungry. 

Allaah, in his Infinite Mercy, is providing us with an easy opportunity to seek rewards from Him. 

Shouldn't we take it up?

Abu Hurayrah Radhi Allaahu anhu said to some people: 

"Shall I not point you to comfortable proceeds?" 

They asked, "And what is that O, Abu Hurayrah?"

He replied, "Fasting in winter."

[Abu Nu’aym | Ḥilyat al-Awliyā’ | 1356]

PRAY QIYAAM AT NIGHT

As for the winter night.....it is quite....it is long and it is peaceful.

What more could one ask?

A night so calm and so long..... to stand in front of our Lord and beg Him for forgiveness.....ask Him for guidance.....beseech him for His Mercy...

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Aliyhi wa Sallam) said: 

"Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last third of the night remains, and He says, 'Who will call Me that I might answer him, who will ask of Me that I might give him, who will ask My forgiveness, that I might forgive him?'" 

(al-Bukhaari)

And he (Sal Allaahu Aliyhi wa Sallam) said:

"You should pray qiyaam al-layl, for it is the custom of the righteous who came before you and it brings you closer to your Lord, and expiates sins and prevents misdeeds."

(al-Tirmidhi- hasan by al-Albaani)

What better chance than this to pray Tahajjud and to read Qur'aan?

Ubayd b. 'Umayr radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

It used to be said when winter came: 

“O people of the Qur`aan, the night has become long so you can pray (more) and the day has become short for you to fast."

(Abu Nu'aym, Hilyat Al-Awliyaa`)

Yazeed al-Riqaashi said: 

"A lot of Tahajjud brings delight to the worshippers, and a lot of thirst (i.e., fasting), brings joy when they meet Allaah."

 

So when the cold hits you and the weather gets you down, don't get discouraged. 

Instead of sleeping away the night and wasting away the day, look on the bright side and make the MOST of it. 

Put this time of the year in a whole new perspective. 

REMIND yourself of the many acts of worship and benefits that this time of the year brings with it, rather than just focusing on how COLD it is.

 

The righteous before us used to say:

"I have never heard the adhaan except that I remember the caller who will announce the Day of Resurrection;

and I never see the falling snow except that I imagine the flying pages of the records of peoples deeds (on that day);

and I never see swarms of locusts except that I think about the Great Gathering on the Last Day."

And actually, if you think about it, the winter is a big blessing from among the innumerable an_uncountable blessings of Allaah. 

He is honoring us by the bounty of His Giving, His Gracious Blessing and His great Favor, so that we may make the most of this cold weather by praying qiyaam during the night, fast during the day and worship Him.

And in return, hope for FORGIVENESS from the One Who forgives all. 

May Allaah enable us all to make better use of our winters.

549. For You And Me

By Asma bint Shameem

When the world was full of darkness and oppression,

He worshipped his One Lord in seclusion.

Away from all idols, away from false deity,

In Cave Hiraa he was chosen…..for you and me.

 

As he propagated the Message So True,

Not many believed him but a few.

He faced torture, persecution and agony,

Yet he endured it….for you and me

 

They mocked him, they cursed him, a madman they called him.

With money they even tried to buy him.

They threw on him intestines and garbage so filthy,

He patiently persisted…..for you and me.

 

A heart full of hope, he turned to another place.

Maybe they’ll believe him, since they know his face.

Instead they stoned him, and pelted him with debris;

At Taif, he bled…..for you and me.

 

Such atrocity! The Heavens shook, the Earth cried.

He could have easily had them destroyed.

Yet he FORGAVE them; If he didn’t, we wouldn’t be,

For they were the ancestors…..for you and me.

 

In the Night of al-Israa, his Lord honored him,

Up to the Seven Heavens He called him;

When the Order came for Prayers Fifty,

Ya Rabb, five. He pleaded…..for you and me.

 

For thirteen years he spread Islaam,

Teaching them the basics of Imaan.

Yet they didn’t understand; their hearts were empty;

So to Madina he migrated ….for you and me.

 

They tried to stop him, but his Message was unstoppable.

They tried to suppress him, but the Truth was inevitable.

He brought to the world, peace and equality.

He spread the Light….for you and me.

 

He was truthful, upright, kind and compassionate;

He was humble, noble, brave and so gallant.

Kindness was his message even to his enemy;

Such was his teaching….for you and me.

 

He was Allaah’s Beloved, his sins were forgiven, 

But he worshipped all night till his feet were swollen,

Not for his own self, concerned was he;

He prayed all night….for you and me.

 

It was his Ummah that was his worry,

His eyes would turn red, his beard so teary;

OUR Hereafter...his concern surely 

He shed his tears…..for you and me 

 

He came to perfect good manners, he was the Perfect Example;

The Qur’aan was his character, so Noble was his sample;

He was sent to all creation as a Mercy,

The Best Role Model….for you and me.

 

If we follow his Sunnah, uphold his Way,

We will succeed surely on that Day.

No more tiredness, no more thirsty,

He will wait at al-Kauthar….for you and me.

 

When all other Prophets will turn away,

Ummati, Ummati is what he will say.

“Forgive them, Ya Allaah!”, will be his plea,

He will intercede that Day….for you and me.

 

And now they try, as they tried once before,

To defame and slander him, but one thing’s for sure;

They will NEVER, EVER succeed, for undoubtedly,

He’s the BEST, the Highest with the Almighty.

 

Look at what he did for you, look how much he loved you,

The big question is: what are YOU going to do?

STAND UP AND DEFEND HIM, YA UMMATI!

The time is NOW….. for you and me.

 

But don’t lose perspective, in a moment of passion,

Remember to behave in an Islaamic fashion;

Don’t respond to evil with violence and cruelty,

That’s what he said…..to you and me.

If you truly love him, uphold his Sunnah,

The biggest DISRESPECT to him, is to make up bid’ah;

PROVE to him your love and loyalty,

The way of the Sahaabah....for you and me. 

Allaahumma Salli alaa Muhammad wa Baarik wa sallim alayh. 

548. Do Names Have Any Effect On A Person?

By Asma bint Shameem 

*QUESTION*

*My child is always sick and crying. I think his name is “heavy” for him.*

*Should I change his name?*

*ANSWER*

This is a very common misconception, especially among people of the Indo-Pak subcontinent. 

They think that names have an effect on a person’s life, health or their destiny 

But that’s NOT a correct belief. 

It’s true that we’re are encouraged to name our children with those names that have good meanings.

And we should avoid names that have bad meanings. 

But that’s because the name might affect the *character* of a person, meaning the *’kind’* of person he is. 

And *not* because the name will make a person’s life easy or difficult or that he’ll have more problems in life just because of his “name”. 

That’s why the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam changed some of the names of the Sahaabah who had 

names with bad meanings to names with good meanings.

Ibn al-Musayyab said that his father came to the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam and he said, “What is your name?” 

He said, 

“Hazn (meaning rough).” 

He said, 

“You are Sahl (meaning easy).” 

He said, 

“I will not change the name that my father gave to me.” 

Ibn al-Musayyab said, 

“And we have had roughness (in character) ever since.” 

[al-Bukhaari (6190)]

 And “Ibn ‘Umar radhi Allaahu anhumaa said that a daughter of ‘Umar was called ‘Aasiya عاصية (disobedient), but the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam renamed her Jameelah (beautiful).” [Muslim, 2139]

Ibn al-Qayyim said:  

“Because names have meanings, these meanings will inevitably have an effect on the person who carries the name. 

Names have an effect on the things that are named, and the things that are named have an effect on their names, whether they are beautiful or ugly, light or heavy, subtle or crude.” [Zaad al-Ma’aad, 2/336]

Shaykh Abu Zayd said:

“The name connects the newborn to the guidance and etiquette of Islaam, so the child will be blessed and his name will be a reminder of the one after whom he is named such as a Prophet or righteous slave of Allaah, so as to follow the example of the righteous forebearers, preserving their names, remembering their attributes, and so as to perpetuate a chain of righteousness in future generations of the ummah.” [Tasmiyat al-Mawlood (25)]

Shaykh ‘Abd Al-Kareem Al-Khudayr said:

“A name does not have any effect on a person's character, apart from reflecting *optimism* for him. 

On this basis, one should give one’s children good names and not give bad names. 

So we should use names like ‘Abd-Allaah (“slave of Allaah”), ‘Abd al-Rahmaan (“slave of the Most Merciful”), Muhammad, Ahmad, etc., and we should not use names which have bad meanings, such as Sa’b (difficult), etc.”

However, to believe that the name has an effect on the “destiny” of a child or that the name is causing hardships for them or that a particular name is “heavy” on the child is NOTHING but superstition, and associating bad omens with the name. 

And that’s NOT allowed in our Deen. 

Our names do not have any effect on our fate or life. 

And our names have nothing to do with sickness or problems that come our way. 

Believing that my name can affect me and my future is a form of superstition and comes under the rulings of ‘Tiyarah’ (belief in omens). 

And Tiyarah is SHIRK. 

May Allaah protect us. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Tiyarah (belief in evil omens) is shirk.” 

(Abu Dawood- saheeh by al-Albaani)

Whatever good or bad that will happen in my life has *already been written* by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala LONG before I was born and whether I’m named Asma or Fatimah or Sumaayyah is not going to change that it any way. 

Even if my name was something totally different, whatever was written for me, would still reach me no matter what. 

*Even if I didn’t have a name at all, my life would still be the same.*

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Know that if the whole world were to gather together in order to help you, they would not be able to help you except if Allaah had written so. 

And if the whole world were to gather together in order to harm you, they would not harm you except if Allaah had written so. 

The pens have been lifted, and the pages are dry.”

(Tirmidhi-saheeh)

And he said:

“Everything has a reality, and the servant will not reach the reality of faith until he knows that what afflicted him could never miss him, and that what missed him could never have afflicted him.” (Ahmad- saheeh by al-Albaani) 

*Conclusion* 

Go ahead and name your child any of the good names. 

Do *not* believe in superstitions. 

Names do NOT affect my destiny NOR do names decide whether I’ll be happy or troubled. 

Whatever’s written for me, will be. 

Have *faith* in Allaah. And think *good* of Him. 

He will *never* let you down. 

And Allaah knows best

547. Asking Others To Make Duaa For You

By Asma bint Shameem 

“Please make duaa for me” 

“Remember me in your prayers” 

“Duaa ki darkhaast (Request for duaas)”

It seems that this phrase has become EXTREMELY common, whether people know each other or not. 

Every single time you meet them or talk to them on the phone, they say “Remember me in your duaas” as they part. 

Subhaan Allaah even if they’re a complete stranger and you “happen” to talk to them for a BRIEF second

and you’ll probably will never see them in your life ever again, they still ask you to remember them and make duaa for them. 

But is this practice really from the Sunnah?

Did the Sahaabah ask each other to make duaa for them?

Let’s see what our Deen says about that. 

The scholars say that it’s not recommended to keep asking people to make duaa for you, irrespective of whether you know them or not. 

A Muslim is honorable. 

He has RESPECT. 

And it’s BELOW the dignity of a Muslim to ask others for ANYTHING. 

He does not “NEED” ANY THING from ANY ONE. 

He depends on NO ONE BUT Allaah. 

Why do we need to ask anyone to make duaa for us anyway?

Isn’t Allaah ENOUGH for us?

Isn’t He close to us and accessible to us?

Didn’t He say:

وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ

“And your Rabb said: ‘Invoke Me, [i.e. believe and ask and supplicate to me] I will respond to you (your invocation)…” [Ghafir, 60]

Ibn Abbas radhi Allaahu anhu 

said that the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“Be NEEDLESS of people, even (from asking) for a miswak.”

[Al-Mu’jam al-Kabeer, saheeh by al-Albaani ]

 And A’ishah  radhi Allaahu anhaa said:

“Ask Allaah for everything, even the shasa’ [lace (of a shoe) or a reign of an animal] for verily if Allaah (does not grant it), it will not be facilitated.”

[Musnad Abi Ya’la, hasan by al-Haythami]

So it’s good to ask NO ONE BUT Allaah. 

And although it’s *”allowed”* to ask a Muslim to make duaa for you, it’s from the DISLIKED acts. 

The Sahaabah NEVER asked each other to make duaa for them on a regular basis. 

 In surah al-Naml, Allaah describes Himself by saying:

أَمَّن يُجِيبُ الْمُضْطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاهُ وَيَكْشِفُ السُّوءَ

“He Who responds to one in distress when he calls Him, and Who removes harm...” (Surah an-Naml :62)

In his commentary on this ayah, Imaam al-Qurtubi said:

A man came to Maalik ibn Dinar and said, “I ask you, by Allah, to supplicate on my behalf, for I am truly in distress.”

So Maalik ibn Dinar responded, “If that is the case, then you should ask Him yourself for He is the One who responds to one in distress when he calls Him.”

[Tafsir al-Qurtubi 13/207]

Abu Sa‘eed al-Khudri narrated that some people from among the Ansaar asked the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam and he gave them, then they asked him and he gave them, then they asked him and he gave them, until what he had was exhausted. 

He said: 

“Whatever I have of good I will never withhold from you, but *whoever refrains from asking (of people), Allaah will make him content, whoever seeks to be independent of means, Allaah will make him independent, and whoever strives to be patient Allah will bestow patience upon him, and no one is ever given anything better and more abundant than patience.”* (al-Bukhaari, Muslim) 

al-Qurtubi said: 

“whoever refrains from asking (of people), Allaah will make him CONTENT” that is, He will reward him for his refraining from asking by preserving his dignity and meeting his needs. 

“whoever refrains from asking” that is, whoever tries to force himself to refrain from asking of others. 

 or he asks Allaah to help him to refrain from asking (of people), 

“Allaah will make him content” that is, He will help him to refrain, which is protecting him from falling into that which is prohibited.

 In other words, he will be content with the least provision and will refrain from asking of others; it will be easy for him to become content, and that is a treasure that will never fade.”

 Ibn at-Teen said: 

“What is meant by the words “Allaah will make him content” is that either Allaah will grant him sufficient wealth so that he will have no need to ask of others, or He will bless him with contentment.”

Hakeem ibn Hizaam said:

 I heard the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam say: 

“Whoever seeks to be independent of means, Allaah will make him INDEPENDENT, and *whoever refrains from asking (of people), Allaah will make him CONTENT.*” 

I said: 

(Should we not ask) even of you, O Messenger of Allaah?

He said: *“(Not) even from me.”* 

I said: Hakeem said:  I shall never let my hand be beneath the hand of another man of the Arabs.” (Ahmad (15578) with a saheeh isnaad)

Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar  said: 

“This hadith encourages us to strive to be independent of people and refrain from asking them, by being patient, putting our trust in Allaah and waiting for what Allaah grants as provision. 

Patience is the best thing that a person may be given, because the reward for it is unlimited.” [al-Fath(11/304)]

An-Nawawi said: 

“In this hadith we are encouraged to refrain from asking of people and to be content with what is available, so as to preserve one’s dignity, even if what is available is little.” [Sharh Muslim(7/126)]

Malik al-Ashja'i reported:

"We, nine, eight or seven men, were in the company of the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam 

He said: 

“Why don't you pledge allegiance to the Messenger of Allaah?” although we had recently pledged allegiance.

So we said: 

“Messenger of Allaah, we have already pledged allegiance to you.”

He again said:

“Why don't you pledge allegiance to the Messenger of Allaah?”

We said: 

“Messenger of Allaah, we have already pledged allegiance to you.”

He again said: 

“Why don't you pledge allegiance to the Messenger of Allaah?”

We stretched our hands and said: 

“Messenger of Allah. we have already pledged allegiance to you. Now tell (on what things) should we pledge allegiance to you.”

He said: 

“(You must pledge allegiance) that you would worship Allaah only and would not associate with Him anything, (and observe) five prayers, and obey, (and he said one thing in an undertone), that you would not ask people of anything.”

(And as a consequence of that) I saw that some of these people did not ask anyone to pick up the whip for them if it fell down." (Muslim) 

Once Taawus, one of the scholars of the taabi’een, visited a sick person, who asked him: 

“O Taawus, please make dua for me“. 

Taawus replied: “Pray for your OWN self, for He is the One that responds to the one in distress“.

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said about asking others to make duaa for you:

“This is permissible, but I do not recommend it. 

I think that each person should ask Allaah by himself, without appointing any intermediary between him and Allaah. 

That brings a greater hope and is nearer to fear of Allaah.”

[Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Rasaa’il Ibn ‘Uthaymeen(2/277)]

QUESTION

BUT we all go through problems. 

Can’t we ask our loved ones to make duaa for us?

That’s perfectly ok for people going through stress or problems to ask their loved ones to make duaa for them. 

I’m talking about when people just have the “habit” of asking others to make duaa. 

 It’s like a catchphrase.  

They say it without thinking.

And like I said, asking others for duaa is *“allowed”*

It’s NOT prohibited 

It’s just a HIGHER level of Taqwa not to ask anyone. 

It’s a VERY NOBLE deed. 

That’s why the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam asked a *SPECIAL group* *of Sahaabah* for this promise. 

That’s why NOBLES like Abu Bakr as-Siddiq is one of those who NEVER asked ANYONE for even the LITTLEST things; even if his whip fell down, he would not ask someone standing to pick it up for him. 

Rather he would get down from his mount and pick it up himself. 

Subhaan Allaah!

Such honor. 

Such dignity. 

This level of complete tawakkul on Allaah is achieved only by a select few. 

*It’s something we all should AIM for, even if we can’t achieve it.* 

That’s why the people who will be entered into Jannah WITHOUT ACCOUNT are those who don’t ask for  ruqyah even though they’re sick and NEED it. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

‘(It was said to him) 

“This is your ummah, and of these, seventy thousand will enter Paradise without being brought to account.

They are the ones who *DO NOT ASK for ruqyah*, do not believe in bad omens and do not use branding; *they put their TRUST in their Lord*…”

(al-Bukhaari) 

Subhaan Allaah!

Entering Jannah without account!

So what’s the characteristic that elevated their ranks to such an honor?!

Their TAWAKKUL In Allaah!

“They DO NOT ASK for ruqyah”

“They put their trust in their Lord”

In other words, they’re *sick*. 

They *need* the ruqyah. 

But instead of asking PEOPLE, *they ASK ALLAAH.*

*It’s a HIGHER level of Taqwa.* 

*A GREATER level of Imaan.* 

Remember this golden rule:

You should not “make” people supplicate for you. 

Rather, you should *“EARN”* those duaas without even the need to ask anyone, through your good manners and deeds.

May Allaah enable us to depend on NO ONE but HIM. 

And ask NO ONE BUT HIM. 

Ameen 

And Allaah knows best