614. The Punishment Of The Grave And Protection From It

By Asma bint Shameem 

The punishment of the grave is real. 

It is proven from the Qur’aan and authentic Sunnah and there’s no doubt about that. 

That’s the belief of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah. 

PROOFS

1. Evidence from the Qur’aan:

Allaah says:

النار يعرضون عليها غدوا وعشيا ويوم تقوم الساعة أدخلوا آل فرعون أشد العذاب 

“The Fire, they are exposed to it, morning and afternoon. And on the Day when the Hour will be established (it will be said to the angels): ‘Cause Fir‘awn’s people to enter the severest torment!’”

(Surah Ghaafir :46)

Here Allaah is saying that Fir’awn and his followers are being tortured right now as we speak. And they will be tortured more on the Day of Judgment. 

That torture that they're exposed to morning and night is the punishment of the grave. 

Ibn Mas’ood Radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

“The souls of the people of Fir’awn and those of their kind among the kaafirs are shown the Fire morning and evening, and they are told, this is your abode.”

Ibn Katheer said: 

“This aayah is the main basis of the Sunni’s belief in the torment of al-barzakh in the grave.”

(Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 4/82) 

2. Proofs from the Sunnah:

Al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

“We went out with the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam to attend the funeral of a man from among the Ansaar. 

When we reached the grave, the lahd (niche) had not yet been made, so the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam sat down and we sat around him as if there were birds on our heads. 

In his hand was a stick with which he scratched the ground. 

Then he raised his head and said: “Seek refuge with Allaah from the torment of the grave,” two or three times. 

Then he described how the soul is taken and how it is taken up to the heavens then brought back to (the body). 

Then he said: “And he hears their footsteps when they leave. 

Then it is said to him: ‘O So and so, who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who is your Prophet?”  (Abu Dawood - saheeh by al-Albaani)

And the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

“Were it not that you would not bury one another, I would have asked Allaah to make you hear the torment of the grave that I can hear.” 

Then he turned to us and said: “Seek refuge with Allaah from the torment of the Fire,” and they said, “We seek refuge with Allaah from the torment of the Fire.” 

He said, “Seek refuge with Allaah from the torment of the grave,” and they said, “We seek refuge with Allaah from the torment of the grave.” (Muslim)

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam also used to pray in his salaah:

اللهم إني أعوذ بك من عذاب القبر  وأعوذ بك من فتنة المسيح الدجال وأعوذ بك من فتنة المحيا وفتنة الممات اللهم إني أعوذ بك من المأثم والمغرم ".

 “Allaahumma inni a’oodhu bika min ‘adhaab il-qabr, wa a’oodhu bika min fitnat il-maseeh il-dajjaal, wa a’oodhu bika min fitnat il-mahyaa wa fitnat il-mamaat, Allaahumma ini a’oodhu bika min al-ma’tham wa’l-maghram 

“O Allaah, I seek refuge in You from the torment of the grave, I seek refuge in You from the tribulation of the Dajjaal, I seek refuge in You from the trials of life and death, O Allaah, I seek refuge in You from sin and loss).”

(al-Bukhaari, Muslim) 

This proves that the punishment of the grave is real and very much established. 

Otherwise why would the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam tell us to seek refuge from it? 

And why would he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam seek protection from it every day in his Salah himself?

And there are many more ahaadeeth that prove it’s reality. 

3. The grave is the FIRST STATION after death

“When ‘Uthmaan Ibn ‘Affaan radhi Allaahu anhu stood by a grave he would cry until his beard would become wet. 

It was said to him, “You remember Paradise and Hell and you do not weep, but you weep because of this?” 

He said: “The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: ‘The grave is the first of the stages of the Hereafter; whoever is saved from it, what comes afterwards will be easier  for him, but if he is not saved from it, what comes afterwards will be worse for him.’” 

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

“I have never seen any scene but the grave is more frightening than it.” (At-Tirmithi - Hasan by al-Albaani)

4. Once a person is placed in his grave, the two angels in charge of asking will come and question the person and ask him the three dreaded questions. 

They will ask him who was his Lord, what was his religion and who was his Prophet. 

The answer to these questions is what will determine whether his grave will be a garden of Jannah or a place of torture and torment.

 

If he was a believer and lived a life of a believer, he will easily be able to answer these questions. 

But if he was not a believer or he did not live the life of a believer or was a hypocrite, he will not able to answer these questions.  

In a long hadeeth regarding death and what happens after the soul leaves the body, the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said regarding the believer:

“So his soul is returned to his body and there come to him two angels who make him sit up and they say to him, 

‘Who is your Lord?’ 

He says, 

‘Allaah.’ 

They say, 

‘What is your religion?’ 

He says, 

‘My religion is Islam.’ 

They say, 

‘Who is this man who was sent among you?’ 

He says, 

‘He is the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam.’

They say, 

‘What did you do?’ 

He says, 

‘I read the Book of Allaah and I believed in it.’ 

Then a voice calls out from heaven, 

‘My slave has spoken the truth, so prepare for him a bed from Paradise and clothe him from Paradise, and open for him a gate to Paradise.’ 

Then there comes to him some of its fragrance, and his grave is made wide, as far as he can see. 

Then there comes to him a man with a handsome face and handsome clothes, and a good fragrance, who says, 

‘Receive the glad tidings that will bring you joy this day.’ 

He says, 

‘Who are you? Your face is a face which brings glad tidings.’ 

He says, 

‘I am your righteous deeds.’ 

He says, 

‘O Lord, hasten the Hour so that I may return to my family and my wealth.’ 

And if the deceased was an evil person who did not live by the commands of Allaah, the punishment will begin. May Allaah protect us. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said regarding such a person:

“Then his soul is returned to his body, and there come to him two angels who make him sit up and they say to him, ‘Who is your Lord?’ 

He says, 

‘Oh, oh, I don’t know.’ 

They say, 

‘What is your religion?’ 

He says, 

‘Oh, oh, I don’t know.’ 

Then a voice calls out from heaven, 

‘Prepare for him a bed from Hell and clothe him from Hell, and open for him a gate to Hell.’ 

Then there comes to him some of its heat and hot winds, and his grave is constricted and compresses him until his ribs interlock. 

Then there comes to him a man with an ugly face and ugly clothes, and a foul stench, who says, 

‘Receive the bad news, this is the day that you were promised.’ 

He says, 

‘Who are you? Your face is a face which forebodes evil.’ 

He says, 

‘I am your evil deeds.’ 

He says, 

‘O Lord, do not let the Hour come, do not let the Hour come.’” 

(Ahmad - saheeh by al-Albaani)

5. The reward or punishment in the grave will be felt MAINLY by the soul. 

Although the torment or reward of the grave is felt by both the soul and the body, it is predominantly felt by the soul. 

Ibn Taymiyah said: 

“The view of the earliest generations of this ummah and its imams is that the torment or blessing (of the grave) happens to the soul of the deceased and his body. 

After it departs from the body, the soul continues to be blessed or punished, and it is also connected to the body from time to time, so that the blessing or torment befalls the body as well as the soul.” 

6. Will the punishment of the grave be CONTINUOUS?

It depends on the person’s deeds. 

If he was not a believer the punishment will be continuous and he will never be relieved of it. 

May Allaah protect us. 

But if he was a believer yet he was involved in major sins in the dunya then Allaah may punish him in the grave according to the severity of his sins for as long as Allaah deems appropriate. 

Once he’s purified, his punishment may end. 

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen said: 

“If a person is a kaafir (we seek refuge with Allaah), then there is no way that the delight will ever reach him, and his torment will be continuous. 

If a person was a sinner but he was a believer, then his torment in the grave will be commensurate with his sin, and perhaps the punishment for his sin will take less time than the time in al-barzakh between his death and the onset of the Hour, in which case it will cease.”

(al-Sharh al-Mumti’, vol. 3, p. 253) 

7. What can save us from the torment of the grave?

a) Tawheed 

Allaah says:

“Verily, those who say: ‘Our Lord is Allaah (Alone),’ and then they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): ‘Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!’”

[Fussilat 41:30] 

b) Good deeds

Allaah says:

يُثَبِّتُ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِالْقَوْلِ الثَّابِتِ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ ۖ 

“Allaah will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world and in the Hereafter.” (Surah Ibraheem:27)

The ulama explain that the meaning of being steadfast in the Hereafter includes that the believer will be made steadfast in his grave as well.

 

c) Spending the night guarding the muslim border.

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said: 

“Ribaat (guarding the front lines of the Muslim army) for one day is better (in reward) than fasting for a full month and praying during its nights; and the one who dies while in that position will have the reward of the deeds he was doing to continue (until The Day of Resurrection) and he will be saved from the punishment of the grave." [Muslim].

d) Dying as a Shaheed

Allaah says:

“Think not of those as dead who are killed in the way of Allaah. 

Nay, they are alive, with their Lord, and they have provision.

They rejoice in what Allaah has bestowed upon them of His Bounty and rejoice for the sake of those who have not yet joined them, but are left behind (not yet martyred) that on them no fear shall come, nor shall they grieve.

They rejoice in a grace and a bounty from Allaah, and that Allaah will not waste the reward of the believers”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:169] 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: 

“The punishment of the grave is something established for everyone who deserves it, whether they died on Jumuʿah, or in Ramadhaan, or at any other time. 

Consequently, the Muslims say in the tashahhud of every prayer: 

“I seek refuge in Allaah from the punishment of Jahannam, from the punishment of the grave, from the trials of life and death, and from the trial of the Dajjaal.”

However, the two angels who ask about a person’s religion, Lord, and Prophet, do *not* come to the one who dies struggling in Allaah’s path [i.e. the mujaahid]. 

This is because the glimmer of the sword over his head is a greater trial and test for him, and it is a greater evidence that he is a believer; otherwise, he would not have exposed his neck to the enemies of Allaah [i.e. he would not have put his life on the line].”

e) Dying by way of chronic illness. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said: 

“The one who dies as a result of a stomach ailment will not be punished in his grave.” 

(at-Tirmidhi)

This reward will be for those who do not despair and lose hope and patience with their sickness, but rather persevere through it and hope for the reward from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala 

f) Dying on night or day of Friday 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said: 

“there is no Muslim who dies on the day of Friday or the night of Friday, but Allaah will protect him from the trial (fitnah) of the grave.” (Ahmad - saheeh by al-Albaani)

g) Reciting Surah Mulk 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“There is a chapter in the Quran (Al-Mulk) that has thirty verses; it will intercede for the one who continuously recites it, until he is forgiven.” (an-Nasaa’i and Ibn Maajah- Hasan by al-Albaani)

Do keep in mind: we have to read Surah al-Mulk, recite it REGULARLY’ and APPLY what’s in it in order for us to be saved from the torment of the grave. 

e) Making duaa In Salaah, and other times to protect you from the punishment of the grave.  

f) Staying away from all major sins. 

ibn Al-Qayyim said:

"In general, refraining from what causes punishment in the grave is the best way to avoid being punished. 

A person must sit for a while before he goes to bed and hold himself accountable for what he gained during that day and what he lost, then renew his sincere repentance to Allah and sleep after having repented, and when he wakes up, be determined not to commit the same sins again. 

He should do this every night; if he dies that night he would die after having repented, and if he wakes up, he would wake up happy because he was given a respite and given a chance to strive hard in good deeds to make up for what he missed out on. 

There is nothing better or more beneficial than such a way of going to sleep, especially if he follows this accountability with mentioning Allah and follows the recommendations of Sunnah on how to go to sleep and supplicate until he falls asleep. 

The one whom Allah wills good for, He will guide him to doing so.

May Allaah protect us from the punishment of the grave.

And Allaah knows best

613. What To Do For Rebellious Kids?

By Asma bint Shameem 

Shaykh Ali al Haddady said: 

“Give importance to the significance of Duaa, for surely it has a great effect. 

The parents supplicating to Allaah  and imploring Him to rectify their children is from the means and doors to good.

It has been narrated that Fudayl ibn Iyaad the Imaam of Masjid Haraam in Makkah during his era said:

اللَّهَُّم إِِّني ا ْجتَهَْد ُت أَ ْن أَُؤِّد َب ِاْبنِي َعِلًّيا ، َفَلْم أَْقِدْر َعَلى تَْأِديبِِه ، َفأَِّدْبهُ أَْنت لِي

“O Allaah, surely I tried hard to cultivate my son Ali, but I was not able to cultivate him, so You cultivate him for me.” (Siyar A'lam an-Nubala 8/390)

Thus the condition of his son changed such that he became from the major righteous people of his era. 

He died while praying the Fajr prayer when the Imaam recited the statement of Allaah the Exalted:

ولو ترٰى إِذ وِقفوا على الَّناِر فقالوا يا ليتنا نرُّد 

“If you could but see when they will be held over the (Hell) Fire! They will say: "Would that we were but sent back (to the world)!” (Surah Al-An’aam 6:27)”

So I f course duaa is something we as parents always make for our kids. 

And we do try our best to raise them in an appropriate way. 

But sometimes kids go through difficult times and become stubborn or rebellious. 

And do the exact OPPOSITE of whatever you tell them. 

In such situations, they really try our patience. 

But instead of getting into arguments with them, and making matters worse, consider taking a different approach and make *friends* with them. 

Give them a lot of compliments and positive thoughts. 

Obviously getting angry doesn’t work with kids these days. 

Try just love and softness.

Give them lots of hugs. 

Tell them you love them. 

Do this for a while and just ignore any issues that are bothering you for the time being. 

Then once you build your relationship with them, then talk to them softly and how he/she is your right hand, your confidante, your dream. 

And tell him/her how it hurts you to see them doing such and such. 

Also see who their friends are. 

If they’re the ones influencing them  (almost 99 % sure they are) then consider moving, changing schools, etc

Try talking to the mothers of your children’s friends, too.  

Take your children to the masjid. 

Be friends with good practicing muslim families. And spend time with them. 

Do stuff together. 

Whatever they enjoy.

Even if “you” yourself don’t enjoy it, do it for their sake Maybe cooking, baking, hiking, eating out, zip lining, bowling, shopping.... anything And do it REGULARLY. 

Limit tv, phone and music....The WORST three things for our kids 

And make lots of duaa of course 

There’s no specific duaa that will ‘do it’. 

Here’s one from the Qur’aan:

رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

"Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the Muttaqun" (Furqaan: 74)

But also try and say the duaa in your own language and in your own words. Say it from your heart.

Talk to Allaah and pour out your troubles to Him. 

May Allaah make it easy for us and our families and solve all our problems Ameen.

And Allaah knows best.

612. Why Is Tajweed Important?

 By Asma bint Shameem 

Tajweed is the science of proper recitation of the Qur’aan with the right articulations and pronunciations, and the correct length and emphasis given to the vowels under different circumstances. 

The rules of Tajweed came from Allaah Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala Himself. 

We all know that the Qur'aan is the Word of Allaah. 

Allaah Subhaanahu Wa Ta'ala SPOKE this Qur'aan to Jibreel with Tajweed rules applied to it and Jibreel alayhissalaam brought these Words down to the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam and recited them in a certain way and he showed the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam the ways in which it was permissible to recite the Qur'aan. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam in turn, taught this Qur'aan to his noble Companions with Tajweed, and they taught to the next generation and so on until it came to us as we have it today.

Since the Qur'aan is the Word of Allaah and it was revealed with Tajweed rules applied to it, it becomes *obligatory* upon us to observe those rules so that we recite it in the way it was revealed. 

Also, not pronouncing the words and letters the way that they are supposed to be pronounced may also *change the meanings* of those words. 

And of course that a *big sin*. 

Now I'm not talking about someone who simply can't pronounce the letters because of old age, race etc. 

In fact the one who truly tries to learn tajweed and exerts himself in pronouncing the letters correctly but is not able to do so because of some genuine reason like old age or being of a non Arab origin, etc then he will get DOUBLE reward. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“The one who is skilled in reciting Qur’aan will be with the noble and obedient scribes (i.e., the angels?) and the one who reads the Qur’aan and struggles with it because it is difficult for him will have two rewards.” (Muslim, 798) 

However, the vast majority of us who CAN pronounce or can LEARN to pronounce letters correctly but don't try or simply don’t make the effort to improve or don't think it's important, MUST exert their best to learn tajweed and not underestimate its importance. 

The scholars said:

“It is obligatory to read Qur’aan with the letters with which Allaah has revealed it, with sound Arabic pronunciation, as Allaah says: 

“And truly, this (the Qur’aan) is a revelation from the Lord of the ‘Aalameen(mankind, jinn and all that exists),

193. Which the trustworthy Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] has brought down

194. Upon your heart (O Muhammad) that you may be (one) of the warners, 

195. In the plain Arabic language”

[al-Shu’ara 26:192-195] 

“Verily, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’aan in order that you may understand”

[Yoosuf 12:2]

It is not permissible for anyone to deliberately change any letter of it when he is able to pronounce it correctly. 

This is a kind of mistake which is a SIN. 

If a person finds it difficult to pronounce the letters correctly – such as people in whose language some of the Arabic letters, such as tha’, dhal and kha’ do not exist – they have to try to *learn* the correct pronunciation, but if they are unable to master it then they are excused, but their example should not be followed, and they should be called upon to strive their hardest to learn and correct their pronunciation. And none of them should lead the prayer, unless he is leading others like him who cannot pronounce well either. 

 Ibn al-Jazari said: 

“Whoever is able to read the words of Allaah with correct Arabic pronunciation but he deliberately pronounces it incorrectly like a non-Arab, out of arrogance, stubbornness and complacency, or because he is too proud to go to a scholar who could help him to correct his pronunciation, is undoubtedly falling short and sinning and being dishonest. 

The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

“Religion is sincerity: to Allaah, to His Book, to His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk.” 

But if a person’s tongue will not obey him or he cannot find someone to teach him the correct pronunciation, then Allaah does not burden any soul beyond its scope.” (al-Nashr fi’l-Qiraa’aat al-‘Ashr, 1/299)

It should be noted that Allaah has made it easy to memorize and recite Qur’aan, as He says: 

“And We have indeed made the Qur’aan easy to understand and remember; then is there any one who will remember (or receive admonition)?” [al-Qamar 54:17]

Hence we see many of our brothers in the countries referred to who are able to pronounce the letters perfectly, better than many of their Arab brothers. 

So you should strive to learn the correct pronunciation and recite Qur’aan with proper Tajweed, and not despair or give up.“

(Islamqa Fatwa # 67586)

Sheikh Shamsu Deen Mohamed Ibnu Al Jazaree said:

1. The practical application of tajweed is without doubt compulsory.

whoever does not read the Qur’aan correctly is a sinner.

2. Because this Qur’aan was revealed to us by Allaah in this form.

and exactly like this (with tajweed) it reached us (from our prophet, then related in authentic chains over generations to our present day shuyookh and those with ijazaah)

3. And it (tajweed) is also a beautification of recitation and an adornment of pronunciation and reading

4. And it (tajweed) is giving each letter its required rights (حَقُّ الحر ف) of each and every characteristic as well as (giving each letter its) presented rights (or dues) (ِمُسْتَحَقّ الحرْ ف)

5. To take every one (of the letters) back to its origin (example: place of articulation) and to pronounce the equivalent letter in the same way (as you would pronounce that letter)

6. Complete (with all its characteristics) yet without any exaggeration being gentle in pronunciation without any abuse.

7. There exists nothing between (applying the التجْوِيد) and leaving it

except for a person to exercise (correctly) with his jaws.”

Thus, it’s *extremely important* to learn the science of tajweed so that we can recite the Qur’aan in the proper manner according to the way it was revealed. 

Let me explain WHY it’s so important. 

You see each of the Arabic letters have a place of articulation or makhraj from where it has to be pronounced. 

Otherwise the letter is not pronounced correctly and it may get pronounced as another letter. 

And that might change its meaning completely, sometimes becoming a huge sin. 

Let me give you some examples:

Allaah says:

‎قَالَ وَمَن *يَقْنط* مِن رَّحْمَةِ رَبِّهِ إِلَّا الضَّالُّونَ

“He said: And who *despairs* of the mercy of his Lord except those who are astray?” (Surah al-Hijr: 56)

In this ayah Allaah is warning His slaves not to ever despair of His Mercy. 

But if we didn't pronounce the letter ط  'Taw' properly, and said it like the letter ت, it would change the word to يَقْنُتْ which means 'obedient'. 

Subhaan Allaah! 

What a big difference between the two words! 

‎يَقْنُتْ 

means obedient 

‎يَقْنَطُ 

means despairing 

*Two total opposites*

It could even be words of KUFR (we seek Allaah's protection) if we don’t pronounce the letters properly. 

For example:

The word قلب means heart and the word كلب means dog. 

Now imagine if we didn't pronounce the 'qawf' correctly in the following ayah, how horrible the meanings would become

‎قُلْ مَن كَانَ عَدُوًّا لِّجِبْرِيلَ فَإِنَّهُ نَزَّلَهُ عَلَىٰ قَلْبِكَ بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَهُدًى وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

“Say (O Muhammad Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam): 

"Whoever is an enemy to Jibreel (let him die in his fury), for indeed he has brought it (this Qur’aan) down to your *heart* by Allaah's Permission, confirming what came before it [i.e. the Taurat and the Injeel] and guidance and glad tidings for the believers.” 

(Surah al-Baqarah :97)

In this ayah Allaah is telling us that Jibreel is sent down upon the HEART of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam with Allaah’s Permission. 

Now imagine how evil and distorted the meaning would be of the word قلب if we didn't pronounce the qawf from the throat and instead said it like the letter 'kaaf'. 

That would change the word قلب to كلب meaning Allaah sent the angel Jibreel to the DOG of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam??!

Astaghfirullaah. 

Similarly just look at some of the words that may not be pronounced correctly and thus change in meaning completely. 

For example:

‎اثم sin  

‎ اسم name

‎ عصىٰ Disobey

‎ عسىٰ Perhaps

‎عزم resolve or determination 

‎عظم bone

‎عسير difficult

‎عصير juice

 Surah سورة

Image or picture صورة

And the list goes on. 

Not only are the points of articulation important, but the vowels on the letters are also equally important. 

Each vowel has its own length of elongation. 

If we elongate a vowel where it's not supposed to be elongated, its possible that it can change the meaning completely 

Example:

Surah al-Waaqi’ah: Aayah 52:

‎لَآكِلُونَ مِن شَجَرٍ مِّن زَقُّومٍ

"You “VERILY” will eat from the trees of Zaqqum.

Here Allaah is SWEARING and EMPHASIZING by the letter ل (laam) with a Fat’ha on it that the people of hellfire will surely eat from the tree of Zaqqum as a punishment.

The emphasis is done by the letter “laam” being there. 

But if we elongate the laam and read it as لا instead of لَ, then that means that the people of hell fire will NOT eat from the tree of Zaqqum, thus saying the complete OPPOSITE of what Allaah is threatening astaghfirullaah. 

And there are many MANY examples. 

So my advice to all my brothers and sisters is that they should learn the rules of tajweed and the proper pronunciations and articulations before they start memorizing anything. 

Remember it’s *not the quantity that matters*. 

*It’s the QUALITY that’s beloved to Allaah*.

So slow down when reading the Qur’aan. 

Take your time and read each letter and each word very carefully.

Pronounce the letters from their points of articulation. 

Pay attention to the rules of Tajweed.

 

Then only do we we hope to fulfill the right of reading the Book of Allaah. 

And Allaah knows best

611. Are You Passing Or Failing The Test?

By Asma bint Shameem

Whenever we go through a hardship or suffer a calamity, we say this is a test from Allaah. 

When we lose our job or a loved one or we get sick, we acknowledge that this is a trial from the Almighty. And surely, that is true.

However, we fail to realize that even when we did not lose our job, even when we did not lose a loved one and even when we did not suffer any hardship or calamity, we are still under a trial from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala.

Yes, that's right. When we are at ease, enjoying good health and sitting cozily in the comfort of our homes, driving our cars, enjoying the company of our families and spending time with our friends, we are still being tested. 

In fact, this test is harder to pass than the test of hardship. 

Allaah says:

“and We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good. And to Us you will be returned” (al-Anbiya’ :35)

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala, in His Infinite Wisdom, is testing us with all the innumerable blessings He has bestowed upon us, to see how we react to those blessings. 

Will we be thankful and obedient to the One Who gave us these blessings in the first place and submit to Him or will we be arrogant and disobedient and forget Allaah.?

Allaah says:

And we tested them with good (blessings) and evil (calamities) in order that they might turn

back." [Surah al-Araaf:168]

Abd al-Malik ibn Ishaq said, 

“There is no one that is not tested with health and prosperity to measure how thankful he is.”

So if you have a comfortable life and money, He is testing you .... Where are you spending this money? 

Is it on haraam? 

Will you spend it all on vain desires of this dunya, arrogantly competing with each other, coveting what others have? 

OR will you be grateful to Him for giving you all these blessings, obeying Him and spending in His path, giving Zakaat and sadaqa?

Allaah says:

"Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world's life; but with Allaah is the excellent return (Paradise)." (Surah Aal-Imraan: 14)

And if He has blessed you with children, He is testing you to see how you will deal with them. 

Are you giving them a good Islaamic upbringing? 

Do you give them their rights? 

Do you treat them fairly? 

Will you earn from haraam just to please them?

"And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial and that surely with Allaah is a mighty reward." (Surah Anfaal: 28)

And if Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala has given you health and time, He is testing you to see how you will spend it. 

Do you spend hours in front of the TV, watching movies or sports, wasting yourself away? 

Do you throw it away shopping, sleeping or just wandering, chatting with your friends hours on end? 

Or do you take advantage of this time and use it to improve yourself as a Muslim? 

Do you utilize it to learn the Deen of Allaah and then teach it to others? 

Do you spend it in what Allaah likes and stay away from what He does not?

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

"Take advantage of five things before five other things: from your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your richness before your poverty, your free time before you become occupied, and from your life before your death." (al-Haakim--Saheeh)

And similar are all His blessings that He has bestowed upon you so that He may test you with them.....to see if you are the slave of your desires or the slave of the Almighty.

If He has given you power... are you just and fair?

If He has given you fame...are you boastful and arrogant or do you humble yourself to the Lord of the Worlds?

If you are a woman......do you flaunt the beauty He gave you everywhere or do you protect yourself with the Hijaab?

Do you use the eyes that He gave you......to read the Qur'aan, look at halal, use them for good?

Do you lower your gaze from  looking at haraam.....?

And the tongue that He gave you....do you use it for His remembrance?

Do you use it to speak the Truth and uphold justice, enjoining good and forbidding evil or you use it to tell lies, backbite and spread gossip?

And the hands and limbs and faculties that He gave you......do you use them for His obedience....to serve Him and comply with His orders? 

Or you employ the very blessings that He gave you to disobey Him and disregard His orders?

Do remember these faculties will be a witness on the Day when we gather in front of our Rabb:

"This Day, We shall seal up their mouths, and their hands will speak to Us, and their legs will bear witness to what they used to earn." (Surah Yaseen: 65)

"When they reach it (Hellfire), their hearing, eyes and skins will testify against them for what they used to do." (Surah Fussilat: 20)

So, *wise are you*, if you realize that all the wealth you have, the health that you enjoy, the families and friends that you have, the easy, good times that you take pleasure in, are all blessings that are, in reality, tests from Allaah. 

If you are grateful to your Lord, remembering Him in times of ease, thanking Him, surrendering to Him and obeying him, Allaah will pass you in this test with flying colors and bless you even more.

"And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: "If you give thanks, I will give you more (of My Blessings), but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily! My Punishment is indeed severe." (Surah Ibraheem: 7)

And surely, remembering Allaah in times of ease and success is far more difficult than remembering Allah in times of difficulty.

However, if difficult times come (and they will surely come), then Allaah will remember you in these times of difficulty just because you remembered Him in times of prosperity.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“Remember Allaah in times of ease, and He will remember you in times of hardship” ( Ahmad; saheeh by al-Albaani) 

And he (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“Whoever is pleased that Allaah answers his prayers during hardships and difficulties, let him make much supplication in times of ease.” (at-Tirmidhi; hasan)

I will end with the words of our beloved Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam.

He said:

"Take the initiative to do deeds, before trials come like a piece of a dark night (unexpectedly)." 

(Muslim)

And Allaah knows best.

610. Are You At WAR With Allaah And His Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi Wa Sallam?

By Asma bint Shameem

O my Muslim Brothers and Sisters, Please pay attention!

Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds, is talking....talking to you and me, His slaves....and ordering us that RIBAA (interest) is Haraam. 

Allaah is saying:

"O you who believe! Fear Allaah and give up what is still due to you from Ribaa if you are (truly) believers." (al-Baqarah:278)

And then He WARNS us:

"And if you do not do it, then take a notice of WAR from Allaah and His Messenger." [al-Baqarah:279] 

Did we read the Ayah carefully?

Maybe, we should read it again.

What does it say?

It says that if we do not give up ribaa (usury), then we should take a notice of WAR from Allaah and His Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam. 

 

AT WAR?!! 

With WHO?? 

With Allaah?! and His Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam !!??

Subhaan Allaah!! Yaa Allaah! Protect us and save us!!

Do we even know what it means to be at war with Allaah and His Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam ?

Do we even understand the enormity, the magnitude of this statement?

O Allaah forgive us!!

In the Qur'aan, Allaah does not declare war on ANYONE except the people who deal in ribaa. 

The person at war with Allaah and His Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam will be given a WEAPON on the Day of Judgment;*it will be said to him: "Now fight Allaah and His Messenger!!!*(Tafseer Ibn Katheer) 

O Allaah save us from that !!

The one at war with Allaah and His Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam is CURSED in this Dunya and in the Hereafter. 

He is DOOMED. 

There is no happiness, no peace, no NOTHING for him. 

He is nothing but.... a LOSER.

And yet, we continue to deal in interest....continue to defy the Almighty... continue to satisfy our desires....continue to be at war with Allaah and His Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam. 

Where are we going?

What is the matter with us?

Is this world and its TEMPORARY pleasures more important than the pleasure of our Lord, the One Who sustains us and gives us everything?

And, I mean, EVERY. SINGLE. THING.

Are we not scared of meeting Him?

What will we do when we will be given a weapon to fight?

Can we even DARE?

Can we even hope to SURVIVE?

 

Allaah says: 

"Those who eat Ribaa will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaytaan leading him to insanity."  [Baqarah: 275] 

In other words, on the Day of Resurrection, these people will get up from their graves just as the person who is insane or as someone possessed by a demon would. 

 

Ibn Abbas radhi Allaahu anhu said, 

"On the Day of Resurrection, those who consume Ribaa will be resurrected while insane and suffering from seizures." 

Astaghfirullaah!

Some ahaadeeth regarding this major, MAJOR sin

1) Interest condemns a person to severe punishment:

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

"Last night I saw two men who came to me and took me out to a holy land. We set out until we came to a river of blood in which a man was standing, and on the bank of the river there was a man with stones in front of him. The man who was in the river came and wanted to get out, but the other man threw a stone in his mouth and he went back to where he had been. Every time he wanted to get out, he threw a stone in his mouth and he went back to where he had been. 

I said, 'What is this?' 

He said: 'The one whom you saw in the river is the one who consumed ribaa.'" 

(al-Bukhaari)

2) Interest dooms a person to HELL:

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

" 'Avoid the seven sins that doom a person to Hell.' 

They said: O Messenger of Allaah, what are they?' 

He said: 'Shirk, magic, killing a soul whom Allaah has forbidden us to kill, consuming ribaa (interest) , consuming orphans' wealth, running away from the battle field, and slandering chaste, innocent believing women.'” 

(al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

3) WHOEVER is involved in Ribaa are ALL CURSED (whether directly or indirectly):

"The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam CURSED ten people: the one who consumes ribaa, the one who pays ribaa, the one who writes it down, the two who witness it, the one who makes it lawful, the one for whom it is made lawful, the one who withholds charity, the one who does tattoos and the one for whom tattooing is done." (Muslim)

4) Interest is WORSE than ZINAA!!

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

"A dirham which a man consumes as ribaa knowingly is worse before Allaah than THIRTY-SIX ACTS OF ZINAA." 

(Ahmad, Tabaraanee- saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami'). 

5) Interest is like COMMITTING ZINAA with one's own MOTHER!!! 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

"There are seventy-two types of ribaa, the least of which is like a man committing incest with his own mother." 

(Tabaraanee-- saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami'). 

Astaghfirullaah!

We are disgusted with even the thought of such horrific acts. 

Yet, despite all the warnings, all the ahaadeeth we read, all the lectures we hear on this topic, we continue to be disobedient....we continue to indulge in our desires, completely disregarding its consequences. 

WHY?

 Allaah says:

"Have you seen he who took his desire for a god? 

With knowledge, Allaah has led him astray, setting a seal upon his hearing and heart, and has made a veil over his eyes, who then shall guide him after Allaah? 

Will you not then remember!" (al-Jaathia:23)

Isn't this world and whatever's in it a mirage and a test for the believers? 

SOME EXCUSES WE COME UP WITH:

1. But, I NEED a house, a car, a loan etc.

The fact that a person may need a house or car, or to get married, or any other need, does not give him the excuse to do something that Allaah has forbidden. 

Why do we have to BUY a house? We can always rent. 

Why do we have to have that fancy, latest model car if we can't afford it? We can always make do with a reasonable one.

Is it really worth bringing on Allaah's wrath? 

Just think about it. 

Allaah says:

"Say: "Not equal are Al-Khabith (evil things) and At-Tayyib (good things), even though the abundance of Al-Khabith may please you''. (Surah al-Ma'idah:100)

2. I only did it for my wife/kids

Our family might thank us now, but THEY WILL CURSE US and HATE US ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT.

Thats because the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

"The flesh and body that is raised on unlawful sustenance shall not enter Paradise. Hell is more deserving to the flesh that grows on one's body out of unlawful sustenance." (Ahmad)

And you know what? 

We will curse them too....if we dealt with ribaa because of them, when we will face Allaah and answer Him.

"O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allaah. And whosoever does that, then they are the LOSERS." (Al-Munaafiqoon:9)

3. But isn't there a fatwa that says it's okay....?

Just because someone SAYS it is okay, when there is no dire necessity, doesn't make wrong right or right wrong. 

We need to remember, what is haraam is that which has been *forbidden* by Allaah and His Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam and what is halaal is that which has been *permitted* by Allaah and His Messenger sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam  has told us in an authentic hadeeth that there will come a time when the people will permit that which Allaah has forbidden, such as adultery, alcohol and musical instruments. 

That does not mean that these haraam things will then become halaal. 

"And say not concerning that which your tongues put forth falsely:`This is lawful and this is forbidden,' so as to invent lies against Allaah. Verily, those who invent lies against Allaah will never prosper" [al-Nahl:116] 

4. If it was so wrong, Allaah would have punished me long time back....

Just because Allaah is giving us a chance to repent and fix ourselves, doesn't mean that it is okay with Allaah for us to do haraam. 

Reflect on this hadeeth of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam. 

He said:

"Whenever Allaah intends to do good to a servant, He hastens to punish him in this world. And whenever Allaah intends evil for a servant, He postpones the punishment until the Day of Judgment." (at-Tirmidhi)

Some Common Ways we deal in Ribaa

--- By taking interest-based LOANS for houses/business/cars, etc. OR helping someone get such interest-based LOANS, even if we didn't take that loan ourselves

--- Putting money in interest-based BANK ACCOUNTS (even if we give away the interest), 

--- Working for such banks, companies or institutes (even if we don't deal directly with ribaa)

--- Working for a MOTGAGE COMPANY

--- Working as a LOAN OFFICER

--- Having unpaid balance on our CREDIT CARD that charges interest, etc.

Sincere appeal

O my Brother/Sister....Ribaa is a MAJOR SIN according to the Qur'aan, the Sunnah and scholarly consensus.

We should be content with that which Allaah and His Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam have permitted, and stay away from that which Allaah and His Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam have forbidden. 

We should not be deceived by the spread of ribaa in every place. 

We should not let the Shaytaan lead us astray, pulling us by our desires. 

We need to repent now. For, by Allaah, if we repent sincerely, He will forgive us. 

We have to make our intention NOW, not tomorrow, not even this evening...... 

We should do it NOW to get out of ribaa and He will find a way out for us, for sure. Because that's what He promised.

I pray that we are NOT from THE ONES WHO TURN AWAY when reminded of their Lord's verses.

 

"Who is greater in evil than he who, when reminded of the verses of his Lord, turns away from them and forgets what his hands have sent before him? We have placed veils over their hearts lest they should understand it, and there is heaviness in their ears. Even if you call them to guidance, they will never be guided." (Kahf:57)

"Surely, in this there is a Reminder for he who has a heart or listens attentively while witnessing." (Qaaf:37)

And Allaah knows best.