305. The Virtue Of Sitting In One Place

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

 “Whoever prays Fajr in congregation then sits remembering Allaah until the sun rises, then prays two rak’ahs, will have a reward like that of Hajj and ‘Umrah, complete, complete, complete.” 

[al-Tirmidhi (586) ; hasan by Al-Albaani]

The scholars say that you don’t have to ‘sit’ in that same spot after praying Fajr in order to qualify for the reward of Hajj and Umrah. 

Rather you would qualify for that reward even if you moved to a different area as long as you continue to do Dhikr, etc and remember Allaah. 

The scholars said:

“It seems that in order to attain this reward it is not essential for the worshipper to stay in the place where he prayed; so long as he is in the masjid, remembering Allaah, may He be exalted, then there is the hope that he will attain this reward. 

This is indicated by the general meaning of the hadeeth: “Whoever prays Fajr in congregation then sits remembering Allaah until the sun rises…” 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam did not stipulate that he should stay in the place where he prayed. 

So if he moves to another place inside the masjid, and sits remembering Allaah, then the hadeeth includes him. 

Ibn Rajab said:

“Several hadeeths have been narrated concerning the virtue of one who sits in the place where he prayed after Fajr until the sun rises and after ‘Asr until the sun sets. 

Is what is meant by the phrase “the place where he prayed” the spot where he prayed or the entire masjid in which he prayed? 

There is a difference of opinion concerning this. 

In Saheeh Muslim it is narrated from Jaabir ibn Samurah that the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam when he had prayed Fajr, would sit in the place where he prayed until the sun had fully risen. 

According to another report: the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam did not get up from the place in which he had prayed Fajr until the sun rose, then when the sun rose, he would get up. 

It is well known that he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam did not sit in the place where he had prayed, because he would go to his companions following the prayer and turn to face them. 

This was narrated by al-Tabaraani, who says: 

“When he had prayed Fajr, he would sit and remember Allaah until the sun rose.”

In the completion of the hadeeth of Jaabir ibn Samurah which was narrated by Muslim it says: 

“And they would talk and discuss issues from the time of Jaahiliyyah and they would laugh and he would smile.”

This hadeeth indicates that what is meant by the place in which he had prayed and in which he would sit is the mosque as a whole. 

This was the view of a number of the scholars including Ibn Battah among our companions and others.”

[Fath al-Baari (4/56)]

And Allaah knows best.

304. Surah Al Kahf: Aayah 46

By Asma bint Shameem 

Surah Al Kahf: Aayah 46

*"الْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ"*

Allaah says:

الْمَالُ وَالْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا *وَالْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ* خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلًا

“Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. 

But the *’everlasting good deeds*’ *'الْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ’* are better with your Lord for rewards and better for [one’s] hope.” (Surah al-Kahf:46)

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala uses the same words *“الْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ”* in another place.

He says: 

وَيَزِيدُ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ اهْتَدَوْا هُدًى *"وَالْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ"* خَيْرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ مَّرَدًّا

“And Allaah increases in guidance those who walk aright; and *"وَالْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ"*, the *everlasting good deeds* are with your Lord best in recompense and best in yielding fruit.” 

(Surah Maryam:76)

So what are these  *"الْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ"*the *”everlasting good deeds”*?

Aboo Sa’eed al Khudree radhi Allaahu anhu  said that the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam  said:

“Increase in gaining  *"الْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ"*, the everlasting good deeds. 

It was said, ‘What are they O Messenger of Allaah?’ 

He said, ‘Takbeer(Allaahu Akbar), tahleel (Laa ilaaha illallaah), Tasbeeh (Subhaan Allaah), hamd (Alhamdulillaah) and laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa billaah.’” 

(Ahmad 3/75; Saheeh ibn Hibbaan 840; al Mustadrak 1/512).

And Ibn  Abbaas radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“This is the celebration of the remembrance of Allaah, saying:

- La ilaaha illallah

- Allaahu Akbar

- Subhaan Allaah

- Alhamdulillaah 

- Tabaarak Allaah

- Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa billaah 

- Astaghfirullaah

- Sallallaahu ‘alaa Rasul-Allaah and 

- fasting

- prayer

- Hajj

- Sadaqah (charity)

- freeing slaves

- Jihad

- maintaining ties of kinship 

and all other good deeds. 

These are the righteous good deeds that last, *"الْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ"*, which will remain in Paradise for those who do them for as long as heaven and earth remain.”

Shaikh as-Sa’di said:

“And the lasting good deeds *"الْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ"*” 

They are every action or statement that brings o­ne closer to Allaah or brings about some benefit to His creation.” (Tafseer as-Sa’di)

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said: 

“The ‘ever lasting good deeds’  *"الْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ"* are *good statements* or *actions*, like [saying], ‘Subhaanallaah,’ ‘Alhamdulillaah,’ ‘Laa ilaaha illallaah,’ ‘Allaahu Akbar,’ and, ‘Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa billaah,’ and [are things like] giving charity, fasting, ordering the good and forbidding the evil and other such things.

These  *"الْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ"*  ‘the everlasting good deeds’ are “better before your Lord for reward” i.e., recompense and requital, and “better for [one’s] hope” i.e., the BEST things a person can hope for.”

(Tafseer Surah al-Kahf, p. 79)

Subhaan Allaah!

What beautiful words and what beautiful deeds!

And what better time to perform these  *"الْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ"* than the BEST DAYS of the ENTIRE year, meaning *the upcoming first ten days of Dhul Hijjah*?!

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days." 

The people asked, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?" 

He said, 

"Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." 

(al-Bukhaari)

The BEST DEEDS!

The BEST DAYS!

Allaahu Akbar....The BEST opportunity!

What more could a Muslim want?

So come on! 

Let’s combine the BEST DEEDS with these BEST DAYS and make the most of this amazing opportunity to earn rewards with our Rabb, have our sins forgiven and hope for His Ultimate Pleasure. 

                 

*Don't just “READ” Surah al-Kahf every Friday....*

*UNDERSTAND*. 

*REFLECT*. 

*IMPLEMENT*.

303. Do Not Pray Facing Towards The Graves

Abu Huraira Radhi allahu anhu reported The Prophet Sal-Allahu Alaihi Wasallam said : 

"It is better that one of you should sit on live coats which would burn his clothing and come in contact with his skin than that he should sit on a grave". Sahih Muslim, Book 4, Hadith 2119

Jabir Radi Allahu narrated The Prophet Sal-Allahu Alaihi Wasallam forbade that the graves should be plastered or they be used as sitting places , or a building should be built over them. 

Sahih muslim, Book 4, Hadith 2116

Abu Marthad al-Ghana

302. Following The Imaam In Salaah

By Asma Bint Shameem

The important thing to do is to follow the Imaam irrespective of where you are in your “recitation”.

That’s because the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“The Imaam has only been appointed to be *followed*, so when he says takbeer then say takbeer, and do not say takbeer until after he has said takbeer; and when he bows then bow, and do not bow until after he has bowed; … and when he prostrates then prostrate, and do not prostrate until he has prostrated…” 

[Abu Dawood (603); saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel (2/121)]

So you MUST go into rukoo when the Imaam goes into rukoo, even if you didn’t finish reciting Surah al-Faatihah. 

Although it’s mandatory to read Surah al-Faatihah in every rak’ah, and the prayer is not complete without it, reading it is *waived* in the case where a person is following the Imaam when he goes into rukoo’. 

*PROOF*

Abu Bakrah radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

“I reached the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam in the masjid while he was bowing in prayer and I too bowed before joining the row. I  mentioned it to the Prophet and he said to me, "May Allaah increase your love for the good. 

But do not repeat it again (bowing in that way)”

(al-Bukhaari)

Here the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam corrected Abu Bakrah radhi Allaahu anhu for whatever needed to be corrected. 

But he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam did *not* tell him to repeat the rak’ah just because he had joined the Salaah in the rukoo’ or because he had not finished reciting Surah 

al -Faatihah. 

And the same applies to reading durood. 

You must follow the Imaam and end when he ends the prayer. 

And Allaah knows best

301. Ways To Increase The Imaan

By Asma Bint Shameem

That’s a very long topic. 

But briefly....

Basically Imaan increases when you obey Allaah and decreases when you disobey Allaah. 

So anything that involves the obedience of Allaah will increase your Imaan. And anything that involves sin and disobedience to a Allaah will decrease imaan and cause the heart to harden. 

Some of the best ways to increase Imaan:

1. Reading Qur’aan REGULARLY with understanding of the meanings. 

2. Remember death often.

3. Being vigilant of the five daily prayers plus extra voluntary prayers esp Tahajjud 

4. Being in good company 

5. Staying away from all major sins, especially music. 

6. Taking accountability of your own self regularly 

7. Making a lot of Istighfaar constantly 

8. Making a lot of duaa to Allaah to help you increase Imaan

300. Can I Celebrate Birthdays?

By Asma bint Shameem 

Most of the ulama do not allow celebrating birthdays because it’s a tradition of other religions. 

However, those who do allow celebrating birthdays here and there OCCASIONALLY, allow it on the basis that they don’t consider it a specifically ‘religious’ celebration as such. 

If we keep it very OCCASIONAL and ONLY for kids, it might be *considered allowed.* 

Shaikh Maen al-Qudaa says:

“Celebrating birthdays is not part of Islamic tradition or culture; 

rather, it is an imitation of people of other faiths. A Muslim is always expected to have his Islamic *identity clear* and *distinct* from other identities."

Additionally, holidays in Islaam are well-defined.

However, people who celebrate birthdays do not generally take it to be a *religious* celebration; rather, they consider it a *social occasion* and an opportunity to gather family and friends together. 

Therefore, it is NOT among the EXPLICITLY *prohibited* matters that we must avoid. 

There would be no harm if our children want to celebrate their birthday *once in a while*, but *we need to keep teaching them that this is not part of our Islamic tradition*.” 

(AMJA - Fatwa #77128)

Shaikh Hatem al-Hajj said:

“Personal recurrent celebrations are controversial. 

These would be like birthdays and wedding anniversaries. 

They are in a way competing with the two Islamic feasts of Fitr and Adha and in a way different, since they are not public celebrations. 

There is also some concern expressed by some scholars about them being an imitation of non-Muslims. 

However, as aforementioned, the imitation that is forbidden is when one imitates non-Muslims concerning their religious practices or practices specific to particular religious groups. 

Based on that, even if I dislike such celebrations, I find no substantial basis to say it is haraam to celebrate them.”

(Fatwa from the Shaikh’s website)

So what to do?

When faced with situations such as this one, I always remind myself and others with the beautiful hadeeth of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam:

*“Leave that which makes you doubt, for that which does not make you doubt.”* (at-Tirmidhi  - saheeh by al-Albaani)

So it’s best to avoid such situations to protect oneself from falling into doubtful matters. 

Besides, think about birthdays this way:

Our life has been determined by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala, 50,000 years before He created the heavens and the earth. 

The life span *starts* at the time of our *birth* and *ends* at the time of our *death*. 

That day, that minute and that second when our death will occur is FIXED and it does not move. 

As we grow older, we come one step closer to that point of death every single day. 

And every single month.  

And every single year. 

It’s like a *countdown timer* that started ticking the second we were born. 

And the time that each of us was allocated, is *ticking down* slowly to zero. 

As each year passes, we are coming closer and closer to that fixed point of death and our meeting with Allaah. 

So how can we be ‘happy’ or ‘celebrate’ when we know that our life span is getting shorter by the day as we come yet another year closer to that point of death?

Wouldn’t that be something to make one worry and be concerned about, rather than be ‘happy’?

As Dr. Bilal Phillips said:

“What is there to celebrate of a year that has passed - becoming a year closer to the grave?

Unless your reflection is on the good deeds that you sent up to Allaah during the past year so that Allaah might have mercy on you on the Day of Judgment! 

That would be more meaningful.”

Now someone might say:

“I’m just celebrating to ‘thank’ Allaah” 

Well, your birth day is *not the only day* you should thank Allaah; 

there are 360 other days to thank Him, and not just the day of your birth. 

So why not thank Allaah ALL the days of the year? 

Why just “ONE” day?!

And the best way to thank Him is to OBEY Him to the best of your ability, follow His commands, stay away from His prohibitions and avoid the doubtful matters. 

Also subhanAllah, staying away from birthdays, anniversaries, and all these others celebrations cuts out so much competition, comparison and unnecessary buying and wastage of money. 

Instead, that money can be used in something good.

And Allaah knows best.

299. How To Raise Righteous Children Kids

By Asma bint Shameem 

Raising righteous children is a GREAT responsibility 

The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa sallam) said: 

“Every one of you is a shepherd and every one of you is responsible for his flock (those under his care)…”(al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

And if he/she fails in that responsibility, that’s a big sin. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“There is no person to whom Allaah has given responsibility and dies neglecting that responsibility, but Allaah will deny him Jannah.” (Muslim)

That’s why ibn Umar radhi Allaahu anhu said:

"Raise your children correctly, verily you are responsible for them and you will be questioned regarding your rearing of them." (Shu'ab al Eman 8295) 

Having said that, besides making duaa for our kids for their guidance each and every day, I would suggest the following:

- Give him/her a lot of compliments and positive comments. 

Focus on the good things they do. 

Obviously getting angry doesn’t work with kids these days. Try just love and softness. 

- teach him or her an islaamic way of life in every possible way

- teach them Qur’aan at an early age

- go over the meanings in an age appropriate way when they read the Qur’aan 

- read them stories of the prophets and the Sahaabah instead of fairy tales and false stories

- teach them short surahs and duaas as they get older

- be friends with like-minded families who are concerned about raising their children islaamically so that we can provide our children good company. 

- encourage them to find good friends as they start choosing on their own. 

- try and enroll them in islaamic schools

- take them to masjid from an early age so that they’ll grow up loving it, identify with it  and learn how to behave in it. 

-take them to age appropriate halaqahs and positive heathy activities 

- Do stuff together. Whatever he/she enjoys. 

Even if you 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. 

Subhaan Allaah these are the WORST three things for our kids. 

- get them married early when the appropriate match comes along

And the list goes on and on....

Last but not the least, make DUAA for your children from the time they are very little, to be guided and always on the straight path. 

We should make duaa 

In our own words, especially at times when duaa is more likely to be accepted such as at tahajjud time, in the sujood during the Salaah, in the tashahhud after sending peace and blessings on the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam but before the tasleem, in between adhaan and iqaamah, at the time of breaking the fast, when it rains, etc. 

Just spread out your hands and ASK. 

And make lots of duaa in your sujood. 

You can say the duaas in your own language in your sujood while praying even in the Fardh prayers as well as the Sunnah and Nafl. 

But remember not to make a separate sajdah, outside of Salaah for duaa. 

That’s not proven from the practice of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam. 

Rather make duaa in the sujood DURING your regular Salaah. 

Some of the duaas you may include in your daily supplications for your kids:

1. 

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" 

(Surah al-Furqaan: 74)

2. 

 رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي إِنِّي تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

“…Oh Rabb, inspire me to give You thanks for the bounties you have granted to me and my parents, and to act righteously to please You. Lord, make my offspring virtuous. Lord I turn to you in repentance; I am a Muslim”. (Surah Al-Ahqaf: 15)

3. 

رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلَاةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِي رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاءِ

“My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication.” 

(Surah Ibraheem :40)

This constant worry and struggle for our kids will continue and this process will go on until they are even adults and you are old!

May Allaah enable us to raise our kids in an Islaamic manner and guide them and protect them always 

Ameen

298. Can I Read Directly From The Mus-haf (Qur’aan) If I’m Praying A Voluntary Prayer?

By Asma bint Shameem 

Can I read directly from the Mus-haf (Qur’aan) if I’m praying a voluntary prayer such as Taraaweeh or Tahajjud or any other Nafl on my own?

I only know small surahs.

And I want to read MORE of the Qur’aan in my Salaah.

ANSWER

Yes it’s ALLOWED to look in the Mus-haf and read directly when praying any voluntary prayer. 

Just because we have not memorized the bigger Suwar (plural of Surah) of the Qur’aan, that does not mean that we cannot make our Salaah long and read more of the Qur’aan. 

How to do that ?

Just *hold* the Mus-haf (the Book of the Qur’aan) or *place it on a table* or something in front of you and read as much of it as you want in each rak’ah, DIRECTLY reading from the Book. 

Maybe you can read one page in one rak’ah and the second page in the second rak’ah. 

Or read a bit more than that or a bit less; whatever Allaah enables you to do. 

This way, you get to read long Nawaafil AND read more of the Qur’aan at the same time Alhamdulillaah.

 Alhamdulillaah, 
It’s *perfectly ok* to read directly from the Qur’aan in non-obligatory Salaah. 

Someone asked Imaam az-Zuhri about reading from the Mus-haf in Ramadhaan. 

He said: 

“The best ones among us used to read from the Mus-hafs…”

 Shaikh Ibn Baaz said:

“The Qur’aan and Sunnah indicate that Qur’aan should be recited in prayer, whether it is from the Mus-haf or from memory. 

It was proven that ‘Aa’ishah radhi Allaahu anhaa  told her freed slave Dhakwaan to lead her in praying qiyaam in Ramadhaan, and he used to read from the Mus-haf. 

al-Bukhaari mentioned this in his Saheeh… “

(Fataawa Islaamiyah, vol.2 – Shaykh Ibn Baaz)

So whether it’s Sunnah or Nafl or Taraaweeh, go ahead and open the Mus-haf and read directly from it. 

And benefit from the Book of Allaah. 

May Allaah accept our ibaadaat, our duaas, our Taubah.

 Ameen. 

And Allaah knows best.

297. The REALITY Of Loh e Qur’aani

By Asma Bint Shameem

The REALITY of Loh e Qur’aani

 “Loh e Qur’aani” is actually a collection of certain words from the Qur’aan called “al-Huroof al-Muqatta’ah” written on a plaque or painting, etc. 

“Al-Huroof al-Muqatta’ah” is the name given to a group of letters which appear at the beginning of certain Surahs of the Qur’aan. 

For example: “Alif Laam Meem” at the beginning of Surah al-Baqarah and others. Or “Alif Laam Raa” at the beginning of Surah Yunus, or 

“Taa Seen” at the beginning of Surah an-Naml and so on. 

What do these letters mean?

It is not known that the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam interpreted these Huroof Muqatta’ah or explained their meanings to the Sahaabah. 

And that’s why many of the Sahaabah and others after them, abstained from talking about them or attempt to interpret them. 

Those who did attempt to explain them had various different opinions. 

But no one can really say for sure  what they mean. 

Only Allaah holds the true knowledge of these letters. 

Are these letters ‘SPECIAL’ or have ‘SECRETS’ behind them?

The WHOLE of the Qur’aan, EACH  and EVERY WORD is ‘SPECIAL’ and there are NO ‘SECRET MEANINGS’ hidden behind these Huroof, as some ignorant people claim. 

Can I read these “Huroof al-Muqatta’aat” by themselves?

As for reading them by themselves, there’s NO PROOF of that from the Sharee’ah. 

There’s no hadeeth of the Prophet and no report of the Sahaabah ever collecting these letters and reading them XYZ times for ANY reason on ANY occasion. 

If it was something good, they would have done it. 

And we would have had the instructions of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam regarding it. 

But we don’t. 

So if the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam didn’t do it, why should we?

*Think about it...*

If no one can say what they mean, then how can we say it’s good to read these words at a certain time or place, a certain number of times etc for such and such reason?

Can I hang them for Barakah?

Since the huroof al -Muqatta’aat are words of the Qur’aan, it’s NOT ALLOWED to hang them for ‘Barakah’ or seek protection from them. 

The words of the Qur’aan are to be READ and UNDERSTOOD and IMPLEMENTED in our lives. 

And NOT to be hung for ‘Barakah’. 

The Qur’aan is a prescription on how to lead a life of righteousness according to the commands of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala. 

It’s a book of GUIDANCE. 

It’s NOT for hanging or decorating or 

‘donating’ its rewards to the dead. 

Always remember...

TRUE Barakah comes from the OBEDIENCE of Allaah; NOT from hanging things on the wall. 

Hanging words of the Qur’aan is like if you have a headache, instead of swallowing an analgesic tablet for your pain, you hang it on the wall!

Can I hang them up for Protection?

It’s NOT ALLOWED to hang up or wear ANY part of the Qur’aan for ‘protection’ against harm. 

That comes under the category of ‘amulets’ which are forbidden in Islaam. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Whoever wears an amulet has committed shirk (i.e., associated something with Allaah).” 

(Ahmad and al-Haakim; saheeh by al-Albaani)

The scholars of the Standing Committee said;

“Attaching pieces of paper on which are written verses from the Qur’aan or du’aas to the body or some part of it, or putting them under the bed, etc., is not permitted, because it comes under the category of hanging up amulets which is forbidden by the hadeeth of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam.” 

And they said:

“Anyone who believes that (an amulet) is just a means and that Allaah is the One who brings benefits or causes harm, and that He is the one who brings about the effects of causes is a mushrik in the sense of MINOR SHIRK, because an amulet is not a regular means and it is not prescribed in Islaam; rather it is just something imaginary.” 

(Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa’imah, 22/433-434)

Conclusion

- Hanging up ANY THING with these “al-Huroof al-Muqatta’aat” whether as a plaque or painting or anything else is BID’AH. 

And that’s a HUGE SIN.  

- There’s NO BARAKAH in hanging them. 

-There are NO ‘secret meanings’ hidden in them 

-There’s NO benefit in ‘looking’ at them. 

-These letters and words DO NOT PROTECT you. 

In fact, believing that is SHIRK. 

 And Allaah knows best.

296. Obedience To The Husband

By Asma Bint Shameem

Obedience to the husband is very important and is a means to Jannah. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“If a woman prays her five daily prayers, fasts her month (of Ramadaan), guards her chastity and obeys her husband, it will be said to her: ‘Enter Paradise from whichever of its gates you wish.’” 

(Ibn Hibban; saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, no. 661). 

So if she wants to study the Deen but her husband does not like that, instead of fighting and arguing about it, things should always be worked out amicably between the husband and wife, without causing tensions and unpleasantness. 

She should try and explain to him nicely at an *appropriate time* when he’s ‘more receptive’ such as when he’s not tired, hungry etc., how much it’s important for her to learn further, how it will affect her positively in understanding of the Deen and that in turn will reflect on her character, her outlook, her upbringing of the kids, etc 

See if she can get an elder, an Imaam or friend etc involved a d they can intervene and make him understand.

She should also make duaa for her husband that Allaah opens his heart 

But after all this if he still refuses to let her study, she should listen to him as long as she understands the basic rules of the Deen. 

That’s because the husband must be obeyed as long as he doesn’t tell the wife to do something haraam or against the Sharee’ah.

But at the same time, the husband should also be understanding and kind and should respect the wife’s wishes to study or any other legitimate wishes she may have. And not abuse his power unjustly. 

The scholars said about this issue:

“It is obligatory to obey your husband unless he tells you to do something sinful. So if a husband tells his wife not to go out to work or to study, she has to obey him, and this will lead to her happiness and salvation."

But the husband should not exploit this right to hurt his wife’s feelings or ignore her opinion or go against her wishes. 

Rather he has to fear Allaah and try to consult with his wife and discuss with her, and explain the shar’i ruling to her, and give her permissible alternatives that will make her happy, develop her potential and achieve some of what she wants.” 

(Islamqa Fatwa # 22397)

And Allaah knows best

295. Take Wudhu Beyond Ritual Washing

By Asma bint Shameem 

Wudhu is such a beautiful thing. 

It is done so that we can purify ourselves before we stand for prayer in front of Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds. 

It is one of the conditions of the prayer and without it our salah will not be valid. 

But usually we do it so “routinely”, without giving it much thought......a swift washing of our hands and feet, a quick splish splash on the face, a fast wipe over the head and we're done.

Our wudhu gets even more neglected when we are tired, sleepy or in a rush.

But there is *more* to wudhu than just being a condition for worship. 

There is something that makes it more than just a ‘routine’ thing before prayer......

something ‘higher’ and ‘more complete’....

something that most of us neglect or overlook.

And that is.....that the very act of wudhu is a form of worship in itself. 

Just Imagine! 

Every time you do wudhu, you're worshiping Allaah! 

What a blessing indeed!

Wudhu can increase your Imaan

Through the simple act of performing wudhu you can get closer to Allaah....you can increase your Imaan and strengthen your faith, you can intensify your love for Allaah and His Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam)...and you can have your sins forgiven.

And how can one do all that? 

It's simple. 

Every time you make wudhu, be conscious of Allaah, your Rabb, and remember that it is Him, Who ordered you to perform wudhu in the first place. 

And you are carrying out His Orders, His Command....

you are obeying Him. 

And you *love* to obey Him. 

So be conscious of your obedience to Him and thank Him for enabling you to carry out His Command as He says:

 O you who believe! When you intend to offer As-Salât (the prayer), wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles.”

[Surah Maidah:6]

This will increase your love for Allaah, and strengthen your Imaan....and improve your relationship with Him. 

It will make you more conscious of Him when you stand in front of Him in prayer and give you more Khushoo'.

Wudhu can increase your love for the Sunnah

Every time you perform wudhu, also be conscious of the fact that you are following the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam). 

It is the same way he did wudhu..... the Prophet that you love and honor and respect....

and it is his Sunnah that you love to follow.

Not only will Allaah reward you for following His Messenger (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam), but it will also increase your love for the Sunnah as well.

Wudhu will expiate sins

The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said:

 "He who performs wudhu like this wudhu of mine and then offered two rak'ahs of prayer without allowing his thoughts to be distracted, all his previous sins are expiated." (Muslim)

So the key to sins being expiated is performing wudhu like the Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and then praying.

He (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) also said:

“When the Muslim or believing slave does wudhu and washes his face, every wrong thing that he looked at with his eyes comes out from his face with the water or with the last drop of water. 

When he washes his hands, every wrong thing that he did with his hands comes out from his hands with the water or with the last drop of water. 

When he washes his feet every wrong thing that he walked to with his feet comes out from his feet with the water or with the last drop of water, until he emerges cleansed of sin.” (Muslim)

Bright faces, hands and feet

Whenever you do wudhu, think of the People who will have bright hands and faces on the Day of Resurrection and know that if you try to do wudhu properly, sincerely for the sake of pleasing Allaah, then He will make you among those fortunate ones. 

The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said:

 "On the Day of Resurrection You will have distinctive marks "Al-Ghurr-ul-Muhajjalun" which nobody among the peoples (except you) will have; you would come to me (at the Cistern of al-Kauthar) with blazing forehead and bright hands and feet on account of the traces of ablution." 

(Muslim)

Wudhu is sign of the believer

Try and maintain your wudhu at all times as this is a sign of a believer. 

The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said:

"Only the believer will remain with his wudhu (sustaining it at all times)." (Saheeh al-Jamee)

And even if you have difficulty in doing wudhu, like cold weather, or any other situation that makes wudhu difficult, still try your best to maintain it, since there is tremendous reward.

The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: 

"Shall I not tell you something by which Allah effaces the sins and elevates ranks (in Jannah)?'' 

The Companions said; 
"Certainly, O Messenger of Allah.'' 

He said,
"Performing the Wudhu thoroughly in spite of difficult circumstances, walking with more paces to the mosque, and waiting for the next prayer after observing a prayer; and that is mindfulness. (Muslim)

Use the Siwaak

Don't forget the Siwaak. 

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) loved to use it and highly encouraged us to do the same.

Ibn Mas’ood said: 

“I used to gather siwaak sticks from the araak tree for the Messenger of Allaah (pbuh).” (Ahmad--hasan).

He (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said:

“Were it not for the fact that I did not want to make things too hard for my ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Siwaak at every time of prayer.” (Bukhaari)

Say the Sunnah duas after wudhu

When you finish wudhu, be sure and say the Sunnah duas that the Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) taught us to say AFTER we are done with wudhu.

Remember there are NO duas to be said *during* wudhu. 

There is nothing proven about that from the authentic Sunnah. 

Just START your wudhu with Bismillaah and when you are DONE, then say the following:

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

 Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu was rasooluhu. 

(Meaning: I bear witness that there is no god except Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.) (Muslim)

اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِنَ التَّوَّابِينَ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنَ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ 

Allaahumm aj’alni min al-tawwaabeena waj’alni min al-mutatahhireena

(Meaning: O Allaah, make me one of those who repent and make me one of those who purify themselves). (Tirmidhi-Saheeh by Albaani)

سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ

Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bi hamdika, ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill anta, astaghfiruka wa atoobu ilayka 

(Meaning: Glory and praise be to You, O Allaah,  I bear witness that there is no god but You, I seek Your forgiveness and I repent to You) (al-Nasaa’i, etc.- Saheeh by Albaani)

Note:

Wiping the neck in wudhu is NOT part of the Sunnah

That’s because there is no proof of that from the Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam. 

Ibn Taymiyah said: 

"There is no saheeh report from the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) which says that he wiped his neck during wudhu’, rather no such thing has been narrated from him in any saheeh hadeeth. 

Rather the saheeh ahaadeeth which describe the wudhu’ of the Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) do not mention that he wiped his neck. 

Hence the majority of scholars did not regard that as mustahabb. 

Those who say that it is mustahabb rely on a a *da'eef* (weak) hadeeth which says that he wiped his head until he reached the back of his head. 

Such reports cannot be relied on, and it does not contradict what is indicated by the sound ahaadeeth. 

Whoever does not wipe his neck, his wudoo’ is valid according to scholarly consensus." (Majmoo’ al-Fataawa)

 Ibn al-Qayyim said:

"There is no saheeh hadeeth from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about wiping the neck at all." (Zaad al-Ma’aad)

And Shaykh Ibn Baaz said: 

"It is not mustahabb or prescribed in sharee’ah to wipe the neck, rather the head and the ears only are to be wiped, as is indicated by the Qur’aan and Sunnah." (Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn Baaz)

So every single time you perform wudhu, do it sincerely for the sake of Allaah, expecting a reward from Him, asking Him to accept it from you, hoping that He will forgive you and do it according to the Sunnah of the Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam).

May Allaah make us among those who purify themselves for His sake, physically as well spiritually. 

Ameen.

And Allaah knows best.

294. Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi Raaji’oon

By Asma bint Shameem

Yes, sure we say this statement when someone dies. Also some of us may say this sentence when they lose something, suffer a setback or harm. 

But………..do you know what it means?

Sure, everyone know that it obviously means ‘To Allaah we belong and to Him is our return.’

But that’s not what I am talking about.

I mean ….do you REALLY, TRULY understand these words and their implications in a Muslim’s life?

It means …whatever we have is not really ours. 

It belongs to Allaah.

Take a look around you; everything you see, all that you have and all that there is….in you, on you, around you….belongs to Allaah, alone.

It is Allaah Who has given you all the property and goods you possess, and that He is the true Owner of them all. 

So the cars that you own, the houses that you live in, the businesses you possess all truly belong to no one but Allaah.

The kids that He blessed you with, the health that He gave you, the time that He has allowed you, are all Allaah’s property.

Even the bodies we live in and the life that we have belongs to Allaah alone. 

“And to Allaah belongs the inheritance of the heavens and the earth….” (Surah Aal-Imraan:180)

“The kingdom of the heavens and the earth and everything in them belongs to Allaah. He has power over all things.” (Surat al-Ma'ida: 120) 

"Say: 'To Allaah belongs the East and the West…" (Surah al-Baqarah:142) 

Now, since everything belongs to Allaah, then we have to include even our souls in that list. 

The very souls that we think of as our “self”; our “nafs”; our “being” -- whatever you want to call it -- that very thing that distinguishes you from the rest of the world, belongs to Allaah. 

It's not YOURS. 

In fact, YOU are not YOURS. 

You belong to Allaah. 

And this is the essence of the concept of slavery to Allaah in Islaam.

And since He is the true Possessor of everything, and everything is His property, He allots *what* He wills to *whomever* He wills…….and then He takes it away. 

After all, it was Allaah’s to begin with.

So He may give you some thing and then take it back after a while. 

He will bless you with a precious child that you love dearly…and then He may take it away. 

He will grant you money, honor and status….and then He may take it away.

He will give you youth, vitality and health and then surely He will take it away.

In fact everything you have, will only be with you for a very short while.

And then the Owner will claim His Right.

So when Allaah does reclaim what was rightfully His, WHY MOURN OUR LOSSES?

Just like a friend who lends you his book. 

And then after a few days, he wants it back and you give it back to him…no regrets…..no sorrow….no questions asked.

Similarly, if Allaah takes back some of His blessings upon you for some reason….so be it. 

*Say Alhamdulillaah*.

*Don’t grieve*.

*Be patient*.

*Submit* to the will of Allaah, being *pleased* with His decision for you. 

For surely He will only do what is *best* for you.

Just think…..The Owner came and took it back.

Remember….that you’re not the real owner…..you NEVER were the real owner to begin with. 

You only had everything because it was Allaah who gave it to you in the first place. 

If He didn’t give it to you, you wouldn’t have had it in any way…

In fact, you couldn’t have had it at all. 

Remember….man enters into this world empty handed…and leaves it empty handed. 

Remember….that everything we have, all the blessings we enjoy, are gifts from Almighty Allaah...gifts that we enjoy for a limited period until He takes them away whenever He deems fit. 

They are a *trust* from Allaah…a precious loan to you…to see how you respond to these gifts from Allaah and how you use them….

in the obedience of the Almighty, thanking Him and worshipping Him?

OR……..

to the *disobedience* to the One Who gave them to you in the first place.

Take note of the words of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) on the occasion of the death of his son, Ibraahim:

*”Our eyes are filled with tears, our hearts with grief, but we say nothing with our lips except that which pleases Allaah.... 

Verily, to Allaah we belong, and to Him we return.' (al-Bukhaari)

And we all know the famous incidence about the companion Abu Talha and his wife when one of the sons died and Abu Talha was not at home. 

She washed and shrouded him and when Abu Talha came home and asked about his son, she said, "The child is quiet and I hope he is in peace…." (al-Bukhaari)

Subhaan Allaah….such patience!

And such Imaan in the statement “Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi Raaji’oon”!

She *truly* understood its meaning and the affect it should have on her life as a Muslimah,*submitting* to him and being *pleased* with whatever He has decreed for her.

She knew that whatever she has, is not truly hers. 

Rather, it is Allaah’s….and He took back whatever He owns at its appointed time.

And it is because of this Imaan so strong, this understanding, that the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) made dua for them and Allaah blessed them immensely.

“'They (i.e. Abu Talha and his wife) had nine sons and all of them became reciters of the Quran (by heart).” 

(al-Bukhaari)

So remember the Noble Words of the Owner of the heavens and the earth, the next time a calamity hits you.

Be patient and TRULY say...

 انا لله وانا اليه راجعون 

“Be sure we will test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives, but give glad tidings to those who are steadfast, who say when afflicted with calamity: ‘To Allaah we belong and to him is our return.’ 

They are those on who (descend) blessings from Allaah and mercy and they are the once that receive guidance.” 

(al-Baqarah:155)

I ask Allaah to make us amongst those who truly understand and implement this monumental Aayah. 

Ameen. 

And Allaah knows best

293. A Standing HERE For The Standing THERE

By Asma bint Shameem 

Ibn al-Qayyim said:

"Every individual must stand before Allaah TWICE: 

1. When he stands before Him in PRAYER and 

2. When he stands before Him on the DAY he MEETS Him. 

Whoever stands before Him as he *SHOULD'* in the *first setting*, then the *second standing* will be made EASY for him. 

But whoever is HEEDLESS with regard to this standing, and does not stand before Him (in prayer) as *'he should'*, that standing (on the Day of Resurrection) will be made *difficult* for him."

(al-Fawaa’id)

Subhaan Allaah!

Let us read the advice again carefully. 

Notice the words *"as he should"*. 

Here ibn al-Qayyim does not say "the one who does not stand in front of Allaah (in prayer) AT ALL". 

Rather, he uses the words *"as he should"*, showing that he's not even talking about the person who does not pray *at all*. 

He's talking about the person who *does* actually pray; 

only he doesn't pray with the proper concentration and awareness that's required for prayer. 

Then that heedlessness will be a cause of trouble for that person when he stands in front of Allaah on the Day of Judgment. 

May Allaah protect us. 

*Action time!*

Come on, my brothers and sisters!

Let us *act* upon what we learn. 

Let us make *“that”* standing *easy* upon ourselves!

- *FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS* on that prayer so that your ULTIMATE STANDING can be easy. 

- Clear your mind of distractions. 

- Slow down, in your recitation and in your movements. 

- Reflect on the meanings. 

- Pray in good time; not at the last moment. 

- Pray as if it's your last prayer.

Make *‘THIS’* standing *GOOD*, so *‘THAT’* standing will be *good too*! 

I ask Allaah to make our Standing in front of Him EASY. Ameen.