557. Is Working In Bank Allowed?

By Asma bint Shameem 

Working in a conventional bank is not allowed because the whole system runs on interest. 

And working in any department of the bank would be “assisting” in this major sin, while Allaah is telling us to cooperate in goodness and not in sin 

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 Allaah. Verily, Allaah is Severe in punishment.”

 (Surah al-Ma’edah:2)

And Allaah says:

مَّن يَشْفَعْ شَفَاعَةً حَسَنَةً يَكُن لَّهُ نَصِيبٌ مِّنْهَا وَمَن يَشْفَعْ شَفَاعَةً سَيِّئَةً يَكُن لَّهُ كِفْلٌ مِّنْهَا وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مُّقِيتًا

“Whosoever intercedes for a good cause will have the reward thereof, and whosoever intercedes for an evil cause will have a share in its burden. And Allah is Ever All-Able to do (and also an All-Witness to) everything.“

(Surah an-Nisaa:85)

Jaabir radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“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...” (Saheeh Muslim)

The scholars of the Standing Committee said:

“It is not permissible for a Muslim to work as a guard for banks that deal with riba, because this is a kind of cooperating in sin and transgression, and Allaah has forbidden that. Most of the banks deal with riba, so you have to look for a halaal means of earning a living, not this way.”

(Fataawa Islamiyyah, 2/401, 402)

And Allaah knows best

556. Is All Seafood Halal? What About Shrimps And Sharks?

By Asma bint Shameem 

In determining whether something is halaal or haraam to consume, the principle of the Sharee’ah is that unless the thing is mentioned in the Qur’aan and/or authentic ahaadeeth as something forbidden, it is considered HALAAL for us to consume. 

So we can’t say something is disallowed to consume unless there’s PROOF of that from the Sharee’ah. 

Allaah says.

“So eat of the sustenance which Allaah has provided for you, lawful and good; and be grateful for the favors of Allaah,  if it is He whom you serve. 

He has only forbidden you: dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and any (meat) over which the name of other than Allaah has been invoked. 

But if one is forced by necessity without willful disobedience nor transgressing due limits,then Allaah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful. 

But say not for any false thing that your tongues may put forth "This is lawful and this is forbidden" so as to ascribe false things to Allaah.   

For those who ascribe false things to Allaah will never prosper.”

(Surah Nahl: 114-116)

Thus, when we look at the Qur’aan and authentic ahaadeeth, we see that ALL seafood is *halaal*. 

Allaah says:

“It is He (Allaah) Who has subjected the sea to your service so that you may get fresh flesh from it to eat and bring out of it articles of ornaments,  which you wear.”  (Surah an-Nahl:14)

And He says: 

“Lawful to you is (the pursuit of) water-game and its use for food – for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel…” [al-Maa’idah 5:96]. 

Ibn ‘Abbaas explained the above Aayah and said: 

“ Sayduhu (lit. hunting, pursuit) refers to whatever is taken from it alive, and ta’aamuhu (lit. its food) means whatever is taken dead.”

Umar ibn al-Khattaab radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

“Water game means what is hunted, and its food is what the sea throws out (onto the shore).” (al-Bukhaari) 

Shurayh radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“Everything in the sea is madhbooh (slaughtered).” (al-Bukhaari) 

Abu Hurairah radhi Allaahu anhu said that a man asked the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam:

"O Messenger of Allaah, we sail on the ocean and we carry only a little water.  If we use it for ablution, we will have to go thirsty. 

May we use sea water for ablution?"

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

"Its (the sea) water is pure and (even) its dead (animals) are lawful (i.e., they can be eaten without any prescribed slaughtering)." (al-Bukhaari) 

 

Shaikh Salih al-Munajjid said:

“ALL kinds of food from the sea are permissible, whether they are plants or animals, alive or dead.”

This proves that ALL types sea food are halaal, whether it’s crabs, prawns, shrimps, fish eggs, even sharks and whales; ANYTHING that predominantly lives in the sea.

However, if there’s something that’s *harmful* for us to consume, then obviously we shouldn’t eat it and it’s forbidden for us, irrespective of whether it comes from the sea or land. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm” (Ibn Maajah- saheeh by al-Albaani)”

So say Alhamdulillaah and eat from the sea, what you like. 

And ENJOY the blessings of your Rabb. 

‎فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

“Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?”

 And Allaah knows best

555. Can A Woman Teach A man In Person?

By Asma bint Shameem 

But if it’s online, and all the guidelines of Hijaab are followed, then the scholars say that it may be permissible for a person to teach the opposite gender if certain conditions are strictly followed. 

For example, there should be no khalwah or 

one-on-one interaction, no chance of fitnah (temptation), no unnecessary talking, joking or laughing etc. 

Also it’s not allowed for a female to read Qur’aan to a male teacher. 

That’s because although the voice of a woman itself is not awrah, the recitation would not be allowed because when she would recite the Qur’aan to him, she would beautify her voice and soften it. 

And that is not allowed. 

The scholars of the Standing Committee said:

“The woman’s voice is not ‘awrah in principle, for women used to complain to the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam and ask him about Islaamic matters. 

They also did that with the Rightly-Guided Khaleefahs (may Allaah be pleased with them) and the rulers after them. 

And they would greet non-mahram men with salaams and return greetings, and none of the Imaams of Islaam denounced them for that. 

But it is not permissible for a woman to speak in a soft or alluring voice, because Allaah says:

“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allaah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner”

[al-Ahzaab 33:32] because men may be tempted by that, as is indicated by this aayah.” 

(Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wa’l-Iftaa, 6/83). 

So when a woman “talks” to a nonmahram, it’s allowed to do so. 

However, she should not do that unnecessarily; she should keep her voice straight and firm yet polite, and not laugh or make her voice soft.

And that includes reading the Qur’aan in a melodious voice. 

So a woman may learn Qur’aan from a man if there’s no chance of fitnah and she’s not alone one on one with him and there are no female teachers available. 

However the scholars say that she can only “listen” to him and learn the rules, etc but she can not recite back the Qur’aan to him because that would be awrah. 

Kamaal al-Deen al-Siyoowaasi said:

“It is clearly stated in al-Nawaazil that the voice of a woman with a *“tune”* is ‘awrah. 

Based on that, for a woman to learn Qur’aan from a *woman* is better, in my opinion, than her learning Qur’aan from a BLIND man, because her voice with a tune is ‘awrah. 

Therefore the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

“Tasbeeh is for men and clapping is for women.” It is not right for a man to hear her.” 

[Sharh Fath al-Qadeer (1/260)]

Therefore, it’s best for a woman to learn with a female teacher and for a man to learn with a male. 

And Allaah knows best

554. Is It Haraam To Actively Listen To Music

By Asma bint Shameem 

If you’re can avoid going there, that’s best. 

But if you “must” go because it’s your relatives etc, then attend only for a short while and leave as soon as possible. 

If the music is playing in the background and we’re not paying attention to it, then we’re not sinful because we’re not “enjoying” it or deliberately “listening” to it. 

Naafi‘, the freed slave of Ibn ‘Umar radhi Allaahu anhumaa 

said: 

“Ibn ‘Umar heard the sound of a flute and he put his fingers in his ears and turned  his mount away from the road and said to me: 

O Naafi‘, can you hear anything? 

I said: 

Yes. 

And he carried on until I said: 

No. 

Then he took his fingers out of his ears, brought his mount back to the road and said: 

I saw the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam 

when he heard the sound of a flute and did something like this.”

(Abu Dawood (4924); saheeh by al-Albaani)

Ibn Taymiyah said:

“The prohibition only has to do with “listening”, not “hearing”. 

Hence if a man passes by people who are engaging in some prohibited kind of talk, he is not obliged to block his ears, but he should not listen unnecessarily. 

Hence the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam did not instruct Ibn ‘Umar to block his ears when he heard the shepherd’s flute, because he was not listening to it; rather he was merely hearing it.”

[Majmoo‘ al-Fataawa (11/630)]

And he said:

“Commands and prohibitions only have to do with what a person does deliberately; with regard to whatever happens without him choosing to do so, there is no command or prohibition having to do with that.” [Majmoo‘ al-Fataawa (11/566, 567)]

And Allaah knows best

553. Changing Intentions While Offering Salaah

By Asma bint Shameem 

QUESTION

I started praying Fardh of Fajr then I remembered that I had not prayed the Sunnah. 

Can I change my intention from Fardh to Sunnah after I’ve already started the Fardh prayer?

ANSWER

Once you start your fardh prayer, you cannot change the intention to pray the Sunnah. 

Why is that?

That’s because the fardh prayer and the Sunnah prayer, *both* are *specific* prayers. 

And it’s not allowed to change the intention of a “specific” act of ibaadah after beginning it, to another “specific” ibaadah. 

The *intention* to pray the *specific* prayer should be made *BEFORE* starting it. 

So since the Fardh of Fajr and the two Sunnah before it, are both “*specific*” prayers, you cannot change your intention. 

Similarly if you start praying the Sunnah of Dhuhr, and the Imaam begins the congregation for the Fardh, you cannot simply change your intention of your Sunnah prayer to Fardh in the middle of the prayer. 

That’s because the Sunnah of Dhuhr and the Fardh are  *“specific”* prayers. And the intention for each should be there from the very beginning. 

HOWEVER, you *can* change the intention of a “specific” act of ibaadah to a “general” act even after you have started the general act of Ibaadah. 

So for example if you started praying Fajr then realized you’ve already prayed it, then you can change your intention to a Nafl prayer while you’re praying. 

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen explains about changing the intention:

He said:

“Changing the intention means either changing it from one “specific” thing to another (“specific”), or from something “general” to something “specific”. 

This is not correct, but if it is changing it from something “specific” to something “general”, then there is nothing wrong with that. 

For example: 

Changing from one specific thing to another (specific thing):

A person wanted to change the Sunnah prayer of Duhaa to the regular prayer of Fajr which he had missed and wanted to make up. 

He said takbeer with the intention of offering two rak’ahs of Duhaa, then he remembered that he had not offered the regular prayer of Fajr, so he changed it to the regular prayer of Fajr. 

This is not valid, because the regular prayer of Fajr is two rak'ahs for which he should have had the intention from the beginning of the prayer. 

Another example is a man who started to pray ‘Asr, but whilst praying he remembered that he had not prayed Dhuhr, so he intended this prayer to be Dhuhr. 

This is also not valid, because the intention for a specific prayer must be there from the outset. 

With regard to changing from something *“general”* to something *“specific”*, such as if a person started to offer a general (i.e., naafil) prayer, then he remembered that he had not prayed Fajr or the Sunnah of Fajr, so he changed his intention to Fajr prayer or the Sunnah of Fajr – this is also not valid. 

But if he changes from something *“specific”* to something *general*, such as if he starts praying with the intention that it is the regular prayer of Fajr, then whilst he is praying he remembers that he has already offered this prayer, in that case he may change his original intention to the intention to simply offer a (Nafl) prayer. 

Another example is that of a man who starts to offer an obligatory prayer on his own, then a group comes along, and he wants to change his obligatory prayer to a naafil prayer so that he may cut it short and offer two rak'ahs only, then offer the obligatory prayer with the group. 

This is permissible, because he is changing from something “specific” to something “general”. 

So the principle is: 

-Changing from one “specific” thing to another (“specific”) is not valid; 

-changing from something “general” to something “specific” is not valid; 

-changing from something “specific” to something “general”is valid.”

(Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 12/ Question no. 347.)

Also The niyyah for a “SPECIFIC” act of ibaadah cannot be changed *after* you’ve done with that act of worship. 

So if you gave money to someone as sadaqah, you cannot change  your niyyah later that it’s Zakaah because it’s already left your hand. 

But if you were *thinking* of giving this money as sadaqah, and the money had not yet left your hand, and then you changed your mind to intend this as Zakaah, BEFORE you gave the money, then in that situation you can change your mind.

And Allaah knows best.

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.