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The Holy Prophet has said “One who does not thank the people A Crisis of Faith 02 does not thank Allah.” Al-Islah would like to take this opportunity to thank all our brothers and sisters who have contributed to AlIslah in any shape or form be it by making dua, writing articles, sponsoring, contributing financially, advertising and in other ways. We thank them all and make dua that Allah fulfil all their Rules Concerning A New Born 03 Naming of a child 04 Spread the Love 05 lawful desires and reward them in this world and the hereafter (Ameen). The Majlis of Mufti Moosa Badat (D.B.) 09 A famous Arabic poet said “Time is like a sword: if you don’t cut it then it will cut you”. Another year has passed and time is flying past and we are fast approaching our own death. Time is a curious entity. We sometimes think time goes faster as we become older. But when talking to young people they also think time is going fast. Words of Wisdom 10 Q&A 11 The Barakah (Blessings) in our time seems to have disappeared. When we look at our pious elders we see that they achieved so much in such a short time. This is because these pious elders understands the value of time. Not even a second ticks without the remembrance of Allah . We can only understand the true value of time if we were to spend time in their pious company. It is through their company that we will realise how to make changes in life and how to utilise our time in such a way that every breath we take is in the remembrance of Allah . May Allah give us the ability to spend as much time as possible in their pious company. Marriage Tip Prophet Muhammad Peace Be 12-13 Upon Him The Last Will Of Aurangzeb 15-16 Visiting Our Loved Ones 17 Al-Islah contains sacred verses of the Holy Qur’an and the Ahaadith of the Prophet . Please ensure its sanctity. 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Al-Islah is published bi-monthly by Rabetah Al-Ulama Al-lslamiyyah Views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily of Rabetah Editor: Al-Islah Team Published & Distributed by: Rabetah Al-Ulama Al-lslamiyyah Correspondence is welcomed and should be addressed to the Al -Islah Team Al-Islah Publication, 13 Wayne Close, Batley, West Yorkshire, WF17 0EU Email: [email protected] Issue 57 14 Kids Zone Subscribe to Al-Islah Please Pass On To Others after Reading 06-08 Website: www.rabetah.org Kids Website: www.alislahkids.com Al-Islah-Publication Al_Islah Alislahproduction This magazine is available online for download at www. rabetah.org/all-islah-magazine www.rabetah.org Jan / Feb 2015 1 By Moulana Aslam Seedat One of the pressing and worrying issues that seems to be going unnoticed and unchallenged is the increasing number of Muslims growing up in western societies who are losing their Islamic identity – I am not referring to beard or wearing the Islamic dress or women veiling appropriately. No, it’s their lifestyle and assimilated culture that is becoming increasingly incompatible with the values and core beliefs of Islam. In fact, some privately are beginning to question some of the tenets of Islam that have become irreconcilable with their view of the world. This may seem as an alarmist and overly pessimistic view but it is a sad fact that seems to be evidently taken lightly. A Muslim harbouring doubts, reservations, and misgivings about any fundamental elements of Islam is a major crisis of faith. Living in modern society today driven by materialism, secularism and globalisation has posed many questions that sometimes overtly tests our core beliefs. Unfortunately, many unanswered questions are only exacerbating the degrees of uncertainty in the hearts of those struggling to fend off the barrage of contemporary challenges. Thus, we are growing up fixated with modern lifestyle and culture devoid of firm belief in the creator, His beloved Prophet Muhammad as a true role model and the hereafter. Professing is one thing, deeply believing is another. When anti-Islamic rhetoric and propaganda is constantly played out in the media, a crisis of belief begins to ferment in the heart of those whose inner-self (nafs) is attracted and persuaded by the alluring and deceptive anti -Islamic lifestyle. For instance, al qadr – predestination, gender segregation, sexual orientation, the niqaab, etc., are issues that some Muslims struggle to understand and as a result question it because the aforementioned notions are alien to the modern paradigms of freedom and free mixing. Hence, feeling uncomfortable about certain verses of the Qur'an that do not sit well with one’s modernistic persona is a major crisis in one’s belief. In addition, our interactions and encounters with those of other faiths and non faiths, who constantly questions us about the rationale of our core beliefs, creates more doubts in our minds if we don’t have the answers. Moreover, the blasphemous accusations level against our Prophet Muhammad by those who seek to denigrate Islam and create doubts in the heart of Muslims is another example of crisis of faith. There is also the psychological crisis. If you were to ask a ‘casual Muslim’, ‘liberal Muslim’, ‘average Muslim’ what the term ‘Shariah’ means? The first words or ideas popping up in their heads would be beheading, cutting of hands, stoning, barbarism etc. The constant bashing of Islam has a residual effect on those without the true understanding of Islam. The word ‘Shariah’ has negative 2 Issue 57 connotations with many without realising what it really means? Consequently, some Muslims begin to lose confidence in the tenets of Islam. These are major crisis that create more doubts about one’s beliefs. Is it surprising then when some remark, ‘I am a Muslim but I don’t agree with this or that part of Islam?’ How can that be? Consider oneself a Muslim and yet reject selected parts of Islam that are not appealing or incompatible with their rationale and modern viewpoint. It is a contradictory statement. This is a major crisis of faith. Furthermore, the obsessive modern celebrity culture we imitate and follow is driving a wedge between us and our core beliefs. If we live and breathe that lifestyle then Islam may not become as appealing and interesting. If a person harbours thoughts, for instance, those things and practices that contradict Islam makes them not only attracted to it, but makes them feel sad for people who are not, then that is someone lacking great confidence in Islam and having a crisis of faith. How do we challenge these crisis in faith? Firstly, surround oneself with positive role models, strong Muslim friendship and morally righteous and pious people. A Good Muslim is a shield for another Muslim. A vibrant and active Muslim community will always offer support to those who are attracted to vulnerable influences. Thus, when our youth are exposed to the outside world such as schools, colleges, universities and modern society as a whole then there are mechanisms in place to equip them with the knowledge to intellectually and philosophically defend the name of Islam. Historically, there have always been complex challenges affecting the Muslims of the past, however, the great Islamic scholars, thinkers and theologians rose to those trials and tribulations and defended Islam intellectually against the false accusations. Thus, it is no surprise that Islam is being ridiculed today with modern philosophical arguments. It is part of the modern cycle. Intellectually, we need challenge the negative notions about the tenets of Islam and addressing them in Muslim and non Muslims arenas. Hence, we should not shy away from creating open forums to address these fundamental questions. We need to create a space for people who are struggling to cope with their Imaan to comfortably come forward and raise their concerns. In addition, Islamic knowledge must not be restricted to a certain young age such as fifteen when it is the end of the road for many who are no longer interested in the academic Islam. No, it is in all of our interest to continue learning the core fundamentals of Islam allied with continuous righteous actions that will become the fortress of our Imaan – faith. Finally, we should constantly make dua that He, the Almighty protect our Imaan and grant us the profound conviction of Islam at the last moments of our lives. Ameen. www.rabetah.org Jan / Feb 2015 Rules Concerning a New Born Part 1 By Aarif Billah, Hadhrat Moulana Abdur Rauf Sahib D.B. Our Beloved Nabi came as a mercy for all the worlds It is the grace of Allah that He has brought us into this world into Muslim families; Alhamdulillah. It is a duty given by Allah to all Muslims, regardless of where they live, that when a child is born into their family, they bring up, nourish and cherish the child according to the teachings of the Shari’ah. This is because, Islam is a complete religion and it encompasses teachings of each and every single matter. There isn’t any matter which Allah and His beloved Messenger has not taught us or provided us details of. Allah Himself has chosen Islam for us. Allah states in the Glorious Qur’an: ‘...And (I have) chosen Islam as a deen for you...’ (Surah Maa’idah: Aayah 3) Hence, our religion is Islam; the religion which Allah chose for us Himself. Since Allah is more Merciful and Benevolent towards us than our own parents, the Deen which was given to us is of utmost mercy and its every command is full of mercy. This is due to the fact that the Giver of Deen, Allah , is Himself the Most Merciful of the merciful; and the medium through whom the Deen was conveyed to us, is himself the mercy of all the worlds. Our beloved Nabi has been mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an Shareef as: ‘And We have not sent you but as a mercy for all the worlds’ (Surah Ambiyaa: Aayah 107) Our honourable Nabi was not only sent as a mercy to this world but was sent as a mercy to all the worlds; hence, why would this Deen not also be a mercy? It will most certainly be full of mercy for us if we derive knowledge from it and act upon the ways which have been prescribed within it. Nabi has relayed to us the commandments of Allah which have reached us through different mediums and all of these commandments are undoubtedly full of mercy. Perform Tahneek through the Pious In the first stage of life, when either a girl or a boy is born into a Muslim household, it has been commanded that the child should be cleaned or bathed and then given the Adhaan in its right ear and the Iqaamah (Takbeer) in its left ear. This should be done gently, in a manner that the child will be able to hear you. It is not to be screamed out loudly. Nabi himself had recited the Adhaan into the ears of his beloved grandchild Hadhrat Hassan . A pious person, conformed to the Shari’ah, should be given a date to chew/soften and this date should be applied gently to the palate of the baby’s mouth so that it may find its way to the stomach. If a date is not available at that time then the Sunnah of Tahneek can still be achieved through any other sweet substance. It has been stated in various kitaabs that Hadhrat Hassan , Hadhrat Hussain . and other Sahaabah used to take their newborn babies in the presence of Nabi who would perform Tahneek for them. Hadhrat Aishah narrates that newborn babies used to be brought before Nabi and he used to supplicate for Barakah on their behalf (i.e. he used to say words to this effect, “May Allah shower you with Barakah and mercy.”) and he used to perform TahneIek for them. (Mazaahir e Haq, Aqeeqah ka Bayaan) Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash’ary narrates that a child was born into my household and when I took him to Rasulullah , he named the child Ibrahim, performed Tahneek for him with a date and made a dua of Barakah for him. (Bukhari Shareef, Nabi ki pyaari sunnatay) Nevertheless, the procedure to follow is Adhaan, Takbeer and then Tahneek. The latter must be done with considerable caution in order to ensure that the child does not choke. Remember that you are dealing with an innocent little child. The Ulama have stated that a date chewed by a person of piety can become the means for the child to become good and pious. The child will become pious because the first thing entering the stomach will be the date and the saliva from the pious person’s mouth. We should have every hope that the child will become pious; therefore, we must choose a pious person to perform Tahneek. May Allah make all of our children good, pious and the coolness of our eyes. May He also fill all of our lives with an abundance of Barakah. Aameen. Issue 57 www.rabetah.org Jan / Feb 2015 3 Naming of a Child Mufti Taqi Usmani, Servant of the Students; Darul-Uloom, Karachi It is the infant's vested right to be honoured with a good name. When choosing a name for the child, it should be done with the intention that the child will be blessed with the Barakah of that name. Here are some Ahaadith to show the importance of selecting a good and correct name: Ibne Umar relates Rasulullah as saying: "Truly, the most loved of your names by Allah are Abdullah and AbdurRahmaan." It is also reported in the Abu Dawood that Rasulullah said: "Keep the names of prophets. And the most desirable names by Allah are Abdullah and Abdur-Rahmaan. And names that depict honesty are Haarith (planter) and Hammaam (thoughtful). And the most disliked ones are Harb (battle) and Murrah (bitter)." THE BARAKAH OF NAMING A CHILD AFTER THE BELOVED NAME OF RASULULLAH Rasulullah said: "Whoever is named after me with the hope of being blessed, he will be blessed and will be in peace till the day of Qiyaamat." He also said: "To whomever is born a boy and he names him Muhammad solely for the love of me and for the blessings of my name, then both he (the father) and his son will enter Jannah." THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING GOOD NAMES HADITH: "On the Day of Qiyaamah you will be called by your (own) names and the names of your fathers. Therefore keep good names." Abu Dawood. HADITH: "To whoever is born a child, the child should be given a good name and sound education. And when he becomes of age he should be married." It was Rasulullah's practice to enquire the names of persons and villages. If they were pleasant, it became apparent on his face. If not, his displeasure could be seen. Once Rasulullah called for a volunteer to milk a camel. Four persons volunteered: he refused to accept the services of the first three because their names did not imply pleasantness. The names of the first two were Murrah (bitter) while Jamrah (burning coal) was the name of the third person. When the fourth said his name is Yaeesh (long life) Rasulullah said to him: "Milk her." UNDESIRABLE NAMES SHOULD BE CHANGED Aa'ishah reports that Rasulullah used to change displeasing names replacing them with good names. Abdullah bin Umar relates that one of his sisters was named Aasiyah (disobedient). Rasulullah changed it to Jameelah (beautiful). Zainab says that she had been named Birrah (pious). Rasulullah said: "Do not claim piety for Allah knows best who amongst you are pious. Name her Zainab!" NAMES MAY INFLUENCE THE LIVES OF PEOPLE Sa'eed ibne Musayib relates from his father that his grandfather went to Rasulullah and was asked: "What is your name?" He replied: "Hazn" (sorrow). Rasulullah said: "You are Sahl" (contended). He replied: "I will not change the name my father had given me." The narrator says that thereafter sorrow continually remained with them. KEEP AWAY FROM NAMES IMPLYING SHIRK As Muslims, we should always abstain from keeping names implying any elements of Shirk, like adjoining the word 'Abd'(servant) to names or epithets other that those of Allah . Rasulullah also forbade keeping pompous and self-glorifying names, for this reveals arrogance and haughtiness - human elements most abhorred by Allah . BE PROUD OF YOUR IDENTITY AND FAITH Muslims should always be proud of their identity and faith. Nowadays, to conceal his identity, it is common practice for a person to 'westernize' his name, like substituting Yoosuf with Joe or Joseph, Sulaimaan with Solly or Sully, Faatimah with Fatli, Sumay-yah with Summi, etc. Efforts to distort such beautiful names merely reveal an un-Islamic and sacrilegious attitude. Remember, there exists behind each Islamic name an Islamic spirit and meaning, which, when distorted, is ruined. For example, there is intended love for the Prophet of Islam, and barakah when naming a child Muhammad. But when Muhammad is called Mahmad or Gammat, this spirit of love for Rasulullah and the acquiring of barakah by such a name is shattered. Should we not then refrain from such sacreligious practices? 4 Issue 57 www.rabetah.org May Allah guide us so that we may realize the beauty and uniqueness of the religion of Islam propounded by no other than the one who is the best of Allah's creations-May Allah shower His choicest blessings upon him. May Allah guide us on the Right Path. May He also grant this humble effort of mine to be a fulfilment of a long-felt need amongst the Muslims-especially the English-speaking Muslims. Ameen. Jan / Feb 2015 Relaxing in the lounge Sunday morning my wife called, ‘How long will you be with that newspaper? Will you come here and make your darling son eat his breakfast?’. I tossed the paper away and rushed to the scene. My only son Faizaan looked frightened. Tears were welling up in his eyes. In front of him was a bowl filled to its brim with cereal containing the much needed vitamins needed by Faizaan after his month long illness. Faizaan was a pleasant child, quite intelligent for his age. He has just turned nine. He particularly detested the vitamin fortified cereal. My mother and my wife are traditional and believe firmly in the benefits of the cereal. I cleared my throat, and picked up the bowl. ‘Faizaan, darling, why don’t you take a mouthful of this cereal? Just for Dad’s sake, dear. Faizaan softened a bit, and wiped his tears with the back of his hands. ‘OK, Dad. I will eat – not just a few mouthfuls, but the whole lot of this. But, you should…’ Faizaan hesitated. ‘Dad, if I eat this entire Cereal, will you give me whatever I ask for?’…’Oh sure, darling’… ‘Promise?’… ‘Promise’. I covered the soft hand extended by my son with mine, and clinched the deal. ‘Ask Mum also to give a similar promise’, my son insisted. Was it not you who told me the stories of the Companions of our beloved Prophet Muhammad and how they kept to their promises! You did emphasize that we should honour our promises no matter what! It was time for me to call the shots. ‘Our promise must be kept.’ ‘Are you out your mind?’ chorused my mother and wife. ‘No. If we go back on our promises, he will never learn to honour his own. Faizaan, your wish will be fulfilled.’ With his head clean-shaven, Faizaan had a round-face, and his eyes looked big and beautiful. On Monday morning, I dropped him at his school. It was a sight to watch my hairless Faizaan walking towards his classroom. He turned around and waved. I waved back with a smile. Just then, a boy alighted from a car, and shouted, Faizaan, please wait for me!’ What struck me was the hairless head of that boy. ‘Maybe, that is the in -stuff’, I thought. ‘Sir, your son Faizaan is great indeed!’ Without introducing himself, a man got out of the car, and continued,’ That boy who is walking along with your son is my son Yunus. He is suffering from… leukaemia (cancer).’ My wife put her hand on Faizaan’s, muttering ‘Promise’. Now I became a bit anxious. ‘ Faizaan dear, you shouldn’t insist on getting a computer or any such expensive items. Dad does not have that kind of money right now. OK?’ ‘No, Dad. I do not want anything expensive’. Slowly and painfully, he finished eating the whole quantity. I was silently angry with my wife and my mother for forcing my child to eat. After the ordeal was through, Faizaan came to me with his eyes wide with expectation. All our attention was on him… He paused to muffle his sobs. Yunus could not attend the school for the whole of the last month. He lost all his hair due to the side effects of the chemotherapy. He refused to come back to school fearing the unintentional but cruel teasing of the schoolmates. Faizaan visited him last week, and promised him that he will take care of the teasing issue. But, I never imagined he would sacrifice his lovely hair for the sake of my son! Sir, you and your wife are blessed to have such a noble soul as your son. ‘Dad, I want to have my hair on my head shaved off, this Sunday!’ was his demand. I stood transfixed…and then, I wept. ‘My little Angel, you are teaching me how self-less real love is!’ ‘Atrocious!’ shouted my wife, ‘my child having his head shaved off? Impossible!’ This is following the crazy “skin heads” culture capturing the youth in our community! Never, never, never will I allow it!!! The happiest people on this planet are not those who live on their own terms but are those who change their terms for the benefit of others. Allah , the Exalted, says: ‘Never in our family!’ my mother rasped.’ He has been watching too much of television. Our culture is getting totally spoiled with these TV programs!’ “… and do good that you may be successful” ( Qur'an 22:77) Faizaan darling, why don’t you ask for something else? We will be sad seeing you with a clean-shaven head.’ ” If anyone fulfils his brother’s needs, Allah will fulfil his needs; if one relieves a Muslim of his troubles, Allah will relieve him of his troubles on the Day of Resurrection; and if anyone conceals his faults, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Resurrection “. (Bukhari and Muslim). ‘No, Dad. I do not want anything else’, Faizaan said with finality. ‘Please, Faizaan, why don’t you try to understand our feelings?’ I tried to plead with him. ‘Dad, you saw how difficult it was for me to eat that cereal’. Faizaan was in tears. ‘And you promised to grant me whatever I ask for. Now, you are going back on your words. Issue 57 Messenger of Allah said, The endeavour to sacrifice for others is an achievement on its own accord whether people recognize the contribution or not. Don’t delay in making that sacrifice as no act of kindness is ever wasted. “When you sacrifice something precious, you’re not really losing it. You’re just passing it on to someone else.” www.rabetah.org Jan / Feb 2015 5 TIP After having so much trouble with her husband a woman decided she had had enough and wanted to quit. She went to the village to visit her mother to inform her of her decision. After much complaining, she told her mum how she wished she had met someone like her dad, as her dad was caring and sweet and they had such a happy marriage. The mum listened to everything she had to say, expecting her mum to start lecturing her about marriage this and marriage that. The mum told her to go rest since she had travelled a long distance. ''Go and rest my child'', she said, ''Tomorrow we talk.'' she had observed nothing. Her only concern had been not to break the eggs that the mum asked her to deliver safely.'' Next morning, when she got up she noticed her mum was up already and tidying up the house for the day. The mum said, ''Please can you help me deliver these crates of egg to my friend on the other side of town while I prepare breakfast for your dad. The eggs are very fragile so please do be careful.'' The woman got dressed and carried the crates to run the errand. "Well, there is only one piece of advice I can give you", her mum said. "The secret to a successful marriage is to see all the beauty of the person you have married rather than focus on just one fault the person has. You focused so long on the crates of eggs I gave you that you forgot to look around and marvel at the best of what was around you. Upon her return, "Well", asked her mum, "Did you see the new bridge that was commissioned last week? Did you notice that the roads across the river has now been tarred? So you mean you also did not see the new shopping mall in the city centre?'' "Then go back and observe the marvels of the town", said her mum. Relieved from the burden of the crates of eggs, she returned to explore the town, this time observing the newly commissioned bridge, the new tarred road across the river and the beautiful shopping mall her mum had told her about. When she returned she related in excitement everything she had seen. This woman went home with her bags as a new person. Even though her husband did not change, she was able to change her perspective and pay more attention to the good things he was doing. Marriage is beautiful when beauty is looked for and cultivated. The woman was embarrassed, and confessed that When Imam Ahmed Bin Hanbal's wife passed away he said "Wallahi I lived with her for 40 years and we didn't argue once." He was asked how? He said "Whenever she gets upset and tries to argue, I stay quiet. And whenever I'm upset and try to argue, she stays quiet." This is a beautiful lesson for all married brothers and sisters SubhanAllah! 6 Issue 57 www.rabetah.org Jan / Feb 2015 Recipe for a Successful Marriage re on fi as kf or fo rg ive ne ss your s ep w pouse Exp ith a n res argu men sy Re t un ou ad sett rg yt led rati oa dm tud it et yo oy ur ou wr r sp on ou ga se nd vingly criticize, do it lo 1. Fear Allah: It was the noble practice of Rasulullah to conscientise the spouses about the fear for Allah before performing a Nikah by reciting the verses (Surah Nisa v14, Ahzab v69, Aali-Imraan v101) from the Qur’an. All the verses are common in the message of Taqwa (fear of Allah). The spouses will be first committed to Allah before being committed to their partner. There can be no doubt in the success of a marriage governed by the fear of Allah. Neglec t the w hole w Nev orld ra er s ther th le an If you have to is use e ho r ss th unle the t ru e eo othe th ach e at e tim out it b e er sh et m Nev t, l sa en he um arg tt an ya in gr ow an st e ha ne rb If o ve Ne Fe ar Al lah Never bring up mistakes of the past “Our Lord! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a comfort to our eyes, and give us the grace to lead those who are conscious of You.” (Furqaan 74). Every human being by nature has an instinct to dispute. This instinct becomes more manifest between the husband and wife, thus leading to marital disputes. How can this instinct be controlled? For this we need to consider the following ten points to control the instinct of dispute and maintain a happy marriage. Mu’min is a mirror for a Mu’min.’ (Abu Dawud) Advise with dignity and silently. 6. Never bring up mistakes of the past: Rasulullah said: “Whoever conceals the faults of others, Allah shall conceal his faults on the day of Qiyaamah.” (Mishkaat) 7. Neglect the whole world rather than your marriage partner: Rasulullah confirmed the advice of Salman to Abu-Darda for neglecting his wife. “Verily there is a right of 2. Never be angry at the same time: Anger is the root cause for your wife over you.” (Nasai) all marital disputes. One Sahabi came to Rasulullah and sought some advice. Rasulullah replied, control your anger. 8. Never sleep with an argument unsettled: Abu Bakr resolved his dispute with his wife over-feeding the guests The same advice was rendered three times. (Mishkaat) before going to bed. (Bukhari) 3. If one has to win an argument, let it be the other: Nabi 9. At least, once everyday, express your gratitude to your said: “Whoever discards an argument despite being correct partner: Rasulullah said, ‘Whoever does not show gratitude shall earn a palace in the centre of Jannah.” to the people has not shown gratitude to Allah.’ (Abu Dawud) 4. Never shout at each other unless the house is on fire: 10. When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit Luqman while offering advice to his son said: ” and lower it and ask for forgiveness: Rasulullah said, ‘All the sons of your voice for verily the most disliked voice is that of a Aadam commit error, and the best of those who err are those donkey”. (Surah Luqman v19) who seek forgiveness.’ (Tirmidhi) 5. If you have to criticize, do it lovingly: Rasulullah said, ‘A Issue 57 www.rabetah.org Jan / Feb 2015 7 HUSBANDS HAVE YOU BEEN PAYING ATTENTION? Even though she was tired and exhausted, she refused to sleep after Fajr Salah, just so she can wake him up for work on time… She wakes him up after going through so much trouble to do so, only for him to wake up angry at her, saying: “Ugh, No relaxation ever comes from you!”. That is her daily “Thank you” which she gets from her husband. with your friends.” So he scolds her, and tells her that he needs to spend some time away from her depressed-looking face, “You mean nothing to me.” She smiled that sad smile of her, and a tear rolled down on her cheek, she went to the other room while he left to go to work. He comes back from work, exhausted and finds the house clean, food ready, the kids and her waiting, happy faces excited for his return. He comes back home only to find her lifeless body lying on the bed, a single tear left his eye when he put her in her grave, and his sadness kept increasing every time a person offered his condolences. However, he comes in a grumpy mood, not uttering even a single joke to his kids. Eats a little and sleeps so he can later join his friends on a night out. He goes back home and finds no one waiting for him, the house felt quite and depressing, but he kept telling himself that he will get used to it. She does not tell him about the children’s problems so not to burden him any further. Even so, when she is unable to find solutions, she feels the need to share with him some of the problems, thinking “They are his kids as well, maybe he will help”. But alas, he refuses and tells her that he has too many things on his plate to think about her and the kids. He went to his room to sleep… the sun rose… he wakes up and finds himself late for work. Eventually, the kids grew up, and each have their own lives, leaving her alone and empty. Her life now revolves around her husband, no one to talk to and no one to spend time with. He remembers how all she wanted was a nice word from him, how she wished he could spend one day with her, instead of spending it with his friends. He remembers how she endured his insults, and matched them with smiles and choked tears. Oh, how she lived her life to serve him and their children. Now I know how valuable you were. So one day after she woke him up she said, “Stay with me today, I would love for us to talk. Every day you come back, eat, take a nap then off you go to spend the rest of the day He calls her to scold her, how could she leave him sleep in! Then all of a sudden, he remembers. She passed away. He started crying, for she is now a memory. Will you remain like this dear husband, not knowing how valuable your wife is? Not treating her with the respect that she deserves? Remember, you are where she finds love, pleasure and security, Allah the Almighty says: It is He Who created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her (in love) [Al-A’raf:187]. Dear wife, You, who Allah honoured and made you embraced by the Ummah's men and women. You, who Allah made to be the teacher and carer for whom he blessed the most out of his creation; the human being. Make your work and your troubles for the sake of Allah the Almighty, for he alone can reward you. Do not hurt if your children disobey you, do not care if your husband ignores you. Let your priority be the pleasure of Allah the merciful, and work for his sake. Dear husband, You should know that whoever is kind to them (the wife) is a kind person, and whoever insults them, is a mean person. The Prophet said: 'The best of you is he who is best to his family (i.e. wife), and I am the best among you to my family, whoever is kind to the women, is a kind person, and whoever insults them, is a mean person ' (Al-Jami’ Alshaghir: [4102]) Did you see, o husband? “Whoever insults them, is a mean person”, the Prophet didn’t use the word stingy or selfish, he used the word mean, which is the worst trait a one can have; as it means the person is ignoble and lacks in dignity. I ask Allah to harmonise between our hearts, fix our inner conditions, guide us to the ways of peace, and take us out from darkness to light, Ameen 8 Issue 57 www.rabetah.org Jan / Feb 2015 From The Majlis of Mufti Moosa Badat (D.B.) On 24.08.14 – Reading from Mariful Hadith by Maulana Manzoor Nomani RA - Part 2 Translated from Urdu by Brother Zameer Dabhad There was once a pious person who was also a great trader, a person came to him and gave him the news that that your wealth from trade has sunk en route, in response to this the pious person simply replied Alhamdulillah, surely with such a big loss he should have said Innaa Lillah Ithaa asaabathum museebah Qaloo innaa Lillahi wa ina ilaihi rajioon Tasawwuf to acquire. We now read another hadith The ties we have with Allah and his messenger is, essentially, a mental and spiritual state, and, when it attains perfection, all other forms of affection which are rooted wholly in blood or emotion are put in the shade by it. Anyone who has been blessed in some measure with this attachment and yearning will have no difficulty in appreciating and understanding the basic significance of this Tradition Anas related to us that Prophet said “only he will taste the sweetness of Faith who has these three qualities: 1. The love of Allah and the Prophet is greater for him than everything else, 2. He loves whom he loves solely for the sake of Allah, and 3.The idea of going back to Kufr (Disbelief) after he has When a difficulty reaches a believer then embraced Islam is as repugnant and hated to In brief, love in all these sayings denotes the immediately they say that verily we belong him as being thrown into the fire.” same tender passion, the same feeling of the to Allah and to Him shall we return That is why I mention again and again that it heart which is commonly known by that name So he said Alhumdulillah, then after a while and this is exactly what is demanded of us here comes about the Sahabah in the Qur’an another person came with the news that his and is the life of our faith wealth from trade had not actually sunk but had Habbaba ilaykumul imaan wa zay yinuhu fee been protected, to this he also said 1uluubikum wa karah ilaykumul kufra wal So the purpose in all this is the developing of the love of Allah and his Messenger and Alhumdulillah. He was then asked that in both fusooka wal isyan ulaaika humur raashidoon. situations you said Alhumdulillah, to which he Into the hearts of the Sahaba Allah is corroborated by Qur’an and Hadith so where is the innovation? responded that on both occasions there was no had placed the love for Imaan and the change in the state of my heart. I understood hatred for disbelief, disobedience and the The Qur’an says: Those who believe are that he had given to me and now he had taken stauncher in their love for Allah. hatred for sin had been placed. away and on the second occasion there was no change in my heart and that as Allah had Further on, we have the explanation which is At another place we have safeguarded the wealth I recited Alhumdulillah. rather long but in short in these hadith, the Say [O Mohammad] : If your fathers, and demand that is there regarding the love of Allah your sons, and your brothers, and your This is the true essence of believing in Allah and Prophet , we have another one that wives, and your tribe, and the wealth you as our Rabb that in all situations whether in has been wrote. have acquired, and merchandise for which times of happiness or sadness, wealth or ye fear that there will be no sale, and poverty, good health or illness in all situations, It related by Anas that the Apostle of Allah dwellings you desire are dearer to you than said: “None of you can be a honest Muslim our attention should be to Allah our Lord. Allah and His Messenger and striving in His and a truthful Believer unless his love for me way, then wait till Allah brings forth His In Persian we have the saying exceeds the love he has for his parents, Command to pass. Allah guides not the Whatever arrives as a gift from the friend that is children or any other human being in the world. wrong-doing folk. (IX : 24) always good whether it be something small or In the preceding hadith the love for Allah , The Qur’an is telling us that out of all these big Prophet and the Islamic faith being stronger things in our lives, the love for Allah and his If a person has friendship then whatever is sent than for anyone or anything else in the world Messenger is to be superior over everything to him by his friend then it is a means of was declared as essential. Many people are that has been listed by the Qur’an. When we happiness whether it be a small item or a big easily confused about its meaning though, the acquire this then the sweetness of Imaan will item as it is from a friend. That is what is being principles laid down in the hadith are very clear be achieved. This is in fact our purpose and explained here, that whatever arrives from and simple. that is why in Tasawwuf and in Khankahs, La Allah there is only goodness in it for us. This Love is a well-known word and the idea it ilaha illallah is to be recited over and over state is achieved after a very long time and can expresses is also widely understood. It is in the again, with each 10th recitation to have only be achieved after we accept Allah as same traditional sense that it has been used Muhammadur Rasulullah to be added, so that our Lord from the heart. This gift is only here (i.e. to have a natural inclination towards we do not forget about this vital aspect of our acquired by those blessed individuals who have somebody). The love the Believers have for Deen. true felt love and attachment from the heart and Allah naturally, is not due to the ties of blood At the end Maulana has written a dua has been described as a state of Raza (Contentment) in the Hadith. Those that do not or any other physical factor as the case is with O Allah! I beg of you Your love and the love have this state then definitely they will have no the affection one feels for one’s parents, wife Rasul and the love of that conduct that will share of the sweetness and taste of Imaan as and children. For example the affection and ties enable me to attain nearness to your love. you will have with your son, you will not have his Imaan is incomplete. for someone else’s son, this is something Allah grant us all the correct understanding All this is referring to states and conditions of natural and is due to the ties of blood or and the true love of Nabi . the heart and this is what effort is made on in because of some physical factor. Issue 57 www.rabetah.org Jan / Feb 2015 9 WORDS OF WISDOM Moulana Mohammed Yusuf Sufi Saheb Apostasy of the Mind and Actions In this Country, and in these environments, every type of apostasy is in front of us. Especially internet, various websites and mobiles. The impact of these on our children is in front of us. We have received an environment which is very dangerous, full of trials and tribulations. The solution to this is to turn to Allah , pray Salatul Hajat, make dua, give Sadqah, and obtain the help of Allah . We should also go to the friends of Allah , seek mashwera, and open up our conditions and feelings. Friends Circle Another big problem in our environment is to go out to eat, travelling, parties etc. especially weekends but with only our friends. This is called our friends circle. Often our family members are left on their own in the house, this is great injustice. Brothers, if you are going out, take your family with you. This is your real circle. The commandment of maintaining family ties has been given in Shariat. We should also look after our relatives. We are very far from this. Continuous Reward This is the reward which is attained in this world, and also in the hereafter. This is called Thawab Jariyah or Sadqah Jariyah. Beloved, make arrangements for this in your own life. To think that my children will do this when I die, this is often not the case. The actions of Sadqah Jariyah is a great action. The results and rewards will be seen in the grave, and in the hereafter. When the eyes will close, all the properties and assets will be passed onto the inheritors. Only the rewards, Thawab Jariyah and good children who do esaale Thawab will be with them. Plan of Action We should take our children to pious people regularly. We should take time out and read Fazail e Aamaal at home, and make them understand this, with love, affection and wisdom. We should also send them in Tabligh Jamaat. Moments of Concern Concern for Children We’ve done a lot for the Dunya, earned a lot, made effort day and night, but think about the grave and the hereafter. We need to be concerned of this and this is very important. 10 Issue 57 www.rabetah.org Today, a big concern for us is our children. To make them religious, let them remain on deen, and save Imaan is Fardh Ain. Every father and mother should not be complacent in the upbringing of their children. Jan / Feb 2015 Answered by Rabetah Iftaa Panel Question: Can a woman travel without a Mahram? are unlawful. Answer: It is prohibited in Shari’ah for a woman to travel the distance of safar (which is 48 miles or 78 km) without a mahram. Equally, non-Muslims are permitted to deal in alcohol and any remuneration from the profit from alcohol sales is permitted for a Muslim to receive. Rasulullah said: “A woman cannot travel (a distance of) three days unless she has a mahram with her” (Muslim) So provided that your particular job role is lawful in Islam the remuneration you earn is lawful unless the majority of the mixed funds of your employer are from haram sources or your employer pays you specifically from a haram source. (Mufti Mohammed Zubair Butt Al-Qalam Shari‘ah Panel) “It is prohibited for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel a distance of three nights unless with a mahram.” (Muslim) There are many more narrations regarding this ruling from Rasulullah . In fact, other narrations even state a woman should not travel without her mahram for the distance of two days and even one day. Although the opinion in the Hanafi Madhab is that it is forbidden for a woman to travel without her mahram for the abovementioned distance (48 miles), the Fuqahaa (jurists) still mention that a woman should not travel without her mahram for distances under 48 miles due to the abundant fitna and immorality nowadays. The ruling for a woman to travel with a mahram is to safeguard her and also assist her during travels. Travelling nowadays has become even more challenging for Muslims. A woman travelling with a mahram is in her interest. Question: How much is a husband obliged to give for the maintenance of his wife, given that this is his responsibility in Islam? Answer: The amount of maintenance payable depends on the status of both husband and wife and the norms in which they live and what is generally considered to be appropriate. This changes with time and location. If out of necessity she needs to travel less than 48 miles, she may do so if proper hijab is observed and with the permission of her husband. Question: My question is with regards to spending the night with my wife before the ruksati, my father is of the opinion that I should not spend the night or go on holiday with my wife until the ruksati takes place, my wife and her family however find this as unjust but my father is doing so on the basis of it looking disrespectful before my wife has moved in with me, please advise me. Question: Is my income haram if a percentage of my income is from haram means? I work for a software distribution company, where the revenue is generated by selling the software to different types of companies like Oil & Gas, Media, Banks, Hospitals, Airlines, etc. We are not sure how their revenue is generated. Answer: In principle, once the contract of nikah has been concluded, the husband is entitled to sexual intimacy with his wife. The wife has the right to refuse his sexual advances or to travel with him until he submits the Mahr Mu‘ajjal (the Mahr due immediately). After submission of the Mahr Mu‘ajjal, the husband is at liberty to take her where he pleases. I understand that banks run on the concept of riba and it is haram to work there. Similarly on the other sectors like Media, Alcohol companies, etc. As my company’s revenue is generated from the money paid by these industries and my company pays my salary from this income, is my salary haram? Answer: The basic principle is that if the majority of the income of the company you are employed by is from lawful sources then your earnings will be halal. Equally, (whilst it is highly unlikely) if the company keeps its lawful and unlawful earnings separate and you are remunerated from only the lawful earnings your earnings will be halal even if the majority of the company’s earnings are unlawful. However, if the majority of the company’s earnings are unlawful or you are remunerated exclusively from unlawful earnings then your earnings too will be unlawful. “Ruksati” or “zifāf” refers to the customary handing over of the wife into the custody of the husband. The purpose of zifāf is to make it possible for the husband to fully exercise his rights as a husband. In traditional Muslim societies, sexual intimacy normally occurred after zifāf. However, zifāf itself is not a condition for enjoying sexual intimacy with one’s wife. If it is customary in your culture to wait until zifāf before consummating the marriage, or there isn’t a long time before zifāf takes place, it will be better to respect your father’s wishes and delay consummation of the marriage until zifāf. If it is not customary to wait until zifāf or there is a considerable amount of time before zifāf, it will be advisable to explain the above ruling to your father so that he approves of you spending time with your wife before zifāf. (Mufti Ebrahim Desai) And Allah Knows Best. Whilst a bank may be interest based, not all roles in a bank Issue 57 www.rabetah.org Jan / Feb 2015 11 The 25th of December is, as even the most ignorant, laid-back will tell you, Christmas Day; the day Jesus was born (according to popular Christian myth). When is Saint Valentine's Day? Most people will be willing to wager, without hesitation or a moments pause for thought, their life savings that it is on the 14th of February. I was testing a child whose parents took a keen interest in his school education. I asked him the dates of some historical events to which he fired back the answers unfalteringly. ""England's only World Cup Final victory?" "1966, and weave never heard the end of it," he joked. "First moon landing?" "Neil Armstrong 1969." "Span of the First World War?" "1914 to 1918, treaty signed with Germany at Versailles in June, 1919." "The birth of the Prophet Muhammad ?" "Sorry?" "When was the Prophet Muhammad born?" I paused to rephrase the question. "When was YOUR Prophet born?" I asked, laying emphasis on the your. "Ah, yes, well, umm..." he began to falter. I did not wish to embarrass him further. "He was born in the year referred to by the then Arabs as Aamul-Feel (The Year of the Elephant), corresponding to 571 CE (Christian Era), on the twelfth of Rabiul Awwal." I informed him. "Rabiul-what?" he spoke as if he were articulating the words of an alien tongue. ‘Rabiul-what?’ is precisely what this article is about. Rabiul Awwal is the third month of the Islamic Calendar. Two momentous events transpired in this month. Both events are of tremendous significance to the Muslims, as they have profound implications for us. The first event heralded the dawn of a new era. It was the beginning of a process of change that not only reshaped the destiny of humanity, it completely transformed it. The ugly caterpillar that was the human being would be turned miraculously into the most delightful and dainty butterfly that was 12 Issue 57 www.rabetah.org ever conceived. The event I refer to was the birth of a man. But this was no ordinary man. This was the great man; this was the birth of the greatest man, Muhammad. Your birth and mine may have meant the world to out mothers but they added little more to the world itself than digits on its population figure. The birth of the Messenger of Allah was a far more significant event. This was a man at whose hands Allah would raise the people to a level of civilisation that shares no parallel in the pages of history. This was a man who would initiate a process of therapy that would ‘fix’ the demented minds of society, who would spray in the hearts of people the pure waters of tawheed and wash out from them the sickness that lay therein, who would smash to bits the deep, superstitious beliefs that had fettered every aspect of people's lives and placed unbearable pressures on them, who would create the Kingdom of God on Earth, who would restore peace and harmony, justice and equality, who would open the eyes of men to dimensions of this world and the hereafter that were far beyond anything presented to them by the sum of their intellectuals and greatest thinkers. His birth was a gift to all peoples and all nations, to the rich as well as the poor, to the old as well as the young, to black and white, man and woman, to you and I. He came not to take from the world but to give to it. He came with charity and kindness not greed and misery; with warmth and compassion not hate and malice; with modesty and chastity not immorality and shamelessness. He was humble, not proud; modest, not vain; considerate rather than selfish. Honesty and integrity has permeated his being, even his arch enemies paid tribute to him. He was a humble, quiet, thoughtful man. He spoke with wisdom, eloquence and complete clarity. . But along with the reverence there existed a bond of affection and intense love that knew no bounds. Each individual was made to feel he enjoyed a level of intimacy with him that was unrivalled. They spoke to him, openly and frankly. They confided in him, shared with him Jan / Feb 2015 their most deepest anxieties, their innermost thoughts. They opened their hearts out to him. In turn he listened attentively, sympathised sincerely and spoke wisely. He guided those who needed guidance, cautioned those who were at fault, provided for the needy, protected the weak, comforted the sick and consoled the bereaved. He was pillar of strength for them, a tower of fortitude, a friend, a brother, a spiritual mentor. They felt at peace in his presence, grew restless in his absence. They spoke of him as their father. He was human but an extraordinary one. He saw his Lord and spoke to Him; over a period of twenty-three years his heart bore the weight of direct divine revelation; the truth became manifest on his tongue; miracles materialised at his hands. The strength of his spirituality was almost tangible; piety radiated from his face. He had deep insight into human nature. His leadership brilliance was acknowledged by friend and foe, he steadied the rocking ship of humanity and steered it out of the bleakest period of history known to man. He had the power but did not exploit it, had influence but did not abuse it. He was offered kingdom and wealth but chose poverty. "My poverty is my pride." he once commented. He was human but rose above human passions. He was man but was not motivated by base manly desires. He had feelings just like our own, a heart that could hurt, eyes that could weep. And that for me makes him all the more remarkable, for in his humanity, plagued by human emotions, the depth of character he displayed and the lofty example he portrayed at all times defies both belief and description. From his birth as an orphan, through to Prophethood at the age of forty, and his twenty three year struggle to discharge the duties of his divine office, his whole life reads like long chapter of one insurmountable tribulation after another. Yet he came through them unscathed. He remained calm and composed where men of iron-will would have been destroyed. He was able to forgive where lesser mortals would have screamed vengeance. He showed practically how men could be human in form, angelic by nature, tread the Earth as men, fulfilling their just human needs and desires yet possess discipline and self-control that propelled them to a status far superior to that of angels. Bukhari records a heartrending episode in which the Prophet is described lovingly cradling his dying son, Ibrahim, in his hands. As the child struggled to breath, the eyes of the Messenger became moist and he wept. His companions expressed surprise. Was this a show of dissatisfaction with the decree of the Almighty Allah. "This is compassion," he responded and then shedding further tears he said something, something of profound wisdom. They were not the words of a mere mortal, they were the words of a man inspired. He said, "Verily the eye weeps, and the heart grieves, but we will not utter a word save that which is to the pleasure of Our Lord. (Nevertheless) Ibrahim, your parting causes us deep sorrow." There you have an illustration of the perfect man, one Issue 57 completely aware of his being. He weeps because human nature requires it but resists complaint because his sense of servitude to the All-Knowing, Compassionate Lord demands it. So an individual was born this month, but no ordinary individual. Amongst stones there is the diamond, amongst men there is Muhammad . The month of Rabiul Awwal is celebrated by Muslims throughout the world. Often different communities around the globe have their personal understanding of how to commemorate this blessed occasion. It is indeed a time of happiness but alas as in many other matters, Muslims have fallen prey to their own whims and engaged in practices that rather than commemorate the birth of the Prophet and the dawn of Islam, contradict everything he ever stood for. We have every right to feel happy but on this occasion happiness is more in the mind and heart than action. Happiness in this month means a pause for thought, a moment of quite reflection: The Messenger of Allah was born in this month, the standard bearer of Islam entered the world in this month, the torch of guidance and the final link in the faultless chain of Prophets was conceived in this month. What meaning does this have to my life? How does this affect the way I live? Does it have any significance in the way I conduct my affairs, in my treatment of others, and in my relationship with God? If the answer is no, then why not? Is he not my Prophet and I his follower? Is he not my mentor and I his disciple? Is he not my guide and I his humble servant? Do is not profess to love and cherish him? Do I not owe my allegiance to him? Am I not indebted to him? Do I not wish to meet him at the waters of Kawthar, his radiant face beaming with joy and a smile playing across his auspicious lips, his blessed hands outstretched, waiting to embrace me, waiting to greet me, waiting to take me into his arms and hold me tightly, till my soul and entire being are immersed in the light of his prophethood and I am overwhelmed by the power of his spirituality; waiting to congratulate this gallant son of Islam who bore the most sever social and political pressures with patience and fortitude and in the face of injustice, criticism and ridicule upheld the banner of Islam with uncompromising pride. ADVERTISE in AL AL--ISLAH MAGAZINE Advertisement Price List Size BC: Business Card £25 Size A6: 1/4 Page £50 Size A5: 1/2 Page £100 Size A4: Full Page Inside £195 Size A4: Full Back Cover £225 Call: 07828106251 / 07886922388 Email: [email protected] www.rabetah.org Jan / Feb 2015 13 The Last Will of Aurangzeb When historians look back at Muslim rule in India, their perspective greatly shapes the way they present historical characters. Some people are seen as great and enlightened leaders. One of the greatest ruler has been Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgheer, who ruled from 1658 to 1707. Muslims regard Aurangzeb as one of the greatest, devoted and religious-minded just sultan. This will shows how great of a ruler he was. Will Of Aurangzeb The will was recorded by Maulvi Hamid-ud Din in chapter 8 of his hand written book in Persian about the life of Aurangzeb: 1. There is no doubt that I have been the emperor of India and I have ruled over this country. But I am sorry to say that I have not been able to do a good deed in my lifetime. My inner soul is cursing me as a sinner. But now it is of no avail. It is my wish that my last rites be performed by my dear son Azam, nobody else should touch my body. 2. My servant, Aya Beg, has my purse in which I have carefully kept my earnings of 4 Rs and 2 annas. In my spare time I have been writing the Qur’an and stitching caps. It was by selling the caps that I made an honest earning of 4 Rs and 2 annas. My coffin should be purchased with this amount. No other money should be spent for covering the body of a sinner. This is my dying wish. By selling the copies of the Qur’an I collected 305 Rs. That money is also with Aya Beg. It is my will that poor Mohammedans should be fed with sweet rice purchased by this money. 3. All my articles - clothes, ink stand, pens and books should be given to my son Azam. The labour charges for digging my grave will be paid by Prince Azam. 4. My grave should be dug in a dense forest. When I am buried; my face should remain uncovered. Do not bury my face in earth. I want to present myself to Allah with a naked face. I am told whoever goes to the supreme court with a naked face will have his sins forgiven. 5. My coffin should be made of thick Khaddar. Do not place a costly shawl on the corpse. The route of my funeral should not be showered with flowers. No one should be permitted to place any flowers on my body. No music should be played or sung, I hate music. 6. No tomb should be built for me. Only a chabootra or platform may be erected. 7. I have not been able to pay the salaries of my soldiers and my personal servants for several months. I bequeath that after my death at least my personal servants be paid in full as the treasury is empty. 8. No mausoleum should be raised in my memory. No stone with my name should be placed at my grave. There should be no trees planted near the grave. A sinner like me does not deserve the protection of a shady tree. 9. My son, Azam has the authority to rule from the throne of Delhi. Kam Bakhsh should be entrusted with the governance of Bijapur and Golconda States. Allah should not make anyone an emperor, the most unfortunate person is he who is an emperor. My sins should not be mentioned in any social gathering. No story of my life should be told to anyone. Al Al--Islah Magazine App Get the Al-Islah Magazine App via our smartphone app. The free app features the latest issue and all previous issues of our popular magazine. Down load i Now t 14 Issue 57 www.rabetah.org Jan / Feb 2015 The Carpenter A highly skilled carpenter who had grown old was ready to retire. He told his employercontractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. The employer was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favour. The carpenter agreed to this proposal but made sure that this will be his last project. Being in a mood to retire, the carpenter was not paying much attention to building this house. His heart was not in his work. He resorted to poor workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career. When the job was done, the carpenter called his employer and showed him the house. The employer handed over some papers and the front door key to the carpenter and said "This is your house, my gift to you." The carpenter was in a shock! What a shame! If he had only known that he was building his own house, he would have made it better than any other house that he ever built! Our situation can be compared to this carpenter. Allah has sent us to this world to build our homes in Jannah (paradise) by obeying His commands. Now, we Last Issue’sCompetition have to decide how well we wish to build the homes where we will live forever. Visit: www.alislahkids.com Issue 57 www.rabetah.org Ammaraa Desai (Age 11) Bradford Huzaifah Rawat (Age 10) Batley Abubakr Mamaniat (Age 11) Batley You should receive your prizes very soon! Jan / Feb 2015 15 1.Sit and drink 5. Recite the dua after drinking water 2. Recite بسم هللا Sunnah of Drinking Water before drinking and الحمد هلل after drinking 3. Drink with the right hand since Shaytaan drinks with the left hand 4. Drink in three sips 1. How many Surah are there in the Qur'an? a) 120 b) 114 c) 30 2. How many ayah does surah al-Fatihah contain? a) 4 b) 9 c) 7 3. Which surah is the name of the tribe of the Prophet? a) Al-Imran b) Bani Israel c) Muhammad d) Quraish 4. To whom was the Qur'an revealed to? a) Muhammad b) Dawud c) Ibrahim 5. What was the first word in the Qur'an to be revealed to Muhammad ? a) Ahad b) Iqra c) Bismillah d) Alhamdu For your chance to WIN, simply answer the questions with your Name, Address and Age (Age Limit 11) to; Al-Islah Competition, 13 Wayne Close, Batley, West Yorkshire, WF17 0EU Email: [email protected] or enter online www.alislahkids.com/competition 6. Which Surah in the Qur'an is always read in every rIakat in every Salah? a) Surah al-Ikhlas b) Surah al-Naas c) Surah al-Fatihah 7. Which Qur'anic Surah is named after one of the uncles of the Prophet ? The Uncle and his wife were bitter enemies of Islam. a) Abu Lahab b) Abu Talib c) Hamza ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE 30th January 2015 16 Issue 57 www.rabetah.org Jan / Feb 2015 A wise man once said; When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn't change the town, so I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I know the only thing I can change is myself. And suddenly I realise that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world. So what is really the secret to changing the world? Actually it’s not such a big secret! Allah gives us the perfect and most wise solution: “Allah will not change the condition of a nation until they change themselves.” (Surah Rad, 13:11) If we desire change, then lets change what is within ourselves first and have high hopes and good expectations about gaining help from Allah . We need to take it one step at a time. Rome was not built in a day. A journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. Sometimes it’s the smallest decisions we make that can change our lives forever. If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will Insha-Allah change. Allah , The Most Wise, is always there to Help and Guide us. So let us not delay and try to be the change that we wish to see in the world. Below is a wonderful incident from the Fazaaile-e-Sadaaqaat of a young boy who regularly visited the grave of his mother on a Friday. In a book called ‘Raudh’ is a story of a pious lady known as Bahitah, who was very regular in her Salah. At the time of her death she raised her head towards the heavens and exclaimed: "O, The One, who is my only Treasure and Provider for life and death; I pray to You, Do not disgrace me at the moment of death and save me from the horrors of the grave!" After her death, her son made it a practice to visit her grave every Friday and read the Qur’an there, offering the reward (thawab) for his mother, as well as for all those buried in the graveyard. One day, he saw his mother in a dream and asked her, how she was. The mother replied, "The severity of death is extremely harsh. By the grace of Allah , I am most comfortable in the grave with a bed of sweet basil and silken cushions. And the treatment given to me will last till Qiyaamah." The son asked her if he could be of any service to her. She said, "Do not give up coming to me on Fridays and reading the Qur’an. On your arrival all the dwellers of the graveyard come to me and tell me that you have arrived. Your visit to the graveyard is a source of great pleasure for me." The boy said that he visited the place regularly on Fridays. Dua for the Protection from Doubts and Disbelief One day he saw in a dream that a very big gathering of men and women came to him and he asked them who they were? They said, they were the dwellers of such and such graveyard and they had come to thank him for his Friday visits to them and his duas for their forgiveness by Allah that pleased them most. Prayer to shield one from having uncertainties about one’s faith: allahumma innee a'oodhubika minash' shakki badal yaqeen Oh Allah, I seek Your protection from entertaining doubts about the truth after conviction (belief). (Musannaf Ibne Abi Shaibah) Issue 57 They requested him to keep up that practice, which he continued most carefully. May Allah grant us all the ability to visit the graveyards regularly and make a practice of sending Esaal-e-thawaab to the deceased. Aameen. www.rabetah.org Jan / Feb 2015 17 Mujtaba Biryani Rice (In Arabic, it means “The Chosen One”) India’s Longest & Finest Biryani Rice Mujtaba Biryani Rice is steamed or par-boiled then dried, which locks in that beautiful aromatic flavours and ensures separation of each grain, cooked to perfection. Mujtaba Rice The natural qualities of Mujtaba rice are its extra long grains, aromatic fragrance, and that special taste. 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