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Before you wish or Celebrate Onam........Think

Assalamu Alaikum

Thought of sharing the following when saw a lot of brothers wishing Onam greeting, without knowing or realizing the real fact and danger behind the so called festival.
You may be having a misconcept that what is there just to say ONAM GREETINGS or just clicking a "forward" button of an Onam greeting to others.

No.
This is not allowed to us as Muslims.

There are so many myths, beliefs, superstitions involved alongwith ONAM.
If you dig the actual reasons behind the festival, you will find out that its actually a celebration based on Hinduism, specifically Vaishnava Religion.

They just cover it up with propogating, "harvest festival, national festival., Spring festival, etc. but you note that even though they say anything, they are very keen to do
THEIR RELIGIOUS OBLIGATIONS
associated with Onam.

that are:

1. Pooja.
2. Early morning ritual bath and basmam,.... etc.
3. Special pooja for thrikkakkara appan.
4. Spcial lamps and ceremonies related to religion.

My question to Muslims is:-
When they are very keen to abide by their religion, why we Muslim are not keen to abide by our principles?

Some new "matha sahishnuthavaadikal" have came up with very beautiful preaches which may mislead us to think that
these kind of talkings are fanatism or religioous hardline.,....
NO. NO.
They have succefully launched the idea that ONAM is a national festival of Kerala.

Its very sad to see that, during the last few years,they have managed to arrange a moulavi to write "Bismillahi" on the tongue of a muslim boy in a masjid in thiruvananthapuram or somewhere. ( U see! Islamic Vidhyarambham?! just like u say, Islamic Disco dance?ha! ha!!!!!!)

This way they will pollute our religious ideas and make a scene which will look like their religion and our religion are the same, or all religions are the same.

One Muslim who believes Islam is the first and only acceptable religion in the world descended upon the mankind as a mercy from God and this is the real "hidaya" can't adopt such ideas.

If to abide once on religion is called as RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALISM, then I proudly announce that
I AM A MUSLIM RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALIST.

And I hope every muslim must say that,
I AM PROUD TO BE CALLED AS A RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALIST.

Keep sharing
Jazzak Allah Qair

Mawlid al-Nabi (The Prophets birthday)

There is nothing in the Qur`an to say that we should celebrate the Mawlid or birthday of the Prophet (s). The Prophet himself (s) did not do this or command anyone to do it, either during his lifetime or after his death. Indeed, he told them not to exaggerate about him as the Christians had exaggerated about Jesus (upon whom be peace).

He said: “Do not exaggerate about me as the Christians exaggerated about the son of Maryam. I am only a slave, so say, ‘The slave of Allah and His Messenger.’”
(Reported by al-Bukhaari).

What has been reported is that the Prophet (s) made the day of his birth a day of worship, which is different to celebration.

He was asked about fasting on Mondays, and he said: “That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I was entrusted with the Mission or when I was first given Revelation.”
(Reported by Muslim, al-Nisaa’i and Abu Dawood).

Moreover, we know that the Sahaabah (may Allah be pleased with them) were the people who loved the Prophet most. Was it reported that Abu Bakr, who was the closest of people to him and the one who loved him the most, celebrated the birthday of the Prophet? Was it reported that Umar, who ruled for twelve years, or Uthmaan, did this? Was it reported that Ali, his relative and foster son, did this? Was it reported that any of the Sahaabah did this? No, by Allah! Is it because they were not aware of its importance, or did they not truly love the Prophet?
No one would say such a thing except one who has gone astray and is leading others astray.

Did any of the imaams –
Abu Haneefah, Maalik, al-Shaafi, Ahmad, al-Hasan al-Basri, Ibn Seereen – do this or command others to do it or say that it was good? By Allah, no! It was not even mentioned during the first and best three centuries.

The Prophet (s) said in a saheeh hadeeth: “The best of mankind are my generation (or my century), then those who come after them, then those who come after them. Then there will come a people who will not care if their testimony comes before their oath or vice versa
(i.e., they will not take such matter seriously).”
(Reported by al-Bukhaari, Muslim and al-Tirmidhi).

The celebration of the Prophet birthday appeared many centuries later, when many of the features of true religion had vanished and bid’ah had become widespread.

Thus this celebration became a sign of one’s love for the Prophet (s)? But can it be possible that the Sahaabah, the imaams and the people of the best three centuries were unaware of it, and it was only those who came later who were aware of its importance?! What the Qur`an tells us is that love of the Prophet (s) is demonstrated by following the guidance he brought.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Say (O Muhammad): ‘If you (really) love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Say: ‘Obey Allah and the Messenger.’ But if they turn away, then Allaah does not like the disbelievers.”
[Aal ‘Imraan 3:31-32]

The first aayah explains that love is just a claim, but the proof of sincerity is following what the Prophet (s) brought.

The second aayah reaffirms the importance and necessity of obeying Allah and His Messenger.

Hence Allah ended the aayah with a very stern warning in which those who refuse to obey are described as kaafirs, and Allah does not love the disbelievers. We ask Allah to keep us safe from that. The Prophet (s) told us of the danger of not obeying him, and the danger of adding to what he brought.

The celebration of Mawlid or his birthday is indeed an addition to what someone newly brought – as all the scholars agree. He said: “The best of speech is the Book of Allah, and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. The most evil of things are those which are newly-invented (in religion), and every innovation is a going astray.”
(Reported by Muslim and al-Nisaa’i).

Celebrating Prophet’s Birthday is Sunna or Bidah

Acts of worship in Islam are based on an important principle, which is that no one is permitted to worship Allah in any way except that which Allah has prescribed in his Book or which was taught by His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Whoever worships Allah by doing something that Allaah and His Messenger have not enjoined, Allah will not accept that from him. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told us of that, as it was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not part of it will have it rejected.’”
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, Kitaab al-Sulh, 2499).

Allaah has prescribed two festivals or Eids for us to celebrate
Prophet.s.a said: Allah has given us two festival Id-Ul-Adha & Id-Ul-Fitr
[Abu Davud]

With regard to celebrating the day on which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was born, it should be noted that he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not tell us to celebrate this day, and he himself (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not celebrate it, nor did his companions (may Allaah be pleased with them). They loved the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) far more than we do, yet despite that they did not celebrate this day. Hence we do not celebrate this day, in obedience to the command of Allaah Who has commanded us to follow the commands of His Prophet. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)”
[al-Hashr 59:7]

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I urge you to adhere to my Sunnah [way] and the way of the Rightly-Guided khaleefahs. Adhere to it and cling tightly to it. And beware of newly-invented matters [in religion], for every newly-invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is a going-astray.”
(Narrated by Abu Dawood, al-Sunnah, 3991; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, no. 3851).

The extent to which a person loves the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is to be seen in how he follows him with regard to all that he commanded or forbade. That includes following him in not celebrating the day on which he was born.

Whoever wants to venerate the day on which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was born should follow the alternative that is based on Islamic evidence, which is that one should fast on Mondays, not just the day that he was born but every Monday.

It was narrated from Abu Qutaadah al-Ansaari (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked about fasting on Mondays. He said, “On that day I was born and on that day the Revelation came to me.”
(Narrated by Muslim, 1978).
On Thursdays deeds are taken up and shown to Allah.

Conclusion: celebrating the Prophet’s birthday was not prescribed by Allah or by the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), so it is not permissible for the Muslims to celebrate his birthday, in obedience to the command of Allah and the command of His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

May Allah guide us Straight Path.
Aameen

And Allah knows best.

Islam the Religion of Mercy

The Prophet  once kissed Al-Hasan bin 'Ali  while Al-Aqra' bin Haabis was in his presence. So Al-Aqra'  said to him: "You kiss your children. I swear by Allaah, I have ten children and I never kissed any one of them!" So the Prophet  said: "He who does not show mercy (to others) will not be shown mercy (by Allaah)."

Verily, in Islam, mercy encompasses this world and the Hereafter, as well as humankind, animals, birds and the surrounding habitats. Allaah Says (what means): "And My mercy encompasses every thing." [Quran 7:156]

Allaah has ascribed Mercy to Himself and He has also described His Prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, and righteous servants as being endowed with it. Allaah Says (what means): "Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah and those who are with him are severe against the disbelievers and merciful to one another." [Quran 48:29]

Allaah has made his sending forth of the Prophet  as a mercy to all of creation, as He Says (what means): "And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a mercy to the worlds." [Quran 21:107] The word "worlds" ('Aalameen) is general and includes the world of the humans, the world of the Jinn, the world of the animals, the world of the birds, as well as the nations found on land and in the sea.

Allaah has commanded that mercy be applied to every thing and in every action. Thus, even when you slaughter a sacrificial animal, you show mercy to it by saying ‘Bismillaah’ (In the name of Allaah) and by sharpening your knife (so that it will be a quick and painless death). The Prophet  said: "Verily Allaah has prescribed Ihsaan (goodness) for everything. So when you slaughter, then slaughter in a good manner, and when you kill (in war), then kill in a good manner. And let each of you sharpen his blade and let him spare the animal he slaughters from suffering."
It is reported that Allaah forgave a prostitute from the children of Israel who showed mercy to a dog that was dying from thirst. She filled her shoe with water and then taking hold of the dog's mouth, she gave it the water to drink. Allaah appreciated what she did and forgave her sins.

Once our Prophet  saw that one of his Companions, may Allaah be pleased with him, grabbed the chick of a lark, and it began screeching over the heads of the Companions . So he  said: "Who bereaved this (lark) of her child? Return her children back to her!"
The more weak and poor a human being is, the more we are required to show mercy to him and be gentle with him. This is why our Lord has forbidden us from oppressing the orphan. Allaah Says (what means): "Therefore, treat not the orphan with oppression. And do not repel the beggar."  [Quran 93: 9-10]

The Prophet  said: "The person that looks after and supports the widow and the needy one is like the Mujaahid (one who makes Jihaad) in the Cause of Allaah."  He  would rub the head of the orphans and say: "I and the guardian of an orphan will be like this in Paradise - and he gestured with his index and middle finger."
Indeed the Prophet  commanded us to take care of the children, women and the elders. Thus, in his last words to his Companions  and his nation he  said: "The prayer and what your right hands possess." "Take good care of the women (i.e. wives)."  And he said: "The best of you is the best to his wives. And I am the best amongst you with my wives."Mercy is something innate, which Allaah has placed into the hearts of His creatures, even the lions -- the most ferocious of beasts -- are merciful to their children. Yet Allaah is more merciful to His creation than a mother is to her child. It is reported that on the day that Allaah created mercy, He created one hundred parts to it. He left ninety-nine parts with Him, by which He will show mercy to His servants on the Day of Judgment and sent down one single part of mercy to earth, which humans and animals share amongst themselves.

The Messenger of Allaah  has condemned the person that is void of any mercy, and he condemned the one who breaks family ties. He  said: "Kinship is connected to the Throne ('Arsh). It says: 'Whoever severs me, then Allaah will break (away from) him. And whoever maintains me, then Allaah will keep connected to him."

In another narration he  said: "Verily, the kinship will be connected to the Throne of the Most Merciful on the Day of Judgment. It will say: 'This is the place for the one who sought refuge in You from the severing (of family ties).' So Allaah will say to it: 'Will it please you that I connect those who maintained you and that I cut off those who severed you?' And it will say: 'I will be pleased (with that), my Lord.'"
The Prophet  condemned the oppressive leaders who do not show mercy to their people, by saying: "The worst leaders are al-Hutamah."

Allaah has named Himself Ar-Rahmaan and Ar-Raheem, so he is the Most Merciful of this world and the Hereafter (i.e. Ar-Rahmaan) and The Bestower and giver of mercy (i.e. Ar-Raheem). This is why He has commanded it in every place and in every situation. A Muslim begins his action by saying ‘Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem’ (in the name of Allaah, Most Merciful, the Giver of Mercy) so that Allaah can bless him in his action. Every action that is void of mercy has no blessing in it, nor any good. If the servants of Allaah show mercy towards one another, this is a cause for Allaah sending His mercy down on them.

The Prophet  said: "The Most Merciful shows mercy to those who have mercy on others. Show mercy to those on earth, and the One above the heaven will show mercy to you." O Allaah, have mercy on us above the earth and below the earth and on the Day when our deeds will be presented to us. And cause us to be merciful to one another just as the Companions of Your Prophet  were. And have mercy on our dead ones and put those who have mercy from amongst Your servants in charge over us, O Most Merciful!

Lets-prepare-for-month-of-RAMADAN

Ramadan, the blessed month is about to come. It is time to improve the self; Ramadan is the month which puts us in a situation that we must act rightly so that our fasting would be accepted by Allah (swt). This is why we are more serious when the blessed month of mercy arrives. But before we start preparing for the month of Ramadan we must allow ourselves to continue an act that we have done in Ramadan, at least one or two to carry this characteristic within you. The month of Ramadan is a chance to purify yourself from the ills that you may have done, it is a chance to carry this gift of Dhikr till the day you die!

Allah Almighty said: {O you who believe! Observing As- Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribedfor those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (pious)}

[Surat Al-Baqarah: 183]

Some people spend their Ramadan sleeping and eating too much…That’s soo sad, wasting all this blessed time with food, tv, sleeping! That’s a shame and a waste! We should take this as a chance of asking Allah (swt) for forgiveness. But not only do some people eat and sleep too much, they also just pray in Ramadan, or decide to pray only on Fridays, till Ramadan has passed , you would see some forgetting the importance of the Ibadaah instead of continuing it. May Allah (swt) forgive us all, Ameen.

Intention

First and foremost, Niyah matters. Intention plays an important part in our lives as you will have this tendency to do this act for the sake of Allah (swt) seeking his pleasure alone and not for anyone else. Before any preparation, let’s make this sincere intention to Allah (swt), let's achieve Ikhlas (sincerity, being true with Allah (subhana wa ta'ala and seeking his pleasure alone), let’s plan but never expect that the next day you will be alive. Spend a time at night alone when no-one would see you to prepare for the month of Ramadan, make Dua (supplication) so the light of humbleness will enter your heart. Remember that Allah (swt) bestows his grace to whomever he wills. Seek Allah’s grace by trying to start tomorrow with remembering Allah (swt). When you eat, remember that Allah (swt) has given this food so that we can satisfy our hunger. When you drink, remember that Allah (swt) has given us this drink to quench our thirst. In many things you can praise your Lord! So, in every deed that you have done would be with sincerity because of your remembrance of Allah (swt). Indeed, Allah (swt) knows what’s in the hearts of mankind.

Enlist your bad habits, and practices

To be able to clear out, I think this is what we must be looking at first. The bad practices that hardens the heart, it can end up to corrupt you, so this is the first thing that you must get rid of. If you really want to improve for a lifetime, List down some bad habits or practices that you do, or you think you do. For example:

Back-biting, tale bearing and lying

Smoking, drugs and alcohol

Watching pornography over the internet or TV channels

Undutiful to parents and cutting ties of kinship

Negligence of prayers

MAY ALLAH MAKE US THIS RAMADAN A WAY TO

PARADISE-AMEEN

Shabaan: Misconceptions and Realities

Misconception # 1:
The night of the 15th of Shabaan should be singled out for worship, prayer, etc.
Clarification :
Our best example and role model is the Prophet
(Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and he never, ever singled out this night for worship or qiyaam nor did his Sahaba.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz said:"There is no saheeh hadeeth concerning the night of the fifteenth of Shabaan. All the ahaadeeth that have been narrated concerning that are mawdoo (fabricated) and daeef (weak), and have no basis. There is nothing special about this night, and no recitation of Qur'an or prayer, whether alone or in congregation, is specified for this night. What some of the scholars have said about it being special is a weak opinion. It is not permissible to single it out for any special actions. This is the correct view." (Fataawa Islamiyyah, 4/511)

Misconception # 2:
There are special prayers to be offered on this night.
Clarification:

The truth of the matter is that there are NO special prayers to be offered on this night specifically. And all those ahaadeeth giving you long lists of special formulas that are "supposed to guarantee you Allahs forgiveness and Jannah" are all fabricated, false and innovations in our Deen. If there were such prayers, the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) would have told us about them and we would have had evidence of him and the Sahaba doing it.

Misconception # 3:
Allah descends to the first heavens on this night to forgive us.

Clarification:
Allah’s descending to the first heaven does not only happen on the night of the fifteenth of Shabaan. Rather it happens every single night of the year.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: "Every night when it is the last third of the night, our Lord, the Superior, the Blessed, descends to the nearest heaven and says: Is there anyone to invoke Me that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone asking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?. "
(Bukhaari)

Thus, when Abd-Allaah ibn al-Mubaarak was asked about the descent of Allaah on the night of the fifteenth of Shabaan, he said to the one who asked him: “O weak one! The night of the fifteenth?! He descends every night!”
Misconception # 4:
This is the night when our fate, lifespan, and provisions are decreed.
Clarification:
Some people think that the "blessed night" (laylatim-mubarakah) mentioned in Surah ad-Dukhaan (44): 3,
refers to the night of 15th Shabaan, when Allah decrees our lifespan, provisions and fate. In fact, they even pray 6 rakahs, 2 for each of these things. However, all that is fabricated and far, far away from the Sunnah. And, in reality, the "blessed night" mentioned in Surah ad-Dukhaan, actually is referring to Laylatul Qadr that comes in Ramadhaan.
(Tafseer Ibn Kathir of Surah al-Qadr)
Misconception # 5:
One should fast on the day of the fifteenth.
Clarification:
Here again, there is no saheeh reports that tell us that the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) or his Sahaabah ever picked this day specifically to fast. The Sunnah of the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was to fast most of this month and not just the 15th. However, if the fifteenth of Shabaan coincides with a Monday or Thursday, or with the three white days or if a person is generally fasting, without associating seeking extra rewards to fasting this specific day, then it is allowed.
(Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid)

Misconception # 6:
This the night when the souls of departed ones return to their families.
Clarification:
Here again, some people misunderstand the ayaat in Surah al-Qadr and think that the "sending down of the Ruh" as mentioned in this Surah refers to the souls of dead people returning to see their families, even though it refers to Jibreel (Tafseer Ibn Kathir). And that is why we see women preparing the sweets, the Halwas and other "goodies" for the souls of their loved ones.

Not only is that in itself an erroneous, deviant belief and bidah, but to believe that the souls of the dead can return back to the world and meet/see their relatives is also totally incorrect and false. The teachings of the Quraan and the Sunnah clearly state that the souls of the dead do not return back to the world. Besides, they dont even eat the Halwas. It is actually you who eats it!
Misconception # 7:
Visiting graveyards especially this night is something good.
Clarification:
Although the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) encouraged visiting graves, he forbade singling out any day or night for any kinds of good deeds if it is not prescribed in the Shareeah. And he did not specifically visit the graveyard on the night of the 15th of Shabaan. The hadeeth of Aisha that mentions that the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) visited the graveyard this night is not authentic and thus does not have any proof for visiting graves specifically on this night of Shabaan.
Misconception # 8:
Even if the ahaadeeth about worship on this night are weak, one can still do it.
Clarification:
The correct scholarly view is that weak ahaadeeth should not be followed at all, even if they speak of righteous deeds or of targheeb and tarheeb (promises and warnings). The saheeh reports are sufficient and the Muslim has no need to follow the daeef reports.
Shaykh Ahmad Shaakir said: "There is no difference between rulings or righteous deeds; we do not take any of them from daeef reports, rather no one has the right to use any report as evidence unless it is proven to be soundly narrated from the Messenger of Allah (Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) in a saheeh or hasan hadeeth."
Misconception # 9:
Look at all those people doing it. How can they all be wrong?
Clarification:
The Muslim is supposed to refer to Allah and His Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) Sunnah, if there is any confusion or dispute about matters and NOT what the rest of the world is doing.
“O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those of you who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination"
[al-Nisaa 4:59]

Shaykh Ibn Jibreen said: "These reports (about worship and fasting an the 15th of Shabaan) became very well known in some countries which were overwhelmed by ignorance; One should not be deceived by the large numbers of ignorant people who do these things."
The REAL Sunnah regarding Shabaan :
If you truly and sincerely want to please Allaah and do deeds that will be acceptable to Him, then follow the REAL Sunnah of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam). Here is what is proven in the authentic sunnah:

1. Fast most of this month as much as you can.
Aaishah r.a said: “I never saw the Messenger of Allah fasting for an entire month except in Ramadaan, and I never saw him fast more than he did in Shabaan.”
(Bukhari, Muslim).

2. However, if you are weak or do not fast habitually and feel that this nafil fasting may be a hindrance to your obligatory fasting in the month of Ramadhaan, then the person may stop the nafil fasting in the last few days of this month. And for that person, the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “When Shabaan is half over, do not fast.”
(Saheeh al-Tirmidhi).

3. If you have fasts left over from last Ramadhaan to make up, then hurry up and do so in this month of Shabaan before the next Ramadhaan comes. It is not permissible to delay missed fasts until after the following Ramadhaan, except in cases of necessity (such as a valid excuse that continues between the two Ramadaans).
Aaishah r.a said: 'It used to be that I had days to make up for Ramadhaan and I would not be able to do so except in Shabaan.”
[Bukhaari]

DON’T LIE, EVEN FOR FUN!

Through a Hadith recorded by Abu Dawud (No 4972),
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“ Woe to him who tells things, speaking falsely, to make people laugh thereby. Woe to him! Woe to him!”. Truthfulness in conversation reflects the quality of one’s personality. A Muslim’s words should be devoid of untruths and half-truths, because it will tarnish his life which is otherwise meant to flourish in veracity

When do we tend to lie? To save ourselves from punishments or culpability, to accuse others for our faults, or to make people laugh. At times, people lie to reinforce a lie that was said before. For whatever reason it may be, Islam does not accede to lying and deceiving. A hadith narrated by Ibn ‘Abbaas cites that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever claims to have seen a dream which he did not see, will be ordered to make a knot between two barley grains which he will not be able to do; and if somebody listens to the talk of some people who do not like him (to listen) or they run away from him, then molten lead will be poured into his ears on the Day of Resurrection; and whoever makes a picture, will be punished on the Day of Resurrection and will be ordered to put a soul in that picture, which he will not be able to do.” (Bukhari: Volume 9 Book 87 Hadith 165)

Except a very few, most among us can list down the traits of a hypocrite. Often we fail to introspect and realize the tinges of hypocrisy in our diurnal life. In a hadith Prophet explains the characteristics of a hypocrite. Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr: The Prophet said, “Whoever has the following four (characteristics) will be a pure hypocrite and whoever has one of the following four characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy unless and until he gives it up. Whenever he is entrusted, he betrays. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie. Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous. Whenever he quarrels, he behaves in a very imprudent, evil and insulting manner.” (Bukhari: Volume 1 Book 2 Hadith 33).

There is a story. A mother didn’t reprimand her son who stole his friend’s pencil. She did not bother to enlighten him about the seriousness of committing a theft. Eventually he began stealing many other gadgets of his friends. He grew up into a notorious thief of that land. Similar might be the story of many thieves, shoplifters and pickpockets. Those who are habituated to stealing and lying will not leave it wherever they are. Most of them could have been refrained from growing into notorious criminals if they were heedfully admonished and advised on time.

Many of us lie to those munchkins. When they don’t drink milk, eat food or sleep, we scare them with ghost or fairy tales. We promise to get things done and then fail to keep our vow. They grow witnessing these and perceive that deceiving and breaking vows are just a part of life, and nothing wrong in doing it. Children of such parents who are heedful, honest and true to their words in life, very rarely fall into such abyss.

In another Hadith reported by Abu Huraira,
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) enunciates that
‘It is sufficient lying for a man to speak of everything that he hears’. We often trivialize the act of lying. When judging others, denoting individuals, seeking marriage proposals or even in confabs, we tend to lie either small or big. These won’t even show up in our repentance or while seeking Allah’s forgiveness supplicatingly. This is because we fail to heed its seriousness.

See a conversation of a lady with
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)
in a Hadith narrated by Asma (RA). Some lady said, “O Allah’s Messenger!
My husband has another wife, so, is it sinful of me to claim that he has given me what he has not (in order to tease her)?” Allah’s Messenger said, the one who pretends that he has been given what he has not been given, is just like the (false) one who wears two garments of falsehood.”
(Bukhari: Volume 7, Book 62, Number 146 )

How thoughtful is Prophet (PBUH)’s elucidation. Islam deems perjuring among the major sins. Nowadays, see many believers immersed in prevarications. It is truly a heart wrenching sight for a true believer.

In a hadith Narrated Abu Bakra (RA):
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “The biggest of the Great Sins are: To join others in worship with Allah, to be undutiful to one’s own parents, and to give a false witness.” He repeated it thrice, or said, “….a false statement,” and kept on repeating that warning till we wished he would stop saying it.
( Bukhari: Vol. 9, Book 84, Hadith 54)

Beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had never lied even as a joke. History depicts that he had been impeccably truthful in his
pre-prophethood life too. Truthfulness is one of the ‘signs’ of Prophets. Though the Prophets were criticized by non believers upon what they had said and preached, none of them were ever questioned for their personality.. The reason was nothing but the stringent truthfulness and justice they observed in their life. We are the followers of those Prophets and we owe to take forward their mission – da’wah (preaching). Truthfulness is among the best qualities of a da’ee (preacher). If that’s lost, everything else is futile.

Anything wrong that happened due to our ignorance or forgetfulness may be forgiven by Our Lord, the Merciful. For that which happened knowingly, we need to repent to Him from the bottom of our heart. We must pledge such that we won’t say or involve in anything which is untruthful. And need to engrave in our minds: “I will never fear anyone in saying, confirming and practicing truth in my life”.

Just remember, most people who have told a lie think they got away with it.. when in fact they didn’t.

English rendering of article written by Abdul Wadud
Source: Feel Islam

Valentines Day : Its Reality and Ruling

The religion of Islam is complete, so there is absolutely no need for invented opinions, innovated desires or man-made legislation. The blessings and favours that have been given to us by Islam are all-inclusive and so we do not have any need for seasons and occasions to be invented so that we may celebrate them.

Allah Says (what means): "This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as a religion."
[Qur`an 5: 3]

Our religion is supreme, it is the most perfect one. It combines the good of this life and the Hereafter; it addressed the soul and was not heedless of the body; it gave preference to the Hereafter but did not neglect our needs in this life. Allah Says (what means): "But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter."

[Qur`an 28: 77]

Our religion is a moderate religion that is neither negligent of any matter, nor does it exaggerate any issue beyond its rightful status. There is no monasticism in Islam, nor blind-materialism,

Allah Says (what means): "Thus We have made you a median (i.e. just) community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you."
[Qur`an 2: 143]

How is it that the believers can squander this position, which Allah granted them and become humiliated while they still have the Qur`an and the Sunnah to refer to? Why would we be pleased with becoming mere followers after enjoying the position of leadership ? How can we go astray and become blind-imitators after being guides ? What possesses a person to become a slave who carries out orders, after being a master?

The answer to these questions lies in the saying of the Prophet sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam as narrated by Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri : "You will follow in the footsteps of those who came before you hand-span by hand-span and (the length of an) arm by arm, such that even if they enter into the dwelling place of a lizard you would still follow them." The Companions asked: "O Messenger of Allah, do you mean (by 'those who came before you') the Jews and the Christians?" He sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam replied: "Who else ?"
[Bukhari & Muslim]

So, once again, we have the army of disbelief attacking us, propagating the celebration of a holiday - and what a deceitful and treacherous holiday it is! A holiday which they have given a name other than its actual one in order to mislead people, they gave it a noble name to deceive the pure and the chaste. They called it the day of love, while it is actually the day of immorality, prostitution and drinking. They spread immorality dressed in the garment of virtue and this is the age-old method that Satan uses.

Allah exposed this tactic in His Book when He says regarding the deception of Satan of our father Aadam and our mother Hawwaa' (what means): "And he swore (by Allah) to them both: 'Indeed, I am to you from among the sincere advisors'"
[Qu`ran 7: 21]

Beware of the deceiver who approaches you with an advising tongue, for he knows that if he were to openly state his intention, he would never attain his objectives. Allah Says (what means): "But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners."
[ Qur`an 8: 30]

It is claimed that pagan Greece used to celebrate on the fifteenth day of February every year which coincided with a spring holiday. At that time Christianity was new to the area. The emperor Claudius II forbade marriage for his soldiers. Valentine, a Christian priest challenged this command and used to conduct secret marriage sermons. He was soon discovered and was sentenced to death. While in prison he fell in love with the daughter of a prison guard, but this was a secret since Christianity forbade priests to marry or have romantic relations with women, but since he remained steadfast on Christianity, the people overlooked his crime of falling in love.

The emperor offered to forgive him and make him one of his close companions and marry one of his daughters to him, on the condition that he gave up Christianity, but Valentine favoured Christianity and was executed on the fourteenth of February, 270 CE - the night before the celebration of the Greek spring holiday of the fifteenth of February. Ever since then, it was called Priest Valentine's holiday. After the spread of Christianity throughout Europe, February the fourteenth was re-named 'Valentine's Day' in his memory because (they claim) he sacrificed himself for Christianity and fostered those in love.

That was the story behind this holiday. Unfortunately many young men and women were deceived by this, due to the weakness of their faith, ignorance of Islam, heedlessness and the lack of guidance by the Muslim scholars and leaders. The ignorant youth were hoodwinked into celebrating this holiday.

Among the manifestations of this holiday are the giving of red roses, the wearing of red dresses, and exchanging special greetings, cards and gifts. This is a day where one is 'supposed' to remember their wives or lovers.

This holiday is so ingrained in western culture that remembering this day and celebrating it has become a sign of 'true and sincere love' and it is not uncommon for one who forgets about this day to be thought of as 'insincere' and 'untrue' in his or her love!

Every Muslim must know that this holiday was invented by the disbelievers and it is therefore unlawful to celebrate it according to the religion of Islam. There is no difference of opinion among the Muslim scholars regarding this.

In fact, even if this holiday was invented by the Muslims it would still be unlawful to celebrate it. Aaishah narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam said: "He who innovates something in our matter (i.e. the religion of Islam), will have it rejected."
[Bukhari & Muslim]

Anas Ibn Maalik narrated that when the Prophet sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam came to Madeenah, he sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam found people celebrating a two-day memorial which dated back to the time of Jaahiliyyah (the pre-Islamic era). He sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam said: "Allah Has replaced these for you with two better days; the day of Eid-ul-Adha-(sacrifice) and the day of
Eid-ul-Fitr (following Ramadhaan)."
[Ahmad, An-Nasaai & Abu Daawood)]

Shaykh Abu Hafs An-Nisfi went as far as to say: 'He who offers an egg as a gift to a disbeliever in glorification of their day of celebration becomes a disbeliever'".

Allah warned us from following the disbelievers or supporting them and commanded us to differ from them. He Almighty Says (what means): "O you who have believed! Take not those who have taken your religion in ridicule and amusement among the ones who were given the Scripture before you nor the disbelievers as allies. And fear Allah if you should (truly) be believers."
[Qur`an: 5: 57]

The Prophet sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam said: "He who resembles a group of people will be with them (in the Hereafter)."
[Ahmad and others]

How can it be that a Muslim accepts for himself and his family the celebration of an immoral holiday innovated by disbelievers; Valentines Day, the claimed celebration of love? How can he allow his family to celebrate the holiday of a Christian priest, Valentine, who was cursing Allah day and night by saying: "He is one of three, He had a wife, He had begotten a son etc." ?

Allah is exalted far above what they attribute to Him.

Allah Says (what means): "And they say: 'The Most Merciful (Allaah) has taken (for Himself) a son. You have done an atrocious thing. The heavens almost rupture therefrom and the earth splits open and the mountains collapse in devastation. That they attribute to the Most Merciful a son. And it is not appropriate for the Most Merciful that He should take a son. There is no one in the heavens and earth but that he comes to the Most Merciful as a servant. He has enumerated them and counted them a (full) counting. And all of them are coming to Him on the Day of resurrection alone."
[Qur`an 19: 88-95]

Allah Says (what means): "Be not deceived by the (uninhibited) movement of the disbelievers throughout the land, (It is but) a small enjoyment; then their (final) refuge is Hell, and wretched is the resting place!"
[Qur`an 3: 196-197]

Do not be deceived by them and what they doing because this life is a temporary one and it is vanishing fast. Allah Says (what means): "But the Hereafter is better and more lasting"
[Al-A'laa: 17]

and also: "It will be, on the Day they see it, as though they had not remained (in the world) except for an afternoon or a morning thereof."
[Qur`an 79: 46]

Beware of these holidays which have been invented by the disbelievers and warn people against them; be proud of your religion; be distinct from the misguided; do not follow in their footsteps or be affected by their ideas; ask Allaah to guide you and keep you steadfast.

Do not allow the uncertain to fool you; dont allow the disbelievers to misguide you; be proud of your religion and your celebrations; preserve your identity; and do not resemble or imitate the disbelievers because it leads to destruction and Hell.