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.

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.

DEBT IS AN OBLIGATION!

Mohammed Marmaduke Pickthal was one of the famous translators of Qur`an to English. When he was working as an employee of British government in Middle East, he witnessed a strange incident. A tumult of shouting and screaming broke out from the apartment opposite to his. An aged man, the owner of the apartment, was abusing and fiercely beating a youngster, the tenant. The youngster did not backfire or abuse him in return.

All surprised, Pickthal approached the youngster and enquired the matter:

“I have borrowed money from that man. I couldn’t pay off the settled amount in time. And hence, he was spanking and nagging me.”“You are healthier than him, right?
Still why did you bear all spanks, standing with bonded hands?”

“Our Prophet (peace be upon him) has ordered us to settle debts by the agreed time. I have commenced the first offense, by breaking my promise. Should I commit a second offense too by beating an old man?
 Prophet(peace be upon him) has prohibited us from doing these.”

Pickthall was astonished to hear these words. Prophet Mohammed s.a, who has passed centuries ago, could influence even a common youngster, in a really surprising manner. This incidence prompted Pickthall to learn about Prophet. Following this, he accepted Islam.

Debt is a burdensome obligation. An obligation that must be fulfilled accurately and intently. Prophet(peace be upon him) had taught us that, even for martyr, his debt would remain as ceaseless liability. “All the wrongs of a martyr are forgiven except his debt”
(Muslim – Riyadussaliheen – Book 12, Hadith 1312)

In Sunan an-Nasa’ee this hadith is narrated: We were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) when he raised his head towards the sky, then he put his palm on his forehead and said:
“Subhaan-Allaah! What a strict issue has been revealed to me!” We remained silent and were afraid. The following morning I asked him, “Messenger of Allah, what is this strict issue that has been revealed?” He said, “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if a man were killed in battle for the sake of Allah, then brought back to life, then killed and brought back to life again, then killed, and he owed a debt, he would not enter Paradise until his debt was paid off.”

O you who believe! When you deal with each other, in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time, reduce them to writing. Let a scribe write down faithfully as between the parties
(Qur`an 2:282).

Qur`an suggest to take a person’s wealth to payoff his debt before giving it to his heirs. ” The distribution in all cases (‘s) after the payment of legacies and debts”[Qur`an 4:11]
and to pay zakath ” for those in bondage and in debt”
[Qur`an 9:60]

Prophet (peace be upon him) discouraged taking loan. At the same time he encouraged to grand respite to debtors. He himself modeled to pay off debt in a beautiful manner
[sunan abudavood,vol2,p:119].
He warned that “procrastination in paying debt by a wealthy person is injustice”
[Sahih al-Bukhari 2400].
 He has reminded us that “one who take other’s money, intending to destroy it, Allah will destroy it.
[Sahih al-Bukhari 2387]

Prophet(peace be upon him)  never offered funeral prayers until someone undertake the payment of debt committed by the deceased
[Bukhari].
He even described such deeds as much rewarding in front of Allah. Prophet (peace be upon him)  taught to seek refuge from being indebted also.
 “O Allah! I seek refuge in Thee from sin and from being in debt.”[Bukhari , Muslim]

Remember! Debt is a great liability. We must be conscious of not becoming indebted and, to pay back the debts immediately. Protect us by saving from debt, at any cost. If not, it hinders the eternal success!

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

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

REMINDING THE RETURN

Have you heard an old Arabic fable about a man who made friendship with the Angel of death? At the spring of their friendship the man made an unusual agreement with the Angel. He demanded that before arriving to take his soul, the Angel should send him a notice well in advance. The agreement was made. Weeks became months and months into years. One bitterly cold night, as the man sat alone thinking of his success in life, Angel of death tapped on his shoulder. “You are here too soon” the man cried out. “You sent no messenger. I thought we had an agreement!” The Angel whispered: “Dear, notice your hair, when we made friendship, it was full and black, skin was smooth, teeth were shiny, eyesight was sharp, body was sturdy and hearing was strong. Today, your hair has plenty of silver streaks; skin is wrinkled, hearing and eyesight has weakened, teeth have fallen off and body is frail. You had asked me to send one messenger but I have sent many through the years! I have kept my word. Still, didn’t you expect my arrival?”

This may be a fable, besides it holds a strong message and reality of our life.Death will be rude awakening for those who live in sluggishness, without remembering about the return journey despite the shadows fell on every luster of life. They would be panicked as the death knocks at the door. Qur’an warns that as death approaches, they are those who will plead:

“My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.” [Qura’an 63:10].

In the next verse Allah warns us that: “But never will Allah delay a soul when its time has come. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” (63:11)

In a Hadith reported by Tirmidi, Prophet (May Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) mentions: “Not a day passes upon the grave except it will say I am the home of remoteness, the home of loneliness, the home of soil, the home of worms. (Tirmidi)

Each Ramadan we meet should remind us that we are one more year closer to the inevitable reality of death. We must effectively utilize Ramadan to bring down our affection and affinity towards this mundane world. The main threes, which conquer the minds and flutter in the thoughts of a person, are food, home and sexual urge. Fasting separates these threes from us. While fasting, every believer abstains from food and physical urges. Through I’thikaaf (retreat in the masjid), believers temporarily separate themselves from the warmth of household.

Ramadan does not separate us from the ties of this world, forever. But, it powerfully reminds us about the transient nature of this worldly life. In brief, it strengthens our awareness and remembrance of the eternal life. It enables us to prepare for the big day. It purifies our life and prepares us to embrace the reality called death.

Those who live in the warmth of luxury and enjoyment would faint easily. Their hearts would be entangled by materialistic cravings. It would be grave hard for them to trot through the road of inner purity and piety. Let’s absorb the lesson of simple life, stoic thoughts, awakening death and the salvation of this life, from this Ramadan.

English rendering of article written by Abdul Wadu 

source:  Feelislam Ramadan post no 7 

RAMADAN – Get Ready To Welcome The Guest!

Time is running fast. The passage of time is much faster than we could ever imagine. The guest whom we bid adieu a year back has returned to us once again. We should be mentally prepared to welcome that guest- Ramadan. We know the purpose of it’s return very well.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported in a Hadith, “Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The five (daily) Salat (prayers), and from one Jumu’ah prayer to the (next) Jumu’ah prayer, and from Ramadan to Ramadan are expiations for the (sins) committed in between (their intervals); provided the major sins are not committed”. (Muslim – Riyadussaliheen Book 1, Hadith 130)

We do not know when will we return to our Lord. Many of those whom we met, sat with us, we loved, we respected in last Ramadan, are not there with us in this Ramadan. They all returned to Allah bowing down to his decision. We have been given another gift from Allah – to be alive in one more Ramadan – to prepare ourselves to face Him with a purified mind in that unavoidable return. Welcome that Ramadan with a heart filled with happiness and contentment. Keep aside all the difficulties that we may have to pass through while adjusting our routines and lifestyles with Ramadan and embrace it with the immense happiness of being able to witness it once again.

Prophet (PBUH) said “There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month which Allah has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.” (Sunan al-Nasaa’i Book 22, Hadith 2118).

How should we get ready to welcome this guest and derive benefit from the blessings it brings forth?

Firstly, make relationship with Allah strong. We should sincerely repent for the sins we have committed; repent to him secretly for the vices we committed secretly.

Secondly, refine our relationship with others. We should confess to our friends and near ones if we have done anything wrong to them and seek their forgiveness. We should be able to tell them: “Brother/sister if you can’t forgive me during this blessed month, Allah may not forgive me for my sins”. Our pride and arrogance should not stop us from doing this.

Thirdly, be sincere in our deeds. We should have the intention that our deeds are for the sake of Allah and should be done with revering piety or‘Taqwa’. Prophet (PBUH) has told in a Hadith that Allah does not accept anything except what was done exclusively (for Him) and for which His pleasure was sought. Islam is a religion that promised rewards even for sincere intentions. We should keep the sincerity throughout our lives in all that we do. Fasting is not for show offs. Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “(Allah said), ‘Every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it….’ (Part of hadith Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 72, Number 811). Prophet told” Fasting is a shield” (Sahih Muslim Book 14, Hadith 2761). Yes, fasting is a shield, from the hell fire, from the sins. Prophet (PBUH) told “When any one of you gets up in the morning in the state of fasting, he should neither use obscene language nor do any act of ignorance. And if anyone slanders him or quarrels with him, he should say:” I am fasting, I am fasting. (Sahih Muslim, Book 14, Hadith 2759)

Fourthly, we should possess a pure heart. Prophet told pointing to heart “Taqwa is here”. There is no use of fasting if one’s heart is impure. The one who is fasting should not have a hatred or anger in his mind towards anyone. He should be able to bridle his mind. All his organs also should fast. He should be able to tie his eyes, it should see only what is allowed. His ear should not hear anything that is evil. We should engage our whole body in fasting, not just our stomach.

May Allah bless us to witness for such a Ramadan and be successful through it (Ameen).

The Ant’s Panic

The Prophet Sulayman alaihissalam was the son of the Prophet Dawud alaihissalam. He was a mighty king and ruled Jerusalem. He was given wonderful powers by Allah.

As a child, Sulayman alaihissalam showed wisdom and intelligence. At a very young age he surprised his father with his ideas about the rule of law.

It was when two angry men came to see Dawud alaihissalam. One of them said, “I had a beautiful field full of crops. This man’s sheep entered it and destroyed all my plants.”

Dawud alaihissalam said that the owner of the field was in the right and that he should take the sheep to make up for his loss.But Sulayman alaihissalm, who was a boy at that time, gave a better solution to the problem. “I would like to suggest,” said Sulayman alaihissalam “that the sheep be given to the owner of the field, who will use the their milk and wool.”

“After a while when the crops are fully grown, the sheep will be returned to their owner.” In this way Sulayman alaihissalam showed the difference between what was owned and what could be earned from it.

When Sulayman alaihissalam grew up, he was blessed with prophethood and became the king too. Allah gave him special knowledge.

He was able to understand the language of the birds.

By Allah’s special favour he could control the winds.

He was also in control of the jinn. He used to employ them in any way he likes.

One day Sulayman alaihissalam was passing through a valley along with his mighty army. In the valley there lived a large number of ants.

Seeing the huge army coming , one of the ants shouted a warning to its fellow ants: “Get into your homes before Sulayman and his army tread on you by mistake!”

Sulayman alaihissalam heard what the ant said and smiled. Because of Allah’s great boon to him, he was able to understand languages that others could not.

He was suddenly startled by the realization of how merciful Allah had been to him. He turned to his Lord in praise and prayed: “Oh my Lord! Make me grateful to You for Your favours, which You have given me and my parents, inspire me to do what is right to please You. And through Your grace, admit me among Your righteous servants.” (Surah an Naml 27:19)

Written by Saniyasnain Khan

source: http://islahicentre.org/2011/09/16/the-ant%E2%80%99s-panic/

What is 786 ? Value of 786 !

Some peoples around the World believe that "786" is very important for Muslims.I know Most of the Muslims know the truth.
In Movies, TV serials shows, those have "786" in anything,they get help from Allah during problems.
Car No, Mobile No, Telephone No  having "786" is sale in very high rate.
In India Normally, A Mobile No
without "786" at Cost around 200 INR, Its  4 USD [App]
with "786" at Cost around 1000 INR, or more.
and those peoples are Muslim and NON-Muslims, Non-Muslims pays extra to get this numbers.
So, What is the Importance of "786" in ISLAM.
Some Muslims says "786" = ‘Bismillaah al-Rahmaan al-Raheem’.
Is this really Important  no?
Think “Bismillah” contain the name of GOD ‘ALLAH’.
Can a Number replace the Holy Name of Allah Subhanwan Tala. by 786?
can we remove ‘Bismillaah al-Rahmaan al-Raheem’ from the top of Surah al-Faatiha and replace it with the number 786?
The innovation of writing "786" replacing ‘Bismillaah al-Rahmaan al-Raheem’ has been adopted for a long time and the minority of the Ummah is still indulged in it inadvertently.
"786" don’t have any Value in Islam.
as a True Muslims are Instructed to follow the words of Qur`an and teachings of prophet muhammad(s.a).and there is no discussion about 786 in Quran or in Hadith.
Apart from the common folk, the scholars also heed no attention towards it and to avoid disrespect to the Holy Words they use it in their letters and documents. They adopt it as ‘correct’ and ‘better’ way to invite Allah’s blessings and have also started replacing the Holy Words by this number on their houses, offices, buildings, etc. Unfortunately, this tendency is gradually gaining momentum.
But, do we see this number instead of the Holy Words in the Holy Qur’an? Or, can we write it there as well? can we remove ‘Bismillaah al-Rahmaan al-Raheem’ from the top of Surah al-Faatiha and replace it with the number 786? Obviously not.
If we study the Qur’an, we see it carries the holy words in a letter from Prophet Solomon (pbuh) to the Queen of Sheeba – Bilqis – who was an infidel at that time. Even Prophet Muhammad (s.a) in his letters to different heads of states and governments, used the holy words at the top.
Therefore, whosoever uses "786" with the intention to obtain Allah’s blessings, is a misguided person and any attempt to justify it, is ignorance.
 it is necessary to avoid using this number to avoid the danger of being indulging in infidelity.
Islam’s foundation is laid on the belief in Tawheed (oneness of God). If we associate anyone with Allah’s exalted names orally or practically, we would be committing infidelity which is an unpardonable sin.
The Qur’an warns us, one who finds a rival against Allah, Allah will never allow him to enter paradise, and his abode is the hell.
The letters by the Prophet (pbuh) to non-Muslim Kings and chiefs bear the holy words ‘Bismillaah al-Rahmaan al-Raheem’. This was also the case of his noble companions. Did the Prophet (pbuh) and his companions respect the Holy Words less than we do? Was the verse, ‘Today I completed your religion for you’, revealed to the Prophet (pbuh) or to the so called scholars of our age who are all bent to amend the Divine principles.
Some Muslims replace Allah’s name by the number ’66′ and the Prophet’s (pbuh) name by ’92′.
this way we can convert Entire Qur`an in digits.Every charcter and saying names of Allah gives good deeds.What you will get If you will call ’66′ in place of ‘ALLAH’,NO………
But if one ask, the number ’420′ is used against somebody’s name and he is called ’420′. Can he bear such an insult? 
Calling someone by a nick name is a sin. Allah Ta’ala says, ‘Don’t call one another by nick names‘.
If Allah prohibits the use of nicknames for fellow human beings, how can He allow the use of such insulting replacement number for Himself and His Prophet (pbuh).
‘Bismillaah al-Rahmaan al-Raheem’ great significance in the Qur’an and Muslims are ordered to begin any work but in the names Allah, not in the number of ’786′ or any other substitution.