27 October 2010
The story of Baraa
This story is of a little girl named Bar`ah who is 10 years old, her parents were doctors who moved to Saudi Arabia in search of better life. In this age Bar`ah memorized the whole quran with the tajweed, she was very intelligent, her teacher use to tell her she should be in middle school not primary one....Her family is small and committed to Islam and its teaching.... suddenly one day the mother started feeling sever abdominal pain, after tests and checkups she found out that she have cancer, but in its late stages.The mother thought who she can tell her daughter, specially if she wake up one day and didn't find her mother beside her... so she told her (( Bar`ah I will go to pradise a head of you, but I want you to read the Quran you memorized every day since it will protect you in this life))... The little girl didn't reallyunderstand what her mother is trying to tell her...but she started feeling the change in her mother status specially when she was transferred to stay in hospital on permanent bases. The little girl use to come to the hospital after her school and recited Quran for her mother till evening when her father use to take her home.One day the hospital called the husband and informed him that the his wife condition is very bad and he need to come as fast as he can, so the father picked Bar`ah from her school and headed to the hospital, when they arrived he asked her to stay in the car ... just she wont get shocked if her mother has passed a way.The father get out of his car, with tears fills his eyes and while he crossing the road to enter the hospital, he was hit by a speeding and died in front of hi daughter who came crying to her father....!The tragedy of Bar`ah is not over yet... the news of father death was hidden from the mother,but after 5 days the mother passe a way ! leaving Bar`ah alone in this life. She become alone without her parents, and parents friends decided to find her relatives in Egypt so they can take her to them.. Suddenlly, Bar`ah start having sever pain like her mother, after few tests and check up it was confirmed with the cancer... at the surprise of every one she said (( Alhamdu Lillah now I will meet my parents ))All family friends were shocked and suprised, this little girl facing calamity after clamity and she is patient and satisfied with what Allah ordained for her.People start hearing about Bar`ah and her story, and a Saudi guy decided to take care of her .. he send her to UK for treatment of this disease.One of the Islamic channel (Al hafiz - The protector ) got in contact with this little girl and asked her to recited Quran .. and this is her beautiful voice with recitation.
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu3RwdwYlZQ&feature=related
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu3RwdwYlZQ&feature=related
25 October 2010
Amazing victory
This incident took place during the Uthmani caliphate when the Muslim army fought against some trouble making Persians. The Persians at the time were under Muslims rule.
Since administrative changes took place rather quickly the Persians took it as a sign of providence and so they indulged in hatching conspiracies against the administration. They began to prepare for a fresh encounter with the Muslims. The centers of these uprisings and preparations were Istakhar and Jur. Ubaidullah bin Ma'mar, the governor of Persia invaded Istakhar in 27 AH, and was martyred in the encounter with the result the detachment under his command scattered and escaped. Hearing this , Abdullah bin Amir, the governor of Basrah marched forward with his army with Uthman bin Abdul-As at the vanguard. Abdullah bin Amir turned toward Istakhar while Harim bin Haiyan laid siege around Jur. The Persians put up strong resistance but they ran away after a bloody battle and Istakhar fell to Muslims.
Harim bin haiyan's siege of Jur was protracted. During this period Harim fasted in the day and fought with the enemy too. He would broke his fast in the evening followed by prayers. Once he did not get bread after breaking the fast. He observed fast the next day in the same state. However, he did not get a meal that day either. The whole week passed in successive fasts without food. When he grew too weak he said to his servant, "What happened to you my son. You fail to give me bread and I am keeping fast with water alone for a week." He replied , "My master; I bake bread for you daily without fail, it is quite amazing that you didn't get it." The next day the servant baked bread and lay in wait to see who was taking it away. He was shocked to notice that a dog came and took the bread and made off with it. He followed the dog and saw that it went towards the fortification of the city and it entered the city through sewer. The servant came back and related the whole event to Harim bin Haiyan. He too was amazed. Harim and a few adventurous persons went into the sewer, which led them inside the fortifications and they opened the gates after killing the watchmen. In this way the Muslim army made an easy entry into the city and conquered it. The uprisings both in Istakhatr and Jur were heavily put down and the insurgent met their doom.
The story was extracted from the book "History of Islam" (volume 1 / page 393) by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi.
Since administrative changes took place rather quickly the Persians took it as a sign of providence and so they indulged in hatching conspiracies against the administration. They began to prepare for a fresh encounter with the Muslims. The centers of these uprisings and preparations were Istakhar and Jur. Ubaidullah bin Ma'mar, the governor of Persia invaded Istakhar in 27 AH, and was martyred in the encounter with the result the detachment under his command scattered and escaped. Hearing this , Abdullah bin Amir, the governor of Basrah marched forward with his army with Uthman bin Abdul-As at the vanguard. Abdullah bin Amir turned toward Istakhar while Harim bin Haiyan laid siege around Jur. The Persians put up strong resistance but they ran away after a bloody battle and Istakhar fell to Muslims.
Harim bin haiyan's siege of Jur was protracted. During this period Harim fasted in the day and fought with the enemy too. He would broke his fast in the evening followed by prayers. Once he did not get bread after breaking the fast. He observed fast the next day in the same state. However, he did not get a meal that day either. The whole week passed in successive fasts without food. When he grew too weak he said to his servant, "What happened to you my son. You fail to give me bread and I am keeping fast with water alone for a week." He replied , "My master; I bake bread for you daily without fail, it is quite amazing that you didn't get it." The next day the servant baked bread and lay in wait to see who was taking it away. He was shocked to notice that a dog came and took the bread and made off with it. He followed the dog and saw that it went towards the fortification of the city and it entered the city through sewer. The servant came back and related the whole event to Harim bin Haiyan. He too was amazed. Harim and a few adventurous persons went into the sewer, which led them inside the fortifications and they opened the gates after killing the watchmen. In this way the Muslim army made an easy entry into the city and conquered it. The uprisings both in Istakhatr and Jur were heavily put down and the insurgent met their doom.
The story was extracted from the book "History of Islam" (volume 1 / page 393) by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi.
Excellence of weeping out of fear from Allah
Allah, the Exalted, says:
"And they fall down on their faces weeping and it increases their humility.'' (17:109)
"Do you then wonder at this recitation (the Qur'an)? And you laugh at it and weep not". (53:59-60)
- Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said to me: "Recite the Qur'an to me". I said, "O Messenger of Allah! Shall I recite the Qur'an to you, when it has been revealed to you?'' He (PBUH) replied, "I love to hear it recited by others". So I recited to him a portion from Surat An-Nisa'. When I reached the Ayah:
"How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad (PBUH)) as a witness against these people?". (4:41)
He (PBUH) said, "Enough for now". When I looked at him I saw his eyes were shedding tears.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
- Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) delivered a Khutbah to us the like of which I had never heard from him before. In the course of the Khutbah, he said: "If you knew what I know, you would laugh little and weep much". Thereupon those present covered their faces and began to sob.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
- Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "One who weeps out of fear of Allah, will not enter the Hell till milk returns back in the udder; and the dust raised on account of fighting in the path of Allah and the smoke of Hell will never exist together".
[At-Tirmidhi].
- Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Seven people Allah will give them His Shade on the Day when there would be no shade but the Shade of His Throne (i.e., on the Day of Resurrection): And they are: a just ruler; a youth who grew up with the worship of Allah; a person whose heart is attached to the mosques, two men who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah; a man whom an extremely beautiful woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer and) says: `I fear Allah'; a man who gives in charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left hand does not know what the right has given; and a man who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes become tearful".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
- `Abdullah bin Ash-Shikhkhir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I came to Messenger of Allah (PBUH) when he was performing prayers. He was sobbing and his chest sounded like a boiling kettle.
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
- Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to Ubayy bin Ka`b (May Allah be pleased with him), "Allah (SWT) has ordered me to recite to you Surat-Al-Baiyyinah (98): `Those who disbelieve ..."
- Ubayy (May Allah be pleased with him) asked, "Did He name me?'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) replied in the affirmative. Whereupon Ubayy (May Allah be pleased with him) began to weep.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
- Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: After the death of Messenger of Allah (PBUH), Abu Bakr said to `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them): "Let us visit Umm Aiman (May Allah be pleased with him) as Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to visit her.'' As we came to her, she wept. They (Abu Bakr and `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said to her, "What makes you weep? Do you not know that what Allah has in store for His Messenger (PBUH) is better than (this worldly life)?'' She said, "I weep not because I am ignorant of the fact that what is in store for Messenger of Allah (PBUH) (in the Hereafter) is better than this world, but I weep because the Revelation has ceased to come.'' This reply moved both of them to tears and they began to weep along with her.
[Muslim].
- Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: When the illness of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) became serious, he was asked about the leading of Salat and he said, "Ask Abu Bakr to lead Salat.'' Whereupon, `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said; "Abu Bakr is very tender hearted. He is bound to be overcome by weeping when he recites the Qur'an.'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) repeated, "Ask him (Abu Bakr) to lead Salat".
In another narration: `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: "When Abu Bakr stands in your place, he will not be able to recite the Noble Qur'an to the people on account of weeping.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
- Ibrahim bin `Abdur-Rahman bin `Auf reported: Food was brought to `Abdur-Rahman bin `Auf (May Allah be pleased with him) when he was observing Saum (fast) and he said: "Mus`ab bin `Umair (May Allah be pleased with him) was martyred and he was better than me, but only one sheet was available to shroud him. It was so small that when his head was covered; his feet remained uncovered and if his feet were covered, his head remained uncovered. Then the bounties of this world have been bestowed upon us generously. I am afraid that the reward of our good deeds have been awarded to us in this world.'' On this he began to sob and left the food untouched.
[Al-Bukhari].
- Abu Umamah Sudaiy bin `Ajlan Al-Bahili (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Nothing is dearer to Allah than two drops and two marks: A drop of tears shed out of fear of Allah and a drop of blood shed in Allah's way. Regarding the two marks, they are: Marks left in the Cause of Allah and a mark left in observing one of the obligatory act of worship of Allah, the Exalted".
[At-Tirmidhi].
- Al-`Irbad bin Sariyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: One day Messenger of Allah (PBUH) delivered us a very eloquent Khutbah on account of which eyes shed tears and hearts became softened.
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
Source: Riyad us Saliheen / The book of micellany/ chapter 54
"And they fall down on their faces weeping and it increases their humility.'' (17:109)
"Do you then wonder at this recitation (the Qur'an)? And you laugh at it and weep not". (53:59-60)
- Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said to me: "Recite the Qur'an to me". I said, "O Messenger of Allah! Shall I recite the Qur'an to you, when it has been revealed to you?'' He (PBUH) replied, "I love to hear it recited by others". So I recited to him a portion from Surat An-Nisa'. When I reached the Ayah:
"How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad (PBUH)) as a witness against these people?". (4:41)
He (PBUH) said, "Enough for now". When I looked at him I saw his eyes were shedding tears.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
- Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) delivered a Khutbah to us the like of which I had never heard from him before. In the course of the Khutbah, he said: "If you knew what I know, you would laugh little and weep much". Thereupon those present covered their faces and began to sob.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
- Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "One who weeps out of fear of Allah, will not enter the Hell till milk returns back in the udder; and the dust raised on account of fighting in the path of Allah and the smoke of Hell will never exist together".
[At-Tirmidhi].
- Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Seven people Allah will give them His Shade on the Day when there would be no shade but the Shade of His Throne (i.e., on the Day of Resurrection): And they are: a just ruler; a youth who grew up with the worship of Allah; a person whose heart is attached to the mosques, two men who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah; a man whom an extremely beautiful woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer and) says: `I fear Allah'; a man who gives in charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left hand does not know what the right has given; and a man who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes become tearful".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
- `Abdullah bin Ash-Shikhkhir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I came to Messenger of Allah (PBUH) when he was performing prayers. He was sobbing and his chest sounded like a boiling kettle.
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
- Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to Ubayy bin Ka`b (May Allah be pleased with him), "Allah (SWT) has ordered me to recite to you Surat-Al-Baiyyinah (98): `Those who disbelieve ..."
- Ubayy (May Allah be pleased with him) asked, "Did He name me?'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) replied in the affirmative. Whereupon Ubayy (May Allah be pleased with him) began to weep.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
- Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: After the death of Messenger of Allah (PBUH), Abu Bakr said to `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them): "Let us visit Umm Aiman (May Allah be pleased with him) as Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to visit her.'' As we came to her, she wept. They (Abu Bakr and `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said to her, "What makes you weep? Do you not know that what Allah has in store for His Messenger (PBUH) is better than (this worldly life)?'' She said, "I weep not because I am ignorant of the fact that what is in store for Messenger of Allah (PBUH) (in the Hereafter) is better than this world, but I weep because the Revelation has ceased to come.'' This reply moved both of them to tears and they began to weep along with her.
[Muslim].
- Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: When the illness of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) became serious, he was asked about the leading of Salat and he said, "Ask Abu Bakr to lead Salat.'' Whereupon, `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said; "Abu Bakr is very tender hearted. He is bound to be overcome by weeping when he recites the Qur'an.'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) repeated, "Ask him (Abu Bakr) to lead Salat".
In another narration: `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: "When Abu Bakr stands in your place, he will not be able to recite the Noble Qur'an to the people on account of weeping.''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
- Ibrahim bin `Abdur-Rahman bin `Auf reported: Food was brought to `Abdur-Rahman bin `Auf (May Allah be pleased with him) when he was observing Saum (fast) and he said: "Mus`ab bin `Umair (May Allah be pleased with him) was martyred and he was better than me, but only one sheet was available to shroud him. It was so small that when his head was covered; his feet remained uncovered and if his feet were covered, his head remained uncovered. Then the bounties of this world have been bestowed upon us generously. I am afraid that the reward of our good deeds have been awarded to us in this world.'' On this he began to sob and left the food untouched.
[Al-Bukhari].
- Abu Umamah Sudaiy bin `Ajlan Al-Bahili (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Nothing is dearer to Allah than two drops and two marks: A drop of tears shed out of fear of Allah and a drop of blood shed in Allah's way. Regarding the two marks, they are: Marks left in the Cause of Allah and a mark left in observing one of the obligatory act of worship of Allah, the Exalted".
[At-Tirmidhi].
- Al-`Irbad bin Sariyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: One day Messenger of Allah (PBUH) delivered us a very eloquent Khutbah on account of which eyes shed tears and hearts became softened.
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
Source: Riyad us Saliheen / The book of micellany/ chapter 54
21 October 2010
A poor, an orphan and a captive
Some scholars of Tafseer tell us, about the cause of revelation of the following verses:
And they give food, in spite of their love for it [or for the love of Him], to the Miskeen [the poor], the orphan, and the captive [saying], 'We feed you seeking Allah's Countenance only. We wish for no reward, nor thanks from you. (Quran 76:8-9)
They said: " 'Ali and Faitimah were observing fast one day and that they had prepared, for breaking their fast, a kind of food that contained some butter. When the sun set and they sat down for breaking the fast, they heard a knock on their door. 'Ali stood up and asked, 'Who is that?' A voice answered, 'A hungry poor man.'Ali went back inside brought the food together into a bag and gave to that poor man who thanked him and supplicated for him. So he and Fatimah broke their fast on only bread and water. On the following day, and at the same time, when 'Ali and his
wife Fatimah were about to take the morsel of their food, there was a knock on the door. 'Ali stood up and asked, 'Who is that?' A voice came from outside, 'An orphan who is displaced and starving.' 'Ali did as he did the day before. He carried the food in a bag to that orphan. And he and his wife broke their fast on bread and water, without feeling any inconvenience or displeasure. The incidence repeated itself on the third day and the knocking man answered that he was a captive. So 'Ali gave him the food he and his wife wanted to break their fast with. And as they did in the two previous days, they broke their fast on only bread and water.
Do you think that the person who knocked the door on those three days was the same person, or different persons: a poor man, an orphan and a captive? Narrations of the scholars of Tafseer indicate that the knocker was Angel Gabriel who came to test the faith and patience of' Ali and Fatimah. For, after that, Jibreel came to the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) and informed him of the incident. He gave him good tiding that 'Ali and Fatimah would have a carriage of silver in Paradise as a suitable reward."
Source: Women around the messenger / page:328/329
And they give food, in spite of their love for it [or for the love of Him], to the Miskeen [the poor], the orphan, and the captive [saying], 'We feed you seeking Allah's Countenance only. We wish for no reward, nor thanks from you. (Quran 76:8-9)
They said: " 'Ali and Faitimah were observing fast one day and that they had prepared, for breaking their fast, a kind of food that contained some butter. When the sun set and they sat down for breaking the fast, they heard a knock on their door. 'Ali stood up and asked, 'Who is that?' A voice answered, 'A hungry poor man.'Ali went back inside brought the food together into a bag and gave to that poor man who thanked him and supplicated for him. So he and Fatimah broke their fast on only bread and water. On the following day, and at the same time, when 'Ali and his
wife Fatimah were about to take the morsel of their food, there was a knock on the door. 'Ali stood up and asked, 'Who is that?' A voice came from outside, 'An orphan who is displaced and starving.' 'Ali did as he did the day before. He carried the food in a bag to that orphan. And he and his wife broke their fast on bread and water, without feeling any inconvenience or displeasure. The incidence repeated itself on the third day and the knocking man answered that he was a captive. So 'Ali gave him the food he and his wife wanted to break their fast with. And as they did in the two previous days, they broke their fast on only bread and water.
Do you think that the person who knocked the door on those three days was the same person, or different persons: a poor man, an orphan and a captive? Narrations of the scholars of Tafseer indicate that the knocker was Angel Gabriel who came to test the faith and patience of' Ali and Fatimah. For, after that, Jibreel came to the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) and informed him of the incident. He gave him good tiding that 'Ali and Fatimah would have a carriage of silver in Paradise as a suitable reward."
Source: Women around the messenger / page:328/329
20 October 2010
Relative increase in humility
From the morals and manners of the Salaf was that every time one of them increased in closeness to Allah he would increase in humility and humbleness. From the signs of the true alliance with Allah and closeness to Him is that every time Allah increased His beloved or ally in glory, he would increase in humbleness.
Allah, The Most High says in Quran : That is the home of the hearafter We bestow for those who did not seek any highness in this world nor any corruption. The good end is for the pious(Quran 88;83).
The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said, "The one who has an atom's weight of arrogance in his heart will not enter paradise".(Reported by Muslim (2/89) in al-Imaan, Abu Dawood (4073) in al-Libaas and at-Tirmidhi (8/164,165) in al-Birr.)
Abu Muslim al-Khawlaani(Rahimahullah) said,"Only the vile are arrogant, and only the base boast, and no one is zealous to falsehood except those of low origin".
While Abu Hurairaa(Radiyallah anhu) was the ameer of Madeena during the time of khaleefaa Marwaan he used to carry bundle of wood on his head from the market and (while passing through) would say ," Make you way for you ameer to pass".
Abu Ayyob as-Sakhtiyaani(Rahimahullah) used to say , "The scholar should put earth in his head out of humility to Allah."
Al Hasan (Rahimahullah) mentioned this verse "Those who walk upon the earth with humility" and said "The believers are the people described here. By Allah their eyes, ears and body become humbled until the ignorant person regard the as ill, but i swear by Allah they are not ill,but rather they are possessors of real hearts. Fear had entered in their hearts like it had not entered anyone else. Their knowledge of the hearafter has prevented them from the world. They would say, "All praise be to Allah who have removed sadness from us."I swear by Allah that they would not be saddened by what saddened most people. Fear from the fire made them weep."
Source: From the characteristics of the Salaf /Chapter 106.
Allah, The Most High says in Quran : That is the home of the hearafter We bestow for those who did not seek any highness in this world nor any corruption. The good end is for the pious(Quran 88;83).
The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said, "The one who has an atom's weight of arrogance in his heart will not enter paradise".(Reported by Muslim (2/89) in al-Imaan, Abu Dawood (4073) in al-Libaas and at-Tirmidhi (8/164,165) in al-Birr.)
Abu Muslim al-Khawlaani(Rahimahullah) said,"Only the vile are arrogant, and only the base boast, and no one is zealous to falsehood except those of low origin".
While Abu Hurairaa(Radiyallah anhu) was the ameer of Madeena during the time of khaleefaa Marwaan he used to carry bundle of wood on his head from the market and (while passing through) would say ," Make you way for you ameer to pass".
Abu Ayyob as-Sakhtiyaani(Rahimahullah) used to say , "The scholar should put earth in his head out of humility to Allah."
Al Hasan (Rahimahullah) mentioned this verse "Those who walk upon the earth with humility" and said "The believers are the people described here. By Allah their eyes, ears and body become humbled until the ignorant person regard the as ill, but i swear by Allah they are not ill,but rather they are possessors of real hearts. Fear had entered in their hearts like it had not entered anyone else. Their knowledge of the hearafter has prevented them from the world. They would say, "All praise be to Allah who have removed sadness from us."I swear by Allah that they would not be saddened by what saddened most people. Fear from the fire made them weep."
Source: From the characteristics of the Salaf /Chapter 106.
She is My Sister
Her cheeks were worn and sunken, and her skin hugged her bones. That didn't stop her because you could never catch her not reciting Qur'an. She was always vigil in her personal prayer room that our father had set up for her. Bowing, prostrating, raising her hands in prayer, was the way she was from dawn to sunset and back again; boredom was for other people.
As for me, I craved nothing more than fashion magazines and novels. I treated myself to videos until the trips to the rental place became my trademark. It’s a saying that when something becomes habit, people tend to distinguish you by it. I was negligent in my responsibilities and my salah was characterized by laziness.
One night, after a long three hours of watching, I turned the video off. The adhan rose softly in the quiet night. I slipped peacefully into my blanket.
Her voice called me from her prayer room. "Yes? Would you like anything Noorah?" I asked.
With a sharp needle she popped my plans. "Don't sleep before you pray Fajr!"
Agghh! “There's still an hour before Fajr. That was only the first adhan,” I said.
With those loving pinches of hers, she called me closer. She was like that even before the fierce sickness shook her spirit and shut her in bed. "Hanan, can you come sit beside me."
I could never refuse any of her requests; you could touch the purity and sincerity in her. "Yes, Noorah?"
"Please sit here."
"Alright, I’m sitting. What's on your mind?"
With the sweetest mono voice she began reciting:
Every soul shall taste death and you will merely be repaid your earnings on the Day of Resurrection.
She stopped thoughtfully. Then she asked, "Do you believe in death?"
"Of course I do,” I replied.
"Do you believe that you shall be responsible for whatever you do, regardless of how small or large?"
"I do, but Allah is Forgiving and Merciful, and I’ve got a long life waiting for me."
"Stop it Hanan! Are you not afraid of death and its abruptness? Take a look at Hind. She was younger than you but she died in a car accident. Death is age-blind and your age could never be a measure of when you shall die."
The darkness of the room filled my skin with fear. "I'm scared of the dark and now you made me scared of death. How am I supposed to go to sleep now? Noorah, I thought you promised you'd go with us on vacation during the summer break."
Her voice broke and her heart quivered. "I might be going on a long trip this year Hanan, but somewhere else. All of our lives are in Allah’s hands and we all belong to Him."
My eyes welled and the tears slipped down both cheeks. I pondered my sisters grizzly sickness. The doctors had informed my father in private that there was not much hope Noorah was going to outlive the disease. She wasn't told, so I wondered who hinted to her. Or was it that she could sense the truth?
"What are you thinking about Hanan?" Her voice was sharp. "Do you think I am just saying this because I am sick? I hope not. In fact, I may live longer than people who are not sick. How long are you going to live Hanan? Perhaps twenty years? Maybe forty? Then what?" Through the dark she reached for my hand and squeezed gently. "There's no difference between us; we're all going to leave this world to live in Paradise or agonize in Hell. Listen to the words of Allah:
Anyone who is pushed away from the Fire and shown into Jannah will have triumphed.
I left my sister's room dazed, her words ringing in my ears: “May Allah guide you Hanan - don't forget your prayer.”
As for me, I craved nothing more than fashion magazines and novels. I treated myself to videos until the trips to the rental place became my trademark. It’s a saying that when something becomes habit, people tend to distinguish you by it. I was negligent in my responsibilities and my salah was characterized by laziness.
One night, after a long three hours of watching, I turned the video off. The adhan rose softly in the quiet night. I slipped peacefully into my blanket.
Her voice called me from her prayer room. "Yes? Would you like anything Noorah?" I asked.
With a sharp needle she popped my plans. "Don't sleep before you pray Fajr!"
Agghh! “There's still an hour before Fajr. That was only the first adhan,” I said.
With those loving pinches of hers, she called me closer. She was like that even before the fierce sickness shook her spirit and shut her in bed. "Hanan, can you come sit beside me."
I could never refuse any of her requests; you could touch the purity and sincerity in her. "Yes, Noorah?"
"Please sit here."
"Alright, I’m sitting. What's on your mind?"
With the sweetest mono voice she began reciting:
Every soul shall taste death and you will merely be repaid your earnings on the Day of Resurrection.
She stopped thoughtfully. Then she asked, "Do you believe in death?"
"Of course I do,” I replied.
"Do you believe that you shall be responsible for whatever you do, regardless of how small or large?"
"I do, but Allah is Forgiving and Merciful, and I’ve got a long life waiting for me."
"Stop it Hanan! Are you not afraid of death and its abruptness? Take a look at Hind. She was younger than you but she died in a car accident. Death is age-blind and your age could never be a measure of when you shall die."
The darkness of the room filled my skin with fear. "I'm scared of the dark and now you made me scared of death. How am I supposed to go to sleep now? Noorah, I thought you promised you'd go with us on vacation during the summer break."
Her voice broke and her heart quivered. "I might be going on a long trip this year Hanan, but somewhere else. All of our lives are in Allah’s hands and we all belong to Him."
My eyes welled and the tears slipped down both cheeks. I pondered my sisters grizzly sickness. The doctors had informed my father in private that there was not much hope Noorah was going to outlive the disease. She wasn't told, so I wondered who hinted to her. Or was it that she could sense the truth?
"What are you thinking about Hanan?" Her voice was sharp. "Do you think I am just saying this because I am sick? I hope not. In fact, I may live longer than people who are not sick. How long are you going to live Hanan? Perhaps twenty years? Maybe forty? Then what?" Through the dark she reached for my hand and squeezed gently. "There's no difference between us; we're all going to leave this world to live in Paradise or agonize in Hell. Listen to the words of Allah:
Anyone who is pushed away from the Fire and shown into Jannah will have triumphed.
I left my sister's room dazed, her words ringing in my ears: “May Allah guide you Hanan - don't forget your prayer.”
19 October 2010
The companions concern over prophet (Peace be upon him) death.
The great (loss) news was soon known by everybody in Madinah. Dark grief spread on all areas and horizons of Madinah. Anas said:“I have never witnessed a day better or brighter than that day on which the Messenger of Allâh(Peace be upon him) came to us; and I have never witnessed a more awful or darker day than that one on which the Messenger of Allâh (Peace be upon him) died on.” When he died, Fatimah said: “O Father, whom his Lord responded to his supplication! O Father, whose abode is Paradise. O Father, whom I announce his death to Gabriel.”
Umar's (RA) attitude
‘Umar, who was so stunned that he almost lost consciousness and stood before people addressing them: “Some of the hypocrites claim that the Messenger of Allâh (Peace be upon him) died. The Messenger of Allâh (Peace be upon him) did not die, but went to his Lord in the same way as Moses bin‘Imran did. He stayed away for forty nights, but finally came back though they said he had been dead. By Allâh, the Messenger of Allâh (Peace be upon him) will come back and he will cut off the hands and legs of those who claim his death.”
Abubakr's (RA) attitude
Abu Bakr left his house at As-Sunh and came forth to the Mosque on a mare-back. At the Mosque, he dismounted and entered. He talked to nobody but went on till he entered ‘Aishah’s abode, and went directly to where the Messenger of Allâh (Peace be upon him) was. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) was covered with a Yemeni mantle. He uncovered his face and tended down, kissed him and cried. Then he said: “I sacrifice my father and mother for your sake. Allâh, verily, will not cause you to die
twice. You have just experienced the death that Allâh had ordained.” Then he went out and found ‘Umar talking to people. He said: “‘Umar, be seated.” ‘Umar refused to do
so. People parted ‘Umar and came towards Abu Bakr, who started a speech saying:
“And now, he who worships Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Muhammad is dead now. But he
who worships Allâh, He is Ever Living and He never dies. Allâh says: ‘Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as
disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allâh, and Allâh will give reward to those who are grateful.’” [3:1]
Ibn ‘Abbas said: “By Allâh, it sounded as if people had never heard such a Qur’ânic verse till Abu Bakr recited it as a reminder. So people started reciting it till there was no man who did not recite it.”
Ibn Al-Musaiyab said that ‘Umar had said: “By Allâh, as soon as I heard Abu Bakr say it, I fell down to the ground. I felt as if my legs had been unable to carry me so I collapsed when I heard him say it. Only then did I realize that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) had really died.”
Source:Ar Raheeq Al Makhtum
Umar's (RA) attitude
‘Umar, who was so stunned that he almost lost consciousness and stood before people addressing them: “Some of the hypocrites claim that the Messenger of Allâh (Peace be upon him) died. The Messenger of Allâh (Peace be upon him) did not die, but went to his Lord in the same way as Moses bin‘Imran did. He stayed away for forty nights, but finally came back though they said he had been dead. By Allâh, the Messenger of Allâh (Peace be upon him) will come back and he will cut off the hands and legs of those who claim his death.”
Abubakr's (RA) attitude
Abu Bakr left his house at As-Sunh and came forth to the Mosque on a mare-back. At the Mosque, he dismounted and entered. He talked to nobody but went on till he entered ‘Aishah’s abode, and went directly to where the Messenger of Allâh (Peace be upon him) was. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) was covered with a Yemeni mantle. He uncovered his face and tended down, kissed him and cried. Then he said: “I sacrifice my father and mother for your sake. Allâh, verily, will not cause you to die
twice. You have just experienced the death that Allâh had ordained.” Then he went out and found ‘Umar talking to people. He said: “‘Umar, be seated.” ‘Umar refused to do
so. People parted ‘Umar and came towards Abu Bakr, who started a speech saying:
“And now, he who worships Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Muhammad is dead now. But he
who worships Allâh, He is Ever Living and He never dies. Allâh says: ‘Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as
disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allâh, and Allâh will give reward to those who are grateful.’” [3:1]
Ibn ‘Abbas said: “By Allâh, it sounded as if people had never heard such a Qur’ânic verse till Abu Bakr recited it as a reminder. So people started reciting it till there was no man who did not recite it.”
Ibn Al-Musaiyab said that ‘Umar had said: “By Allâh, as soon as I heard Abu Bakr say it, I fell down to the ground. I felt as if my legs had been unable to carry me so I collapsed when I heard him say it. Only then did I realize that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) had really died.”
Source:Ar Raheeq Al Makhtum
16 October 2010
Ikrimah
ibn Abi jahl
'Ikrimah was twenty-eight years old when Rasulullah (Pbuh) made his mission public. 'Ikrimah's lineage was one of the most noble of the Quraish, and he belonged to one of the wealthiest families. His father, the notorious Abu jahl, was a very strong influence on 'Ikrimah. Allah, the most High tested the faith of the believers through the torments of 'Ikrimah's father, and the believers remained firm in spite of him. Abu jahl tormented, chased, insulted and killed the Muslims at every opportunity and without conscience.
'Ikrimah, under his father's influence, developed the toughest opposition to the Prophet (Pbuh). Like his father, he tortured the Muslims as much as he could, carrying out his father's wishes, which he made his own.
Abu jahl led the armies of the Quraish to the Battle of Badr. He prepared for the battle by slaughtering camels, drinking wine and listening to the music of singing girls. On the day of Badr itself, Abu jahl was the leader and 'Ikrimah was his right hand man.
When he was leaving for Badr, Abu Jahl had sworn by the goddesses Lat and 'Uzza that he would not return alive to Makkah unless he defeated the army of Rasulullah (Pbuh). But Lat and 'Uzza were only idols with no real power, and so his prayer to them was useless. Abu jahl was killed in that battle and his son witnesed him being killed. 'Ikrimah had to return to Makkah, leaving his father's corpse behind. The defeat prevented him from taking it for burial in Makkah. Because he fled with the other Makkans, the body was left with the Muslims who threw it into al-Qalib, the mass grave where all the kuffar killed at Badr were buried. There lay the corpse of Abu jahl, under the sand, and no one among the Muslims was sad to know it was there.
From that day, 'Ikrimah adopted a new attitude toward Islam. At first he had fought Islam for the sake of his father, and now he did so for the sake of revenge. 'Ikrimah and others whose relatives were killed at Badr kept feeding the flame of hatred in their hearts. They encouraged the desire for revenge which led eventually to the Battle of 'Uhud.
The need for revenge
'Ikrimah ibn Abi jahl went to 'Uhud, and he took with him his wife Umm Hakim to be with the other Quraishi women whose relatives were slain at Badr. They stood behind the lines beating drums and urging the warriors to fight, so that no one would think of running away.
Khalid ibn al-Walid led the right flank of the Quraishi army, and 'Ikrimah led the left flank. These two warriors led the Quraish to victory that day over the Muslims. Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, the Quraish chief, said, "This is for the day of Badr!" They felt they had gotten their revenge against the Muslims.
At the Battle of al-Khandaq (the Trench), the Quraish besieged Madinah. They were stopped by the trench which no one could cross. It was a long siege and 'Ikrimah grew impatient. He looked for some place in the ditch that was narrow enough to leap and raced his horse towards it. He managed to cross and was followed by a few others. One of them was killed and 'Ikrimah had to turn and jump back across to save himself.
On the day of the conquest of Makkah, the Quraish knew they could not stand up to the Muslims any longer. They decided to let Rasulullah (Pbuh) enter unopposed. This decision was made easy for them since they knew that Rasulullah (Pbuh) had given instructions to his commanders to fight only if someone of Quraish attacked them first.
However, 'Ikrimah and some others went against the consensus of Quraish. They attempted to block the progress of the Muslim forces. Khalid ibn al-Walid who had become a Muslim and had gone over to the army of the Prophet (Pbuh), defeated them in a small battle. Some were killed and the others fled. Among those who escaped was 'Ikrimah.
'Ikrimah was twenty-eight years old when Rasulullah (Pbuh) made his mission public. 'Ikrimah's lineage was one of the most noble of the Quraish, and he belonged to one of the wealthiest families. His father, the notorious Abu jahl, was a very strong influence on 'Ikrimah. Allah, the most High tested the faith of the believers through the torments of 'Ikrimah's father, and the believers remained firm in spite of him. Abu jahl tormented, chased, insulted and killed the Muslims at every opportunity and without conscience.
'Ikrimah, under his father's influence, developed the toughest opposition to the Prophet (Pbuh). Like his father, he tortured the Muslims as much as he could, carrying out his father's wishes, which he made his own.
Abu jahl led the armies of the Quraish to the Battle of Badr. He prepared for the battle by slaughtering camels, drinking wine and listening to the music of singing girls. On the day of Badr itself, Abu jahl was the leader and 'Ikrimah was his right hand man.
When he was leaving for Badr, Abu Jahl had sworn by the goddesses Lat and 'Uzza that he would not return alive to Makkah unless he defeated the army of Rasulullah (Pbuh). But Lat and 'Uzza were only idols with no real power, and so his prayer to them was useless. Abu jahl was killed in that battle and his son witnesed him being killed. 'Ikrimah had to return to Makkah, leaving his father's corpse behind. The defeat prevented him from taking it for burial in Makkah. Because he fled with the other Makkans, the body was left with the Muslims who threw it into al-Qalib, the mass grave where all the kuffar killed at Badr were buried. There lay the corpse of Abu jahl, under the sand, and no one among the Muslims was sad to know it was there.
From that day, 'Ikrimah adopted a new attitude toward Islam. At first he had fought Islam for the sake of his father, and now he did so for the sake of revenge. 'Ikrimah and others whose relatives were killed at Badr kept feeding the flame of hatred in their hearts. They encouraged the desire for revenge which led eventually to the Battle of 'Uhud.
The need for revenge
'Ikrimah ibn Abi jahl went to 'Uhud, and he took with him his wife Umm Hakim to be with the other Quraishi women whose relatives were slain at Badr. They stood behind the lines beating drums and urging the warriors to fight, so that no one would think of running away.
Khalid ibn al-Walid led the right flank of the Quraishi army, and 'Ikrimah led the left flank. These two warriors led the Quraish to victory that day over the Muslims. Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, the Quraish chief, said, "This is for the day of Badr!" They felt they had gotten their revenge against the Muslims.
At the Battle of al-Khandaq (the Trench), the Quraish besieged Madinah. They were stopped by the trench which no one could cross. It was a long siege and 'Ikrimah grew impatient. He looked for some place in the ditch that was narrow enough to leap and raced his horse towards it. He managed to cross and was followed by a few others. One of them was killed and 'Ikrimah had to turn and jump back across to save himself.
On the day of the conquest of Makkah, the Quraish knew they could not stand up to the Muslims any longer. They decided to let Rasulullah (Pbuh) enter unopposed. This decision was made easy for them since they knew that Rasulullah (Pbuh) had given instructions to his commanders to fight only if someone of Quraish attacked them first.
However, 'Ikrimah and some others went against the consensus of Quraish. They attempted to block the progress of the Muslim forces. Khalid ibn al-Walid who had become a Muslim and had gone over to the army of the Prophet (Pbuh), defeated them in a small battle. Some were killed and the others fled. Among those who escaped was 'Ikrimah.
03 October 2010
Some quotes of Hasan Al-Basri regarding life of this world
Abu `Ubaidah An-Naji said: "We visited AI-Hasan AlBasri on the day he died. He said: "You are welcome, may Allah's Peace be upon you, and accommodate us all in the Home of settlement.This is a good sign if you are true and patient. Your share of this religion should not be to heard with your ears and say what you hear from your mouths. May Allah's Mercy be upon him who eats cheap bread, wears rags, sits on the ground, works
hard in worship, weeps for his sins, avoids Allah's punishment, and asks His Mercy till death comes to him in this state."
Al-Hasan said: "How good is life in this world for a believer because he uses it to prepare his provisions for Paradise. And how evil it is for a disbeliever who uses it to prepare his provisions for Hell."
Al-Hasan said: "In the life of this world the believer is like a captive, doing his best to free himself, and not feeling any security until he meets the All-Mighty Allah."
Describing the pious people, Al-Hasan said: "May Allah have Mercy on those who considered the life of this world as a trust, gave it back to the one who deposited it with them then left so light."
Al-Hasan said: "The one whose wealth increases, his sins increase likewise, and who talks much, lies much, and the ill tempered man torments himself."
Al-Hasan Al-Basri said: "I am astonished about those people who are ordered to prepare their provisions, then the start of the journey is announced, however they remain unmindful in their vain discussions and fruitless deeds."
Al-Hasan said: "I swear by Him in whose Hands my life is, I know some people for whom the life of this world is lower than the dust they walk on."
Al-Hasan said: "How astonishing is the one who laughs whereas he is sure about Hell, and the one who feels happy whereas he is sure about death."
Al-Hasan said: "The people who will have the easiest reckoning on the Day of Resurrection are those who have done the reckoning of themselves in the life of this world, who have considered well their deeds and intentions, completed what is for Allah's sake and abstained from what is not. And the reckoning will be heavy for those who jeopardise their religious duties in the life of this world and make no reckoning of themselves, because they will discover that the All-Mighty Allah
has recorded even the weight of an atom of their deeds, the All-Mighty Allah says: (...They will say: "Woe to us! What sort of Book is this that leaves neither a small thing nor a big thing, but has recorded it with numbers!" And they will find all that they did, placed before them, and your Rabb treats no one with injustice.) (Qur' an 18:49)
About the one who seeks the pleasures of the life of this world, Al-Hasan said: "I swear by Allah they will not last for him nor will he last in this life. He will not be safe from its evils, burden and reckoning, then he will be taken out of it in a shroud."
Al-Hasan Al-Basri said: "The jurisprudent is the one who renounces worldly pleasures, seeks the Hereafter, knows well his religion, worships his Rabb regularly, protects the Muslim's honour, saves their wealth and advises them."
Al-Hasan Al-Basra was asked: "Who is going to cry more than the others on the Day of Resurrection?" He answered: "A man on whom Allah has bestowed His Grace and who uses that for Allah's disobedience."
Al-Hasan (radiyallahu anhu) said: "I know some people who do neither feel happy for obtaining any of the worldly pleasures, nor feel sorry for missing any of them."
Al-Hasan said: "Beware of the diversions of this world, which are many. If a man opens a door for diversions, then that door may open ten others."
Source: From the book "The Life of This World Is a Transient Shade" by Abdul Malik Al-Qasim
hard in worship, weeps for his sins, avoids Allah's punishment, and asks His Mercy till death comes to him in this state."
Al-Hasan said: "How good is life in this world for a believer because he uses it to prepare his provisions for Paradise. And how evil it is for a disbeliever who uses it to prepare his provisions for Hell."
Al-Hasan said: "In the life of this world the believer is like a captive, doing his best to free himself, and not feeling any security until he meets the All-Mighty Allah."
Describing the pious people, Al-Hasan said: "May Allah have Mercy on those who considered the life of this world as a trust, gave it back to the one who deposited it with them then left so light."
Al-Hasan said: "The one whose wealth increases, his sins increase likewise, and who talks much, lies much, and the ill tempered man torments himself."
Al-Hasan Al-Basri said: "I am astonished about those people who are ordered to prepare their provisions, then the start of the journey is announced, however they remain unmindful in their vain discussions and fruitless deeds."
Al-Hasan said: "I swear by Him in whose Hands my life is, I know some people for whom the life of this world is lower than the dust they walk on."
Al-Hasan said: "How astonishing is the one who laughs whereas he is sure about Hell, and the one who feels happy whereas he is sure about death."
Al-Hasan said: "The people who will have the easiest reckoning on the Day of Resurrection are those who have done the reckoning of themselves in the life of this world, who have considered well their deeds and intentions, completed what is for Allah's sake and abstained from what is not. And the reckoning will be heavy for those who jeopardise their religious duties in the life of this world and make no reckoning of themselves, because they will discover that the All-Mighty Allah
has recorded even the weight of an atom of their deeds, the All-Mighty Allah says: (...They will say: "Woe to us! What sort of Book is this that leaves neither a small thing nor a big thing, but has recorded it with numbers!" And they will find all that they did, placed before them, and your Rabb treats no one with injustice.) (Qur' an 18:49)
About the one who seeks the pleasures of the life of this world, Al-Hasan said: "I swear by Allah they will not last for him nor will he last in this life. He will not be safe from its evils, burden and reckoning, then he will be taken out of it in a shroud."
Al-Hasan Al-Basri said: "The jurisprudent is the one who renounces worldly pleasures, seeks the Hereafter, knows well his religion, worships his Rabb regularly, protects the Muslim's honour, saves their wealth and advises them."
Al-Hasan Al-Basra was asked: "Who is going to cry more than the others on the Day of Resurrection?" He answered: "A man on whom Allah has bestowed His Grace and who uses that for Allah's disobedience."
Al-Hasan (radiyallahu anhu) said: "I know some people who do neither feel happy for obtaining any of the worldly pleasures, nor feel sorry for missing any of them."
Al-Hasan said: "Beware of the diversions of this world, which are many. If a man opens a door for diversions, then that door may open ten others."
Source: From the book "The Life of This World Is a Transient Shade" by Abdul Malik Al-Qasim
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)