Backbiting in Islam

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Allah says And never backbite each other. Does any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother, which you so detest?

Allah gives the example of backbiting to eating the flesh of a persons dead brother. Just as people detest and hate this cannibal act, they should also hate the act of backbiting.

Backbiting (gheebat) is a serious offence in the Shariah, and is sadly carried out even by people who regularly perform their namaz and are regarded as being pious. We fail to realise the gravity of this deed in this world but will be harshly reminded in the Hereafter. Then, it will be too late for regrets.

The Prophet (s) once asked the Sahabah, “Do you know what backbiting is?” … “It is to mention such a thing about your brother which he dislikes” … “What if the thing mentioned is to be found within the person?” .. “If it is in him, you have backbitten him, and if it is not in him, then you have slandered him.”

A person will be guilty of backbiting even though one mentions the fault which is disliked in front of the person concerned or in his absence.

The Prophet (s) once mentioned that backbiting is worse than adultery.
When someone asked the reason, the Prophet (s) said, “When a person commits adultery, and repents to Allah, Allah will forgive him. However, if he perpetrates backbiting, he will not be forgiven until he is first forgiven by the person against whom he had spoken ill of.”

Backbiting is also violating Allah’s rights because Allah had forbidden it. At the same time, he violates the rights of the people because he is bringing dishonour and shame to someone.

If we have backbitten about someone, then as well as sincere repentance (tawbah) to Allah, we should also ask forgiveness from the person we have abused.

You only have to ask forgiveness from them if they find out what you have done.
If they don’t find out, then you have to seek forgiveness FOR them from Allah until your heart is content that you have made up the wrong of backbiting.

The Prophet (s) has mentioned that the expiation of backbiting is to pray for the forgiveness of the person who was backbitten by saying - Allahummagh fir lee wa la - O Allah, forgive me and him.

The Prophet (s) has said that on the night of Miraaj, he saw some people whose nails were of copper. They were constantly tearing their faces and chests with these nails. These are people who stole the honour of others, meaning they backbited about people.

Just as it is haraam to engage in backbiting, it is also haraam to listen to backbiting.

When a person hears another engage in backbiting, it will be necessary for the listener to forbid the backbiter and to speak in defence of the person being backbitten.

The Prophet (s) said: “When a person defends someone whose flesh is being consumed by backbiting, it will be binding on Allah to save him from the fire of Jahannam”.

The Prophet (s) said: “When a person defends the honour of his Muslim brother, it will be binding on Allah to save him from the fire of Jahannam on the Day of Qiyamah.”
The Prophet (s) then recited the verse: Assisting the Mumineen is a binding duty upon us.

Backbiting about dead people is just as bad as doing it about living people.

Backbiting is not only verbal but is also with eyes and limbs as well as
mimicking a person.

Backbiting about a persons children or wife will be double backbiting.

If a person cautions another about the evil of someone, it will not be regarded as backbiting.

Wasalaam!

Prophet Muhammad (saw) - His Religion

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

His religion is Islam, the only religion that leads to success and safety. Allah said:

And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.

(Surah Aale Imraan, Verse 85)

It is the religion that came to free human beings from the shackles of misguidance; it is an easy religion, and it is a comprehensive, complete and perfect religion.

..This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion ..

(Surah Maaidah, Verse 3)

Islam came to free people from servitude to those who themselves are slaves, and to guide them to worship the Lord of all slaves. It came to take them from the narrowness of this world to the vastness of the Hereafter; from the darkness of polytheism to the light of Islamic monotheism; from the misery of disbelief to the happiness of Faith.

It is a religion that is at once appropriate and valid for all times and all places. The One Who legislated Islam as a religion is alone able to forgive sins, and He alone knows both what His slaves outwardly display and what is hidden in the deepest recesses of their hearts.

This perfect and well balanced religion came with beneficial knowledge and good deeds, which is what makes its adherents distinct from Jews and Christians. The Jews had knowledge, but it did not benefit them since they did not apply it. The Christians, on the other hand, strove to perform good deeds, but since they lacked knowledge, they strayed from the Straight Path. Islam is the Straight Path, the path that is followed by those who have not incurred upon themselves Allah's wrath, and who are not misguided.

Despite being illiterate, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) was sent to recite to people Allah's verses, to purify them, and to teach them the Book and wisdom; for, prior to his advent, they had been in manifest error.

Islam came to forbid lying and the giving of false testimony; it came to forbid oppression and tyranny; it came to forbid cheating people in the buying and selling of goods. Islam came to forbid all forms of wrongdoing.

And it also came to preserve the sanctity and dignity of human life - to protect the heart with faith; to protect the well being of the human body, by legislating laws that achieve that effect; to protect people's wealth from being wrongly seized or taken; to protect people's honour from all forms of slander and backbiting; to safeguard people's lives, by forbidding the wrongful shedding of blood; and to protect the mind from anything that diminishes or outright destroys its ability to function properly.

Wasalaam!

Be Cheerful at Heart

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Look at life with a spirit of love and optimism, for life is a gift from Allah to us. So accept this gift from the One, take it with joy and embrace the morning with its glow, and the night with its quietness, and the day with its brightness.

Drink this fresh water with gratitude, breathe the fresh air with joy, smell the roses and glorify Allah. Think about the universe and learn from it, make use of the blessed gift of land, the beautiful flowers, the sweet air, the delights of the garden, the warmth of the sun, the light of the moon.

Let these blessings motivate you to obey Allah, the Exalted, give thanks to Him and praise Him for His blessings and bounty. 

Do not let worry and distress prevent you from seeing these blessings or make you ungrateful; rather, remember that the Creator and Provider has only created these blessings as a means to help you obey Him, and He says:

O you Messengers! Eat of the Tayyibat (all kinds of Halal foods) and do righteous deeds ..

(Surah Al-Muminoon, Verse 51)

The most sincere generosity comes from those who do not have anything but recognize the value of a kind word and a smile. How many people give, but it is as if they are giving a slap.

Wasalaam!

Prophet Muhammad (saw) - His Manners

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

When it came to manners, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) was superior to all other people. And why would he not be so, for it was Allah who guided him, trained him, and refined his character. As such, the Prophet (saw) had the best manners; he was the most truthful human being in speech; he was the most rightly-guided person; he feared Allah the most; he was the kindest of all people towards his relatives; he was the bravest person to have ever walked the earth; he was the most generous of people; he was the most just of all people; and he was, in every other way, the most superior of all people. All of this was a natural consequence of the Prophet (saw) being nurtured, cared for, trained, and taught by Allah.

Because of his wonderful qualities, the Prophet (saw) was near and dear to the hearts and souls of people. He was blessed and easy going, and yet he had about himself an aura of dignity and gravity that suited his lofty character. His face shone with the light of guidance; his mouth smiled with love; his heart was truly alive; and his mind was illuminated with elevated thoughts.

He had the uncanny ability of making all those around him happy, and of making all of his Companions feel at ease. While he loved favourable signs (signs that make one feel that something good will happen), he detested evil omens: the former, he (saw) knew, prompted one to be positive and to act well; the latter, on the other hand, made one pessimistic and deterred one from performing good deeds.

It was the Prophet's (saw) wont to pardon and forgive the mistakes of others. And he was generous, more generous, in fact, than gentle wind or much needed rain. He subdued people, not with a sword, but with generosity and good manners. With his message, he brought happiness to mankind. Whoever saw him, loved him; whoever knew him, stood in awe of him; and whoever met him, venerated him. His speech captivated people's hearts, and his noble manners at once tamed and subjugated people's souls.

Allah made his heart firm and steadfast, so that it never deviated from the truth. Allah guided his speech, so that he never spoke ignorantly. Allah safeguarded his Faith, so that he never went astray. And, Allah supported his mission, so that he was never forsaken or forced into despair. In every way imaginable, he was blessed and guided.

And verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted standard of character.

(Surah Qalam - Verse 4)

And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently ..

(Surah Aale-Imran - Verse 159)

The Prophet (saw) said: "The person among you who fears Allah the most and is most knowledgeable about Allah, is me".

In another hadith, he said: "The best among you is he who is the best towards his family. And among you all, I am the one person who stands out as being the best towards his family."

He (saw) is also related to have said: "Verily, I have been sent only to make complete (both in myself and others) the noblest of manners".

All the Glory be to Allah, Who chose the Prophet (saw), raised him, protected him, guided him, and looked after him.

Wasalaam! 

La Hawla wa la Quwwata illa Billah

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

A young man was jailed and his mother had no one else but him. She could not sleep and distress took hold of her completely. She wept until she could weep no more, then Allah guided her to say, La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (There is no power and no strength except with Allah).

She repeated these great words, which are one of the treasures of Paradise, and only a few days after she had despaired of her son ever coming out of jail, he was knocking at the door and she was filled with joy. Such is the reward of one who puts her trust in Allah, calls upon Him constantly and delegates all her affairs to Him.

So you should recite this dhikr, La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah, for these great words are the secret of happiness and success. Recite them a great deal, chase away the specters of grief and distress with them, and receive the glad tidings that Allah will soon grant you happiness and a way out.

Beware of losing hope or becoming frustrated, for there is no hardship but it is followed by ease. This is how it has always been, and always will be.

Think positively of Allah, the Exalted, and put your trust in Him; seek that which is with Him, and wait for a way out.

Wasalaam!

This is Awakening Part One

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

It's hard to describe the feeling. Imagine living your entire life in a cave and believing it was your whole world. Then suddenly you step outside. 

For the first time in your life, you see the sky. You see the trees and the birds and the sun. For the first time in your life, you realize that the world you once knew was false. For the first time, you discover a truer, more beautiful reality.

Imagine the high of the realization. For a moment, you feel you can do anything. Suddenly, nothing from your previous life in the cave matters. You become empowered, fully awake, fully alive, fully aware for the very first time. It is an unexplainable feeling. This is the spiritual high that comes with newly discovered Truth.

This is Awakening.

A convert to Islam knows this feeling. A born Muslim who comes back to the deen knows this feeling. Any human being, who lives their life away from Allah, and returns, knows this feeling. 

This state is what Ibn ul Qayyim (ra) calls yaqatha (awakening) in his book, Stations on the Path to God. He describes this state as the first station on the path to Allah. This is the state sometimes referred to as the "convert zeal". When a person first converts or starts coming back to Allah, they are often full of motivation and energy that others do not have. The reason for this energy is the spiritual high, the characteristic of this state.

What are the characteristics of the station of awakening?

Allah makes worship easier - While in this state, worship becomes much easier. A person is so driven and motivated that they may easily sacrifice everything for the sake of the new reality they have discovered. The strength that you have is not from your own self, but from Allah. 

Some may advise not changing too much, too fast. I don't think fast change is the problem. I think arrogance is. I think hopelessness is. If Allah gives you a gift whereby you are able to do more, use it. But thank Him - not yourself, for that ability. And know, that this heightened state is temporary.

Temporary - Like every state in this life, this state is temporary. Life is never linear. And neither is the path to Allah. Not realizing this can cause despair and hopelessness once it passes.

What are the pitfalls of this state?

The two pitfalls associated with this state correspond to not understanding the characteristics of the state listed above. These two pitfalls are also the two causes of stagnation on the path to Allah: arrogance and hopelessness. The arrogant person already feels they are good enough, so they stop striving. The hopeless person believes that they will never be good enough, so they stop striving. Two opposite maladies, leading to the same result: to stop moving on the path to Allah.

Arrogance - The first pitfall corresponds to not understanding that the increased ability to worship came from Allah, and is a characteristic of the state - not the individual. The one who doesn't understand this, wrongfully attributes the heightened ability to worship to one's own righteousness. This false attribution is very dangerous because it leads to arrogance and self-righteousness. Rather than realizing this heightened 'religious state' is a gift from Allah, the worshipper feels a sense of hidden pride and may look down on others who don't share similar zeal.

Despair and Hopelessness - This pitfall corresponds to not understanding that like all states in life, the spiritual high is temporary. This does NOT mean you have failed nor done something wrong! Most people know what it feels like after the Ramadan high has passed. The instability of the 'high' is a characteristic of life. And that lesson is one even Abu Bakr (ra) had to learn.

One day, Abu Bakr (ra) and Hanzala (ra) came to the Prophet (saw) and said, "Hanzala is a hypocrite, Messenger of Allah!" The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, "Why is that?" I said, "Messenger of Allah, when we are with you, you remind us of Jannah and Jahannam, and it is as if we can see them with our own eyes. When we leave your presence, we attend to our wives, children and estates in a state of great heedlessness". The Prophet (saw) said, "By the One in whose hand my soul is, if you were to remain in the state you are in when you are in my presence and in the dhikr, the angels would shake hands with you on your bed and in the street, but, Hanzala, different times are not the same". He repeated this three times. (Muslim)

(Yasmin Mogahed)

Wasalaam!

Prophet Muhammad (saw) - The Messenger

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

It was, to say the least, tremendous news, amazing news and life changing news for everyone on earth: The Seal of all Prophets (as), after a long wait, had finally come to preach his message to mankind.

What are they asking one another? About the great news (Islamic monotheism). About which they are in disagreement.

(Surah An-Naba, Verse 1-3)

Kings and peoples of foreign lands, nomads, inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula - everyone was discussing the Prophet (saw) and his message. It was as if history temporarily stopped while all people took a collective long, deep breath, so that they could absorb the significance of the Prophet's (saw) arrival on earth.

The earth was spiritually barren and dry, given that the last Prophet before Muhammad (saw) was sent by Allah more than six hundred years earlier, that the message of that previous Prophet - Isa (as) - was all but lost, and that very few monotheists remained on earth.

If people starve to death in the absence of food and drink, then the inhabitants of the earth, prior to the advent of the Prophet (saw), were spiritually starved, with no nourishment - knowledge and guidance - to keep their souls alive.

Therefore, the arrival of the Prophet (saw) on earth was very similar to the falling of rain in a time of drought. In short, the Prophet's (saw) arrival represented light: And can light be hidden or shut out?

They intend to put out the Light of Allah with their mouths. But Allah will complete His Light even though the disbelievers hate it.
(Surah Saff, Verse 8)

In fact, it is authentically established that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: "The example of what Allah sent me with, in terms of guidance and knowledge, is the example of beneficial rain that falls from the sky and causes crops to grow".

The Prophet (saw) was therefore sent for one main reason - so that Allah alone could be worshipped, without any partners being associated with Him. He was sent so that it could be said on earth, "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah".

He was sent to uphold the truth, and to crush falsehood. He was sent with clear proofs; with a wonderful and perfect religion; with justice and kindness; with peace and love; with safety and faith; with purity, prayer, charity, fasting, Hajj and Jihad; with the concepts of enjoining good and forbidding evil; with noble deeds and good manners; and, with uprightness and happiness.

He was sent to disprove all forms of polytheism, to destroy all false idols, to eradicate ignorance, to wage war against falsehood and oppression, and to deter people from all base and vile manners. Anything that is good, he guided people to it; and anything that is evil, he warned people against it.

Wasalaam!

The Nafs

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Imam Ghazali (ra) writes, "Strangely enough, you punish your servants and your children when they do anything wrong and you say to yourself, "If I do not punish them, they will become disobedient and rebellious". But you do not care for your 'self' and never fear that it is growing rebellious. Don't you know that rebelliousness in others is not going to do you as much harm as rebelliousness of your own nafs.

For, if others are rebellious, they can do harm to your worldly interest alone, but your own rebellious nature is doing harm to your life in the Akhirah, which is eternal and the bounties thereof endure permanently.

What a heavy loss it would be, if you did harm to your Akhirah? 

Our forefathers were aware of this fact, and therefore, if anyone of them missed an opportunity to do a good deed for his eternal life, he would be very anxious to make up for it.

Wasalaam!

Accept the Blessing and Make the Most of It

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Make the most of the blessings of Allah, give thanks to Him and obey Him. Enjoy the water that you drink and use for wudhu. Enjoy the warmth and light of the sun, and the light and beauty of the moon.

Pick fruit from the trees, drink your fill from the rivers, look at the ocean, walk through the fields, and give thanks to Allah, the Almighty, Oft-Forgiving, the Sovereign and Subduer.

Make use of these blessings that Allah has bestowed upon you, and beware of denying these blessings.

They recognize the Grace of Allah, yet they deny it ..

(Surah An-Nahl, Verse 83)

Before you look at the thorn of the rose, look at its beauty.

Before you complain about the heat of the sun, enjoy its light.

Before you complain about the blackness of the night, think of its peace and quiet.

Why look at things in such a pessimistic and negative manner? Why deny and change blessings?

Have you not seen those who have changed the blessings of Allah into disbelief?

(Surah Ibrahim, Verse 28)

Take these blessings and accept them graciously, and praise Allah, the Almighty, All-Glorious, for them.

Wasalaam!

Emptying the Vessel - Part Two

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Gracious

This struggle to free one's heart from all false attachments, the struggle to empty the vessel of the heart, is the greatest struggle of earthly life. That struggle is the essence of tauheed (true monotheism). And so you will see that, if examined deeply, all five pillars of Islam are essentially about and enable detachment:

1. Shahadah (Declaration of Faith): The declaration of faith is the verbal profession of the very detachment we seek to achieve - that the only object of our worship, ultimate devotion, love, fears and hope is Allah. And Allah alone. To succeed at freeing oneself from all other attachments, except the attachment to the Creator, is the truest manifestation of tauheed.

2. Salah (Five Daily Prayers): Five times a day, we must pull away from the world to focus on our Creator and ultimate purpose. Five times a day, we detach ourselves from whatever we are doing of worldly life, and turn to Allah. 

Prayer could have been prescribed only once a day or week, or all five prayers could have been done at one time each day. But it is not. The prayers are spread throughout the day. If one keeps to their prayers at their specified times, there is no opportunity to get attached.

As soon as we begin to become engrossed in whatever worldly matter we are involved in, we are forced to detach from it and turn our focus to the only true object of attachment.

3. Siyaam (Fasting): Fasting is all about detachment. It is the detachment from food, drink, intercourse and vain speech. By restraining our physical self, we ennoble, purify and exalt our spiritual self. Through fasting, we are forced to detach ourselves from our physical needs, desires and pleasures.

4. Zakah (Charity): Zakah is about detaching ourselves from our money and giving it for the sake of Allah. By giving it away, we are forced to break our attachment to wealth.

5. Hajj (Pilgrimage): Hajj is one of the most comprehensive and profound acts of detachment. A pilgrim leaves behind everything in his life. He gives up his family, his home, his salary, his warm bed, his comfortable shoes and expensive clothes, all in exchange for sleeping on the ground or in a crowded tent and wearing only two simple pieces of cloth. There are no status symbols on Hajj. 

Realize that Allah, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, does not just ask us to be detached from the world - He tells us exactly how. Beyond the five pillars, even our dress breeds detachment.

The Prophet (saw) tells us to distinguish ourselves, to be different from the crowd, even in how we appear. By wearing your hijab or having a beard, you can't just blend in - even if you wanted to.

The Prophet (saw) said, "Islam began as something strange, and it shall return to being something strange as it began, so give glad tidings to the strangers".

By being "strange" to this world, we can live in it, without being of it. And it is through that detachment that we can empty the vessel of our heart in preparation for that which nourishes it and gives it life. 

By emptying our heart, we can prepare for its true nourishment: Allah.

Wasalaam!

Hazrat Aisha (ra) and the Fear of Allah

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Who does not know about the love that the Prophet Muhammad (saw) had for his dear wife Hazrat Aisha (ra)? It is said that when he was asked whom he loved most, he replied, "Aisha".

She was so well versed in Islamic jurisprudence that many eminent Sahabah would go to her for solving their problems in this field.

The Angel Jibraeel (as) used to greet her with Assalamu alaikum. The Prophet (saw) once told her that she would be his wife in Paradise. When she was slandered by the Hypocrites, Allah exonerated her from the slander and confirmed her innocence by revealing verses in the Quran.

According to Hazrat Ibn Sa'd (ra), Hazrat Aisha (ra) once enumerated as many as ten special virtues that Allah had given her over the other wives of the Prophet (saw). 

In spite of all these privileges and virtues, she feared Allah so much that she was often heard saying:

"I wish I was a tree, so that I could always be busy in Allah's tasbeeh and be absolved of reckoning on the Day of Judgement."

"I wish I had been a stone or a clod of earth".

"I wish I had been the leaf of a tree or a blade of grass".

"I wish I had not been born at all."

The awe and fear of Allah was the guiding factor in the lives of the Sahabah and Sahabiyah, and it should be the same for us as well.

Wasalaam!

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) as a Child

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

The Prophet (saw) did not descend from the heavens at the age of forty, ready immediately to begin preaching the message of Islam. On the contrary, he entered this world in the same manner that all other children (of course with the exception of Prophet Adam (as), Hawwa and Prophet Isa (as) entered it. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) was born to a mother and father.

Furthermore, his aging process was not accelerated for him, whereby he transformed from an infant into a forty year old Prophet in a matter of moments, weeks or months. No, time passed by for him in a normal fashion, and, as with all of the other people on earth, he had to go through the various stages of life - infancy, childhood, young adulthood, all the way to old age.

What was he like as a child? To put it simply, he was a child, but was not like other children. He was both innocent and born of excellent lineage, and he was at once intelligent and pure. Perhaps what distinguished him most from other children was the fact that, at every stage of his young life, he was being divinely protected by Allah.

To the keen-sighted observer, Muhammad (saw) the child was being prepared for great things. Everyone who played a part in raising him - his mother; his nursemaid, Haleemah (ra); Abdul Mutallib; and Abu Talib - knew that he was being divinely prepared for a great mission in life, but what that mission was, they probably couldn't guess (except of course for Abu Talib, who had been informed by a monk about the seal of prophethood on Muhammad's (saw) back).

Divine protection didn't just mean that Allah protected Muhammad (saw) from physical harm; actually, it primarily meant protecting him in a spiritual sense. Thus, as a child or even as a young adult, Prophet Muhammad (saw) was never know for frivolity, for having bad manners, or even for the innocent mischief making that is common among children. 

He remained innocent and without a blemish to stain his character because he was being prepared to bring happiness to mankind, to bring them out of darkness and into the light. Thus, he was a man, and yet a Prophet; he was a human being, but at the same time he was a Messenger; he was a slave of Allah, and yet he was divinely protected from doing wrong; he was a human being, and yet revelation descended upon him.

In historical terms, it is false to depict Prophet Muhammad (saw) simply as being a leader. The leaders who have lived on earth and then died are similar in number to the hair on ones head. They had ambitions for power and aspirations for great wealth, and they achieved the trivial things they had set out to gain. Few people remember them, and even less care about them.

But the Prophet (saw) was much, much, much more than a leader. He was a guide and a Prophet; he came with the Book of Allah and with his own Sunnah; he came with light and guidance; he came with beneficial knowledge and righteous deeds.

He focused on people's well-being not just in this life, but in the Hereafter as well; and he was concerned not just with people's physical well-being, but with their spiritual well-being as well.

Prophet Muhammad (saw) was not merely knowledgeable. By the permission of Allah, he taught the knowledge he had been blessed with to others; he trained the most famous and eminent scholars and jurists of the world; he taught orators how to deliver wonderful speeches; he guided the wise and the unlearned; and he guided all people to the truth:

And verily, you O Muhammad, are indeed guiding mankind to the Straight Path.
(Quran 42:52)

Prophet Muhammad (saw) was not a king who used soldiers and guards to keep a firm grip on power. He was a Prophet and Messenger sent by Allah: He was a warner and a bearer of glad tidings to every king and commoner, every free man and slave, every rich man and poor man, every Arab and non-Arab, every white man and black man.

And, We have sent you O Muhammad not but as a mercy for the mankind, jinns and all that exists.
(Quran 21:107)

The Prophet (saw) said: "By the One Who has my soul in His Hand, if any person from this Nation, if any Jew, or if any Christian hears about me and then dies without believing in that which I have been sent with, he will be among the people of the Hellfire".

If we follow him from his childhood to his youth, we will find that he maintained his purity and innocence, adding to those qualities a number of other noble traits, such as eloquence, trustworthiness, good manners and chastity. 

He never spoke a single lie; in fact, he had not even a single defect in his character. Truthful in speech, honourable in terms of his character, pure in both speech and deed, noble in his manners, easy going in his dealings, good natured in terms of his disposition, Muhammad (saw) the young man was, it is no wonder, universally loved and respected by his fellow tribesmen.

So, when he openly announced his prophethood years later, his enemies could not recall a single character flaw, a single slip-up, a single mistake that they could use to attack his character. He had, to their despair and anger, an absolutely clean record. 

They themselves had labelled him "The Trustworthy One"; they themselves would entrust him and no one else with their valuables; they were the ones who would ask him to settle their disputes.

He was, they knew, a paragon of virtues during his youth; imagine, then, how noble and virtuous and good he became once the duties of prophethood fell onto his shoulders.

And, verily, you O Muhammad are on an exalted standard of character.
(Quran 68:4)

Wasalaam!

Forgotten Heroines - The Housewifes' Lament

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Money is tight. The kids are demanding. Skin is raw from all the cooking, cleaning and chores that have to be done every day. There's absolutely no time to spare for anything else, whether it's pursuing further education or volunteering for a special cause.

Does this sound familiar?

There are Muslim women all over the world who find themselves at home, living life as domestic stay-at-home mums and housewives. It's a physically and emotionally demanding job and it's also a pretty thankless one.

How can spending all day serving others, instead of being involved in some kind of noble, public cause, ever be truly fulfilling and worth recognition - not just by people, but by Allah Himself?

Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad (saw) is known to be one of the four most perfect women in the entire world.

"Prophet Muhammad (saw) drew four lines and said to the Companions, "Do you know what these are?" They said, "Allah and His Messenger (saw) know best". He said, "The best women from the women of Paradise are Khadijah (ra) bint Khuwaylid, Fatima (ra) bint Muhammad (saw), Maryam bint Imran and Asiyah bint Muzahim (the wife of Pharaoh)". 

(Ahmad)

Yet when we look at the biography of Fatima (ra) bint Muhammad (saw), one could say that in comparison to others amongst the early Muslim women, her life was relatively unremarkable. She grew up during a difficult time for her parents, when her father (saw) was being publicly mocked and derided for preaching his message; she lost her mother at a relatively young age and she married her cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra) when she was about fifteen years old. Some of the most well-known ahadeeth related by her mention how physically demanding her lifestyle was, such that her hands would crack and bleed from the wheat grinding that she used to do.

What made Fatima (ra) so special? So special, in fact, that she will forever be known as one of the greatest women of Paradise?

Fatima (ra) bint Muhammad (saw) is not known for an act of dramatic courage such as that displayed by Nusaybah bint Ka'b (ra) during the Battle of Uhud, but she too provides an example for a situation that many Muslim women around the world live and continue to face: the everyday drudgery of life as a wife and mother.

Fatima (ra) may have been the most beloved daughter to the Prophet (saw), who was also the head of the Islamic State and leader of the Muslim army, but that didn't mean that her life was one of luxury or ease.

Quite to the contrary, Fatima (ra) was the mother of two young boys and ran her household single-handedly. Life was difficult back then, with none of the technologies that smooth our way through tedious tasks today. 

She used to grind the wheat for her bread with her own hands, to the point that her hands would crack and bleed. Her husband, Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra), was an employee of one of the Ansaar, but the income was meagre and they struggled to survive on a daily basis.

One day, weary and despairing of the toll that their lifestyle was taking on her, Fatima (ra) decided that she would approach her father, the Prophet Muhammad (saw). At the time, the Muslims had won a battle and, as a result, had captured several prisoners and other spoils of war.

With the reasoning that as a member of the Ummah, she was entitled to some relief, Fatima (ra) went to visit one of the Prophet's (saw) homes. She did not find her father present, but seeing her stepmother Aisha (ra), Fatima (ra) shared the story of her bleeding hands and her wish for a maidservant to take a share of the burdens.

Fatima (ra) went back to her home, and the when the Prophet (saw) returned to his own house, Aisha (ra) told him about his daughters visit. That same night, the Prophet (saw) slipped into his daughters home, where she and Ali (ra) were already lying in bed.

Ali (ra) narrates, "I wanted to get up, but the Prophet (saw) said, "Remain in your place". Then he sat down between us until I felt the coolness of his face on my chest. The Prophet (saw) said, "Shall I teach you a thing which is better than what you have asked me? When you go to bed, say Allahu Akbar 34 times, Subhanallah 33 times and Alhamdulillah 33 times, for that is better for you both than a servant".

After this, Fatima (ra) never repeated her request for a maid ever again.

It may seem to be a small and insignificant thing, but this was one of the reasons for which Fatima (ra) earned her position as one of the queens of Jannah. Her life was spent quietly serving her Lord, through her sincere intentions behind caring for her husband and children.

Around her, there were many Sahabiyat (female companions) whose lives seemed much more exciting, full of adventure and grandeur. Her stepmother, Aisha (ra), was a great scholar; her great aunt Safiyah bint Abdul Mutallib (ra) was fierce in battle and the women of Madinah were renowned for their boldness in approaching any matter.

Nonetheless, for Fatima (ra), the path to Paradise was simple - though never easy. For every stay-at-home mother and housewife who feels that her life is too consumed by daily drudgery, who worries that her life is too dull to be of consequence, the quiet strength of Fatima (ra) is an inspiration and a reminder that no deed, however small or insignificant, is overlooked by Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Just.

And be patient, for indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.
(Surah Hud - Verse 115)

Jannah is not only for the Prophets, the martyrs, the ascetics or the scholars; Jannah is attainable by every Muslimah, no matter her occupation or station in life. In the eyes of Allah, every sincere Muslim woman who pledges her life to pleasing her Lord is a heroine of Islam.

(Sisters Magazine)

Wasalaam!

My Hajj Journey 2012

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Seeing the Haajis in Makkah completing their Hajj this year brings back so many memories of my own journey last year. Alhamdulillah, Allah blessed me and my parents with the honour of visiting His House and performing the blessed Hajj pilgrimage, and He, the Most Merciful, helped us in ways you can never imagine. This is the plane that brought us, with the will of Allah, to the blessed land of Arabia. May Allah take us all there again and again - Ameen!

The first stop was Masjidul Haram in Makkah. This is where the House of Allah - the Kaabah stands. Built by the Prophet Ibrahim (as) and his son, it has been a blessed place on earth for thousands of years.

The Hajj journey was a snapshot of the entire world. Walking through the crowded mosques, we heard languages and saw faces from all over the world. A clear proof of the spectrum of the Islamic faith - a universal faith that there is only One God - Allah.

This was one of the many wall paintings which greeted us on arrival at Mina. It means "Welcome to the guests of Ar-Rahmaan". It completely sums up the hospitality of the people of Arabia during the Hajj season. They treat every single person as the guest of Allah. The amount of times our coaches stopped at checkpoints on the way, and we were handed so many free drinks, food and other goodies. May Allah reward the people of Arabia for their immense hospitality throughout the Hajj season and other months of the year - Ameen. We can only pray for them but their true reward lies only with You, O Allah!

The first stop for us as pilgrims was Mina - the tent city! And it really is a city, in fact it felt as though the whole world had gathered in one place. Each country had its own area, and within those areas were streets and alleys where all the different Hajj groups had their tents. That first day spent in Mina was the time to begin our prayers and contemplate on the huge journey ahead.

As night fell on that first day in Mina, there were many speakers giving talks about Hajj in all the tents. You could hear many different voices and languages ringing out as we walked in between the little alleys. We were quite lucky in that the nasheed artist, Junaid Jamshed gave a talk in our tent. He said something which kept me going throughout the entire Hajj journey, and still resonates with me today. 
He said, "This Hajj is a strange worship. You perform many rituals, and they may seem strange to non-Muslims, but you do them because it is the command of Allah.
This is the same with life.
Some of the commands of Allah may not make sense to you, but you do them because Allah has commanded you to. 
In the end, you will definitely see the beautiful wisdom behind each and every command of Allah".

The next morning, after Fajr, we set off for Arafah. Subhanallah! What a place! A huge open piece of land, surrounded by mountains, and dotted with tents. A day of praying and repenting awaited us - this is Hajj - Hajj is Arafah.

The tents in Arafah were temporary and were just pieces of cloth tied to poles for the roof, and rugs on the floor. A glimpse into the lives of the Bedouin Arabs who live their lives in tents in the desert, moving from place to place in search of water. 
As the Day of Arafah went on, the praying intensified. All around on the loudspeakers , were voices crying out to Allah, begging for His forgiveness and repenting for a life full of sin.

As sunset approached in Arafah, the prayers became more intense. We stood out on the open plains, arms raised up to the heavens, weeping and crying to Allah, and begging Him to forgive us. Anticipating that when the sun set, and we left for Muzdalifah, we would leave forgiven and free of sin like newborn babies.
But for now, Arafah was our world, and we stood in front of Him, begging.

The night was spent under the moon in Muzdalifah. After a day of repentance under the hot Arabian sun, the coolness of the night was quite welcome. Many of the Hujjaj slept, resting their weary bodies but many more were awake, praising their Lord for His Mercy at Arafah, and marvelling at the sea of humanity in front of them, which spread out as far as the eye could see.

After spending the night in Muzdalifah, we left after Fajr, and started the long walk back to Mina. The sun rose as we walked, and all I could hear around me was the footsteps of all the Hujjaj, all heading in the same direction. It reminded me of the scene of the Day of Judgement which has been described in the Quran. How on that day, all that will be heard is the sound of footsteps as people walk to the Plain of Reckoning.

We finally reached Mina around mid-morning after getting quite lost among all the white tents. It was then time for a well earned rest before our next step in the journey. Little did we know that today was the day of Eid-ul-Adha!




After a few hours rest in Mina, we walked all the way to the Jamaraat Bridge. Today we would pelt one pillar representing the Shaytaan, and within the next two days, we would return twice to pelt all three.

The sight of people getting their entire lives worth of anger out at the Shaytaan was just indescribable. When we left the bridge, a huge weight felt like it had been lifted from our shoulders. 

And then, it was back to Makkah for tawaf. Back to the Kabah where our Hajj journey had begun - back to the House of Allah. It reminded me of life - we come from Allah, and we will return back to Him. We always return back to Him.

May Allah accept our Hajj, and accept the Hajj of all the Muslims who have ever performed it, and take us again and again to the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah - Ameen!

Wasalaam!

(All photos were taken by me)