What is Alhamdulillah?

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

We are the people of Alhamdulillah.

 What does Alhamdulillah mean? It is two things:

1. That you thank Allah

2. Appreciation and praise is for Allah

Thanks and praise are two separate things. You can see a beautiful building, and you will praise it but you will not thank it. You will see a beautiful car, and you will praise it but you won't thank it. 

Sometimes the opposite happens. You may thank someone but you won't praise them. 

Allah says that the Muslim has to be grateful to his parents no matter what, even if his parents are not Muslim. Even if they want you to leave your faith, you still have to be grateful to them. You will not praise their shirk (non-belief), but you will still thank them. 

So, sometimes in life, you can have praise without thanks. And, sometimes in life, you can have thanks without praise.

 Another example of this is Firown. He raised the Prophet Musa (as) in his home. Many years later, Prophet Musa (as) came back to him, and Firown reminded him, saying, "Didn't you live many years here? Didn't we raise you as a newborn in this house?" He was reminding Prophet Musa (as) of his favour. And, obviously, when someone does you a favour, you owe them thanks. Prophet Musa (as) realised the favour, and he did thank him. He thanked Firown but he never ever praised him. 

When we say Alhamdulillah, then we are praising Allah for whatever He is doing, and we are also thanking Him for doing it. There are people of other religions who believe in God, but they don't have Alhamdulillah. Some Muslims don't understand Alhamdulillah. When we say it, we should be grateful from the bottom of our hearts. For all the things that are going wrong in your life, there are more things that are going right. There are so many other things that could be wrong with you. 

Being people of Alhamdulillah, we are constantly grateful and we are constantly positive. If we understood Alhamdulillah, we would never be depressed. A Muslim cannot be depressed. Muslims themselves complain about the state of the Muslims. Allah is the One who can change our circumstances. All we need to do is turn to Him and say Alhamdulillah, and be positive.

May Allah make us the sincere people of Alhamdulillah - Ameen!

Wasalaam!

Ijtihad and the Four Schools of Thought

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

For 23 years, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) ruled with justice and spread peace, love and harmony. After he passed away, his companions came into succession, and conquered many countries around the world.

Great and noble companions were sent out to govern these lands. As governors, they came across many issues in their day to day lives for which the public needed answers. 

So, these pious rulers would carry out the process of Ijtihad, which was also done by the companions of the Prophet (saw) during his lifetime.

What is Ijtihad?

Ijtihad is the reasoning process through which Islamic laws are deduced after thorough research from the Quran and Ahadith.

Ijtihad is only carried out in debatable texts of the Quran and Ahadith.

If the verse or Hadith was too brief to understand, if they contained more than one meaning or other text from the Quran or Ahadith seemed to contradict it, then the process of Ijtihad was applied.

As many years passed by, these rulers lived and then departed from this world. During this time, the process of Ijtihad was still fully established.

The answers to the many questions posed by the people would be brought together and would be recorded along with the answers.

Then, on 5th September 699 CE or 80 Hijri, a boy named Nu'maan bin Thabit was born. He lived in the city of Kufa in Iraq. This boy grew up to become a great scholar of Islam - Imam Abu Hanifa (ra). He became a leader and also applied the process of Ijtihad. 

One day, this wise Imam decided to compile all the Islamic law (Fiqh) together for others to benefit from and to share his knowledge. He also wished to eradicate all those governors and judges who were taking advantage of different opinions and principles in the process of Ijtihad and using them in the wrong way.

Imam Abu Hanifa (ra) chose 40 of his most intellectual students. These pupils had such intellect that each one was a Mujtihad (he carried out Ijtihad) within himself. Some of these illustrious souls were Imam Muhammad (ra), Imam Abu Yusuf (ra) and Imam Zufar (ra).

They were posed with hypothetical issues (issues that had not yet occurred) to tackle. People disapproved and said, "Why tackle issues that have not yet happened?" But Imam Abu Hanifa (ra) answered, "A scholar should always be prepared in advance".

The students were given questions to investigate. They did the research by using sources such as the Quran, the Sunnah, general and individual opinions of the Sahabah (ra), analogical deductions, preferences as well as local customs. 

Through this process the Islamic law (fiqh) of Imam Abu Hanifa (ra) was formed.

Many years passed, and another scholar was born in the city of Madinah. His name was Imam Malik bin Anas (ra) and he was born in 711 CE or 93 years after the Hijrah. He was alive in the time of Imam Abu Hanifa (ra), and he also applied the process of Ijtihad. 

The question may come that why was the rulings and the Ijtihad of these two Imams different although they lived during the same time period? The answer is simple. It is because of the different situations in the cities in which these respected Imams lived. In Madinah, there was less corruption when compared to Kufa, as this was the core of the eruption of the different sects of Islam.

Years later, the third legendary scholar was born. His name was Imam Muhammad bin Idrees As-Shafi (ra). He was born in 767 CE or 150 Hijri. He gained his knowledge from teachers such as Imam Malik (ra) and the students of Imam Abu Hanifa (ra), as Imam Abu Hanifa (ra) had passed away. After acquiring his knowledge, Imam Shafi (ra) used the method of Ijtihad, in accordance to his principles and formed his own set of rulings.

The fourth and final noble Imam was Imam Ahmad bin Hambal (ra). He was born in 780 CE or 161 Hijri. He gained his knowledge direct from Imam Shafi (ra), and the students of Imam Abu Hanifa (ra) and Imam Malik (ra). Imam Ahmad (ra) also carried out rulings regarding the issues in accordance with the situation at the time. However, his book was not compiled by him but rather by his son. 

All of these four Imams progressed and benefited Islam greatly. The coming of the new centuries brought the biggest changes to the Islamic law - Fiqh, leaving the great works of Ijtihad behind. This happened gradually as the new generation of students studied the Quran and the Ahadith.

However, instead of applying Ijtihad, they began to study the books of the previous great scholars in detail and the methods that the scholars used to derive these laws. 

They realised that these gifted and wise scholars had answered all the questions in the best possible manner, and it was pointless for them to go back and unravel them again. 

The four illustrious Imams had never thought that such a day would come when people would be fully dependant on them and other scholars. 

However, as time passed, this is exactly what happened. Within 150 years, the Islamic law (Fiqh) of these four Imams became famous, and spread across the world shaping the Four Schools of Thought that are known today as - Hanafi, Shafi, Maliki and Hambali.

Wasalaam!

The Month of Shawwal

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

When Ramadan ends, the month of Shawwal begins – on Eid ul Fitr day! When Shawwal begins, our test begins. We have just spent a whole month boosting our Imaan - it is up to us now to continue performing these good deeds throughout the rest of the year.

The scholars say that the sign of acceptance of good deeds in Ramadan is that we remain firm and regular on our good actions after this month is over – our connection with Allah should be stronger than ever!

We should ask ourselves: does Allah deserve to obeyed properly only in this one month? Does Allah deserve to be worshipped properly only in this one month? He looks after us during the rest of the 11 months so we owe Him at least this much.

Some Advice to help maintain an Islamic lifestyle after Ramadan

·       Keep up with the recital of the Quran. Keep your target small but consistent. A Hadith says that the most beloved deed to Allah are the regular ones, even if they amount to little in quantity. Why are the Muslims in such troubles today? Because they have left the greatest gift of Allah, and so they have lost the help of Allah.

·       Keep listening to Islamic lectures online etc – these are very beneficial and will give your Imaan a boost!

·       Study Islam and increase your knowledge about your religion and the Shariah. Try and learn the simple rulings, improve your tajweed or read the life story and sayings of the Prophet (saw). The more we learn about our religion, the more we will begin to recognise our creator and realise what He expects from us. This will help us to do things which please Allah and keep away from those things that anger Him.

·       Finally, the most important, regular 5 times Salah and to make dua at least once a day! Salah when performed 5 times a day will prevent you from almost every major sin: Indeed the prayer wards off indecency and lewdness (Surah Ankabut).

Stay firm on salah in times of happiness and fear, day and night, when free and when busy.

With salah comes dua! What can be said of the person who makes dua to Allah 5 times a day after each salah? You will find that all your worries and troubles will be gradually eased. You will become happy and content for you will come to appreciate and see that Allah does everything in His own time, according to his own wisdom and always does things which are best for us!

There is a saying: When Allah answers your dua straight away, it is because He is testing your faith. When Allah does not answer your dua straight away, it is because He is testing your patience. When Allah does not answer your dua at all, it is because He has something better for you. Those who happily leave everything in Allah’s hand will see Allah’s hand in everything.

Remember, regardless of your past, your mistakes and your ignorance, it’s a new start for all. If the likes of Hazrat Umar (ra) were transformed from the strongest of enemies to the 2^nd greatest companion, and was buried next to the Prophet (saw), then there is hope for us all. As long as we are willing to take advantage of Allah’s mercy by repenting over the past and making firm good intentions for the future.

A verse in the Quran reads in Surah Nisaa Verse 147:

What would Allah do with your punishment if you are grateful and believe? And ever is Allah Appreciative and Knowing.

This verse shows us that the way to Allah is simple - we must be grateful to Him and believe in Him. This means that we should act upon all His commands and follow the way of His beloved - the Prophet Muhammad (saw).

Six Fasts of Shawwal

Shawwal is the first of the 3 months named Ashur – ul – Hajj – the months of Hajj. We should try and keep 6 optional/nafl fasts in this month.

“Whoever completes the fasts of Ramadan, then adds to them the fast of six days in the month of Shawwal, it will carry the reward of fasting the whole year” (Muslim)

How does this work? Ramadan was 30 fasts, if we add the 6 fasts of Shawwal that is 36. Every good deed in Islam is multiplied by 10 and 36 multiplied by 10 is 360. There are 365 days in a year but fasting on 5 of these days is forbidden so that equals to 360!

In the Hadith, it mentions that anyone who does this always it’s as though he has fasted his entire life!

It’s better to keep any qadha fasts of this Ramadan first, then these six fasts. The six fasts do not have to kept straight away but in any order – as long as they are in Shawwal.

May Allah accept all our worship during Ramadan, and give us the ability to carry on worshipping Him properly throughout the rest of the year - Ameen!

Wasalaam!

Eid - ul - Fitr

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

One of the biggest examples of Shaytaans deception is on the day of Eid. We try our utmost best during the whole month of Ramadan yet after all that worship, all that hunger and namaz, our duas and worship on the odd nights and the 27^th night, we wash away our good deeds with the wave of sins committed on the day of joy – the day of Eid.

This day of Eid is our test from Allah. We should remain fearful and scared of Allah on this day more than any other. Remember, that if we stay strong and refrain from sins, then perhaps others too will see the light. Invite towards good and stop people from evil!

Eid is and should be a day of happiness and joy, but our happiness and celebrations should lie within the boundaries of Shariah. Give in charity especially the Fitranah before the Eid prayer, and remember those less fortunate than us in your prayers. There are so many Muslims in the world who are suffering and don’t even have enough food in Ramadan let alone for Eid!

Sunnats of Eid ul Fitr

·       To awaken earlier than usual

·       To brush the teeth with miswaak

·       To have a bath (ghusl)

·       To be well dressed in an Islamic manner

·       To dress in ones best clothes (not necessarily new)

·       To use itr

·       To perform Eid salah at the place of prayer

·       To eat an odd number of dates or anything sweet before Eid salah

·       To go to the place of salah early

·       To walk to the place of Eid salah (if within distance)

·       To read the takbeerat silently and frequently on the way to Eid salah

·       To use different routes to and from the Eid salah

·       To say Eid Mubarak is permissible but shouldn’t be done as a strict ritual

Wasalaam!

The Night Before Eid

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Abu Hurayra (ra) relates that the Prophet (saw) said, “My Ummah were given five things for Ramadan which were not given to anyone except them. For them, the smell from the mouth of a fasting person is sweeter than the fragrant smell of musk. The fish in the sea seek forgiveness for the fasting persons until they break their fast. Allah prepares and decorates a special garden in Paradise everyday and then says to it, “The time is near when My faithful servants shall cast aside the great trials of the world and come to you”. In this month the evil minded Shaytaan is chained so as not to reach those evils to which they normally reach during other months besides Ramadan. On the last night of Ramadan, they are forgiven”.

The Companions (ra) asked, “O Messenger of Allah, is the last night Laylatul Qadr?” The Prophet (saw) replied, “No. But it is only right that a servant should be given his reward on having completed his service”. (Bayhaqi)

This is why the night before Eid is called Laylatul Jaaizah – the Night of Prize Giving.

We learn from the Hadith that:

·       the last night of Ramadan holds a special virtue over its previous days and nights

·       The coming of Eid is a great happiness to the Muslims, so in order to increase the joy, why not end the blessed month with a bonus earning of reward?

·       This doesn’t mean that we have to spend the whole of the night in worship, but we should at least try to perform extra nafl salah, read a few extra tasbeehs, recite extra Quran and make heartfelt dua.

     Inshallah, by doing even a little extra worship, we will be included in the Hadith where:

The Prophet (saw) said, “Whoever stands up in worship in the nights preceding the two Eids, expecting reward from his Lord, his heart will not die when the other hearts will die i.e. on the Day of Judgement”. (Ibn Majah)

Wasalaam!

Tips for the Last Ten Nights of Ramadan

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

1. Do not let your 'performance' until now affect your last 10 days. The moment of forgiveness could be today or anytime in the coming days! It is not all lost! If you sincerely wish it could have been better - chin up and get ready to make it your best yet! Start with a positive, sincere intention!

2. Today, take a little time to read the Tafseer (commentary) of Surah al-Qadr to understand what actually happens this night! You will feel its power and greatness so much more!

3. Do not wait for the 27th Night to give it your "all". The entire last 10 days should be your target. Stay up each night! Would you want to miss Laylatul Qadr even "by chance?"

4. Do not fall into any innovations/celebrations any masjid or culture might try to promote. Follow the Sunnah! The Prophet (saw) guided us simply: "Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”

5. Memorize and keep asking the dua' taught by the Prophet (saw): Allaahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibb al-‘afwa fa’affu ‘anni (O Allaah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).

6. Prepare a short dua' list. Remember this is as awesome as it ever gets for a servant of Allah! The Night of Qadr, of Destiny! Consciously pick each and everything you crucially wish for in this dunya, in your deen, family, and in your aakhirah! Don't forget to include the brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering and in grief!

7. Take brief naps during the day, if possible. Keep your stomach light and sleep as soon as you have prayed 'isha. Do not delay! After a brief nap, refresh yourself and get ready for worship.

8. Don't neglect your family! The Prophet (saw) made it a point to wake up his wives throughout these nights! And yes, your children are not too young to stay up some part of the night - if they can be allowed to play video games or watch TV, they can be inspired to be up at least for some time! Prepare them, make them excited, plan some activities for them to do! 

9. Look the Part: The way we dress and prepare has a big effect on our psychology. Wear your best, perfume yourself, and feel the energy!

10. Choose a spot, whether in the Masjid or in your home, where you can have peace and solitude. Keep your Quran, praying mat, and water at hand so that you are not distracted by constantly getting up for this or that.

11. This is not the night to tweet pics or update your Facebook status about how amazing the night is and how you are feeling and worshipping Allah! Let that be a secret between you and your Lord! So switch off those phones, wifi, laptops and computers. Disconnect with the world, and connect with al-'Afuww!

12. If you find yourself feeling sleepy, vary your acts of worship. Alternate between qiyaam, heartfelt dua'a, reading the Qur'an. Do not spend the night listening to lectures or recitations. Or do it only for a short while when you feel the sleep coming on!

13. Patience is the Key: The last 10 days might be tiring. You might still have work or school. This is the time to bear all that hardship, and have firm patience. Think how Allah has blessed you with this tremendous opportunity that might NEVER come again in your life again. If you knew for sure that this was your last Ramadan, if you knew certainly that Jannah was up for grabs, wouldn't you sprint for it no matter what it takes?

14. This is most important: Keep husn adh-dhann bi Allah (good expectations from Allah). When you ask, remember you are asking the Most Generous King. If you hope for the best, He will give you the best. Don't hold back. Trust in Him, pour out your heart in front of Him, and let no doubt, no barrier, no evil thoughts keep you away from ar-Rahman, ar-Raheem!

May Allah give us all the ability to make the most of these blessed nights - Ameen!

Wasalaam!

The Battle of Badr

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

The Prophet (saw) was in Madinah and he received the news that Abu Sufyan was returning to Makkah from Syria with a trade caravan. The value of the caravan was 50,000 dinaars. When the Prophet (saw) found out that the caravan was returning, then he thought that we should attack them. This will weaken their strength. Also, because the Muslims had moved from Makkah to Madinah, they had no wealth with them. They thought that if we attack them, then we will receive their wealth as booty, which will be beneficial for us. When the Prophet (saw) discussed this with his Sahabah (ra), it was the month of Ramadan and they had never prepared for any battle before. This is why some Sahabah (ra) showed courage and bravery whilst some did not. The Prophet (saw) had not made jihad compulsory on all the Muslims at this time. Some people went out with their riding animals to attack this caravan. When the Prophet (saw) reached a certain place, he gave the order to Hazrat Qais (ra) to count the number of the army. He gave the news that the number of the army was 313. Hearing this, the Prophet (saw) was extremely happy. The Sahabah (ra) had 70 camels with them, meaning that for every 3 men there was 1 camel to use. They used to take turns riding it. The Prophet (saw) shared his camel with 2 men: Hazrat Abu Lubabah (ra) and Hazrat Ali (ra). The army also had 2 horses.

Whilst the Prophet (saw) was making all these preparations, somebody told the leader of the disbelievers, Abu Sufyan, that the Prophet (saw) was coming to fight with them. Abu Sufyan worked with wisdom and he gave a man called Dhamdham, 20 mithqaal to go to Makkah and give the Quraysh the news that the Prophet (saw) is coming. Dhamdham made the announcement according to the custom of those times. He cut off the nose and ears of his camel and he tore his clothes from the front and back. This was the way to make the people scared. When he entered Makkah in this state, then all the people realised that there was danger somewhere. They all started to prepare for battle. More than a thousand people came out. They had 200 horses, 600 suits of armour and singing girls with them. They went out to Badr and there were so many of them that they had to stop at each place to eat and they slaughtered 10 camels at each place.

On the other side, the Prophet (saw) was thinking that they would only be attacking a trade caravan, and so they had only prepared for this much. According to the Christian calendar, it was 11 March 624. The Prophet (saw) and his companions went out towards Badr and the Prophet (saw) sent two men ahead to bring news of Abu Sufyans’ caravan. They came back and gave the news to the Prophet (saw) that an army of a thousand is coming.

At this time, the Prophet (saw) took advice from his Sahabah (ra) and Hazrat Abu Ayyub Ansari (ra) and other companions said, “O Prophet (saw) of Allah, we don’t have the strength to fight them.” Hearing this, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) stood up straight away and said, “Whatever command you give, we will follow it.” Hearing this, Hazrat Umar (ra) and other Sahabah (ra) stood up. Hazrat Abu Miqdaad (ra) also stood up with them. They said, “O Prophet (saw) of Allah, we will not do with you what Hazrat Musa’s people did with him. They said to him that you and your Lord go and fight. We are not going to fight with you.” Hazrat Abu Miqdaad (ra) said, “We will fight with you”. Hearing this, the Prophet (saw) was extremely happy. At the same time, the Prophet (saw) saw that until now no one had stood up from amongst the Ansaar. But then Hazrat Saad ibn Muadh (ra) stood up and said, “O Prophet (saw) of Allah, we will also obey you.”

The Prophet (saw) then gave the glad tidings to the Muslims that Allah has told me that we will only face one group from the two – either Abu Sufyans caravan or the thousand strong army of youngsters from Makkah.

Then the Prophet (saw) said, “I swear by Allah, I can see the places where the disbelievers will be killed.” When the Prophet (saw) saw that they were about to face the army from Makkah, and they are a thousand strong and the Muslims are only 313, he raised his hands in dua.

It is well known that at the time of the Battle of Badr, Allah sent angels to help. The strength of the angels and be seen at the time when they had to overturn the nation of Prophet Loot (as), then Allah only sent Hazrat Jibraeel (as) to carry out the punishment, and he used only one of his wings to overturn the nation. At the Battle of Badr, if Allah wanted, He could have only sent one angel to help the Muslims but He sent a thousand angels. The reason why He sent so many angels was to make the Muslims happy.

The ayah in the hadith mentions a thousand angels when in Surah Aale Imran, three thousand are mentioned, and in some narrations, five thousand are mentioned. The outcome of all these narrations is that first Allah promised a thousand angels. Then He promised three thousand angels when the Muslims found out that other people are coming out to help the caravan. After this Allah said that if you people stay steadfast and you adopt taqwa, then your Lord will help you with five thousand angels. The hadith mentions that the angels in the Battle of Badr wearing white amamahs, and in the Battle of Hunanyn, the angels who came to help were wearing red amamahs.

When the disbelievers reached the place of Badr, they set up camp in such a place where there was water. The Prophet (saw) and his companions reached a place which was the lower part of the valley. Here, the earth was not soft but it was hard. The Sahabah (ra) were on foot so they experienced more pain. At this time, Shaytaan whispered to them that you people are praying Tahajjud salah and you are not resting, so how will you be able to fight? In this state, Allah gave the Muslims a special kind of sleep. (In jihad, when sleep overtakes the people then this is a sign of victory).

Hazrat Ali (ra) says, “On the night of Badr, every one of us was sleeping except the Prophet (saw). The Prophet (saw) was about to fall asleep but he stood up laughing and gave Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) the glad tidings that Hazrat Jibraeel (as) is stood by the hill. In one narration, it says that the Prophet (saw) showed Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) that this is where so and so disbeliever will be killed.

When all the Muslims were sleeping, Allah sent down rain which made the hard earth soft and they could walk with ease. But the disbelievers, who were on a higher ground, walking became muddier for them.

Eventually, the battle started between the Muslims and the disbelievers. At the beginning, there was a single combat between some Muslims and some disbelievers and then both armies got involved. It was here that Hazrat Ali (ra), Hazrat Hamza (ra) and Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (ra) attacked Utbah, Shaibah and Waleed.

It is also mentioned that Shaytaan was fighting in the form of a human but when he saw that the angels were also taking part in the battle, then he was the first one to run away.

There are many accounts which prove that the angels were present at the battle, for example, one of the Sahabah (ra) narrates, that when we moved forward to strike them, then we heard the sound of a whip which was proof that an angel was fighting on behalf of the Muslims.

In the end, the Muslims won, and what the Prophet (saw) had said that so and so will be killed here, this is what happened.

The Prophet (saw) had a discussion with the Sahabah (ra) about the prisoners of the disbelievers. Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (ra) was of the opinion that fidya (compensation) should be taken from all of them. Hazrat Umar’s (ra) opinion was that they should all be killed and that each Muslim relative should kill his disbeliever relative. The Prophet (saw) chose Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (ra) opinion but Allah preferred Hazrat Umar’s (ra) opinion. 

Wasalaam!