#Benefits of Hajj

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حج بیت اللہ کی فضیلت واہمیت‬

اسلام کے بنیادی ارکان میں سے چوتھا رکن حج ہے، حج 9ھ میں فرض ہوا، اس کی فرضیت قطعی ہے، جو اس کی فرضیت کا انکار کرے کافر ہے مگرعمر بھر میں صرف ایک بار فرض ہے۔ جو صاحب استطاعت ہو۔ حج، اسلام کی بنیادی تعلیمات میں سے ایک ایسا رکن ہے جو اجتماعیت اور اتحاد و یگانگت کا آئینہ دار ہے۔ قرآن کریم میں حج کی فرضیت کے حوالے سے اللہ تعالیٰ نے ارشاد فرمایا: اِنَّ اَوَّلَ بَیْتٍ وُّضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِیْ بِبَكَّةَ مُبٰرَكًا وَّ هُدًى لِّلْعٰلَمِیْنَۚ فِیْهِ اٰیٰتٌۢ بَیِّنٰتٌ مَّقَامُ اِبْرٰهِیْمَ وَمَنْ دَخَلَهٗ كَانَ اٰمِنًاؕ-وَ لِلّٰهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَیْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ اِلَیْهِ سَبِیْلًا° وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ غَنِیٌّ عَنِ الْعٰلَمِیْنَ۔ (آل عمران) ترجمہ : بے شک پہلا گھر جو لوگوں کے لیے بنایا گیا وہ ہے جو مکہ میں ہے، برکت والا اور ہدایت تمام جہان کے لیے، اس میں کھلی ہوئی نشانیاں ہیں، مقام ابراہیم اور جو شخص اس میں داخل ہو با امن ہے اور ﷲ کے لیے لوگوں پر بیت ﷲ کا حج ہے، جو شخص باعتبار راستہ کے اس کی طاقت رکھے اور جو کفر کرے تو ﷲ سارے جہان سے بے نیاز ہے۔ اور دوسری جگہ ارشاد فرماتا ہے:{وَ اَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَ الْعُمْرَةَ لِلّٰهِؕ}(البقرۃ) حج و عمرہ کو ﷲ کے لیے پورا کرو۔ کتب احادیث میں سے ایسی کثیر روایات ہیں جن میں حج کی اہمیت و فضیلت بیان کی گئی ہے۔ ان میں سے چند ایک روایات ذیل میں درج کی جارہی ہیں:

حج مبرور کی فضیلت  ٭ حج مبرور وہ حج ہے جس میں شہوانی باتیں فسق وفجور اور لڑائی جھگڑا اور معصیت نہ ہو۔ جیسا کہ قرآن مجید میں ارشاد ربانی ہے {الْحَجُّ أَشْہُرٌ مَّعْلُومَاتٌ فَمَن فَرَضَ فِیْہِنَّ الْحَجَّ فَلاَ رَفَثَ وَلاَ فُسُوقَ وَلاَ جِدَالَ فِیْ الْحَجِّ}(البقرہ) ترجمہ کنزالایمان: حج چند معلوم مہینے ہیں تو جو ان میں حج کی نیت کرے توحج میں نہ عورتوں کے سامنے صحبت کا تذکرہ ہو اور نہ کوئی گناہ ہو اور نہ کسی سے جھگڑا ہو۔ رسول اللہﷺ نے ارشاد فرمایا: ایک عمرہ دوسرے عمرہ تک ان (گناہوں) کا کفارہ ہے، جو ان دونوں کے درمیان ہوئے ہوں، اور حج مبرور کا بدلہ صرف جنت ہے۔ (بخاری)

احرام کی فضیلت  ٭ ام المومنین ام سلمہ رضی اﷲ تعالیٰ عنہا سے روایت ہے فرماتی ہیں کہ میں نے رسول ﷲﷺ کو فرماتے سنا کہ: جو مسجد اقصیٰ سے مسجد الحرام تک حج یا عمرہ کا احرام باندھ کر آیا اس کے اگلے اور پچھلے گناہ بخش دیے جائیں گے یا اس کے لیے جنت واجب ہو گئی۔ (ابو داؤد) رسول ﷲﷺ ارشاد فرماتے ہیں: محرم جب آفتاب ڈوبنے تک لبیک کہتا ہے تو آفتاب ڈوبنے کے ساتھ اس کے گناہ غائب ہو جاتے ہیں اور ایسا ہو جاتا ہے جیسا اس دن کہ پی��ا ہوا۔ (ابن ماجہ)

آب زمزم کی فضیلت  ٭ رسول اللہﷺ نے فرمایا: زمزم کا پانی جس نیت سے پیا جائے وہی فائدہ اس سے حاصل ہوتا ہے۔ (ابن ماجہ) نبی کریمﷺ نے فرمایا: روئے زمین پر سب سے بہتر پانی زمزم ہے جو بھوکے کے لیے کھانا اور بیمار کے لیے شفا ہے۔ (طبرانی) حضرت عائشہ رضی اللہ عنہا زمزم کا پانی (مکہ مکرمہ سے مدینہ منورہ) لے جایا کرتی تھیں اور فرماتی تھیں کہ رسول اللہﷺ بھی لے جایا کرتے تھے۔ (ترمذی)

حج پرخرچ کرنے کی فضیلت  ٭ رسول اللہﷺ نے ارشاد فرمایا: حج پر خرچ کرنا اللہ کے راستے میں خرچ کرنے کی طرح ہے، (جس کا ثواب) سات سو گنا تک ہے۔ (مسند احمد) حضرت عائشہ رضی اللہ عنہا فرماتی ہیں کہ رسول اللہﷺ نے فرمایا: تیرے عمرے کا ثواب تیری خرچ کے بقدر ہے یعنی جتنا زیادہ اس پر خرچ کیا جائے گا اتنہا ہی ثواب ہو گا۔ (الحاکم)

غربت اور گناہوں کو مٹانے والا عمل  ٭ رسول اللہﷺ ارشاد فرماتے ہیں: حج و عمرہ محتاجی اور گناہوں کو ایسے دور کرتے ہیں، جیسے بھٹّی لوہے اور چاندی اور سونے کے میل کو دور کرتی ہے اور حج مبرور کا ثواب جنت ہی ہے۔ (ترمذی) رسول اللہﷺ نے ارشاد فرمایا: جس نے اللہ کے لیے حج کیا اور (اس دوران) فحش کلامی یا جماع اور گناہ نہیں کیا تو وہ (حج کے بعد گناہوں سے پاک ہو کر اپنے گھر اس طرح) لوٹا جیسا کہ اس کی ماں نے اسے آج ہی جنا ہو۔ (بخاری)

حج کرنے پر نیکیوں کی تعداد  ٭ رسول اللہﷺ ارشاد فرماتے ہیں: جو حاجی سوار ہو کر حج کرتا ہے اس کی سواری کے ہر قدم پر ستر نیکیاں لکھی جاتی ہیں اور جو حج پیدل کرتا ہے اس کے ہر قدم پر سات سو نیکیاں حرم کی نیکیوں میں سے لکھی جاتی ہیں۔ آپﷺ سے دریافت کیا گیا کہ حرم کی نیکیاں کتنی ہوتی ہیں تو آپﷺ نے ارشاد فرمایا: ایک نیکی ایک لاکھ نیکیوں کے برابر ہوتی ہے۔ (بزاز، کبیر، اوسط)

حج کی نیکی کیا ہے؟ ٭ آپﷺ سے پوچھا گیا کہ حج کی نیکی کیا ہے تو آپﷺ نے فرمایا: ”حج کی نیکی لوگوں کو کھانا کھلانا اور نرم گفتگو کرنا ہے۔ (رواہ احمد و الطبرانی فی الاوسط و ابن خزیمۃ فی صحیحہ)۔ مسند احمد اور بیہقی کی روایت میں ہے کہ حضور اکرمﷺ نے فرمایا: حج کی نیکی، کھانا کھلانا اور لوگوں کو کثرت سے سلام کرنا ہے۔

حج کی تلبیہ  ٭ رسول اللہﷺ نے ارشاد فرمایا: جب حاجی لبیک کہتا ہے تو اس کے ساتھ اس کے دائیں اور بائیں جانب جو پتھر، درخت اور ڈھیلے وغیرہ ہوتے ہیں وہ بھی لبیک کہتے ہیں اور اسی طرح زمین کی انتہا تک یہ سلسلہ چلتا رہتا ہے (یعنی ہر چیز ساتھ میں لبیک کہتی ہے)۔ (ترمذی، ابن ماجہ)

بیت اللہ پر رحمتوں کا نزول  ٭ رسول اللہﷺ نے ارشاد فرمایا: اللہ جل شانہ کی ایک سو بیس رحمتیں روزانہ اس گھر (خانہ کعبہ) پر نازل ہوتی ہیں جن میں سے ساٹھ طواف کرنے والوں پر، چالیس وہاں نماز پڑھنے والوں پر اور بیس خانہ کعبہ کو دیکھنے والوں کو حاصل ہوتی ہیں ۔ (طبرانی) رسول اللہﷺ ارشاد فرماتے ہیں: جس نے خانہ کعبہ کا طواف کیا اور دو رکعات ادا کیں گویا اس نے ایک غلام آزاد کیا۔ (ابن ماجہ)

حجر اسود، مقام ابراہیم اور رکن یمانی  ٭ حضور اکرمﷺ نے ارشاد فرمایا: حجر اسود اور مقام ابراہیم قیمتی پتھروں میں سے دو پتھر ہیں، اللہ تعالی نے دونوں پتھروں کی روشنی ختم کر دی ہے، ا��ر اللہ تعالی ایسا نہ کرتا تو یہ دونوں پتھر مشرق اور مغرب کے درمیان ہر چیز کو روشن کر دیتے۔ (ابن خزیمہ) حضور اکرمﷺ نے ارشاد فرمایا: حجر اسود جنت سے اترا ہوا پتھر ہے جو کہ دودھ سے زیادہ سفید تھا لیکن لوگوں کے گناہوں نے اسے سیاہ کر دیا ہے۔ (ترمذی) نبی اکرمﷺ نے ارشاد فرمایا: حجر اسود کو اللہ جل شانہ قیامت کے دن ایسی حالت میں اٹھائے گا کہ اس کی دو آنکھیں ہوں گی جن سے وہ دیکھے گا اور زبان ہو گی جن سے وہ بولے گا اور گواہی دے گا اس شخص کے حق میں جس نے اس کا حق کے ساتھ بوسہ لیا ہو۔ (ترمذی، ابن ماجہ) رسول اللہﷺ فرماتے ہیں ان دونوں پتھروں (حجر اسود اور رکن یمانی) کو چھونا گناہوں کو مٹاتا ہے۔ (ترمذی) حضور اکرمﷺ نے ارشاد فرمایا: رکن یمانی پر ستر فرشتے مقرر ہیں جو شخص وہاں جا کر یہ دعا پڑھے "اللھم انی اسئلک العفو و العافیۃ فی الدنیا و الاخرۃ ربنا اتنا فی الدنیا حسنۃ و فی الاخرۃ حسنۃ و قنا عذاب النار ”تو وہ سب فرشتے آمین کہتے ہیں۔ (ابن ماجہ)

حطیم بیت اللہ کا حصہ ہے  ٭ حضرت عائشہ رضی اللہ عنہا فرماتی ہیں کہ میں کعبہ شریف میں داخل ہو کر نماز پڑھنا چاہتی تھی۔ رسول اللہﷺ میرا ہاتھ پکڑ کر حطیم میں لے گئے اور فرمایا: جب تم بیت اللہ (کعبہ) کے اندر نماز پڑھنا چاہو تو یہاں (حطیم میں) کھڑے ہو کر نماز پڑھ لو۔ یہ بھی بیت اللہ شریف کا حصہ ہے۔ تیری قوم نے بیت اللہ (کعبہ) کی تعمیر کے وقت (حلال کمائی میسر نہ ہونے کی وجہ سے) اسے (چھت کے بغیر) تھوڑا سا تعمیر کرا دیا تھا۔ (نسائی)

سفر حج میں انتقال  ٭ رسول اﷲﷺ نے فرمایا: جو حج کے لیے نکلا اور مر گیا۔ قیامت تک اُس کے لیے حج کرنے والے کا ثواب لکھا جائے گا اور جو عمرہ کے لیے نکلا اور مر گیا اس کے لیے قیامت تک عمرہ کرنے والے کا ثواب لکھا جائے گا اور جو جہاد میں گیا اور مر گیا اس کے لیے قیامت تک غازی کا ثواب لکھا جائے گا۔ (مسند أبي یعلی) ام المومنین صدیقہ رضی اﷲ تعالیٰ عنہا سے روایت ہے کہ رسول ﷲﷺ فرماتے ہیں: جو اس راہ میں حج یا عمرہ کے لیے نکلا اور مر گیا اس کی پیشی نہیں ہو گی، نہ حساب ہو گا اور اس سے کہا جائے گا تو جنت میں داخل ہو جا۔ (المعجم الأوسط) اللہ تعالیٰ ہم سب کو اپنے حبیب پاکﷺ کے روضہ کی زیارت نصیب فرما آمین

قاری عبدالرحیم حنفی خطیب مرکزی عیدگاہ مسجد پنوعاقل

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Music❌ Qur'an ✅🫀

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Discover the spiritual and practical advantages of opting for a complete Ramadan Umrah package. From enhanced blessings to a seamless pilgrimage experience, learn how a full Ramadan Umrah plan can make your spiritual journey unforgettable

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HIGHLY REWARDING GOOD DEEDS ✨

1️⃣ Would You Like To Be Close To Allah?

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"The closest that a person is to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so say a great deal of supplication (in this state)."

📚: Sahih Muslim 482 (1083)

2️⃣ Would You Like The Reward of Hajj?

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"Perform Umrah in the month of Ramadan as it is equivalent to Hajj or Hajj with me (in reward)."

📚: Sahih Bukhari 1863

3️⃣ Would You Like A Home In Paradise?

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"Whoever builds a mosque in which the Name of Allah is mentioned, Allah will build a house for him in Paradise."

📚: Sunan Ibn Majah 735 | Sahih

4️⃣ Would You Like To Achieve The Pleasure of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)?

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"Allah is pleased with His servant who eats some food and then praises Him for it (says Alhamdulillah - Praise be to Allah) or who drinks some drink and then praises Him for it (says Alhamdulillah)."

📚: Sahih Muslim 2734 (6932)

5️⃣ Would You Like Your Duaa To Be Answered?

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"The supplication made between the adhan and the iqamah is not rejected."

📚: Sunan Abi Dawud 521 | Sahih

6️⃣ Would You Like The Reward For Fasting A Complete Month Written For You?

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"Fasting for three days during the month is like fasting, the whole of the month."

📚: Sahih Muslim 1159 (2736)

7️⃣ Would You Like To Have Good Deeds The Size of Mountains?

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said:

"(A believer) who accompanies the funeral procession of a Muslim out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's reward and remains with it till the funeral prayer is offered and the burial ceremonies are over, he will return with a reward of two Qirats. Each Qirat is like the size of the (Mount) Uhud. He who offers the funeral prayer only and returns before the burial will return with the reward of one Qirat only."

📚: Sahih Bukhari 47

8️⃣ Would You Like To Accompany The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) In Paradise?

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said:

"I and the one who looks after an orphan will be like this in Paradise." showing his middle and index fingers and separating them.

📚: Sahih Bukhari 5304

9️⃣ Would You Like That Your Actions Continue After Your Death?

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"When a person dies, his deeds are cut off except for three: Continuing charity, knowledge that others benefited from, and a righteous son (child) who supplicates for him."

📚: Jami at-Tirmidhi 1376 | Sahih

1️⃣0️⃣ Would You Like A Gem From The Gems of Paradise?

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"Shall I not tell you of a treasure which is one of the treasures of Paradise?"

He (ﷺ) said: "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (There is no power and no strength except with Allah)."

📚: Sunan Ibn Majah 3825 | Sahih

1️⃣1️⃣ Would You Like The Reward of Praying The Whole Night?

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"Whoever prays Isha in congregation, it is as if he spent half the night in prayer, and whoever prays Subh (Fajr) in congregation, it is as if he spent the whole night in prayer."

📚: Sahih Muslim 656 (1491)

1️⃣2️⃣ Would You Like The Reward of Reciting One-Third of The Qur’an?

The Prophet (ﷺ) said to his companions: "Is it difficult for any of you to recite one-third of the Qur'an in one night?"

This suggestion was difficult for them so they said: "Who among us has the power to do so, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)?"

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) replied: "Allah (the) One, the Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need.' (Surat Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4) is equal to one-third of the Qur'an."

📚: Sahih Bukhari 5015

1️⃣3️⃣ Would You Like That Your Scale Is Very Heavy With Reward?

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"(The following are) two words (sentences or utterances) that are very easy for the tongue to say, and very heavy in the balance (of reward), and most beloved to the Gracious Almighty (Allah):

« سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ، سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ »

(Glory and praise is to Allah, Glory is to Allah The Most Great)."

📚: Sahih Bukhari 6682

1️⃣4️⃣ Would You Like That Allah Increases Your Provisions?

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"Whoever would like his rizq (provision) to be increased and his life to be extended, should uphold the ties of kinship."

📚: Sahih Bukhari 5986

1️⃣5️⃣ Would You Like To Have A House In Paradise?

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"Whoever is regular with twelve Rak'ah of Sunnah (prayer), Allah will build a house for him in Paradise.

Four Rak'ah before Zuhr (and) two Rak'ah after it, two Rak'ah after Maghrib, two Rak'ah after Isha and two Rak'ah before Fajr."

📚: Jami at-Tirmidhi 414 | Hasan

1️⃣6️⃣ Would You Like That Allah Protects You?

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"Whoever prays the Fajr prayer then he is under the protection of Allah.."

📚: Sahih Muslim 657 (1494)

1️⃣7️⃣ Would You Like Allah To Send Salat (Blessings) Upon You?

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"Whoever sends Salah (Graces, Honours, Blessings and Mercy, etc.) upon me once, Allah will send Salah upon him tenfold, and will erase ten sins from him, and will raise him ten degrees in status."

📚: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1298 | Sahih

1️⃣8️⃣ Would You Like Allah To Increase Your Honor And Raise Your Status?

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that Allah increases his honour, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status."

📚: Sahih Muslim 2588 (6592)

1️⃣9️⃣ Would You Like To Be Distant From The HellFire By Seventy Years?

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"Whosoever observes fast for one day in Allah's Cause (to seek His good pleasure), Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) Fire (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years."

📚: Sahih Bukhari 2840

2️⃣0️⃣ Would You Like To Enter Paradise?

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said:

"Whoever offers the two cool prayers ('Asr and Fajr) will enter Paradise."

📚: Sahih Bukhari 574

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

by Colin Shindler

Twenty years ago, Pyongyang supervised the construction of Hezbollah’s underground facilities in a labyrinth of tunnels. This allowed for the storage of food and medical equipment – and missile and arms dumps. North Korean guidance was based on its extensive technological expertise in tunnelling below the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas.

During Israel’s 33-day incursion into Lebanon in 2006, the IDF could not understand how the firing of Hezbollah’s missiles could continue unabated, without cessation. The constant cascade of Katyushas essentially forced a depopulation of northern Israel - 43 Israelis were killed and more than 4,000 were injured. The Arab media produced an explanation shortly afterwards.

With the assistance of several Iranian engineers and technicians, as well as North Korean experts, who travelled to Lebanon disguised as servants for the Iranian embassy and its officers, Hezbollah has successfully built a 25km-long underground belt, with 12-metre openings along it. Every four openings are connected to one another through an easily accessible passageway. (Asharq Ali-Awsat July 29, 2006)

North Korea continued to deliver arms to Hezbollah after its perceived success in the Lebanon war.  A ship named Grigorio 1 was detained in Cyprus and found to be carrying arms, bound for Syria and probably for delivery to Hezbollah. The 18 truck-mounted mobile radar systems were officially listed as “weather observation equipment”. A UN report in 2010 suggested that North Korea had become remarkably adept at masking its intentions and operated through “multiple layers of intermediaries”. In 2021, the Alma Research Center in Israel revealed that a larger tunnel in southern Lebanon, 45 km in length, had been discovered. It had been completed with the assistance of KOMID, a North Korean front company, at a cost of US$13 million. Alma’s report detailed underground command centres, field clinics and camouflaged vertical shafts to fire missiles from underground.

It allowed the movement of Hezbollah forces from one zone of conflict to another, as well as the quick transportation of surface-to-surface missiles to underground firing sites.

Hezbollah had long ago established front companies such as Jihad Construction and the Mustafa Commercial and Contracting Company. They were ostensibly there for the benefit of the Shi’ite community – but in reality it was to build a sophisticated network of tunnels.

According to Tal Beeri, the director of Alma’s Research Department, much of the information about Hezbollah’s network of tunnels was discoverable as open-source intelligence. (This included a 2007 video in which Imad Mughniyeh, the then Hezbollah second-in-command, was seen inside an attack tunnel. Mughniyeh, who had been charged in Argentina for the attack on the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires in 1992, was killed by a car bomb in Damascus in 2008.)

According to the IDF, Hezbollah planned to enter a tunnel on the Lebanese side of the border and emerge near Metula on the Israeli side and replicate October 7.

There were different types of tunnels, designed for different purposes including those which were specifically boobytrapped to kill Israeli soldiers in a repeat of the Hamas attack in 2023. Unlike Palestinian nationalists, Palestinian Islamists have never wished to compromise with Israel over a shared land. The killings at the Nova festival were not an exception to the rule but the rule itself. Nasrallah and his minions in Hezbollah would have gladly repeated the mass murder.

According to the IDF, the highly mobile Hezbollah Radwan force – named after Mughniyeh (al-Hajj Radwan) – had planned to enter the tunnel via a shaft in the main street of Kafr Kila on the Lebanese side of the border and emerge near Metula on the Israeli side. On motorbikes, they would have proceeded to replicate the events of October 7 but this time in Metula.

Hamas, too, acquired the expertise of tunnel construction and warfare. Reports in the media have suggested that some tunnels found in Gaza were wide enough for vehicles to drive through.

This may explain why Israeli spotters noticed little before October 7. Hamas forces could be transported underground in tunnels to then suddenly appear just a few metres away from the border with Israel.

[writerfarzanatutul]

To All the Muslim Women

In today's world, we see a rising trend among many women, including Muslim women, who seek education and career opportunities driven by fear:

What if my husband dies?

What if my husband abuses me?

What if he cheats on me?

While these fears may stem from real societal issues, centering one's entire purpose of education and career on such "what ifs" is problematic from an Islamic perspective. Tawakkul, or placing our complete trust in Allah, is an essential part of our faith. Muslims are encouraged to plan and strive for the best, but at the same time, we must believe that everything is ultimately in Allah's control.

The story of Hajar (alaihi as-salam) is an excellent example of this level of trust. When Prophet Ibrahim (alaihi as-salam) left her in the barren desert of Makkah with her infant son Isma’il, she asked him, "Has Allah commanded you to do this?" When he affirmed, she did not question or complain but instead said, “Then Allah will not abandon us.” She placed her trust entirely in Allah, despite the harshness of her situation.

Allah recounts how, through Hajar's steadfast faith and patience, her efforts in seeking water for her child were not only rewarded but immortalized. Her running between the hills of Safa and Marwa became an essential ritual of Hajj and Umrah, known as Sa’i.

"فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا" "For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease." Quran 94:5-6

This powerful story teaches us that no trial is meaningless, and our struggles are seen by Allah, who is Al-Latif (The Subtle, The Kind). When we endure trials with patience and trust in Him, He not only alleviates our difficulties but elevates us, as He did with Hajar.

Hajar (alaihi as-salam) was not a prophet but a regular person like you and me. Yet, through her Tawakkul, Allah honored her immensely. Allah mentions in the Qur'an that those who are patient and trust Him will be greatly rewarded:

"وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مَخْرَجًا. وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ" "And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect." Quran 65:2-3

This verse reminds us that our provision and our safety do not come from our efforts alone, nor from our spouses or jobs. Rather, they come from Allah, who can provide from sources we never imagined. So, while it is good to be educated and seek lawful work, we should remember that our sustenance and protection are not in the hands of anyone but Allah.

Now, let us consider the flip side of the "what ifs" that often drive people into a false sense of security through worldly means.

What if you get a high-paying job but meet a toxic or corrupt work environment?

What if, God forbid, you get into an accident and are unable to work?

What if you face severe health challenges and are unable to continue?

These scenarios remind us that life is uncertain, and no amount of planning can shield us from Allah's decree. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “If you were to place your trust in Allah truly, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds; they go out in the morning hungry and return full.” (Tirmidhi)

The lesson is clear: We must strive, but ultimately place our reliance on Allah, not our means, education, or jobs. As Allah says:

"إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الرَّزَّاقُ ذُو الْقُوَّةِ الْمَتِينُ" "Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength." Quran 51:58

Yes, planning for our future is wise, but it should not be driven by fear of hypothetical situations, nor should it be rooted in distrust of Allah's plan. The most important step is to shift our intention (niyyah). Our pursuit of education or career should be for the sake of pleasing Allah, benefiting society, and fulfilling our roles as Muslims, not out of anxiety over possible future difficulties.

May Allah strengthen our hearts, increase our trust in Him, and grant us the strength to face life's challenges with faith.

[taqwatawheedtales]

Ten Points for the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah.

1. The first ten days are actually nine days with the addition of the day of Eid.

•They are called the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, but fasting is only for nine days of it as the tenth day is the beginning of Eid.

•It is impermissible to fast on the day of Eid, this is a consensus amongst the people of knowledge.

2. It is recommended to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah with the last day of fasting being the day of Arafah for those not doing Hajj.

• “There are not any days that good deeds are more beloved to Allah than those done in these ten days.”

3. In these ten days, it is recommended that there is a lot of remembrance of Allah سبحانه و تعالى

4. In these ten days, it is recommended that one says takbeerat in abundance.

5. In these ten days, it is recommended to read the Qur’an as much as possible and give charity and do other good deeds.

6. The ninth day, The Day of Arafah. •Fasting on The Day of Arafah Expiates the Sins of Two Years

•Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Messenger of Allah was asked concerning fasting on the day of ‘Arafah so he said: It expiates sins of the previous year as well as the following year. (Muslim no.1250) So it is especially recommended to fast that day for those NOT performing Hajj.

7. SACRIFICE.

Allah said:” That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the name of Allah on appointed days (10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah), over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice). (Surah al-Hajj: 28).

8. Whoever wishes to slaughter in these days it is not allowed to cut or remove any hair from his body or his nails, but this does NOT apply to his family, only to the head of the family who is doing the slaughtering.

9. The ruling regards to slaughtering.. •An individual who slaughters from his own wealth on behalf of himself and his family - It is NOT permissible for this individual to shave any hair from his body, remove any part of his skin or cut his nails.

• An individual who slaughters from his own wealth for others e.g. he wishes to slaughter for his father or his mother He too must NOT cut his hair, take from his skin or cut his nails.

• Anybody who wishes to slaughter with someone else’s wealth, for somebody else .e.g. He has been entrusted by someone else to slaughter cattle for him This individual is allowed to cut his hair, nails and skin etc.

10 EID.

Eid Al-Adha is four days in total..

•The tenth day (the day of Eid) and the three days of tashreeq... (the 11th, 12th and 13th days of Dhul-Hijjah).

It is impermissible to fast in these days for those not performing the Hajj.

[ptseti]

El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz 1965 interview with CBC [Speaker]: El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz The struggle for the so-called “black” people in America is one of an identity crisis, the lack of a lawful education, nationality, and full autonomy of self-governance as sovereignty due to their stateless status. “Black”, “Brown”, “White”, etc. are misnomers that socially engineer division and enforce sociopolitical statuses. They are based on systems of benefit and privilege and do not provide any pedigree, nationality, or birthright. The word ‘Black’ can be traced back to its proto-Indo-European origins through the word ‘black’ which meant pale, wan, colourless, or albino. May the hungry be fed, the sick nourished, the naked clothed, the infant cared for, and the aged protected. Right understanding of life and death, right emotions, right speech, right actions, right livelihood, right effort, right awareness, and right meditation, right food, right company. In the mystic traditions of the different religions, we have a remarkable unity of spirit. Whatever religion they may profess, they are spiritual kinsmen. While the different religions in their historic forms bind us to limited groups and militate against the development of loyalty to the world community, the mystics have already stood for the fellowship of humanity in harmony with the spirit of the mystics of ages gone by. …. Imagination, devotion, and perseverance, together with divine grace, will assure your success. Knowing that material & spiritual progress are essential to man, we must ceaselessly work for the equal attainment of both. It is only when a people strike an even balance between scientific progress & spiritual & moral advancement that it can be said to possess a wholly perfect and complete personality and not a lopsided one.” - Haile Selassie …. #whoisprakasaka #UpliftHumanity #elhajjmalikelshabazz #malcomx #humanrights #history

[lightup0nlight]

When we think of Hajj, the Prophet that comes to mind is Ibrahim ‘alayhis-salaam, Khalilullah, who left behind some of the greatest legacies and lessons that we all benefit until today. And one of those incredible life lessons was his lack of need from seeking people’s validation.

🌺 ❛And [remember] when Ibrahim and [his son] Isma’il were raising the foundations of the House [the Ka'bah, while saying]: Our Rabb, accept [this service] from us. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.❜ 【Surah al-Baqarah 2:127】

Prophet Ibrahim was so motivated by Allah’s Command, that he never needed validation from anyone.

He didn’t need to see the numbers of people coming to the Ka’bah after he built its foundation.

He didn’t need someone patting him on the back, and said: “Maa shaa Allah, what you did was amazing!”

His heart was pure — qalbun saleem.

And this is something that we have to check for ourselves. Riyaa’ (showing off), which is basically doing deeds for the sight of people rather than the Sight of Allah, is a spiritual disease. The opposite of riyaa’ is ikhlaas. And a person can start transitioning from ikhlaas to riyaa’ when he starts seeking people's approval for actions that he did for Allah:

— that pat on the back — that ‘maa shaa Allah, good job!’ — that 'like' on social media.

So now when he starts doing good deeds, the first thing he's conscious of is: “Who’s watching me, and who’s going to tell me I’m doing a good job.” Instead of: “Allah is watching me, and I’m hoping for His Reward.”

But from the seerah of Prophet Ibrahim is that we learn to cut all these things off from the roots.

Allah’s Reward is infinitely greater. His acceptance of good deeds is infinitely more honourable. And qalbun saleem paves our way to His Jannah.

May Allah make the desire for His rida our primary desire, and keep our deeds sincerely for His sake.

Your sister in Deen, Aida Msr ©

[uma1ra]

8 Types Of Nafil Salaahs Have Greater Reward

Importance of praying Nafil Salah

1. Ishraaq Salah

2. Salat ul Taubah

3. Salaat ul Istikhaarah

4. Salaat ul Hajaat

5. Tahajjud Salaah

6. Salaat ul Chaasht

7. Tahiyyat ul Wudhu

8. Tahiyyat ul Masjid

We often miss this salah by just labeling them as “optional” but these are something we should consider as a gift from almighty Allah.

Importance of praying Nafil Salah

The hadith below tells the importance of Nafil Salaahs which we often neglect just by considering as the “OPTIONAL” prayers.

"Rabi'ah ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet said: "Ask [anything]."

Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet said: "Or anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations [i.e. nafl prayers]"." (Sahih)

ربیعہ بن مالک اسلمی رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: ” [کچھ بھی] پوچھو۔

ربیعہ نے کہا: میں آپ سے جنت میں آپ کے ساتھی ہونے کا سوال کرتا ہوں۔ آپ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: یا کچ�� اور؟ ربیعہ نے کہا: "وہی ہے۔" آپ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے اس سے فرمایا: "تو پھر کثرت سے سجدے کر کے میری مدد کرو۔" (صحیح)

We at The Islamic Information gathered the 8 very important Nafl Salaahs together;

1. Ishraaq Salah

Ishraaq should be Performed 15 minutes after sunrise.

It usually has 2 or 4 rakaats.

Benefit: This can give you a reward of one Hajj and one Umrah.

2. Salat ul Taubah

It should be performed when the need arises.

Usually, has 2 Rakaats.

Benefit: If you will pray it with all of your heart and with a truthful heart and sincerity then ALLAH (SWT) will forgive the sins, INSHALLAH.

3. Salaat ul Istikhaarah

Should be performed at any permissible time.

Usually, has 2 Rakaats.

Benefit: This Nafl is best when you are asking for Allah’s decision for yourself.

4. Salaat ul Hajaat

One should pray Salaat ul hajaat only in the time of need.

Usually, has 2 Rakaats.

Benefit: It is best for seeking help from ALLAH when you are in need or in any kind of difficulty.

5. Tahajjud Salaah

Tahajjud should be prayed after Esha, the latter part of the night.

It usually has a minimum of 2 Rakaats and a maximum of 12 Rakaats.

Benefit: This is best for Glorifying Allah (SWT)

6. Salaat ul Chaasht

The best time for this Nafl is Some part of the day (10:00 am) has passed until Zawaal.

Can be 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 Rakaats.

Benefit: You will be counted among Allah’s loving people.

7. Tahiyyat ul Wudhu

Pray if after Wudhu

It has 2 Rakaats

Benefit: You are entitled to enter Jannah.

8. Tahiyyat ul Masjid

Pray it upon entering the masjid (Mosque) and before sitting down.

Tahiyyat ul Masjid has 2 Rakaats.

Benefit: This nafl is to honor ALLAH (SWT)

[abdullahblogsposts]

By ash-Shāykh al-‘Allāmah ‘Abdul-‘Azīz at-Tuwăyli’ī Rāhîmâhûllāh

All praise belongs to Allāh, and Salāh and Salām be upon the Messenger of Allāh, to proceed:

Indeed, from the matters where differences and mistakes have increased is the issue of “al-‘udhr bil-jahl” (i.e. excuse of ignorance) in Asl ad-Dīn (the foundation of the Dīn), and many of those who view that the jāhil who commits major shirk is excused, make the basis and reason for that his affiliation to Islām and his claim that he’s from the Muslîmįn. So if he worshiped other than Allāh, and made du’ā to it and sacrificed to it, and was raised upon that since his birth till his death, and he would profess with his tongue “I am a Muslim”, he would consider him from the Muslîmįn, and if he worshiped other than Allāh, and made du’ā to it, and sacrificed to it, and would profess with his tongue, “I’m upon the way that Allāh has commanded me to be upon”, he would not excuse him, and this is from the contradictions, without a doubt. And if he is cited with the comparison between the grave-worshipers and the idol worshipers, and not excusing either one of them with ignorance, he made the affiliation to Islām the difference (between the two), and due to this affiliation (to Islām), he rules upon the idol worshiper with kufr, and rules upon the grave worshiper with Islām.

And affiliation to Islām, if it meant solely ascribing to Islām without the rest of the obligations (like Salāh etc), then it is a ruling without any proof for it, and if it means ascribing to the Dīn of Allāh, the Exalted and Majestic, whether that affiliation was to the Islām which Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was sent with, or to judaism or christianity or other laws which the Messengers were sent with, The one who says this statement must rule the ignorant ones among the jews and christians and other than them with Islām, because they attribute themselves to the Dīn of Allāh which He ordered them to follow, and they fell into nullifiers due to ignorance, and whoever excuse those has disbelieved and left fold of Islām, and denied the authentic and explicit (texts) from the evidences.

In fact, he must rule upon the mushrikīn of Quraysh with Islām before the advent of the Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم), because they say they are upon the Millāh of Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام) according to what they claim and assume, and they had some obliations taken from him, and Ahkām (i.e. rulings) such as Hajj, circumcision, exalting the rites, and they acknowledge that Allāh is the Lord with no partners with Him in creating, sustenance, bringing to life, causing to die, however they commit shirk with others besides Allāh, so it can bring them closer to Allāh, believing that Allāh has permitted him to be a mandate on His behalf, and an intermediary between Him and His creation, Allāh is Exalted from what they claim. And the grave worshipers are exactly like them in all of this, except that the grave worshipers attribute themselves to the seal of the Prophets instead of the jāhiliyyīn who attribute themselves to Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام). Moreover, they and them are the same in everything and the grave worshipers will have no benefit in following the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) or adhering to some of his obligations in the Dīn, just like the kuffār of Qurāysh had no benefit in following Ibrāhīm (عليه السلام) or adhering to some of his obligations in the Dīn.

So affiliation to Islām is in contrast with affiliation to the way of Ibrāhīm, and some of the obligations which they abide by in worship is in contrast with those (the mushrikīn perform), and the more, or less, (one performs of these) doesn’t make a difference in affirming Imān and kufr, and acknowledging the Rubūbiyyah of Allāh is in contrast with those (mushrikīn) who affirm the Rubūbiyyah, and both parties are disbelievers in Allāh, outside the fold of Islām, emitted from the Dīn. And if he was affiliated to the correct Dīn (i.e. upon pure Tawhīd) and committed apostasy when he first grew up, as is the case with many of the qubūriyyah and amongst the jāhiliyyīn. And after that has surpassed of being upon the fitrah of Islām (they became apostates afterwards) as is the case with some of the qubūriyyīn and the early ones who fell into apostasy from the jāhiliyyīn.

In fact, the grave-worshipers even claim that what they are doing is what Allāh and His Messenger has ordered, in contrast with the statement of the mushrikīn in jāhiliyyah, as Allāh, the Exalted and Majestic spoke about them, “And when they commit an immorality, they say, “We found our fathers doing it, and Allāh has ordered us to do it.” [7:28]

And this is the proof of the over-whelming majority of the mushrikīn amongst the grave worshipers today, rather I met with one of the major leaders from the people of shirk performing ‘Umrah, and he uses the same proof of the first kuffār, and he said, “It’s not allowed for you to rebuke what the people (i.e. grave worshippers) are practicing, because they took it from their fathers, and there’s no doubt that they (also) took it from their fathers, and the khalâf took it from the Salâf, so then it (is taken) from the Messenger of Allāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم)!”

This is exactly what is mentioned in the Āyah from the ‘proofs’ of the mushrikīn in two things: That they found their fore-fathers practicing it, and that Allāh has ordered them to do it. Al-Hāfidh Ibn Kathīr (رحمه الله) said, “And they believe that the practice of their fore-fathers is traced back to a command from Allāh and the Sharī’ah.” And even though this is in the context of “al-Fāhisha”, which was interpreted as being their tawāf around the Kā’bah naked, except that it’s indicative to the practice of their fore-fathers as an evidence (for them), and it’s their assumption that the practice of their fore-fathers is stemmed back to a Legislation from Allāh. And this wrong mistake, just as it occurs with some of the opponents in the issue of “excuse of ignorance” from the students of knowledge, for verily it occurs amongst the laymen alot in excusing the stubborn person (who refuses to accept the Hujjāh) that ascribes himself to Islām, so they don’t make Takfīr upon the one who ascribes himself to Islām at all, rather I heard from some of those who were called “Du’āt as-Sahwa” (i.e. revivalist preachers), who flipped and turned so much say, , “I do not make Takfīr upon whoever says I’m Muslim,” when he was asked about the likes of Hāfidh al-Assad (i.e. Bashār’s father, may Allāh curse his soul) and the Arab tawāghīt amongst the apostate rulers. And this is the exact blind misconception, and only if I knew, if this was the path of guidance and truth, then why did as-Siddīq (i.e. Abū Bakr) bother with fighting Musaylamah (the liar) and those with him, to the extent that the best Sahābah went out and died, and killings intensified among the Reciters, Scholars and people of the Qur’ān?! And the majority of those who the Scholars have ruled upon with kufr were among the murtaddīn, even though the over-whelming majority of them attributed themselves to Islām, and refused to be labelled with other than that.

Rather (to the extent that) this statement has ousted: That the one who says “I’m upon the religion of Mūsa” doesn’t disbelieve, or “I’m upon the religion of ‘Īsa” among the jews and christians, and this statement is extravagantly pored in the furthest of misguidance from the Dīn of Allāh, and the Book of Allāh, and the Sunnah of His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم). And if it is said, “This is not acceptable, for they disbelieved after the advent of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and the abrogation of their ways,” so this necessitates that if they attributed themselves to Islām after the advent of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and remained upon what they are upon, their ignorant ones would be excused and be a Muslim, and it also necessitates that their ignorant ones were all Muslim believers during the advent of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم), and they only disbelieved due to his advent, and this is obviously invalid and false.

What we just mentioned doesn’t mean that we say there’s no difference at all between the one who ascribes himself to Islām and the one who doesn’t ascribe to it among the mushrikīn. Rather, the affiliation of a person to Islām after he has disbelieved has Islām affirmed upon him in what is the “Dhāhir” (i.e. what’s apparent), so if he didn’t adhere to its rulings, or he committed acts of kufr that nullify the Asl (i.e. Foundation) of Tawhīd, then he is judged with apostasy. But as for the disbelieving groups that are raised upon this view (of shirk), then affirming Islām for them due to their affiliation to Islām has two statements among the Scholars. Some of them view that Islām is affirmed for them due to the affiliation, and apostasy is affirmed (right after) from what they commit from the acts of kufr, and others view that they are originally disbelievers (i.e. kuffār asliyyīn), and that their affiliation to Islām is just like the affiliation of the mushrîkįn of Qurāysh to the Millâh of Ibrāhīm, and this is what’s correct for what has surpassed of not differentiating between both affiliations, and Allāh knows best. (I)

This, and peace and blessings be upon His slave and Messenger Muhammad, and upon all of his household and companions.

I. It is only relatively recently that the Scholars have formed two opinions with regards to those who ascribe to Islām and have shirk with them. An Įjmā’ was stated by ash-Shaykh ‘Abdul-Latīf from the ‘Ulamā of the Dā’wāh Najdįyyāh Salafįyyāh Jihādiyyah that they are ruled upon with riddah. This is what the Khilāfah holds onto as well. But, that does not suggest that they were ever Muslim for a day, as it is based on the principle that whoever says the Shahādah enters into Islām and whoever commits shirk leaves it. Allāh tabāraka wa ta’ālā knows best.

[questionsonislam]

How can we answer the criticisms by non-Muslims related to the concepts of jihad (holy war) and fath (conquering)?

First of all, the wars in the history of Islam, especially the ones in the Era of Bliss, are all defensive wars. That is the message of the Quran. The mistakes of the Muslims do not bind the Quran. As a matter of fact, it is an indication of this principle that the Quran did not allow material wars during the thirteen-year period of Makkah despite all oppressions. Does the fact that the battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq, took place within the borders of Madinah not indicate it?

"To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged;- and verily, Allah is most powerful for their aid."(al-Hajj, 22/39)

The verse above is the first verse that allows war. As it can be seen, it is emphasized in the verse that the Muslims are wronged. Despite this, Muslims are not encouraged to fight against their cruel enemies by a severe and heroic call; the following is stated "permission is given to fight".

This shows that war is not essential in Islam. It aims to prevent the oppression of those who form a barrier between people and the message of Allah and prevent Islam from reaching people.

It is necessary to see sincerely and wisely the background of "a religion that regards saving the faith of a single human being – not equal to conquering a country or obtaining some loot – superior to the whole world".

Secondly, this a fact: The Muslims never forced people to accept the religion of Islam acting upon the order of the following verse: "Let there be no compulsion in religion." (al-Baqara, 2/256)

What does jizyah (tax paid by non-Muslim minorities) mean? Jizyah is an indication that Muslims treat even the enemies that they defeat humanely. For example, the Jews of Khaybar always betrayed Muslims. However, when the Prophet gave the standard (flag) to Hz. Ali when Khaybar was conquered, he addressed Hz. Ali as follows:

"Be patient. By Allah! If a single person embraces Islam at your hands (i.e. through you), that will be better for you than loads of red camels." (Bukhari, Jihad, 103)

This statement sheds light on that pure purpose of Islam. Moreover, those ruthless enemies were not forced to become Muslims. On the contrary, despite the economic needs of Muslims, they were allowed to live in their homeland in return for jizyah..

A kind of tax called "jizyah" is taken from non-Muslims as a duty of citizenship just like zakah taken from Muslims. In other words, non-Muslims are accepted as citizens; they benefit from all rights and in return for this, pay taxes as their duties. What can be better than that!

[mis6kkk]

The famous scholar Ibn ‘Abdul-Hadi in his book مراقي الجنان بالسخاء وقضاء حوائج الإخوان and adh-Dhahabi in سير أعلام النبلاء narrated that Ibn ‘Abdul-Hadi found in the handwriting of his shaykh (Ibn Kands) that Abu Ja’far al-Harawi said,

I was with Hatim al-Asam heading to hajj when we reached Baghdad.

He told me,

O’ Abu Ja’far, let us meet Ahmad ibn Hanbal since we are passing in his town.

We sought his house and headed there. We knocked on the door and he opened. Hatim al-Asam said, ‘O’ Abu Abdallaah (meaning Ahmad bin Hanbal). I’m your brother Hatim.’ Imam Ahmad greeted him and warmly welcomed him. Imam Ahmad then asked Hatim,

How can we protect ourselves from the people?

He said, O’ Ahmad in three ways/qualities! “What are they?!” asked Imam Ahmad. He said,

1. To give them from your wealth, and to not take money from them.

2. To be in service of them (teach them, bury their dead, visit their ill, open your house for them, advise them…etc) and not to ask them to do any service for you or to take anything in return.

To bear their harm and not harm them in return.

Imam Ahmad then lowered his head and poked the ground with his finger then lifted his head and said to Hatim,

It is extremely difficult. It is extremely difficult.

Hatim responded,

Do all that and you still might not be at peace from people, and you still may not be at peace, and you still may not be at peace.

What caused one of the biggest Imams of his time to ask Hatim, one of the wisest men of his time, such a question and to get such an answer but that they had been betrayed by those close to them. The question came with agony because Imam Ahmad suffered in prison where all but a few who were close to him turned on him during that difficult trial of his life when he was tested and imprisoned.

— Shaykh Ahmad Mūsā Jibrīl حفظه الله in an article called “A benefit from prison - when they turn their backs on you.”

[basicsofislam]

ISLAM 101: Creation: Part 7

Submission, Sense, and Reason

Many people ask how Islam, which requires submission to God, can be in accord with sense and reason. What we must realize here is that these two realities are not mutually exclusive. Islam does mean submission to God, and Islam is indeed in accord with sense and reason.

The principles of Muslim life are set forth in the Qur’an. If they were not, how could we know them? The Qur’an is an uncorrupted revelation of reality. The demonstrations presented therein concerning Divinity require Prophethood since only Prophets can make the Divine known to humanity. Such demonstrations appeal to reason and sense, as do those concerning death and resurrection. Our intuition of eternity actually arises from eternal life itself. If this were not so, how could we intuit its existence, based upon our limited human knowledge and experience?

By definition, every act of God accords with sense and reason, for He is the All-Wise and the All-Knowing. We are bound to conclude that our best works, when compared to His, are of almost no significance. This world, which He gave us to live in, always will far exceed all that our living can add to it. Moreover, we can add to it only what God allows us to add. Given this, we can deduce that each of God’s actions has a definite purpose. This realization is wholly pleasing to sense and reason.

All that we see around us when contemplating the Divine laws so evident in His creation, as well as our inner personal conviction, makes it impossible for us not to believe in God. That belief in God, that sense of His Being, whether in the outer world or within ourselves, inevitably leads us to submit to Him. In this way, a path moving from sense and reason ends in submission. And submission means willing, intended obedience to God by obeying all His commands and prohibitions.

God has sure reasons for His commands and prohibitions, some of which we can understand. One such reason is that they are for our own individual or collective benefit. Take the five daily prayers, each of which must be prayed during its allotted time. Some benefits are immediately obvious: self-discipline and order, the stability of faith and community.

The manner of praying also is prescribed for definite reasons. The value of washing certain bodily parts before worship has obvious health and other benefits. Congregational prayer enables and sustains the community’s existence. Zakat (the alms-tax) contributes significantly to preserving responsibility and balance between rich and poor people. Fasting has undeniable health benefits. As a further example, the Islamic penal code, (when applied by God-conscious rulers and) if studied in the light of sense and reason, leads to submission to the All-Wise and All-Mighty.

Regarding pilgrimage (hajj), the Qur’an says: Pilgrimage to the House is a duty to God for all who are able to make the journey (3:97). Obeying this command is an act of submission that leads to the experience of hajj, which leads us to contemplate its benefits: a worldwide conference for Muslims, an occasion for us to be together for the sake of God and free of all human and therefore artificial discrimination based on race, sex, color, or level of education.

Whether we start from an act of submission and the use of our sense and reason, or use our sense and reason and then are led to submission, Islam is confirmed, for it is grounded in sense, reason, and submission.

[wisdomrays]

REFLECTIONS ON THE QUR'AN: Sūratu’l-Hajj (The Pilgrimage)

Among people there are also many who worship God on the borderline (of faith) in expectation of only worldly gains. If any good befalls him, he is satisfied with it, but if a trial afflicts him, he turns away utterly, reverting back to unbelief. He (thereby) incurs loss of both this world and the Hereafter. This indeed is the obvious loss. (Al-Hajj 22:11)

There are lots of similar verses throughout the Qur’ān. Actually, God often tests the believers, hypocrites, and unbelievers in order to reveal the differences among their inner worlds. He puts their conscience to the test with troubles and disasters and even with the things relating to good. Thus, God reminds them of their actual worth or makes them aware of themselves. Indeed, it has been established with many experiences that even the people who sacrifice in different ways in God’s cause suffer occasional, even frequent setbacks, reverses, and tribulations. Their business and financial situation may come to a standstill, and their work destabilized. This is nothing but God’s testing His servant. However, this does not mean that God, Who is the Absolutely Wealthy and Generous One, will abandon His servants who renounce their world and make sacrifices in order to exalt His religion or that He will leave them to be oppressed under hard conditions. Yet, the All-Holy Creator, Who has innumerable instances of wisdom in every act and never does anything useless, tests His servants’ sincerity and loyalty through their behavior and on the scales of the judgments of their conscience. There may always appear some who fail this test and lose both in this world and with respect to the next one. The Qur’ān concludes this matter with the statement, “This indeed is the obvious loss.”

Those mentioned in the verse who failed in their test and incurred loss in both this world and the Hereafter were generally the hypocrites. They did not achieve the unity of the heart and the tongue; thus, they could not attain true faith. With their faith on the tip of their tongues, they watched occurrences suspiciously and lived a life at the edge of the religion, without ever adopting it fully and sincerely in their lives. They always remained on the borderline between belief and unbelief, being alert not to lose the worldly advantages of being a believer in the community of believers, like a fly that intends to light on the honey. In their opinion, they were deliberate and cautious against religious obligations and certain heavy duties that they found disadvantageous.

In such a position they adopted, the hypocrites made plans to benefit from any advantages that Muslims might enjoy. If they got what they expected, they adhered to it and showed off as if perfect and contented believers. Yet, if an affliction or tribulation appeared on the horizon, they immediately turned back to their previous attitudes.

A believer may not be able to be a true believer in every act. All acts, attitudes, and attributes of a believer may not arise from belief—I wish this were not so. Because of this, some believers may fall under the influence of such hypocritical considerations and wish the wind blew according to their desire, rain poured according to their own interests, and the wheel of fate always turned to their advantage. Just as there were such people during the earliest period of Islam who turned their back to Islam when they did not attain what they expected, it is inevitable in our time that many will suffer deviance in their inner worlds and confusion in feelings and attitudes.

Our Lord! Do not let our hearts swerve after you guided us. And, bestow upon us mercy from your Presence. Surely You are the All-Bestowing.

[rabi-kabir]

﷽

﴿ وَأَذِّن فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ ۞ لِّيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ ﴾

[ الحج: 27-28 ]

#جمعة_مباركة

And proclaim to the people the hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass. That they may witness [i.e., attend] benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allāh on known [i.e., specific] days. Al-Hajj: 27-28

#FridayGreetings