(ahle-sonnat.com) اهل سنت خراسان جنوبی

Auliya Allah - Friends of Allah

ircomp — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:56:18 GMT

Auliya Allah - Friends of Allah (Azzo Jal)

TYPES OF Auliya (Friends, Protectors, Helpers, Supporters) According to Quran and Sunnah:
"O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as 'Auliya' (friends, protectors, helpers etc.), they are but 'Auliya' to one another. And if any amongst you takes them as 'Auliya' then surely he is one of them. Verily, Allah guides not those people who are the Zalimun (polytheists and wrongdoers and unjust)." 5:51

"O you who believe! Take not My enemies and your enemies (i.e. disbelievers and polytheists, etc.) as friends, showing affection towards them, while they have disbelieved in what has come to you of the truth (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism, this Qur'ân, and Muhammad ), and have driven out the Messenger (Muhammad ) and yourselves (from your homeland) because you believe in Allâh your Lord! If you have come forth to strive in My Cause and to seek My Good Pleasure, (then take not these disbelievers and polytheists, etc., as your friends). You show friendship to them in secret, while I am All-Aware of what you conceal and what you reveal. And whosoever of you (Muslims) does that, then indeed he has gone (far) astray, (away) from the Straight Path. 60, 1.

"Should they gain the upper hand over you, they would behave to you as enemies, and stretch forth their hands and their tongues against you with evil, and they desire that you should disbelieve". 60, 2.

"Neither your relatives nor your children will benefit you on the Day of Resurrection (against Allâh). He will judge between you. And Allâh is the All-Seer of what you do". 60, 3.

Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrâhim (Abraham) and those with him, when they said to their people: "Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allâh, we have rejected you, and there has started between us and you, hostility and hatred for ever, until you believe in Allâh Alone," except the saying of Ibrâhim (Abraham) to his father: "Verily, I will ask for forgiveness (from Allâh) for you, but I have no power to do anything for you before Allâh ." Our Lord! In You (Alone) we put our trust, and to You (Alone) we turn in repentance, and to You (Alone) is (our) final Return, 60, 4.
Certainly, there has been in them an excellent example for you to follow, for those who look forward to (the Meeting with) Allâh (for the reward from Him) and the Last Day. And whosoever turn away, then verily, Allâh is Rich (Free of all wants), Worthy of all Praise. 60, 6.

Perhaps Allâh will make friendship between you and those whom you hold as enemies. And Allâh has power (over all things), and Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 60, 7.

Allâh does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allâh loves those who deal with equity. 60, 8.

It is only as regards those who fought against you on account of religion, and have driven you out of your homes, and helped to drive you out, that Allâh forbids you to befriend them. And whosoever will befriend them, then such are the Zâlimûn (wrongdoers those who disobey Allâh). 60,9

O you who believe! Take not as friends the people who incurred the Wrath of Allâh (i.e. the Jews). Surely, they have been in despair to receive any good in the Hereafter, just as the disbelievers have been in despair about those (buried) in graves (that they will not be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection). 60, 13.

Disbelieving Relatives
O you who believe! Take not for 'Auliya' (supporters and helpers) your fathers and your brothers if they prefer disbelief to Belief. And whoever of you does so, then he is one of the Zalimun (wrongdoers, etc.) 9:23 Hypocrites.

Then what is the matter with you that you are divided into two parties about the hypocrites? Allah has cast them back (to disbelief) because of what they have earned. Do you want to guide him whom Allah has made to go astray? And he whom Allah has made to go astray, you will never find for him any way (of guidance). They wish that you reject Faith, as they have rejected (Faith), and thus that you all become equal (like one another). So take not 'Auliya' (protectors or friends) from them, till they emigrate in the Way of Allah (to Muhammad ). But if they turn back (from Islam), take (hold) of them and kill them wherever you find them, and take neither 'Auliya' (protectors or friends) nor helpers from them. 4:88-89

Those who take disbelievers for 'Auliya' (protectors or helpers or friends) instead of believers, do they seek honour, power and glory with them? Verily, then to Allah belongs all honour, power and glory. 4:139

O you who believe! Take not for 'Auliya' (protectors or helpers or friends) disbelievers instead of believers. Do you wish to offer Allah a manifest proof against yourselves? 4:144

Awliya for Muslims
Muslims Behold! verily on the friends of Allah there is no fear nor shall they grieve. 10.62; Those who believe and (constantly) guard against evil. 10,63.

As to those who turn (for friendship) to Allah His Apostle and the (fellowship of) believers it is the fellowship of Allah that must certainly triumph. 5, 56.

Those who believed and adopted exile and fought for the faith with their property and their persons in the cause of Allah as well as those who gave (them) asylum and aid these are (all) friends and protectors one of another. As to those who believed but came not into exile ye owe no duty of protection to them until they seek your aid in religion it is your duty to help them except against a people with whom ye have a treaty of mutual alliance: and (remember) Allah seeth all that ye do . 8, 72.

Let not the believers take for friends or helpers unbelievers rather than believers; if any do that in nothing will there be help from Allah; except by way of precaution that ye may guard yourselves from. 3, 28.

Verily, your Walî (Protector or Helper) is Allâh, His Messenger, and the believers, - those who perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât, and they bow down (submit themselves with obedience to Allâh in prayer). 5:55 What hadith says about Awliya Allah
The Prophet (s) said, "'ulama ummati ka anbiya'i Bani Isra'il" which means "the scholars of my Nation are like the prophets of the Bani Isra'il." And the Prophet (s) said in another hadith "al-'ulama warithat ul-anbiya," (Ibn Majah and Tirmidhi) which means "the scholars are the inheritors of the prophets." Therefore it is difficult to see a way in Islam which allows one to discard scholars and scholarship.

Abu Hurayra narrated that Rasool Allah (saw) said (hadith Qudsi), " Whoever harms any of my Deputies, I shall declare war on him. The striving of my Servant to please Me does not receive a reward greater than that of fulfilling what I have commanded him to do. My servant volunteers in his perseverance, offering supererogatory devotion to please Me and to earn my Love. Once I cast My love upon him, I become his hearing with which he hears, his sight with which he sees, his hand with which he exacts justice, and his foot that carries him. Should my servant pray for something, I will answer his prayers and should he seek refuge in me, I will protect him. Indeed, there is nothing that I have decreed, which I hesitate to do for the sake of a believer except causing him to experience death. He dislikes it, and I hate to displease him, but I have thus ordained."

`Umar ibn Al-Khattaab once found Mu`adh ibn Jabal (ra) sitting and crying near the Grave of RasuuluLLah (saw). He asked him, " Why are you crying?" Mu`adh said, " I remember something RasuuluLLah said : "The slightest ostentatiousness is Shirk, and whoever harms any of Allah`s Deputies has surely earned Allah`s Wrath."
`Umar ibn Al-Khattaab (ra) said, " Some of Allah blessed servants are neither Prophets nor Martyrs, they are special People, who on the Day of Reckoning, the Prophets and the Martyrs will envy them for their ranks and nearness to their Lord. " Someone asked, " O RasuuluLLah , who are they, and what kind of deeds do they perform so that we may love Them as well?" RasuuluLLah said, " They are People who love one another in Allah, even though they have no consanguineous ties, money to exchange or worldly business to barter with. I swear by Allah on the Reckoning, their faces will be effulgent lights and they will be raised on Pulpits of Light. They will not be subject to fear when the creation is seized by the awesomeness of the Day of Resurrection, nor will they be subjected with sorrow when the rest of creation will be seized by it." He then recited << Surely, Allah`s Deputies are not subject to fear nor shall they grieve>> (Quran 10:62).

No Muslims in Town to be Friends With?
Or have they taken (for worship) Auliyâ' (guardians, supporters, helpers, protectors, etc.) besides Him? But Allâh, He Alone is the Walî (Protector, etc.). And it is He Who gives life to the dead, and He is Able to do all things. 42:9 And whoever takes Shaitân (Satan) as a Walî (protector or helper) instead of Allâh, has surely suffered a manifest loss. 4:119

Shrimps To Go

ircomp — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:54:18 GMT

Shrimps To Go

Maulana Amjad Ali Azmi Al-Qadri (Hanffi) writes in "Bahr e Shariat" Part 15, Vol. 2: There is difference of opinion on shrimps being a fish or not and based on it, is the difference of opinion on it being lawful or unlawful. Apparently it does not look like a fish. It rather looks like a worm. So one should avoid it. ("Radul Mukhtar") [PS: "Rad-ul-Mukhtar is written by Syed Mohammed Amin Ash-Shaheerba Bin Abideen Shammi, may Allah's mercy be upon him (died 1253H.)]

Following is abstracted form "Sufficient Provision for Seekers of the Path of Truth" by Sheikh Abd' Al-Qadir Al-Jilani (Translation: Muhtar Holland) Vol. 2: In the words of Bakr ibn 'Ubaidillah (may Allah bestow His mercy upon him): "A man can not be truly pious [taqi] until he has come to be pious in a way he approaches the dining room.... According to Shahr ibn Hawshab (may Allah bestow His mercy upon him): "The truly devout person [muttaqi] is one who is ready to abstain from something that is quite harmless in itself, as a precaution against slipping over into something else that could be harmful" …. According to Abu Yazid Bastami (may Allah bestow His mercy upon him), true devotion [taqwa] is: "Cautious avoidance [tawarru'] of all things that are of doubtful legality [shubuhat]….

Shrimps (prawns) can also live outside water and no one calls it a fish in regular day to day language. But since the cautious scholars of the past have mentioned the discussions and given no judgment it is up to every individual to decide.

SHRIMPS (prawns) ARE A DOUBTFUL LEGALITY!

To recite Durood before and after Adhan

ircomp — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:51:18 GMT

To recite Durood before and after Adhan

1. Some people say that it is Bid’ah (innovation) to read the Durood Shareef before and after the Azaan.

2. The Ahle Sunnah Wal Jama'at believes that it is permissible to recite the Durood Shareef before and after the Azaan. This is a current practice in many of the Arab countries.

3. The following Quranic verse commands us to send Durood and Salaam upon the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and no specified time has been set aside for this. Allah Ta'ala says: "O ye who Believe! Send Durood and Salaams upon him in abundance." (Part 22, Ruku 4)

4. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said that when we hear the voice of the Mu'azzin, we should repeat whatever he has said and then send Durood Shareef upon him. He said that the person who sends one Durood upon him, Allah Ta'ala will send ten mercies upon that person. (Sahih Muslim, Al-Qaulul Badi) In this Hadith Shareef, proof is found here that the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) asked us to recite the Durood Shareef after the Azaan.

5. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: "If, when performing any good deed you do not commence with the praise of Allah and send Durood upon me, then that deed is empty of blessings." (Al Jaame Sagheer) Which Muslim is there who does not consider the Azaan to be a good deed?

6. In fact it was Salahud’deen Ayubi (radi Allahu anhu) who gave the command of Durood Shareef to be recited before and after the Azaan. Hazrat Salahud'deen Ayubi (radi Allahu anhu) was a very great and pious King who liberated the Baitul Muqaddas. Great Muhaqiqeen and Muhaditheen made Du'as for him.

7. Hazrat Qaazi Iyaz (radi Allahu anhu) said that it is permissible to read Durood Shareef at the time of Azaan. He says, "And from among the occassions on which Durood should be sent, one of them is at the time of remembering him (Prophet Muhammad sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), when taking or writing his blessed name or at the time of Azaan." (Shifa Shareef)

8. Hazrat Mulla Ali Qaari (radi Allahu anhu) in his book "Fathul Mueen" says that Durood should not only be recited before Azaan, but also before the Iqaamah.

9. Sheikh Kabeer Bakari (radi Allahu anhu) has stated that it is desirable to recite Salaatus Salaam before the Azaan and the Iqaamah.

10. Thus, to recite Durood Shareef before and after the Azaan is totally permissible and those who follow this are the Ahle Sunnah Wal Jama'at.

Quran Khani

ircomp — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:49:18 GMT

Quran Khani

Rendered into English from “Anwar-ul-Hadith” by Mufti Jalaluddin Amjadi

Imam Abu Dawood (d. 275H) (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Aa’s son of Vayl had made a will to free 100 slaves on his behalf (after his death). His son Hisham freed 50 slaves, his other son wanted to free 50 slaves but said first let me ask the Prophet of Allah (Sallallaho Alihi Wassallam). So he went to the Prophet (Sallallaho Alihi Wassallam) and asked, “Ya Rasool Allah! (Oh Prophet of Allah!) (Sallallaho Alihi Wassallam) my father had made a will to free 100 slaves and my brother has freed 50 shall I free the other 50” Prophet (Sallallaho Alihi Wassallam) replied, If he (Aa’s bin Vayl) had been Muslim then if you would free them or do charity or perform pilgrimage it would reach him.

Imam Abu Dawood (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrate that Saad son of Ubaddah (may Allah be pleased with him) went on holy wars (gazwaa’t) with the Prophet (Sallallaho Alihi Wassallam) and when he returned to Madina his mother had passed away. He (Saad) asked the Prophet of Allah (Sallallaho Alihi Wassallam), ‘Umm e Saad’ meaning my mother has died which charity [sadqa] is better for her. Prophet (Sallallaho Alihi Wassallam) replied, “Water!” Saad (may Allah be pleased with him) dug a well and said this well is Saad’s mother (that is, may its reward go to Saad’s mother). (Mishkat)

Imam Muslim (d. 261H) narrates from Ayesha (may Allah be well pleased with her) said one man came and said “Ya Rasool Allah! (Oh Prophet of Allah!) (Sallallaho Alihi Wassallam) my mother has suddenly passed away and she has made no will. I suppose if she would have got a chance to talk she would have given charity (sadqa) so if I give charity on her behalf would its reward get to her sprit (Ruh) The Prophet (Sallallaho Alihi Wassallam) replied, Yes it will reach her! Imam Nawawi (d. 676) in his explanation of Muslim (Sharh Muslim) says this means this narration (hadith) proves that if charity is given for the dead body its reward gets to the dead. Scholars have consensus on this.

Imam Nassai (d. 303) narrates from Son of Abbass (may Allah be well pleased with him) said one woman asked the Prophet (Sallallaho Alihi Wassallam), my father has passed away and he did not perform pilgrimage (hajj). Prophet (Sallallaho Alihi Wassallam) replied perform pilgrimage from your father (i.e., on his behalf).

Imam Tibrani (d. 360) and Darul Qatnni (d. 385) narrated that the Prophet of Allah (Sallallaho Alihi Wassallam) said, whoever passes by the grave and recites “Qul ho Wallah-ho Ahd…” (Al-Ikhlas Chapter 112) So the grantor will get the reward equal to the quantity of the dead bodies.

All these hadith mentioned above are in proof of having a Quran Khawani “reciting Quran”. Also remember that benediction [dua’] is accepted when the Quran is completed and so several people recite the Quran in times of calamity and depression and at the end make benediction for peace.

May Allah save us from the satan and his evil traps. May Allah grant us paradise in the neighborhood of our beloved Prophet (Sallallaho Alihi Wassallam), Ameen!

Method of praying Qaza Salahs Quickly

ircomp — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:47:18 GMT

Method of praying Qaza Salahs Quickly

If someone have missed Salahs in their account. Either one time's or of many years, they must pray their Qaza as soon as possible. Salah is a Fard and not forgiven. On the day of judgement Salah will be the first thing asked about.

For the people who have many years of missed Salahs. There is a way to pray them quickly. Following instructions have four exeptions and has all Fards and Wajibs for a complete Salat. Please pray your Qaza as soon as possible. Even of you could pray one days Qaza Salahs every day which are only 20 rakahs (3 wajib witr), please do it. It only takes few mins to perform 20 rakahs according to the following instructions.

1) In Ruku and Sajdah instead of reciting "Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem" and "Subhaana Rabbiyal A'la" three times, say it only once. But make sure do not leave Ruku poster untill the Meem (M) of Azeem has been said properly. Similarly do not leave the posture of Sajdah until Ala has been said completely. Just make sure to say these Tasbeehaat properly and do not rush.

2) In third and four Rakah of Fard Salah instead of reciting the whole Soorah Fatiha say, "Subhan Allah" three times and go to Ruku, . Make sure "Subhan Allah" has been recited three times properly, do not rush. This exeption is only for Fard. In third rakah of Witr it's a must to recite full Soorah Fatiha followed by at least three ayahs of Quran or a soorah (as we usually do in first and second rakah).

3) In last Qaidah (when we sit for Attahyyat) before Salam, after Attahyyat instead of full Durood and Dua just say, "Allah Humma Salle Ala Sayedena Mohammad Wa Aalihi", then finish the Salat with Salam. Dua is not a must here.

4) In Witr, instead of full Dua-e-Qunoot just say "Rabbigh Fir Lee" one or three times.

(Fatawa Rizvia, Part 3, Page 622)

Wonders of Jama'at

ircomp — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:44:18 GMT

12 Wonders of Jama'at

Jamm’at is when muslims gather to make salah in which one is the Imam who leads and the rest are muqtadee who follow him; there is great reward for jamm’at.

1) Sayeduna Anas (Radi Allahu anhu) narrates that the Beloved Prophet (Swall Allahu alaihi wasallam) said, “Whoever reads Salah with Jamm’at for forty days with the first takbeer * ; two salvations will be written for him: one from hell and one from hypocrisy.”

2) Sayeduna Abdullah bin Umar (Radi Allahu anhu) narrates that the Beloved Prophet (Swall Allahu alaihi wasallam) said, “Salah with Jamm’at is twenty-seven times greater than salah prayed alone.”

3) Imam Muhammad Gazali (Rahmatullahi Alaih) says, “Salah was so important to our salafsaliheen [pious predecessors] that if they missed the first takbeer they would mourn for three days and if anyone missed jamm’at then they would mourn for seven days.” (Mukashifatol Quloob)

4) Sayeduna Maymoon bin Mahraan (Rahmatullahi Alaih) came to the masjid. He was told that the jamm’at has finished. Upon hearing this, he sadly said, “The fazilat (auspiciousness) of this [jamm’at] is better than ruling over Iraq .” (Mukashifatul Quloob)

5) Sayeduna Abu Hurairah (Radi Allahu anhu) narrates that the Beloved Prophet (Swall Allahu alaihi wasallam) said, “If the people knew what was in the [calling of] Azaan and [being a part of] the first saf [row of jamm’at] then they would not get it without drawing names. So they would draw names [i.e., they would compete for the honor of these two acts]. (Bukhari)

Thoughts and Points

6) Jamm’at is compulsory for every sane and mature man who has the ability to pray salah. It is very important for the people living in the vicinity of the masjid to attend the jamm’at.

7) To move closer to a masjid or madarsa with the intention of getting Jamm’at is a very commendable action. May Allah give us the taufeeq to keep our Masjids and Madarsas filled. In fact, keep this in mind when moving or buying a house.

8) If you live so far that you can not drive or walk to the masjid or madarsa comfortably then make time to come for jamm’at atleast once or twice a day or week or more[based on distance and means of travel] to atleast earn the reward of coming for and praying with jamm’at.

10) One should not think ‘I can’t make it for Jamm’at, I am too busy with school or work and family, this if from the Shaitan or our ill-Consciouss. If you make the intention and effort, Allah-willing, the hardships will go away.

11) Stand in the saf (rows) shoulder to shoulder so that there is no space left imbetween.

12) To wait for Salah has been called “Salah,” so be punctual for the Salah.

* First takbeer which is also called Takbeerul Tahreema

Jewels of Quran

ircomp — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:23:18 GMT

Jewels of Quran

Isa bin Muhammad (Alaihir Rahmah) says that I once saw Abu Bakr bin Mujahid (Alaihir Rahmah) after his death in a dream reading the Holy Quran. I asked, "You have died, how are you reciting," upon which he said, "After every Salah and finishing of the Quran, I would pray "O Allah, give me the Taufiq to recite the Quran in my grave" and that is why I am praying." (Faizan-e-Sunnat)

Ahadith

The Holy Prophet said:
1) The best of you is he who learnt the Holy Quran and taught it to others. (Bukhari)
2) Undoubtedly, the heart gets rusted like metal gets rusted when water goes over it. The People asked, "How can they [hearts] be cleaned." The Prophet replied, "To remember death in abundance and to recite the Holy Quran." (Mishkat)
3) That chest which does not have any Quran in it is like an abandoned house. (Tirmizi, Darmi)
4) Whoever read the Quran and memorized it and belived its' Halal to be Halal and its Haram to be Haram [i.e., accepted it commandments of Halal and Haraam], Allah will accept the intercession for such 10 people on from him whom Hell had already become Wajib. (Tirmizi, Ibn-e-Majah)
5) Whoever is an expert in reciting the Holy Quran is with the Kiraman Katebeen and whoever reads the Quran with pauses and it is difficult for him, that is, his tounge does not move easily and he recites with difficutly for him there are two rewards. (Bahar-e-Shariat)
6) The one who has memorized Quran will be told to read and climb and recite with Tarteel (clear and distinct recitation) like you used to read with Tarteel in the Dunya; your place will be where you read your last Ayat. (Bahar-e-Shariat)
7) Allah says, "Whoever was kept busy with the [recitation] of Quran from my Zikr and asking me, I will give him better than those who I give to those who ask" and the excellence of the Word of Allah over all the other words is like the excellence of Allah over all his creation.
8) Learn the Quran and read it because whoever learned the Quran and read it and did Qayam with it is like a bag filled with Musk whose fragrance is spread everywhere and whoever learned the Quran and slept that is he did not do Qiyamul Layl is like a bag which is filled with Musk and its mouth has been closed. (Tirmizi, Ibn-e-Majah, Nisaee)
9) Read the Quran when you heart feels affection and attachment and when your heart becomes bored stand up that is stop reciting the Quran. (Saheeh Bukhari and Muslim)
10) Decorate the Quran with your (good) voices. (Mishkat)
11) O People of the Quran, do not make the Quran a pillow, that is do not be lazy and be careless, and read the Quran in the day and night like it is the Haq of Recitation, and spread it, that is, read with good voices or do not take compensation for it, and whatever is in it, reflect upon itso that you may attain success, and do not hurry in its reward because the reward for it is great (which will be given in the Akhirah). (Bahiqi)

Rewards for certain Surahs and Ayahs

The Holy Prohpet said:
1) Surah Fatiha is a cure from every illness. (Darmi, Bahiqi)
2) Do not make your home a graveyard, the Shaitan runs from the home in which Surah Baqrah is recited. (Sahih Muslim)
3) Whoever memorized the first ten ayahs of Surah Kahf will be saved the Dajjal. (Sahih Muslim)
4) Whoever recites Surah Kahf on the day of Jummah, there will be a Nur brightened for him between two Jummahs.
5) Everything has a heart and the heart of the Quran is Surah Yaseen, whoever read Yaseen, Allah will write the reward of reading the Quran ten times from him. (Tirmizi and Darmi)
6) Whoever reads Surah Yaseen for the pleasure of Allah, his past sins will be forgiven so read this near your deceased. (Bahiqi)
7) (Reading) Qul hu WAllahu Ahad (Surah Ikhlas) is equal to [reading] one third of the Quran.
8) Whoever read Ayatul Kursi after every Fard Salah, he will be under the protection and security of Allah. (Dailmi on the Authority of Sayeduna Ali)
9) (On the Day of Judgement) a caller will say O Recitor of Surah Inaam, come to Jannat for loving Surah Inaam and its recitation.
10) Surah Tabarak (Surah Mulk) saves one from Hell.
11) Whatever task is not begun with Bismillahi Rahamni Raheen remains incomplete and unfinished.

Ettiquteets and Rules of Tilawat:
1) To memorize one Ayah of the Quran is Fard-e-Aeen on every Mukallaf Muslim; to memorize the entire Holy Quran is Fard-e-Kafyah; to memorize Surah Fatiha and a small Surah or something similar like three small Ayahs or one long Ayah is Wajib-e-Aeen. (Durre Mukhtar)
2) To read the Holy Quran while looking at it is better then reading without looking at it because in this case one touches the Holy Quran, sees the Holy Quran, and reads the Holy Quran and all this is Ibadat. (Bahar-e-Shariat)
3) To read the Holy Quran in the restroom and such places of impurity is not allowed (Na-Jaiz)
4) It is Haraam that everybody read the Holy Quran in a gathering loudly at once, however, it is necessary to read loudly enough so that one can hear what he/she is reading, that is, if there is no other distraction like noise. (Bhare-e-Shariat) Also, many children read together at once in a Madrsa loudly for learning purposes and this is okay.
5) It is better to read the Quran loudly that is if somebody praying, sleeping, or somebody ill will not be distracted. (Gunyah)
6) If somebody is reciting the Quran incorrectly then it is Wajib to tell him/her unless if one fears jealousy and hate. (Gunyah)
7) To memorize the Holy Quran and then to forget it is a sin.
8) It is from the ettiqutes of respecting the Holy Quran that one does not put their back towards the Quran or spread their legs towards the Quran or sit in a high place when the Quran is beneath. (Bahare Shariat)
9) During recitation reflect on what you are reading. For example, when reading about punishment, one should repent; when reading about paradise, one should rejoice and pray for Jannah.
10) The way to do Sajdah of Tilwat is as follows: If one hears or reads the Ayat of Sajdah then he should stand with the intention of performing the Sajdah of Tilawat and saying Allahu Akbar should go into Sajdah and should recite the Tasbeeh of Sajdah atleast three times. Then, saying Allahu Akbar, one should stand up. To say Allahu Akbar both times is Sunnah. Similarly, to stand before and after the Sajdah is Mustahab. (Durre Mukhtar)

Lastly, learn how to read the Quran in the company of a Qualified Sunni Alim [and mature sisters must go to a Qualified Sister] who can teach them how to read as this is necessary. At times, while reciting many brothers and sisters unknowingly make mistakes in recitation which change the meaning which breaks their Salah. Likewise, send your children to Madrsas where they may learn how to recite the Quran with correct pronunciation and Qirat. If there is not a Madrsa in your town, then establish one. Knowledge of Islam leads one to Love Allah and helps to build a good moral character within the Muslim community. By learning the Quran, a Muslim saves his Salah, his Iman, and his Akhirah. Learning the Quran is not limited to just learning how to recite the Holy Book, rather, it is a life long process of learning how to recite it and understand what the Quran says. The noble Ulama have worked hard and written volumes of Tafseer which consists of Ahadith, Stories, and important points. After learning the Quran, we must practice it and spread the word into our family and community.

THE SQUEEZING OF THE GRAVE

ircomp — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:52:18 GMT

THE SQUEEZING OF THE GRAVE

It is reported in the Ahadith that when the person is placed within the grave, the grave squeezes him, be he Muslim or non-Muslim. The earth could be described as "the mother", for man has been created from sand. Therefore, it stands to reason that all will return to her. Some of her children who have adopted piety and abstinence, they she will be welcomed and agreeably received. Those, on the other hand, who have adopted disgraceful behavior and dishonor, she will receive them, not welcome them, but rather to punish them. This example clearly describes how a Muslim and non-Muslim will be treated in the grave. It will welcome the Muslim as a mother caressing her child, while she will squeeze the disbeliever till his ribs appear on opposite sides. This illustrates that the soul never dies and that the reward or punishment within the grave is a reality.

Let us return to the discussion describing the magnificent attributes possessed by the beloved slaves of Allah. Having proven that his soul and body still possesses these attributes, it means that he can still assist us, traverse miles on end, listen and see things far and near. When he can still do these things with the Permission of Allah, then how can any sane person term it as being as Shirk if we ask them to assist us?

In the Tirmidhi Shareef, Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhuma) narrates that a Sahaba once pitched his tent on a plot of ground without realizing that he was doing so over a grave. After a while, he realized that his tent was over a grave for he could hear the recital of the Surah Mulk. He related the entire episode to the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), who replied that the recital of Surah Mulk indeed assists the person within the grave and protects him from pain and punishment.

From this episode, we see that the beloved servants of Allah are still alive within their graves, or else the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) would have merely disregarded the entire incident. But he did not do so. Rather, he commented on the excellences of the Surah Mulk, which means that he also accepted that the beloved servants of Allah are still alive within their graves.

Let us relate another incident from the period of the companions. It is recorded that in the period of Hazrat Mu'awwiya (radi Allahu anhu) a canal was dug between Mecca and Medina. Co-incidentally, the canal passed through that plot of land where the Shuhada (Martyrs) of Uhud lay buried. A person while digging accidentally cut the foot of a Shaheed with a spade. As a result of this, blood began to flow from the blessed foot. We learn from this incident that aside from their souls, even the bodies of these great and beloved servants of Allah are alive. This incident is narrated in "Jazbul Quloob" by Shaikh Muhaddith Dehelvi (radi Allahu anhu) and "Sharahus Sudur" by Imam Jallaludeen Suyutwi (radi Allahu anhu).

Let us now quote another example from the period of the Taabe'ins. Imam Abu Na'eem (radi Allahu anhu) in his book, "Hilyatul Awliya", narrates from Hazrat Sa'eed (radi Allahu anhu). The great saint states, "By Allah, Hameed Taweel (radi Allahu Anhu) and myself were burying Hazrat Thaabit Nibhaani (radi Allahu anhu). As we were setting the final rocks, one rock accidentally fell into the grave. As I peeped into the grave, I saw that Hazrat Thaabit Nibhaani (radi allahu anhu) was about to perform the Salaah and he was imploring Allah in the following manner, 'O Allah, You have given certain of Your creation the Permission to perform their Salaah within the grave, give me also the same permission'. It was indeed beyond the Mercy of Allah to refuse him."

N.B.: Hazrat Thaabit bin Aslam Nibhaani Basri (radi Allahu anhu) was a Taabi'in. He has narrated Ahadith from Hazrat Anas (radi Allahu anhu) and various other Companions. Shuba states that he used to complete the recitation of the Holy Quran in one day and night. He also used to fast during the day. Abu Bakr Al Muzni states that he had not seen a more pious person than Thaabit bin Aslam (radi Allahu anhu). ("Kashfun Noor", Imam Abdul Gani Naablisi, pg. 9)

Imam Baihaqi (radi Allahu anhu) narrates from Qazi Nishapuri Ebrahim (radi Allahu anhu) who states that, "A pious woman passed away. Among those that were present for her Janazah was a coffin thief, who attended only with the intention of noticing where she was being buried. As darkness set in, he dug the grave and was about to steal the coffin when the pious lady exclaimed, 'By Allah, how strange that a dweller of Paradise is stealing the coffin of another dweller of Paradise'. She explained that whosoever took part in her Janazah, Allah would forgive them, and that the coffin thief took part in the Janazah. The thief immediately covered the grave and repented with a true heart."

Indeed this is the greatness of the beloved servants of Allah, that one goes to them as a thief and returns as a Saint himself.

It is reported in the Hadith-e-Qudsi that the Almighty Allah has stated:
"When My slave, becomes My beloved, then his words and attributes become the mirror of My Words and Attributes. Whatever he pleads for, I bestow it upon him. If he seeks refuge in Me, I protect him."

As we have seen, all these gifts are still found in the beloved servants of Allah even after they have departed from this world. It is due solely to this that the believing Muslims visit the graves of the Saints for they are indeed people who have been promised the Mercy and Assistance of Allah. We derive from these proofs, that if an individual goes to the Mazaar of a great Saint and implores to him in this manner, "O beloved servant of Allah, you are indeed the beloved slave of Allah. Please ask the Almighty on my behalf," how, we ask of you, can this be termed Shirk, when the Almighty Allah Himself has promised them all these gifts?

After considering these facts, if any person feels that he cannot achieve any help and assistance by visiting a Mazaar of a great Saint, then he has not in any way insulted the Saint, rather he has doubted the promise of Allah whereas Allah has promised his slaves His assistance.

Till now, we have proved that help and assistance that can be rendered by the beloved slaves of Allah in this world and in the Aalam-e-Barzakh, the question is: will they be able to assist us in the Hereafter?

The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has already given this answer. He has stated: "The Ulema, the Hufaaz, and the Shuhada of my followers will indeed intercede on the Day of Judgment. Even the infant whose parents are Muslims will intercede." If, as some misled individuals say, that it is Shirk to ask the creation for assistance, then how will these above mentioned beloved slaves help us on the Day of Judgment. This again is proof that it is not Shirk to ask them in this world either!

The events that will take place on the Day of Judgment are clear to all. We know that mankind will go to each Prophet (alaihimus salaam) seeking assistance, when finally they reach the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), he will say, "I am for it (that is, I am that person who will intercede for you)."

He will then go into prostration and Praise the Almighty Allah, after which the Almighty Allah will say, "O Muhammad! Raise your head. Speak you shall be listened to. Ask, it shall be given to you. Intercede, your intercession will be accepted."

The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) will then intercede. After him, the great Prophets and Saints. If it is Shirk to ask the beloved servants of Allah for assistance, how will it be permissible on the Day of Judgment? We suggest to those who consider this action as Shirk to voice their opinion on the Day of Judgment, perhaps they will be amply "rewarded" for their folly.

May the Almighty Allah bestow upon people the Imaan to differentiate correctly between Shirk and Tauheed. Aameen!

IMPORTANT QUESTION

ircomp — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:50:18 GMT

IMPORTANT QUESTION

Some individual has asked this question, and we feel that it should be answered. The question is this: we accept that the beloved slave of Allah possesses all these magnificent attributes. We accept that he can assist and help. Yet, are not all these attributes only prevalent in him when he is in this world, for when he dies, will not his body become a heap of sand and rubble? When it does become a heap of sand, will not all the attributes found in him will be immediately nullified?

ANSWER
This doubt, in fact, has only been created, for we have merely considered Man to be a combination of flesh and bones. This manner of thinking is indeed incorrect, for the essence of man is not flesh and bones, rather it is the soul. The soul, unlike the flesh and bones, never dies. If we accept that his soul will die, then how will he experience the punishment and reward within the grave? Describing the condition within the grave, the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has stated that the grave is sometimes a Garden of Paradise and sometimes a Pit of Hell.

We, therefore, logically ask: for who is this grave sometimes a Pit of Hell or sometimes a Garden of Paradise? It is, without doubt, for the soul which is still alive. The soul always has a connection with the body even if the body, described as the rays of the sun, even though it may manifest itself on a heap of sand, on a tree or on the roof of a house, it still has a relationship with the sun.

So we judge from this that the essence of man is the soul, it is this which enables him to assist us in times of need and anxiety.

Another query that seems to confuse people is: how is it that we cannot see the punishment or reward experienced by the body or the soul? The answer to this is simple. The happenings of the grave are being experienced within the Aalam-e-Barzakh, a world in itself which means, "The Screened World." A logical explanation of this would be that if a person complains about a headache and although the pain he is experiencing is an absolute reality, we cannot perceive it or even comprehend it simply because the pain is screened from our eyes. Similarly, punishment and reward is experienced within the grave.
Another example would be of a person dreaming. Although he is seeing himself burning, we cannot see him burning or receiving a gift, for the simple reason is that his life in that context is screened from our eyes.

THE REASON FOR THE CREATION OF MAN

ircomp — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:48:54 GMT

THE REASON FOR THE CREATION OF MAN

Every creation of the Almighty Allah has been created for some specific reason and purpose, namely, the sun, the trees, water, the wind. Explaining the purpose for the creation of Man, the Almighty Allah states: Wa ma khalaqtul Jinna wal insa illa liya'budun - "I have not created Man and Jinn, but that they worship Me." (Ad Dhaariyat: Verse 56)
Worship can only be performed if there is recognition. In other words, mankind and Jinn have been created to recognize the Almighty Allah. The question that arises is, what is the outcome of this recognition? It means that the more we recognize Allah, the more we worship Him.

From the above discussion we come to realize that mankind has been created to recognize Allah, and by doing so we become closer. In other words, closeness to Allah is the pinnacle of glory in the life of mankind.

By understanding this, we must examine its connotation, it's results and it's meaning in the light of Islamic Law.

There is a Hadith-e-Qudsi found in the Sahih Bukhari explaining this: The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has explained that the Almighty Allah has stated: "He who has caused enmity with My Wali (Friend), I give him declaration of war. Among those acts through which My slave achieves My closeness, the most beloved are the Fardh (Compulsory) acts. My slave also achieves My closeness through the Nafil (Optional) deeds, till I make him into My beloved. When he becomes My beloved, I become his ears through which he listens, his eyes through which he sees, his hands by which he holds, his feet by which he walks. When he pleads to Me for anything I definitely bestow it on him. When he seeks refuge in Me from any bad deed, then I definitely save him from it."
Some individuals state that only after achieving this status does the slave refrain from all bad deeds. This thought is a flagrant misinterpretation of the Tradition, for any person possessing a little common sense will tell you that after refraining from all bad deeds, does the slave achieve this status. In other words, after he has adopted piety and abstinence, does he stand any chance of becoming the beloved.

In the following verse, Almighty Allah is explaining how we can achieve His closeness. He states: Kul in kuntum tuhiboonal laaha fattabi'ooni yuh'bibkumul laahu - "Say (O Muhammad to them), if you love Allah follow me, Allah will love you." (Surah Ale Imraan: Verse 31)

In other words, after we have adopted piety and abstinence in following the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), will we have any chance of becoming a beloved? The slave first refrains from bad deeds and actions. He then performs the Fardh and Nafil acts continuously. Then only does he become the beloved. It is not possible for him to continue performing evil deeds and still feels he can become the beloved servant of Allah.

Imam Fakhrudeen Raazi (radi Allahu anhu) in his "Tafseer Kabeer", explains the above Hadith: "In the same manner, if the slave continuously adopts good deeds, then he indeed reaches that stage of which the Almighty Allah states that He becomes the slaves eye and ear. When the Magnificent Noor (Light) of Allah becomes the eye of the slave, then the slave perceives things near and distant. When this Light becomes the hand of the slave, then he, the slave, is then able to dispense with things easy and difficult, near and far."

We also come to realize from this explanation that the beloved slaves of Allah have been given the power to help and assist. Once we have proved this, how can we call it Shirk if we implore them for assistance? It can never be Shirk, for although the slave and the Creator can help and assist, remember that the Creator Possesses this Attribute without it being given to Him by anyone. The slave, on the other hand, possesses these attributes after it has been given to him by Almighty Allah, and we still believe that the slave is the servant of Allah and is still subservient to Him. This is the belief of all Muslims.
When we have understood and accepted this, the difference between Tauheed and Shirk becomes quite clear, yet, unfortunately, there are certain individuals who state that they believe in Allah, yet consider asking His beloved slaves for assistance as Shirk. If this indeed be their faith, then what, we ask of you, is Kufr?

It also seems to be the habit of these "believers" to relate verses meant for the Kufaar towards Muslims, perhaps they are merely following the habit of their forefathers. It is recorded in the Sahih Bukhari, that Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Omar (radi Allahu anhuma) used to despise the Khaariji sect the most. Why? Let us see. He considered them the worst of creation. He used to say that "these people have made it a practice of theirs, that whatever verse has been revealed against the idol worshippers, they relate these verses towards the Muslims."