Friday, August 7, 2009

Khutba by Dr. Farhat Hashmi

Dr. Farhat Hashmi, daughter of the (late) scholar Abdur Rehman Hashmi, is a mother of four, and comes from Pakistan. She received her Ph.D in Hadith Sciences from the University of Glasgow, Scotland. Al-Huda International Welfare Foundation, established in 1994, is the brainchild of Dr. Farhat and her husband, Dr. Idrees Zubair, who are actively involved in the promotion of Islamic education and the service of mankind. The aim of this ever-expanding organization is to promote proper Islamic values on an educational and research-oriented basis, as well as to provide all possible humanitarian support to the needy and the afflicted.
Click on the below link to listen:
http://www.farhathashmi.com/dn/portals/0/latest-events/shaban08/shaban.html

Jazakallahokhair,
Muslimah Peace Corner

Question and Answer

1. what is the importance of 15 shaban,is it the night in which the fate of every one is decided for the next year? the especial night mentioned in surah Dakan means which night.is it the shaban or Qadar?

Praise be to Allaah.
Laylat al-Nusf min Sha’baan (the 15th of Sha’baan) is like any other night (means its not a big night or special night), and there is no sound report from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to indicate that on this night the fate or destiny of people is decided.
With regard to the night mentioned in the verses:

“We sent it (this Qur’aan) down on a blessed night. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship]. Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments” [al-Dukhaan 44:3-4]
Ibn Jareer al-Tabari (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: the commentators differed concerning that night, i.e., which night of the year it is. Some of them said that it is Laylat al-Qadr, and it was narrated from Qurtaadah that it is Laylat al-Qadr. Others said that it is the night of the 15th of Sha’baan. The correct view is the view of those who say that it is Laylat al-Qadr, because Allaah has told us of that when He says, ‘Verily, We are ever warning’ [al-Dukhaan 44:3].”(Tafseer al-Tabari, 11/221)

With regard to the phrase, “Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments”: Ibn Hajar said in his commentary on Saheeh al-Bukhaari: “What this means is that the decrees for the year are decided on that night, because Allaah says: ‘Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments’. And al-Nawawi said: the scholars said that it is called Laylat al-Qadr because on this night the angels write down the decrees (aqdaar), because Allaah says, ‘Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments’. This was also narrated by ‘Abd al-Razzaaq and other mufassireen with saheeh isnaads from Mujaahid, ‘Ikrimah, Qutaadah and others. Al-Toorbashti said that the word used in the Qur’aan is qadr, whereas people think it is qadar (decree); the word qadr refers to the detailed manifestation of the decree.

Laylat al-Qadr brings great reward for the one who does good deeds and strives in worship on that night.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree).
And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is?
The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allaah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).
Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] by Allaah’s Permission with all Decrees,
(All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allaah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn”[al-Qadr 97:1-5]

There are many ahaadeeth which speak of the virtue of that night, such as the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari from Abu Hurayrah, in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever spends Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and hoping for reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven, and whoever fasts Ramadaan out of faith and hoping for reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, al-Sawm, 1768).
And Allaah knows best.

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (Renowned Saudi Islamic Scholar)
Source: http://islamqa.com

2. Does Allaah come down to the first heaven on the night of the fifteenth of Sha’baan and forgive all the people except two types, namely kaafirs and those engaged in disputes?.

Praise be to Allaah.
This is mentioned in some ahaadeeth, but there is some scholarly difference of opinion as to the soundness of those ahaadeeth. There is no saheeh hadeeth concerning the virtue of the night of the fifteenth of Sha’baan.
It was narrated from Abu Moosa al-Ash’ari that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah looks down on the night of the fifteenth of Sha’baan and forgives all his creation except a mushrik or one who harbours hatred against the Muslims.” Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 1390. The “one who harbours hatred against the Muslims” means one who has enmity towards a Muslim brother.
In al-Zawaa’id it says: Its isnaad is da’eef, because ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Lahee’ah is da’eef (weak) and al-Waleed ibn Muslim is mudallis.

There is also some idtiraab (weakness) in the hadeeth, as stated by al-Daaraqutni in al-‘Ilal, 6/50, 51. He said: This hadeeth is not proven.

It was narrated from Mu’aadh ibn Jabal, ‘Aa’ishah, Abu Hurayrah, Abu Tha’labah al-Khushani and others, but the isnaads are not free of some weakness, and some of them are very weak.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali said:

Concerning the virtue of the night of the fifteenth of Sha’baan there are numerous ahaadeeth, concerning which the scholars differed, but most of them classed them as da’eef, and Ibn Hibbaan classed some of them as saheeh. Lataa’if al-Ma’aazif, 261.

Allaah’s descending to the first heaven does not only happen on the night of the fifteenth of Sha’baan, rather it is proven in al-Saheehayn and elsewhere that Allaah descends to the first heaven every night, in the last third of the night. The night of the fifteenth of Sha’baan is included in this general meaning.

Hence, when ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-Mubaarak was asked about the descent of Allaah on the night of the fifteenth of Sha’baan, he said to the one who asked him: “O weak one! The night of the fifteenth?! He descends every night!”
Narrated by Abu ‘Uthmaan al-Saabooni in I’tiqaad Ahl al-Sunnah, no. 92.
Al-‘Aqeeli (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
With regard to Allaah’s descending on the night of the fifteenth of Sha’baan there are ahaadeeth which are weak, but the reports that He descends every night are proven and saheeh, so the night of the fifteenth of Sha’baan is included in that, in sha Allaah. Al-Du’afa’, 3/29. .

Source: http://islamqa.com

Ruling on celebrating the middle of Sha’baan

Praise be to Allaah Who has perfected our religion for us, and has completed His Favour upon us. And blessings and peace be upon His Prophet and Messenger Muhammad, the Prophet of repentance and mercy.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meanings):
“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion [al-Maa’idah 5:3]
“Or have they partners with Allaah (false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allaah has not ordained? [al-Shooraa 42:21]

In al-Saheehayn it is reported from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours [Islam] that is not part of it, will have it rejected.”

In Saheeh Muslim it is narrated from Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say in his Friday khutbahs: “The best of speech is the Book of Allaah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The most evil of things are those which are newly-invented, and every innovation (bid’ah) is a going-astray.”

And there are many aayaat and ahaadeeth which say similar things. This clearly indicates that Allaah has perfected the religion of this ummah, and completed His favour upon them. He did not take the soul of His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) until he had conveyed the Message clearly and explained to the ummah everything that Allaah had prescribed for it of words and deeds. He (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained that everything that people would innovate after he was gone, all the words and deeds that they would attribute to Islam, all of that would be thrown back on the one who invented it, even if his intention was good. The companions of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) knew this matter, as did the scholars of Islam after them. They denounced bid’ah and warned against it, as has been stated by all those who wrote books praising the Sunnah and denouncing bid’ah, such as Ibn Waddaah, al-Tartooshi, Ibn Shaamah and others.

Among the bid’ahs that have been invented by some people is celebrating the middle of Sha’baan (Laylat al-Nusf min Sha’baan), and singling out that day for fasting. There is no evidence (daleel) for that which can be regarded as reliable. Some da’eef (weak) ahaadeeth have been narrated concerning its virtues, but we cannot regard them as reliable. The reports which have been narrated concerning the virtues of prayer on this occasion are all mawdoo’ (fabricated), as has been pointed out by many of the scholars. We will quote some of their comments below, in sha Allaah.

Some reports have also been narrated on this matter from some of the salaf in Syria, and others. What the majority of scholars say is that celebrating this occasion is bid’ah, and that the ahaadeeth concerning the virtues of this occasion are all da’eef (weak), and some of them are mawdoo’ (fabricated) Among those who pointed this out was al-Haafiz Ibn Rajab, in his book Lataa’if al-Ma’aarif, and others. The da’eef ahaadeeth concerning acts of worship can only be acted upon in the case of acts of worship which are proven by saheeh evidence. There is no saheeh basis for celebrating the middle of Sha’baan, so we cannot follow the da’eef ahaadeeth either.

This important principle was mentioned by Imaam Abu’l-‘Abbaas Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him).

The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) were agreed that it is obligatory to refer matters concerning which the people dispute to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Whatever ruling both or one of them give is the sharee’ah which must be followed, and whatever goes against them must be rejected. Any acts of worship which are not mentioned in them are therefore bid’ah and it is not permissible to do them, let alone call others to do them or approve of them. As Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allaah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination [al-Nisaa’ 4:59]

“And in whatsoever you differ, the decision thereof is with Allaah (He is the ruling Judge)”
[al-Shooraa 42:10]

“Say (O Muhammad to mankind): “If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur’aan and the Sunnah), Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins [Aal ‘Imraan 3:31]

“But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission” [al-Nisaa’ 4:65]

And there are many similar aayaat which clearly state that matters of dispute are to be referred to the Qur’aan and Sunnah, and that their ruling is to be accepted. This is the requirement of faith and this is what is best for people in this world and in the next: “That is better and more suitable for final determination” [al-Nisaa’ 4:59 – interpretation of the meaning] means, in the Hereafter.
Al-Haafiz Ibn Rajab (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in his book Lataa’if al-Ma’aarif concerning this matter – after previously discussing it – “Laylat al-Nusf min Sha’baan (the middle of Sha’baan) was venerated by the Taabi’een among the people of al-Shaam, such as Khaalid ibn Mi’daan, Makhool, Luqmaan ibn ‘Aamir and others, who used to strive in worship on this night. The people took the idea of the virtue of this night and of venerating it from them. It was said that they heard of Israa’eeli reports (reports from Jewish sources) concerning that. Most of the scholars of the Hijaaz denounced that, including ‘Ataa’ and Ibn Abi Maleekah. ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Zayd ibn Aslam narrated that view from the fuqahaa’ of Madeenah, and this was the view of the companions of Maalik and others. They said: this is all bid’ah… No comment from Imaam Ahmad concerning Laylat al-Nusf min Sha’baan is known of… Concerning spending the night of the middle of Sha’baan in prayer, there is no sound report from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) or from his companions…”

This is what was said by al-Haafiz Ibn Rajab (may Allaah be pleased with him). He clearly states that there is no sound report from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) or from his companions (may Allaah be pleased with them) about Laylat al-Nusf min Sha’baan (the middle of Sha’baan).

In every case where there is no sound shar’i evidence that a thing is prescribed in Islam, it is not permissible for the Muslim to innovate things in the religion of Allaah, whether these are individual acts or communal acts, whether he does them in secret or openly, because of the general meaning of the hadeeth of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “Whoever does any action that is not a part of this matter of ours [Islam], will have it rejected.” And there are other daleels (evidence) which indicate that bid’ah is to be denounced and which warn against it.

Imaam Abu Bakr al-Tartooshi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, in his book al-Hawaadith wa’l-Bida’: “Ibn Waddaah narrated that Zayd ibn Aslam said: We never met anyone among our shaykhs and fuqahaa’ who paid any attention to Laylat al-Nusf min Sha’baan, or who paid any attention to the hadeeth of Makhool, or who thought that this night was any more special than other nights. It was said to Ibn Abi Maleekah that Ziyaad al-Numayri was saying that the reward of Laylat al-Nusf min Sha’baan was like the reward of Laylat al-Qadr. He said, If I heard him say that and I had a stick in my hand, I would hit him. Ziyaad was a story-teller.”
Al-‘Allaamah al-Shawkaani (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in al-Fawaa’id al-Majmoo’ah:
“The hadeeth: ‘O ‘Ali, whoever prays one hundred rak’ahs on Laylat al-Nusf min Sha’baan, reciting in each rak’ah the Opening of the Book [Soorat al-Faatihah] and Qul Huwa Allaahu Ahad ten times, Allaah will meet all his needs…’ This is mawdoo’ (fabricated) [i.e., it is falsely attributed to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]. Its wording clearly states the reward that the person who does this will attain, and no man who has any common sense can doubt that this is fabricated. Also, the men of its isnaad are majhool (unknown). It was also narrated via another isnaad, all of which is mawdoo’ (fabricated) and all of whose narrators are majhool (unknown).

In al-Mukhtasar he said: The hadeeth about the salaah for the middle of Sha’baan is false, and the hadeeth of ‘Ali narrated by Ibn Hibbaan – “ When it is the night of the middle of Sha’baan, spend that night in prayer and fast that day” – is da’eef (weak).

In al-La’aali’ he said, “One hundred rak’ahs in the middle of Sha’baan, reciting (Soorat) al-Ikhaas ten times in each… (this is) mawdoo’ (fabricated), and all its narrators in its three isnaads are majhool (unknown) and da’eef (weak). He said: and twelve rak’ahs, reciting al-Ikhlaas thirty times in each, this is mawdoo’; and fourteen (rak’ahs), this is mawdoo’.
A group of fuqahaa’ were deceived by this hadeeth, such as the author of al-Ihyaa’ and others, as were some of the mufassireen. The prayer of this night – the middle of Sha’baan – was described in different ways, all of which are false and fabricated.”
Al-Haafiz al-‘Iraaqi said: “The hadeeth about the prayer during the night of the middle of Sha’baan is fabricated and is falsely attributed to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).”

Imaam al-Nawawi said in his book al-Majmoo’: “The prayer that is known as salaat al-raghaa’ib, which is twelve rak’ahs between Maghrib and ‘Ishaa’ on the night of the first Friday in Rajab, and the prayer of Laylat al-Nusf min Sha’baan, of one hundred rak’ahs – these two prayers are reprehensible bid’ahs. No one should be deceived by the fact that they are mentioned in the books Qoot al-Quloob and Ihyaa’ ‘Uloom al-Deen, or by the hadeeth which is mentioned in these two books. All of that is false. Nor should they be deceived by the fact that some of the imaams were confused about this matter and wrote a few pages stating that these prayers are mustahabb, for they were mistaken in that.”

Shaykh al-Imaam Abu Muhammad ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Ismaa’eel al-Maqdisi wrote a very valuable book proving that these (reports) are false, and he did a very good job. The scholars spoke at length about this matter, and if we were to quote all that we have read of what they have said about this matter, it would take far too long. Perhaps what we have already mentioned is sufficient to convince the seeker of truth.

From the aayahs, ahaadeeth and scholarly opinions quoted above, it is clear to the seeker of truth that celebrating the middle of Sha’baan by praying on that night or in any other way, or by singling out that day for fasting, is a bid’ah which is denounced by most of the scholars. It has no basis in the pure sharee’ah; rather it is one of the things that was innovated in Islam after the time of the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them). It is sufficient for the seeker of truth, in this case and in others, to know the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning):

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you…”[al-Maa’idah 5:3]
and other similar aayaat; and the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him):

“Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours [Islam] that is not part of it, will have it rejected” and other similar ahaadeeth.

In Saheeh Muslim it is narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Do not single out the night of Jumu’ah for praying qiyaam and do not single out the day of Jumu’ah for fasting, unless is it part of the ongoing regular fast of any one of you.’”
If it were permissible to single out any night for special acts of worship, the night of Jumu’ah would be the most appropriate, because the day of Jumu’ah (Friday) is the best day upon which the sun rises, as is stated in the saheeh hadeeth narrated from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Since the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) warned against singling out that night for praying qiyaam, that indicates that it is even more prohibited to single out any other night for acts of worship, except where there is saheeh evidence to indicate that a particular night is to be singled out.

Because it is prescribed to spend the nights of Laylat al-Qadr and the other nights of Ramadaan in prayer, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) drew attention to that and urged his ummah to pray qiyaam during those nights. He also did that himself, as is indicated in al-Saheehayn, where it says that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever prays qiyaam in Ramadaan out of faith and seeking reward, Allaah will forgive him his previous sins” and “Whoever spends the night of Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and seeking reward, Allaah will forgive him his previous sins.”

But if it were prescribed to single out the night of the middle of Sha’baan, or the night of the first Friday in Rajab, or the night of the Israa’ and Mi’raaj, for celebration or for any special acts of worship, then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would have taught his ummah to do that, and he would have done it himself. If anything of the sort had happened, his companions (may Allaah be pleased with them) would have transmitted it to the ummah; they would not have concealed it from them, for they are the best of people and the most sincere, after the Prophets, may blessings and peace be upon them, and may Allaah be pleased with all the companions of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

Now we know from the words of the scholars quoted above that there is no report from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) or from his companions (may Allaah be pleased with them) concerning the virtue of the first night of Jumu’ah in Rajab, or the night of the middle of Sha’baan. So we know that celebrating these occasions is an innovation that has been introduced into Islam, and that singling out these occasions for acts of worship is a reprehensible bid’ah. The same applies to the twenty-seventh night of Rajab, which some people believe is the night of the Israa’ and Mi’raaj; it is not permissible to single this date out for acts of worship, or to celebrate this occasion, on the basis of the evidence (daleel) quoted above. This is the case if the exact date (of the Israa’ and Mi’raaj) is known, so how about the fact that the correct scholarly view is that its date is not known! The view that it is the night of the twenty-seventh of Rajab is a false view which has no basis in the saheeh ahaadeeth. He indeed spoke well who said: “The best of matters are those which follow the guided way of the salaf, and the most evil of matters are those which are newly-innovated.”

We ask Allaah to help us and all the Muslims adhere firmly to the Sunnah and to beware of everything that goes against it, for He is the Most Generous, Most Kind.

May Allaah bless His slave and Messenger, our Prophet Muhammad, and all his family and companions.
Adapted from Majmoo’ Fataawa Samaahat al-Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz, 2/882
Source : http://www.islamhouse.com/p/50724

Misconceptions Vs Facts about Shabaan

FACT: The most involuntary fasts (nafil fasts) kept by Rasool Allah sallalahu alayhe wasallam were in the month of shabaan.
A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) did not observe fast in any month of the year more than in the month of Sha’ban, and used to say: Do as many deeds as you are capable of doing, for Allah will not become weary (of giving you reward), but you would be tired (of doing good deeds) ; and he also said: The deed liked most by Allah is one to which the doer adheres constantly even if it is small.( Muslim :: Book 6 : Hadith 2582 )

Common Knowledge About Shab e Baraat Vs FACTS

MISCONCEPTION: Fasting only on 15th of Shaban is a deed of great reward.
FACT: Fasting ONLY on 15th of Shabaan is an innovation and not according to the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Thus should be totally avoided. Fasting frequently in Shabaan was the Sunnah of Rasool Allah However; Rasool prohibited his ummah from fasting after 15th of Shabaan due to fear of becoming too weak to be able to fast in Ramadan.
Rasool Allah Sallaalahu alayhe Wasallam said : “When half of shaban has passed, do not fast” (Abu Dawood Bab 12: Hadith 2337- Classed Hasan Sahih by Albani)
Therefore the Muslims should fast frequently in the first half of Shabaan and avoid fasting in the second half of Shabaan.

MISCONCEPTION: Shab e Baraat i.e. the 15th of Shabaan is a Special Night for prayers in Islam.
FACT: There is no such thing as Shab e Baraat. Word Shab e Baraat never appears in the Quran or Hadith. Shab e Baraat is infact NOT an Arabic Word.

MISCONCEPTION: On this blessed night Allah Tala descends down to forgive people
FACT: Allah Tala descends down EVERY night to forgive the people who repent.
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah’s Apostle said, “When it is the last third of the night, our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, descends every night to the heaven of the world and says, ‘Is there anyone who invokes Me (demand anything from Me), that I may respond to his invocation; Is there anyone who asks Me for something that I may give (it to) him; Is there anyone who asks My forgiveness that I may forgive him?’ “Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 75, Number 333:

MISCONCEPTION: This is the blessed night on which the taqdeer is decided. Who will live…who will die. Who will get how much rizq…
The following verses of the Quran are presented as evidence for this as this verse is talking about a blessed night on which everything is decreed..
بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
إِنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ فِى لَيۡلَةٍ۬ مُّبَـٰرَكَةٍ‌ۚ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنذِرِينَ (٣) فِيہَا يُفۡرَقُ كُلُّ أَمۡرٍ حَكِيمٍ (٤) أَمۡرً۬ا مِّنۡ عِندِنَآ‌ۚ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُرۡسِلِينَ (٥) رَحۡمَةً۬ مِّن رَّبِّكَ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ (٦)
Verily We Sent it down on a blessed night Verily, We are ever warning (3) There in is decreed every matter of ordainments (4) As a Command from Us. Verily, We are ever sending, (5)(As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. (6)
Surah Dukhaan Chapter 44 Verse 4
FACT: The verse is being misquoted.This Verse is about a Night in Ramadan NOT Shab e Baraat. The verse is talking about revelation of Quran on a blessed Night. Read the first 2 ayats of Surah Dukhaan

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
حم
وَالْكِتَابِ الْمُبِينِ
إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُبَارَكَةٍ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنْذِرِينَ
فِيهَا يُفْرَقُ كُلُّ أَمْرٍ حَكِيمٍ

Hâ-Mîm (1) By the clear Book,(2) Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind].(3) On that night is made distinct every precise matter -(4)(Quran Surah Dukhaan 44: 1-4)
Allah has informed us in Surah Baqarah that the Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan.
شَہۡرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ
The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an.( Surah Al Baqarah. Chapter 2:185)
So which night is Surah Dukhaan talking about? The night of revelation of Quran in Ramadan is none other than Lailtul Qadr. On this night angels descend and taqdeer is decided.Read Surah Qadr

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
إِنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ فِى لَيۡلَةِ ٱلۡقَدۡرِ (١)
وَمَآ أَدۡرَٮٰكَ مَا لَيۡلَةُ ٱلۡقَدۡرِ (٢)
لَيۡلَةُ ٱلۡقَدۡرِ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّنۡ أَلۡفِ شَہۡرٍ۬ (٣)
تَنَزَّلُ ٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ وَٱلرُّوحُ فِيہَا بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّہِم مِّن كُلِّأَمۡرٍ۬ (٤)
سَلَـٰمٌ هِىَ حَتَّىٰ مَطۡلَعِ ٱلۡفَجۡرِ (٥

Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. (1) And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree?(2) The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months(3) The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.(4) Peace it is until the emergence of dawn(5)(Quran 97: Surah Qadr)
And we all know that Laitul Qadr isa night which falls in the odd nights of last 10 days of Ramadan.So the Night of Decree is NOT 15th Shabaan but laitul Qadr.

MISCONCEPTION : Souls of the dead visit the earth and therefore one should go to cemeteries.
FACT: Once a person dies, if the soul is good, it is sent to IleeYeen and if it is bad it is sent down to Sijeyeen. There is a barzakh / a barrier between the souls and this world and they can never ever return to this world or contact us.
Until, when death comes to one of them (those who join partners with Allâh), he says: “My Lord! Send me back, (99) “So that I may do good in that which I have left behind!” No! It is but a word that he speaks, and behind them is Barzakh (a barrier) until the Day when they will be resurrected.(Surah Mominoon -100)

Source : http://javeria.wordpress.com/2008/08/04/misconceptions-vs-facts-about-shabaan/
(Written by a student on the khutba given by Dr. Farhat Hashmi)

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Help one another to do good deeds


Assalamualaikum warahmathullahi wa barakatuh,


Here's an interesting article I came through, by Shaykh Muhammad S. Adly, on how we can help our Muslim brothers and sisters stay on the right path inturn helping and preparing for our Aakhirah.


“None of you will be a real believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim and others).


May Allah guide us all to the Sirat al Mustaqeem..Aameen.


Sarah Javed
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First, let’s establish a principle that, insha Allah, all Muslims agree on, as it is from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet. This principle, as stated in the Qur’an, is the saying of Almighty Allah (which means):

“Help one another towards righteousness and good deeds.” (al-Maaidah 5:2)

Allah is commanding us to help one another. Something that we probably don’t pay too much attention to is the production of bread. Bread is commonly seen and utilised every day. How many humans combine their efforts to produce a loaf of bread? If a loaf of bread takes thousands of people to put it together, then what do you think about the development of the human being or that of a Muslim? To produce a loaf of bread, it starts with the farmer who puts the seed in the ground, then the workers who harvest the wheat, then the those who clean and grind the flour and then the baker who bakes the bread. Finally, you come to benefit from the combined efforts of hundreds of individuals for the consumption of one loaf of bread.

The Lone Path is an Easy Path to Sin

This example of helping one another in an affair is very important, especially in the case of righteousness and good deeds. It is very easy to commit a sin on your own, without any assistance. This is why we seek refuge in Allah from the evil of our passions. Because inside each of us, we have this weakness of submitting to one’s lower desires, and as a result, we commit sins without outer influences. In addition to our own souls, the contention and encompassment of society can be another contributing factor in committing sins. Lastly, shaytaan, the worst of enemies, is constantly whispering and inciting one to do the unlawful things. Nonetheless, one doesn’t need shaytaan or society to fall into the unlawful, one will do it on their own.

The Good Path Requires Guidance and Encouragement

In contrast, in the cases of going to the masjid, learning about Islam, and helping other Muslims, one needs encouragement, a good word and admonishment from the Qur’an and Hadiths. To be encouraged to do good deeds, one needs to see the example of other Muslims. So, it is easy to commit sin alone, but to do something righteous, one will need some help.

Ponder about a building, like a masjid. How many Muslims, here and abroad, have to help? Therefore Islam is the religion of community. Even when you stand alone in salaat, you’re still concerned about others. For instance, most of the optional deeds from the Sunnah prayers are performed individually, with the exception of salaat ut-taraweeh, because it is Sunnah to make it in congregation. But you don’t see two Muslims standing in congregation to pray Sunnah prayers after maghrib, because that’s an innovation and you are to make it on your own. However, when you stand alone to make the Sunnah prayer, you still remember the community. You recite:
“Guide us to the straight path ...” (Al-Fatihah 1:6).

Who is “us”? You are only one person standing there to pray but you are still concerned about everybody else, him, her, all of us, those who are here or there. Therefore the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:

“None of you will be a real believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim and others).

You are always concerned about the others. When Allah commands us to pray, He says

“Pray (all together)...” (Al-Baqarah 2:43)

The command was revealed in plural form. Why? Because Islam is the religion of community. The religion of putting one’s hand with the other to help and assist one another. This is the way of the Muslim community.

The Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:

“The example of the way the believers’ care for each other is like one body. When one member suffers the whole body suffers.” (Muslim and Ahmad)

This is the way of Islam, the religion of community, unity, being together and helping one another towards righteousness and good deeds. Allah said, which means:

“Verily all of mankind is in a state of loss except those who believe, do good deeds, and encourage one another.” (Al-’Asr 103:2-3)

Sharing, the Noble Islamic Character

You can’t be selfish and profess to be Muslim. You can’t think only about yourself and your family. What’s the zakat instituted for? It is instituted for the caring, sharing and assisting of one another. It’s not a matter of “I have and you don’t.” You have to care about the other one. Help one another. If you don’t help, you can’t establish. If you don’t put your hands together, you can’t make it.

So you live, sleep, and die with others, like a candle. A candle burns itself and produces light for others. We have to do something not only for our individual selves or families, but for the benefit of other Muslim families, the animals, the birds and even for non-Muslims.
The Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:

“If the Hour were to occur and you had a seed or a small plant in your hand, (you would plant it) and if you are able to plant it before that, then plant it (now).”

Subhaanallaah! Islam is a religion of work and sacrifice. This demonstrates that we are living to help others even if dying. You see the Judgment, the Hour is in front of you, so why not put the seed in the ground? Let someone else benefit if this is the last moment of your life, because you not only live for yourself, but to help others as well.

Therefore my respected brothers/sisters in Islam, this is one of the main principles of Islam, that we help one another. Sometimes we forget this principle. This is why when one, two or five people undertake a project or something similar, it may last for a short time, then die. Why? Because the assistance and involvement of others isn’t present. This deen of community became like the brick building, each brick becomes the assistant of the other, so as to help carry the weight of all the bricks and make a solid wall. This is the Muslim community, as Allah said, which means:

“Verily your nation is one ummah, and I am your Lord, so worship Me alone.” (Al-Anbiyaa’ 21:92)

The Challenge of Success and Schooling

After establishing the necessity of assisting one another, I would like to direct your attention to the Islamic school being established in our community, by the permission of Allah. We understand to aid others is one of the main principles of Islam, as ordained by Allah. We also understand that success is in four things:

1 Belief in Allah
2 Good deeds;
3 Advice and encouragement to our brethren;
4 And in sabr (patience).

These four elements are essential, or we will be in a state of loss. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) told us that the means of perfecting faith is to love for your brother what you love for yourself. Sometimes in Islam, it is easier to look afar rather than under your own feet.

Alhamdulillaah, by the will of Allah, various people come to us from different places to inform us about the crises befalling Muslims everywhere. May Allah bless you and all the generous Muslims trying to offer assistance through different means. But sometimes we forget about our own home. As you may already know, Islam is established on knowledge, and Muslim scholars were the leaders in science, chemistry and algebra everywhere.

Mother Nature?

The problem that we face in the developed world, is not maths, science nor chemistry. The problem I am addressing is the environment where the science is being taught, and the way that chemistry is presented. Our problem is not with the knowledge itself. Because (1+1) and (3-1) is going to equal 2. Just the same, hydrogen and oxygen make up water. Nevertheless, the one presenting this knowledge did not attribute this nature to Allah. Rather, the average person would attribute this nature to “Mother Nature.” We don’t know “Mother Nature”. We know Allah, Al-Khaliq, the Creator of all things. So, one is not being honest to attribute such things to other than the Creator, Allah.

Now, as a result, our children are being taught by certified teachers who don’t have this knowledge of Allah, and even if they did, they can’t talk about it, as they would be fired for doing so. So now everything that occurs in the Universe is supposed to be happening on its own and it is not being attributed to Allah. Allah says in the Qur’an that, which means:

“He holds the heavens so as not to fall on the Earth.” (Al-Hajj 22:65)
And Allah says, which means:

“If Allah made the night everlasting, what other god can bring you light so you can dwell in it.” (Al-Qasas 28:71)

Who? So, it isn’t fair that we talk about chemistry and science and not attribute this to the Creator. This is something which I and every other Muslim should have a problem with, because it isn’t fair. We talk about aggression, but this is the worst aggression – to attribute something to “Mother Nature,” which has nothing to do with it, and then forget about the Creator, Allah!

Learning for the Sake of Desire

The second problem, particularly in the Western world, is the environment. The environment that we permit our children to sit in is an unlawful environment. They’re exposed to all types of unlawful things from mingling and mixing, smoking, cursing, boyfriends/girlfriends – all right in front of our eyes in the public schools. We don’t have to beat around the bush. We can see it and read about it in their newspapers, through the number of unwed teenage girls impregnated each year.

Be with the Truthful

Allah said, which means : “Fear Allah and be with the truthful ones.” (Al-Tawbah 9:119)
We have to be with the truthful ones. We don’t have a problem with the environment and the way the knowledge is presented. We have to save our children. We have to cry for our children today, as we are living in a world where the evil can be good, the good evil, the halaal haraam and the haraam halaal. When it comes to the moral system, we have a different moral system. We want our children to be Muslims. Yet, they live in an environment where smoking cigarettes is OK, boyfriends and girlfriends are OK and even openly exposing yourself is OK.

A man from Bani Israel killed a hundred people. How did the wise scholar advise him to repent to Allah? The wise scholar said, “Allah will forgive you but you have to move from this place and go to such a place, because there are good Muslims there who worship Allah, so go be with them and don’t come back to your city because of the evil.”

Allah narrates in the Qur’an the story of Prophet Lut and how He saved him and his family. But from what?! So the environment is very important. You may know about science and chemistry more than I and we all know the surroundings of an object will have some impact upon it. Just as a candle’s flame will extinguish from a lack of oxygen and likewise, a plant unexposed to sunlight will wither. The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) has explained:

“The similitude of good and bad company is like the one who sells perfume and the blacksmith. When you sit with the perfume seller you smell a good scent and in contrast bad company is like one who blows into a furnace.” (Al-Bukhari)




Belief in Allah (SWT)


Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, in the alternation of night and day, in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of people, in the water which Allah sends down from the skies reviving with it the dead earth and dispersing over it all kinds of beasts, in the change of the winds, and in the clouds that run their appointed courses between heaven and earth; in all of this, indeed, there are signs for rational people. (Al-Baqarah - 2:164).
All praise is due to Allah and may peace and blessing be upon his servant and Messenger Muhammad and on his household and all of his Companions.

The requisite belief of individuals in the Creator originated before the appearance of any evidence of this existence. The existence of this Supreme, Powerful and Wise Being Who is behind the creation of the universe has been the main concern of philosophers of all times. They have tried to establish or refute this idea with elaborate arguments that have sometimes been totally unconvincing, even to themselves. Instead of the philosophical approach, we shall rather go through the simple arguments of the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah.

1. THE PURE NATURE IN PEOPLE (THE FITRAH)

The intuition of perceiving the existence of the Creator is inborn in human nature. It is the intuitive ability to distinguish between right and wrong, true and false. It is the human being’s instinctive realization of Allah’s existence and oneness, and his self surrender to Allah (subhaanahu wa ta’alaa). The Qur’an refers to this innate tendency as follows:

Therefore set your face (O Muhammad) steadfastly towards the true faith, turning away from all that is false, in accordance with the [pure Islamic] nature with which Allah has created people. No altering let there be in the laws of Allah’s creation. This is surely the True Religion, but most people do not know it. (Ar-Rum - 30:30).

This aayah indicates that people start with equal abilities to recognise their Lord. But their abilities may subsequently be blurred by self indulgence or unfavorable environmental influences. This is also depicted in the following hadith:

Every child is born with the pure fitrah [to recognise his Lord]; it is only his parents that later turn him into a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian. (Muslim).

2. THE GREATNESS AND PERFECTION OF THE CREATION

Every single creation in the universe is so well made, and so skillfully designed, that any sensible person cannot but submit to the existence of the All-Wise, Almighty, All-Knowing Being behind it all. Allah says:

Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, in the alternation of night and day, in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of people, in the water which Allah sends down from the skies reviving with it the dead earth and dispersing over it all kinds of beasts, in the change of the winds, and in the clouds that run their appointed courses between heaven and earth; in all of this, indeed, there are signs for rational people. (Al-Baqarah - 2:164).

This passage is one of many in which the Qur’an appeals to those who use their reason to observe the daily wonders of nature, including the evidence of people’s own ingenuity (the ships), as indications of a conscious Power pervading the universe.
The creation is so intricate and yet so perfect that no defect can be detected anywhere, no matter how hard one tries.

3. THE WEAKNESS OF PEOPLE

The perfection of the creation should be in itself a sufficient proof of Allah’s existence. But when we add to that the limited power of people and their obvious inability to imitate any of Allah’s creation, certitude should engulf our spirits and we should bow low to the One who made all this wonderful world. The Qur’an repeatedly reminds us of our inability to parallel Allah’s creation. For example:

You (people) have been granted very little knowledge. (Al-Isra - 17:85)

He knows all that lies open before people and all that is hidden from them, whereas they cannot attain to ought of His knowledge save that which He wills them to attain. (Al-Baqarah - 2:255).

4. CASUALITY
The notion that every effect must have a cause is well established in the minds of people. On this notion they base all of their actions and responses. All scientific experiments have this implicitly built into them. Yet, when it comes to the creation of the universe that, by their standards, must have a cause and a Creator, they become hesitant to submit to the truth! Allah (subhaanahu wa ta’alaa) ridicules this attitude by some people. He asks them: Did you come into existence by yourself? Was it a mere chance and spontaneous generation that you came into being? Are you not the handicraft of a Wise and Wonderful Creator? You obviously did not create the wonders of the starry heavens and the fruitful globe of earth. But you can assign no definite cause to explain it, and you yourselves have no firm belief!
The absurdity of the unwillingness to admit the existence of a Creator initiating all of creation is exhibited in this argument to which they can give no reasonable answer since they have no firm belief about that.

Were they created of nothing? Or were they, perchance, their own creator? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Surely they have no firm belief. (At-Tur 52:35)

Friday, March 20, 2009

The Reward of Women in Paradise

Question

Respected scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. Whenever I read the Holy Qur’an, it always makes me wonder what would be the life of a female in Paradise or Jannah. The Qur’an talks about life after death and gives information that how a MAN's life is going to be in the other life. They will live in gardens where there are rivers and trees full of fruits. But I never read a passage that describes the lives of women in Jannah. If so, please let me know where in the Qur’an I can find information in this regard. How will women be rewarded in Paradise?

Answer

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Sister, first of all, we’d like to say that we are impressed by your question, which emanates from a thoughtful heart. May Allah Almighty help us all adhere to the principles of this true religion, Islam, and enable us to be among the dwellers of Paradise in the Hereafter, Ameen!

As regards your question, it should be clear that Paradise is the abode of happiness; all its dwellers, males or females, will be showered with Allah’s blessings and favors. There is no discrimination in this regard between men and women. It is righteousness and good deeds that elevates one’s rank in Jannah and exalts his/her position. In more than one Qur'anic verse, Allah, Most High, calls upon His servants to do their utmost in order to be favored with Paradise. For example, He says, (And vie one with another for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who ward off (evil). ) (Aal `Imran 3: 133)

In this context, Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, former President of the Islamic Society of North America, states:

Jannah or Paradise is not for men alone. It is prepared for both, righteous men and righteous women. All the joys and blessings of Jannah are for both of them. Allah has mentioned in the Qur’an that He put both Adam and his wife Hawwa’ (Eve) in Jannah after creating them, and He told them to eat and enjoy everything (except the fruit of one tree). [See al-Baqarah 2: 35; al-A`raf 7: 19] Thus, all the trees, gardens and rivers of Jannah are made for both men and women and they both will enjoy them.

All Believers, males and females, will enter the Jannah. Allah says, ( Gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there, as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring) (ar-Ra`d 13: 23)

Further, Allah says, (Indeed, the people of Paradise will be happily occupied. They and their wives shall be in shades, reclining on raised couches. There are for them fruits and there is for them all that they ask for…) (Ya-Sin 36: 55-57)

In the Hereafter Allah will say to the Believers, (Enter the Garden, you and your wives, you will be made glad. There will be brought round for them trays of gold and goblets, and therein is all that the souls desire and eyes find sweet and you will stay there forever. This is the garden, which you are made to inherit because of what you used to do. Therein for you is fruit in plenty whence to eat. ) (Az-Zukhruf 43: 70-73)

There are many other places in the Qur’an where it is mentioned that men and women both will find their reward and none will be deprived. [See: Aal `Imran 3: 195; An-Nisa’, 4: 124; An-Nahl 16: 97; Al-Ahzab 33: 35; Ghafir 40: 40]

The life of women in Jannah will be as pleasant and happy as the life of men. Allah is not partial to any gender. He created both of them and He will take care of both of them according to their needs and desires. Let us all work to achieve the Jannah and then, in sha’ Allah, we will find there what will satisfy all of us fully.

This verse clearly denotes that those women who do righteous deeds are rewarded with Paradise and given a high rank that is equal to the good deeds they have offered.

Shedding more light on this issue, we'd like to cite the following fatwa issued by the outstanding Muslim scholar, Sheikh ibn Jibreen:

There is no doubt that reward in the Hereafter encompasses both men and women. This is based on the following Qur'anic verses:

( Lo! I suffer not the work of any worker, male or female, to be lost) (Al `Imran 3: 195)

(Whosoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer, We will give a good life. ) (An-Nahl 16: 97)

(And whoever does righteous good deeds, being a male or a female, and is a true believer, such will enter Paradise. ) (An-Nisa 4: 124)

(Verily, the Muslims, men and women, the believers, men and women... Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward. ) (Al-Ahzab 33: 35)

Allah mentions them entering into Paradise together, saying:

(They and their wives will be in pleasant shade. ) (Ya Sin 36: 56)

(Enter Paradise, you and your wives, in happiness. ) (Az-Zukhruf 43: 70)

Allah also mentions that He will recreate women in Paradise in the following verse:

( Lo! We have created them a (new) creation. And made them virgins… ) (Al-Waqi`ah 56: 35-36) That is, Allah will recreate the elderly women and make them virgins; the same will be done for old men, Allah will make them youth.

It is also mentioned in the Hadith that the women of this worldly life have a superiority over Al-hur Al-`In due to the acts of worship and obedience that they performed in this world. Therefore, the believing women will enter Paradise just like the believing men. If a woman had a number of husbands, she, upon entering Paradise with them, would choose among them the one with the best character and behavior.

Excerpted, with slight modifications, from: http://www.uh.edu/campus/msa/articles/fatawawom/aqida.html#paradise

Thus, rest assured dear sister that Allah never wrongs anyone, male or female, nor does He, Almighty, deprive any person of his/her work’s fruit.