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.

A Woman’s Choice to Live With Her Husband in Paradise

Question

Dear scholars, As-salamu `alaykum. I am a married woman and I have children. My husband is ill-tempered and has bad morals. I bear my life with him patiently, satisfied with what Almighty Allah has predestined for me. But I would like to ask if I am to get a reward from Almighty Allah for my patience in this regard. As well as this, I would like to know if Almighty Allah may compensate me with a better husband in Paradise, for I do not want to be married to my current husband in the Hereafter. In fact, I always pray to Almighty Allah that He will not make me a wife of my current husband in the Hereafter. Is that possible? Jazakum Allah khayran.

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. Dear questioner, we would 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, Amen. Allah Almighty greatly rewards those parents who are keen on bringing up their children on Islamic principles. This is a responsibility that is to be shared by both the mother and the father. A father who neglects his responsibilities will be considered sinful, and the wife who patiently bears her husband’s bad morals for her children’s sake will be greatly rewarded by Almighty Allah. Concerning a wife’s remaining a spouse to her current husband in Paradise, this will be her choice. She can choose whether to remain with him or not. Allah the Almighty will give her whatever she chooses in Paradise. But we would like to tell her that people’s characteristics will change for the better in Paradise and Almighty Allah will free them of all bad feelings, especially malice and hatred. In this regard, Sheikh Faysal Mawlawi, Deputy Chairman of the European Council for Fatwa and Research, states the following: Generally speaking, a mother who brings up her children well under ordinary circumstances, [that is, helped in this regard by a caring husband] will be rewarded for this. If this is the case in general, with all the more reason the reward will be even greater for a mother who raises her children well under difficult circumstances. The reward of a mother who patiently endures her difficult life with an uncaring husband so that she can spare her children the repercussions of family disintegration, will be doubled. It was reported that `A’ishah, Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her), said: “A woman with two (young) daughters came to me asking for something to eat. I had nothing then to give her but one date. She took the date and divided it between her daughters, leaving nothing for herself. Then she stood up and left. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came I told him about this. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “A person whom Allah tests with (giving him) daughters and he treats them kindly [and brings them up well], they will be a shield for him against the Fire” (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). According to another version of this hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah Almighty will admit this woman in Paradise” or “Will keep her away from the Fire” (Riyad As-Salihin). This clearly shows that Paradise is the (supreme) reward for looking after one’s children and protecting them against (family) disintegration. I beseech Almighty Allah that you, dear sister, be one of those whom Almighty Allah will admit into Paradise for this reason. As for the father who neglects his parental duties towards his children, Almighty Allah will bring him to account for this, and his account will be more severe if his neglect includes failing to provide for their sustenance. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “It is a sufficient sin for a person to neglect his duties towards those whom he is responsible to provide for.” At the same time it is to be borne in mind that the husband’s duties are not confined to providing for his dependents financially; it also includes bringing them up according to Islamic morals and enjoining them to abide by Almighty Allah’s teachings. Imam Ibn Abu Gamrah, an eminent scholar, criticized the scholars who always tackle a father’s responsibility towards his family only in terms of his obligation to provide them with a dwelling place and a means of sustenance, while disregarding his responsibility to enjoin on them obedience to Almighty Allah. According to Imam Ibn Abu Gamrah, the man’s responsibility for guiding his family to the right path is to be given priority over providing them with food, a dwelling place, and so on, especially since he may not be accounted for the obligation of providing for them if he really cannot afford to do so, but he is not to be exempted from the responsibility of guiding them to the right path at any rate (Bahjat An-Nufus, vol. 2, p. 47). There are many verses and hadiths that prohibit a husband abusing or mistreating his wife. Allah Almighty says, (And treat them kindly) (An-Nisa’ 4: 19). Regarding the sister’s desire to not be with her current husband in Paradise, may Almighty Allah make us and her among its dwellers, it is known that the believers will lead a happy and luxurious life in Paradise and that, according to the Qur’an, they will have all that they choose. Based on this, it cannot be said that a woman will be compelled to be a wife of a certain person in Paradise. This is not compatible with the absolute happiness that believers are to enjoy there. Life in Paradise is based on satisfying its dwellers. The issue of a woman’s choice of a husband in Paradise was also examined by Imam Al-Qurtubi in his At-Tadhkirah fi Ahwal Al-Mawta wa 'Umur Al-Akhirah, (vol. 2, p. 640). He cited many reports about the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Companions (may Allah be pleased with all of them). But the aspect in which Imam Al-Qurtubi handled the issue was with regard to those women who married more than once in this world. Which husband would they live with in Paradise? According to him, this will be based on their choice and the kind treatment of the husbands in this world. However, it is to be mentioned that the conditions and personality of the people in Paradise are not to be compared to those of the people in this world. One’s conditions change completely in Paradise. A person in Paradise will be a symbol of purity and mildness. There will be no room for arrogance, malice, hatred, and other such negative qualities.

Will Women Have “Companions” in Paradise?

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

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

In the very beginning, we would like to cite Ibn Kathir’s comment on the issue of men having Hoor Al-`Een. It reads:“ Almighty Allah tells us that He will provide the residents of Paradise with beautiful wives who have big and lustrous eyes and 'whom no man or Jinn before them has touched' and who are 'Like unto rubies and coral'”. 

In fact, Paradise is the abode of the believers in the Hereafter. Allah has prepared for His believing servants, males and females, in Paradise indescribable bliss that which no eye has seen, no ear has heard of and that has never ever crossed the minds of people, to the extent that even the person who has the least blessings in Paradise will think that he is the most blessed one. 

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)." (Al `Imran: 133) 

All this indicates that in Paradise believing men and women will be showered with blessings; there is no room for discrimination based on gender in Paradise. 

Focusing more on this issue, Sheikh `Atiyyah Saqr, former Head of Al-Azhar Fatwa Committee, adds: 

“Here Allah mentions the Hoor Al`Een because in most cases men pursue women and not vice versa. As for women, Allah Almighty may marry them to any of the believers in Paradise, if they did not get married during worldly life, or He may compensate them by making them feel content with their position. It is also said that Allah may grant women some kind of beauty with which they will feel that they are better than the Hoor Al-`Een and that they are their mistress, so they will not love anyone other than their own husbands nor will they feel jealous of the Hoor Al-`Een.”  

The significance of obedience to parents

Assalamualikum warahmatullahi wabrakatuhu :)

Now a days we see so many youngster and teenagers disobeying parents. We ourselves somewhere must have too intentionally or unintentionally disobeyed our parents and hurt them! What does Islam tells us about the ones who disobey their parents? You will when you read below. May Allah give us all hidayah and tawfeek to understand the truth and love our parents for the scarifices they have made for us. Ameen, thumma ameen

The best gift we can give them for everything they did to us by praying for their akhirat and praying 5 times prayers on TIME, reciting Quran.Yes lets be a true practising muslim and make them proud. Tell them how much they mean to you and how much you love them and how much you long to be with them (whichever part of the world you are)

For sure this is the best gift we can give to them and for ourselves. Masha Allah Loving praents truly will definitly bring us all more closer to Allah (swt) Insha Allah

Asma

The significance of obedience to parents

Islam builds a family in which prevails mutual respect and care. Parents and children in Islam are bound together by mutual obligations and reciprocal arrangements. Allaah Says (what means): “…No mother should be harmed through her child, and no father through his child…” [Quran 2: 233]

The Quran has made it compulsory for the child to treat his parents with all goodness and mercy.

Every Muslim must show goodness and mercy to his parents throughout their lives. There is only one exception to this, and that is, if the parents ask their children to associate anything with Allaah and to commit sins, then the children must not obey their parents. In all cases, the children must show love and gratitude to their parents. They must always speak to them gently and respectfully. They must try their best to make them happy, provided they do not disobey Allaah in the process.

Allaah says (what means): “But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with me others of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not; but behave with them in the world kindly…” [Quran 31:15]

Being patient and tolerant with parents:

The children must take great care not to react to what their parents have to say. If they say or do anything which is not liked or approved of by the children, then they must show patience and tolerance instead of giving vent to their anger. The children must scrupulously try to refrain from disobeying their parents since the Prophet regarded this as one of the grave sins.

Supplicating for them:

Far from showing signs of displeasure, the children must pray for them saying, as Allaah teaches us in the verse (which means): "…My Lord and Sustainer! Be kind and have mercy on them as they cherished, nurtured and sustained me in childhood.” [Quran 17: 24]

We must continue praying for them even after they die. Such prayer will be regarded as a continuous charity as the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa salllam, told us.

The greater right of the mother:

The children must be kinder and more grateful to their mothers since they took greater pains in their upbringing. That is why the Prophet emphasized that it is the mother who has the first claim on the child's care and attention.

Once a companion asked the Prophet as to whom he should show more kindness. The Prophet replied: "Your mother." He asked who comes next and the Prophet again replied: "Your mother." He asked the Prophet yet again who comes next. The Prophet replied: “Your mother." When the companion asked for the fourth time, only then did the Prophet reply: "Your father."

Recognizing their great status:

The Muslim should recognize the status of the parent and know his duties towards them. The status of parents in Islam is a status which mankind had not known before. Allaah Has placed the respect for the parents just one step below the belief in Allaah and true worship of Him.

Allaah says (what means): “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.” [Quran 17: 23]

The Prophet placed kindness and respect towards parents just after the prayer offered on time as the prayer is the foundation of Islam.

‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood said: “I asked the Prophet which deed is most liked by Allaah? He said: ‘Prayer offered on time.’ I asked him: ‘Then what? He said: ‘Kindness and respect towards parents.’…” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

Knowing the duties towards them:

It is also the duty of the child to provide for his parents, if he is able to do so. The Quran sums up the whole matter in a master concept called Ihsaan, which denotes what is right, good and beautiful (i.e. showing to them kindness, compassion, gratitude, reverence and respect, praying for them and supporting them financially if they are in need.)

Concluding, we mention a verse that shows the significance of obedience and gratitude due to parents: Allaah says (what means): “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.” [Quran 31:14]

So behave and be good to your parents no matter what and make them understand with patience, if at all you don't succeed in making them understand, and any arguments is about to start then try to avoid it and leave it on Allah, for sure he will make things easy for you when you leave all your trust in his hands. For sure he will guide us all Insha Allah

Also make sure you don't regret not loving or obeying ur parents. We all have own time to leave this world and meet our creator. Lets meet him with a smile on our face Subhanallah :)

Remember me in your prayers :)

Jazakallahokhairan

Asma

Is wearing Tawiz/Amulets allowed in Islam?

Incase any of you practices this, kindly take immediate action and ask for forgiveness! We intentionally or un-intentionally commit many sins but if you have been provided with the knowledge to practice Islam in the right way then read, understand and follow it. I have seen most of my friends family and other families who wear tawiz or other amulets to keep away the devil and any disharmony at home or at work etc etc.

How can these amulets protect you? why don't we turn to Allah (swt) when he has given chance to all his slaves to ask whatever good you wish for yourself and ur loved ones in this life and hereafter?

In India, I have seen so many ppl visiting BABAs (tantariks) or going durgas and crying and praying and what not crap dramas goes on there! Astagfirullah. When we have the complete freedom to talk to Allah, to love him, to ask Allah directly what good we want for ourselves in this life and hereafter, why on earth do we need to keep an intermediators or associate him with any other to make Allah fulfil our wishes?? Astagfirullah I deeply feel sorry for them, I feel really sorry that they dont know of what good they are depriving themselves with and leading themselves to the hell fire!!

O Allah guide us and protect us from the wrong and evil doers, ameen thumma ameenAnd increase our knowledge in Islami Deen and give us Hidayah to practice it and spread the message of Islam, religion of love and Peace. Have strong faith and stand for the truth, Fight till you succeed coz even while fighting you face death, then Allah will certainly ease all your pains in the hereafter Insha Allah

Question
As-Salamu `alaykum. Some people believe that wearing an amulet (ta`wiz) will make them safe. Is wearing amulets bearing some Qur’anic verses allowed in Islam? Did the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) recommend his followers to indulge in such a habit?

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.

Dear sister in Islam, thank you very much for having confidence in us and we hope our efforts, which are purely for Allah’s Sake, qualify to be a stepping stone along the path of truth. Muslim scholars unanimously maintain that it is haram (unlawful) to wear amulets that contain anything other than Qur’anic verses, but they differed as regards those which do contain verses or surahs of the Qur’an. Some of them say that wearing amulets containing Qur’anic verses or chapters is permissible, while others consider them impermissible. The view which is deemed to be the most correct is that wearing such amulets is not permitted because of the general meaning of the hadiths speaking about amulets, and in order to prevent any means that might lead to shirk (associating partners with Allah or polytheism). To shed more light on the issue of wearing amulets especially those containing verses from the Glorious Qur’an, here is the Fatwa issued by Sheikh M. S. Al-Munajjid, a prominent Saudi Muslim lecturer and author; it goes as follows: “Amulets (tamimah, pl. tama’im) are things made from pearls or bones and worn on the necks of children or adults or hung up in houses or cars, in order to ward off evil – especially the evil eye – or to bring some benefits. Zaynab, the wife of `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud, reported that `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saying: “Spells, amulets and love-charms are (forms of) shirk.” `Abdullah said, “Why do you say this? By Allah, when I was weeping eczema, I kept going to so and so, the Jew, who did a spell for me and made the thing calm down.” `Abdullah said: “That was just the work of Satan, who was picking it with his hand, and when (the Jew) uttered the spell, he stopped. All you needed to do was to say as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to say: Adh-hib al-ba’s Rabb an-Nas ishfi anta ash-Shafi la shifa’a illa shifa’uka shifa’an la yughadiru saqaman (Remove the harm, O Lord of mankind, and heal, You are the Healer. There is no healing but Yours, a healing which leaves no disease behind.’” (Reported by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah) `Uqbah ibn `Amir Al-Juhani (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that a group came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) to pledge their allegiance (bay`ah) to him. He accepted the allegiance of nine of them but not of one of them. They said, “O Messenger of Allah, you accepted the allegiance of nine but not of this one.” He (the Prophet) said, “He is wearing an amulet.” The man put his hand (in his shirt) and took it off, then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) accepted his allegiance. He (peace and blessings be upon him) then said, “Whoever wears an amulet has committed shirk.” (Reported by Ahmad) These are the comments of the scholars on the various kinds of amulets and the rulings that govern each kind. These comments contain important and useful points. Sheikh Sulayman ibn `Abd Al-Wahhab states: “The Companions of the Prophet, their successors, and those who came after them have differed as to whether it is permissible to wear amulets which only contain words from the Qur’an or those that contains Allah’s Names and Attributes. The first group including `Abdullah ibn `Amr ibn Al-`As (may Allah be pleased with him) and other Companions said that having amulets is permissible. This group backed their view by citing the aforementioned hadith. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim adheres to this view. Another group of scholars maintain that wearing amulets is not permissible. This was the view of Ibn Mas`ud and Ibn `Abbas, and is the apparent meaning of the view of Hudhayfah. This was also the view of a group of the Tabi`un (successors), including the Companions of Ibn Mas`ud and Ahmad, according to one report which was chosen by most of his companions. It was also the view of the later scholars, who quoted this and similar hadiths as a supporting evidence for their view. This opinion appears to be in favor of prohibition of amulets in general; whether they contain Qur’anic verses or not. Abu Dawud reported that `Isa ibn Hamzah said: “I entered upon ‘Abdullah ibn `Akim and his face was red due to high fever. I said, ‘Why don’t you wear an amulet?’ He said, ‘We seek refuge with Allah from that. Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) states: “Whoever wears anything (meaning an amulet) will be entrusted to its care…” (Reported by Abu-Dawud) Amulets containing Qur’anic verses: Concerning amulets that contain clearly-written verses from the Qur’an or authentic hadiths, there is a difference among the Companions of the Prophet, their successors and those who follow them, which maybe clarified as follows: Some of them state that it is not allowed, but rather reprehensible (Makruh). This is the opinion of `Abdullah ibn `Amr, `Uqbah ibn `Amir, and `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud and his companions such as Al-Aswad and `Alqamah, and those who came after them such as Ibrahim An-Nakh`i and others (may Allah be pleased with them all). Undoubtedly not allowing that acts as a precautionary measure to prevent means that lead to wrong beliefs, especially in our own times. If most of the Sahabah (Prophet’s Companions) and Tabi`un (their successors) regarded it as Makruh in those noble times when the faith in their hearts was greater than a mountain, then regarding it as Makruh in these times of trials and tribulations is more appropriate and is more on the safe side. So how about when this concession has led people to things which are purely unlawful and they have made it a means to those things? For example, they take amulets as a means of seeking refuge, as they make them contain some verses from the Qur’an or surah, then underneath it they put some devilish mumbo-jumbo, the meaning of which no one knows except one who has read their books. Part of the negative effects of amulets is that they divert the hearts of the common folk from putting their trust in Allah and make them dependent on the things that they have written, and most of them make people live in constant fear of what may or may not happen. It’s the habit of a sorcerer or a fraudulent man to come to the person he wants to trick out of his money, knowing that the person is of weak faith, and say to him: “Such and such is going to happen to your family or your wealth or to you,” He may also say, “You have a qarin (constant companion) from among the jinn,” then go on describing things to him and telling him things about himself that the Satan whispers to him, to make him think that he has true insight and that he cares about him and wants to bring him some benefit. When the heart of the ignorant fool is filled with fear of what he has been told, he turns away from his Lord and turns to this charlatan with all his heart and soul; he puts his trust in him and relies on him instead of Allah, and says to him, “What is the way out from the things that you have described? What is the means of warding them off?” It is as if he (the charlatan) has control over benefit and harm, at which point his hopes are raised and he becomes more greedy, wondering how much he will be able to take. So he tells him, “If you give me such and such, I will write an amulet for that which will be this long and this wide” – he describes it and speaks to him in a nice manner. Then he hangs up this amulet to protect him from such and such diseases. Do you think, after all that we have mentioned, that this belief is a form of minor shirk? It means that one is ascribing to Allah someone else in worship, putting one's trust in someone other than Him, turning to someone other than Him, relying on the deeds of created beings and trying to divert people from their religion. Can the Satan do any of these tricks except with the help of his devilish brethren among mankind? Allah Almighty says: “Say: ‘Who can guard and protect you in the night or in the day from the (punishment of the) Most Gracious (Allah)?’ Nay, but they turn away from the remembrance of their Lord.” (Al-Anbiya’: 42) Then along with the devilish mumbo-jumbo, he writes on the amulet something from the Qur’an, and hangs it up when he maybe in a state of impurity, in a state of minor or major impurity, and he never shows any respect towards it or keeps it away from other things. The Qur’an was revealed to be recited and followed; its commandments to be obeyed and its prohibitions heeded, its information to be believed and its limits to be adhered to, its parables and stories to serve as lessons. And if they (amulets) contain nothing but the two revelations (i.e. Qur’an and authentic hadiths) then this is shirk without a doubt, and is more akin to the azlam (arrows used during the pre-Islamic period of ignorance for seeking luck or help in decision making) in being far-removed from the characteristics of Islam. However, if amulets contain anything other than the two revelations and instead contain mumbo-jumbo from the Jews or worshippers of temples, stars or angels, or those who use the services of the jinn, etc., or they are made of pearls, strings, iron rings, etc., then this is shirk, i.e., hanging them up or wearing them is shirk, beyond a doubt, because they are not among the permissible means or known forms of treating disease.” Sheikh Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "This deviance and misguidance is still widespread among the Bedouin, peasants and some of the city-dwellers. Examples include the pearls, which some drivers put in their cars, hanging them from the rear-view mirror. Some of them hang an old shoe on the front or back of the car; some hang a horseshoe on the front of their house or shop. All of that is to ward off the evil eye, or so they claim. And there are other things which are widespread because of ignorance of (pure) Monotheism and the things which nullify it; such as actions of shirk and idolatry which the Messengers were only sent and the Books were only revealed to put an end to. In conclusion, those who believe in pure Monotheism (tawhid) should keep as far away as possible from such things. The faith in their hearts is too great to permit anything of this sort to enter their hearts. Their status is too high and their certainty of faith is too strong for them to put their trust in anyone other than Allah or to seek the protection of anyone other than Him." Excerpted, with slight modifications, from: http://www.islam-qa.com/ May Allah guide us all to the straight path and direct all of us to that which pleases Him, Ameen, thumma ameen

Jazakallahokhair

Asma

SINS OF YOUTH

Here we feature sins and their harmful effects. Some special mention is needed regarding young Muslims, especially those in their teenage years. It is often taken for granted that these are the years of carelessness and not those of serious thought. This is not an Islamic position. Indeed we find youth in the time of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) performing heroic deeds and very serious in their practice and dedication. Examples such as Ali Ibn Abi Taalib, Ibn Abbaas, Anas Ibn Malik, Usaamah Ibn Zaid, Mus’ab Ibn ‘Umayr, Ammaar Ibn Yaasir and others (radiallahu ‘anhum ajma’een) will be forever remembered for their sacrifices and willingness to give their lives in the cause of Islam at tender ages.

This is a character assessment checklist aimed at the youth to assist them in making their own assessment of themselves and decide if changes in their character are in order. Parents too can use it as a gauge. In fact, what is listed are sins certainly not limited to youth. Each point is an interrelated sin that either weakens eemaan or comes from weak eemaan. Some stem from others while others lead to something worse. Possessing any of them makes change necessary because to continue doing them may lead to worse sin, hypocrisy and disbelief. It may not seem like it, but even you, as young as you are, could face death at any moment. Do you want to meet Allah in a sorry moral condition?

One step toward correction is recognising one’s faults and setting out to do the opposite. A second step is honestly seeking Allah’s help and asking His forgiveness. There have been people who commit terrible sins and Allah has guided and forgiven them after true repentance and struggle with themselves. Certainly you can too. Look at yourself and ask yourself if you do any of the following:

Lie to and disobey parents
Raise your voice to or abuse parents or other family members
Disregard the advice of parents
Disrespect adults
Break your promises
Insult the opposite sex
Freely mix with the opposite sex by flirting or looking lustfully at them
Backbite and gossip
Look at bad movies and listen to music, especially sexually explicit types or that have a lot of profanity
Use profanity
Lie or steal
Devise ways to avoid anything Islamic
Spend your money on what is haraam
Think mostly of yourself and little of others
Do as little as you can to assist in the home
Put minimum effort into schoolwork
Imitate, respect or love the ways and manners of kuffaar
Act hard with Muslims and easy with kuffaar
Smoke or do drugs
Mostly keep company with weak and sinful Muslims or kuffaar
Waste a lot of time and never study the deen
Find it easy to do wrong and difficult to do right
Hate to be reminded of religious duties
Feel little or no sense of shame or modesty
Hate proper hijaab
Do not enjoy listening to the Qur’an
Only try to learn Arabic or how to recite the Qur’an if pressured
Don’t go to the masjid or consistently go late to prayer (for males) when there is no obstacle to doing so regularly and on time
Dislike going to prayers or concentrate little in them and hurry to get them over with
Rarely give charity or gifts
Avoid the company of striving Muslims
Rarely or never make extra (sunnah) prayers
Read anything else other than the Qur’an or authentic hadith that is of little or no value or haram
Read the Qur’an or the hadith only if forced to
Attend circles of Islamic knowledge only if forced and pay little attention when you do
Never give thanks, seek forgiveness from Allah nor seek refuge from wrongdoing

Don’t use the faulty logic that ‘I am young so I want to enjoy as much as I can before I get old and I will ask forgiveness before I die’! Such people almost never change on their own. They usually get worse because sins become a part of their character that they can no more rid themselves of than they could the noses on their faces. Being good or right according to Islam has absolutely no importance in their lives. You are a Muslim and you must not take a defeated attitude or think that your sins affect you only. When the Muslims complain of their position or situation it is because there are too many of them who take the attitude that Islam is not the number one concern in their lives and it is not important to follow or that it’s for ‘old’ people. Are you a part of the problem or part of the solution?

Practising Islam to the fullest is a cause for great inner joy, satisfaction and happiness and totally eliminates the desire or need for any other means to feel good, better or best.May Allah help you to be the kind of youth that all Muslims can be proud of and not ashamed of or whom they disdain. We pray that you are a boon and not a burden to Islam and the Muslims. This can only occur if you are first a youth that Allah ta’aala is pleased with.

Avoid Hypocrisy
Strengthen Your Faith
Depend On Allah
Make Your Islam Real!

From the supplications of the Prophet(sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)Whenever we see a person who has been afflicted with anything we should say:

“Al-hamdu lillah-i-llathee ‘aafaani mimmab-talaahu bihi wa fadhalanee ‘alaa katheerin mimman khalaqa tafdheela.”

which means

“All praise is due to Allah Who has pardoned me of that which He has afflicted him with, and made me much better than many of those He has created.”

(*This supplication should not be heard by the afflicted person.)

May Allah grant us a place amongst the righteous..Aameen

To all the Sisters in the world

Bismillaah Ar-Rahmaan Ar-Raheem

Assalaam O Alaikum warahmatullahi wabrakatuhu My DEaerestt SISTERSSS :)

Heres A Gift For ALL OF YOU....

Women, women, women!

THE woman must do this, the woman must do that. She must cook the food, take care of children, and obey her husband at all costs! Does Islam really subjugate women like it is thought? Well the answer is plain and simple. NO! To think, some of us are getting too obsessed with women, and all our focus and criticism goes against them, but what about men? Without doubt there are many things that are upon the women that are in her benefit, however, there are just as many things upon men, but these are either ignored or just not talked about.

Firstly, we should understand that men and women are different and have different roles in Islam. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And wish not for the things in which Allah has made some of you to excel others. For men there is reward for what they have earned, (and likewise) for women there is reward for what they have earned, and ask Allah of His Bounty. Surely, Allah is Ever All-Knower of everything.” (Qur’an, 4:32)

In Islam, men have many responsibilities to fulfill towards women. The man must earn, provide for, clothe and shelter his wife, and he is not allowed to take the money she owns. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that your wife has a right upon you (Al-Bukhari) and fulfilling this right is an indication of revering and fearing Allah. Man will be questioned if he fulfilled this duty. If he does not, then it is a clear act of disobedience to Allah and His Messenger.

So husbands, are we fulfilling our duty or are we disobeying our Lord?

Women play an important role towards the society. A mother who raises her children in accordance with the teachings of Islam is the backbone of society. Well-nurtured children are a basis for a strong community. Men should also play a part in the upbringing of the children. Yes, he has to go out and work, but there are 24 hours in a day and 168 hours in a week. I’m sure most of us are not so busy; if we prudently manage our time, we can make positive contribution in their upbringing. Here’s the question: How many men change nappies? How many men get up at night when the baby is crying? Very few I suppose.

How about dishes? When was the last time any of us men did the washing up? Why is it such a chore? After finishing dinner, what harm would it cause to pick up the plates and wash them? No instead, we eat to our fill, leave the plates where they are and take it for granted that our wives will do it. By helping around in washing dishes, changing nappies, and making our beds, our wives will only love us more.

The man also has a Hijab to observe. He must always lower his gaze. This is another aspect taken for granted. We have heard that we are not held to account for that one, unintentional, look. But some take it for granted to elongate it and make it ‘one long look.’ We must fear Allah and observe proper Hijab. Men should also dress modestly. His clothes must show piety and his Awrah must not be displayed.

We also ignore dressing up for our wives. Ask yourselves, when was the last time you looked your best for your wife? It is expected from her to look after the kids, make the dinner, clean the house and look good for us, but what about us? If the food is not cooked when we come home or we don’t like its taste, how do we react? Do we follow the Sunnah and keep silent without criticizing food?

We should follow the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in all areas of our lives, and that includes within our households. Women are our partners. When no one listens to our problems, our wives do. Let’s start from today and make that change and surely the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) statement should be something for us to ponder on.

“The best of you are the best to their wives, and I am the best of you with my wives‚ – (Ibn Hibban)
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Ya AIlah,I seek refuge in You from distress and cowardice. I seek refuge from weakness and procrastination, from stinginess and cowardice. I seek refuge in You from indebtedness and from subjugation to people's inequity"