Celebrating the night of the Isra’ and Mi’raaj

What is the ruling on Celebrating the night of the Isra’ and Mi’raaj, which is the twenty-seventh night of Rajab?.

Praise be to Allaah. 

 

There is no doubt that the Isra’ and Mi’raaj (the Prophet’s Night Journey and Ascent into heaven) are two great signs of Allaah which point to the truthfulness of the His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and the greatness of his status before Allaah. They are also signs of the great power of Allaah, and of His exalted position above His creation. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allaah) [above all that (evil) they associate with Him] 

Who took His slave (Muhammad) for a journey by night from Al‑Masjid Al‑Haraam (at Makkah) to Al‑Masjid Al‑Aqsa (in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad) of Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.). Verily, He is the All‑Hearer, the All‑Seer”

[al-Isra’ 17:1] 

There are mutawaatir reports from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that he was taken up into the heavens, and their gates were opened for him, until he passed beyond the seventh heaven, where his Lord spoke to him as He willed, and enjoined the five daily prayers upon him. At first Allaah, may He be exalted, enjoined fifty prayers, but our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) kept going back and asking Him to reduce it, until He made them five, so they are five obligatory prayers but fifty in reward, because each good deed is rewarded tenfold. To Allaah be praise and thanks for all His blessings. 

With regard to this night on which the Isra’ and Mi’raaj took place, there is nothing in the saheeh ahaadeeth to indicate that it is in Rajab or in any other month. Everything that has been narrated concerning a specific date for these events cannot be proven to have come from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) according to the scholars of hadeeth. Allaah has wise reasons for causing the people to forget it. Even if the date were proven, it would not be permissible for the Muslims to single it out for particular acts of worship, and it is not permissible for them to celebrate it, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his companions (may Allaah be pleased with them) did not celebrate it and they did not single it out in any way. If celebrating it was something that is prescribed in Islam, the Messenger would have told his ummah about that, either in word or in deed. If any such thing had happened, it would have been well known, and his companions would have transmitted the information to us. They narrated from their Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) everything that his ummah needs to know, and they did not neglect any aspect of the religion, rather they were the first ones to do anything good. If celebrating this night had been prescribed in Islam, they would have been the first people to do so. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was the most sincere of people, and he conveyed the message to the people in full, and he fulfilled the trust. If venerating and celebrating this night were part of the religion of Allaah, then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would have done that and would not have concealed it. Since no such thing happened, it is known that celebrating it and venerating it is not part of Islam at all. Allaah has perfected this ummah’s religion for it and has completed His favour upon them, and He condemns those who introduce things into the religion which Allaah has not ordained. Allaah says in His holy Book, in Soorat al-Maa’idah (interpretation of the meaning): 

“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] 

And Allaah says in Soorat al-Shoora (interpretation of the meaning): 

“Or have they partners with Allaah (false gods) who have instituted for them a religion which Allaah has not ordained?”

[al-Shoora 42:21] 

In the saheeh ahaadeeth it is proven that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) warned against bid’ah (innovation) and stated clearly that it is misguidance, so as to show the ummah how serious the matter is and put them off it. 

For example, it is narrated in al-Saheehayn from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.” In a report narrated by Muslim it says: “Whoever does any action that is not part of this matter of ours will have it rejected.”  

In Saheeh Muslim it is narrated that Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say in his khutbah on Friday: “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 worst of matters are those which are newly-invented, and every innovation is a going astray.” Al-Nasaa’i added with a jayyid isnaad: “and every going astray will be in the Fire.” 

In al-Sunan it is narrated that al-‘Irbaad ibn Saariyah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) delivered an eloquent speech to us which melted our hearts and caused our eyes to flow with tears. We said: O Messenger of Allaah, it is as if it is a farewell address, so advise us. He said: “I advise you to fear Allaah, and to listen and obey, even if a slave is appointed over you. Whoever among you lives will see many differences, so I urge you to adhere to my Sunnah and the way of the rightly-guided caliphs who will come after me, and cling firmly to it. Beware of newly-invented matters, for every newly-invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is a going astray. And there are many ahaadeeth with a similar meaning. 

Warnings against bid’ah (innovation) have been narrated from the companions of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and from the righteous salaf after them, because this is no more than adding things to the religion and instituting a religion that Allaah has not ordained, and it is an imitation of the enemies of Allaah, the Jews and the Christians, in their additions to their religions and introducing into them things that Allaah had not ordained. It also implies that there is something lacking in Islam, and that it is not complete, and it is well known that this leads to great mischief and evil, and goes against the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):  

“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] 

It also goes against the ahaadeeth of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) which warn against innovation (bid’ah). 

I hope that the evidence we have quoted will be sufficient to convince the seeker of truth that this bid’ah is wrong, i.e., the innovation of celebrating the night of the Isra’ and Mi’raaj, and that it is not part of the religion of Islam at all. 

Because Allaah has enjoined being sincere towards the Muslims and explaining what Allaah has prescribed for them in their religion, and because it is haraam to conceal knowledge, I thought that I should point out this innovation, which is so widespread in many regions that people think it is part of the religion, to my Muslim brothers. Allaah is the One Whom we ask to set the affairs of all the Muslims straight, and to bless them with knowledge of Islam, and to help us and them to adhere steadfastly to the truth, and to forsake everything that goes against it, for He is able to do that. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon His slave and Messenger, our Prophet Muhammad, and his family and companions. 

Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him).

Reference

Facts Regarding the Birth of the Prophet Muḥammad (ṣalallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)

By Sheikh Aḥmad b. ‘Abdil ‘Azīz Al-Ḥamdān [1]

Translation and Footnotes by Ejaz Taj

The specifics regarding the birth of the final Messenger (ṣalallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) sent to mankind have been the subject of debate between the scholars of history and Sīrah [2] for centuries. This brief treatise will aim to present in a concise manner the various opinions regarding the year, month, day and time of his birth as well as the statements of scholars aimed at those who take the Prophet's day of birth as a day of celebration. It is brief and does not go into extensive detail in order to allow the reader to grasp the vast range of opinions held by various scholars on this issue. This in turn should allow the reader to ponder over the validity/invalidity of taking it as a day of celebration, bearing in mind how unspecified the matter at hand is.

I have also included a small amount of biographical information for a number of the scholars mentioned. Read more.

Adab And Guidelines For The Forum

Adab And Guidelines For The Forum

By Br. Imran Ayub (IOU Facilitator) 

Assalam alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakaatuhu

1. Please stick to the Qur’aan and Sunnah as understood by the Salaf

“And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allâh (i.e. this Qur'ân), and be not divided among yourselves,...” [The Noble Qur’aan, Soorah Aali Imran 3:103]

The following are statements from the four great imams about sticking to the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah. The Quotes are from Sheikh al-Albaanee’s book, “The Prophet’s Prayer Described”.

Imam Abu Haneefa (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “When a hadeeth is found to be saheeh, then that is my madhhab.” [Ibn 'Aabideen in al-Haashiyah (1/63)] And he also said: “When I say something contradicting the Book of Allaah the Exalted or what is narrated from the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), then ignore my saying.” [Al-Fulaani in Eeqaaz al-Himam (p. 50)]

Imam Maalik (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Truly I am only a mortal: I make mistakes (sometimes) and I am correct (sometimes). Therefore, look into my opinions: all that agrees with the Book and the Sunnah, accept it; and all that does not agree with the Book and the Sunnah, ignore it.” [Ibn 'Abdul Barr in Jaami' Bayaan al-'Ilm (2/32)] And he said: “Everyone after the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) will have his sayings accepted and rejected - not so the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam).” [Ibn 'Abdul Haadi declared it saheeh in Irshaad as- Saalik (227/1)]

Imam Shaafi’ee said: “The sunnahs of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) reach, as well as escape from, every one of us. So whenever I voice my opinion, or formulate a principle, where something contrary to my view exists on the authority of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), then the correct view is what the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) has said, and it is my view.” [Related by Haakim with a continuous sanad up to Shaafi'i, as in Taareekh Dimashq of Ibn 'Asaakir (15/1/3), I'laam al- Mooqi'een (2/363, 364) & Eeqaaz (p. 100)]

Imam Ahamed (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Do not follow my opinion; neither follow the opinion of Maalik, nor Shaafi'i, nor Awzaa'i, nor Thawri, but take from where they took.” [Fulaani (p. 113) & Ibn al-Qayyim in I'laam (2/302).] And he said: “Whoever rejects a statement of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) is on the brink of destruction.” [Ibn al-Jawzi (p. 182).]

2. Please Do Not Abuse Each Other

Narrated Abu Musa: Some people asked Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), "Whose Islam is the best? i.e. (Who is a very good Muslim)?" He replied, "One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongue and hands." [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 10]

Narrated 'Abdullah: The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Abusing a Muslim is Fusuq (an evil doing) and killing him is Kufr (disbelief)….” [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 46]

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbour, and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet. (i.e. abstain from all kinds of evil and dirty talk). [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 47]

Narrated Anas: I served the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) for ten years, and he never said to me, "Uf" (a minor harsh word denoting impatience) and never blamed me by saying, "Why did you do so or why didn't you do so?" [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 64]

Narrated Anas: The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "None of you will have faith till he wishes for his (Muslim) brother what he likes for himself." [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 12]

Narrated Jarir bin 'Abdullah: The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "He who is not merciful to others, will not be treated mercifully. [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 42]

Narrated Masruq: We were sitting with 'Abdullah bin 'Amr who was narrating to us (Hadith): He said, "Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) was neither a Fahish nor a Mutafahhish, and he used to say, 'The best among you are the best in character (having good manners)."' [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 61]

3. Try To Help Each Other And Make Things Easy For Each Other

Narrated Abu Musa: The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "A believer to another believer is like a building whose different parts enforce each other." The Prophet then clasped his hands with the fingers interlaced. (At that time) the Prophet was sitting and a man came and begged or asked for something. The Prophet faced us and said, "Help and recommend him and you will receive the reward for it, and Allah will bring about what He will through His Prophet's tongue." [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 55]

Narrated 'Abdullah bin Umar: Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "…Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection,…" [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 3, Book 43, Number 622 and Volume 9, Book 85, Number 83; Saheeh Muslim, Book 032, Number 6250]

Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Make things easy for the people, and do not make it difficult for them, and make them calm (with glad tidings) and do not repulse (them )." [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 146]

4. Always Greet Each Other With ‘Salam’

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: A person asked Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) . "What (sort of) deeds in or (what qualities of) Islam are good?" He replied, "To feed (the poor) and greet those whom you know and those whom you don't know." [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 27]

5. Keep Away From Hypocrisy And Lying

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Whoever has the following four (characteristics) will be a pure hypocrite and whoever has one of the following four characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy unless and until he gives it up.

1. Whenever he is entrusted, he betrays.

2. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie.

3. Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous.

4. Whenever he quarrels

[Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 33]

Narrated Samura bin Jundub: The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "I saw (in a dream), two men came to me." Then the Prophet narrated the story (saying), "They said, 'The person, the one whose cheek you saw being torn away (from the mouth to the ear) was a liar and used to tell lies and the people would report those lies on his authority till they spread all over the world. So he will be punished like that till the Day of Resurrection."' [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 118]

Narrated 'Abdullah: The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to Al-Fajur (i.e. wickedness, evil-doing), and Al-Fajur (wickedness) leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before Allah, a liar.” [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 116]

6. Do Not Look For Others Faults

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, ".. and do not look for the others' faults…” [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 90]

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "…and do not hate one another; and O Allah's worshipers! Be brothers (as Allah has ordered you!)” [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 90]

7. Conceal Each Others Faults

Narrated 'Abdullah bin Umar: Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "…and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection . " [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 3, Book 43, Number 622 and Volume 9, Book 85, Number 83; Saheeh Muslim, Book 032, Number 6250]

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) as saying: The servant (who conceals) the faults of others in this world, Allah would conceal his faults on the Day of Resurrection [Saheeh Muslim, Book 032, Number 6267]

8. Do Not Accuse Each Other Of Kufr (Disbelief) [Unless you have concrete evidence]

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "If a man says to his brother, O Kafir (disbeliever)!' Then surely one of them is such (i.e., a Kifir). [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 125d]

9. Do Not Be Suspicious and Backbite about each other

“O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful.” [The Noble Qur’aan, Soorah Al-Hujurat 49:12]

10. Avoiding Being Aggressive

Narrated Abu Huraira: A man said to the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) , "Advise me! "The Prophet said, "Do not become angry and furious." The man asked (the same) again and again, and the Prophet said in each case, "Do not become angry and furious." [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 137]

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger." [Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 135]

11. Always Verify Information You Receive

“O you who believe! If a rebellious evil person comes to you with a news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful to what you have done.” [The Noble Qur’aan, Soorah Al-Hujurat 49:6]

12. Always reference everything and avoid giving personal opinions (unless it’s a discussion)

“And follow not (O man i.e., say not, or do not or witness not, etc.) that of which you have no knowledge (e.g. one's saying: "I have seen," while in fact he has not seen, or "I have heard," while he has not heard). Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those you will be questioned (by Allâh).” [The Noble Qur’aan, Soorah Al-Isra 17:36]

13. Keep It Short, Simple And To The Point

14. Avoid Sending Private Messages To The Opposite Sex

The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) warned us against being alone with a non-mahram woman, and said: “No man is alone with a woman but the shaytaan is the third one present.” [Narrated by Ahmad, al-Tirmidhi and al-Haakim; classed as saheeh by al-Albaanee in Saheeh al-Jaami’ (2546)]

15. Always Stick To The Topic

16. Respect The Teachers And Do Not Reply To Posts They Have Closed (unless you have a query)

17. Questions and Problems Should Be Emailed To The Coordinator Or Teachers or respective Tutorial Assitants.

Jazakumullahu khayrn

W’salamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakaatuhu

IOU Facilitator


http://www.islamiconlineuniversity.com/opencampus/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=77

Tips On Writing Islamic Articles

Tips On Writing Islamic Articles

By Br. Imran Ayub (IOU Facilitator) 

 

1. Always start in the name of Allah. Purify your intentions and remember your aim is to educate and not attack or spread falsehood

2. Make sure the topic you wish to cover is something new. There is no need to flood the net with articles on the same issues (using the same content) if there are many un-tackled issues.

3. Try to make it short and to the point. However, don’t leave important details out. Make sure it is comprehensive. The aim should be to answer the reads questions and not leaving him asking even more.

4. All work must be referenced. This means all Ayats, ahadeeth, Athar, even scholarly comments, must be referenced and authenticated. Remember that it is sinful to spread lies and fabricated information

5. Do use works of the people of knowledge. If you work lacks scholarly information, it will always feel incomplete.

6. Plagiarism is unacceptable and credit must be given to whom it is due.

7. Use clear fonts and try to differentiate between the Ayats and Ahadeeth.

8. Its good to have your work checked by someone more knowledgeable before passing it on.

9. Use paragraphs and always check your grammar and spelling.

10. Use a structure format. For example, if you are tackling the issue of ‘Raising the Hands in Salah’, start of by explaining the issue, next bring scholars opinions, show their proofs (Qur'an, ahadeeth, etc.) and authenticities, and finally conclude with the strongest opinion.

http://www.islamiconlineuniversity.com/opencampus/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=102

Article Presentation

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Article Presentation

By Br. Imran Ayub (IOU Facilitator)

 

Assalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakaatuhu

Masha’Allah, you have all presented some excellent assignments recently and I would like to congratulate you on your efforts and make Dua that Allah increase us all in knowledge and makes us of the Muttaqûn.

I have already posted Writing tips early and wish to Focus on one of the points I made, the Structure of your essays.

Here are some points to keep in mind:

1. The Presentation of your assignments is very important. A well organised assignment reflects your understanding and ability to structure an argument

2. All texts should be the same font size, except Headings and subheadings. Use fonts such as ‘Times New Roman’, ‘Arial’, etc and use fonts of about size 12.

3. When using points, make sure you use points of bullet points

4. Always justify you text

Right Justifyied is:

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. All the praises and thanks be to Allâh

Centre Justified is

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. All the praises and thanks be to Allâh

Left Justified is

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. All the praises and thanks be to Allâh

Justified is [the best one]

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. All the praises and thanks be to Allâh

5. Always start your work with Bismillah and Alhamdulilah. It is good practise to do so.

For example:

“Praise be to Allaah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.” [This is part of ‘Khutbah al-Haajah’, as quoted in http://www.islam-qa.com/index.php?ref=2066&ln=eng]

6. Reference all your work.

For example:

a. Shaykh al-Islam said, discussing the state of the person who has gotten used to listening to singing: “Hence you find that those who have gotten used to it and for whom it is like food and drink will never have the desire to listen to the Qur’aan or feel joy when they hear it, and they never find in listening to its verses the same feeling that they find when listening to poetry. Indeed, if they hear the Qur’aan, they hear it with an inattentive heart and talk whilst it is being recited, but if they hear whistling and clapping of hands, they lower their voices and keep still, and pay attention.” [Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 11/557 ff; as quoted in http://www.islam-qa.com/index.php?ref=5000&ln=eng]

b. The definition of Propaganda is: “Misleading publicity: deceptive or distorted information that is systematically spread.” [http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861736531/propaganda.html]

7. If your references are too big, then try using footnotes or endnotes. These make the work very neat

8. It is encourage quoting full Ayats and ahadeeth. If possible, also add the Arabic.

Here is good Arabic software for Qur’anic Ayats

http://myquran.org/msword/

Please Note: The Dr. Muhsin Khan and Dr. Muhammad al-Hillaali Translation is actually an interpretation (similar to a small Tafseer + translation) and is copyright. So one may use the Arabic, but if you use the English translation, please refer to a copy of the book you have and reference the page, etc.

9. Differentiate between Ayats, Ahadeeth, quotes from scholars and quotes from scholars. Try using colours for this. I normally do it as show below:

Qur’anic Ayat:

“And fight in the way of Allaah and know that Allaah is All – Hearer, All – Knower.” [Interpretation Of The Meaning of The Noble Qur’aan, Part 2, Soorah 2 al – Baqarah, Verse 244; p. 62, 23^rd edition, Small HB, Darussalam publishers, 1998]

Ahadeeth:

Safeeyah reported from Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The Salaah of whoever approaches a fortune-teller and asks him about anything will no be accepted for 40 days.” [Saheeh Muslim, Vol. 4, p. 1211, Number 5540; as quoted in ‘The Clash of the Civilisations – An Islamic View’, by Dr. Aboo Ameenah Bilal Philips, p. 116, al-Hidaayah publishing and distribution, 2007]

Scholarly Quote:

Dr. Muhammad al – Jibaly said, “The angles travel very fast. They travel between the heavens and earth in a short time, bringing down Allaah’s orders, taking up recrds of our deeds, and so on.” [‘Knowing the Angels’, p. 23, 2^nd edition, al – Kitaab and as – Sunnah Publishing, 2007]

You may do it any other way, but you can see how when the differention is clear, it’s easier to read.

10. Always keep it within the word count and add a word count at the end if you can

Jazakumullahu khayrn

W’salamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakaatuhu

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Dawah Tips

Dawah Tips
In the name of Allah,  The Most Merciful, The Dispenser of Mercy.

      
    * Start a blog and write about Islam in any language whether in English (a global language) or in your mother tongue, Inshallah it will be more beneficial to write in your native language. Although your blog will be just a drop in the ocean, but small things make differences, believe it or not but it works. And be sure about naming them which attracts non Muslims in special, such as peace, truth, personality development etc. Whether it benefits anybody or not, it will surly benefit you, in getting rewards from Almighty Allah SWT and in increasing your Islamic knowledge, Alhamdulillah it is a universal principle.
      
    * Visit regularly yahoo answers or similar forum. These are the places where people ask same questions on Islam again and again. Some even asks some serious questions. Answer them because you will never know that maybe be someone get right picture of Islam and accept Islam due to your answers. First of all write a beautiful and error free draft and then post it in forum, don’t use anything contradictory or confusing. Use polite words such as sister\ brother and peace be upon you etc. Don’t write too long article it bores people. And above principle applies here also.
      
    * Donate Islamic books new and old among Muslims and non Muslims, because there are vast majority of people who seriously wants to seek Islamic knowledge, but due to lack of money, genuine scholars and resources get deprived of authentic Islam.
      
    * Recommend authentic websites in your emails, web articles etc. Such as Islamreligion.com etc which  presents vast variety of articles of common interest.
      
    * Swap words like namaste or good morning with peace be upon you or Assalam alaikum, God with Allah etc.
      
    * Use your physical personality for dawah, as it is best way to make people understand what is Islam. Action speaks louder then words. In modern world people have less time to hear but they can see everything, anyway. Girls on hijab and boys with beard or pants above ankles makes people curious about Islam. They will surly ask about hijab and beard, this will be good opportunity to tell them about Islam.
      
    * Prophet Muhammad PBUH, he is our guiding principle. He spend 40 years before declaring prophet hood in building moral character and spreading love and truth. His whole life is based on love and mercy, of course he is mercy for the worlds. Almighty Allah made love and mercy more powerful weapon to spread truth then any other thing. Call people with love and mercy, greet them salam, take special care of neighbor, fellow passengers etc. In special, talk sweet words with poor, orphans, widows, oppressed, children, handicaps and depressed. Talk people with useful talks, people like talking and often talking solves problems.
      
    * Use modern invention such as mobile, ipod, computer, internet etc for spreading Islam. Be creative and innovate ideas. Send cards and prepare colorful presentation to spread the truth. Be sure to use authentic references, because it works. Today’s world is awesome, you can learn anything to everything even “learn how to learn”, it is era of research and innovation, you can almost learn anything about everything, use this privilege of Almighty Allah SWT on us to spread Islam.
      
    * Obey public rules which don’t contradicts with Islam such as No Parking or Do not throw garbage or traffic rules etc whether anybody is watching you or not. This will help them to know that Muslims are disciplined and obedient people, unlike most of people which break public rules and bother others. Avoid doing anything which misrepresent Islam specially in public place, you and me know this fact very well that Islam is the religion of peace and truth, then why misrepresenting it?
      
    * Gift people Islamic or factual books, audio or video on occasions like birthday, anniversary, festivals etc, which can help them to remember and recognize their creator. Books dealing contemporary Islamic issues are best. If possible present people good tafsir of Quran and sahih hadith in their original language. Make it habit to gift Quran to people on any occasion like marriage etc whether Muslim or non Muslim even to your family members.
      
    * Use your talents and skill in explaining Islam whether you are doctor, lawyer or accountant. Combine your skills with its Islamic concept. If you are accountant, learn and teach about Islamic finance and so on. Believe and act on islamaization of everything.

Some more points

• Be sure to be pure in intention, if you are non practicing Muslim or cultural Muslim, you dawah is useless for yourself.
• Spread only thing which you yourself inquired about and you are certain about, thing you believe and practice.
• Do not use haram means, ridicules and nonsense to spread Islam. Such as you cannot spread Islam with music.
• Supplicate Almighty Allah about anything to everything halal, because of course we are just His dependents, we cannot create we can only discover which has already been created.
• Obey Allah’s command and follow way of His messenger then only above can benefit us.
• People observe and forget, pain or happiness but Almighty Creator do not forget anything, your slightest effort for his sake will not be wasted, you will get reward on the day of Judgment.
• Do not become like one of them, to make them understand Islam, it will not going to work.
• First priority, preserve your faith then call others to Islam. Almighty Allah has ordered us some priorities, follow them in sequence, and first of all preserve rights of Almighty Allah and then parents and family and hijab and so on.
• Be bold and do not confuse, have faith on Almighty Allah, be daee like Dr Zakir Naik and Shaikh Ahmed Deedat.
• Do not call people to any group or sects; call them to glorious Quran and Prophet’s tradition.
• Be strict in following your religion, weakness in your practicing Islam will adversely affect dawah process.
• Do not imitate them in wrong things this will motivate them in their disbelieve.
• This is not your race with fellow daee, this if your race up to standard that is Quran and sunnah.
• Be regular in dawah.

And Allah knows the best.
(This article is written by Aiyesha Humaira and is also published in Wikihow.com as http://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Da'ee )

Author,
Aiyesha Humaira

How to satisfy Islamic needs of current Muslim society.

How to satisfy Islamic needs of current Muslim society.
Authored by Marketing Manager 

Islamic Online University.

 

 

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1. Proper Islamic upbringing of children.
Children are our future and best among humans are true believers of Islamic monotheism. Therefore we can say children are future of Islam. No society could stand without fellow humans who corporate with one another. Success of human race is Islam. Let’s make our children eligible to take the responsibility of success of human race by teaching them laws of Almighty Allah, both natural and spiritual. This process is neither easy enough to be ignored nor difficult enough to give up.

2. Learning Arabic language.
Believe it or not it is major mistake of contemporary Muslim Ummah, that they do not learn Arabic language in its totality. Almighty creator decided Arabic for His final revelation, by His perfect wisdom. Only Almighty Allah can take best decision for us and he does not want hardship for us, he wants ease for us; only he is the most merciful on his creation.

Can any language really take place of Arabic? No. Around the globe it is conspiracy against Quran to abolish Arabic from non Arabs by anti Islam. But Muslim around the globe should keep it in mind, specially non Arabs, beauty of Quran and Sunnah and thus Islam lies in Arabic, no other language can ever beautify Quran as Arabic do, because Almighty Allah has decided Arabic for Quran and indeed He is the Most Wise, the Most Merciful.

Learn Arabic, it is easy and indeed most beautiful language as you can say lots of things in least number of words. Besides that Arabic is systematic language, it follows simple and common formula in pronunciation, spelling, grammar etc and therefore easy to learn. Learn Arabic to save Quran, to save Islam and to save human.

3. Avoiding cable TV
Television is indeed one of greatest invention of twentieth century. With audio visual aid, TV lays better impact on human brains than any other thing. At the same time, frequent repetition of same thing preserve information in permanent memory. And thus it is tremendous aid in spreading knowledge and education.

But unwise use of anything can be disastrous. All types of shamelessness, crime, ridicules etc became common features of cable TV. In the name of entertainment we are buying downfall of our civilization.

By showing all types of ridicules, advertiser are advertising adultery, murder, breakup of family ties, slander, backbites, nakedness, polytheism,  lies and tons and tons of other evils. People learn to believe in and act in unnatural relation between opposite sexes, especially young minds. Besides that, modern cable channels propagate Darwinism and atheism. This leads young Muslim minds to lose their faith.

Not all the TV programs are evil, but most of them are. It is easy to get attracted towards evil then good. Therefore it is always better to say no to cable TV and use TV set according to your own will, not the will of advertisers of evil. Watch prerecorded good programs on VCR or DVD player. It will help in absolute avoidance of evil and pure and clean entertainment and education.

4. Developing love for Islam to avoid temptation of western culture.
Believe it or not in modern world there only exists two cultures, Islamic culture and western culture. Western culture impose ridicules in the name of freedom such as homosexuality, nakedness etc. Most of people living life according to western culture are sufferer of depression, tension, anxiety, suicide etc besides having money, freedom etc.

Islam promotes strong human development both at indivisible and social level, both at mental and physical level, spiritual and material level. We human should have a proper way of life to live happy life. Best thing about Islam is that it is made by the Creator of human beings. Who is going to decide, who has authority to say what is right and what is wrong? Why any other human will decide anything for me? Do you think in such a situation we will ever be able to get pure harmony, I think no. Islam is the standard, created by our Creator, He knows us and our needs and habits; because He has created us and therefore only He can decide best code of life for us.

Essence of Islam is the truth, follow truth what your heart guides you; you will never be satisfied with wrong things. Another best thing about Islam is that Islam stops evil, even before its initial stage. Hijab is its example, Hijab stops adultery and fornication even before its first stage. Surely Islam is the best constitution for us, and if you agree, than enter in it fully and respect it and love it, to compete with temptation build by its rival.

5. Avoiding music, interest, etc which is also haram or forbidden.
As a Muslim we do not consume alcohol and pork because it is prohibited for us by Almighty Allah, then why musical instruments and interest (usury), it is also prohibited. As a Muslim child we are raised in family where our elders do not consume alcohol and pork, but often our elder are involved in transaction of usury or interest, musical filmy song with vulgar lyrics, improper Hijab and thus often our young minds copy their elders in same ill fashion, tell me whom you are worshiping, Almighty Allah or your elders. If you are worshipper of Allah SWT then please resist from all prohibition.

6. Stop wastage of resources.
As a Muslim, we are least involved in wastage of resources, why? Because in Islam there is absolutely no room for wastage of resources, wastage and extravaganza are prohibited in Islam, whether it be festivals or common days. It is obligatory on us, to conserve resources, anything to everything. Therefore, we should fulfill our duty of conservation of resources and take only what is in our absolute need so that other can fulfill their necessities. It will help is abolishing poverty and inequality from face of earth.

7. Tolerating fellow humans.
Intolerance is among one of major problems of contemporary world. Due To lack of tolerance between people, caused wars between countries and civilizations, which results decline of precious human civilization.

8. Following Quran and Sunnah (Prophetic tradition):
Quran is single but best user manual for most complex machine called human and Sunnah i.e, prophetic tradition is best demo for human beings. If we decline to follow our best user manual and best demo, we will fail to become better humans.

9. Avoiding ancestor’s blind following.
Indeed every human errs, so it is better not to follow fallible but  follow infallible , i.e. Quran and Sunnah because both of them are divinely guided, the infallible God, Almighty Allah Lord of the worlds, indeed dominion of earth and heavens belong to Allah SWT.

10. Try to combine nature and technology with Islam.
This is yet another problem that Muslim Ummah is not using resources in their best usage. Allah has created various resources for us, so that we can use them for our successful life here and in hereafter. “Surely, O Allah gives us knowledge which is beneficial, resources which is lawful and deeds which are acceptable by you”. May Allah stops us from doing something which He don’t like us to do and may He encourages us to do what He likes us to do.

 

All the good is from Allah and all mistakes are from Shaytan and myself. 

And Allah knows the best. 

Marketing Manager, 

Islamic Online University.

I Love People.

 

 

Do You??

Knowledge without action.

Knowledge without action.

In the name of Allaah, the most merciful, the dispenser of mercy.

Peace be upon you.

Today I want to discuss a very important yet sensitive topic. ‘Knowledge without action’.

Importance of seeking knowledge in Islam:

Allah, exalted be He, says, “It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allaah” [Faatir 35:28]”

Noble Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “Talabu al-ilmi fariDaatun ala kulli muslim (Seeking of knowledge is an obligation on each and every Muslim)”

And many more Ahadeeth and Ayah are present which emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge in Islam. But today we are not discussing the ‘Importance of seeking knowledge’.

Today I want to draw you attention to the fact that ‘How important it is to act on your knowledge’. “Without knowledge action is useless and knowledge without action is futile.” Act on your knowledge.

On the authority of Usamah ibn Zayd (ra) that he heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) sitting, "A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown into the Fire. His intestines will be hanging out, spilling onto the ground, and he will go around like a donkey goes around a millstone. The inhabitants of the Fire will gather around him and say: "O so and so! What is your affair? Didn't you used to order us to do good deeds and forbid us from doing bad deeds?" He will reply, "Yes I used to order you to do good deeds, but I did not do them myself, and I used to forbid you from doing bad deeds, yet I used to do them myself". (al Bukhari, Engl. trans. vol.4, p.315, no. 489; Muslim and others).

 

A student spends years mastering various subjects, not having any affinity to the reality of life, nor bringing him any nearer to Allah swt. Read More

"Verily! In the remembrance of Allaah hearts find rest"

The Muslim Family by Muhammad al-Jibaaly

Publisher: Al-Kitaab & as-Sunnah Publishing

Marriage holds a position of perpetual significance because of the central role it plays in human life. It is not surprising, therefore, that the scholars of Islam have discussed it extensively through the ages. Under the contemporary influence of non-Islamic cultures, however, misconceptions have crept into various areas of Islam - spilling into marriage, divorce, and other family-related matters.

Viewing the needs of the Muslims who live in non-Islamic environments, and realizing that most Islamic writings on marriage are restricted in scope, we find quite a large gap that needs to be filled for the benefit of the English-speaking Muslims - which is what we attempt to accomplish over the span of this 4-book- set that covers various aspects of marriage according to the authentic Sunnah:

1. The Quest for Love & Mercy

Regulations for Marriage & Wedding in Islam 

Discusses the importance and advantages of marriage, selecting a spouse, the courting process, the marriage contract, celebrating the wedding, the walimah, and forbidden marriages. It provides a practical procedure for performing the marriage contract, and includes a sample marriage certificate .

2. Closer than a Garment

Marital Intimacy According to the Pure Sunnah

 

Discusses the proper etiquettes of marital intimacy, forbidden acts of intimacy, zina, and birth control. It answers many frequently-asked questions about various acts of intimacy.

3. The Fragile Vessels

Rights and Obligations between the Spouses in Islaam 

Discusses the rights and obligations of the two spouses. It includes brief biographies of the Mothers of the Believers, realistic pictures from the life of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) with his wives, and a complete discussion of the hadith of Umm Zar.

4. Our Precious Sprouts

Islamic Regulations For New Borns 

This sequel deals with the normal fruit of marriage: babies. It covers the Islamic regulations relating to a newborn. This includes welcoming the baby, naming it, shaving its hair, circumcising it, and slaughtering the sacrificial 'agiqah.

April Fools' Day. An Islamic Perspective. Must Read.

There is a never a day or a moment when sharee’ah permits a person to tell lies or to say whatever he wants based on lies. One of the things that have become widespread among the common people is the so called “April Fool’s Day”, where they claim that the first day of the fourth solar month is a day when lying is permitted without being subject to any shar’i guidelines. 

Read Full Article.


So regarding the email claiming that April Fools Day is a celebration of the take over of Muslim Spain, it is clear the whole thing is a made up lie. This is totally unacceptable and should be brought to the attention of the one who sent you this lie in the first place. A good Muslim would never accept to repeat lies and fabrications especially in presenting facts about the history of Islam.
Read Full Article.

And Allah Knows The Best.

Book Review on Seerah Books(English)

Book Review on Seerah Books(English) Part 1

Book Review on Seerah Books(English) Part 2