O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous – (2:183)

Allah’s Apostle (sallallähu alaihi wasallam) said, “The Day of (Judgment) will not be established till there is a war between two groups whose claims (or religion) will be the same.”

[Bukhari Book:56 No:805]

There has certainly been for you in them an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever turns away – then indeed, Allah is the Free of need, the Praiseworthy.(60:6)

“O Past that has departed and is gone, I will not cry over you. You will not see me remembering you, not even for a moment, because you have traveled away from me never to return.

O Future, you are in the realm of the unseen, so I will not be obsessed by your dreams. I will not be preoccupied about what is to come because tomorrow is nothing and has not yet been created.”

-Aaidh ibn Abdullah al-Qarni

One day, Malik bin Dinar (rahimaullah) was passing by a place when he noticed a young man wearing old clothes and crying by the roadside.
His name was Uthbah. Sweat was dripping down his body even though the temperature was very cold at that time.
Malik bin Dinar became very surprised at this scene and asked Uthbah, “Oh young man, why are you crying? And why are you sweating during this cold temperature?”
Uthbah replied, “Once, I committed a sin at this place. Today, as I was passing by this place, I remembered that sin.”

Today, we are committing thousands of sins, yet, we are walking around with happiness and joy as if we have nothing to worry about.

Oh ALLAH, The MOST Merciful, please forgive us for our sins. If you do not forgive us we will be amongst the losers. Aameen.

Crippled man crawls daily to the mosque for past 65 years

In a remote tiny village in Saudi Arabia, an old crippled man crawling to the nearby mosque has been the most familiar scene. Some of those who have watched that man have died as he is now nearly 76.

Since he was a little boy, Abdullah Al Asiri has never missed his daily prayers and insists on performing it at the mosque despite his handicap.

Asiri was born handicapped in a family of 10, including his parents, three brothers and four sisters. His brothers, sisters, sisters in law and his many nephews and nieces have been looking after him through his life.

Asiri has crawled to and from the mosque in his southern village of Alaziza five times a day for nearly 65 years, defying the scorching desert summer heat and the pinching cold weather in winter.

His nephew Abdul Aziz said he had shot a film of his uncle to “underscore his perseverance, determination and strength.”

He said the film, published in Sabq Arabic language daily, has so far been viewed by at least 600,000 people.

Tonight is a very big night. Night of Laylatul Baraa’The 15th night of Sha’baan. We humbly request all to first please forgive please keep us in your du’as tonight. JazakAllah

Virtues of this night
It is narrated from Hadhrat Mu’az bin Jabal (RA) that Rasulullah (Sallalahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “On the fifteenth night of Sha’baan, Allah Ta’ala bestows His special attention on His entire creation. He then forgives His entire creation except a polytheist and one who has hatred for others.” (Ibnu Hibbaan #5665)

In another Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallalahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “On the fifteenth night of Sha’baan, Allah Ta’ala showers his special attention on the nearest heaven. Thereafter Allah Ta’ala announces; ‘Is there anyone who seeks forgiveness so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone who seeks sustenance so that I may grant it to him? Is there anyone who is in difficulty so that I may relieve him’. These announcements continue until the break of the dawn (Ibnu Maajah #1388).

Who is deprived on this night?
Despite the great significance of this night, it is learnt from several Ahaadith that certain people are deprived of the forgiveness of Allah Ta’ala on this occasion. They are as follows:
1. The idolators (those who join partners with Allah Ta’ala).
2. Those who have enmity, hatred and malice for other people.
3. Consumers of intoxicants. (drugs included)
4. Those who disobey their parents.
5. Males who wear their trousers, kurtas, etc. below their ankles.
6. Those who commit murder and adultery.
7. Those who cut off family ties.
We should therefore make sincere taubah from all these sins so that we are not deprived of Allah Ta’ala’s mercy.

What to do on this night?

1. Start off your ibaadat immediately after the Maghrib Salaah. Don’t wait till the last portion of the night to commence with ones ibaadat.
2. Engage in much taubah and istighfaar.
3. This is a special night of dua. Make as much dua as possible. Remember all your beloved ones and make dua for the entire ummat of Nabi (Sallalahu Alaihi wa Sallam).
4. Engage in the zikr of laailaah illallah, durood shareef, third kalimah, etc.
5. Engage in much Nafal Salaah. If possible, read Salaatut Tasbeeh as well. Perform lengthy rakaats of Tahajjud Salaah.
6. Recite some parts of the Qur-aan Shareef especially Surah Yaseen, Tabaarak, Surah Sajdah, Surah Waaqi’ah, etc.
7. Ponder over one’s past life and firmly resolve to reform and change oneself.

Dua to be recited on Laylatul Baraa-at

Hadhrat ‘Aaisha (RA) says: I heard Rasulullah b read the following dua in his sajdah on this night:

Dua

I seek protection in your forgiveness from your punishment; and I seek shelter in your pleasure from your displeasure; and I seek safety in you, from you. Glory be to you. I am unable to fully praise you. You are as you have praised yourself.

Thereafter he said to me: “Learn this dua and teach it to others. Jibra’eel (AS) taught this dua to me and asked me to recite it in my sajdah.” (Shu’abul Imaan #3556).

By: Maulana Ismail Bayat Darul Ihsan

Allah’s Apostle (sallallähu alaihi wasallam) said, “Aqiqa is to be offered for a (newly born) boy, so slaughter (an animal) for him, and relieve him of his suffering.”

(Note: It has been quoted in Fateh-AL-Bari that the majority of the Religious Scholars agrees to the Hadith narrated in Sahih At-TlRMIDHI that the Prophet was asked about Aqiqa and he ordered 2 sheep for a boy and one sheep for a girl and that is his tradition “SUNNAH”)

[Bukhari Book:66 No:380]

“None of you are truly believers, until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself”

[Muslim; Book 1 Hadith 72]

Narrated by Mujahid:
‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar said, “Allah’s Apostle (peace be upon him) said, ‘Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler.”

[Bukhari]

The Prophet Sulaiman (A S) (Solomon) was the youngest son of the Prophet Dawud (A S). He was born at Jerusalem. As he was a talented fellow with versatile gifts, his father made him his heir. After the death of Prophet Dawud (A S) he ascended the throne of Judia on account of his sagacity, power of judgement, right understanding and spiritual insight.
Qur’an says: “And We verily gave knowledge to Dawud and Sulaiman and they said: praise be to Allaah Who has preferred us above many of his believing sons”. (27: I5)

Sulaiman (A S)’s Knowledge

Sulaiman (A S) inherited Dawud (A S)’s prophethood and dominion. This was not a material inheritance, as prophets do not bequeath their property. It is given away to the poor and needy, not to their relatives. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: ‘The prophets’ property will not be inherited, and whatever we leave is to be used for charity.”

And indeed We gave knowledge to Dawud (A S) and Sulaiman (A S), and they both said: ‘All the praises and thanks be to Allaah, Who has preferred us above many of His believing slaves!”

And Sulaiman (A S) inherited (the knowledge of) Dawud (A S). He said: “O mankind! We have been taught the language of birds, and on us have been bestowed all things. This, verily, is an evident grace (from Allaah).”

And there were gathered before Sulaiman (A S) his hosts of jinns and men, and birds, and they were all set in battle order (marching forwards). Surah 27: 15-17

♔ Sulaiman (A S) Becomes King

After his father’s death, Sulaiman (A S) became king. He begged Allaah for a kingdom such as none after him would have, and Allaah granted his wish. Besides wisdom, Allaah had blessed Sulaiman (A S) with many abilities. He could command the winds and understand and talk to birds and animals. Allaah directed him to teach both men and jinns to mine the earth and extract its minerals to make tools and weapons. He also favored him with a mine of copper, which was a rare metal in those days.

♔ Sulaiman (A S) Admiration of Horses

During his time horses were the common mode of transportation. They were very essential for defense, to carry soldiers and cart provisions and weapons of war. The animals were well cared for and well trained. One day Sulaiman (A S) was reviewing a parade of his stable. The fitness, beauty and posture of the horses fascinated him so much that he kept on stroking and admiring them. The sun was nearly setting, and the time for the middle prayer was passing by. When he realized this, he exclaimed: “I surely love the finer things of life than the service of my Lord! Return them to me.”
Qur’an Says:
So, We subjected to him the wind, it blew gently to his order whither-so-ever he willed – and also the devils from the jinns (including) every kind of builder and diver, – and also others bound in fetters. (Saying of Allaah to Sulaiman (A S)): ‘This is Our gift, so spend you or withhold, no account will be asked.” And verily, he enjoyed a near access to Us, and a good final return (Paradise)
[Surah 38: 30-40]

Sulaiman (A S) Hears the Ant’s Warning

One day Sulaiman (A S) gathered his army, which had different battalions of men, jinns, birds, and animals. He marched them to the country of Askalon.

While they were passing through a valley, an ant saw the approaching army and cried out to warn the other ants: “Run to your homes! Otherwise, unaware, Sulaiman (A S) and his army might crush you!” Sulaiman (A S), hearing the cry of the ant, smiled. He was glad that the ant knew him to be a prophet who would not intentionally harm Allaah’s creation. He thanked Allaah for saving the ants’ lives.

Sulaiman (A S)’s Travels

In Jerusalem, on a huge rock, Sulaiman (A S) built a beautiful temple to draw the people to worship Allaah. Today this building is known as ‘The Dome of the Rock.” From there, a large band of followers joined Sulaiman (A S) on pilgrimage to the Holy Mosque in Mecca. After they had completed their hajj, they traveled to Yemen and arrived in the city of Sana.

Sulaiman (A S) was impressed by their clever method of channeling water all over their cities. He was keen to build similar water systems in his own country but did not have enough springs.

The Hoopoe Brings Information to Sulaiman (A S)

He set out to find the hoopoe bird, which could detect water under the ground. He sent signals all over for the hoopoe to call on him, but it was nowhere to be found. In anger, he declared that unless the bird had good reason for its absence, he would punish it severely.

The hoopoe eventually came to Sulaiman (A S) and explained the reason for its delay: “I have discovered something of which you are not aware. I have come from Saba (Sheba) with important news. Sulaiman (A S) became curious, and his anger subsided. The bird continued: “Saba is ruled by a queen named Bilqis (Bilkis), who has plenty of everything, including a splendid throne. But in spite of all this wealth, Satan has entered her heart and the hearts of her people. She rules their minds completely. I was shocked to learn that they worship the sun instead of Allaah the Almighty.”

To check the hoopoe’s information, Sulaiman (A S) sent a letter to the queen with the bird. He instructed the bird to remain hidden and to watch everything.

The Queen of Saba (Sheba) Sends Gifts

The hoopoe dropped the letter in front of the queen and flew away to hide. She excitedly opened and read it: “Verily! It is from Sulaiman (A S), and verily! It (reads): ‘In the Name of Allaah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allaah with full submission).” Surah 27: 30-31

The queen was very disturbed and hurriedly summoned her advisors. They reacted as to a challenge, for they felt that there was someone challenging them, hinting at war and defeat, and asking them to submit to his conditions.

They told her that they could only offer advice, but it was her right to command action. She sensed that they wanted to meet Sulaiman (A S)’s invasion threat with a battle. However, she told them: “Peace and friendship are better and wiser; war only brings humiliation, enslaves people, and destroys the good things. I have decided to send gifts to Sulaiman (A S), selected from our most precious treasure. The courtiers who will deliver the gifts will also have an opportunity to learn about Sulaiman (A S) and his military might.”

Sulaiman (A S) Rejects the Queen’s Gifts

Sulaiman (A S)’s reconnaissance team brought him the news of the arrival of Bilqis’s messengers with a gift. He immediately realized that the queen had sent her men on a probing mission; thus, he gave orders to rally the army. The envoys of Bilqis, entering amidst the well-equipped army, realized that their wealth was nothing in comparison to that of the kingdom of Sulaiman (A S). They belittled their golden gift as they passed over Sulaiman (A S)’s palace floors, which were made of sandalwood and inlaid with gold.

They noticed Sulaiman (A S) surveying his army, and they were surprised at the number and variety of soldiers, which included lions, tigers, and birds. The messengers stood in amazement, realizing that they were in front of an irresistible army.

The envoys marveled at the splendor surrounding them. They eagerly presented their queen’s precious gifts and told Sulaiman (A S) that the queen wished that he would accept them as an act of friendship. They were shocked by his reaction: he did not even ask to open the covers of the containers! He told them: “Allaah has given me plenty of wealth, a large kingdom, and prophethood. I am, therefore, beyond bribery. My only objective is to spread the belief in Tawheed, the Oneness of Allaah.”

He also directed them to take back the gifts to the queen and to tell her that if she did not stop her kind of worship he would uproot her kingdom and drive its people out of the land.

The Queen Decides to Visit Sulaiman (A S)

The queen’s envoys returned with the gifts and delivered the message. They also told her of the wonderful things they had seen. Instead of taking offense, she decided to visit Sulaiman (A S). Accompanied by her royal officials and servants, she left Saba (Sheba), sending a messenger ahead to inform Sulaiman (A S) that she was on her way to meet him.

Sulaiman (A S) asked the jinns in his employ whether anyone among them could bring her throne to the palace before she arrived. One of them said: “I will bring it to you before this sitting is over.” Sulaiman (A S) did not react to this offer; it appeared that he was waiting for a faster means. The jinns competed with each other to please him. One of them named Ifrit said: “I will fetch it for you in the twinkling of an eye!”

No sooner had this one – who had the knowledge of the Book – finished his phrase than the throne stood before Sulaiman (A S). The mission had, indeed, been completed in the blinking of an eye. Sulaiman (A S)’s seat was in Palestine, and the throne of Bilqis had been in Yemen, two thousand miles away. This was a great miracle performed by one of those sitting with Sulaiman (A S).

The Queen’s Visit with Sulaiman (A S)

When Bilqis arrived at Sulaiman (A S)’s palace, she was welcomed with pomp and ceremony. Then, pointing to the altered throne, Sulaiman (A S) asked her whether her throne looked like that one. She looked at it again and again. In her mind she was convinced that her throne could not possibly be the one she was looking at, as hers was in her palace; yet, she detected a striking similarity and replied: “It is as if it were the very one, and resembles mine in every respect.” Sulaiman (A S) judged that she was intelligent and diplomatic.

He then invited her into the great hail, the floor of which was laid in glass and shimmering. Thinking it was water, as she stepped on the floor, she lifted her skirt slightly above her heels, for fear of wetting it. Sulaiman (A S) pointed out to her that it was made of solid glass.

She was amazed. She had never seen such things before. Bilqis realized that she was in the company of a very knowledgeable person who was not only a ruler of a great kingdom but a messenger of Allaah, as well. She repented, gave up sun worship, accepted the faith of Allaah, and asked her people to do the same.

It was finished; Bilqis saw her people’s creed fall apart before Sulaiman (A S). She realized that the sun which her people worshipped was nothing but one of Allaah’s creatures.

The sun eclipsed within her for the first time, and her heart was lit by a never-fading light, the light of Islam.

Jinns and Sulaiman (A S)

Sulaiman (A S)’s public work was largely carried out by the jinns. This was a punishment for their sins of making people believe that they were all powerful, knew the unseen, and could foresee the future. As a prophet, it was Sulaiman (A S)’s duty to remove such false beliefs from his followers.

Sulaiman (A S)’s Death

Sulaiman (A S) lived amidst glory, and all creatures were subjected to him. Then Allaah the Exalted ordained for him to die. His life and death were full of wonders and miracles; thus, his death harmonized with his life and glory. His death, like his life, was unique. The people had to learn that the future is known neither by the jinns nor by the prophets, but by Allaah alone. Sulaiman (A S)’s effort in this direction did not end with his life, for even his death became an example.

He was sitting holding his staff, overseeing the jinns at work in a mine. He died sitting in this position. For a long time no one was aware of his death, for he was seen sitting erect. The jinns continued with their strife and toil, thinking that Sulaiman (A S) was watching over them.

Many days later, a hungry ant began nibbling Sulaiman (A S)’s staff. It continued to do so, eating the lower part of the staff, until it fell out of Sulaiman (A S)’s hand, and his great body fell to the ground. People hurried to him, realizing that he had died a long time ago and that the jinns did not perceive the unseen, for had the jinns known the unseen, they would not have kept working, thinking that Sulaiman (A S) was alive.
Allaah says in Qur’an:
Allaah the Exalted revealed: And We caused a fount of (molten) brass to flow for him, and there were jinns that worked in front of him by the Leave of his Lord, and whosoever of them turned aside from Our Command, We shall cause him to taste of the torment of the blazing Fire. They worked for him what he desired, (making) high rooms, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and (making) cauldrons fixed (in their places). ‘Work you, 0 family of Dawud (A S), with thanks!” But few of My slaves are grateful.

Then when we decreed death for him (Sulaiman (A S)), nothing informed them (jinns) of his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept (slowly) gnawing a way at his stick, so when he fell down, the jinns saw clearly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have stayed in the humiliating torment. Surah 34: 12-14

Speak the truth – Al Qur’an 3:17
Speak straight – Al Qur’an 33:70
Speak justice – Al Qur’an 6:152
Speak kindly – Al Qur’an 2:83
Speak politely – Al Qur’an 17:53
Speak fairly – Al Qur’an 17:28
Speak gently – Al Qur’an 20:44
Speak graciously – Al Qur’an 17:23
Speak not in vain – Al Qur’an 23:3
Speak no lie – Al Qur’an 22:30

Allah’s Apostle (sallallähu alaihi wasallam) said, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor.
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, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection .”

[Bukhari Book:43 No:622]

Ever wondered why Prophet Muhammad asked us to recite Surat Al-Kahf every Friday?

• The Quran has ~600 pages approx.
• If you divide it by 30 days, that’s 20 pages a day.
You’re thinking that’s difficult to do right?
But, if you divide it by 5 prayers a day, it gets easier:
If you read 4 pages after every salah in Ramadhan, then you’ve completed the Quran.
If you want to complete the Quran twice, you read 4 pages before and after every salah.
Imagine, if you forward this message, if just one person benefits and complete the Quran. And it gets even better, because you would get the reward for them finding it easier to complete, insha’Alllah.

For those who do good there is good reward and more besides; neither gloom nor humiliation shall cover their faces. They are the people of the Garden and in it they shall abide. Surah Yunus [10:26]

Surah Hud
Remain steadfast in following the Right Way and let those with you who have returned with you (to the fold of faith and obedience), follow the Right Way as you were commanded, and do not exceed the proper limits of (devotion to Allah). For certainly He is aware of all that you do.

And do not incline towards the wrong-doers lest the Fire seize you and then you have none to protect you against Allah; and then you will not be helped from anywhere. [11:112-113]

Allah the Most High says:

“Indeed in this there is a remembrance for those who have a living heart, listen attentively and are awake to taking heed.” [Qaaf: 37]

Therefore, if you desire to benefit from the Qur’an, gather your heart when reciting it, focus your attention to it and focus as if you are the one being directly addressed by it. For indeed it is an address from Allah via the path of the Messenger sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam.

This is because gaining complete benefit from the Qur’an is dependent upon the object providing the benefit, the place by which it is to be received, the conditions related to attaining the benefit and the non existence of anything that may hinder the benefit from occurring. Hence the verse contains an explanation of all of these points, with the shortest and clearest of words, and those that best prove the point.

Thus the saying of Allah: {Indeed in this there is a remembrance} has an inference to what has preceded the verse from the beginning of Surah Qaaf up to this verse and this is what is causing the benefit.

Whilst the saying of Allah {who have a living heart} then this refers to the place that receives the benefit and this is the heart that has life and comprehends what Allah has sent, as Allah the Most High says:

“Indeed this is only a clear reminder and a Qur’an so as to warn those who have a living heart.” [Yaseen: 69-70]

And His saying {listen attentively} i.e. who turns his attention to it and listens mindfully to what is being said. This is the condition that is placed so that one can be benefited by it. And His saying {are awake to taking heed.} i.e. that the heart is attentive to it.

Ibn Qutaibah said: “Listen to the book of Allah whilst your heart and mind is attentive, not neglectful nor distant.”

This is an inference to the matter that prevents one from attaining benefit. That is when the heart is distant and unmindful such that it does not understand what is being said, nor comprehend it.

Therefore if the cause of the benefit – the Qur’an, is found and the place of receiving it – and that is the heart has life – and the condition is fulfilled – and that is listening attentively – and the barriers that would prevent benefit from being attained are avoided – and that is the heart being pre-occupied with something else and it being unmindful of what is said – then one attains the benefit, of being benefited by the Qur’an. [Refer to al-Fawaa’id by Ibn-ul-Qayyim]

Shaykh Muhammad Jameel Zeeno

How To Understand the Qur’aan
© 1998 Call to Islam Da`wah Centre