The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadhaan is
Allah’s month Al-Muharram”
[Sahih At-Tirmidhī]

Ashura is 10th of Muharram, and in our case will be on Tuesday, December 6, 2011. (Remember that Islamic days begin after Maghrib, so 10th of Muharram will be from Maghrib on Monday, Dec. 5 till Maghrib Tuesday, Dec. 6)

Practices To Be Observed On The Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram.)
1. To fast on the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th of Muharram.
a. This is a nafl fast.
b. The act of fasting is sunnah.
2. To spend freely on one’s family (without incurring debt and being wasteful.)

Rasoolullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
“He who will be generous on his family on the day of Ashura, Allah Ta’ala will be generous on him for the entire year.” (Tabrani, Baihaqi).

`Umar ibn Khattab (Allah be well pleased with him) said:
“As we were sitting one day before the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), a man suddenly appeared. He wore pure white clothes and his hair was dark black—yet there were no signs of travel on him, and none of us knew him.
He came and sat down in front of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), placing his knees against his, and his hands on his thighs. He said, “O Muhammad! Tell me about Islam.”
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “Islam is to bear witness that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God; and to perform the prayer; pay zakat; fast Ramadan; and to perform Hajj to the House if you are able.”
The man said, “You have spoken the truth,” and we were surprised that he asked and then confirmed the answer.
Then, he asked, “Tell me about belief (iman).”
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “It is to believe in Allah; His Angels; His Books; His Messengers; the Last Day; and in destiny—its good and bad.”
The man said, “You have spoken the truth. Now, tell me about spiritual excellence (ihsan).”
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “It is to serve Allah as though you behold Him; and if you don’t behold him, (know that) He surely sees you.”
“Now, tell me of the Last Hour,” asked the man.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “The one asked knows no more of it than the one asking.”
“Then tell me about its signs,” said the man.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “That slave women give birth to their mistresses; and that you see barefoot, unclothed, beginning shepherds competing in the construction of tall buildings.”
Then the visitor left, and I waited a long time. Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked me, “Do you know, Umar, who the questioner was?”
I replied, “Allah and His Messenger know best.”He said (Allah bless him and give him peace), “It was Jibril. He came to you to teach you your religion.” [Sahih Muslim]

“And indeed they have led many astray. And (O Allâh): ‘Grant no increase to the Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers, and disbelievers, etc.) save error.’ ”

Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said,
“Whenever sexual permissiveness spreads among the people until it becomes declared, infections and killing diseases, as well as illnesses not previously found in their ancestors will spread among them”
(Narrated by Ibn Majah)

World Aids Day is observed today by the non muslims who dedicate this day for raising awareness about the deadly disease of Aids. Aids has killed more than 25 million people and more than 33.2 million people worldwide live with HIV, making AIDS one of the most destructive epidemics in the history of mankind. But just raising awareness about a certain thing is not the solution, but finding the root cause is. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) warned us about this and it is a clear sign for the whole world that if we move away from the teachings of Islaam than more deady plagues will occur.

In another Hadith which is reported by Malik, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whenever adultery becomes a widespread phenomena among certain people, death will spread among them.” Islaam blocks all the roots that will lead to the problem of such deadly diseases. Allah says in the Qur’aan : “And come not near to Zina (fornication). Verily, it is a Fahisha (i.e. a great sin) and an evil way.”
(The Holy Qur’aan 17:32)

In the “so called modernization” we have left the teaching of Islaam but can we tihnk that we can get away with anyting, no we cannot! It will only invite the wrath of Allaah, “Verily, the punishment of your Lord is severe.” (The Noble Qur’aan 85:12)

Therefore let us learn from the pain and devastation of AIDS the lesson that the Hudood (limitations) set up by Allaah, the Almighty must be followed strictly.

Doesnt it hurt you that so many Non Muslims are dying daily because of Aids? Have you ever invited them to the Path of Allaah and shown them its benefits?
Please share this Hadith will everyone Non Muslim you can, Jazak’Allaah.

What is Sunnah?

Sunnah according to AL-Mawrid Institute of Islamic Sciences

Literally means well trodden path(Tariqah) in Arabic.

Are those Abrahamic practices and rituals that were adopted and revived (Hajj) by the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), in some cases after modifications (Fatiha in salaah) and additions (Eidayaan), and instituted among his followers as integral part of God’s religion.

Sunnan have been transferred and established by the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), through practical demonstration to his Companions.

From the companions, these practices have been transmitted uninterrupted through successive generations of Muslims with consensus and practical perpetuation to date.

They have reached us through the same mechanism of history. The Qur’an has reached us by verbal (documentary) transmission whilst the Sunnah by practical transmission.

What is Hadith?

Hadith literally means a saying or something new. In Islamic terminology, it is defined as the individual-to-individual narratives ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh) regarding his sayings, actions, expressed or tacit approvals, his life history and personal description.

It includes

Life history of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), including his meetings with people, important events in his time e.g. Holy wars as narrated by his followers.

Record of the Prophet Mohammad’s (pbuh) everyday life, rituals and routines, these are those things that he liked but did not authorise their initiation as essential part of religion. These records reveal the Prophet’s (pbuh) excellent example (Uswa Al Hasana) in carrying out the directives of Islam.

Record of answers to questions and explanations given by the Prophet (pbuh) to his followers.

Record of any explanations about commandments in the Qur’an and the Sunnah by the Prophet (pbuh) to his followers

Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessing be upon him) said: “It is not part of [the tradition of] my Ummah [the behaviour of] one who does not honour our elder and show mercy to our youngster and know for our scholar his due right.” [Ahmad & Tabaraani]

Verily, those who divide their religion and break up into sects (all kinds of religious sects), you (O Muhammad “salallahu alayhi’walsam) have no concern in them in the least. Their affair is only with Allâh, Who then will tell them what they used to do.(6:159)

Allah’s Apostle (sallallähu alaihi wasallam) said, “Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that your deeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allah’s is the most regular and constant even though it were little.”

[Bukhari Book:76 No:471]

“Reviving the Islamic Spirit” convention is an attempt by the youth to help overcome new challenges of communication and integration. The convention aims to promote stronger ties within the North American Society through reviving the Islamic tradition of education, tolerance and introspection, and across cultural lines through points of commonality and respect.

Furthermore, the convention will be a celebration of our identity and Islamic faith. To help attain these ideals, the convention will feature a wide range of voices from various parts of the world.

The convention showcases Islamic leadership from across the globe sharing a common platform before the widest cross section of our community. This program hopes to empower the youth across North America and inspire a true revival.

“A Unique Youth Effort”

www.revivingtheislamicspirit.com

He is Allah , other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him. (59:23)

The Islamic lunar calendar begins with the holy month of Muharram. Muharram is amongst the months which are classified under the term Ashhur-ul-Horom “sanctified months.” Allah has stated in the Glorious Qur’an “The number of months, according to Allah is twelve months (which is mentioned) in the book of Allah on the day in which We created the heavens and the earth. Amongst these twelve months, four are sanctified; that is the right religion. So do not wrong yourselves’ therein,” (9:3).

The four months according to authentic traditions are Muharram, Rajab, Zul Qadah, and Zul Hijjah. It has been reported that Rasulullah (saw), on the occasion of the last sermon (hajjat-ul-wada), addressed the Sahabah (ra) saying, “One year consists of twelve months, out of which four are sanctified. Three of them are in sequence: Zul Qadah, Zul Hijjah, Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab. (Bukhari)

The eminent commentator (mufassir) Ibn Katheer has written in his commentary (tafseer), “Allah has declared these four months sanctified and has increased their sanctity. He declared a sin therein more severe and has increased the virtue and reward of good deeds as well” (Ibn Katheer, Vol.2): The scholars of Islam have stated that the actions performed in these months have a great effect on the person as to what they will do, throughout the remainder of the year.

FASTING DURING THE MONTH OF MUHARRAM:

It has been reported by Ali (ra) that a man came to Rasulullah (saw) and asked, “0 Prophet of Allah! During which month should I fast after the month of Ramadan?” Rasulullah (saw) replied, “If you are to fast in any month other than the month of Ramadan, fast during the month of Muharram, because it is the month of Allah. There is a day in this month in which a whole nation was forgiven and wherein Allah will forgive another nation,” (Tirmidhi H. 683).

THE ORIGIN OF THE FAST OF A’ASHURA: (10th MUHARRAM).

The word A’ashura is derived from the Arabic word which means ten in the English language. It has been named A’ashura because it is observed on the 10th of Muhharram. According to numerous authentic traditions, fasting on the day of A’ashura was initially obligatory upon the Muslims. However, it was made optional when Allah commanded the Muslims to fast throughout the month of Ramadan.

It has been reported by A’isha (ra) that when the Rasulullah (saw) came to Madinah, he fasted on the day of A’ashura and directed the people to fast on that day as well. However, when the fast of Ramadan was made obligatory, the obligation of fasting was confined to Ramadan, and the fast of A’ashura was made optional (Abu Dawood).

Nevertheless, Ibn Abbas (ra) relates, when the Prophet of Allah (saw) was informed that the Jews fast on the 10th of Muharram, Rasulullah (saw) asked them, “Why do you fast on this day?” They said, “This is the day when Sayyidna Musa (as) and his followers miraculously crossed the Sea, while Pharaoh was drowned in its water.” Upon hearing this Rasulullah (S.A.W) stated, “We are more closer to Musa than you.” He then directed the Muslims to fast on the day of A’ashura(Abu Dawood).

In addition to fasting on the 10th of Muharram, we should also fast on either the 9th or the llth. As Rasulullah (S.A.W) was informed that the Jews also fast on the 10th of Muharram, he said, “If I will be alive next year, I will also fast on the 9th of this month” (Muslim H. 1917).

VIRTUES OF FASTING ON THE 10th OF MUHURRAM:

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (ra) relates that Rasulullah (saw) preferred the fast of A’ashura to the fast of other days and preferred the fast of Ramadan to the fast of A’ashura (Bukhari, Muslim).

Abu Qatadah (R.A) relates that Rasulullah (saw) said, “The fasting of the tenth of Muharram grants the forgiveness of one whole year,” (Tirmidhi H.683).

BEING GENEROUS TO ONES FAMILY ON THE DAY OF A’ASHURA:

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud relates that Rasulullah (saw) stated, “Whosoever is generous to one’s family on the day of A’ashura, Allah will be generous (provide barakah) towards that person throughout the entire year,”(Razeen).

According to these types of traditions, one should be more generous to his/her family by providing more for them on the day of A’ashura as compared to other days. Although these traditions (above-mentioned tradition) are not very authentic according to the scholars of hadith, many other eminent scholars like Imams Ibn Hibban and Bahiqi have accepted them as reliable.

by Shaykh Fayaz Tilly

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The Prophet (sallallähu alaihi wasallam) said, “Do not wear silk or Dibaja, and do not drink in silver or golden vessels, and do not eat in plates of such metals, for such things are for the unbelievers in this worldly life and for us in the Hereafter.” [Bukhari Book:65 No:337]

Narrated By Anas bin Malik : The Prophet(PBUH) said, “Facilitate things to people (concerning religious matters), and do not make it hard for them and give them good tidings and do not make them run away (from Islam).”  Sahih Bukhari Hadith No: 69

Humans have always been social creatures and in need of friends and companions. Much of our lives is spent in interaction with others. For us Muslims who are living in a society where we are clearly a minority, the issue of choosing the right companions is essential for preserving our Deen. Befriending righteous and virtuous Muslims is an essential means for staying on the Straight Path. Strong individuals, on the other hand, are the core of a strong community, something that Muslims should always strive for.

We all know that we were created for a specific purpose and that Allah the Most High has given us life in order to test us. None of us will deny that we are here for a relatively short period of time and that we shall meet Allah (swt) one Day. Once we know our purpose and our goal, we should seek ways to achieve them so as to benefit our own selves. All of us believe that Allah has sent us a Messenger (saws) and revealed to us the Qur’an, the Best Speech.

In an authentic Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (saws) said:

“A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so look whom you befriend.” (1).

The person most noble in character and dealings with fellow humans gave us a very clear message and advice in regard to friendship. We should choose the friend that is satisfied with our Deen and avoid the friend that is displeased with it. Whoever we see and are pleased with his Deen, we should befriend him and whoever we are displeased with his Deen and his manners, we ought to avoid him. There is no good in the companion who does not wish for us (from good) what he wishes for himself. There is also no good in the companion who wishes for us what he wishes for himself, if what he likes for his own soul is leading him towards destruction and Hellfire.

The bases for the actions of those who follow the evil ways are corrupt; their actions are built upon misguidance and deviation. Their deeds are worthless to them as Allah (swt) said:

“And We will proceed to what they have done of deeds, so We shall render them to scattered floating dust.” Qur’an 25:23

Their actions, even if we regard them as righteous and noble are of no value to them, so how can they be of benefit to us? Friends are those who feel for their companions, in both happy and sad moments. If we share our feelings with the wrong-doers whose actions are worthless and based on corruption, then we are following the same ways and standards as they are. Affection which results from that friendship leads to love and closeness to other than the righteous believers, and this may even lead to avoiding those who are on the Straight Way. Mixing with followers of any way other than that of the Guidance also results in a change in one’s behavior, morals and conduct.

If we agree, follow and are pleased with such friends, then we inherit their habits, behaviors and even religion. Such a Muslim would find himself in a situation wherein he is willing to hide his Islam in front of those who despise it (those that he considers as friends) and to separate from the believers. When this situation occurs, a point is reached when there is a very slight difference between the Muslim and his wrong-doing companion. Such a companionship is the root of sickness of one’s heart and loss of one’s Deen.

Instead of making friends with the misguided ones we should befriend the righteous and treat the rest in a gracious and just manner. Staying at sufficient distance is necessary, yet treating everybody in a noble and kind manner is required.

In another Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (saws) said:

“The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk, and the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows.. So as for the seller of musk then either he will grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at least you enjoy a pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows then either he will burn your clothes or you will get an offensive smell from him.” (2)

In his commentary of this Hadith, Imam an-Nawawy said that the Prophet (saws) compared a good companion to a seller of musk and spoke of the virtue of having companions who are good, who have noble manners, piety, knowledge and good culture. Such are those who grant us from their virtue. And he (saws) forbade us to sit with those who do evil, commit a lot of sins and other bad deeds, as well as with innovators, backbiters, and so forth. Another scholar said: “keeping good company with the pious results in attainment of beneficial knowledge, noble manners and righteous actions, whereas keeping company with the wicked prevents all of that.” Many times a Muslim is encouraged by his friends to do evil and to forget his duties. The result is that Muslims themselves are often ashamed to leave them to perform prayer, their friends thus causing them to clearly deviate from the Right Path.

Allah the Exalted says in the Qur’an:

“And (remember) the Day when the wrong-doer will bite his hands and say: Woe to me! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger. Woe to me! If only I had not taken so- and-so as a friend! He has led me astray from this Reminder (the Qur’an) after it had come to me. And Satan is ever a deserter to man in the hour of need.” Qur’an 25:27-29

So take heed before the inevitable Day comes when we are called to account for our actions.

Allah, the All-Wise also says:

“Friends on that Day will be enemies one to another, except al-Muttaqoon (i.e. those who have Taqwah).” Qur’an 43:67

Hafidh Ibn Katheer, commenting on this verse, relates a story on the authority of Ali Ibn Abi Talib (ra) and says that any friendship for other than Allah is turned into enmity, except what was in it for Allah the Mighty and Majestic: “Two who are friends for Allah’s sake; one of them dies and is given good news that he will be granted al-Jannah, so he remembered his friend and he supplicated for him, saying: ‘O Allah, my friend used to command me to obey You and to obey Your Prophet (saws) and used to command me to do good and to forbid me from doing evil. And he told me that I will meet You. O Allah, do not let him go astray after me, until you show him what you have just shown me, until You are satisfied with him, just like You are satisfied with me.’ So he is told: ‘Had you known what is (written) for you friend, would you have laughed a lot and cried a little.’ Then his friend dies and their souls are gathered, and both are asked to express their opinions about each other. So each one of them says to his friend: ‘You were the best brother, the best companion and the best friend.’ And when one of the two disbelieving friends dies, and he is given tidings of Hellfire, he remembered his friend and he said: ‘O Allah, my friend used to order me to disobey You and disobey Your Prophet, and commanded me to do evil, and forbade me from doing good, and told me that I would not meet You. O Allah, do not guide him after me, until you show him what you have just shown me and until you are dissatisfied with him just like You are dissatisfied with me.’ Then the other disbelieving friend dies, and their souls are gathered, and both are asked to give their opinions about each other. So each one says to his friend: ‘You were the worst brother, the worst companion and the worst friend.”

That is the end of those who do not have Taqwah and those who befriend for a sake other than that of Allah the Exalted. Allah has surely spoken the truth and we all should grasp what He has informed us of. It is through the good company that Allah, the Most High, saves those who are astray and guides the wicked. The benefit of mixing with the righteous is immense, and it will, insha’Allah, be even more obvious to us in the Hereafter. One of the early Muslims said that it is from Allah’s blessings upon a youth when he turns to worship that he is given brother who is a follower of the Sunnah encouraging him upon it.

Sealing a friendship for Allah’s sake will result in one’s receiving protection of Allah (swt). And as Ibn Abbas said:

“No one may taste true faith except by this (i.e. building relationships for Allah’s sake), even if his prayers and fasts are many. People have come to build their relationship around the concerns of the world, but it will not benefit them in any way.” (3)

A scholar has said:

“To seal a friendship for Allah’s sake indicates the obligation of establishing relationships of love and trust for His sake; this is a friendship for the sake of Allah. It also indicates that simple affection is not enough here; indeed what is meant is a love based upon alliance. This entails assistance, honor, and respect. It means being with those whom you love both in word and deed.” Loyalty for the sake of Allah really means to love Allah and to come to the assistance of His Deen; to love those who are obedient to Him and to come to their help. Moreover, the Shahadah “La Ilaha Illa Allah” requires us to ally ourselves for the sake of Allah, and it requires us to ally ourselves to the Muslims wherever we find them.

In two other authentic narration’s of the Prophet (saws) we were commanded to keep company with a believer only (3), and told that a person will be with those he loves (4). So if we love and associate ourselves with those who are misguided, we should fear for our fate. The wise person is the one who prepares himself for the Hereafter, not the one who neglects his faith and falls into the trap of Satan who tells him that he will be forgiven and that he can do whatever he wishes. If we truly believe that the best speech is the Speech of Allah and that he best guidance is the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (saws), we should act in accordance with them, lest we build a proof against ourselves.

Ali (raa) said:

“Mix with the noble people, you become one of them; and keep away from evil people to protect yourself from their evils.” (4)

If we are truly concerned about our fate, we must come to this realisation: those who take us away from remembering Allah, from obeying Him and His Prophet (saws), those who fail to remind us of our daily prayers and those who do not give us sincere advice in regard to our Deen; such are really our foes and not our friends. On the other side, “a believer is the mirror of his brother” (5), and if he sees any faults in the other believer, he draws his attention to it, helps him to give it up and helps him wipe away any evil that he may have.

Ibn Hazm said:

“Anyone who criticises you cares about your friendship. Anyone who makes light of your faults cares nothing about you.” (5)

How can we expect sincere advice and exhortation in regard to our religion from those who are displeased with our Deen or are simply indifferent? Are they going to help us achieve the purpose of our life, or will they take us away from it? Will they desire for us Allah’s pleasure or is that Completely irrelevant to them and not their concern at all? Are they leading us to al-Jannah or to the Hellfire? These are the questions we have to ask ourselves, lest we wake up after we die.

“O you who believe! Take care of your own selves. If you follow the right guidance and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong no hurt can come to you from those who are in error. The return of you all is to Allah, then He will inform you about (all) that which you used to do.” Qur’an 5:105

We ask Allah to make us of the righteous ones and give us companions that will take us away from His Wrath and lead us to His Pleasure and Paradise.

References:

1 Abu Dawood and at-Tirmithi
2 Al-Bukhari and Muslim
3 Abu Dawood and at-Tirmithi
4 Al-Bukhari and Muslim
5 Abu Dawood, Hasan Hadith

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Aisha asked Allah’s Apostle (sallallähu alaihi wasallam) about the plague.
He told me that it was a Punishment sent by Allah on whom he wished, and Allah made it a source of mercy for the believers, for if one in the time of an epidemic plague stays in his country patiently hoping for Allah’s Reward and believing that nothing will befall him except what Allah has written for him, he will get the reward of a martyr.”[Bukhari Book:56 No:680]