Fitnah - From Life to Death
The following notes were taken on the lecture given by Brother Mohammad al-shihnawy at the “Fitnah – from Life to Death”.
The brother initiated his talk with the following verse of the Noble Quran :” Do you see? If we let them enjoy this life for a few years, Yet there comes to them at length the punishment, which they were promised!” – 26: 205- 206.
If we reflect upon our lives, we see that our time on this earth is very minimal. It is narrated in a hadith that the Prophet, sallalahu alyehi wasallam, said: "The life-span of those in my Ummah is 60 to 70 years. And a very few of them will exceed this span."
Now, out of these 60 to 70 years, let us subtract about 15 years for until we reach puberty (because our actions are not recorded before this stage) and another 1/3 of our life for sleep. This leaves us approximately with 25 years!
Twenty-five years does not seem long at all and many of us have probably passed or will be approaching the 20’s mark. It is as if we were kids just yesterday. Yet, we are still heedless in our minds and hearts. Do we really want our lives to pass us by in the state we are in now until we face that day that has been promised to us?
We spend countless hours, day and night preparing for our secular examinations. College and University students stock up on their caffeine products in order that they can prepare for tests and papers. Yet, when it comes to the Ultimate test of life and preparing for the hereafter, we have no time. We can’t be bothered.
Similarly, the parents fiercely scold their children if they get a bad grade in the report cards or a low GPA, but do they ever get upset or angry when the child does not wake up for Fajr or stays quiet when he sees an evil? Most often, the answer is NO.
For many of us, life will overtake us before we know it and we will be at the brink of death. Ibn Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) relates that at our death beds, two soldiers from amongst the shayateen take the form of a father, mother or son and try to convert the person to a jew or Christian saying, “I have found the religion of Christianity to be of benefit” or the other will say, “ I have found the religion of the Judaism to be of benefit.” In this way, they will try to allure and convert the person even while they are dying. At this time, those that have been thought to be from amongst the pious will be revealed and shown their true colours, as they will think, “Allah has wronged me”.
The journey then continues and the person will be concealed in the grave, enshrouded in white and embraced by the earth’s dirt. At this point, neither his family nor his wealth will avail him. The only acquaintance that will be on his side is his good deeds.
As soon as he is placed in the grave, the grave will then close in on him. It will squeeze him so much so that his ribs intertwine with each other. Everyone will have to endure this squeeze. (I believe the brother said with exception to the prophet Muhammad Sallalahu alyehi wasallam or that the scholars differ in this regard about the prophet. Correct me, inshaAllah).
RasoolAllah Sallalahu alyehi wasallam said, "The grave squeezes. If anyone would have been saved from this squeeze it would have been Sa'ad Ib Mu'aadh."
Even Sa'ad Ib Mu'aadh (RA), the wali of Allah (SWT) was squeezed in the grave. Sa'ad Ib Mu'aadh (RA) was the man on whose death, the throne of Allah shook, the gates of Jannah opened to welcome him and 70,000 angels descended to accompany his janaazah. Nonetheless, he was still squeezed.
Now, the interrogation begins. This interrogation is carried out by two angels who make him sit up for the process. In their possession will be a large sledgehammer. This moment in time will be one of the toughest a person will have to face. As it is narrated in a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (Sallalahu alyehi wasallam) said, “It has been revealed to me that you people will be put to trial nearly like the trial of Ad-Dajjal (antichrist), in your graves.”
Now, let us for a moment, go back and mention some of the fittan (trials) that will submerge the Ummah at the time of the Dajjal.
He will come to a Bedouin whose parents have passed away and will say to him, "Will you believe that I am your Lord if I bring your parents back to life." He will reply, "Yes." The devils that are accompanying him will take the form of his parents and after resembling his parents will say to him, "Oh child believe in him and follow him, and he is your Lord.' The Bedouin will be deceived and forced into believing him. (Abu Umamah/Ibne Majah)
He will have water and fire with him. As for that which the people will see as water, in reality will be fire, which will burn and as for that which people will see as fire, in reality will be cold, sweet water. The Prophet's Sallalahu alyehi wasallam advice is: "Whoever meets the Dajjal and sees the water and the fire, he should fall in the fire and not the water, as the fire in reality is water and the water in reality is fire.'' (Hudaifah/Mishkat)
And also, Prophet Sallalahu alyehiwasallam said, "Those who hear about the Dajjal should stay far from him. By Allah! A person will approach him thinking him to be a believer, but on seeing his amazing feats he will become his follower." (Imran-b-Hussain / Abu Dawood),
There are many instances and prophecies that depict the turmoil that the Dajjal will create on the Earth. These examples have been likened to the trials in the grave!
When this hadith, (“It has been revealed to me that you people will be put to trial nearly like the trial of Ad-Dajjal (antichrist), in your graves.”) was related to the Sahaba radhiAllahu Anhum by the Prophet Sallalahu alyehi wasallam, they began to weep profusely and loudly, so much so that the person narrating the hadith says, “I was not able to hear the Prophet” (sallalahu alyehi wasallam)
As the grave acting as our courtroom, the questioning will be conducted by two angels named Munkar and Nakir. The angels will approach him and ask him three questions. Who is your Lord? What is your Deen (religion)? Who is this person? (referring to the prophet Muhammad Sallalahu alyehi wasallam). Easy questions? The righteous from the believers will be able to provide the correct answers. Finally, it’s over! Not quite…
He will be shaken harder a second time and asked the same questions. Those that worshipped ALLAH on the edge and had weak Imaan will not be able to answer this time around. He will think, “Wait… maybe, I am wrong!” and he will say “umm…I don’t know!” Ibn Taymiyya (Rahimahullah) says that, the “umm” indicates that the person knows the answer but it has slipped his mind. This episode will occur to those who worshipped ALLAH when it was easy and effortless to do so. (Grew a little beard or pulled their pants above ankles) No problem, I can do that. However, when the tides turned to their disadvantage and they were tested and tried, they turned away! Allah speaks about these people in the noble Quran, “…If a benefit comes to them, they say: This is from Allah; and if a misfortune befalls them, they say: This is from you. Say: All is from Allah, but what is the matter with these people that they do not make approach to understanding what is told (them)?” – 4:78.
Once the righteous believer is able to pass these stages successfully, a door is opened for him in paradise and his actions and deeds are personified. A beautiful and pleasant appearance will be given to his deeds and he will say, “Who are you?” or “It is as if I know you”. A reply will come, “I am your good deeds”.
As for the person who answers the questions wrongly, he will be struck with the sledgehammer and will plummet down to the earth 70 arms length. The doors of hell-fire will be opened for him and his actions and deeds personified. A hideous and unbearable stench will be given to his deeds and he will say. “Who are you?” A reply will come, “I am your evil deeds”.
We ask ALLAH (SWT) to protect us from the torments of the grave. We ask Allaah (SWT) to make the squeezing of the grave easy for us. We ask The Most Merciful to make us of those who will enter Jannatul firdaws without any questioning. We ask ALLAH (SWT) to illuminate our graves and make it a blissful abode. We ask ALLAH (SWT) to forgive our sins past, present and future. We ask Him to grant us an easy account. Ameen ya Rabbil Ala’meen!
The brother initiated his talk with the following verse of the Noble Quran :” Do you see? If we let them enjoy this life for a few years, Yet there comes to them at length the punishment, which they were promised!” – 26: 205- 206.
If we reflect upon our lives, we see that our time on this earth is very minimal. It is narrated in a hadith that the Prophet, sallalahu alyehi wasallam, said: "The life-span of those in my Ummah is 60 to 70 years. And a very few of them will exceed this span."
Now, out of these 60 to 70 years, let us subtract about 15 years for until we reach puberty (because our actions are not recorded before this stage) and another 1/3 of our life for sleep. This leaves us approximately with 25 years!
Twenty-five years does not seem long at all and many of us have probably passed or will be approaching the 20’s mark. It is as if we were kids just yesterday. Yet, we are still heedless in our minds and hearts. Do we really want our lives to pass us by in the state we are in now until we face that day that has been promised to us?
We spend countless hours, day and night preparing for our secular examinations. College and University students stock up on their caffeine products in order that they can prepare for tests and papers. Yet, when it comes to the Ultimate test of life and preparing for the hereafter, we have no time. We can’t be bothered.
Similarly, the parents fiercely scold their children if they get a bad grade in the report cards or a low GPA, but do they ever get upset or angry when the child does not wake up for Fajr or stays quiet when he sees an evil? Most often, the answer is NO.
For many of us, life will overtake us before we know it and we will be at the brink of death. Ibn Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) relates that at our death beds, two soldiers from amongst the shayateen take the form of a father, mother or son and try to convert the person to a jew or Christian saying, “I have found the religion of Christianity to be of benefit” or the other will say, “ I have found the religion of the Judaism to be of benefit.” In this way, they will try to allure and convert the person even while they are dying. At this time, those that have been thought to be from amongst the pious will be revealed and shown their true colours, as they will think, “Allah has wronged me”.
The journey then continues and the person will be concealed in the grave, enshrouded in white and embraced by the earth’s dirt. At this point, neither his family nor his wealth will avail him. The only acquaintance that will be on his side is his good deeds.
As soon as he is placed in the grave, the grave will then close in on him. It will squeeze him so much so that his ribs intertwine with each other. Everyone will have to endure this squeeze. (I believe the brother said with exception to the prophet Muhammad Sallalahu alyehi wasallam or that the scholars differ in this regard about the prophet. Correct me, inshaAllah).
RasoolAllah Sallalahu alyehi wasallam said, "The grave squeezes. If anyone would have been saved from this squeeze it would have been Sa'ad Ib Mu'aadh."
Even Sa'ad Ib Mu'aadh (RA), the wali of Allah (SWT) was squeezed in the grave. Sa'ad Ib Mu'aadh (RA) was the man on whose death, the throne of Allah shook, the gates of Jannah opened to welcome him and 70,000 angels descended to accompany his janaazah. Nonetheless, he was still squeezed.
Now, the interrogation begins. This interrogation is carried out by two angels who make him sit up for the process. In their possession will be a large sledgehammer. This moment in time will be one of the toughest a person will have to face. As it is narrated in a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (Sallalahu alyehi wasallam) said, “It has been revealed to me that you people will be put to trial nearly like the trial of Ad-Dajjal (antichrist), in your graves.”
Now, let us for a moment, go back and mention some of the fittan (trials) that will submerge the Ummah at the time of the Dajjal.
He will come to a Bedouin whose parents have passed away and will say to him, "Will you believe that I am your Lord if I bring your parents back to life." He will reply, "Yes." The devils that are accompanying him will take the form of his parents and after resembling his parents will say to him, "Oh child believe in him and follow him, and he is your Lord.' The Bedouin will be deceived and forced into believing him. (Abu Umamah/Ibne Majah)
He will have water and fire with him. As for that which the people will see as water, in reality will be fire, which will burn and as for that which people will see as fire, in reality will be cold, sweet water. The Prophet's Sallalahu alyehi wasallam advice is: "Whoever meets the Dajjal and sees the water and the fire, he should fall in the fire and not the water, as the fire in reality is water and the water in reality is fire.'' (Hudaifah/Mishkat)
And also, Prophet Sallalahu alyehiwasallam said, "Those who hear about the Dajjal should stay far from him. By Allah! A person will approach him thinking him to be a believer, but on seeing his amazing feats he will become his follower." (Imran-b-Hussain / Abu Dawood),
There are many instances and prophecies that depict the turmoil that the Dajjal will create on the Earth. These examples have been likened to the trials in the grave!
When this hadith, (“It has been revealed to me that you people will be put to trial nearly like the trial of Ad-Dajjal (antichrist), in your graves.”) was related to the Sahaba radhiAllahu Anhum by the Prophet Sallalahu alyehi wasallam, they began to weep profusely and loudly, so much so that the person narrating the hadith says, “I was not able to hear the Prophet” (sallalahu alyehi wasallam)
As the grave acting as our courtroom, the questioning will be conducted by two angels named Munkar and Nakir. The angels will approach him and ask him three questions. Who is your Lord? What is your Deen (religion)? Who is this person? (referring to the prophet Muhammad Sallalahu alyehi wasallam). Easy questions? The righteous from the believers will be able to provide the correct answers. Finally, it’s over! Not quite…
He will be shaken harder a second time and asked the same questions. Those that worshipped ALLAH on the edge and had weak Imaan will not be able to answer this time around. He will think, “Wait… maybe, I am wrong!” and he will say “umm…I don’t know!” Ibn Taymiyya (Rahimahullah) says that, the “umm” indicates that the person knows the answer but it has slipped his mind. This episode will occur to those who worshipped ALLAH when it was easy and effortless to do so. (Grew a little beard or pulled their pants above ankles) No problem, I can do that. However, when the tides turned to their disadvantage and they were tested and tried, they turned away! Allah speaks about these people in the noble Quran, “…If a benefit comes to them, they say: This is from Allah; and if a misfortune befalls them, they say: This is from you. Say: All is from Allah, but what is the matter with these people that they do not make approach to understanding what is told (them)?” – 4:78.
Once the righteous believer is able to pass these stages successfully, a door is opened for him in paradise and his actions and deeds are personified. A beautiful and pleasant appearance will be given to his deeds and he will say, “Who are you?” or “It is as if I know you”. A reply will come, “I am your good deeds”.
As for the person who answers the questions wrongly, he will be struck with the sledgehammer and will plummet down to the earth 70 arms length. The doors of hell-fire will be opened for him and his actions and deeds personified. A hideous and unbearable stench will be given to his deeds and he will say. “Who are you?” A reply will come, “I am your evil deeds”.
We ask ALLAH (SWT) to protect us from the torments of the grave. We ask Allaah (SWT) to make the squeezing of the grave easy for us. We ask The Most Merciful to make us of those who will enter Jannatul firdaws without any questioning. We ask ALLAH (SWT) to illuminate our graves and make it a blissful abode. We ask ALLAH (SWT) to forgive our sins past, present and future. We ask Him to grant us an easy account. Ameen ya Rabbil Ala’meen!
How to Kick Shaytaan's Gluteus
Safeguarding one’s self from Shaytaan
*Notes from Shaykh Riad Ourzazi’s lecture on, “The World of Jinn”
1. The Prophet said, "If somebody takes some 'Ajwa dates every morning, he will not be affected by poison or magic on that day till night." (Another narrator said seven dates). [Bukhari 7:663, Narrated Saud]
Eat seven Ajwa dates each morning. These specific dates can be expensive but are recommended as they were prescribed by the Prophet Sallalahu Alyehi wasallam. If one cannot afford or find these, then any dates (especially from Madina) can be used as an alternative inshaa’Allah.
2. Be in a state of Wudhu (Ablution) as much as possible especially during the night if one is able to.
Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said: "Whoever spends the night in a state of purity, spends the night with an angel close to him. He does not wake up without the angel saying to him, 'Oh Allah forgive Your slave so-and-so, he has spent the night in a state of purity.'"
[Ibn Hibban collected it in his Saheeh; Al-Mundhiri mentioned it in at-Targhib wa't-Tarhib]
It is also rewarding to perform 2 raka’ah after performing wudhu. [*Note: I am not sure if this also applies for times when making voluntary prayers are not allowed such as after Asr Salah? Allah knows best]
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)”
3. Adhere to the congregational prayers; on time! Don’t give shaytaan any weak point to get you.
4. Pray Qiyam al Layl.
Rasulullah [salallahu alaihi wasallam] said, "When one third of the night remains our Rabb [Lord], Most High, Most Exalted, descends to the first sky and announces, 'Who is there to beseech Me that I may answer his prayer and who is there to seek forgiveness that I may forgive him.' Then He spreads out His hands [of kindness and mercy] and proclaims, 'Who will grant a loan to the One who is neither a destitute nor an oppressor.'" [Muslim]
*Note for the hadith that I found from a website. [http://www.beautifulislam.net/worship/virtues_tahajjud.htm]
A) Allah Ta'ala is free from bodily form and shape. He is Omnipresent and He is not confined to space. Hafiz Ibne Hajar and Imaam Malik [rahmatullah alaihim] have stated that "Allah Ta'ala descending to the first sky" signifies His special Mercy through which He accepts Duas and forgives sins. [Lam'aat]
B) The loan mentioned in the Hadith refers to bodily and financial devotions offered to Allah Ta'ala with the hope of attaining rewards. [Mazahir]
5. Seek refuge from Allah before going to the Washroom. Recite the following du’a:
"[بِسْمِ اللهِ] اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبُْثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ".
[Bismillaahi] Allaahumma 'innee 'a'oothu bika minal-khubthi walkhabaa'ith.
(Before entering) [In the Name of Allah] . (Then) O Allah , I seek protection in You from the male and female unclean spirits.
Reference: Al-Bukhari 1/45, Muslim 1/283. [The addition of Bismillah at its beginning was reported by Said bin Mansur. See Fathul-Bari 1/244]
Enter with the left foot first and when you exit, leave with the right foot.
*Highly recommend everyone to purchase this handy du’a book called “Fortress of the Muslim”. It can also be found online: http://www.islamawareness.net/Dua/Fortress/
6. Recite the Prophet's dua when getting married.
"It is a desirable Sunnah that the groom puts his hand on the bride's head and pray for her. The Prophet (Sallalahu Alyehi wasallam) taught us to say:
“O Allah, I ask You her goodness, and the goodness of the inborn dispositions which You have given her, and I solicit Your protection from her evil, and the evil of the inborn dispositions which You have given her.” (Related by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah).
"The groom may make this supplication aloud or silently."
It is desirable that they pray two rakat together (bride behind groom), and then make a supplication after the prayer. The Prophet (sallalahu Alyehi Wasallam) said:
“Verily, affection is from Allah and repugnance is from Satan who wants you to hate what Allah has allowed to you. So when your wife comes to you, ask her to pray two rakat behind you, and then say: "O Allah, bless my wife for me, and bless me for her. O Allah, unite between us in good, and if You separate us, separate us in good." (Related by Abu Shaybah)
"The groom is encouraged to please his bride and treat her with kindness. It is a Sunnah that he presents to her something to drink or eat. Asma Bint Yazeed (RadhiAllahu Anha) said:
“I adorned Aisha (RadhiAllahu Anha) for her wedding night, so the Prophet (Sallalahu Alyehi Wasallam) came to her side and brought a big cup of milk from which he drank and then presented it to her, but she blushed and lowered her head.” (Related by Ahmad)
7. Recite the dua before intimacy:“In the name of Allah, O Allah, keep Satan away from us, and keep Satan away from that (the offspring) which You grant us." (Related by Al-Bukhari)
8. Recite Ayat Al Kursi before going to sleep.
9. Recite morning and evening duas (adhkar)
A) Recite three times morning and evening (Fajr and after asr)
"بِسْمِ اللهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ".
ee laa yadhurru ma'as-mihi shay'un fil-'ardhi wa laa fis-samaa'i wa Huwas-Samee 'ul- 'Aleem .Bismillaahil-la
In the Name of Allah, Who with His Name nothing can cause harm in the earth nor in the heavens, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
B) Recite After Fajr 100 times:
"لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ"
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa 'alaa kulli shay'in Qadeer.
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things .
10. Recite dua before entering masjid:
"أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ الْعَظِيمِ، وَبِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيمِ، وَسُلْطَانِهِ الْقَدِيمِ، مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ". [بِسْمِ اللهِ، وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَّامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ] "اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ".
'A'oothu billaahil-'Adheem, wa bi-Wajhihil-Kareem, wa Sultaanihil-qadeem, minash-Shaytaanir-rajeem. [Bismillaahi, wassalaatu.] [Wassalaamu 'alaaRasoolillaahi.] Allaahum-maftah lee 'abwaaba rahmatika.
I seek refuge in Almighty Allah, by His Noble Face, by His primordial power, from Satan the outcast.1 [In the Name of Allah, and blessings.]2 [And peace be upon the Messenger of Allah.] O Allah, open before me the doors of Your mercy.
11. Recite dua when leaving your home:
"بِسْمِ اللهِ، تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللهِ، وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللهِ".
Bismillaahi, tawakkaltu 'alallaahi, wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata ‘ illaa billaah.
In the Name of Allah, I have placed my trust in Allah, there is no might and no power except by Allah.
12. Ask Allah for Protection.
--
May Allah keep us all safe and protected from the Shayateen.
*Notes from Shaykh Riad Ourzazi’s lecture on, “The World of Jinn”
1. The Prophet said, "If somebody takes some 'Ajwa dates every morning, he will not be affected by poison or magic on that day till night." (Another narrator said seven dates). [Bukhari 7:663, Narrated Saud]
Eat seven Ajwa dates each morning. These specific dates can be expensive but are recommended as they were prescribed by the Prophet Sallalahu Alyehi wasallam. If one cannot afford or find these, then any dates (especially from Madina) can be used as an alternative inshaa’Allah.
2. Be in a state of Wudhu (Ablution) as much as possible especially during the night if one is able to.
Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said: "Whoever spends the night in a state of purity, spends the night with an angel close to him. He does not wake up without the angel saying to him, 'Oh Allah forgive Your slave so-and-so, he has spent the night in a state of purity.'"
[Ibn Hibban collected it in his Saheeh; Al-Mundhiri mentioned it in at-Targhib wa't-Tarhib]
It is also rewarding to perform 2 raka’ah after performing wudhu. [*Note: I am not sure if this also applies for times when making voluntary prayers are not allowed such as after Asr Salah? Allah knows best]
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)”
3. Adhere to the congregational prayers; on time! Don’t give shaytaan any weak point to get you.
4. Pray Qiyam al Layl.
Rasulullah [salallahu alaihi wasallam] said, "When one third of the night remains our Rabb [Lord], Most High, Most Exalted, descends to the first sky and announces, 'Who is there to beseech Me that I may answer his prayer and who is there to seek forgiveness that I may forgive him.' Then He spreads out His hands [of kindness and mercy] and proclaims, 'Who will grant a loan to the One who is neither a destitute nor an oppressor.'" [Muslim]
*Note for the hadith that I found from a website. [http://www.beautifulislam.net/worship/virtues_tahajjud.htm]
A) Allah Ta'ala is free from bodily form and shape. He is Omnipresent and He is not confined to space. Hafiz Ibne Hajar and Imaam Malik [rahmatullah alaihim] have stated that "Allah Ta'ala descending to the first sky" signifies His special Mercy through which He accepts Duas and forgives sins. [Lam'aat]
B) The loan mentioned in the Hadith refers to bodily and financial devotions offered to Allah Ta'ala with the hope of attaining rewards. [Mazahir]
5. Seek refuge from Allah before going to the Washroom. Recite the following du’a:
"[بِسْمِ اللهِ] اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْخُبُْثِ وَالْخَبَائِثِ".
[Bismillaahi] Allaahumma 'innee 'a'oothu bika minal-khubthi walkhabaa'ith.
(Before entering) [In the Name of Allah] . (Then) O Allah , I seek protection in You from the male and female unclean spirits.
Reference: Al-Bukhari 1/45, Muslim 1/283. [The addition of Bismillah at its beginning was reported by Said bin Mansur. See Fathul-Bari 1/244]
Enter with the left foot first and when you exit, leave with the right foot.
*Highly recommend everyone to purchase this handy du’a book called “Fortress of the Muslim”. It can also be found online: http://www.islamawareness.net/Dua/Fortress/
6. Recite the Prophet's dua when getting married.
"It is a desirable Sunnah that the groom puts his hand on the bride's head and pray for her. The Prophet (Sallalahu Alyehi wasallam) taught us to say:
“O Allah, I ask You her goodness, and the goodness of the inborn dispositions which You have given her, and I solicit Your protection from her evil, and the evil of the inborn dispositions which You have given her.” (Related by Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah).
"The groom may make this supplication aloud or silently."
It is desirable that they pray two rakat together (bride behind groom), and then make a supplication after the prayer. The Prophet (sallalahu Alyehi Wasallam) said:
“Verily, affection is from Allah and repugnance is from Satan who wants you to hate what Allah has allowed to you. So when your wife comes to you, ask her to pray two rakat behind you, and then say: "O Allah, bless my wife for me, and bless me for her. O Allah, unite between us in good, and if You separate us, separate us in good." (Related by Abu Shaybah)
"The groom is encouraged to please his bride and treat her with kindness. It is a Sunnah that he presents to her something to drink or eat. Asma Bint Yazeed (RadhiAllahu Anha) said:
“I adorned Aisha (RadhiAllahu Anha) for her wedding night, so the Prophet (Sallalahu Alyehi Wasallam) came to her side and brought a big cup of milk from which he drank and then presented it to her, but she blushed and lowered her head.” (Related by Ahmad)
7. Recite the dua before intimacy:“In the name of Allah, O Allah, keep Satan away from us, and keep Satan away from that (the offspring) which You grant us." (Related by Al-Bukhari)
8. Recite Ayat Al Kursi before going to sleep.
9. Recite morning and evening duas (adhkar)
A) Recite three times morning and evening (Fajr and after asr)
"بِسْمِ اللهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ".
ee laa yadhurru ma'as-mihi shay'un fil-'ardhi wa laa fis-samaa'i wa Huwas-Samee 'ul- 'Aleem .Bismillaahil-la
In the Name of Allah, Who with His Name nothing can cause harm in the earth nor in the heavens, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
B) Recite After Fajr 100 times:
"لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ"
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa 'alaa kulli shay'in Qadeer.
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things .
10. Recite dua before entering masjid:
"أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ الْعَظِيمِ، وَبِوَجْهِهِ الْكَرِيمِ، وَسُلْطَانِهِ الْقَدِيمِ، مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ". [بِسْمِ اللهِ، وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَّامُ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ] "اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ".
'A'oothu billaahil-'Adheem, wa bi-Wajhihil-Kareem, wa Sultaanihil-qadeem, minash-Shaytaanir-rajeem. [Bismillaahi, wassalaatu.] [Wassalaamu 'alaaRasoolillaahi.] Allaahum-maftah lee 'abwaaba rahmatika.
I seek refuge in Almighty Allah, by His Noble Face, by His primordial power, from Satan the outcast.1 [In the Name of Allah, and blessings.]2 [And peace be upon the Messenger of Allah.] O Allah, open before me the doors of Your mercy.
11. Recite dua when leaving your home:
"بِسْمِ اللهِ، تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللهِ، وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللهِ".
Bismillaahi, tawakkaltu 'alallaahi, wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata ‘ illaa billaah.
In the Name of Allah, I have placed my trust in Allah, there is no might and no power except by Allah.
12. Ask Allah for Protection.
--
May Allah keep us all safe and protected from the Shayateen.
The doors of Heaven are Closed?
An Excerpt of Maulana Tariq Jameel's speech, 'The Doors of Heaven are Closed?'
During the first war in the reign of Abu Bakr (R.A) in Syria, there was a regiment of about 8000 people with Amr ibn Aas (R.A). The Romans were 100,000 in number and the Muslims were merely 8000. The attack of the Romans was so sudden and so the Sahaba could not recoup and they became surrounded by the Romans. 100,000 surrounded by 8000. When a group gets surrounded like this, then its destruction is confirmed.
Amongst this army is the Sahaba named Wathila Bin Aqsa. He narrates, "It was such a horrific scene that we totally forgot about poetry". He said this because it was the habit of the Arabs that they would be fearless during battles and recite verses of poetry. Death would be in front of them and they would recite: 'Death is sweeter to us than honey. You frighten us with death.?'Once Ali R.A recited in a battle: " Death is the means for me to meet my Lord, and you attempt to frighten me with death".
They would generally be fearless but such a fear overwhelmed the Muslim Army, Wathila ibn Aqsa (R.A) narrated that they forgot about poetry. And the whole crowd of 8000 people had only one sentence on their tongues: 'Ya Rabba Muhammad! Unsur Ummata Muhammad'. (O Lord of Muhammad, Help the Ummah of Muhammad.)
When Allah was pleased then even these two sentences sufficed then.
Today thousands of people today cry holding the cloth of the Ka'ba in Ramadan and the Imam of the Ka'ba cries for one hour making supplications while thousands respond with 'Ameen' in a state of crying. But the doors of heaven are not opening up.
When the whole of our generation is busy watching shamelessness and dances for the whole night. Traders are bent upon interest. Children are disobedient to their parents. The nights are filled with alcohol and fornication. In the markets, there is gambling and interesting in the name of trading. There is oppression in the government. There is dishonesty in the name of bureaucracy. Then how is it possible for us to make Allah happy and pleased with us?
During the first war in the reign of Abu Bakr (R.A) in Syria, there was a regiment of about 8000 people with Amr ibn Aas (R.A). The Romans were 100,000 in number and the Muslims were merely 8000. The attack of the Romans was so sudden and so the Sahaba could not recoup and they became surrounded by the Romans. 100,000 surrounded by 8000. When a group gets surrounded like this, then its destruction is confirmed.
Amongst this army is the Sahaba named Wathila Bin Aqsa. He narrates, "It was such a horrific scene that we totally forgot about poetry". He said this because it was the habit of the Arabs that they would be fearless during battles and recite verses of poetry. Death would be in front of them and they would recite: 'Death is sweeter to us than honey. You frighten us with death.?'Once Ali R.A recited in a battle: " Death is the means for me to meet my Lord, and you attempt to frighten me with death".
They would generally be fearless but such a fear overwhelmed the Muslim Army, Wathila ibn Aqsa (R.A) narrated that they forgot about poetry. And the whole crowd of 8000 people had only one sentence on their tongues: 'Ya Rabba Muhammad! Unsur Ummata Muhammad'. (O Lord of Muhammad, Help the Ummah of Muhammad.)
When Allah was pleased then even these two sentences sufficed then.
Today thousands of people today cry holding the cloth of the Ka'ba in Ramadan and the Imam of the Ka'ba cries for one hour making supplications while thousands respond with 'Ameen' in a state of crying. But the doors of heaven are not opening up.
When the whole of our generation is busy watching shamelessness and dances for the whole night. Traders are bent upon interest. Children are disobedient to their parents. The nights are filled with alcohol and fornication. In the markets, there is gambling and interesting in the name of trading. There is oppression in the government. There is dishonesty in the name of bureaucracy. Then how is it possible for us to make Allah happy and pleased with us?
Sunna Duas for the Well being of the Ummah
Bismillah
Allahuma Sali Ala Muhammad
Ustadh Yahya Rhodus
Having sincere intention is one of the secrets of tawfique (Imam Junayd). Another secret of tawfique is when one has sincere concern for the Ummah of the Prophet [SAW].
The hadith states that one who says the following words 25 or 27 times, he will be from the people that the inhabitants of the Earth receive provision by from the means of this individual and his du’a will be accepted.
‘Astaghfirullah lil Mumineen wal Muminaat’
“O Allah, forgive the believing men and women”.
“Ask forgiveness for your sin and also for the believing men and women” [Qur’an 47:19]
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) also said,
Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and women, then a good deed will be written for him for every single believing man and woman (that he prayer for)
[al-Tabarani]
Also whoever says,
‘Astaghfirullah lil Mumineen wal Muminaat’
“O Allah, forgive the believing men and women”.
He will be rewarded as if he made istighfaar for each individual male and female.
Imam Suyuti from Maruf al Kharqi says whoever recites the following ten times:
”Allaahumma aslih ummata Muhammadin Allaahumma farriji l-karba ‘an ummata MuHammadin Allaahumma arHam ummata MuHammadin”, then his rank will be written amongst the Abdaal (a category from amongst the Awliyaa]
Translation of the du’a:
“O Allah! Rectify the ummah of Muhammad [SAW]
O Allah! Grant ease from hardship to the ummah of Muhammad [SAW]
O Allah! Have mercy on the ummah of Muhammad [SAW]”
Allahuma Sali Ala Muhammad
Ustadh Yahya Rhodus
Having sincere intention is one of the secrets of tawfique (Imam Junayd). Another secret of tawfique is when one has sincere concern for the Ummah of the Prophet [SAW].
The hadith states that one who says the following words 25 or 27 times, he will be from the people that the inhabitants of the Earth receive provision by from the means of this individual and his du’a will be accepted.
‘Astaghfirullah lil Mumineen wal Muminaat’
“O Allah, forgive the believing men and women”.
“Ask forgiveness for your sin and also for the believing men and women” [Qur’an 47:19]
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) also said,
Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and women, then a good deed will be written for him for every single believing man and woman (that he prayer for)
[al-Tabarani]
Also whoever says,
‘Astaghfirullah lil Mumineen wal Muminaat’
“O Allah, forgive the believing men and women”.
He will be rewarded as if he made istighfaar for each individual male and female.
Imam Suyuti from Maruf al Kharqi says whoever recites the following ten times:
”Allaahumma aslih ummata Muhammadin Allaahumma farriji l-karba ‘an ummata MuHammadin Allaahumma arHam ummata MuHammadin”, then his rank will be written amongst the Abdaal (a category from amongst the Awliyaa]
Translation of the du’a:
“O Allah! Rectify the ummah of Muhammad [SAW]
O Allah! Grant ease from hardship to the ummah of Muhammad [SAW]
O Allah! Have mercy on the ummah of Muhammad [SAW]”
The Believer's Path
Bismillah
Allahuma Sali Ala Muhammad
This lecture was given by brother El Shihnawy at my college and I am sharing with you my compilation of notes from the event. May it be of benefit insha’Allah.
A Believer’s Path
This speech was focused on defining the believer’s path through the example of one of the most outstanding men known in history. He was a Prophet, a Loving Father, a man of courage, a man of humility, a man of intelligence and most importantly a man who is praised in various places in the Quran by Allah ta’la, and it is this praise that holds weight.
The man is no other than Ibrahim alayehi salam (peace be upon him). The fact that Allah has made him an example of humanity and mentions him frequently in the verses of the Quran requires attention and reflection.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people.” [2:124]
And Allah did take Ibrahim (Abraham) as a Khalil (an intimate friend). [4:125]
Verily, Ibrahim (Abraham) was an Ummah (a leader having all the good righteous qualities), or a nation, obedient to Allah, Hanifa (i.e. to worship none but Allah), and he was not one of those who were Al-Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, and those who joined partners with Allah). [16:120]
Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrahim (Abraham)… [60:4]
And [of] Abraham, who fulfilled [his obligations] 53:37
These are only a few incidents where Ibrahim alyehi salam (peace be upon him) has been mentioned.
El shihnawy pointed out that the last ayah, Allah says he [Ibrahim] fulfilled, but it does not mention what. [In the translation, I used they have included obligations in brackets but the word “obligations” itself is not in the Quran] Allah left what Ibrahim alyehi salam [peace be upon him] fulfilled unnamed in the most absolute sense.
Our job is similar to that of Ibrahim’s alyehi salam [peace be upon him] job. The aim is to worship Allah ta’la entirely.
Defining the path of the Believer
What is path of the believer?
1) To love Allah.
The ultimate and peak of worship is to love Allah ta’la. It means to have an extreme attachment of Allah with our hearts. This commandment of worshipping Allah is found in other scriptures as well and is the essence of worship.
So, when you develop this love of Allah, your ears find sweetness in his words, you direct your whole being towards him and give your utmost attention, listening carefully to his words and run to fulfill his commandments and attain his pleasure. You no longer worship Allah like an employee. How is that one worships Allah like an employee you may ask?
One worships Allah like an employee in that one forces and drags himself to work, grumbles about having to wake up early. One would rather be somewhere else with friends being occupied with things of this world but because one has to be at work, he is there. He will do the work but just because he has to. In the same way, we delay the prayers to the last possible time and then quickly make four rounds of aerobic activity, we are hesitant to wake up for fajr, and we carry out our religious obligations and duties without passion and do them just because we have to.
However, one who truly loves Allah will hasten to prayer, make preparations before hand to perfect and beautify his deeds and be the first in line to fulfill his commandments.
2) To worship Allah with humility.
A believer worships Allah with humility, and not worship as if doing Allah a favor. In fact, love and humility are the two pillars upon which an act of worship is accepted. Our prayer being accepted is contingent upon what is in our hearts.
Ibrahim alyehi salam [peace be upon him] understood the entire picture of worship. He was an example and he remained true to Allah’s commandments not just in prayer but in dealing with others especially his Father, who was an idolater and even made idols. This is indeed the height of shirk, but how did Ibrahim Alyehi salam [peace be upon him] deal with his Father?
Ibrahim aleyhi salam [peace be upon him] confronts his father with hikmah and utmost respect. He says:
And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said to his father Azar: “Do you take idols as aliha (gods)? Verily, I see you and your people in manifest error. [6:74]
He poses to his father the question of Why do you as oppose to Don’t worship!.
In another verse, he says to his father:
“O my father, indeed I fear that there will touch you a punishment from the Most Merciful….” [19:45]
He firstly addresses him as “O my Father”, in such a loving manner. He warns his father yet emphasizes on Allah’s attribute as being the Most Merciful as if to show Allah’s punishment but also stressing on Allah’s Mercy; Letting his father know that if you repent, you will find him to be Most Merciful.
Compare this to I and you; the youth get passionate about the deen and if a family member does something against Allah’s commandment, he or she will turn in to the hulk. “That’s Haram!”, “I don’t care because I am on the Sunnah!”We seriously need to reflect on Ibrahim’s alyehi salam [peace be upon him] example.
Furthermore, we accept Allah’s decree. It is said that when Fudayl Ibn Iyaad’s son passed away, he started to laugh at his son’s janazah (funeral). The people astonished, asked him why he was laughing at the death of his own son. Fudayl replied that it was to show acceptance towards the decree of Allah. Our beloved Prophet Sallalahu alyehi wasallam, however, displayed both human emotion and accepted divine decree. When his infant son Ibrahim aleyhis salam passed away, his soft heart shed tears for his beloved son but he also uttered these words, “He said, “The eyes send their tears and the heart is saddened, but we do not say anything except that which pleases our Lord. Indeed, O Ibrahim, we are bereaved by your departure from us.”
3) Worshiping does not mean seclusion from the world.
Worshiping Allah does not mean that the believer confines himself in a corner, or a masjid. We must interact, help and aid the Muslim ummah also. Ibrahim, alyehis salam, was not just worried about his own worship and his relation to Allah ta’la. He certainly did not have the attitude that so long as he is good with Allah, he did not care about others or what they did. Rather, he made sure that his children were given the proper Tarbiyah or upbringing also.
Ibrahim, alyehis salam said, “And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, “O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.” [37:102]
It is to be noted here that Ibrahim alyehis salam, is not asking his son in order to get away from Allah’s command or as a way to get out of the grave situation, rather he aleyhis salam, is testing the reason and spiritual aspect of his son! But, just like Ibrahim, his son was also a true believer, his reply was, “He said, “O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.” [37:102]
In regards to Allah asking Ibrahim, alyehis salam, to sacrifice his son, Ibn Qayyim rahimahullah states,” The purpose wasn’t for Ibrahim to kill his son, rather it was to sacrifice him in his heart so all love belonged to Allah alone”.
SubhanAllah!
Now that we have discussed what the believer’s path is, let us continue on to some practical points and see how someone earns the love of Allah. [There is surely more ideas that can be added on to the list towards earning the love of Allah. These are some ideas that were discusses in the lecture.]
Earning the Love of Allah
1) Fulfill your obligations.
How many times has this phrase been uttered and reiterated in various khutbas? Once ? Twice? Many times!
Instead of only packing the Masajids on the 27th of Laylatul Qadr, make an effort to be persistent in your daily Salah also. Yes, that includes Zhur, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and for myself and for most of us the FAJR Salah.
People rush to do those acts that are recommended before acts that are Fardh or obligatory. In the case of the black stone, brothers and sisters will rush, push and shove just to get a chance to kiss or touch the black stone not realizing that the actions they are committing to fulfill this act is certainly displeasing to Allah. It is no doubt, a recommended and a good act as it was done by the Prophet sallalahu alyehi wasallam but also keep in mind the behavior we implement while carrying out this act. Umar ibn khattab radhiAllahu Anhu, once came near the Black Stone and kissed it and said “NO DOUBT, I KNOW THAT YOU ARE A STONE AND CAN NEITHER BENEFIT ANYONE NOR HARM ANYONE. Had I not seen Allah’s Apostle kissing you I would not have kissed you.” [Bukhari]
2) Follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Sallalahu Alyehi wasallam
Furthermore, as you are firm on the obligatory acts, perform more nafl salah and deeds.
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) related from Allah Most High that He said,
“… And my servant continues to draw closer to me by voluntary actions until I love him…” [Bukhari]
[If anyone is interested, here's an excellent article on acts we can do: http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=2133&CATE=99]
Ibrahim, alyehis salam, never said, “Alhamdulillah, I’ve done so much rather he thought about what he could do more. He was someone who entered Islam wholeheartedly. It is no surprise then why Allah ta’la took him as a Khaleel. “ Khaleel is roughly translated as ‘friend’, but upon closer inspection it goes much deeper.” Khalil comes from the word ‘takhallala’, which is when the love intermingles with the heart. So, Ibrahim loved God so much that such love penetrated his heart so they became inseparable. This is the highest degree of love.” Allah had severe love (khulah) for Ibrahim alyehis salam also.
Additionally, Allah says in the Quran, “Say, [O Muhammad], “If you should love Allah , then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [3:31]
This ayah was referred to as the ayah of severe test or ‘mehna’ ; to be able to follow the Prophet in every aspect. This might seem like a burden for us, to have to follow the commandments and rulings of Islam but, for the wise companions, it became a treat, as through it they wanted to show Allah their worth.
As for us we have the mentality that it is so hard to follow the Sunnah whether we are coverts, reverts or born Muslims, it just so hard. And, I am not poking fun, it does get hard at times. However, imagine though the state of Ibrahim alyehis salam, he was the ONLY Muslim walking on the earth at one point in time. Through these difficult times, he came out as a strong believer. Allah praised him, stating, “Verily, Ibrahim was an Ummah…” [16:120] and also said, “Verily, I am going to make you a leader (Prophet) of mankind…” [2:124]
Fudhayl ibn Iyad rahimahullah stated, “Don’t be disheartened if you are walking alone, for he made Ibrahim an Imam for the people”. (Note: I am not sure if this is exactly his words but something along these lines]
How can one be a leader when you have no followers, one may inquire. Allah will make the person ideal either in this life or the hereafter. This holds true as we name those who fulfilled the stages of leadership such as Imam Bukhari or Ibn Taymiyyah or other such scholars. Do we not say “the scholars in the time of IBN TAYMIYYAH or the people in the time of Bukhari”. We remember an entire time period by taking the name of these people. Why? Because they were exceptional leaders and Allah raised their status, similarly with Ibrahim alyehis salam, the Christians, Jews, and Muslims recognize and revere him as prophet to this day. He is taken as an example by these major religions. He inculcated Patience and certainty, two ingredients of leadership, which were implemented by Ibrahim alyehis salam, and other notable righteous persons of the past. We need to have these same characteristics.
3) Dhikr of Allah
Lastly, the Dhikr of Allah must always be intact in our minds and hearts. We all know the ayah which states that it is only in the remembrance of Allah that the hearts find rest. The Dhikr of Allah act as seeds which plant for us trees in Jannah. It is the water that quenches our hearts and grants us tranquility that we all so desperately need. There are various forms of Dhikr, which one can engage in. Simple words such as SubhanAllah, AlhamduLillah, Wallahu Akbar are easy on the tongue but heavy on the scales as is stated in ahadith. [If you are interested, you can check thishttp://www.sunnah.org/ibadaat/beautiful_dhikr.htm for further adhkar insha’Allah]
Dhikr keeps our thoughts and mind polished and is the easiest ways to attain great reward. To end, On the authority of Abu Harayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Prophet (PBUH) said: Allah the Almighty said: I am as My servant thinks I am (1). I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assemble better than it. And if he draws near to Me an arm’s length, I draw near to him a fathom’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.
—————————--
May Allah forgive me for any wrong in this article or how I’ve conveyed it and may we benefit from this ameen. All good is from Allah.
Allahuma Sali Ala Muhammad
This lecture was given by brother El Shihnawy at my college and I am sharing with you my compilation of notes from the event. May it be of benefit insha’Allah.
A Believer’s Path
This speech was focused on defining the believer’s path through the example of one of the most outstanding men known in history. He was a Prophet, a Loving Father, a man of courage, a man of humility, a man of intelligence and most importantly a man who is praised in various places in the Quran by Allah ta’la, and it is this praise that holds weight.
The man is no other than Ibrahim alayehi salam (peace be upon him). The fact that Allah has made him an example of humanity and mentions him frequently in the verses of the Quran requires attention and reflection.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people.” [2:124]
And Allah did take Ibrahim (Abraham) as a Khalil (an intimate friend). [4:125]
Verily, Ibrahim (Abraham) was an Ummah (a leader having all the good righteous qualities), or a nation, obedient to Allah, Hanifa (i.e. to worship none but Allah), and he was not one of those who were Al-Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, and those who joined partners with Allah). [16:120]
Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrahim (Abraham)… [60:4]
And [of] Abraham, who fulfilled [his obligations] 53:37
These are only a few incidents where Ibrahim alyehi salam (peace be upon him) has been mentioned.
El shihnawy pointed out that the last ayah, Allah says he [Ibrahim] fulfilled, but it does not mention what. [In the translation, I used they have included obligations in brackets but the word “obligations” itself is not in the Quran] Allah left what Ibrahim alyehi salam [peace be upon him] fulfilled unnamed in the most absolute sense.
Our job is similar to that of Ibrahim’s alyehi salam [peace be upon him] job. The aim is to worship Allah ta’la entirely.
Defining the path of the Believer
What is path of the believer?
1) To love Allah.
The ultimate and peak of worship is to love Allah ta’la. It means to have an extreme attachment of Allah with our hearts. This commandment of worshipping Allah is found in other scriptures as well and is the essence of worship.
So, when you develop this love of Allah, your ears find sweetness in his words, you direct your whole being towards him and give your utmost attention, listening carefully to his words and run to fulfill his commandments and attain his pleasure. You no longer worship Allah like an employee. How is that one worships Allah like an employee you may ask?
One worships Allah like an employee in that one forces and drags himself to work, grumbles about having to wake up early. One would rather be somewhere else with friends being occupied with things of this world but because one has to be at work, he is there. He will do the work but just because he has to. In the same way, we delay the prayers to the last possible time and then quickly make four rounds of aerobic activity, we are hesitant to wake up for fajr, and we carry out our religious obligations and duties without passion and do them just because we have to.
However, one who truly loves Allah will hasten to prayer, make preparations before hand to perfect and beautify his deeds and be the first in line to fulfill his commandments.
2) To worship Allah with humility.
A believer worships Allah with humility, and not worship as if doing Allah a favor. In fact, love and humility are the two pillars upon which an act of worship is accepted. Our prayer being accepted is contingent upon what is in our hearts.
Ibrahim alyehi salam [peace be upon him] understood the entire picture of worship. He was an example and he remained true to Allah’s commandments not just in prayer but in dealing with others especially his Father, who was an idolater and even made idols. This is indeed the height of shirk, but how did Ibrahim Alyehi salam [peace be upon him] deal with his Father?
Ibrahim aleyhi salam [peace be upon him] confronts his father with hikmah and utmost respect. He says:
And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said to his father Azar: “Do you take idols as aliha (gods)? Verily, I see you and your people in manifest error. [6:74]
He poses to his father the question of Why do you as oppose to Don’t worship!.
In another verse, he says to his father:
“O my father, indeed I fear that there will touch you a punishment from the Most Merciful….” [19:45]
He firstly addresses him as “O my Father”, in such a loving manner. He warns his father yet emphasizes on Allah’s attribute as being the Most Merciful as if to show Allah’s punishment but also stressing on Allah’s Mercy; Letting his father know that if you repent, you will find him to be Most Merciful.
Compare this to I and you; the youth get passionate about the deen and if a family member does something against Allah’s commandment, he or she will turn in to the hulk. “That’s Haram!”, “I don’t care because I am on the Sunnah!”We seriously need to reflect on Ibrahim’s alyehi salam [peace be upon him] example.
Furthermore, we accept Allah’s decree. It is said that when Fudayl Ibn Iyaad’s son passed away, he started to laugh at his son’s janazah (funeral). The people astonished, asked him why he was laughing at the death of his own son. Fudayl replied that it was to show acceptance towards the decree of Allah. Our beloved Prophet Sallalahu alyehi wasallam, however, displayed both human emotion and accepted divine decree. When his infant son Ibrahim aleyhis salam passed away, his soft heart shed tears for his beloved son but he also uttered these words, “He said, “The eyes send their tears and the heart is saddened, but we do not say anything except that which pleases our Lord. Indeed, O Ibrahim, we are bereaved by your departure from us.”
3) Worshiping does not mean seclusion from the world.
Worshiping Allah does not mean that the believer confines himself in a corner, or a masjid. We must interact, help and aid the Muslim ummah also. Ibrahim, alyehis salam, was not just worried about his own worship and his relation to Allah ta’la. He certainly did not have the attitude that so long as he is good with Allah, he did not care about others or what they did. Rather, he made sure that his children were given the proper Tarbiyah or upbringing also.
Ibrahim, alyehis salam said, “And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, “O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.” [37:102]
It is to be noted here that Ibrahim alyehis salam, is not asking his son in order to get away from Allah’s command or as a way to get out of the grave situation, rather he aleyhis salam, is testing the reason and spiritual aspect of his son! But, just like Ibrahim, his son was also a true believer, his reply was, “He said, “O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.” [37:102]
In regards to Allah asking Ibrahim, alyehis salam, to sacrifice his son, Ibn Qayyim rahimahullah states,” The purpose wasn’t for Ibrahim to kill his son, rather it was to sacrifice him in his heart so all love belonged to Allah alone”.
SubhanAllah!
Now that we have discussed what the believer’s path is, let us continue on to some practical points and see how someone earns the love of Allah. [There is surely more ideas that can be added on to the list towards earning the love of Allah. These are some ideas that were discusses in the lecture.]
Earning the Love of Allah
1) Fulfill your obligations.
How many times has this phrase been uttered and reiterated in various khutbas? Once ? Twice? Many times!
Instead of only packing the Masajids on the 27th of Laylatul Qadr, make an effort to be persistent in your daily Salah also. Yes, that includes Zhur, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and for myself and for most of us the FAJR Salah.
People rush to do those acts that are recommended before acts that are Fardh or obligatory. In the case of the black stone, brothers and sisters will rush, push and shove just to get a chance to kiss or touch the black stone not realizing that the actions they are committing to fulfill this act is certainly displeasing to Allah. It is no doubt, a recommended and a good act as it was done by the Prophet sallalahu alyehi wasallam but also keep in mind the behavior we implement while carrying out this act. Umar ibn khattab radhiAllahu Anhu, once came near the Black Stone and kissed it and said “NO DOUBT, I KNOW THAT YOU ARE A STONE AND CAN NEITHER BENEFIT ANYONE NOR HARM ANYONE. Had I not seen Allah’s Apostle kissing you I would not have kissed you.” [Bukhari]
2) Follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Sallalahu Alyehi wasallam
Furthermore, as you are firm on the obligatory acts, perform more nafl salah and deeds.
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) related from Allah Most High that He said,
“… And my servant continues to draw closer to me by voluntary actions until I love him…” [Bukhari]
[If anyone is interested, here's an excellent article on acts we can do: http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=2133&CATE=99]
Ibrahim, alyehis salam, never said, “Alhamdulillah, I’ve done so much rather he thought about what he could do more. He was someone who entered Islam wholeheartedly. It is no surprise then why Allah ta’la took him as a Khaleel. “ Khaleel is roughly translated as ‘friend’, but upon closer inspection it goes much deeper.” Khalil comes from the word ‘takhallala’, which is when the love intermingles with the heart. So, Ibrahim loved God so much that such love penetrated his heart so they became inseparable. This is the highest degree of love.” Allah had severe love (khulah) for Ibrahim alyehis salam also.
Additionally, Allah says in the Quran, “Say, [O Muhammad], “If you should love Allah , then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [3:31]
This ayah was referred to as the ayah of severe test or ‘mehna’ ; to be able to follow the Prophet in every aspect. This might seem like a burden for us, to have to follow the commandments and rulings of Islam but, for the wise companions, it became a treat, as through it they wanted to show Allah their worth.
As for us we have the mentality that it is so hard to follow the Sunnah whether we are coverts, reverts or born Muslims, it just so hard. And, I am not poking fun, it does get hard at times. However, imagine though the state of Ibrahim alyehis salam, he was the ONLY Muslim walking on the earth at one point in time. Through these difficult times, he came out as a strong believer. Allah praised him, stating, “Verily, Ibrahim was an Ummah…” [16:120] and also said, “Verily, I am going to make you a leader (Prophet) of mankind…” [2:124]
Fudhayl ibn Iyad rahimahullah stated, “Don’t be disheartened if you are walking alone, for he made Ibrahim an Imam for the people”. (Note: I am not sure if this is exactly his words but something along these lines]
How can one be a leader when you have no followers, one may inquire. Allah will make the person ideal either in this life or the hereafter. This holds true as we name those who fulfilled the stages of leadership such as Imam Bukhari or Ibn Taymiyyah or other such scholars. Do we not say “the scholars in the time of IBN TAYMIYYAH or the people in the time of Bukhari”. We remember an entire time period by taking the name of these people. Why? Because they were exceptional leaders and Allah raised their status, similarly with Ibrahim alyehis salam, the Christians, Jews, and Muslims recognize and revere him as prophet to this day. He is taken as an example by these major religions. He inculcated Patience and certainty, two ingredients of leadership, which were implemented by Ibrahim alyehis salam, and other notable righteous persons of the past. We need to have these same characteristics.
3) Dhikr of Allah
Lastly, the Dhikr of Allah must always be intact in our minds and hearts. We all know the ayah which states that it is only in the remembrance of Allah that the hearts find rest. The Dhikr of Allah act as seeds which plant for us trees in Jannah. It is the water that quenches our hearts and grants us tranquility that we all so desperately need. There are various forms of Dhikr, which one can engage in. Simple words such as SubhanAllah, AlhamduLillah, Wallahu Akbar are easy on the tongue but heavy on the scales as is stated in ahadith. [If you are interested, you can check thishttp://www.sunnah.org/ibadaat/beautiful_dhikr.htm for further adhkar insha’Allah]
Dhikr keeps our thoughts and mind polished and is the easiest ways to attain great reward. To end, On the authority of Abu Harayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Prophet (PBUH) said: Allah the Almighty said: I am as My servant thinks I am (1). I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assemble better than it. And if he draws near to Me an arm’s length, I draw near to him a fathom’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.
—————————--
May Allah forgive me for any wrong in this article or how I’ve conveyed it and may we benefit from this ameen. All good is from Allah.