Our social:

Archives

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – Kindness Personified

Prophet Muhammad’s nobility of character was of an immeasurably higher level. It was part of his nature, issuing forth instinctively.

One of the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him), Khubayb ibn Adiyy, fell a prisoner in the hands of some unbelievers as a result of a wicked trick. They took him to Makkah where they sold him to some of its chiefs who were still nursing their grief after having suffered a heavy defeat in the Battle of Badr, the first major military encounter between them and the Muslims. They wanted to kill Khubayb in revenge of the killing of some of their elders in that battle. When Khubayb was brought forward to be killed, Abu Sufyan, the leader of the Quraysh, asked him: “Do you wish that Muhammad were here in your place and we would kill him while you were safe among your people?” Khubayb answered: “I would not wish to be safe among my people and Muhammad (peace be upon him) having a thorn in his side.” Abu Sufyan remarked: “I have never seen anything like the love Muhammad’s companions feel for him.”

Abu Sufyan was absolutely right: That love was unparalleled, unknown in human history. Moreover, millions and millions of people across the 14 centuries of the history of Islam have felt that Prophet Muhammad was always dearer to them than their own parents and children. They even loved him more than they loved themselves. This is the mark of true faith. There is, however, a great difference between love that is generated by faith and strengthened by a study of the character of God’s messenger, and love born by personal experience of his character, and living through the great events that marked the history of the early years of Islam and witnessing the Prophet’s reactions to these events.

When we study what the Prophet’s companions experienced of his character we realize that they saw a unique sort of nobility of character. Some people may be noble, and they treat others with kindness and compassion. Still, they will have their own turf, which they would not allow others to encroach. Moreover, they will have their own circle of relatives and friends whom they treat differently from other people.

Prophet Muhammad’s nobility of character was of an immeasurably higher level. It was part of his nature, issuing forth instinctively. When faced with a situation, he did not reflect on what would be the kinder, nobler or more compassionate behavior; it came to him naturally. In all his relations with people, particularly the weaker and more vulnerable elements in society, he was the epitome of kindness. He keenly felt for them, tried to console them when they encountered an adversity, and did his best to comfort them. He never intentionally hurt anyone. He inquired after all his companions, young and old. When he talked to anyone, regardless of that person’s position in society, his interlocutor felt a warm relation with the Prophet. When the Prophet’s companions talked to him, even the most humble of them used to feel that the Prophet placed him above all others. He let everyone talk to him as they wished, never interrupting them even if they took a long time.

When he learned that a companion of his was ill, the Prophet went to visit him at home and prayed for his recovery. He might pay social visits to his companions. He would join them, sitting in the last vacant place. If anyone came to see him at home or in the mosque, he would sit with his visitor until he left, never giving a sign or an expression of his being busy or having some important business. When anyone shook hands with him or held his hand, he would not let go until that person did so.

He would answer an invitation, even by the poorest of his companions. Whatever food was served, even the most modest, he would eat and express thanks to God and to his host. Thus, no one felt distant from him at any time. He was the epitome of warm friendship with all his companions.

– by Adil Salahi

Lessons To Learn From The Prophet’s Hajj

There are four fundamental and practical principles of Islam: Prayers, Fasting, Poor-due (Zakah) and Haj. Of these each one has an “axis” round which the faith revolves.

Almighty Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “The Haj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months ( i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first 10 days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar). So whosoever intends to perform Haj therein (by assuming Ihram), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Haj. And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allah knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness). So fear Me, O men of understanding.

“There is no sin on you if you seek the Bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage by trading). Then when you leave Arafat, remember Allah (by glorifying His Praises, i.e. prayers and invocations) at the Masha’r-il-Haram. And remember Him (by invoking Allah for all good) as He has guided you, and verily, you were, before, of those who were astray.

“Then depart from the place whence all the people depart and ask Allah for His forgiveness. Truly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (2:197-99)

The Haj of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) — and his everlasting message — is known as the Hijjat Al-Wida (the Farewell Pilgrimage). It is because, upon returning from Haj the Prophet (peace be upon him) left this world within three months. This Haj is also known with other names: It is called “Hijjat Al-Islam” because this is the only Haj that the Prophet performed after receiving the message of Islam.

It is also called “Hijjat Al-Balagh” because in this Haj the Prophet (peace be upon him) conveyed the final message of Islam. It is also called “Hijjat Al-Kamal and Hijjat At-Tamam” because in this Haj Allah revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him) the good news that the message of Islam is perfected and Allah’s favor is fully granted to those who shall follow the way of Islam.

This Haj took place in the 10th Hijrah year. Many details about this Haj are available in the books of Ahadith and Seerah. One can prepare a whole diary of this Haj from Prophet’s departure and return to Madina.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) left Madina on 25th of Dhu’l Qa’dah. People kept joining him from all directions. When he arrived in Makkah, the number of those who joined him reached about 125,000 people. The Prophet explained to them at every step the basic rules and principles of Haj.

In Arafat he gave his famous sermon and then next day in Mina he repeated some of its points and gave some more points. The speech had many important aspects and it was communicated by different people in the crowd who would repeat after the Prophet (peace be upon him). The main theme of this famous speech can be summarized as: “Do not wrong any one.”

Here are some basic points of this speech:
“O People, do you know in what month, what day and in what city you are?” They said, “On a sacred day, in a sacred city and a sacred month.” He said, “Your blood, your properties and your honor is as sacred among you as the sacredness of this day of yours, this month of yours and this city of yours.”

Then he said, “Listen to me and you shall live (happily): Behold, do no injustice, Behold, do no injustice, Behold, do no injustice. ”

“It is not permissible to take the money of a Muslim without his/her good pleasure. Behold, every blood demand, every money demand or any special privilege that you held in the time of “ignorance” (before accepting Islam) are under my feet until the Day of Judgment. Every demand of interest is cancelled. You can only have your capital without doing wrong or being wronged. ”

“All people are equal like the teeth of the comb. All of you are descendants of Adam and Adam was created from dust. There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab or for a white person over a black person except in the matters of piety.”

“A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim. All Muslims are one brotherhood. ”

“Behold, do not turn infidels after me by striking at the necks of each other. Behold, Satan has lost all hope that the people of Salah will worship him, but he shall still try to create dissensions among you. (So beware of Satan and his plots.) ”

“Be conscious of Allah concerning women. They are your helpmates. They have some rights on you and you have some rights on them. ”

“Behold, whosoever has any thing entrusted to him by someone else, he should give it back to the one who entrusted him.”

Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) spread his hands and he said, “Behold, I have conveyed. Behold, I have conveyed.” Then he said, “Let those who are present convey this message to those who are not here. Indeed some who may receive it later may follow it better than those who heard it.”

Here the Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the following principles:
* Honor the life, dignity and property of others.
* Do not do injustice and oppression.
* Be honest in your business and financial dealings.
* All human beings are equal.
* Muslims are brothers to each other.
* Do not fight each other.
* Avoid quarrels and disputes among yourselves.
* Recognize the rights of women.
* Fulfill the trusts.
* Convey the message of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to others.

This message was delivered more than 1,400 years ago and it is always needed. Muslims need it and the whole world needs it. This is the message that we have to live with and should convey to the world.

Insights Into The Story Of Maryam, Mother Of Prophet Isa

The Holy Qur’an is full of insights for those who would like to get a true and comprehensive vision of this life and the Hereafter. The Qur’an offers clues to all the mysteries and ambiguities that human life abounds with. The story of Maryam (Mary) in the Holy Qur’an is told at more than one place. In this article, I would like to shed some light on some of the aspects of this story.

When Maryam was young, Prophet Zakariyya (Zachariah), peace be upon him, found that she had with her the fruits typical of summer in winter and the opposite. When asked about that, she answered, “Every time he entered Al-Mihrab to (visit) her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: “O Maryam (Mary)! From where have you got this?” She said, “This is from Allah.” Verily, Allah provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit.” (Qur’an, 3:37).

In a different context in surah Maryam, Allah says when Mariam is about to deliver her babe Isa (Jesus), “And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you.” “So eat and drink and be glad. And if you see any human being, say: “Verily! I have vowed a fast unto the Most Gracious (Allah) so I shall not speak to any human being this day.'” (Qur’an, 19:25-26)

The question that can be raised here is that when Maryam was young and free of motherly responsibilities, Allah gave her things (fruit) without her exerting any effort. Whereas when she is frail and in throes of childbirth, He orders her to shake the trunk of the date-palm toward her, that it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon her.

The mystery can be resolved because Allah wants Maryam to depend on herself from now on as she will face the wrath of her people while carrying her own new-born baby, although she is not married. She has to face their shock and consternation depending on nobody but Allah, “Then she brought him (the baby) to her people, carrying him. They said: “O Mary! Indeed you have brought a thing Fariyy (a mighty thing). [Tafsir At-Tabari]” “O sister (i.e. the like) of Harun (Aaron)! Your father was not a man who used to commit adultery, nor your mother was an unchaste woman.” (Qur’an, 19:27-28)

Allah, praise be to Him, supported her with another miracle when the baby, Jesus Christ, peace be upon him, talks to the people, “He Isa (Jesus) said: “Verily I am a slave of Allah, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet,” “And dutiful to my mother, and made me not arrogant, unblest.” (Qur’an, 19:30-32)

At the end, I believe that one of the moral lessons that we can deduce from the story of Maryam is that as long as Allah is supporting you, never have fear of anybody. In other words, “He who fears God need not fear the world.”

Abu Ayub Ansari, A Prominent Companion

His name shines on the horizon of Madinah. He was the first who offered full hospitality to Holy Prophet (peace and mercy of Allah be upon him) when he arrived in Madinah. Later he proved that he was not only an extraordinary host and a warrior, but also Katib-e-Wahi, a Hafiz Qur’an and a Faqih whose fatwas were trusted. Abu Ayub Ansari also served as imam of the Prophet’s Mosque during the Caliphate of Uthman bin Affan. He took part in all the famous battles including Badr, Ohud, Khandaq, Hunain, Khayber and Tabuk.

Abu Ayub Ansari belonged to Bani Najjar tribe. It was not a new relationship for the Holy Prophet (pbuh). His great-grandfather Hashem married a lady named Salma from Banu Najjar of Madinah, later he went to Shaam for trading and died at Ghazza and was buried there. Salma gave birth to a boy. Later when Thabet bin Manzar (father of Hassan bin Thabet) visited Makkah he informed Muttaleb about his brother Hashim’s marriage in Madinah and the birth of a boy. Muttaleb visited Madinah and brought his nephew. This boy was named Abdul Muttaleb, later to become the grandfather of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) migrated to Madinah the whole city erupted in jubilation with young boys and girls welcoming the Prophet (peace be upon him) with noble songs.

The residents stood on the way asking the Prophet to stay with them. The Prophet said, “I will stay at the place where my camel sits.” The camel moved for a while and sat at an open place. He asked whose house is nearby. Abu Ayub Ansari burst with joy and said: “This is my house, this is my house, I am here to serve you.” Asad bin Zararah took the camel to his house. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stayed at Abu Ayub’s house for about seven months until the Prophet’s Mosque was built on the open space where his camel had stopped. Thus Abu Ayub became the Prophet’s closest neighbor who always served him during his life. This house was later known as “Maktaba Aarif Hikmat Bey” about 10 meters from the present Bab Baqie of the Prophet’s Mosque.

It is reported that once Abu Bakr and Omar came out of their houses because of acute hunger. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also joined them and they went together to the house of Abu Ayub. He was filled with joy to see the honorable guests. He rushed to the garden and brought dates. He later slaughtered a goat and offered it to them. They ate it and thanked Almighty Allah for His great bounties. In the meantime Prophet (peace be upon him) took a piece of meat, placed it in a loaf and said, “Abu Ayub, take this to Fatimah, she has not tasted the like of this for days.”

Abu Ayub devoted his life and property for the sake of Islam and participated in most of the campaigns during and after the life of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). He was born in around 590 AD. He had three sons — Khalid, Ayub and Mohammed and a daughter named Umrah. Their descendants are found in Egypt, India, Pakistan and Turkey.

During the rule of Ameer Muawiya when a call was made for jihad against Constantinople, he raised his sword and participated in it. Though he was one of the favorites of the Holy Prophet, he preferred to leave Madinah and fight in distant lands for the sake of Islam. During this campaign he fell sick and instead of returning to Madinah he said before his death: “Convey my salaams to the Muslim army and tell them: ‘Abu Ayub urges you to penetrate deep into the enemy territory as far as you can so that you carry me (my dead body) with you and that you bury me under your feet at the walls of Constantinople.’”

Then he breathed his last. The Muslim army fulfilled the desire of the companion of the Messenger of God. They pushed back the enemy’s forces in attack after attack until they reached the walls of Constantinople. There they buried him.

Later, Ottoman Caliphs built nice tomb and a mosque. The locality is now called Ayub Sultan on the European part of Istanbul. Besides the grave of Abu Ayub Ansari there are 28 more companions buried in Turkey who laid their lives for the sake of Islam on this land. Ayub Sultan has become a sacred locality and many Ottoman caliphs were crowned at this place and later many nobles were buried near him.

This is a Hadith narrated by Abu Ayub Ansari (May Almighty Allah give him high ranks in Paradise), Allah’s Messenger said, “It is not lawful for a man to desert his Muslim brother for more than three nights. (It is unlawful for them that) when they meet, one of them turns his face away from the other, and the other turns his face from the former, and the better of the two will be the one who greets the other first.”

– by ABU TARIQ HIJAZI

The Virtues And Blessings of Reciting Durood Upon Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)

All praise is due to Allah Ta’ala. May the choicest durood (salutations) and salaam (peace) descend upon the noblest of Ambiyaa and Rasuls, our master and leader Hadhrat Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and upon his blessed household and all his illustrious companions.

It is the belief of every believer that those who enjoy the highest rank after Allah Ta’ala are the Ambiyaa (may Allah Ta’ala’s choicest blessings rain upon them), and from among the galaxy of Ambiyaa, the highest in rank and status is Hadhrat Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Not only was Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) sent to this ummah as the final messenger of Allah Ta’ala and the seal of prophethood, but he was also the leader of all the Ambiyaa and Rasuls of the past. The nubuwwat of every Rasul and Nabi of the past was subject to accepting Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) as his leader and pledging to support his cause if Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) appeared in his era.

The love that Allah Ta’ala expressed for Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), which can be easily gauged from the style of address in the Holy Qur’an , is unique and exclusive to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). The honor conferred to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) by Allah Ta’ala on the occasion of Me’raj was an honour not enjoyed by any other Messenger of the past. Furthermore, when Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) will be ushered into the court of Allah Ta’ala on the day of Qiyaamah to the esteemed pedestal of maqaam mahmood to intercede for the entire humanity, his distinct position will be envied by all the Ambiyaa and Rasuls and their nations.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)’s blessings and virtues are so immense and incredible that it is impossible for anyone to enumerate. Suffice to say that he will be the leader of the entire creation of Allah Ta’ala on the day of Qiyamah .

Hadhrat Ibn Abbas (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that a group of Sahaabah were once sitting (in Musjid Nabawi) when Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) emerged (from his home) and came towards them. As he drew closer, he heard them discussing amongst themselves. One of them said, “Indeed Allah Ta’ala chose Hadhrat Ebrahim (Alaihi Salaam) as his khaleel (special friend).” Another said, “Hadhrat Moosa (Alaihi Salaam) had the honor of conversing directly with Allah Ta’ala. A third said, “Hadhrat Isa (Alaihi Salaam) is the kalima and rooh of Allah Ta’ala (i.e. he was born with the command of Allah Ta’ala and the rooh was directly inserted into the womb without the medium of a father.) A fourth said, “Allah Ta’ala had divinely selected and chosen Hadhrat Aadam (Alaihi Salaam) (to be the father of mankind).

Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) then entered their gathering and addressed them saying, “I have overheard your discussion and (I have noticed) your surprise with regard to the esteemed status and lofty positions of the past Ambiyaa. Certainly, Hadhrat Ebrahim (Alaihi Salaam) is the khaleel of Allah Ta’ala, and there is no doubt in that. Hadhrat Moosa (Alaihi Salaam) had the honor of conversing directly with Allah Ta’ala- this is an established fact. Hadhrat Isa (Alaihi Salaam) is the kalima and rooh of Allah Ta’ala, and this is certainly true. And Hadhrat Aadam (Alaihi Salaam) has been divinely selected by Allah Ta’ala, and undoubtedly he was such. Behold, I am the habeeb (beloved) of Allah Ta’ala and I proclaim it without pride. I will be the bearer of the banner of praise on the day of Qiyaamah, behind which will be Hadhrat Aadam and all those who came after him. I proclaim this without any pride. I will be the first to intercede and the first whose intercession will be accepted on the day of Qiyaamah, and I proclaim this without pride. I will be the first to shake the chain of the door of Jannah. Thereafter Allah Ta’ala will command that the door be opened for me and I be made to enter, while with me will be the poor believers, and I proclaim this without pride. I am the noblest of all the former and latter to Allah Ta’ala, and I say this without pride.

Undoubtedly, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is the greatest and pinnacle of Allah Ta’ala’s creation. It is the greatest honour for every ummati of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) to be linked to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), the Imaam of all the Ambiyaa of Allah Ta’ala. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is the source of hidaayat (guidance) for humanity at large, for it was none other than Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) who was chosen to show us the path of guidance, through which we can earn eternal bliss and salvation. The ability of worshipping and recognizing Allah Ta’ala correctly, and simultaneously fulfilling the rights of fellow humans, also depend entirely upon emulating the teachings of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).

Apart from this, when we study the mubaarak life of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), we realize the intense love that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) possessed, not only for his family and Sahaabah, but for every ummati till the day of Qiyaamah. The perpetual concern and overwhelming anxiety that Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had for every ummati is inconceivable and unimaginable. In short, his deep love, unwaning concern and unabating worry for every ummati propelled him to patiently bear the manifold atrocities and immense difficulties that had befallen him in the path of propagating Deen which even the most caring and loving mother would not undergo for her one and only child. The three years of boycott in the valley of Abu Taalib, his mubaarak shoes being filled with blood at Ta’if, the blood oozing from his mubaarak face at Uhud etc., is only a glimpse of what he sacrificed for the Ummah, to such an extent that Allah Ta’ala pitied him and addressed him in the Holy Quran:
Perhaps, [O Muhammad], you would kill yourself with grief that they will not be believers.
Certainly a Messenger from amongst yourselves has come to you. It grieves him that you should face difficulty and hardship: ardently anxious is he over your hidaayat, to the Believers is he most compassionate and merciful.

Thus, when Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is essentially the source of all good in this world, and the ticket to enter Paradise, one can well imagine that being his followers what rights he has over us and how much we are indebted to him.

Amongst the rights that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) possesses over us, is that we obey him in all that he has commanded, we lead a life in conformity to his mubaarak lifestyle, and we continuously recite durood and salaam upon him as we are instructed by Allah Ta’ala in the Holy Qur’an:
Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). O you who believe! Send durood and salaam upon him.

However, on account of our busy schedules and being so preoccupied with commitments and the mundane activities, we have drifted far away from Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and lost track of our main objectives and priorities in life. In view of the present situation, the need was felt to once again rekindle the love of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) within our hearts, thereby being able to understand the way to follow his mubaarak sunnah and reach Allah Ta’ala.

We make Duaa to Allah Ta’ala that he accept this humble effort and makes it a means of us being blessed with the intercession of Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) on the day of Qiyaamah, and being in his mubaarak company.

Hadith Affecting The Emotions

Protecting one’s tongue from evil-talk
Hadith 8.481 Narrated by Sahl bin Sad (Radhiallah hu Taala anhu)
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, ” Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him. ”

Hadith 8.482 Narrated by Abu Huraira (Radhiallah hu Taala anhu)
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, ” Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not hurt (or insult) his neighbor; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should entertain his guest generously .”

Hadith 8.483 Narrated by Abu Shuraih Al Khuzai (Radhiallah hu Taala anhu)
My ears heard and my heart grasped (the statement which) the Prophet said, ” The period for keeping one’s guest is three days (and don’t forget) his reward.” It was asked, “What is his reward? ” He said, “In the first night and the day he should be given a high class quality of meals; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should entertain his guest generously; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good (sense) or keep quiet. ”

Hadith 8.484 Narrated by Abu Huraira (Radhiallah hu Taala anhu)
That he heard Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) saying, ” A slave of Allah may utter a word without thinking whether it is right or wrong, he may slip down in the Fire as far away a distance equal to that between the east.”

Hadith 8.485 Narrated by Abu Huraira (Radhiallah hu Taala anhu)
The Prophet; said, ” A slave (of Allah) may utter a word which pleases Allah without giving it much importance, and because of that Allah will raise him to degrees (of reward): a slave (of Allah) may utter a word (carelessly) which displeases Allah without thinking of its gravity and because of that he will be thrown into the Hell-Fire. “