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Category: Sunnah

The Messenger of Allah (Sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam)

Loving Allah and His messenger (salAllaahu alayhi wa salam) is a duty upon every Muslim. Loving the Prophet of Allah (salAllaahu alayhi wa salam) should be manifested in both our speech and actions. It is not sufficient to simply claim to love the Prophet Muhammad yet continue to disobey Allah and His Messenger. Loving the Prophet Muhammad (salAllaahu alayhi wa salam) means following his Sunnah and avoiding bid’ah.

As Muslims, we should love the Prophet (salAllaahu alahi wa salam) more than we love ourselves and our family. It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allah ibn Hishaam said: We were with the Prophet (salAllaahu alahi wa salam) when he was holding the hand of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab. ‘Umar said to him: “O Messenger of Allah, you are dearer to me than everything except my own self.” The Prophet (salAllaahu alahi wa salam) said: “No, by the One in Whose hand is my soul, not until I am dearer to you than your own self.” ‘Umar said to him: “Now, by Allah, you are dearer to me than my own self.” The Prophet (salAllaahu alahi wa salam) said: “Now (you are a true believer), O ‘Umar.” [al-Bukhaari, 6257]

Love of the messenger of Allah (salAllaahu alayhi wa salam) can be shown in various ways. A sign of love for him is to obey him (salAllaahu alayhi wa salam). Allah has commanded us to follow the Prophet (salAllaahu alahi wa salam). Allah says: “And obey Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad)…” [al-Maa’idah 5:92]. When you love someone, you follow them, imitate them and do what you can to please them. Allah has told us that obedience to the Prophet (salAllaahu alahi wa salam) is obedience to Allah. Allah says: “He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad), has indeed obeyed Allah, but he who turns away, then we have not sent you (O Muhammad) as a watcher over them” [al-Nisa’ 4:80]

By refusing to obey the messenger of Allah (salAllaahu alayhi wa salam) we are, in reality, refusing to enter jannah. “All of my ummah will enter Paradise except those who refuse.” They said: “O Messenger of Allah, who would refuse?” He said, “Whoever obeys me will enter Paradise and whoever disobeys me has refused.” Everything that the Prophet (salAllaahu alayhi wa salam) said and did leads to paradise and eternal salvation, whereas everything he stayed away from and warned against leads to hellfire and eternal condemnation.

Our Lord, Allah, has given us a man as a mercy not only to humans but to the whole of creation. It is our duty to honor him and defend him when others attack him, even after his death. Allah says: “Verily, We have sent you (O Muhammad) as a witness, as a bearer of glad tidings, and as a Warner. In order that you (O mankind) may believe in Allah and His Messenger, and that you assist and honor him, and (that you) glorify (Allah’s) praises morning and afternoon” [al-Fath 48:8-9].

Description Of the Beloved Prophet’s Blessed Physic

It is impossible to turn a blind eye to the fact that Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Praise and Peace be upon Him) is by far the most worthy and the greatest of all mankind, and that he is the most perfect of all, adorned with the most excellent virtues and qualities.

وأحسن منك لم تر قط عيني
I haven’t seen the lovely personality like yours
وأجمل منك لم تلد النساء
And no mother has given birth to such a wonderful personality
خُلِقْتَ مبرءاً من كل عيب
You are created free from every fault
كأنك قد خُلِقْتَ كما تشاء
You were created, as you wanted to be

His physical description and character have been reported by many of his Companions, and we are told that he was the most handsome man ever created, surpassing Prophet Yousuf Alaihis Salam, for whom the women of the city cut their hands.

And when she heard of their secret talk, she sent for them and prepared cushioned mattresses for them and gave a knife to each one of them and said to Yusuf, “Come out before them!” When the women saw him, they praised him and cut their hands, and said, “Purity is to Allah – this is no human being; this is not but an honorable angel!” [Surah al-Yousuf, Verse 31]

A Green Turban Shaped around a Kullah, A Stick, and A cotton Mantle or Cloak, attributed to Sayyiduna wa Mawlana Rasoolullah Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam

Follow The Sunnah And Increase Your Beauty

I. Hadrat Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Umar (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) has said, “Do the opposite of what the polytheists do; let the beard grow long and clip the mustache.” A version has, “Trim the mustache down and leave the beard.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, Page 875, Hadith 781]

II. Hadrat Zayd ibn Arqam (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) has said, “Whoever does not take something off his mustache is not one of us (not on our path).” [Sunan Nisa’i, Vol. 2, Page 274]

III. Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) reported that the Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) said: “He who does not shave off the hair from the abdomen and does not cut his nails and does not trim his mustaches is not of us”.

IV. Sayyiduna Anas (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “The maximum exemption for shaving off the hair from the abdomen and armpit and for cutting nails and for trimming the mustaches is forty days.” [Sahih Muslim, Vol. 2, Page 128, Hadith 497]

V. Hadrat Abu Huraira (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) has said, “Cut the mustaches and let the beards grow long; (by doing this) do the opposite of the fire worshipers.” [Sahih Muslim, Vol. 2, Page 129, Hadith 501]

VI. Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) reported that the Glorious Prophet of Islam (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) said: “Five things are from the traditions of the Prophets of the old: circumcision, removing the hair below the navel, trimming the mustaches, cutting the nails, and removing the hair from the armpit”.[Sahih Muslim, Vol. 2, Page 127 Hadith 495]

VII. AlaHadrat Imam Ahmad Rida Khan (Alayhir Rahmah) has quoted a saying of Sayyiduna Ka’ab Ahbar (Radi Allahu Anhu) in his booklet Lum’at al-Duha: “Near to the end of the world, there would be some people who would trim their beards. They are extremely unfortunate. That is, they will have no blessing in religion and in the Hereafter”. [Ihya al-Uloom, Vol. 1, Page 145 | Fatawa Radawiyyah, Vol. 22, Page 651]

VIII. The Beloved and Blessed Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) once sent a letter with the message of ‘call to righteousness’ to Sag-e-Iran Khisraw (Parwayz) via Sayyiduna Abdullah Bin Huzafah. Seeing the blessed letter, Khisraw (Parwayz), a cruel and insolent person, turned furious and tore the blessed letter into pieces. Then, Khisraw (Parwayz) issued an order to Bazan, the then governor of Yemen, who had influence over the entire Arab Empire. Bazan called for a troop whose commander’s name was Kharkhasrah. Moreover, another officer named Baniwiyah was also sent along with them to keep an eye on the advances and actions of the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam).

When both of these officers were brought into the blessed court of the Beloved Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam), their neck veins were trembling out of the Prophetic-awe of Beloved Mustafa (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam). Since they were fire-worshippers, they did not have beards, and their mustaches were so big that their lips were covered. They used to call their king Parwayz their ‘lord’. Disturbed upon seeing their beardless faces, the Beloved Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said in disgust, ‘May you be ruined! Who asked you to keep such a face?’ They replied, ‘Our lord ‘Parwayz’ has asked us to do so.’ The Beloved and Blessed Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said,

“But my Rabb (Lord) has ordered me to grow the beard and trim the mustache.”[Madarij al-Nubuwwah, Vol. 2, Pages 224-225 | Fatawa Radawiyyah, Vol. 22, Page 647]

Important Notes:
1. Many of our Muslim brothers have opted to make their beards into a fashion and have a ‘stylish’ effect to them. Many completely shave it off and some leave a bit on the chin. Some keep their beards only 2 fingers long and believe that they’re following the Shari’ah, despite the fact that those who shave all of their beards and those who shave it to less than one fist are all the same in sin in the eyes of Shari’ah. It has been stated in Bahar-e-Shari’at: “To grow the beard is the Sunnah of the prophets. To shave it all or less than a fist is Haraam.” [Bahar-e-Shari'at, Vol. 16, Page 585]

2. Hadrat Shaykh Abd al-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi (Alayhir Rahmah) has stated: “To shave the beard is Haram, and the way of the English, the Hindus, and monkey dancers. It is wajib to leave the beard to grow to one fist. Those fuqaha (scholars) who have stated that to keep the beard one fist is Sunnat, then this is not because according to them to keep the beard to one fist is not wajib, but in fact “sunnah” in this context means the Islamic way, or because the wujub (necessity) of keeping a beard one fist has been proven from the Sunnah (the ahadeeth – prophetic traditions of the Beloved Prophet), just as the Eid prayers have been called Sunnat, despite the fact that they are wajib.”

3. It has been stated in al-Durr al-Mukhtar (Vol. 2, Page 116), Radd al-Muhtar (Vol. 2, Page 117), al-Bahr al-Ra’iq (Vol. 2, Page 280), Fath al-Qadir (Vol. 2 Page 270), Tahtawi (Page 411) that: [and the words quoted here are of Tahtawi’s] “According to the unanimous opinion, to shave the beard less than a fist as is the way of some westerners and effeminate persons who are fond of make-up like women is not permissible. As regards shaving the whole of the beard, then this is the way of the Jews of India and the fire-worshippers of Iran.” [Hashiyat al-Tahtawi Ala Maraqi al-Falah, Page 411]

4. AlaHadrat, Imam Ahmad Rida Khan (Alayhir Rahmah) have recorded it in Fatawa Radawiyyah, Vol. 22, Page 652: “As long as the beard is shorter than a fist length, it is not Halal to trim it. It is the practice of the eunuch to shorten the beard. And fully shaving it is a tradition of the non-Muslims.” [Ghunyah Zawil Ahkam, Vol. 1, Page 208 | Al Bahr ar-Ra’iq, Vol. 2, Page 490 | Fath al-Qadeer, Vol. 2, Page 270]

5. It is permissible to grow the beard more than the Shari’i limit of one fist. However – according to our Imams and scholars – to let the beard grow such that it becomes extremely out of proportion, and which shall incite people to point fingers and make humor out of that person, is offensive and disapproved of. [Lum’ah al-duha fi I’fa al-Luha (Imam Ahmad Rida Khan), Fatawa Radawiyyah, Vol. 22, Pages 571/573]

6. To shave off completely or trim the beard very short once is a minor sin and to habitually do so is a major sin. This continuous act will make you a Faasiq-e-Mu’lin (certified transgressor) and the Court of Shari’ah will reject you as a valid witness. To perform Salaah with Jama’at behind such a person is forbidden and if Salaah is performed, it will be incumbent to repeat that Salaah. If one does not do so, then one will be a great sinner. [Malfoozat-e-AlaHazrat, Vol. 1, Page 141]

7. It is Haram to shave the beard, either one acts on his own or gets it shaved from someone else and the earning from it is also Haram. [Waqar-ul-Fatawa, Vol. 1, Page 259]

Excerpted from
Anwaar al-Hadith by Mufti Jalal al-Din al-Amjadi
Fatawa Radawiyyah by Imam Ahmad Rida Khan al-Baraylawi

Be Humble: It’s A Sunnah

The Prophet knew that Allah created us with weakness and that driving those who sin out of Islam would leave the Ummah empty. The essence of being Muslim is being humble.

The word “Muslim” itself means to submit oneself in ultimate humbleness to Allah.

But it is a great irony of the human soul that when we become more humble and submissive to Allah, we fall into a grave trap. We tend to grow in arrogance because we feel our level of submission is better than that of others.

It was this same trap that Satan fell into. Once upon a time, Iblis (Satan) was so pious that he was allowed to worship with the angels. In one twist of events, Iblis was cast out and became accursed.

He refused to bow to Allah’s creation of man because he thought himself to be better than man.

{(Remember) when your Lord said to the angels: ‘Truly I am going to create man from clay. So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him…

(Allah) said: ‘O Iblis! What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with my own hands? Are you too proud (to fall prostrate to Adam) or are you one of the high exalted?’

(Iblis) said “I am better than he. You created me from fire, and You created him from clay.} (Quran 38: 71-76)

It is true that we, mankind, and Iblis and his kind, were created differently. And it was this difference that caused Iblis to be proud, to hate mankind, and become cursed by Allah. We can see this same arrogance and haughtiness playing out every day in the hearts of mankind.

Whether we perceive ourselves to be more pious, more intelligent, better at making money, or just from a better race of people, we too often get caught in the trap of thinking we are better. And we end up hating those who are different from us out of arrogance.

Allah says: {And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, God likes not each arrogant boaster.} (Quran31:18)

Allah has created all of us differently with an array of strengths and weaknesses.

So, how can we avoid becoming arrogant toward others as Satan is toward us?

How can we truly be humble?

The best example is that of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). After all he was indeed the best of creation and the most humble.

Prophet Muhammad knew that no one is more important than another…  “A woman who was afflicted with partial derangement in her mind said: “O Messenger of Allah, I want something from you. He said: ‘see on which side of the road you would like (to stand and talk) so that I may help you.’ He then stood aside with her on the roadside until she got what she needed.” (Muslim, 2326)

In this short hadith, we will find many examples of the humility of the Prophet. If he wanted to, the Prophet could have stood in the road and spoken to the woman. And he would have been praised for it. But he did not think himself so important to block the road even while doing a good deed.

In addition, Prophet Muhammad does not admonish this woman for approaching him in such a coarse way. Nor does he turn his nose up at her because she is disturbed. He instead treats her with kindness and provides her with what she needs.

Prophet Muhammad knew that no one was more important than another. He also knew that if Allah had willed him, he would be in the same mental state as the woman.

The Prophet’s Humility at Home
When Aishah was asked about what the Prophet would do in his house, she said: “He would serve his family and when the time for prayer came he would go out and pray.” (Al-Bukhari, 676)

As a husband and father, Prophet Muhammad was kind, helpful, and humble. The Prophet didn’t expect to be waited on. He did not shout orders at those in his care. Never did he say that his work was outside the home. Wherever there was work, he would pitch in.

Prophet Muhammad understood that the higher your rank the more of a servant you become. And if Allah had willed, Allah would have made him a slave to man.

The Prophet’s Humility with the Poor
in this hadith, we see the stellar manners and humility of the Prophet shine. “Once, I was walking with the Messenger of God while he was wearing a Yemeni cloak with a collar with rough edges. A Bedouin grabbed him strongly… I looked at the side of his neck and saw that the edge of the cloak left a mark on his neck. The Bedouin said: “O Muhammad! Give me [some] of the wealth of God that you have.” The Messenger of God turned to the Bedouin, smiled, and ordered that he be given [some money].” (Al-Bukhari, 6088)

Again in this hadith, we see the stellar manners and humility of the Prophet shine.

In the face of rudeness, we find that the Prophet doesn’t allow his ego to be wounded. He does not feel the need to exert dominance or even return to the harsh treatment. He is not insulted in the least. He laughs at the situation, relieving the tension.

Then even after being treated rudely, The Prophet doesn’t send the Bedouin away or abuse him because of his lower economic status. The Prophet treats the poor Bedouin with mercy and sees that the man gets what he needs.

The Prophet Muhammad knew that whatever wealth we have comes from Allah. If Allah had willed, he would have been in the Bedouin’s situation.

The Prophet’s Humility with the Less Pious
The Prophet was not too proud to associate with this man who committed a major sin.  A companion of the Prophet named Nu’ayman was addicted to alcohol and continued to drink it despite knowing the ruling against intoxicants. Nu’ayman struggled with his addiction and was flogged twice for being drunk.

Upon the second flogging, Umar who was angered by Nu’ayman’s behavior quipped: “May God’s curse be on him.”

The Prophet, upon hearing this, was quick to intervene: “No, no, don’t do (such a thing). Indeed he loves God and His Apostle. The major sin (as this) does not put one outside the community and the mercy of God is close to the believers.” (Al-Bukhari)

The Prophet was not too proud to associate with this man who committed a major sin. He did not isolate this man because of his faults. Nor was he too proud to defend Nu’ayman from Umar’s insult.

The Prophet knew that Allah created us with weakness and that driving those who sin out of Islam would leave the Ummah empty.

We need to protect ourselves from thinking we are better than others, as Iblis believed he was better than us. We must understand that the foundation of humility is knowing that if we are elevated in status it is only because of Allah. We can be brought to the level of those we look down on if Allah wills.

Prophet Muhammad asked Allah for humility by saying: “O Allah, make me live humbly and make me die humbly, and gather me among the humble on the day of resurrection.” (At-Tirmidi, 2352)

It is this tradition that we need to cling to so that we can also be gathered on the day of resurrection with the humble, with the Prophet, peace be upon him.

By Theresa Corbin

Food And Eating Habits According To The Sunnah

Comprehensive notes covering the most important qualities of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ’Alayhi wa Sallam) in regard to food and diet.

‘It is sufficient for the son of Aadam to eat a few mouthfuls, to keep him going. If he must do that (fill his stomach), then let him fill one-third with food, one-third with drink, and one-third with air. FOOD… [1]: When he put his hand in the food, he would say, “Bismillaah (with the Name of Allah),’’ and he told people to say this when eating. he said, “When any one of you eats, let him mention the name of Allah. If he forgets to mention the name of Allah at the beginning, let him say…
‘Bismillaahi fee Awwalihi wa Aakhirihi,’ (with the name of Allah, at its beginning and at its end).” [2] The correct view is that it is obligatory to mention the name of Allah (say ‘Bismillaah’) when eating. {The ahaadeeth that state this are Saheeh (authentic) and are clear, with no contradictions in them.} [2]: When he raised the food to his mouth, he would say…
“Al-hamdu lillaahi hamdan katheeran tayyiban mubaarakan feehi, ghayra [makfiyyin wa laa] muwadda’in, wa laa mustaghnan ’anhu Rabbanaa ’azza wa jall. Translation: [All praise is to Allaah, praise in abundance, good and blessed. It cannot [be compensated for, nor can it] be left, nor can it be done without, our Lord. [3] [3]: he never criticized food at all. If he liked it, he would eat it, and if he did not like it, he would leave it and not say anything. [4] or he would say..“I do not feel like eating this.” [5] [4]: Sometimes he would praise the food, as when he asked his family for food, and they said, “We have nothing but vinegar.” he asked for it and started to eat it, saying.
“ What good food is Vinegar.” [6] [5]: he used to talk whilst he was eating, as is seen from the report quoted above about vinegar. And he said to his stepson ..’ Umar Ibn Abee Salamah (radiyallaahu ’anhu) when he was eating with him.. “Say Bismillaah and eat from that which is
in front of you in the dish.’’ [7] [6]: He would repeatedly urge his guests to eat, as generous hosts do, and as is seen in the hadeeth of .. [Aboo Hurayrah (radiyallaahu ’anhu), related by al-Bukhaaree..]

About the story of drinking milk, where he repeatedly said to him… “Drink,” and he kept telling him to drink until he (the guest) said..“By the One Who sent you with the truth, I have no more room for it ”! [8] [7] When he ate with others, he would not leave until he had made Du’aa (supplication) for them. he made Du’aa in the house of ’Abdullaah Ibn Bishr,(Allah be pleased with him) and said…
“ O Allah, bless for them that which You have provided for them, forgive them, and have mercy on them.” [9] [8]: he commanded people to eat with their right hands and forbade them to eat with their left hands. he said… “ The Shaytaan eats with his left hand and drinks with his left hand.” [10]

Note: This implies that eating with the left hand is ‘Haram’ (unlawful), and this is the correct view, because the one who eats with his left hand is either a Shaytaan (Devil), or he is imitating the Shaytaan.
It was also reported in an authentic ‘Hadeeth’ that he told a man who was eating with his left hand in his presence…
“ Eat with your right hand! ”
The man said, “I cannot.” he said…
“ May you never be able to,” and the man never lifted his right hand to his mouth after that. [9]: he commanded those who complained that they never felt full to eat together and not separately and to mention the name of Allah (say ‘Bismillah’) over the food so that He might bless it for them. [12] [10]: It was also reported that he said…
“ I do not eat reclining.” [13] [11]: he used to eat using the first three (3)
fingers (of his right hand), which is the best way of eating ..!

The Prophet’s(Sallallaahu ’Alayhi wa Sallam) Guidance Regarding Eating
[1]: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to know what he was eating.
[2]: he used to eat whatever was good for him.
[3]: he used to eat enough to keep him going, but not so much as to make him fat.
Ibn ’Umar [Allah be pleased with him] related that…
Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said..
“The believer eats in one stomach whilst the disbeliever eats in seven !” [14] [4]: He taught his ‘Ummah’ something to protect them from diseases caused by eating and drinking.

Prophet(Sallallaahu ’Alayhi wa Sallam) said..
“The son of Aadam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Aadam to eat a few mouthfuls, to keep him going. If he must do that (fill his stomach), then let him fill one-third with food, one-third with drink, and one-third with air.” [15]

Footnotes: [1] Zaadul-Ma’aad (p. 2/397-406)
[2] Saheeh: Related by at-Tirmidhee (no. 1859) and Aboo Daawood (no. 3767).
[3] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5142)
[4] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 3370) and Muslim (no. 2064).
[5] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5076) and Muslim (no. 1946).
[6] Related by Muslim (no. 5052)
[7] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5061) and Muslim (no. 2022).
[8] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 6087)
[9] Related by Muslim (no. 2042)
[10] Related by Muslim (no. 2020)
[11] Related by Muslim (no. 2021)
[12] Saheeh: Narrated by Abu Dawood (3764) and Ibn Maajah (3286).
[13] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5083)
[14] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5081) and Muslim (no. 2060).
[15]: Saheeh: Related by at-Tirmidhee (no. 1381)and Ibn Maajah (no. 3349). It was authenticated by Shaykh Muhammad Naasirud-Deen al-Albaanee in Silsilatul-Ahaadeethus-Saheehah (no. 2265).

Imam Ibnul-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah{Rahimhullah}

The Prophet’s Inexhaustible Patience

The source of the Prophet’s courageous determination in the face of all the traumatic experiences he suffered was his strong faith in God. One of the marvelous qualities of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was his infinite patience.

God was with Muhammad, as He is always with those who patiently persevere: {God is indeed with those who patiently persevere.} (2:153)

The Quranic word used for patience is sabr, and there is no English equivalent for it.

We can convey the idea of sabr only by phrases such as endurance against afflictions, patience with delay, perseverance against hardships, steadfastness in the face of setbacks, courage against hostilities, self-restraint against provocations, will power against temptations, and equanimity or calmness of mind as regards fortunes and misfortunes.

Persecution against the Prophet
In all the meanings indicated by the above expressions, the Prophet was a perfect model to his followers.

Indeed his life presents the shining example of a man of extraordinary endurance: His father died before his birth; his mother died when he was only six years old, and his grandfather who took up his guardianship also died soon. Then it was his uncle Abu Talib who protected him.

And when God appointed him His last Prophet, he faced the most brutal persecution and hostility from his own people. But these harsh experiences of life did not make him a cynic; on the contrary, they perfected his faith in God, making him all the more strongly committed to his God-given mission.

The records of the Prophet’s life by his contemporaries bear testimony that during the 13 years of his life in Makkah as the messenger of God, he faced all forms of abuse, boycott, expulsion, and threats of physical violence. And yet the Prophet did not budge an inch away from his mission. And all the while, he was gentle, considerate, and sympathetic even to his enemies.

During the early days of his preaching, the people of Makkah had approached him through his uncle Abu Talib and made very tempting offers to him, such as the leadership of the City of Makkah, the most beautiful girl in marriage, and wealth of immense proportions.

The Prophet spurned all these offers and said: “I swear by the name of God, O Uncle, that if they place the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand in return for giving up this matter (calling people to Islam), I will never desist until either God makes it triumph or I perish defending it.”

This steadfastness and constancy against temptations were unusual in an Arab of those days.

Grieve Not, God is with Us
And imagine the day when the Prophet had to leave his home, his city, and his people and emigrate to another place! The Hijrah, as the emigration of the Prophet from Makkah to Madinah, is known, was a great sacrifice and a painful decision for the Prophet at the time when he undertook it. But his personal comforts, likes, and dislikes had no value in the face of the immense task before him.

One remembers the time when he and his Companion Abu Bakr were almost overcome by their pursuers in the Cave of Thawr. When Abu Bakr in dismay told the Prophet that they were only two persons against the enemy, he told him with unflinching faith in the Almighty not to grieve, as God was with them. God in the Quran admonishes the Muslims:

{If you will not aid him [Prophet Muhammad], God certainly aided him when those who disbelieved expelled him, he being the second of the two, when they were both in the cave when he said to his companion: Grieve not, surely God is with us. So God sent down His tranquility upon him, strengthened him with hosts that you did not see, and made lowest the word of those who disbelieved; and the word of God, that is the highest; and God is Mighty, Wise..} (9:40)

In the matter of complete reliance on God and faithful submission to Him, the Prophet was an unparalleled model to all Muslims. For he taught his followers:

“When you ask for anything, ask it from God, and if you seek help, seek the help of God. Know that if the people were to unite to do you some benefit, they could benefit you only with what God had recorded for you and that if they were to unite to do you some injury, they could injure you only with what God had recorded for you. The pens are withdrawn and the pages are dry.” (At-Tirmidhi, 1515)

The source of the Prophet’s courageous determination in the face of all the traumatic experiences he suffered was his strong faith in God and his dependence on Him. The Prophet’s conviction that God was with him when he was struggling with adverse circumstances, is evident from this teaching:

“Strange are the ways of a believer for there is good in every affair of his, and this is not the case with anyone else except in the case of a believer; for if he has an occasion to feel delight, he thanks (God); thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shows resignation (and endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it.” (Muslim, 2999)

Do Patience and Gentleness Go Hand in Hand?
The Prophet was always considerate and understanding, even towards those who were ignorant and arrogant towards him. Indeed his gentleness and patience with them earned their love and respect, as God says in the Quran:

{Thus it is due to mercy from God that you deal with them gently, and had you been rough and hard-hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you.} (3:159)

An incident at the Prophet’s mosque in Madinah demonstrates how lenient and kind the Prophet was to ignorant people. Abu Hurairah reports: “A bedouin urinated in the mosque and some people rushed to beat him. The Prophet said, ‘Leave him alone and pour a bucket of water over it. You have been sent to make things easy and not to make them difficult’ (Al-Bukhari,6025)

Once a man approached the Prophet seeking advice, and the Prophet said: “Do not get angry.” The man asked for advice several times and the Prophet replied every time, “Do not get angry” (Al-Bukhari, 48)

The questioner was probably one disposed to a quick temper, and so the Prophet was stressing the need to control his anger. The Prophet also said: “He who is deprived of forbearance and gentleness is, in fact, deprived of all good” (Muslim, 638)

The Prophet of Islam announced forgiveness and amnesty to all his former enemies
We may remember the day of Makkah Victory: The Prophet reentered the city after 10 long years of living in Madinah, and practically there was no opposition as he was accompanied by an overwhelming number of Muslims. The whole of Makkah lay at his feet as he marched in. His enemies stood in surrender awaiting his verdict, and he could very well have cried “havoc” or “let slip the dogs of war” as the triumphant commanders of those days used to do.

Instead, in a historic break from the old tradition, the Prophet of Islam announced forgiveness and amnesty to all his former enemies. He told them simply: “You may go. You are a free people.” (Authenticated by al-Albani)

Such kindness and generosity could not have been in vain, as the whole of the community of Makkah thereafter embraced Islam, a feat that could never have been achieved by the use of force. And certainly, this superb act of forgiveness was in keeping with the Quranic injunction: {Let there be no compulsion in religion.} (2:256)

Unfaltering loyalty to the cause of God is the virtue of prophets. Prophet Muhammad was a brilliant example of a man committed to his divinely appointed mission. So it is no wonder that he stood firm against all opposition and finally succeeded in winning over the hearts and minds of millions.

Living in a fast-moving, high-tech environment of “instant nirvana” and “preemptive redemption,” most people of this postmodern world are programmed to brush aside a religion that insists on a slow-paced, meditative, prayerful form of worship five times a day (salah), as well as on a rigorous form of fasting during the daytime for a whole month (sawm).

Also, zakah and Hajj are indicative of the importance of practicing sabr in our daily life. And it is no exaggeration to say that our beloved Prophet has amply demonstrated through his own life that Islam (submission) is sabr itself; sabr with the fortunes and misfortunes our Creator has apportioned to us in this world.

For those who practice sabr in Islam, there is always the unfailing promise and prospect of a never-ending world of felicity.
By Shahul Hameed

When Was The Last Time You Raced With Your Wife?

You might mockingly or disapprovingly smile, yet the question remains, for it bespeaks an invitation to you to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, in his kind attitude toward his wives.

If you claim to follow and love the Noble Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, Sunnah, in keeping a beard, cleaning your teeth with a Siwaak (tooth stick), and shortening your clothes to reach above the ankle, you are likewise required to emulate him in the way he treated his spouses.

Moreover, the leniency, mercy, and patience of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, with his wives is not merely his tradition, but an obligation confirmed by many Quranic verses, among which is the one in which Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And live with them in kindness.} [Quran 4:20]

He (PBUH) said: “He is the best amongst you who is the kindest towards his wives and I am the kindest amongst you towards my wives.”

Thus, racing was a compassionate gesture of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, in order to be friendly and open with his wives.

Aaishah [Allah be pleased with her] narrates that as a young and thin girl, she was once accompanying the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, on one of his journeys. He, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam asked his Companions to move ahead of them, which they did. He, sallaallahu alayhi wa sallam, then asked to race with her; she did and won.

Sometime later, after she had forgotten about this, she was with the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, on another of his journeys and he wanted to race her. She wanted to excuse herself, by telling him she could not, since she had gained some weight, but he, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, insisted. They raced and this time he (PBUH) won; so the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, laughed and said; “This [is] for that.”

Some husbands content that they do not race with their wives because they are too busy and have many responsibilities. Our retort is that by no means can they be busier than the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, who bore the responsibility of conveying the Message of Islam to the entire world.

He also led the army in combat alongside running errands for his family and doing household chores. Nevertheless, all this did not stop him from twice racing with his wife Aaishah[RA].

Other husbands might argue that the streets are not a suitable place for racing; so, they can surely take their wives away from people, on a picnic.

Moreover, competition is not just in running.

One can compete to win in a permissible electronic game or general knowledge quiz, in which one can ask each other questions and keep score.

The third group of husbands believes that such competitions may cause their wives to become too bold and eventually challenge them.

This is not true, because the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, raced with his wife, so this is an act to be followed, for copying his behavior with his wives can bring nothing but good.

Also, modern research has established that being kind and easygoing with one’s wife makes it easier for her to be mindful of you.

There are lessons to be learned from the aforementioned incident related by Aaishah concerning the Prophet’s, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, kindness toward his wives.

1- The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, was the one to ask for a race both times.
This teaches husbands that they should take the initiative in such competitions. Wives may be too busy with housework or fear rejection or, as is the generally innate nature of women, be too shy to propose such an idea.

However, on their part, they should try to urge their husbands when they see they are free and in a good mood.

2- A husband should not incessantly brag of superiority over his wife.
We notice that the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, outran Aaishah after she had already outrun him the first time.

3- Alternately, a husband should neither always deliberately lose for the sake of his wife or the competition would be meaningless.
The factor that decided the winner of Aaishah the first time was her youth and fitness, and when she put on some weight, the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, outran her.

4- A husband should remember that such competitions are just for amiability and fun.
Neither of the spouses should get worked up or a row could ensue and the activity would lose its desired aim. This can be understood from the reaction of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, who only cheerfully referred to his win to counter that of Aaishah’s.
Verily in the noble way of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam is there a recipe for happiness

 

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): The Voice Of Truth, Tawheed

With eyes as bright as the shining sun, a reality on the lips more brilliant than the light of the sun, a heart fresher than the flowers of the gardens of Yathrib and Taif, habits and morals more decent than the moonlit nights of the Hejaz, a mind brisker than the strong winds, a captivating tongue, a heart with heavenly light, firm determination like a trenchant sword and heavenly words on the tongue — such was Muhammad (peace be upon him) son of Abdullah, the Prophet who destroyed the idols which had separated brothers from brothers. He did not break only the idols of wood and stone but also broke the idols of wealth, indecent habits, and party spirit.

The only thing which the cowardly Quraish desired was money should be transferred from the hands of the nomadic Arabs to their own pockets. The only value which they attached to life was that in order to earn profit they should travel through the desert on the back of the camels undergoing extreme hardships and then return to their hometown Makkah, the same Makkah which was the city of idol-worship, and where money was the only thing which counted. Suddenly they heard a voice that shook their nerves. Their hopes were shattered. The world turned away its face from them saying: “The value of a man is not the same which you have assessed and the object of the creation of the people is not the same which you think it to be.” This was the voice of Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Banu Asad and Banu Tamim were so foolish and ignorant that they buried their daughters alive without any cause. There was no justification for their doing so except that it was a custom that had survived amongst them. They were opposed to the Divine will. They hated the beauty of nature. And then they heard a voice, which was expressive of deep love and sympathy for the people saying: “Don’t bury your daughters alive. Daughters are as good the creation of Allah as the sons. No human being has a right to deprive others of life. It is only Allah who creates the people and makes them die.” This was the voice of Muhammad.

The Arabs, in the pre-Islamic era, (Jahiliyah) were always fighting. They fought and shed blood for years on account of very trivial things. They killed their own brothers and then rejoiced and glorified themselves on it. To sacrifice their lives for the sake of their own ignorance was something very ordinary for them. The children cried and screamed and grew up in conditions that were not conducive to the creation of love or sympathy for anyone in their minds. In these circumstances, they heard another voice which said “What are you doing? You kill one another although you are all brothers because all of you have been created by Allah. Strife is something satanic. Peace and friendship are more beneficial for you. The blessing for which you fight can’t be achieved except through peace.” This, too, was the voice of Muhammad (PBUH).

During the period of Jahiliyah, the Quraish were known for haughtiness and egotism. They considered the non-Arabs inferior to themselves. Not only this but they did not consider the non-Arabs even human beings. Muhammad (PBUH) disliked this attitude very much. Addressing these proud people he said: “No Arab is superior to a non-Arab unless he is more pious. Whether you like it or not all human beings are brothers of one another.” There were oppressed, homeless, and helpless persons whose faces had been scorched by the hot winds. Society had discarded them and made their lives miserable. They were more humble in the eyes of the people than the particles of sand and their life had become extremely unenviable. And these were the true friends of the Prophet of Islam, just as the indigent and outcasts of the society were the friends of Jesus Christ and other great men of the world.

It was these very people for whose benefit the Prophet of Islam endeavored to prevent the establishment of a dictatorship, disallowed slavery, freed man from the bondage of his fellowmen, and established the public treasury so that all might benefit from it without any discrimination. He directed the efforts of the people toward public welfare. He insisted on the Quraish, who were his kinsmen, at every step, that they should improve their conduct, do good deeds, and keep their attention directed wholeheartedly to Allah, who has united the scattered creation into a single whole. However, the Quraish instigated the ignorant persons as well as their own children to stone and ridicule him. The helpless, oppressed and homeless slaves among whom one was Bilal, the Muezzin of the Prophet, were over-joyful when they heard this: “All human beings are fed by Allah. He likes him most who is more helpful to His creatures.”

Those who were his enemies and stoned and ridiculed him heard these animated Divine words: “And by the mercy of Allah, you (O Muhammad) dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allah’s) Forgiveness for them, and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).” (Qur’an: 3:159) This was the voice of Muhammad.

The following pure words were imprinted on the minds of those who were endeavoring in the path of Allah for a better life, and were ready to support him (Muhammad) in his campaign against idol worship and evil-doing, and were afraid lest their rights and good conduct might be wasted in the battlefield. “Remember! Don’t be treacherous. Don’t commit a breach of trust. Don’t kill either a child or a woman or an old man or a monk in a monastery. Don’t burn a date palm tree and don’t cut any tree nor pull down a building.” This voice was the voice of Muhammad. After hearing this heavenly voice from Muhammad, his Companions spread it in all the four corners of the world. They covered powerful rulers and kings with this voice, established brotherhood amongst human beings and strung them in one faith, and created the relationship between man and God.

The shade of Muhammad (PBUH) spread so much that the entire Old World came under it and the land from the east up to the west began producing the fruits of goodness, knowledge, peace, and friendship. The Prophet of Islam stretched his hand and sowed the seeds of friendship and brotherhood throughout the world. That hand is still stretched and is busy sowing the seeds. Hence, there is no part of the world wherein the followers of Muhammad (PBUH) are not found. One of them may be in Pakistan and the other may be in Spain, but in spite of this, both of them are treated to be under one and the same standard.

The Prophet provided honor and respect to the Orientals which is even now a shining crown on their heads. This voice of the Prophet was a call for human brotherhood. It stopped the hands of the rulers from reaching the property of the subjects and gave equal rights to all human beings. In his religion there is no discrimination between a common man, a ruler and a subject; an Arab and a non-Arab, because all human beings are the slaves of Allah and it is He who provides sustenance to all of them. This voice emancipated women from the oppression of men, freed the laborers from the injustice of the capitalists, and delivered the servants from the degradation of submission to their masters. As opposed to Plato and other philosophers, who deprive the workers of their social rights on account of their mean occupation and have divided the society into many grades, the Prophet of Islam made all human beings participate in the affairs of government. He also disallowed usury and exploitation of one man by another.

Eating Habits And Diet Of The Prophet

The Prophet’s guidance with regard to food is perfect guidance. It was described by Ibn al-Qayyim as follows: When he put his hand in the food, he would say, “Bismillaah (in the Name of Allah), and he told people to say this when eating.

He said, “When any one of you eats, let him mention the name of Allah. If he forgets to mention the name of Allah at the beginning, let him say Bismillaahi fi awwalihi wa aakhirihi (in the name of Allah at its beginning and at its end).”
Saheeh hadeeth, narrated by al-Tirmidhi (1859) and Abu Dawood (3767).

When he raised the food to his mouth, he would say,
“Al-hamdu Lillaahi hamdan katheeran tayyiban mubaarakan fihi ghayri makfiyyin wa laa muwadda wa laa mustaghni ‘anhu Rabbanaa azza wa jall (Allah be praised with an abundant, beautiful, blessed praise. He is the One Who is Sufficient, Who feeds and is never fed, The One Who is longed for, along with that which is with Him, and the One Who is needed. He is Our Lord, may He be glorified).
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5142).

He never criticized food at all. If he liked it, he would eat it, and if he did not like it, he would leave it and not say anything.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (3370) and Muslim (2064).

Or he would say, “I do not feel like eating this.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5076) and Muslim (1946).

Sometimes he would praise the food, as when he asked his family for food, and they said, “We have nothing but vinegar.” He asked for it and started to eat it, saying, “What a good food is vinegar.”
Narrated by Muslim (2052)

He used to talk whilst he was eating, as is seen from the report quoted above about vinegar.

And he said to his step-son Umar ibn Abi Salamah when he was eating with him: “Say Bismillaah and eat from that which is in front of you in the dish*.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5061) and Muslim (2022).

[* At the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), people used to eat together from one dish, and children would sometimes forget the correct etiquette. – Translator]

He would repeatedly urge his guests to eat, as generous hosts do, and as is seen in the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah, narrated by al-Bukhaari, about the story of drinking milk, where he repeatedly said to him, “Drink!” and he kept telling him to drink until he (the guest) said, “By the One Who sent you with the truth, I have no more room for it!”
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (6087).

When he ate with others, he would not leave until he had made dua for them.

He made dua in the house of Abd-Allah ibn Bisr, and said: “O Allah, bless for them that which You have provided for them, forgive them and have mercy on them.”
Narrated by Muslim (2042).

He commanded people to eat with their right hands and forbade them to eat with their left hands. He said, “The Shaytaan eats with his left hand and drinks with his left hand.”
Narrated by Muslim (2020).

This implies that eating with the left hand is haraam, and this is the correct view, because the one who eats with his left hand is either a Shaytaan (a devil), or he is imitating the Shaytaan.

It was also reported in a Saheeh hadeeth that he told a man who was eating with his left hand in his presence, “Eat with your right hand!”
The man said, “I cannot.”
He said, “May you never be able to!” – and the man never lifted his right hand to his mouth after that. Narrated by Muslim (2021).

If it was permissible (to eat with the left hand), he would not have prayed against him for doing so. It was the man’s stubborn arrogance that made him refuse to obey the command, and this is the utmost disobedience that deserved this prayer against him.

He commanded those who complained that they never felt full to eat together and not separately, and to mention the name of Allah (say Bismillaah) over the food so that He might bless it for them.”
Narrated by Abu Dawood (3764) and Ibn Maajah (3286). (See Zaad al-Maaad, 2/397-406)

It was also reported that he said, “I do not eat reclining.”
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5083.

He used to eat using the first three fingers (of his right hand), which is the best way of eating.
See Zaad al-Maaad, 220-222.

The Prophets guidance regarding diet:
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to know what he was eating. He used to eat what was good for him. He used to eat enough to keep him going, but no so much as to make him fat.

Ibn Umar narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The believer eats in one stomach whilst the kaafir eats in seven.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5081) and Muslim (2060).

He taught his ummah something to protect them from diseases caused by eating and drinking.

He said: “The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls, to keep him going. If he must do that (fill his stomach), then let him fill one third with food, one third with drink, and one third with air.”
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (1381), Ibn Maajah (3349); classed as Saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah (2265).

And Allah knows best.

Prophet’s Special Deeds In Ramadan

When the holy month of Ramadan arrives, everyone in the Muslim Ummah feels a delightful uplift in faith. They feel less inclined towards sins and wasteful pursuits and more towards keen, soulful worship and contemplation of the Qur’an.

They change their routines according to the new schedule of eating, sleeping, and standing in prayer and look forward to great rewards in the Hereafter for their month-long ritual of abstinence and piety.

It is interesting to note the diversity that prevails in our Ummah regarding worship during Ramadan, which arises from everyone’s unique circumstances. The office-going executive might not be able to pray long, soulful Qiyam Al-Layl every night before Suhoor because of having to get enough sleep for his strenuous weekday work hours, but can zealously attend Taraweeh with the Imam after Isha to get the same reward.

School and college-going youngsters might find it difficult to tear themselves away from studies, but they might read some Qur’an every day before Iftar. The elderly grandmother might spend long morning hours reading the Qur’an and revising her memorization, whilst the young housewife who is inundated with housework for the rest of the day might attend a ladies’ morning Halaqah at a neighborhood home to study one Juz of the Qur’an daily.

This lovely diversity lends extra beauty to the flexibility of our Deen, Islam, which caters to each individual according to what he or she is capable of. Let us take a quick look at three of the main Ramadan activities that authentic Ahadith attribute to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

More generous than the fast wind
Narrated Ibn Abbas: “The Prophet was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Jibreel visited him, and Jibreel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Prophet used to recite the Qur’an to Jibreel, and when Jibreel met him, he used to be more generous than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare).” (Al-Bukhari, 3/31, no. 126)

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to be so generous in Ramadan that this action of his was particularly notable to onlookers. Imagine for a minute what fast winds achieve: they feel good, firstly, in addition to filling our hearts with excitement about imminent rain.

They assist in pollination that brings forth vegetation in the land (fruit, grains, cereals, and vegetables) that we eat. Now use this simile to imagine what the Prophet must have been like during Ramadan – a generous man spreading the wealth, goodwill, hope, and happiness everywhere with his big-hearted spending for the sake of Allah!

Reviewing the Qur’an with Jibreel
Archangel Jibreel would visit the Prophet (peace be upon him) every night in Ramadan to listen to the Qur’an. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would recite the Qur’an to him, i.e. the entire Qur’an that had been revealed to him till then. In a way, he used to “revise” or “review” the Qur’an with the Archangel.

Ten-day secluded worship
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) would go into seclusion for (the last) 10 days during the month of Ramadan, but the year in which he passed away he went into seclusion for 20 days.” (Al-Bukhari)

For a man who was always busy leading the Ummah in all its affairs and attending to his family and companions, it is indeed poignant to note that he withdrew in seclusion every year to be close to His Lord. So much so that he did not communicate, or spend time, with his family except for meeting their basic needs.

Narrated Ayesha: “Allah’s Messenger used to practice I’tikaf in the last 10 nights of Ramadan and used to say, ‘Look for the Night of Qadr in the last 10 nights of the month of Ramadan’.” (Al-Bukhari)

Lessons for us
By keeping in mind these three specific Sunnah of our dear Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), we can devise an action plan for our worship during the holy month that incorporates, if not in entirety, their spirit, and essence in our schedule.

We can try to give charity every day, even if it is little. We should review the Qur’an for our angels, the Kiraman Katibeen (Honorable Scribes), to record in our book of deeds on a daily basis, and in the last 10 days seclude ourselves socially from our family and friends for devoted worship and prayer to Allah. By this, we will earn a reward of following the Sunnah and emulating our Prophet’s actions during Ramadan, Insha Allah.