Significance Of Honesty In Islam
Honesty is one of the greatest of all moral virtues. From it springs forth many of the noblest of human qualities like integrity, chastity, and valor. Some people might suppose that honesty is restricted to words. This is not the case. Honesty can manifest itself in our actions and our innermost state of being.
The great scholar and ethical thinker, al-Muhasibi, once said:
“For honesty to be complete, it must exist in three things. It must exist in the heart as one’s faith, it must exist in the intentions behind one’s deeds, and it must be present in the words that one speaks.”
Honesty penetrates the innermost fiber of a person when his inner being is in harmony with his outer self. A person’s deeds are honest only when he practices what he professes. Dishonesty in deed is more despicable than dishonesty in word, for it is naught but a hypocritical display of sincerity. This is what the brothers of Joseph (peace be upon him) did when they came with Joseph’s bloody clothing to their father.
Allah says: “So they came with his shirt stained with false blood.” [Surah Yusuf: 18]
Allah warns us saying: “O you who believe, why do you say what you do not do? It is loathsome indeed with Allah that you say what you do not do.” [Surah al-Saff: 3]
Truth in the word is the most familiar and obvious kind of truth since every statement that is inconsistent with reality is obviously a lie.
Allah says: “Verily those who fabricate a lie against Allah will not find success.”
Allah commands the believers, saying: “O you who believe, fear Allah and be among those who are honest.”
Allah gives glad tidings to the believers who are honest. He says: “Allah will reward the honest people for their honesty.”
Allah informs us that our honesty will bring us well even in this world: “And when a matter is resolved upon, it would be best for them if they were true to Allah.” And of course, honesty will be of doubtless benefit to us in the Hereafter.
Allah says: “This is the day that the honest people will benefit from their honesty.” [Sûrah al-Ma’idah: 119]
Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) was renowned for his honesty long before he began to receive revelation and became Allah’s Messenger. He had been known among his people for years as al-Amin (the Trustworthy).
The Prophet (peace be upon him) informed us of the effects that both honesty and dishonesty have on our personalities when he said: “Honesty brings about security and lying fosters doubts.”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: “Honesty leads to righteousness and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man remains honest and concerned about honesty until he is recorded as an honest man with Allah. Lying leads to sinfulness and sinfulness leads to the Fire. A man keeps lying and remains partial to lies until he is recorded as a liar with Allah.” [Sahîih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]
He also explained the effects that honesty and dishonesty have on our interpersonal dealings:”Honesty and clarity are blessed for both parties to a sale, while concealment and deceit destroy the blessings of their sale.” [Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]
We must be honest in our relationship with Allah. There are many dimensions to this most important expression of honesty. There is our sincerity to Allah. Then there is being cognizant that Allah is ever watchful of what we do. There is a sense of humility and shame that we must feel before Him. If we truly want to be honest in our relationship with Allah, we must become so fully sincere to Him that there remains in our hearts no other motive for what we do but to seek His pleasure. We must care nothing for the thanks and appreciation of our fellow men. We can achieve this by making our greatest concern the attainment of Allah’s mercy. We must be constantly aware that Allah is ever watchful of us. This will make us feel too shy to ever willingly disobey Allah.
Honesty with other people is also extremely important. There are many aspects to this as well. First, we must be honest in our dispensation towards others. We should not behave deceptively and present a false face to people. Instead, we must be genuine and straightforward with people as much as possible.
We must be honest in what we say. This requires us to be careful to ascertain the truth of the news that we hear before we go ahead and pass it on to others. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “It is enough to make a person a liar that he tells others everything that he hears.”
We must be honest in giving advice to people. We should be sincere in our advice and truly do our best to help people avoid misfortune and attain what is good for them.
We need to be even more honest with our spouses. We must be able to confide in them and speak freely to them about our concerns, our secrets, and our ambitions. A husband or wife is a life partner, a friend, and a confidant. The more openly a husband and wife are able to communicate with each other in an atmosphere of trust and confidence, the stronger their relationship will be.
Honesty, in fact, engenders strength on every level. On the personal level, it provides integrity, self-worth, and inner fortitude. On the social level, it lends depth and substance to our relationships with other people. On the spiritual level, it brings about the sincerity to our Lord that is the key to our salvation.
Bukhal Karney Ka Deeni Aur Dunyawi Nuqsan
The Barakah And Blessings Of Bismillah
When Bismillah Was Revealed
Sayyidina Jaabir (RA) is reported to have said that when Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem revealed, the clouds gave way by moving to the East, the winds ceased blowing, the oceans became calm, the creatures prepared themselves to listen, the Shaytaan got pelted with fire from the heavens and Allah Ta’ala, swearing an oath by His honor, declared: Anyone who says this name of mine (ie. Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem) upon anything, I will surely impart barakah in that thing, (Durre Manthoor and Ibne Katheer)
Bismillah Before Wahee
In Durre Manthoor Sayyidina Ibne Umar (RA) is reported as saying that surely, whenever Jibreel (AS) used to bring Wahee to Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu-alayhi-wasallam), he used to first recite Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem .
The reason for the above is as follows: in Bismillah there are three names of Allah:
(1) Allah which is His personal name indicating that all projects can only be initiated by the will and wish of Allah.
(2) Rahmaan (Kind) which is His attributive name indicating that only Allah can keep that project intact and existent (guarding it against destruction).
(3) Raheem(Most Merciful) which is also His attributive name indicating that only Allah can, through His mercy and grace, enable any person to derive benefit from that project.
This clearly proves that any project begun with Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem will be granted barakah and blessings from the beginning till the end.
Bismillah Before Doing Anything
It is for this reason that Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu-alayhi- wasallam) used to recite Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem before doing any work. And he (sallallaahu-alayhi-wasallam) also advised the Ummah to do the same. For example, reading it before shutting the door for the night, before putting out the light, before taking meals, before drinking water, before boarding a conveyance, and when alighting any conveyance.
Remembering Allah Through His Three Thousand Names
It is mentioned in Tafseer Roohul Bayaan that Allaamah Sayyid Haqqi (RA) said that Allah Ta’ala has three thousand names. He revealed one thousand to the angels, one thousand to the Ambiya(AS), three hundred are mentioned in the Toraah, three hundred in the Zaboor, three hundred in the Injeel, and ninety-nine in the Holy Qur’an. One Name He has kept to Himself; He revealed it to no one. Also, He has condensed all His names into the three names contained in Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem. They are Allah, Rahmaan, and Raheem. Any person saying Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem; it is as though he has remembered Allah by all His names.
Bismillah – A Means Of High Status In The Hereafter
Rasoolullah (Sallaahu-alayhi-wasallam) is reported as saying that any du’a which is begun with is not rejected. Because of saying Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem the scales of my Ummah will become heavy on the Day of Qiyaamah. The other people will enquire: “Why are the virtues of the Ummate Muhammadiyyah so heavy?” Their prophets will say: “In the utterances of the Ummate Muhammadiyyah there is such an honourable name of Allah that if it is placed on the one side of the scale, and the sins of the entire creation is put onto the other side then the side with the virtue will be heavier.
Saying Bismillah Before Wudu
Rasoolullah (Sallailaahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: “One who does not say Bismillah before wudhu, his wudhu is incomplete.” (Tirmizi). It is reported from Sayyidina Abu Hurairah (RA) that anyone who does not say Bismillah before wudhu, only the sins committed by the limbs which are washed in wudhu will be washed away; and one who says Bismillah before wudhu, the sins of the entire body will be washed away. (Mishkaat)
Saying Bismillah Before Meals
Sayyidina Umar Ibne Abee Salmah (RA) reports that Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu-alayhi-wasallam) said to me: “Say Bismillah and eat with your right hand the food that is in front of you.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmizi)
Whoever used to eat without saying Bismillah, Rasoolullah(Sallallaahu-alayhi-wasallam) used to hold his hand and urge him to say Bismillah. (Zaadul Ma’aad,Uswah-e-Rasoole Akram).
The Ulama have said that it is preferable to say the Bismillah aloud so that it is a reminder for those who forget. Also, Ibne Habbaan is reported as saying that if Bismillah is said prior to utilising any bounty of Allah and Alhamdu- lillah is said after utilising it, the user will not be asked to give account for that bounty on the Day of Qiyamah.
When Undressing
Sayyidina Anas (RA) reports from Rasoolullah (Sallallaa- hu-alayhi-wasallam) that when a person undresses for the purpose of either relieving himself or bathing or having relations with his spouse then the Shaytaan interferes and plays with his or her private parts. But if he or she says Bismillah before taking off the clothes, then this serves as a barrier and safety against the Shaytaan and jinn. (Tirmizi)
Other Wonders Of Bismillah
Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu-alayhi-wasallam) is reported as saying that as long as people keep on saying Bismillaahir rahmaanir raheem it will be a means of safeguarding them against sicknesses; a means of granting riches to the destitute; a means of freedom against the Fire; a means of safeguard against being swallowed by the earth; a means of safety against faces becoming distorted; and a means of safety from stones raining down from the heavens. (Ghunyatut Taalibeen Page 157)
(2) Ayyaz breaks the precious jewel
Sultan Mahmood had a servant whose name was Ayyaz. Ayyaz was well known for his good manners and wisdom. Once, Sultan Mahmood was holding a precious jewel in his hand while sitting with his ministers. He told one of the ministers to break the jewel. Since the jewel was very expensive, the minister refused to break it. Then the Sultan told another minister to break it. He also denied breaking the jewel. One by one all the ministers refused to break the precious jewel due to its great value. Now, Sultan Mahmood passed the jewel to Ayyaz and told him to break it. Ayyaz immediately took the stone to his hand and threw it hard on the floor. The jewel shattered into pieces. The Sultan asked Ayyaz why he broke the jewel while others denied doing so. Ayyaz said, “The jewel is valuable, but your order is more valuable.”
We should learn from this story that even if the things of this world are very precious and valuable, the orders of Allah are much more valuable. So, we should follow them.
Jumma Kay Khutba Kay Masail
Level Of The People In The Akhirah (Hereafter)
The Highest Level is that of the Messengers…[may Allah extol and grant them perfect peace and security]and they are of three [3] levels… the highest of them being…
- ‘Those firmest in resolve’ [Oolul-’Azm]Nooh, Ibraheem, Moosa, ‘Eesa and Muhammad, [may Allah extol and grant them peace & security] then…
- Those beside them from the Messengers [‘Rusul’] then…
- The Prophets [al-Anbiyaa] those who were not sent as Messengers their nations; and then…
- The Truest and Sincerest followers of the Messengers [as-Siddeeqoon] the inheritors of the Messengers, those who established what the Messengers had been sent with, in their knowledge, actions, and in calling to Allah, then…
- The just Emaams and Rulers. then…
- Those who strove and fought ‘Jihad’ in Allah’s cause, with their wealth and their persons, then…
- Those who preferred others over themselves…! treated the people with goodness and performed charitable acts… and then…
- Those for whom Allah opened a door to performance of good which was restricted to themselves such as Prayer, Charity, Fasting, Hajj, and so on, then…
- The Level of the people of Salvation, and they were those who carried out Allah’s obligations and avoided that which He prohibited, then…
- The level of a people who wronged themselves and committed major sins forbidden by Allah… ! however Allah granted them sincere repentance before death. So they died upon sincere repentance, so Allah accepted their repentance, then…
- The level of a people who combined righteous deeds and evil deeds, meeting Allaah whilst persisting upon their sins and not repentant. However, their good deeds outweighed their evil deeds: the balance of the good they did being heavier. So they are also saved and successful, then…
- A people whose good and evil deeds were equal, and they are the companions of the Heights [al-A’raaf ]which is a place between Paradise and the Hellfire; and they will eventually enter Paradise, then…
- The level of those who were afflicted and put to ‘Tahaadeeth’ [trial] (we ask Allah for well-being and security.) and they were Muslims whose scales were light:[their evil deeds outweighed their good deeds.]There are ‘Ahaadeeth’ concerning them showing that they will enter the Fire and will be in it in accordance with their deeds; and then they will come out of it through the intercession of those who intercede and the Mercy of the Most Merciful who shows mercy, then…
- A people who had no acts of obedience or disobedience, nor Unbelief, nor true Faith [‘Eemaan’], and they are of different types; from them are those who the true call did not reach, and from them is the insane person who did not possess intellect, and from them is the deaf person who never heard anything, and from them are the children of the ‘Mushriks’ who died before being able to correctly discern anything. So the scholars differ concerning them, having eight positions.
The most correct of these is that they will be tested on the Day of Resurrection, and a Messenger will be sent to them there: whoever obeys him will enter Paradise and whoever disobeys him will enter Hellfire. Because Allah does not punish anyone until the Proof is established upon him and he then turns away from it and obstinately refuses it, just as He, the Highest said:“
And We do not punish until We send a Messenger.”
[Source: ‘Qur`an’ Surat al-Israa 17: A #15] - The level of the Hypocrites [‘al-Munafiqoon’] who outwardly displayed Islam but inwardly concealed Unbelief [‘Kufr’], and they are in the lowest depth of the Fire, then…
- The heads of Unbelief [‘Kufr’], its leaders and its callers, then…
- The level of those Unbelievers who were blind-followers and ignorant ones, and the ‘Ummah’ are agreed that they are Unbelievers, and lastly…
- The level of Jinn, and they were bound with duties-liable to reward or punishment in accordance with their deeds, just as Allah, the Highest, said: “And for all, there will be degrees in accordance with what they did, so that He may fully recompense them for their deeds, and they will not be wronged.”
[Source: Qur`an ~ Surah-Ahqaaf 46~ A # 19]
‘Our Lord! Bestow on us Mercy from Your presence and dispose of our affairs for us in the right way’…Aameen
[ Qur`an~18:10 ]
Naik Aamal Ko Barbad Ker Denay Waley Aamal
42 Practical Advices For Troubled Marriages
Accept that no person is perfect; all have some faults; focus on own faults; not next person’s faults; do not look for faults or highlight next person’s faults all the time.
- There is no such thing as a perfect marriage; all marriages have some problem or the other, till the end; this is a test for Insan in this world
- Always focus on the positive points/aspects of the marriage and one’s partner
- My partner has been ordained for me by My Creator; so no point in finding fault with His decree
- Realize that Allah made all different – temperament, habits, background – yet all have to live together; this is the challenge of marriage
- Realize that Allah has made man & woman different; man is to be the kind and compassionate protector of woman, not her tormentor
- Each partner must try to fulfill the rights of the other and forgo their own rights; not fight for and demand rights
- Accept that no person is perfect; all have some faults; focus on own faults; not the next person’s faults; do not look for faults or highlight next person’s faults all the time
- Never try to be a perfectionist in marriage issues
- Make a firm commitment to make marriage work; affirm this by word and deed; do not say or do things that may damage the marriage
- Be considerate of one’s partner; be sensitive to one’s partner; do not hurt feelings
- Appreciate each other; express it now and then; do not take next person or favors for granted
- Always be objective, not emotional; be rational, balanced, and just
- Avoid assumptions, suspicions, and negative perceptions of partner; always give benefit of doubt; must verify facts
- Gradually work towards overcoming one’s weaknesses; give the next person a chance; be kind, not harsh
- Never be defensive; admit your mistakes; Allah alone is perfect. Avoid cynicism, pessimism, aggression, and negativity always
- Anger is dangerous; it is also Haraam; control it by reading, water, wudhu, etc.
- Do not walk away in anger for more than a few hours; try to make up as quickly as possible with loving gestures
- Listen to the next person attentively, calmly, and patiently; do not comment right away; think it over; take time to respond
- Lots of communication is required; communication requires skill and tact
- Compromise is essential; marriage is not a one-way street; it is a dual road
- Consultation in a friendly manner on all major issues is important
- Balance the rights of everyone; do not be imbalanced; help one another to fulfill rights
- Learn to relax & unwind; be humourous, not tense and anxious all the time
- Be polite in speech & courteous; not rude & abrupt; do not scream or shout
- Forgive and forget; everyone makes mistakes
- Do not bring up the past; look forward, not backward; bygones are bygones; just as we want Allah to forgive us, forgive others
- Mutual respect is important; never run down one’s partner
- Help each other with housework and chores; a working mum has extra pressures
- Take interest in the next person’s matters; do not be selfish and self-centered
- Physical and verbal abuse is absolutely unacceptable
- Confidentiality is important; never discuss with too many people; consult a pious elder or learned Aalim if
- problems occur, but do not bottle up problems
- Time away from each other occasionally is healthy for the relationship
- Try and spend free time together, especially evenings & most weekends
- Money matters must be done with consultation; save, be thrifty; but also not to the extreme; (do not be extravagant)
- Have a medical check-up for pressure, sugar, etc. which can cause anger and frustration
- No point in attributing all problems to Sihr (Jadu); avoid doubts; if necessary consult only an authentic Aamil (read Manzil for protection)
- Romance is needed occasionally to revive the marriage
- Come onto Deen fully; Salaah, Zikr, Tilawah; attend programs; start Taleem at home even for a few minutes; avoid sins and change life
- When things go wrong, always ask: Where have we gone wrong? Rectify wrongs, give up sins, repent, and all will come right soon, In Sha Allah
- Never underestimate the power of Dua; ask Allah for His help at all times, especially when things are not right
- Each one will go to their own grave & stand alone before Allah to answer for themselves, not for others. With this in mind, do one’s duty and leave the rest to Allah.
Adi ibn Hatim Ki Herani
Restrictions Of Ihram
The muhrim (one in ihram) is forbidden to do certain things because of having entered the state of Ihram.
The forbidden things are:
1) Shaving the hair of the head, because Allah says: “… And do not shave your heads until the Hady (animal, i.e. a sheep, a cow, or a camel) reaches the place of sacrifice…” (2:196)
Scholars have added that besides shaving the head, shaving any hair on the body as well as trimming or cutting one’s nails is also prohibited.
2) Using perfume after entering ihram, whether on one’s clothing or body, or in one’s food, or when washing the dead body (muhrim) or in any way whatsoever. The evidence for this being forbidden in ihram is the Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who said concerning a man whose camel trampled him to death, “Wash him with water and lotus leaves and shroud him in his two garments, but do not cover his head or perfume him with hanoot.” Hanoot is a mixture of perfumes that is usually applied to the dead body.
3) Sexual intercourse, because Allah says: “… 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…” (2:197)
4) Touching one’s wife with desire because this comes under the general meaning of the phrase, “he should not have sexual relations (with his wife),” and because it is not permissible for the muhrim to get married or to propose marriage – so it is more likely that it is also not permissible for him to touch his wife with desire.
5) Killing game (hunting), because Allah says: “O you who believe! Kill not game while you are in a state of Ihram [for Haj or Umrah (pilgrimage)]…” (5:95)
Cutting down trees is not haram for the muhrim, except for those trees within the amyal, i.e., the boundaries of the sanctuary. Cutting these trees is forbidden whether one is in ihram or not. Hence, it is permissible to cut down trees in Arafah even if one is in ihram, because the prohibition on cutting down trees is connected to the Haram (within the sanctuary), not ihram.
6) A prohibition applies exclusively to men is wearing shirts, hooded robes, trousers, turbans, and leather slippers, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about what the muhrim should wear. He answered, “He should not wear a shirt, hooded robe (burnous), trousers, a turban, or leather slippers.” But he (peace be upon him) made an exception for one who cannot find an izar (lower garment or waist wrapper). Such a person may wear trousers, and one who cannot find sandals may wear leather slippers.
A common perception is that wearing sewn garments means wearing clothes that have stitching in them, but that is not the case. What the scholars meant by that is wearing clothes that are tailored to fit the body or part of it, such as shirts and trousers. Hence, if a person wears a rida (upper garment) or izar (lower garment) with patches on it, that is permissible, but if he wears a woven shirt with no stitching, that is haram.
7) One of the prohibitions of ihram that applies only to women is the niqab, which refers to a veil that covers the face and leaves the eyes uncovered because the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade that. A similar prohibition applies to the burqa. When a woman enters ihram, she should not wear a niqab or burqa.
With regard to the one who does any of these forbidden things out of forgetfulness or ignorance or because he or she is forced to do so, no expiation is due on them because Allah says: “And there is no sin on you concerning that in which you made a mistake, except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (33:5)
Concerning killing game or hunting, Allah says: “O you who believe! Kill not game while you are in a state of Ihram [for Haj or Umrah (pilgrimage)], and whosoever of you kills it intentionally, the penalty is an offering, brought to the Ka’bah, of an eatable animal ( i.e. sheep, goat, cow) equivalent to the one he killed…” (5:95)