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Allah, The Holy One

Blessings can manifest themselves in many ways. We are blessed in our sustenance when Allah makes a meager portion yield great benefit.

{He is Allah, besides Whom there is no god; the King, the Holy One…} (59: 23)

{All that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth glorifies Allah, the King, the Holy One, the Mighty, the Wise.} (62: 1)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say while bowing and prostrating in prayer: “Most Glorified, Most Holy, Lord of the angels and the Spirit.” (Muslim)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to glorify Allah in a number of ways. When he concluded his Witr prayer, he used to repeat it three times: “Glory be to the King, the Holy One,” raising his voice the third time he said it. (An-Nasa’i)

The Holy One is among Allah’s beautiful names. The Meaning of “Holy”

The Arabic word quddus is derived from a linguistic root that conveys the meaning of “purity”.

In the context of being one of Allah’s names, it conveys the meaning of being free from all imperfections, transcendent above any deficiency or dependency, or any other meaning that does not suit His divine perfection, which includes that of having a child, a companion, or a partner of any kind.

Some concepts are imperfections if considered in the context of divinity, though they would be considered part of what it means for a human being to be complete.

Take the concept of “sleep” for instance. This is a characteristic of created beings, and for them, it is an aspect of their wholeness and health. Imagine the state of a person suffering from insomnia. Such a person will seek medical treatment to get cured of that illness. At the same time, sleep would be a deficiency if attributed to Allah, for Allah transcends the need to sleep.

Another meaning of “the Holy One” is that Allah is characterized by attributes of perfection, for indeed Allah’s attributes do not resemble those of created beings in any way. Allah is the one whom we glorify. When we say: “Glory be to Allah”, we are asserting Allah’s transcendence above every deficiency and dependency while affirming for Him every attribute of perfection and beauty.

Another meaning of “the Holy One” is that Allah is the possessor of blessings and munificence. It may be from this connotation that the word conveys the meaning of that which is sanctified and blessed.

Allah talks about the Holy Land: {O my people! Go into the holy land which Allah has ordained for you.} (5: 21)

Here He means the land which is blessed because He has bestowed His blessings upon that land and its environs. For He says: {Glory be to (Allah) Who took His servant for a journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did bless.} (17: 1)

It is indeed Allah who is the possessor of all blessings: {Blessed is He for whom sovereignty is in His hand.} (67: 1) and {Blessed is He who revealed the Criterion unto His servant.} (25:1)

All blessings emanate from God and all blessedness returns to Him. He is the possessor of blessings which He bestows upon His worshippers by blessing their good works and their time. He bestows blessings as He pleases. No constraints can be placed upon His blessings, by which we mean all that is good.

Blessings can manifest themselves in many ways. We are blessed in our sustenance when Allah makes a meager portion yield great benefit.

Allah blesses us in our lifespans by making it easy for us to perform righteous deeds and produce great achievements we might never have thought we would be able to accomplish.

He blesses us with our wealth by making a little bit of wealth grow and bears fruits that are spent to achieve many good things.

By contrast, Allah can strip a person of blessings, so that a person, in spite of possessing ample wealth, a long life, and many opportunities, gets no benefit from it all. When Allah blesses a person’s wealth, work, knowledge, or lifespan, it will be more fruitful and it will yield forth greater and more blessed results.

Another meaning of “the Holy One” is that Allah is sanctified in the hearts and minds of His creatures, including human beings and angels.

Indeed, Allah extols His own sanctity and transcendence in numerous places in the Quran.

By Salman Al-Oadah

The Greatness of Good Family Ties

Allah has stated in the Holy Qur’an: Worship Allah and do not associate anything with him and be good to the parents and to the near of kin (family)…[s4:v36]

In society today there is no excellent emphasis or presence of good family relations. On small and insignificant issues relations are broken and in some instances, there is not a single word said between relatives for years. The environment of peace and serenity is not present in many households, and people look for faults in each other.  There are very few who are willing to humble themselves, to lower themselves for the sake of Allah. This is even after the blessed words of the Holy Qur’an and Ahadith which repeatedly order us to keep good ties of kith and kin. These orders are in respect of family on the mother and father’s side, close and distant relatives, all are included. If a person is married, then they should be considerate of their in-laws as well as their extended family. The parents are the most deserving of attention and rights from the family members.

Allah has stated in the Holy Qur’an: ‘Allah enjoins upon you Justice, the performance of good deeds, the assistance of relatives and those near to you. And Allah forbids for you immodesty, evil actions, and oppression. Allah admonishes you, that you may take heed.’ (Surah An-Nahl 16, v90)

The virtues of maintaining good family ties:
Sayyidina Abdullah bin Salam related: ‘When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) migrated to Madinah Munawarrah, the very first thing I heard from Him was: ‘O People, you should say Salam to each other abundantly, for the pleasure of Allah, feed the needy, keep good family ties and when the people are sleeping in their beds at night, rise and perform Salah (Tahhajud). If you do this, you will enter Paradise with ease.’ (Mishkaat Masabih p108)

Sayyidina Abu Hurairah related: ‘The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: ‘That person who wishes for his wealth to be vast (blessing), love between relations and his life to be long, he should keep good ties with his relations.’ (Jami Tirmidhi vol 2, p19/ Sahih Muslim #2557)

The Prophet (PBUH) stated: ‘Assisting the needy with your wealth has only one reward in terms of charity. If that same assistance is given to a needy member of one’s family, it has two rewards. The first is charity; the second is keeping good family ties.’(Mishkaat Masabih p171)

Mujahid stated: ‘When a person has a relative who is needy and he intentionally bypasses this person and gives to someone else, in the sight of Allah this charity will not be accepted.’

Hasan Basri stated: ‘If Allah has blessed a person with wealth and he has relatives who are needy, he should assist them with his wealth. If a person does not have these means, they should assist them physically or then constantly console them with kind words. Whatever you have in your possession, your relatives also have a right stipulated within this. You should not believe it to be a favor from yourself to deliver this wealth to them, as to discharge the right of an individual is justice on behalf of Allah. Within performing this action there is no favor attached.’ (Mariful
Quran vol6, p737)

The warnings on breaking and keeping bad family ties:
Sayyidina Abdur Rahman bin Auf related, The Prophet (PBUH)  stated: ‘Allah says: I am Allah and I am the Merciful, that person who joins family ties, I will join him (envelop him in My mercy). That person who breaks family ties, I will break him (remove them from My special mercy)’ (Jami Tirmidhi vol 2, p13)

Experience shows us that family disputes arise from not fulfilling the orders of Shariah in relation to the rights of the family. Sayyidina bin Abi Aufa related: ‘I heard the Prophet state: ‘That nation wherein which there are those who break the ties of family, the Mercy of Allah does not descend on them.’ (Sunan Baihaqi/ Mishkaat p420). The scholars state that ‘mercy’ here is the special assistance of Allah and the sending of rain. (Mirqaat Shara Mishkaat vol 9, p202)

Sayyidina Jubair bin Mutim related: The Prophet (PBUH)  stated: ‘The one who breaks family ties will not enter Paradise.’ (Sahih Bukhari, Mishkaat p419)

Sayyidina Abdullah bin Amr bin Aas related: The Prophet (PBUH) stated: ‘The one who is disobedient to their parents and the one who drinks alcohol will not enter Paradise.’ (Sunan Nasai/Mishkaat p420). The scholars relate the meaning of this Hadith that if the sins of this person are not re-compensated through punishment, the person will not enter Paradise (and Allah knows best). (Mirqaat Shara Mishkaat vol 9, p202)

Sayyidina Abu Bakra related: The Prophet (PBUH) stated: ‘The punishment for oppression and breaking of family ties is received in this world first (in ‘Jami’ Saghir’ the disobedience of parents is also mentioned), the hereafter holds a separate punishment altogether for this sin.’ (Jami Tirmidhi/ Mishkaat p420)

It is found in ‘Dure Manzoor’ the deeds of mankind are presented before Allah; none of the deeds of the one who severs the ties of kinship are accepted. Faqih Abu Layth Samarqandi related: ‘The severing of the ties of kinship is such a despicable sin that it also causes those that sit near the one who performs this deed to be devoid of the mercy of Allah. It is, therefore, necessary that every individual repent from this deed as quickly as possible and improve their family ties.’ (Tambihul Ghafily)

The joining of ties with those who break family ties:
Sayyidina Abdullah ibn Umar related: The Prophet (PBUH) stated: ‘The upholding of family ties is not achieved by equal treatment of relatives. The one who upholds the ties of relationship fully is he who when is treated harshly by relatives, upholds a virtuous character and good conduct with them.’ (Equal treatment means if relatives are kind then their kindness is reciprocated; if they are harsh and distant then the other is also harsh and distant.) (Sahih Bukhari #5991/ Mishkaat p419)

Sayyidina Abu Hurairah related: One companion questioned the Prophet (PBUH): ‘I have relatives to whom I am very good, however, they are very harsh towards me, I am very kind and soft to them in speech and they are very rude and insulting in their speech towards me.’ The Prophet (PBUH) stated: ‘If what you are saying is true, then the person who is causing you misery is, in fact, causing harm to himself. Until you remain in this situation, there will always be assistance (an angel) from Allah with you.’ (Muslim vol 2, p315)

The above commentary highlights the virtues and importance of good family ties which shows that the teaching of Islam propagates a beautiful, pristine, and pure message. Such eloquent and wonderful wisdom cannot be found in other scripture. If Muslims were to act upon these teachings, our homes would become gardens of paradise and our lives would be full of ease and comfort. It is therefore necessary that good family ties are kept only for the pleasure of Allah. Saying this, we should bare in mind that in situations where relatives perform acts that are contrary to the
teachings/orders of Islam, they should totally be disregarded. There is no obedience to the creation in place of the Creator. If a relative is trying to lead a person down the wrong path, then he should try and reason with his relative. However if this relative insists on an evil action, then he should forsake him and not join for the sake of ‘maintaining family ties’. It is an amazing thing to note that when it comes to sinful actions people will happily join their relatives to keep face and totally disregard the fact that they are disobeying Allah.

To withhold rightful inheritance of family members due to personal differences or disputes:
It is a matter to be grateful for the blessing of Allah that He made His creation into families and stipulated between them the law of inheritance through his religion. It is due to this fact that any difference or grievance that one may have with a family member cannot be used as an excuse to cut out or lessen their rightful inheritance. It is an obligation upon us to distribute our inheritance to our heirs as rightfully laid out in Islam.

Sayyidina Anas related the Prophet (PBUH) stated: ‘That person who prevents a rightful heir from his or her inheritance, Allah will prevent that person from inheriting Jannah.’ (Sunan Bayhaqi/Ibn Majah #2703 & 2713)

In Jami Tirmidhi Sayyidina Ibn Umar related the Prophet (PBUH) stated: ‘That person who has taken someone else’s property is not one of us’. Sayyidina Abu Hurairah related that the Prophet (PBUH) stated: ‘Verily people will obey Allah for 60 years (their whole life) when their time of death comes, they will fail to stipulate the correct terms for their inheritance (will cut out or not fulfill the full amount to one or more inheritors). Then for them, the Hellfire will become compulsory.’ (Mishkaat Masaabih p265)

Sayyidina Saeed ibn Zayd related, the Prophet (PBUH) stated: ‘Whoever takes a hand span of land off somebody wrongfully, on the day of Judgement, (the weight of) 7 earths will be placed around their neck.’ (Mishkaat Masaabih p254) For what seems a very small benefit in this world, we forsake and destroy our hereafter and everything it contains. Where is the logic in such a transaction? May Allah allow us all to correct our affairs, repent from our wrongs, and guide us to follow that way which has been shown by his beloved the Prophet, the companions, and those that came after them.

by Mufti Muhammad Yusuf bin Yaqoob Danka

The Reality of Sins

Allah has stated in the Holy Qur’an: “Leave (O mankind, all kinds of) sin, open and secret. Verily, those who commit sin will get due recompense for that which they used to commit.” (Holy Qur’an, 6:120)

In the above verse, Allah has ordered that Mankind should abstain from all types of sins. (Tafsir Ibn Kathir). It is further mentioned, that no action should be performed which is against the pleasure of Allah. Nor should there be any doubts regarding the Deen of Allah, otherwise it will be regarded as a sin. (Tafsir Uthmani)

Sins are those actions that are performed against the criteria of the Qur’an and Sunnah. The example of a sin is like that of cancer. When cancer inflicts a body part, that part of the body is singled out and may need to be removed completely from the body. This is done to prevent the fatal spread of the cancer throughout the whole body. Therefore, whenever a sin is committed, the believer should immediately resort to repentance (Taubah). The Prophet said: Refrain from sins which you may consider as minor, as you will be held accountable for them. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Sunan Baihaqi)

The Reasons for Sinning

1. Whenever the individual thinks that he or she is not being watched then Because of this mindset, it becomes very easy for that person to commit a sin. Remember! Allah has highlighted this point in the Holy Qur’an: “Allah, is verily always watching over them.” (Holy Qur’an, 89:14)
2. Whenever the individual thinks that no one is aware of their actions. Remember! Allah has already answered this in the Qur’an. “Allah knows the fraud of the eyes and all that the breasts conceal…” (Holy Qur’an, 40:19)
3. Whenever the individual thinks that no one is beside/near them. When this thought comes to mind then it becomes a means of opening the doors of sin. Remember! Allah has already answered this in the Holy Qur’an: “Allah is with you wherever you may be. And Allah is All-seer of what you do.” (Holy Qur’an, 57:4)
4. Whenever the individual thinks that they can not be held accountable by anyone, a sense of pride, this type of thinking increases the zeal in a person to commit sins. Remember! Allah has already answered this in the Holy Qur’an: “Verily, the seizing of Allah (of the wrongdoers) is very painful and severe.” (Holy Qur’an, 11:102)

What the Scholars of the Ummah say about sins

Hafiz Ibn Qayim stated: My friend! Do not look at sin in the manner of it being minor or major, look at it in the manner of the Majesty of the being whose orders you are disobeying (Allah ).

Shaykh Zulfiqar Ahmed Naqshbandi states: When you commit a sin, you take great care of the small children that may be around, yet you have no thought of Allah Most High!? When committing a sin you close all those doors from which people may be able to see you. However, you cannot close that door from which Allah is always watching you.

Ata bin Abi Riba Tabiee stated: Whenever there is a deficiency in sustenance that is provided by Allah to an individual, he complains of this to the people. When that same person’s book of deeds, filled with sins comes before Allah, Allah does not complain of this individual and his actions to the angels. But, Allah waits for the moment that he will repent for his wrongdoings.

Imam Abu Hanifa stated: When somebody praises you, then in reality they are praising Allah. For it is due to the Mercy of Allah that he has kept your sins hidden from the eyes of people. If sins had a stench, then no one would even come near you! What is praise?!

A Tabiee is recorded as saying: I have experienced, that whenever I happen to disobey any order of Allah, I get the recompense of disobedience from my wife, children, servants, and even the animals I own.

When a person happens to sin, Allah prepares 4 witnesses for him

1. The Earth is made a witness on the Day of Qiyamah to the sin perpetrated on its back: “That Day (The Earth) will declare its information (good and bad that happened over it)” (Holy Qur’an 99:4)
2. The body parts of an individual will bear witness against the individual on the day of Qiyamah: “This day (Qiyamah) we shall seal up their mouths, and their hands will speak to us, and their legs will bear witness to what they used to earn.” (Holy Qur’an, 36:65)
3. The Angels will bear witness on the Day of Qiyamah: “Verily, appointed over you are angels to watch over you, honorable and writing down your deeds, they know all that you do.” (Holy Quran, 82:10-12)
4. The Book of Deeds will bear witness to their actions on the day of Qiyamah: “And when the pages of the book of deeds (of every person) shall be laid open.” (Holy Qur’an, 81:10).

One day Sayyidina Umar bin Khattab was reading this verse from the Holy Qur’an and the reality of the verse dawned upon him, he lost consciousness and was bedridden for several days. Many of the pious predecessors, used to read the following verse and cry all night saying “O Allah, what will be our condition be on that day?!” “The Day when all the secrets will be examined (as to their truth).” (Holy Qur’an, 86:9)

The remedy for sins is only in sincere repentance

Allah says: “O you who Believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will expiate from you your sin, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise)-” (Holy Qur’an, 66:8)

Mufti Muhammed Shafi stated: the meaning of sincere repentance, is that an individual should feel guilt, remorse, and embarrassment over their past sins. Together with this, they should make a firm intention not to repeat the same sin. If however, the sins which are being repented over are amongst the ‘Rights of Allah’, it should then be performed/made up as quickly as possible through Qadha (Salat, fasting, Zakat, etc). If the past sin is from amongst the ‘Rights of the Creation’ then forgiveness must be sought from the wronged persons. If money/wealth was wrongfully taken, it should be returned to the rightful owner. (Khutabhaat)

If we perform our repentance in this manner then Allah says: “Except those who repent and believe and do righteous deeds; for those Allah will change their sins into good deeds, And Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Holy Qur’an, 25:70)

May Allah forgive all our sins through his Mercy and include us among his pious servants. Ameen!

by Mufti Muhammad Yusuf bin Yaqoob Danka

The Use Of Electricity

And We made a fount of molten copper flow out for him. (Qur’an, 34:12)

One of Allah’s great blessings to Prophet Sulayman was “a fount of molten copper.” This can be understood in several senses. By the use of melted copper, it may be referring to the existence, at his time, of an advanced technology that employed electricity. We know that copper is one of the best metals for conducting electricity and heat, and thus constitutes the basis of the electrical industry, which uses much of the copper produced in the world. The expression “flow out” may indicate that electricity can be used in many fields. (Allah knows best.)

Vinegar: Why Is It A Good Dip?

Jabir narrated, The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) took me one day with him to his house. He was served some bread. He asked: `Is there any dip?’ They replied ‘No, only some vinegar.’ He said, ‘Vinegar is a good dip.’

Jabir used to say, “I have loved vinegar since I heard it from Allah’s Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)”. And Talhah ibn Naf’a said, “I have loved vinegar since I heard it from Jabir.” (Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasaa’i)

What is Vinegar? And Why is it a Good Dip?
Vinegar is made by fermenting the juice of sweet fruits and grains such as barley, apple, and grape. The process of creating vinegar entails fermenting in an aerobic environment (in the presence of oxygen) as opposed to alcoholic fermentation, which is done in an anaerobic environment (in the absence of oxygen). The alcohol in these liquids is oxidized to acetic acid. Vinegar contains 4 percent or more acetic acid. Its color and tastes differ depending on its base.

Vinegar contains small amounts of protein and starch. 100g of vinegar has only 16 calories. It also contains sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, zinc, and chlorine but it has no vitamins.

Ibn Seena (died 1037 CE) wrote in his famous book Al-Qanoon fit Tibb (the Canon of Medicine), that vinegar is a powerful clotting agent. If poured on an external wound, it will stop the bleeding and prevent swelling. It aids digestion and is an expectorant. It helps with felons (inflammation of the tissues of a finger or toe) and carbuncles (a kind of skin inflammation). It acts quickly on burns. When mixed with old and applied to the head, it helps with headaches caused by heat. It strengthens gums. It is an appetizer and aids digestion.

Vinegar Treats External Injuries
The Martin-Dale Encyclopaedia of Pharmaceuticals 1989 indicated that vinegar has many beneficial uses. Some are:

  1. To treat poisoning by alkaline (non-acidic) substances.
  2. To help reduce fevers by applying a cold pad to the forehead which is soaked with vinegar and water.
  3. To cure ‘black hairy tongue.’ a disease caused due to intake of antibiotics like penicillin, and tetracycline, by using vinegar once or twice daily for a week.
  4. To soothe pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis by applying a pad soaked with vinegar and water to painful joints.
  5. Treat bee and jellyfish stings by applying a mixture of equal amounts of salt and vinegar to the sting, relieving the pain and preventing inflammation.

Cider Vinegar
Professor John B.Yudkin wrote in the 1986 edition of the Penguin Encyclopaedia of Nutrition that Cider vinegar is known for its ability to cure several diseases. It helps in treating joint pain, rhinitis (inflammation of the nose), asthma, and gastric disorders and helps in losing weight.

Slight cases of diarrhea are a way by which the body gets rid of harmful substances that enter the digestive system. The 1989 edition of Dr. Micheal Sharon’s book, Complete Nutrition, stated that vinegar aids in treating diarrhea. It should be taken as one to two teaspoons of vinegar in a glass of boiled or mineral water several times a day.

Anti-Bacterial Remedy
Complete Nutrition also states. “Vinegar performs the role of disinfectant for the intestines. Some people advise it to be used for gargling for the mouth and throat. It disinfects the inside of the mouth from germs. The usual dosage for gargling is to mix one to three teaspoons of cider vinegar in a glass of water, in the morning and at night.”

Dr. Sharon ends his argument about cider vinegar by saying: “We always have to remember that cider vinegar will not have the same effect on everyone. Some may benefit from it and some may not. Very few people may be allergic to vinegar. Nevertheless, vinegar is beneficial for the majority of people.”