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What Makes Us Different From Iblis, Shaitan

Iblis. Shaytan. The Devil. Whatever name you call him, everyone knows him. He is the accursed one. The rejected outcast, who was thrown out of Jannah. The one damned to the Fire of Hell forever and doomed until eternity.

Ever wonder how he got there? I mean, really wondered…?
What did he do, or perhaps not do, that condemned him to be the most despicable and humiliated creature in the heavens and the earth?

Yes, sure, we all know the story. We’ve known it since we were babies. We’ve read it in the Qur’an a million times. But, have we ever read the story with the eyes of our hearts? Have we really thought about what happened? Have we ever pondered it? What did Iblis do that was so wrong? Let us look at some of Iblis’ actions.

1. Did Iblis not believe in Allah? Indeed, he did!
Iblis, the accursed, believed in Alah. He knew Allah is the Master, Owner, Sustainer, the Giver of life and death, the Lord of all things. In fact, he calls Him my Rabb, my Lord.

He (Iblis) said, ‘My Lord, reprieve me till the Day they are raised.’ (Surah al-Hijr:36)

Why, Iblis even swore by Allah’s Might, knowing fully well that it is Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala, Who is Almighty and that all Power belongs to Him Alone. Iblis swears: He (Iblis) said, ‘I swear by Your Might, that I will surely mislead them all. (Surah Saad:82)

2. Did he believe that someone else created him? NO, he knew Allah is his Creator!
Shaytan knew very well that Allah is the Creator of the heavens and the earth and whatever is in them, including himself, all jinn and mankind. He admitted it himself.

(Iblis) said: ‘I am better than he (Adam). You created me of fire, and You created him of clay.’ (Surah al-Aaraaf:12)

Want A Palace(In Jannah)?..Give Up Malice!

Narrated Hudhaifa (Radi Allahu anhu): The Prophet (SallAllahu alaihi wasallam) said,” Before your time, the angels took the soul of a man and asked him, ‘Did you do any good deeds (in your life)?’ He replied, ‘I used to order my employees to grant time to rich person to pay his debts at his convenience and excuse the one in hard circumstances.’ So Allah said to the angels, ‘Excuse him,'” Sahih Al-Bukhari 3:291

Want a Palace(In Jannah)?..Give up, Malice!
Every person’s honor is sacred. We are duty-bound to respect and honor our fellow brothers and sisters and never…yes, NEVER to hold an iota of malice or ill will in our hearts towards them. The Noble Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) tried to eliminate hatred, malice, jealousy, and rivalry by inducing brotherhood, sincere love and friendship. (Please note that while in most cases the ahaadeeth mention the masculine gender, the same rewards etc. refer to the females as well)

Our society is ideally built upon the foundation of brotherhood, as the Noble Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) advised: “Believers are like a structure, parts of which support one another. The believers, in their mutual friendship, mercy, and affection, are like one body; if any part of it complains, the rest of the body will also stay awake in fever.” (Hadith-Al-Bukhaari and Muslim).

The Noble Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) also said, “Do not break off ties with one another, do not turn away from one another, do not hate one another, and do not envy one another. Be O slaves of Allah brothers.” (Al-Bukhaari)

What Makes A Woman Of Jannah?

“They will have whatever they wish therein (Paradise) and with Us is more” (Surah Qaf 50:35).

The woman of Jannah is one who has the following qualities:
1. She is a Muslimah: She readily, willingly, and cheerfully submits to Allah’s commands. She does not question the wisdom of the Shariah. “Men have charge over women,” says Allah. The woman of wonder does not believe in “gender equality, etc.” and does not suffer from an inferior complex, as she is fully aware that in her role as a home executive, she gains the Pleasure of Allah Ta`ala.

2. She is a Mu’minah: Filled with Iman from head to toe, her faith is unshakable. Her quest and mission in life: to perfect her Iman and serve her husband.

3. She is Contented: The woman of Jannah is more than contented with her lot. She craves not an iota nor a drop of the Dunya. She does not waste her time roaming in malls, etc., as this does not enthrall her.

4. She is Truthful: Truthfulness is her trademark. In intention, in speech and deed, the woman of wonder is truthful to Allah and His Rasul (Sallallahu alayhi Wasallam). She is loyal to her husband. She detests falsehood, hypocrisy, and pretence.

5. She has Sabr: The woman of Jannah is a mountain of Sabr. She has accepted Sabr as her lot, since her desire is to enter Jannah. Sabr with her husband, Sabr with in-laws, Sabr with children, Sabr in overseeing the affairs of her home. Sabr, yes, Sabr – lots and lots of it.

Al-Salam

Surah Al-A’raf 7:180

﴾وَللَّهِ الأَسْمَآءُ الْحُسْنَى فَادْعُوهُ بِهَا وَذَرُواْ الَّذِينَ يُلْحِدُونَ فِى أَسْمَائِهِ سَيُجْزَوْنَ مَا كَانُواْ يَعْمَلُونَ ﴿

(180. And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie His Names. They will be requited for what they used to do.)

About the Meaning
On one occasion in the Quran [Surah al-Hashr:23], Allah introduces Himself as As-Salaam, the Perfection and Giver (or Bestower, or Source) of peace.
Linguistically, salaam can mean “immunity”, to be free of something. Another opinion is that it implies wellbeing – to be safe and good.

What Does it Mean that Allah is As-Salaam?
Ibn Kathir rahimahullaah explains: As-Salaam is the One who is free from all imperfections and deficiencies, because of the Perfection of His Being, of His Attributes, and His Actions. He is So Perfect, He does not have any imperfections. He is free from death, free from forgetfulness, etc. His Actions are perfect, whatever He does there is wisdom (hikmah) behind it. That is why The Perfection is one of the translations of this Beautiful Name.

Examples of Salaam
The root seen, laam, meem – also makes Saleem, for example, qalbun saleem, a sound heart, which is unblemished. Islam is also made up from this root, the state of submission. So ask As-Salaam to make Islam your safe harbor and to bring peace to your heart.

Paradise is called Daar us Salaam [Quran 10:25)] because it is free of all pain, death, worries, etc., and it is a place of safety. Allah will give salaam to the people who get Jannah.

Also the greeting of assalaamu alaykum we use in this world really means: you are safe from me; you will not receive any evil from me.

How Can You Live By This Name?
1. If you want the salaam, the security, and the protection of Allah don’t wrong yourself, don’t wrong others, and don’t wrong Allah As-Salaam. Allah is As-Salaam, which means He cannot be unjust. We wrong ourselves.

2. Make yourself Saleem for Allah and get Allah’s salaam. Work on yourself and try to commit yourself and your intentions purely to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala so you will receive Allah’s salaam in Jannah.

3. Submit to Allah so you can be secure. If you submit (to Islam) you will get Allah’s salaam. When the Prophet salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did dawah, he said: Idha sallamta nafsaka lillah, salimta— “When you submit yourself to Allah, you will be safe.” Believing is to follow the guidance and do the actions!

4. Be patient in trials and Allah will give you peace inside. Your heart will have salaam, a feeling of well-being, serenity, and peace.

5. Say salaam upon the Prophet, upon righteous people, and to each other, but never say salaam upon Allah, because He is As-Salaam! He does not need security and safety, because He is Salaam and Perfect.

6. When you are very worried, make dua’ by this name. You can say, Allahumma antas Salaam (O Allah, You are As-Salaam), save me from this.

Homework: Use This Name of Allah After Your Salah
It is from the Sunnah to use this name of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala after your prayer. When you finish your Salah, supplicate: Astaghfirullah (3 times). Allahumma antas salaam wa minkas salaam, tabaarakta yaa Dhal Jalaali wal Ikraam. (“I seek Allah’s Forgiveness. O Allah, You are As-Salaam, and from You is all peace. Blessed are You, O Possessor of majesty and honor.”)

What a gem; straight after our prayer, we ask for protection and safety from the mistakes committed during the Salah!

Wallahu ta’alaa ‘alem.

O Allah, As-Salaam, keep us safe from worries and distress— give us all hearts that are saleem, and may we be of those who receive Your Salaam in Jannah, Ameen!

The Most Noble Guest Is At Your Doorstep Are You Prepared

Beloved brothers and sisters in Islam:
In just a few days one of the most noble guest will be visiting us, and it is well known that the more you love your guest the more you prepare yourself to welcome him, the more you respect your guest the more things you plan to entertain him or to make his visit most comfortable.

Almost one full year has passed since his last visit, he was your guest for almost thirty days, and again he is at your doorstep waiting for you to open the door so he may fill your home with blessings and favors of Allah.

He is yours, ours, and all Muslims guest and we ask Allah to enable us to behave well during his stay and to bless us to take advantage of his presence. Aameen.

Beloved brothers and sisters, I am sure you know much more than I about the benefits and advantages of Ramadan and the blessing and favors of Allah which are showered during this blessed month but I wanted to send you this message as a reminder –firstly myself- and then to you so that we may be ready to reap the fruits of this blessed month which is here for our benefit.

Ramadan is a school of Eemaan and Taqwaa, where every graduate is a winner.

Ramadan, which in itself is a “crash course” to help us boost our Eemaan, get closer to Allah, and facilitate for us all means to achieve the certificate of entrance to Jannah. And May All the doors of Jannah be open for us including the door of Siyaam.

Prophet Muhammad said “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” (reported by Al-Bukhari)

So do you know of any guest more important than this guest?

Do you know of any guest coming with so much khayr and blessings?

Do you know of any guest staying with you for a month and not asking to spend anything for him? rather, giving you abundantly?

So let’s reflect for some moments and prepare well for him.

Today’s Hadith

Narrated Anas (Radi Allahu anhu): The Prophet (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam) delivered a Khutba (religious talk) the like of which I had never heard before. He said, ‘If you but knew what I know then you would have laughed little and wept much.” On hearing that, the companions of the Prophet (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam) covered their faces and the sound of their weeping was heard. A man said, “Who is my father?” The Prophet (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam) said, “So-and-so”, so this Verse was revealed:
O you who believe! Ask not about things which, if made plain to you, may cause you trouble. But if you ask about them while the Qur’an is being revealed, they will be made plain to you. Allah has forgiven that, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing. {Holy Qur’an Surat: 05 Al-Maeda Verses#101}
Sahih Al-Bukhari 6:145

O man! Verily, you are returning towards your Lord with your deeds and actions (good or bad), a sure return, and you will meet (the results of your deeds which you did). Then as for him who will be given his Record in his right hand, He surely will receive an easy reckoning, And will return to his family in joy! But whosoever is given his Record behind his back, He will invoke (for his) destruction, And he shall enter a blazing Fire, and be made to taste its burning. {Holy Qur’an Surat: 84 Al-Inshiqaq Verses#6-to-12}

Abdullah bin Mas’ud (Radi Allahu anhu) reported: The Allah’s Messenger (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam) said, “I know of the last of the inhabitants of the Hell to be taken out from there and the last one to enter Jannah. He is a man who will come out of the Fire, crawling on all fours. Allah, the Rabb of glory and honor will say to him: ‘Go and enter Jannah.’ He will go to it and think it is full up. He will return and say: ‘O my Rabb, it is full up.’ Allah will say to him: ‘Go and enter Jannah.’ He will again go to it and think it is full up. So he will turn back. Allah will again say: ‘Go and enter Jannah. For you have what is equal to ten times the world.’ He will say: ‘Are you making fun of me while You are the King?’ “At this, I (i.e. the narrator) saw the Allah’s Messenger (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam) laugh till his premolars were visible and he said, “Such a man will be the last dweller of Jannah in its lowest rank.” [Al-Bukhari – Muslim]

As Taken from Riyad-us-Saliheen
*The general habit of the Prophet (SalAllahu alaihi wasallam) was just to smile. But while telling about the gifts and honors of an ordinary person in Jannah, he could not help laughing in a manner that his molars became visible. The person on the lowest pedestal in Jannah will be given ten times better things and gifts than he could had on this earth. May Allah admit us into Jannah in His Mercy. Aameen.

Three important and beneficial things
1. Hazrat Muhammad salllahu alayhi wasallam says that “if a person recites ” Ayatal Kursi” after every Fard Namaz then there will be nothing between him and Heaven except Death”

2. There is a Hadith that says “La Haula Wala Quuatailla billahil aliyul azeem” is such a great medicine that it cures every disease and the most minor disease it cures is “Sorrow” (Gham).

3. Another Hadith says “If a person recites surah ikhlaas (Kul huwallahu ahad…) 10 times in a day then Allah build a palace for him in Heaven.(Subhaan Allah)” and last but not least Allah says ” spread the knowledge whatever you have.

Fascinating Description Of Jannah

‘Some faces that Day will be Shining and Radiant, looking at their Lord.’ ( Source: “Quran” Surat~Al-Qiyaamah:75 A# 22-23)

And if you ask about its ground and its soil, then it is of musk and saffron.

And if you ask about its roof, then it is the Throne of the Most Merciful.

And if you ask about its rocks, then they are pearls and jewels.

And if you ask about its buildings, then they are made of bricks of gold and silver.

And if you ask about its trees, then it does not contain a single tree except that its trunk is made of gold and silver.

And if you ask about its fruits, then they are softer than butter and sweeter than honey.

And if you ask about its leaves, then they are softer than the softest cloth.

And if you ask about its rivers, then there are rivers of milk whose taste does not change, and rivers of wine that is delicious to those who drink it, and rivers of honey that is pure, and rivers of water that is fresh.

And if you ask about their food, then it is fruits from whatever they will choose, and the meat of whatever birds they desire.

And if you ask about their drink, then it is Tasneem, Ginger, and Kaafoor.

And if you ask about their drinking cups, then they are crystal-clear and made of gold and silver.

And if you ask about its shade, then a fast rider would ride in the shade of one of its trees for a hundred [100] years and not escape it.

And if you ask about its vastness, then the lowest of its people would have within his kingdom and walls and palaces and gardens the distance that would be traveled in a thousand [1000] years.

And if you ask about its tents and encampments, then one tent is like a concealed pearl that is sixty[60] miles long.

And if you ask about its towers, then they are rooms above rooms in buildings that have rivers running underneath them.

And if you ask about how far it reaches into the sky, then look at the shining stars that are visible, as well as
those that are far in the heavens that the eyesight cannot possibly reach.

And if you ask about the clothing of its inhabitants, then they are of silk and gold.

And if you ask about its beds, then its blankets are of the finest silk laid out in the highest of its levels.

And if you ask about the faces of its inhabitants and their beauty, then they are like the image of the Moon.

And if you ask about their age, then they are young ones of thirty-three [33] years in the image of Adam (AS) [ the father of humanity.]

And if you ask about what they will be hearing, then it is the singing of their wives from among the Hoor al-‘Ayn, and better than that are the voices of the Angels and the Prophets, and better than that is… the Speech of the Lord of the Worlds…{‘Alhamdullilah’}

And if you ask about their servants, then they are young boys of everlasting youth who resemble scattered pearls.

And if you ask about their brides and wives, then they are young and full-breasted and have had the liquid of youth flow through their limbs; The sun runs along the beauty of her face if she shows it, light shines from between her teeth if she smiles; if you meet her love, then say whatever you want regarding the joining of two lights; he sees his face in the roundness of her cheek as if he is looking into a polished mirror, and he sees the brightness from behind her muscles and bones;
if she were to be unleashed upon the World, she would fill what is between the Heavens and the Earth with a beautiful wind, and the mouths of the creation would glorify, praise, and exclaim greatness, and everything between the East and the West would be adorned for her, and every eye would be shut from everything but her and the light of the Sun would be outshone just as the light of the Sun outshines the light of the stars, and everyone on the face of the Earth would believe in the Ever-Living, the One who Sustains and Protects all the exists.

And the covering on her head is better than the World and all that is in it, and she does not increase with age except in beauty… free from an umbilical cord, childbirth and menses, and pure of mucous, saliva, urine and other filthy things; her youth never fades, her clothing is never worn out, no garment can be created that matches her beauty, and no one who is with her can ever become bored; her attention is restricted to her husband, so she desires none but him, just as his attention is restricted to her so she is the sole object of his desire, and he is with her in utmost safety and security, as none has touched her before of either humans or Jinn.

And if you ask about the Day of Increase (in reward) and the visit of the all-Mighty, all-Wise, and the sight of His Face – free from any resemblance or likeness to anything – as you see the Sun in the middle of the day and the full Moon on a cloudless night, then listen on the day that the caller will call: ‘O People of Paradise! Your Lord –
Blessed and Exalted – requests you to visit Him, so come to visit Him!’ So they will say: ‘We hear and obey!’

Until, when they finally reach the wide valley where they will all meet – and none of them will turn down the request of the caller – the Lord – Blessed and Exalted – will order His Chair to be brought there.

Then, pulpits of light will emerge, as well as pulpits of pearls, gemstones, gold, and silver. The lowest of them in rank will sit on sheets of musk, and will not see what those who are on the chairs above them are given. When they are comfortable where they are sitting and are secure in their places, and the caller calls: ‘O People of Paradise! You have an appointment with Allah in which He wishes to reward you!’

So they will say: ‘And what is that reward? Has HE not already made our faces bright, made our scales heavy, entered us into Paradise, and pushed us away from the Fire?’

And when they are like that, all of a sudden a light shines that encompasses all of Paradise. So, they raise their heads, and, behold: the Compeller – Exalted is He, and Holy are His Names – has come to them from above them and majestified and said: ‘O People of Paradise! Peace be upon you!’

So, this greeting will not be responded to with anything better than: ‘O Allah! You are Peace, and from You is Peace! Blessed are You, O possessor of Majesty and Honour!’

So the Lord – Blessed and Exalted will laugh to them and say: ‘O People of Paradise! Where are those who used to obey Me without having ever seen Me? This is the Day of Increase!’

So, they will all give the same response: ‘We are pleased, so be pleased with us!’
So, He will say: ‘O People of Paradise! If I were not pleased with you, I would not have made you inhabitants of My Paradise!
So, ask of Me!’
So, they will all give the same response: ‘Show us your Face so that we may look at it!’
So, the Lord – Mighty and Majestic – will remove his covering and will majestify them and will cover them with His Light, which, if Allah – the Exalted had not Willed not to burn them, would have burned them.

And there will not remain a single person in this gathering except that his Lord [ the Exalted ] will speak to him and say: ‘Do you remember the day that you did this and that?’ and He will remind him of some of his bad deeds in the Worldy life, so he will say: ‘O Lord! Will you not forgive me?’

So… He will say: ‘Of course! You have not reached this position of yours (in Paradise) except by my forgiveness.’

So, how sweet is this speech to the ears, and how cooled are the righteous eyes by the glance at His Noble Face in the Afterlife…

{‘ALHAMDULLILAH’!} {…with incessant tears…!}

Source:-Ibn al-Qayyim’s beautiful Description Of Paradise
[Haadi al-Arwaah ilaa Bilaad il-Afraah by Ibn al-Qayyim, pg. #193

What Is Our Goal?

As we go continue our everyday lives, do we ever take a pause to reflect on where we are heading? We toil throughout the day, in pursuit of All our efforts are directed towards the achievement of Well, the answers may be different for different persons, Some may have a career goal, some business, and some education, etc. But what is our goal, our aim, our objective, our target for our Afterlife, which is our true life, the life last that we have to live forever and ever and ever and ever, whether we wish to live it or not?

Have we even set our goals for the after-life or are we so consumed in bettering this temporary life for ourselves and our families that we never had the chance to give a second thought to the afterlives of ourselves and our families.
Ultimately, we all have to face our Lord, answer His questions, give an account of our life in this world, and then proceed to our final destination, may it be Heaven or Hell?

If, we enter Heaven, SubhanAllah, alhamdulillah, but what if?. just imagine what would be the state of our terror, when on the Day of Judgement, we have to go to Hell. Will the status we worked so hard to achieve in this life be of any avail? Will the wealth we spent day and night earning save us from the Fire?

YUNUS, 54
[And if every person who had wronged, possessed all that is on the earth and sought to ransom himself therewith (it will not be accepted), and they would feel in their hearts regret when they see the torment.]

What use will it be if we regret then when we cannot return back, when the register of our deeds will be closed, and nothing can be done?

IBRAHIM, 44
[And warn mankind of the Day when the torment will come unto them, then the wrongdoers will say: Our Lord! Respite us for a little while, we will answer Your Call and follow the messengers! (It will be said): Had u not sworn afore time that you would not leave (the world for the Here-After).]

Today, maybe we don’t swear verbally that we will never have to leave this world, but our actions are enough to prove our beliefs.

Before the sands of time slip, and we are in a no-return position, we have to work for our afterlives and for that we have to have a goal in mind a specific target, and do I need to say, what the goal must be? all of us wanting to achieve everlasting pleasures, our goal is to achieve Jannah, which is the criterion of real success.

Surah al-‘Imran, verse 185
“Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have indeed attained the object of life [or: been successful]” (3:185).
The success of this life, the mansions we build, the wealth we amass, the enormous amount of bank balance we add up, the precious gems and jewelry we possess, they all are a temporal success, when we breathe our last, when our soul departs our body, this success will then not even matter the amount of a speck of dust to us, True success lies in seeking and achieving Jannah, AND THAT IS WHAT WE MUST STRIVE FOR.

How can we not seek to enter al-Jannah and it is the real success, it is the house of eternity, the house of lasting joy and happiness, the house where there is no sorrow, no pain, no death but just pleasure and enjoyment and above all there is in Jannah the PLEASURE OF ALLAH on its inhabitants. It is in Jannah where the believers would see their LORD, where they will meet with the Messengers and their companions, and the Martyrs.

The Jannah that is so wonderful the description of which lies in a hadith “Bricks of gold and silver, and mortar of fragrant musk, pebbles of pearl and sapphire, and soil of saffron. Whoever enters it is filled with joy and will never feel miserable; he will live there forever and never die; their clothes will never wear out and their youth will never fade.” [Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, ad-Daarimee, Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 3/29, sahih].
Subhanallah,

In another hadith, we have
What Allaah (SWT) has kept hidden from us the delights of Paradise is beyond our ability to comprehend: al-Bukhaari reported from Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Prophet (saw) said that Allaah (swt) said, “I have prepared for My slaves what no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no human heart can imagine”. Recite if you wish, “No person know what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.” (32:17).

LET US ALL PRIORITISE, SORT OUT WHAT IT IS WE ACTUALLY SEEK TO ATTAIN, AND WORK HARD TOWARDS THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THAT GOAL, AND NOT LET OTHER TRIVIAL MATTERS STOP US FROM STRIVING TOWARDS OUR FINAL DESTINATION: JANNAH.

ALLAH tells us in Surah Aal-Imran,Verse 133:
[And run to forgiveness from ur Lord, and to Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al-Muttaqun]

And in Surah Hadid, ayah 21:
[Race with one another in hastening towards forgiveness from your LORD, AND paradise, the width whereof is as the width of the heaven and the earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah and His Messengers. That is the Grace of Allah, which He bestows on whom He is pleased with.]

This is how our manner should be in seeking Jannah, running, hastening and racing with one another, but we only compete with each other for worldly means and remain amazingly heedless to our Lord’s commands, what a shame it is.

In this world, the higher we set our aims, the harder we have to work, the more we have to sacrifice, then let us not be under the misconception that the path to Jannah is an easy one.

Al-Baqarah, 214
[Or do u think that you will enter Paradise without such trials as those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with Him said: When will the help of ALLAH come? Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allah is near!]

We will have to bear with patience all the difficulties and obstacles that come our way, and there are bound to be loads, but we have an excellent example in our Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) to follow. And all the difficulties, when compared to the rewards one hopes to obtain in Jannah, are minute.

At-Taubah, 111
[Verily, Allah has purchased of the believers their lives and their properties for (the price) that theirs shall be the Paradise. They fight in Allah’s Cause, so they kill (others) and are killed. It is a promise in truth, which is binding on Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur’an. And who is truer to His covenant than Allah. Then rejoice in the bargain you have concluded. That is the supreme success.]

Let us now march forward with a clear perspective of what we aim to achieve. The clock is ticking, none of us know when the angels of Death will approach us, its high time we realize the mission in our life, and labor towards it. The path may be difficult, but once the destination is reached, we will know our efforts were not put in vain.

I ask ALLAH, He makes it easy for us to follow the path that leads to Jannah and encompass us with His Mercy and Fadhl.
I conclude with the dua of Prophet Ibrahim Alayhi salaam,
[And make me one of the inheritors of the Paradise of Delight]
Ash-Shu’ara. Verse 85

Obedience And Manners In Dealing With Parents

Allah (SWT) says: ‘Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to your parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age, say not to them a word of contempt or repel them, but address them in terms of honour. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility and say: ‘My Lord, have mercy on them for they cherished me in childhood.’ (Bani-Israel, v23-24)

In the above ayat, Allah (SWT) gives the order of dealing with parents in an honourable and respectful manner, treating them with love and obeying them. Imam Qurtubi (rah) relates, ‘In this ayat Allah (SWT) mentions the importance of treating the parents in a respectful and honourable manner in conjunction with the worship of Allah (SWT) Himself. Just as in Surah Luqman, Allah (SWT) mentions thanks due to Him with that also of the parents, gratitude should be shown to both. It is proven from this that after the worship and obedience of Allah (SWT), obedience to one’s parents is most lofty in rank, as is the same with gratitude and showing thanks. The following hadith of Sahih Bukhari bears witness to this:

• One Sahaba(RA) asked, ‘Which is the most loved action by Allah (SWT)? Rasulullah (saw) said, ‘To pray Salaat in the specified time.’ It was then asked, ‘Which is most loved after that?’ Rasulullah (saw) said: ‘To have good dealings with your parents.’ (Tafsiri Qurtubi)

The Status of Obeying & Assisting The Parents
• Hazrat Abu Darda (RA) said, ‘Rasulullah (saw) related that, ‘The Father is the middle door of Jannah, now you know if you wish, take care of it or destroy it.’ (Musnad Ahmad, Tirmidhi)

• Hazrat Abu Umamah (RA) relates that a man asked Rasulullah (saw), ‘What are the rights of the parents over their children?’ Rasulullah (saw) said, ‘They both are either your Jannah or Jahanam!’ (Ibn Majah)

Meaning, the obedience and serving the parents is such a deed that it will enter one into Jannah and their disobedience and displeasure will take a person to Jahanam.

• It is related from Ibn Abbas (RA), ‘Rasulullah (saw) related, ‘The children who look at their parents with mercy and love, then on every look, they are rewarded the same reward as a Hajj Mabrur (accepted Hajj).’ The people asked, ‘If they look 100 times in this manner during the day?’ Rasulullah (saw) said, ‘Yes!, with every look the reward will continue to be the same, Allah is the greatest!’ (there is no reduction in his treasures even after all this). (Baihaqi)

The Punishment of Treating Parents Badly Is Also Received In The Dunya
• Hazrat Abi Bakr (RA) relates, ‘Rasulullah (saw) said: ‘The punishment of all sins can be excused by Allah (SWT) until the Day of Qiyamah, apart from the disobedience shown to parents. The Punishment of this is received in the Dunya even before the punishment of the Akhirah!’ (Baihaqi, Tafsiri Muzhari)

The honourable treating of parents who have attained old age is encouraged more so through the above ayat of the Quran. There is no defined emphasis on the different treatment of parents according to age and time, however, in old age more care has to be taken where the parents are more in need of assistance, for example:
1. In old age, the smallest amount of disagreement with parents will affect them greatly and hurt them emotionally.
2. In old age, due to deteriorated health, they are more fragile.
3. In old age, understanding and logic are affected, so what they desire may not always be possible for children to carry out. For this reason, Allah(SWT) reminds us, ‘When you were young, how they treated you, cared for you, did everything you desired, accepting your condition and understanding it. Thus you also treat them in that way. Now your parents have become your responsibility, what they did for you, you repay in your treatment of them.’ Again we recount the Ayat … ‘And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility and say:
‘My Lord, have mercy on them for they cherished me in childhood.’

Masaa’il
If the parents are Muslims, then the du’aa for mercy for them is applicable. However, if they are not Muslims, the above-mentioned du’aa should be made with the intention that Allah (SWT) save them from the difficulties of this Dunya and guide them to Islam. After their death, a prayer of mercy is not permissible. (Tafsiri Qurtubi)

In Which Conditions is The Obedience of Parents Wajib (compulsory)?
In this matter, all the Ulama and Fuqaha are unanimous that the obedience of parents is only permissible in halal matters. The obedience of parents in non-permissible and haram acts is not wajib, it is not even permissible, it should not be done on their instruction. Rasulullah (saw) said, ‘In the disobedience of Allah (SWT) the obedience of any creation is not permissible.’ (Bukhari) In permissible things, the parents, even if they are non-muslims, will have to be obeyed.

May Allah(SWT) give all the Muslims the guidance to assist our parents in the correct way to earn his pleasure. Aameen.

Mufti Yusuf Danka

Excellence Of Weeping Out Of Fear From Allah

Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, the Exalted, says:
‘And they fall down on their faces weeping and it increases their humility.’ (17:109)

‘Do you then wonder at this recitation (the Qur’an)’ And you laugh at it and weep not’. (53:59-60)

446. Ibn Mas’ood radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said to me: ‘Recite the Qur’an to me’. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Shall I recite the Qur’an to you, when it has been revealed to you” He Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam replied, ‘I love to hear it recited by others’. So I recited to him a portion from Soorat An-Nisaa’. When I reached the Aayah:

‘How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad as a witness against these people”. (4:41)

He Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, ‘Enough for now’. When I looked at him I saw his eyes were shedding tears. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadeeth tells us that besides the recitation of the Noble Qur’an, a Muslim should also listen to it from others so that he can contemplate further on it. It also makes one weep when one listens to the Noble Qur’an.

447. Anas bin Malik radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam delivered a Khutbah to us the like of which I had never heard from him before. In the course of the Khutbah, he said: ‘If you knew what I know, you would laugh little and weep much’. Thereupon those present covered their faces and began to sob. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadeeth has been mentioned in this chapter for the reason that it furnishes positive proof of the fact that the Companions of the Prophet Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam used to weep out of fear of Allah when they heard sermons and preachings. It induces us to follow them.

448. Aboo Hurayrah radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, ‘One who weeps out of fear of Allah, will not enter the Hell till milk returns back in the udder; and the dust raised on account of fighting in the path of Allah and the smoke of Hell will never exist together’. [At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary:
1. A person who has such a fear of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala that he weeps on account of it, cannot be disobedient to Allah. Obviously, his life will generally be spent in the obedience of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala and strict abstinence from sins. It is very true to say that it is as impossible for such a person to go to Hell as the return of milk to the udders.

2. Similarly, Jihad is a highly meritorious act for a Muslim. A Mujahid, who fights for the sake of Allah, is perfectly safe from Hell because the dust that falls on this way on him, cannot mix with the smoke of Hell.

449. Aboo Hurayrah radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam said, ‘Seven people Allah will give them His Shade on the Day when there would be no shade but the Shade of His Throne (i.e., on the Day of Resurrection): And they are: a just ruler; a youth who grew up with the worship of Allah; a person whose heart is attached to the mosques, two men who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah; a man whom an extremely beautiful woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer and) says: ‘I fear Allah’; a man who gives in charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left-hand does not know what the right has given; and a man who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes become tearful’.
[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadeeth has been included in this chapter for the reason that it highlights the merits of weeping for fear of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. The fear of Allah keeps one away from the disobedience of Allah, the reward of which in the Hereafter is Jannah – a world which abounds in the Bounties and Pleasure of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.

450. ‘Abdullah bin Ash-Shikhkhir radhiallaahu`anhu reported: I came to the Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam when he was performing prayers. He was sobbing and his chest sounded like a boiling kettle. [Aboo Dawood and At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: This Hadeeth tells us how the Prophet Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam used to weep in prayer out of fear of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. To weep in the course of supplication and at the thought of one’s appearance before Allah reflects piety.

451. Anas radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam said to Ubayy bin Ka’b radhiallaahu`anhu, ‘Allah (SWT) has ordered me to recite to you Soorat-Al-Baiyyinah (98): ‘Those who disbelieve …’

Ubayy radhiallaahu`anhu asked, ‘Did He name me” The Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam replied in the affirmative. Whereupon Ubayy radhiallaahu`anhu began to weep. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadeeth highlights the following:

1. The permissibility of crying out of joy when a certain bounty has been bestowed upon one, and out of fear that one fails to show gratefulness to the Bestower of the bounty (i.e., Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala).

2. The superiority of Ubayy bin Ka’b radhiallaahu`anhu and the high position he occupies with regard to his recitation and memorization of the Qur’an.

452. Anas bin Malik radhiallaahu`anhu reported: After the death of the Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam, Aboo Bakr radhiallaahu`anhu said to ‘Umar radhiallaahu`anhu: ‘Let us visit Umm Aiman radhiallaahu`anha as the Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam used to visit her.’ As we came to her, she wept. They (Aboo Bakr and ‘Umar radhiallaahu`anhum said to her, ‘What makes you weep’ Do you not know that what Allah has in store for His Messenger Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam is better than (this worldly life)” She said, ‘I weep not because I am ignorant of the fact that what is in store for Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam (in the Hereafter) is better than this world, but I weep because the Revelation has ceased to come.’ This reply moved both of them to tears and they began to weep along with her. [Muslim].

Commentary: Here, this Hadeeth has been reproduced to furnish justification for weeping on the departure of virtuous people because their presence is a source of many blessings. With their departure from this world, people are deprived of many graces. Pious people are certainly very much grieved on their death.

453. Ibn ‘Umar radhiallaahu`anhu reported: When the illness of the Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam became serious, he was asked about the leading of Salaat and he said, ‘Ask Aboo Bakr to lead Salaat.’ Whereupon, ‘Aishah radhiallaahu`anha said; ‘Aboo Bakr is very tender-hearted. He is bound to be overcome by weeping when he recites the Qur’an.’ Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam repeated, ‘Ask him (Aboo Bakr) to lead Salaat’.

In another narration: ‘Aishah radhiallaahu`anha said: ‘When Aboo Bakr stands in your place, he will not be able to recite the Noble Qur’an to the people on account of weeping.’ [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].

Commentary:
1. This Hadeeth brings into prominence the distinction of Aboo Bakr As-Siddiq radhiallaahu`anhu. It was because of this distinction that the Companions of the Prophet Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam selected him as Khalifah (caliph) after the death of the Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam. On this occasion, ‘Umar radhiallaahu`anhu said, ‘Should we not like him for our (worldly life) political leadership when the Prophet Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam had chosen him for our Deen’.

2. The justification for weeping at the time of the recitation of the Noble Qur’an. This was a special virtue of Aboo Bakr As-Siddiq radhiallaahu`anhu which was a mark of his perfect Faith.

454. Ibraheem bin ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf reported: Food was brought to ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf radhiallaahu`anhu when he was observing Saum (fast) and he said: ‘Mus’ab bin ‘Umair radhiallaahu`anhu was martyred and he was better than me, but only one sheet was available to shroud him. It was so small that when his head was covered; his feet remained uncovered and if his feet were covered, his head remained uncovered. Then the bounties of this world have been bestowed upon us generously. I am afraid that the reward of our good deeds have been awarded to us in this world.’ On this, he began to sob and left the food untouched.
[Al-Bukhaari].

Commentary: This Hadeeth tells us about the hospitality of the Companions of the Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam and the respect they had for each other.

Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf radhiallaahu`anhu was one of the figures of ‘Al-Ashratul-Mubash-sharun bil Jannah (the ten Companions of the Prophet Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam who were given the glad tidings of entering Jannah during their lifetime). For this reason, he is superior to Mus’ab bin ‘Umair radhiallaahu`anhu, but he acknowledged him superior on the consideration of his martyrdom and poverty through which he had passed. He holds Mus’ab bin ‘Umair radhiallaahu`anhu better on the grounds that he had confronted the infidels in extremely difficult circumstances and sacrificed his life for the sake of Allah.

The second point which this Hadeeth brings out is the fear which Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf radhiallaahu`anhu felt at the abundance of wealth and property, although he used to spend his wealth and riches in the way of Allah and Jihad. Today, the only purpose of our wealth is that we waste it either on foolish customs and ceremonies of marriage or construction of buildings and their decoration. It was this abundance of the wealth of which the Companions of the Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam were afraid. The Prophet Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam had himself expressed great anxiety over it.

455. Aboo Umamah Sudaiy bin ‘Ajlan Al-Bahili radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Prophet Sall Allah `alayhi wa sallam said: ‘Nothing is dearer to Allah than two drops and two marks: A drop of tears shed out of fear of Allah and a drop of bloodshed in Allah’s way. Regarding the two marks, they are: Marks left in the Cause of Allah and a mark left in observing one of the obligatory acts of worship of Allah, the Exalted’. [At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: This Hadeeth mentions the merits of the following:

1. Weeping out of fear of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.

2. The blood which flows in the way of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.

3. The marks of injuries that are left on the bodies of those who take part in Jihad.

4. The marks of wounds received in the performance of obligations.

The Ahadeeth on the subject are many.

456. Al-‘Irbad bin Sariyah radhiallaahu`anhu reported: One day the Messenger of Allah Sall Allaahu `alayhi wa sallam delivered us a very eloquent Khutbah on account of which eyes shed tears and hearts became softened. [Aboo Dawood and At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: Even in the relevant chapter, the author has only given a reference of this Hadeeth and not its full text. This has, however, been stated in chapter 16, bearing the title ‘Observing the Sunnah and the manners of its obedience’.`