A Great Month Is Coming....

`Abdullah ibn `Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "The fast and the Qur'an are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.' The Qur'an will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.' And their intercession will be accepted."

[Ahmad]

Explanation : A great month is coming to you. A blessed month. A month in which there is one night that is better than a thousand months. A month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night.

Whoever draws nearer to Allah by performing any of the voluntary good deeds in this month shall receive the same reward as is there for performing an obligatory deed at any other time. And whoever discharges an obligatory deed in this month shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of Sabr (patience), and the reward for sabr is Heaven. It is the month of kindness and charity. It is a month in which a believer's sustenance is increased.

Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without the latter's reward being diminished at all.

We should welcome this month and embrace it with happiness and joy. We should have the truest resolve to observe the fasts and the prayers and to compete in doing righteous deeds. During this month, we should ardently repent for all of our sins and encourage each other to engage in virtuous deeds and call to what is right and forbid what is wrong. In this way, we will succeed in attaining the blessings and the great rewards of Ramadan.

The fast provides us with many benefits and is full of wisdom. It purifies and strengthens our hearts. It rids us of our baser tendencies like exuberance, arrogance, and stinginess. It reinforces our good traits like fortitude, clemency, and generosity. It supports us in our inner struggle to please Allah and attain nearness to Him.

Fasting teaches us about ourselves and our needs. It shows us how weak we are and how truly dependent we are upon our Lord. It shows us how much Allah has blessed us. We are reminded of our brethren those who are less fortunate and are inspired to treat them well. We are compelled to thank Allah and to use the blessings He has provided us in obedience to Him.

We must seize the opportunity presented to us in this blessed month and appreciate the greatness of this time by engaging in all the worship that we can. We must hasten to perform good deeds. Allah has made this month a time for worship and for competing with one another in righteousness. We must increase our prayer and our spending in charity.

We must busy ourselves with reading the Qur’ân. We must hasten to help the poor, the needy, and the orphans. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most generous of all people and he was even more generous in Ramadan. We must follow the good example of our Prophet (peace be upon him) by redoubling our efforts in this month.

We must beseech Allah for forgiveness in this month and do all that we can to take advantage of this precious time. We must avoid committing any offence against the fast that will diminish its blessings and invoke Allah’s anger. Therefore, we must not be negligent of our prayers or stingy with our Zakâh. We must not consume interest or the property of the orphans. We must not steal, oppress anyone, or disrespect our parents. We must not spurn our kinfolk.

We must avoid backbiting, slander, lies, and falsehood. We must eschew false oaths and claims. We must not shave or trim our beards or leave our moustaches to grow. We must not listen to song and musical instruments. Women must not make a wanton display of themselves and men should not mix with them. These sins are forbidden throughout the year, but in Ramadan they are even more forbidden and more sinful.

We must fear Allah and avoid what Allah and His Messenger (saws) have prohibited us. We must be upright in our obedience in Ramadan and throughout the rest of the year. We should call one another to this and by doing so attain the success and salvation that this month promises us.

The Muslim Youth

Prophet Muhammad (saws) said that "Allah will ask people on the Day of Judgment how they utilized their youth"

[Tirmidhi]

Explanation : If the life of this world is an illusion, the period of greatest illusion occurs during youth. It is a period of high energy and great enthusiasm, coupled with an air of invincibility and perpetuity. For this reason there are special warnings for the youth and glad tidings for the person who uses this energy wisely.

The great task of Muslim youth is to bring the life-giving message of Islam to wherever they live. With love, dedication, wisdom, and insight.

The person who devoted his youth to the worship of Allah will be among the selected seven kinds of people for whom Allah will provide His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His shade. [Bukahri, Muslim]

'Generation gap' is a clever term that aims at giving scientific respectability to rudeness and rebellion. The idea is to create a wedge between generations and make it look acceptable for a young person to be indifferent to any wise counsel from one's close and well-wishing elders. Which reminds us of the special challenge faced by the youth today. While temptations have always been strong in young age, today the problem is magnified by mega efforts targeting the youth, especially the Muslim youth in the Western world, at all levels including intellectual and philosophical.

A favorite theme of these campaigns is to separate Islam from its culture. When in France, follow the French culture not the Muslim Algerian one, so the argument goes. This argument needs to be carefully deconstructed. Like all clever arguments this one also begins with a bit of truth. It is true that Islam is a universal religion and not restricted to a particular region. It is also true that many Muslim lands, during their period of decline, developed or adopted some cultural practices that were not based in Islam and need to be pruned. Certainly, not everything that has become accepted social practice in every Muslim country is Islamic. But it is a very long jump from there to conclude that everything being done in the Muslim world is un-Islamic and must be jettisoned. And it is even more bizarre to suggest that the replacement of all that with the pop-culture is just fine.

When Islam reached the lands that today form the Muslim world, it influenced the life style and cultural practices there without forcing a monoculture.

The propaganda machine presents this common core of Islamic culture as a great burden, but one only needs to look at the unfortunate millions who are left on their own in the name of freedom, to ascertain the truth.

Hence the profound advice in another famous hadith to value five things: "Youth before old age, health before sickness, wealth before poverty, free time before preoccupation, and life before death."

Love For Allah

"There are three characteristics whoever has them will taste the sweetness of faith: that Allah and His Messenger(saw) are more loved by him than everything else, that he loves or does not love a person only for Allah's sake and that he would hate to revert into disbelief just as he would hate to be thrown into fire."

[Bukhari]

Explanation : Once we place Allah and love for Him foremost in everything we do, then all of our difficulties will seem to vanish and doors of opportunity will open up for us. All this is achieved by obeying the commands of Allah, frequenting the mosque, and submitting ourselves fully to our Creator. We will only understand the true value of this in the Hereafter.

Allah is so merciful that He races towards the one who takes just one step towards Him. The Holy Quran tells us that Allah loves intensely those who believe in Him. The depth of this love is directly proportional to the amount of faith a believer has in His Lord, and is inversely proportional to how strongly a believer will feel the difficulties he faces in his life. This means that a believer will be able to tolerate more difficulty and obstacles, the greater his love for Allah, and vice versa.

All difficulties, be they physical, financial, or otherwise, become easy for the believer when he has love for Allah in his heart. Moreover, the true believer even longs to make sacrifices for Allah, and is even willing to sacrifice his biggest asset, his life, for the sake of the Lord who blessed him with this gift in the first place.

Nothing seems difficult or onerous to the one who achieves this high degree of love. Standing in prayer is no longer a burden but a source of immense pleasure. If a lover of ice cream is presented with the flavor of his choice and the person offering it says, “Please bear the burden of eating this,” this will sound ludicrous to the one on the receiving end. Far from seeing it as a burden, he loves the ice-cream and longs for any opportunity to consume it. This is the case of a lover of Allah and how he perceives the commands of his beloved Lord.

The Prophet (saws) Used to Fast in Sha'ban

Ummul Mu'mineen 'Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha says,"I never saw the Messenger of Allah, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, fasting a complete month, except the month of Ramadan, and I have never seen him fasting in a month more frequently than he did in Sha'ban."

[Sahih Muslim]

Explanation: Sha'baan is the eight month of the Islamic calendar. It falls between two sacred months, Rajab and Ramadaan. Sha’ban is one of the meritorious months for which we find some particular instructions in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (saws). It is reported in the authentic ahadith that Prophet Muhammad (saws) used to fast most of the month in Sha’ban.

Fasting in Sha'baan serves as training before Ramadaan. However, fasting the whole month of Shabaan is Makrooh (disliked) and against the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam). Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu) said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) did not fast any entire month apart from Ramadaan.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

But it should be kept in mind that the fasts of Sha'ban are for those persons only who are capable of keeping them without causing deficiency in the obligatory fasts of Ramadan. Therefore, if one fears that after fasting in Sha'ban, he will lose strength or freshness for the fasts of Ramadan and will not be able to fast in it with freshness, he should not fast in Sha'ban, because the fasts of Ramadan, being obligatory, are more important than the optional fasts of Sha'ban.

That is why Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself has forbidden the Muslims from fasting one or two days immediately before the commencement of Ramadan. The blessed Companion Abu Hurairah, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, to have said, "Do not fast after the first half of the month of Sha'ban is gone."

According to another report Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam has said: "Do not precede the month of Ramadan with one or two fasts."

The essence of the above-quoted ahadith is that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself used to fast most of the month of Sha'ban, because he had no fear of developing weakness or weariness before the commencement of Ramadan. As for others, he ordered them not to fast after the 15th of Sha'ban for the fear that they would lose their strength and freshness before Ramadan starts, and would not be able to welcome the month of Ramadan with enthusiasm.

The Blessings Of Marriage

It has been narrated by Zaid Ibn Arqam that the Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam stated, "Oh Zaid! Be wedded, for your purity will be further increased."

(Dailami)

Explanation: The Sunnah indicates that it is prescribed to get married, and that it is one of the Sunnahs of the Messengers. By getting married a person can, with the help of Allaah, overcome many of the traps of evil, for marriage helps him to lower his gaze and guard his chastity.

Allah Ta'ala created the institution of marriage to promote harmony, peace and love amongst mankind. The Qur'an describes husbands and wives in this way: “They are garments for you, and you are garments for them” (Qur'an 2:187). Allah suggests that both partners come together to cover, protect and beautify each other in the same way that a garment covers, protects and beautifies the one who wears it. Through this metaphor, we understand that when two people get married, they cease to consider themselves individuals but instead as a couple - each person benefiting by the other equally.

Husband and wife, by uniting together, cover the natural shortcomings of each other, and this union protects them from hardships and difficulties which one faces by living alone; the sun of happiness and prosperity shines on the horizon of life; and both, by their joint efforts, discharge all the duties laid upon them by human nature.

Marriage inculcates a sense of responsibility and improvement of one’s self through expending effort and making sacrifices for the protection and welfare of one’s family, taking care of their needs (physical, material, emotional, spiritual), and bearing inconveniences and each other’s faults patiently.

Light Will Shine

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: Rasulullah (SAW) went to Baqi` and said, “May you be secured from punishment, O dwellers of abode of the believers! We, if Allah wills, will follow you. I wish we see my brothers.” The Companions said, “O Messenger of Allah! Are not we your brothers?” Rasulullah (SAW) said, “You are my Companions, but my brothers are those who have not come into the world yet.” They said: “O Messenger of Allah! How will you recognize those of your Ummah who are not born yet?” Rasulullah (SAW) said: “Say, if a man has white-footed horses with white foreheads among horses which are pure black, will he not recognize his own horses?” They said: “Certainly, O Messenger of Allah!” Rasulullah (SAW) said: “They (my followers) will come with bright faces and white limbs because of Wudhu’; and I will arrive at the Al-Kauthar ahead of them.”

[Muslim]

Explanation : Light which will shine through the hands and feet of the believers because of their habit of performing Wudu'. This means that the believers among the Muslims will be distinguished from other communities by virtue of the radiance issuing from their faces, hands and feet on the Day of Resurrection in the same way that a horse with a white forehead is easily distinguised from other horses.

On the principle "The believers are brothers'' that is manifested in Surat Al-Hujurat of the Qur'an (49:10), the Prophet (SAW) regarded all the successive generations of Muslims as his brothers. His Companions have an added distinction that they are his brothers as well as his companions.

This Hadith also mentions Haud Al-Kauthar which is awarded to the Prophet (SAW) on the Day of Requital, and he will give water from it to his followers after which they will never feel thirst.

Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He who performs the Wudu' perfectly (i.e., according to Sunnah), his sins will depart from his body, even from under his nails.''[Muslim].

Wudu' is a means of remission of minor sins, provided those sins are not related to the rights of people because they too will not be forgiven without penitence and compensating the aggrieved or the wronged.

To perform Wudu' at home before proceeding to the mosque for Salat is highly meritorious. He who does so, will be purged of minor sins. Then his going to the mosque and performance of Salat there, is a means for gaining further reward.

O’Allah make us among those who constantly purify themselves, inwardly and outwardly. Aameen.

Duty Upon Every Muslim

Mu`awiyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (saws) said, "When Allah wishes good for someone, He bestows upon him the understanding of Deen.''

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Explanation: Knowledge and understanding of Deen (religion) here stands for the understanding of the Qur'an and Hadith, religious injunctions, and knowledge of the lawful and the unlawful. This Hadith highlights the excellence of knowledge and the fact that it is a sign of Allah's Help to the person who possesses it and acts upon it.

There are three categories of people:

First, those who acquire knowledge of the Qur'an and Hadith, act upon it and also impart it to others. Such people benefit from this knowledge themselves and extend this benefit to others also. By virtue of this quality they are the best of all.

Second, those people who acquire knowledge and impart it to others, but do not fulfill the requirements of that knowledge. Such people are inferior in rank to the people of the first category and can be taken to task for their omissions.

Third, those who shun the knowledge of the Qur'an and Hadith. Neither they study and hear the two themselves for their own benefit, nor do they acquire knowledge to impart it to others for their benefit. This is the worst category of people.

Every Muslim should try to be in the first category of the people.

it is a quality of a Muslim that he is very much concerned about acquiring virtues and doing good, and he is never tired of struggling for them and live by them so much so that in this struggle he reaches the end of his life.

No matter whether one has more or less knowledge, he must communicate it to others. There is no justification to presume that preaching or inviting to the Message of Allah is the duty of religious scholars and those who are well-versed in this sphere. In fact, it is a duty upon every Muslim, so much so that if a person knows even a single Verse of the Qur'an, that is to say if he knows only one injunction of Allah, he is duty bound to communicate it to other people.

Condolence Is a Practice of the Prophet (saws)

Umm Salamah (radi Allahu anha) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) visited Abu Salamah (radi Allahu anhu) when his eyes were open soon after he died. He closed them (the eyes) for him and said, “When the soul is taken away, the sight follows it.” Some members of his family began to weep. He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Do not supplicate for yourselves anything but good, for the angels say ‘amin’ to what you say.” Then he (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “O Allah! Forgive Abu Salamah, raise his rank among those who are rightly-guided and grant him a successor from his descendants who remain behind. Grant him pardon and us, too. O Rubb of the worlds. Make his grave spacious for him and give him light in it.”

[Muslim]

Explanation: We benefit from the above hadith that when the soul leaves the body, the eyes remain open as if gazing at it. So, the eyes of the dead body should be closed.

Secondly, one should avoid uttering any ill speech on such occasions as the angels, present on the occasion, say ‘Amin’ to it.

Thirdly, the Prophet’s example requires the pious persons to visit a bereaved family. Consoling them, they should invoke supplication and blessing for the departed soul. Besides that, they should pray to Allah to bless the bereaved with both spiritual and material gains and multiple goodness. Supplication, as other Ahadith also tell us, is beneficial to the dead person. Condolence and supplication is undoubtedly a confirmed practice of the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam). We are supposed to follow only what the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) did on such occasions, that is to say, to pray for both the departed soul and the bereaved family.

The Custom Of Handshaking

Abu Khattab Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked Anas: "Did the Companions of Messenger of Allah (saws) use to shake hands?'' He said: "Yes.''

[Al-Bukhari]

Explanation : To shake hands with somebody is a welcome sign and the practice of the Messenger of Allah (saws). The social behaviour of the Companions also included handshaking along with saying `As-Salamu `Alaikum.'

It is narrated in another Hadith that Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the people of Yemen came, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The people of Yemen have visited you. They are the first to introduce the tradition of handshaking.''[Abu Dawud].

This Hadith shows that the custom of handshaking was prevalent in Yemen. When some Yemenites came to see the Prophet (saws), they displayed their practice of handshake. He liked and approved it as his Sunnah.

Al-Bara' (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (saws) said, "Two Muslims will not meet and shake hands without having their sins forgiven (by Allah ) before they depart.'[Abu Dawud].

Herein, we are told that Allah forgives the minor sins of the two believers who shake hands. However, major sins cannot be forgiven without heartfelt repentance with its conditions. As for our duty towards our fellow-humans, it is inescapable, and a failure in this regard is not forgiven. To sum up, when two Muslims meet and shake hands, two benefits accrue to them. Firstly, their mutual love increases, and secondly, their minor sins are pardoned by Allah.

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man asked: "O Messenger of Allah! When a man meets a brother or a friend, should he bow to him?'' He said, "No.'' The man asked whether he should embrace and kiss him? The Messenger of Allah (saws) replied, "No.'' He asked whether he should hold his hand and shake it? The Messenger of Allah (saws) replied, "Yes.' [At-Tirmidhi].

Here, we are clearly told that when two Muslims meet they are not allowed to bow and this Hadith is absolutely clear on handshake.

Greet Your Family With Assalamu Alaikum

The Prophet (saws) taught his faithful servant Anas bin Malik (ra) to greet his family when entering or leaving the house.

[Tirmidhi]

Explanation : When entering or leaving your house, acknowledge those inside. Use the greeting of Muslims and the label of Islam: ‘Assalam ‘Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh; Peace and mercy of Allah be with you.’ Do not forego this Islamic greeting by replacing it with something else, such as ‘Good Morning,’ or ‘Hello.’ This greeting is the sign of Islam and the phrase that the Messenger of Allah (saws) recommended and practised.

Qatada, a prominent follower (Tabi’y), said: ‘Greet your family when you enter your house. They are the most worthy of your greeting.’

When entering a house, make your presence known to those inside before you approach them. Avoid startling or frightening them. Do not descend upon them suddenly.

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said: ‘When a person enters his house, it is recommended that he/she creates noise by coughing or tapping his/her shoes.’

If family members are resting in their rooms, and you want to join them, it is appropriate to ask for permission or knock on the door. Otherwise, you may see them in a condition that you, or they for that matter, may dislike. This applies to the entire household: immediate family or otherwise.

Knock at the door, or ring the doorbell in a pleasant way and not louder than is necessary to make your presence known. Do not knock loudly and violently or ring the bell continuously .Remember that you are a visitor and not a thug raiding the house and frightening its occupants.

Leave adequate time between two knocks or rings. This will enable those performing ablution, praying, or eating to finish without making them rush.

After three knocks or intermittent rings, you may feel that the person you came to see is busy, otherwise he or she would have answered you. If this is the case, then leave as mentioned in Al-Bukhari and Muslim.

While waiting for permission do not stand in front of the door. Instead, stand to the right or to the left. The Messenger of Allah upon coming to someone’s door avoided facing the door directly. Instead, he would stand to the right or the left of the door.

Bukhari and Muslim reported that the Prophet (saws) denounced those who unexpectedly surprise their families at night, whether returning from travel or otherwise, because it makes them appear to be distrustful.

Fear Of Allah Is A Blessing

Allah's Messenger (saws) said : "Fear Allah wherever you are; if you follow an evil deed with a good one you will obliterate it; and deal with people with a good disposition"

[Tirmidhi]

Explanation : Fear of Allah is a blessing from the many blessings of Allah and we should request it from Allah and crave it. We ask other things from Allah, and we should also ask to be made fearful of Allah. Allah calls this fear a blessing because it prevents people from sin.

A person should be fearful of Allah in times of happiness and celebration. The shariah (Islamic Sacred Law) has set boundaries for us and there is sometimes danger of stepping outside these bounds when one is in too much of a celebratory mood. Emotions can run high, and unknowingly we might act against the shariah. Likewise a person should be hopeful of Allah’s Mercy whenever sad or dejected. This is so he does not lose hope, which is in itself a sin. A believer should always stay within these two states of fear and hope.

Hadrat Umar (ra) was a courageous Companion about whom The Messenger a of Allah (saws)said, “If there was to be another prophet after me, it would be Umar.” The Messenger of Allah (saws) also said regarding Hadrat Umar (ra) that his good deeds were comparable to the stars. It is further written in Hadith regarding this great Companion that Shaytan used to leave the path on which Hadrat Umar (ra) walked. Such an honorable and esteemed person used to cry so much in fear of Allah that his face was marked by the trails of tears just as a stream’s path is carved on a mountainside. These people feared Allah because they knew Allah

Fear of Allah is the key that stops people from committing sin and every other disapproved action.

Mutual Respect

`Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The best of companions with Allah is the one who is best to his companions."

[At-Tirmidhi]

Explanation : Companion is a common word which covers companions in journey and stay. Muslims are ordained to treat all of them nicely. But one's neighbour has precedence over others. Nice treatment to him is the best means to attain a distinctive place with Allah.

Islam came to build an ideal society based on sincere love and brotherhood, so it had to plant the seeds of love in the hearts of the individuals of which society is composed. Therefore it made this love among believing men and among believing women one of the conditions of faith that will grant admittance to Paradise

This may be seen in the hadith narrated by Imam Muslim from Abu Hurayrah (RAA) in which the Prophet (PBUH) said: "By the One in Whose hand in my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you of something that if you do it, you will love one another? Spread salam amongst yourselves." (Muslim)

The Prophet (PBUH), with his brilliant and deep insight, understood that nothing could eliminate hatred, jealousy and rivalry from people's hearts but true brotherhood, based on sincere love, friendship and mutual advice, and free of feuds, hatred, insincerity and envy. The way to achieve this is through spreading salam, so that hearts may be opened to sincere love and friendship. So the Prophet (PBUH) frequently repeated this teaching to his Sahabah, aiming to sow the seed of love in their hearts and nurture them until they bore fruits of that great love that Islam wants for the Muslims, men and women alike.

With this sincere love, the Prophet (PBUH) built the first generation of Muslims, who formed the solid foundation on which the great structure of Islam was built and lit the way for the rest of ummah to follow. With this sincere love, the Prophet (PBUH) was able to build a model human society, based on the brotherhood of faith, a society that was remarkable both in its strength, durability and ability to make sacrifices in the cause of jihad to spread Islam throughout the world, and in the solidarity of its members, which the Prophet (PBUH) described in the most marvelous way: "Believers are like a structure, parts of which support other parts."

Excessive arguing is a repulsive habit that fills people's hearts with hatred and disgust; making hurtful jokes destroys the purity of a friendship ; and breaking promises weakens the ties of brotherhood and friendship, and destroys mutual respect. The alert Muslim avoids behaving in such a way that makes a person despicable.

Disciplining Children

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Command your children to perform Salat (prayer) when they are seven years old, and beat them for (not offering) it when they are ten."

[Abu Dawud]

Explanation : As regards disciplining our children, this depends on the age of the child.If the child is young, especially in the first seven years, it is enough to advise and guide him/her with soft words without resorting to hitting the child, because hitting is not convenient at this age.

But when the child grows up and reaches the age specified by the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) by saying, “Order your children to perform Salah at the age of seven and hit them if they do not perform it at the age of ten, and separate their beds)”. [Reported by Ahmad]. So when the child reaches this age, then it is permissible to hit him/her in order to discipline him/her, but without hitting him violently or severely, and the hitting of the child should be the last resort.

A parent should not hit the child when he is angry or as revenge. Before resorting to hitting, one has first to advise and admonish, if this is beneficial, or to deny the child something he/she likes, for instance not allowing him to play. Every parent is well aware of what his child loves or hates.

Muslim jurists have written that like Salat, other injunctions of Shari`ah should also be instilled in the minds of children, and if possible, they should also be given practical training for their performance. For instance, they should be made to observe Saum (fast) occasionally in accordance with their age and capacity during the month of Ramadan, so that the importance of obligation of fasting is impressed on their minds in an early age. This exercise will prove very fruitful when they attain maturity. They will then be conscious that for a Muslim, fasting in the month of Ramadan is compulsory like the five daily Salat.

A child generally does not attain maturity at the age of ten years, but nevertheless he does acquire some sense. It is, therefore, necessary that rather than putting children in one bed they are provided separate beds once they reach the age of 10, especially children of the opposite sex.

The parents should supplicate much for their children to be guided by Allah and enabled to do good deeds.

Our Food And Drink

Prophet (SAW) addressing Anas (ra) said : "Keep yourself away from Haraam, because even a morsel i.e. a small bite of Haraam food invalidates supplications for forty days.”

(At-Targheeb)

Explanation : Prophet Muhammad (saws)'s teachings is complete in every sense of words.He (saws) guided mankind beautifully in every sphere of life. The abovementioned hafith is a clear message for us that along with doing good deeds, we must also avoid unalwful acts.

There are many other spiritual and physical disadvantages of Haraam food.

Haraam food extinguishes the light of Iman, and the heart become dark. It makes man dull, lethargic, and inactive. It causes to commit Haraam deeds and corrupts thoughts and action. It kills conscience and puts a barrier between man and virtue.

The essence is that Haraam creates a distance between man and Deen, ruins the Hereafter, the door of virtues is closed on him, and that of temptations and sin is flung wide open.

In today’s society Haraam is practiced in many ways, and majority is not even aware of it. Interest, bribery, cheating in commercial transactions, lying, disregards of duties of the self and rights of others, theft and larceny and many other Haraam acts are a common practice. Knowledge is not scarce, but it is action which is missing. And the main reason is that our earnings are not honest, and our food and drink is not fair and pure. As a result we cannot practice virtue and are devoid of righteousness.

According to a tradition of Prophet (SAW) there will be some people on the Day of Judgement whose virtues will match the size of the mount Tihama, meaning that they will have abundance of good deeds. But when they will stand before Allah (SWT), all their good deeds will be on no value, and they will be thrown into Hell Fire. Companions (RA Ajma’een) submitted, why will that happen Yaa Rasul Allah? Prophet (SAW) replied that they performed Salaat, observed fast, paid Zakah, and performed Hajj, but never saved themselves from Haraam, which ruined all their good deeds. (Kitaab-ul-Kabaa’ir)

It was due to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and training of Prophet (SAW) that companions of the Prophet (SAW) were very cautious and conscious about food. Let me give you just one example here. Once Sayyidina Abu Bakr Siddique drank the milk brought by his servant. He later asked as to where he did bring the milk from? The servant replied that he had performed a “Kahaanat” for a certain tribe and was given milk in exchange as wages. “Kahaanat” is a Haraam act, a sort of chanting that was common in the pre-Islamic days. Hearing this Sayyidina Siddique immediately put his finger in his throat and threw out, and kept doing that for some time. People who saw the situation thought that perhaps Sayyidina Siddique will pass out due to pain. Sayyidina Siddique made repentance, prayed and submitted: “Ya Allah, I repent and apologize for the milk which has gone into my system. When Prophet (SAW) heard of the incident, he commented: “Don’t you know that nothing goes to the stomach of Siddique (RA), except what is “Ta’iyyeb” pure food?” (Bukhari)

Fear and Good Hopes

In a hadith-e-qudsi our blessed Prophet (saws) has quoted the Divine words, “I am what my bondsman thinks of me, and where he remembers Me, there I am with him.”

(Bukhari and Muslim).

Explanation : Besides fear of Allah, expecting good from Him is an act of sublime merit. Abu Hurairah has quoted a Prophetic saying, “Hoping for good is also an act of worship of Allah.” (Tirmidhi and Hakim)

Many merits have been given in Q'uran and Hadith for having high hopes from Allah. This implies that one must try to live according to the Divine Commands and when he incuritably commits errors, he should expect Divine Mercy for it. But if one is entirely unmindful of Divine commands, does not care to reform himself, and is driven by worldly and carnal desire and yet expects Divine Pardon and Mercy, he has been castigated in hadith.

The right way is to try to reform oneself and to balance Allah's fear and good hopes from Him. Anas has related that "Once our Prophet - may he be eternally blessed - went to a young man who was on his death bed and asked him 'How do you feel?' The young man said, 'I have much hope from Allah but 1 also fear for my sins'. The Holy Prophet said, The believer who has these two ideas simultaneously at such time, Allah fulfils his hopes and grants him security from fear." (Tirmidhi).

Fear and hope must be balanced so that we have the level of faith that we need.

If we fear the punishments of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala too much and we don't balance it with good expectations that Allah is the Most Merciful, Most Forgiving then we lose the balance and we might give up thinking that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala will not forgive us anyways. This is an imbalance which leads to despair.

If we have too much good hope that Allah is Merciful and Forgiving, and we don't balance it with fear; then, we may become losers because we don't fear the punishment of Allah. This is an imbalance, because we may think that Allah forgives us anyways, whatever we do. This may lead to indifference, heedlessness, and carelessness.

Right Path Which Ensures Peace & Security

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (saws) said, "Refrain from what I forbid you and do what I command you to the best of your ability and capacity".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Explanation : The safest course lies only in following the Orders of Allah and His Prophet (saws) without `ifs' and `buts.' May Allah give sense to the Muslim Ummah to abandon this road and take the Right Path which ensures peace and security. Let it be absolutely clear that the Right Path is one and one alone. There cannot be multiple right paths, it is one and singular. Once a community leaves the Straight Path, it is sure to go astray.

All previous nations had challenged their respective Prophets to produce proofs and signs of their prophethood. Prophet Musa (as) had thus shown them his shining hand and his staff that turned into a serpent, whilst Prophet Isa (as) cured the sick and raised the dead. However, when the Messenger of Allah (saws) was thus challenged he said “Have I not spent my entire life among you?”

The Messenger of Allah (saws) presented his entire life as proof, because no one could challenge its purity. He had spent his youth in the same environment as the idolaters of Makkah, but his youth was without blemish whereas the Quraish were engulfed in sin. Indeed, whilst they called him a magician, a poet, and even a madman, no one could raise objections against his character.

The Messenger of Allah started his work as a bud, and no one knew that this bud would grow into a huge and thriving garden boasting an array of fragrant flowers and fruits. Allah sent His Messenger as the leader of those before and those after him; indeed he was sent as the leader of all creation.

It is a sad fact that mankind can no longer understand what a blessing and mercy upon them the Messenger of Allah (saws) is. The Prophet (saws) supplicated to Allah, “O Allah, don’t send such a calamity on my nation that leaves their faces changed,” and Allah accepted his prayer in our favor. Today if we are alive and in good health it is only because of such supplications of the Messenger of Allah on our behalf. The Prophet also supplicated, “Don’t let my nation be destroyed by any big calamity.” Allah also accepted this, which is why we are alive today, despite our transgressions.

Hence, obedience of the Prophet (saws) in every affair is a must for our succes in this world and the Herafter

The Prophet (PBUH) Promoted Smiling

The Messenger of Allah reportedly said, "Your smiling at your brother is an act of charity"

(At-Tirmidhi).

Explanation : Along with the many tasks the Prophet was sent with, he also carried the task of teaching people about beauty and reviving their sense and awareness of it. Indeed, Almighty Allah is beautiful, the Noble Qur'an is beautiful, and the entire universe is beautiful. Being sent to teach people about this universal beauty, the Prophet undoubtedly had the best share of it. He was characterized by the beauty of smiling.

This is why the attitude of smiling is one of the most important things that public relations trainees are told to assume. They are taught how to smile and how to keep smiling. Linguists say that smiling — a prelude to laughter — is a facial expression of cheerfulness, in which one's teeth are a sign of pleasure and joy.

Smiling, therefore, is one form of beauty. The Prophet was known to have a smiling face most of the time. Jarir (may Allah be pleased with him) was quoted as saying, "The Messenger of Allah never declined to see me since I embraced Islam. Whenever he saw me, he would meet me with a smile" (Al-Bukhari).

Not only did the Prophet keep a beautiful smile on his face, but he also promoted smiling and encouraged others to smile. He was also reported to have said, "Do not underrate any good action, even if it is just meeting your brother with a cheerful countenance" (Muslim).

Islamic Scheme Of Life

Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'as (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Neglecting one’s own dependents is a reason enough for a man to commit a sin”.

[Abu Dawud]

Explanation : The institution of the family is an important part of the Islamic system of socio-economic security. The rights do not relate merely to moral, cultural and ideological aspects; they include the economic and social rights of the family members. Maintenance of the family is a legal duty of the husband, even if the wife is rich. Spending on the "relations of the womb" has been specifically enjoined. Poor relatives have a prior claim upon one's zakat and other social contributions. The law of inheritance also reveals the nature of economic obligations within the family structure. This responsibility extends to a number of relations.

This Hadith tells us that negligence in matter of maintenance of one's family is such a great sin that if a person is free from all other sins, this one alone will be enough to make him accountable before Allah. The words used in this Hadith are so comprehensive that they include servants and slaves besides family and children because he is also equally responsible for their maintenance. Thus, this Hadith makes it evident that it is the responsibility of the head of the family to provide the necessities of life to all his dependents; and any negligence on his part in this respect is a great sin.

The family, in the Islamic scheme of life, provides for economic security as it provides for moral, social and emotional security and also leads to integration and cohesion among the relations. Thus, it establishes a very wide and much more humane system of socio-economic security.

The Exemplary Husband

Messenger of Allah(saws) said "Verily you have rights over your women and they have rights over you."

[Tirmidhi]

Explanation: The exemplary husband is he who cooperates with his wife by bearing good relations and showing kind manners to her. It is appropriate for a man to not restrict himself from serving himself. This is since the wife takes care of the household affairs. So therefore, it is from good manners that the husband extends a helping hand to his wife in the house, during times of necessity, such as when she is sick, pregnant, has given birth or similar to that. From the kind and noble manners of the husband is that he complies and assents to the requests of his wife, so long as they are not forbidden in Islam.

There is no human being that is perfect. So there is no doubt that the husband will see things in his wife that do not comply with his natural disposition and preferences. If these aspects are not in opposition to the fundaments of Islam or to the obedience of the husband and his rights, then at that point, he should not try to change her personality. He should also remember that if there are some characteristics that he doesn't find pleasing in his wife, then indeed she has other characteristics, which are definitely pleasing to him.

If you are able, do not hold back from providing your wife with good clothing and food, and from being generous in spending money on her. This is of course according to the extent of your ability. Beware of scolding your wife or blaming her for a mistake she committed, in the presence of others, even if they are your own children. It is not proper for you to ask your wife to look for work outside of the house or to spend upon you from her wealth.

Positive Attitude In Serving Husbands

Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: ‘Any woman who dies, and her husband is pleased with her, will enter Paradise.’”

[At-Tirmidhi]

Explanation : The true Muslim woman is always obedient to her husband, provided that no sin is involved. She is respectful towards him and is always eager to please him and make him happy. If he is poor, she does not complain about his being unable to spend much. She does not complain about her housework, because she remembers that many of the virtuous women in Islamic history set an example of patience, goodness and a positive attitude in serving their husbands and taking care of their homes despite the poverty and hardships they faced.

The true Muslim woman devotes herself to taking care of her house and husband. The Sahaabah, may Allah (subhaanahu wa ‘ta’aalaa) be pleased with them, and those who followed them understood this Islamic teaching and transmitted it from the Prophet (SAW) . When a bride was prepared for marriage, she would be told to serve her husband and take care of his rights. Thus the Muslim woman knew her duties towards her husband, and down through the ages caring for her husband and being a good wife were established womanly attributes.

One of the most important ways in which the Muslim woman obeys her husband is by respecting his wishes with regard to the permissible pleasures of daily life, such as social visits, food, dress, speech, etc. The more she responds to his wishes in such matters, the happier and more enjoyable the couple’s life becomes, and the closer it is to the spirit and teachings of Islam.

The Muslim woman does not forget that her obedience to her husband is one of the things that may lead her to Paradise, as the Prophet (SAW) said:

“If a woman prays her five daily prayers, fasts her month (of Ramadan), obeys her husband and guards her chastity, then it will be said to her: ‘Enter Paradise by whichever of its gates you wish.’” [Tabarani]

The Prophet (SAW) draw a clear and delightful picture of the well-behaved, easy-going, loving, righteous Muslim wife, one who will be happy in this world and the next:

“Shall I not tell you about your wives in Paradise?” We said, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah (SAW).” He said, “They are fertile and loving. If she becomes angry or is mistreated, or her husband becomes angry, she says, ‘My hand is in your hand; I shall never sleep until you are pleased with me.’” [Tabarani]

The true Muslim woman is always described as being loving towards her children and caring towards her husband. These are two of the most beautiful characteristics that a woman of any time or place may possess.

Sweet and Touching Voice

Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to me, "Recite the Qur'an to me.'' I said: "O Messenger of Allah! Shall I recite it to you when it was revealed to you?'' He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, "I like to hear it from others.'' Then I began to recite Surat An-Nisa'. When I reached the Ayah: `How will it be when We shall bring a witness from every people and bring you as a witness against them?' (Having heard it) he said, "Enough! Enough!'' When I looked at him, I found his eyes were overflowing with tears.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Explanation : This hadith stresses the need to hear the recitation of the Qur'an from those who recite it beautifully in order to contemplate over it, as was done by the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) himself.

This Hadith also induces us to recite the Qur'an with a sweet and touching voice because the recitation of the Qur'an in this manner enhances its effect. In any case, sweet voice is a gift of Allah Who grants it to whom He likes. Lucky indeed are those who are granted this gift and they go about using it to invite people to the religion of Allah

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, "Allah does not listen so attentively to anything as He listens to the recitation of the Qur'an by a Prophet who recites well with a melodious and audible voice.''[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

"Allah does not listen so attentively'' has two- fold meanings. First, Allah's acceptance and pleasure. Second, His attribute of Hearing. One must have to believe in it although we can neither describe it nor compare it with anything else.

Allah Burdens Not A Person Beyond His Scope

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When it was revealed to Messenger of Allah (PBUH): "To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth, and whether you disclose what is in your own selves or conceal it, Allah will call you to account for it,'' the Companions of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) felt it hard and severe and they came to Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and sat down on their knees and said: "O Messenger of Allah, we were assigned some duties which were within our power to perform, such as Salat (prayer), Saum (fasting), Jihad (striving in the Cause of Allah), Sadaqah (charity). Then this (the above mentioned) Verse was revealed to you and it is beyond our power to live up to it.'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Do you want to say what the people of two Books (Jews and Christians) said before you: 'We hear and disobey?' You should rather say: 'We hear and we obey, we seek forgiveness, our Rubb and unto You is the return.''' And they said: "We hear and we obey, (we seek) Your forgiveness, our Rubb! And unto You is the return.'' When the people recited it and it smoothly flowed on their tongues, then Allah revealed immediately afterwards: "The Messenger (Muhammad (PBUH)) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Rubb, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say), 'We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers' - and they say, 'We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your forgiveness, our Rubb, and to You is the return (of all)". When they did that, Allah abrogated this (Ayah) and Allah the Great revealed: "Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned.'' (The Prophet (PBUH) said): "Yes. 'Our Rubb! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians)". (The Prophet (PBUH) said): "Yes. 'Our Rubb! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear". (The Prophet (PBUH) said): "Yes. 'Pardon us and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maula (Patron, Supporter and Protector) and give us victory over the disbelieving people".

He (the Prophet (PBUH)) said: "Yes".

[Muslim]

Explanation: We learn from this Hadith that initially every person was answerable for thoughts and doubts even those which crossed his mind; something on which nobody had any control. The Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) were naturally disturbed on this situation. But when they heard and obeyed the orders of the Prophet (PBUH) then Almighty Allah revoked this order with the elaboration that He does not put anyone to trouble beyond his capacity. It is, therefore, essential for every Muslim to obey all the Injunctions of Allah because none of it is such that he is unable to carry out.

Ubadah bin As-Samit (ra) reported that "We swore alleigance to the Prophet (saws) to say what was right wherever we were " [Muslim]

Our Tongues Are Like Double-Edges Swords

Abu Huraira(May Allah be pleased with him) reported the Messenger of Allah said " A good word is a charity."

[Bukhari and Muslim]

Explanation : This is an encouragement to speak what is good and beneficial; at the same time it is a warning, cautioning us to be careful in what we say, lest we say something that is harmful or false.

It is part of a Muslim's faith to speak the truth and to say things that bring about benefit to others. Allah says: “O you who believe! Fear Allah and speak a word that is right. He will set right for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great achievement.” [ Sûrah al-Ahzâb : 70-71]

Allah informs us in the Qur'ân some of what constitutes good in our speech and benefits other people. He says: “No good is there in much of their private conversation, except for those who enjoin charity or that which is right, or bring reconciliation between people. And whoever does that seeking Allah's pleasure, then we shall grant him a great reward.” [ Sûrah al-Nisâ' : 114]

When we have nothing beneficial to say, silence is golden. Once, Mu`âdh b. Jabal asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) to inform him of some good work that would admit him into Paradise and distance him from the Hellfire. The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned to him the virtues of many good deeds, then said: “Shall I inform you of the foundation of all of that?”

Mu`âdh said: “Certainly.”

The Prophet (peace be upon him) took hold of his tongue and said: “Restrain yourself from this.”

Mu`âdh then asked: “O Prophet of Allah! Are we held to task for the things that we say?”

The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: “May your mother be bereaved of you, O Mu`âdh! Does anything topple people headlong into the Hellfire save the harvests of their tongues?” [ Sunan al-Tirmidhî and Sunan Ibn Mâjah ]

We should avoid speaking ill of others. We should rather remain silent unless we are seeking justice for some wrong that has been perpetrated against us. Allah says: “Allah does not like that evil should be mentioned in public except by one who has been done injustice. And Allah is all-hearing, all-knowing.” [ Sûrah al-Nisâ' : 148]

Our tongues are like double-edges swords. They can work for us and against us, both in this world and the Hereafter. We will be held accountable for what we say. Allah tells us: “He does not utter a statement except that there is an observer by him ready to record it.” [Sûrah Qâf : 18]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed a servant will speak a word pleasing to Allah that he thinks to be insignificant, but because of it Allah raises him by many degrees. And indeed a servant will speak a word displeasing to Allah that he thinks to be insignificant, but because of it, He will consign him to the Hellfire.” [ Sahîh al-Bukhârî ]

We must be vigilant not to speak falsehood. We must think about what we are saying and the possible consequences of our words before we go ahead and speak. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “A man might speak a word without thinking about its implications, but because of it, he will plunge into the Hellfire further than the distance between the east and west.” [ Sahîh al-Bukhârîand Sahîh Muslim ]

Al-Nawawî comments on the meaning of this hadith, saying: “This hadith encourages us to guard our tongues. A person who wants to speak should think upon what he is about to say before he utters it. If it then shows itself to have some benefit to it, he may speak it; otherwise he should refrain from doing so.”

A House Wherein Allah Is Not Remembered Is Like A Dead Body

Abu Musa Ash'ari (ra) has been quoted as follows : The eternally blessed Prophet (saws) said " A house wherein Allah is remembered and a house wherein He is not remembered are like living and dead bodies."

[Bukhari and Muslim]

Explanation : It is clear from the above mentioned hadith that we should make an atmosphere of remembrance of Allah (Swt) in those places where we live and work. Verbal remembrance of Allah is very consoling & pleasant and an easy form of worship that one can perform it continuously at all times and with great benefits. Obviously Dhikr does not benefit Allah , Who has no need of it ; the benefit is for Allah's bondsmen since Dhikr strengthens the bond between Allah and his bondsmen. It is food for the soul which invigorates it. And with an invigorated soul it becomes easy to overcome one's base instincts and to vanquish the Devil. Thus one is able more easily to avoid sins and the good deeds increase.

In spite of the great merits of Dhikr, Allah has made it very easy. There are no preconditions attached to it. If someone performs ablution and then sits facing Qiblah and perform Dhikrit is all for the best. But if there is not time or occasion for it then one can perform Dhikr while enagged in other work , even ablution is not required And Dhikr is permitted even when unclean after coiyion or while menstruating.

However one should not perform it verbally when unclothed or when in some unclean place like lavatory. However even there Dhikr can be done without intoning or moving the tongue. Thus, the merits of this worship can be reaped at all times without any difficulty. However, it is appropriate to fix a particular time in the night or the day when one can perform Dhikr after ablution and facing the Qiblah ; Dhikr at other times would be an added boon.

A companion once submitted to the Prophet (saws) "O Messenger of Allah (saws) ! Good deeds are many and I do not save the strength to perform all of them. So please tell me one thing that I may always remember. Please do not tell me many things as I would forget them." The Holy Prophet (saws) said "Your tongue should be wet with the Dhikr of Allah." [Tirmidhi]

Imposters and Liars

The Prophet (saws) said: "No Prophet will come after me and there will , therefore, be no other community of followers of any new prophet."

[Baihaqi, Kitab-ul-Rouya, Tabarani]

Explanation : A large number of such traditions of the Holy Prophet (saws) have been reported by the companions and a great many compliers have recoreded them from authoritative sources. A study of these traditions show that the Holy Prophet on several occasions, and in various ways and in different words made it explicitly clear that he was the last Prophet of Allah ; that no prophet would follow him and that the line of Prophets had ended in him. Furthermore, those who claim to be Prophets and Messengers of God after his time would be imposters and liars.

All authentic historical traditions reveal that the companions of the Prophet (saws) had unanimously waged a war on the claimants to the Prophethood and their adherants after the demise of the Holy Prophet (saws).

In this connection the case of Musailama is particularly significant. The man did not deny that Muhammad (saws) was the Prophet of Allah, he claimed that Allah had appointed him as a co-prophet with Muhammad (saws) to share his task. The letter which had addressed to the Holy Prophet just before Musasailama's death reads :
"From Musailama the prophet of Allah to Muhammad the Prophet of Allah (saws). I wish to inform you that I have been appointed as your partner to share in the burden of Prophethood."

The historian Tabari has recorded a tradition which says that the 'call to prayers' (Adhan) which Musailama had devised for his followers included the words , "I testify that Muhammad is the Prophet of God."

Despite Musailama's clear affirmation of the Prophethood of Muhmmad (saws) , he was declared an apostate and ostracized from the society of Islam. Not only this but a war was waged on Musailama.

The Holy prophet (saws) said : "Allah will send no Apostle after me , but only Mubashshirat, It was said ; What is meant by Al-Mubashshirat. He said : Good vision or pios vision." [Musnad Ahmed, Marwiyat Abu Tufail, Nasa'i, Abu Dawud]

In other words there is no possibility of Divine revelation in future. At the most if someone receives an inspiration from Allah , he will receive it in the form of "pious dream".

No One Knows When The Angel Of Death May Come

It was the Prophet (saws)'s usual practice that in the last part of night, he (saws) would call his household people to wake up in these words "Get up, remember Allah, remember Allah, the time of the big jolt that will toplle this world upside down is approaching fast. Death with all its agony and hadrship is here, look, it is close by."

[Tirmidhi]

Explanation : Everyone in this mortal world is destined to taste death, a bitter truth that no one can deny. Surah Al-Imraan in Ayah 185 says: "Every soul will taste death and you will be paid in full on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever is kept away from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have triumphed. The present world is only an illusory pleasure...."

This verse reflects an open secret that mankind through death passes on to another phase of life. Death is but a transition from the physical life to another state of life. A day is bound to come when this world & everything in it will be no more.

How sad knowing this world as "Daar-ul-Amal" , place of action, man totally disregards the Hereafter. He willingly becomes a victim of temptations and doesn't pay attention to the messages with which Allah (Swt) has sent messengers after messengers. They time & again came to remind us & to warn us that time will run out. They wanted to wake us up before it is too late. Not caring for the Herafter and showing no concern even after seeing that people are passing away day & night from amongst us is the last & deplorable state of forgetfulness & carelessness.

Our Beloved Prophet (saws) once said that "Someone's death is an enough advisor for us". In yet another tradition , he (saws) advised :"Think more often of death which nullifies all pleasures." It is a fact that this life is the only opportunity to prepare ourselves for the grave & the Hereafter. If we fail to act, be assured that the grave will be dark & narrow. This is the opportunity Allah (Swt) has given us to wake up from the slumber of forgetfulness. No one knows when the angel of death may come & we may lose the only chance to act.

Man Deludes Himself By Thinking that He is Immortal on Earth

Abu Hurairah (ra) reported that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said "Remember frequently the things that cuts off pleasure i.e. death."

[Tirmidhi]

Explanation : Death is the end for all of us : the oppressor and the oppressed , the mighty and the feeble, the rich and the poor. Your death is no novelthy. Nations before have gone and nations after will persish.

Ibn Batoota related that in the north, there is a graveyard with one thousand kings buried in it. At the entrance of this graveyard is a sign board that reads:
"The Kings : ask the dirt about them ,
And about the great leaders;
They are all bones now."

A cause for wonder is the forgetfulness of man and how he remains heedless of death, the menace of which hangs over him day and night. Man deludes himself by thinking he is immortal on this Earth. Allah (Swt) warns mankind in several places in the Glorious Qur'an , some of them are as follows :"O Mankind ! Fear your Lord and be dutiful to Him. Verily, the earthquake of the Hour (of Judgement) is a terrible thing " [Qur'an 22:1]
"Draws near for mankind their reckoning, while they turn away in heedlessness" [Qur'an 21:1]

Prophet Muhammad (saws) said ,"When a human being is laid in his grave and his companions return and he even hears their footsteps, two angels come to him and make him sit and ask him :'What did you use to say about this man , Muhammad?' . He will say 'I testify that he is Allah's slave and His Apostle.' " Then it will be said to him , 'Look at your place in the Hell-Fire. Allah has given you a place in Paradise instead of it.' Prophet Muhmmad (saws) added, "The dead person will see both his places. But a non-believer or a hypocrite will say to the angels 'I do not know , but I used to say what the people used to say.' It will be said to him, 'Neither did you know nor did you take the guidance (by reciting the Qur'an).' Then he will be hit with an iron hammer between his two ears & he will cry & that cry will be heard by whatever approaches him except human beings & jinns."

[Sahih Bukhari]

A Leader Must Possess Higher and Nobler Character Than His Followers

Allah's Messenger (saws) said :" A slave achieves, by means of the goodness of his character , great position and high honour in the Hereafter , though he may be weak in matters of worship ; but on account of wickedness of character he is thrown in the lowest recesses of Hell."

[Tabrani]

Explanation : Mere teachings and commands of Do's and Don'ts do not form the foundation of good moral character in a society, because only these things are not sufficient for developing these good qualities in the human nature, a teacher may merely order to do such and such things and not to do such and such things, and the society becomes a moralist society. The teaching of good conduct which is fruitful requires long training and constant watchfulness.

The training cannot be on the right lines if the example before the society is not such that commands full confidence, because a person having a bad moral character cannot leave a good impression on his surroundings.

The best training can be expected only from a man whose personality, by the force of its morality, would create a scene of admiration in the beholders. They would sing praises of his nobility and feel the irresistible urge to benefit from the example of his life. For nourishing and developing more and more excellent & good character among his followers it is necessary that the leader must possess higher and nobler character and attributes than his followers.

Islam has given Special Merits to Bringing Up Girls

According to Hadhrat Abdulla ibn Mas'ood (ra) the Beloved Prophet (saws) is reported to have said, "If a daughter is born to a person and he brings her up , gives her a good education and trains her in the arts of life, I shall myself stand between him and hell-fire."

[Kanz al-Ummal]

Explanation : The encouragement to seek children covers both sons and daughters, and along with this general encouragement, Islam has given special merits to bringing up girls - contrary to the thinking of the people of ignorance (age of 'Jaahiliyyah') of the past and present, since the people of ignorance - wherever and whenver found - hated (some of them 'still do') daughters and were grieved and angered by their births !

But the Messenger of Islam, Muhammad (saws) came elevating the status of this gift given by Allah (Swt) , welcoming the daughters , and raising high the importance of their upbringing with words to delight the hearts of the believing fathers and bring joy to their souls. Therefore, it is upon parents who have intellect to accept whatever Allah's (Swt) gift is with full joy and happiness, whether the gift is male or a female. Since its being male or female is only due to Allah's (Swt) order alone- He, the One free from all imperfections, and Most High says " To Allah belongs the Kingdom of the Heavens and the Earth. He bestows female (offspring) upon whom he wills, and bestwos male (offspring) upon whom He wills. Or He bestows both males and females, and He renders barren who He wills. Verily He is the All-Knower and is Able to do all things." [Surah Ash-Shura 42:49-50]

And , finally a stern warning of the 'Day of Judgement' is given to all those people who went (still go)to the extremes of killing their (nfant) daughters (or these days knowinngly go for an abortion after finding out the gender of the fetus) out of fear of poverty or shying away from the responsibility , superstitions or ignorant customs etc.

Along with the Messenger's (saws) honoring the daughters with his words, we find that he also gave us a living example in his own actions and behaviour - for example , "One day he (saw) led his Companions in prayer whilst carrying Umaamah bint Zaynab (ra) when he made rukoo' he would put her down , then when he stood , he would pick her up." [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Parents Need to Encourage Their Children to Attend School

Hadhrat Sa'id ibn Al-'As (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said, "The best gift from a father to his children is education and upbringing."

[Tirmidhi]

Explanation : Is there anything better you can give to your child rather than education and a good Islamic upbringing ? Not at all. A father can give his child toys, wealth, etc and still that child will have a terrible future ahead of him without an education and an Islamic upbringing together. One also needs to raise their child on the basis of education. One needs to educate their child with the Qur'an , Hadith and the implementation of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (saws). As well as that , one needs to encourage their children to attend school and aim for a higher education for the future.

Many Muslims believe that education is not important. It is extremely important , for the greatest scientists of the past were Muslims. Muslims invented many things such as algebra, scopes of astronomy etc. If parents feel pity towards the child and allow him to do anything thinking that this is true love, then this wil backfire on the parents when the child faces the reality of death. On the Day of Judgement, the child will ask Allah to curse his parents who raised him in sin & allowed him to do whatever he wanted and will beg Allah to send them to the fire.The child, mother and father will all be fuel for the fire.

We Should Look at Those People Who Have Less Than What We Have

Rasul Allah (saws) said "When one of you looks at one who stands at a higher level than you in regard to welath and physical structure, he should also see one who stands at a lower level than you in regard to these things. "

[Muslim]

Explanation : Comparing ourselves to people whom Allah (swt) has given better and more things than what we have been given , is a common cause for showing ingratitude to Allah. We then automatically discard the blessings Allah (swt) has bestowed on us and can think of only what we are lacking and what someone else has. There will always be something more that we could have.

However, Allah (swt) is the Originator of all Good/Khair. Nothing comes from Him that is not good. Therefore, we should not have that attitude that when we see ourselves having the blessings of this world we say "Rabbi akraman" (Allah has blessed /honored me) and when we face anything lacking in our lives, we say "Rabbi ahanan" (Allah has humiliated me). A believer always says "Rabbi Akraman" only , since in his or her every affair, Allah is honoring them.

Human beings are greedy and ungrateful by nature. Rasul Allah (saws) told us that even if we were given two valleys full of gold, we would wish for a third and there would be no end to our greed till we died. Therefore, the advice of Rasul Allah (saws) makes perfect sense that whenever we get to see people who have more or better than what we have , we should immediately look at those people too have less or worse that what he have. Only then will we be able to remain thankful to Allah (swt).

The Person Who Desires the Praise of People must Feel Some Pride in Him

Mahmood ibn Labeed (ra) reported that Allah's Messenger (saws) said , "Th thing that I fear most for you is the minor Shirk : Riyaa."

[Musnad Ahmad]

Explanation : Linguistically Riyaa comes from the root "ra'aa" which means to see, to behold, to view. The derived word 'Riyaa' means "eye service, hypocrisy, dissimulation, and dissemblance." From the Sharai point of view, "to perform acts which are pleasing to Allah, with the intention of pleasing other than Allah." Thus Riyaa originates in the heart. The primary cause of Riyaa is weakness in Emaan. When a person does not have strong faith in Allah, he will prefer the admiration of people over the pleasure of Allah.

The person who desires the praise of people must feel some pride in him, for he feels himself worthy of being praised.There is a danger, therefore, of him becoming arrogant and boastful.

If a person covets what other people possess , whether it is rank, money or power, then he will wish them to envy him similarly. For ezample, if he is jealous of a position of a certian person in society, he will try by every possible means to attain the same position. Such desires lead people to spend their lives putting on a show for people so that they will admire their rank, money or power.

Some scholars advised : "Do not differentiate in your worship between the presence of people and their absence , or between their knowledge of your actions and their ignorance. Rather be conscious of the infinite knowledge of Allah alone."

Abu Moosa al-Ash'ari (ra) reported that Allah's Messenger (saws) delivered a sermon to them one day and said "O People ! Fear this Shirk (meaning Riyaa), for it is more inconspicuous than the crawling of an ant." [Authenticated in Sahih al Targheeb wat-Tarheeb]

In another hadith Abu Sa'eed (ra) reported that the Messenger of Allah (saws) came to us while we were talking about Dajjaal and said , "Should I not inform you of that which I fear for you more than the dangers of Dajjaal ? It is the hidden Shirk; a person stands to pray and he beautifies his prayer because he sees the people looking at him." [Ibn Majah]

The Disease of Pride and Arrogance Deletes All Traces of Goodness and Piety

Abdullah ibn Mas'ood (ra) said that the Prophet (saws) said, "No one will enter Paradise who has an atom's weight of pride in his heart."

[Muslim]

Explanation : The disease of pride and arrogance deletes all traces of goodness and piety. This is the worst vice in causing havoc to Deen and a regrettable disease to have for the followers of this perfect and exalted religion. It launches a direct attack on beliefs and principles. If ignored and overlooked for sometime it becomes fatal and incurable , and gives rise to other spiritual maladies and vices.

In other words, pride and grandeur are two exclusive attributes of Allah, which none is allowed to apply and ascribe towards himself.

It is imperative to refrain from such a dangerous and deadly calamity, which leads to loss of knowledge of Allah, inability to understand the commands of Allah, His displeasure, disgrace in the world and the Hereafter and painful torment therein. No wise person can be neglectful in the matter of such a harmful and destructive calamity.

We should, therefore, try to save ourselves from this and seek refuge from Allah. How many of us are there than can honestly say, without deceiving ourselves that we are free from this hated ailment ? Not many, is the answer. It is imperative that we take heed from the abovementioned hadith and bear in mind the punishment promised by Allah to those with pride in their hearts.

The Path Of Justice

The Jews, inspite of their hostility to the Prophet (saws), were so impressed by his impartiality and sense of justice that they used to bring their cases to him, and he decided them according to Jewish law.

[Abu Dawood]

Explanation : The Prophet (saws) asked people to be just and kind. As the supreme judge and arbiter, as the leader of men , as generalissimo (head commander and chief) of a rising power, as a reformer and apostle, he had always to deal with men and their affairs. He had often t deal with mutually inimical and warring tribes, when showing justice to one carried the danger of anatagonizing the other , and yet he never deviated from the path of justice. In administering justice, he made no dsitinction between believers and nonbelievers, friends and foes, high and low.

Islam Commands that in the Hearts of the Children the Seeds of the Greatness and Importance of Truth be Sown

Abu Hurairah (ra) states that the Prophet (saws) has said : "Anybody who called a child saying that he would give him a certain thing, and did not give it, then it is a lie."

[Ahmad]

Explanation : Islam commands that in the hearts of children the seeds of the greatness and the importnace of truth be sown , so that they may grow up and develop on truth & may become young in its lap & they may give it its due place in their talks. It is worth noting the wise way the Prophet (saws) has instructed his followers to train their children in a manner that they consider telling truth and straight dealing, respectable things & avoid telling lies.

Had the Prophet (saws) ignored these things and had not emphatically reminded about them, then there was a danger that children on growing up would not have considered telling lies a sin. Righteousness whose path is shown by truth is the highest peak of goodness to which only men of high determination can reach.

Abdullah ibn Aamir (ra) says that once my mother called me when the Prophet (saws) was present in my house. My mother asked me to come and said that she would give me a certain thing. He (saws) asked her what she wanted to give me. She replied that she wanted to give me a date (fruit). The Prophet (saws) said "If you had not given him this date, then the committing of falsehood would have been entered into your record of deeds." [Abu Dawood]

In another narration , Asma binte Yazid (ra) narrates that she once asked the Messenger of Allah (saws): "If someone of us women stated that she had no desire to have a certain thing even though she had that desire, then would it be considered a lie?" He (saws) replied : "Falsehood is written as falsehood, and a small falsehood is written as a small falsehood." [Muslim]

Truth Will Not Go Unsupported For Long

The Messenger of Allah (saws) said , "By Allah, the day is near when this faith (Islam) will reach its pinnacle and none will have to fear anyone except Allah."
[Bukhari]

Explanation : Muhammad (saws) preached to the people to trust in Allah (Swt). His whole life was a sublime example of the precept. In the loneliness of Makkah, in the midst of persecution and danger, in adversity and tribulations , and in th thick of enemies in the battles of Uhud and Hunain , complete faith and trust in Allah (Swt) seems to be the dominant feature of his life. However great the danger that confronted him, he never lost hope and never allowed himself to be unduly agitated.

Abu Talib knew the feelings of the Quraysh when the Prophet (saws) started his mission. He also knew the lengths to which the Quraysh could go , and requested the Prophet (saws) to abandon his mission , but the latter clamly replied , "Dear uncle, do not go by my loneliness. Truth will not go unsupported for long. The whole of Arabia and beyond will one day espouse its cause." [Ibn Hashim , Sirat-ur-Rasool].

When the attitude of the Quraysh became more threatening, Abu Talib again begged his nephew to renounce his mission but the Prophet's (saws) reply was :" O my uncle , if they place the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left, to force me to renounce my work, verily I would not desist from there until Allah made manifest His cause , or I perished in the attempt." [Ibid]

It was the trust in Allah (Swt) which emboldened the Prophet (saws) to say his prayers openly in the haram in the teeth of opposition.The Quraysh were once collected there and were conspiring to put an end to his life when he next entered the haram. His (saws) young daughter Fatimah (ra) , who happened to overhear their talk rushed weeping to her father and told him of the designs of the Quraysh. He (saws) consoled her, did his ablutions and went to the Ka'aba to say prayers. There was only consternation among the Quraysh when they saw him (saws). [Musnad Ahmad]