The much anticipated award winning movie, Affairs of the Heart will begin screening at the prestigious Silverbird Cinemas across the country come March 11, 2016.
Thursday, 11 February 2016
Boko Haram not holding any Nigerian territory - Buhari
Thursday, 1 January 2015
Granada – The Last Muslim Kingdom of Spain
Jan. 01 Featured, Muslim Spain
In 711, Islam made its entrance into the Iberian Peninsula. Having been invited to end the tyrannical rule of King Roderick, Muslim armies under the leadership of Tariq ibn Ziyad crossed the straits between Morocco and Spain. Within seven years, most of the Iberian Peninsula (modern Spain and Portugal) was under Muslim control. Parts of this land would remain Muslim for over 700 years.
By the mid 900s, Islam had reached its zenith in the land known as al-Andalus. Over 5 million Muslims lived there, making up over 80% of the population. A strong, united Umayyad caliphate ruled the land and was by far the most advanced and stable society in Europe. The capital, Cordoba, attracted those seeking education from all over the Muslim world and Europe. However, this golden age of politics and society would not last forever. In the 1000s, the caliphate broke up and divided into numerous small states called taifas. The Muslim taifas were disunited and susceptible to invasion from Christian kingdoms in the north. For the next 200 years, the taifas fell one by one to the Christian “Reconquista”. By the 1240s, one kingdom remained in the south: Granada. This article will analyze the fall of this final Muslim kingdom in Iberia.
Emirate of Granada
The seal of the Emirate of Granada, declaring “There is no victor except for Allah”
During the Reconquista, Muslim states fell one by one to Christian kingdoms invading from the North. The major cities of Cordoba, Seville, and Toledo fell from the 1000s to the 1200s. The Murabitun and Muwwahidun (Almoravid and Almohad) movements from North Africa helped slow the Christian tide, but disunity among the Muslims eventually led to continued loss of land.
One Muslim state – Granada – was able to escape conquest by Christians in the 1200s. After the fall of Cordoba in 1236, the rulers of the Emirate of Granada signed a special agreement with the Kingdom of Castile, one of the most powerful Christian kingdoms. Granada had agreed to become a tributary state to Castile. This meant they were allowed to remain independent as the Emirate of Granada, but in exchange for not being invaded by Castile, they had to pay a yearly sum (usually in gold) to the Castilian monarchy. This created a detrimental situation for the Muslims of Granada as they paid regularly to strengthen their enemies.
Despite this, one of the reasons Granada was able to maintain its independence was its geography. It lies high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Southern Spain. The mountains created a natural barrier for any invading armies. Thus, despite being militarily weaker than Castile, the mountainous terrain provided a huge defensive advantage.
The Granada War
For over 250 years, Granada remained as a tributary state to the stronger Kingdom of Castile. But surrounded by unfriendly Christian nations, Granada was constantly at risk of being exterminated. In the early 1400s, a Muslim scholar wrote of al-Andalus’ last kingdom, “Is Granada not enclosed between a violent sea and an enemy terrible in arms, both of which press on its people day and night?”
The impetus for the conquest of Granada occurred in 1469, when King Ferdinand of Aragon of Queen Isabella of Castile married. This united the two most powerful Christian kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula. With a united front, now the Christians set their sights on removing the last Muslim state from the peninsula.
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella sought to destroy the last Muslim emirate of al-Andalus
In 1482, war began between the new Kingdom of Spain and the Emirate of Granada. Despite being in a much weaker position, the Granadans fought valiantly. One Spanish chronicler expressed his respect for the Muslim soldiers, “the Moors [Muslims] put all their strength and all their heart into the combat, as a courageous man is bound to do when defending his life, his wife, and his children.” The ordinary Muslim civilians and soldiers were fighting for their existence and the survival of Islam in al-Andalus, and fought very bravely. The Muslim rulers, on the other hand, were not as chivalrous or brave.
Throughout the war, the Christians remained unified and did not break up into separate warring factions, as they had commonly in the past. In contrast, Granada experienced huge political upheaval. Muslim leaders and governors were commonly at odds and scheming different plans to undermine each other. Many of them were even secretly working with the Christian kingdoms in exchange for wealth, land, and power. Worse than all of that, in 1483, one year into the war, the sultan’s son, Muhammad, rebelled against his father and sparked a civil war in Granada, just as Spanish forces began to attack from outside.
King Ferdinand planned to use the civil war to his advantage. He supported Muhammad in his fight against his father (and later, his uncle) in an effort to weaken Granada as a whole. Muhammad was supported with arms and soldiers by Ferdinand in the fight against other members of his family, and thus was able to take power over Granada. Throughout this armed struggle, Christian armies slowly pressed further into Granadian lands, so that by the time Muhammad took power in 1490, he only ruled the city of Granada and nothing of the surrounding countryside.
Granada’s Last Stand
Right after solidifying his rule over Granada, however, Muhammad was sent a letter by King Ferdinand that demanded he immediately surrender the city. Muhammad was very surprised by this demand as Ferdinand had given him the impression that he would be allowed to rule over Granada with Ferdinand’s support. Clearly, Muhammad realized too late that he had been just a pawn used by Ferdinand to weaken Granada.
Muhammad decided to resist the Christians militarily and sought help from other Muslim kingdoms throughout North Africa and the Middle East. No help came besides a small Ottoman navy that raided the Spanish coast and did not cause much damage. By the end of 1491, the city of Granada was surrounded by Ferdinand and Isabella’s army. From the towers of his palace, Alhambra, Muhammad could see the huge Christian armies assembling and preparing to conquer the city. With this depressing future in sight, Muhammad was forced to sign a treaty which gave over control of the city in November 1491.
Christian banners and crosses were hung from the Alhambra on January 2nd, 1492
On January 2nd, 1492, the treaty took effect and the Spanish army entered Granada and officially took possession of the last Muslim state of al-Andalus. Christian soldiers occupied the legendary Alhambra palace that morning. They hung the banners and flags of Spain’s Christian monarchs from the walls, signifying their victory. At the top of Alhambra’s tallest tower, they erected a giant silver cross, telling the terrified people of Granada below that the forces of Christendom had been victorious over the Muslims of al-Andalus. Muslims were too fearful to venture outdoors, and the streets were deserted.
Sultan Muhammad was exiled, and on his way out of Granada, he stopped at a mountain pass to look back at Granada and began to cry. His mother was unimpressed with his sudden remorse and scolded him, “Do not cry like a woman for that which you could not defend as a man.”
Although the victorious Christians promised religious freedom and generally favorable terms to the people of Granada, these promises were soon broken. In 1502, Islam was officially outlawed in Granada and hundreds of thousands of Muslims had to either immigrate to North Africa or hide their beliefs. By the early 1600s, not a single Muslim was left in all of Spain.
The story of al-Andalus’ decline from one of the Muslim world’s leading political and social powers in the 1000s to a rump state that was conquered in the late 1400s is one that has no match in Islamic history. The constant infighting among Muslims, the lack of support from other Muslim empires, and the focus on personal power instead of Islamic unity all led to this downfall. And with the loss of Granada in 1492, that story ended.
Bibliography:
Carr, Matthew. Blood and Faith: The Purging of Muslim Spain. New York: The New Press, 2009. Print.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. The History of Islam. 3. Riyadh: Darussalam, 2001. Print.
Jan. 01 Featured, Muslim Spain
In 711, Islam made its entrance into the Iberian Peninsula. Having been invited to end the tyrannical rule of King Roderick, Muslim armies under the leadership of Tariq ibn Ziyad crossed the straits between Morocco and Spain. Within seven years, most of the Iberian Peninsula (modern Spain and Portugal) was under Muslim control. Parts of this land would remain Muslim for over 700 years.
By the mid 900s, Islam had reached its zenith in the land known as al-Andalus. Over 5 million Muslims lived there, making up over 80% of the population. A strong, united Umayyad caliphate ruled the land and was by far the most advanced and stable society in Europe. The capital, Cordoba, attracted those seeking education from all over the Muslim world and Europe. However, this golden age of politics and society would not last forever. In the 1000s, the caliphate broke up and divided into numerous small states called taifas. The Muslim taifas were disunited and susceptible to invasion from Christian kingdoms in the north. For the next 200 years, the taifas fell one by one to the Christian “Reconquista”. By the 1240s, one kingdom remained in the south: Granada. This article will analyze the fall of this final Muslim kingdom in Iberia.
Emirate of Granada
The seal of the Emirate of Granada, declaring “There is no victor except for Allah”
During the Reconquista, Muslim states fell one by one to Christian kingdoms invading from the North. The major cities of Cordoba, Seville, and Toledo fell from the 1000s to the 1200s. The Murabitun and Muwwahidun (Almoravid and Almohad) movements from North Africa helped slow the Christian tide, but disunity among the Muslims eventually led to continued loss of land.
One Muslim state – Granada – was able to escape conquest by Christians in the 1200s. After the fall of Cordoba in 1236, the rulers of the Emirate of Granada signed a special agreement with the Kingdom of Castile, one of the most powerful Christian kingdoms. Granada had agreed to become a tributary state to Castile. This meant they were allowed to remain independent as the Emirate of Granada, but in exchange for not being invaded by Castile, they had to pay a yearly sum (usually in gold) to the Castilian monarchy. This created a detrimental situation for the Muslims of Granada as they paid regularly to strengthen their enemies.
Despite this, one of the reasons Granada was able to maintain its independence was its geography. It lies high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Southern Spain. The mountains created a natural barrier for any invading armies. Thus, despite being militarily weaker than Castile, the mountainous terrain provided a huge defensive advantage.
The Granada War
For over 250 years, Granada remained as a tributary state to the stronger Kingdom of Castile. But surrounded by unfriendly Christian nations, Granada was constantly at risk of being exterminated. In the early 1400s, a Muslim scholar wrote of al-Andalus’ last kingdom, “Is Granada not enclosed between a violent sea and an enemy terrible in arms, both of which press on its people day and night?”
The impetus for the conquest of Granada occurred in 1469, when King Ferdinand of Aragon of Queen Isabella of Castile married. This united the two most powerful Christian kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula. With a united front, now the Christians set their sights on removing the last Muslim state from the peninsula.
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella sought to destroy the last Muslim emirate of al-Andalus
In 1482, war began between the new Kingdom of Spain and the Emirate of Granada. Despite being in a much weaker position, the Granadans fought valiantly. One Spanish chronicler expressed his respect for the Muslim soldiers, “the Moors [Muslims] put all their strength and all their heart into the combat, as a courageous man is bound to do when defending his life, his wife, and his children.” The ordinary Muslim civilians and soldiers were fighting for their existence and the survival of Islam in al-Andalus, and fought very bravely. The Muslim rulers, on the other hand, were not as chivalrous or brave.
Throughout the war, the Christians remained unified and did not break up into separate warring factions, as they had commonly in the past. In contrast, Granada experienced huge political upheaval. Muslim leaders and governors were commonly at odds and scheming different plans to undermine each other. Many of them were even secretly working with the Christian kingdoms in exchange for wealth, land, and power. Worse than all of that, in 1483, one year into the war, the sultan’s son, Muhammad, rebelled against his father and sparked a civil war in Granada, just as Spanish forces began to attack from outside.
King Ferdinand planned to use the civil war to his advantage. He supported Muhammad in his fight against his father (and later, his uncle) in an effort to weaken Granada as a whole. Muhammad was supported with arms and soldiers by Ferdinand in the fight against other members of his family, and thus was able to take power over Granada. Throughout this armed struggle, Christian armies slowly pressed further into Granadian lands, so that by the time Muhammad took power in 1490, he only ruled the city of Granada and nothing of the surrounding countryside.
Granada’s Last Stand
Right after solidifying his rule over Granada, however, Muhammad was sent a letter by King Ferdinand that demanded he immediately surrender the city. Muhammad was very surprised by this demand as Ferdinand had given him the impression that he would be allowed to rule over Granada with Ferdinand’s support. Clearly, Muhammad realized too late that he had been just a pawn used by Ferdinand to weaken Granada.
Muhammad decided to resist the Christians militarily and sought help from other Muslim kingdoms throughout North Africa and the Middle East. No help came besides a small Ottoman navy that raided the Spanish coast and did not cause much damage. By the end of 1491, the city of Granada was surrounded by Ferdinand and Isabella’s army. From the towers of his palace, Alhambra, Muhammad could see the huge Christian armies assembling and preparing to conquer the city. With this depressing future in sight, Muhammad was forced to sign a treaty which gave over control of the city in November 1491.
Christian banners and crosses were hung from the Alhambra on January 2nd, 1492
On January 2nd, 1492, the treaty took effect and the Spanish army entered Granada and officially took possession of the last Muslim state of al-Andalus. Christian soldiers occupied the legendary Alhambra palace that morning. They hung the banners and flags of Spain’s Christian monarchs from the walls, signifying their victory. At the top of Alhambra’s tallest tower, they erected a giant silver cross, telling the terrified people of Granada below that the forces of Christendom had been victorious over the Muslims of al-Andalus. Muslims were too fearful to venture outdoors, and the streets were deserted.
Sultan Muhammad was exiled, and on his way out of Granada, he stopped at a mountain pass to look back at Granada and began to cry. His mother was unimpressed with his sudden remorse and scolded him, “Do not cry like a woman for that which you could not defend as a man.”
Although the victorious Christians promised religious freedom and generally favorable terms to the people of Granada, these promises were soon broken. In 1502, Islam was officially outlawed in Granada and hundreds of thousands of Muslims had to either immigrate to North Africa or hide their beliefs. By the early 1600s, not a single Muslim was left in all of Spain.
The story of al-Andalus’ decline from one of the Muslim world’s leading political and social powers in the 1000s to a rump state that was conquered in the late 1400s is one that has no match in Islamic history. The constant infighting among Muslims, the lack of support from other Muslim empires, and the focus on personal power instead of Islamic unity all led to this downfall. And with the loss of Granada in 1492, that story ended.
Bibliography:
Carr, Matthew. Blood and Faith: The Purging of Muslim Spain. New York: The New Press, 2009. Print.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. The History of Islam. 3. Riyadh: Darussalam, 2001. Print.
Celebrating new year eve....
Around this time every year, the audio-visual and print media in many non-Muslim and even Muslim countries actively broadcast and circulate programs on celebrating New Year’s Eve. They invite people to participate in the celebrations that are held in certain places specially assigned for them. Public workplaces, private homes and streets are decorated in many different ways. This state of affairs necessitates that the scholars and students of knowledge explain the ruling of Sharee‘ah (Islamic legislation) on this issue. To this end, we have collected many verses from the Quran, Hadeeths (narrations) of the Prophet and statements of scholars.
It is indisputably established that Allaah The Almighty has perfected His religion and completed the message. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.} [Quran 5:3] There is no true religion other than Islam which Allaah The Almighty sent Muhammad to convey. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allaah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them -- out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allaah, then indeed, Allaah is swift in [taking] account.} [Quran 3:19]
{And whoever desires other than Islam as religion -- never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.} [Quran 3:85]
Commenting on this verse, Imaam Ibn Jareer At-Tabari said, “Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam to believe in, Allaah The Almighty will not accept it from him. {He, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers} means that, by doing so, he will deprive himself of his share of the mercy of Allaah The Almighty. It was mentioned that after the revelation of this verse, the followers of other religions claimed that they were Muslims according to what is meant by the verse. Hence, Allaah The Almighty commanded them to perform Hajj if they were true in their claims, because Hajj is an Islamic practice, yet they refused to do so. In this way, Allaah The Almighty refuted their claim."
Al-Haafith Ibn Katheer said, “Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allaah is Islam}. This indicates that Allaah The Almighty does not accept a religion other than Islam, which is to follow the Messengers who were sent by Allaah The Almighty until the final Messenger, Muhammad . Allaah The Almighty closed all the ways leading to Him except the way of Muhammad . Hence, anyone who meets Allaah The Almighty, after the mission of Muhammad following anything other than his Sharee‘ah, his belief will not be accepted, as Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And whoever desires other than Islam as religion -- never will it be accepted from him}."
It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that he said,
"The Messenger of Allaah said: 'Deeds will come on the Day of Judgment. The prayer will come and say, 'O Lord, I am the prayer.' He will Say, 'You are good.' Then charity will come and say, 'O Lord, I am charity.' He will Say, 'You are good.' Then fasting will come and say, 'O Lord, I am fasting.' Then He will Say, 'You are good.' Other (good) deeds will come and say, 'I am so-and-so’ and Allaah will answer them, 'You are good.'
Then Islam will come and say, 'O Lord, You are As-Salaam and I am Islam.' So, Allaah The Almighty will Say, 'You are good. Today, I will punish and reward on account of you.' That is why Allaah The Almighty Says in His Book (what means): {And whoever desires other than Islam as religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.} [Quran 3:85]"
Ahmad and Abu Ya‘la Al-Haythami said, “‘Abbaad ibn Raashid is one of the narrators of this Hadeeth, who was accredited by Abu Haatim and other scholars but declared weak by another group of scholars. The rest of the narrators of Ahmad’s Isnaad are among the narrators of Al-Bukhaari and/or Muslim,” [Majma‘ Az-Zawaa’id]
Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “Islam is the religion of the dwellers of the heavens and the religion of the followers of Tawheed (monotheism) on earth, and Allaah The Almighty does not accept a religion other than Islam. There are six religions followed by people on earth: one religion belongs to Allaah The Almighty and five religions belong to Satan. The religion that belongs to Allaah is Islam, and the religions that belong to Satan are Judaism, Christianity, Magianism, Sabeanism, and polytheism.” [Madaarij As-Saalikeen]
The Prophet explained the meaning of Islam in full. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that he said,
"One day while the Prophet was sitting with people, a man came to him and said, ‘What is Eemaan?’ The Prophet said: ‘Eemaan is to believe in Allaah, His angels, the meeting with Him in the Day of Judgment, His Messengers, and to believe in Resurrection.’ The man asked, ‘What is Islam?’ The Prophet replied: ‘Islam is to worship Allaah without associating partners with Him, to offer the obligatory prayers perfectly, to pay the (compulsory) charity i.e. Zakaah and to fast the month of Ramadan.’ The man again asked, ‘What is Ihsaan?’ The Prophet said: ‘Ihsaan is to worship Allaah as if you see Him, for if you do not actually see Him, then (be certain that) Allaah actually sees you."
The man further asked, ‘When will the Hour be?’ The Prophet replied: ‘The one who is questioned about it does not know more than the questioner, but I will tell you about its portents. When the female slave gives birth to her master; when the shepherds of black camels start boasting and competing with others in the construction of high buildings. The Hour is one of five things which nobody knows except Allaah.'
Then the Prophet recited (what means): {Indeed, Allaah [Alone] has knowledge of the Hour and sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die. Indeed, Allaah is Knowing and Acquainted.} [Quran 31:34] Then the man departed. The Prophet asked the people to bring him back, but they did not find him. So, the Prophet said: ‘That was Jibreel who came to teach people their religion.’” [Al-Bukhaari]
It was narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar both, that he quoted the Messenger of Allaah saying: “Islam is built upon five (things): testifying that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger, establishing the prayer, giving Zakaah, performing Hajj and fasting Ramadan.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
This applies to all the nations from among the People of the Book as well as others. Anyone who does not believe in and follow the Messenger of Allaah is one of the people who are described by the verse (which means): {Indeed, they who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists will be in the fire of Hell, abiding eternally therein. Those are the worst of creatures.} [Quran 98:6]
It was also narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah said: “By Him in Whose hand the soul of Muhammad is, any Jew or Christian who hears about me, but does not believe in that with which I have been sent and dies in this state (of disbelief), he shall be one of the people of Hell.” [Muslim]
Around this time every year, the audio-visual and print media in many non-Muslim and even Muslim countries actively broadcast and circulate programs on celebrating New Year’s Eve. They invite people to participate in the celebrations that are held in certain places specially assigned for them. Public workplaces, private homes and streets are decorated in many different ways. This state of affairs necessitates that the scholars and students of knowledge explain the ruling of Sharee‘ah (Islamic legislation) on this issue. To this end, we have collected many verses from the Quran, Hadeeths (narrations) of the Prophet and statements of scholars.
It is indisputably established that Allaah The Almighty has perfected His religion and completed the message. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.} [Quran 5:3] There is no true religion other than Islam which Allaah The Almighty sent Muhammad to convey. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allaah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them -- out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allaah, then indeed, Allaah is swift in [taking] account.} [Quran 3:19]
{And whoever desires other than Islam as religion -- never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.} [Quran 3:85]
Commenting on this verse, Imaam Ibn Jareer At-Tabari said, “Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam to believe in, Allaah The Almighty will not accept it from him. {He, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers} means that, by doing so, he will deprive himself of his share of the mercy of Allaah The Almighty. It was mentioned that after the revelation of this verse, the followers of other religions claimed that they were Muslims according to what is meant by the verse. Hence, Allaah The Almighty commanded them to perform Hajj if they were true in their claims, because Hajj is an Islamic practice, yet they refused to do so. In this way, Allaah The Almighty refuted their claim."
Al-Haafith Ibn Katheer said, “Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allaah is Islam}. This indicates that Allaah The Almighty does not accept a religion other than Islam, which is to follow the Messengers who were sent by Allaah The Almighty until the final Messenger, Muhammad . Allaah The Almighty closed all the ways leading to Him except the way of Muhammad . Hence, anyone who meets Allaah The Almighty, after the mission of Muhammad following anything other than his Sharee‘ah, his belief will not be accepted, as Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And whoever desires other than Islam as religion -- never will it be accepted from him}."
It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that he said,
"The Messenger of Allaah said: 'Deeds will come on the Day of Judgment. The prayer will come and say, 'O Lord, I am the prayer.' He will Say, 'You are good.' Then charity will come and say, 'O Lord, I am charity.' He will Say, 'You are good.' Then fasting will come and say, 'O Lord, I am fasting.' Then He will Say, 'You are good.' Other (good) deeds will come and say, 'I am so-and-so’ and Allaah will answer them, 'You are good.'
Then Islam will come and say, 'O Lord, You are As-Salaam and I am Islam.' So, Allaah The Almighty will Say, 'You are good. Today, I will punish and reward on account of you.' That is why Allaah The Almighty Says in His Book (what means): {And whoever desires other than Islam as religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.} [Quran 3:85]"
Ahmad and Abu Ya‘la Al-Haythami said, “‘Abbaad ibn Raashid is one of the narrators of this Hadeeth, who was accredited by Abu Haatim and other scholars but declared weak by another group of scholars. The rest of the narrators of Ahmad’s Isnaad are among the narrators of Al-Bukhaari and/or Muslim,” [Majma‘ Az-Zawaa’id]
Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “Islam is the religion of the dwellers of the heavens and the religion of the followers of Tawheed (monotheism) on earth, and Allaah The Almighty does not accept a religion other than Islam. There are six religions followed by people on earth: one religion belongs to Allaah The Almighty and five religions belong to Satan. The religion that belongs to Allaah is Islam, and the religions that belong to Satan are Judaism, Christianity, Magianism, Sabeanism, and polytheism.” [Madaarij As-Saalikeen]
The Prophet explained the meaning of Islam in full. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that he said,
"One day while the Prophet was sitting with people, a man came to him and said, ‘What is Eemaan?’ The Prophet said: ‘Eemaan is to believe in Allaah, His angels, the meeting with Him in the Day of Judgment, His Messengers, and to believe in Resurrection.’ The man asked, ‘What is Islam?’ The Prophet replied: ‘Islam is to worship Allaah without associating partners with Him, to offer the obligatory prayers perfectly, to pay the (compulsory) charity i.e. Zakaah and to fast the month of Ramadan.’ The man again asked, ‘What is Ihsaan?’ The Prophet said: ‘Ihsaan is to worship Allaah as if you see Him, for if you do not actually see Him, then (be certain that) Allaah actually sees you."
The man further asked, ‘When will the Hour be?’ The Prophet replied: ‘The one who is questioned about it does not know more than the questioner, but I will tell you about its portents. When the female slave gives birth to her master; when the shepherds of black camels start boasting and competing with others in the construction of high buildings. The Hour is one of five things which nobody knows except Allaah.'
Then the Prophet recited (what means): {Indeed, Allaah [Alone] has knowledge of the Hour and sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die. Indeed, Allaah is Knowing and Acquainted.} [Quran 31:34] Then the man departed. The Prophet asked the people to bring him back, but they did not find him. So, the Prophet said: ‘That was Jibreel who came to teach people their religion.’” [Al-Bukhaari]
It was narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar both, that he quoted the Messenger of Allaah saying: “Islam is built upon five (things): testifying that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger, establishing the prayer, giving Zakaah, performing Hajj and fasting Ramadan.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
This applies to all the nations from among the People of the Book as well as others. Anyone who does not believe in and follow the Messenger of Allaah is one of the people who are described by the verse (which means): {Indeed, they who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists will be in the fire of Hell, abiding eternally therein. Those are the worst of creatures.} [Quran 98:6]
It was also narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah said: “By Him in Whose hand the soul of Muhammad is, any Jew or Christian who hears about me, but does not believe in that with which I have been sent and dies in this state (of disbelief), he shall be one of the people of Hell.” [Muslim]
Tuesday, 30 December 2014
Friday, 26 December 2014
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Saturday, 6 December 2014
Beautiful and beneficial
[06/12 11:55 am] +234 816 304 2457: Forward Please
BEAUTIFUL AND BENEFICIAL
Do you wish to get Married?
Do you wish to have a Baby?
Do you wish to get a Job?
Do you wish to have more Rizq?
Do you wish to get Healthy and get Cured?
Do you wish that all your problems go away?
A man came to Sheikh Abdul Azīz Ibn Bāz complaining that he wishes to have a child, and that he has been waiting for it for seven years, but no luck.
Sheikh Ibn Bāz answered him with one sentence, he said: Increase Istighfār (Asking Allāh for forgiveness by saying Astaghfirullāh). After one year this man came back to Sheikh Ibn Bāz and said: Ya Sheikh! I got the child I wanted, Alhamdulillāh.
A man came to the famous Al-Hassan Al-Basri and said: The sky is not raining. Al-Hassan said: Istighfār.
Another man walked in and said to Al-Hassan: I suffer from poverty. Al-Hassan answered: Istighfār.
Then another man walked in and said to Al-Hassan: My wife does not bare children. Al-Hassan said: Istighfār.
The people who were present at the Majlis of Al-Hassan said: How come every time someone comes to you with an issue you just say Istighfār?
Al-Hassan answered: Didn’t you read the words of Allāh when he says:
"Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers, And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers."
—71:10-12
Allāhu Akbar! All this just in Dunyā. What about the 'Ākhirah? Isn’t it enough that Istighfār protects the believer from the punishment. Allāh promised not to punish us for our mistakes in two conditions, the first: while the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) is among us and we all know that chance is no longer valid. The second condition was seeking forgiveness; Allāh says:
But Allāh would not punish them while you, [O Muhammad], are among them, and Allāh would not punish them while they seek forgiveness
— 8:33
The fourth Khalifa of Islām, Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allāh be pleased with him) said: It is surprising to see someone perish while he has the tool of survival, they said: what is it? He said: Al-istighfār.
So never leave Istighfār my dear sisters and brothers. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Fortunate is the person who finds in his record of deeds a lot of Istighfār.
Istighfār relieves you. When you feel that sadness within you, when you are disturbed and frustrated, when anxiety surrounds you, say “Astaghfirullāh"
Ibn Abbās (May Allāh be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allāh (peace be upon him) said,
“If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allāh), Allāh will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not.” [Abu Dāwūd].
Here are some Āyāt from the Qur'ān with great promises from Allāh:
Then, verily! Your Lord for those who do evil (commit sins and are disobedient to Allāh) in ignorance and afterward repent and do righteous deeds, verily, your Lord thereafter, (to such) is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
[An-Nahl 16:119]
Your Lord knows best what is in your inner-selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn unto Him again and again in obedience, and in repentance.
[Al-Isra 17:25]
And verily, I am indeed Forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death).
[Ta-Ha 20:82]
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Take for example, the story of Prophet Musa (AS). The person in their mixt just did istighfaar.
BEAUTIFUL AND BENEFICIAL
Do you wish to get Married?
Do you wish to have a Baby?
Do you wish to get a Job?
Do you wish to have more Rizq?
Do you wish to get Healthy and get Cured?
Do you wish that all your problems go away?
A man came to Sheikh Abdul Azīz Ibn Bāz complaining that he wishes to have a child, and that he has been waiting for it for seven years, but no luck.
Sheikh Ibn Bāz answered him with one sentence, he said: Increase Istighfār (Asking Allāh for forgiveness by saying Astaghfirullāh). After one year this man came back to Sheikh Ibn Bāz and said: Ya Sheikh! I got the child I wanted, Alhamdulillāh.
A man came to the famous Al-Hassan Al-Basri and said: The sky is not raining. Al-Hassan said: Istighfār.
Another man walked in and said to Al-Hassan: I suffer from poverty. Al-Hassan answered: Istighfār.
Then another man walked in and said to Al-Hassan: My wife does not bare children. Al-Hassan said: Istighfār.
The people who were present at the Majlis of Al-Hassan said: How come every time someone comes to you with an issue you just say Istighfār?
Al-Hassan answered: Didn’t you read the words of Allāh when he says:
"Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers, And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers."
—71:10-12
Allāhu Akbar! All this just in Dunyā. What about the 'Ākhirah? Isn’t it enough that Istighfār protects the believer from the punishment. Allāh promised not to punish us for our mistakes in two conditions, the first: while the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) is among us and we all know that chance is no longer valid. The second condition was seeking forgiveness; Allāh says:
But Allāh would not punish them while you, [O Muhammad], are among them, and Allāh would not punish them while they seek forgiveness
— 8:33
The fourth Khalifa of Islām, Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allāh be pleased with him) said: It is surprising to see someone perish while he has the tool of survival, they said: what is it? He said: Al-istighfār.
So never leave Istighfār my dear sisters and brothers. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Fortunate is the person who finds in his record of deeds a lot of Istighfār.
Istighfār relieves you. When you feel that sadness within you, when you are disturbed and frustrated, when anxiety surrounds you, say “Astaghfirullāh"
Ibn Abbās (May Allāh be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allāh (peace be upon him) said,
“If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allāh), Allāh will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not.” [Abu Dāwūd].
Here are some Āyāt from the Qur'ān with great promises from Allāh:
Then, verily! Your Lord for those who do evil (commit sins and are disobedient to Allāh) in ignorance and afterward repent and do righteous deeds, verily, your Lord thereafter, (to such) is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
[An-Nahl 16:119]
Your Lord knows best what is in your inner-selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn unto Him again and again in obedience, and in repentance.
[Al-Isra 17:25]
And verily, I am indeed Forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death).
[Ta-Ha 20:82]
Invitation towards the straight path (ITSP)
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Take for example, the story of Prophet Musa (AS). The person in their mixt just did istighfaar.
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Zulhijjah is the last month of the Islamic calendar.
Literally, it means ” the possessor of hajj .”
Obviously, this name of the month indicates that
the great annual worship of “ hajj ” is performed in
this month, which gives it special significance.
Some specific merits and rules relevant to this
month are mentioned below:
First Ten Days
The first ten days of Zulhijjah are among the most
magnificent days in Islamic calendar. The Holy
Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said,
“One fast during these days is equal to the fasting
of one complete year, and the worship of one night
during this period is equal to the worship in the
“Lailatul-Qadr”.
Every Muslim should avail of this wonderful
opportunity by performing during this period as
much Iba’dah (acts of worship) to Allah as he or
she can.
The 9th day of Zulhijjah
The 9th day of Zulhijjah is called ‘Youmul -
“Arafah’ (The Day of ‘Arafah). This is the date
when the Hujjaj (Haji pilgrims, plural of Haajj)
assemble on the plain of ‘Arafat, six miles away
from Makkah al-Mukarramah, where they perform
the most essential part of the prescribed duties of
hajj , namely, the ‘Wuqoof of’Arafat (the stay in
‘Arafat).
The Fast of Youmul ‘Arafah
For those not performing hajj , it is mustahabb
(desirable) to fast on this day according to their
own calendar. It sometimes occurs that 9th
Zuihijjah falls on different days in different
countries according to the sighting of the moon. In
such cases, Muslims of each country should
observe ‘Youmul ‘Arafah according to the lunar
dates of their own country.
For example, if ’Youmul ‘Arafah’ is being observed
in Saudi Arabia on Friday, and in Pakistan on
Saturday, Pakistani Muslims should treat Saturday
as ‘Youmul ‘Arafah’ and should fast on that day if
they desire to benefit from the fast of
‘Youmul’Arafah’.
The fast of ’Youmul ‘Arafah’ has been emphasized
by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam,
as a mustahabb (desirable) act. According to a
hadith, the fast of this day becomes a cause,
hopefully so, of forgiveness for sins committed in
one year.
Takbir-ut-tashriq
Beginning from the Fajr of the 9th Zulhijjah up to
the ‘Asr prayer of the 13th, it is obligatory on each
Muslim to recite the Takbir of Tashriq after every
fard prayer in the following words.
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,
La Ilaha Illallahu, Wallahu Akbar,
Allahu Akbar wa lillahilhamd.
(There is no god but Allah and Allah is the
greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs
all praise.)
According to authentic Islamic sources, it is
obligatory on each Muslim, to recite this Takbir
after every fard salah. For women also, it is
commendable though not obligatory. Whether you
are performing salah with Jama’ah (collectively) or
on your own (individually) makes no difference.
You must recite the Takbir. However, male
Muslims should recite it in a loud voice, while
females should recite it in a low voice.
On the Eid day
The following acts are sunnah on the day of Eidul-
adha :
1. To wake up early in the morning.
2. To clean one’s teeth with a miswak or brush
3. To take bath.
4. To put on one’s best available clothes.
5. To use perfume.
6. Not to eat before the Eid prayer.
7. To recite the Takbir of Tashriq in a loud voice
while going to the Eid prayer.
How to Perform Eid Prayers (Hanafi School)
The Eid prayer has two raka’at performed in the
normal way, with the only addition of six Takbirs,
three of them in the beginning of the first raka’ah,
and three of them just before ruku’ in the second
raka’ah. The detailed way of performing the Eid
prayer is as follows:
The Imam will begin the prayer without Adhan or
iqamah. He will begin the prayer by reciting Takbir
of Tahrimah (Allahu Akbar). You should raise your
hands up to the ears, and after reciting the Takbir,
you should set your hands on your navel. The
Imam will give a little pause during which you
should recite Thana’ (Subhanakallahumma .:.).
After the completion of Thana’, the Imam will recite
Takbir (Allahu Akbar) three times. At the first two
calls of Takbir you should raise your hands up to
the ears, and after reciting Takbir (Allahu Akbar) in
a low voice, should bring your hands down and
leave them earthwards. But, after the third Takbir,
you should set them on your navel as you do in
the normal prayers.
After these three Takbirs, the Imam will recite the
Holy Qur’an, which you should listen calmly and
quietly. The rest of the raka’ah will be performed
in the normal way.
After rising for the second raka’ah, the Imam will
begin the recitations from the Holy Qur’an during
which you should remain calm and quiet. When the
Imam finishes his recitation, he will recite three
Takbirs once again, but this time it will be just
before bowing down for ruku’. At each Takbir you
should raise your hands up to the ears, and after
saying ‘Allahu Akbar’, bring them down and leave
them earthwards. After these three takbirs have
been called and completed, the Imam will say
another takbir for bowing down into the ruku’
position. At this takbir you need not raise your
hands. You just bow down for your ruku’ saying,
‘Allahu Akbar’. The rest of the salah will be
performed in its usual way.
Khutbah: The Address of Eidul-Adha
In this salah of Eid, Khutbah is a sunnah and is
delivered after the salah, unlike the salah of
Jumu’ah where it is fard and is delivered before
the salah. However, listening to the khutbah of Eid
salah is wajib or necessary and must be listened
to in perfect peace and silence.
It is a sunnah that the Imam begins the first
Khutbah by reciting takbir ( Allahu Akbar ) nine
times and the second Khutbah with reciting it
seven times.
Note:
The way of Eid prayer described above is
according to the Hanafi school of Muslim jurists.
Some other jurists, like Imam Shafi’i, have some
other ways to perform it. They recite Takbir twelve
times before beginning the recitations of the Holy
Qur’an in both the raka’at. This way is also
permissible. If the Imam, being of the Shafi’i
school, follows this way, you can also follow him.
Both ways are based on the practice of the Holy
Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.
Sacrifice or Qurbani: Philosophy and Rules
The Urdu and persian word Qurbani (Sacrificial
slaughter) is derived from the Arabic word Qurban .
Lexically, it means an act performed to seek
Allah’s pleasure. Originally, the word Qurban
included all acts of charity because the purpose of
charity is nothing but to seek Allah’s pleasure.
But, in precise religious terminology, the word was
later confined to the sacrifice of an animal
slaughtered for the sake of Allah.
The sacrifice of an animal has always been treated
as a recognized form of worship in all religious
orders originating from a divine book. Even in
pagan societies, the sacrifice of an animal is
recognized as a form of worship, but it is done in
the name of some idols and not in the name of
Allah, a practice totally rejected by Islam.
In the Shari’ah of our beloved Prophet, Sall-Allahu
alayhi wa sallam, the sacrifice of an animal has
been recognized as a form of worship only during
three days of Zulhijjah, namely, the 10th, 1lth and
12th of the month. This is to commemorate the
unparalleled sacrifice offered by the Prophet
Sayyidna Ibrahim, Alayhi Salam, when he, in
pursuance to a command of Allah conveyed to him
in a dream, prepared himself to slaughter his
beloved son, Sayyidna Isma’il, Alayhi Salam, and
actually did so but, Allah Almighty, after testing his
submission, sent down a sheep and saved his son
from the logical fate of slaughter. It is from that
time onwards that the sacrifice of an animal
became an obligatory duty to be performed by
every well to do Muslim.
Qurbani is a demonstration of total submission to
Allah and a proof of complete obedience to Allah’s
will or command. When a Muslim offers a Qurbani,
this is exactly what he intends to prove. Thus, the
Qurbani offered by a Muslim signifies that he is a
slave of Allah at his best and that he would not
hesitate even for a moment, once he receives an
absolute command from his Creator, to surrender
before it, to obey it willingly, even if it be at the
price of his life and possessions. When a true and
perfect Muslim receives a command from Allah, he
does not make his obedience dependent upon the
command’s reasonability’ as perceived through
his limited understanding. He knows that Allah is
All-knowing, All-Wise and that his own reason
cannot encompass the knowledge and wisdom
underlying the divine command. He, therefore,
submits to the divine command, even if he cannot
grasp the reason or wisdom behind it.
This is exactly what the Prophet Ibrahim, Alayhi
Salam, did. Apparently, there was no reason why a
father should slaughter his innocent son. But,
when came the command from Allah, he never
asked about the reason for that command, nor did
he hesitate to follow it. Even his minor son when
asked by his father about the dream he had seen,
never questioned the legitimacy of the command,
nor did he pine or whine about it, nor did he ask
for one good reason why he was being
slaughtered. The one and only response he made
was:
‘Father, do what you have been ordered to do. You
shall find me, God willing, among the patient”.
The present-day Qurbani is offered in memory of
this great model of submission set before us by
the great father and the great son. So Qurbani
must be offered in our time emulating the same
ideal and attitude of submission.
This, then, is the true philosophy of Qurbani. With
this in mind, one can easily unveil the fallacy of
those who raise objections against Qurbani on the
basis of economic calculations and depict it to be
a wastage of money, resources and livestock.
Unable to see beyond mundane benefits, they
cannot understand the spirit Islam wants to plant
and nourish among its followers, the spirit of total
submission to Allah’s will which equips man with
most superior qualities so necessary to keep
humanity in a state of lasting peace and welfare.
Qurbani is nothing but a powerful symbol of the
required human conduct vis-a-vis the divine
commands, however “irrational” or “uneconomic”
they may seem to be in their appearance. Thus,
the distrustful quest for mundane economic
benefits behind Qurbani is, in fact, the negation of
its real philosophy and the very spirit underlying it.
No doubt, there are in every form of worship
ordained by Allah, certain worldly benefits too, but
they are not the main purpose of these prescribed
duties, nor should they be treated as a pre-
condition to submission and obedience. All acts of
worship, including Qurbani, must be carried out
with a spirit of total submission to Allah,
irrespective of their economic, social or political
benefits. This is what Ibrahim, Alayhi Salam, did,
and this is what every true Muslim is required to
do,
Keeping this in view, we are giving here some rules
governing the worship of Qurbani in our Shari’ah
according to the Hanafi School.
The Time of Qurbani
Qurbani can only be performed during the three
days of Eid, namely the 10th, Ilth and 12th of
Zulhijjah. It is only in these days that slaughtering
of an animal is recognized as an act of worship.
No Qurbani can be performed in any other days of
the year.
Although Qurbani is permissible on each of the
three aforesaid days, yet it is preferable to perform
it on the first day i.e. the 10th of Zulhijjah.
No Qurbani is allowed before the Eid prayer is
over. However, in small villages where the Eid
prayer is not to be performed, Qurbani can be
offered’ any time after the break of dawn on the
10th of Zulhijjah.
Qurbani can also be performed in the two nights
following the Eid day, but it is more advisable to
perform it during daytime.
Who is Required to Perform Qurbani ?
Every adult Muslim, male or female, who owns
613.35 grams of silver or its equivalent in money,
personal ornaments, stock-in-trade or any other
form of wealth which is surplus to his basic needs,
is under an obligation to offer a Qurbani. Each
adult member of a family who owns the above
mentioned amount must perform his own Qurbani
separately. If the husband owns the required
quantity, but the wife does not, the Qurbani
obligatory on the husband only and vice-versa. If
both of them have the prescribed amount of
wealth, both should perform Qurbani separately.
If the adult children live with their parents, Qurbani
is obligatory on each one of them possessing the
prescribed amount. The Qurbani offered by a
husband for himself does not fulfil the obligation of
his wife, nor can the Qurbani offered by a father
discharge his son or daughter from their
obligation. Each one of them should care for his
own.
However, if a husband or a father, apart from
offering his own Qurbani, gives another Qurbani on
behalf of his wife or his son, he can do so with
their permission.
No Alternate for Qurbani
Some people think that instead of offering a
Qurbani they should give its amount to some poor
people as charity. This attitude is totally wrong.
Actually, there are different forms of worship
obligatory on Muslims. Each one of them has its
own importance and none of them can stand for
the other. It is not permissible for a Muslim to
perform salah instead of fasting in Ramadan, nor is
it permissible for him to give some charity instead
of observing the obligatory Salah. Similarly,
Qurbani is an independent form of worship and this
obligation cannot be discharged by spending
money in charity.
However, if somebody, out of his ignorance or
negligence, could not offer Qurbani on the three
prescribed days (10th, 1lth and 12th Zulhijjah)
then, in that case only, he can give the price of a
Qurbani as sadaqah to those entitled to receive
Zakah . But during the days of Qurbani no Sadaqah
can discharge the obligation.
The Animals of Qurbani
The following animals can be slaughtered to offer a
Qurbani :
1. Goat, either male or female, of at least one year
of age.
2. Sheep, either male or female, of at least six
months of age.
3. Cow, ox buffalo of at least two years of age.
4. Camel, male or female, of at least five years of
age.
One head of goat or sheep is enough only for one
person’s Qurbani. But as for all other animals like
cow, buffalo or camel, one head of each is equal to
seven offerings thus allowing seven persons to
offer Qurbani jointly in one such animal.
If the seller of animal claims that the animal is of
the recognized age and there is no apparent
evidence to the contrary; one can trust his
statement and the sacrifice of such an animal is
lawful.
Rules about Defective Animals
The following defective animals are not acceptable
in Qurbani:
1. Blind, one eyed or lame animal.
2. An animal so emaciated that it cannot walk to
its slaughtering place.
3. An animal with one-third part of the ear or the
nose or the tail missing.
4. An animal that has no teeth at all, or the major
number of its teeth are missing.
5. An animal born without ears.
The following animals are acceptable in Qurbani :
1. A castrated he – goat. (Rather, its Qurbani is
more preferable).
2. An animal that has no horns, or its horns are
broken. However, if the horns of an animal are
uprooted totally so as to create a defect in the
brain, its Qurbani is not lawful.
3. An animal the missing part of whose ear, nose
or tail is less than one third.
4. A sick or injured animal, unless it has some
above mentioned defects rendering its Qurbani
unlawful.
The Sunnah Method of Qurbani
It is more preferable for a Muslim to slaughter the
animal of his Qurbani with his own hands.
However, if he is unable to slaughter the animal
himself, or does not want to do so for some
reason, he can request another person to slaughter
it on his behalf. In this case also, it is more
preferable that he, at least, be present at the time
of slaughter. However, his absence at the time of
slaughter does not render the Qurbani invalid, if he
has authorized the person who slaughtered the
animal on his behalf. It is a Sunnah to lay the
animal with its face towards the Qiblah, and to
recite the following verse of the Holy Quran:
I, being upright, turn my face towards the One who
has created the heavens and the earth, and I am
not among those who associate partners with
Allah. ( Al-An’am, 6:79)
But the most essential recitation when slaughtering
an animal is: Bismillah, Allahu Akbar. (In the name
of Allah, Allah is the greatest). If somebody
intentionally avoids to recite it when slaughtering
an animal, it does not only make his Qurbani
unlawful, but also renders the animal haram, and it
is not permissible to eat the meat of that animal.
However, if a person did not avoid this recitation
intentionally, but he forgot to recite it when
slaughtering the animal, this mistake is forgiven
and both the Qurbani and the slaughter are lawful.
If somebody is unable to recite “Bismillah Allahu
Akbar” in the Arabic language, he can recite the
name of Allah in his own language by saying, “In
the name of Allah”.
Distribution of the Meat
If an animal is sacrificed by more than one person,
like cow or camel, its meat should be distributed
equally among its owners by weighing the meat
strictly and not at random or by mere guess. Even
if all the partners agree on its distribution without
weighing, it is still not permissible according to
shari’ah .
However, if the actual weighing is not practicable
due to some reason, and all the partners agree to
distribute the meat without weighing, distribution
by guess can be done with the condition that each
share necessarily contains either a leg of the
animal or some quantity of its liver.
Although the person offering a Qurbani can keep
all its meat for his own use, yet, it is preferable to
distribute one-third among the poor, another one-
third among his relatives and then, keep the rest
for his personal consumption.
All parts of the sacrificed animal can be used for
personal benefit, but none can be sold, nor can be
given to the butcher as a part of his wages. If
somebody has sold the meat of the Qurbani or its
skin, he must give the accrued price as sadaqah to
a poor man who can receive Zakah.
Hajj
The most important way of worship performed in
this month is “ hajj “, one of the five pillars of Islam.
The Muslims from every part of the world assemble
in Arabia to perform this unique way of worship.
Hajj is a worship, which requires at least five days
to be performed in its proper way. There are
detailed rules for different acts ofhajj for which
separate books are available, and the present
article does not aim at explaining all these details.
However, some basic information about its
obligation is being given here:
1. Hajj is obligatory on every adult Muslim who
can afford to go to Makkah during the hajj season,
whether on foot or by any other carriage.
2. If a person can travel to Makkah to perform hajj ,
but he cannot travel to Madinah, hajj is obligatory
on him also. He can perform hajj without visiting
Madinah.
3. A Muslim woman cannot travel for hajj unless
she is accompanied by a mahram (i.e. husband or
relative of a prohibited degree like son, father,
brother etc.) If she does not find any mahram to
accompany her, hajj is not obligatory on her until
she finds one. However, she must make a will that
in case she dies before performing hajj , his heirs
should arrange for her hajj-e-badal out of her left
over property.
4. Hajj is obligated only once in one’s life. After
performing the obligatory hajj ; one is not required
to perform it again. However, he can perform the
nafl (optional hajj as many times as he or she
wishes.)
Literally, it means ” the possessor of hajj .”
Obviously, this name of the month indicates that
the great annual worship of “ hajj ” is performed in
this month, which gives it special significance.
Some specific merits and rules relevant to this
month are mentioned below:
First Ten Days
The first ten days of Zulhijjah are among the most
magnificent days in Islamic calendar. The Holy
Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said,
“One fast during these days is equal to the fasting
of one complete year, and the worship of one night
during this period is equal to the worship in the
“Lailatul-Qadr”.
Every Muslim should avail of this wonderful
opportunity by performing during this period as
much Iba’dah (acts of worship) to Allah as he or
she can.
The 9th day of Zulhijjah
The 9th day of Zulhijjah is called ‘Youmul -
“Arafah’ (The Day of ‘Arafah). This is the date
when the Hujjaj (Haji pilgrims, plural of Haajj)
assemble on the plain of ‘Arafat, six miles away
from Makkah al-Mukarramah, where they perform
the most essential part of the prescribed duties of
hajj , namely, the ‘Wuqoof of’Arafat (the stay in
‘Arafat).
The Fast of Youmul ‘Arafah
For those not performing hajj , it is mustahabb
(desirable) to fast on this day according to their
own calendar. It sometimes occurs that 9th
Zuihijjah falls on different days in different
countries according to the sighting of the moon. In
such cases, Muslims of each country should
observe ‘Youmul ‘Arafah according to the lunar
dates of their own country.
For example, if ’Youmul ‘Arafah’ is being observed
in Saudi Arabia on Friday, and in Pakistan on
Saturday, Pakistani Muslims should treat Saturday
as ‘Youmul ‘Arafah’ and should fast on that day if
they desire to benefit from the fast of
‘Youmul’Arafah’.
The fast of ’Youmul ‘Arafah’ has been emphasized
by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam,
as a mustahabb (desirable) act. According to a
hadith, the fast of this day becomes a cause,
hopefully so, of forgiveness for sins committed in
one year.
Takbir-ut-tashriq
Beginning from the Fajr of the 9th Zulhijjah up to
the ‘Asr prayer of the 13th, it is obligatory on each
Muslim to recite the Takbir of Tashriq after every
fard prayer in the following words.
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,
La Ilaha Illallahu, Wallahu Akbar,
Allahu Akbar wa lillahilhamd.
(There is no god but Allah and Allah is the
greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs
all praise.)
According to authentic Islamic sources, it is
obligatory on each Muslim, to recite this Takbir
after every fard salah. For women also, it is
commendable though not obligatory. Whether you
are performing salah with Jama’ah (collectively) or
on your own (individually) makes no difference.
You must recite the Takbir. However, male
Muslims should recite it in a loud voice, while
females should recite it in a low voice.
On the Eid day
The following acts are sunnah on the day of Eidul-
adha :
1. To wake up early in the morning.
2. To clean one’s teeth with a miswak or brush
3. To take bath.
4. To put on one’s best available clothes.
5. To use perfume.
6. Not to eat before the Eid prayer.
7. To recite the Takbir of Tashriq in a loud voice
while going to the Eid prayer.
How to Perform Eid Prayers (Hanafi School)
The Eid prayer has two raka’at performed in the
normal way, with the only addition of six Takbirs,
three of them in the beginning of the first raka’ah,
and three of them just before ruku’ in the second
raka’ah. The detailed way of performing the Eid
prayer is as follows:
The Imam will begin the prayer without Adhan or
iqamah. He will begin the prayer by reciting Takbir
of Tahrimah (Allahu Akbar). You should raise your
hands up to the ears, and after reciting the Takbir,
you should set your hands on your navel. The
Imam will give a little pause during which you
should recite Thana’ (Subhanakallahumma .:.).
After the completion of Thana’, the Imam will recite
Takbir (Allahu Akbar) three times. At the first two
calls of Takbir you should raise your hands up to
the ears, and after reciting Takbir (Allahu Akbar) in
a low voice, should bring your hands down and
leave them earthwards. But, after the third Takbir,
you should set them on your navel as you do in
the normal prayers.
After these three Takbirs, the Imam will recite the
Holy Qur’an, which you should listen calmly and
quietly. The rest of the raka’ah will be performed
in the normal way.
After rising for the second raka’ah, the Imam will
begin the recitations from the Holy Qur’an during
which you should remain calm and quiet. When the
Imam finishes his recitation, he will recite three
Takbirs once again, but this time it will be just
before bowing down for ruku’. At each Takbir you
should raise your hands up to the ears, and after
saying ‘Allahu Akbar’, bring them down and leave
them earthwards. After these three takbirs have
been called and completed, the Imam will say
another takbir for bowing down into the ruku’
position. At this takbir you need not raise your
hands. You just bow down for your ruku’ saying,
‘Allahu Akbar’. The rest of the salah will be
performed in its usual way.
Khutbah: The Address of Eidul-Adha
In this salah of Eid, Khutbah is a sunnah and is
delivered after the salah, unlike the salah of
Jumu’ah where it is fard and is delivered before
the salah. However, listening to the khutbah of Eid
salah is wajib or necessary and must be listened
to in perfect peace and silence.
It is a sunnah that the Imam begins the first
Khutbah by reciting takbir ( Allahu Akbar ) nine
times and the second Khutbah with reciting it
seven times.
Note:
The way of Eid prayer described above is
according to the Hanafi school of Muslim jurists.
Some other jurists, like Imam Shafi’i, have some
other ways to perform it. They recite Takbir twelve
times before beginning the recitations of the Holy
Qur’an in both the raka’at. This way is also
permissible. If the Imam, being of the Shafi’i
school, follows this way, you can also follow him.
Both ways are based on the practice of the Holy
Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.
Sacrifice or Qurbani: Philosophy and Rules
The Urdu and persian word Qurbani (Sacrificial
slaughter) is derived from the Arabic word Qurban .
Lexically, it means an act performed to seek
Allah’s pleasure. Originally, the word Qurban
included all acts of charity because the purpose of
charity is nothing but to seek Allah’s pleasure.
But, in precise religious terminology, the word was
later confined to the sacrifice of an animal
slaughtered for the sake of Allah.
The sacrifice of an animal has always been treated
as a recognized form of worship in all religious
orders originating from a divine book. Even in
pagan societies, the sacrifice of an animal is
recognized as a form of worship, but it is done in
the name of some idols and not in the name of
Allah, a practice totally rejected by Islam.
In the Shari’ah of our beloved Prophet, Sall-Allahu
alayhi wa sallam, the sacrifice of an animal has
been recognized as a form of worship only during
three days of Zulhijjah, namely, the 10th, 1lth and
12th of the month. This is to commemorate the
unparalleled sacrifice offered by the Prophet
Sayyidna Ibrahim, Alayhi Salam, when he, in
pursuance to a command of Allah conveyed to him
in a dream, prepared himself to slaughter his
beloved son, Sayyidna Isma’il, Alayhi Salam, and
actually did so but, Allah Almighty, after testing his
submission, sent down a sheep and saved his son
from the logical fate of slaughter. It is from that
time onwards that the sacrifice of an animal
became an obligatory duty to be performed by
every well to do Muslim.
Qurbani is a demonstration of total submission to
Allah and a proof of complete obedience to Allah’s
will or command. When a Muslim offers a Qurbani,
this is exactly what he intends to prove. Thus, the
Qurbani offered by a Muslim signifies that he is a
slave of Allah at his best and that he would not
hesitate even for a moment, once he receives an
absolute command from his Creator, to surrender
before it, to obey it willingly, even if it be at the
price of his life and possessions. When a true and
perfect Muslim receives a command from Allah, he
does not make his obedience dependent upon the
command’s reasonability’ as perceived through
his limited understanding. He knows that Allah is
All-knowing, All-Wise and that his own reason
cannot encompass the knowledge and wisdom
underlying the divine command. He, therefore,
submits to the divine command, even if he cannot
grasp the reason or wisdom behind it.
This is exactly what the Prophet Ibrahim, Alayhi
Salam, did. Apparently, there was no reason why a
father should slaughter his innocent son. But,
when came the command from Allah, he never
asked about the reason for that command, nor did
he hesitate to follow it. Even his minor son when
asked by his father about the dream he had seen,
never questioned the legitimacy of the command,
nor did he pine or whine about it, nor did he ask
for one good reason why he was being
slaughtered. The one and only response he made
was:
‘Father, do what you have been ordered to do. You
shall find me, God willing, among the patient”.
The present-day Qurbani is offered in memory of
this great model of submission set before us by
the great father and the great son. So Qurbani
must be offered in our time emulating the same
ideal and attitude of submission.
This, then, is the true philosophy of Qurbani. With
this in mind, one can easily unveil the fallacy of
those who raise objections against Qurbani on the
basis of economic calculations and depict it to be
a wastage of money, resources and livestock.
Unable to see beyond mundane benefits, they
cannot understand the spirit Islam wants to plant
and nourish among its followers, the spirit of total
submission to Allah’s will which equips man with
most superior qualities so necessary to keep
humanity in a state of lasting peace and welfare.
Qurbani is nothing but a powerful symbol of the
required human conduct vis-a-vis the divine
commands, however “irrational” or “uneconomic”
they may seem to be in their appearance. Thus,
the distrustful quest for mundane economic
benefits behind Qurbani is, in fact, the negation of
its real philosophy and the very spirit underlying it.
No doubt, there are in every form of worship
ordained by Allah, certain worldly benefits too, but
they are not the main purpose of these prescribed
duties, nor should they be treated as a pre-
condition to submission and obedience. All acts of
worship, including Qurbani, must be carried out
with a spirit of total submission to Allah,
irrespective of their economic, social or political
benefits. This is what Ibrahim, Alayhi Salam, did,
and this is what every true Muslim is required to
do,
Keeping this in view, we are giving here some rules
governing the worship of Qurbani in our Shari’ah
according to the Hanafi School.
The Time of Qurbani
Qurbani can only be performed during the three
days of Eid, namely the 10th, Ilth and 12th of
Zulhijjah. It is only in these days that slaughtering
of an animal is recognized as an act of worship.
No Qurbani can be performed in any other days of
the year.
Although Qurbani is permissible on each of the
three aforesaid days, yet it is preferable to perform
it on the first day i.e. the 10th of Zulhijjah.
No Qurbani is allowed before the Eid prayer is
over. However, in small villages where the Eid
prayer is not to be performed, Qurbani can be
offered’ any time after the break of dawn on the
10th of Zulhijjah.
Qurbani can also be performed in the two nights
following the Eid day, but it is more advisable to
perform it during daytime.
Who is Required to Perform Qurbani ?
Every adult Muslim, male or female, who owns
613.35 grams of silver or its equivalent in money,
personal ornaments, stock-in-trade or any other
form of wealth which is surplus to his basic needs,
is under an obligation to offer a Qurbani. Each
adult member of a family who owns the above
mentioned amount must perform his own Qurbani
separately. If the husband owns the required
quantity, but the wife does not, the Qurbani
obligatory on the husband only and vice-versa. If
both of them have the prescribed amount of
wealth, both should perform Qurbani separately.
If the adult children live with their parents, Qurbani
is obligatory on each one of them possessing the
prescribed amount. The Qurbani offered by a
husband for himself does not fulfil the obligation of
his wife, nor can the Qurbani offered by a father
discharge his son or daughter from their
obligation. Each one of them should care for his
own.
However, if a husband or a father, apart from
offering his own Qurbani, gives another Qurbani on
behalf of his wife or his son, he can do so with
their permission.
No Alternate for Qurbani
Some people think that instead of offering a
Qurbani they should give its amount to some poor
people as charity. This attitude is totally wrong.
Actually, there are different forms of worship
obligatory on Muslims. Each one of them has its
own importance and none of them can stand for
the other. It is not permissible for a Muslim to
perform salah instead of fasting in Ramadan, nor is
it permissible for him to give some charity instead
of observing the obligatory Salah. Similarly,
Qurbani is an independent form of worship and this
obligation cannot be discharged by spending
money in charity.
However, if somebody, out of his ignorance or
negligence, could not offer Qurbani on the three
prescribed days (10th, 1lth and 12th Zulhijjah)
then, in that case only, he can give the price of a
Qurbani as sadaqah to those entitled to receive
Zakah . But during the days of Qurbani no Sadaqah
can discharge the obligation.
The Animals of Qurbani
The following animals can be slaughtered to offer a
Qurbani :
1. Goat, either male or female, of at least one year
of age.
2. Sheep, either male or female, of at least six
months of age.
3. Cow, ox buffalo of at least two years of age.
4. Camel, male or female, of at least five years of
age.
One head of goat or sheep is enough only for one
person’s Qurbani. But as for all other animals like
cow, buffalo or camel, one head of each is equal to
seven offerings thus allowing seven persons to
offer Qurbani jointly in one such animal.
If the seller of animal claims that the animal is of
the recognized age and there is no apparent
evidence to the contrary; one can trust his
statement and the sacrifice of such an animal is
lawful.
Rules about Defective Animals
The following defective animals are not acceptable
in Qurbani:
1. Blind, one eyed or lame animal.
2. An animal so emaciated that it cannot walk to
its slaughtering place.
3. An animal with one-third part of the ear or the
nose or the tail missing.
4. An animal that has no teeth at all, or the major
number of its teeth are missing.
5. An animal born without ears.
The following animals are acceptable in Qurbani :
1. A castrated he – goat. (Rather, its Qurbani is
more preferable).
2. An animal that has no horns, or its horns are
broken. However, if the horns of an animal are
uprooted totally so as to create a defect in the
brain, its Qurbani is not lawful.
3. An animal the missing part of whose ear, nose
or tail is less than one third.
4. A sick or injured animal, unless it has some
above mentioned defects rendering its Qurbani
unlawful.
The Sunnah Method of Qurbani
It is more preferable for a Muslim to slaughter the
animal of his Qurbani with his own hands.
However, if he is unable to slaughter the animal
himself, or does not want to do so for some
reason, he can request another person to slaughter
it on his behalf. In this case also, it is more
preferable that he, at least, be present at the time
of slaughter. However, his absence at the time of
slaughter does not render the Qurbani invalid, if he
has authorized the person who slaughtered the
animal on his behalf. It is a Sunnah to lay the
animal with its face towards the Qiblah, and to
recite the following verse of the Holy Quran:
I, being upright, turn my face towards the One who
has created the heavens and the earth, and I am
not among those who associate partners with
Allah. ( Al-An’am, 6:79)
But the most essential recitation when slaughtering
an animal is: Bismillah, Allahu Akbar. (In the name
of Allah, Allah is the greatest). If somebody
intentionally avoids to recite it when slaughtering
an animal, it does not only make his Qurbani
unlawful, but also renders the animal haram, and it
is not permissible to eat the meat of that animal.
However, if a person did not avoid this recitation
intentionally, but he forgot to recite it when
slaughtering the animal, this mistake is forgiven
and both the Qurbani and the slaughter are lawful.
If somebody is unable to recite “Bismillah Allahu
Akbar” in the Arabic language, he can recite the
name of Allah in his own language by saying, “In
the name of Allah”.
Distribution of the Meat
If an animal is sacrificed by more than one person,
like cow or camel, its meat should be distributed
equally among its owners by weighing the meat
strictly and not at random or by mere guess. Even
if all the partners agree on its distribution without
weighing, it is still not permissible according to
shari’ah .
However, if the actual weighing is not practicable
due to some reason, and all the partners agree to
distribute the meat without weighing, distribution
by guess can be done with the condition that each
share necessarily contains either a leg of the
animal or some quantity of its liver.
Although the person offering a Qurbani can keep
all its meat for his own use, yet, it is preferable to
distribute one-third among the poor, another one-
third among his relatives and then, keep the rest
for his personal consumption.
All parts of the sacrificed animal can be used for
personal benefit, but none can be sold, nor can be
given to the butcher as a part of his wages. If
somebody has sold the meat of the Qurbani or its
skin, he must give the accrued price as sadaqah to
a poor man who can receive Zakah.
Hajj
The most important way of worship performed in
this month is “ hajj “, one of the five pillars of Islam.
The Muslims from every part of the world assemble
in Arabia to perform this unique way of worship.
Hajj is a worship, which requires at least five days
to be performed in its proper way. There are
detailed rules for different acts ofhajj for which
separate books are available, and the present
article does not aim at explaining all these details.
However, some basic information about its
obligation is being given here:
1. Hajj is obligatory on every adult Muslim who
can afford to go to Makkah during the hajj season,
whether on foot or by any other carriage.
2. If a person can travel to Makkah to perform hajj ,
but he cannot travel to Madinah, hajj is obligatory
on him also. He can perform hajj without visiting
Madinah.
3. A Muslim woman cannot travel for hajj unless
she is accompanied by a mahram (i.e. husband or
relative of a prohibited degree like son, father,
brother etc.) If she does not find any mahram to
accompany her, hajj is not obligatory on her until
she finds one. However, she must make a will that
in case she dies before performing hajj , his heirs
should arrange for her hajj-e-badal out of her left
over property.
4. Hajj is obligated only once in one’s life. After
performing the obligatory hajj ; one is not required
to perform it again. However, he can perform the
nafl (optional hajj as many times as he or she
wishes.)
Thursday, 25 September 2014
We are entering the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah. As we all know these are most blessed days of the year.
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days.” They said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.”(Bukhari)
And among the greatest of deeds we can participate in, besides hajj, are fasting, reciting dhikr and offering the udhiya on ‘Eid.
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days.” They said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.”(Bukhari)
And among the greatest of deeds we can participate in, besides hajj, are fasting, reciting dhikr and offering the udhiya on ‘Eid.
. ” It was reported from Abu Qutaadah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of ‘Arafaah. He said, “It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.” Narrated by Muslim.
This (fasting) is mustahabb for those who are not on Hajj. In the case of the one who is on Hajj, it is not Sunnah for him to fast on the Day of ‘Arafaah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not fast on this day in ‘Arafaah. It was narrated that he forbade fasting on the Day of ‘Arafaah in ‘Arafaah.”
Wednesday, 24 September 2014
Hadith for you - Sahih Al Bukhari - Book of Menstrual Periods
Volume 001, Book 006, Hadith Number 293.
-----------------------------------------
Narrated By Al-Qasim : 'Aisha said, "We set out with the sole intention of performing Hajj and when we reached Sarif, (a place six miles from Mecca) I got my menses. Allah's Apostle came to me while I was weeping. He said 'What is the matter with you? Have you got your menses?' I replied, 'Yes.' He said, 'This is a thing which Allah has ordained for the daughters of Adam. So do what all the pilgrims do with the exception of the Taw-af (Circumambulation) round the Ka'ba." 'Aisha added, "Allah's Apostle sacrificed cows on behalf of his wives."
Volume 001, Book 006, Hadith Number 293.
-----------------------------------------
Narrated By Al-Qasim : 'Aisha said, "We set out with the sole intention of performing Hajj and when we reached Sarif, (a place six miles from Mecca) I got my menses. Allah's Apostle came to me while I was weeping. He said 'What is the matter with you? Have you got your menses?' I replied, 'Yes.' He said, 'This is a thing which Allah has ordained for the daughters of Adam. So do what all the pilgrims do with the exception of the Taw-af (Circumambulation) round the Ka'ba." 'Aisha added, "Allah's Apostle sacrificed cows on behalf of his wives."
For those going to do Qurbani(slaughter Ram)?
Last Day to cut hair and nails is Wednesday 29 Dhu Qadah (24 September 2014)
Last Day to cut hair and nails is Wednesday 29 Dhu Qadah (24 September 2014)
Moon could be sighted on Wednesday Night. As a precaution, one should Cut on Wednesday.
It is mustahab/ desirable for the one who will be sacrificing an animal for qurbānī to avoid cutting their hair or nails until after the animal is slaughtered. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said:
“When the ten days (of Dhul Hijjah) begin and a person has an animal for sacrifice which he intends to slaughter, then let him not cut his hair or trim his nails.” (Muslim)
Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam said in another Hadith:
“Whoever has an animal for slaughtering, once the crescent of Dhul Hijjah has been declared he should not cut his hair or trim his nails until he has sacrificed (the animal)” (Muslim)
It is a recommended act due to the Hadīth. However, if one did cut his hair and/or nails during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah before sacrificing, it will not affect the validity of making qurbānī
may Allah accept our intentions and all our ibadah. Amin!
may Allah accept our intentions and all our ibadah. Amin!
Tuesday, 23 September 2014
Virtues of the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah
Virtues of the first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah
Among the great seasons of worship are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, which Allah (
) has favored over other days. It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas ( 
) that the Prophet ( 
) said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” They said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” 1
) has favored over other days. It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas ( ) that the Prophet ( ) said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” They said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” 1
It was also narrated from Anas ( ) that the Prophet ( ) said: “There is no deed that is better before Allah or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of al-Adha.” It was said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” 2
) that the Prophet ( ) said: “There is no deed that is better before Allah or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of al-Adha.” It was said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” 2
These texts and others indicate that these ten days are better than all other days of the year, with no exception, even the last ten days of Ramadaan. But the last ten nights of Ramadaan are better than the first ten nights of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because they include Laylat al-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months.
So the Muslim should start these days with sincere repentance to Allah ( ), then he should do a lot of righteous deeds in general, then he should pay attention to doing the following deeds:
), then he should do a lot of righteous deeds in general, then he should pay attention to doing the following deeds:
1. Fasting
It is Sunnah for a Muslim to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because the Prophet ( ) encouraged us to do righteous deeds in the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, and fasting is one of the best of deeds, which Allah has chosen for Himself. 3
) encouraged us to do righteous deeds in the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, and fasting is one of the best of deeds, which Allah has chosen for Himself. 3
It was narrated from Hunaydah ibn Khaalid from his wife, that one of the wives of the Prophet ( ) said: The Prophet ( ) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and the day of ‘Ashoora’, and three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays. 4
) said: The Prophet ( ) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and the day of ‘Ashoora’, and three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays. 4
2 – Reciting tahmeed, tahleel and takbeer abundantly
It is Sunnah to recite takbeer (saying Allaahu akbar (Allah is most great)), tahmeed (saying al-hamdu Lillah (praise be to Allah)), tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah (There is no god but Allah)) and tasbeeh (saying Subhaan-Allah (Glory be to Allah)), during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, saying these words out loud in the mosques, homes, streets and every place in which it is permissible to remember Allah ( ), to perform this act of worship openly and proclaim the greatness of Allah ( ).
), to perform this act of worship openly and proclaim the greatness of Allah ( ).
Men should recite out loud and women should recite quietly.
Allah says: “That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor” [al-Hajj 22:28]
The majority are of the view that the “appointed days” are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because it was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas ( ) that the appointed days are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah.
) that the appointed days are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah.
It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar ( ) that the Prophet ( ) said: “There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer and tahmeed during them.” 5
) that the Prophet ( ) said: “There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer and tahmeed during them.” 5
The takbeer is as follows:
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise).
3 – Doing Hajj and ‘Umrah
One of the greatest deeds that can be done during these ten days is Hajj to the sacred House of Allah ( ). Whoever Allah ( ) helps to go on Hajj to His House and do the rituals in the required manner will – in sha Allah – be included in the words of the Messenger of Allah ( ): “An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise.”
). Whoever Allah ( ) helps to go on Hajj to His House and do the rituals in the required manner will – in sha Allah – be included in the words of the Messenger of Allah ( ): “An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise.”
4 – Udhiyah (sacrifice)
One of the righteous deeds that bring a person closer to Allah in these ten days is to slaughter the sacrifice and to look for a good, fat animal and to spend money on it for the sake of Allah ( ).
).
Let us hasten to make the most of these great days, before the negligent regrets what he did, and before he asks to go back and receives no response.
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