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Monday, October 31, 2011

Income inequality in America - The 99 percent

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Communalism Watch: Aryan vs Non Aryan Gods trigger tensions between student groups on JNU campus

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Effect of Hajj on Perfecting Tawheed


Monday 10/10/2011

Every year, the Islamic Ummah (nation) lives this blessed season and these special days which combine between the honor of place and time. It is the occasion of Hajj to the Sacred House of Allaah The Almighty. Pilgrims, the guests of Allaah, from all corners of the earth come together hoping to attain the Forgiveness and Pleasure of Allaah The Almighty. Their ears enjoy hearing the Talbiyah and their hearts feel tranquil and humble due to achieving goals and hopes. They head for the Ancient House of Allaah, the Ka‘bah, to which people’s hearts long for and return. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And [mention] when We Made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security.} [Quran 2:125]
Hence, there should be a benefit from the universal congregation at this time and the proper means to found and perfect Tawheed of the pilgrims during their stay in this purified country that is established on a solid base of sound creed since it was unified by King ‘Abdul-‘Azeez until the present time. From that time until now, this land has judged according to Sharee‘ah (Islamic legislation) in the various affairs of life and carefully applies its teachings. It continually tries to unite Muslims and does its best to spread the sound creed via its various facilities whether they are related to Da‘wah (invitation to Islam), the media, education or culture.
Its effective role is clear during Hajj when Muslims come from all over the world, to know each other, love each other and study the matters of their religion. Undoubtedly, this gathering is a chance for Muslims to become closer to each other and remove the image of disunity and aversion. It is also a power that disappoints the Muslims' enemies. It is a meeting on the straight Path of Allaah The Almighty and His sound methodology. The knowledgeable person towards the way of Allaah The Almighty, guides people to the right path, and teaches them. On the other hand, the ignorant person seeks guidance and asks about whatever confuses him; whereas the person who has doubts asks about doubtful matters and seeks the clear answers that go along with the Sharee‘ah (Islamic legislation) of Allaah The Almighty and the Sunnah (tradition) of His Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ).
The Hajj gathering is also a chance to remove the doubts and innovations in religion that are practiced by some Muslim sects that the pilgrim may not realize in his country. This is because steering away from religious innovations and adhering to the guidance of the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), are among the main reasons for perfecting Tawheed and following the sound methodology which was approved by Allaah The Almighty for His slaves as Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And, this is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way.} [Quran, 6:153]
Therefore, pilgrims should offer a sincere Hajj for the sake of Allaah The Almighty in conformity with the Sunnah of the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), without any increase or decrease or negligence. They should follow the example of the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), who said: “Learn your rituals (of Hajj) from me.” They should not let any other matter distract them from their rituals. They should ask the people of knowledge about any difficult or confusing matter. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {So ask the people of the message if you do not know.} [Quran 16:43]
There is no doubt that the scholars of this country have a leading role in advising people during the season of Hajj whether in terms of their rituals or morals, dealing with other people and inculcating the true creed in their souls. Despite the few days spent during Hajj in this country, pilgrims have a great chance to meet the scholars there and benefit from their Khutbahs (sermons), lectures and Fatwas (rulings).
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques – is considered the leader of the Islamic world and the caretaker of sound Islamic principles. Every year, it receives hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from within it and beyond its borders. It gathers all its material and human powers to organize the affairs of Hajj, serving the pilgrims of the Sacred House, facilitating their transportation and all other services so that they could so easily perform their Hajj without any annoying or distracting matters.
Pilgrims and residents of Saudi Arabia should benefit from the lessons, lectures and Fatwas of scholars there. They must adopt the sound creed of Tawheed and tolerant Islamic teachings and raise their children according to the correct Islamic upbringing away from deviation, extremism, or following the destructive streams and schools of thought which are propagated by the enemies of Islam.
Pilgrims should make the most of the school of Hajj in order to return to their homes carrying the correct message of this religion and its sound, pure creed and achieving the great goal of Hajj, which is to worship Allaah The Almighty Alone.
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The Farewell Hajj: Discussing Human Rights - III


Saturday 15/10/2011

… Continued
 
The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did not leave out women in his farewell speech; he said: “Fear Allaah in your dealings with women, for they are entrusted to you.”[Muslim] This shows how Islam honoured the woman as a mother, wife and daughter, taking care of her from her birth until her death. Moreover, Islam protected her body and made it unlawful to be looked at, at a time when it was openly on display for all to see. Islam also gave her the right to inherit and be educated, and it made her equal to man in worship, religious obligations and rewards. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, and has faith – We will surely cause them to live a good life}[Quran, 16: 97]Women’s rights in Islam do not come in the form of deceitful, hollow theories and conventions. One needs to read the biographies of the believing women like Khadeejah, Sumayyah, Asmaa’, ‘Aa’ishah, Hafsahand Al-Khansaa’,  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  them all, who were living examples and brilliant role-models. Islam elevated the status of the woman, purified her soul, reformed her behavior and made her objectives and wishes far more dignified and honourable than what they were prior to Islam.
 
The actions of the believing women throughout history will eternally be remembered as clear proofs and real evidence of their dignity and status in Islam. Those who claim to be reformers, leading women to ‘enlightenment’ and accusing those who want to preserve the chastity of women as being stupid, old-fashioned and narrow-minded when in fact there is deviation and irrationality in thinking, and perversion from human-nature and in their methodologies and motives. These people are only working to deprive women of their dignity, chastity, and honor so as to ultimately render her valueless.
 
The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “I have left with you that which if you adhere to, you will never be misguided - the Book of Allaah.”[Muslim]Allaah The Almighty created man and He knows that his ultimate happiness and contentment lies in his adherence to the Quran and Sunnah (Prophetic traditions).
 
Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):
 
·        {Indeed this Quran guides to that which is most suitable}[Quran, 17: 9]This means that the Quran will guide to that which is best in dealings, financial transactions, judicial laws, politics, economics, finance, education, upbringing and morals.
·        {We have omitted nothing from the Book}[Quran, 6: 38]
·        {And to Allaah belongs all honour, and to His Messenger, and to the believers}[Quran, 63: 8]Those who wish to achieve peace and security will find the solution in the Quran; Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {It is those who believe and do not mix their belief with injustice – those will have security}[Quran, 6: 82]Those who want a flourishing economy and prosperity will achieve it by following the instructions in the Quran. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {If only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened (i.e. bestowed) upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth}[Quran, 7: 96] For those who seeks power, the Quran instructs the Islamic state to acquire and prepare the necessary weapons and equipment. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allaah and your enemy}[Quran, 8: 60] The Quran also lays the foundation for the protection of human rights and the preservation of human dignity. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {We have certainly honoured the children of Aadam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with (definite) preference}[Quran, 17: 70]
 
The Salaf (righteous predecessors) were leaders of guidance; they took it upon themselves to live by and adhere to the teachings of Quran. Consequently, they were able to establish a just and religiously-observant Islamic state. However, when the Muslims abandoned those important morals and teachings, they disintegrated into groups that cursed and fought one another. This was something that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam warned against in his speech, saying:“Do not go back to disbelief after my death by killing one another.”[Al-Bukhaari, Muslim]The Khutbah of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is a call to the Muslim nation to re-evaluate itself and to respond to the call of the last of all the messengers.
The Farewell Hajj: Discussing Human Rights - I
The Farewell Hajj: Discussing Human Rights - II

islamweb.net

The Farewell Hajj: Discussing Human Rights - II


Saturday 15/10/2011

 … Continued
 
Today’s civilization, more accurately the shockingly materialistic modern civilisation, propagates its own set of principles regarding human rights. It is a fact that these rights are weak, deficient and geared only towards greed, even at the expense of religion and morals. Moreover, these rights are not underpinned by faith, nor is there any belief behind them that would revive them, nor any enforceable legislation that would protect them. Consequently, one sees them being violated in the world’s most materialistically advanced civilizations, the very places from which they were first propagated! Where are these human rights when Jerusalem is being occupied, the sanctity of Al-Aqsaais beingviolated, its people’s wealth confiscated and their blood spilt for so many decades? Where are the human rights in a war being waged that is not based on principles, is inhumane and flagrantly destroys the very notion of human rights?
 
The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said during his sermon during the Farewell: “All matters from Jaahiliyyah (The pre-Islamic era) are under my foot (i.e. valueless).”[Muslim]
 
During the Jaahiliyyah (the Period of Ignorance before Islam)bloodshed was taken lightly and acts of violence and brutality were conducted in a business-like manner. Initiating wars was a common practice at that time. People were left without guidance, with no divine message or faith to purify and regulate them. Then Islam came to change and uplift their principles and to use these as a basis to govern all areas of life. Islam emphasised the sanctity of human life and made murder a crime against humanity. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely}[Quran, 5: 32]
 
Before the arrival of Islam, tribalism was deeply rooted in society and well structured. Then the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam worked to eliminate all the prejudice and racism which people lived with, praised and boasted of. Stressing this point in his speech, he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “All of you descend from Aadam and Aadam was created from clay; The most honourable amongst you in the sight of Allaah are the most pious. There is no preference for an Arab over a non-Arab, a non-Arab over an Arab, a coloured person over a white person or a white person over a coloured person except based on piety.” [Al-Bayhaqi, Ahmad and others]Therefore, a person’s colour, wealth, worldly position and lineage are not to be taken into consideration when evaluating them, because these are things granted by Allaah The Almighty and they were not given any choice on whether to accept these or not. Allaah The Almighty says (what translates as): {Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allaah is the most righteous of you}[Quran, 49: 13]
 
Nowadays it is distressing to see some people amongst the Muslims trying to revive the tribalism and racism of the Jaahiliyyah, boasting about it and trying to spread its evil, although the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Abandon it (tribalism and racialism), for it is foul.”[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
 
He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam further said: “The first Riba (interest-based transaction) I cancel is that of Al-‘Abbaas ibn Al-Muttalib (his uncle) - I cancel it all.” [Muslim]Allaah The Almighty forbade Riba because of its great harm and evil; it ruins man’s conscience and corrupts societies. This is because it causes greed, selfishness and avarice to spread. It also kills community spirit, causes enmity between people and puts hatred of each other in their hearts. For all these reasons, Allaah The Almighty declared war against all those who deal with Riba and spread it. The war in this life is the alarming phenomenon of widespread inflation of prices, financial crises, psychological problems and the deprivation of the sense of mutual cooperation and sacrifice. As for the Hereafter, the war is in the form of a painful punishment. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Those who consume interest cannot stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except as one stands who is being beaten by Satan into insanity}[Quran, 2: 275]
 
The Riba-based financial system of the world is what is responsible for many of the financial and economical crises that have overwhelmed individuals, communities and countries in recent history.
 
(To be continued)
The Farewell Hajj: Discussing Human Rights - I
The Farewell Hajj: Discussing Human Rights - III

islamweb.net

The Farewell Hajj: Discussing Human Rights – I


Saturday 15/10/2011

On his last (farewell) Hajj, a year before his death, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam delivered a beautiful, poignant Khutbah (sermon). The principles and ideals mentioned in the Khutbah were not empty slogans but the same principles that he had propagated from the dawn of Islam, when he was vulnerable, oppressed and with few followers. These principles never changed for any reason – whether it was the small number of his followers, circumstances of war or peace, or the fact that life was extremely difficult and he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was in great difficulty and dire need. These were well-grounded principles that he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam instilled in the souls of his followers so they could convey them to the world so that humankind could achieve success, felicity and tranquillity.
Since these principles were firm and well-founded, they did not slacken with the passing of time nor as generations succeeded one another. During the Khutbah, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam warned against the fatal disease of Shirk (polytheism) that destroys humanity, disunites it, detaches it from the source of goodness and causes it to be driven by its whims and desires. Therefore, the meaning or focal point of Hajj and indeedthe entire religion of Islam is unity under the name of Allaah The Almighty.
 
During the sermon, he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: Your blood, wealth and honour are as sacred as this day (the day of ‘Arafah), this land and this month (Thul-Hijjah).”[Muslim, Al-Bukhaari] These are eternal human rights which no man-made law or system can ever dictate or administer. To safeguard people’s blood, Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {There is for you in legal retribution (saving of) life}[Quran, 2: 179]To safeguard people’s wealth, Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {As for the thief, the male and female, amputate their hands}[Quran, 3: 38] To preserve the honour and dignity of humanity, Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {The (unmarried) woman or (unmarried) man found guilty of sexual intercourse – lash each of them with a hundred lashes}[Quran, 24: 2]
 
Islam is a religion that respects and safeguards life if it is led in a pure and righteous manner, not when it is led in an immoral, oppressive and tyrannical way. This respect would be of no value if it was not supported by a comprehensive and just system which is well-organised.
 
Islam protects the human being’s right to live an honourable and upright life which is full of peace, security and stability. Islam also ensures that Muslims do not become a source of harm and danger and therefore establishes justice based on the Sharee’ah (Islamic law) of Allaah The Almighty; Islam also establishes the power and influence that is required to establish itself as a comprehensive system. Moreover, Islam builds the brotherhood and fraternity between the Muslims that leads to the honouring of rights and obligations towards all; this includes the upkeep of family ties, dutifulness to parents, kindness to neighbours, honouring the rights of marriage and ultimately, relations between nations who are to be judged and ranked by virtue of their piety.
 
One of the most protected principles in Islam is that a Muslim cannot be unaffected when a fellow Muslim is being harmed in his presence, nor can he allow anyone to insult them in their absence, whether this harm is physical or emotional, by action or by words. Islam forbids hitting others without provocation or right, as well as uttering foul words, mocking, making fun of others and cursing them. ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him narrated the story of a man who used to drink Khamr (intoxicants) often and would be punished. One day he was brought before the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam who commanded him to be flogged. A man said, “O Allaah! Curse him for he did this many times.” The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam responded: “Do not curse him, for I swear by Allaah I know that he loves Allaah and His Messenger.”[Al-Bukhaari, Muslim]
 
Furthermore, Islam not only honours and protects people during their lifetime, but also after death, as it has commanded that the dead be washed, shrouded, prayed over and buried; and all these rituals have to be carried out with all respectfulness. Islam forbids breaking the bones of the dead or damaging corpses in any way. ‘Aa’ishah  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  her narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Do not curse the dead for they are facing the consequences of what they have set forth.”[Al-Bukhaari]
 
(To be continued...)
The Farewell Hajj: Discussing Human Rights – II
The Farewell Hajj: Discussing Human Rights – III

islamweb.net

Hajj for kids

The Noble Rawdhah

Lessons from Hajj and the First Ten Days of Thul-Hijjah


Wednesday 26/10/2011

This article is not about the Islamic ruling on Hajj, its rationale, manners, conditions, description, prohibitions and fruits, although this information is vital for each and every Muslim, especially those who intend to perform Hajj so that they can perform this act of worship properly. It is also not about the first ten days of Thul-Hijjah and the Islamic rulings about them, although such information is fundamental for every Muslim.
This article addresses the Muslim’s inner dialogue with himself on such great occasions and how to seize them and make full use of them in order to fill his balance of good deeds with abundant rewards beyond words, beyond imagination.
 
First point of discussion:
The blessed days are approaching; the greatest days in the entire year. Allaah The Exalted Swore by these blessed days in the Quran. Indeed, and He only swears by a great matter. Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {By the dawn*And [by] ten nights…}[Quran 89:1-5]
According to the correct opinion of scholars, this verse refers to the first ten days of Thul-Hijjah.
This blessed spiritual season witnesses the performance of Hajj, the Day of ‘Arafah, Day of Nahr (the 10th day of Thul-Hijjah), which is the greatest day of the year, the Day of the Great Hajj, the Day of ‘Eed Al-Adh-ha, and slaughtering the Hady (sacrificial animal) and Udh-hiyah. Moreover, during these blessed days and the following Days of Tashreeq, the pilgrims savor the blessings of being in the best time and the holiest place in the world and spend the best of times. They perform all kinds of worship and righteous deeds with which they can come closer to their Lord, which is a privilege that is not granted to non-pilgrims.
It is recommended for Muslims to carry out righteous deeds whose virtues and rewards are equal to those of a man who participates in Jihaad, offering his money and life for the Cause of Allaah and does not return with any of these. Such a Mujaahid spends all his money and is granted martyrdom for the Cause of Allaah.
A significant question arises in this regard; should Muslims, males and females, not change their daily routines and lifestyles on these priceless, virtuous, blessed days?
 
Second point of discussion:
One of the features of change in the Muslim’s daily routine and lifestyle during these blessed days is becoming aware of the greatness and significance of Hajj, whether pilgrims or non-pilgrims. If Muslims ponder over Hajj, they would be amazed at the Greatness of Allaah The Exalted and the beauty of His Legislation. Allaah The Exalted, the only deity worthy of worship, created us and set the optimal and perfect legislation and Sharee‘ah (Islamic law) for us. He bestowed upon His slaves His mercy and exemption from Hellfire.
This feeling [of the greatness of Hajj] embodies the unity of the pilgrims as they collectively walk to Al-Masjid Al-Haraam, circumambulate the Ka‘bah, bow down and prostrate themselves before their Lord, perform Sa‘y, shave or shorten their hair, stand at ‘Arafaat, spend the night in Muzdalifah, throw the pebbles, and slaughter the Hady. All the pilgrims perform these rites communally; they offer them to one Lord and have the same aspiration, i.e. attaining the forgiveness of Allaah, exemption from Hellfire, and admittance to Paradise.
All the pilgrims perform the due rituals of Hajj together peacefully and safely, enjoying the commendable services offered to them. They race one another in doing righteous deeds in a great picture that is beautifully engraved in our hearts. Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of Ihraam], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj.} [Quran 2:197]
Moreover, the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “Whoever performs Hajj to this House (Ka‘bah) and does not approach his wife for sexual relations nor commits sins (while performingHajj), he will come out as sinless as a newly-born child (just delivered by his mother).”
In this spiritually overwhelming experience, hearts are humbled, the eyes shed tears of remorse and the pilgrims are emotionally moved by the greatness of this spiritual experience. This urges pilgrims and non-pilgrims alike to turn to their Lord in repentance, with hearts that are full of remorse, hoping that they would be among the winners to whom Allaah The Exalted would Say on the night of ‘Arafah, “You are forgiven”.
 
Third point of discussion:
Another aspect of the change that occurs in the Muslims’ ways of life during these blessed days is reflected in their attitudes towards this spiritual season. They know the greatness, virtues, and merits of these blessed days; therefore, they make special plans for spiritual gains and acts of worship so as to do as many righteous deeds as possible and gain as many rewards as possible. The Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these days, i.e. the first ten days of Thul-Hijjah.” Some Companions asked, “Not even Jihaad?" The Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), replied: "Not even Jihaad, except a man who goes out (for Jihaad) with his self and his wealth, then he does not return with any from that.”
Among the recommended righteous deeds on these blessed days is Thikr (words of remembrance of Allaah The Almighty):
The most important Thikr to be recited during this spiritual season is Takbeer, Tahleel, and Tahmeed. The Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “There are no days greater in the Sight of Allaah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Takbeer (saying Allaahu Akbar: Allaah Is The Greatest), Tahmeed (saying Al-Hamdulillaah: All praise is due to Allaah), and Tahleel (saying La ilaaha illa Allaah: There is no deity worthy of worship but Allaah) [on those days].”
Indeed, the best Thikr is the recitation of the Noble Quran and supplications during prayers or at any other time.
Another recommended righteous deed to be done during these blessed days is fasting, especially on the Day of ‘Arafah. It was narrated that fasting the Day of ‘Arafah expiates the sins of two years; the past and following years. Only the non-pilgrims fast the Day of ‘Arafah as the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), did not fast the Day of ‘Arafah during the Farewell Hajj.
In addition, there are other righteous deeds to be done on these blessed days such as dutifulness to one's parents, maintaining kinship ties, offering charity to the poor and the needy, kindness to relatives, good and kind treatment of others, teaching the ignorant people and guiding those who have gone astray and other good deeds.
One of the commendable good deeds that should be done during this great spiritual season is offering the Udh-hiyah (sacrifice) as it is an act of the Sunnah.
Muslims should organize their spiritual and worship plans on these days, chart out a schedule for  performing each act of worship and other good deeds and they would find plenty of time and abundant bounty which Allaah The Almighty bestows on them.
 
Last point of discussion:
It is recommended for Muslims on these blessed ten days to revive and renew their sincerity and devotion in offering their good deeds and acts of worship exclusively and sincerely to Allaah The Exalted. They should hope that their righteous deeds are accepted and turn to their Lord in repentance, relishing the fruits of these righteous deeds in themselves, their families, and community.

islamweb.net

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Projects for Women During the First Ten Days of Thul-Hijjah

Tuesday 26/10/2010

Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {By the dawn, And [by] ten nights, And [by] the even [number] and the odd, And [by] the night when it passes, Is there [not] in [all] that an oath [sufficient] for one of perception?}[Quran 89: 1-5]

It is narrated that the Messenger of Allaah,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said:
“There are no days during which doing righteous deeds is more beloved to Allaah than during these days [meaning the first ten days of Thul-Hijjah].” They (the companions) asked, “O Messenger of Allaah, not even Jihaad for the sake of Allaah?” He said: “Not even Jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except for a man who sets out with himself and his wealth [for the sake of Allaah] and returns with neither of them.”

Ibn ‘Umar  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  them narrated that the Messenger of Allaah,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “There are no other days greater in the sight of Allaah nor during which the good deeds are more beloved to Him than during these ten days. So, intensify saying Laa Ilaaha illa Allaah, Allaahu Akbar and Alhamdulillaah.” [At-Tabaraani]
In Al-Fat-h, Al-Haafith  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  him said, “It seems that the reason behind the excellence of the ten days of Thul-Hijjah is that they include the fundamental acts of worship: prayer, fasting, charity and Hajj. This, however, is not available in other seasons.”

Peace, mercy and blessings of Allaah be upon you, sisters!

The blessed ten days of Thul-Hijjah came by the bounty of Allaah, the most High, the most Powerful, who endows His servants with seasons in terms of time and place for goodness and acts of obedience. So, praise be to Allaah The Almighty for this.

Only a wise woman is the one who utilizes these seasons, as they may never come again. Actually, the passing of days and nights diminishes one’s age and therefore one has to work hard, so you have to work on them.
 
O sister, these days are a repository of goodness and good deeds for us to drink from. So do not sacrifice this season and waste your time in things that have no benefit.
 
Do not waste these days by shopping and preparing for the ‘Eed. ‘Eed is not for one who wears new clothes; rather, it is for the winner who repented and returned to Allaah The Almighty.

The Messenger of Allaah,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said:
“There are no days during which doing righteous deeds is more beloved to Allaah than during these days [meaning the first ten days of Thul-Hijjah].”
 
You can reflect deeply on this Hadeeth (narration). The Messenger of Allaah,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), mentioned the good deeds in general. He did not say “prayer”, and he did not say “fasting”, but rather, he said “the good deeds”.

This means that the opportunity is not restricted to a certain righteous deed. One who is unable to perform the voluntary night prayer can give in charity. One who is unable to give in charity can engage in remembering Allaah The Almighty, maintain kinship ties, feed a needy person, smile at other Muslim sisters, or at least take care of her children and obey her husband.

This is not restricted by Sharee’ah (Islamic legislation), so you should not distress yourself. Moreover, you should not belittle any good deed, for what you [might] see as a small deed, Allaah The Almighty indeed gives increase to it; and a small stone may support a dam. It is quite probable that a great dam could stand on a rock.

Do not belittle any good deed, and similarly, do not overlook any evil deed! Beware of small sins for they could gather and destroy you.

O sister, the deeds are many, the sustenance is little and the journey is long. So, you should gain your sustenance of good deeds during these days and take into consideration the Hadeeth in which the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), says:
“Whoever fears pillage of the enemy sets out in the early part of night and whoever sets out early will reach his destination). Indeed the commodity of Allaah is expensive. Indeed the commodity of Allaah is Paradise.”

Do you know how to make easy for yourself any goal that you want to achieve? Put the goal before your eyes always and keep it in mind. A woman who looks forward to Paradise must always put this goal before her eyes and never let it out of her sight.

So, you should start these days considering it a project and means for attaining Paradise and seeing the Most Generous, the Most Giving.
 
Do you not yearn to see Allaah The Almighty? Are your eyes not tired of looking at the television sets, serials and shops? Do you not want to see Paradise, the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), and Allaah the Most Merciful, the Most Kind. So start now. Bring a pen and paper and write a concentrated purposeful short-term plan.
 
Write down:
 
The first day, I will do such and such. List the righteous deeds you will do as well as the evil deeds you will give up.
 
The second day, I will do such and such; the third day, I will do such and such.

You even have to determine a certain time of day for doing a deed that you will commit yourself to.

For example: The first day of Thul-Hijjah, I will do the following;
 
From 5 am to 7 am: recitation of Surah Al-Baqarah, and so on.
 
A list of righteous deeds that you can arrange according to your priorities:

- saying ‘Laa Ilaaha illa Allaah’, ‘Allaahu Akbar’ and ‘Alhamdulillaah’.
- performing the voluntary night prayers.
- Reciting the Quran.
- Maintaining kinship ties.
- Being dutiful to parents.
- Performing Hajj and ‘Umrah.
- Providing clothes for the needy.
- Providing food for the poor.
- Providing meals for those who are fasting.
- Remembering Allaah The Almighty.
- Fasting.
- Offering the Udh-hiyah (the ‘Eed sacrifice).
- Enjoining what is good.
- Forbidding what is evil.
- Distributing religious tapes and booklets.
- Sponsoring orphans.
- Not harming Muslims.
- Fighting whims and desires.
- Stopping backbiting and tale-bearing.
- Lowering the gaze.
- Visiting the sick.
- Honoring neighbors.
- Supplicating Allaah The Almighty in favor of your parents and sisters who are not present.
- Achieving purity of the heart.
- Observing the Shaf‘, Witr and Dhuha prayers.

Turn over a new leaf with Allaah The Almighty in the best days of Allaah!

Be careful!

It is the greatest opportunity in your life.

It is a tremendous chance!

A chance to earn countless good deeds to make up for the past misdeeds.

A chance to recharge your heart with faith.

So, what have you prepared for these ten days and what will you do with them?

Sister, do you know that a person who does a certain good deed will be recorded as one of its people?
So, you should do all kinds of good deeds and you should not neglect any of them.

Sister, Shaykhul-Islam, Ibn Taymiyyah  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  him was asked which is better, the first ten days of Thul-Hijjah or the last ten days of Ramadhaan? He replied, “The first ten days of Thul-Hijjah are better than the last ten days of Ramadhaan, and the last ten nights of Ramadhaan are better than the first ten nights of Thul Hijjah.”

So, hasten to utilize hours and preserve time, for you do not know what remains of your lifespan. Repent to Allaah The Almighty for wasting time, and know that keenness to do righteous deeds during these blessed days is a form of hastening to goodness and a sign of piety. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):
·        {That [is so]. And whoever honors the Symbols of Allaah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.} [Quran 22: 32]
·        {Their meat will not reach Allaah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you.} [Quran 22: 37]
 
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