'and if any one believes in Allah, ((Allah)) guides his heart (aright): for Allah knows all things'. [Quran:64:11]
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Friday, November 04, 2011
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
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, 
.
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, , 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, , without any increase or decrease or negligence. They should follow the example of the Prophet, , 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.
islamweb.net
., 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], without any increase or decrease or negligence. They should follow the example of the Prophet, , 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]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’, 
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
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 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
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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 
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 
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
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] 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]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, , 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, , 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, , 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, , 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, , 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.
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, 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).”, 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, , 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.”, 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].”, did not fast the Day of ‘Arafah during the Farewell Hajj.Sunday, October 30, 2011
Projects for Women During the First Ten Days of Thul-Hijjah
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, , 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 narrated that the Messenger of Allaah, , 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 
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, , 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, ,
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, , 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, ,
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 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]
[islamweb.net]
narrated that the Messenger of Allaah, , 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] 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.
The Messenger of Allaah,
, 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].” ,
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,
, 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.
,
and Allaah the Most Merciful, the Most Kind. So start now. Bring a pen
and paper and write a concentrated purposeful short-term plan.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;
- 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?
Sister, Shaykhul-Islam, Ibn Taymiyyah
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):
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