Keep on going...

Life is not about doing what you want to do all the time. Life is about doing what pleases Allah. At times we may not want to pray, we may feel tired, lazy, and even feel as if life is against us. But, placing trust in Allah is the way forward. Put your life in the hands of Allah. Allah can guide us and grant us peace and contentment in our souls. It is easy to give up…yet the greatest of people would keep on going the tougher things got.

Serving your community

Many students of knowledge spend years studying Arabic grammar, hadith, fiqh, Qur'an and much more. For those of us who go through the journey we soon come to realise how vast the ocean is. But, here is some useful advice for anyone at any part of this journey...


Ultimately, what we do is to please Allah and to serve the people. We cannot lose vision of that fact that our time is our people's time. Be truthful to yourself at all times. To do this, from time to time we must be with those people who will help usto see things - the good and the bad in us. We also need to to be conscious of two environments. The inner (our heart) and the outer (the external environment). In fact, the 'ulama would clearly say that in order for a mufti to issue a fatwa he has to be from those who know the people. Likewise, when we serve our communities, we must know our people. And finally, whatever one spent years studying, the issues that need to be communicated to our community, translate it in a language that they understand. This is where we can synthesis what we know and relay the information in simple language for others to benefit from.

This advice was given my an imam who visited us. I thought it was a short yet comprehensive reminder. Let this reminder benefit us all - ameen ya rabb.

The upper [giving] hand is better than the lower [taking] hand

Assalamualaykum

Here is the next hadith, JazakiAllah Khair to the dear sister who helped.
InshaAllah we will keep this updated more.

In request for the grammatical analysis of the hadith, I've not got arabic on my current laptop, inshaAllah when I do I will update all the hadith that have it missing.

Ma'assalam

The upper [giving] hand is better than the lower [taking] hand. [Bukhari, Muslim]

When Allah gives a person wealth it is a test to see whether or not it is spent in the path of Allah. A common misconception is that giving wealth away will result in great loss, in reality the opposite will happen. Although his money seems to decrease in the dunya he will have a huge reward in the hereafter.

Allah SWT says in Surah Baqara, 'The likeness of those who spend their money for Allah's sake, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn), it grows seven ears, every single ear has a hundred grains, and Allah multiplies (increases the reward) for whom He wills, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures needs, All Knower' (2: 261).

Allah SWT also says in Surah Baqara, ‘Who is he that will lend to Allah a goodly loan so that He may multiply it to him many times? And it is Allah that decreases or increases and to Him you shall return’(2: 245).

Remember, a person may have billions of pounds and large mansions but if there is no barakah in his wealth he will never be happy with it!

InshaAllah ...

Assalmaualaykum wa rahmatuAllahi wa baraktuhu

I will inshaAllah be signficantly updating this blog, within the next few weeks inshaAllah, and be working on it through Ramadan.

I apologise and ask you to forgive me for not being able to update as of late.

Ma'assalam
Radiant

Hadith 14- Make a regular practice of the Miswaak, for verily, it is healthy for the mouth and it is a Pleasure for the Creator

Make a regular practice of the Miswaak, for verily, it is healthy for the mouth and it is a Pleasure for the Creator (i.e. Allah is pleased with the Muslim who uses the Miswaak)'.(BUKHARI)

Apologies for such a long delay in writing.

THE MISWAAK

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) laid great stress on the use of the Miswaak (a tree-twig used for cleansing the teeth). One of the Sunnats of Wudhu is to use a Miswaak. Wherever a Miswaak is available and is not used, the full beauty and complete Sawaab of the Wudhu is not realised. There are numerous benefits and advantages in using a Miswaak.

HISTORY OF THE MISWAAK

The Miswaak, a tree-twig, was in use for brushing and cleansing the teeth long before the advent of our Holy Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). In fact the records of our Nabi Muhummad's (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) Ahadith indicate that the Miswaak was the "Sunnah" or practice of all the Ambiyaa (Prophets of Allah)—Peace be upon them.

"Abu Ayyub (R) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:

'Four things are amongst the practices of the Ambiyaa —circumcision, application of perfume, Miswaak and marriage'." (AHMAD AND TIRMIZI)

Several other Ahadith of our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) also mention the Miswaak to have been the practice of the Prophets (Upon Whom Be Peace). Thus, we can safely claim that the practice of using the Miswaak is as old as mankind itself since Mankind's origin on the planet was with the appearance of the first Nabi of Allah, viz. Adam (A.S.). Therefore, among the many advantages and benefits of using the Miswaak, one of the greatest benefits is the good-fortune of being associated with the Ambiyaa in this holy practice. On the other hand, those who neglect the use of the Miswaak invite upon themselves a great misfortune by being deprived of the tremendous amount of Sawaab (Reward) which this noble practice carries.

Allamah Ibn Ismail says:

"It surprises me how people could forgo such a great Sunnah, the significance of which many Ahadith of our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) explain. Remember that it is a great loss to neglect the Miswaak."

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MISWAAK IN ISLAM

Islam has accorded an elevated status to the Miswaak. Its importance has been stressed in many Ahadith of our Holy Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). The statements and examples of the Sahaba and the Ulama of Islam regarding this practice bear testimony in abundance of the significance of the Miswaak.

Ibn Umar (R) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:

'Make a regular practice of the Miswaak, for verily, it is healthy for the mouth and it is a Pleasure for the Creator (i.e. Allah is pleased with the Muslim who uses the Miswaak)'." (BUKHARI)

It is clear from this Hadith that two types of benefits accrue from the use of the Miswaak. These could be categorised as follows:

(1) UKHRAWI or Benefits which relate to the Hereafter;

(2) DUNYAWI or Benefits which relate to this worldly life.

The Ukhrawi category comprises the various Sawaabs (Rewards) which the Servant of Allah will obtain in the Hereafter for using the Miswaak. The Dunyawi category comprises the immediate benefits or advantages accruing to the physical human body by the constant use of the Miswaak.

The prime motive of the true Believer in his use of the Miswaak is his desire to obtain the first category of Benefits, i.e. Ukhrawi, the obtainal of the second category being a necessary corollary. This is so, since the only factor which governs the motive and intention of the Believer in his Ibaadat (Worship) is the Pleasure of Allah, our Creator, Nourisher and Sustainer. Hadhrat Ali (R), the fourth Khalif of Islam said:

"Make the Miswaak (i.e. its use) incumbent upon you, and be constant in this practice because Allah's Pleasure is in it and it increases the Reward of Salat from ninety-nine times to four hundred times."

In fact, the importance of the Miswaak is such that at one stage our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) was under the impression that Allah Ta'aala might decree the use of the Miswaak Fardh (compulsory) upon the Ummah (Islamic Nation).

Abu Umamah (R) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:

'Use the Miswaak, for verily, it purifies the mouth, and it is a Pleasure for the Lord. Jib-ra-eel (A.S.) exhorted me so much to use the Miswaak that I feared that its use would be decreed obligatory upon me and upon my Ummah. If I did not fear imposing hardship on my Ummah I would have made its use obligatory upon my people. Verily, I use the Miswaak so much that I fear the front part of my mouth being peeled (by constant and abundant brushing with the Miswaak)'." (IBN MAJAH)

"Abu Hurairah (R) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: 'Was it not for my fear of imposing a difficulty on my Ummah I would have ordered that the Miswaak be used for every Salaat'." (BUKHARI)

Hadith:

Hadhrat Shah Waliullah (R) relates the following :"The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: 'I was commanded to use the Miswaak to such an extent that I thought the Miswaak would be made obligatory'." (AHMAD and TIBRANI)

Ibn Abbas (R) narrates the following Hadith:

"The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: 'I was commanded so much to use the Miswaak that I thought Wahi of the Qurtaan (Revelation) would be revealed, regarding it (i.e. its use)'." (ABU YA'LAA)

Although the use of the Miswaak was not made Fardh (compulsory) upon the Ummah, nevertheless its use was Fardh upon our Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). This is borne out by the following Hadith: "Aisha (R) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam): said:

'These (practices), viz., Miswaak, Witr Salaat and Tahajjud Salaat, are Sunnat for you and Fardh for me'."

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (R) narrates:

"The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) would use the Miswaak (regularly) prior to sleeping and after rising from sleep." (MUNTAKHAB)

Imam Ghazali (R), in his Ihya-ul-Uloom, has enum,erated ten Aadaab (Respects or duties) of sleep. The very first of these being purity and the use of the Miswaak (before sleeping).

Advantages of the Miswaak:

1. Miswaak strengthens the gums and prevents tooth decay.

2. Miswaak assists in eliminating toothaches and prevents further increase of decay which has already set in.

3. Miswaak creates a fragrance in the mouth.

4. Miswaak is a cure for illness.

5. Miswaak eliminates bad odors and improves the sense of taste.

6. Miswaak sharpens the memory.

7. Miswaak is a cure for headaches.

8. Miswaak creates lustre (noor) on the face of the one who continually uses it.

9. Miswaak causes the teeth to glow.

10. Miswaak strengthens the eyesight.

11. Miswaak assists in digestion.

12. Miswaak clears the voice.

13. The greatest benefit of using miswaak is gaining the pleasure of Allah.

14. The reward of Salaah (Prayers) is multiplied 70 times if Miswaak was used before it.

Read More: http://members.tripod.com/maseeh1/advices7/id52.htm

Description Of The Pious

In the Name of Allah , Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Description of the Righteous

It is related that a devout worshipper by the name of Hum¥m came to Imam ¢AlÏ (May Allah Ennoble his countenance) and asked him to
describe the pious people so vividly that he could almost see them. AlÏ responded:

Their speech is truthful; their clothing is moderate; and they walk with utmost humility. They lower their gaze from everything Allah has forbidden. They allow their ears to listen only to that which is beneficial. Their souls accept exposure to trials and tribulations as easily as others accept luxurious living.

Were it not for their appointed term, their spirits would not have remained in their bodies the span of a twinkling of the eye due to their intense longing for their Lord. Because the Creator is magnified in their souls, everything else is viewed as insignificant in their sight. Their hearts are sober; people are safe from any wickedness from them; their bodies are slim [they don’t overindulge their
appetites]; their basic needs are few; and their souls are chaste. They patiently endure the few days they spend in this world knowing that they will be followed by a long, peaceful rest—this is the profitable life-transaction which their Lord has allowed them to enter into. The worlddesired them; however, they had no desire for it. It imprisoned them, but they ransomed their souls from it [with their restraint and righteous deeds].

At night, their feet are arranged in ranks as they dutifully recite the Qur’an in slow measured tones. If they come upon a verse that stimulates [in them] longing [for the delightful things which Allah has promised] they ponder it,craving to attain them. Their souls soar due to the intensity of their longing for those delights. If they come upon a verse that frightens them [with the threat of Allah ’s dreadful punishment] they hear it reverberating in the depths of their hearts. They imagine that they hear the dreadful sounds of the Hellfire in the innermost recesses of their ears. You find them kneeling down [before their Lord], begging to be liberated from the Hellfire.

As for their days, they are forbearing, clement scholars. They are righteous and pious. Fear [of Allah ] surrounds them, piercing them like arrows. One who gazes upon them thinks that they are sick. However, they are far from being sick. They are not satisfied with a minimal amount of righteous deeds, nor do they consider excessive amount of worship to be great. They see their faults, and they fear that their deeds
won’t be accepted. If someone praises one of them, he says, “I know myself better than others [know me], and my Lord is more knowledgeable of me than myself. O Allah , don’t take me to task for what they say, and make me better than what they think of me, and forgive me for those sins which they are unaware of.”

One of the signs [of such a person] is that you observe strength in his religion. His gentleness is accompanied by sobriety. His faith is coupled with certainty. He longs for knowledge. He acts with forbearance. He lives moderately, even when blessed with wealth. He is humble in his worship. He endures poverty with dignified grace. He patiently endures trying circumstances. He seeks his sustenance from the lawful. He hastens to right guidance. He is agitated if he perceives greed in himself. He works righteousness all the while trembling, [fearing that his deeds won’t be accepted]. His greatest concern is gratitude. He arises in the morn preoccupied with the Remembrance of God. He goes to bed at night overwhelmed, apprehensive. He rises in the morning overjoyed. His apprehension arises from the awareness of his heedlessness. His joy is caused by the bounties and mercy Allah has showered upon him. If his soul presses him with something he despises, he does not concede [to it] and withholds from it what it desires. The comfort of his eye is that which cannot be eradicated [the reward of his righteous deeds]. His abstinence is from temporal things. He mixes clemency with knowledge, and speech with action. He expects death at any moment. His slips are few [because of his cautiousness and deliberateness in speech and actions]. His heart is content. He is easy-going. He is constantly on guard against assaults upon his religion. His lusts are dead. His anger is suppressed.

People anticipate goodness from him. They are safe from any wickedness from him. If he is in the company of the heedless, he is recorded as being mindful [of his Lord]. He overlooks those who oppress him. He gives to those who deny him. He joins relations with those who cut him off. He is far removed from any indecency. His speech is gentle. You find nothing bad in him. He is always a source of good. During calamities, he is composed. In dire straights, he is patient. In times of ease, he is thankful. He does not oppress those he dislikes, nor does he sin for the sake of those he loves. He admits the truth before his witnessing is sought. He preserves all he is entrusted with. He does not hurl abusive names at people. He never harms his neighbor, nor does he insult people when he is experiencing hardship. If he is transgressed against, he perseveres
until Allah takes revenge for him. He relies on himself while he himself is a source of relief for others [they can rely on him]. He tires himself for the sake of his salvation, not burdening others in any way. His distance from those who remove themselves from him is a form of abstinence, while his drawing near to people is from his gentleness and mercy. Hence, his distance from people does not arise from arrogance and haughtiness, nor is his closeness to them motivated by cunning and treachery.

Hearing this, Hum¥m dropped dead. Imam AlÏ said, “This is what I feared would happen to him.”
-From Nahj al-Bal¥gh¥

Translated by Imam Zaid Shakir, Zaytuna Institute (Ramadan 1426/2005)

Hadith 13: This World Is A Prison For The Believer And Paradise For The Non-Believer.

This World Is A Prison For The Believer And Paradise For The Non-Believer

This world is like a prison for the believer, meaning that the way a prisoner isn't free and is bound by rules, the affair of a believer is the same, this world is not one of freedom for them but one of rules and obligations towards Allah.
The believer at all times keeps these rules and obligations in front of him.

The way a prisoner doesn't make his home the prison the believer is the same, where by he never sees this world as his home, but as a temporary dwelling full of trials until he reaches his final home of Jannah.

For a disbeliever the matter is on the complete other end of the scale, he sees the life of this world as jannah and does whatever his heart desires. He sees this world as his final home and acts accordingly to it, he pays no heed to the warnings that are given to him and does not submit to the will and obligations of Allah.
He sees this world as his for the taking and makes it his goal to acquire as much as he can and to derive pleasure from it, due to this he sees this world as a place of reward and becomes blind to the reality of its evil and hereafter.

Dawah Note:
When thinking about it, many non-believers do not understand how muslims can devote a life to a higher being, how we as muslims can easily put on hold our lives for the sake of Allah.
At times explaining to a non-believer seems futile, but patience is critical in these matters, remember that to this day; religion to them has always been a side dish, where as islam is the full 7 course meal.
Islam governs our lives, and we are happy for it to do so. As, if our lives were left within our own hearts desires we would truly be lost.

We see this life as temporary and our belief enables us to give up desires for a higher cause, for we know we will be rewarded.
Many times it takes a lot of time and tonnes of patience in order to be able to make a non-believer see this.
We need to continuously make dua to Allah to guide those whom we try to call to Islam and make dua that Allah instill in us the correct a'dab to be able to do dawah of His deen.

Ameen

PS: Sorry for not putting up the arabic, technical issues, inshaAllah will do so as soon as I can.
Ma'assalam

Hadith 12: The One Who Initiates Salam Is Free From Pride

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

اَلْبادِئُ بِالسَّلامِ بَرِئٌ مِنْ الْكِبَرِ
The One Who Initiates Salaam Is Free From Pride

When two people are together, whether walking, sitting, or riding, the one who says salam first is free from pride, or the meaning could be taken that Allah will take the pride out of his heart.

Pride is to think of someone as inferior, to think ones self as having all the perfect qualites and that no one else has such qualities.
This type of person cares for no one and doesn't care to make salam first thinking himself is superior.
As in the hadith the one who initiates the salaam is free from pride as he does not think himself above saying salam to anyone first.

The warnings against pride are extensive within the Quraan and ahadeeth.
In the Quran we see that pride has been the downfall of many great nations and men, for example Firown (Pharaoh Ramses II) and his kingdom.

In a hadith Muhammad Sallalahu alayhi wassalam states:

"The one who possesses even a mustard seed (size) of pride will not enter jannah (paradise)"

In another hadith (a hadith qudsi) Allah states:

"Greatness and Pride is my cloak (My qualities) whoever claims to have these, I will enter him into the fire of hell"

Pride is one of the greatest sins and in order to cleanse the heart from it, regular repentance must be established for its forgiveness.
Pride is a disease seeking Allah's forgivness is the cure for it, and as mentioned in the hadith one way of freeing the heart from pride is to be the first to say salam.

May Allah (subhanahu wa ta'alaa) free our hearts from pride.

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Hadith 11: Oppression will be darkness on the day of judgement

الظُّلمُ ظُلُماتٌ يَوْمَ الْقِيامَةِ

Oppression will be darkness on the day of judgement

The oppressor will be in darkness on the day of judgement, in the fields of hashr (gathering), the oppressor will be surrounded by darkness, he will be completely devoid and exempt of the light (noor) that will be given to the mu’mins (true believers)

As Allah mentions in the Quran:

نُوْرُهُمْ يَسْعى بَيْنَ أَيْدِيْعِمْ وَ بِاَيْمَانِهِم

On the day of judgement they will have noor running in front of them and on their sides.

With this light they will reach their destination, meaning jannah (paradise).

Some ulema have mentioned that ظُلُمَاتmeans the hardships and trials of the day of judgement, oppressors will be drowned within such hardships on the day of judgement.

Oppression is such a vile thing that it destroys the life of the oppressed,

Islam wishes that people have affection and brotherhood between them, oppression ends all this.

In a hadith Qudsi Allah mentions:

يَعِبَادِيْ انِّيْ حَرَّمْتُ الظُّلْمَ عَلى نَفْسِيْ وَ جَعَلْتُهَ بَيْنُكُمْ مُحَرَّمًا فَلا تُظَالِمَ

“Oh, my servants! I have made oppression haram (forbidden) upon myself, and also between you. So do not oppress each other.

Hadith 10: The Transgressor is Deceitful and Ignoble

السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَ رَحْمَةُ الله وَ بَرَكات

وَالْفاجِرُ خُبٌّ لَءِيم

The Transgressor is Deceitful and Ignoble

When speaking of deceit and being ignoble, this hadith means that those who are transgressors (Those who transgress the bounds of shariah and deen), are those who purposefully deceive and con people. They themselves do not get deceived by any one but should a day occur that some body worse than them should deceive them they are in constant worry, thinking how they should they get their revenge.

Like it has been mentioned in the previous hadith that a true believer (a mumin) is one who is always in worry in the life of the hereafter, and keeps this in the forefront of his mind in all dealings and forgives everyone, the matter is the opposite of the transgressor.
They do not forgive and think only of revenge. This is because they do everything only for the life of this world, without a thought for the hereafter.
Their ultimate goal is the life and luxury of this world and for this they are willing to do whatever it takes, even if it means deceiving people.

In another narration is states; On the day of qiyamah, those who used to deceive people, will be called close to jannah (paradise), when they get close and wish to enter the door of jannah will be closed on them, this will keep occurring to them, and they will be told "How you deceived the people in the world, today you shall be deceived".

May Allah (swt) protect us from becoming of the transgressors, and make us from the true believers. Ameen

السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَ رَحْمَةُ الله وَ بَرَكات

Hadith 9: The Believer is Simple and Noble

السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَ رَحْمَةُ الله وَ بَرَكات

اَلْمُؤْمِنُ غِر كَرِيْم

The Believer is Simple and Noble

غِر Means one who is deceived easily.
In this hadith it means that one who is pious is of a soft disposition and he trusts upon everyone, that is why he so easily deceived by people.

Or it could be that he thinks good of everyone, and no matter what anyone tells him, he believes them.

He constantly remembers the hereafter, so that if anyone tells him something he believes it, and he forgives those who hurt or deceive him, keeping in mind the reward fro forgiving in the hereafter, so he does not take revenge upon anybody.

It has been mentioned in ahadeeth regrading forgiveness, that on the day of judgement a caller will announce that whom so ever has reward that is by Allah stand up and enter jannah.
Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wassalam) was asked: "Oh messenger of Allah! Who will these people be?"
He (sallallahu alayhi wassalam) said: "The one who forgave people"

This why a believer is simple and noble, that even though he may be deceived he keeps in front of him the rewards of the hereafter and forgives those harm him.

May Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) instill in us the characteristics of the pious. Ameen.

وَ عَلَيْكُمْ السَّلامْ وَ رَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَ بَرَكات

Hadith 8: Calmness is from Allah and haste is from shaytaan

السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَ رَحْمَةُ الله وَ بَرَكات

اَلأَنَاةُ مِنَ اللهِ وَ الْعُجْلَةُ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ

Calmness is from Allah and haste is from shaytaan

The meaning of this hadith is that when you do any type of work, then think before carrying ot out. Delibarate upon it from all angles then go on to it. As if the affair does not work out then the first thought that comes into the head is that it was from shaytaan, so firstly look at a prospective affair from all angels then carry it out or not.

But in regards to affairs concenrning Allah and His deen then you should hurry in to them, as Allah has mentioned one of the qualities of the pious as those who hurry towards good.
وَ يُسَارِعُوْنَ فِي الْخَيْرَات

Mulla Ali Qari (RahmiuAllah alayh) mentions:

When starting any form of worship or work for deen, one should hurry in starting it. When in the midst of the worship not to hurry is what is mentioned in this hadith, as rushing through ibadah is from shaytaan, for example rushing towards praying salah, one should hurry towards starting the worship but not during the salah.

In terms of affairs of this world, all a Muslim could ask for is that the affairs for this world are good for him in this world and the hereafter. For this our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has taught us the prayer of istikhara.

When someone is in a dilemma, or has to make a very important decision, one ought to pray two rak’ahs of nafl salah, and ask Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala for guidance by supplicating in the following manner.

Arabic (click image for larger version):

Transliteration:

Allāhumma innē astakhēruka bi’ilmika wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika wa as`aluka min fadlikal ‘azēm. Fa`innaka taqdiru wa lā aqdiru wa ta’lamu wa lā a’lamu wa anta ‘allāmul ghuyūb. Allāhumma in kunta ta’lamu anna hādhal amra khairullē fē dēnē wa ma’āshē wa ‘āqibati amrē ao’ājili amrē wa`ājilihē faqdirhu lē wa yassirhu lē thumma bārik lē fēhi. Wa in kunta ta’lamu anna hādhal amra sharrullē fē dēnē wa ma’āshē wa’āqibati amrē ao’ājili amrē wa`ājilihē fasrifhu ‘annē wasrifnē ‘anhu waqdirlil khaira haithu kāna thummardinē bihē.

Meaning:

O Allaah, I ask You to show me what is best, through Your knowledge, and I ask You to empower me, through Your Power, and I beg You to grant me Your tremendous Favor, for You have Power, while I am without power, and You have Knowledge, while I am without knowledge, and You are the One who Knows the unseen. O Allaah, if you Know that this is good for my worldly life and for the Hereafter, then destine it for me and make it easy for me, and put Blessing in it. And if you Know it to be of bad consequences for me in my worldly life and for the Hereafter, then distance it from me, and distance me from it. And give me the ability to do that which is beneficial for me, and keep me pleased with that.

In place of "haadhal amra" (this/it), one should mention one’s necessity/decision.

Source: Al-Hisnul Haseen.

Duas Requested
وَ عَلَيْكُمْ السَّلامْ وَ رَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَ بَرَكات

Hadith 7 - Alcohol Constitutes Many Sin.

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

A belated Eid Mubarak to everyone.

الخمر جمّاع الاثم

Alcohol Constitutes Many Sin

In explanation of this hadith the ulema say:

When under the influence of alcohol the mind does not stay in sense, it makes the person commits such sin that he is not even aware of it.

It is reported in Bayhaqi on the authroity of Abdullah bin Umar

Alcohol is the root of all shameless acts, and one of the biggest sins. He who drinks alcohol it is as though he has commited adultry with his mother, his paternal and maternal aunt.

In the Quran it states:
"O you who believe! Intoxicants, gambling, idolatry and arrows (for seeking help on decision) one an abomination of order that you may be successful.
Shaytan seeks only to cast amongst you enmity and hatred by means of strong drink and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from his worship, will you then not refrain? ”
(Surah Ma’idah 90)


Once a pious man met a woman, who invited him towards committing a sin (adultery).
The man flatly refused. After her constant insisting, she still failed.
Thereafter, she gave him a choice of options,
1. Committing adultery with her or
2. To murder her newly born child, whom had she begot from her previous husband. Or
3. To consume some alcohol which she possessed.
If he were not willing to comply then she would scream and falsely inform the inhabitants of that place that he had raped her.
The man upon pondering decided to consume the alcohol, taking it to be least harmful of the three sins.
Upon the consumption of alcohol, he became intoxicated, and then consequently, he killed the child and also committed adultery with the woman.

The Harms of Alcohol:

1. Through alcohol, the stomach gradually loses its ability to function properly.
2. Causes loss of appetite.
3. It spoils ones facial features (Appearance)
4. Makes one age quicker.
5. Weakens and reduces the ability to think and speak properly.
6. Causes heart failure
7. The progeny of alcohol are weaker.
8. Creates fights and enmity between people
9. Leads towards grave sins, often adultery and murder are the direct results of drinking.
10. Thousands of pounds are wasted in this vice

Duas Requested

و عليكم اسلام و رحمة الله و بركاته

Hadith 6: Gatherings Are To Be Kept In Confidence

المجالس بالامانة
Gatherings must be kept in confidence.

This hadith portrays the etiquettes of gatherings, that whatever is discussed within a gathering should not be discussed otherwise (out of the gathering) without the permission of those who were within in it.

The ulema mention that this hadith must be upheld (not to discuss matters of a gathering out of it), except in three circumnstances where it is allowed:

1: Where murder is being discussed.

2: Where the rape of a woman is being discussed.

3: Where the theft of belongings or property is being discussed

In these circumstances, they people of the gathering must warn the people so they may save themselves.

Some other ulema have mentioned that any gathering where there is discussion of any type of harm coming upon a tribe or religion, this must also be made public.

Hadith 5: Modesty Is A Branch Of Faith

الحياء شعبة من الايمان
Modesty Is A Branch Of Faith

I could not put the explanation of this hadith more beautifuly than the following article:

Haya (Shyness)

What is Haya?

Haya itself is derived from the word hayat which means life. This term covers a wide number of concepts. In English, it may be translated as modesty, shyness, self-respect, bashfulness, shame, honour, humility, etc. The original meaning of Haya according to a believer's nature, refers to a bad and uneasy feeling accompanied by embarrassment, caused by one's fear of being exposed or censured for some unworthy or indecent conduct.
Islamically Haya is an attribute which pushes the believer to avoid anything distasteful or abominable. It keeps him/her from being neglectful in giving everyone what is due upon them, and if for any reason he/she is not able to keep up with his/her commitment then they will feel extremely uncomfortable and ashamed about this. The reason being that he/she will have displeased Allah by breaking a commitment.

Haya plays a huge role in the lives of Muslims because it is a very important part of our Iman (faith/belief). If we do not have any form of haya within us then it is most likely that our Iman is very weak. For as it states in the following hadith:

Narrated by Abu Huraira (ra): The Prophet said, "Faith (Belief) consists of more than sixty branches (i.e. parts). And Haya is a part of faith." (Bukhari)

We also learn from the Prophet (saws) the importance of having haya and how it is not something to be ashamed of, but instead, one should be concerned and ashamed if they do not possess it within their character.
Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar (ra): The Prophet (saws) passed by a man who was admonishing his brother regarding Haya and was saying, "You are very shy, and I am afraid that might harm you." On that, Allah's Apostle said, "Leave him, for Haya is (a part) of Faith." (Bukhari)

Now the above hadith is also a form of proof that "shyness" is not just something regarding women but also an attribute that believing men should have, for it is an indication if their fear of Allah and an indication of the value of their Deen.

When we think back to when we were young around eight or nine years old - we all remember this feeling of shyness and humility naturally occurring - for many it was when we felt we wanted to conceal our bodies from our mums or siblings. We were often told - "don't be silly" or "we have seen it all before" and the many other comments that people in the west or ignorant Muslim parents affected by the western values (or lack of them) say to their pure children. If these natural instincts of shyness and shame are taken by the smart parent and nurtured, it will develop and affect their entire character and also most importantly lead to a conscious responsible Muslim who prioritise their life towards submission to Allah (swt).

We often find that shyness, humility and bashfulness is frowned upon by our society as a weakness or a lack of confidence when, Infact these are quality of a dignified upright human being, who is conscious of their actions and their responsibilities in life.

Now to discuss the different types of haya. How many types of haya are there?
Haya' is of two kinds: good and bad:

The good Hayâ' is to be ashamed to commit a sin or a thing which Allah and His Messenger (saws) has forbidden, and bad Hayâ' is to feel ashamed to do a thing, which Allah and His Messenger (saws) ordered to do.
Firstly, to talk about the types of Good haya. For example, anyone who is a believer, he/she should build their personalities and their character with the good dimensions of haya. The most important is that he/she must be shy of doing ANYTHING displeasing to Allah (swt), with the belief that he/she will have to answer for all their deeds. If one develops a sense such as this one, it will help the believer to obey all of Allah's command and to stay away from sins. Once the believer realises that Allah (swt) is watching us all the time and we will have to answer to every move we make in this dunya (world), he/she would not neglect any order from Allah or His Messenger (saws). So the stronger this sense of haya becomes, the more it motivates one to make sure that Allah (swt) doesn't see him/her doing anything prohibited. The way to develop this haya is that one must keep learning and absorbing more knowledge and applying it to their lives.

Another type of haya is more of a social aspect concerning others besides Allah (swt). Normally these things often come in regard with ones relationship with family. For instance, a child not wanting to do something displeasing to his mother, or a wife not wanting to do something displeasing to her husband or even a student who is careful about saying something incorrect in front of his teacher.. Last but not least is the type of haya in which the believers become shy of themselves. This is when they have reached the peek of their Iman. What this means is that if they do, or say, or see, anything wrong or even commit the tiniest sin, they start to feel extremely bad and embarrassed or they feel extreme guilt in their heart. This builds a high degree of self-consciousness and that is what strengthens the believers commitment to Allah (swt)

. After discussing the various types of "beneficial" haya, it is time to discuss the type of haya which is not only against the teachings of our Prophet (saw) but it is also solid proof of the weakness of someone's Iman. This negative aspect revolves around a person's shamefulness or shyness of doing something that Allah (swt) has ordered us to do through the Qur'an or our Prophet's (saw) Sunnah. This constitutes the shamefulness or embarrassment of doing a lawful act or something that is ordered upon us from Allah (swt). Meaning for someone not to follow an obligation of Islam, due the fact of being shy in front of others about it. This is totally forbidden because then one is giving the people of this dunya more respect than the One who Created this whole universe. It also means if someone is shy or afraid to seek knowledge of Islam for worldly reasons, because they do not want others to see them or to know of their ignorance. This once again goes contrary to what Allah (swt) has told us in the Qur'an, which is to seek knowledge and preach it to others. In this society there are many examples. People will go out an get degrees in law schools, or science, or engineering and they will put four to six years of their lives studying for this stuff that will only benefit them in this world. Why? You ask? Well most likely, in this society people including Muslims, choose their careers according to how much money they will make and what status they will have in this society as to being a lawyer or a doctor etc. They do not realize that in Islam the BEST stature of a Muslim is that of a "dai'i" or a teacher of Islam.

These Islamic teachers and scholars are even higher in the eyes of Allah (swt) then one who only sits at home and does ibaadah (worship). If they want to study law, why not Islamic Shariah? If they want to study science, why not Islamic Science? So this explains how people consider the worldly careers to be of higher value and are embarrassed to even express an interest in Islamic Studies. It is usually because they will not be considered as high as the other "educated" people. This is having the bad haya or "shame" of something that is encouraged to us by Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saw)

. Another proof of bad haya is that which is extremely popular amongst many sisters in this western society.
One of the most important aspects of haya, for women, is that of guarding their chastity and their modesty. To do this they must follow the order from Allah (swt) telling them to keep hidden themselves and their adornments from all men lawful to them in marriage. Now this order involves all the aspects of haya for those who do follow it. The believing and following women are ashamed of disobeying Allah (swt). They are shy of the opposite gender in this society because of what they might experience if strange men look at them and lastly they have haya because they are ashamed of going out in public and committing this grave sin of displaying their beauty is public. There are many women in this society who claim that they have haya but to follow the order of hijab is backwards and that women in this society shouldn't have to cover, is obviously disbelief. For if someone really had haya they would never contradict ANYTHING that Allah (swt) has ordained upon us even if they found it a test and a trial. A women's haya comes from her modesty and her shyness and her fear of Allah, so how can she have haya if she walks around in public un-veiled? Proof lies in the following hadith.

Abdullah ibn Umar (ra) narrated that the Prophet (saw) said: "Indeed haya (modesty) and Iman are Companions. When one of them is lifted, the other leaves as well." (Baihaqi)

There are many verses in the Qur'an and many ahadith explaining the reasons behind observing Hijab. The Islamic Shariah has not stopped at giving the Commandments of Hijab, it has also clarified every such thing which directly relates to these commandments and, with the slightest carelessness, may result in vulgarity and immodesty. In other words such things have also been forbidden in order to close the doors to indecency and lewdness, in return providing a stronger pillar for haya.

Modesty (haya) and maintaining one's honour and dignity are of primary importance in preserving the moral fibre of any society. This is why modesty has been called the ornament of a woman, which protects her from many sins and which prevents ill-intentioned men from daring to have bad thoughts about her. This haya has been made a part of her nature to safeguard her from being abused by immoral men.

Narrated on the authority of Anas bin Malik, the Prophet (saw) said: When lewdness is a part of anything, it becomes defective; and when haya is a part of anything it becomes beautiful. (Tirmidhi)
So it is only obvious that Hijab plays an extremely important role in regards to Haya. For Hijab prevents lewdness and Haya backs this up and then person's Iman becomes even stronger. So both things work together in a partnership. At the time of our beloved Prophet (saw) as soon as the verses of Hijab were revealed, all the Quraish and Ansar ran home to their wives and daughters and close female relatives to tell them to cover themselves. The ones who had veils used them and the ones who did not have veils made some right away. For instance the following hadith tells us:

Narrated by Aisha (ra): May Allah have mercy on the early immigrant women. When the verse "That they should draw their veils over their bosoms" was revealed, they tore their thick outer garments and made veils from them. And when the verse "That they should cast their outer garments over themselves" was revealed, the women of Ansar came out as if they had crows over their heads by wearing outer garments. (Abu Dawood)
This indicates that all these women wanted to guard their modesty which is why they followed out the orders of Allah. Yet, another verse talk about the level of modesty in Aisha (ra):

Narrated Aisha (ra): "I used to enter my house where Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) was and take off my garment, saying that only my husband and my father were there; but when Umar was buried along with them, I swear by Allah that I did not enter it without having my clothes wrapped round me owing to modesty regarding Umar." (at-Tirmidhi and Ahmed)

If women in today's society choose not to wear the veils, but some belief in their hearts, than they might be categorised as Muslim women but not Mumineen. The truth is that Haya is a special characteristic of a Mu'min ( believing, practicing Muslims). People who are ignorant of the teachings of the Prophet (saws) do not concern themselves with Haya and Honour. Haya and Iman are interdependent; therefore either they both exist together or they both perish. Thus, the Prophet (saws) has said in one hadith, "When there is no haya left, then do as you please."

Today vulgarity and all its ingredients have become a common place even among well-known Muslims in the zeal of imitating the disbelievers. It is these people who have been struggling to bring Muslim women out of Hijab into immodesty and indecency. They have adopted the lifestyles of the disbelievers more than the traditions of the Prophet (saws). Such people are in a dilemma. On the one hand, they desire to freely look at the half-clad bodies of their wives and daughters of other Muslims on the streets; and on the other hand, they do not have the courage to deny the teachings of the Holy Qur'an and the Prophet (saws). Neither can they say they have given up Islam, nor can they bear to see Muslim women wear Hijab and showing some Haya. Actually the fact is, indulging in indecency for so long has killed the sense of modesty (haya) which Islam had commanded them to preserve. It is this natural desire of maintaining one's honour which compels men to protect the respect and honour of their women. What these men and women do not understand is that if the women do not observe Hijab and do not develop Haya inside of them, they will be entertaining those who have taken the path of Sheytan. Such as the following hadith:

Malik b Uhaimir reported that he heard the Prophet (saw) saying that, "Allah (swt) will not accept any good deeds or worship of an immodest and vulgar person." We asked "Who is a vulgar and immodest person?" He replied, "A man who's wife entertains Ghair-mehram men."

Now the word "entertains" implies that she is showing off her beauty instead of keeping herself covered up. If the Muslim brothers of today's society knew the benefits of haya and hijab hey would definitely not tolerate the opposite. At the time of our beloved Prophet (saws) the husbands could not even imagine their wives leaving the houses un-veiled let alone go out and beautify themselves for other men to get "free looks". The following hadith shows this fact clearly:

Narrated by Al-Mughira: Sa'd bin 'Ubada said, "I will not hesitate killing my wife with a sword if I see her with another man" This news reached Allah's Apostle who then said, "You people are astonished at Sa'd's Ghira (self-respect, honour). By Allah, I have more Ghira than he, and Allah has more Ghira than I, and because of Allah's Ghira, He has made unlawful shameful deeds and sins done in open and in secret. And there is none who likes that the people should repent to Him and beg His pardon than Allah, and for this reason He sent the warners and the givers of good news. And there is none who likes to be praised more than Allah does, and for this reason, Allah promised to grant Paradise (to the doers of good)." 'Abdul Malik said, "No person has more Ghira than Allah." (Sahih Bukhari)

So this should be enough to understand why Hijab is so important for women to establish Haya in themselves and live the lives of true mu'mineen. Sometimes the situation becomes a such that people will have done wrong/sins for such a long period of time that they will not be able to differentiate between right and wrong. Another way to put this is that, a person's exceeding indulgence in indecency results in the loss of wisdom and the ability to see good deeds from bad deeds. As the Prophet (saw) said:

"I have a sense of Honour ( a part of haya). Only a person with a darkened heart is deprived of Honour."
So one wonders…..what if this observing of Hijab and maintaining Haya is so important then why is it we have nothing to show us the merits? Well the answer to that question clearly lies in the Qur'an and ahadith. There are many merits of Haya if one wants to know. Here are some just to list a few.

Firstly Allah loves Haya. We know this by the following hadith: " Surely Allah (is One who) has haya and is the Protector. He loves haya and people who cover each others faults."(Bukhari)
Secondly, Haya itself is a Greatness of Islam as our Prophet indicated: "Every way of life has a innate character. The character of Islam is haya." Or "Every Deen has an innate character. The character of Islam is modesty (haya)." (Abu Dawood)

Thirdly, Haya only brings good and nothing else. Our Prophet (saw) said: "Haya does not bring anything except good." (Bukhari)

Fourthly, Haya is a very clear indication of our Iman. As the Prophet (saw) had mentioned to the Ansar who was condemning is brother about being shy: "Leave him, for Haya is (a part) of Faith." (Bukhari)
Fifthly, last but not least, Haya leads us to PARADISE. As the Prophet saws) told us: "Haya comes from Iman; Iman leads to Paradise. Obscenity comes from antipathy; and antipathy leads to the fire." (Bukhari)
The actual word Haya is derived from Hayat. This means life. It is only obvious that when someone has Haya in them, they will LIVE a life of Islam. On the other hand if they do not have Haya they are living a life that is dead "Islamically" but alive according to this dunya.

The Prophet (saws) said: "Haya and Trustworthiness will be the first to go from this world; therefore keep asking Allah for them." (Baihaqi)

In conclusion we must understand that Haya is important for both men and women. Men are to control themselves by getting married as young as possible or if they cannot afford that, they should fast. Women are told to conceal themselves so that the men will not be over taken by the whispers of Sheytan and will not disrespect or take advantage of the women. There are many verses in the Qur'an that have clearly explained how we have to behave and Allah is All-Knowing therefore He knew that we would face these problems living in this society, and that is no excuse to change Islam and only practice what we feel is right. Allah (swt) has told men how to guide their modesty and has told women how to guide their modesty. If either one of them refuse to follow the commandment of their Lord, may Allah have mercy on them and may He guide them to the straight path.

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty……." (Qur'an Nur, 30-31)

click title for orignal article

Duas Requested

Ma'assalam

Hadith 4: A Person Will Be WIth Whom He Loves

Assalamualaykm WaRahmatuAllah

المرء مع من احب

A person will be with whom he loves. (Bukhari, Muslim)

Mulla Ali Qari (RH) states that the most common understanding for this hadith is that when a man loves those who are good and pious he will be raised with them on the day of resurrection, and if he loves those who are evil and corrupt he will be raised with these people on the day of resurrection.

This can be further seen in the hadith:

المرء على دين خليله

A person is upon the religion of his friend. (Tirmidhi)

It is narrated in Bukhari, on the authority of a large number of sahaba’s that a man came up to the Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alayhi wassalam) and asked

“What do you say of a man who loves a certain group of people but cannot be of them?”

To this Muhammad (sallalahu alayhi wassalam) replied;

“A person will be with whom he loves”

By a certain group here the man meant those who were learned and pious that he loved these people but did not have the means to be amongst them.

Anas (RA) mentions in relation to this hadith;

“There was nothing which made us (sahaba’s) happier in this world than to hear this” (Muslim)

As they loved Muhammad (saw) greatly, this hadith indicated that they would be with him the hereafter.

Some scholars have stated that this is a glad tiding of a good death for those who love the pious as they will be raised amongst them on the day of resurrection.

May Allah make us from those who are resurrected with the pious on the day of reckoning. Ameen.

Continuing InshaAllah

Assalamulaykum WaArhamtuAllah

InshaAllah I will continue posting the rest of the hadiths when I can, they won't be greatly in depth, but its better to share a little knowledge than none at all.
InshaAllah maybe at a later time we will get the chance to enhance them.

InshaAllah what is posted is beneficial for all.

Continue with the next hadith 4:

Duas Requested

Ma'assalam
Radiant Light

Hadith 3 - Supplication Is a Part Of worship

اسلام عليكم و رحمة الله وبركات

الدعاء مخ العبادة
Dua (prayer/supplication) is the essence of worship.

الدعاء - Mubtada

مخ -Mudhaaf

العبادة - Mudhaaf ilayh

Mudhaaf + Mudhaaf ilayh = Khabar

Mubtada + Khabar = Jumla Ismiyyah (nominal sentence)

Dua is one of the greatest forms of worship because in it one becomes humbled before Allah.For this hadith a few explanatiosn could be given;

To make dua is to obey Allah’s command in the Ayah;

"Ask from Me and I will Answer"

When a servant of Allah, realises that there is success only from Allah and not from any human source, he turns fully to Allah in all humbleness and asks only Him.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم has also stated:

“Ask from Allah, whoever does not ask from Allah, Allah becomes angry at him”

Following is a very beneficial article on Dua .

Strengthening Our Du'a

Immersed as we are in this materialistic world, many of us forget that material causes do not produce the desired effects independently of the Will of Allah. We forget to achieve total reliance on Allah and we often neglect to implement the moral causes for achieving our goals. One such moral cause that has become forgotten today is Du’a, the humble supplication of a believer to Allah. Even when it is remembered, it is not performed in the correct way and comes out weak. We can strengthen our Du’a by fulfilling the conditions for its acceptance and observing the manners of its performance.

Many virtues of Du’a have been mentioned in the Qur’an and the Sunnah:

"And when My servants ask you concerning Me, (tell them) I am indeed near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls” [Qur’an 21:187]

"And your Lord said, invoke Me and I will respond to your invocation” [Qur’an 40:60]

"Invoke your Lord with humility and in secrecy” [Qur’an 7:55]

"So invoke Allah making your worship pure for Him” [Qur’an 40:14]

Nu’man bin Bashir رضي الله عنه relates that Allah’s Messenger صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “Du’a is Ibadah (worship)” [Tirmidhi].

Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه’s narration of the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم: “Anyone who does not invoke Allah, will cause Allah to be angry with him.” [Ahmad]

Acceptance of Du‘a

For one’s Du’a to be accepted, one must:

Direct it solely to Allah; “Invoke Him only, making your religion sincere to Him” [Qur’an 7:29]. Also, the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said in a hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه; “If you ask, ask Allah and if you seek help, seek help from Allah.” [Ahmad, Tirmithi]

Perform the Du’a in conformity with the Shari’ah: The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said: “Whoever innovates in this matter of ours, something which is not part of it, it will be rejected.” If a person is sincere but is not following the Sunnah, his worship is rejected. Similarly, if a person is following the Sunnah but his work is not sincerely done for the sake of Allah, his worship is still rejected.

Trust in Allah and certainty of reply: One must be certain that Allah does whatever He wishes, whenever He wishes. Allah tells us in the Qur’an: “And there is nothing, but with Us are the stores thereof. And We do not send it down except with a known measure” (Qur’an 15:21). In a Hadith Qudsi narrated by Abu Dharr, Allah revealed through the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم, “O My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to rise up in one place and make a request from Me, and were I to give everyone what they requested, that would not decrease what I have anymore than a needle decreases the sea if put into it” [Muslim]

Presence of the heart: Always make sure that your heart is mindful when you are supplicating because Allah does not answer a Du’a from an inattentive heart. Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “Invoke Allah while you are certain to be answered and know that Allah does not answer a Du’a from a heart which is inattentive and unmindful” (Tirmidhi).

Determination and perseverance: It is a requirement when supplicating, to appeal to Allah with determination. We must not make any exceptions by saying “O Allah forgive me if You wish”. Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger صلي الله عليه وسلم said: “None of you should say ‘O Allah forgive me if You wish,’ ‘O Allah Be Merciful to me if You Wish’; but he must appeal to Allah with determination, for nobody can force Allah to do something against His Will.” (Tirmidhi).

Rejection

Reasons that may cause our Du’a to be rejected include the following:

Haraam: Haraam eating, drinking and clothing are all strictly prohibited and are major reasons for the rejection of Du’a. The Messenger of Allah صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “Allah the Almighty is good and accepts only that which is good. Allah has commanded the faithful to do that which He commanded the Messengers. He صلي الله عليه وسلم then mentioned the case of a man who, having journeyed far, is dishevelled and dusty and who spreads out his hands to the sky saying: “O Lord, O Lord” while his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothing is unlawful and he is nourished unlawfully, so how can he be answered? (Muslim). Abu Bakr said that he heard the Messenger of Allah صلي الله عليه وسلم saying ‘Every body which is nourished with that which is unlawful, will be first in the fire’

Hastiness and abandonment: One must be patient for ones Du’a to be accepted, as hastiness is one of the causes for its rejection or disapproval. Abu Hurairah narrated that Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “The invocation of any one of you is granted (by Allah) as long as he does not show impatience by saying ‘I have invoked Allah but my request has not been answered’” (Bukhari). In another narration by Abu Hurairah, the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “A servant is granted his request as long as he does not invoke Allah for a sin, or to break kinship ties, and he does not make haste.”

Committing sins: Allah said, “Verily, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (Qur’an 13:11). That is to say, if a people’s condition is good, Allah will maintain it as long as they are grateful and do not disobey Him. Similarly, if the condition of a people is bad, Allah will maintain it for them as long as they remain ungrateful and insist on disobeying him.

Abandonment of obligatory deeds: Just as doing good deeds is a reason for the acceptance of Du’a, similarly, abandoning good deeds is a reason for the rejection of Du’a. Hudaifah(RA), narrated that the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “By Him, in whose hand is my soul, you should enjoin good and forbid evil or else it is likely that Allah will send a punishment upon you and then you will invoke Him and you will not be answered” (Tirmidhi). So, for example, how could those who have constantly neglected and abandoned Fajr prayers in the Masjid expect that their Du’a will be answered?

Insha Allah: Some people, when supplicating, have a habit of saying “May Allah forgive you Insha Allah,” “May Allah help you Insha Allah.” The use of the word Insha Allah must be avoided in Du’a.

Asking for a sin, or to break the bondage of kinship: The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “Any Muslim who supplicates to Allah in a Du’a which contains no sin or breaking of kinship, Allah will give him one of three things: either his Du’a will be immediately answered or, it will be saved for him in the hereafter, or it will turn away an equivalent amount of evil (from him)”. The companions said “...so we will ask for more.” He replied, “Allah is more (generous).” [Ahmad]

Etiquette of Du‘a

The correct manner of invoking Allah is:

Hamd and Salawat: To begin with exalting Allah and sending blessings upon the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم. Abdullah bin Mas’ood narrated, “I was praying while the Prophet, Abu Bakr and Omar were together. After I sat (in the last Tashahhud), I began with praising Allah then I said blessings upon the Prophet and then I prayed for myself. The Prophet, said, “Ask (and) you will be given. Ask (and) you will be given.” [Tirmidhi]

Du’a at times of trouble and of pleasure: One must not make it a habit to remember Allah only at the time of trouble but he must constantly remember Allah in all circumstances. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “(Anyone who is pleased) that Allah responds to him at the time of trouble and distress, (should) increase Du’a at the time of calmness.” [Tirmidhi]

Avoid Du’a against ones family, wealth and children: Jabir narrated a hadith about a man who cursed his animal. The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “Who is this who cursed his animal?” The man replied, “It is me O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “Get down from it for a cursed one must not escort us. Do not pray against yourselves, do not pray against your children and do not pray against your wealth. It might coincide with a time when Allah answers what you asked for.” [Muslim]

Lower ones voice: Invoke Allah in a low tone as it is closer to sincerity: “Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He does not like the aggressors” (Qur’an 37:55). And He also tells us: “And remember your Lord by your tongue and within yourself, humbly and with fear without loudness in words, in the morning and in the afternoon and be not of those who are neglectful.” [Qur’an 37:205]

Perseverance: We must attend to our Du’a with perseverance, repetition and persistence. Ibn Rajab suggests that we invoke Allah with His names and attributes as this is among the greatest means of having our Du’a accepted.

Repetition: It is preferable to repeat you Du’a three times as it is more likely to be answered. Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم cursed a few members of the Quraish thrice when they placed the abdominal contents of a camel on his back whilst in sajdah.

Confession: Confess your sins with sincere regret for your mistakes although Allah is aware of all your actions. It is also worthwhile to acknowledge all of Allah’s mercy bestowed upon you. The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم taught his ummah the Sayyid-ul-Istighfar which acknowledges the favour of Allah upon oneself.

Face the Qiblah: One of the good manners when making Du’a is to face the Qiblah however, this is not compulsory. Abdullah bin Zaid رضي الله عنه narrated that Rasulullah صلي الله عليه وسلم came to this place of worship to pray Istisqaa for rain so he invoked Allah and prayed for rain. Then he faced the Qiblah and overturned his gown [Bukhari]

Raise ones hands: It is a recommended practice to raise one’s hands in making Du’a as it was done by the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم at different occasions. Abu Musa al-Ash’ari narrated, “The Prophet invoked and raised his hands and I saw the whiteness of his armpits.” [Bukhari]

Make wudhu: Although it is not compulsory, one is recommended to supplicate Allah while he is in a state of wudhu (ablution). When Rasulullah صلي الله عليه وسلم invoked Allah on behalf of Abi ’Amir he first performed wudhu. [Muslim]

Cry with the fear of Allah: Abdullah bin ’Umar narrated that Rasulullah صلي الله عليه وسلم recited the verse in which Ibrahim alayhis-salaam is invoking Allah: “O my Lord, they [the idols] have indeed led astray many among mankind. But whoever follows me, he verily is of me. and whoever disobeys me, still you are indeed Most Forgiving, Most Merciful” [Ibrahim, 36]. In another verse, Isa alayhis-salaam is invoking Allah: “If you punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily You-only You are the Almighty, the All-wise” [Al-Ma’idah, 118]. And Rasulullah (SAW)then raised his hands and said, “Allahumma Ummati, Ummati (O Allah, my nation, my nation)’ and then he cried.

Make Du’a for oneself before making Du’a for others: It is Sunnah in Du’a to start with yourself prior to mentioning others as was collected by Tirmidhi in the narration of Ubay bin Ka’ab that if someone was mentioned to the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم, he would invoke Allah for him but would begin with himself. However, it was also narrated of Allah’s Messenger that, on certain occasions, he would not begin with himself.

Do not trangress in Du’a: When appealing to Allah in Du’a, we should not get into much detail by asking for the different rewards of Jannah. ‘Abdullah bin Mughaffal heard his son saying: “O Allah, I ask you for the white palace on the right of the Paradise if I were to enter it”. So he said, “Dear son, ask Allah for Paradise and seek refuge from the [Hell) fire for I have heard the Messenger صلي الله عليه وسلم of Allah saying, ‘there will come in this nation people who will transgress (or exceed) in ablution and Du’a.” [Abu Dawood]

Make Du’a for ones parents: It is good to mention one’s Muslim parents (dead or alive) in invocation for the great favour they owe us, a favour which can never be compensated. Allah said, “And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy and say, ‘My Rab, bestow on them Your mercy as they did raise me when I was young” [Qur’an 17:24]

Make Du’a for the believers: One is recommended to remember the Muslims and the Mu’mins around the globe in his invocation. Allah said “Ask forgiveness for your sin and also for the believing men and women” [Qur’an 47:19]

Ask Allah alone: Instead of complaining to people when struck by calamity, one must make it a habit to ask Allah alone for refuge. However, there is no harm to mention your problem to people and share their opinion. In the hadith narrated by Ibn ’Abbas, Rasulullah صلي الله عليه وسلم said to him while he was riding behind him on the same mount, “Be mindful of Allah and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, ask only Allah and if you seek help, seek help only from Allah. And know that if all the nations were to gather together to benefit you, they would benefit you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you, and if they gather together to harm you, they would harm you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages are dry.” [Tirmidhi]