Pride, the Silent Killer

Bismillaah.

May Allaah cleanse our hearts and give us all refuge from pride and arrogance, ameen.

Indeed It is the source of all evil.  It is the reason for shaytan being expelled from Paradise.  It is a cause for Allaah’s anger.

It infests a person’s heart slowly, killing the light of all that is good in the heart, until the heart becomes dead, lifeless.

It prevents a person from the honor of doing a variety of good deeds and consequently growing closer to Allaah, and receiving His pleasure and mercy.  It leads away from Paradise and straight to hellfire.

Abdullaah bin Masud (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported:  The Prophet – sall Allaahu alayhi wa sallam – said:

“He who has in his heart an ant’s weight of pride or arrogance will not enter paradise.”

Abu Said al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet said,

“There was a dispute between Hell and Paradise, and Hell said, ‘The haughty and proud are in me.’  Paradise said, ‘In me are the weak and humble.’” (Muslim)

Salamah bin al-Akwa (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported: Allaah’s Messenger said,

“Mankind continues to display haughtiness and arrogance until he is recorded among the arrogant and will be therefore afflicted with what afflicts them.” (Tirmidhi)

The opposite of pride is humility, or humbling oneself.  Ibn al-Qayyim says:

Humility comes from knowing about Allaah and His names and attributes, and His greatness, venerating Him, loving Him and being in awe of Him; and also from knowing about oneself and one’s faults, and weaknesses. From that may develop the attitude of humility, which means feeling helpless before Allaah, and being humble and compassionate towards His slaves, so that the person does not feel superior towards anyone, or think that he has any rights over anyone else; rather he thinks that others are better than him, and that their rights come before his. This is a characteristic that Allaah gives to those whom He loves, honours and draws close to Him.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Wealth does not decrease because of charity, and Allaah increases His slave in honour when he forgives others. And no one humbles himself before Allaah but Allaah will raise him (in status).”

Narrated by Muslim, 2588.  Imam al-Nawawi included it in a chapter entitled: “The recommendation of forgiveness and humility.”

Al-Nawawi said:

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “And no one humbles himself before Allaah but Allaah will raise him (in status).” This is understood in two ways: the first is that He will raise him (in status) in this world, and give him status in people’s hearts because of his humility, and give him a high status in people’s eyes. The second is that what is meant is his reward in the Hereafter, where his status will be raised because of his humility in this world.

The scholars said: It may be that both are meant, (and that his status will be raised) both in this world and in the Hereafter. And Allaah knows best.

May Allaah erase pride and arrogance from the hearts of the muslims, and increase us in humility, ameen.

The blessings of fasting and performing other good deeds in Muharram

Bismillaah.

A reminder for myself and others about fasting the 9th and 10th of Muharram, as well as the overall blessings in fasting and performing other good deeds in this month.

‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora and told the people to fast, they said, “O Messenger of Allaah, this is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Next year, if Allaah wills, we will fast on the ninth day.” But by the time the following year came, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had passed away.” Narrated by Muslim, 1916.

Al-Shaafa’i and his companions, Ahmad, Ishaaq and others said: It is mustahabb [recommended] to fast both the ninth and the tenth, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted the tenth and intended to fast the ninth.

Based on this, there are different ways of fasting ‘Ashoora’, the least of which is to fast the tenth only, but it is better to fast the ninth as well. The more one fasts in Muharram, the better. [Source]

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It was proven from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that the best fasting after Ramadaan is fasting in the month of Muharram. It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best fasting after Ramadaan is the month of Allaah Muharram, and the best prayer after the obligatory prayer is prayer at night.” Narrated by Muslim, 1163.

With regard to the phrase “the month of Allaah”, mentioning the month in conjunction with Allaah is a sign of its great status. Al-Qaari said: it seems that what is meant is all of the month of Muharram.

But it was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not fast any month in full apart from Ramadaan, so this hadeeth is to be understood as meaning that it is it is encouraged to fast a lot in the month of Muharram, not to fast the whole month.

And Allaah knows best. [Source]

Nine Great Benefits of Reading and Reflecting Over the Qur’aan

Nine Great Benefits of Reading and Reflecting Over the Qur’aan [1]

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, may His Salaah and Salaam be upon His last Messenger Muhammad, to proceed:

Indeed the Book of Allaah is not a book like any other, it is the timeless Speech of Allaah, not a created thing, a study guide for life and death and what comes after.  Therefore it deserves a more careful study than anyone else’s speech.  It necessitates that its reader return to the early narrations of those who witnessed its revelation and heard its explanation by the one deputed by Allaah to rehearse and explain His Words to humanity (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam).  For if one would try to ponder over the meanings of the verses without having done this study, then surely the filth of the time that he lives in and his ignorance of the correct application and understanding that the early Muslims had would cause him to understand some things not intended by Allaah Most High, and therefore he would go astray, thinking to be worshipping Allaah.

So every sincere Muslim who hopes to earn Allaah’s Love by reciting and reflecting over Allaah’s Book, then let him hold tight to the meanings explained by the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam), and those taught by the Companions and their immediate followers, and the early scholars of Islaam.

Know that reciting and pondering over the Book of Allaah, devoting your time regularly to its study and implementation has tremendous benefits in this life and the Next, so let us now look to just a few of them to attach ourselves more firmly to Allaah’s Majestic Words.  Each benefit stands as enough of an encouragement on its own for us to shun any laziness we have and dedicate ourselves to the Qur’aan properly.

1 – Reading and reflecting over the Qur’aan fulfills an Islaamic duty

Indeed the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) summarized this Religion with his statement:

“The Religion is naseehah (sincerity)!”

So then Tameem ibn Aws (may Allaah be pleased with him) then said, “We asked, ‘To whom?’” He (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) replied:

“To Allaah, HIS BOOK, His Messenger, the leaders of the people, and their common folk.” [2]

The sincerity that is due to the Book of Allaah, as Ibn Rajab Al-Hambalee said, includes having a strong love for it, honoring it and extolling its great status, affirming that it is the Speech of Allaah, seeking to understand its meanings, acting by it, following the orders found in it, spreading its correct understanding, continually studying it, and taking on the good manners that are encouraged in it. [3]

So by reading and reflecting over the Qur’aan, one fulfills an obligation and is rewarded for that. Upon fulfilling this obligation, the Qur’aan then becomes a proof for him on the Day of Judgement! And that is our second benefit we will take by embracing this Noble Book…

2 – The Qur’aan will be a proof for us on the Day of Judgement

This is due to the statement of the Messenger:

“…and the Qur’aan is a proof for you or against you…” [4]

So one of two things will occur with this proof, the Book of Allaah. It will either be in your favor, a proof for you on the Day when you will need every single good deed, or it will be something standing against you, the very Speech of your Creator, a proof against you! Who could be saved from the terrors of that Day if Allaah’s own Speech is against him?!?!

Think carefully, dear Muslim brother or sister, about your position with the Qur’aan! Are you neglecting it, contradicting it, being heedless of its orders and prohibitions, are you thinking deeply over it?! Will it be on your side on the Day of Judgement?!

O Allaah! We ask you, by Your Glorious Speech and the rest of Your beautiful Names and Attributes, to make the Qur’aan a proof for us! O Allaah! Don’t make the Qur’aan a proof against us on that Day, and save us from the hellfire!

For if Allaah makes the Qur’aan a proof in our favor on that Day, then it would also be an intercessor for us, when NO intercession will take place except by His Permission.

3 – The Qur’aan will intercede for us on the Day of Judgement

The proof: Aboo Umaamah relates that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said:

“Read the Qur’aan, for verily it will come on the Day of Standing as an intercessor for its companions.” [5]

4 – Your status in this life will be raised

In Saheeh Muslim, we find a lovely story, about how a man from the promised people of Jannah, ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, and his deputy over Makkah understood this.

On the authority of ‘Aamir ibn Waathilah, he said that Naafi’ ibn ‘Abdil-Haarith met up with ‘Umar (ibn Al-Khattaab) at (a place called) ‘Usfaan. ‘Umar used to put him (Naafi’) to work (to govern) over Makkah. So he (‘Umar) said, “Who have you put to work (to govern) over the people of the Valley (Makkah)?”

He (Naafi’) said, “Ibn Abzaa.”

He (‘Umar) said, “Who is Ibn Abzaa?”

He (Naafi’) said, “One of our freed slaves.”

He (‘Umar) said, “So you have put a freed slave in charge of them?”

He (Naafi’) said, “Verily he is a recitor of the Book of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and verily he is knowledgeable of the laws of inheritance.”

‘Umar said, “Verily your Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) had said:

“Verily Allaah raises some people by way of this Book and lowers others by it.” [6]

5 – You will be from the best of the people

‘Uthmaan (may Allaah be pleased with him), the third khaleefah and fourth most virtuous person on earth after the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam), Aboo Bakr, and ‘Umar, said that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said:

“The best of you are the ones who learn the Qur’aan and teach it to others” [7]

6 – There are ten rewards for each letter you recite from the Qur’aan

As an authentic hadeeth in Sunan At-Tirmithee proves:

“Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allaah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter, and “meem” is a letter.” [8]

So increase your recitation of the Qur’aan to gain these merits, and to gain the following merit as well…

7 – The recitors of the Qur’aan will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels

‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), the Prophet’s beloved wife who held his head in her lap as he took his last blessed breaths, relates that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said:

“Verily the one who recites the Qur’aan beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that reward.” [9]

So do not let the Shaytaan give you false excuses, such as “I am not an ‘Arab,” or “Its not my language.” This hadeeth is a firm proof against these whisperings. Dedicate yourself to the Book of Allaah, whether you are an ‘Arab or not! The excuses have been eliminated and the pathway has been cleared for you to embrace the Book of Allaah without holding back or offering excuses!

And surely you will not hesitate to seek a teacher or a study circle for the Qur’aan once you hear the last and perhaps greatest benefits of reading and contemplating over the Qur’aan…

8 – The Qur’aan will lead you to Paradise

The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said:

“The Qur’aan is an intercessor, something given permission to intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise; Whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire.” [10]

9 – Your position in Paradise is determined by the amount of Qur’aan you memorize in this life

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-’Aas heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) saying:

“It will be said to the companion of the Qur’aan: Read and elevate (up through the levels of the Paradise) and beautify your voice as you used to do when you were in the dunyaa! For verily, your position inthe Paradise will be at the last verse you recite!” [11]

Know that these nine benefits, from the many benefits available, can only be attained by a sincere commitment to the Book of Allaah, not by a person’s mere statement, “I love the Qur’aan, it’s beautiful.” Rather the heart must be sincerely attached to Allaah’s Book and the limbs and tongue will follow in this attachment.

You must know that only a few of the numerous benefits of reading and reflecting over the Qur’aan have been mentioned here. There are many benefits that await your reading in the Qur’aan and books of hadeeth, like the chapter of the Qur’aan that will argue on your behalf in the grave, and that it is a physical healing, a source of rest and relaxation for your heart, among many other things.

And Allaah knows best.

FOOTNOTES

www.bakkah.net

[1] written by Abul-’Abbaas, 1421-12-20, then updated 1424-09-05

[2] Saheeh Muslim #194 (1/220 of Sharh An-Nawawee)

[3] refer to Jaami’ul-Uloom wal-Hikam, p.221 (Ar-Risaalah, 1417)

[4] part of a hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim #533 (2/97 of Sharh An-Nawawee)

[5] Saheeh Muslim #1871 (3/330 of Sharh An-Nawawee)

[6] Saheeh Muslim #1894 (3/339 of Sharh An-Nawawee)

[7] Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree #5027 (9/89-90 of Fat-hul-Baaree)

[8] Sunan At-Tirmithee #2910; Al-Albaanee authenticated it in Saheeh Sunan At-Tirmithee (3/164)

[9] Saheeh Muslim #1859 (3/325 of Sharh An-Nawawee); another version of this hadeeth with a slighty different wording can be found in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree #4937 (8/852 of Fat-hul-Baaree)

[10] an authentic hadeeth found in Saheeh Ibn Hibbaan #124 (1/330-331 of Tarteeb Ibn Balbaan, printed by Ar-Risaalah), on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood; Al-Albaanee authenticated it in Silsilatul-Ahaadeethis-Saheehah #2019

[11] Sunan At-Tirmithee #2914; Al-Albaanee authenticated it in Saheeh Sunan At-Tirmithee (3/164-165)

Bring blessings to your home with the Qur’an

Bismillaah.

It is reported that ‘Abdullâh b. Mas’ûd – Allâh be pleased with him – said:

“The house in which the Qur’ân is not recited is like a derelict house that has no one to maintain it.”

It is also reported that he said:

“Verily the emptiest of houses are those that are empty of the Book of Allâh.”

It is reported that Abû Hurayrah – Allâh be pleased with him – used to say about the house in which the Qur’ân is recited:

“It becomes spacious for its inhabitants, the good of it becomes plentiful, the angels come to it and the devils leave it. And the house in which the Qur’ân is not recited becomes cramped for its inhabitants, has little good in it, and the devils come to it.”

Ibn Abî Shaybah, Al-Musannaf articles 30645, 30647 and 30650.

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The summer’s here, and for many us that means less hectic homes and more flexible schedules.  I think it’s a perfect time for the muslim family to incorporate some sort of qur’an routine amongst the members of the family, whether it be reading, studying tafseer or even memorizing.

Here is a list of some easy things to do inshaa Allaah (in no particular order).  Feel free to add your own ideas, since are just some things I thought of after reading the quotes above from our beloved salaf (may Allaah be pleased with them all, ameen.)

Not everyone will be able to do everything listed here, but even implementing one thing, with the sincere intention to seek Allaah’s pleasure by encouraging your family towards the good and bringing everyone closer to Allaah, can only bring barakah, bi ithnillaah.

1) Read Surat al-Kahf together on Thursday evenings after maghrib, or Friday mornings before the jumu’ah prayer.  Have each person hold their own mus’haf, and read along silently as everyone takes turns reading a page at a time.

2) Choose a surah that eveyone can memorize together, or divide family members into age/level groups, and choose a surah for each group.  Make it a competition.

3) Make a qur’an reading chart with 3o spaces or 30 boxes.  For those members who are old enough to read, let them mark the space or check the box for each juz they’ve finished reading over the course of the summer.  Promise a prize at the end of the summer for any kids who complete reading the whole qur’an.

4) Designate one night a week for a tafseer lesson; or, if your local masjid has one already, attend together as a family.  Have older children take notes, and share what they learned in the car on the way home or at whatever time is convenient for everyone.

5) Don’t forget to have everyone review what they’ve memorized already.

6) Play qur’an in the house throughout the day, particularly Surat al-Baqarah, since it keeps away the devils.

“Whoever goes down a path/road searching for knowledge, Allah will make it easy for him the road to Paradise.”

Bismillaah.

Author Jawad Ahmed
taken from spubs

This should be our goal in life, “I want to go to Jannah (Paradise).” It should be written in bold letters on our foreheads so that it serves a constant reminder for us. The Prophet has left with us a very small key to Jannah, which we muslims today have become oblivious of. Just like you need a key to open your car’s door, or hous door, or office door; similarly you need a key to open Jannah to you. What is this key?

Prophet said,”Whoever goes down a path/road searching for knowledge, Allah will make it easy for him the road to Paradise.” [Saheeh Muslim, Vol.3 Hadith No. 99]

Travelling on the path to knowledge refers both to walking or driving along an actual road/pathway, such as going to Conferences, etc..or going to your local Masajids whenever there is either an international scholar/speaker or a local scholar/speaker speaking. Searching also entails, a metaphysical road, such as stydying and memorising Quran and Hadeeth. Not merely memorising like a parrot, but understanding it first and then memorising it.

The above hadeeth of the Prophet means that Allah makes learning the useful knowledge that is sought after easier for the seeker, clearing the way for him, and smoothing his journey to Paradise. This is why some of our pious predecessors used to say,”Is there anyone seeking knowledge, so that we can assist him in finding it?”

So brothers and sisters, be LOVERS of Knowledge, be seekers of Knowledge. “Yes, where is my Quran, where is my Hadeeth Bukhari.” Getting up every morning with a purpose: to seek Jannah by seeking Knowledge! Knowledge is also the shortest path to Allah. Whoever travels the road of knowledge reaches Allah and Paradise by the shortest route. Knowledge also clears the way out of darkness, ignorance, doubt and scepticism. It is why Allah called His Book, Quran, “Light.”

Knowledge is the ROAD to Paradise, and Islam is the vehicle that takes you to this destination of Paradise. Just like you get in a car to go from one destination to another, but how? By finding out the directions to get there, either by seeing a map or asking someone. Similarly, our Quran and Hadeeth are our maps, and our scholars are the people who give the directions from this map to get to our ultimate destination, Paradise.

Ask yourself, “Is Paradise easy?” Have you ever seen, how easy it is for our Hafizul-Quran brothers and sisters, who memorize the whole Quran by heart? Have you ever seen how easy it is for some of us to study Quran and hadeeth for hours and hours, whilst others cannot even open the Quran or Hadeeth at least once a year or month? Why?

Narrated Ali ibn Taalib(raa), While the Prophet was in a funeral procession he picked up something and started scraping the ground with it, and said,” There is none among you but has his place written for him either in Hell-Fire or Paradise.” They said,”O Messenger of Allah! Shall we not depend upon what has been written for us and give up deeds?” He said,”Carry on doing (good) deeds, for everybody will find easy to do such deeds as will lead him to his destined place for which he has been created. So he, who is destined to be among the happy (in the Hereafter) will find it easy to do the deeds characteristic of such people, whle he who is destined to be among the miserable ones, will find it easy to do the deeds characteristic of such people.” Then the Prophet recited the following verses:

[Surah Al-Layl(92), Verses 5-10] “As for him who gives and keeps his duty to Allah and fears Him,”
“And believes in Husna (the best).”
“We will make smooth for him the path of Ease (goodness, ie. Paradise)”
“But he who is greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient,”
“And gives the lie to Husna.”
“We will make smooth for him the path for Evil (ie. Hell-fire).”

[Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadith No.474]

Numerous examples of this above hadeeth and verses of Allah are prevalent in our societies today, yet we don’t learn any lessons from them. For example, how easy it is for some to fast the fast of Dawud, meaning fasting every other day, or doing voluntary fasts of Shawwal, Muharram, Rajab, etc. Whereas for some it is even hard to fast in Ramadhan, Why? ever notice how easy it is for some to get up in the middle of the night and talk to their Lord in private in Salat-ul-Tahajjud, while for others it is hard to even make the Obligatory (Fardh) prayers? Why?

How easy it is for some to remain single and yet gaurd their chastity and protect themselves from fornication, while others are married and yet still indulge in adultery. Why? How easily some memorise ayats (verses) of Quran and Hadeeth, while others memorise the latest songs in the market and memorise the latest cuss words used on streets. Why?

You see brothers and sisters, for some of us it is very EASY to practice Islam, as Allah wants to practice, while for others it is very HARD to practice. The answer for this are the verses of Surah Al-Layl, because for those whom it is easy to practice Islam, Allah is making it EASY the road to Paradise, whilst for those whom it is hard to practice, Allah is making it EASY for them the road to Hell-Fire. So why is it easy for some to practice Islam? It is because they are lovers and seekers of Knowldege and not only that, but also act upon that knowledge, and thus Allah is making it easy for them their destination of Paradise.

Knowledge is the key and that is why our Prophet used to supplicate in every prayer,”Allahumma Inni Auzubikaa Min Illmin Laa Yanf’aau.” O Allah! I seek refuge in you from Knowledge that does not benefit.

It doesn’t benefit you brothers and sisters. For hours and hours you are sitting in front of that T.V. and its not benefitting you as its not leading you to Paradise. For hours and hours you waste time on bed-time novels or on magazines and newspapers in a month and yet it doesn’t lead you to Paradise. When all that time you could have been studying Quran and Hadeeth or reading Islamic books instead of bed-time story novels and yet making easier for yourself the road to Paradise, and achieving it Insha Allah.

Not only does it not benefit you, but moreso it harms you. Hours and hours of those T.V. programs are not teaching you Quran and Sunnah, rather teaching you how to date, or how to hook someone from the opposite sex, or teaching you violence or foul language. Thus instilling evil and wicked ideas and things into your mind and heart, just for the pleasure of this temporary world, and making you further away from your destination of Paradise.

In conclusion, I say this brothers and sisters. We need to get our “cars” (Islam) fixed and focused on the right direction to our destination of Paradise. We need to pick up the “maps” (Quran & Hadeeth) and ask knowledgeable people (scholars/imams) for directions (road/path) to Paradise.

Was-salam, your helping hand and brother in ISLAM, Jawad Ahmed.