Learn Islam Today!: June 2010

Saturday, June 19, 2010

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Friday, June 18, 2010

Contemplations for the One Performing Hajj by Dr. Saleh As-Saleh

http://www.performhajj.com/contemplations_on_hajj.php

Excerpted from the book Hajj & Tawhid

This is a journey that was taken by Prophets and Messengers before you. Those who take the path of the Prophets magnify the Tawhid of Allah and His House. There are those, however, who come to perform Hajj and their hearts are attached to other than Allah. They invoke the dead and the righteous, whether present or absent. This is the opposite of Tawhid, it is shirk no matter what they call it because it is setting up rivals besides Allah. So, free your intention from any kind of devotion to other than Allah. Repent and come with a sincere heart submitting to Allah remembering what Ibrahim and his son Isma'il said when they were raising the foundations of Allah's House, the Ka'bah: Oh our Rabb! Accept from us and make us submit to You in Islam and show us our Manasik [all the rites of Hajj] and accept our repentance. [Noble Quran 2:128]

You are set to depart and you may or may not return to your home. Make this journey to Allah's House as Allah wants it. Think of the next journey that is surely coming, the one that leads to the meeting of Allah, Most High. This raises questions like: What did I prepare for that Day? Am I following Allah's Commands? Am I a follower of the Sunnah of Muhammad (peace be upon him)? Do I really know Allah? Am I a believer that Allah is above the seven heavens over His 'Arsh as He has stated in His Book and as His Messengers have asserted? Am I a believer that believes Allah has a true face that suits His Majesty as He has affirmed in the Quran and as has been affirmed by His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)? Am I believer in all of Allah's names, attributes and actions which He has affirmed in His Book and by His Messengers? Or do I just take and accept by my doubt, rejecting, or distorting (through figurative interpretation of His attributes) the meanings of Allah's attributes and actions? And invoke not any other ilah [god] along with Allah, La ilaha ila huwa [none has the right to be worshipped but He]. Everything will perish save His face. His is the decision, and to Him [all] shall be returned. [Al-Qasas 88]

Know, may Allah's Mercy be upon you, that when you reach the Miqat there is another Miqat that is still to come. It is the Miqat (appointed meeting) on the Day of Resurrection: Say [O Muhammad]: [Yes] verily, those of old, and those of later times. All will surely be gathered together for an appointed meeting of a known Day. [Noble Quran 56:49-50]

When you start saying the Talbiyah remember the command of Allah to Prophet Ibrahim: And proclaim to mankind the Hajj. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from deep and distant [wide] mountain highways [to perform Hajj]. [Noble Quran 22:27]

The Talbiyah you make is in response to Prophet Ibrahim's proclamation to visit Allah's house of worship. Allah is Most Great.

Upon entering Mecca remember that you are in the secure sanctuary: Have We not established for them a secure sanctuary [Mecca], to which are brought fruits of all kinds, a provision from Ourselves, but most of them know not. [Noble Quran 28:57]

Let one commit himself to repentance, having a good opinion of Allah, hoping that Allah will grant him security from His punishment.

You will enter one of the gates of al-Masjid al-Haram. Then there you are before the magnificent House of Allah, Most High, the Ka'bah. Now you see what you hoped to see for a long time. Thank Allah for making this possible and hope that He, the Mighty and Majestic, will grant you the greatest reward of seeing His Majestic face on the Day of Resurrection. This thankfulness is not just in saying "alhamdulillah," but also by obeying Allah while on Hajj and for the rest of your life.

You start your Tawaf (circling the Ka'bah) knowing that it is a great time for magnifying Allah the Exalted. Remember Him by His names, attributes, and actions. Also while in Tawaf try to reflect upon the time when the Prophet was prevented from doing the same thing you are doing today. Then think about what he did in clearing out the site from the symbols signifying worship to other than Allah! All idols were demolished. Busy yourself with Du'a. Ask Allah, the Most Great, to make you hold to the correct belief and path of the salaf and make you die on it. Ask Allah to save you from all forms of shirk and Bid'ah.

While in Sa'i (walking between As-Safa and Al-Marwah), contemplate on Hajar, the mother of Isma'il, when she asked her husband Ibrahim (peace be upon him), "Did Allah order you to do this (leaving her and her baby Isma'il in Mecca)? He said: "Yes." Her great response was: "Then He (Allah) will not neglect us!" Think about this great dependence upon Allah when you are in the Sa'i walking the same path which Hajar took in search for water and for the means of life around the mounts of Safa and Marwah. Think about her endurance, perseverance and trust in Allah. The Sa'i exemplifies the strong belief that we are in need for the One Who sustains and provides, Allah, the Exalted. Think about Ibrahim's invocation on his way homeward to Palestine: O our Rabb! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley with no cultivation, by Your Sacred House [the Ka'bah at Mecca]; in order, O our Rabb, that they may offer prayers perfectly, so fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and [O Allah] provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks. [Noble Quran 14:37]

Men and fruits came to Mecca from many places. Ibrahim (peace be upon him) returned to visit and later to share with his son Isma'il the noble task of raising the foundations of the Ka'bah.

The standing on 'Arafat is the Hajj. The crowds should remind you of the Day of Resurrection. Humble yourself to Allah, manifest your 'Ubudiyyah to Him Alone through Du'a, sincere intention and strong determination to free yourself from the sins of the past and to build up a commitment to rush for doing what is good. Think of becoming a better person when you return. Rid yourself of false pride and showing off because it may ruin what you may gain on this day.

You gathered the pebbles and you are about to embark on stoning the Jamarat. This is an act of obedience and remembrance of Allah, Most Magnificent. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: When you cast the small pebbles (i.e. at the Jamarat), it will be a light for you on the Day of Resurrection. [Reported by At-Bazzar in his Zawa'id (p.113) on the authority of Ibn Abbas. This Hadith is reported by Sheikh Al-Albani (may Allah have mercy upon him) in Silsilat al-Ahadith as-Sahihah. V. 6 Hadith 2515.]

When performing the sacrifice remember the saying of Allah: It is neither their meat not their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your devotion that reaches Him. [Noble Quran 22-23]

When you have completed your Hajj, do not think that the remembrance of Allah has ended. Listen to what Allah says: So when you have accomplished your Manasik (i.e. the rites of Hajj) remember Allah as you remember your forefathers or with far more remembrance. [Noble Quran 2:200]

Special Note: If you go to Medina then the objective of your visit should be according to the Sunnah and not Bid'ah. Your intention is to set on a journey to visit the Prophet's mosque and not his grave. When you reach the mosque and your pray upon entering then you may go to the grave and say, "As-salamu 'alayka ayyuhan-nabiyy." The position of the scholars regarding visiting the gravesites by women can be summarized as follows:
1. Disliked but not unlawful
2. Allowable, if done infrequently. If a woman is known as being unable to behave herself within the limits of Shari'ah at the gravesite, then she should be prevented from visiting the graves.
3. Forbidden
4. A grave sin

Many scholars state that women visiting the Prophet's mosque may pronounce the salaam upon the Prophet (peace be upon him) away from the gravesite since it is confirmed by many Ahadith that the salaam is related to the Prophet (peace be upon him) wherever the person may be. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is in a state of barzakh (the state of existence that begins with death and lasts until the Day of Resurrection,) the nature of which is only known to Allah, Most High. [Ash-Sharh-ul-Mumti' V5. pp. 475 -478]

The same salaam is also mentioned when you pass by Abu Bakr and 'Umar without innovations like:
1. Visiting the grave of the Prophet (peace be upon him) before praying in the mosque.
2. Making Du'a facing the grave
3. Seeking nearness to Allah by means of the Prophet (peace be upon him). This is a prohibited form of Tawassul. (method of communicating or getting close to Allah)
4. Seeking intercession from the Prophet (peace be upon him).
5. Placing the hands upon the grills around the room containing the Prophet's grave to seek blessings, etc."' (Refer to Sh. Al-Albani's book Manasik al-Hajj wal 'Umrah for more details.

Remember the Prophet's (peace be upon him) sayings:
1. "Do not make my grave an Eid (place of celebration)." [Abu Dawud, Ahmed]
2. "May Allah's curse be on the Jews and the Christian for taking the graves of their Prophets as places of worship." [Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah]
3. "Those before you took the graves of their Prophets as places of worship. Do not take graves as places of worship for verily I forbid you to do so." [Muslim]

The journey is not meant to gain any material reward. It is a selfless sacrifice solely for Allah, Most Majestic. It demands true love and fear of Him. It should be performed with full consciousness of one's heart, with full humility and submission to Allah. It should not be thought of as a tourist-type excursion or be performed as mere physical rites. It develops sincerity, piety, humility, self-control, sacrifice, and true knowledge of the meaning of submission and obedience to Allah, Most High. It helps the pilgrim to be a better person who is devoted to Allah in every aspect of his life.

Pre-Conditions for Hajj by Dr. Bilal Philips

http://www.performhajj.com/pre_conditions_for_hajj.php

Certain conditions have to be fulfilled before Hajj becomes a compulsory duty on mankind.

The first condition is that of being a Muslim. Non-Muslims are, first and foremost, obliged to become Muslims after which the daily, monthly, yearly and once in a lifetime duties of Islam successively become requirements. Hajj is a religious duty which must be accompanied by the correct belief in order for it to be accepted by Allah.

The second and third conditions are those of sanity and puberty. A Muslim has to have reached puberty and be of sound mind for his or her Hajj to become a duty. Divine rewards and punishments are given as a result of human choice between good and evil. Since a child or an insane person lack the ability to distinguish between good and evil, no religious duties are required of them. This principle of non-obligation is based on the following Hadith in which the Prophet (was reported to have said: "The pen is raised from (the book of deeds) of three: the sleeper until he awakes, the child until he becomes a young man, and the insane until he regains his sanity."

However, those who help such individuals perform Hajj are rewarded for their efforts. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked by a woman about her child making Hajj, he replied that the child could, but the reward would be given to her. Hence the insane individual who made Hajj while in a state of insanity is still required to make Hajj if he regains his sanity. Likewise, children who make Hajj are required to do so again when they grow up. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Any child who makes Hajj then reaches puberty must make another Hajj."

The fourth condition is that of ability based on the following Quranic verse: And, pilgrimage to the House is duty on mankind to Allah for those who can find a way there. [Noble Quran 3:97]

Similar statements of the Prophet (peace be upon him) define ability as being sufficient provisions and transportation. Hence, a Muslim has to be economically able to make the trip. If he has to borrow the money to make the journey, Hajj is not compulsory on him. In the case when one's family is left in debt or with insufficient funds, it is recommended that such an individual stay home until he is financially able. Muslims with physical disabilities are also not obliged to make Hajj unless they have the economic ability to pay others to carry them. Therefore, only those who are economically and physically able to perform the rigorous rites of Hajj are obliged to do so.

The fifth condition, that of a Mahram, concerns women only and could be included under the condition of ability. Since the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade women from traveling for a distance requiring more than twenty-four hours unaccompanied by a male relative whom she can not marry (Mahram), women are not obliged to make Hajj unless they have a Mahram to accompany them. Thus, a woman without a Mahram is recommended not to try to make Hajj. However, if the woman has the means and the Mahram, she is obliged to do so. Ayshah asked the Prophet (peace be upon him): "O, Messenger of Allah, are women obliged to make Jihad (holy war)?" he replied, "They must make Jihad in which there is no fighting - Hajj and ‘Umrah."

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Good Deed: #69 Perform Hajj- Journey of a Lifetime

http://1000gooddeeds.com/2009/11/11/good-deed-69-perform-hajj-journey-of-a-lifetime/

1. 2:128 Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manasik (all the ceremonies of pilgrimage -- Hajj and Umrah etc.), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.
2. 2:158 Verily! As-Safa and Al-Marwah (two mountains in Makkah) are of the symbols of Allah. So it is not a sin on him who performs Hajj or Umrah (pilgrimage) at the House (the Kabah at Makkah) to perform the going (Tawaf) between them (As-Safa and Al-Marwah). And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allah is All-Recognizer, All-Knower.
3. 2:197 (Y. Ali) For hajj are the months well known. If any one undertakes that duty therein, let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the hajj. And whatever good ye do, (be sure) Allah knoweth it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, o ye that are wise.
4. 3:97 And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Kabah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for ones conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves (i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah), then Allah stands not in need of any of the Alameen (mankind and Jinns).
5. 5:95 O you who believe! Kill not game while you are in a state of Ihram for Hajj or Umrah (pilgrimage), and whosoever of you kills it intentionally, the penalty is an offering, brought to the Kabah, of an eatable animal (i.e. sheep, goat, cow, etc.) equivalent to the one he killed, as adjudged by two just men among you; or, for expiation, he should feed poor persons, or its equivalent in fasting, that he may taste the heaviness (punishment) of his deed. Allah has forgiven what is past, but whosoever commits it again, Allah will take retribution from him. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Able of Retribution.
6. 5:96 Lawful to you is (the pursuit of) water game and its use for food -- for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel, but forbidden is (the pursuit of) land game as long as you are in a state of Ihram (for Hajj or Umrah). And fear Allah to Whom you shall be gathered back.
7. 5.97 Allah has made the Kabah, the Sacred House, an asylum of security and Hajj and Umrah (pilgrimage) for mankind, and also the Sacred Month and the animals of offerings and the garlanded (people or animals etc. marked with the garlands on their necks made from the outer part of the stem of the Makkah trees for their security), that you may know that Allah has knowledge of all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, and that Allah is the All-Knower of each and everything.
8. 22:27 And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj).
9. Narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked which deed was best, so he replied, “Belief in Allah and His Messenger.” He was asked what was the next in excellence, and he said, “Jihad for the sake of Allah.” He was asked about the next one and he (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “An accepted Hajj” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
10. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) say, “Whoever does Hajj for the sake of Allah, shunning (during his Hajj) all sexual matters, and keeping away from sins, will come back (free from sins) as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
11. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) also reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “(Performing an) `Umrah after another is an expiation for the sins committed between them, and the accepted Hajj has no less a reward than Paradise” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
12. A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “O Messenger of Allah, can we not go out on campaigns and fight in jihad with you?” He said, “Yours is the best and most beautiful of jihad, an accepted Hajj.” `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, “I never stopped going for Hajj after I heard that from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)” (Al-Bukhari).
13. Amr ibn Al-`Aas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Hajj wipes out whatever (sins) came before it” (Muslim).
14. Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood said: “The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h) said, ‘Keep on doing Hajj and Umrah, for they eliminate poverty and sin just as the bellows eliminate impurities from iron and gold and silver.’” (Tirmidhi: 810, Nasa’i: 2631)
15. Ibn Umar reported that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: “The one who fights for the sake of Allah and the pilgrim who goes for Hajj or Umrah are all guests of Allah. He called them and they responded; they ask of Him and He will give them.” (Ibn Majah: 2893)

source of hadith

Action Plan

1. Choose what types of Hajj you are performing: ifrad, qiran or tamattu`.

1. Ifrad means entering into ihram from the miqat (the fixed place for ihram) with the intention of performing Hajj alone, declaring the intention to perform Hajj and chanting Labbayk: “Labbayka Allahumma Hajjan.” In this case a pilgrim remains in a state of ihram till the end of the Hajj rituals; then he takes off his ihram and may undertake all that he was forbidden to do during ihram.
2. Qiran means entering into ihram from the miqat with the intention of performing Hajj and `Umrah, declaring the intention to perform Hajj and chanting Labbayk: “Labbayka Allahumma Hajjan wa `Umrah.” Then he remains in a state of ihram till the end of the Hajj rituals. In this type of Hajj, a pilgrim has to stay in a state of ihram till he finishes the rituals of both Hajj and `Umrah. It is sufficient for a pilgrim in this case to perform Tawaf and Sa`y once each for both Hajj and `Umrah, exactly like the first type.
3. The third type of Hajj is tamattu`. Here one has the privilege of performing both Hajj and `Umrah separately in the months of Hajj. Hence, a pilgrim enters into ihram, declaring intention to perform `Umrah alone and chanting Labbayk: “Labbayka Allahumma `Umrah.” Then he takes off ihram and enjoys everything that was prohibited to him during ihram. On the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrim enters into ihram again with the intention to perform Hajj and performs Hajj. In this case, a pilgrim slaughters a sacrificial animal.

2. Intention and Ihram

In the forenoon of the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah, a pilgrim purifies himself once again by bathing as he did before ‘Umrah in the place in which he is staying, if convenient. He puts on his Ihram and says: “Here I am for Hajj. Here I am, oh Allah, here I am. Here I am. You have no partner. Here I am. Surely all praise, grace and dominion is yours, and you have no partners.”

How to wear Ihram for men (link to video from above)

How to wear ihram for women (link to video from above)

If he fears that something will prevent him from completing his Hajj, he should make a condition when he makes his intentions, saying: “If I am prevented by any obstacle my place is wherever I am held up.” If he has no such fear, he doesn’t make this condition.

3. Talbiya

There after, recite the Talbiyah. Listen to Talbiyah (link to video from above)

Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk. Labbaykalaa Sharee Ka LaKa Labbayk. Innal Hamda Wanneh mata Laka wal Mulk — Laa Shareekalak.

Translation: Here I am at your service O Allah. I am present, you have no partner. I am present. All praise and graciousness as well as the entire universe are yours. You have no partner.

1. The recitation of the talbiya admits one into the state of ihrâm which effects certain restrictions (e.g. wearing perfume, etc) - restrictions of ihram (link from above)
2. Recite the talbiya excessively and repeatedly.

4. Proceed to Mina

A pilgrim goes to Mina and there prays Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha’ and Fajr, shortening his four unit prayers so as to make them two units each, without combining them.

5. Arafah

When the sun rises, he goes to Arafah and there prays Dhuhr and Asr combined at the time of Dhuhr, making each one two units. He remains in Namira Mosque until sunset if possible. He remembers Allah and makes as many supplications as possible while facing the Qiblah.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed thus: “There is no Deity but Allah alone. He has no partner. All dominion and praise are His and He is powerful over all things.

If he grows weary it is permissible for him to engage in beneficial conversation with his companions or reading what he can find of beneficial books, especially those concerning Allah’s grace and abundant gifts. This will strengthen his hope in Allah.

He should then return to his supplications and be sure to spend the end of the day deep in supplication because the best of supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafat.

6. Muzdalifah

At sunset he goes from Arafah to Muzdalifah and there prays Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr. If he is tired or has little water, it is permissible for him to combine Maghrib and Isha. If he fears that he will not reach Muzdalifah until after midnight, he should pray before he reaches it for it is not permissible to delay prayer until after midnight. He remains there, in Muzdalifah, making supplications and remembering Allah till just before sunrise.

If he is weak and cannot handle the crowd during Ar-Ramy, it is permissible for him to go to Mina at the end of the night to stone the Jamrah before the arrival of the crowd.

7. Pelting of Jamarat in Mina

Near sunrise, a pilgrim goes from Muzdalifah to Mina. Upon reaching it he does the following:
1. He throws seven consecutive pebbles at Jamrat Al-Aqabah which is the closest monument to Mecca, saying “Allah is the Greatest” and throws each pebble.

8. Sacrifice

2. He slaughters the sacrificial animal, eats some of it, and gives some to the poor. Slaughter is obligatory on the Mutamatti’ and Qarin.

9. Shaving

3. He shaves or clips his hair; shaving is preferable. A woman clips her hair the length of a finger tip.

These three should be done in the above order if convenient, but there is no restriction if one precedes another.

10. Come out of ihram

With that, one is allowed to come out of Ihram. He can wear other clothing and do everything that was unlawful before Ihram except engaging in marital relations.

11. Tawaf al Ifadah and Sai/saee

He goes to Mecca to perform Tawaf Al-lfadah also for Hajj. It is Sunnah to put perfume on before going to Mecca.

12. Saee

After tawaaf he perform Saee of Safa and Marwa.

With the completion of this Tawaf and Sa’i, a pilgrim is allowed to do everything that was unlawful before Ihram, including engaging in marital relations.

After performing Tawaf and Sa’i, he returns to Mina to spend the nights of the eleventh and twelfth days there.

13. Pelting of Jamarat in Mina 11th and 12th

He stones the three Jamrah in the afternoon of both the eleventh and twelfth days. He starts with the first Jamrah, which is furthest from Mecca, then the middle one, and lastly Jamrat Al-Aqabah. Each one should be stoned with seven consecutive pebbles accompanied by Takbir. He stops after the first and middle Jamrah to make supplications facing the Qiblah. It is not permissible to stone before noon on these two days. It is best to walk to the Jamrah, but riding is permissible.

If he is in a hurry after stoning on the twelfth day, he leaves Mina before sunset. But if he wishes to prolong his stay, which is best, he spends the night of the thirteenth in Mina and stones that afternoon in the same manner as on the twelfth day.

14. Tawaf al Widaa

When he is ready to return to his country, he makes Tawaf Al-Wada’, which is seven circuits around the Ka’bah. Menstruating women and women experiencing postnatal discharge are not obligated to perform Tawaf Al-Wada’.

source: brief guide to Hajj

Monday, June 14, 2010

50 Things to do in Hajj by Muhammad Alshareef

http://www.khutbah.com/en/ramadan_hajj/50hajj.php

Many of those at Hajj may find themselves sitting in a tent thinking to themselves, “Now what do I do?” Some pick themselves up and go around doing things pleasing to Allah; others may not capture the moment due to inexperience.

So here is a list of beneficial things to do during your Hajj trip. If you are not going for Hajj, why not forward it to someone who might benefit from it on his or her journey. At least they can practice number 26.

May Allah ta'aala make it a safe journey for all the hujjaj, aameen.

1. Smile in another Muslim’s face.
2. Say salaam to strangers.
3. Shake someone’s hand and ask about his/her health.
4. Buy tea for someone.
5. Offer to get someone’s groceries.
6. Sit with a Hajj group from another country and ask about Islam in their village.
7. Carry someone’s bags for them.
8. Guide someone ill to the infirmary.
9. Shun vain talk.
10. Recite talbiyah loudly, encouraging others.
11. On the days of Eid, walk through the tents reciting talbiyah loudly reminding others.
12. Gather stones for people.
13. Offer to throw on behalf of unable hajjis.
14. Guide people to the Jamarat.
15. Lower your gaze.
16. Remind people of the lives of the Sahaabaa.
17. Read Qur’an with the tafseer.
18. Do the authentic dhikr of the morning and evening.
19. Make du’a during your sajdah.
20. Stand to the side of a gate and offer people water/tea as they leave.
21. Give major attention to shy people in your group.
22. Remind people of patience, why they came here, and the example of our ‘ulama in Hajj.
23. Explain a Hajj khutbah you may have heard to those around you.
24. Explain the importance of purifying ones actions for the sake of Allah.
25. Phone relatives (from Makkah) on Eid day.
26. Make du’a for forgotten friends (and the author of this list).
27. Don’t allow Muslims to fight during Hajj.
28. Help people find a place to sleep.
29. During the heat, remember the unending torment of the Hellfire.
30. Say Laa ilaaha illAllah, wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul mulk wa lahul hamd, wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay’in qadeer 100 times.
31. Say the du’a of entering the market place when you go there.
32. Give charity to those who sell meager things (i.e. sandals, eggs, etc.)
33. Attend the halaqas that are given in Mina.
34. Stay for the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
35. Remind people to go home as better Muslims.
36. Forgive people who wrong you.
37. Talk to 10 different people from 10 different countries.
38. Compliment someone sincerely.
39. Visit the hospital and thank Allah for all that He has given you.
41. Take young Muslims and invite them to sit with the elders. Make them the center of attention.
41. Give a tafseer class after salah/ask someone knowledgeable to deliver the class.
42. On the days of Eid, offer perfume to those around you (for men only).
43. Ask about the health of senior women in your group. Make sure they are attended to.
44. Focus hard on helping those immediately near you.
45. Take people to the slaughter house and help them or assist them in purchasing their slaughter coupons.
46. Remember specific blessings Allah has bestowed upon you and say Alhamdulillah.
47. Pray to Allah using His 99 Most Beautiful Names (Al-Asmaa’ Al-Husna).
48. Use a miswak.
49. Fill your pockets with candies and give some to the children you meet.
50. Always hope for rewards from Allah for everything you go through during Hajj.

Hajj - The Journey of Hearts by Muhammad Alshareef

http://www.khutbah.com/en/ramadan_hajj/hearts.php

Arafah – 10 years after the Hijrah: A man was standing with RasulAllah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam when he was thrown from his camel. The camel stomped and the man’s neck was snapped. He was dead.

“Bathe his body with water and sidr and bury him with both garments,” said Allah’s Messenger sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam. “Do not cover his head, nor touch him with camphor ... for verily he will be returned (to Allah) on the Day of Resurrection in the state of Talbiyah” (Bukhari and Muslim)!

‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas narrates that when his heart entered Islam he went to the Messenger of Allah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam and said, “Give me your hand so that I may pledge allegiance to you.” The Prophet sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam spread his hand, but ‘Amr withdrew his.

The Prophet sal Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked, “What is wrong ‘Amr?”

Amr said, “I want to make a condition.”

“And what is that?” asked the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

“That Allah will forgive me.”

Then the Messenger of Allah said, “Did you not know that Islam wipes out what came before it, and that Hijrah wipes out what came before it, and that Hajj wipes out what came before it” (Sahih Muslim)

RasulAllah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam also said about Hajj, “And there is no reward for an accepted Hajj … except Jannah!” This is the ultimate reward.

What is the first verse that you read in Surah Al-Hajj? It does not speak of Arafah, nor does it pronounce the pillars of the Day of Nahr (the day of sacrifice). It simply says: O Mankind! Fear your Lord, indeed the eruption of the (final) hour is a horrific event. On that day that you shall see it, every nursing mother will be engrossed away from that (child) she was nursing, and every pregnant woman will abort her pregnancy, and you will see the people (appearing) intoxicated, while they are not intoxicated; rather it is the punishment of Allah, severe.

Hajj is not a journey of the body, as are vacations to a tourist attraction; it is a journey of the soul and heart. When one pays careful attention to the verses speaking of Hajj, he will find that verse after verse concludes with a commandment of being conscious of Allah’s presence, or a reminder of Allah’s bounteous favor upon us, or a link between Hajj and the Final Day.

The Destination

In the not-so-far-away days of old, whenever a journey was to be undertaken, proper provisions had to be prepared. The deserts were long, hot, harsh, and unmerciful. There were no gas stations to fill up with chips and refreshments, or rest stops to slurp water from a fountain. In fact, there was not a human in sight for miles upon miles of barren sand dunes and losing the way meant losing your life. Thus, you had to have the provisions with you before you made the journey – enough food, enough water, enough everything to carry you to your destination.

In the verses that speak of Hajj, Allah speaks about the provisions one should take. But while everyone is focused on their journey to the Ka’bah and the material provisions they should take, Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala turns the attention of His slaves to another journey and a different kind of provision. Allah ‘azza wa jall turns our attention to the journey to the Hereafter, to Paradise or Hell, and the provision is taqwa: And take sustenance (with you) for the journey; verily the best sustenance is taqwa (Al-Baqarah 2/197).

On the day Buhaym Al-‘Ajlee set out with his companion for Hajj, he looked toward the endless desert awaiting them both and wept, his chest soaking from the tears. “This is something,” said Buhaym, “that has made me understand the most certain journey I must one day take to Allah ‘azza wa jall!”

The Provider

There is debate over whether someone who performs Hajj should be called a Hajji. It is not something found in the Sunnah; rather it has an interesting background in our cultural history. In antique days, when someone decided to perform the journey for Hajj, it was synonymous with bidding farewell to life on earth. This was due to the treacherous obstacles of traveling in the desert – trials such as sickness, starvation, and the struggles of the separate situations. An entire village might gather to bid those people farewell.

When someone would go through such a remarkable journey and return alive, he would dedicate his life to the worship and obedience of Allah ‘azza wa jall. Gone was the cheating, or the lying, or the missed salah; he was now a Hajji.

Today, with the jumbo jets, ocean liners, and Mercedes busses, the facilitation of performing Hajj has taken away the luster of the title Hajji. Some might complain that there are no queen-size mattress beds in Mina, or that the air conditioning motor is a tad too loud.

But dear brothers and sisters, who is it that provided us with all the blessings that we are living in? It is the same Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala that has tests us on the plains of Arafah. The slave of Allah can only truly understand the favor of Allah upon him when it is taken away.

There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord (during Hajj). But when you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at Al Mash’ar Al Haram. And remember Him as He has guided you, for indeed you were before that among those astray.

Alhamdulillaah. Indeed the greatest blessing that Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala has favored us with is Islam, and it alone suffices as favor.

Allah knows we are going to get dusty during Hajj, Allah knows it. So don’t be surprised when that dust blows, instead turn to Allah and hit back with patience and a whisper of gratitude to Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala.

Then let them end their untidiness, fulfill their vows, and perform Tawaf around the ancient House (Al- Hajj 22/29).

Ibn Al-Qayyim wrote a poem about this journey of the hearts, here is only a glimpse of some of the Arabic verses:
He says, my slaves have come to me (for Hajj) out of love for me
And I am merciful to them, bounteous and loving.
Glad tidings, O participants of that stand (on Arafah),
A moment when Allah forgives all sins and showers His mercy.

Abu Hurayrah radi Allaahu anhu narrates: I heard the Prophet sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam say, “Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or transgression, he returns free from sin as the day his mother bore him” (Bukhari).

Getting the Heart in Shape

Many years ago, as the Hujjaj swept through the valley of Muzdalifah, a man remarked out loud, “My! Look at the number of Hujjaj!”

A wise man replied, “Nay, the passengers are many, but the Hujjaj are few.”

I once heard the story of a man who was blessed with the opportunity to join the caravan for Hajj regularly. However, his shortcoming was that he could never control his anger during the days of Hajj, and would snap, cursing others.

One person had an idea for him: instead of cursing Muslims during Hajj, write all your bad comments on a piece of paper, fold it, and then when you get mad at someone, just hand him the paper. On the top of the tiny envelope write, “Do not open until after Hajj”. The man agreed to try this idea.

As incident after incident assailed him, the man would simply smile, then frown and hand out the tiny envelope to the provoking party.

Everything was going smoothly until the day when he was walking to the Jamarat and someone stomped his toes. He lost all control. Teeth gritting, he snarled and took out his briefcase of envelopes and dumped it on that poor guy’s head.

In Hajj, I have seen people who snatch for patience and the reward of Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala during those trying moments, like a man panhandles for gold. I asked myself, “What is different from them and those who spend their breath in criticism and argumentation?” It finally dawned on me that it was not the body of Zayd or ‘Amr that I was witnessing, but it was the hearts of Zayd and ‘Amr.

Some people come to Hajj prepared financially. Others come with a prepared heart – that is what’s essential. Whether the grindstone grinds us to dust or polishes us up depends on what we are made of.

How can we get that heart in shape for Hajj?

First, attend lectures and workshops dealing with Hajj. Hajj is one of the pillars upon which Islam is built. When someone intends to perform this rite, it is a must upon him that he learns it well. RasulAllah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam said, “Seeking knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim.”

Imam Bukhari writes in his Saheeh, “Knowledge comes before statements and actions.” He then quoted the verse of Allah: So Know, that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin (Muhammad 47/19).

Secondly, establish salah and perform Qiyaam ul-Layl. When RasulAllah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam was preparing his heart for the mission of conveying this deen, Allah ordered him to prepare using Qiyam ul-Layl. Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala says: O you who wraps himself. Arise (to pray) the night, except for a little (Al-Muzzammil 73/1-2).

A student once slept over at Imam Ahmad’s house, rahimahullah. Imam Ahmad had left a vessel of water for him, and upon arriving at Fajr time, found the vessel still full of water. Upon seeing the vessel still full and realizing that the student had not woken during the night, he was shocked and remarked, “How can a person be a student of knowledge and not stand for Qiyam ul-Layl!”

Some people said to Ibn Mas`ood radi Allaahu anhu, "We are unable to wake up to perform Qiyam ul-Layl."

He told them, "You are distancing yourselves from it by your sins."

Thirdly, repent to Allah and make du’a. At Hajj, it was during the days of Tashreeq when Jibreel alayhis salam came to RasulAllah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam with the words of Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala: When the victory of Allah has come and the conquest and you see the people entering into the religion of Allah in multitudes, then exalt Him with the praises of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever accepting of repentance (An-Nasr 110/1-3).

This was the culmination of 23 years of da’wah, jihaad, and work. This was the farewell pilgrimage and it ended with: Then exalt Him with the praises of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

The Fifth Pillar of Islam: The Pilgrimage (Hajj)

http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/184/

The Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) is the fifth of the fundamental Muslim practices and institutions known as the five pillars of Islam. Pilgrimage is not undertaken in Islam to the shrines of saints, to monasteries for help from holy men, or to sights where miracles are supposed to have occurred, even though we may see many Muslims do this. Pilgrimage is made to the Kaaba, found in the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the ‘House of God,’ whose sanctity rests in that the Prophet Abraham built it for the worship of God. God rewarded him by attributing the House to himself, in essence honoring it, and by making it the devotional epicenter which all Muslims face when offering the prayers (salah). The rites of pilgrimage are performed today exactly as did by Abraham, and after him by Prophet Muhammad, may God praise them.

Pilgrimage is viewed as a particularly meritorious activity. Pilgrimage serves as a penance - the ultimate forgiveness for sins, devotion, and intense spirituality. The pilgrimage to Mecca, the most sacred city in Islam, is required of all physically and financially able Muslims once in their life. The pilgrimage rite begins a few months after Ramadan, on the 8th day of the last month of the Islamic year of Dhul-Hijjah, and ends on the 13th day. Mecca is the center towards which the Muslims converge once a year, meet and refresh in themselves the faith that all Muslims are equal and deserve the love and sympathy of others, irrespective of their race or ethnic origin. The racial harmony fostered by Hajj is perhaps best captured by Malcolm X on his historic pilgrimage:

‘Every one of the thousands at the airport, about to leave for Jeddah, was dressed this way. You could be a king or a peasant and no one would know. Some powerful personages, who were discreetly pointed out to me, had on the same thing I had on. Once thus dressed, we all had begun intermittently calling out “Labbayka (Allahumma) Labbayka!” (At your service, O Lord!) Packed in the plane were white, black, brown, red, and yellow people, blue eyes and blond hair, and my kinky red hair - all together, brothers! All honoring the same God, all in turn giving equal honor to each other...

That is when I first began to reappraise the ‘white man’. It was when I first began to perceive that ‘white man’, as commonly used, means complexion only secondarily; primarily it described attitudes and actions. In America, ‘white man’ meant specific attitudes and actions toward the black man, and toward all other non-white men. But in the Muslim world, I had seen that men with white complexions were more genuinely brotherly than anyone else had ever been. That morning was the start of a radical alteration in my whole outlook about ‘white’ men.

There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and the non-white... America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem. Throughout my travels in the Muslim world, I have met, talked to, and even eaten with people who in America would have been considered white - but the ‘white’ attitude was removed from their minds by the religion of Islam. I have never before seen sincere and true brotherhood practiced by all colors together, irrespective of their color.”

Thus the pilgrimage unites the Muslims of the world into one international fraternity. More than two million people perform the Hajj each year, and the rite serves as a unifying force in Islam by bringing followers of diverse backgrounds together in worship. In some Muslim societies, once a believer has made the pilgrimage, he is often labeled with the title ‘hajji’; this, however, is a cultural, rather than religious custom. Finally, the Hajj is a manifestation of the belief in the unity of God - all the pilgrims worship and obey the commands of the One God.

At certain stations on the caravan routes to Mecca, or when the pilgrim passes the point nearest to those stations, the pilgrim enters the state of purity known as ihram. In this state, the certain ‘normal’ actions of the day and night become impermissible for the pilgrims, such as covering the head, clipping the fingernails, and wearing normal clothing in regards to men. Males remove their clothing and don the garments specific to this state of ihram, two white seamless sheets that are wrapped around the body. All this increases the reverence and sanctity of the pilgrimage, the city of Mecca, and month of Dhul-Hijjah. There are 5 stations, one on the coastal plains northwest of Mecca towards Egypt and one south towards Yemen, while three lie north or eastwards towards Medina, Iraq and al-Najd. The simple garb signifies the equality of all humanity in God’s sight, and the removal of all worldly affections. After entering the state of ihram, the pilgrim proceeds to Mecca and awaits the start of the Hajj. On the 7th of Dhu al-Hijjah the pilgrim is reminded of his duties, and at the commence of the ritual, which takes place between the 8th and the 12th days of the month, the pilgrim visits the holy places outside Mecca- Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Minaa - and sacrifices an animal in commemoration of Abraham’s sacrifice. The pilgrim then shortens or shaves their head, and, after throwing seven stones at specific pillars at Minaa on three or four successive days, and heads for the central mosque where he walks seven times around the sacred sanctuary, or Kaaba, in the Great Mosque, and ambulates, walking and running, seven times between the two small hills of Mt. Safaa and Mt. Marwah. Discussing the historical or spiritual significance of each rite is beyond the scope of this introductory article.

Apart from Hajj, the “minor pilgrimage” or umrah is undertaken by Muslims during the rest of the year. Performing the umrah does not fulfill the obligation of Hajj. It is similar to the major and obligatory Islamic pilgrimage (hajj), and pilgrims have the choice of performing the umrah separately or in combination with the Hajj. As in the Hajj, the pilgrim begins the umrah by assuming the state of ihram. They enter Mecca and circle the sacred shrine of the Kaaba seven times. He may then touch the Black Stone, if he can, pray behind the Maqam Ibrahim, drink the holy water of the Zamzam spring. The ambulation between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times and the shortening or shaving of the head complete the umrah.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Check these out too!

1. http://www.dhikrullah.com/knowledge/category/zakah-charity/

Bathe Yourself with Money! by Muhammad Alshareef

http://www.khutbah.com/en/salah_zakah/money.php

Have you ever seen someone run out of the masjid immediately after salah. In fact, the imam may barely have said salam, and this person is already standing up, getting ready to take off (you may have seen this after the Jumu’ah prayers). When we see someone in such haste, we know that there is some affair that pre-occupied the brother or sister and that haste is indeed a weighty matter.

But now let’s ask ourselves a question: who amongst us would jump like that because we delayed the paying of a voluntary sadaqah? Who? It is the most God-fearing person who would do so - RasulAllah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam.

In Saheeh Bukhari, Uqbah radi Allahu anhu narrates, “I offered the 'Asr prayer behind the Prophet in Madinah. When he had finished the prayer with tasleem, he got up hurriedly and went out by crossing the rows of the people to one of the dwellings of his wives. The people got scared at his speed. The Prophet came back and found the people surprised at his haste and said to them, ‘I remembered a piece of gold lying in my house and I disliked for it to divert my attention from Allah's worship, so I have ordered it to be distributed (in charity).’”

If RasulAllah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam attached such importance to sadaqah, voluntary charity, then what about zakah, one of the five pillars of Islam?

In the year before the Farewell Hajj, RasulAllah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam sent a group of Muslims on Hajj with Abu Bakr as their ameer. There were still some mushrikeen performing Hajj in Makkah, and some of them were circumambulating the Ka’bah naked. Abu Bakr’s mission, radi Allahu anhu, was to prepare Makkah for the Hajj of RasulAllah sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam.

Allah’s Messenger sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam sent Surah Bara’ah (also known as Surah Taubah), the 9th surah in the Qur’an, along with Abu Bakr, instructing him that it was to be recited to all those performing the Hajj that year. Ali ibn Abee Talib was given the task of announcing the surah due to his position amongst the Quraysh.

The surah, begins as follows: (This is a declaration of) Disassociation, from Allah and His Messenger, to those with whom you had made a treaty among the mushrikeen (the polytheists) (At-Tauba 9/1).

Remember, the Qur’an was the Islamic state’s declaration of legislation. Ali ibn Abee Talib radi Allahu anhu continued to recite until he reached the words of Allah: But if they repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, then they are your brothers in religion (At-Tauba 9/11).

In other words, it was not sufficient for them to simply repent; it was also compulsory for them to establish salah and zakah, and then only could they be considered to be within the brotherhood of Islam.

Bukhari and Muslim report that Jaabir ibn Abdullaah radi Allahu anhu said, “I pledged allegiance to the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam in that I would establish the salah, undertake the giving of zakah, and that I would give naseehah (advice) to every Muslim.”

After the death of RasulAllah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, the ummah was faced with some who claimed prophethood, men with huge tribes waiting to fight the Muslims. Then, to a lesser degree, there were tribes who still professed to be Muslim, but who had a ‘problem’ with giving zakah.

The ummah needed to take action. While some of the Sahabaa felt that they should just leave the ‘we-are-Muslim-minus-zakah’ people, and focus on the armies instead, Abu Bakr radi Allahu anhu disagreed. “I swear by Allah,” he said, “I shall go to war and fight anyone who attempts to separate salah from zakah!”

Upon hearing this, Umar radi Allahu anhu commented, “By Allah, at the moment when I saw that Allah had opened the heart of Abu Bakr to this war, I knew that it was the truth.”

Allah made the giving of zakah on the wealth of believer compulsory for him as a test of his sincerity. The believer has full conviction that it is fard and knows that zakah is the third pillar of Islam, and not merely a virtuous option. Without zakah the deen of a believer will collapse.
The believer delivers his zakah with an open heart, thanking and praising Allah for His bounty and for the very tawfeeq of being able to perform his duty.

So while others bathe their bodies daily, it is possible for us to bathe our hearts with money. How? Zakah.

In Arabic, the word zakah carries the connotation of cleanliness – to purify. In Shari’ah, zakah deals with the wealth Allah gave to His servants. It is the fard percentage one must impart to whom it is due.

Allah ta’aala teaches us the virtue of zakah in the following ayah: Take (O Muhammad) from their wealth a charity by which it purifies them and causes them increase (At-Tauba 9/103).

How does zakah and voluntary charity cleanse a person?

1. By cleansing the heart from the diseases of hypocrisy and doubt.
2. By cleansing the heart from the disease of stinginess.
3. By bathing the remaining wealth with barakah.
4. By bathing the good character of the one giving and increasing his or her wealth.

As Rasul Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, “Charity never decreases wealth.”

“If I win a million dollars I’ll give half to the masjid!” Ever heard that du’a before? Allah ta’aala teaches us that the nature of humans is to attach themselves to coins of gold and silver. In fact, they pray day and night for it. In their prayers, they promise that if they are indeed blessed with the wealth, they will be unselfish with that gift. But when a test befalls them, they turn their backs: And among them are those who made a covenant with Allah, (saying), “If He should give us from His bounty, we will surely spend in charity, and we will surely be among the righteous.” But when He gave them from His bounty, they were stingy with it and turned away while they refused. So He penalized them with hypocrisy in their hearts until the Day they will meet Him - because they failed Allah in what they promised Him and because they (habitually) used to lie (At-Tauba 9/75–78).

Yayha ibn Mu’adh rahimahullah commented, “I have always been amazed at someone who has wealth, yet is stingy. His Lord, who gave the wealth to him, requests that he loan part of it to Him and the stingy man says, ‘No.’”

Zakah is an obligation connected to wealth. When someone delays the paying of zakah, that obligation directly chains itself to the individual’s neck. In order for them to repent, they must give what Allah made obligatory upon them.

RasulAllah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam taught us that when a people hoard wealth and do not give the zakah, they will be afflicted with a famine: “There was never a people that refused to give zakah except that Allah afflicted them with famine” (Bayhaqi).

He, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, warned us of stinginess because of the destruction it brings: “Beware of stinginess for verily those who came before you were destroyed because of it” (Abu Dawood).

And on the Day of Resurrection, the zakah that was not paid will be a means of punishment for the individual: And let not those who (greedily) withhold what Allah has given them of His bounty ever think that it is better for them. Rather, it is worse for them. Their necks will be encircled by what they withheld on the Day of Resurrection (A’le-Imran 3/180).

In Sahih Muslim, Abu Hurayrah radi Allahu anhu narrates that RasulAllah, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said: “If any owner of gold or silver does not pay what is due on him, on the Day of Resurrection, plates of fire shall be molded out for him and heated in the fire of Hell. With it, his sides, his forehead and his back will be cauterized and branded. When the plates cool, (the process) will be repeated for a day whose extent is fifty thousand years. Then judgment will be pronounced amongst the servants, and he shall see whether his path is to take him to Paradise or to Hell.”

Part II

The following is a list of items on which one has to pay zakah:
• Banknotes
• Gold
• Silver
• Capital goods
• Cattle
• Merchandise
• Fruits and other crops
• Minerals
• Buried treasures

In a world where most of us do not live a farmer’s life, we should pay special attention to paying zakah on the following:
• Monetary savings
• Gold - according to some scholars, zakah should be paid on gold, including collections of bridal gold.
• Business inventory - If someone owns a store (as many families do) and they have items in storage waiting to be sold, they need to pay zakah on those items. Additionally, it is very common for some families to purchase something in bulk and store it in their homes to be sold at a later date. One must pay zakah on these items also.
• Additional homes one may own with the intention to wait for them to increase in value and then sell them.

Abdullah ibn Mas’ood radi Allahu anhu said, “Store your wealth where no worms will eat it, where it cannot be reached by thieves. Store it in sadaqah.”

Umm Al-Mu’mineen Aisha radi Allahu anha once met a poor woman who was with her two daughters. Aisha radi Allahu anha gave her three dates. The woman gave each of the daughters one date and took one for herself. She was about to eat the date when one of her daughters expressed the desire to eat her date. She immediately shared the date among her daughters. This kind treatment impressed Aisha radi Allahu anha, and she related the whole incident to RasulAllah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam. After listening to the whole story, RasulAllah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, "Verily, Allah has assured Paradise for her because of this act or has rescued her from the fire of Hell."

Indeed, not only are we giving zakah and sadaqah to cleanse ourselves; we do so in order to protect ourselves from Hellfire.

Part III

When it’s time for the individual to pay zakah each year, he usually asks the imam: “We don’t know of any poor people in our area, can we send the zakah money overseas?” Contemplate this for a moment. Are there really no needy people in our communities? Of course there are. And if year after year the zakah is sent overseas, who will ever take care of the local needy people?

The general principle of zakah is that the first option is to give it to the needy of the locality. As RasulAllah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam instructed Mu’adh when he sent him to Yemen, “If they obey you in that (in the Shahadah and then the salah), then let them know Allah has made obligatory upon them zakah in their wealth to be taken from their rich and to be given to their needy.” The use of the word “their” indicates the needy from within that community.

What we need to do is to actively go out there and find these people within our communities; find out how we can make a difference in their lives. In doing so we will strengthen our communities, and as our communities grow stronger, they will have the strength to assist others around the world.

When governments have a budget surplus (doesn’t happen too often), interest groups fight tooth and nail arguing who gets the money. But with zakah, Allah ta’aala divided it Himself. No human being can decide for zakah money to be given to other than those whom Allah has specified.

The commonly known recipients of zakah are the poor and needy. However, we should also remember that there are other potentially fruitful avenues wherein we can invest our zakah money.

The first of these is al-mu’allafat quloobuhum, or those whose hearts are very near to accepting Islam – if we became serious and strong in our da’wah efforts, we could use the zakah money to bring people’s hearts closer to the message of la ilaaha illAllah Muhammad ur RasulAllah.

Secondly, zakah money can be used for al-riqaab, or the freeing of slaves. How does this apply to us? Well as the ‘ulama have mentioned, here in the USA, the Patriot Act ‘detainees’ who have been imprisoned for no crime other than fitting a certain racial profile are also eligible for zakah in terms of this category. This makes sense considering that a solid legal defense costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. So a legal fund can be established using zakah money, in order to assist in defending the rights of our brothers and sisters who are imprisoned unjustly.

Zakah can also be used to assist the ghaarimeen (those in debt). In order words, this money can be used to free them from the shackles of debt. Consider the following facts about debt in America:
• The average credit card balance is about $7,000.
• The average interest rate is nearly 19%.
• Late fees are now $25 or higher.
• The average household has 10 credit cards.
• Almost half the households in America report having difficulty paying their minimum monthly payments, thus making bankruptcy seem unavoidable.
• Last year over 1.3 million Americans filed for bankruptcy, the highest in our nation’s history.
• Credit card companies solicit the average American 7 times a year through the mail.
• The average credit card balance would take 25 years to repay if paying the minimum monthly payment.

Indeed, it is an amazingly powerful thing for one’s community members to be out of debt. When they are out of debt, they become active contributors in the community and everyone benefits. However a word of caution here – zakah money should not be used to pay off vain debts.

Stock traders often listen with attentive ears to stock tips about where they should invest their money. How about a ‘Jannah Stock Tip’ for the Muslim community?

Our communities, alhamdulillah, are blessed communities that give unselfishly. Zakah is often unfulfilled or hindered due to a lack of education on the subject as well as the absence of a proper zakah distribution system. All it takes to solve this is for one dedicated leader to establish a zakah distribution network in his area. Just one leader and all the zakah will reach those who need it.

If someone does this, all the reward will be theirs! Imagine all the people who will benefit from this distribution network. The pioneer who starts this zakah distribution will continue to reap the rewards of it even after he or she passes away.

Certainly will the believers have succeeded – those who during their prayer are humbly submissive / And those who turn away from ill speech / And those who are observant of zakah (Al Mu’minoon 23/1-4).

Additional Resources:
1. More Zakah Information: http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/law/fiqhussunnah/fus3_41.html
2. Zakah help and calculator: http://zakat.al-islam.com/eng/
3. Zakah user-friendly calculator: http://isgkc.org/zakah_calc.htm

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Zakah Tutorial: Understanding & Calculating Zakah

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Good Deed: #92 Pay Your Zakaah

http://1000gooddeeds.com/2009/12/23/good-deed-92-pay-your-zakaah/

1. 2:43 (Y. Ali) And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).
2. 2:110 (Y. Ali) And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: And whatever good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with Allah for Allah sees Well all that ye do.
3. 2:215 (Y. Ali) They ask thee what they should spend (in charity). Say: Whatever ye spend that is good is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do that is good, (Allah) knoweth it well.
4. 2:264 (Y. Ali) O ye who believe! Cancel not your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like those who spend their substance to be seen of men, but believe neither in Allah nor in the Last Day. They are in parable like a hard, barren rock, on which is a little soil: on it falls heavy rain, which leaves it (just) a bare stone. They will be able to do nothing with aught they have earned. And Allah guideth not those who reject faith.
5. 2:271 (Y. Ali) If ye disclose (acts of) charity, even so it is well, but if ye conceal them, and make them reach those (really) in need, that is best for you: It will remove from you some of your (stains of) evil. And Allah is well acquainted with what ye do.
6. 2:277 (Y. Ali) Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
7. 9:60 The charity (Zakaat) is only for the poor, the needy, those employed to collect (the Zakaat), those whose hearts will be inclined (towards Islaam, by giving them Zakaat), for slaves, for those in debt, for (Jihaad in) the cause of Allaah, and for the wayfarer (i.e. destitute traveler). It is an obligation imposed by Allaah, and Allaah is the All-Knower, the All-Wise.”
8. 9:71 (Y. Ali) The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is exalted in power, Wise. 9. 24:56 (Y. Ali) So establish regular Prayer and give regular charity; and obey the Messenger. that ye may receive mercy.
10. Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “(On the Day of Resurrection) camels will come to their owner in the best state of health they have ever had (in the world), and if he had not paid their Zakat (in the world) then they would tread him with their feet; and similarly, sheep will come to their owner in the best state of health they have ever had in the world, and if he had not paid their Zakat, then they would tread him with their hooves and would butt him with their horns.” The Prophet added, “One of their rights is that they should be milked while water is kept in front of them.” The Prophet added, “I do not want anyone of you to come to me on the Day of Resurrection, carrying over his neck a sheep that will be bleating. Such a person will (then) say, ‘O Muhammad! (Please intercede for me,) I will say to him. ‘I can’t help you, for I conveyed Allah’s Message to you.’ Similarly, I do not want anyone of you to come to me carrying over his neck a camel that will be grunting. Such a person (then) will say “O Muhammad! (Please intercede for me).” I will say to him, “I can’t help you for I conveyed Allah’s message to you.” Bukhari 2:24:485
11. Narrated Ibn Masud: I heard the Prophet saying, “There is no envy except in two: a person whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it in the right way, and a person whom Allah has given wisdom (i.e. religious knowledge) and he gives his decisions accordingly and teaches it to others.” Bukhari 2:24:490
12. Narrated Aisha: Some of the wives of the Prophet asked him, “Who amongst us will be the first to follow you (i.e. die after you)?” He said, “Whoever has the longest hand.” So they started measuring their hands with a stick and Sauda’s hand turned out to be the longest. (When Zainab bint Jahsh died first of all in the caliphate of ‘Umar), we came to know that the long hand was a symbol of practicing charity, so she was the first to follow the Prophet and she used to love to practice charity. Bukhari 2:24:501

Action Plan

1. Download zakah calculator from Sanzaf

Linguistically, Zakat has two meanings: purification and growth. Technically, it means to purify one’s possession of wealth by distributing a prescribed amount to the poor, the indigent, the slaves or captives, and the wayfarer.

There are many major benefits of giving Zakat:
1. It reminds Muslims of the fact that whatever wealth they may possess is due to the blessings of Allah and as such it is to be spent according to His commands.
2. Zakat functions as a social security for all. Those who have enough money today pay for what they have. If they need money tomorrow they will get what is necessary to help them live decently.
3. Zakat payer pays his dues to Allah as an act of worship, a token of submission and an acknowledgment of gratitude. The receiver of Zakat receives it as a grant from Allah out of His bounty, a favor for which he is thankful to Allah.
4. Economically, Zakat is the best check against hoarding. Those who do not invest their wealth but prefer to save or hoard it would see their wealth dwindling year after year at the rate of the payable Zakat. This helps increase production and stimulates supply because it is a redistribution of income that enhances the demand by putting more real purchasing power in the hands of poor.

Zakat is obligatory upon a person if:
1. He or she is an adult, sane, free and Muslim.
2. He/she must possess wealth in excess of specified minimum (Nisaab) excluding his or her personal needs (clothing, household furniture, utensils, cars etc. are termed article of personal needs).
3. It should be possessed for a complete lunar year.
4. It should be of productive nature from which one can derive profit or benefit such as merchandise for business, gold, silver, livestock etc.

The amount of wealth which makes one liable for Zakat is called Nisaab. The Nisaab as fixed by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is as follows:
Item/ Grams/ Tolas/ Grains/ Troy Oz.
GOLD/ 87.48/ 7.50/ 1350/ 2.8125
SILVER/ 612.36/ 52.50/ 9450/ 19.6875

Nisaab of cash, stock or bonds, other cash assets is the equivalent amount of Gold or Silver. Nisaab is calculated by adding up the cash value of all the assets such as gold, silver, currency etc. and if it is equal to or in excess of the minimum Nisaab as specified in the above table, the Zakat is due at the rate of 2.5%.

The payment of Zakat is compulsory on the excess wealth or affects which is equal to or exceeds the value of Nisaab, and which is possessed for a full Islamic year. If such wealth decreases during the course of the year and increases again to the value of Nisaab before the end of the year, the Zakat then must be calculated on the full amount that is possessed at the end of the year.

Types of wealth on which Zakat is imposed:
1. Gold and silver, in any form
2. Cash, bank notes, stocks, bonds etc.
3. Merchandise for business, equal to the value of Nisaab
4. Live stock
5. On income derived from rental business

Calculation of Zakat:
1. To calculate Zakat on jewelry etc. one must first determine the gold or silver content and then calculate the Zakat according to current market price.
2. If the Gold possessed is less than 87.48 grams or if silver possessed is less then 612.36 grams, but the value of both combined is equal to or exceeds the Nisaab of either Gold or Silver, the Zakat will be due.
3. In the event of an article not being of pure gold or pure silver, but containing a mixture of other metals and the gold or silver content is more than the other metal, it will be regarded as gold or silver and Zakat will be due. But in the case where other metal(s) is of greater quantity than either gold or silver, Zakat will not be due on this article.
4. For stocks (shares held in a company), Zakat is calculated based upon the current market value. As machinery, land, fixtures and fittings, furniture, buildings etc. are exempt from Zakat, one is allowed to subtract these from the total asset. This could be obtained from annual reports. For example, if one has shares worth $1000 and machinery, land etc., are worth 5% of the total asset, then deduct $50 for these assets, afterwards deduct the liabilities of the company proportionately to the percentage of shares held. Zakat must be calculated on the balance.

Distribution of Zakat:
1. Zakat should be given as soon as possible after it becomes due.
2. All of the Zakat can be given to one person or to several persons.
3. A poor man cannot be paid for his work from Zakat nor can Zakat be given in payment of services, except to the people appointed by the Islamic government to collect Zakat.
4. Zakat will only be valid if the recipient is made the owner of that amount. If, for example, a few needy persons are fed a meal from Zakat money, then Zakat will not be fulfilled as they were not made owners of the food.
5. Zakat cannot be given for the construction of Masjid, Madrasah, Hospital, a well, a bridge or any other public amenity.
6. Zakat can be paid in kind from the same merchandise on which it is due, or alternatively, it could be paid in cash.

Types of wealth on which Zakat is not imposed:
1. On any metals other than gold or silver.
2. Fixtures and fittings of a shop, car, trucks or any delivery vehicle etc., which is used in running business.
3. Diamonds, pearls, other precious or semi precious stones which are for personal use.
4. There is no Zakat on personal residence, household furniture, pots and pan, personal clothing, whether they are in use or not.
5. There is no Zakat on a person whose liabilities exceeds or equals his assets. (Home Mortgage in this country is not to be counted as personal liability for the Zakat purpose).

Recipients of Zakat:
The recipients of Zakat, according to Quran are as follows:

“Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer (the funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to truth); for those in bondage and in debt; and for the wayfarer: (Thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.” (Surah At-Taubah 9:60)

1. FUQARA: people who are poor and who possess more than their basic needs but do not possess wealth equal to Nisaab.
2. MASAKEEN: people who are destitute and extremely needy to the extent they are forced to beg for their daily food rations.
3. AL-AMILEEN: people appointed by an Islamic Government to collect Zakat.
4. MU-ALLAFATUL-QULUB: persons who have recently accepted Islam and are in need of basic necessities who would benefit from encouragement by Muslims which would help strengthen their faith.
5. AR-RIQAAB: slaves who are permitted to work for remuneration and have an agreement from their masters to purchase their freedom on payment of fixed amounts.
6. AL-GHAARIMEEN: persons who have a debt and do not possess any other wealth or goods with which they could repay that which they owe. It is conditional that this debt was not created for any un-Islamic purpose.
7. FI-SABILILLAH: persons who have to carry out an obligatory deed which has become obligatory on them and subsequently (due to loss of wealth) are unable to complete that obligation.
8. IBN-US-SABEEL: persons who are travelers and during the course of their journey do not possess basic necessities, though they are well to do at home. They could be given Zakat in order to fulfill travel needs to return home.

People who cannot be given Zakat:
1. Zakat cannot be given to the descendants of Muhammad (P.B.U.H);
2. Zakat cannot be given to parents and grandparents. In the same manner one’s children and grandchildren cannot be given Zakat. A husband and wife cannot give Zakat to each other.
3. Zakat contributions cannot be given to such institutions or organizations that do not give the rightful recipients possession of Zakat, but instead use Zakat funds for constructions, investment or salaries.

source: zakah made easy

Sunday, June 6, 2010

The Third Pillar of Islam: Compulsory Charity

http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/46/

Charity is not just recommended by Islam, it is required of every financially stable Muslim. Giving charity to those who deserve it is part of Muslim character and one of the Five Pillars of Islamic practice. Zakat is viewed as “compulsory charity”; it is an obligation for those who have received their wealth from God to respond to those members of the community in need. Devoid of sentiments of universal love, some people know only to hoard wealth and to add to it by lending it out on interest. Islam’s teachings are the very antithesis of this attitude. Islam encourages the sharing of wealth with others and helps people to stand on their own and become productive members of the society.

In Arabic it is known as zakat which literally means “purification”, because zakat is considered to purify one’s heart of greed. Love of wealth is natural and it takes firm belief in God for a person to part with some of his wealth. Zakat must be paid on different categories of property — gold, silver, money; livestock; agricultural produce; and business commodities — and is payable each year after one year’s possession. It requires an annual contribution of 2.5 percent of an individual’s wealth and assets.

Like prayer, which is both an individual and communal responsibility, zakat expresses a Muslim’s worship of and thanksgiving to God by supporting those in need. In Islam, the true owner of things is not man, but God. Acquisition of wealth for its own sake, or so that it may increase a man’s worth, is condemned. Mere acquisition of wealth counts for nothing in the sight of God. It does not give man any merit in this life or in the hereafter. Islam teaches that people should acquire wealth with the intention of spending it on their own needs and the needs of others.

“‘Man’, said the Prophet, ‘says: My wealth! My wealth!’ Have you not any wealth except that which you give as alms and thus preserve, wear and tatter, eat and use up?”

The whole concept of wealth is considered in Islam as a gift from God. God, who provided it to the person, made a portion of it for the poor, so the poor have a right over one’s wealth. Zakat reminds Muslims that everything they have belongs to God. People are given their wealth as a trust from God, and zakat is intended to free Muslims from the love of money. The money paid in zakat is not something God needs or receives. He is above any type of dependency. God, in His boundless mercy, promises rewards for helping those in need with one basic condition that zakat be paid in the name of God; one should not expect or demand any worldly gains from the beneficiaries nor aim at making one’s names as a philanthropist. The feelings of a beneficiary should not be hurt by making him feel inferior or reminding him of the assistance.

Money given as zakat can only be used for certain specific things. Islamic Law stipulates that alms are to be used to support the poor and the needy, to free slaves and debtors, as specifically mentioned in the Quran (9:60). Zakat, which developed fourteen hundred years ago, functions as a form of social security in a Muslim society.

Neither Jewish nor Christian scriptures praise slave manumission by raising it to worship. Indeed, Islam is unique in world religions in requiring the faithful to financially help slaves win their freedom and has raised the manumission of a slave to an act of worship - if it is done to please God.

Under the caliphates, the collection and expenditure of zakat was a function of the state. In the contemporary Muslim world, it has been left up to the individual, except in some countries in which the state fulfills that role to some degree. Most Muslims in the West disperse zakat through Islamic charities, mosques, or directly giving to the poor. Money is not collected during religious services or via collection plates, but some mosques keep a drop box for those who wish it to distribute zakat on their behalf. Unlike the zakat, giving other forms of charity in private, even in secret, is considered better, in order to keep one’s intention purely for God.
Apart from zakat, the Quran and Hadeeth (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him) also stress sadaqah, or voluntary almsgiving, which is intended for the needy. The Quran emphasizes feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, helping those who are in need, and the more one helps, the more God helps the person, and the more one gives, the more God gives the person. One feels he is taking care of others and God is taking care of him.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Check these out too!

1. http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/2642/
2. http://1000gooddeeds.com/2009/12/10/good-deed-89-perform-salaah-with-khushuhumility/
3. http://1000gooddeeds.com/2010/02/03/good-deed-123-remember-allah-after-salaah/
4. http://1000gooddeeds.com/2010/02/05/good-deed-125-perform-isthikhara-guidance-prayer/
5. http://1000gooddeeds.com/2010/02/04/good-deed-124-perform-salah-duhaawabeen/
6. http://english.islamway.com/bindex.php?section=all_article&topicid=34
7. http://1000gooddeeds.com/2009/10/02/good-deed-41-attend-jumahfriday-prayer/
8. http://1000gooddeeds.com/2009/10/01/good-deed-40-perform-salaah-in-congregation/
9. http://ummahfilms.blogspot.com/2006/07/video-blog-6-distractions-during-salat.html

Why Don't You Pray? (IISNA pamphlet)

Sadly, many Muslims do not pray or fulfill the conditions of the prayer, despite its importance. The purpose of prayer is to strengthen your relationship with God; to be grateful for all His blessings; and to remind yourself of His Greatness. Just as the body requires physical needs, such as food and water, the soul requires spiritual needs, nourished by acts of worship, the most important of which is prayer. It could be that the body of a person is healthy but the person is spiritually dead.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The comparison of one who remembers Allah and one who does not, is like that of the living and the dead.”

Allah says, “O you who believe! Respond to (the call of) Allah and His Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life.” Qur’an 8:24

It's Importance

1. Direct communication with Allah:

“The closest a person is to His Lord is when he is in prostration.”

Prayer connects you with Allah. The Arabic word for prayer (As-Salah) is actually derived from the Arabic word meaning “connection”. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “When any one of you stands to pray, he is communicating with his Lord, so let him pay attention to how he speaks to Him.” Don’t sever this relationship with your Creator.

2. A pillar of Islam:

Prayer is the second most important pillar of Islam, and is the most regular compulsory action in a Muslim’s life. Prayer is an act that must be fulfilled daily, regardless of the circumstance. In fact, Allah did not even exempt the Muslims from praying during battle! He says, “Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers. If you fear (an enemy), pray on foot, or riding.” Qur’an 2:238-9 Such is the case during war. What then during peace?

3. Success lies in the Prayer:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The first of his deeds for which a man will be called to account on the Day of Resurrection will be the prayers. If it is found to be perfect, he will be safe and successful. But if it is defective, he will be unfortunate and a loser.”

Its Benefits

1. Shields against evil:

Without seeking Allah’s help, it is impossible to refrain from evil.

Allah says, “Verily, prayer restrains (oneself) from shameful and unjust deeds.” Qur’an 29:45 How can sins be committed if you’re willingly standing before Allah 5 times a day?

2. Enriches your soul:

Prayer satisfies your spiritual need to be in contact with your Creator. This gives your soul peace and contentment, especially with your busy lifestyle.

Allah says, “Without doubt, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.” Qur’an 13:28

3. Makes you humble:

Pride and arrogance is rid by realizing Allah’s greatness and your dependence on Him. In the prayer, the Muslim puts the highest part of his body and source of intellect, his head, on to the ground and says, “How perfect is my Lord, The Most High.”

He says, “Successful indeed are the believers, who are humble in their prayers.” Qur’an 23:1-2 Of course, this can only be achieved when you understand what is recited and concentrate with humility.

4. Washes away sins:

Everyone commits sins, however, Allah has provided, through prayer, a way to wipe out those sins.

Allah says, “And perform prayers, surely the good deeds remove the evils deeds.” Qur’an 11:114 The Messenger gave a beautiful example when he said to his companions, “Consider if one of you had a river by his door in which he bathed five times a day. Would any filth remain on him?” They said, “No.” Then the Prophet replied, “Likewise, Allah wipes away sins with the five daily prayers.”

5. Solves your problems:

If you strengthen your relationship with Allah, Allah will strengthen your relationship with the rest of the creation. Through prayer, He, who is All-Powerful, will rectify all your problems.

Allah says, “Seek help in patience and prayer.” Qur’an 2:153

6. Unites the Muslims:

Congregational prayer cultivates brotherhood, equality and humility between Muslims. The worshippers stand in rows and as one body, shoulder to shoulder, without any distinction of race, nationality, color, wealth, family or status. This act of unity helps demolish all barriers which stand between people.

Abandoning Prayer

“O Mankind, what has deceived you concerning your Lord, the Most Generous?” Qur’an 82:6

1. You are disobeying your Creator:

The whole purpose of your existence is to worship Allah, yet daily, you are disobeying your Creator.

“Then, there has succeeded them a generation who have given up prayer and have followed their desires. So they will be thrown in Hell. Except those who repent and believe, and work righteousness.” Qur’an 19:59-60

“(The people in Hell will be asked:) What has caused you to enter Hell? They will say: We were not of those who used to pray…” Qur’an 74:42-43

2. You are being ungrateful:

Refusing your Creator’s invitation to establish this close relationship with Him is the ultimate ingratitude.

Allah created you and gave you everything.

“It is He who has created you and endowed you with hearing and seeing and hearts, little are you grateful.” Qur’an 67:23 The Prophet’s feet would swell because he would stand in prayer for lengthy periods. When asked about this, he replied, “Should I not be a grateful servant of my Lord?”

3. You are being lazy:

What excuse will you give your Creator, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, on Judgment Day? The One Who blessed you with 24 hours in a day, yet only asked that you spend merely 30 minutes for prayer!

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The son of Adam will not be dismissed from before his Lord on the Day of Resurrection until he has been questioned with five things: his life and how he spent it, his youth and how he used it, his wealth and how he earned it and how he disposed of it, and how he acted upon what he acquired of knowledge.”

4. You will be miserable:

Allah says, “And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed for him is a life of hardship. And We will raise him on the Day of Resurrection, blind. He will say, “My Lord, why have you raised me blind while I was (once) seeing?” (Allah) will say, “Thus did Our signs come to you, and you forgot (disregarded) them; and thus will you, this Day, be forgotten.” Qur’an 20:124-6

5. You are only harming yourself:

Allah doesn’t need your prayer or anything from anyone - Glory be to Him! It is you that stands in need of His Mercy.

“Give thanks to Allah, and whoever gives thanks, it is only for his own soul’s good, and whoever is ungrateful, surely Allah is free of all needs, worthy of all praise.” Qur’an 31:12

6. You are flirting with disbelief:

Many Scholars of Islam hold the opinion that if you do not pray, you are a disbeliever, quoting the following hadith: “The covenant which distinguishes between us and them (i.e., between believers and disbelievers) is the prayer, and whoever neglects it has disbelieved.”

Additionally, the Prophet’s companions (may Allah be pleased with them) did not consider the abandonment of any act as disbelief, except for prayer.

Common Excuses

1. No time (work, study, busy, etc): Pure and simple deception. You haven’t given prayers priority. Allah will bless your time and make you more effective, efficient and successful.
2. My heart is clean: Allah judges who has clean hearts, and He wants you to pray! Actions will reflect what is in your heart. No one has a cleaner heart than Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who used to pray regularly.
3. My alarm: It’s hard for your alarm to go off, if you don’t SET it!!! Purify your intention and sleep according to the Sunnah.
4. My family/spouse/parents/friends prevent me: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There is no obedience to anyone in disobedience to Allah.” You will be judged alone.
5. I’m sinning too much: In time, your prayers will prevent you from committing these sins - just pray! You are sinning because you are not praying.

Contemplate over this hadith, “If they knew the merits of the ‘Isha and Fajr prayers, they would come to them (in the mosque) even if they had to crawl.”

What excuse for abandoning prayer do you honestly have when you face your Lord on that difficult Day?

Important! Please Read!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Friday, June 18, 2010

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Monday, June 14, 2010

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Saturday, June 5, 2010

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