THE EVER-LIVING NEVER SLEEPS
Both of them lived in a small town that was populated by only tens or hundreds of people. He was in love with her, and so when he saw her walking alone one night, he followed her until he had her cornered. When he came near to her, he said, "Woman, I crave for you."
She said, "First go and see if all the people are asleep."
Very pleased at her response, he walked around the town and returned. "Everyone is asleep," he said.
"What about Allah Azza wa Jal?" she asked. "Is He sleeping at this hour?"
"Woman, what are you saying?" he exclaimed. "Indeed, Allah does not sleep: neither slumber nor sleep overtake Him."
"The One Who hasn’t slept and doesn’t sleep sees us, even if people don’t see us," she said. "Do you not fear He Who neither sleeps nor is heedless of anything that happens?"
The man left her alone with tears flowing from his eyes, having nothing in mind except the desire to repent to the One Who neither sleeps nor is heedless of anything that happens.
Source: The above is taken from Stories of Repentance published by dar-us-salam
Saturday, November 28, 2009
O my lord, this is how you deal with one who disobeys you
Allah’s Vast And Comprehensive Mercy
July 28, 2009Yusuf bin Al-Husain is the narrator of this story:
I was with Dhi-an-Nun on the edge of a stream, when we saw an extraordinarily large lizard crawling along the side of the stream. Something strange yet wonderful then happened. A frog surfaced from the stream, the lizard mounted its back, and the frog then swam to the other side of the stream, carrying its passenger on its back.
Dhi-an-Nun said, "There is something interesting about that lizard let us go and follow it." We crossed the stream (which wasn’t so wide in width), and on the other side, we saw a drunken man who had passed out. Suddenly, a snake appeared before the prone body of the drunkard. It slithered its way up to the man’s navel to his chest, making a direct course to one of his ears.
The lizard we saw earlier then sprang into action. It jumped onto the snake and struck it violently, splitting its body into two. Returning to the edge of the stream, the lizard then mounted the frog again, and the two crossed to the other side of the stream, though both were still visible to us. Dhi-an-Nun woke up the drunkard, who slowly opened his eyes and became conscious of what was happening around him. Dhi-an-Nun said, "O young man, look how Allah has saved you! When this snake came to kill you, that lizard came and killed it. He then eplained the entire story to the young man.
The young man stood up and exclaimed: "O my lord, this is how you deal with one who disobeys you, then what will your mercy be like for the one who obeys you?" He then betook himself to the desert, vowing to dedicate his life to worship and to never return to the evils of the city.
The above is taken from "The Stories of Repentence" published by dar-us-salam
Story of a young Girl reciting Ayat-ul-kursi
The following is a true incident happened.
It was reported in a local paper in Rochdale (A town, northeast of Manchester), of a young woman who was raped in a small dark alley (a narrow passage between buildings) one evening. On a separate evening around the same time, a young Muslim girl was walking home from college. Aware that it was getting dark fast, she wanted to get home as soon as possible, so her mother would not be worrying about her being outside alone at night.
The young Muslim girl faced a dilemma. To take the short-cut down the same alleyway to avoid getting home after dark, or to take the longer route and have her mother worrying herself sick about her daughters safety.
Conscious of the time, she takes the alleyway. While the girl is walking she sees a rather sinister and dark figure of a man walking towards her from the other end. As her pace quickens, she begins to read
Ayat-ul-kursi for her safety. the man, he makes eye contact but carries on walking. When the young Muslim girl reaches home she tells her family about this sinister looking man, they advise her to contact the police, after having read the newspaper article some time before. When she contacts the police they ask her to give a physical description of the man. It matches the description the rape victim had given. Some days later the young Muslim girl receives a phone call from the police, asking her if she would come down to the police station to identify the man in a line up. Both the rape victim and the Muslim girl pick out the same man.The police are confused; they ask the rapist why he attacked one girl and not the other. In reference to the Muslim girl, he replies ‘why would I attack her? when she was walking with two huge men on either side of her?’
Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen.
http://abdurrahmanorg.wordpress.com/2009/07/
It was reported in a local paper in Rochdale (A town, northeast of Manchester), of a young woman who was raped in a small dark alley (a narrow passage between buildings) one evening. On a separate evening around the same time, a young Muslim girl was walking home from college. Aware that it was getting dark fast, she wanted to get home as soon as possible, so her mother would not be worrying about her being outside alone at night.
The young Muslim girl faced a dilemma. To take the short-cut down the same alleyway to avoid getting home after dark, or to take the longer route and have her mother worrying herself sick about her daughters safety.
Conscious of the time, she takes the alleyway. While the girl is walking she sees a rather sinister and dark figure of a man walking towards her from the other end. As her pace quickens, she begins to read
Ayat-ul-kursi for her safety. the man, he makes eye contact but carries on walking. When the young Muslim girl reaches home she tells her family about this sinister looking man, they advise her to contact the police, after having read the newspaper article some time before. When she contacts the police they ask her to give a physical description of the man. It matches the description the rape victim had given. Some days later the young Muslim girl receives a phone call from the police, asking her if she would come down to the police station to identify the man in a line up. Both the rape victim and the Muslim girl pick out the same man.The police are confused; they ask the rapist why he attacked one girl and not the other. In reference to the Muslim girl, he replies ‘why would I attack her? when she was walking with two huge men on either side of her?’
Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen.
http://abdurrahmanorg.wordpress.com/2009/07/
Supplication for the Best of Both Worlds
AsSalam Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuhu
Supplication for the Best of Both Worlds
Taken From the articles "Reflections" , Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.6 – Dhul-Qa’dah 1417H / March 1997
‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood radiallaahu ‘anhu relates that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would supplicate:
"O Allaah! I ask You for guidance, piety, safety and well-being, and contentment and sufficiency."
[Allaahumma innee as'alukal-hudaa wat-tuqaa wal-'afaafa wal-ghinaa].Sahih Muslim (no.2721)
Imaam as-Sa’dee (d.1376H) – rahimahullaah – said:
This du’aa (supplication) is from the most comprehensive and beneficial du’aas (supplications), since it includes asking Allaah for well-being with regards to both the Religion and the world. Thus, al-hudaa (the guidance) is beneficial knowledge, and at-tuqaa (i.e. taqwaa or piety) is righteous actions and leaving-off what Allaah and His Messenger have forbidden; and this is (asking) for correctness and well-being of a person’s Religion. For indeed, the Religion comprises of beneficial knowledge and recognising the truth – which is guidance – and standing firm upon obedience to Allaah and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam – and this is piety.
And al-’afaafa (well-being and safety) and al-ghinaa (contentment and sufficiency) comprises of being safe from (the harms of) the creation and that the heart is not attached to them. And it also comprises of being contented with Allaah and what He provides, and seeking whatever will cause the heart to be satisfied with Him. So with this, happiness in this worldly life is completed, and the heart tastes true sweetness and delight – and this is a goodly life. So whosoever is granted the provisions of guidance, Piety. well-being and contentment has indeed achieved true happiness, and has acquired all that could be possibly sought after, as well as being saved from all that is dreadful and frightening." [Bahjatul-Quloobul-Abraar (p.198)]
Supplication for the Best of Both Worlds
Taken From the articles "Reflections" , Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.6 – Dhul-Qa’dah 1417H / March 1997
‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood radiallaahu ‘anhu relates that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would supplicate:
"O Allaah! I ask You for guidance, piety, safety and well-being, and contentment and sufficiency."
[Allaahumma innee as'alukal-hudaa wat-tuqaa wal-'afaafa wal-ghinaa].Sahih Muslim (no.2721)
Imaam as-Sa’dee (d.1376H) – rahimahullaah – said:
This du’aa (supplication) is from the most comprehensive and beneficial du’aas (supplications), since it includes asking Allaah for well-being with regards to both the Religion and the world. Thus, al-hudaa (the guidance) is beneficial knowledge, and at-tuqaa (i.e. taqwaa or piety) is righteous actions and leaving-off what Allaah and His Messenger have forbidden; and this is (asking) for correctness and well-being of a person’s Religion. For indeed, the Religion comprises of beneficial knowledge and recognising the truth – which is guidance – and standing firm upon obedience to Allaah and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam – and this is piety.
And al-’afaafa (well-being and safety) and al-ghinaa (contentment and sufficiency) comprises of being safe from (the harms of) the creation and that the heart is not attached to them. And it also comprises of being contented with Allaah and what He provides, and seeking whatever will cause the heart to be satisfied with Him. So with this, happiness in this worldly life is completed, and the heart tastes true sweetness and delight – and this is a goodly life. So whosoever is granted the provisions of guidance, Piety. well-being and contentment has indeed achieved true happiness, and has acquired all that could be possibly sought after, as well as being saved from all that is dreadful and frightening." [Bahjatul-Quloobul-Abraar (p.198)]
From the Benefits of Winter
From the Benefits of Winter
June 18, 2009
It is reported from Abû Hurayrah – Allâh be pleased with him – that he said:
Shall I not point you to comfortable proceeds? People responded, “And what is that o Abû Hurayrah?” He replied, “Fasting in winter.”
The Arabs used to refer to matters which were relatively easy to gain as being cool. In this narration, the relative ease of fasting in winter and its consequent reward is likened to acquiring war proceeds without the heat of violence.
It is reported from ‘Umar – Allâh be pleased with him – that he said:
Winter is booty for the devout worshippers.
This is further explained in the following narration:
It is reported from ‘Ubayd b. ‘Umayr – Allâh have mercy on him – that he said:
It used to be said when winter came: O people of the Qur`ân, the night has become long so you can pray (more) and the day has become short for you to fast.
Abû Nu’aym, Hilyah Al-Awliyâ`.
As with other experiences in this world, the Salaf used to be reminded of the hereafter when experiencing cold weather:
It is reported from the famous worshipper Râbi’ah – Allâh have mercy on her – that she said:
I have never heard the adhân except that I remember the caller who will announce the Day of Resurrection, and I never see the falling snow except that I imagine the flying pages of the records of peoples deeds (on that day), and I never see swarms of locusts except that I think about the Great Gathering on the Last Day.
Ibn Al-Jawzî, Sifah Al-Safwah Vol. 2 p433.
June 18, 2009
It is reported from Abû Hurayrah – Allâh be pleased with him – that he said:
Shall I not point you to comfortable proceeds? People responded, “And what is that o Abû Hurayrah?” He replied, “Fasting in winter.”
The Arabs used to refer to matters which were relatively easy to gain as being cool. In this narration, the relative ease of fasting in winter and its consequent reward is likened to acquiring war proceeds without the heat of violence.
It is reported from ‘Umar – Allâh be pleased with him – that he said:
Winter is booty for the devout worshippers.
This is further explained in the following narration:
It is reported from ‘Ubayd b. ‘Umayr – Allâh have mercy on him – that he said:
It used to be said when winter came: O people of the Qur`ân, the night has become long so you can pray (more) and the day has become short for you to fast.
Abû Nu’aym, Hilyah Al-Awliyâ`.
As with other experiences in this world, the Salaf used to be reminded of the hereafter when experiencing cold weather:
It is reported from the famous worshipper Râbi’ah – Allâh have mercy on her – that she said:
I have never heard the adhân except that I remember the caller who will announce the Day of Resurrection, and I never see the falling snow except that I imagine the flying pages of the records of peoples deeds (on that day), and I never see swarms of locusts except that I think about the Great Gathering on the Last Day.
Ibn Al-Jawzî, Sifah Al-Safwah Vol. 2 p433.
The Man and the Snake
AsSalam Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuhu
The Man and the Snake
A man returns home from his shop on a winter night and finds his wife and children sitting in the veranda. He asks them surprizingly, "why are you sitting in the veranda in this cold weather?" His wife replies, a long black snake has entered the room in the evening.
The man then enters the room with a big stick and searches everywhere for the snake, but couldn’t find it. The wife says, I have seen the snake entering the room with my own eyes, and the children bear witness to it.
Upon hearing this, the man enters the room again and takes out everything from the room until the room is completely empty. Then he searches everything thoroughly and keeps it back in the room one by one, but still there is no sign of any snake.
He consoles his wife and children saying that the snake might have left the house from this drain and you might not have seen it go out. Hearing this, their fear is curtailed and they enter the room.
Now they have their dinner as usual and prepare to sleep. The man sits on his bed and starts checking his shop’s account. Suddenly he sees his shirt which was hanging on the wall moving slightly even though the fan is off due to cold and doors and windows are tightly shut. He thinks that the snake is hiding behind the shirt. Terrified, the man takes a stick and touches his shirt. Then he shakes it vigorously with the stick, but there is no snake. He picks up the shirt and hangs it inside the cupboard and returns to his bed.
Now he feels he is not interested in the shop’s account. So he switches the lights off and lies on his bed. He alone was awake in the house and everyone else had slept already. Suddenly the empty cup on the cupboard falls down on the floor. He again imagines the snake curled on top of the cupboard. He switches on the light while sitting on the bed itself. Then stands on his place and looks at the cupboard.
Once again he takes up courage and searches the room for the snake, but to no avail. Tired, he lies down again for sleeping without switching off the light this time.
To his astonishment, whenever he closes his eyes, he sees a long black snake in front of him. He opens his eyes out of fear. He spends his whole night turning from one side to other and could not sleep due to the fear of the snake…
His wife had informed him of a snake entering the room due to which he searched the room thrice but couldn’t find any trace of a snake. His wife might have lied to him, and used to lie at him sometimes. But believing in her report, he scanned the room thrice and could not sleep due to fear. Any small sound would make his hairs stand on their ends.
But the most truthful of all, our Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam has seen with his own eyes and informed us of various stages in the Hereafter. Let alone Jannat, Jahannum, Sirat, the Day of Resurrection, the Punishment of the Grave, etc and let alone the Power of Allah, His hidden Treasure, and His hidden System (of governing everything), if we only take the report that every human has two angels (Kiraman Katibeen) on their shoulders who record each and every deed; how many of our nights were spent sleepless due to the fear of these Kiraaman Kaatibeen?
Just due to the report of his wife seeing a snake he spent his whole night in fear, how many nights have we spent in fear due to these angels informed by our Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam? Let alone spending sleepless nights, how many times did we ever think of these angels continously monitoring us and our hairs have stood on their ends?
Check other Inspiring Stories
The Man and the Snake
A man returns home from his shop on a winter night and finds his wife and children sitting in the veranda. He asks them surprizingly, "why are you sitting in the veranda in this cold weather?" His wife replies, a long black snake has entered the room in the evening.
The man then enters the room with a big stick and searches everywhere for the snake, but couldn’t find it. The wife says, I have seen the snake entering the room with my own eyes, and the children bear witness to it.
Upon hearing this, the man enters the room again and takes out everything from the room until the room is completely empty. Then he searches everything thoroughly and keeps it back in the room one by one, but still there is no sign of any snake.
He consoles his wife and children saying that the snake might have left the house from this drain and you might not have seen it go out. Hearing this, their fear is curtailed and they enter the room.
Now they have their dinner as usual and prepare to sleep. The man sits on his bed and starts checking his shop’s account. Suddenly he sees his shirt which was hanging on the wall moving slightly even though the fan is off due to cold and doors and windows are tightly shut. He thinks that the snake is hiding behind the shirt. Terrified, the man takes a stick and touches his shirt. Then he shakes it vigorously with the stick, but there is no snake. He picks up the shirt and hangs it inside the cupboard and returns to his bed.
Now he feels he is not interested in the shop’s account. So he switches the lights off and lies on his bed. He alone was awake in the house and everyone else had slept already. Suddenly the empty cup on the cupboard falls down on the floor. He again imagines the snake curled on top of the cupboard. He switches on the light while sitting on the bed itself. Then stands on his place and looks at the cupboard.
Once again he takes up courage and searches the room for the snake, but to no avail. Tired, he lies down again for sleeping without switching off the light this time.
To his astonishment, whenever he closes his eyes, he sees a long black snake in front of him. He opens his eyes out of fear. He spends his whole night turning from one side to other and could not sleep due to the fear of the snake…
His wife had informed him of a snake entering the room due to which he searched the room thrice but couldn’t find any trace of a snake. His wife might have lied to him, and used to lie at him sometimes. But believing in her report, he scanned the room thrice and could not sleep due to fear. Any small sound would make his hairs stand on their ends.
But the most truthful of all, our Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam has seen with his own eyes and informed us of various stages in the Hereafter. Let alone Jannat, Jahannum, Sirat, the Day of Resurrection, the Punishment of the Grave, etc and let alone the Power of Allah, His hidden Treasure, and His hidden System (of governing everything), if we only take the report that every human has two angels (Kiraman Katibeen) on their shoulders who record each and every deed; how many of our nights were spent sleepless due to the fear of these Kiraaman Kaatibeen?
Just due to the report of his wife seeing a snake he spent his whole night in fear, how many nights have we spent in fear due to these angels informed by our Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam? Let alone spending sleepless nights, how many times did we ever think of these angels continously monitoring us and our hairs have stood on their ends?
Check other Inspiring Stories
A Nasheed (Poem)
A Nasheed (Poem)
by Sheikh Ahmed bin Ali Al-Ajmy
by Sheikh Ahmed bin Ali Al-Ajmy
Our Sister, we have heard something strange!
They have uttered unworthy talk on Hijab,
They've said a tent has been put over the necks,
Our Sister, we have heard something strange!
They have uttered unworthy talk on Hijab,
They've said a tent has been put over the necks,
They've said a tent has been put over the necks,
Our Sister, we have heard something strange!
They have uttered unworthy talk on Hijab,
They've said a tent has been put over the necks,
They've said that oppression [and] darkness are attached with the garments,
They have said that backwardness and primitiveness are linked with Niqab,
They've said that gracefulness and modernisation are nonexistent,
They have called for the liberation of women; while compiling for it Books,
They even lured the road of adornment (immorality) to waste the young men,
O our Sister, recognise that they are too fallen to the bottom; to the earth,
O our Sister, recognise that they've become low with their illusion like the dogs,
They have said that backwardness and primitiveness are linked with Niqab,
They've said that gracefulness and modernisation are nonexistent,
They have called for the liberation of women; while compiling for it Books,
They even lured the road of adornment (immorality) to waste the young men,
O our Sister, recognise that they are too fallen to the bottom; to the earth,
O our Sister, recognise that they've become low with their illusion like the dogs,
O our Sister, recognise that this is the yowl of the spiteful from the wolves (those who hate Islam),
O our Sister, their entire roars will not affect the cloud (heart and mind of Muslims)
O our Sister, their entire roars will not affect the cloud (heart and mind of Muslims)
O our sister, patience will dissolve by it's ocean all difficulties,
O our Sister, YOU are the chaste and are preserved by the Hijab,
O our Sister, YOU have the resolute and the equality and the reward!
O our Sister, YOU are the chaste and are preserved by the Hijab,
O our Sister, YOU have the resolute and the equality and the reward!
And stance the Hell-Fire is the tomb of oppressors; where their punishment awaits,
And Allaah will expose their oppression on The Day of Account,
Since Jannah is the home, and what a beautiful place of (final) return!
Since Jannah is the home, and what a beautiful place of (final) return!
Our Sister, we have heard something strange!
They have uttered unworthy talk on Hijab,
They've said a tent has been put over the necks...
They have uttered unworthy talk on Hijab,
They've said a tent has been put over the necks...
The Story of the Dead People – Tafseer Ibn Kathir
The Story of the Dead People – Tafseer Ibn Kathir
( Did you (O Muhammad ) not think of those who went forth from their homes in the thousands, fearing death Allah said to them, “Die”. And then He restored them to life. Truly, Allah is full of bounty to mankind, but most men thank not.) [Surah Baqarah Verse243]Ibn Abu Hatim related that Ibn `Abbas said that these people mentioned herein, were the residents of a village called Dawardan. `Ali bin `Asim said that they were from Dawardan, a village several miles away from Wasit (in Iraq).
In his Tafsir, Waki` bin Jarrah said that Ibn `Abbas commented,
(Did you (O Muhammad ) not think of those who went forth from their homes in thousands, fearing death) that they were four thousand persons who escaped the plague (that broke out in their land). They said, “We should go to a land
that is free of death!” When they reached a certain area, Allah said to them:
(“Die.”) and they all died. Afterwards, one of the Prophets passed by them and supplicated to Allah to resurrect them and Allah brought them back to life. So, Allah stated:
(Did you (O Muhammad ) not think of those who went forth from their homes in the thousands, fearing death)
Furthermore, several scholars among the Salaf said that these people were the residents of a city during the time of the Children of Israel. The weather in their land did not suit them and an epidemic broke out. They fled their land fearing death and took refuge in the wilderness. They later arrived at a fertile valley and they filled what is between its two sides. Then Allah sent two angels to them, one from the lower side and the other from the upper side of the valley. The angels screamed once and all the people died instantly, just as the death of one man. They were later moved to a different place, where walls and graves were built around them. They all perished, and their bodies rotted and disintegrated. Long afterwards, one of the Prophets of the Children of Israel, whose name was Hizqil (Ezekiel), passed by them and asked Allah to bring them back to life by his hand. Allah accepted his supplication and commanded him to say, “O rotted bones, Allah commands you to come together.” The bones of every body were brought together. Allah then commanded him to say, “O bones, Allah commands you to be covered with flesh, nerves and skin.” That also happened while Hizqil was watching. Allah then commanded him to say, “O souls, Allah commands you to return, each to the body that it used to inhabit.” They all came back to life, looked around and proclaimed, “All praise is due to You (O Allah!) and there is no deity worthy of worship except You.” Allah brought them back to life after they had perished long ago.
We should state that bringing these people back to life is a clear proof that physical resurrection shall occur on the Day of Resurrection.
This is why Allah said:
(Truly, Allah is full of bounty to mankind,) meaning, in that He shows them His great signs, sound proofs and clear evidences.
Yet, (but most men thank not.) as they do not thank Allah for what He has given them with in their worldly life and religious affairs.
The story of the dead people (2:244 above) also indicates that no caution can ever avert destiny and that there is no refuge from Allah, but to Allah Himself. These people departed from their land fleeing the epidemic and seeking to enjoy a long life. What they earned was the opposite of what they sought, as death came quickly and instantaneously and seized them all.
There is an authentic Hadith that Imam Ahmad reported that `Abdullah bin `Abbas said that `Umar bin Al-Khattab once went to Ash-Sham (Syria). When he reached the area of Sargh, he was met by the commanders of the army: Abu `Ubaydah bin Jarrah and his companions. They told him that the plague had broken out in Ash-Sham. The Hadith then mentioned that `Abdur-Rahman bin `Awf, who was away attending to some of his affairs, came and said, “I have knowledge regarding this matter. I heard Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) say:
(If it (the plague) breaks out in a land that you are in, do not leave that land to escape from it. If you hear about it in a land, do not enter it.)
`Umar then thanked Allah and went back. This Hadith is also reported in the Sahihayn.
Four Birds & Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him)
Four Birds & Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him)
Source : Tafseer Ibn Kathir
(260. And (remember) when Ibrahim said, "My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.” He (Allah) said: "Do you not believe” He (Ibrahim) said: "Yes (I believe), but to be stronger in faith.” He said: "Take four birds, then cause them to incline towards you (then slaughter them, cut them into pieces), and then put a portion of them on every hill, and call them, they will come to you in haste. And know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.”)
The Khalil Supplicates to Allah to Show Him How He Resurrects the Dead
The scholars said that there are reasons behind this request by Ibrahim. For instance, when Ibrahim said to Nimrod, (My Lord (Allah) is He Who gives life and causes death,) he wanted to solidify his knowledge about resurrection by actually witnessing it with his eyes. Prophet Ibrahim said,
("My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.” He (Allah) said: "Do you not believe” He (Ibrahim) said: "Yes (I believe), but to be stronger in faith.”)
Al-Bukhari recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,
(We are more liable to be in doubt than Ibrahim when he said, "My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.” Allah said, "Don’t you believe” Ibrahim said, "Yes (I believe), but (I ask) in order to be stronger in faith.”)
The Prophet’s statement in the Hadith means, "We are more liable to seek certainty.”
The Answer to Al-Khalil’s Request:
Allah said,
(He said: "Take four birds, then cause them to incline towards you.”)
Scholars of Tafsir disagreed over the type of birds mentioned here, although this matter in not relevant due to the fact that the Qur’an did not mention it. Allah’s statement,
(cause them to incline towards you) means, cut them to pieces. This is the explanation of Ibn `Abbas, `Ikrimah, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Abu Malik, Abu Al-Aswad Ad-Dili, Wahb bin Munabbih, Al-Hasan and As-Suddi.
Therefore, Ibrahim caught four birds, slaughtered them, removed the feathers, tore the birds to pieces and mixed the pieces together. He then placed parts of these mixed pieces on four or seven hills. Ibn `Abbas said, "Ibrahim kept the heads of these birds in his hand. Next, Allah commanded Ibrahim to call the birds to him, and he did as Allah commanded him. Ibrahim witnessed the feathers, blood and flesh of these birds fly to each other, and the parts flew each to their bodies, until every bird came back to life and came walking at a fast pace towards Ibrahim, so that the example that Ibrahim was witnessing would become more impressive. Each bird came to collect its head from Ibrahim’s hand, and if he gave the bird another head the bird refused to accept it. When Ibrahim gave each bird its own head, the head was placed on its body by Allah’s leave and power. ”
This is why Allah said,
(And know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise) and no one can overwhelm or resist Him. Whatever Allah wills, occurs without hindrance, because He is the All-Mighty, Supreme above all things, and He is Wise in His statements, actions, legislation and decrees.
`Abdur-Razzaq recorded that Ma`mar said that Ayyub said that Ibn `Abbas commented on what Ibrahim said,
(but to be stronger in Faith), "To me, there is no Ayah in the Qur’an that brings more hope than this Ayah.” Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Muhammad bin Al-Munkadir said that `Abdullah bin `Abbas met `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As and said to him, "Which Ayah in the Qur’an carries more hope for you” Ibn `Amr said,
(Say: "O `Ibadi (My servants) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not.) (39:53).
Ibn `Abbas said, "But I say that it is Allah’s statement,
(And (remember) when Ibrahim said, "My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.” He (Allah) said: "Do you not believe” He (Ibrahim) said: "Yes (I believe)…)
Allah accepted Ibrahim’s affirmation when he merely said, `Yes.’ This Ayah refers to the doubts that attack the heart and the thoughts that Shaytan inspires.” Al-Hakim also recorded this in Al-Mustadrak and said; "Its chain is Sahih but they did not record it.”
Source : Tafseer Ibn Kathir
(260. And (remember) when Ibrahim said, "My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.” He (Allah) said: "Do you not believe” He (Ibrahim) said: "Yes (I believe), but to be stronger in faith.” He said: "Take four birds, then cause them to incline towards you (then slaughter them, cut them into pieces), and then put a portion of them on every hill, and call them, they will come to you in haste. And know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.”)
The Khalil Supplicates to Allah to Show Him How He Resurrects the Dead
The scholars said that there are reasons behind this request by Ibrahim. For instance, when Ibrahim said to Nimrod, (My Lord (Allah) is He Who gives life and causes death,) he wanted to solidify his knowledge about resurrection by actually witnessing it with his eyes. Prophet Ibrahim said,
("My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.” He (Allah) said: "Do you not believe” He (Ibrahim) said: "Yes (I believe), but to be stronger in faith.”)
Al-Bukhari recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,
(We are more liable to be in doubt than Ibrahim when he said, "My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.” Allah said, "Don’t you believe” Ibrahim said, "Yes (I believe), but (I ask) in order to be stronger in faith.”)
The Prophet’s statement in the Hadith means, "We are more liable to seek certainty.”
The Answer to Al-Khalil’s Request:
Allah said,
(He said: "Take four birds, then cause them to incline towards you.”)
Scholars of Tafsir disagreed over the type of birds mentioned here, although this matter in not relevant due to the fact that the Qur’an did not mention it. Allah’s statement,
(cause them to incline towards you) means, cut them to pieces. This is the explanation of Ibn `Abbas, `Ikrimah, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Abu Malik, Abu Al-Aswad Ad-Dili, Wahb bin Munabbih, Al-Hasan and As-Suddi.
Therefore, Ibrahim caught four birds, slaughtered them, removed the feathers, tore the birds to pieces and mixed the pieces together. He then placed parts of these mixed pieces on four or seven hills. Ibn `Abbas said, "Ibrahim kept the heads of these birds in his hand. Next, Allah commanded Ibrahim to call the birds to him, and he did as Allah commanded him. Ibrahim witnessed the feathers, blood and flesh of these birds fly to each other, and the parts flew each to their bodies, until every bird came back to life and came walking at a fast pace towards Ibrahim, so that the example that Ibrahim was witnessing would become more impressive. Each bird came to collect its head from Ibrahim’s hand, and if he gave the bird another head the bird refused to accept it. When Ibrahim gave each bird its own head, the head was placed on its body by Allah’s leave and power. ”
This is why Allah said,
(And know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise) and no one can overwhelm or resist Him. Whatever Allah wills, occurs without hindrance, because He is the All-Mighty, Supreme above all things, and He is Wise in His statements, actions, legislation and decrees.
`Abdur-Razzaq recorded that Ma`mar said that Ayyub said that Ibn `Abbas commented on what Ibrahim said,
(but to be stronger in Faith), "To me, there is no Ayah in the Qur’an that brings more hope than this Ayah.” Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Muhammad bin Al-Munkadir said that `Abdullah bin `Abbas met `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As and said to him, "Which Ayah in the Qur’an carries more hope for you” Ibn `Amr said,
(Say: "O `Ibadi (My servants) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not.) (39:53).
Ibn `Abbas said, "But I say that it is Allah’s statement,
(And (remember) when Ibrahim said, "My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.” He (Allah) said: "Do you not believe” He (Ibrahim) said: "Yes (I believe)…)
Allah accepted Ibrahim’s affirmation when he merely said, `Yes.’ This Ayah refers to the doubts that attack the heart and the thoughts that Shaytan inspires.” Al-Hakim also recorded this in Al-Mustadrak and said; "Its chain is Sahih but they did not record it.”
Question: Is it permissible for a woman to wear an engagement ring?
Question: Is it permissible for a woman to wear an engagement ring?
As-Shaykh Muhammad bin Abdillah as-Subayyl (1) answered by saying,"It is permissible for a woman to wear whatever type of ring she desires; it doesn't matter if the ring is gold, silver or other than that. However, if she intends by wearing this [engagement] ring to follow and imitate the non-Muslims in their ways, it is not permissible for her to wear it.
Furthermore, if she believes that this ring will increase the love between her and her [future] husband, she has fallen into an impermissible belief. [She should be aware] that Allah, the Most High, is the one who causes people to love one another. [So I say] it is better [for her] to leave off wearing an engagement ring. This is a means of preventing herself from falling into the hazardous things that I have mentioned. And Allah knows best (as-Subayyal 26, 27)." (2)
(1) As-Shaykh Muhammad bin Abdillah as-Subayyl is an Imam at The Holy Mosque of Makkah. He has taught some of today's most famous scholars; scholars such as: as-Shaykh Salih al-Fawzaan and as-Shaykh Abdur-Rahman al-'Ajlaan.
(2) As-Subayyal, Muhammad. Religious Verdicts Pertaining to the Muslim Woman. Algeria: Dar al-Miraath, First Print.
Jameel Finch al-Makki
Umm al-Quraa University
Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
28th Thul Q'adah, 1430 / November 16, 2009
As-Shaykh Muhammad bin Abdillah as-Subayyl (1) answered by saying,"It is permissible for a woman to wear whatever type of ring she desires; it doesn't matter if the ring is gold, silver or other than that. However, if she intends by wearing this [engagement] ring to follow and imitate the non-Muslims in their ways, it is not permissible for her to wear it.
Furthermore, if she believes that this ring will increase the love between her and her [future] husband, she has fallen into an impermissible belief. [She should be aware] that Allah, the Most High, is the one who causes people to love one another. [So I say] it is better [for her] to leave off wearing an engagement ring. This is a means of preventing herself from falling into the hazardous things that I have mentioned. And Allah knows best (as-Subayyal 26, 27)." (2)
(1) As-Shaykh Muhammad bin Abdillah as-Subayyl is an Imam at The Holy Mosque of Makkah. He has taught some of today's most famous scholars; scholars such as: as-Shaykh Salih al-Fawzaan and as-Shaykh Abdur-Rahman al-'Ajlaan.
(2) As-Subayyal, Muhammad. Religious Verdicts Pertaining to the Muslim Woman. Algeria: Dar al-Miraath, First Print.
Jameel Finch al-Makki
Umm al-Quraa University
Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
28th Thul Q'adah, 1430 / November 16, 2009
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