Thursday, December 16, 2010

Jewels of Guidance (Volume-1) ..... Gems from the lives of the three imaams 1. Ibn-Baaz, 2. Al-Albaanee, 3. Aluthaymeen

ReviewReviewReviewReviewReviewJewels of Guidance (Volume-1) ..... Gems from the lives of the three imaams 1. Ibn-Baaz, 2. Al-Albaanee, 3. AluthaymeenDec 16, '10 5:16 AM
by Nasrin for everyone
Category:Books
Genre: Religion & Spirituality
Author:Fatwa-Online Publication
Alhamdulillah, just a bit ago finished reading the book that i bought on Saturday morning from Dar-us-salam Store. Alhamdulillah. I really wanted to buy the book after reading some parts of it shared by a sister in her blog.

I had some money to buy the books i bought and i did that but later my friend wanted to give me the books i bought with her as gift to me as i will be leaving for my country, isn't that so sweet, may Allah reward her. Ameen.

The Book is of course so beneficial, it gives only glimpses into the lives of our Scholars, may Allah grant them forgiveness and Jannah Ameen. As i read, i just made dua and still am making dua that Allah makes me like these scholars and grants me tawfeeq to follow in their example and benefit me with everything that i read in that book. Ameen.

May Allah make me and all of us generous and open heart-ed and fearful of Allah at all time, and grant us high manners and moral codes and make us gentle and forbearing and patient and wisdom and more and more. Ameen.

You can find a lot of the narrations in here:
http://www.fatwa-online.com/jewelsofguidance/ibnuthaymeen/index.htm
http://www.fatwa-online.com/jewelsofguidance/ibnbaaz/index.htm
http://www.fatwa-online.com/jewelsofguidance/alalbaanee/index.htm

and here are some more shared by the sister on her blog:

======

Serving the Ummah Regardless

Shaykh Ahmad al-Qattan narrates12:
‘One day we visited the Shaykh [ibn Baaz] whilst he was suffering from an ailment in his leg. The doctor stood beside the Shaykh for an hour seeking the Shaykh’s permission to begin treating him, but the continuous telephone calls from the people seeking religious answers to their questions led to the doctor standing for a long time. Even when we left the Shaykh, the doctor had as yet been unable to treat him.’

____

[12] Mawaaqif Mudhee’ah fee Hayaat al-Imaam ‘Abdul-’Azeez ibn Baaz – Page 206.

*Transcribed from: Jewels of Guidance ~ Volume One | Ibn Baaz, al-Albaanee, Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy upon them all)

====

Give the benefit of the doubt

Doosh bint Falah ad-Dawsaree narrates:

‘One of the people who used to regularly visit the Shaykh (Ibn Baz) mentioned that once the Shaykh was extending his greetings to the people who had gathered when a man who smelt of cigarette smoke came and shook his hand. So, one over-enthusiastic person hastened to tell the Shaykh (about this) as if he wished for the man to be rebuked and scolded. However, the Shaykh, with his welcoming heart and good opinion of the people said, paraphrasing: “Do not be hasty in passing judgement! It is possible that he was a passenger with someone who smokes and as a result some of the smell went onto him.’”

* Transcribed from: Jewels of Guidance | Volume One

=========

During the final hours of his life

Fahd ibn ‘Abdil-’Azeez as-Sunaydee narrates(14):

‘Shaykh Talaal ibn Ahmad al-’Aqeel said: In the early evening of 27th Muharram 1420 AH, right after the Maghrib salaah, myself, Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan al-Ujayree and Misfir al-Moosaa, went to visit the noble Shaykh Ibn Baaz at his home, in Taif. As was his habit, the Shaykh had around him 25 people who had come to visit him. Everyone had their need; this one wants to ask for a fatwa and this one wants to ask a question and this one just came to visit to extend his greetings (salaam) to the Shaykh. On that day, I saw the Shaykh‘s face was radiating with light (noor) and his happiness indicated how much at ease he was and his desire to show love to all those who were gathered around him.

So, he asked the name of everyone who extended their greetings to him, and if he knew them, he would ask them about their affairs, their family and children. Someone came to the Shaykh and he gave him (enough) to satisfy his needs, and another called from one of the Arab states to ask the extent of his ability to assist him in gaining entry to the Islaamic University in Madeenah. The Shaykh said to him: “Send (us) your papers and we will do what we are able are able to.” Another came to ask him for a fatwa regarding divorce and the Shaykh responded to his question with much composure and wisdom.

One of the Shaykhs came to extend greetings to the Shaykh on behalf of some of the Shuyookh, and he asked for the Shaykh‘s opinion regarding electric mosquito repellents. The Shaykh replied: “If it is electric, then it is (a form of) fire and thus it is not permissible to strike mosquitoes with fire.”

Then the servant of the house came with coffee, tea and bakhoor (incense) and the Shaykh continued to answer the telephone, one call after another. To the right of the Shaykh sat Shaykh ‘Abdul-’Azeez ibn Naasir, and to his left sat Shaykh Ibn Moosaa; both of them had papers with them, each one reading one after the other to the Shaykh.

Suddenly, the Shaykh raised his voice and said: “I ask Allaah ‘Azza wa Jall to grant tawfeeq to everyone with all that is good, and to purify our intentions and to accept from us (our) sincere actions and to grant Islaam and the Muslims honour.” Then he made a long supplication while we responded by saying ‘Aameen.’ Then the adhaan for the ‘Ishaa salaah was called, and we stood and bade farewell to the Shaykh; kissing his hands, which were warm and smooth. Again, he prayed for tawfeeq for us.

This is what the Shaykh was doing during the final hours of his life.’

Footnote(s):

14) Mawaaqif Mudhee’ah fee Hayaat al-Imaam ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Ibn Baaz – Page 95.

* Transcribed from: Jewels of Guidance || …Gems from the lives of the three imaams, Ibn Baaz, al-Albaanee, Ibn ‘Uthaymeen – may Allaah have mercy upon them all

=============

Khayran, inshaaAllaah..

Shaykh ‘Abdul-Maalik al-Qaasim narrates(15):

‘Shaykh Muhammad ar-Roomee, a lecturer at the Faculty of Teaching, and someone who was renowned and respected for interpreting dreams, mentioned to me:

“About a year ago, I met Shaykh Ibn Baaz and he asked me about the interpretation of a dream he had which was as follows: He saw himself on a mountain, and with him was the Messenger (of Allaah) and another man. The Messenger then descended and headed for his masjid (al-Masjid an-Nabawee) in Madeenah. There, he led the prayer and the dream ended.”

Shaykh ar-Roomee then said: “I interpreted the dream for him, that: ‘Indeed, O Shaykh you will attain the ranks of the siddiqeen and the shuhadaa.’ This is because the Messenger was upon the Mount of Uhud (and this was understood to be the case in the dream) which then began to shake, so he said:

اثبت أحد فإنما عليك صديق وشهيد

“Stand firm Uhud, for indeed upon you is a Prophet, a Siddeeq and a Shaheed.”(16)

So, it could be the shahaadah (martyrdom) which we pray Allaah ‘Azzaa wa Jall permits the Shaykh to achieve; since he died from a stomach-related illness, or that he prayed for the shahaadah of sidq, and so Allaah granted him both.”

Shaykh ar-Roomee said: “And when I interpreted the dream for the Shaykh, he lowered his head and said: ‘Khayraan, inshaaAllaah.‘”‘

Footnotes:

15) Mawaaqif Mudhee’ah fee Hayaat al-Imaam ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Ibn Baaz – Page 80.

16) Translator’s Note: Musnad of Imaam Ahmad.

* Transcribed from: Jewels of Guidance || …Gems from the lives of the three imaams, Ibn Baaz, al-Albaanee, Ibn ‘Uthaymeen – may Allaah have mercy upon them all

========

Maintaining family ties

Wafaa(17) bint Muhammad al-Baaz narrates (18):

‘He was always one to ask about everyone without exception.

He used to call us by telephone if he missed any of us or if he travelled to Taif or Makkah, and was not one to consider his right to be asked about even though he was more worthy of being asked about.

He would always say: “I know you are trying to call me or visit me, while I am busy,” and because of this, whenever he would find any time, he would be sure to call and speak to us; asking us about our affairs.’

Footnotes:

17) Translators Note: The Shaykh’s granddaughter.

18) Mawaaqif Mudhee’ah fee Hayaat al-Imaam ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Ibn Baaz – Page 79.

* Transcribed from: Jewels of Guidance || …Gems from the lives of the three imaams, Ibn Baaz, al-Albaanee, Ibn ‘Uthaymeen – may Allaah have mercy upon them all

===========

The jinn flee

Shaykh Badar ibn Naadhir al-Mashaaree narrates(19):

‘One of the (ruqyah) reciters narrates: “That day, I read upon a man who was possessed by a jinn and I spoke to the jinn and said to him; ‘Leave this man, otherwise I will take you to Shaykh Ibn Baaz.’ The jinn cried out, saying: ‘No! By Allaah, if we see Shaykh Ibn Baaz coming along a path, we (change and) go the other way!”"

Footnotes:

19) Mawaaqif Mudhee’ah fee Hayaat al-Imaam ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Ibn Baaz – Page 79.

* Transcribed from: Jewels of Guidance || …Gems from the lives of the three imaams, Ibn Baaz, al-Albaanee, Ibn ‘Uthaymeen – may Allaah have mercy upon them all

===========

Inviting to Islaam wherever he may be

Shaykh Amad(21) ibn ‘Abdil ‘Azeez ibn Baaz narrates(22):

‘When he [Ibn Baaz] would attend hospital (appointments) for treatment, there was a Christian from Belgium amongst those on the medical team of specialists treating him.

The Shaykh noticed he would speak Arabic like a foreigner so he asked about him and we informed him as to where he was from and his religion. So, the Shaykh invited him over and sat him next to himself and proposed that he accept Islaam (and become a Muslim). He spoke to him about the beauty of the religion of Islaam and encouraged him to accept the truth (which the religion offered).

This man promised the Shaykh that he would conscientiously read about Islaam and learn more about it so that (when he accepts Islaam) his acceptance will be based upon knowledge and contentment.

From this incident I learnt of the care and attention he paid to inviting the non-Muslims to Islaam with wisdom and good speech(23).’

Footnotes:

22) Mawaaqif Mudhee’ah fee Hayaat al-Imaam ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Ibn Baaz – Page 84.

23) Translator’s Note: As Allaah (‘Azza wa Jall) says in the Noble Qur’aan – Soorah an-Nahl, Aayah 125:

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair preaching.”

* Transcribed from: Jewels of Guidance || …Gems from the lives of the three imaams, Ibn Baaz, al-Albaanee, Ibn ‘Uthaymeen – may Allaah have mercy upon them all

===========

A follower of the Qur’aan and Sunnah

Shaykh Abu Anas Muhammad Moosaa Nasr narrates(101):

‘I once had a dream about the Shaykh and I consider it from amongst the glad tidings for him. I narrated some of it to him and he cried, saying “O Allaah, make me better than what they suspect of me, and forgive me for that which they do not know (about me).(102)“

I used to visit the Shaykh at his house, always being shy and undecided (about intruding upon him), out of respect for his precious time where he would complete his research projects which were of service to the Prophet Sunnah and the Manhaj of the (Pious) Predecessors. Standing at the door of his house, I would say to him: “Should I enter or go away, O my Shaykh?” And he would reply:

“The likes of you are not told to go away, O Abaa Anas.” I consider this to be a great honour which I am not worthy of.

Anyway, I saw in a dream a large gathering of people who had crowded around a stairway which led up to a balcony with a door in front of it. No one was going up the stairway; rather they were looking up at the balcony and that door. So I said to them: “Whom are you waiting for?” And what are you looking at?” So they said: “The Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).”

So I entered their fold and ascended the stairway until I reached the perch of the balcony, just before the door, so I could be so fortunate as to see the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). All the time, the people below were looking up towards the door when suddenly the door opened and there came forth our Shaykh al-Albaanee (rahimahullaah).

So, I interpreted the dream to be that he was the most fortunate of people for his efforts in propagating the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and his steadfastness upon his (salallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) guidance. I narrated this to the Shaykh (rahimahulllaah), and it was as if the dream was saying: “Whoever wants to tread the path of the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) then let him approach this man who has come out from behind this door to seek guidance upon the path of the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).’”

Endnotes:

101) al-Imaam al-Mujaddid al-’Allaamah al-Muhaddith Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee – Page 67.

102) Translator’s Note: This is part of a supplication the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) recommended his Companions (radhiyallaahu ‘anhuma) to make (as reported by al-Asma’ee) when they were praised by the people and feared the fitnah:

اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ أَعْلَمُ بِي منْ نَفْسِ، وَأََنَا أَعْلَمُ بِنَفْسِي منْهُمْ،
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنيِ خيْرً ممًا يَحْسَبُونَ وَ اغْفرْ لي مَا لآ يَعْلَمُونَ،
وَلَاَ تُؤَاخِذْنِي بِمَا يَقُولُونً

* Transcribed from: Jewels of Guidance || …Gems from the lives of the three imaams, Ibn Baaz, al-Albaanee, Ibn ‘Uthaymeen – may Allaah have mercy upon them all

==============

May Allah grant us tawfeeq to take our Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam as our Example in all aspects of our Life and follow him ameen, Indeed our Scholars have reached the status they reached only due to this matter.

O Allah grant us Husnul Quluq, So much Sabr, So Much HIKMA, Husnuth Dhun, and SO MUCH gentleness, and FREE us YA Rabbi from Harshness, Hardness, Evil Manners, Evil tongue, Evil heart/soul, Impatience, and more... Ameen, Ameen.

May Allah grant us tawfeeq to take our scholars as our example to benefit from them in all aspects of our life. Ameen.

Was-salamualikum warahma tullahiwabaraka tuhu

Friday, December 3, 2010

مجالس شهر رمضان

مجالس شهر رمضانSep 1, '10 11:14 PM
for everyone
Category:Books
Genre: Religion & Spirituality
Author:Shaykh Muhammad bin Saleh al-Uthaymeen
I bought this book some time ago, maybe long ago - but after the last Ramadan for sure. I found it online on the shaykh's site last Ramadan and i really wanted the hard copy, alhamdulillah, i found it @ rimarket.net for a very chief price. Just $5 dollars. Compare to lovely print and thickness of the book, the price is really good. alhamdulillah.

I didn't finish reading this book in full but i read like half of it, whichever of the chapters i wanted to read, i read it. alhamdulillah.

I have to say it is one of the lovely book on the Ramadan and it has much benefit in it. Below is the Index for you in Arabic

المكتبة المقروءة : الفـقه : مجالس شهر رمضان

فهرس الكتاب
· المقدمة
· المجلس الأول - في فضلْ شهرْ رمضَان
· المجلس الثاني - في فضلِ الصِّيَام
· المجلس الثالث - في حُكْمِ صيَامِ رَمضان
· المجلس الرابع - في حكم قِيَام رمَضان
· المجلس الخامس - في فضْل تلاَوة القرآن وأنواعهَا
· المجلس السّادس - في أقسام النَّاس في الصيَام
· المجلس السابع - في طائِفَة من أقسَام الناس في الصيّام
· المجلس الثامن - في بقيّة أقسام الناس في الصيّام وأحكام القضاء
· المجلس التاسع - في حِكَمِ الصِّيَام
· المجلس العاشر - في آداب الصيام الواجبة
· المجلس الحادي عشر - في آداب الصيام المستحبة
· المجلس الثاني عشر - في النوع الثاني من تلاوة القرآن
· المجلس الثالث عشر - في آداب قراءة القرآن
· المجلس الرابع عشر - في مفطرات الصوم
· المجلس الخامس عشر - في شروط الفطر بالمفطرات وما لا يفطِّرُ وما يجوز للصائم
· المجلس السادس عشر - في الزكاة
· المجلس السابع عشر - في أهْل الزكاة
· المجلس الثامن عشر - في غَزوة بَــدر
· المجلس التاسع عشر - في غَزوة فتح مَكة شرّفها الله عز وجل
· المجلس العشرون - في أسباب النصر الحقيقية
· المجلس الحادي والعشرون - في فضْل العشر الأخيرة من رمَضانُ
· المجلس الثاني والعشرون - في الاجتْهاد في العشر الأواخر ولَيْلَة القدر
· المجلس الثالث والعشرون - في وصف الجنة جعلنا الله من أهلها
· المجلس الرابع والعشرون - في أوصاف أهل الجنة
· المجلس الخامس والعشرون - في وصف النار
· المجلس السادس والعشرون - في أسباب دخول النار
· المجلس السابع والعشرون - في النوع الثاني من أسباب دخول النار
· المجلس الثامن والعشرون - في زكاة الفطر
· المجلس التاسع والعشرون - في التوبة
· المجلس الثلاثون - في ختام الشهر

http://www.ibnothaimeen.com/all/books/cat_index_276.shtml - you can read the book here in full, you can also download it as ebook from the site.

http://sahehilm.blogspot.com/2009/10/end-of-ramadan-and-incitement-to_30.html - in here you have translation of the last chapter of the book.

http://en.miraath.net/content/gatherings-month-ramadan - in here you will find translation of more than 5 chapters of the book as audio, alhamdulillah that the brothers did this great job.

http://www.rimarket.net/product-p/fq0075s.htm - and you can buy the book from here.

They still have few copies so you should rush and buy it. inshaaallah.

مذكرة في أحكام الصيام

مذكرة في أحكام الصيامAug 13, '10 7:01 PM
for everyone
Category:Books
Genre: Religion & Spirituality
Author:Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab Al-Wasaabi
I bought this book on July middle i think, i saw it some time ago while i was looking through. I really wanted to buy it because it was a short book something that one of us could study many times and memorize. That was the main intention to memorize the rulings of ramadan from a short ramadan book.

I thought this would be one of the good book for it. Alhamdulillah it is. Very summarized book on the rules and regulations and manners and things we should do, should not do, things that are recommended, wajib, sunnah etc.

you can buy it from here: http://www.rimarket.net/product-p/fq0074s.htm
they still have six more copies. Alhamdulillah.

I wanted to finish the book and put a review of it very much as well. I finished it day before yesterday i believe.

What i can share from the book with you...

i could do more but inshaaAllah i will suffice with this. Translating takes time... InshaaAllah in future... not now.

there is one thing i needed evidence for, i.e. speech of a scholar before i said anything was about saying one is hungry and complaining about the hardship etc to the people while fasting, this is one of the thing that is disliked. i was alhamdulillah happy to find it listed in this book.

I could share with you the index of this book: [perhaps some of you will find it good and buy and benefit and memorize the book inshaaAllah].

1. Intro.
2. pillars of fasting
3. conditions of fasting of ramadan
4. obligations of fasting of ramadan
5. recommended [acts] of fasting of ramadan
6. Recommended actions for the fasting person or other than him
7. Permissible actions during the fast and other than it
8. things that break the fast
9. disliked matters of fasting
10. from the rulings of fasting [this chapter is good - with works of shaykh uthaymeen and another shaykh, it has good reminders alhamdulillah. may Allah benefit us. ameen.]

11. from the manners of fasting
12. from the benefits of fasting
13. people who are excused from the fasting of ramadan
-> type 1
-> type 2
-> type 3
-> type 4

14. NOTE
15. types of fasting
-> wajib fast
-> recommended fast
-> innovated fast
-> haram fast
-> disliked fast

16. special characters of the month of ramadan
17. innovations of ramadan
18. the ending

The Abridgment of the Prophet's Prayer Described

The Abridgment of the Prophet's Prayer DescribedSep 28, '10 12:55 PM
for everyone
Category:Books
Genre: Religion & Spirituality
Author:Shaykh Muhammad Naasirud-deen al-Albaane
Alhamdulillah, after so many years later of buying this book, i finally read it alhamdulillah. I don't even remember when i bought it but i know it goes back over 3 years at least. MaashaaAllah. Alhamdulillah.

I really liked the book and i really liked the simplicity of the book. I think reading its Arabic version would have clarify some English translation better. There are some points i found to be very beneficial reminder to me so i took those out and wants to share with you here in my review.

The book is found online as PDF so kindly look into the book to verify how they should be understood and which section each point fall into inshaaAllah - This is IMPORTANT very much. alhamdulillah.

***NOTE: i think there is a missing of a point in the PDF [at least] as it is off by a point toward the later half of the book. So i would say it is better that you buy the book and benefit from it. InshaaAllah.

Even if you have the Bigger version of this book, but this abridge version is nothing like the bigger version of it, and it has more extra information that you do not find in the bigger version just as the bigger version info. you don't really find in this one [a lot of it i mean].

So these are some points of benefit i found:

(2) The obligation to face the direction of the Ka'bah is removed from a warrior having to pray the Fear Prayer and during severe fighting. It is also removed from one who is rendered incapable of it, such as one who is (very) ill, or one who is upon a ship, car or airplane and who fears that the Prayer time will reach its end. It is also removed from one, who prays optional Prayer or the Witr Prayer upon a riding beast or vehicle. It is, however, preferable for him, if he is able, to turn it towards the Qiblah for the initial takbeer. After that it does not matter in which direction it turns.

(7) It is not permissible for the person praying sitting to place something raised upon the ground to prostrate upon. Rather he should only make the movement for his prostration lower than that for his bowing, as we have already mentioned, this is what he does if he is unable to directly place his head upon the ground.

(10) In the case of old age or bodily weakness, it is allowed for him during the standing to support himself against a pillar or with a stick.

(11) It is permissible to pray the voluntary Prayer during the night standing or even sitting without an excuse, and he can combine both of these. So he may pray and recite whilst sitting, and then shortly before the rukoo' he may stand and recite the few aayahs that remain for him whilst standing. Then he bows and prostrates, and then he does the same in the second rak'ah.

(12) If he prays sitting, he sits with his legs crossed, or in any manner of sitting that is comfortable for him.


(15) If he does remove his shoes then he should not place them on his right-hand side, rather he should place them to his left as long as there is nobody praying to his left. Otherwise he should place them between his feet2. This order is authentically reported from the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam.

(20) It is obligatory that the height of the sutrah above the ground be at least a span or two spans, due to his saying, “If one of you places in front of him the like of the back-part of a camel-saddle5, then let him pray and not care about what passes beyond that.”

(21) The person praying faces the sutrah directly. This is what is apparent from the command to pray towards the sutrah. As for the matter of moving slightly to the right or the left, so that he does not stand directly in line with it, then this is not authentically established.

(22) It is permissible to pray towards a staff stuck into the ground or its like, or towards a tree, or a pillar, or towards his wife who is lying upon the bed beneath the blanket, or towards his riding beast, even if it is a camel.

(24) It is not allowed to pass directly in front of a person who is praying if he has a sutrah in front of him. There is no difference in this between al-Masjidul-Haraam and other mosques. The forbiddance applies equally to all of them, due to the generality of his ! saying, “If the one who passes directly in front of a person knew the (sin) that was upon him, then he would rather stand and wait for forty than pass in front of him." Meaning, passing in between him and the place of his sutrah.6

(25) It is not allowed for a person praying towards a sutrah to allow anyone to pass in front of him, due to the previous hadeeth, “... and do not let anyone walk in front of him ...” and his ! saying, “If one of you prays towards something that screens him from the people, and someone wants to pass in front of him, then let him repel him by pushing him on the chest, and let him repel him as much as he can ... [and in a narration ... then let him fight him, for he is a devil].”

(27) From the importance of the sutrah in Prayer is that it prevents the person's Prayer being nullified by the passing of that which will disrupt it. Contrary to the one who prays without a sutrah, since his Prayer will be nullified if an adult woman, or likewise a donkey, or a black dog passes in front of him.

(30) He should not raise his voice in saying the takbeer in any of the Prayers, unless he is an Imaam (leading others in prayer).


(45) Then he should begin by reciting one of the supplications established from the Prophet !, and they are many. The most well- known is:

Subhaanak-Allaahumma, wa biham-dika, wa tabaarakasmuka, wa ta'aalaa jadduka, wa laa ilaaha ghayruka

I declare You free and far removed from all imperfections, O Allaah, and all praise is for You. Blessed is Your Name. Great and Exalted is Your Kingdom. None has the right to be worshipped besides You.

The command for this is established, so one should be careful to do it.11

(46) Then he must seek refuge with Allaah, the Most High, and it is an obligation, he will be sinful if he leaves it.

(49) Then he should say quietly, in both loud and silent Prayers: Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem - In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower o f Mercy.

(51) But one who is still unable to recite it, then it is sufficient for him to say:

Subhaan-Allaah, wal-hamdulillaah, wa laa ilaaha illallaah, wallaahu Akbar, wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa billaah

I declare Allaah free and far removed from all imperfections, and all praise is for Allaah, and Allaah is greater and no power except by the Will of Allah

(53) It is permissible to recite either “Maaliki” ... Owner of the Day of Recompense, or “Maliki” ... King of the Day of Recompense.

(54) It is obligatory that the one praying behind an imaam also recites it in quiet Prayers. He should also recite it in loud Prayers if he cannot hear an imaam reciting, or if it happens that the imaam remains silent after his own recitation in order to enable the follower to recite it. However, it is our view that this period of silence is not established from the Sunnah.13

(82) He should raise his hands when he rises up, in the manner that has preceded (point nos. 33, 34 and 35).

(131) However it is not allowed to sit upon the two heels for this sitting. [@ first tashahud]

(134) It it is not allowed for him to sit whilst resting upon his hand, especially the left hand. [@ first tashahud]

(147) Then he says: Allaahu Akbar - Allaah is Greater. and this is an obligation. The Sunnah is that he says it whilst he is
sitting.

(162) As for the invocation (qunoot) for the Witr Prayer, then it is prescribed to say it occasionally.

(163) It should be said before the rukoo', contrary to the invocation at the time of a calamity.

(171) He should lean heavily upon his left knee with his palm, supporting himself in that manner. [@ FINAL TASHAHHUD SITTING]


En the Abridgement of Prophet Prayer

Lessons and Benefits from the Marital Life of the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam)

Lessons and Benefits from the Marital Life of the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam)Sep 20, '10 2:34 PM
for everyone
Category:Books
Genre: Religion & Spirituality
Author:Dr. Khaalid Ibn ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ash-Shaay
Alhamdulillah i finished the book before the Zuhr Salah, spent like 3:45min in 3 sitting to finish the book. This is the book i bought on Friday @ Dar-us-salam and heard the lecture of "salafi dawa'ah being expensive".

alhamdulillah, the print of the book is excellent and its organization and style as well. Very pretty book to have at hand. No wander, why its price is $10 dollars. MaashaaAllah. The pages are just 68 and from that you have **Blank** pages in between the chapters and at the end and there is some words list of 2 pages at the end and of course the text is spread in way to take more space.

Overall, it is a very short book that looks pretty and the knowledge it contains is alhamdulillah is GREAT. The topic is one that catches attention so no matter how much it cost, one who wants to know what is inside will BUY it. Alhamdulillah.

There are 15 hadith in the book and each hadith has several benefits added to it, and the points are great. alhamdulillah. and there are some footnotes too that were added to clarify few points of importance.

I would like to share two points with you all from the book that i liked very much. alhamdulillah.

1 - "The wife should make the utmost effort to earn the love of her husband by treating him in a kind and respectful manner. For indeed it is the woman who is truly loved who gives meaning to a man's life. She gives him joy from her emotions just as she gives him birth from her womb. Verily it is only a woman who can bring about a truly warm environment for her husband. For there are some women who can make the home a beautiful, effervescent garden even though the house may be barren and times might be difficult. Whereas on the other hand, some women can make the home feel like an arid, windy desert even though it may be filled with all their needs and wants. and then there are some women who make the home like a graveyard."

2 - This hadith (#9) is a clear evidence of the prohibition of taking pictures or keeping them. Rather they should be erased or destroyed and the only exception to this that which is done out of necessity. As for the custom of some people whereby they hang pictures on their walls or in their rooms, then this is haram based on the statement of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, "verily the people who make these pictures would be punished."

and this is in addition to the fact that from the negative repercussions of pictures is that the angels do not enter a house in which there are pictures. Consequently, one realizes that the prevalence of pictures of beings with souls on people's clothing, especially that of children, is something that must be corrected. As for if the picture is in a lowly place such as one that is on the ground and is used as a floor mat, then this is something that is OK, because it is treated in an abase manner, for in one of the narrations of this hadith, it states that Jibreel came to the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam and said, "Go and make two pillows out of the curtain that will be thrown on the floor and stepped on..." (albanee graded this hadith as saheeh)

3 - [Bonus] - "the fact that arguments occur between spouses should not seem strange, however they both must hasten to solve their problem(s) even if it means one of them compromising for the other. This is why one finds that when marital problems which were initiated by his wives - may Allah be pleased with them - occurred in the homes of the prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, because of his outstanding character, he was properly equipped to solve them; and this is how men should be."

Two good footnotes were on the topic of - evil eye and how to protect ones' self from it, and another on - about husband turning his back on his wife on the same bed they sleep on as a punishment for her improper behaviors while he should still talk to her.

I like the book alhamdulillah.

========
Author: Dr. Khaalid Ibn ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ash-Shaayi’
Paperback: 72 Pages
Published: July 2010

An insightful look in to the perfect manners and morals of the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) in his dealings with his wives. The author carefully selects fifteen hadeeth ranging from issues of approaching marriage to wedding celebrations to issues of rights, disagreement and reconcilement - all of which exemplify the beautiful conduct of the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) combining the ultimate balance of wisdom, mercy and justice.

The author states in his introduction:

"No doubt the mannerism and the character of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) is an example that Muslims generation after generation have tried to emulate, and this is because of the exemplary traits and qualities that Allaah has bestowed upon him. And from these noble characteristics is the manner in which he treated his wives and his children, for the one who ponders on this aspect of his life stands astounded in awe and admiration for this noble Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam)."


Our price: $9.99 (£6.49)
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Pillars of Islam and Iman - And what every Muslim must know about his religion

Pillars of Islam and Iman - And what every Muslim must know about his religionNov 7, '10 6:34 PM
for everyone
Category:Books
Genre: Religion & Spirituality
Author:Shaykh Muhammad bin Jamil Zino
This is one of the best BOOK on the Basics of Islam that which a muslim need on daily basis. Alhamdulillah. it has more information in terms of what a Muslim need daily compared to the book of shaykh ibn bazz "important lessons for the Ummah" but it has some materials not found in the Book of Shaykh Zino.

Therefore, combination of both books brings about GREAT benefit for each Muslim in learning what is needed to know on the basics of Islam. Alhamdulillah.

I bought this book in the year of 2005 on the Eidul Fitr. I knew i just had $40 dollars and i checked online for this set: The Islamic Library (7 Books) and it was around $40 to $50 dollars or something like that. and i called the store at atlantic avenue and i kept asking them to reduce the price to $40 dollars and alhamdulillah they did. then i went to pick up the set for myself. This is the first set of authentic islamic books i believe i bought and i really wanted to buy as well. it was easy for me to buy books since the store was on my way to college so i would just stop by the place and buy books as i could afford and needed, didn't need to ask anyone else from my family to do it. Alhamdulillah.

and today it is 2010, after five years later, Allah has given me tawpiq to finish reading this book in full, not even full subhan Allah as i left of reading the section of riba and some parts of hajj. i read some parts long ago and after looking through the book and what it contained of benefit, i always did my best to buy this book as gift for people and i strongly recommend if you want to give someone a gift that is beneficial, then buy this book. excellent book. alhamdulillah. but the original copy that i bought with the set was long gone, i gave out to someone i don't even remember. after that i bought the copy again and it was gone again and then bought again then it was gone again..., alhamdulillah. So finally got a copy that is with me still. it is like i have to keep more than one copy of this book so i can give away a copy when i see the need.

the book online is $7.95 but at the store, i bought for $9 dollars. alhamdulillah. i bought this copy with my new Mushaf last time i went to dar-us-salam store @ atlantic ave.

i really liked the book and learned many things alhamdulillah. the books of our noble shaykh - may Allah grant him jannah and make his grave specious for him and open for him a gate to jannah and give him bedding and clothing from jannah ameen - are really simple and short and concise. His style is very clear, he makes a point, brings forth proof from Quraan and Sunnah. Alhamdulillah and this book is in the like manner.

what i liked most about the book was that in the section of manners, he actually gave you brief bio of our Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam and in the hajj, he gave like brief hajj history of our Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, reading these sections really touched my heart a lot, moved me to tears. alhamdulillah.

Now let me share something nice i learned from the book:
=============================================

* over the ramadan or summer program in the masjid, a sister mentioned throwing out [vomiting] breaks one's wudhu, i never read this in the books i read so i kept quiet but kept searching for it. So, when i finally came to read this book and was reading the wudhu section, Alhamdulillah Found My Answer.

Thus let me share with you what does not break wudhu section: [daleel in the book]

1. touching woman with skin to skin
2. the flow of blood from anywhere other than the vagina, whether because of a wound or cupping or nosebleed. Hasan radi Allahu anhu said, "the Muslims used to keep on praying while wounded". [Bukhar]

3. Vomit, whether enough to fill the mouth or less

4. being doubtful regarding excretion - of stool, urine, gas etc.., from private parts - after performing wudhu. This uncertainty does not require consideration whether one is in salat or outside it, since certain knowledge cannot be superseded by uncertainty. In contrast, if he is sure of excretion, and he doubts whether he performed wudhu or not after it, his wudhu would not be treated as established.

5. laughing aloud while in salat does not invalidate wudhu. there is a weak hadith which states that it does invalidate wudhu, but a weak hadith cannot be used to establish a point of law.

6. to give a bath to a dead person does not require one to perform wudhu afterwards. there is some evidence which caused some scholars to rule that it does, but when all the evidence on the issue is considered, the result is that wudhu is recommended but not required.

============================================

Shaykh Zino really mentions nice refutation of Sufis in his books, alhamdulillah. he mentioned some in this book too. he mentioned some on "shrines" where people donate so much money. one story he mentioned was that 2 poor man killed a donkey and then put up a shrines to earn money as they saw people give money to shrines but not to poor people when they asked for money. at the end, they got into argument and got beaten up badly.

Shaykh mentions 2 lines of poetry goes like:

"Our living don't even get a dirham [a coin of silver]
while thousands and thousands go to the dead."

that's so true. shaykh mentions another one where people set up a shrines to earn money while there was no dead in it at all. Subhan Allah.

and this is being done in bangladesh and other countries a great deal, poor people are fooled by such shrines and they go from far places to donate money to seek blessings. Allahul Musta'an. Alhamdulillah.

=========================================
Someone asked even after reading the title of the book, does this book contain information on fasting and hajj etc? So in case you do not know what does it means "pillars of Islam and Eman" then HERE:

Pillars of Islam are FIVE and they are:
1. laa ilaha illa Allah wa muhammad rasul Allah - none has the right to be worshiped except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
2. as-salah - the prayer
3. az-zakah - the obligatory charity
4. sawmu ramadan - fasting the month of ramadan
5. Hajjul bayt - Hajj to the House of Allah

Pillars of Emaan are SIX:
1. belief in Allah
2. His Angels
3. His Books
4. His Messengers
5. The Last day
6. belief in pre-decree - its good and its bad

[Hadith of Muslim - Hadith of Jibreel as citation for this info]

I strongly recommend every Muslims to buy this book and study it, including myself, i need to read it and study it many times to learn and benefit a great deal from it. may Allah grant me tawpiq. Ameen.

============== mentioned by site ================

Brief Overview

Besides being a great scholar, Sheikh Muhammad bin Jamil Zino is also the author and compiler of many books directly related to the fundamentals of Islam. He holds the honor to have a place in the rank of those authors of present time whose works have been widely accepted & attributed.

This is his first ranking work. In this Book, the learned writer discussed the fundamental constituents of Islam: Salat (prayer), Saum (fasting), Hajj and Zakat etc., in a lucid and impressive manner. The discussion regarding Faith and Belief in the first part is and added value to the book.

The distinctive feature of this book is its simplicity. Anyone can learn & practice Islam easily through the guidance of this book.

About the Author

Shaikh Muhammad bin Jamil Zeno is originally from Syria, but for a long time he has been a teacher in Dar-ul-Hadith AlKhairiyah, Makkah AlMukarramah. Besides being a great scholar, he is also the author and compiler of many books. He holds the honor to have a place in the rank of those authors of present time whose work has been widely accepted.

Because of his simple style, his books gained popularity in the Islamic world. He uses authentic sources while writing the books, that is why his books are appreciated by the scholars. Generally in the Islamic world, and specially in the Arab world, the authenticity of a book is judged by its author's name, and his name has acquired such position.

BUY from here: http://store.dar-us-salam.com/product/006a.html

Miracles of the Messenger sallallahu alayhe wa sallam

Miracles of the Messenger sallallahu alayhe wa sallamNov 27, '10 1:37 AM
for everyone
Category:Books
Genre: Religion & Spirituality
Author:Darussalam Research Division
Alhamdulillah, just finished reading the book. Really wanted to finish it as the book is really so great and beneficial full of reminders alhamdulillah.

One of my beloved sister in Islam from Trinidad gave me a gift card so i ordered this book thus it is my Eid gift book, alhamdulillah, and i do not know any gift that is better than knowledge that we can give each others. I don't like gifting people food and clothes either. alhamdulillah.

There are 10 miracles that were mentioned in this book as chapters but in reality there were other miracles that were mentioned as 10 major ones were mentioned.

the presentation of the information was really amazing, first chapter was splitting of the moon. i was thinking they would just list out the miracles in simple manner like ahadeeth BUT NO instead the author did such an excellent job presentation, he added so much benefits and reminders that you won't believe until you have the book at hand. In the first split of moon one, maashaaAllah so many information about the moon has been given.

and some of the great reminders regarding Aqeedah and manners and trust and reliance on Allah and remembering Him, supplicating to Him and more were mentioned. I really enjoyed so much. Many times i was moved to tears. may Allah benefit me with the knowledge He has bestowed upon me. ameen.

and i cannot believe dar-us-salam shared with you a chapter of the book too maashaaAllah so you should certainly read it and benefit inshaaAllah .

Dar-us-salam really published some excellent works on History and Seerah, and i wish i could buy all of their books on these subjects. May Allah grant me tawfeeq to do so. ameen.

You should see the sample pages and see the index and some section in the beginning: http://store.dar-us-salam.com/product/179.html

Some points of benefit i loved very much was the reminder about:

# 1: Virtues of Remembering Allah

# 2: Courage is associated to the closeness of Allah, the more firm one is on Emaan, the More courage on has

# 3: That one should trust in Allah and Seek His aid and that everything done by His assistance not due to one being intelligent or some ability they have like strength etc

# 4: Supplicating to Allah and trusting that He will certainly respond and that He is indeed able to do all things.

# 5: repeated reminders about the truthfulness of our Prophet's sallallahu alayhe wa sallam's prophet-hood and HOW ALLAH AIDED HIM AND SUPPORTED HIM. I always love this part and you can feel How truthful it is that our Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam was a friend of Allah, Khalil of Allah, Allah supported him and took care of him and was there for him always no matter what happened.

we all wish we had a best friend who would be there for us in our happy moments and sad events and may Allah be our BEST of friend because there is nothing that is comparable to this.

and this reminds me that if we truly obey Allah then indeed He will aid us at all times in all situations and it is our sins hence has lead to our failures and is delaying Allah's response to our supplication. O Allah forgive us and guide us to Your obedience ameen.

# 5: and also benefit about manners of going to going to toilet

# 6: and YES, how to cure magic spell. i loved this section very much. You see our Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam when he was afflicted with magic, he did what? He supplicated to Allah as Aysha radi Allahu anha said, he did this three times at night, [of course with sincere faith and strong trust in Allah] and guess what Allah responded to His supplication and cured His illness of magic spell.

# 7: also this reminds me of the benefit that when the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to ask Allah for something and make dua to Allah, he would do it three times.

and curing magic by going to people who would take help of jinn to cure this magic is not allowed.

there are so many benefits in this book along. Alhamdulillah. I cannot list all but i loved some very much as they benefited me right at the point when i read and met my need of the time alhamdulillah.

Alhamdulillah for Blessing me with this beneficial knowledge and may Allah bless me with righteous actions upon it. ameen.


Price: $12.95 Convert to a different Currency
By: Darussalam Research Division
Pages: 239
Binding: Hardback
Size: 6×9" (15×22 cm)
ISBN: 9960-897-56-7 (9960897567)
Edition: 1st (2004)
Shipping Weight: 0.97 lbs

Although the main Miracle given to our Prophet (S) was the Noble Qur'Gn, Allah supported him with many other Miracles also. Out of these many Miracles, a few of them are presented in this book to enlighten our youth about those Miracles.

Publisher's Note

All praises are due to Allah, the Lord of all that exists. May Allah's peace and blessings be upon His final Prophet and Messenger, Muhammad, his family and his Companions.

Darussalam is pleased to present this book, to the Muslim youth. The purpose of this book is to enlighten our youth about the Miracles of the Prophet (S).
Allah supported his Messengers with the Miracles to help them in times of distress, to prove the truth of the Messages that they were sent with, and to prevent liars and false claimers of Prophet hood.

Although the main Miracle given to our Prophet (S) was the Noble Qur'an, but Allah supported him with many other Miracles also. Out of these many Miracles, we are presenting a few of them in this book.

From this book we have started a new feature of providing the meanings of the difficult words. The underlined words are those which have their meanings in the Vocabulary given at the end.

We at Darussalam realize the importance of good Islamic literature for Muslim children, especially in the West where non-Islamic influences are so strong. For this reason, we feel that the availability of this book will be a valuable aid in instilling a genuine love for Islam and the Prophet (S) in our children.

Abdul-Malik Mujahid
General Manager

Dar-us-Salam Online Books
A chapter from the book
Miracles Of The Messenger
Chapter 1: The Splitting of the Moon
http://dar-us-salam.com/books/179-MiraclesOfTheMessenger.htm

When the pagans despaired of tempting the Prophet (S) to turn away from his preaching or to leave them and their gods alone and to cease _denouncing them, they gathered together and consulted one another regarding their situation. Then they tried another approach, which was to try to prove the weakness of the Prophet (S) ; by asking him to produce Miracles, so they went to him, saying to him in a quarrelsome and argumentative manner: "Oh, Muhammad! If you are truthful, then show us a Sign from you." Then they defined the Sign, saying: "Split the moon for us into two parts." Allah, the Most High said:

"The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft asunder."

This took place before the emigration (Hijrah) of the Prophet (S) to Al-Madinah, on a moonlit night in the middle of the month. The world had become accustomed to not paying any attention to the moon, which proceeded calmly across the heaven, to take its place in the center of the sky, after it had risen and completed its course and it appeared in the sky in full, illuminating the land.

"Blessed is He (Allah) Who has placed in the heaven big stars, and has placed therein a great lamp (sun) and a moon giving light. "

In Mina, near the blessed Mount Hira', which loomed in the light of the moon, a large number of people had gathered in expectation wait, fear and silence, craning their necks towards the far horizon, their eyes fixed upon the moon. The Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (S) stopped and with him were few people who believed in his Message and were convinced of the truth of it. They stood between a large number who had belied him and were determined not to believe him, even if the moon fell over their heads.

And from the Owner of all things, Who is Able to do all things, issued the command to the moon (to split) and the moon obeyed willingly and began to split, whispering: "I respond to Your Call, my Lord! I respond to Your Call, oh, Owner of the command!" And slowly, it began to split, little by little, its two sides parted.

'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (R) said: "I saw the mountain from the opening in the moon when it split." The moon split in order to show the falseness of the claims of those who accused Muhammad (S) regarding it: 'Look oh, you who refused to allow him to convey the Message of his Lord look at the moon and look carefully at it!'
Why did Allah give the Miracle?

Allah favored Muhammad (S) with this Miracle to testify the truth of his Message, and to confirm as an evidence for the hearts polluted with polytheism, that happly, they might become purified and return to the natural and proper state in which they were created, ringing and shouting out the message: "He is the Prophet! It is no lie; he is the son of 'Abdul Muttalib." And it brought conviction to the doubting hearts, confirming for them the truth of his Message. It also increased the believing hearts in steadfastness, in order to increase their faith. And it confirmed the truth of the preaching of Muhammad (S) . And it confirmed the Words of Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Powerful:

"We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manif est to them that this (the Qur'an) is the truth. Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things?"
The Result

As the Honest One (S) raised his hand towards the moon, before they could say anything, he exclaimed with a firm tongue and a pure heart: "Witness (oh, people), witness Witness, oh Abu Bakr!"

The eyes of the believers were firmly fixed on the two halves of the moon, seeking from them peace and steadfastness, their eyes bathed in tears, as if they were being washed in order to sharpen their sight and to enjoy the picture of the moon.

The eyes of the other group (i.e., the disbelievers) showed their bewilderment, completely overwhelmed by the Miracle they had witnessed.

Their gaze was quickly lowered to the ground and then even more quickly raised to the moon, desiring to deny it. Then they would rub their eyes and return their gaze and saw that the moon was in two halves. They wished that they could find a way to challenge what they saw, or a refuge or an escape, but they could not.

Then while they were still reeling under the shock of what they had seen, they began to have doubts while in their state of wakefulness and to imagine that what they were seeing was no more than a confused dream.
So, did the moon indeed split?

Yes it is an established fact.

It was to be expected that this Miracle would wake them from their permanent slumber and stop their injustice and stubbornness and convince them that it was through the Will and Power of Allah.

But how could they do so, when they were in fear of the result of this conclusion; and they would have to reconsider their actions. If they accepted Allah's Will in the matter, they would have to believe in the preaching of Muhammad and this was something they did not wish to do.

What would happen if the echoes of this Miracle were to spread throughout Makkah and the neighboring towns?

The reins of power would slip from their hands and this they did not desire.

So, they turned away from the truth and persisted in their injustice and misguidance; cunning came to their aid and they left, shouting, in order that the effects of this Miracle and its reverberations might be concealed. They shouted: "Muhammad has bewitched us! Muhammad has bewitched us!"

Glorified is Allah!! Why all this stubbornness?

It was as if they created this resistance and opposition in order to confirm their defeat and their persistence in falsehood, for if they had been logical and fair, their consciences would have been disturbed a great and definitive change would have occurred in their lives.
Everlasting Ignominy and Shame for the Pagans

There was no doubt that Allah would confirm the matter and it is strange that they should consider a rational thing, in order to disprove that the moon had been split. They said: "See what news the travelers bring, for Muhammad cannot bewitch all of the people." And they spoke the truth, for magic is deluding people into believing something which is not true, and the work of a magician is to delude the eyes and to deceive them so that the one who is bewitched sees things which are unreal. But the magician cannot bewitch all of the people, especially when they are in different places.
Therefore, the true verdict on the incident would be brought by the travelers.

The travelers came to them from every direction, and they hastened to them, as if they were hoping to hear from them a denial and rejection of what they had seen.

The travelers then confirmed to them that the incident had indeed taken place, for they had seen the moon split into two.

And just as the Miracle had jolted their eyes, so the reply of the travelers jolted their ears.

But would they embrace their evidence and show their acceptance of it? No, by Allah!

And Allah, the Most High has spoken Words which are neither too short nor too long in description of the response of those people; He, the Most High said:

"Say : 'Behold all that is in the heavens and the earth,' but neither Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) nor warners benefit those who believe not."

History has recorded this dazzling Miracle and it has recorded along with it the everlasting ignominy and shame of the pagans.
The Word that separates Truth from Falsehood

Allah, Exalted is His mention has sent down Words in the Revelation which are clear and conclusive:

"The Hour has drawn near and the moon has been cleft asunder. And if they see a sign, they turn away and say: 'This is continuous magic.' They belied (the Signs of Allah) and followed their own lusts and every matter will be settled. And indeed there has come to them news to check (them). (It is) Perfect Wisdom, but the warners benefit them not."

And in order to complete the benefit derived from this incident, come, let us explore well the physical characteristics of the moon (discussed in the next section not online):

- Its surface and the distance between it and the earth.
- The landing of man on its surface and life on it. - Why does a person who ascends feel that he is suffocating?
- What is the benefit of the atmosphere and what is the atmosphere like on the moon?
- The continuous night and day thereon.
- How does the moon give off light and why does its shape change? And how does the earth appear from the surface of the moon?
- Why does the lunar eclipse occur?
- How is the moon a measure of time?

Notes:

* Footnotes (with references) have not been copied into this online text while they exist in the original book.
* There may be typographical errors in the online text due to scanning.

The Wahhabi Myth (2nd Edition) - Dispelling Prevalent Fallacies and the Fictitious Link with Bin Laden By Haneef James Oliver

The wahhabi myth

Does the Creed of 'Wahhabism' Differ From That of Orthodox Islam?

Does the Creed of 'Wahhabism' Differ From That of Orthodox Islam?
Salafism/"Wahhabism" is continually portrayed in the media as being a foreign, unsound creed that is based upon irrational precepts which contradict common sense. We are led to believe that Salafism is an erroneous creed which leads to extremism and terrorism. We are told that Salafism is unsuitable for these times, and that it differs from "mainstream" Islam. As such, we are led to believe that it is not genuinely Islamic in its nature.
This situation is compounded by the fact that those journalists who had only heard about Islam prior to September 11 have now suddenly become experts in religion and are writing newspaper articles about Islam and Salafism. Their major claim which is repeatedly mentioned is that Osama Bin Laden is a "Wahhabi", only because he was born in Saudi Arabia. This one-dimensional viewpoint overlooks the fact that not everyone who lives in Saudi Arabia is Salafi ("Wahhabi") in belief and methodology, just as not everyone who lives in England is a member of the Anglican Church.
Therefore, the reader is invited to examine the main beliefs of the "Wahhabi"/Salafi creed for themselves, and to carefully consider whether the depiction of the Salafi creed they have been given is an accurate one or not. Are the fundamental beliefs of a Salafi Muslim contradictory to mainstream Islam, or do they in actuality represent and defend the true conventional beliefs of the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace)? Are these beliefs something illogical, extreme and unsuitable for these times, or do they in actuality appeal profoundly to mankind's natural instinct on a universal basis?
In order to come to an accurate understanding of the world-view of "Wahhabism", it is necessary to examine the crux of the orthodox "Wahhabi" creed…
- abridged from the book: The 'Wahhabi' Myth


The British tabloid The Mirror described Salafism as a "fundamentalist sect favoured by extremist supporters of Bin Laden." From: Hijacker has Bin Laden Links, The Mirror, August 31, 2002.
Sky News reported that Salafism "is not the mainstream Islamic view." From: Salafi's (sic) Links To Terror, Sky News, August 30, 2002.
When reporting about Osama Bin Laden, the media repeatedly write or mention the words "Saudi born Bin Laden." This is not a universal procedure that is followed for other figures, which makes one wonder what the intent is behind this practice. Surely, it would be more appropriate and relevant to current affairs to say, "the Saudi exiled Bin Laden" instead, as he has been stripped of his Saudi citizenship.

The Wahhabi Myth (2nd Edition) - Dispelling Prevalent Fallacies and the Fictitious Link with Bin Laden By Haneef James Oliver





The Wahhabi Myth (2nd Edition) - Dispelling Prevalent Fallacies and the Fictitious Link with Bin Laden By Haneef James Oliver
The 'Wahhabi' Myth by Haneef James Oliver clarifies many of the gross inaccuracies and outright lies that have been attributed to the belief of the Salafi Muslims (often referred to as "Wahhabis"). Although some reporters have been vigilant enough to rebut some of these widespread fables, most have fallen headfirst into what one discerning reporter called, "the neo-conservative line that the whole conspiracy against America can be traced back to Wahhabism and the government of Saudi Arabia."
The author of The 'Wahhabi' Myth outlines the principles of the Salafi creed in an easy to understand manner. Using many different sources, he carefully presents the arguments of the critics of Salafism and successfully addresses the misconceptions that are contained within these criticisms. Specifically, he addresses the commonly held belief that Osama Bin Laden is a Salafi/"Wahhabi". He compellingly dispels this myth and unveils the sect that has provoked Bin Laden to become the leader of a terrorist movement.

Karen Armstrong speaks about the difference between Osama bin Laden's sect (Qutbism) and Salafism/"Wahhabism" in a Guardian article entitled "The label of Catholic terror was never used about the IRA":

“Bin Laden was not inspired by Wahhabism but by the writings of the Egyptian ideologue Sayyid Qutb, who was executed by President Nasser in 1966. Almost every fundamentalist movement in Sunni Islam has been strongly influenced by Qutb, so there is a good case for calling the violence that some of his followers commit "Qutbian terrorism." Qutb urged his followers to withdraw from the moral and spiritual barbarism of modern society and fight it to the death.

Western people should learn more about such thinkers as Qutb, and become aware of the many dramatically different shades of opinion in the Muslim world. There are too many lazy, unexamined assumptions about Islam.”


Excerpt from
The "Wahhabi" Myth:
The word "Wahabism" is in fact nothing but a meaningless appellation which is used by people in two cases: The term "Wahabism" is often used to describe those who closely stick to the verses of the Qur'an and the narrations of the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) in all religious affairs. Consequently, instead of directly attacking Islam for those things that do not appeal to their desires, they call anyone who follows these texts "Wahabis."
Another different and contemporary usage has appeared for this term. Anybody who belongs to any of the current Qutbist type groups or movements that call for political overthrows, endless blind purported Jihads which are based upon principles other than those found in Islam and led by people who have no knowledge based background in Islamic scholarship, are entered into a giant umbrella group called "Wahabism." This is done even though these followers of Sayyid Qutb despise the Salafi/"Wahabi" scholars and their creed.
Hence, in the first case, "Wahabism" is used to mean "anything I don't like about Islam," and in the second case, "anything I don't like about what the contemporary Qutbist movements do; things that have no basis in Islam."
The media and general population are invited to actually begin to study the principles of Salafism/"Wahabism" and report about it accurately, especially as it seems that the "War Against Terrorism" seems to slowly be turning into the "War Against Wahabism."
Some Western intellectuals are doing something to contest this trend, but they are few and far between, and their knowledge of the nature of Salafism is limited. Gary Leupp, a history professor and coordinator of the Asian Studies Program at Tufts University, posed the following question concerning this current of thought: "In Saudi Arabia itself, is "Wahabism" really the threat posited by some neocons? John Esposito, director of the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University, suggests otherwise."
Professor Leupp quotes Esposito as saying: "Even conforming to an ultra-conservative, anti-pluralistic faith does not necessarily make you a violent individual." Leupp adds: "There are of course millions of peaceable if ultra-conservative, anti-pluralistic Christians."
Driving in his point, Leupp cites F. Gregory Gause III, a professor of political science at the University of Vermont, when he warned the House Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia about the "dangerous trend" of linking "Wahabism" with terrorism, wherein he explained that this phenomena "is not Saudi or 'Wahabi' in any exclusive sense. It is part of the zeitgeist of the whole Muslim world right now. It is undoubtedly true that the al-Qa'ida network was able to recruit many Saudis. But it would be a mistake to attribute this simply to some purported affinity between 'Wahabism' and al-Qa'ida's message of jihad."
Stating that although "some Saudi clerics and intellectuals have supported al-Qa'ida's message [note: the supporters of Sayyid Qutb, the Qutbists]," he adds that "the vast majority have condemned it [note: the Salafi/"Wahabi" scholars]."
"Moreover," he says, "Al-Qa'ida has been able to recruit both fighters and intellectual supporters from many countries - Egypt and Pakistan, to name but two - where 'Wahabism' is not a prominent intellectual current."
- abridged from the book: The 'Wahhabi' Myth

Gary Leupp, Saudis on the Defensive, Counterpunch, 28 August 2003.

What is the Definition of Terrorism?

What is the Definition of Terrorism?
"Terrorism is simply a word, a subjective epithet, not an objective reality and certainly not an excuse to suspend all the rules of international law."
- John V. Whitbeck, The Daily Star
John V. Whitbeck, an international lawyer and commentator on international affairs, has cautioned people about the "notorious subjectivity of this word," wherein he says: "For years, people have recited the truisms that "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" and that "Terrorism, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder."
Speaking about the potential danger of using this word, Whitbeck says, "It is no accident that there is no agreed definition of "terrorism", since the word is so subjective as to be devoid of any inherent meaning. At the same time, the word is extremely dangerous, because people tend to believe that it does have meaning and to use and abuse the word by applying it to whatever they hate as a way of avoiding rational thought and discussion, and, frequently, excusing their own illegal and immoral behavior."
Expanding on its capability of being used as a manipulative tool, Whitbeck speaks about the "overwhelming, demonizing and thought-deadening impact of the word "terrorism", which is, of course, precisely the charm of the word for its more cynical and unprincipled users and abusers."
"Most acts to which the word "terrorism" is applied (at least in the West)," he continues, "are tactics of the weak, usually (although not always) against the strong. Such acts are not a tactic of choice but of last resort. To cite one example, the Palestinians would certainly prefer to be able to fight for their freedom by "respectable" means, using F-16s, Apache attack helicopters and laser-guided missiles such as those the United States provides to Israel. If the United States provided such weapons to Palestine as well, the problem of suicide bombers would be solved. Until it does, and for so long as the Palestinians can see no hope for a decent future, no one should be surprised or shocked that Palestinians use the "delivery systems" available to them - their own bodies. Genuine hope for something better than a life worse than death is the only cure for the despair which inspires such gruesome violence."
Referring to the danger of abusing the concept of terrorism, Whitbeck warns, "If the world is to avoid a descent into anarchy, in which the only rule is "might makes right", every "retaliation" provokes a "counter-retaliation" and a genuine "war of civilizations" is ignited, the world - and particularly the United States - must recognize that "terrorism" is simply a word, a subjective epithet, not an objective reality and certainly not an excuse to suspend all the rules of international law."
Concluding that the word "terrorism" is "fundamentally an epithet and a term of abuse, with no intrinsic meaning," Whitbeck adds, "Perhaps the only honest and globally workable definition of "terrorism" is an explicitly subjective one - "violence which I don't support."
- abridged from the book: The 'Wahhabi' Myth


'Terrorism': The word itself is dangerous, John V. Whitbeck, The Daily Star; Fri, 07 Dec 2001.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Seeking Knowledge Until Death

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the All-Merciful, may His salâh and salâm be upon His Final Messenger.

Imâm Ahmad had two sons, ‘Abdullâh and Sâlih, whom were half-brothers. Sâlih relates that: “A man saw my father carrying a mihbarah (a wooden inkwell that students used to carry along with their pens) and said, ‘O Abâ ‘Abdillâh! You are the Imâm of the Muslims!’ “This man spoke like this since he was surprised to see Imâm Ahmad carrying his mihbarah as the young students would carry it, or indeed that he would still read books, or shoulder the same responsibilities that the youth did. Note also how all the people were fascinated by him (by Imâm Ahmad), even the elders of the people!

Imâm Ahmad replied with a statement that nullified this man’s whole understanding. He said: “I will be with the mihbarah all the way to the maqbarah (graveyard).” What did he mean? He meant, “I will be busy with knowledge until I die.”Another narration mentions that he said this same statement on a separate occasion to another group of people: “As for me, I will seek knowledge until I am placed in the grave. “When the time of his death came near, he said to those around him: “Relate to me the statement of Hushaym.” (Hushaym was Hushaym ibn Bashîr, Imâm Ahmad’s first teacher. He met him in the year 179 AH, when he began seeking knowledge at the age of 16.) So they read to him what he had requested. This narrated tradition mentioned that Ibn Sîrîn used to dislike a person groaning from pain. At that time, Imâm Ahmad had became very ill and he used to groan due to the pain, yet when they informed him that Ibn Sîrîn used to dislike groaning at such a time, he did not groan again until he died.

This is the reality of his statement, ”I will seek knowledge until I am placed in the grave,” meaning, “I must continue benefiting from knowledge.” So if you have left your youth behind and become a teacher or an educator, or a lecturer or professor in the university, or an author, and you say, “I have finished seeking knowledge,” know that this is the situation of someone who does not know the reality of his affairs. Al-`Ilm is knowledge of what?

It is knowledge of the Speech of Allah and the speech of His Messenger, peace be upon him. Has anyone reached a level of awareness of the meanings of the Speech of Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon him, and also the statements of the scholars explaining the Book and the sunnah, a level of awareness that is sufficient?

No one has reached that level. No one who has the right intention and a proper heart has reached that level. Regarding this, Imâm Ahmad said, “With the mihbarah all the way to the maqbarah.” He was addressing everyone, advising us to continue seeking knowledge and not to give it up for any petty reason. In the study circles of our mosques we have seen a great number of students who are eager to learn for two months, and then they abandon it. Three months or so only. What is this?! Some of them seek knowledge for 3, 4, 5, or 7 years and then they abandon it.

Why is that? Is it because the lure of the world has come to you, so you are finished and now you head off into the world? Is it because a position was offered to you and you took it? Is it because you have reached a certain status, you have become a school director or professor in the university? For this you reason you have stopped seeking knowledge? No! You must continue seeking knowledge until you die. This is what will correct the society’s problems, if their scholars take this advice. As for the students of knowledge, then they must hold fast to this advice, “With the mihbarah all the way to the maqbarah.”

He must stay with his book until he dies – reading, learning, memorizing, reviewing, teaching, until his end. What are the people saying these days? “The rulings related to prayer, we know them, no problem.” If you asked them about many of the rulings, you will find that they do not know them. Why is that? It is because they have become satisfied with the knowledge they have, even delighted that they have the knowledge they have. We ask Allah that He excuses us and that He is pleased with us. If you asked them about affairs even greater than the prayer, issues of creed, issues of tawhîd, you will find that they have not fully grasped the issues, and they used to be students of knowledge! Why is that? Because they were negligent, and thus abandoned it. Knowledge is honor, if you abandon it, it will abandon you. If you take the task seriously, you will be given some of it, from what Allah has decreed for you.

* Transcribed from: Seeking Knowledge Until Death || From the Life & Works of Imaam Ahmad (rahimahullaah)