I want to remind you of the story that took place of Musa (AS). The situation was such that MUSA (AS) was traveling with Bani ‘Israel and they were in the desert. And they were suffering from a severe draught. So Musa’s people said to him why don’t you Musa beseech Allah for us to shower us with some rain. So Musa then recommends his followers and they collectively make du’a and beseech Allah for rain so that they aren’t destroyed by the lack of such a basic necessity that without Allah they cannot make themselves. And then they turn to the sky and Musa (AS) looks in astonishment that from the sky not a single drop was falling. And not only is there no rain falling upon them but the few clouds that were in the sky have now dispersed. Musa (AS) beseeches Allah SWT again and asks Him why are you not answering our prayers what is it that is preventing our du’as from being answered.

And Allah (SWT) tells him “Ya Musa there is a man from your community who has been sinning the last 40 years of his life and because of him we are not sending down any rain any mercy upon you. And if you desire for Us to send this mercy down upon you than you must have this man separate from your congregation.”

So Musa (AS) goes back to his people and tells him that the situation that there is a man amongst them whose sins are preventing the entire community from receiving the BARAKAH of Allah (SWT). And he tells that this is what needs to happen, not to put the man in front of everybody to ridicule him, not to expose anybody before the community. BUT MUSA (AS) turns to the entire community and demands them just for the sake of everyone else just act in accordance to what Allah has asked of them.
So as the people now began to whisper to themselves, it is said that this man that is cognizant of the sins that he has committed and the fact that he is the one who has been preventing the mercy of Allah from descending on his community. And now this man turns to Allah and raises his hands and makes du’a asking for Allah’s forgiveness. And He says to Allah “ Oh Allah do not put me in a position where I have to reveal myself to the people,’ He is now thinking to himself that if I step forward than everyone will have knowledge of the sins I committed, and if I don’t step forward everyone in my community will suffer, because of me. And he Raises his hands to Allah SWT and the tears began to fall from his eyes and makes sincere repentance to Allah promising not to turn back to his previous sin. And at that point clouds begin to fill the sky and the rains begin to descend upon them. And Musa (AS) is wondering how is that the rains are coming when no one has step forward to admit guilt. So again he goes back to ALLAH SWT and asks “Oh Allah no one has admitted to these sins, why have you sent the rains down upon us.” And Allah says “Ya Musa there was that man from amongst you, he himself raised his hands to Me and he himself supplicated to me asking for My forgiveness in a sincere manner and I have forgave him and so the rains came down upon you.” And Musa then said to Allah “ Oh Allah who is this man I want to meet him whose du’as are accepted right away. I want to know this man who has this unique capacity that when he raises his hands to you and makes du’a you accept them.” And Allah SWT said to Musa “ I have been hiding this mans sins for the last 40 years, why would I reveal them to you now”

Brothers and Sisters we can take from this story that Allah will cover our sins Allah will hide our sins when we ask him to do so, when we ask His help.
But we must also take from this story that before we can expect anything from Allah we have to be among those people who raise their hands toward Allah. Who ask of Allah SWT. We have to be among those that seek Allah’s help and Allah’s help alone. We have to be among those that are skilled in using this weapon that has been bestowed to us.

It is said that du’a is the weapon of the believer. It is something that is given to them those who believe and have faith in Allah, something unique that they can at anytime establish this connection with Allah SWT to seek His help and seek His Forgiveness. And this is the character of the Prophets peace be upon them that they would turn to Allah anytime they needed something. When Adam (PBUH) was sent out of Jannah, the very first thing he did was beseech Allah (SWT) for His forgiveness, for His Mercy. The Prophet Ibrahim when he left his wife Hajar and his son Isma’il alone in the desert in Makkah in the Qur’an Allah says that he turned around and began to make du’a to Allah that “O Allah I left my progeny, my offspring, my family here in by your sacred house so that they may worship you! And put love for them in peoples hearts, and provide them with fruits so that they may be thankful”

Musa (AS) made du’a in regards to Fir’aun, Yunus (AS) made du’a to Allah when he was in the belly of the whale “La illah ila Allah subhannaka inni kuntu min al thaalimeen” “there is no one worthy of worship except Allah, who is perfect, verily I have been one of the wrongdoers!” This is a prophet of Allah saying this. And Allah has said in the Qur’an that whatever du’a follows this one will be granted.
Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah al-A’raf

Call on your Lord humbly and secretly; surely He does not love those who exceed the limits. And call on Him fearing and hoping; surely the mercy of Allah is with those who do good (to others). And remember your Lord within yourself humbly and fearing and in a voice not loud in the morning and the evening and be not of the heedless ones.

Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Mu’min
“And your Lord says: Call upon Me, I will answer you.”

So you see that it is something that can be used to achieve great things. And indeed it can be used as a weapon, as a means to take on our opponents to fight shaytan and our oppressors. To liberate ourselves from the Shaytans clutches.

Brothers and Sisters it is important to understand the manner in which du’a is to be made. The Prophet (SAW) made du’a in many ways: while in sujood as he recommended as being the place where we are closest to Allah (SWT), with his hands raised when Allah feels shy to not let us put out hands down without giving us something. ALLAHUAKBAR

And it is important that when we make du’a that we make du’a in a language that we understand, so that we are cognizant of what we are saying and can be sincere about it. Because du’a is not the thing that is read off the pages of a book, but is asked from the depths of our hearts.

SECOND KHUTBAH

How many have experienced our du’as being accepted? How many of us realize that that thing which we asked of Allah he has granted us in His infinite Mercy. Now ask yourselves, how many of experience our du’as not being accepted. And we ask Allah why is it my du’a is not being accepted, what is it that is preventing me from receiving Your mercy. And how miserable do we feel when we feel that Allah is ignoring us? When we raise our hands and we don’t receive what we asked for. And we begin to question it, and begin to question Allah. Astughfirullah.

And at that point it is incumbent that we look at ourselves before we look at any other factor, to see why our du’as is not being answered.

The Prophet (SAW) said “ indeed Allah SWT is pure and He does not accept anything that is not Pure”
So if we want our du’as to be accepted than we must make sure that our supplications have an element of purity

The Prophet SAW said referring to the Ayah in the Qur’an, “O People eat of the earth that which is halal and pure” Sa’d ibn abi Waqqas then asked the Prophet SAW “O RasoolAllah (SAW) ask to Allah to make me among those whose du’a is ALWAYS accepted.”

The prophet (SAW) then said “ya Sa’d if you want your du’a to always be accepted, only consume that which is Halaal” That which goes into ur body make sure it is halaal and make sure it is pure and don’t let anything that is note pure even enter ur sytem even that which is doubtful.

Then the Prophet (SAW) said that “Verily by the one who’s hands my soul is in that whosever puts even a morsel of haraam in his body than his deeds and his actions will not be accepted for 40 days. “

By consuming something that is haraam whether it be meat, alcohol, riba or anything else we are relinquishing our right of having this unique connection with Allah SWT. Brother’s and sisters I have not done this subject justice, there is so much more to be said to be understood about du’a.

Brothers and Sisters, Let me look at myself and eliminate from my life that which may be preventing my du’a from being accepted and in turn the du’as of my UMMAH, and brothers and sisters I ask that you do the same.

MAY ALLAH GIVE US THE UNDERSTANDING AND TAWFIQ necessary to incorporate the Qur’an and Sunnah into our lives. May Allah help us to perfect and make sincere our du’as, and May Allah accept our du’as for there is no one who can hear us, for there is no one who can even help us except Him.

“Who is this man?”

and they answered him saying

“That is Muadh Ibn Jabal (Radi Allahu Anhu), the companion of the Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam).”

So Aboo Idrees Al Khawlanee came the next day early in the morning before Salaatul Fajr, and he thought that he was the first one to enter the masjid but there he found Muadh Ibn Jabal (Radi Allahu Anhu) praying in the masjid before Salaat. So Aboo Ibrees came to Muadh and sat behind him and waited for him to complete his prayer. After Muadh completed his prayer, Abu Idrees went to him and said to him,

“Oh Muadh! I love you for the sake of Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala)!”

Muadh Ibn Jabal (Radi Allahu Anhu) pulled Aboo Idrees closer and he asked him,

“Aal la hu Lillah?” “By Allah do you love me only for the sake of Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala)?”

So Aboo Idrees said,

“Yes!”

So Muadh Ibn Jabal (Radi Allahu Anhu) smiled and pulled him closer and said to him,

“Let me give you the good news for verily I heard the Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam) say, “Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) said,
“Wajabat Muhabbati Li Mutahaabina fiya”
“My love is wajib upon those who love for my sake””
(This narration is similar to the one found in Muwatta Imam Malik(Book 51, Number 51.5.15) except the one in the Muwatta says Salaatud Dhuhr instead of Salaatul Fajr)

Brothers and Sisters throughout history people have claimed that they love Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) and Allah loves them. The Christians claim that Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala ) loves them but Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) calls them

وَلاَ الضَّالِّين

“The Misguided” (S1.V7)

and the Jews claim that they love Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) but Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) says about them

غَيرِ المَغضُوبِ عَلَيهِمْ

“Those whom Allah is angry with”.(S1.V7)

And so Muslims also claim that they love Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala). But the fact that Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) loves us, is the real question. Does Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) truly love us?

In Sahih Al Bukhari, the Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam) says “When Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) loves someone he calls Jibreel and Allah then says

“Ya Jibreel! Inni uhibbu fulan!” “Oh Jibreel! I love such and such a person, so love him!”

and Allah names that person and then Jibreel loves that person. Then Jibreel calls out to all the angels of the heavens and he says,

“Allah loves so and so, so love him!”, so all the angels love him. And then Allah places the pleasure of in the hearts of the people towards this person!”

The Prophet said in another narration of this hadeeth,

“The slave will continue to try to win the pleasure of Allah, he will try to win the love of Allah until Allah calls Jibreel and says to him, “Oh Jibreel! My slave so and so is trying to please me, verily my love has overcome him!”

Indeed the Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam) told us in the Quran and the Sunnah about many people that Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) loved. In the Quran we find many stories of people that Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) loved. And amongst the greatest people that Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) loved was Ibraheen (Alayhis Salaam). Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala ) said ,

وَاتَّخَذَ اللّهُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ خَلِيلاً

“And Allah took Ibraheem as a Khalil(close and dear friend)” (S4.V125)

When one of the companions heard the Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam) recite this in salaah, he said to the Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam),

“May coolness of her eyes be the mother of Ibraheem. For who wouldn’t love for their son to be taken as the Khalil of Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala).””

And from the people that Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) loved was Ayyub (Alayhis Salaam)
Allah said,

إِنَّا وَجَدْنَاهُ صَابِرًا

“We found him to be patient”

and then Allah said

نِعْمَ الْعَبْ

“What a beautiful(blessed) slave he is”

And form the people that Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) loved is in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam) told us that a man went out once to visit his brother for the sake of Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala). And on his path Allah sent an angel and the angel asked him where are you going , and he said

“I am going to visit my brother for the sake of Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala )”

and the angel asked him

“Do you have any other reason to go to his house?”

then he said

“I am going for no other reason than for the sake of Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala )”

Then the angel said

“Verily I give you the good news, I am an angel form Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala ) with a message from Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) that He loves you!”

And form the people that Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) loved was Khadija (Radi Allahu Anha). In Sahih Al Bukhari the Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam) was sitting with Jibreel reciting the Quran and Khadija (Radi Allahu Anha) came. Jibreel turned to Khadija and said

“This is Khadija bringing you some food. Give her my salaam!”

This is Jibreel (Alayhis Salaam) saying give my salaam to Khadija (Radi Allahu Anha) and then he said

“Give her the glad tidings of a home in paradise!”

What happens when Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala ) loves us?

Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) first and foremost will mention the name of the person, fulan ibn fulan, and then Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) will call to Jibreel and tell him that he loves this person. Not only will Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) love this person but also Jibreel will love this person. Not only Jibreel but also the angels of the heavens and the earth will love this person. And then Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) will put the pleasure in the hearts of the people towards this person.

And if that person was to ask anything, Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) would grant what he asks for. And if he seeks refuge in Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) from anything, Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) will protect him. And a person whose case is such, his end is definitely Jannah.

And Brothers and Sisters on the same side of this hadeeth we also have to be aware and fear gaining the wrath of Allah. We also have to beware of the people who gain the anger of Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala). On the same side of this hadeeth the Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam) said that a person would continue to anger Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) and disobey Allah, until Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) will hate that person. And Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) will call to Jibreel and Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) will tell Jibreel “Oh Jibreel! My servant so and so is continuing to anger me and my anger has overcome him.”

Part II

I was listening to a tape once and a man or the shaykh was talking about stories and hadeeth dealing with children. And one of the stories that he mentioned was about the Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam) playing with children. The Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam) was playing with Al Husayn and then he raised him up for people to see and he said,

“Allah will love those who love Al Husayn!”

So it got me thinking what other ways from the Quran and Sunnah that we can do to get Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) to love us, to gain Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala)’s love. From this Ibn Al Qayyim (Rahimullah) wrote different ways we gain Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala)’s love. And I will mention those things that he wrote.

Firstly, we need to take advantage of the third portion of the night. The Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam) said,

“Every night Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) comes down to the Samaa’ Ad Dunya and he calls out to the people “Is there anyone who will ask for dua’a, so I may accept their dua’a! Is there anyone who will ask for forgiveness, so I shall forgive them!””

So we should take advantage of this in praying Qiyaam Ul Layl (Voluntary Night Prayer).

We should also remember Allah often. Whenever we are commuting to work or standing in a line somewhere its always our chance to remember Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala). Allah says,

فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَاشْكُرُواْ لِي وَلاَ تَكْفُرُونِ

“Remember me and I shall remember you” (S2.V152)

And who does not want Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) to remember them???

We should read the Quran with understanding. Read what Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) revealed to us for our life and for our death. Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) says,

أَفَلاَ يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ

“Will they not contemplate the Quran?” (S4.V82)

and Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) says,

كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُوْلُوا الْأَلْبَابِ

“A book we sent down mubarik, so that they may contemplate its verses.” (S38.V29)

We should sit and be with those people who truly love Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) and spend our time with them. In Surat Al Kahf, Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) says,

سَيَقُولُونَ ثَلَاثَةٌ رَّابِعُهُمْ كَلْبُهُمْ وَيَقُولُونَ خَمْسَةٌ سَادِسُهُمْ كَلْبُهُمْ رَجْمًا بِالْغَيْبِ وَيَقُولُونَ سَبْعَةٌ وَثَامِنُهُمْ كَلْبُهُمْ

“(Some) say they were three, the dog being the fourth among them; (others) say they were five, the dog being the sixth,- doubtfully guessing at the unknown; (yet others) say they were seven, the dog being the eighth.” (S18.V22)

Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) mentions the dog of the ahl al kahf (people of the cave). Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala ) in this verse mentions the dog so many times. The scholars have said that look at the position of the dog in this life, and he has no position to remember but this dog out of all the dogs was mentioned in the Quran so many times. why? It was because of the companions that the dog had, the companions that he was with. So if a dog is going to be mentioned in the Quran so many times, you can imagine when someone spends his time with the people that Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala ) loves, how much his level will be raised just because of that companionship that he chose to take. As the Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam) taught us, that good companion is like a person who sells musk, even if the companion doesn’t give you any musk, you are going to benefit form the smell and fragrance of the musk.

We should love to meet Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala). The Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam) said

“Whoever loves to meet Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala), Allah loves to meet them!”

And no doubt if someone is going to love to meet Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) they will do good for that meeting, they will prepare for that meeting. They will love to meet Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) because they have prepared themselves in the obedience of Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala). And a person will not love to meet Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) only because they didn’t prepare to meet Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala), they spent their life in disobedience to Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala). They will not love to meet Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala), and Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) will not love to meet that person.

We should push away everything that stands between us and Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) and Allah’s Messenger (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam). And so when we go to our houses, the different disobediences that we do towards Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) are things that are standing between us and Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala)’s love and we have to critically look at the thing that we are doing and take it and extract it out of our lives.

We should always put the Sunnah of RasoolAllah (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam) in front of us. We should always put the wishes of the Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam) before our wishes. Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) revealed in the Quran,

قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَاللّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

“Say if you love Allah, then follow me. Allah will love you and forgive your sins” (S3.V21)

We should make patience a part of our character. As they say, a person who continues to do something he will be known for that which he does. When a person is patient in his dealings in his home and at his work, then he becomes sabir (the patient). And Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) tells us of those who are patient and

إِنَّ اللّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ

“Allah loves those who are patient” (S2.V153)

We should learn Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala)’s Asma Was Sifaat. We should learn the names of Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) and his characteristics. So when we read in the Quran Ar Rahman we hope Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) has mercy on us. And when we read Allah is As Sami’ and Al Baseer, that he is Allah Hearing and All Seeing, so when we go to disobey Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) and we think that we are in private we will know that Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) can see us. And when we read in the Quran that Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) is Shadeed Al Iqaab, He is severe in punishment, when we are going to disobey Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) we will remember this that He is severe in punishment and we will abstain form the disobedience of Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala).

We should continue in doing our nawaafil (voluntary acts). The Prophet (Sal Allahu alayhi Wa Sallam) says that Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) says in a hadeeth qudsi,

“The slave will continue to come close to me in voluntary deeds until I love him”

In the sharh (explanation) of this hadeeth, the scholars have said these are voluntary acts of all kinds. Voluntary acts of the tongue and the limbs.

A poet once said,
“How can you disobey Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) and you claim that you love Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala).
This is very strange and very unique in a way of understanding.
If your love of Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala) was true you would have obeyed Allah (Sub’haanahu Wa Ta’ala).
Verily the person who loves someone else will follow that person.”

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for his forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray none can guide them aright. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, alone, and I bear witness that Muhammad is his servant and Messenger.

Do you know the last public place that the Messenger of Allah – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – was seen? He was seen in the Masjid. About 3 days before he passed away, Abu Bakr – Radi Allaahu Anhu – was leading the prayer and the Masjid was full with an Ummah of men and women prepared to illuminate the world with their Jihad and da’wah. The Prophet’s house opened up to the Masjid and there was a curtain separating his room and the prayer hall. He opened the curtain and saw the congregation and saw he’s Khalifah Abu Bakr – RadiAllaahu Anhu – leading the prayer. The Prophet – SalAllaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – smiled like a moon.

The companions saw him while they were in prayer, and from their happiness, almost lost control of the prayer. The Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – then drew his curtain and three days later returned to his Lord – Subhaanahu wa Ta ‘Aala.

During the life of the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi waSallam – there was a women who used to sweep the Masjid with her hands, picking up the dirt and disposing of it. In the sight of the community her status was not that high, but in the sight of Allah and her Messenger – SalAllaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – she held a different rank. She passed away one night and the Companions, not wanting to disturb the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam, washed and buried her without informing him. The next day, the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – recognized her absence and inquired about her. They told him about her demise and how they did not want to disturb him. The Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – was not happy at the action they took. He went to her grave and prayed for her there. 

What is a Masjid? Many have misunderstood the role the Masjid plays in the development of the Community. In some countries, it is a place where the tribal imam is buried and worshipped. In other places, it is a place that only prayers may be performed therein, absolutely nothing else will be tolerated. And in yet other places, not even prayers are performed in it, so-much-so the country may finally decide to convert it into a museum or a church.

Dear brother and sister, I would like to introduce you to our friend, the Masjid:

Literally, Masjid means a place of prostration. Technically, Masjid is any clean place on earth, as the Messenger of Allah – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – said, “The earth was made for me a MASJID (i.e. a place to pray), pure.” – Bukhari.

However, custom allocated to the word Masjid a specific place, the place where the 5 daily prayers are held. This was done in order to distinguish the Masjid from the Musallah, the place where Eid prayers are held and so forth, so that the rules of the Masjid do not apply to it.

Masjid is a word derived from sujood, or prostration. The Masjid, or place of prostration, was such named due the honourable position the sujood holds in Salah. Thus it was not called Marka’ derived from Ruku’ and so on.

The first house of Allah ever built on earth was the Ka’bah. Allah – Subhaanahu wa Ta ‘Aala – says: [Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for Al-Aalameen] – 3/96.

And Allah – Subhaanahu wa Ta ‘Aala – commanded us to honor and enliven the Masjid with His rememberance: [In houses (masajid), which Allah has ordered to be raised, in them His name is glorified in the mornings, and in the evenings.] Noor 24/36. 

Ibn Abbaas, Mujahid, and Al-Hasan commented: The ‘houses’ are those Masajid that were dedicated to the worship of Allah. And verily, the Masajid light up the earth for the inhabitants of the heavens, just as stars light up the heavens for the inhabitants of the earth.

Everyone wants to build a retirement home to be proud of. Let them listen to this offer. The Messenger of Allah – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – said, “Whoever builds a Masjid, seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah shall build a house for him in Paradise.” -Bukhari.

He also – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – said, “The most beloved places to Allah on earth are the Masajid, and the most hated places to Allah on earth are the Markets.” – Muslim.

The Masjid played a variety of roles in our history. Following is a short tour of some of the roles that the Masjid played:

Children. The Masjid was a place where the children would accompany their parents and grow up under the shade of it’s walls. Abu Qataadah narrated that the Messenger of Allah – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – used to pray and carry Umamah the daughter of Zaynab. When he would fall into prostration, he would rest her aside. And when he stood up again, he would again pick her up. – Bukhari.

Education. The Masjid was the nucleus of education. Throughout history, the Masjid was the university that graduated scholars and imams. To name only a few, there was the Masjid of Al-Azhar, Masjid Al-Umawee in Syria, and Masjid Az-Zaytoonah in Tunis.

The Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – said, “No gathering gathers in a house from the houses of Allah, reciting the book of Allah and teaching it to one another, except that serenity befalls them, Mercy envelops them, the angels surround them and Allah mentions them to (the inhabitants of the heavens).” – Muslim

Organization. The Masjid is where hundreds of Muslims come, all in straight rows, all following the lead of Allahu Akbar, all beginning when the Imam begins, all ending when the Imam ends.

Shelter for the weak and traveling. In Masjid An-Nabawi, we know that there was a platform, known as the Suffah. There the poor and the strangers would find shelter and the Messenger of Allah – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – would grant them shares of the collected charity.

Solicializing. The Masjid is where the Muslims would meet one another. When someone missed a prayer, he was followed up. Relationships were reared, brotherhood was built.

Think tank. When important issues came up, the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – would gather the Companions in the Masjid and consult them in the matter.

Charity. The charity would be collected and distributed from the Masjid. It was in the Masjid that the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – said, “Give, if only with a half a date.”

Jihad. It was from the Masjid that battalions were organized and set off for Jihad. During the crusades, many Masajid became the podium for inciting the feelings of the Muslims to fight off the transgression.

Serenity. Whenever the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi waSallam – felt sad he would go and pray. And he – SalAllaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – would say to Bilal, “Relax us with (the prayer) O Bilal.”

THE RIGHTS OF THE MASJID

The Masjid is the house of Allah – Subhaanahu wa Ta ‘Aala – and it has rights like anything else. Amongst these rights are the following:

Firstly: When someone enters the Masjid, they should pray 2 rakas before sitting down. The Prophet – SalAllaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – said, “If any of you enters the Masjid, let him not sit down until he prays 2 rakas.”

Secondly: No business should take place in the Masjid. The Messenger of Allah – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – said, “Whoever sells in the Masjid, say to them: May Allah not grant success in your sale.”

Thirdly: The Masjid must be kept clean and fresh smelling. The Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – said, “Whoever eats from this tree (i.e. Garlic) should not attend our place of prayer.” 

Fourthly: Advice should be given to fellow Muslims. When the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – would see someone not praying correctly he would advise them to repeat their prayer and teach them how to pray.

Fifthly: Allah – Subhaanahu wa Ta ‘Aala – should be remembered much during one’s stay in the Masjid. As Allah – Subhaanahu wa Ta ‘Aala – says [O ye who believe, remember Allah with much remembrance.] – Ahzab 33/42.

And finally, Allah – Subhaanahu wa Ta ‘Aala – tells us of the kind of people that are recognized as the people of the Masjid. [In it are men that love to purify themselves, And Allah loves those who make themselves pure.] – Towbah 9/108.

May Allah – Subhaanahu wa Ta ‘Aala – give us the blessing of being amongst those that establish the Masjid and are included amongst those whom Allah – Subhaanahu wa Ta ‘Aala – loves.

by Muhammad Alshareef

“All work is as a seed sown; it grows and spreads and sows itself anew.”

10. Pray 2 Rakahs (Salatul Duha) anytime after sunrise and before Dhuhr

Abu Hurayrah – radi Allahu ‘anhu – said, “My Khaleel – Allah’s Messenger sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – advised me to do three things (1) That I fast 3 days of each month and (2) To pray 2 rakahs of Duha and (3) That I do my witr before sleeping.” – Bukhari and Muslim

9. Pray for Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam

He – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “Whoever prays for me once, Allah blesses that person 10 times (because of that prayer).” – Muslim

8. Repeat what the Mu’adhdhin is saying

Abdullah ibn Amr narrates: a man said, “O Messenger of Allah, the ones that call the people to prayer receive more reward than us.” So Allah’s Messenger – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – replied, “Say what they say, then when you finish pray for anything and you shall be given it.” – Abu Dawood

7. Say ‘Subhan Allah – How far Allah is from imperfection!’ 100 times

Mus’ab ibn Sa’d said: My father told me that he was with Allah’s Messenger – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – when he remarked, “Does any one of you not have the ability to attain 1000 good deeds (hasanaat) every day? Let him do tasbeeh (Subhan Allah!) 100 times, it will be written for him 1000 hasanat or 1000 sins will be wiped from his record.” – Muslim

6. Play with your children for the sake of Allah

Jabir narrates: We were with Allah’s Messenger – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – invited for a meal when we passed al-Husayn playing in the alley with some Ansar children. Allah’s Messenger – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – walked a little faster to go and play with him. He stuck out his hand to take him, but Al-Husayn ran here and there squealing gleefully until Allah’s Messenger caught him. Then he – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – held his chin with one hand and his head with the other and kissed Al-Husayn and hugged him. – A sound hadith narrated by Bukhari in al adab al mufrad

5. Make Dua’ often during times of ease

Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “Whoever it pleases that Allah answers his supplications during times of calamity and hardship, let him increase his supplication amidst the times of ease.” – narrated by Tirmidhi and Al Hakim who classified it as authentic.
 

BONUS: Say the Dhikr after Making Wudu
Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “If anyone of you, after perfecting his Wudu, says, ‘Ash hadu An Laa ilaaha illa Allah, Wa Ash hadu Anna Muhammadan ‘Abduhu wa Rasooluh- I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his slave and the eight gates of Jannah will open for him and he will permitted to enter from whichever he wishes
Narrated by Muslim

(4) Pick up the phone to call your mother (or a close  relative) and tell them that you love them

Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “The Wasil  (One who fulfils the rights of his ties of kinship) is not the one who does good when family members do good (and bad when they are badstyle The Wasil is the one who, when family members cut him off he does good to them.” – Interpretation of a Bukhari Hadith.

(3) Take a few minutes to stop and contemplate Allah’s  amazing creation of your eyes, voice, and entire body

Allah says in the Qur’an: [And on the earth are signs for the  certain (in faithin yourselves, will you not see (and  contemplate).]
- Surah AdhDhariyaat 51/20,21

(2)Share a part of your lunch with someone

Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “Oh Abu Dharr! If you cook any soup increase it’s water; then look to your neighbors and give them some of it.” Narrated by Muslim

And the number one deed you can do in less then 10 minutes…

Make Du’a for your brother in his absence
Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “If a  person prays for his (or her) brother in their absence (without them knowing), an Angel (hears the Du’a) and replies: ‘Aameen! And may Allah give you the same.’ – narrated by Ahmad, Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi

In fact, whenever the Sahaabah and Taabi’een wanted their Du’a to be answered quickly, they would ask the same thing for their brother in order to get the angel to reply, ‘Aameen! And may Allah give you the same.’

Qur’an in Surah-Ar-Room Ayah 21 defines the husband-wife relationship as follows:

And among His Signs is this that He created for you mates from among yourselves that ye may dwell in tranquility with them and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts); verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.

Prophet Muhammad PBUH also stressed these meanings: “The best among you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family.”

He also said “only the evil one abuse them, means women, and the honored one is he who honors them.”

When someone asked him that who was most worthy of his good companionship, the prophet PBUH answered “your mother, your mother, your mother and then your father”

According to another Hadith: Paradise lies under the feet of mothers.

The Qur’an refers to parent –child relationship in four places. Before asking children to be good and loyal to their parents, it requires parents to raise them with great care and to do their duty before asking for their rights.

In Surah-e-Luqman Allah SWT says: Ayahs 12-19

And we gave Luqman wisdom saying ‘Give thanks to Allah SWT, for whosoever gives thanks gives thanks for his soul. And whoever disbelieves, Allah is All-Independent, Worthy of praise.

When Luqman said to his son while exhorting him: O’ my dear son, ascribe no partner to Allah, for doing so is a tremendous wrong. We have enjoined upon man to be careful of his parents. His mother bears him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. So give thanks to Me and to your parents, for unto Me is the return. But if they strive with you to make you ascribe to Me as partner that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them, but deal with them nicely in the world and follow the path of him turns in repentance to Me.

Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do. O’ my son, though it be the weight of a grain of mustard seed, and though it be in a rock, or in the heavens or in the earth, Allah will bring it forth, for He is subtle, Aware. O’ my son establish prayer, enjoin goodness, forbid evil and bear with patience whatever may befall you, for that is the steadfast heart of things.

Do not turn your cheek in scorn towards people or walk with pretenses, for Allah does not love those who boast. Be modest in your bearing and subdue your voice, for the harshest voice is that of the donkey.

Surah-Luqman 12-19.

These verses provide Muslim parents with guideline about how to raise their children.

If they ignore them, then they can expect rebellion and hatred from their children.

The parent’s rights are also spelled out: In Surah Bani Israel 23-25. Allah SWT says “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that (you show) kindness to parents. If one or both of them reach old age with you , do not say ‘oof’ to them or repulse them, but speak to them a gracious word.

Lower to them the wing of submission through mercy and say : ‘My Lord have mercy on them for they cared for me when I was little.’ Your Lord is best aware of what is in yourselves. If you are righteous, He was ever forgiving unto those who turn unto Him.’

These Qur’anic injunctions clearly show the Islamic parent–child relationship as one based upon belief in Allah, feeling that He observes whatever we do, and knowing that we are accountable to Him even for disrespecting our parents out of anger. The third reference to this relationship is described in Sura-e-Ahqaf verse 15-16, Allah SWT says:

We have enjoined on man Kindness to his parents: in pain did his mother bear him and in pain did she give him birth. The carrying of the (child) to his weaning is (a period of) thirty months. At length when he reaches the age of full strength and attains forty years he says “O my Lord! grant me that I may be grateful for Thy favor which Thou hast bestowed upon me and upon both my parents and that I may work righteousness such as Thou mayest approve; and be gracious to me in my issue. Truly have I turned to Thee and truly do I bow (to Thee) in Islam.

Such are they from whom We shall accept the best of their deeds and pass by their ill deeds: (they shall be) among the Companions of the Garden: a promise of truth which was made to them (in this life).

The Qur’an then turns to other category of children, those who are disbelievers and thus ungrateful to their parents: In Surah-Al-Ahqaf verse 17 Allah SWT says:

“But (there is one) who says to his parents “Fie on you! Do ye hold out the promise to me that I shall be raised up even though generations have passed before me (without rising again)? “And they too seek Allah’s aid (and rebuke the son): “Woe to thee! Have Faith! For the promise of Allah is true.” But he says “This is nothing but tales of the ancients!”

Commenting on this attitude, Allah SWT says in Surah –Al-Ahqaf verse 18-19:

“Such are they against whom is proved the Sentence among the previous generations of Jinn’s and men that have passed away; for they will be (utterly) lost.

And to all are (assigned) degrees according to the deeds which they (have done) and in order that (Allah) may reward their deeds and no injustice be done to them” The fourth and last reference is: Surah-Al-Ankaboot verse 8 Allah SWT says:

“We have enjoined on man kindness to parents: but if they (either of them) strive (to force) thee to join with Me (in worship) anything of which thou hast no knowledge obey them not. Ye have (all) to return to Me and I will tell you (the truth) of all that ye did.”

This verse refers to unbelieving parents who still have the right to expect their Muslim children’s obedience in all matters expect rebelling against Allah SWT.

Since the family is the cornerstone of society, happiness and prosperity will be achieved only if parents and children are committed to the Qur’anic guidance, the only guidance that has proved successful.

By Muhammad Al-Shareef

When Ibrahim (Alaihis salaam) completed the structure of the Ka’bah, Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) commanded him to call the people to Hajj. Ibrahim (Alaihis salaam) pleaded, “O Allah! How shall my voice reach all of those people?” Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) told him that his duty was only to give the call and it was up to Allah to make it reach the people. 
Ibrahim (Alaihis salaam) then climbed Mount Arafat and called out in his loudest voice, “O People! Verily Allah has prescribed upon you Hajj, so perform Hajj.” 

Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) revealed in the Qur’an: “And proclaim the Hajj among mankind. They will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways” (Surat Al-Hajj, Ayat 28). 
To this very day millions upon millions of Muslims continue to answer the call of Prophet Ibrahim (Alaihis salaam). Perhaps this year you shall be amongst those who answer the call. 

Indeed, the Prophet said, “And there is no reward for an accepted Hajj…except Jannah!”

Hajj: The Journey of Hearts

Arafah – 10 years after Hijrah. A man was standing with Rasul Allah – peace and blessings be upon him – when he was thrown from his camel. The camel stomped and the man’s neck was snapped. Dead.
“Bathe his body with water and Sidr and bury him with both garments,” said Allah’s Messenger. “Do not cover his head, nor touch him with Camphor … for verily he will be returned (to Allah) on the day of resurrection in the state of Talbiyah! (Labbayk Allahaahumma labbayk)” – Bukhari and Muslim
‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas narrates, “When Islam entered my heart, I went to the Messenger of Allah and said, ‘Give me your hand so that I may pledge allegiance to you.’ The Prophet spread his hand, but I withdrew mine. He said, ‘What is wrong ‘Amr?’ I said, ‘I want to make a condition.’ ‘And what is that?’ he said. I said, ‘That Allah will forgive me.’ Then the Messenger of Allah said, ‘Did you not know that Islam wipes out what came before it, and that Hijrah wipes out what came before it and that Hajj wipes out what came before it!” – Sahih Muslim
The ultimate reward. Rasul Allah – peace and blessings be upon him – said, “And there is no reward for an accepted Hajj except Jannah!”
What is the first verse that you read in Surah Al-Hajj? It does not speak of Arafah, nor does it pronounce the pillars of Nahr day. It simply says:
[O Mankind! Fear your Lord, indeed the eruption of the (final) Hour is a horrific event. On that day that you shall see it, every nursing mother will be engrossed away from that (child) she was nursing, and every pregnant woman will abort her pregnancy, and you will see the people (appearing) intoxicated, while they are not intoxicated; rather it is the punishment of Allah, severe.]
Hajj is not a journey of the body such as one may take to a vacation spot or tourist attraction. It is a journey of the soul and heart. 
When one pays a careful eye to the verses speaking of Hajj, they will find that verse after verse concludes with a commandment of being conscious of Allah’s presence, or a reminder of Allah’s bounteous favor upon us, or a link between Hajj and the final day.
The Destination
In the not-so-far-away days of old, whenever a journey was to be undertaken proper provisions had to be prepared. The deserts were long, hot, and harsh. Unmerciful. There were no gas stations to fill up with chips and refreshments, or rest stops to slurp water from a fountain. In fact, there was not a human in sight for miles upon miles of barren sand dunes. Losing the way meant losing your life.
Thus, you had to have the provision with you before you made the journey– enough food, enough water, enough of everything that will carry you to your destination. 
From here, in the verses dealing of Hajj, when everyone shall have to make some sort of journey to reach the Ka’bah, Allah tuned the attention of His slaves to another journey, a journey every soul is traveling, whether they know it or care to just remain heedless. Allah turned their attention to the journey to the Hereafter, to Paradise or Hell. 
[And take sustenance (with you) for the journey; verily the best sustenance is Taqwa (piety and righteousness).] – Al Baqarah 2:197 
On the day Buhaym Al-‘Ajlee set out with his companion for Hajj, he looked toward the endless desert awaiting them both and wept, his chest soaking from the tears. “This is something,” said Buhaym, “that has made me understand the most certain journey I must one day take to Allah!”
Hajj – the journey of hearts.
The Provider
There is debate over whether someone who performs Hajj should be called a Hajji. It is not something found in the Sunnah; rather it has an interesting background in our cultural history. In antique days, when someone decided to perform the journey for Hajj, it was synonymous with bidding farewell to life on earth. This was due to the treacherous obstacles of traveling in the desert – trials such as sickness, starvation, and the struggles of the separate situations. An entire village might gather to bid those people farewell.
When someone would go through such a remarkable journey and return alive, they would dedicate their lives to the worship and obedience of Allah. Gone was the cheating, or the lying, or the missed Salah. He was now a Hajji.
Today, with the Jumbo jets and ocean liners and Mercedes busses, the facilitation of performing Hajj has taken away the luster of the title Hajji. Some might complain that there are no queen-size mattress beds in Mina, or that the air conditioning motor is a tad too loud. 
But dear brothers and sisters, who is it that provided us with all the blessing that we are living in? It is the same Allah that has tested us here on the plains of Arafah. The slave of Allah can only truly understand the favor of Allah upon him when it is taken away.
[There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord (during Hajj). But when you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at AlMash’ar AlHaram. And remember Him as He has guided you, for indeed you were before that among those astray.] 
Alhamdulillaah. Indeed the greatest blessing that Allah has favored us with is Islam, and it alone suffices as favor.
Allah knows we are going to get dusty during Hajj, Allah knows it. So don’t be surprised when that dust blows, instead turn to Allah and hit back with patience and a whisper of gratitude to Allah.
[Then let them end their untidiness, fulfill their vows, and perform Tawaf around the ancient House.] – Surah Hajj 22/29
Ibn Al-Qayyim wrote a Qasidah about this journey of the hearts, here is only a glimpse of some of the Arabic verses:
[He says, my slaves have come to me (for Hajj) out of love for me / And I am merciful to them, bounteous and loving // Glad tidings O participants of that stand (on Arafah) / a moment when Allah forgives all sins and showers His mercy]
Abu Hurayrah narrates: I heard the Prophet say, “Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any Rafath (obscenity) or Fusooq (transgression), he returns (free from sin) as the day his mother bore him” – Bukhari
Getting the heart in shape
Many years ago, as the Hujjaj swept through the valley of Muzdalifah, a man remarked out loud, “My look at the number of Hujjaj!” The wise man replied, “Nay, the passengers are many, but the Hujjaj are few.”
I once heard the story of a man who was blessed with the opportunity to join the caravan for Hajj regularly. However, his shortcoming was that he could never control his anger during the days of Hajj, and would snap cursing others.
Well, one person had an idea for him. His inspiration: Instead of cursing Muslims during Hajj, write all your bad comments on a piece of paper – fold it – and then when you get mad at someone, just hand him the paper. On the top of the tiny envelope write, ‘Do not open until after Hajj’. The man agreed.
As incident after incident assailed him, the man would simply smile, then frown and hand out the tiny envelopes to the provoking party. 
Everything was going smoothly until the day when he was walking to the Jamarat and someone stomped his toes. He lost all control. Teeth gritting, he snarled and took out his briefcase of envelopes and dumped it on that poor guys head.
In Hajj I have seen people who snatch for patience and the reward of Allah during those trying moments, like a man pan handles for gold. I asked myself, what is different from them and those who spend their breath in criticism and argumentation? It finally dawned that it was not the body of Zayd or ‘Amr that I was witnessing, but it was the hearts of Zayd and ‘Amr.
Some people come to hajj prepared financially. Others come with a prepared heart – that is what’s essential. Whether the grindstone grinds us to dust or polishes us up depends on what we are made of.
Now – How to get that heart in shape for Hajj?
Firstly: Attend lectures and workshops dealing with Hajj
Hajj is one of the pillars that Islam is built on. When someone intends to perform this rite, it is a must upon them that they learn it well. Rasul Allah – peace and blessings be upon him – said, “Seeking knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim.”
Imam Bukhari writes in his Saheeh, ‘Chapter: knowledge comes before statements and actions.’ He then quoted the verse of Allah: [So Know, that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin.] – Surah Muhammad, 47/19
Secondly: Establish Salah and perform Qiyaam ul-Layl
When Rasul Allah – peace and blessings be upon him – was preparing his heart for the mission of conveying this Deen, Allah ordered him to prepare using Qiyam ul-Layl.
Allah ta’ala says: [O you who wraps himself / Arise (to pray) the night, except for a little] – Surah Muzzammil, 73/1,2
A student once slept over at Imam Ahmad’s house, rahimahullah. Imam Ahmad had left a vessel of water for him, and upon arriving at Fajr time, found the vessel still full of water. He was shocked and remarked, “How can a person be a Talib Al-‘Ilm (student of Islam) and not stand for Qiyam ul-Layl!”
Some said to Ibn Mas`ood, may Allah be pleased with him, “We are unable to wake up to perform Qiyam ul-Layl.” He told them, “You are distancing yourselves from it by your sins.” 
Thirdly: Repentance to Allah and Dua
It was during the days of Tashreeq when Jirbreel – alayhis salam – came to Rasul Allah – peace and blessings be upon him – with the words of Allah:
[When the victory of Allah has come and the conquest / And you see the people entering into the religion of Allah in multitudes / Then exalt Him with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance.] -Surah An-Nasr
This was the culmination of 23 years of Da’wah, Jihad, and work; here now was the farewell pilgrimage. What did it end with? [Then exalt Him with praise of your Lord (Tasbeeh) and ask forgiveness of Him]
Subhaanak Allaahumma wa bihamdika, Allahumma ighfir-lana / Glory be to you O Allah, and may You be praised. O Allah, forgive us

How a Pearl Protects Itself:
A Khutbah for the Muslim Women
By Muhammad Al-Shareef

When news of the Christian army that had prepared on the horizons to wipe out Islam reached him, Abu Qudaamah Ash-Shaamee moved quickly to the Mimbar of the Masjid. In a powerful and emotional speech, Abu Qudaamah ignited the desire of the community to defend their land, Jihad for the sake of Allah. As he left the Masjid, walking down a dark and secluded alley, a woman stopped him and said, “As salamu alaykum wa Rahmatullaah!” Abu Qudaamah stopped and did not answer. She repeated her salam again, adding “this is not how pious people should act.” She stepped forward from the shadows. “I heard you in the Masjid encouraging the believers to go for Jihad and all I have is this.” She handed him two long braids. “It can be used for a horse rein. Perhaps Allah may write me as one of those who went for Jihaad.”

“You’ll lose them!” said Abu Qudaamah.

The boy repeated, “I ask you by Allah to give me them.” Abu Qudaamah gave him the arrows and the boy took aim.

“Bismillaah!” The arrow flew and killed a Roman. “Bismillaah!” The second arrow flew, killing a second Roman. “Bismillaah!” The third arrow flew, killing a third Roman. An arrow then struck the boy in the chest – knocking him off the horse. Abu Qudaamah jumped down to his side, reminding the boy in his final breaths, “Don’t forget the promise!” The boy reached into his pocket, extracted a pouch and said, “Please return this to my mother.”
“Who’s your mother?” asked Abu Qudaamah.

“The woman that gave you the braids yesterday.”

Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer verily to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter). – Surah AnNahl (16/97)

Dear Sister, you have to understand that you or anyone may enter Hellfire! By Allah, we are not better than Fatimah, the daughter of Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam. And he said to her, “O Fatimah the daughter of Muhammad, Ask me whatever you wish from my wealth, for I shall avail you nothing to Allah.” Meaning that it doesn’t matter if you’re my daughter, if you don’t work for Jannah, saying to Allah that my father is so and so will not help you in anyway.

[And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Fir'own (Pharaoh) - when she said, "My Lord, Build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Fir'own and his deeds, and save me from the transgressive-disbelieving people.] -Tahreem 66/11

Dear Sister, our role models come from the Quran. You may have heard the story of the boy and the king. When the entire village became Muslim by the death of that young boy, the king ordered that an enormous fire be kindled and that all those who would not recant their religion be burnt alive. A Mu’minah, stood with her baby over the fire. She looked at her baby, and seeking her child’s weakness and innocence, she considered turning her back. The baby said to her, “What are you waiting for mother. Go forward for you are on the truth!” She nodded. Then with her baby in hand she was pushed to her death.

[And they ill-treated them for no other reason than that they believed in Allah, Exalted in Power, Worthy of all Praise!- * Him to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth! And Allah is Witness to all things.] - Surah Al Buruj, 8,9

[Friends on that day will be foes, one to another - except the Righteous] – Surah Zukhruf (43/67)

When the Prophet – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – stood on the plain of Arafah and gave his farewell speech he said to the Ummah, “Treat the women kindly!” History records that in Europe in the same year, at the same time that Islam was saying this, the Christian clergy were arguing whether a women was a human or an animal! Those clergymen are the ancestors of the Kuffar that now want to `liberate’ you.

There is much more than can be said. I shall conclude with the advice of Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – to every Muslim mother, daughter, and wife: “If the women prays her five (Salah), fasts her month (of Ramadan), protects herself (from committing Zina), and listens to her husband, it will be said to her, `from any door you wish, enter Paradise!”

[O ye who believe! give your response to Allah and His Messenger, when He calls you to that which shall give you life; and know that Allah cometh between a man and his heart, and that it is He to Whom ye shall (all) be gathered.] – Surah Anfal 8/24

Allah and His Messenger are calling you to life. Dear sister, reply!

The Bitter Harvest
By Muhammad Al-Shareef

“As Salamu ‘Alaykum, my name is Salman, I teach the Qur’ânic study circle in this Masjid.”
 

‘And my name is Khalid.’

‘Hostility and disrespect replaced that shyness and cowardice he once knew. Gone was that soft, respectful young heart. In it’s place grew a hardened center, like a rock, if not harder.

‘Seldom a day would pass without incident. He would either curse, kick, or hit me. Imagine it, my own son. I’m his father, yet he still hits me.’

“Despite what has passed, let me try. Brother, you planted this seed. And this is your harvest.”

1 Greet every Muslim with a smile.

Muhammad AlShareef

Arafah – 10 years after Hijrah.  The man was standing with Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – when he was thrown from his camel.  The camel stomped and the man’s neck was snapped. Dead.

“Bathe his body with water and Sidr and bury him with both garments,” said Allah’s Messenger.  “Do not cover his head, nor touch him with Camphor … for verily he will be returned (to Allah) on the day of resurrection in the state of Talbiyah! (Labbayk Allahaahumma labbayk)” – Bukhari and Muslim

‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas narrates, “When Islam entered my heart, I went to the Messenger of Allah and said, ‘Give me your hand so that I may pledge allegiance to you.’ The Prophet spread his hand, but I withdrew mine. He said, ‘What is wrong ‘Amr?’ I said, ‘I want to make a condition.’ ‘And what is that?’ he said. I said, ‘That Allah will forgive me.’ Then the Messenger of Allah said, ‘Did you not know that Islam wipes out what came before it, and that Hijrah wipes out what came before it and that Hajj wipes out what came before it!” – Sahih Muslim

The ultimate reward.  Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “And there is no reward for an accepted Hajj … except Jannah!”

What is the first verse that you read in Surah Al-Hajj?  It does not speak of Arafah, nor does it pronounce the pillars of Nahr day.  It simply says …

[O Mankind! Fear your Lord, indeed the eruption of the (final) Hour is a horrific event.  On that day that you shall see it, every nursing mother will be engrossed away from that (child) she was nursing, and every pregnant woman will abort her pregnancy, and you will see the people (appearing) intoxicated, while they are not intoxicated; rather it is the punishment of Allah, severe.]

Hajj is not a journey of the body such as one may take to a vacation spot or tourist attraction.  It is a journey of the soul and heart. 

When one pays a careful eye to the verses speaking of Hajj, they will find that verse after verse concludes with a commandment of being conscious of Allah’s presence, or a reminder of Allah’s bounteous favor upon us, or a link between Hajj and the final day.

The Destination

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

Thus, you had to have the provision with you before you made the journey. Enough food, enough water, enough everything to carry you to your destination.

From here, in the verses dealing of Hajj, when everyone shall have to make some sort of journey to reach the Ka’bah, Allah turned the attention of His slaves to another journey, a journey every soul is traveling, whether they know it or care to just remain heedless. Allah turned their attention to the journey to the Hereafter, to Paradise or Hell.

[And take sustenance (with you) for the journey; verily the best sustenance is Taqwa (piety and righteousness).] – Al Baqarah 2:197

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

Hajj – the journey of hearts.

The Provider

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

When someone would go through such a remarkable journey and return alive, they would dedicate their lives to the worship and obedience of Allah.  Gone was the cheating, or the lying, or the missed Salah.  He was now a Hajji.

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

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

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

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

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

[Then let them end their untidiness, fufill their vows, and perform Tawaf around the ancient House.] – Surah Hajj 22/29

Ibn Al-Qayyim wrote a Qasidah about this journey of the hearts, here is only a glimpse of some of the Arabic verses:

[He says, my slaves have come to me (for Hajj) out of love for me / And I am merciful to them, bounteous and loving // Glad tidings O participants of that stand (on Arafah) / a moment when Allah forgives all sins and showers His mercy]

Abu Hurayrah narrates: I heard the Prophet (saw) say, “Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any Rafath (obscenity) or Fusooq (transgression), he returns (free from sin) as the day his mother bore him” – Bukhari

Getting the heart in shape

Many years ago, as the Hujjaj swept through the valley of Muzdalifah, a man remarked out loud, “My look at the number of Hujjaj!”  The wise man replied, “Nay, the passengers are many, but the Hujjaj are few.”

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

Well, one person had an idea for him.  His inspiration: Instead of cursing Muslims during Hajj, write all your bad comments on a piece of paper – fold it – and then when you get mad at someone, just hand him the paper.  On the top of the tiny envelope write, ‘Do not open until after Hajj’. The man agreed.

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

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

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

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

Now – How to get that heart in shape for Hajj?

Firstly:  Attend lectures and workshops dealing with Hajj

Hajj is one of the pillars that Islam is built on.  When someone intends to perform this rite it a must upon them that they learn it well.  Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “Seeking knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim.”

Imam Bukhari writes in his Saheeh, ‘Chapter: knowledge comes before statements and actions.’  He then quoted the verse of Allah: [So Know, that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin.] - Surah Muhammad, 47/19

Secondly: Establish Salah and perform Qiyaam ul-Layl

When Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – was preparing his heart for the mission of conveying this Deen, Allah ordered him to prepare using Qiyam ul-Layl.

Allah ta’ala says: [O you who wraps himself / Arise (to pray) the night, except for a little] – Surah Muzzammil, 73/1,2

A student once slept over at Imam Ahmad’s house, rahimahullah.  Imam Ahmad had left a vessel of water for him, and upon arriving at Fajr time, found the vessel still full of water. He was shocked and remarked, “How can a person be a Talib Al-‘Ilm (student of Islam) and not stand for Qiyam ul-Layl!”

Some said to Ibn Mas`ood, may Allah be pleased with him, “We are unable to wake up to perform Qiyam ul-Layl.” He told them, “You are distancing yourselves from it by your sins.”

Thirdly: Repentance to Allah and Dua

It was during the days of Tashreeq when Jirbreel – alayhis salam – came to Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – with the words of Allah:

 [When the victory of Allah has come and the conquest / And you see the people entering into the religion of Allah in multitudes / Then exalt Him with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him.  Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance.] Surah An-Nasr

This was the culmination of 23 years of Da’wah, Jihad, and work; here now was the farewell pilgrimage. What did it end with?  [Then exalt Him with praise of your Lord (Tasbeeh) and ask forgiveness of Him]

Subhaanak Allaahumma wa bihamdika, Allahumma ighfir-lana / Glory be to you O Allah, and may You be praised.  O Allah, forgive us!

Sahl ibn Sa’d – radi Allahu ‘anhu – narrates that An-Nabee – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “In Jannah there is a gate called Ar-Rayyan, a door which the Saa’imoon will enter from, no one else except them. It will be announced, ‘Where are the Saa’imoon?’ and the Saa’imoon will stand. No one except them will enter from the Rayyan gate.”

Have you ever heard of a weekend warrior? They are employees who sit in cubicles and relax at a coffee station weighed down with donuts all week long. Then on the weekend they rip off their suits bearing their Reebok gear underneath and spend the entire weekend playing basketball, hang gliding, and mountain climbing. What happens? They break their knees, pull a dozen muscles, and are hospitalized on Monday.

This is in relation to the physical body. But there are people that should be known as Ramadan warriors. They are those that haven’t fasted all year long and then shock their bodies with a whole month. Or haven’t prayed in the Masjid or haven’t woken up to pray in the night all year long. What happens to them? As one Muslim doctor said, “In normal days, we have about 5 – 7 patients a day. On the first day of Ramadan, the patients increase to over 50!”

Ramadan warriors were rare in our Islamic history. To illustrate, let’s all remember where we were at the beginning of Safar – corresponding this year to the second week of May. We were probably praying for work to end, or just finished up with exams, or looking through brochures for a holiday getaway.

Interestingly, if we were sitting beside a taabi’ee over a thousand years ago in a simple Masjid, we would have heard him raising his hands asking Allah to grant him the blessing of being around when a guest comes, a guest called Ramadan!

There are different ways that we can ‘warm up’ for Ramadan. One of those ways is by increasing the frequency of our Du’a:

Allah ta’ala says in the Qur’an … the verse before it is talking about Ramadan and the verse after it is speaking about Ramadan, and right in the middle we read: [And when My servants ask you, (O Muhammad), concerning Me - Indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me (by obedience) and believe in Me that they may be guided.]

- Surah Al Baqarah 2/186

Every goodness on earth is from Allah. And one of the most exclusive blessings is Ramadan. So let us ask the Lord of Ramadan to help us find His Mercy in the coming days.

Last year, we gave a khutbah here on Hajj entitled ‘The Call of Ibraheem’. A brother just a few weeks ago told me that during that Khutbah he raised his hands to Allah and asked Allah to find him a way to make Hajj. He said that he had no money to make the trip, but that night more then one brother approached him with the offer, “Brother we have a Hajj program for new Muslims, would you like to come!” Alhamdulillah, that brother made Hajj last year from a Du’a that came straight from the heart – in sha’ Allah.

The early generations of the Ummah used to make Du’a 6 months after Ramadan that Allah accept their deeds in Ramadan. And for the next 6 months, they would make du’a to Allah to grant them the blessing of being alive in the coming Ramadan.

Cleanliness – Whenever a guest comes, we prepare in advance for his arrival by vacuuming the carpet, dusting the shelves, and scrubbing the sinks. We should do this for our guest called Ramadan. But the scrubbing should not just be of our physical surroundings, it should include the scrubbing of our sins.

Listen to the words of an-Nabee – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – speaking about those people that don’t want to clean up for Ramadan, “Whoever doesn’t desist from speaking falsehood and acting upon it, Allah has no need that he desist from his food and drink.” – Bukhari

Fasting in Sha’baan (this Month that we are now in) – The biggest downfall of the weekend warriors was that they were not properly warmed up for the exercise which caused the injuries. Similarily, when Fasting, some people only do it once a year making their bodies very foreign to going without food and drink.

From here we see the following Sunnah: Umm Al-Mu’mineen Aisha – radiAllahu ‘anha – observes, “Allah’s Messenger never fasted an entire month other than Ramadan and I haven’t seen him fast more than he did in Sha’baan.”

A poet said: Oh ye who isn’t satisfied with his sins in Rajab / so much so that you continued disobedience in Sha’baan / The month of fasting has now come upon you / so do not convert it also to a month of disobedience.

Part II

When we look at the celebrations, ‘the holy days’ of this country, we see that they put all their time and effort and spirit in preparation. I tell you, go to any store outside this Masjid and you will see preparations of Candy Canes, red and green bouquets, even Eggnog all in the wait for the annual celebration of the birth – as they falsely claim- of Prophet ‘Esa (alayhis salam.) They are preparing for their falsehood almost 2 months in advance! One of the ways to prepare for Ramadan is to educate ourselves in the Fiqh of Ramadan. Alhamdulillah – sitting in this Masjid today are many brothers and sisters for whom this will be their first Ramadan. Allahu Akbar! May Allah accept it from them and allow them and us to share in the blessing of Ramadan for many years to come. Let us briefly review what fasting is:Fasting Ramadan is not optional – it is a must. The evidence for this is found in the Qur’aan and Sunnah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Observing al-sawn (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become al-muttaqoon (the pious).” [al-Baqarah 2:183]

The Prophet said: “Islam is built on five [pillars]…” among which he mentioned fasting in Ramadaan. – Bukhari

The Arabic word for fasting is Sawm. In Arabic it literally means to abstain from something. And in Islamic Law it is to abstain from those things that break the fast starting from dawn (Fajr Prayer) and ending with sunset (Maghrib prayer) having first made the intention to do so.

The things which break ones Fast, the things which he or she must abstain from from dawn to sunset are as follows:

(a) Eating and Drinking

(b) Marital Relations

These apply if 3 conditions are met (1) That the person is not ignorant that this thing breaks ones fast (2) That he is aware that he is doing something that breaks his fast (meaning he did not do so in forgetfulness) (3) He does so out of his free will and no one forced him to break his fast.

In conclusion, as the month of Ramadan draws nearer, we should prepare for this special guest by preparing a Ramadan program *Operation: Valuable Time* in our homes and at our Masjids. The program should in sha’ Allah include:

1. Locked times of the day when we will consistently recite Qur’an, learning it’s meanings and memorizing new Sur’ahs.

2. Something useful for the time before Taraweeh prayers and the time after Taraweeh. And how to increase our worship in the last ten nights – i.e. what will we do extra.

3. We should make sure that there are days of this month when we feed people. Bring dates or milk to the Masjid for Maghrib. Invite people over to have dinner with your family. Organize a dinner in the Masjid and invite people that don’t normally get invited because they are new. Take care of the New Muslims in your community and for the sake of Allah ta’ala make their Ramadan special.

4. Make the intention to double and triple the amount of Sadaqah we give, the worship we normally do, the Dhikr we do, and the deeds that’ll help us purify our souls, etc.

And finally, for those that can afford it plan a Umrah to the Ka’bah in Ramadan!

After returning from the farewell Hajj, Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – saw an Ansari women who had not made the Hajj. He asked her, “What kept you back from joining in the Hajj?” She said, “We had a camel that we used to ride which Abu Fulan and his son went on, and another we used for farming.” So Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “Verily, Umrah in Ramadan is the same (reward) as performing Hajj with me!” – Bukhari and Muslim

Imagine that you are on the beach. You are four years old. The camp leader has told you that you have five minutes to build a great castle. “Quickly,” your three year old Ameer tells you, “the sand here is too soft. Run closer to the water and get better sand!”

Off you run and grab, with your tiny hands, as much sand as you can hold. But, as you run back, plop, plop, plop, you feel the sand slipping through your fingers. You can do nothing about it. In your haste, all the sand has slipped away. Bang. The competition is over. This is the analogy of our lives. This is the analogy of our time in Ramadan.

For many living in Western countries, Ramadan is passed daily with 9 to 5 jobs or school – nights where we may or may not go for Taraweeh. A peak at the TV (may Allah protect us) and the night is over. Back to work where all around us people are eating and drinking from crystal water fountains. Blink. Ramadan is over.

The question of the hour is: how do we take full advantage of this gift of Allah? This is our topic, before the sands of Ramadan slip away.

How many years have we been fasting Ramadan? 10 or 15 or 40 years? Are we 10 or 15 or 40 times better? Or, does it seem like we have arrived back at the drawing board every time Ramadan comes around? All acts of worship are for our own benefit! Don’t do it and harm befalls you, which is the way life was programmed.

Ramadan is no small matter. It is one of the pillars of this Deen of Islam – without it one’s Islam would not be complete. In this month, Rasul Allah – sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam – would intensify his worship of Allah ta’ala. In doing so, he laid the foundation for his Ummah after him to emulate.

Ibn AlQayyim – rahimahullaah – wrote: “From his blessed guidance – sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam – in Ramadan is that he used to intensify and diversify his actions of worship. So, for example, Jibreel used to rehearse the Qur’an with him during the nights of Ramadan. When Jibreel would visit him, he would intensify the amount of Sadaqah that he would give. He was the most generous out of all people – sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam – and Ramadan was the time when he was most generous. In Ramadan, he would fill his time with Sadaqah, treating people kindly, reciting Qur’an, performing Salah, remembering Allah, and performing I’tikaaf.” – Zaad AlMa’aad

Observers described the way Allah’s Messenger- sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam – gave like Ar-Reeh AlMursalah, like the blessed wind. Why? The blessed wind, as they knew it, was a wind that brought coolness to everyone – no one was denied its blessing. The blessed wind, additionally, was not lazy in bringing its goodness to the people. It would come swiftly to all. This is how Rasul Allah – sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam – was described, and this is how our service to humanity should be: swift and encompassing. Bi idhnillah.

Below are ten ideas to help make the most of Ramadan – before it slips through our hands.

Idea one: Compound Your Siyaam!

If you told your financial broker that you just want to keep money in the bank and save it, he would say, “You are wrong.” “Invest it in the stock market. That way your money will be compounded – you will earn multiple times what you put in.” So now I ask the question: Wouldn’t you love to get two times the reward of fasting Ramadan? How?

Zayd ibn Khaalid AlJuhanee narrates that the Prophet – sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “Whoever gives a fasting person (food) to break his or her fast, he (the one feeding) will get the reward equivalent to the (fasting persons) reward – without diminishing anything from the reward of the (fasting person).”

How do we do this? Ask any Muslim relief agency if they have a feed a fasting person program. Subhan Allah, you may find that it only costs $1 to feed a person! So, for $30 you could come out of Ramadan having doubled your reward.

And, we should not forget the needy in our city. We think that in a ‘modern’ western country or city there are no needy people. That is not true. There are many needy families that are waiting to be discovered. Ask around and you will find a gold mine of people to help, in your own backyard.

I speak about Washington, DC. If one was to have a food drive, all the food could go to needy Muslim families in DC and still not be enough! I’ve seen this with my own eyes. How blessed it would be to get the youth that just hang out in the back of the Masjid during Taraweeh to take on this task. Organize the collection of the food and distribute it. It can happen! It just takes a leader with vision to set this up for the youth and all the good people who want to make a difference.

Idea two: Operation Guide the Youth

Often in Ramadan, there are khaatirahs, words of wisdom, halaqahs and reminders, all geared to the adults praying Taraweeh. The youth, it seems, are being disrespectful by talking in the back of the masjid.

“Shhhhh!” someone shouts at them. “Listen or go outside (and we prefer if you just go outside)!” So, quietly they sneak out of the Masjid and chat and chill all Ramadan. How Eeman boosting is that? Remember, Allah commands that you protect your wife and children also.

Try this: Just like there are things for the adults, we could have Ramadan activities and reminders geared specifically for the youth. And, it need not be ‘in’ the Masjid. Let’s say the youth like to chat and chill outside in the parking lot. Why not organize the activity there? Yes, on the basketball court or in the parking lot. Have a 5-minute Khatirah, play games with them, and give them some noble projects to complete in Ramadan.

Again, making a difference like this needs a leader with vision, one who recognizes that the youth are his or her responsibility. I pray that person is you!

Idea three: Turnoff TV Month

Every parent knows that when they want their child to do well in their studies they tell them, “no TV.” If this is for Dunya, then how about someone who wants to excel in Ramadan?

“Fasting and the Qur’an will come and testify on behalf of the ‘Abd on the Day of Resurrection. The Fasting will say: O my lord, I denied him food and desires, so allow me to be a means for him to enter paradise. And the Qu’ran will say: O my Lord, I denied him sleep at night so allow me to be a means for him to enter Paradise. And (he will be entered into paradise) because of those two.” – Musnad Ahmad

Try this: Announce in your household that Ramadan is the official turnoff TV month. Be an example for others and do fun and rewarding things instead. Visit people, take on a Ramadan feeding project, increase yourself in knowledge, etc. Turn off the TV and turn on life.

Idea Four: Dua’ Time

Ramadan is the month of making dua’ to Allah, an essential compliment to fasting. Rasul Allah – sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “There are three persons dua’ that will be accepted (by Allah). The fasting person, the oppressed one, and the traveler.”

Try this: Make a list of all your goals in life. Make a section for your a) personal goals; b) spiritual goals; c) economic goals; and d) contribution goals. Every day during Ramadan, take out your list and make dua’ to Allah to grant you the tawfeeq to accomplish your goals. Insha Allah, you will attain your goals with hard work, both during and after Ramadan.

Idea Five: Parent Appreciation Month

We all know that the one who wakes us up for Suhoor is our mom. I know it was for me. If not for her alarm clock, her early morning cooking, her motherly love to go and wake everyone up…well, let’s just say our iftars would have become our suhoors. If you are living away from your parents, you know what I’m talking about.

Remember the hadith of the person who doesn’t reach Ramadan with forgiveness? The end part of the Hadith says they found their parents in old age and they were not a means for him to enter Jannah!

So, why not announce it loud and clear this month, “Thank you Mom! Thank you Dad!” Let’s take care of them this month with extra calls, extra hugs, and extra love.

Idea Six: Masjid Power Hour

During Ramadan, why not spend a few more moments in the Masjid before taking off. This could be done after Fajr or after Asr. Sit back, grab a Qur’an and remember Allah. As your time in the Masjid increases, bi idhnillaah, your love and heart attachment will increase. Make this your personal Masjid power hour.

Idea Seven: Bad Habit Buster

Many people already do this. They may have a smoking problem or a TV addiction. When Ramadan comes around they say, “I’m going to train myself to stop smoking or to stop watching excessive TV by abandoning it throughout Ramadan.”

So, you don’t have a smoking problem huh? Everyone has a bad habit and everyone has a recurring sin they pray they could desist from. Make Ramadan the training month by telling yourself to go without this sin for the entire month. Then, if Allah grants one Tawfeeq to complete the month, one should continue to pray to Allah to keep them away from the sin after Ramadan.

Idea Eight: The Gift Groove

Have you ever noticed how beloved a bottle of perfume is when it is handed out by a little four year old Muslim? Everyone loves a gift.

Why not take this a step forward? Go to your local Islamic bookstore and request a bulk purchase of some beneficial Islamic materials, something in the $1 range. Then, hand it out to everyone that comes to your masjid. Bi idhnillaah, you will find for the little effort one may put, people all throughout Ramadan will be learning from the gift.

Idea Nine: Ramadan Muslims, Convert!

It is true that on the first day of Ramadan, the number of Muslims in the local Masjid multiplies considerably. And, it is a sad moment on the first day after Ramadan that the Masjid attendance drops significantly. This idea is Operation No More Ramadan Muslims. We want people all year long!

Ibn Abbas I’tikaaf: A man came to Ibn Abbas while he was doing I’tikaaf in the masjid and asked him for his assistance. So, Ibn Abbas stood to leave and people around him warned him, ‘but you are in I’tikaaf’. He replied, “To assist my brother in fulfilling his need is more beloved to me than to perform I’tikaaf for 2 months in the Masjid of Rasul Allah – sal Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.”

Try this: Make a ‘compassion crew’ that reaches out specifically to Ramadan Muslims. Extra special attention is showered on them and roles of responsibility are delegated to them so that they can participate more in the Masjid. Invite them to special Iftars where they are the center of attention.

With this extra attention and responsibility, bi idhnillaah, every month will be Ramadan for them and the masjids will be full all year.

Idea Ten: Home Halaqah

Muslim families often keep their worship for the Masjid, but why not make Muslim family time at home. It could work like this: After Taraweeh or Asr, the family gathers together for 15 minutes. There are many things you could do in your Halaqah, the main thing is that you set time aside for it.

For example, each family member may recite a few verses of Qur’an. Or, one of the kids can read a story of the Sahaabah so that all family members can be reminded. Or, each family member can speak about the blessings of Allah upon them and what they have in their lives for which they are thankful.

Just 15 minutes for the home Halaqah. For the entire family, bi idhnillah, it will be a spring of Eeman.

Ten ideas to enhance your Ramadan:

Idea one: Compound Your Siyaam!
Idea two: Operation Guide the Youth
Idea Three: Turnoff TV Month
Idea Four: Dua’ Time
Idea Five: Parent Appreciation Month
Idea Six: Masjid Power Hour
Idea Seven: Bad Habit Buster
Idea Eight: The Gift Groove
Idea Nine: Ramadan Muslims, Convert!
Idea Ten: Home Halaqah

The past saw Muslims that spent their nights of Ramadan awake praying to Allah. It saw days where people, for the sake of Allah, went thirsty.

They knew that this season may never return on them and they heard Allah’s words “Ayyaman Ma’doodaat”- a limited number of days. Don’t let the sand of Ramadan slip away.

When the mob sitting there heard Abu Bakr – Radi Allahu Anhu – and others speaking about Allah and Islam, they ignited in anger and began stoning and beating the Muslims. Utbah pounced on Abu Bakr -Radi Allahu Anhu – with his leather sandals, slapping him repeatedly in the face until Abu Bakr – Radi Allahu Anhu – was knocked down. He then fell on top of Abu Bakr – Radi Allahu Anhu – punching him in the stomach and continued the facial blows. Abu Bakr’s tribe peeled Utbah off of him finally and swore that if Abu Bakr dies, they were going to chop off Utbah’s head in revenge. Abu Bakr lay in the blood, his face indiscernible, unconscious.

It was only until nightfall that Abu Bakr – Radi Allahu Anhu – began to show signs of life. Do you know what the first words he spoke were? “What happened to Rasul Allah? What happened to Rasul Allah?” His mother offered him food but he refused. “I shall not touch food until I am taken to Rasul Allah and am reassured that he is alright”.

They carried him to Daar Al-Arqam and when he entered, Rasul Allah cried at the state that Abu Bakr – Radi Allahu Anhu – was in and hugged him. He held the hug as the Muslims gathered around.

Role Models- In his book Risaalat Al-Mu’allim, Jamal Abideen tells us that at the age of 2 – perhaps earlier – the boy or girl begins habitually imitating all that they see. At age of 5 or 6 – when the child is in kindergarten and grade 1 – they reach a climax in imitating anything that they see, good or bad. Then this habit of imitating smoothes out but continues to play the most vital role in the child’s upbringing.

Ibn Khaldoon writes in his Muqaddimah about this issue, “Children are influenced most by a role model. In there early years, children think that everything that adults do is correct and good. And that their parents are the best amongst the adults and the most perfect.”

Children do not learn by being told, they learn by example. How much weight does a commandment to a child have to fast when the parent or teacher himself is eating a sandwich? For this reason, it is something hated and despised by Allah that a person should command good and he himself do other than what he commands. For indeed, his words will have little worth when the two – his actions and commandments – are contradictory.

1. Whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth glorifies Allâh. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

2. O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do?

3. Most hateful it is with Allâh that you say that which you do not do.]
- Surah Al Saff

And in Saheeh Muslim, the Prohet – Sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “A man will be brought on the day or ressurection and be thrown into hellfire. The inhabitants of hellfire shall gather around him and say, `O so and so! What is wrong? Were you not the one that would tell people to do good and tell them to stay away from doing bad?’ He shall say, `Yes, I used to command people to do good but I would not do it myself, and I would command people to stay away from bad and I myself would commit it.’”

The severity of this warning stems from the harmful scars that cut into a child’s personality when he sees his role models doing wrong and not doing what’s right. By us not following what we claim to believe in, we could be causing the destruction of dozens of lives on the day of resurrection.

It is in this search for our role models that we turn to the shining light – Abu Bakr as Siddeeq, Radi Allahu Anhu.

When the Prophet – Sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – received the first revealations, the first man he approached was his best friend: Abu Bakr. When Abu Bakr – Radi Allahu Anhu – heard that Muhammad had been chosen as a Prophet, he immediately announced, “I’ve never tasted a lie from you. I testify that there is no god but Allah, and you are the Messenger of Allah.” Rasul Allah later said, “There is no one that I have spoken to about Islam that did not debate the issue with me except Abu Bakr.”

With the few verses that he knew, Abu Bakr – Radi Allahu Anhu – set off to invite to this Deen of Al-Islam. Soon, he was escorting by the hand the likes of Uthmaan, Az-Zubayr, AbdArRahmaan ibn `Owf, Sa’d, Abu `Ubaidah, and Talha – six of the ten people who were promised Jannah during their time on earth. And on the day of resurrection they shall all be written in the book of Abu Bakr’s good works.

In the early days of Islam, Abu Bakr – Radi Allahu Anhu – would walk around the markets and homes observing all the Muslim slaves that were being tortured. He would watch as Umayyah dragged Bilal out to the grilling desert at noon time – the hottest moments of the day. Umayyah would press Bilal to the scalding ground and place a boulder on top of his chest to increase the torture. Bilal would say nothing but, “Ahad, Ahad – One, only One”. Abu Bakr would watch and whisper to Bilal, “YunJeeka AlWaahidul Ahad – The One (Allah) shall save you!”

Abu Bakr went to Umayyah and requested that he sell him Bilal for 5 uwqiyyah of gold. Umayyah was astonished at that amount and hurriedly agreed. “Take Bilal there is no good in him”. After the deal was done, Umayyah snickered, “Had you refused to pay more than 1 uwqiyyah I still would have sold him to you.” And Abu Bakr announced, “And had you refused to sell him for no less than 100 uwqiyyah I still would have bought him!”

Evil wishers – like always – spread rumors about Abu Bakrs freeing of Bilal, saying that he did it only because of a favor he owed him. In the Quran, in verses to be recited till the end of time, Allah lay clear the intentions of Abu Bakr:

[18. He who spends his wealth for increase in self-purification,
19. And have in his mind no favor from anyone for which a reward is
expected in return,
20. Except only the desire to seek the Countenance of his Lord, the
Most High;
21. He surely will be pleased (when he will enter Paradise).]
- Surah Al-Layl

Read that last verse again. Allah is telling Abu Bakr – Radi Allahu Anhu – that he is going to make him satisfied. Allahu Akbar! Imagine if Allah told you that. Would anything in the world be more valuable to you than that one ayah?

This was Abu Bakr, this was Khaleefatu Rasulillaah. When `Amr ibn Al- Aas became Muslim, Rasul Allah appointed him as a leader for one of the Muslim armies.

`Amr believed that this could only be so because Rasul Allah– Sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – loved HIM the most. So after the army had returned, `Amr went and sat by Rasul Allah – Sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – and asked him so that everyone would hear the answer: Who do you love the most. Rasul Allah replied, “Aisha”. His wife. Startled, `Amr asked, “No, no, from the men who?” He said, “Her father!” Abu Bakr, Radi Allahu `Anhu.

Part II: Who are our role Models?

Have you ever sat with your children or some Muslim neighbor’s children. Give them a basketball and lower the rim for them and listen to what they say. All – with few exceptions – will call out the name of a Kafir basketball player as they take the shot. You’ll hear the name of Michael Jordan shouted out and others, a name that comes from their heart as they slam the ball in glee.

Listen carefully, they are innocently calling to the world, “I wanna be a Kafir basketball player, just like that kafir Jordan.” Don’t be surprised when they reach University, after they’ve lost their precious youth and they can spit a ball into a basket with unbelievable precision, but cannot read Al-Fatiha without fumbling like a baby.

On the day of Resurrection, these entertainment idols shall disown all those that took them as role models and imitated their sins. Interestingly, Reebok advertised one of these entertainment idols dunking a ball and at the end of the commercial he walks to the camera and says, “Just because I dunk a ball doesn’t mean I have to raise your kids.” Subhan Allah, if children and parents only understood what he said.

Look at the real models and the children that took thatm as their models. Aisha narrates that Rasul Allah used to visit them in the mornings and in the evenings. But one day he came at noon time – a time that signified something different was happening. Abu Bakr – Radi Allahu Anhu – opened the door and Rasul Allah announced that Allah had given him permission to do Hijrah to Madinah. Abu Bakr bounced out, “Together, Yaa Rasul Allah, together!” And Rasul Allah replied, “together.” Abu Bakr began to cry.

Aisha comments, “I never believed that someone could cry from happiness until I saw my father that day cry when he found out he would be doing Hijrah with Rasul Allah.”

Look at the Hijrah incident and you shall see that all the characters involved other than Abu Bakr were children. Aisha and her brother Abd ArRahmaan. Asmaa was slapped in the face by Abu Jahl when she refused to tell him where her father was. The guide that took them to Madinah was also a young boy. Subhan Allah, these children grew up to be amongst the greatest humans to ever walk this earth. How not when they had the greatest role models: Rasul Allah and Abu Bakr.

After over 10 years of Da’wah and Jihad in Madinah, when Rasul Allah passed away, Umar called all the people, sharpened his sword and spoke. “Muhammad is not dead. He went to his lord as Musa went to his lord and he shall come back as Musa did. When he does, he shall kill all those who said he was dead.”

News reached Abu Bakr of the Prophet’s death. He prepared himself and galloped on his horse to Rasul Allah’s home. There Rasul Allah lay covered in a cloth. Abu Bakr raised the cloth and kissed the Rasul Allah. `Tibta Hayyan wa Mayyitan – you are blessed in life and in death.’ He then stepped outside as Umar was addressing the people. ” Sit down Umar,” said Abu Bakr. He then praised Allah and began, “Whoever worships Muhammad let him know that Muhammad is dead, and whoever Allah let him know that Allah is alive and never dies.” He then recited the verse, [Muhammad is nothing more than a Messenger. Messenger came and went before him. If he dies or is killed shall you turn on your heels?]

Umar said, “when I heard that verse, my knees became soft as I fell. I knew that Rasul Allah had died.”

Soon after that, Abu Bakr sent out the army of Usaamah. Usaamah was 18 at that time, the age of one of our youth in grade 12. He led an entire Muslim army, fought the romans and came home victorious, breeding fear in all those that wanted to attack the Muslims in Madinah.

As Usaamah was leaving Madinah, Abu Bakr was escorting his horse as he walked along side it. Usaamah said, “you shall ride with me or I shall come down and walk.” But Abu Bakr refused, “You shall not come down and I shall not ride. What harm does it bring me that I should dust my feet in the cause of Allah for an hour of the day.” Indeed, Usaamah reached this position because of he had role models like Abu Bakr.

Muslims understood the seriousness of the role models their children had. `Amr ibn Utbah – Rahimahullaah – advised his son’s teacher, “Let the first correction you do to my son be the correction of yourself. Verily, their eyes are locked into yours. Good to them is what you do, even if it is bad. And Bad to them is what you do not do, even if it is good.”

Many parents have understood this issue of finding the correct role models for their children. Here is an example that we conclude with: In a kindergarten classroom, a non-Muslim teacher sat with the students and asked each one what they want to be when they grow up. One said, “I want to be a policeman.” The other announced, “I want to be a fireman.” Then a Muslim boy in the crowd spoke up, “I want to be a Sahaabi!” A what?

When parent teacher conferences came up, the teacher asked the parents about this Sahaabee that their son wanted to be when he grew up. They said, “Whenever they have the chance they read stories of the Prophet’s companions to him. They have become his role models. And when he becomes older he wants to be just like the Sahaabi.”

Isn’t that what we want for our kids too?

During his Caliphate, ‘Umar, may Allâh be pleased with him, once set out for ash-Shâm (Damascus) and with him was Abû ‘Ubaydah. They came upon a deep creek which they needed to cross. So ‘Umar took off his sandals and carried them on his shoulders. Then he took the reign of the camel and began ploughing through the water. Abû ‘Ubaydah – seeing the Khalîfah (Leader) of the Muslims in this state – felt saddened and said, “I fear that the people of the village will think you without any honour.”  ’Umar said, “Oh Abû ‘Ubaydah, if only someone less knowledgeable then you made such a statement. We were of the most disgraced of people and Allâh granted us honour with this Islâm. Now, whenever we seek honour in other than that which Allâh honoured us with, Allâh shall disgrace us (once again).”

Dear brothers and sisters, we hear often that the victory of Allâh is something promised and very near. However, some of us do not really believe in our hearts that Allâh will grant victory to Islâm. Some of us may think that this victory that Allâh speaks about is only for a certain ‘star-status’ group of believers, or that the victory was only for a certain time in history, or that it’s not a promised victory, just a miraculous will of God …

We must understand that it is not anyone who is promising this – it is Allâh the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth. And it is not just a promise of the Hereafter, but it is promised in this life as well. In Sûrah Ghâfir (40:51), we read:

“Indeed, we will grant victory to Our Messengers and those who believe in this life of the world and on the day when the witnesses will stand.”

We can only hope for victory when we surrender our loyalty to Allâh and His Messenger and to the believers – and no one else! In Sûrah al-Mâ’idah (5:56), we read:

“And whoever is an ally of Allâh and His Messenger and those who have believed – indeed the party of Allâh will be the victors.”

Honour and victory come only from Allâh. Whoever seeks it from other than Allâh, nothing awaits them but disgrace. In Sûrah an-Nisâ’ (4:138-139), we read:

“Give glad tidings to the Munâfiqîn (hypocrites) that there is for them a painful punishment – those that take disbelievers as allies instead of the believers. Do they seek with them ‘Izzah (Honour)? Rather, to Allâh indeed belongs all honour!”

And when someone thinks that this victory and honour that was promised to the righteous is only a delusion, they are in fact recycling the statements of the Munâfiqîn before them. Allâh recorded their scoffing in Sûrah Ahzâb (33:12):

“And (remember) when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is disease said, ‘Allâh and His Messenger did not promise us anything more then delusion.’ “

Was the promise of victory just a delusion? Let the Qur’ân speak to us the outcome – dear brothers and sisters – of that battle of al-Ahzâb! Allâh tells us:

“And Allâh repelled those who disbelieved, in their rage, not having accomplished any good.  And enough was Allâh for the believers in battle, and ever is Allâh Powerful and Exalted in Might.”

Ibn Kathîr said, “Whoever wants a place of honour in this life and the next, let him hold firmly to the obedience of Allâh – his goal will be realised.  This is because to Allâh belongs this life and next and all honour is His. Allâh says (3:26):

Say, ‘O Allâh, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will.  You honour whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is (all) good.  Indeed, You are over all things competent.’ “

King, prince, duke, marquise, earl, viscount, baron, baronet, and knight – these were the names the English used to appropriate nobility amongst themselves. Humans want to be honoured in this life and so they set out in search of things that will grant them this honour.

Some search for it in money – but when a stock market crashes and they lose everything, they commit suicide or live in humility. Some search for it in degrees – but those same degrees may be their citation for arrogance over others. Some search for it in military might or leadership position – but when the tables turn on them they become the most humiliated.

Only in the worship of Allâh is true honour found, because all honour belongs to Allâh; Sûrah al-Munâfiqûn (63:8), we read:

“And to Allâh belongs all honour, and to His Messenger, and to the believers, but the hypocrites know not.”

Al-Hasan al-Basrî said concerning the people of sin, “They – even though their riding beasts pitter patter with them atop, and their mules carry them ever so gracefully, upon them at all times is the hovering disgrace of sin. Allâh shall never allow for those who disobey Him anything more then disgrace.”

In Sûrah al-Hajj (22:18), we read:

“And whoever Allâh humiliates – for him there is no one to give him honour.”

“He’s doing what? Building a boat in the desert?” The people of Nûh (Noah) ran out to see if the news was true.  Um-hmm, there he was indeed, building a huge boat without a drop of water in site.

Allâh tells us in Sûrah Hûd (11:38):

“And he constructed the ark – whenever a group of the eminent of his people passed him they mocked him.”

They couldn’t help themselves but to ridicule him. ”Hey Nûh, you were a Prophet yesterday; Have you now become a carpenter?”

What happened, dear brothers and sisters, to those devilish people who disbelieved in Allâh’s Messenger for 950 years – where are they now? And who was the winner in the end?

Certainly, in the end Allâh granted a decisive victory to Nûh.  More so, Allâh tells His Prophet, may Allâh send His prayers and blessings upon him, at the conclusion of Nûh’s story how victory will always be for the believers:

“So be patient, indeed, the (best) outcome is (and will always be) for the righteous.”

In their misguided quest for ‘Izzah (honour), the Greeks designated a female god whose sole job was to dispense victory and honour. She was a popular subject in their art, usually represented as winged and bearing a wreath or palm branch. They called her Nike. And many of us leaving this khutbah may still sadly find remnants of their shirk present today on our shoes.

The Prophet, may Allâh send His prayers and blessings upon him, said, “Indeed this affair (of Islâm) shall reach wherever the night and day reach. Allâh will not spare a single clay or wabar home except that Allâh will cause for Islâm to enter it – whether with nobility or with humiliation. Nobility that Allâh grants with them entering Islâm, or humility that Allâh places upon them for their kufr (disbelief).”

The narrator of the hadîth, Tamîm ad-Dârî, may Allâh be pleased with him, said, “Certainly, I saw this in my own family. Those that become Muslim amongst them found prosperity and nobility and honour. And those that turned to kufr found nothing but disgrace and humility and the jizyah tax (a tax paid by non-Muslims living in the Islamic state).”

There are different ways in which Allâh grants victory to His righteous servants: Allâh may grant victory through martyrdom. We read in the Qur’ân Allâh telling us to not think that those who were killed in the way of Allâh as dead. Nay, they are alive with Allâh, well provided for.

Allâh may grant victory through the huge success in spreading one’s da’wah. The Messenger of Allâh, may Allâh send His prayers and blessings upon him, taught us this in the story of the boy and the king. In the end, the only way the king could kill the boy was to shoot the arrow pronouncing the statement, ‘In the Name of the Lord of this boy.’  When he did so, although the boy was martyred, the entire village believed in Allâh, alone, the Lord of the boy.

Allâh may grant victory through the trials that distinguish the believers from the hypocrites. As a sage once said, “All thanks are to Allâh who places a hardship on me through which I distinguish my friends from my enemies.”

Or victory may come through Allâh assisting his servant with clear and decisive arguments. An example of this is how Allâh supported Ibrâhîm, peace be upon him, against the tyrant Namrûd when he said that he too gives life and death. Ibrâhîm replied that verily Allâh brings the sun from the east so bring it ye from the west. Namrûd was dumbfounded and had no reply.

In conclusion, we all know that the Messenger of Allâh, may Allâh send His prayers and blessings upon him, started this mission of Islâm at the Mountain of Safa. After telling his people about Allâh and the Final Day, Abû Jahl – his own uncle – turned his back on him and said aloud, “May you perish O Muhammad! Is this why you have gathered us?” On his heels he turned and everyone followed him, leaving our Prophet, may Allâh send His prayers and blessings upon him, standing alone.

Two decades later, in the Farewell Hajj, he, may Allâh send His prayers and blessings upon him, stood on that very same mountain. At this time, the victory of Allâh had come true as Allâh had promised. All of Makkah was now Muslim, a sea of believers memorising their Prophet’s every move. The Messenger of Allâh, may Allâh send His prayers and blessings upon him, stood there on Mount Safa and faced the Ka’bah and recited:

“There is no god but Allâh. Only One. He was true to His promise. He granted victory to His servant. He granted honour and nobility to his army. And the confederates did He – alone – defeat.”

After Rasulallah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, moved onto ar-Rafiq al-’Ala, the Ummah was tested with humans that tried to corrupt, discredit, or amputate the Sunnah from Islam.

And from the depths of the Ummah’s men and women, Allah ta’ala – from His mercy to the Ummah of Muhammad – raised up warriors that would stand in the face of the most vicious of the enemies of the Sunnah.

From those people that Allah ta’ala raised was a young boy named Ahmad. Ahmad lived in Baghdad over a thousand years ago. On those cold wintery nights, his mother – the blessed Mu’minah that she was – would wake long before Fajr to warm the water for her son. Then – again long before Fajr – she would wake him to make Wudhu, then she would wrap him in shawls and off through the molten dark alleys of Baghdad they would carefully make their way to the Masjid.

There was no male to escort him (he was an orphan), so Ahmad’s mother would take him that early so that he could get a good seat in the hadith halaqah after Fajr. Then she would wait for him long after the sun rose to safely escort him back home. Her son grew up to be one of these warrior defenders of the Sunnah, one of the four Imams of this Din, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal.

In his collection, al-Musnad alone, he narrated from over 280 teachers.

He grew up under the shade of the Sunnah and he lived the Sunnah. It was reported that he said, “I’ve never written a hadith that I did not try to implement.”

And he raised his children like this too. When you see other fathers throwing a baseball with their young Muslims that Allah entrusted them with, remember this example:

Abdullah, Imam Ahmad’s son, taught his students that when he was young his father would play with him, “Take any chapter you wish from the Musannaf of Waki’. Ask me any hadîth and I’ll tell you the chain of narrators, or tell me any chain of narrators and I’ll tell you the hadith!”

He was challenged in his Deen like few other humans have been challenged. His name remains engraved in our admiration till today – across hundreds of years, across thousands of miles, across thousands of nations – because of his love for the Sunnah and his stand against those that would seek to corrupt it.

Reading through his life, I came across an event that brought back sad memories. How do you feel when your father is swore at in public. Imam Ahmad once prayed ‘Asr and he sat with his son in the Masjid alone with another man by the name of Muhammad ibn Sa’id Al-Khuttali. Al-Khuttali then remarked, “Did you (O Ahmad) tell the people to boycott Zayd ibn Khalaf?” Imam Ahmâd replied, “I received a letter from his people asking about his affair, so I replied explaining his Madhhab and what he has innovated (in the Sunnah) and commanded that they not sit with him..” Al-Khuttali exploded in Imam Ahmad’s face, red with anger, “I’m going to make sure you go back to prison. I’m going to have them crush your ribs.” The vulgarity grew louder and louder. Imam Ahmad turned to his son, “Don’t reply to what he says and don’t speak to him.”

Imam Ahmad took his sandals – al-Khuttali swearing from behind his back – and told his son, “Tell the neighbors to not speak to him nor to reply him.” Imam Ahmad stepped away as Al-Khuttali continued in the background cursing and shouting profanity.

When the Khalifah al-Mu’tasim heard that Imam Ahmad had not agreed with him and his court Muftis on a specific issue, they brought him and questioned him in the courtyard of the Khalifah. They would debate with him and like a gladiator with a spear he would hit back with bigger and stronger arguments. The Muftis would shout, “O Khalifah, he has done Kufr!” Until the Al-Mu’tasim was convinced and in came the executioners.

They stripped Imam Ahmad and each of the strongest guards would take turns lashing Imam Ahmad until he fell unconscious. Regardless of his state, they continued the lashing. The sun went down that day and Imam Ahmad had not relented in his faith. That day he became an icon for all followers of Sunnah.

Qutaybah said, “If you ever see someone that loves Imam Ahmad, know that they are a follower of the Sunnah.”

Al-Hasan ibn Arafah narrated, “I visited Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal after he was whipped and tortured. I said to him, “O Abu Abdillah, you have reached the station of the Prophets!” He said, “Keep quiet. Verily, I saw nothing more than people selling their Deen. And I saw scholars that were with me sell their Faith. So I said to myself, ‘Who am I, what am I. What am I going to say to Allah tomorrow when I stand in front of Him and He asks me, “Did you sell your Deen like the others did?” So I looked at the whip and the sword and chose them.

And I said, “If I die I shall return to Allah and say: ‘I was told to say that one of Your Characteristics was something created but I did not.’ After that, it will be up to Him – either to punish me or forgive me.”

Al-Hasan ibn Arafah then asked, “Did you feel pain when they whipped you?” He said “Yes, I felt the pain up to 20 lashes then I lost all feeling (They whipped him over eighty times). After it was over I felt no pain and that day I prayed Dhuhr standing.”

[In fact he prayed as the blood soiled his clothes.]

Al-Hasan ibn Arafah started weeping when he heard what had happened. Imam Ahmad questioned him, “Why are you crying? I did not lose my eeman. After that why should I care if I lose my life.”

Qul lan yuseebana illa maa kataballaahu lana, huwa Mowlaana, wa ala Allahi falyatawakkalil mutawakkilun.

Before – when Imam Ahmad was being led off to the Khalifah – people had tried to dissuade him from a most certain execution. His student: Al-Marrudhi had told him, “O teacher, Allah says, Do not kill yourselves.” Imam Ahmad had replied, “O Marrudhi, go outside and tell me what you see.” Al-Marrudhi went to the wall of the Khalifah’s court and saw an ocean of students with their pens and scrolls in their hands.

Al-Marrudhi asked some of them, “What are you waiting here for?” They said, “We are waiting to see what Ahmad will say and then transcribe it.” Al-Marrudhi went back to Imam Ahmad and told him what he had seen.

“O Marrudhi,” he said, “what shall I gain by misguiding all those people?”

Imam Ahmad lived a life of poverty. When others eat lavishly remember there were days – as ‘Abdur-Razzaq recalls – that Imam Ahmad would make a mistake in Salah. When ‘Abdur-Razzaq inquired further he learnt that Imam Ahmad had not eaten for 3 days.

In this life of poverty, hardship and trials, Abdullâa asked his father one day, “Abi when will we ever relax?” His father, one of the greatest revivers of the Sunnah, a role model for all Muslims, looked him in the eye and said, “With the first step we take into Jannah.”

Rahim Allâhu Al-Imam Ahmad.

He missed Fajr, and so they came and spoke to the Prophet (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ) about this…

‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood, (radiyAllaahu ‘anhu) narrates: A man came and said to the Prophet (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ), “Oh Messenger of Allaah, verily a person slept last night until the morning, until the dawn came and he missed Fajr.” The Prophet (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ) replied “This is a person whom the devil has urinated in his ears.”

Dear Brothers and Sisters, try going to any books of hadeeth. In each and every one you will find a chapter entitled, ‘Baab al-Isti’aadhah Minal Kasl.’ Translated, this chapter is called ‘Chapter of Seeking Allaah’s Protection from Laziness.’

Kasl or laziness, also known as ‘procrastination’ is a disease. University Students know what procrastination can do to their studies. It is a disease that afflicts the minds. After the mind, it then afflicts the heart. Finally, through the heart, the body is afflicted.

Today, you will learn that laziness is a technique used by Satan, and today you will learn the techniques you can use to combat it.

The Prophet (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ) frequently made the following supplication: “Oh Allaah, I seek your protection from, ‘alajz’ – which means the inability to do something.” And when someone says, “I can’t do that,” the Prophet (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ) would seek protection from such negative speech by adding: “and I seek your protection (Oh Allaah) from ‘alkasl’- which is translated as laziness.”

At its core, this society is built on laziness. Consider that it is a society based on the idea that we have to rest on Sundays. “Why do you have to rest on Sundays?” some may ask. And society (may Allaah protect us from this) would answer that even Allaah got lazy on Sunday. He did His work all week long, He built the heavens and the earth, and then on Sunday He got tired and rested. So, may Allaah protect us, contemporary culture has us resting and watching football games on Sundays.

Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) testifies to the lunacy of such an idea, implicitly stating, “That there is no drowsiness and no sleep that comes to Him.” (2/255)

In addition, we live in a society that lives for “fast and easy”. You have the fast food joints, even the microwave meals that take 5 minutes are considered tedious because you have to take it out after a couple of minutes and stir it before it is finished cooking. Ever hear the promises to have the perfect body in ten minutes for only three days a week? Examples abound. And in its quest for fast and easy, society does not realize that the root of its problems, indeed, the root of all major sins, lies in laziness.

Why would a person take alcohol and drugs? They are too lazy to change their situation. Instead of actively striving for change, they take a drug to immediately change it. Why do people practice black magic, a phenomenon that is, unfortunately, prevalent in many of our parent’s societies? They do it because they are too lazy to go out and get married, or they’re too lazy to influence people in ways that will accomplish their various goals. Why do people partake in ‘Riba’ (mortgages) and deal with financial interest? They are too lazy to get a proper job and work to pay for something honestly. Why do people gamble? They addictively buy lottery tickets at ridiculous odds of winning in the hopes that their one dollar will instantly earn millions. Laziness is again the culprit. What about that job? Why do people backbite? People backbite because they are too lazy to go and tell the person the truth…And these, dear brothers and sisters, are all major sins.

Thus, like a poison, laziness corrupts all good things.

There are beautiful and amazing things that you want to do for yourself, or do for Allaah (subhaahanu wa ta’aala). Your intention is good, but if you don’t have the energy, or you suffer from the laziness plight, your desires will go nowhere, they will bear no fruit.

The causes of the disease called laziness are rooted in the heart.

Firstly, a lazy person doesn’t know and doesn’t understand his or her need to accumulate good deeds. We understand the need to accumulate money, but we may not understand why or how to accumulate good deeds. Very few people understand that this life is about collecting deeds and preparing for the journey of the hereafter.

Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) advises, “to prepare your provisions (that pack your suitcases) for the best provision, the best thing to pack your suitcases with is the Taqwa (or Fear/Piety) of Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala). (2/197) And this is the commandment of Allaah.”

Secondly, people are discouraged by the thought that others will consider them “holier than thou.” Or perhaps the problem is that some people think too highly of themselves, glorifying themselves to such a high level that when they hear the commandments of Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) they reply by justifying their laziness with excuses like; “My heart is clean,” or “Why do I have to do that,” or “I’m a good person.” Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) states: “Do not claim piety to yourselves.” (53/32) If someone says, “I’m good,” the response should be that “Allaah knows best who is true, who is righteous.”

Indeed, those who suffer from laziness don’t understand the gold mine of opportunity awaiting them. There are thousands of people around you waiting to hear the call of Islam. You are living among sponges ready to listen to you say, “I am a Muslim.” And they are going to ask, “How can I become one too?”

A brother I knew overseas said it perfectly: “The North Americans have such enormous prospects. Imagine teaching a new Muslim Soorah al-Faatihah, or how to pray. You will get the reward for this most noble lesson each time the person recites this soorah. You can’t do that in Muslim countries, although there are other different opportunities there, most people don’t recognize them and this leads to laziness”

Know that this concerns you and if you start demonstrating the energy and zeal it takes to worship Allaah to the best of your ability, then you will be the one to benefit.

This is your life. This is your soul. You are only going to live once on this earth, and you’ll be traveling to the hereafter with a suitcase of good deeds. Hopefully, you won’t be traveling light. The one who understands this early on, the one to get on the bandwagon of the worship of Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) early on, accumulates everything.

Be a pioneer, bring Islam to everyone. “And so they come on the day of resurrection and they see these mountains of good deeds that they never imagined they would have had… and it will be said to them… this is because you weren’t lazy back in the day when other people were lazy…” Recognize the opportunity, seize it, and kick start the worship of Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) by others.

But if you chose not to heed these words, to yawn, and to be lazy, you are turning your back on the words of Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala). And the consequences will be grave, for the sunnah of creation, indeed the law of nature, stipulates that that which does not contribute will be destroyed. What do you do with weeds in your garden? You pull them out, you get rid of them. What do you do when your nails get too long, when there is no purpose to their length? You snip them off, discard them in the trash. And so it is, as a community and as individuals in that community, if we are not contributing, and if we are not energetically producing, we will be deemed useless and we will be eliminated.

Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) says: “In this way, He gives forth the parable of the truth and falsehood and the vanity. Vanity is like the foam, the dirt on the ocean (there is not benefit to it). But the things that do bring benefit (those devoid of laziness) will remain steadfast in the land.” Even after you are gone, your good deeds will continue to benefit. (13/17)

Do not make the mistake of thinking that Allaah pays attention to the lazy one’s worship. The Prophet Muhammad (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Do those deeds that you are able to perform, for verily, Allaah will not tire of your ‘Ibadah (worship) until you tire.”

Ponder the phenomenon of those who make du’aa absentmindedly, not knowing what it is that they are saying. They may even be yawning, confused, or focused on something else entirely. Allah is not paying attention to that person just like they are not paying attention to their du’aa. That is a du’aa that is not answered by Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala). A du’aa that is answered is the one where the person’s heart and energy are invested in it. Allaah will listen. If you can consistently take your du’aa to that level, you’ll see dramatic changes in your life.

When I was younger, there was an imam from overseas who came to lead the taraweeh prayers in Ramadhan. We would have to pick him up at Fajr time and drive him to the masjid. One early morning, I was feeling particularly tired and lazy. My parents had an especially hard time waking me up. Yet, when we arrived at the Imam’s house, I noticed that the neighbors were in the midst of an all-night party. It was 5 am and their lights were blaring, their music was booming, and the party-goers were still drinking their alcohol. They’d spent the entire night awake in “Qiyaamul layl,” but not to Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala). Their worship was for the devil.

I remember thinking to myself that this disbeliever has the stamina and energy to waste the night away, how can the servant of Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) not have the energy and ability to worship Him? After all, they, too, are humans like us. ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (radiyAllaahu ‘anhu) is quoted as saying, “I seek Allaah’s protection from the time when the ‘fasiq’ or disobedient will have much energy and enthusiasm and the righteous will be lazy.” The fasiq will open up bars everywhere and run his houses of immorality with vigor. And the righteous will do little to nothing in the sake of Allaah. When this happens, there is an imbalance on earth, and corruption will be widespread and prevalent.

Brothers and sisters, let me tell you about the blessedness of having energy and enthusiasm in worshipping Allaah will do for you.

Number 1: The extra energy will win you the pleasure of Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala).

Musa (‘alayhis salaam) was told to come to the mountain for 40 days. And come he did, not walking slowly, not ten minutes late, but running. In explaining his arrival, Musa said, “I came hastily to you, oh Allaah, so that you will be pleased with me.” (20/84) And indeed, his words were so pleasing to his creator that Allah recorded them in the Quran for all eternity.

When you hear a name of a prophet’s companion, you say, “May Allaah be pleased with him.” Well, this is how you get that same distinction for yourself. Be hasty in your desire and actions that lead to goodness.

Number 2: Having energy is the characteristic of the believer. Being lazy is the characteristic of the hypocrite.

Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) says the ‘munaafiq,’ or hypocrite is he who has disbelief in his heart, while outwardly claiming belief. Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) describes them in the following verse: “If they get up for the ‘salaah’ (prayer), they get up with laziness.” (4/142)

“Give me ten more minutes…give me ten more minutes… oh! I missed fajr…oh no. I’ll pray after fajr… Give me ten more minutes. Give me ten more minutes…”

A characteristic of hypocrisy; when they reach for that snooze button and get up lazily for prayer, they’re experiencing a state of ‘nifaq’ or hypocrisy. May Allaah protect us.

May He also protect us from using excuses to not follow through with our deeds.

A Canadian may say it’s too cold. An African will say it’s too hot. Both are making excuses for not doing good actions. It was summer in the desert during the time of the Battle of Tabuk, and a walking distance of what is today a seven hour car trip from Madinah to Tabuk. The Prophet (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ) was rallying his troops for an exhaustive trek that, back then, would have taken months.

Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) says, “they (the hypocrites) encouraged people not to go with the Prophet (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ) by saying ‘do not go out in the heat’.” Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) response was to tell them, “that the fire of hell is much hotter; if only they understood.” (9/81)

Ibn al-Jawzee, may Allah have mercy on his soul, said “I have never seen a flaw sadder to me than a community whose people stop working, despite having the ability to continue.”

Second Khutbah

The ramifications of laziness can be very harmful. Some of you may have come across a person who displays a genuine interest in Islam. That person may be about to take the shahada when shaytan gets to him and her. An excuse the devil uses is, “You have to comprehend the Qur’aan first.” Hence the would-be Muslim is convinced that they do love Islam, but perhaps further study is required. And so it is that he or she delays coming back to Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala), and as time passes they may no longer possess the same enthusiasm.

Similarly, Muslims seeking to make repentance to Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) might give themselves time by saying, “let me wait till I pay off my mortgage, or pay off my student loans… let me wait till I do this , let me wait till I do that, then I will repent to Allaah.” But it doesn’t work like that because as time passes and sins grow, the heart consistently gets weaker and weaker. A time will come when the person knows it’s the last chance, but the heart may have already been sealed shut.
And as the Prophet Muhammad (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ) said, “Race to good deeds before a time and a fitnah comes, (a test) that will sweep over you like the darkest of the darkest nights.”

Are not the trials apparent all around us?

Look to the Islamic educational scene. Scholars we may or may not know are being singled out by the dozens. Religious knowledge is being taken from us. If you have the chance to attend a halaqah, or an Islamic class, you have to race to it NOW! It may be that you won’t have another chance.
Fitnah will come to you, and you must survive it with whatever knowledge you hold. It may be that the knowledge you possess will suffice to protect you, and it may be that it will not be enough to avail you. The consequences thereof would be disastrous, and may eventually lead to hellfire. May Allah protect us.

Picture this analogy: In Australia they have sharks that prey near the coastline. To warn bathing humans of impending danger, they have a certain whistle that rings when a shark is sighted. Now imagine if you’re feeling sluggish or you’re playing a game trying to see how long you can hold your breath under the water. You don’t hear the warning sound, and then you raise your head out of the water, and notice that nobody is in it except you. Everyone has made it to shore, they are yelling for you to hurry, but you are ten minutes from the beach. How would you make it? Would you make it? Only Allaah knows for sure, but that’s exactly what laziness does to you. It not only renders you unprepared, but also helpless as to the actions you must take in order to survive.

But today is a new day, and by the grace of Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala), you and I can learn to let go of that laziness. We will work with renewed energy, striving to return to the worship of Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala).

Here are some techniques to use.

Number 1: Yawning promotes laziness

Yawning is from the devil. And when it comes to us, we must fight it. Despite what your medical classes are telling you about needing oxygen through yawning, it was your Prophet (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ) who advised on covering the mouth and resisting the yawn, by not letting out any noise. No “Ahhhsss!”

Number 2: Eating 1/3rd

The Prophet (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ) taught us to eat using the 1/3rd method. You don’t need much to sustain yourself, a few bites will usually do, but if you are going to eat a meal, then 1/3rd is the crucial number. One third should be the food, one third for water, and one third for breathing.
Realize that one of the most cunning tricks of shaytan is urging people to fill their stomachs beyond capacity. How many times have you eaten a huge meal only to feel like taking a nap afterwards? And how many times has this nap dissuaded you from the worship of Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala)?

Number 3: Spend time with energetic people

Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) says, “Be patient with those people who call upon their lord…in the mornings and the evenings.”

When you see a person going for salah consistently, always in a state of worship and remembrance of Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala), you say to them, “Hey brother / hey sister, how about we go out for lunch? I’d like to spend time with you.”

Feed from their energy. Alternatively, if lazy people surround you, distance yourself from them, or give them da’wah, encouraging positive action. You want to pick the right people, because we tend to emulate those whom we befriend.

Do as your prophet did and constantly seek refuge from Allaah from the laziness that shaytan uses to defeat the Muslims. When you find yourself reaching for that snooze button, a.k.a ‘the shaytan button’, remember the ploy against you and seek Allaah’s help to resist. You will have the strength to wake for fajr. Ultimately, laziness is a state of mind.

In conclusion, the one concept that ties this all together is honesty. Being honest about your laziness and sincerely striving to change is the first step in seeing results. The fact of the matter is that when Allaah commands us to do something, it is not possible to have excuses, and know that tasks put upon you are doable, for Allaah “does not place a burden on a person more than they can bear.” (2/286) You can do it, others have done it before you, and others continue to do it. Join the ranks of the energetic.

Ka’b ibn Malik, (radiyAllaahu ‘anhu), went to the Prophet (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ) after the battle of Tabuk, and the hypocrites had been making excuses for their absence from the fighting. Ka’b had not participated and he thought that he too might come up with some excuse in order to save himself, but he realized that he could not lie to the Prophet of Allaah. He told the Prophet (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ), “I have never had more energy or ability than this time, but I just didn’t go.” And the prophet said, “he is the one who is truthful.” And by the potency of his honesty and sincerity, the Qur’aan mentions that Allaah had forgiven Ka’b.

How do you truthfully word the reasons for your laziness? If the Fajr prayer has passed you by and the devil has urinated in your ears, do not place blame where blame is not due. Don’t make excuses like, “I had a long night.” Instead, say, “the truth is that the accumulation of my sins led me to miss fajr. But this is not who I am. I am the slave of Allaah. Oh Allaah, tomorrow, with your permission, I will show you what I am going to do for your sake” And so you make your repentance, you repeat your good intentions, and you continue until you reach those higher levels of energy.

I ask Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) to bless you with that energy and I pray and hope that you can make the same du’aa for me.

The Danger of Television

By Muhammad ash-Shareef
As Allah ta’ala states, it is part of our belief that we shall be questioned and are responsible for the following:

Verily! Hearing, Sight, and the heart, all will be questioned (by Allâh).

(Al-Israa 036)

And as Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – said, on the Day of Repayment, no one will move until they are asked about three things, one of them being … “his youth – what did he exhaust it with?”

A close friend of mine told me his experience when leaving Canada to go overseas and study Islam. He said that he went to a person’s house to say Salaam to the family and as he left he noticed the son – who was 7 years old at the time – slacked out on his stomach, chin locked in his two hands, staring deathly at the TV. He says, when he returned after a full 4 years, he entered the same house and found the same boy slacked out on his stomach, chin locked in his two hands, staring deathly at the TV – only now he was 4 years older.

Today – insha’Allah – we would like to speak about TV and it’s dark side. It is not our intention to make you race home to throw the TV off the balcony – although that would be nice. It is our hope that you will leave today insha Allah with a better understanding of the destructive nature the TV has on a persons life and hereafter, not only his own, but also his family and children.

In Qawaa’id Fiqhiyyaah there is a principle that says, ‘Al Waasaa’il ta’khudhu Hukm al-Ghaayaat’ that ‘The means takes the same ruling as the intention of what is trying to be attained.’ A television set, with the wires, screen, box, and plug is nothing more than a means. It is what is trying to be attained by that box that makes it Haram or Halal. Similar to a gun, something that can be used for noble purposes, such as defending one’s land from aggression, or can be a means of considerable harm – especially when given to a child.

In an Arab ESL class, the teacher – as his opening class – would ask the students what English words were taken from the Arabic. A few hands would jerk up and say things like, ‘Chemistry from Keemiyaa’, Algebra from AlGebr, Physics from Feesiyaa’, etc.’ Then he would interestingly ask them what Arabic words were taken from the English, the answers come quick, ‘Raadiyo from Radio, Dosh from Satellite Dish, and of course Tilfaaz from TV.’

What did the west take from us, and what did we take from them?

Hence Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in al-Fataawa 3/227:

“With regard to television, it is a dangerous device and its harmful effects are very great, like those of the cinema, or even worse.

We know from the research that has been written about it and from the words of experts in Arab countries and elsewhere enough to indicate that it is dangerous and very harmful to Islamic beliefs (‘aqeedah), morals and the state of society.

This is because it includes the presentation of bad morals, tempting scenes, immoral pictures, semi-nakedness, destructive speech, and Kufr.

It encourages imitation of their conduct and ways of dressing, respect for their leaders, neglect of Islamic conduct and ways of dressing, and looking down on the scholars and heroes of Islam. It damages their image by portraying them in an off-putting manner that makes people despise them and ignore them.

It shows people how to cheat, steal, hatch plots and commit acts of violence against others.

Without doubt, anything that produces so many bad results should be stopped and shunned, and we have to close all the doors that could lead to it. If some of our brothers denounce it and speak out against it, we cannot blame them, because this is a part of sincerity towards Allaah and towards other people.”

In Sahih Al-Bukhaari, when Guraayj was praying and his mother called him, he said to himself, “O Allah, my Salah or my mother?” He did not know whether to continue his prayer or discontinue it and reply the wishes of his Mother. She cursed him. And her curse was one that we may inadvertently be doing to our children the day we sanctioned the introduction of the third parent called TV. She said, “May you see a prostitute!” She did not say, may there be any relationship between you and a prostitute, no she just said may you see one. HOW many times has the main theme of prime time TV revolved around prostitutes? HOW MANY TIMES have our children witnessed it? How many times have they been cursed to be in such a situation?

Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar – radi Allahu ‘anhu – once passed by some people killing time by playing chess. He became shocked at what was happening and angrily said to them – quoting the verse of Qur’an, “What are these IDOLS that you are standing in vigilance over?” What would he think if he saw the Ummah and its welcomed hug in most Muslim homes?

When a Muslim nation watches their country play in the world cup, over 3 million Muslims from that one country tune in. Times that by the duration of the match, 3 hours, and you’ll have 9 million hours of the Ummah’s time wasted on a football game. In one sweeping night. If Karl Marx said in 1844 that ‘Religion is the opium of the masses’, then what about TV?

Dear brothers and sisters, Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “The person shall be (on the day of Judgement) with those that they love.” Tell that to a Muslim child, that on the Day of judgement, if they love Michael Jordan sooo much they’ll get to be with him on that horrific day. It’s sad, but most Muslim children would get happy and excited about the prospect – isn’t that enough to strike fear into our hearts? Who are the Muslim children really going to be with on the Day of Repayment? Most of them cannot tell you the names, just the names, of those people that we hope them to be with!

Let’s ask ourselves, if we gave a chance for our sons or daughters to put up a poster of their hero, the one whom they think is the ‘coolest’ – would it be their father or mother? Would it be the Prophet or his Companions? OR would it be a basketball player that he saw on TV? Or an actor (even cartoon) that he saw on TV? Or a model that she saw on TV? Or a musician that he/she saw on TV? Who would it be?

Ok, the TV is monitered in the house by the parent, correct? (95% of parents with children eight years old and up don’t monitor). Now what happens if the parent dies on the way to work one day and the children inherit the TV? Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – said, “There is not a single shepherd (Ameer) that Allah entrusted with a flock – who dies and in a state where he cheated them – except that Allah shall forbid him from entering paradise!” The ‘Ulumaa would quote this hadith in light of the father in a Muslim country that would allow a Satellite Dish to enter his family which Allah entrusted him with.

Dear brothers and sisters, we are not here on earth to entertain ourselves to death. We are an Ummah with a Risaalah! When Rib’ee ibn ‘Aamir – radi Allahu ‘anhu – stood in the hands of the king of Persia, he announced the message as clear and as proud as every Muslim should,

“Allah sent us to rescue humanity from slavery to slaves – to the slavery of the Lord of all slaves; And to rescue them from the choke of the material life to the expanse of this life and the next, and from the corruption of the cults to the justice of Islam!”

If we don’t know how to read Qur’an, why aren’t we registering for the Qur’an institute here at Al-Huda. If we don’t know the language of the Qur’an and Sunnah, why aren’t we registering for the Arabic institute? If we don’t know about the life of Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – and his companions – radi Allahu ‘anhum – why aren’t we coming to the Seerah and Fiqh classes on Fridays and Saturdays?

Doesn’t Allah ta’ala tell us in the Qur’an:

(An-Nur 030)

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts). That is purer for them. Verily, Allâh is All-Aware of what they do.

How do reconcile those verses with the television that assaults our eyes with Haram almost every second that it is on? How do we reconcile it?

Have you heard of Cupid? Of course we have. They portray Cupid in cartoons and comedies as a chubby child with wings who is supposed to be the Angel of Love, shooting arrows of ‘love’ when the male looks at the female. Rather dear brothers and sisters, it is Iblees! For Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – told us, “Verily the ‘look’ is a poisoned arrow from the arrows of Iblees!”

Shaykh At-Tahhaan once told his students, “It was late at night when our phone rang one day. This Muslimah whispered into the phone, ‘Is this Shaykh At-Tahhaan?’ I said, ‘Yes it is me.’ She kept saying is it really you? And he said, ‘Yes, what is wrong?’ At that she just started sobbing and sobbing into the phone. After some time, she explained, ‘The children’s father bought a TV and video 2 days ago. Tonight I found my young son practicing the Haraam that he saw on his younger sister!’ Then she collapsed sobbing again.”

Everything starts with a look / and big fires start from a little spark

Turn OFF TV, Turn ON Life

After a grueling first year in the Faculty of Shari’ah, I came home to Canada where I spoke to a friend whom I hadn’t spoken to for over a year. In the conversation he said, “Last night on TV Seinfeld said…” I was puzzled and realized that for an entire year I had not heard anything other than Imam Shaafi’ee said, and Imam Abu Hanifa said. It was an ignorance that as Shaykh Abdul Muhsin ‘Al-Abbaad would say that “we ask Allah ta’ala to increase us in its ignorance.”

Some people argue that TV is just a harmless avenue of entertainment and that there should not be a big deal made about it. It is interesting however that we see in Shari’ah that what is more deadly than Haram is Bid’ah. Why you ask? Because when someone does Haram like eating pork, he knows it is Haram and that one day it is hoped that knowledge will lead him to fear Allah and refrain. Bid’ah – on the other hand – is something a person does with the hope of reward from Allah, something that the person considers to be ‘harmless’. It is deadlier because the chances of this person correcting the situation are less due to the ignorance which causes lack of motivation.

Other people will say that we have a TV for the news and Islamic or educational programs? Dear brothers and sisters, is there no other avenue to get the news? Is there no other means by which a child can be educated and stimulated to learning?

Didn’t anyone ask why we get all this ‘FREE’ TV? What does the TV sell? No it doesn’t sell Coke or Nike or McDonalds burgers, it sells the AUDIENCE to ADVERTISING COMPANIES! Why do you think they charge $1 million for 30 seconds of advertising in a Superbowl game?

Consider these facts:

• Brand loyalty starts at age 2 – they can snatch a child into a lifetime of allegiance to their product from that tender age. How old were you when you started loving Coke or Pepsi?
• On average, a viewer watches 20,000 commercials each year. If we repeated a page of Qur’an to you that many times, do you think you would memorize it?

This is just for the products, what about the ‘Aqeedah that they are being taught, a whole stack of beliefs that gets fed to them every time they sit to listen to their third parent. Where are the horrific stats for that?

To give just a simple example that we all know, go to a lecture where the Imam is talking about women’s rights in Islam. Listen to the Muslim males and females debate with the Imam. Where did they get their points? Where did they become so hostile to anything that contradicts the Western view of women’s rights? Why is there no hostility to the Western view?

Most of it was learnt on TV, the rest was learnt in the public school curriculum.

If this is the programming, the brain washing of our youth, then where shall they be reprogrammed when they prefer the TV over anyone else? Dear brothers and sisters, it is a fact that more than half of American children would rather watch TV than spend time with their mother or father.

After surveying a lot of young children and asking them what is the one thing that they would sacrifice their favorite TV shows for, many replied that if there were some sort of outside activity they would give preference to that. Meaning, if someone took them by the hand and organized some after school activities they would embrace the idea.

Here are some other things that you can do instead of being shackled to the TV. The option is yours:

• Play outdoor games.
• Build extra curricular skills, such as martial arts or calligraphy or sewing.
• Visit the library.
• Take on a job where they one can become serious about life and work.
• Do acts of worship such as reciting dhikr and wird, salaah, reading Qur’aan, fasting, and thinking about the signs of Allaah in His creation.
• Adopt an Islamic cause in the place where you live, and take part in it, such as teaching Muslim girls.
• Support an Islamic magazine by sending articles, statistics and useful information of interest concerning Muslims in the West.
• Take part in charitable projects to help Muslim orphans, widows, divorcees and elderly, or joining a committee to help organize social programs and celebrations for Muslims on Eid.
• Find righteous friends to meet with and good neighbors to visit.
• Read Islamic books in particular and useful stories in general.
• Take part in da’wah activities, men or women’s activities and preschool programs in Islamic centers.
• Listen to tapes and lectures, write summaries of them, and distribute the summaries to anyone who could benefit from them.
• Do arts and crafts
• Cook items to be sold to raise funds for the Islamic center.
• Take an interest in computers and computer programs. This is a vast field that can fill a lot of time, and the computer can be used to do a lot of good things as well as providing entertainment in the form of permissible games.
• Spinning, weaving, cutting out and sewing.
• Gardening.
• Exercising outside or at home.

In conclusion dear brothers and sisters, today is the beginning of a new day. Allah gave us this day to use as we will. We can waste it or use it for something good and beneficial.

But let us know that what we do today is important because we are exchanging a day of our life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; and in it’s place shall be something that we left behind … lets let it be something good and something beneficial.

By Muhammad Ash-Shareef
“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.” – Surah Ar-Rum, 21

In this time of happiness, when gifts are received, hugs are generously donated, and laughter sprinkles the tables, we must remember who gave this all to us.

In this verse, Yamtann Allahu Alayna – Allah reminds of us of His favour upon us. Every husband in this room, it is Allah that created your bride. Every bride in this room, Allah created your husband. Allah created the pairs and then blessed the pair with love and mercy.

Then Allah says: “Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought”. Let’s take the time now to give a little thought to Allah’s favour upon us.

Sulayman – alayhis salam – sat his son down one day and taught him about Allah and life. Allah mentions what he said:

“And We enjoined upon man (care) for his parents. His mother carried him, (increasing her) in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years: Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to me is the (final) destination.”

Thank Allah:

1. Every thing that you enjoy, everything that you love is from Allah:

“And whatever you have of blessing (indeed) it is from Allah!”

2. Thank Allah, remember Him and He will remember you. Allahu akbar!

“Remember me and I shall remember you, and be thankful to Me and do not be ungrateful.”

3. Allah will give us more when we are thankful:

“And (remember) when your lord proclaimed, ‘if you are grateful, I will surely increase you; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.”

I’ve heard of Muslims that regularly donate half a million dollars to the Democratic Party to have their picture taken with Clinton and his wife! They place these pictures up in the middle of their homes in all pride and honour.

Yet to every parent, let me draw your attention the most noble picture to put up in your home. Allah ta’ala put His majesty and every parent in this world in a portrait: “Be grateful to Me and to your Parents!”

Scholars have said that being grateful to Allah is to be grateful for the Iman that He has blessed us with. And to be thankful to our parents is to be grateful for the hard work they went through to raise us.

Ibn Abbas raa said, “There are three things that will not be accepted if it’s mate is not fulfilled. (And he mentioned), “Thank Me (Allah) and your Parents…” – Luqmaan 31/14.

Ibn Abbaas continued, “Thus whoever thanks Allah and is not thankful to his parents, Allah will not accept it from him.”

The scholars understood this and set the example for us. Haywah bin Shurayh (ra), one of the Imam’s of our Ummah, used to give classes in front of his home. During the class, his Mother would call him to feed the chickens. He would stand up, leave the Halaqah, and go feed the chickens.

Sufyan ibn Uyaynah – one of the Ummah’s greatest scholars – said, “Whoever prays the 5 salah has been grateful to Allah. And whoever prays for his parents after the Salah has been grateful to them.”

My mother in Law, Ali’s mother once told me about when Ali was young. He would come home from school, run up to her and give her the strongest hug. Then he would top it off with, “Mummy I love you.” She would mention the story and then let a tear drop.

As we get older, words like ‘I love you’ become harder for us to say. Yet as much as it becomes harder for us to say, as much as it becomes more precious to the parents.

I ask Allah ta’ala that we not forget this innocence, when we were without sin, when we used to bring a smile to our parents.

Let’s keep making them smile. And In doing so, we would be thanking Allah.

10 Tips on How to be a Successful Wife
By Muhammad Al-Shareef

Prepared by Muhammad AlShareef, Reprinted from Islamway.com
1. Dress up for your wife, look clean and smell good.When was the last time us men went shopping for designer pajamas? Just like the husband wants his wife to look nice for him, she also wants her husband to dress up for her too. Remember that Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – would always start with Miswak when returning home and always loved the sweetest smells.

2. Use the cutest names for your wife. Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – had nicknames for his wives, ones that they loved. Call your wife by the most beloved names to her, and avoid using names that hurt their feelings.

3. Don’t treat her like a fly. We never think about a fly in our daily lives until it ‘bugs’ us. Similarly, a wife will do well all day – which brings no attention from the husband – until she does something to ‘bug’ him. Don’t treat her like this; recognize all the good that she does and focus on that.

4. If you see wrong from your wife, try being silent and do not comment! This is one of the ways Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – used when he would see something inappropriate from his wives – radi Allahu ‘anhunn. It’s a technique that few Muslim men have mastered.

5. Smile at your wife whenever you see her and embrace her often. Smiling is Sadaqah and your wife is not exempt from the Muslim Ummah. Imagine life with her constantly seeing you smiling. Remember also those Ahadith when Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – would kiss his wife before leaving for Salah, even if he was fasting.

6. Thank her for all that she does for you. Then thank her again! Take for example a dinner at your house. She makes the food, cleans the home, and a dozen other tasks to prepare. And sometimes the only acknowledgement she receives is that there needed to be more salt in the soup. Don’t let that be; thank her!

7. Ask her to write down the last ten things you did for her that made her happy. Then go and do them again. It may be hard to recognize what gives your wife pleasure. You don’t have to play a guessing game, ask her and work on repeating those times in your life.

8. Don’t belittle her desires. Comfort her. Sometimes the men may look down upon the requests of their wives. Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam set the example for us in an incident when Safiyyah – radi Allahu ‘anha – was crying because, as she said, he had put her on a slow camel. He wiped her tears, comforted her, and brought her the camel.

9. Be humorous and Play games with your wife. Look at how Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – would race his wife Aisha – radi Allahu ‘anha – in the desert. When was the last time we did something like that?

10. Always remember the words of Allah’s Messenger – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam: “The best of you are those who treat their families the best. And I am the best amongst you to my family.” Try to be the best!

In conclusion: Never forget to make Dua to Allah – azza wa jall – to make your marriage successful. And Allah ta’ala knows best !!

Part 2

 The police officer that we mentioned earlier fell back into routine, as he narrates, and started to drift from Allah. But another event happened to him that sealed the return. He continues:  … What an odd world. After some time, about six months, a strange accident took place. A young man was moving along the highway normally, but within one of the tunnels leading to the city, he was maimed by a flat tire.  To the side of the tunnel he parked and stepped to the back to remove the spare tire. The whistle of a speeding car from behind. In a second, it collided with the crippled car, the young man in-between. He fell to the ground with critical injuries.  I rushed to the scene, myself and another partner other than the first. Together we carried the young man’s body into our patrol car and phoned the hospital to prepare for his arrival.  He was a young adult in his blossom years. Religious, you could tell from his appearance. He was mumbling when we carried him, but in our rush, we had not paid attention to what he was saying.  However, when we placed him on his back in the patrol car we could make it out. Through the pain his heart was reciting Qur’an! He was so immersed in the recitation … Subhan Allah, you would have never said that this person was in intense pain.  Blood had soaked his clothes crimson red, his bones had clearly snapped in several places. To tell the truth, he looked like he was staring into the eyes of death.  He continued to read in his unique, tender voice. Reciting each verse in proper rhythm. In my entire life, I had never heard any recitation like it. I said to myself, I’m … I’m going to instruct him to say the Shahadah just like I saw my friend doing; especially since I had previous experience.  My partner and I listened intently to that soft voice. I felt a shiver shock my back and up my arm, the hair stood.  Suddenly, the hymn ceased. I watched silently as his hand rose softly. He had his index finger pointed upward to the heavens, saying the Shahadah (La ilaha illa Allah/There is no god but Allah). Then … his head slumpt. Nothing.  I jumped to the back seat, felt his hand, his heart, his breathing. He was dead!  I couldn’t stop staring at him. A tear fell but I hid it in shame. I turned back to my partner and told him that the boy’s life had ceased – he burst out loud crying. Seeing a man cry like that, I could not control myself and my partner faded away behind the fall of my own tears. The patrol car fogged from the emotions.  We arrived at the hospital. As we rushed through the corridors, we told all the doctors, nurses, and onlookers what had happened. So many people were affected by what we said, some stood there speechless and tearful.  No one wanted to lose sight of the boy until they had been assured of the time and place he would be buried.  One of the hospital staff phoned the boys home. His brother picked it up and was told of the accident.  His brother told us about him: He used to go out every Monday to visit his only grandmother outside of town. Whenever he visited her, he made sure to spend time with the poor children idling the streets and the orphans. The town knew him – he was the one that would bring them the Islamic books and tapes. His dusty Mazda would be filled with rice and sugar and even candies – couldn’t forget the candies – for those families who were in need. He would not stand for anyone to discourage him from the long journey to that town. He would always politely reply that the long drive gave him time to review his Quran and listen to Islamic lectures on his cassette deck. And … and that with every step to the town he hoped for the reward he would find with Allah… It is true, brothers and sisters, that Allah is Merciful and forgives and forgives. [Yet I am quite Forgiving ... ] But to whom? [ ... towards anyone who turns (in repentance) and believes and acts honorable; then he will be guided.] - Surah Taha 20/82 [O our people! Respond to Allah's Caller (Muhammad - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) and believe in him, Allah will forgive you of your sins and will save your from a painful torment.] - Surah al-Ahqaf 46/31 Just like we reply someone’s call when they phone us – this is Allah and His Messenger calling us! Let us answer. There is a verse in the Qur’an that when Shaytaan read it he cried and felt regret. Read this verse, it is the door to our happiness in this life and the next: [And those who, if they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and who do not persist in what they have done while they know.] Allah then continues: [For those - their reward is forgiveness from their Lord and gardens beneath which rivers flow (in Jannah), wherein they shall abide eternally. Excellent is the reward of the (righteous) workers.] - Surah Ali-Imraan 3/135,136 Allah sent the Prophets and the books; He sent the warners and glad tiders; and He sent the reminders. And atop all that, Allah comes down to Samaa’ ad-Dunya – in a way befitting of His Majesty – in the third portion of the night – every night – calling to every one of His servants: “Is there anyone who shall make Dua’ so that I shall accept His Du’a? Is there anyone who shall ask for pardon so that I may pardon him?” Dear brothers and sisters, let us make a pledge tonight to set our alarm clocks at 2 am in the morning. We all know that if there was some special sports event on tv or someone had to catch a plane at that time they would be capable of waking up. Let’s set the alarm to pray only 2 raka’at to Allah. And in Sajdah, recall just one sin – just one – between us and Allah and ask Allah ta’ala to forgive us for that sin, pledging that we shall never return to it. Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – taught us that Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His servant than a man who loses his camel in the desert and in that waste land loses hope of life; In that state he sits down awaiting death to come; then he opens his eyes and finds his camel standing beside him with all the provisions to take him home. In his extreme happiness he cries out: “O Allah, you are my servant and I am your Lord!!” He said it wrong from the bliss of happiness. Rasul Allah – sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam – said that verily Allah is more happy with our towbah than this man! Tonight at 2 am, let’s all try to make Allah happy with us. Believe me, we won’t regret it.  

Ameen!                     Aqeemus salaah!

She was widowed, the boy an orphan. She traveled with him to Makkah so that he could receive an Islamic Education. She arranged that he attend the circles of the scholars, and in those circles, he began excelling in the science of Hadith. He traveled to distant villages in search of the most authentic sayings of Rasul Allah (pbuh). He would pray two raka’at before accepting a hadith. His mother named him: Muhammad ibn Isma’il. And many of us know him today by the book he compiled, the book that stands after the Quran in authenticity: Saheeh Al-Imam Al-Bukhari!

In another land, in another time, chilly Baghdad winds would wake up another boy. Much before Fajr, his mother would bundle him in warm shawls and escort him through the darkness, making sure he reached the Masjid safely. After Fajr, she would wait for him as he read Hadith to the biggest scholars of the land. Then, long after the sun had come up, she would meet him outside and together they would walk home. She was a strong mother indeed, for her son grew up to become an Imam of the Muslim Ummah, an Imam by the name of Ahmad ibn Hanbal.

- (Manaaqib Ahmad, by Ibn Al-Jowzee)

Imam Suyuti authored his first book, Tafseer Bismillaah Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheeem, when he was in grade 2!

Dear brothers and sisters, why should we try to follow in the footsteps of these many other stars of Islam? The information that we shall in sha’ Allah learn is not like anything else. This knowledge is the law of Allah and the inheritance of the Prophets. It is our duty to preserve and protect the estate of Rasul Allah (pbuh), something that cannot happen without there being serious and sincere brothers and sisters spending long days and nights reading, reflecting, and teaching others.

Every Islamic revival that takes place is built on something. Some revivals are built on emotions, others on politics. Do you know which shall remain firm when the wind of woe blows? It shall be the one that was built on sound knowledge of the words of Allah and the Sunnah of Rasul Allah.

A sincere man once stood on the beach shore watching, to his dismay, the waves thrashing a fish up and down, left and right. The man concluded that he must save the fish. He thrashed into the water and grabbed the fish by the tail. He then thrashed back to shore and threw the fish on the beach, satisfied that he had saved it from the water!

Dear brothers and sisters, when we work for the sake of Allah without knowledge of what the path of Allah is, many times we do as that young man did.

We are living in an age of information. We have lights in every corner of the house when only yesterday our ancestors read by the light of the moon. We have publishing houses when only yesterday our ancestors wrote the books they owned with their own hands. We have CD’s to search the Hadith archives when our scholars spent days upon days searching for proof and evidence in their libraries. Shouldn’t the knowledge increase with all this ease? It should. But it has not.

Dear brothers and sisters, we know that when a prize is great, the responsibility, and the work required for that prize shall also be great. And because of this, we see the enormous reward promised to those scholars and students of Islam due to the heavy work required.

The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Whoever seeks out a path to acquire knowledge (of the deen), Allah makes easy a path for them to Jannah!” – Muslim

Shaykh Abdur-Rahman As-Sa’dee said, “Thus any path a person takes, whether physical or otherwise, something that will help them in acquiring knowledge of the Deen, they enter in the words of the Prophet, “Whoever seeks out a path to acquire knowledge (of the deen), Allah makes easy a path for them to Jannah.”

Rasul Allah told us that when a person seeks out a path to learn about Islam, this is a sign that Allah loves them and that He wants good for them in this life and the next.

From Mu’aawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, the Prophet (pbuh) said, “Whoever Allah wishes good for, he grants them Fiqh (understading) of the Deen.”

And Rasul Allah told us that the sincere scholars have a place with Allah that no one else can reach, and that they are the inheritors of the Prophet’s estate in passing it on to the world.

Rasul Allah said, “The virtue of the scholar to a worshipper (Aabid) is similar to the virtue of the moon when it is full to the rest of the stars. And verily the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets. Verily the Prophets did not leave behind dirhams and deenars, but rather they left behind knowledge. Thus whoever takes it, takes it as a bountiful share.” – Authentic, narrated by Abu Dawood, tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah.

The position of the people of Islamic knowledge reached such a level that Allah (Jalla Thanaa’uhu wa taqaddasat Asmaa’uhu) and the Angels pray for them!

From Abu Umaamah: Rasul Allah said, “Verily Allah and His angels, even the ant in its hole and the fish in the sea, verily (they all) pray for he who teaches people good.” – authentic, narrated by Tabraanee.

Rasul Allah prayed for them also. He said, as narrated by Zayd ibn Thabit, “May Allah grant light (and happiness and beauty in the face) of someone who hears a hadith from us and memorizes it until he passes it on to others!” – authentic, narrated by Tirmidhi.

One of the hadith scholars that Imam Bukhari took from, Hisham ibn Ammar narrates a story that happened to him when he was 8 years old. He says, “My father sold a house of his for 20 Deenaars so that I could go for Hajj (and study Islam). When I arrived in Madinah, I went to the circle of Imam Maalik. He was sitting amongst his students like a king. People would ask him questions and he would answer. When I entered the crowd and my turn came up I said, ‘Haddithnee (recite to me)!’ He said, ‘Rather you read.’ I said, ‘No, you haddithnee!’ Imam Maalik said, ‘No you read!’ When I talked back and argued, he got angry and said to another student, go with this boy outside and smack him 15 times!’ That student took me outside and smacked me 15 times with a stick and then brought me back to Imam Maalik. I said, ‘you have Dhulm (wronged) me! My father sold his house so that I could come to you and be honored by listening to your teaching and seek knowledge from you. And you smacked me 15 times without any crime on my part, I shall not forgive you!’ Imam Maalik then said, ‘What is the expiation for this Dhulm (wronging)?’ I said, ‘You have to recite 15 hadiths to me, that is the expiation.’ So Imam Maalik began reciting the hadith to me until he completed 15. When he ended I told him, ‘beat me more and read more hadith to me.” Imam Maalik laughed and said, ‘be off.’ – From the book Ma’rifat Al-Qurraa’ al-Kibaar by Imam Adh-Dhahabi.

From the beginning of time, there has been a race between the doers of good and the doers of evil. Adam and Iblees, Musa and Fir’own, Muhammad and Abu Jahl. Today that race has not ended. Think: How hard are the doers of evil working and how hard are we?

Umar once said, “I seek Allah’s protection from Jalad (the strength and enthusiasm) of the sinner, and the laziness of the God-fearer.” Subhaan Allah, it is as if he is contemplating the time that we are now living in.

How can one of us be too lazy to pray 2 raka’at at night, when the people of the Dunya spend the entire night watching movies, some of which they have to read the translation on the bottom of the screen? How can we be too lazy to read for 2 hours, when the people of the Dunya – those who just want more money to continue their sin – spend days upon days of all-nighters studying for their exams? Why do we cringe at paying 6 dollars for an Islamic book, when the people of the Dunya spend hundreds, rather thousands in pursuit of their sin?

What’s wrong? What has happened to us?

Listen to those who came before us. Some Fuqahaa’ said, “For years I desired to eat Hareesah (a sweet dish) and I wasn’t able to because it was only sold during class time.”

Imam Su’bah said, “If I ever saw someone running in the streets of the village I would only think one of two things: He was either crazy or a student of Hadith!”

And Ibn Al-Jowzee said, “I haven’t seen a flaw more sad in the community than those who stop working even though they have the ability to continue.”

How do we correct the situation dear brothers and sisters? Let us reflect on the following:

Firstly: We must be sincere in our desire to learn Islam. We are learning this Deen to rid ourselves, firstly, of ignorance and then to help others to rid themselves of ignorance.

Do you know the first Hadith in Sahih Bukhari, and in many many other Hadith books? It is not a coincidence that the first hadith is: “Verily Actions are (judged) by their intentions…” The scholars are reminding us from the very beginning of our path to learning, from page one, that it must be for the sake of Allah.

Allah ordered us to be sincere to Him in what we do: [. And they have been commanded no more than this: to worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith)…] Al Bayyinah, 5

Rasul Allah said, “Whoever studies that which is meant for the sake of Allah, desiring only a piece of the Dunya, he shall not smell the frangrance of Jannah on the Day of Judgement.” – authentic, narrated by Ahmad, and Tirmidhi.

Ibn Abbas said, “Verily a man shall be protected (by Allah) in proportion to his niyyah (intention for doing what it is he is doing).”

And this issue of intention is not an easy matter. Sufyan ath-Thowree said, “I have never nursed something more rebellious than my intentions.” – from the book, Al-Ja’mi’ li akhlaaq al-Raawee, by Al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadi.

Listen to the advice of Imam Ibn Jamaa’ah if you want to know what it takes to correct your intention, “A proper and sincere intention when studying Islam is to intend to win the pleasure of Allah by what you are doing. You should intend to practice what you learn, to resurrect the Shariah, hoping that this knowledge will shine light on your heart, cleanse your soul, and bring you closer to Allah on the day of Judgement…Your intention for studying Islam should not be to win any worldly commodity, like leadership or fame or riches. It should not be learnt so that you can show off to your colleagues or so that people will revere you and sit you in a chief position in their gatherings, and so on…” – from Imam Ibn Jamaa’ah’s book, Tadhkirat as-Saami’ wal Mutakallim.

Secondly: We should understand that we are in a continuous war with Shaytaan, and he does not want us to succeed in this studying. Allah ta’aala says, [When thou does read the Qur-an, seek Allah's protection from Satan the Rejected One.] An-Nahl, 98

The Shaytaan shall sit in the face of every good thing that you try to do. Rasul Allah told us, “The Shaytaan sits in the path (of every goodness) that the son of Aadam (may try to take). He sat in front of him when he took the path to Islam and told him, ‘how could you leave the religion of your fathers and your fore-fathers?’ But he disobeyed him and became Muslim. Then Shaytaan sat in front of him in his path to Hijrah and said, ‘How could you leave your land and your sky?’ But he disobeyed him and migrated (from Makkah). Then he sat in front of him in his path of Jihaad and said, ‘Why should you do Jihad? It will only exhaust your wealth and body. You’ll be killed, your wife will marry someone else, and your wealth will be divided (to others).’ But he disobeyed him and went for Jihad.” Rasul Allah then said, “Whoever does this, it is a duty upon Allah that He shall enter him into Jannah!”

How will the Shaytaan sit in your face:

1. He will tell you to study tomorrow, and when tomorrow comes, study tomorrow. Procrastination is from the Shaytaan!

2. Shaytaan will tell you that you are busy now and that later in your life you shall take the time out to study Islam. After marriage, after graduation, after you get a job. Life shall pass and the ‘after’ shall live forever.

3. Shaytaan will tell you that the situation of the Ummah is lost and that you studying will not help anything, so don’t waste your time. Combat this with what you’ve seen from the Jihad of knowledge and teaching that Rasul Allah and those that came before us did.

4. Shaytaan will tell you that there are enough scholars, they don’t need you. Combat this with the fact that scholars shall die, and if the knowledge is not passed on to the next generation, it shall die in the community. There are 1.4 billion Muslims and the problem that always comes up is that there are not enough teachers and scholars. Everyone is a shepherd and everyone shall be responsible for his or her flock!

Thirdly: We should never forget to pray to Allah to bless us with His Mercy in succeeding in our intentions to learn Islam for His sake.

Allah ta’aala says [When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me…] Surah AlBaqarah, 186

Let us pray to Allah now to make this effort we are doing to learn His Deen, to learn His Shariah, sincere for His sake. And that He blesses us by His Mercy to succeed in what we intend. Verily, he has the Power to do anything.

Allah – Ta�ala – commanded us, [And your Lord decreed that you should worship none but Him and that you be dutiful to your Parents. If one of them or both attain old age in your life, then do not say to them uff (a word of disrespect), nor shout at them, rather address them in terms of honour / And lower for them the wing of submission and humility through mercy. And say, �My Lord! Grant them Your Mercy as they brought me up when I was small.�] � Al-Israa� 17/23-24 Ad-Daylami collected from Al-Husayn ibn Ali, that the Prophet – Sal Allahu alayhi wa Sallam – said, �If Allah knew any smaller than uff (tsk) to be disrespectful to parents, He would have decreed it to be Haram!� In Bukhari, a man came to the Prophet – Sal Allahu alayhi wa Sallam – seeking permission to go for Jihad. The Prophet – Sal Allahu alayhi wa Sallam – asked him, �Are your Parents alive?� He said, �Yes.� He – Sal Allahu alayhi wa Sallam – said, �Perform Jihad (in you kind treatment) of them.�