Eid al-Adha, “Festival of Sacrifice” is a holiday celebrated by Muslims (including the Druze) worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God.

“Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha ilallaahu… Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar Walillah ilhamd”
(Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, There is no God except Allah, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. and to Allah goes all praise)

http://islamgreatreligion.wordpress.com/ wishes you Eid Mubarak.

Let’s remember the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be Upon him) and his son Ismael (Peace be Upon him) . Indeed a great leasson for all of us. May Allah Almighty bless us all and bless this great Ummah.

Aameen Ya Rabbal ‘aalameen.

We would like to thank to all of our great and valued supporters, members and visitors who always keep staying with us. All your supports, inputs, comments and votes are really appreciated and important for us, and always needed for the next, to improve our working on spreading the truth of Islam, for the sake of Allah.

May Allah bless us and protect us always.

May Allah accept our ibadaah during this blessing month of Dhul hijjah also make us catch the wisdom and the moral messages on it.

May all the ummah who perform hajj could be back as Mabrour Hajj.

Insya Allah..

Ameen Allahumma Ameen.

Lets not forget our oppressed brothers and sisters. Please don’t immersed in joy forgetting them. Remember, while you are enjoying, what they are facing right now…

May be we will be busy with delicious foods, where many of they will not have their daily bread even water

May be we will wear colorful and luxurious dresses, where many of they will shiver in cold

May be we’ll roam each-other for visiting our friends and relatives. Where many of they are living miserable life in refugee camps

May be our hands will be colored in blood of livestock, where our enemies hands will slaughter many of our brothers

May be we will proud with our false pride, with sick competition of sacrificing farm animals, where our sister will loose their honor and mothers Hijab will be snatched

Please don’t forget our Brothers and Sisters in this day.

Pray and let’s try to do our best efforts for making this day Beautiful for them too…

Finally we wish you a very happy and pleasant Eid-ul-adha..

Hope this Eid brings happiness and joys in all muslim ummah..

May Allah (SWT) shower His countless blessings in every Muslim home..

May Allah accept our sacrifice and good deeds..

ameen

Lets promise to slaughter our sins, evil intentions and wrong doings along with the animal on this eid..

May Allah bless you all..

Eid Mubarak!
Remember us in your sincere prayers!

As salaamu alaykum ikhwaani wa akhawaati,

This al-Jazeerah interview has been translated into English.

It is very informative and shows the correct ‘Aqeedah and manhaj of ash-Shabaab al-Mujaahideen.

Yes, Obama bring more Somalians here to this nation. We have already seen Somali “Americans” joining Jihad. Enough is enough.  It is common sense not to encourage these people to enter our country. The source for the above is The Ignored Puzzle Pieces of Knowledge an Islamist leaning site.

A telephone conversation between a Sunni from Baghdad and Egyptian Sheikh from an Islamic television show. Basically the Sunni is speaking on behalf of Sunnis in Iraq and describes the disgusting crimes the Rafiiites (SHIITES) are carrying out against Sunnis. He describes the rape of a young Sunni Hafiz of Quran girl by Shiite man.

The Sunnah in Performing “Ablution”

1.  Mentioning the name of Allah-In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful [saying: bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim]

2.  Washing the hands thrice.

3.  [Starting by] Rinsing the mouth and nose before washing the face.

4.  Rinsing the nose by one’s left hand. This is because it is mentioned in the hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “washed his hands thrice, then he rinsed his mouth and washed his nose with water by putting water in it and blowing it out, and he washed his face thrice…) [Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim].

5.  Exaggerating in rinsing one’s mouth and nose if not fasting by moving water around the mouth and snuffing water to the end of one’s nose. This is because of the hadith, “…and snuff with water well except when you are fasting”. [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawoud, ibn Maja and An-Nasa'i].

6.  Rinsing one’s mouth and nose with the same handful of water. This is because of the hadith, “He [the Prophet] put his hand [into the vessel containing water] rinsed his mouth and his nose”. [Bukhari and Muslim].

7.  Using tooth stick [Ar. Siwak] before rinsing one’s mouth. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him says, “Had I not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Siwak (tooth-stick) before every Prayer.”[Narrated by Ahmed and An-Nasa'i].

8.  Running one’s wet finger through the beard upon washing the face. It is mentioned in the hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him used to run his wet finger through his beard while performing ablution. [Al-Thirmithi].

9.  Wiping over one’s head. This is performed as follows: passing one’s wet hands over the head from front to back and so forth. As for obligatory wiping over one’s head, it is to wipe over one’s head in any way. It is narrated that the Messenger of Allah used to pass his hands over his head [in ablution] from the front to the back. [Bukhari and Muslim].

10.     Running wet fingers between the fingers and toes. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Perform your ablution perfectly and let water to run between the fingers [and toes]“.

11.     Washing the right [limb] before the left. It is narrated in the hadith that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him): “Used to start from the right side on wearing shoes, combing his hair, cleaning or washing himself and on doing anything else” [Bukhari and Muslim].

12.     Performing the actions thrice when washing the face, hands and foot.

13.     Saying the two testifications of faith [Ar.Shahadatan] after finishing ablution. Meaning, to says, “I testify that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger”. It is narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, ” If anyone amongst you performs the ablution perfectly and then says: I testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the servant of Allah and His Messenger, the eight gates of Paradise would be opened for him and he may enter by whichever of them he wishes”. [Muslim]

14.     Performing ablution in one’s house. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever purifies in his house and walks to the mosque to perform obligatory prayer, his steps are counted as one expiates a sin and the other raises his rank” [Muslim]

15.       Passing one’s hand over the limb while or after washing.

16.     Using little amount of water. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to use little amount of water in ablution. [Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim]

17.     Washing above the limits of the four limbs [hands and foot]. It is narrated that Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) performed ablution, he washed his arm up to the elbows and his feet up to the ankles and said: this is how the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) performed ablution”. [Muslim]

18.     Performing two rak’ahs [Eng. Units of prayer] after ablution. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, ” He who performs ablution like this of mine and then stood up (for prayer) and offered two rak’ahs of prayer without allowing his thoughts to be distracted, all his previous sins are expiated” [Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim]

In a report by Muslim through ‘Uqba ibn ‘Amir: “He will be rewarded by nothing except Paradise”.

19.     Perfecting one’s ablution: washing each part perfectly. Muslims vary in times of performing ablution during the day, and everyone has to observe these Sunan in every time he performs ablution.

   Virtue of observing the above Sunan:

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “He who performed ablution perfectly, his sins would come out from his body, even coming out from under his nails.” [Muslim].

What should one say when slaughtering the udhiyah

Is there a specific du’aa’ that I can recite when slaughtering the udhiyah?.

Praise be to Allaah.

The Sunnah for one who wants to slaughter the udhiyah is to say when slaughtering it:

Bismillaah, wa Allaahu akbar, Allaahumma haadha minka wa laka, haadha ‘anni (or if it is being offered on behalf of someone else, haadha ‘an [fulaan]), Allaahumma taqabbal min [fulaan] wa aali [fulaan].

(In the name of Allaah, Allaah is most great. O Allaah, this is from You and to You. This is on my behalf (or if it is being offered on behalf of someone else, This is on behalf of [So and so]). O Allaah, accept (this sacrifice) from [So and so] and the family of [So and so]) – here he should mention his name instead of [fulaan] or [So and so].

What is obligatory here is to say Bismillaah; the rest is mustahabb but is not obligatory.

Al-Bukhaari (5565) and Muslim (1966) narrated that Anas said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sacrificed two horned rams that were white speckled with black. He slaughtered them with his own hand, said Bismillaah and Allaahu akbar, and put his foot on their necks.

Muslim (1967) narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) ordered that a horned ram be brought to him so that he could sacrifice it. He said, “O ‘Aa’ishah, give me the knife.” Then he said, “Sharpen it on a stone.” So she did that, then he took it and took the ram, and he lay it down and prepared to slaughter it. He said, “In the name of Allaah, O Allaah accept (this sacrifice) from Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and the ummah of Muhammad,” then he sacrificed it.

Al-Tirmidhi (1521) narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said: I was present with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) on the day of al-Adha at the prayer place. When he had finished his khutbah he came down from his minbar and a ram was brought which the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) slaughtered with his own hand. He said, “In the name of Allaah, Allaah is Most Great. This is on behalf of myself and on behalf of those of my ummah who have not offered a sacrifice.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.

In some reports the words “O Allaah, this is from You and to You” are added. See Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 1138, 1152.

Allaahumma minka (O Allaah, from You) means this sacrifice is a gift and provision that has reached me from You. Laka (to You) means, it is sincerely for You alone.

See al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 7/492.

Today is the 10th day of dhu al Hijja, the Islamic month of the Hajj – the pilgrimage to Mecca.
.
The subject of the Hajj is dealt with in a later chapter of my book “The Cow”, to be posted on a future date, but since we are in the middle of Hajj season, I thought it appropriate if not topical to post this one now.
.
Last night the believers, after spending the day contemplating on mount Arafat, went to mount Muzdalifa to collect 49 stones, which they will throw at the devil today.
.
The Quranic edict is to “Fulfill the Pilgrimage and the Visitation of Allah’s house.”
.
This visitation has its origin in the pagan era of Arabia, when pilgrims would visit the sanctuary of their deities in the prescribed seasons, to give thanks and pray for prosperity.
.
Like the Muslims of today, the pagans of Mecca too ran or walked from mount Arafat to Muzdalifa, stoned the devil, shaved their heads, circumambulated the Ka’ba, and so on.
.
Muhammad, the robber chief of Medina, who’s interests were wealth sex and power, did not care much for religion, beyond its usefulness as a tool to control his followers.
.
For that reason, the pre Islamic pagan Hajj rituals were introduced into Islam almost unchanged. They were modified only to include references to Allah and the hereafter.
.
The changes that Muhammad introduced were politically motivated to serve his agenda: to make all these activities in honour of his chosen deity, Allah, the top deity of Mecca, and what he stood for.
.
It appears that the pagans were practical and enjoyed the material life: they were interested in making the most of this world, and that was basically what they prayed for during the Hajj.
.
They did not care much for the afterlife.
.
Muhammad was going to change that: he needed followers who were willing to trade the good of this world and their own lives with those of the next.
.
In other words, they should not fear dying in Allah’s cause, as they will be granted the good of the next world.
.
Furthermore, if they reject this concept, swift chastisement awaits them. In case you wondered how “suicide bombers” are recruited, now you know.

Description of Eid prayer

Praise be to Allaah.

The Eid prayer is one where the imam attends and leads the people in praying two rak’ahs. ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said:

“The prayer of al-Fitr is two rak’ahs and the prayer of al-Adha is two rak’ahs, complete and not shortened, on the tongue of your Prophet, and the one who fabricates lies is doomed.” Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 1420 and Ibn Khuzaymah. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.

It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: The Messenger of Allaah SAWS (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to come out on the day of al-Fitr and al-Adha to the prayer place, and the first thing he would do was to offer the prayer. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 956

In the first rak’ah he should say Takbeerat al-ihraam (say “Allaahu akbar” to start the prayer), after which he should say six or seven more takbeers, because of the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), “The takbeer of al-Fitr and al-Adha is seven takbeers in the first rak’ah and five takbeers in the second, apart from the takbeer of rukoo’.” Narrated by Abu Dawood and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 639.

Then he should recite al-Faatihah, and recite Soorat Qaf in the first rak’ah. In the second rak’ah he should stand up saying takbeer, and when he has stood up completely he should say takbeer five times, and recite Soorat al-Faatihah then Soorat al-Qamr. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite these two soorahs during the two Eids. Or if he wishes he can recite Soorat al-A’la in the first rak’ah and Soorat al-Ghaashiyah in the second, because it was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite al-A’la and al-Ghaashiyah in the Eid prayer.

The imam should revive the Sunnah be reciting these soorahs so that the Muslims will become familiar with the Sunnah.

After the prayer, the imam should address the people. Part of the khutbah should be addressed specifically to the women, telling them of the things that they should do and warning them against the things that they should avoid, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to do.
The prayer comes before the khutbah

One of the rulings of Eid is that the prayer comes before the khutbah, because of the hadeeth of Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah who said, The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came out on the day of al-Fitr and started with the prayer before the khutbah. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 958; Muslim, 885.

Another indication that the khutbah comes after the prayer is the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to come out to the prayer place on the day of al-Fitr and al-Adha, and the first thing he would start with was the prayer, then he would go and stand facing the people, while the people were sitting in their rows, and he would preach to them and advise them and command them.  If he wanted to send out a military expedition he would do so and if he wanted to tell the people to do something he would do so, then he would leave.

Abu Sa’eed said: The people continued to do that until I went out with Marwaan – who was the governor of Madeenah – on Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Fitr, and when we came to the prayer-place, there was a minbar that had been built by Katheer ibn al-Salt. When Marwaan wanted to ascend it before he prayed, I grabbed his garment and he pushed me away and climbed up and delivered the khutbah before the prayer. I said, “You have changed it by Allaah.”

He said, “O Abu Sa’eed, what you knew has gone.”

I said, “What I know, by Allaah, is better than what I do not know.”

He said, “The people will not sit and listen to us after the prayer, so we did it before the prayer.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 956.

 

Etiquette of Eid

What are the Sunnahs and etiquettes that we should act in accordance with on the day of Eid

Praise be to Allaah.

The Sunnahs that the Muslim should observe on the day of Eid are as follows:

1 – Doing ghusl before going out to the prayer.

It was narrated in a saheeh hadeeth in al-Muwatta’ and elsewhere that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar used to do ghusl on the day of al-Fitr before going out to the prayer-place in the morning. Al-Muwatta’ 428.

Al- Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said that the Muslims were unanimously agreed that it is mustahabb to do ghusl for Eid prayer.

The reason why it is mustahabb is the same reason as that for doing ghusl before Jumu’ah and other public gatherings. Rather on Eid the reason is even stronger.

2 – Eating before going out to pray on Eid al-Fitr and after the prayer on Eid al-Adha:

Part of the etiquette is not to go out to pray on Eid al-Fitr until one has eaten some dates, because of the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari from Anas ibn Maalik, who said that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used not to go out on the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates… of which he would eat an odd number. Al-Bukhaari, 953.

It is mustahabb to eat before going out to emphasize the fact that it is forbidden to fast on that day and to demonstrate that the fast has ended.

Ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) suggested that the reason for that was so as to ward off the possibility of adding to the fast, and to hasten to obey the command of Allaah. Al-Fath, 2/446

Whoever does not have any dates may break his fast with anything that is permissible.

But on Eid al-Adha it is mustahabb not to eat anything until one comes back from the prayer, so he should eat from the udhiyah if he has offered a sacrifice. If he is not going to offer a sacrifice there is nothing wrong with eating before the prayer.

3 – Takbeer on the day of Eid

This is one of the greatest Sunnahs on the day of Eid because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him”

[al-Baqarah 2:185]

It was narrated that al-Waleed ibn Muslim said: I asked al-Awzaa’i and Maalik ibn Anas about saying Takbeer out loud on the two Eids. They said, Yes, ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar used to say it out loud on the day of al-Fitr until the imam came out (to lead the prayers).

It was narrated in a saheeh report that ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Sulami said, “They emphasized it more on the day of al-Fitr than the day of al-Adha.”. Wakee’ said, this refers to the takbeer. See Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 3/122/

Al-Daaraqutni and others narrated that on the morning of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Ibn ‘Umar would strive hard in reciting takbeer until he came to the prayer place, then he would recite takbeer until the imam came out.

Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated with a saheeh isnaad that al-Zuhri said: The people used to recite Takbeer on Eid when they came out of their houses until they came to the prayer place, and until the imam came out. When the imam came out they fell silent, and when he said takbeer they said takbeer. See Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 1/121

Saying takbeer when coming out of one’s house to the prayer place and until the imam came out was something that was well known among the salaf (early generations). This has been narrated by a number of scholars such as Ibn Abi Shaybah, ‘Abd a l-Razzaaq and al-Firyaabi in Ahkaam al-Eidayn from a group of the salaf. For example, Naafi’ ibn Jubayr used to recite takbeer and was astonished that the people did not do so, and he said, “Why do you not recite takbeer?”

Ibn Shihaab al-Zuhri (may Allaah have mercy on him) used to say, “The people used to recite takbeer from the time they came out of their houses until the imam came in.”

The time for takbeer on Eid al-Fitr starts from the night before Eid until the imam enters to lead the Eid prayer.

In the case of Eid al-Adha, the takbeer begins on the first day of Dhu’l-Hijjah and lasts until sunset on the last of the days of tashreeq.

Description of the takbeer:

It was narrated in the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah with a saheeh isnaad from Ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) that he used to recite takbeer during the days of tashreeq:

Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, wa Allaahu akbar, Allaah akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is most Great, there is no god but Allaah, Allaah is Most great, Allaah is most great, and to Allaah be praise).

It was also narrated elsewhere by Ibn Abi Shaybah with the same isnaad, but with the phrase “Allaahu akbar” repeated three times.

Al-Mahaamili narrated with a saheeh isnaad also from Ibn Mas’ood:

“Allaahu akbaru kabeera, Allaahu akbaru kabeera, Allaahu akbar wa ajallu, Allaahu akbar wa Lillaah il-hamd (Allaah is Most Great indeed, Allaah is Most Great indeed, Allaah is most Great and Glorified, Allaah is Most Great and to Allaah be praise).” See al-Irwa’, 3/126.

4 – Offering congratulations

The etiquette of Eid also includes the congratulations and good wishes exchanged by people, no matter what the wording, such as saying to one another Taqabbala Allaah minna wa minkum (May Allaah accept (good deeds) from us and from you” or “Eid mubaarak” and other permissible expressions of congratulations.

It was narrated that Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: When the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) met one another on the day of Eid, they would say to one another, “May Allaah accept (good deeds) from us and from you.” Ibn Hajar said, its isnaad is hasan. Al-Fath, 2/446.

Offering congratulations was something that was well known among the Sahaabah, and scholars such as Imam Ahmad and others allowed it. There is evidence which suggests that it is prescribed to offer congratulations and good wishes on special occasions, and that the Sahaabah congratulated one another when good things happened, such as when Allaah accepted the repentance of a man, they went and congratulated him for that, and so on.

Undoubtedly these congratulations are among the noble characteristics among the Muslims.

The least that may be said concerning the subject of congratulations is that you should return the greetings of those who congratulate you on Eid, and keep quiet if others keep quiet, as Imam Ahmad (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: If anyone congratulates you, then respond, otherwise do not initiate it.

5 – Adorning oneself on the occasion of Eid.

It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said that ‘Umar took a brocade cloak that was for sale in the market and brought it to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and said, “O Messenger of Allaah, buy this and adorn yourself with it for Eid and for receiving the delegations.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to him, “Rather this is the dress of one who has no share (of piety or of reward in the Hereafter)…” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 948.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) agreed with ‘Umar on the idea of adorning oneself for Eid, but he denounced him for choosing this cloak because it was made of silk.

It was narrated that Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had a cloak which he would wear on the two Eids and on Fridays. Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah, 1756,

Al-Bayhaqi narrated with a saheeh isnaad that Ibn ‘Umar used to wear his best clothes on Eid.

So a man should wear the best clothes that he has when going out for Eid.

With regard to women, they should avoid adorning themselves when they go out for Eid, because they are forbidden to show off their adornments to non-mahram men. It is also haraam for a woman who wants to go out to put on perfume or to expose men to temptation, because they are only going out for the purpose of worship.

6 – Going to the prayer by one route and returning by another.

It was narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: On the day of Eid, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to vary his route. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 986.

It was said that the reason for that was so that the two routes would testify for him on the Day of Resurrection, for the earth will speak on the Day of Resurrection and say what was done on it, both good and bad.

And it was said that it was in order to manifest the symbols of Islam on both routes, or to manifest the remembrance of Allaah (dhikr), or to annoy the hypocrites and Jews, and to scare them with the large number of people who were with him. And it was said that it was in order to attend to the people’s needs, to answer their questions, teach them, set an example and give charity to the needy, or to visit his relatives and uphold the ties of kinship.

And Allaah knows best.

Bismillaah

It is related in the Sahihain of al-Bukhari and Muslim, rahimahumallaah, from Anas, radhiallahu `anhu, that the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: “None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his father, his child and all of mankind.”

And in the same sources we find that `Umar ibn al Khattab, radhiallahu `anhu, said to Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, “O Rasoolullah, you are more beloved to me than anything except my own self.” Allah’s Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, then told him, “No, by the One in Whose Hand is my soul, not until I am more beloved to you than your own soul.” `Umar then told him, “By Allah, now you are more beloved to me than my own soul.” Allah’s Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, then told him that now he had the complete and correct faith.

Ibn Rajab says about love of the Messenger sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam: “Love for the Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam is at two levels.

The first level is obligatory. This is the love that requires one to accept whatever the Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam brought from Allah and to receive it with love, pleasure, esteem and submission, without seeking guidance from any other source whatsoever. This is then followed by excellent following of him in whatever he conveyed from his Lord and to affirm whatever he has reported of obligations, to remain away from anything he has prohibited of forbidden acts, to give support for his religion and to strive against those who oppose him according to one’s ability. All of these are necessary components that one must possess and a person’s Faith is not complete without them.

The second level is superior [and not an absolutely necessary component of Faith]. This type of love requires following his example in an excellent way and fulfilling the following of his Sunnah with respect to his behavior, manners, voluntary deeds, supererogatory actions, eating, drinking, dressing, excellent behavior with his wives and other aspects of his perfect manners and pure behavior.

It also includes learning about his life and days. It also includes the heart trembling when mentioning him, saying prayers and blessings upon him often out of what resides in the heart of love for him, esteem for him and respect for him. It also includes loving to listen to his words and preferring them to the words of others of the creation. And one of the greatest aspects of this love is to follow him in his abstinence of this world, his being sufficient with a little and his turning to and desiring of the everlasting Hereafter.

Among the most important indicators of one’s sincere love of the Prophet (SAWS) is to hate those who hate him and to become an enemy against those who set him as their enemy. Also, it is to stay far away from innovators and those who are enemies and opponents of his Sunnah and to reject all matters that oppose Islamic Law.

He who truly loves somebody, whoever they may be, will love all that they love and hate all that they hate. The most worthy person for this type of love must be our Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), as he was the most honourable person that ever lived. He (SAWS) loved his wife Khadeejah (a mother of the believers) deeply. When she believed in him, supported him in his mission, and stood by him at times of hardship, all this increased his love of her – so much so that after the death of Khadeejah, the Prophet (SAWS) used to regularly check on her friends and send them gifts out of his love and loyalty to her. This example was narrated by ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her. (Bukhari & Muslim).

This is just how true and sincere love should be; to honour and revere all that the beloved cherishes. It is impossible that somebody’s love is sincere if they do not consider the enemy of their beloved as their enemy. How can someone love somebody and his enemy simultaneously? How can two matters which are diametrically opposed ever unite? True and sincere love renders the enemy of your beloved as your enemy. This is precisely why the companions of the Prophet (SAWS), who truly loved him, fought their own fathers, brothers and relatives for his sake. They only did so due to the sincere love that they had for him and for the sake of pleasing him.

Listen to the following illuminating examples that reflect this true and sincere love which the companions had for the Messenger of Allah (SAWS). They loved him to the extent that they favoured him over the dearest of people to themselves. Indeed they favoured loving the Prophet (SAWS) over loving any other person.

On the way back to Madinah when the Prophet (SAWS) finished from the battle of Bani Al-Mustaliq, ‘Abdullah Ibn Salool (the chief hypocrite) uttered the following poisonous and treacherous statement: “When we return to Madinah, the more honourable and worthier for power (meaning himself) will surely expel from there the more humble (meaning the Messenger (SAWS)).”

Zayd Ibn al-Arqam heard this and informed the Messenger (SAWS) who was saddened and angered by these words. When ‘Abdullahwho was the son of this hypocrite and a believer despite his father’s hypocrisy, heard about this, he went straight to the Messenger (SAWS) and apologised to him for what his father had said. Furthermore, ‘Abdullah\ said to the Messenger of Allah (SAWS): “If you wish, I can go and behead him (i.e., his father) for you and bring you back his head’. Upon hearing this, the Prophet (SAWS) supplicated to Allah for goodness for Abdullah, but forbade him from killing his father.

‘Abdullah unsheathed his sword and rushed with the rest of the believers to the approach of Madinah. As his father neared, he pointed his sword at him and said: “I swear by Allah that it is you who are the more humble and you will not enter Madinah until the Prophet of Allah permits you to enter. Then you will realise that it is you who are the more humble and that he is the more honourable and worthier for power.” When news of this encounter reached the Prophet (SAWS), he sent a messenger to Abdullah saying: “I have given permission to your father so allow him to enter.” It was only then that the believing son allowed his hypocrite father to enter Madinah (Ahmad, Tirmidhi and others). This is just how true and sincere love of our Prophet (SAWS) must be.

The trustee of the Ummah’ was the nickname given by the Prophet (SAWS) to Abu ‘Ubaydah Ibn Al-Jarraah and who could ever set a greater and a more astonishing example than him when he killed his own father on the day of the battle of Badr? Also, on that day, ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab killed his maternal uncle Al-’Aas and Mus’ab killed his brother. These people were killed because they had come to fight the Messenger (SAWS) and because they hated him; they were killed despite the blood relationship between themselves and their killers. This is because these relationships were severed when they began to hate the Prophet (SAWS). These people hated the Prophet (SAWS) and it was this hatred which resulted in the severing of the strongest bonds and relationships between them and their believing relatives, who set the most wonderful examples for true and sincere love of the Prophet (SAWS).

Prior to him accepting Islam, Abu Sufyaan Ibn Harb set out for Madinah to negotiate with the Messenger of Allah (SAWS). Therefore, he initially stopped off at the house of his daughter Umm Habeebah who was the wife of the Prophet (SAWS), in order to visit her. As he was about to sit down on a rug which belonged to the Prophet (SAWS), she rolled it up and moved it away. Thereupon he remarked: “My daughter! I do not know if you think that the rug is too good for me or that I am too good for the rug!” She replied: “This rug belongs to the Prophet (SAWS) and you are a filthy polytheist.” (Abu Ishaaq, At-Tabari).

Indeed this was true and sincere love. Although this man was her father, he was still a polytheist who hated the Prophet (SAWS) and was his enemy, therefore she did not even allow him to sit on his rug, as he was impure. These are the fruits of true and sincere love; the kind of love that overwhelms the heart and dominates it until all that it cherishes or despises are based on this love.

As for those who claim love yet their hearts are inclined towards the enemies of their beloved or who hate and fight their beloved, their claim is nothing but an utter lie. Allah says that which translates as: “You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred” (Al-Mujaadilah: 22).

The contemporary enemies of the Prophet (SAWS) are those who oppose his Sunnah or the Shari’ah (Islamic Law) that he was sent with. The enemies of his Sunnah are the ones who fight against it by innovating new matters into the religion of Islam, while the enemies of the Shari’ah are those who attempt to replace it with man-made legislation.

We must be aware that the enemies of the Prophet (SAWS) are of three types:

First: Those who openly reject the Sunnah in its entirety, such as those who say ‘The Qur’an on its own is sufficient.’ These are the most evil enemies of the Messenger (SAWS) and are just as wicked as those who openly reject the Prophethood of Muhammad (SAWS). The Prophet (SAWS) warned against this type when he said: “Let none of you, when he receives any of my commands say (indifferently): ‘This is not in The Book of Allah (i.e., I do not accept it)’” (Ahmad, Tirmidhi and others).

Secondly: Those who do not openly reject the Sunnah in general, but cast doubts regarding its authenticity and claim that in general, the Sunnah contradicts and even opposes the Qur’an. These people are also evil enemies of the Prophet (SAWS) even if they do not openly express their rejection of the Sunnah. Casting doubts about the soundness of the Sunnah is akin to rejecting and eradicating it. I am of course referring to those who cast doubts regarding the Sunnah as a whole and not those who regard individual Ahadith as unauthentic due to the specialist knowledge that they have in this field.

I repeat; this type of people, who cast doubts on the authenticity and applicability of the Sunnah in general are one of the most evil types of enemies of the Sunnah. This is because Allah has promised to preserve the Qur’an and this necessitates that He preserves the Sunnah as well, because the Sunnah is the explanation and clarification of the Qur’an. Therefore, preserving the Sunnah is an implication of preserving the Qur’an.

Thirdly: Those who oppose the Sunnah by innovating in the religion of Islam. Anybody who does this is in effect accusing the Prophet (SAWS) of failing to convey the entire message of Islam from his Lord, whether they realise this fact or not. An innovation in matters of religion is to believe that a certain act of worship, which has no basis in the Qur’an or Sunnah, is actually a part of the religion of Islam and that by performing such an act, one is worshipping Allah and becoming closer to him.

We must know that the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) completely conveyed the Message from his Lord in the most perfect manner. He did not leave any matter, even the most minor, undelivered or unaddressed. The Messenger of Allah delivered his Lord’s message perfectly and fulfilled his trust. Allah actually attests to this when he says that which translates as: “…This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as a religion…” (Al-Maa’idah: 3).

In this verse our Lord informs us that His Messenger (SAWS) completely and perfectly conveyed His religion. Therefore, by the grace of Allah, His bounty upon us has been completed.

O you who love the Prophet (SAWS)! Beware of innovations and stay far away from the innovators, for they are the enemies of the Prophet (SAWS).

I do not know how much belief if any is left in those who willingly insist on fighting the Shari’ah of Muhammad (SAWS) and have taken it as their enemy. They have bombarded it with man-made laws and legislation and exerted all possible efforts in doing so. They even stoop to using deception, lies and trickery in order to achieve their objectives. This is despite the fact that Allah revealed the following verse about a man who refused and rejected just one judgment of the Prophet (which translates as): “But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission.” (An-Nisaa’: 65).

Therefore, if Allah disaffirmed the belief of this man due to his rejection of a single judgment of the Prophet (SAWS), what is the situation of those who reject and refuse everything that Prophet conveyed in terms of legislation? Indeed they are far from being believers.

From Islamweb.net

Hoy 26 de Noviembre los Bahá’ís de todo el mundo celebran lo que llamamos el “Dia de la Alianza”. Como tuve el placer de asistir a una de las reuniones en una comunidad Bahá’í, voy a tratar de escribir lo que recuerdo de la fabulosa presentación que hubo.

Dios ha existido por siempre y así seguirá existiendo infinitamente. El desde el comienzo de la creación envió a Sus Mensajeros o Profetas a Revelarse ante la humanidad para hacernos saber cual era Su Guía y Voluntad. Entre estos Mensajeros de Dios se encuentran Buda, Moisés, Jesucristo, Muhammad, El Báb y Bahá’u'lláh
(el mas reciente). Dios siempre ha cumplido con Su Promesa de enviarnos guía. Aunque los nombres de estas almas santas, estos Mensajeros de Dios es diferente, el Espíritu Santo, la Verdad es la misma. Ellos vienen de tiempo en tiempo para hacernos saber la guía necesaria para progresar como civilización de acuerdo a las necesidades de nuestra época y a nuestra capacidad de entendimiento. Por ejemplo, Ellos pueden compararse con los días de la semana, los cuales a pesar de poseer nombres diferentes (lunes, miércoles, sábado) son iniciados por la luz del MISMO sol.
Ahora, el ultimo de estos Mensajeros fue Bahá’u'lláh Quien aparte de Sus Enseñanzas y 100 volúmenes de Escritos ha urgido a Sus seguidores (los Bahá’ís) a que obedezcan a Su Alianza. Aquí es donde vamos a ver de que trata eso.

Una “alianza” es un convenio, un pacto entre dos o mas partes, verdad? Ahora, la Alianza, lo que celebramos los Bahá’ís todos los años en esta fecha es el acuerdo entre Dios y la humanidad que ha existido desde el comienzo de la creación. En esta Alianza Dios promete no dejar a la humanidad sin guía y a enviar a Sus Mensajeros para comunicarnos lo que El desee. Dios siempre ha cumplido con su parte en esta Alianza. Los que hemos fallado somos nosotros. Nuestra parte en este pacto es reconocer y obedecer a la Manifestación de Dios para nuestra época. Claramente en la historia de la humanidad hemos fallado en hacerlo.

Bahá’u'lláh nos urge a cumplir nuestra parte de esa Alianza y ha hecho -como signo de Su maravillosa Bondad- una Alianza menor con Sus seguidores. Esta Alianza implica que después del reconocimiento de Su Santidad Bahá’u'lláh, reconocemos a Su Hijo Mayor, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá como Su Sucesor. Asimismo, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá urgió al mundo Baha’i que después de Su muerte debíamos volvernos a su nieto Shoghi Effendi quien fue el único Guardián de la Fe Bahá’í. Después de Shoghi Effendi, los Baha’is nos volvemos a la Casa Universal de Justicia, quien es el cuerpo administrativo de la Fe Bahá’í a nivel mundial. A nivel nacional esta la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional Bahá’í y a nivel local están las Asambleas Espirituales Locales.

El propósito de la Alianza de Dios es la UNIDAD de la HUMANIDAD.
La Alianza de Bahá’u'lláh es la UNIDAD entre los Baha’is de todo el mundo.
Esto es tan claro como el agua, de modo que no queda espacio para la mal-interpretación o desviación.

[ Full Screen ]

With Bath and Bristol behind us, we returned to London to take up our typical ministry again – from November 15 through 18.

On Sunday the 15th we took Hope to attend services at Forest Gate Church, where Elias Moyo is founding pastor. He had both Hope and me give greetings. I of course highlighted the work of our London team and invited this church to visit the ministry at Speakers’ Corner. The service leader was from Nigeria. Elias preached on “Missions – God’s Agenda for Biblical People.”

Elias took the three of us out to dinner at Nando’s – a Portuguese restaurant (part of a chain) featuring chicken prepared in more ways than you can imagine. Then he went with us to Speakers’ Corner. A cold day but at least it was not raining as it has been for the last three days.

My friend Steve, an Anglican pastor, also came to the Corner. Then he and Elias went with the rest of us to a restaurant for food, debriefing and general conversation.

After a while Mr. N. joined us at the restaurant. He is an atheist who comes to the Corner every Sunday to argue (on the ground, not on a ladder) against all theists. Whether his objections to Christianity come from sincere philosophical reservations or from a stubborn heart, we of course do not know. But we do count him a friend. Join us in praying for his salvation through faith in Christ.

Walking down famous Oxford Street at night, we saw some Christmas lights. This display features an image of Jim Carrey from the movie “A Christmas Carol.”

One evening we attended a lecture by Dr. Sam Solomon, once a Muslim scholar, now a Christian, on what Muslims really believe about Muhammad. It was eye-opening. Dr. Solomon has memorized the entire Quran in Arabic, as have many Muslims.

Another evening we attended a planning meeting where the team is preparing for several future debates between Muslims and Christians.

We had dinner with Pastor Obert Nkala and his wife, who are Brethren in Christ people from Zimbabwe.They have lived in London 11 years. Four years ago he started a Brethren in Christ Church in Beckton, East London. He invited us to visit his church in the future when we can.

We spent time with Paul and Claire, part of our London team. They drove us through Epping Forest, a beautiful area, with some yellow, brown and gold leaves remaining on the trees and a lovely carpet of leaves on the forest floor. In the country we had lunch at a restaurant with a New Orleans theme and posters and American music, but the name of the restaurant was, inexplicably,….

You never know what you will see in London.