Wednesday, June 27, 2012
The Origin of Man - excerp from Ibnu Kathir Kisaasul Ambiyaa , Adam a.s
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
One year and one day
Today is a year passed since she left us. We prayed for her, we recited Ya Sin and we received calls from our families in Cairo and Austria. Redha son of Malaka, Wafa daughter of Yusuf, Uncle Ismail Morcy and Ingie Daughter of Fifi Daughter of Malaka, gave their remembrance recalling one year ago on the parting moments, the dawn of 20th October 2008. She will be forever miss.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Love Thy Prophet
How comes that a Muslim believer doesn’t love the Almighty Allah and His Prophet Muhammad?
Muhammad (PBUH) said:” no one can be a true believer without loving me more than his fortune, his children and all people." Narrated by Al Bukhari.
The Prophet didn’t say that out of arrogance, but because Allah ordered him to say that.
The Almighty Allah ordered his Prophet to teach us that our love to the Prophet is an important part of our faith and belief in Allah. “O Messenger (Muhammad )! Proclaim (the Message) which has been sent down to you from your Lord. And if you do not, then you have not conveyed His Message. Allah will protect you from mankind. Verily, Allah guides not the people who disbelieve." (Al Ma’ida:67)
You have to feel your love to the Prophet deep inside your hearts, and you have to know that it is the real cure for most of our spiritual diseases that occur in our lives these days.
This love is the real medicine for our hearts and souls. We of course didn’t see the Prophet and he (PBUH) didn’t see us, but he loved to….
When the Prophet visited Al Bakki’ (a burial-ground in Madienah next to the Prophet’s mosque) before his death, he told his companions:” I wish I could see my brothers.” They replied:”Aren’t we your brothers?” The Prophet said:”No, you are my companions, my brothers are those who didn’t see me and yet follow me and believe in me. I’ll wait for them on Al Hawdh (the Place where the Prophet is going to give all survivors a handful water from his noble hands that will make them never feel thirsty again after this hard day-the Judgment Day- and this will be directly before interring Paradise).
Our Prophet missed us….So how don’t we miss him????
Our Prophet loves us…… So how don’t we love him???
I think we need to refresh our love to our Prophet inside us; this love that is a part of our great love to our Lord and Creator; to the Almighty Allah.
How could any other living being have feelings greater than ours in its love to the Prophet?
Al Bukhari narrated, and many other scholars, about the tree trunk that the Prophet used to stand near when he was addressing the people inside the mosque. The trunk was taken away to another place far from the Prophet and a pulpit was put instead for the Prophet to stand on when holding a speech in the mosque. The first time the Prophet stood on his pulpit, everyone in the mosque could hear the trunk groaning. Believe it or not! A trunk – that we think doesn’t have feelings like ours- was totally affected because of its being faraway from the Prophet….So what about us, how must we feel?
The Prophet then get down of his pulpit and put his noble hands on the trunk till it stopped groaning.
The trunk couldn’t bear being far from the Prophet….
How can we hear a story like that without being ashamed of ourselves?
We must feel like that trunk did; we must have the same feelings of love towards the Prophet like that inside this trunk…We must be the ones who need the Prophet’s nearness.
To be near him (PBUH) after all these years is to love him and to follow his teachings and morals in everything.
Look inside your hearts, and if you love your family and wealth and your life more than the Prophet, you are in a real trouble. The Prophet said:” The True believer is that who loves me more than his wealth, family and the whole world.”
Following the Prophet’s teachings is our second goal in this site:” Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur'an and the Sunnah), Allah will love you" ( Al Imraan:31)
Notice this relationship: The Almighty Allah asks:” if you love Me (Allah), prove that by following the Prophet’s teachings because these teachings are sent to him by Me.”
“He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad), has indeed obeyed Allah, but he who turns away, then we have not sent you (O Muhammad) as a watcher over them." (An Nissa’:80)
Don’t forget your Prophet’s Sunna; don’t be the loser.
Now back to the previous Hadith, in which the Prophet told his companions that he will wait for us near (Al Hawdh). The Prophet’s companions asked how he will know us. The Prophet replied; by their white foreheads and white wrists because of their ( wudu’) –the act of purifying and cleaning done to the body before praying-
So be careful, don’t leave this straight way ( the way of the Prophet). You have to be patient, it is a hard way, but ask Allah to help you till you meet the Prophet at (Al Hawdh) and drink from his noble hands the purest water ever.
The best quality given by Allah to his Prophet is his high morals:” And verily, you (O Muhammad ) are on an exalted standard of character."(Al Qalam:4)
This verse focuses the great love of Allah for his Prophet.
Muhammad (PBUH) said:” I was sent to complete moralities .”
Muhammad (PBUH) said:” no one can be a true believer without loving me more than his fortune, his children and all people." Narrated by Al Bukhari.
The Prophet didn’t say that out of arrogance, but because Allah ordered him to say that.
The Almighty Allah ordered his Prophet to teach us that our love to the Prophet is an important part of our faith and belief in Allah. “O Messenger (Muhammad )! Proclaim (the Message) which has been sent down to you from your Lord. And if you do not, then you have not conveyed His Message. Allah will protect you from mankind. Verily, Allah guides not the people who disbelieve." (Al Ma’ida:67)
You have to feel your love to the Prophet deep inside your hearts, and you have to know that it is the real cure for most of our spiritual diseases that occur in our lives these days.
This love is the real medicine for our hearts and souls. We of course didn’t see the Prophet and he (PBUH) didn’t see us, but he loved to….
When the Prophet visited Al Bakki’ (a burial-ground in Madienah next to the Prophet’s mosque) before his death, he told his companions:” I wish I could see my brothers.” They replied:”Aren’t we your brothers?” The Prophet said:”No, you are my companions, my brothers are those who didn’t see me and yet follow me and believe in me. I’ll wait for them on Al Hawdh (the Place where the Prophet is going to give all survivors a handful water from his noble hands that will make them never feel thirsty again after this hard day-the Judgment Day- and this will be directly before interring Paradise).
Our Prophet missed us….So how don’t we miss him????
Our Prophet loves us…… So how don’t we love him???
I think we need to refresh our love to our Prophet inside us; this love that is a part of our great love to our Lord and Creator; to the Almighty Allah.
How could any other living being have feelings greater than ours in its love to the Prophet?
Al Bukhari narrated, and many other scholars, about the tree trunk that the Prophet used to stand near when he was addressing the people inside the mosque. The trunk was taken away to another place far from the Prophet and a pulpit was put instead for the Prophet to stand on when holding a speech in the mosque. The first time the Prophet stood on his pulpit, everyone in the mosque could hear the trunk groaning. Believe it or not! A trunk – that we think doesn’t have feelings like ours- was totally affected because of its being faraway from the Prophet….So what about us, how must we feel?
The Prophet then get down of his pulpit and put his noble hands on the trunk till it stopped groaning.
The trunk couldn’t bear being far from the Prophet….
How can we hear a story like that without being ashamed of ourselves?
We must feel like that trunk did; we must have the same feelings of love towards the Prophet like that inside this trunk…We must be the ones who need the Prophet’s nearness.
To be near him (PBUH) after all these years is to love him and to follow his teachings and morals in everything.
Look inside your hearts, and if you love your family and wealth and your life more than the Prophet, you are in a real trouble. The Prophet said:” The True believer is that who loves me more than his wealth, family and the whole world.”
Following the Prophet’s teachings is our second goal in this site:” Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur'an and the Sunnah), Allah will love you" ( Al Imraan:31)
Notice this relationship: The Almighty Allah asks:” if you love Me (Allah), prove that by following the Prophet’s teachings because these teachings are sent to him by Me.”
“He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad), has indeed obeyed Allah, but he who turns away, then we have not sent you (O Muhammad) as a watcher over them." (An Nissa’:80)
Don’t forget your Prophet’s Sunna; don’t be the loser.
Now back to the previous Hadith, in which the Prophet told his companions that he will wait for us near (Al Hawdh). The Prophet’s companions asked how he will know us. The Prophet replied; by their white foreheads and white wrists because of their ( wudu’) –the act of purifying and cleaning done to the body before praying-
So be careful, don’t leave this straight way ( the way of the Prophet). You have to be patient, it is a hard way, but ask Allah to help you till you meet the Prophet at (Al Hawdh) and drink from his noble hands the purest water ever.
The best quality given by Allah to his Prophet is his high morals:” And verily, you (O Muhammad ) are on an exalted standard of character."(Al Qalam:4)
This verse focuses the great love of Allah for his Prophet.
Muhammad (PBUH) said:” I was sent to complete moralities .”
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Death Funeral and Burial
Death Funeral and Burial – Part 1
All praises be to Allaah, Lord and Sustainer of the worlds, and may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and upon his family and companions.
Allaah Subhanahu-wa-Ta’alaa says:
Did you think that We had created you without a purpose, and that you would not be brought back to Us? 23.115
Everyone is going to taste death, and We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good. And to Us you will be returned.. Al-Anbiya.35.
Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing)..3.185.
Say (to them): Verily, the death from which you flee will surely meet you, then you will be sent back to (Allâh), the AllKnower of the unseen and the seen, and He will tell you what you used to do..Al-Jumuah 8.
And no person can ever die except by Allâh's Leave and at an appointed term. 3.145.
And no person knows in what land he will die. Verily, Allâh is AllKnower, AllAware (of things).. Luqmaan38
Wheresoever you may be, death will overtake you even if you are in fortresses built up strong and high! 4.78.
And the stupor of death will come in truth: This is what you have been avoiding!. Qaaf 19.
The one who is wise prepares before this stupor approaches.
Ibn ‘Umar said: I was with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when a man from among the Ansaar came to him and greeted the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with salaam, then he said: “O Messenger of Allaah, which of the believers is best?” He said: “The one who is best in attitude.” He said: “Which of the believers is most wise?” He said: “The one who remembers death the most, and is best prepared for what comes after it. Those are the wise.” narrated Ibn Maajah (4259).
Therefore what is required of a believer is that he prepares for death before it comes and be ready for it at any time. Part of this readiness is also to know what should be done at the time of dying and after death, avoiding all kind of innovations which have become prevalent among Muslims everywhere.
Following is a brief guideline as to what should be done at the time of death and afterwards.
If a person is suffering from a terminal illness he should make a "Will" if he has wealth, return all his dues and trusts to their owners, make up with those he had broken ties of relation and repent for his sins for Allaah is most forgiving and accepts repentance. Repentance is accepted until just before death and not when the soul reaches the throat as Allaah says:
And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: Now I repent. 4.18.
When a person is close to death it is recommended that he utters the Shahaadah making it as his last speech because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
"Prompt your dying ones to say La ilaha il lallaah, whoever has his last speech to be La ilaha il lallaah will enter paradise regardless of what happens prior to that." Narrated Muslim
However a dying person may not be able to communicate at the time and may utter something wrong in confusion therefore it is recommended in such a situation not to pressurise him to say anything rather other people around him should say the Shahaadah to encourage him or even show him something with the Shahaadah written on it.
A dying person should also be reminded of the mercy of Allaah and to have good hope in Him.
There are some narrations regarding reciting surah Yaseen when a person is dying though scholars have disputed about the authenticity of these narrations therefore it is better not to do this, and even if we accept that some of these narration are acceptable there is no proof for reciting surah Yaseen or al-Fatihs or any part of Quraan after the death.
Once a person dies:
His eyes should be closed. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) closed the eyes of Abu Salaamah when he died, and said; "when the soul is taken the sight follows it." Narrated Muslim
The body should be fully covered with a cloth
Any debts due on the deceased should be paid off. This includes any debt of Allaah such as an expiation, a vow or unpaid Zakaah, as well as a debt of people such as a loan, a financial penalty or a bill.
The household of the deceased should be consoled and food should be provided to them as the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told people to cook food for the family of Jaafar (may Allaah be pleased with him).
No one is allowed to mourn for a deceased for more than three days except for a woman on the death of her husband, her waiting period in morning is four months and ten days.
It is not appropriate to go to the family of the deceased and sit down with them for a long time gossiping and eating food from them. Some people use the occasion as a celebration and gathering when all the relatives and friends gather at the house or Masjid, reading Quraan and making congregational supplication etc. these action were never done by the the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) or his companions therefore these are innovated actions and must be rejected.
It is reported from ‘Aa'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours [Islam] that is not part of it, will have it rejected.” Agreed upon
Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) used to say in his Friday khutbahs : “The best of speech is the Book of Allah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The most evil of things are those which are newly-invented, and every innovation (bid'ah) is a going-astray.” Reported Muslim
Condolence should be brief with Du'aa for the mercy and forgiveness for the deceased and advice of patience for the family. Allaah says:
And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-SâbirIn (the patient ones etc.). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: Truly! To Allâh we belong and truly, to Him we shall return. They are those on whom are the Salawât (i.e. blessings, etc.) (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones.. 2.155-157
A person should be buried in the land he dies without any undue delay because
Transferring the body from one land to another should be discouraged unless it is very necessary as this causes delay in burial and harm to the body. The companions of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) moved to many different lands and they were buried wherever they died. Their bodies were not transferred back to Madeenah.
All praises be to Allaah, Lord and Sustainer of the worlds, and may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and upon his family and companions.
Allaah Subhanahu-wa-Ta’alaa says:
Did you think that We had created you without a purpose, and that you would not be brought back to Us? 23.115
Everyone is going to taste death, and We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good. And to Us you will be returned.. Al-Anbiya.35.
Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing)..3.185.
Say (to them): Verily, the death from which you flee will surely meet you, then you will be sent back to (Allâh), the AllKnower of the unseen and the seen, and He will tell you what you used to do..Al-Jumuah 8.
And no person can ever die except by Allâh's Leave and at an appointed term. 3.145.
And no person knows in what land he will die. Verily, Allâh is AllKnower, AllAware (of things).. Luqmaan38
Wheresoever you may be, death will overtake you even if you are in fortresses built up strong and high! 4.78.
And the stupor of death will come in truth: This is what you have been avoiding!. Qaaf 19.
The one who is wise prepares before this stupor approaches.
Ibn ‘Umar said: I was with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when a man from among the Ansaar came to him and greeted the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with salaam, then he said: “O Messenger of Allaah, which of the believers is best?” He said: “The one who is best in attitude.” He said: “Which of the believers is most wise?” He said: “The one who remembers death the most, and is best prepared for what comes after it. Those are the wise.” narrated Ibn Maajah (4259).
Therefore what is required of a believer is that he prepares for death before it comes and be ready for it at any time. Part of this readiness is also to know what should be done at the time of dying and after death, avoiding all kind of innovations which have become prevalent among Muslims everywhere.
Following is a brief guideline as to what should be done at the time of death and afterwards.
If a person is suffering from a terminal illness he should make a "Will" if he has wealth, return all his dues and trusts to their owners, make up with those he had broken ties of relation and repent for his sins for Allaah is most forgiving and accepts repentance. Repentance is accepted until just before death and not when the soul reaches the throat as Allaah says:
And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: Now I repent. 4.18.
When a person is close to death it is recommended that he utters the Shahaadah making it as his last speech because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
"Prompt your dying ones to say La ilaha il lallaah, whoever has his last speech to be La ilaha il lallaah will enter paradise regardless of what happens prior to that." Narrated Muslim
However a dying person may not be able to communicate at the time and may utter something wrong in confusion therefore it is recommended in such a situation not to pressurise him to say anything rather other people around him should say the Shahaadah to encourage him or even show him something with the Shahaadah written on it.
A dying person should also be reminded of the mercy of Allaah and to have good hope in Him.
There are some narrations regarding reciting surah Yaseen when a person is dying though scholars have disputed about the authenticity of these narrations therefore it is better not to do this, and even if we accept that some of these narration are acceptable there is no proof for reciting surah Yaseen or al-Fatihs or any part of Quraan after the death.
Once a person dies:
His eyes should be closed. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) closed the eyes of Abu Salaamah when he died, and said; "when the soul is taken the sight follows it." Narrated Muslim
The body should be fully covered with a cloth
Any debts due on the deceased should be paid off. This includes any debt of Allaah such as an expiation, a vow or unpaid Zakaah, as well as a debt of people such as a loan, a financial penalty or a bill.
The household of the deceased should be consoled and food should be provided to them as the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told people to cook food for the family of Jaafar (may Allaah be pleased with him).
No one is allowed to mourn for a deceased for more than three days except for a woman on the death of her husband, her waiting period in morning is four months and ten days.
It is not appropriate to go to the family of the deceased and sit down with them for a long time gossiping and eating food from them. Some people use the occasion as a celebration and gathering when all the relatives and friends gather at the house or Masjid, reading Quraan and making congregational supplication etc. these action were never done by the the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) or his companions therefore these are innovated actions and must be rejected.
It is reported from ‘Aa'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours [Islam] that is not part of it, will have it rejected.” Agreed upon
Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) used to say in his Friday khutbahs : “The best of speech is the Book of Allah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The most evil of things are those which are newly-invented, and every innovation (bid'ah) is a going-astray.” Reported Muslim
Condolence should be brief with Du'aa for the mercy and forgiveness for the deceased and advice of patience for the family. Allaah says:
And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-SâbirIn (the patient ones etc.). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: Truly! To Allâh we belong and truly, to Him we shall return. They are those on whom are the Salawât (i.e. blessings, etc.) (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones.. 2.155-157
A person should be buried in the land he dies without any undue delay because
Transferring the body from one land to another should be discouraged unless it is very necessary as this causes delay in burial and harm to the body. The companions of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) moved to many different lands and they were buried wherever they died. Their bodies were not transferred back to Madeenah.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
What happened during Meeraj.
When Muhammad s.a.w arrived in the presence of Allah he stood with bowed head and his hands placed respectfully one upon the other in front of him, and recited amongst other praises the following :
"Soobhaa Nakallaahoomma wa bihamdika wa tabaarakasmooka wa ta'aala jadduka wa laa ilaaha Ghairuka.
A-oozu Billahi minash Shaitaanir rajeem.
Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem".
Translation :-
"Glory be to Thee O Allah, and Thine is the praise and blessed is Thy name, and exalted is Thy Majesty ; there is no deity besides Thee.
"I seek Allah's protection against the accursed Satan.
"In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful".
"Alhamdu Lillahi Rabbil Aalameen.
"Arrahmanir Raheem.
"Maaliki yaumid deen.
"Iyyaka naabudu wa iyyaka nastaaeen.
"Ihdinas siraatal moostaqeem,
"Siraatal lazeena anaamta alaihim,
"Ghairil maghdhoobi alaihim, waladh dhaalleen (Ameen)"
Translation :-
"Praise be to Allah Who is Lord Sustainer of the entire universe.
"The Beneficent, the Merciful.
"(Sole) Owner of the Day of Judgment.
"Thee (Allah) we worship ; Thee we ask for help.
"Show us (to those on) the Right path,
"(i.e. by taking us to one who is on) the path of those whom Thou hast favoured with thy Grace.
"Not those, who (like Iblis, the Satan) earn Thine anger (in spite of their continuous prayers - See Ch. XX for how Satan continuously prays and honours Allah), nor those who are astray (by worshipping idols or committing polytheism)" (Quran 1 : 1-7).
After reciting some more words in praise Muhammad said "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is Greatest) and bowed before his Lord.
Then he recited a number of times "Subhana Rabbial Azeem" (Glory be to The Sustainer Lord, the Great).
Allah acknowledged by saying : "Sami Allahu Liman Hamidah" (Allah listens to him who praises Him).
Muhammad straightened himself from his bowing position reciting "Rabbana wa lakal hamd" (Oh our Lord, Thine is all praise). Saying "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is Greatest) he prostrated himself before Allah and recited a number of times "Subhana Rabbiyal Aalaa" (Glory be to The Sustainer Lord, the Highest).
After he had adored his Lord to his satisfaction, he got up saying "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is Greatest) and sat at the foot of the throne of Allah and chanted : "Attahiyyaatu Lillahi was salawaatu wattaayibaatu". (All services rendered by me by words and bodily actions and sacrifice of wealth are in honour of You, O Allah !).
Allah replied : "Assalaamu alaika ya ayyuhan Nabiyyu wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuh". (My peace be on thee Oh Prophet ! together with My Mercy and My Blessings - indeed what a great honour !)
When Muhammad found that he was alone being blessed by Allah, whilst he was "Rahmat Ul Lil Aalaameen" (A Comforter and Blessing for the whole Universe) he pleaded immediately with Allah : "Assalaamu Alaina wa alaa ibaadil-Laahis saaleheen" (Let the Peace of Allah be on the worshippers and the righteous servants of the Lord - thus covering all righteous worshippers of Allah from Adam the first man till the last true worshipper at the time of destruction of the universe - indeed a Rahmat Ul Lil Aalaameen - a Comforter and Saviour for the entire creation !)
When Muhammad made such a big request that the Universe be blessed through him, Allah naturally asked what gift have you got to offer in exchange? Muhammad's forthright reply was :-
"Ash-hadu an la ilaaha illal Laahu".
Translation :-
"I give evidence that none is worthy of divine worship except Allah".
So exceptionally was Allah overjoyed that He announced :-
"Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhoo wa rasooluh".
Translation :-
"And I (also) give evidence that Muhammad is His (Allah's) slave and His Messenger".
Thus Muhammad was given the unique honour of being declared the slave of Allah, in addition to being His Messenger.
So pleased was Allah at the prayer of Muhammad for the blessing of all righteous servants of the Lord from Adam till the last believer on earth when it will be destroyed and the gift of Muhammad - the evidence of the declaration of the Oneness of Allah that He issued the following Quranic Order not only upon the crowd of Angels and spiritual dwellers of the Universe, who were gathered and watching from a distance, but it was also an order for all time to come on all believers in Allah as well as on all mankind for all time to come :-
"Lo ! Allah and His angels send 'Salaat' (i.e. prayers of glorification) on the Prophet. O Ye who believe ! Send 'Salaat' (i.e. prayers of glorification) on him (i.e. the Holy Prophet Muhammad) and offer 'Salimu' (i.e. Peace of Allah and salutations) to him in a worthy (respectful) salutation.
"Lo ! those who malign Allah and His Messenger, Allah hath cursed them in the world and in the Hereafter, and hath prepared for them the doom of the disdained (see Ch. XIII : B where Jesus has given the same warning in "The Gospel of Barnabas").
"And those who malign believing men and women undeservedly, they bear the guilt of slander and manifest sin" (Quran XXXIII : 56-58).
The Angels responded to the above order and chanted the following blessings upon the honoured guest of Allah as under :-
"Allahoomma salli alaa Muhammadin wa alaa aali Muhammadin kama sallayta alaa Ibrahima wa alaa aali Ibrahima innaka Hameedum Majeed.
"Allahoomma baarik alaa Muhammadin wa alaa aali Muhammadin kama baarakta alaa Ibrahima wa alaa aali Ibrahima innaka Hameedum Majeed."
Translation :-
"Oh Allah ! Exalt Muhammad and the children of Muhammad as Thou didst exalt Abraham and the children of Abraham ; Surely Thou art the Praised, the Magnified.
"Oh Allah ! Bless Muhammad and the children of Muhammad as Thou didst bless Abraham and the children of Abraham ; Surely Thou art the Praised, the Magnified."
When the Angels finished then Muhammad recited the following momentous prayer whilst still in the sitting posture before the Almighty :-
"Rabbanaa aatena fidduniya hasanatan wa fil akerateh hasanatan wa kina azabin nar.
"Allahummag firli wale waalediya wale ustadhziya wale mantawwalada wal jammial momineena wal mominaate wal muslimeena wal muslemaate ala-ah-yaa min hum wal amwat be rahmateka ya arhamar rahemeen".
Translation :-
"Oh our Sustainer Lord grant us in this Earth what is good for us and in the life hereafter what is good for us and save us from the tortures of the Fire (of Hell).
"Oh Allah forgive us our sins, also our parents, also our teachers, also our families and the whole gathering of those men who do good deeds and those women who do good deeds and those men who have surrendered themselves to Your Will (i.e. the Muslims) and those women who have surrendered themselves to Your Will (i.e. the Muslims, all those of them) who are alive and (all those of them) who have passed away (and bless them all) with Your Blessings, Oh Most Merciful !"
These acts and praises of Muhammad pleased Allah so very much that He disclosed Himself in all his Glory and Majesty to the naked human eyes of His Mahboob (i.e. beloved) Muhammad. This visit of Muhammad to Allah in heaven is called "Meraj-un-Nabi".
"Soobhaa Nakallaahoomma wa bihamdika wa tabaarakasmooka wa ta'aala jadduka wa laa ilaaha Ghairuka.
A-oozu Billahi minash Shaitaanir rajeem.
Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem".
Translation :-
"Glory be to Thee O Allah, and Thine is the praise and blessed is Thy name, and exalted is Thy Majesty ; there is no deity besides Thee.
"I seek Allah's protection against the accursed Satan.
"In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful".
"Alhamdu Lillahi Rabbil Aalameen.
"Arrahmanir Raheem.
"Maaliki yaumid deen.
"Iyyaka naabudu wa iyyaka nastaaeen.
"Ihdinas siraatal moostaqeem,
"Siraatal lazeena anaamta alaihim,
"Ghairil maghdhoobi alaihim, waladh dhaalleen (Ameen)"
Translation :-
"Praise be to Allah Who is Lord Sustainer of the entire universe.
"The Beneficent, the Merciful.
"(Sole) Owner of the Day of Judgment.
"Thee (Allah) we worship ; Thee we ask for help.
"Show us (to those on) the Right path,
"(i.e. by taking us to one who is on) the path of those whom Thou hast favoured with thy Grace.
"Not those, who (like Iblis, the Satan) earn Thine anger (in spite of their continuous prayers - See Ch. XX for how Satan continuously prays and honours Allah), nor those who are astray (by worshipping idols or committing polytheism)" (Quran 1 : 1-7).
After reciting some more words in praise Muhammad said "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is Greatest) and bowed before his Lord.
Then he recited a number of times "Subhana Rabbial Azeem" (Glory be to The Sustainer Lord, the Great).
Allah acknowledged by saying : "Sami Allahu Liman Hamidah" (Allah listens to him who praises Him).
Muhammad straightened himself from his bowing position reciting "Rabbana wa lakal hamd" (Oh our Lord, Thine is all praise). Saying "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is Greatest) he prostrated himself before Allah and recited a number of times "Subhana Rabbiyal Aalaa" (Glory be to The Sustainer Lord, the Highest).
After he had adored his Lord to his satisfaction, he got up saying "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is Greatest) and sat at the foot of the throne of Allah and chanted : "Attahiyyaatu Lillahi was salawaatu wattaayibaatu". (All services rendered by me by words and bodily actions and sacrifice of wealth are in honour of You, O Allah !).
Allah replied : "Assalaamu alaika ya ayyuhan Nabiyyu wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuh". (My peace be on thee Oh Prophet ! together with My Mercy and My Blessings - indeed what a great honour !)
When Muhammad found that he was alone being blessed by Allah, whilst he was "Rahmat Ul Lil Aalaameen" (A Comforter and Blessing for the whole Universe) he pleaded immediately with Allah : "Assalaamu Alaina wa alaa ibaadil-Laahis saaleheen" (Let the Peace of Allah be on the worshippers and the righteous servants of the Lord - thus covering all righteous worshippers of Allah from Adam the first man till the last true worshipper at the time of destruction of the universe - indeed a Rahmat Ul Lil Aalaameen - a Comforter and Saviour for the entire creation !)
When Muhammad made such a big request that the Universe be blessed through him, Allah naturally asked what gift have you got to offer in exchange? Muhammad's forthright reply was :-
"Ash-hadu an la ilaaha illal Laahu".
Translation :-
"I give evidence that none is worthy of divine worship except Allah".
So exceptionally was Allah overjoyed that He announced :-
"Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhoo wa rasooluh".
Translation :-
"And I (also) give evidence that Muhammad is His (Allah's) slave and His Messenger".
Thus Muhammad was given the unique honour of being declared the slave of Allah, in addition to being His Messenger.
So pleased was Allah at the prayer of Muhammad for the blessing of all righteous servants of the Lord from Adam till the last believer on earth when it will be destroyed and the gift of Muhammad - the evidence of the declaration of the Oneness of Allah that He issued the following Quranic Order not only upon the crowd of Angels and spiritual dwellers of the Universe, who were gathered and watching from a distance, but it was also an order for all time to come on all believers in Allah as well as on all mankind for all time to come :-
"Lo ! Allah and His angels send 'Salaat' (i.e. prayers of glorification) on the Prophet. O Ye who believe ! Send 'Salaat' (i.e. prayers of glorification) on him (i.e. the Holy Prophet Muhammad) and offer 'Salimu' (i.e. Peace of Allah and salutations) to him in a worthy (respectful) salutation.
"Lo ! those who malign Allah and His Messenger, Allah hath cursed them in the world and in the Hereafter, and hath prepared for them the doom of the disdained (see Ch. XIII : B where Jesus has given the same warning in "The Gospel of Barnabas").
"And those who malign believing men and women undeservedly, they bear the guilt of slander and manifest sin" (Quran XXXIII : 56-58).
The Angels responded to the above order and chanted the following blessings upon the honoured guest of Allah as under :-
"Allahoomma salli alaa Muhammadin wa alaa aali Muhammadin kama sallayta alaa Ibrahima wa alaa aali Ibrahima innaka Hameedum Majeed.
"Allahoomma baarik alaa Muhammadin wa alaa aali Muhammadin kama baarakta alaa Ibrahima wa alaa aali Ibrahima innaka Hameedum Majeed."
Translation :-
"Oh Allah ! Exalt Muhammad and the children of Muhammad as Thou didst exalt Abraham and the children of Abraham ; Surely Thou art the Praised, the Magnified.
"Oh Allah ! Bless Muhammad and the children of Muhammad as Thou didst bless Abraham and the children of Abraham ; Surely Thou art the Praised, the Magnified."
When the Angels finished then Muhammad recited the following momentous prayer whilst still in the sitting posture before the Almighty :-
"Rabbanaa aatena fidduniya hasanatan wa fil akerateh hasanatan wa kina azabin nar.
"Allahummag firli wale waalediya wale ustadhziya wale mantawwalada wal jammial momineena wal mominaate wal muslimeena wal muslemaate ala-ah-yaa min hum wal amwat be rahmateka ya arhamar rahemeen".
Translation :-
"Oh our Sustainer Lord grant us in this Earth what is good for us and in the life hereafter what is good for us and save us from the tortures of the Fire (of Hell).
"Oh Allah forgive us our sins, also our parents, also our teachers, also our families and the whole gathering of those men who do good deeds and those women who do good deeds and those men who have surrendered themselves to Your Will (i.e. the Muslims) and those women who have surrendered themselves to Your Will (i.e. the Muslims, all those of them) who are alive and (all those of them) who have passed away (and bless them all) with Your Blessings, Oh Most Merciful !"
These acts and praises of Muhammad pleased Allah so very much that He disclosed Himself in all his Glory and Majesty to the naked human eyes of His Mahboob (i.e. beloved) Muhammad. This visit of Muhammad to Allah in heaven is called "Meraj-un-Nabi".
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Creation of Man
Philosophy and the essence of education in Islam
Allah the Almighty distinguishes definitively the qualities of human being by establishing the criterion of ‘taqwa’, of which the qualities is regimented through a process of education and inculcation of knowledge. Unfolding to the idea that it is through instructions and a process of education do man elevate themself from the lowest of the low back to its true divine purpose, Caliph of Allah, viceroy of God on earth.
History of man as told in the Quran, reveals than throughout history mankind has ascended from a mere mortal to a glorified one on at least two occasions the third one being the present state of unqualified material insanity.
In the first instance was the process where Allah s.w.t educate Adam a.s on the names of things while in heaven and that has exalted and glorified his status in heaven from the original latent or childlike to an exalted being to be then the caliph of Allah on earth.
That process of education has driven out ignorance and brought in the state of obedience better than the angels.
Undergoing the process of acquiring knowledge makes it incumbent for every human to strive and work hard into reaching its desired purpose of creation. Only through the divine guidance and His mercy can we achieve this.
The Reason for Adam's Creation
Prophet Adam a.s realized that Iblis was the symbol of evil in the universe and that the angels were the symbol of good. However he did not yet know anything about himself. Then Allah made him perceive his true identity and the reason for his creation, and the secret of his glorification.
Allah the Exalted said:
"He taught Adam all the names of everything". (Qur'an 2:31).
Almighty Allah granted Adam the power to know the natures of all things and to summarize them by names; that is a bird, that is a star, that is a tree, etc Allah implanted in Adam an insatiable need for and love of knowledge and a desire to bequeath knowledge to his children. This was the reason for his creation and the secret of his glorification.
After Adam had learned the names of all things, along with their properties and uses, Allah presented them to the angels and said:
"Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful."(Quran 2:31)
The angels admitted their inability:
"Glory be to You, we have knowledge except what You have taught us. Verily it is You the All Knower, the All Wise." (Ch 2:32)
Allah Almighty then turned to Adam:
"O Adam! Inform them of their names," and when he had informed them of their names, He said:
'Did I not tell you that I know the unseen in the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you have been hiding?'" (Quran 2:33)
Allah wanted the angels to know that He knew of their astonishment when He had told them about the creation of Adam and that He also knew of their confusion which they had not revealed, as well as what Iblis had concealed of his disobedience and ingratitude.
The angels realized that Adam was the creature who knew what they did not know and that his capacity to learn was his noblest quality. His knowledge included knowledge of the Creator which we call faith or Islam, as well as the knowledge he would need to inhabit and master the earth vis-a-vis all kinds of worldly knowledge which are included.
Allah the Almighty distinguishes definitively the qualities of human being by establishing the criterion of ‘taqwa’, of which the qualities is regimented through a process of education and inculcation of knowledge. Unfolding to the idea that it is through instructions and a process of education do man elevate themself from the lowest of the low back to its true divine purpose, Caliph of Allah, viceroy of God on earth.
History of man as told in the Quran, reveals than throughout history mankind has ascended from a mere mortal to a glorified one on at least two occasions the third one being the present state of unqualified material insanity.
In the first instance was the process where Allah s.w.t educate Adam a.s on the names of things while in heaven and that has exalted and glorified his status in heaven from the original latent or childlike to an exalted being to be then the caliph of Allah on earth.
That process of education has driven out ignorance and brought in the state of obedience better than the angels.
Undergoing the process of acquiring knowledge makes it incumbent for every human to strive and work hard into reaching its desired purpose of creation. Only through the divine guidance and His mercy can we achieve this.
The Reason for Adam's Creation
Prophet Adam a.s realized that Iblis was the symbol of evil in the universe and that the angels were the symbol of good. However he did not yet know anything about himself. Then Allah made him perceive his true identity and the reason for his creation, and the secret of his glorification.
Allah the Exalted said:
"He taught Adam all the names of everything". (Qur'an 2:31).
Almighty Allah granted Adam the power to know the natures of all things and to summarize them by names; that is a bird, that is a star, that is a tree, etc Allah implanted in Adam an insatiable need for and love of knowledge and a desire to bequeath knowledge to his children. This was the reason for his creation and the secret of his glorification.
After Adam had learned the names of all things, along with their properties and uses, Allah presented them to the angels and said:
"Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful."(Quran 2:31)
The angels admitted their inability:
"Glory be to You, we have knowledge except what You have taught us. Verily it is You the All Knower, the All Wise." (Ch 2:32)
Allah Almighty then turned to Adam:
"O Adam! Inform them of their names," and when he had informed them of their names, He said:
'Did I not tell you that I know the unseen in the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you have been hiding?'" (Quran 2:33)
Allah wanted the angels to know that He knew of their astonishment when He had told them about the creation of Adam and that He also knew of their confusion which they had not revealed, as well as what Iblis had concealed of his disobedience and ingratitude.
The angels realized that Adam was the creature who knew what they did not know and that his capacity to learn was his noblest quality. His knowledge included knowledge of the Creator which we call faith or Islam, as well as the knowledge he would need to inhabit and master the earth vis-a-vis all kinds of worldly knowledge which are included.
Everything is for Him
Alif, Lam, Min
Alhamdulillah ..............SubhanAllahua'la...................
Then it started................
Alhamdulillah ..............SubhanAllahua'la...................
Then it started................
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