Christmas and Islam – Muslims stop making excuses!

Another year passes and we’re again approaching Christmas time. I’ve previously posted about the fact that many Muslims around the world will be actually taking part in these festivities and that taking part in these festivities is wrong and haraam. This then provokes a defensive stance with those Muslims, who then cry out ‘extremism!’ The simple fact is this, Islam allows things and doesn’t allow things. If you don’t like the rulings about things that are not allowed, then you really need to check yourself, not lash out at what Islam says. The second fact is this – I am supplying the reader with the sources from Qur’an and hadith. These are not my rulings – these are Islamic rulings that have come down from scholars, the sahabas and the Prophet (pbuh) himself. In the end, we are Muslims and we shouldn’t have one foot in Islam and another in Christianity or Hinduism or any other religion. If that’s difficult to get your head around, then you probably need some more grounding in Islamic knowledge – especially issues of Aqeedah (belief/creed).

Here are some good links to Shaikh Al-Munajjid’s website that explain these issues:

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/69811/christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/85108/christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/7876/christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/161539/christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/947/celebrating%20Christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/101347/celebrating%20Christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/12777/celebrating%20Christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/45200/imitating

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/21694/imitating

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/108996/imitating

Think of it this way, if you’re a Muslim that celebrates Christmas, can you cite any hadith that shows the Prophet (pbuh) celebrating Christmas? The answer is no – and the below hadith explains why we do not partake in any celebrations other than Eid. When the Prophet (pbuh) was young, he was inclined to go into Makkah and partake of the celebrations, however Allah Caused him to sleep instead – these are not fairy tales – they are serious learning points for Muslims today!

The fact is that Muslims should not be taking part in Christmas or other festivals that are not based in Islam, that do not uphold the Islamic Principles that we have been taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). But many Muslims do. A sad fact and one that undermines the establishing of Islam and a united Ummah.

Why does it undermine things?

Firstly, we are Muslims and we distinguish ourselves as being Muslims and following Islam. There is no need to follow the tradition of another religion, especially if we have been Commanded by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) not to. Allah Has Prescribed for us the festivities we should follow and there is no need to add to this by following something else. If celebrating Christmas was allowed, it would have been stated in hadith or the Qur’an. If doing this was ok, then would there be a need for Islam? Isn’t Islam enough for the Muslims?

“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]

Secondly, Christmas is a pagan festival – it has NOTHING to do with Christianity. It isn’t the birthday of Isa/Jesus (as) and many Christians know this. Christmas is depicted as being lots of snow, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, Reindeers, magical things – nothing to do with Christianity. It doesn’t snow in the Middle East, there’s no Christmas trees there, no such thing as Santa Claus, no such things as flying reindeers – absolutely nothing to do with Isa/Jesus (as). So what we are actually engaging in has no basis in any religion and as Muslims are supposed to be religious, then this is a bit hypocritical. Christmas has nothing to do with Allah or the Prophets, so as Muslims, it has nothing to do with us.

Even if Christmas WAS the birthday of Isa/Jesus (as), this is not something to be celebrated as, in Islam, Muslims are not supposed to celebrate birthdays. We do not celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) birthday and this was not done by the Sahabas (Companions) either. Those Muslims who do celebrate birthdays need to check their beliefs and look into why Islam does not allow this.

Another point is that Christmas is a commercial affair these days. It’s all about selling presents, making money out of Christmas and this in itself is wrong. Many families are put under stress and the financial burden of trying to keep up with Christmas. People in the UK even start buying for Christmas months in advance to help with the finances. And if you cannot give presents, then how does this make you look? Any festivity that puts this kind of pressure and adversity on people is wrong. Even Eid is starting to go this way and Muslims need to wake up to this and not let festivities get out of hand.

Muslims are not Christians, pagans, jews, buddhists, hindus, sikhs, atheists or belonging to any other religion or way of life. Muslims are Muslims and follow Islam. By celebrating Christmas you are actually following something else. And this undermines the strength of the Ummah. This is one of the reasons why the Ummah is weak – we do not adhere to Islam and only Islam. There is nothing wrong with saying that you are a Muslim and so do not celebrate Christmas. Non-Muslims respect this but it seems that Muslims do not want to feel like they are upsetting others.

The following hadiths are examples of how Muslims should not imitate the actions of non-Muslims.

On the authority of Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Aas who said: “The Messenger of Allah saw me wearing two saffron garments and he said: ‘Indeed these are from the dress of the Kuffaar so do not wear them.’ [Collected by Muslim (1/144), An-Nisaaee (2/298), Al-Haakim (4/190), and Ahmad in his Musnad (2/172, 164, 193, 207, and 211)]

At-Tirmidhi narrated that Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “He is not one of us who imitates other than us. Do not imitate the Jews or the Christians.”

At-Tabarani and Abu Dawud narrated that Ibn Umar and Hudhayfah رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “Whoever imitates a people, he is one of them.”

Al-Bayhaqi reported in his Sunan that Anas Bin Maalik رضي الله عنه said: “When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم came to Medina, the people had two holidays from the days of Jahiliyyah.”

He صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “When I came to you, you had two days which you used to celebrate in Jahiliyyah. Allah سبحانه وتعالى has replaced them for you with better days, the days of slaughter (Adhaa) and the day of fitr.”

What does Christmas mean to most people? Well most people are not devout Christians and do not even believe Christmas to be connected to Isa/Jesus (as). For these people, Christmas is just a time to feel good, have parties, have a good time. And that’s about it. This is not what Muslims are about or should be about.

Muslims need to start standing up for Islam and stop acting like non-Muslims. We are not Christians and do not hold to those beliefs, unless they coincide with what is from Qur’an and Sunnah. We are not pagans, taking part in rituals that have no significance with Allah.

This is not about Muslims being segregated from society but more the opposite. This is about Muslims standing up and being identified as Muslims – not as though they have some confused fusion of identities. Islam is clear and Muslims need to be also. By being identified as Muslims, what Muslims stand for, what Islam stands for, you will gain respect from other Muslims, gain understanding and respect from non-Muslims and start to create societies where Muslims can be seen to have their place. This is about societies welcoming Muslims and Islam – it isn’t about eating into Islamic identity, which is what those Muslims are doing who are taking part in Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Hannukah and other non-Islamic festivals.

What should Muslims do?

Muslims need to stop engaging in Christmas festivities, parties, the giving of presents, sending cards, giving Christmas greetings. This is not Islamic so don’t have one foot in Islam and one foot in something else – that is a hypocritical stance to have. Instead, celebrate Islam – you have two Eids and can make the most of this. Be devout and upstanding Muslims that non-Muslims can respect for their Islamic values and morals and beliefs. If you don’t then what do you stand for?

Muslims need to come to terms with an Islamic identity and the fact that we are ordered by Allah not to imitate the kufaar – the non-Muslims. If anything, the non-Muslims have much to gain by imitating Muslims and learning from Muslims. We should be the role models, not the other way round. How will non-Muslims learn the errors of their ways, if we imitate them? Also, if we imitate the non-Muslims in the things they do, then where do you draw the line? Would you take part in Diwali which celebrates the many gods of the hindus? This would be committing shirk – the worst sin in Islam. The fairest and most just way is to not engage in festivities that are not Islamic.

Muslim parents need to explain to the schools that their children attend about Islamic values and why their children shouldnt take part in Christmas plays. This increases their understanding about Islam and helps future Muslims. Whenever I have explained things to non-Muslims, they have never looked at me in a bad way but respected me for my beliefs.

Explain to non-Muslims about Islamic values and how we celebrate on Eid. They are not aliens and will understand.

Muslims… you need to act like Muslims and BE Muslims, following Islam and showing everyone the beauty of Islam.

Christmas and Islam: Christmas Advice to Muslims

Stand up 4 Islam

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Ramadan 2012: Boycott Israeli Dates

During Ramadan and fasting, it’s Sunnah to break your fast with dates. However, there is a campaign to boycott certain dates because the manufacturers are either directly or indirectly responsible and supporting the illegal occupation of Palestine the oppression of the Palestinians. By buying their dates, you will be helping to continue the occupation of Muslim lands in Palestine.

I have copied the below article from the Friends of Al-Aqsa website:

This Ramadan, Don’t Break your Fast with an Israeli Date

Ramadan is a time of year when we remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves.  It  would be an affront if at such a time we helped support oppression

Every year, Israel exports millions of pounds worth of dates to the world, which many people unknowingly buy and use to break their fasts. These dates are grown in illegal settlements in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, on land that has been stolen from Palestinians. By buying these dates, we are in fact helping Israel to continue its occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people.

For this reason, Friends of Al Aqsa will again be launching the ‘Check the Label’ Campaign.

Volunteer Ambassador

Volunteer to be an ambassador for the Check the Label Campaign in your area. This will mean you will help promote the campaign in your area. This will include distributing leaflets, speaking to shop owners, setting up stalls and much more. become an Ambassador and order your free literature to help spread the word.

Check The Label

Most of the major supermarkets will stock dates produced in Israel, West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Dates produced in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley are from Illegal Israeli Settlements and should also be boycotted.

Making Money from the Occupation

• Dates were Israel’s leading fruit export, most of which come to Europe
• The total income for Israel from dates in a year is approximately €80 million.

You can order your FREE Check The Label literature here

The Palestinian Call for Boycott Divestment and Sanctions

Inspired by the struggle of South Africans against apartheid and in the spirit of international solidarity, moral consistency and resistance to injustice and oppression,

We, representatives of Palestinian civil society, call upon international civil society organizations and people of conscience all over the world to impose broad boycotts and implement divestment initiatives against Israel similar to those applied to South Africa in the apartheid era. We appeal to you to pressure your respective states to impose embargoes and sanctions against Israel. We also invite conscientious Israelis to support this Call, for the sake of justice and genuine peace.

These non-violent punitive measures should be maintained until Israel meets its obligation to recognize the Palestinian peoples inalienable right to self-determination and fully complies with the precepts of international law by:

1. Ending its occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantling the Wall;
2. Recognizing the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and
3. Respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194.

Click here for the full text and endorsements

Palestinian Workers

Israelis will claim that Palestinians are allowed to work on the land of these settlers and therefore they are provided with jobs and a boycott will harm them. In actual fact, these Palestinians are employed for paltry wages, and they are required to do the back-breaking work that the Israeli settlers will not do themselves. This means the Israeli settlers reap the rewards for the harvests while doing very little of the work themselves.

Palestinian children are employed by these settlers, and they are forced to work long hours under a hot baking sun for small sums of money. This exploitation means that these children miss out on an education.

Alternatives to Israeli Dates

There are plenty of varieties of dates from various other countries to break your fast. However if you would like  Medjoul dates from Palestine and  help the Palestinian farmers they are available from  YAFFA. YAFFA source there dates from Palestine and FOA are helping YAFFA distribute dates this Ramadhan.

Another provider is Zaytoun, www.zaytoun.org

Get Involved

There are two stages to this campaign:

Stage 1 – Contact and inform the wholesalers and shops.

Stage 2 – Contact and inform consumers.

Stage One

FOA have sent letters to over 1000 wholesalers and shops but we need your help to add the personal touch as that is the best method to encourage people to join the campaign.

There are 6 steps to this stage. We would like you to:

Preparation:

1. If you can try and involve family and friends in the campaign.
2. Print letters for Wholesalers and Shop Owners: Click here for the letter.
3. Order Check the Label posters and postcards from dates@checkthelabel.org.uk so you can put poster up on shop windows and leave postcards on the counter (with permission)

Method:

1. Identify the wholesalers, importers and shops in your area hand deliver the wholesaler/shop letters supplied by FOA.  Inform them about Israeli human rights abuses (you can give them of FOA leaflets).
2. Tell wholesalers and shop owners about the concept of boycotting and how it has worked e.g. South Africa. Ask them to boycott dates from Israel, West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Explain West Bank and Jordan Valley are illegally occupied and buying dates from there would mean they are supporting the occupation of Palestine.
3. Let them know that they can buy dates from many other countries, but if they want to buy medjoul dates from Palestine they can contact medjoul@checkthelabel.org.uk, (+44) (0)116 2125 441 or Zaytoun on (+44) (0)207 609 5699
4. Keep in touch with the shops that you have approached and continue to encourage and support them to join the campaign.
5. Write down addresses of shops which agree to support the campaign so we can write a letter to them to thank them for their support.
6. Take pictures of the campaign and keep head office updated on your work in your locality.

Stage Two

Most of the people we have approached during the Check the Label campaign did not know dates are from Israel and also did not know that dates labelled West Bank or the Jordan Valley should also be Boycotted.   Once they were told, the overwhelming majority of people were happy to join the boycott.

Boycott is about people power.  We need your help to inform people they should ‘Check the Label’ and boycott dates from Israel, West Bank and Jordan Valley.

Preparation:

1. If you can try and involve family and friends in the campaign.
2. Print letters for mosques and organisations : Click here for the letter
3. Order Check the Label posters and postcards from here so you can put poster up on shop windows and leave postcards on the counter (with permission).

Method:

1. Identify Mosques and Community Centres in your area and hand deliver the Mosque/organisation letter supplied by FOA.  Inform them about Israeli human rights abuses (you can give them of FOA leaflets).
2. Tell the mosque/ community centre contact about the concept of boycotting and how it has worked e.g. South Africa. Ask them to boycott dates from Israel, West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Explain West Bank and Jordan Valley are illegally occupied and buying dates from there would mean they are supporting the occupation of Palestine.
3. Ask them if you can leave leaflets at the entrance and put up a poster
4. Organise a time with friends and family to distribute outside the mosque after prayers, especially after Friday prayers.
5. Let FOA know when you are planning to distribute outside mosques so we can try and co-ordinate with other volunteers.
6. Contact your local newspaper and your local radio Ramadhan to let them know what is happening. Take photos when it is appropriate  and send updates to info@checkthelabel.org.uk

Ramadan is the 9^th month of the Islamic calendar. It is during this month that the Shayateen are locked away in chains, that the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed and Laylat-ul-Qadr is to be found:

‘The month of Ramadan, in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the  criterion (between what is right and wrong)’ Surat Al-Baqarah v185

‘Verily! We have sent it (the Qur’an) down in Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than one thousand months..’ Surat Al-Qadr, v1-3

‘When the month of Ramadan arrives, the doors of Heaven are opened, the doors of Hell are closed and the devils put under chains.’ [Bukhari and Muslim]

Benefits of Fasting and Ramadan

Allah Commanded us to fast. It’s the one deed that is purely for Allah alone. And the benefits of fasting are many:

The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah said: ‘The Fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is a screen (from hell), and there are two moments of pleasure (moments of happiness or joys) for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. And the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah’s Sight than the smell of musk.’ [Bukhari]

Allah declared: ‘O you have believed! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).’ Surat Al-Baqarah v183

‘Whoever observes (fasts) during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s Rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.’ [Bukhari & Muslim]

Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaari narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be like fasting for a lifetime.” [Sahih Muslim]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan, a month is like ten months, and fasting six days after al-Fitr will complete the year.” [Ahmad]

‘Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: My nation is given 5 privileges in the month of Ramadan that no nation was given before:

• The khaloof (odour of the mouth of a fasting person) is sweeter in the sight of Allah than the fragrance of musk
• The angels keep praying to Allah to forgive the fasting people until they break their fast
• Allah decorates Paradise every day saying to it ‘My righteous slaves are about to be comforted of their burdens and sufferings and enter you’
• The Shayateen are chained during this month
• Sins of the believers are forgiven  by the last night of Ramadan. [Muslim]

Free Campaign Literature

              

Check the Label Campaign Video

Coverage of Last Years Campaign:

• Guardian
• Press TV
• TV Advert

Supporters

                                      

Stand Up 4 Islam!

Other Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan 2011: Make a change in this month of fasting

Ramadan 2011: Some Do’s and Don’t's

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Is Twitter the right place for Islam and Muslims?

I’ve come to a point where I am wondering to myself, is all this effort worth it? Is it actually a good idea to try and use social network sites like Twitter to spread Islam, connect with Muslims and encourage unity? I started out online for a variety of reasons but the main things were this: I wanted to express myself and In Sha Allah start to help guide Muslims towards practising Islam that is rooted firmly in Qur’an and authentic sunnah. I wanted to help unite Muslims and somehow bring them together, move them away from non-Islamic practises and help build the ummah.

So after a year of being on twitter, I’m looking at myself and wondering, am I putting in effort in a good way, or am I actually wasting effort on twitter? Have I gotten anywhere with uniting Muslims and helping to spread knowledge and bring Muslims into practising authentically, rather than culturally or following blindly? Am I actually carrying out deeds and actions that would please Allah, or am I displeasing him because I am wasting my time and energy? This might sound silly but I can give you an example.

Some Muslims are of the opinion that democracy (in the Western sense) is good and that they should take part in the political system, in a non-Muslim country, to try and influence it towards Islam. They go into this with the best of intentions – to promote Islam and try and do something good. However, history and experience tells us that this will not work and is an unrealistic goal. There have been many cases where Muslims have won elections but then that power was taken from them or the rules have been changed to prevent Muslims from taking office (eg. Algeria, Turkey). There have been Muslim MPs in UK for decades but the system doesn’t allow them to change anything unless it’s a majority vote and they have achieved little in those decades – should these Muslims have spent their efforts to promote Islam in other ways?

So here I am wondering whether my efforts are being channelled correctly.

Add to that the issue of the fitna on twitter, and the fitna I’m talking about is from Muslims only, because I try to keep my following to Muslims. There is a lot of free-mixing between Muslim brothers and sisters and it’s all too easy to get drawn into that. There are a lot of comments that are unbecoming of a Muslim’s character. And when I try to explain things in Islam in a simple way and according to Qur’an and authentic sunnah, I get challenged, I get drawn into arguments and I face people who seem to have opinions on Islam as though they are scholars! I don’t want to get angry and cause upset and I don’t want my Eemaan to be wrongly affected by twitter or that I should be the cause of affecting other Muslims’ Eemaan in a bad way.

On the positive side, I do run a Qur’an Quiz and that has been masha’Allah great! Muslims seem to benefit from it, Alhamdulillah, and I wouldn’t want to lose any Blessings here for myself and for others. But is this enough? Or does the bad side of twitter outweigh the good side of twitter?

So here I am, asking for advice. What do you, the reader, think?

I’m not looking for compliments and I don’t want to feel ‘bigged up’ and that I’m special in any way whatsoever – this is not what I’m looking for. I’m not seeking attention from others. I’m just trying to assess whether it’s worthwhile spending time on twitter for Islam and Muslims, or whether there is a better way to achieve unity, brotherhood and a return to authentic Islam.

I really would appreciate your comments.

Jazak’Allah khayr.

Stand Up 4 Islam!

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The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Islam

If you’re in the UK, you’ll know that we are heading towards the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. I’ve posted a few blogs before about Muslims celebrating and getting involved in non-Muslim occasions. But in case you haven’t read them, it essentially boils down to this – Muslims have been given Eid for celebration by Allah; there is no need for other celebrations and certainly it is haraam to imitate the non-Muslims.

So what’s the problem with the Queen’s Jubilee? To answer this, I suggest looking at the issue in another way – why celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee?

There is no system of monarchy in Islam, no kings or queens, no royal family. True, there have been many occasions in history where Prophets (may peace be upon them all) have had to deal with rulers but in Islam, good people are defined by good actions, not by lineage. Why should one particular family be held up on such a high status for generation after generation? The same family that has done little to help Muslims, the same family that has been the figurehead for a country that has destroyed Muslim countries and left a trail of disunity, fighting, civil unrest and fitna in its wake. The same family that has done nothing to help those suffering in Syria and in Palestine. The same family that actually is in a position and has the power to help, but has not done so. Why celebrate then, the Queen’s Jubilee? What’s the justification for this?

Next, what is it actually that is being celebrated by the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee? Sixty years of the reign of the monarch of Great Britain. Now can you point out the benefit that this monarch has brought to Muslims? Can you point out how the Queen, who has travelled across the whole world and seen amazing sights and met with people from all backgrounds and in all kinds of situations, has submitted to Allah? What do we owe to this Queen, that warrants us to celebrate her reign?

Is it fair that while we are in one of the worst recessions for decades, that one family in particular is still living a life of luxury that many of us cannot even dream of? The Royal Family is being kept in luxury by the taxes of those working so hard in the country but receiving little in return. The Royal Family sees itself as being of a higher class than the normal person who lives on benefits, or is unemployed, or studying hard to make a career for themselves. The Royal Family receives millions of pounds each year, to keep them in this rich lifestyle, whilst others struggle. Many organisations and companies are scrutinised to ensure that they do not allow inequality, yet what of the inequality displayed by the Royal Family and the Queen herself? Is there a coloured face in this Royal Family? Are there Muslims in this Royal Family? Is this really something worth celebrating?

As a sincere Muslim, wouldn’t you ponder over these things?

Next, why engage in activities that are really for those who aren’t Muslim? Why imitate the kufaar?

The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” [Abu Dawud]

The following hadiths are examples of how Muslims should not imitate the actions of non-Muslims.

Al-Bayhaqi reported in his Sunan that Anas Bin Maalik رضي الله عنه said: “When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم came to Medina, the people had two holidays from the days of Jahiliyyah.” He صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “When I came to you, you had two days which you used to celebrate in Jahiliyyah. Allah سبحانه وتعالى has replaced them for you with better days, the days of slaughter (Adhaa) and the day of fitr.”

This is not about Muslims being segregated from society but more the opposite. This is about Muslims standing up and being identified as Muslims – not as though they have some confused fusion of identities. Islam is clear and Muslims need to be also. By being identified as Muslims, what Muslims stand for, what Islam stands for, you will gain respect from other Muslims, gain understanding and respect from non-Muslims and start to create societies where Muslims can be seen to have their place.

What should Muslims do?

Muslims need to stop engaging in non-Muslim festivities, parties, the giving of presents, sending cards, giving greetings. This is not Islamic so don’t have one foot in Islam and one foot in something else. Instead, celebrate Islam – you have two Eids and can make the most of this. Be devout and upstanding Muslims that non-Muslims can respect for their Islamic values and morals and beliefs. If you don’t then what do you stand for?

Muslims need to come to terms with an Islamic identity and the fact that we are ordered by Allah not to imitate the kuffaar – the non-Muslims. If anything, the non-Muslims have much to gain by imitating Muslims and learning from Muslims. We should be the role models, not the other way round. How will non-Muslims learn the errors of their ways, if we imitate them? Also, if we imitate the non-Muslims in the things they do, then where do you draw the line? The fairest and most just way is to not engage in festivities that are not Islamic.

Explain to non-Muslims about Islamic values and how we celebrate on Eid. They are not aliens and will understand.

Muslims… you need to act like Muslims and BE Muslims, following Islam and showing everyone the beauty of Islam.

Other similar topics:

Easter and Islam

Halloween and Islam

Diwali and Islam

New Year’s and Islam

Christmas and Islam

The Royal Wedding or Day of Judgement – Which event is more important to you?

Al-Mawlid: Celebrating the Prophet’s (pbuh) birthday – why is it a big NO?

Valentine’s Day and Islam

Stand up 4 Islam

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HIJAAB: Not a fashion statement of Islam

I’m sure I’m not the only one to have noticed but these days the Muslimah seem to have taken on a trend that is more fashion than Islam. There are Islamic principles to follow and this really goes against those principles. I’m talking about the way Muslimahs are wearing their hijaabs, which actually does the opposite of what it is intended for – it attracts attention rather than protect the dignity of a woman. But that’s not the only thing that needs addressing – wearing hijaab with leggings and tight fitting clothes is not what you would imagine the wives of the Prophet (pbuh) to have done. So why are Muslimah of today doing this?

Sadly, our younger sisters are mistakenly thinking that, by wearing hijaab in this fashion, (without thinking about the rest of their attire), they are fulfilling one of their Islamic duties. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good to see more and more sisters wearing hijaab. But it’s time we got this right and looked at hijaab in the way the Wives of the Prophet (pbuh) adopted it – they are our role models.

Don’t make Hijaab trendy

The Islamic principles of Hijaab include protecting the dignity of women and saving her beauty for her husband – not for every hot-blooded guy in the vicinity. I think it’s great that more Muslimah are wearing the hijaab but which do you think is better? Wearing hijaab and loose clothing that does not reveal the shape of a woman? Or wearing hijaab and tight clothing, such as leggings, which reveals the shape (and which attracts a man’s attention)?

Above I have drawn two figures – on the right is a drawing of hijaab (with loose clothing), on the left is a drawing of hijaab (with tight clothing). I didn’t want to put an actual picture up of a woman in leggings or tights or jeans, and so this is the best alternative I could come up with. The drawing on the right is the better way to adopt hijaab, not the one on the left. Sisters, reflect on the following:

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known so as not to be annoyed.” [Surat Al-Ahzab v59]

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juhubihinna (ie. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers,or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers, or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (ie. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. All all of you beg Allah to forgive you, O believers, that you may be successful.” [Surah 24 (An-Nur), verse 31]

Narrated Safiyah bint Shaibah: ‘Aishah used to say: ‘When the Verse: “And to draw their veils all over Juhubihinna (ie. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” (V24:31) was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their heads and faces with those cut pieces of cloth. [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 6, Hadith No. 282]

Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are two types of the people of Hell whom I have not seen: men with whips like the tails of cattle with which they strike the people, and women who are clothed but naked, walking with an enticing gait, with something like the humps of camels on their heads. They will not enter Paradise nor even smell its fragrance, and its fragrance can be smelled from such and such a distance.” [Sahih Muslim]

Sisters, the evidence above is clear (although there are even more evidences that go into this issue in more detail). For those who still may feel like questioning this, then please do look further inot the issue. But once you realise the evidences, I remind you of the verse in the Qur’an:

“It is not fitting for a believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger, to have any option about their decision. If anyone disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong path.” [Surat Al-Ahzaab v36]

Further information on the ruling of hijaab and it’s conditions

Come on sisters, you’ve already taken one step to wearing the hijaab – now go one step more and do away with the leggings and tight clothing, wear full hijaab and be a real role model for the Ummah. And if you think that wearing hijaab with tight clothes is fulfilling your duty and not attracting men, then why not ask (in a halaal manner) brothers themselves? I am sure they will tell you what they find attractive (you might be surprised).

Other posts for Sisters

Sisters are proud to be Identified as Muslimah!

We don’t need to be saved from the Burka!

Stand Up 4 Islam!

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Help the Muslims in Syria

The news about Syria is across the world and has been broadcast since the conflicts started over a year ago (from the date of this post). Many Muslims have been killed. Who by? An invading non-Muslim army (as in the case of Afghanistan and Iraq)? No, Muslims are being killed by the government of Syria, a regime that has oppressed it’s population – these are the Firauns of our time and as Muslims, as an Ummah, we cannot allow this to continue. We should NOT be condemning this from the comfort of our armchairs!

My Muslim brothers and sisters, you can act to stop this. Spread the word about what is happening in Syria, so that it reaches those who will do something about it. Visit the Muslim charities and donate your money to ensure that Muslims are safeguarded and looked after when they flee their country and their home for their lives. But don’t just sit there and do nothing! This is not what the Ummah is about.

Donate to help Syrian refugees (Ummah Welfare Trust website)
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Easter and Islam

It saddens me to think that we are living in times when the Muslims are being misled, not only by the Cristians and Hindus and Buddhists and those from other faiths – they are being misled by other Muslims! Celebrating festivals like Easter is haraam.

Although it may be viewed as harmless fun, having an easter egg, sending easter greeting cards, wishing Christians a Happy easter, you are (as a Muslim) doing more harm than good. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) never adopted the ways of Jahiliyyah (ignorance) to try and bring people to Islam. And even if you’re just trying to be polite and neighbourly, you are actually undermining the principles of Islam and keeping people in misguidance.

Other than that, there is the added problem of imitating the kuffaar. We are Muslims and we distinguish ourselves as being Muslims and following Islam. There is no need to follow the tradition of another religion, especially if we have been Commanded by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) not to. Allah Has Prescribed for us the festivities we should follow and there is no need to add to this by following something else. If celebrating easter or any other festival was allowed, it would have been stated in hadith or the Qur’an.

“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]

The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” [Abu Dawud]

“You must keep to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Caliphs; cling to it firmly. Beware of newly invented matters, for every new matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misleading.” (Bukhari)

The following hadiths are examples of how Muslims should not imitate the actions of non-Muslims.

Al-Bayhaqi reported in his Sunan that Anas Bin Maalik رضي الله عنه said: “When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم came to Medina, the people had two holidays from the days of Jahiliyyah.” He صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “When I came to you, you had two days which you used to celebrate in Jahiliyyah. Allah سبحانه وتعالى has replaced them for you with better days, the days of slaughter (Adhaa) and the day of fitr.”

This is not about Muslims being segregated from society but more the opposite. This is about Muslims standing up and being identified as Muslims – not as though they have some confused fusion of identities. Islam is clear and Muslims need to be also. By being identified as Muslims, what Muslims stand for, what Islam stands for, you will gain respect from other Muslims, gain understanding and respect from non-Muslims and start to create societies where Muslims can be seen to have their place.

What should Muslims do?

Muslims need to stop engaging in non-Muslim festivities, parties, the giving of presents, sending cards, giving greetings. This is not Islamic so don’t have one foot in Islam and one foot in something else. Instead, celebrate Islam – you have two Eids and can make the most of this. Be devout and upstanding Muslims that non-Muslims can respect for their Islamic values and morals and beliefs. If you don’t then what do you stand for?

Muslims need to come to terms with an Islamic identity and the fact that we are ordered by Allah not to imitate the kuffaar – the non-Muslims. If anything, the non-Muslims have much to gain by imitating Muslims and learning from Muslims. We should be the role models, not the other way round. How will non-Muslims learn the errors of their ways, if we imitate them? Also, if we imitate the non-Muslims in the things they do, then where do you draw the line? The fairest and most just way is to not engage in festivities that are not Islamic.

Explain to non-Muslims about Islamic values and how we celebrate on Eid. They are not aliens and will understand.

Muslims… you need to act like Muslims and BE Muslims, following Islam and showing everyone the beauty of Islam.

Other similar topics:

Halloween and Islam

Diwali and Islam

New Year’s and Islam

Christmas and Islam

The Royal Wedding or Day of Judgement – Which event is more important to you?

Al-Mawlid: Celebrating the Prophet’s (pbuh) birthday – why is it a big NO?

Valentine’s Day and Islam

Stand up 4 Islam

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Learning Islam: The Last Person to Enter Paradise

The following is a hadith from Sahih Muslim which describes the last man to enter Paradise. It is one of my favourite hadiths and one that gives me hope of entering Paradise myself one day In Sha Allah, with the Mercy and Grace of Allah.

‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’oud reported that the Messenger of Allaah (Saw) said:

“The last person to enter paradise will be a man who will alternately walk, stagger and be touched by the Fire. Once he has passed out of the Fire, he will turn to face it and say, “Blessed be He Who has saved me from you. Allaah (swt) has given me something that He did not give to the earlier and later generations.

Then a tree will be raised up for him, and he will say, “O my Rabb, bring me closer to this tree so that I may enjoy its shade and drink of its water”. Allaah (swt) will say, “O son of Aadam perhaps if I grant you this, you will ask Me for something else?” He will say, “No, O Rabb, I promise that I will not ask for anything else”. Allaah (swt) will excuse him because he is seeing something that he has no patience to resist so he will bring him closer and he will enjoy its shade and drink its water.

Then another tree, better than the first, will be raised up for him and he will say, “O my Rabb, bring me near to this tree so that I may drink its water and enjoy its shade, then I will not ask you for anything more”. Allaah (swt) will say, “O son of Aadam did you not promise Me that you would not ask me for anything else? Perhaps if I bring you closer to this tree you will ask for more?” So the man will promise not to ask for any more, and Allaah will excuse him because he is seeing something that he has no patience to resist, so He will bring him closer and he will enjoy its shade and drink its water.

Then a third tree will be raised up at the gate of paradise, and it will be better than the first two. The man will say, “O My Rabb, bring me closer to this [tree] so that I may enjoy its shade and drink its water, and I will not ask for anything more.” Allaah will say, “O son of Aadam, did you not promise Me that you would not ask Me for anything more?” He will say, “Yes, O Rabb, I will not ask you for anything more.” His Rabb, may He be glorified, will excuse him because he is seeing something which he has no patience to resist, so He will bring him closer.

When he is brought close, he will hear the voices of the people of Paradise, and will say, “O my Rabb, admit me to it.” Allaah (swt) will say, “O son of Aadam what do you want so that you will never ask Me for anything else? Will it please you if I give you the world and as much again?” He will say, “O Rabb, are You making fun of me when You are the Rabb al-Aaalameen?”

Ibn Mas’oud smiled and said, “Why do you not ask me why I am smiling?” They asked, “Why are you smiling?” He said, “Because the Messenger of Allaah (saw) smiled”. They asked, “Why are you smiling, O Messenger of Allaah (saw)?” He said, “Because the Rabb of the Worlds will smile when He is asked, “Are You making fun of me when You are the Rabb of the Worlds?” He will say, “I am not making fun of you, but I am able to do whatever I will”"”. [Muslim, no. 187, Kitaab al-Imaan, Baab aakhir an-Naar khurujan]

And in the version of Abu Sa’eed, he adds, “Allaah (swt) will tell him, “ask for such and such” and when he has stated his wishes, Allaah (swt) will say, “You will have them and ten times more”. Then he will enter his house [in Paradise] and his two wives from among al-hoor al-’eeyn will enter and say, “Praise be to Allaah (swt) who has created you for us and created us for you”. He will say, “No one has ever been given anything like that which I have been given.” [reported by Muslim, no.188 Kitaab al-Imaan, Baab adna Ahl al-Jannah manzilatan]

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Fortress of the Muslim: Beneficial Duas Part 4

I hope that, In Sha Allah, many Muslims will benefit from the following authentic duas, taken from the book, Fortress of the Muslim.

WORDS OF REMEMBRANCE FOR MORNING & EVENING

75. ‘A ‘oothu billaahi minash-Shaytaanir-rajeem. Allaahu laa ‘ilaaha ‘illaa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyoom, laa ta’khuthuhu sinatun wa laa nawm, lahu maa fis-samaawaati wa maa fil-’ardh, man thai-lathee yashfa’u ‘indahu ‘illaa bi’ithnih, ya’lamu maa bayna ‘aydeehim wa maa khalfahum, wa laa yuheetoona bishay’im-min ‘ilmihi ‘illaa bimaa shaa’a, wasi’a kursiyyuhus samaawaati wal’ardh, wa laa ya’ooduhu hifdhuhumaa, wa Huwal- ‘Aliyyul- ‘Adheem.
I seek refuge in Allah from Satan the outcast. – Allah! There is none worthy of worship but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never encompass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. (An-Nasa’i, Al-Hakim, At-Tabarani).

76. Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem. Qul Huwallaahu ‘Ahad. Allaahus-Samad. Lam yalid wa lam yoolad. Wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ‘ahad.
With the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Say: He is Allah (the) One. The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He begets not nor was He begotten, and there is none equal to Him.

Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem. Qul ‘a’oothu birabbil-falaq. Min sharri ma khalaq. Wa min sharri ghaasiqin ‘ithaa waqab. Wa min sharrin-naffaathaati fil-’uqad. Wa min sharri haasidin ‘ithaa hasad.
With the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of the daybreak, from the evil of what He has created, and from the evil of the darkening (night) as it comes with its darkness, and from the evil of those who practice witchcraft when they blow in the knots, and from the evil of the envier when he envies.

Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem. Qul ‘a’oothu birabbin-naas. Malikin-naas. ‘Ilaahin-naas. Min sharril-waswaasil-khannaas. Allathee yuwaswisu fee sudoorin-naas. Minal-jinnati wannaas.
With the Name of Allah , the Most Gracious , the Most Merciful. Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of mankind, the King of mankind , the God of mankind , from the evil of the whisperer who withdraws, who whispers in the breasts of mankind, of jinns and men.
(Recite these three times each in Arabic).

Reference: Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4. – Al-Falaq 113:1-5. – An-Nas 114:1-6 – Whoever recites these three times in the morning and in the evening, they will suffice him (as a protection) against everything. The Hadith was reported by Abu Dawud 4/322, and At-Tirmithi 5/567. See Al-Albani’s Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/182.

77. ‘Asbahnaa wa ‘asbahal-mulku lillaahi walhamdu lillaahi, laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa ‘alaa kulli shay’in Qadeer. Rabbi ‘as’aluka khayra maa fee haathal-yawmi wa khayra maa ba’dahu wa ‘a’oothu bika min sharri maa fee haathal-yawmi wa sharri maa ba’dahu, Rabbi ‘a’oothu bika minal-kasali, wa soo’il-kibari, Rabbi ‘a’oothu bika min ‘athaabin fin-naari wa ‘athaabin fil-qabri.
We have entered a new day 1 and with it all dominion is Allah’s. Praise is to Allah. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner. To Allah belongs the dominion, and to Him is the praise and He is Able to do all things. My Lord, I ask You for the goodness of this day and of the days that come after it, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of this day and of the days that come after it. 2 My Lord, I seek refuge in You from laziness and helpless old age. My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of Hell-fire , and from the punishment of the grave. 3

Reference:
1 When you say this in the evening you should say ‘Amsaynaa wa’amsal-mulku lillaah: “We have ended another day and with it all dominion is Allah’s.
2When you say this in the evening you should say: Rabbi ‘as’aluka khayra maa fee haathihil-laylati, wa khayra maa ba’dahaa, wa ‘a’oothu bika min sharri maa fee haathihil-laylati wa sharri maa ba’dahaa: “I ask You for the good things of this night and of the nights that come after it and I seek refuge in You from the evil of this night and of the nights that come after it.”
3Muslim 4/2088.

78. Allaahumma bika ‘asbahnaa, wa bika ‘amsaynaa, wa bika nahyaa, wa bika namootu wa ‘ilaykan-nushoor.
O Allah , by You we enter the morning and by You we enter the evening, 1 by You we live and and by You we die, and to You is the Final Return.2

Reference:
1 When you say this in the evening you should say: Allaahumma bika ‘amsaynaa wa bika ‘asbahnaa, wa bika nahyaa, wa bika namoot, wa ‘ilaykal-maseer : “O Allah, You bring us the end of the day as You bring us its beginning, You bring us life and you bring us death, and to You is our fate.” 2Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/142.’

79. Allaahumma ‘Anta Rabbee laa ‘ilaaha ‘illaa ‘Anta, khalaqtanee wa ‘anaa ‘abduka, wa ‘anaa ‘alaa ‘ahdika wa wa’dika mas-tata’tu, ‘a’oothu bika min sharri maa sana’tu, ‘aboo’u laka bini’matika ‘alayya, wa ‘aboo’u bithanbee faghfir lee fa’innahu laa yaghfiruth-thunooba ‘illaa ‘Anta.
O Allah, You are my Lord, there is none worthy of worship but You. You created me and I am your slave. I keep Your covenant, and my pledge to You so far as I am able. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I admit to Your blessings upon me, and I admit to my misdeeds. Forgive me, for there is none who may forgive sins but You.

Reference:
Whoever recites this with conviction in the evening and dies during that night shall enter Paradise, and whoever recites it with conviction in the morning and dies during that day shall enter Paradise, Al-Bukhari 7/150. Other reports are in An-Nasa’i and At-Tirmithi.

80. Allaahumma ‘innee ‘asbahtu ‘ush-hiduka wa ‘ush-hidu hamalata ‘arshika, wa malaa’ikataka wajamee’a khalqika, ‘annaka ‘Antallaahu laa ‘ilaaha ‘illaa ‘Anta wahdaka laa shareeka laka, wa ‘anna Muhammadan ‘abduka wa Rasooluka.
O Allah , I have entered a new morning 1 and call upon You and upon the bearers of Your Throne , upon Your angels and all creation to bear witness that surely You are Allah , there is none worthy of worship but You alone , You have no partners, and that Muhammad is Your slave and Your Messenger . (Recite four times in Arabic.) 2

Reference:
1 When you say this in the evening you should say, Allaahumma ‘innee ‘amsaytu. . . .: “O Allah, I have ended another day…”
2 “Allah will spare whoever says this four times in the morning or evening from the fire of Hell, ” Abu Dawud 4/317. It was also reported by Al-Bukhari in Al-’Adab Al-Mufrad, An-Nasa’i in ‘Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah and Ibn As-Sunni. Nasa’i's and Abu Dawud’s chains of transmission are good (Hasan), Ibn Baz, p. 23.

81. Allaahumma maa ‘asbaha bee min ni’matin ‘aw bi’ahadin min khalqika faminka wahdaka laa shareeka laka, falakal-hamdu wa lakash-shukru.
O Allah , whatever blessing has been received by me or anyone of Your creation 1 is from You alone , You have no partner . All praise is for you and thanks is to You. 2

Reference:
1 When you say this in the evening, you should say: Allaahumma maa ‘amsaa bee…: “O Allah, as I… enter this evening…”
2 Whoever recites this in the morning, has completed his obligation to thank Allah for that day; and whoever says it in the evening, has completed his obligation for that night. Abu Dawud 4/318, An-Nasa’i ‘Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah (no. 7), Ibn As-Sunni (no. 41), Ibn Hibban (no. 2361). Its chain of transmission is good (Hasan), Ibn Baz, p. 24.

82. Allaahumma ‘aafinee fee badanee, Allaahumma ‘aafinee fee sam’ee, Allaahumma ‘aafinee fee basaree, laa ‘ilaaha ‘illaa ‘Anta (three times). 
Allaahumma ‘innee ‘a’oothu bika minal-kufri, walfaqri, wa ‘a’oothu bika min ‘athaabil-qabri, laa ‘ilaaha ‘illaa ‘Anta. (three times)
O Allah, make me healthy in my body. O Allah, preserve for me my hearing. O Allah, preserve for me my sight. There is none worthy of worship but You . (Recite three times in Arabic.) 
O Allah , I seek refuge in You from disbelief and poverty and I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave . There is none worthy of worship but You. (Recite three times in Arabic.)

Reference:
Abu Dawud 4/324, Ahmad 5/42, An-Nasa’i, ‘Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah (no. 22), Ibn As-Sunni (no. 69), Al-Bukhari Al-’Adab Al-Mufrad. Its chain of transmission is good (Hasan), Ibn Baz, p. 26.

83. Hasbiyallaahu laa ‘ilaaha ‘illaa Huwa ‘alayhi tawakkaltu wa Huwa Rabbul-’Arshil-’Adheem .
Allah is sufficient for me . There is none worthy of worship but Him . I have placed my trust in Him, He is Lord of the Majestic Throne . (Recite seven times in Arabic .)

Reference:
Allah will grant whoever recites this seven times in the morning or evening whatever he desires from this world or the next, Ibn As-Sunni (no. 71), Abu Dawud 4/321. Both reports are attributed directly to the Prophet j§ (Marfu1). The chain of transmission is sound (Sahih). Ibn As-Sunni.

84. Allaahumma ‘innee ‘as’alukal-’afwa wal’aafiyata fid-dunyaa wal’aakhirati, Allaahumma ‘innee ‘as’alukal-’afwa wal’aafiyata fee deenee wa dunyaaya wa ‘ahlee, wa maalee , Allaahum-mastur ‘awraatee, wa ‘aamin raw’aatee, Allaahum-mahfadhnee min bayni yadayya, wa min khalfee, wa ‘an yameenee, wa ‘an shimaalee, wa min fawqee, wa ‘a’oothu bi’adhamatika ‘an ‘ughtaala min tahtee.
O Allah, I seek Your forgiveness and Your protection in this world and the next. O Allah, I seek Your forgiveness and Your protection in my religion, in my worldly affairs, in my family and in my wealth. O Allah, conceal my secrets and preserve me from anguish . O Allah , guard me from what is in front of me and behind me , from my left , and from my right , and from above me . I seek refuge in Your Greatness from being struck down from beneath me.

Reference:
Sahih Ibn Majah 2/332 and Abu Dawud.

85. Allaahumma ‘Aalimal-ghaybi wash-shahaadati faatiras-samaawaati wal’ardhi, Rabba kulli shay ‘in wa maleekahu, ‘ash-hadu ‘an laa ‘ilaaha ‘illaa ‘Anta, ‘a’oothu bika min sham nafsee, wa min sharrish-shaytaani wa shirkihi, wa ‘an ‘aqtarifa ‘alaa nafsee soo’an, ‘aw ‘ajurrahu ‘ilaa Muslimin.
O Allah, Knower of the unseen and the evident , Maker of the heavens and the earth , Lord of everything and its Possessor , I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but You . I seek refuge in You from the evil of my soul and from the evil of Satan and his helpers . (I seek refuge in You) from bringing evil upon my soul and from harming any Muslim.

Reference:
Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/142 and AbuDawud.

86. Bismillaahil-lathee laa yadhurru ma’as-mihi shay’un fil-’ardhi wa laa fis-samaa’i wa Huwas-Samee ‘ul- ‘Aleem .
In the Name of Allah, Who with His Name nothing can cause harm in the earth nor in the heavens, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (Recite three times in Arabic).

Reference:
”Whoever recites it three times in the morning will not be afflicted by any calamity before evening, and whoever recites it three times in the evening will not be overtaken by any calamity before morning.” Abu Dawud 4/323, At-Tirmithi 5/465, Ibn Majah 2/332, Ahmad. Ibn Majah’s chain of transmission is good (Hasan), Ibn Baz, p. 39.

87. Radheetu billaahi Rabban, wa bil-’Islaami deenan, wa bi-Muhammadin (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallama) Nabiyyan.
I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, with Islam as my religion and with Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as my Prophet. (Recite three times in Arabic .)

Reference:
”Allah has promised that anyone who says this three times every morning or evening will be pleased on the Day of Resurrection.” Ahmad 4/ 337, An-Nasa’i, ‘Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah p. 4, Ibn As-Sunni (no. 68), At-Tirmithi 5/465. Its chain of transmission is good (Hasan), Ibn Baz, p. 39.

88. Yaa Hayyu yaa Qayyoomu birahmatika ‘astagheethu ‘aslih lee sha’nee kullahu wa laa takilnee ‘ilaa nafsee tarfata ‘aynin.
O Ever Living One, O Eternal One, by Your mercy I call on You to set right all my affairs. Do not place me in charge of my soul even for the blinking of an eye (i.e. a moment).

Reference:
Its chain of transmission is sound (Sahih), Al-Hakim 1/545, see Albani, Sahihut-Targhib wat-Tarhib, 1/273.

89. ‘Asbahnaa wa ‘asbahal-mulku lillaahi Rabbil-’aalameen, Allaahumma ‘innee ‘as’aluka khayra haathal-yawmi: Fathahu wa nasrahu wa noorahu, wa barakatahu, wa hudaahu, wa’a'oothu bika min sharri maafeehi wa sharri maa ba’dahu.
We have entered a new day and with it all the dominion which belongs to Allah, Lord of all that exists. O Allah, I ask You for the goodness of this day,2 its victory, its help, its light, its blessings, and its guidance. I seek refuge in You from the evil that is in it and from the evil that follows it.

Reference:
1 For evening recitation, say here: Allaahumma ‘innee ‘as’aluka khayra haathihil-laylati: “My Lord, I ask You for the good things of this night.”
2 Abu Dawud 4/322. Its transmission chain is good (Hasan). See also Ibn Al-Qayyim, Zadul- Ma’ad 2/273.

90. ‘Asbahnaa ‘alaa fitratil-’Islaami wa ‘alaa kalimatil-’ikhlaasi, wa ‘alaa deeni Nabiyyinaa Muhammadin (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallama), wa ‘alaa millati ‘abeenaa ‘Ibraaheema, haneefan Musliman wa maa kaana minal-mushrikeen.
We have entered a new day 1 upon the natural religion of Islam, the word of sincere devotion, the religion of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and the faith of our father Ibrahim. He was upright (in worshipping Allah), and a Muslim. He was not of those who worship others besides Allah. 2

Reference:
1 When you say this in the evening, you should say: ‘Amsaynaa ‘alaa fitratil-’Islaam…: “We end this day…” 
2 Ahmad 3/406-7, 5/123, An-Nasa’i, ‘Amalul- Yawm wal-Laylah (no. 34), At-Tirmithi 4/209.

91. Subhaanallaahi wa bihamdihi.
Glory is to Allah and praise is to Him. (Recite one hundred times in Arabic ).

Reference:
”Whoever recites this one hundred times in the morning and in the evening will not be surpassed on the Day of Resurrection by anyone having done better than this except for someone who had recited it more. ” Al-Bukhari 4/2071.

92,93. Laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa ‘alaa kulli shay’in Qadeer.
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things . (Recite ten times 1 in Arabic or one time to ward off laziness.)2

Reference:
1Allah will write ten Hasanaat (rewards) for whoever recites this ten times in the morning, and forgive him ten misdeeds and give him the reward of freeing ten slaves and protect him from Satan. Whoever recites this ten times in the evening will get this same reward. An-Nasa’i, ‘Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah (no. 24). Its chain of transmission is sound (Sahih). Albani 1/272. Abu Hurayrah «fe narrated that the Prophet j§ said: “Allah will write one hundred Hasanat for whoever says There is no God but Allah alone, He has no partner. To Allah is possession of everything, and to Him all praise is. He is Capable of all things’ ten times in the morning, and forgive him one hundred misdeeds. He will have the reward of freeing a slave and will be protected from Satan throughout the day unto dusk. Whoever says it in the evening will have the same reward.” Ahmad 8/704, 16/293. Its chain of transmission is good (Hasan), Ibn Baz, p. 44. 
2 Whoever recites this in the morning, will have the reward of freeing a slave from the Children of Isma’il. Ten Hasanaat (rewards) will be written for him, and he will be forgiven ten misdeeds, raised up ten degrees, and be protected from Satan until evening. Whoever says it in the evening will have the same reward until morning. Abu Dawud 4/319, 3/957, Ahmad 4/ 60, Ibn Majah 2/331, Ibn Al-Qayyim Zadul-Ma’ad 2/388. Its chain of transmission is sound (Sahih). Al-Albani 1/270.

95. Subhaanallaahi wa bihamdihi: ‘Adada khalqihi, wa ridhaa nafsihi, wa zinata ‘arshihi wa midaada kalimaatihi.
Glory is to Allah and praise is to Him, by the multitude of His creation, by His Pleasure, by the weight of His Throne, and by the extent of His Words. (Recite three times in Arabic upon rising in the morning .)

Reference:
Muslim 4/2090.

96. Allaahumma ‘innee ‘as’aluka ‘ilman naafi’an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa ‘amalan mutaqabbalan.
O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is of benefit , a good provision , and deeds that will be accepted . (Recite in Arabic upon rising in the morning.)

Reference:
Ibn As-Sunni, no. 54, Ibn Majah no. 925. Its chain of transmission is good (Hasan), Ibn Al-Qayyim 2/375.

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97. ‘Astaghfirullaaha wa ‘atoobu ‘ilayhi.
I seek the forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him. (Recite one hundred times in Arabic during the day .)

Reference:
Al-Bukhari, cf. Al-Asqalani, Fathul-Bari 11/101, Muslim 4/2075.

98. ‘A’oothu bikalimaatil-laahit-taammaati min sharri maa khalaqa.
I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allah from the evil of what He has created. (Recite three times in Arabic in the evening .)

Reference:
Whoever recites this three times in the evening will be protected from insect stings, Ahmad 2/ 290, An-Nasa’i, ‘Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah no. 590, At-Tirmithi 3/187, Ibn As-Sunni no. 68. According to Al-Albani, Ibn Majah’s (2/266) chain of transmission is sound (Sahih), and following Ibn Baz 45, At-Tirmithi’s report is good (Hasan).

99. Allahumma salli wa sallim ‘alaa nabiyyinaa Muhammadin
Oh Allah, we ask you for peace and blessings upon our prophet Muhammad (Recite ten times in Arabic)

Reference:
The prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Who recites blessings upon me 10 times in the morning and 10 times in the evening will obtain my intercession on the Day of Resurrection.” At-Tabrani reported this Hadith together with two chain of transmissions. One of them is reliable (Jayyid). See Haithami’s Majma’ Az-Zawa’id 10/120, and Al-Albani’s Sahih At-Targhib Wat-Tarhib 1/273

Fortress of the Muslim: Beneficial Duas Part 1
Fortress of the Muslim: Beneficial Duas Part 2
Fortress of the Muslim: Beneficial Duas Part 3; Istikharah

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Stories of the Prophets – Isa (as) (Jesus): The true story of Jesus

Prophet Isa (as) – commonly known as Jesus – is one of the greatest Prophets and also one of most debated in the world. The Jews did not accept him, the Christians have revered him and raised him to a status which is the worst sin against Allah (committing shirk) and the Muslims recognise Isa (as) as a true prophet of Allah.

He was born miraculously from Mary (daughter of Imran), a chaste and God-fearing woman, one of the best women of the whole of mankind. Prophet Isa (as) performed miracles, by the Will of Allah but he was not crucified. He will return to the earth and fill it with justice and peace and this is what we are now waiting for.

Here are snippets of the true story of Jesus. The full story can be downloaded using the link below.

Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

The following are some snippets of the Stories of the Prophets as written by the renowned scholar (masha’Allah), Ibn Kathir and translated by Sheikh Muhammad Mustafa Geme’ah (Office of the Grand Imam, Sheikh Al-Azhar). I hope you will find them beneficial, insha’Allah.

MARY RECEIVES NEWS OF JESUS
While Mary was praying in her temple, an angel in the form of a man appeared before her. Filled with terror, she tried to flee, praying:

“Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah.” The angel said: “I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.” She said: “How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?” He said: “So (it will be), your Lord said: “That is easy for me (Allah): And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by Allah).’” (Ch 19:18-21 Quran)

THE MIRACLES OF JESUS

Allah the Almighty said:

“Remember when Allah will say (on the Day of Resurrection): “O Jesus, son of Mary! Remember My Favor to you and to your mother when I supported you with Ruh-ul-Qudus (Gabriel) so that you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and when I taught you writing, Al Hikmah (the power of understanding), the Torah and the Gospel; and when you made out of the clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My Permission, and you breathed into it, and it became a bird by My Permission, and you healed those born blind, and the lepers by My Permission, and when you brought forth the dead by My Permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from you (when they resolved to kill you) since you came unto them with clear proofs, and the disbeliveers among them said: ‘This is nothing but evident magic.’” And when I (Allah) put in their hearts of the disciples (of Jesus) to believe in Me and My Messenger, they said: “We believe. And bear witness that we are Muslims.” (Ch 5:110-111 Quran).

JESUS’ CRUCIFIXION

But the faith of Islam came with views quite different from that of the extend gospels with regards to both the end of Jesus and his nature. The Glorious Qur’an affirms that Allah the Exalted did not permit the people of Israel to kill Jesus or crucify him. What happened was that Allah saved him from his enemies and raised him to heaven. They never killed Jesus, they killed someone else.

Allah the Almighty declared:

“And because of their saying (in boast), “We killed Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah,” but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but the resemblance of Jesus was put over another man (and they killed that man) and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no certain knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not (Jesus, son of Mary): But Allah raised him (Jesus) up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and
he is in the heavens). And Allah is Ever All Powerful, All Wise.

And there is none of the people of the Scripture (Jews & Christians), but must believe in him (Jesus, son of Mary, as only a Messenger of Allah, and a human being0, before his (Jesus or a Jew’s or a Christian’s ) death (at the time of the appearance of the angel of death). And on the Day of Resurrection, he (Jesus) will be a witness against them. ( Ch 4:157-159 Quran)

Download the book and read more about the Story of Isa (as) (Jesus) and other Prophets in the Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

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