Salaat Time

Hadith ~ Prick he receives from a thorn

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abu-Sa’eed Al-Khudri and Abu-Huraira (may Allah be pleased with them): ‘The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “No fatigue, no disease, no sorrow, no sadness, no hurt, no distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for it.” (Bukhari)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (1)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapter 3, Page 121, Number 35

Ayaat 138-140 ~ Al-Imran (The Family of Imran)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

138. This [Quran] is a clear statement to [all] the people and a guidance and instruction for those conscious of Allah.[1]

139. So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.

140. If a wound should touch you – there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs – and Allah does not like the wrongdoers –

Sura 3. Al-Imran (The Family of Imran)

[1] The image attached was found in the debris after the earthquake in Morocco on 2023.09.08. SubhanAllah. Allah is Great.

Hadith ~ Even if he dies in his bed

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Sahl ibn Haneef (MAPH): ‘The Prophet (SAWS) said: “He that asked for martyrdom sincerely from his heart, Allah will grant him the martyrs’ rank, even if he dies in his bed.” (At-Termizi)

According to Abou Hourayra (MAPH), the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “There are five types of martyrs:

  • Those who die in a plague epidemic.
  • Those who die from intestinal disease (such as cholera or others).
  • Those who die by drowning.
  • Those who die under debris.
  • Those who die while in service of Allah.

(unanimously recognized as authentic)

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him


Commentary 2023.09.08: Let us make dua for our brothers and sisters in Morocco and Libya. InchaAllah they are counted among the shaheed (martyrs) as stated in the above Hadith.

May Allah make it easy for them all, and have mercy on their deceased ones. Ameen.

If you have the means give to organisations that can aid the victims inchaAllah.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Hadith 1: Chapter 215, Page 859, Number 735
Hadith 2:

Commentary ~ People of Excuses and People of Action

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

The Qur’an contains detailed accounts of conversations among believers, to whom Allah has given an exalted position in Jannah (Paradise). As well as conversations of the disbelievers and those who didn’t do good. These conversations are important, because they provide a good example for believers in this life to follow to reach Paradise Insha’Allah, as well as examples on what actions lead to Hellfire, may Allah protect us.

One thing you will notice is that excuses, procrastination and regret are characteristics of the people of Hellfire. They complain “If only we had obeyed… If only we could have another chance… If only we had prepared…” I wish I did this, I wish I did that. I should have done this, I should have done that. Send me back and I will be a Muslim, send me back and I will do good etc… The people of Hellfire are the people of Excuses.

On the Day when their faces will be turned over in the Fire, they will say: “Oh, would that we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger.” And they will say: “Our Lord! Verily, we obeyed our chiefs and our great ones, and they misled us from the (Right) Way. Our Lord! give them double torment and curse them with a mighty curse!” (Koran 33.66-68)

Arguing in it with one another, they will say, “By Allah, we were plainly misguided when We equated you with the Lord of all the worlds. It was only the evildoers who misguided us and now we have no one to intercede for us; we do not have a single loyal friend. If only we could have another chance then we would be among the believers!” (Koran 26.96-102)

And Hell will be brought near that Day. On that Day will man remember, but how will that remembrance (then) avail him? He will say: “Alas! Would that I had sent forth (good deeds) for (this) my life!” (Koran 89.23-24)

“What has caused you to enter Hell?” They will say: “We were not of those who used to offer their Salat (prayers) “Nor we used to feed Al-Miskin (the poor); “And we used to talk falsehood (all that which Allah hated) with vain talkers. “And we used to belie the Day of Recompense “Until there came to us (the death) that is certain.” So no intercession of intercessors will be of any use to them. (Koran 74.42-47)

While on the other hand a characteristic of the people of Jannah is the exact opposite “Alhumdilah Allah guided me… Alhumdilah I did this… Alhumdilah I did that… ” etc… People of Jannah don’t make excuses they are people of Action. When reading the Koran, you never read about someone in Jannah saying “Oh I regret… Oh I wish I had done this…, Oh I didn’t have time to do that…, Oh I was prevented from good because of so-and-so…” they are not like that. Through Allah’s guidance the people who succeed are the people who don’t live a life of excuses.

And We shall remove from their breasts any (mutual) hatred or sense of injury (which they had, if at all, in the life of this world); rivers flowing under them, and they will say: “All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has guided us to this, never could we have found guidance, were it not that Allah had guided us! Indeed, the Messengers of our Lord did come with the truth.” And it will be cried out to them: “This is the Paradise which you have inherited for what you used to do.” (Koran 7.43)

And those who kept their duty to their Lord will be led to Paradise in groups, till, when they reach it, and its gates will be opened (before their arrival for their reception) and its keepers will say: Salamun ‘Alaikum (peace be upon you)! You have done well, so enter here to abide therein.” And they will say: “All the praises and thanks be to Allah Who has fulfilled His Promise to us and has made us inherit (this) land. We can dwell in Paradise where we will; how excellent a reward for the (pious good) workers!” (Koran 39.73-74)

“Salamun ‘Alaikum (peace be upon you) for that you persevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!” (Koran 13.24)

Saying: “Aforetime, we were afraid with our families (from the punishment of Allah). “But Allah has been gracious to us, and has saved us from the torment of the Fire. “Verily, We used to invoke Him (Alone and none else) before. Verily, He is Al­Barr (the Most Subtle, Kind, Courteous, and Generous), the Most Merciful.” (Koran 52.26-28)

Let us strive and not be the people of regret and excuses from the people of Hellfire. With the guidance of Allah, let us strive instead to be of the people of Jannah, the Muslim believers who do good, the people of action. May Allah guide us and all the Muslims and grant us Paradise, and protect us from the Hellfire. Ameen.

Hadith ~ You will not worry about what you missed

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abdullah ibn Amr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said, “If you have these four qualities, you will not worry about what you missed in the world: fulfilling the trust, truthful speech, good character, and restraint with food.” (Musnad Aḥmad 6652)

Source: Musnad Aḥmad 6652
Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ أَرْبَعٌ إِذَا كُنَّ فِيكَ فَلَا عَلَيْكَ مَا فَاتَكَ مِنْ الدُّنْيَا حِفْظُ أَمَانَةٍ وَصِدْقُ حَدِيثٍ وَحُسْنُ خَلِيقَةٍ وَعِفَّةُ طُعْمَةٍ

6652 مسند أحمد

1718 المحدث الألباني خلاصة حكم المحدث صحيح في صحيح الترغيب

Ayaat 17-22 ~ Ar-Rum

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

17. So exalted is Allah when you reach the evening and when you reach the morning.

18. And to Him is [due all] praise throughout the heavens and the earth. And [exalted is He] at night and when you are at noon.

19. He brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living and brings to life the earth after its lifelessness. And thus will you be brought out.

20. And of His signs is that He created you from dust; then, suddenly you were human beings dispersing [throughout the earth].

21. And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.

22. And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge.

Sura 30. Ar-Rum

Commentary ~ Allah’s complete Justice and Mercy

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

It is related that a woman went to the Prophet Dawud (PBUH) and said, “O Prophet of Allah, is your Lord an oppressor or is He just?” The Prophet replied, “Woe unto you, O woman, He is the All-Just, Who never oppresses. What is your story?”

She explained that she was a widow with three daughters and that she provided for them by what she would spin with her hands. She explained, “Yesterday, I tied what I had spun into a red cloth to sell in the marketplace so as to provide for my children. As I was walking, a bird came and snatched the cloth from me and flew away, leaving me with nothing to sell for the provision of my children.”

As the woman was speaking to Dawud (PBUH), someone came knocking on his door. He gave permission for them to enter and learned that they were ten businessmen bringing with them one hundred dinars each. They said, “O Prophet of Allah, give this wealth to the one that is deserving.” Dawud asked them what had brought them to him with their wealth.

They explained, “O Prophet of Allah, we were on a boat, the wind was very violent, and we were about to drown when a bird came and dropped a red cloth upon us. In this cloth was some yarn and with this we were able to block the hole in the ship until the winds subsided and we vowed that each one of us would give one hundred dinars in charity. So give that amount to whomever you please.” Dawud turned to the woman and said, “Your Lord does business for you in the land and in the sea, yet you ask whether He oppresses!” He gave the 1000 dinars and said: “Spend this on your children.”

PBUH: Peace be upon him

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 68

Hadith ~ Half of a date

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Adi bin Hatim (MAPH) reported: I heard the Prophet (SAWS) saying: “Protect yourself from (Hell) Fire, by giving of half of a date (in charity)”. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

In another narration Adi bin Hatim (MAPH) reported the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) as saying: “Allah will surely speak with everyone of you without an interpreter. He (the man) will look at his right side and will see nothing but (the deeds) which he had done before, and he will look to his left side and will see nothing but (the deeds) which he had done before. Then he will look in front of him and will find nothing but Hell-fire facing him. So protect (yourselves) from (Hell) Fire, by giving in charity even half a date; and if he does not find it, then with a kind word”.

Commentary: This Hadith brings into prominence the following three points:

1. The horror of the Day of Resurrection when one will have to stand before Allah to account for all his actions which will then be lying at both his hands.

2. Everyone should spend according to his capacity in the way of Allah in the form of Sadaqah and alms. In this way, good manners like polite conversation, etc., can also become a means of his salvation.

3. One’s actions alone would help him on the Day of Resurrection.

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 13, Page 49, No 139

Ayaat 1-3 ~ At-Talaq

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

1. O Prophet, when you [Muslims] divorce women, divorce them for [the commencement of] their waiting period [1] and keep count of the waiting period,1 and fear Allah, your Lord. Do not turn them out of their [husbands’] houses, nor should they [themselves] leave [during that period] unless they are committing a clear immorality. And those are the limits [set by] Allah. And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah has certainly wronged himself. You know not; perhaps Allah will bring about after that a [different] matter [2].

2. And when they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or part with them according to acceptable terms. And bring to witness two just men from among you and establish the testimony for [the acceptance of] Allah. That is instructed to whoever should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out [3]

3. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

Sura 65. At-Talaq

[1]: Perhaps the husband who has divorced his wife may change his mind and restore the marriage before the end of her waiting period (after the first or second count of revocable divorce).

[2]: A husband may separate from his wife after each of the first two counts of divorce or at the end of her waiting period with dignity. If he chooses to stay with her after the first two counts of divorce then divorces her a third time, the marriage is terminated at the end of her third waiting period. The wife will have to marry and divorce another man before she can be remarried to her ex-husband (see 2:230). However, a woman marrying someone with the intention of getting divorced, in order to return to her first husband, is forbidden.

[3]: i.e., relief from distress.

Commentary ~ We will not listen and we will not obey

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

When Umar bin Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) was Caliph, the Caliphate received some pieces of cloth from one of the Islamic states. Umar distributed these pieces of cloths evenly; he gave everyone one piece of cloth. One day when Umar stood to give a khutba (lecture), he had two pieces of those cloths on. Umar then spoke and said, “Listen and obey everybody!” Salman Farsi (May Allah be pleased with him) stood up and said, “We will not listen and we will not obey.” Umar bin Khattab asked, “How come?” Salman Farsi said, “Because you have given each one of us, one piece of cloth, and we see that you are wearing two pieces of cloth.” Umar bin Khattab did not respond, but signalled his son Abdullah bin Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) to stand up and respond to what Salman is saying. Abdullah bin Umar stood up and said, “My father is a very tall man, very well built, with wide shoulders. One piece of cloth would not be enough for him, so I gave him mine.” Salman Farsi said, “Now we will listen and obey.” This was the standard of justice that the companions of the Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) had. The leadership was held to account and the people would not accept any injustice from their leaders. They knew that on the Day of Judgement, being a follower of a corrupt leadership will not be an excuse. Allah Alim.

And, when they will dispute in the Fire, the weak will say to those who were arrogant; “Verily! We followed you, can you then take from us some portion of the Fire?” Those who were arrogant will say: “We are all (together) in this (Fire)! Verily Allâh has judged between (His) slaves!” (Koran 40.47-48)

Source: Did not find the exact source of this commentary. Transcribed from an audio lecture and from memory. The exact wording used by the Companions may not be exact. May Allah forgive any errors. Amin.

Hadith ~ Irrigate the garden

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said, “While a man was walking through a barren land, he heard a voice coming out of a cloud saying: ‘Irrigate the garden of so-and-so.’ Thereupon the cloud drifted in a certain direction and discharged its water over a rocky plain. The streamlets flowed into a channel. This man followed the channel until it reached a garden and he saw the owner of the garden standing in its center, working with his spade spreading the water (changing the course of the water). He asked him: “O slave of Allah, what is your name?” He told his name, which was the same that he heard from the cloud. The owner of the garden then asked him: “O slave of Allah, why did you ask my name?” He replied: “I heard a voice from a cloud which poured down this water saying: ‘Irrigate the garden of so-and-so.’ I would like to know what do you do with it.” He said: “Now that you asked me, I will tell you. I estimate the produce of the garden and distribute one-third of it in charity, I spend one-third on myself and my family and invest one third back into the garden.” [Muslim]

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 60, Page 182, No 562

Ayaat 33-34 ~ Luqman

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

33. O mankind, fear your Lord and fear a Day when no father will avail his son, nor will a son avail his father at all. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth, so let not the worldly life delude you and be not deceived about Allah by the Deceiver [i.e., Satan].

34. Indeed, Allah [alone] has knowledge of the Hour and sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

Sura 31. Luqman

Commentary ~ Take account of yourselves

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Umar Ibn al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “Take account of yourselves before you are taken to account. Weigh your deeds before they are weighed for you and beautify yourselves (with good deeds) for the great display (on the Day of Judgment).”

The Day every soul will find what it has done of good present [before it] and what it has done of evil, it will wish that between itself and that [evil] was a great distance. And Allah warns you of Himself, and Allah is Kind to [His] servants.” (Koran 3:30)

So whoever does an atom’s weight (Or “the weight of a small ant.”) of good will see it, And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it. (Koran 99:7-8)

But does he not know that when the contents of the graves are scattered And that within the breasts is obtained, Indeed, their Lord with them, that Day, is [fully] Acquainted. (Koran 100:9-11)

Hadith ~ Every Muslim has to give charity

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abu-Musa (May Allah be satisfied with him): ‘The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “Every Muslim has to give charity. The people asked: “O Allah’s Prophet! If someone has nothing to give, what should he do?” He said: “He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns).” The people further asked: “If he cannot do even that?” He replied: “He should help the one needing help.” Then the people asked: “If he cannot do that?” He replied: “Then he should perform all that is good (i.e. enjoin what is just (Islamic Monotheism, and all that Islam has ordained)) and keep away from all that is evil (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and all that Islam has forbidden) and these will be regarded as charitable deeds.” (Bukhari)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (1)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapter 13, Page 220, Number 104

Ayaat 80-84 ~ Al-A’raf (The Heights)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

80. And [We had sent] Lot when he said to his people, “Do you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds [i.e., peoples]?[1]

81. Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people.”

82. But the answer of his people was only that they said, “Evict them from your city! Indeed, they are men who keep themselves pure.”

83. So We saved him and his family, except for his wife; she was of those who remained [with the evildoers].

84. And We rained upon them a rain [of stones]. Then see how was the end of the criminals.

Sura 7. Al-A’raf (The Heights)

[1]: such as none preceding you has committed: To learn more about the Prophet Lut (Lot) (peace be upon him) and the sins that his nation committed (i.e. homosexuality, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse, sodomy, etc.) there is an excellent series on the lives of the Prophets here and a 2nd series specifically on the characteristics of perished nations here.

Commentary ~ Allah tests for four reasons

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

A question that troubles the minds of those whose faith is not yet firmly rooted in their hearts, concerns the bad events and tragedies that affect the people both good and evil. What’s more, we often see afflictions that touch the good people and spare the bad people. The good suffer from fear and want, while the bad, despite their repeated crimes and their denial of Allah, seem to revel with impunity in happiness, abundance and security. (…)

Allah tests those He loves for one of these four reasons:

  1. To get that person to think of Him, for the one who turns away from the remembrance of Allah is forgotten by Allah and distanced from His grace.
  2. To purify ones sins so that on Judgement Day that person’s judgement is of the lightest.
  3. To raise that person’s degrees and levels in Paradise.
  4. To test the unjust as the one who shows animosity to those beloved by Allah, Allah has promised to break them as stated in the words of the famous Hadith.

Whoever Allah wants to lose irretrievably, Allah lets that person run blindly in his misguidance and the Chaitan embellishes his evil deeds, dangles false hope and deceives concerning the Mercy of Allah.

Allah extends the rope more and more so as to enter this person into His harsh punishment when and where that person least expects it and then to throw that person violently into Hellfire with no hope of exit.

When they asked the Prophet (peace and salvation of Allah upon him) who were the most tested (afflicted) people on earth, he said: “The Prophets and the Saints, then the test decreases with the degree of the purity of man”.

Author: Dr. Salaheddine Keshrid

Hadith ~ Is not from me

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Anas ibn Malek (may Allah be pleased with him): ‘A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet (SAWS) to ask what acts of worship he performs. When they were informed about this, they considered their worship to be insufficient and said: “How far we are from the Prophet (SAWS) and his past and future sins have been forgiven.” Then one of them said: “I will forever offer prayer the whole night through.” The other said: “I will observe fasting for a whole year and I will not break my fasting.” The third said: “I will keep away from women and will never marry.” Allah’s Messenger (SAWS) came to them and said: “Are you the people who said such and such? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you. Yet I observe fasting and break fasting. I offer prayer and I also sleep, and I marry women. So he who does not follow my Sunna (legal ways) in religion is not from me (i.e. he is not one of my followers)” (Bukhari)

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapter 14, Page 228, Number 107

Ayaat 20-23 ~ Al-Hadid (Iron)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

20. Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children – like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

21. Race [i.e., compete] toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden whose width is like the width of the heavens and earth, prepared for those who believed in Allah and His messengers. That is the bounty of Allah which He gives to whom He wills, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

22. No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register (i.e., the Preserved Slate (al-Lawú al-Maúf´th)) before We bring it into being – indeed that, for Allah, is easy –

23. In order that you not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you. And Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful –

Sura 57. Al-Hadid (Iron)

Commentary ~ Shake the trunk of the palm-tree

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

So she conceived him, and she retired with him to a remote place. (Koran 19.22)

When Saidna Maryam (PBUH) was pregnant and felt that her delivery was approaching she went towards Bethlehem (a remote place). It seems that she had kept her pregnancy concealed. Nobody knew about it. She was able to hide her pregnancy throughout. She left out of Jerusalem and went towards Bethlehem. She fell down under a palm tree. Allah, the Exalted, says:

And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm-tree… (Koran 19.23)

I want you to imagine now that you are over there. Imagine the situation. Maryam (PBUH) has been hiding this pregnancy for 9 months. That is difficult in itself. And now she is leaving out of her town, alone and with no help. She is feeling the pain of childbirth and it drives her and she falls down under a palm tree. It was so difficult on her that she said:

…She cried (in her anguish): “Ah! would that I had died before this! would that I had been a thing forgotten. (Koran 19.23)

Saidna Maryam (PBUH) was chaste and righteous. Now she is going to deliver a child and she has never been married. She knows the tongues of the people. She knows the harm they will cause her and her family. The righteous family of Al-Imran. It became so difficult on her that she wished she never had lived before this. And she wished that no one has known her and that she was forgotten and that she didn’t exist. In that moment of difficulty, Allah, the Exalted, provided her with Sakina. When things got to the level where it is unbearable for her anymore than Allah, the Exalted, brought her comfort and Mercy. Allah says:

But (a voice) cried to her from beneath the (palm-tree): “Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee; (Koran 19.24)

The scholars say the voice is either Jibreel (PBUH) or Issa (Jesus) (PBUH). The voice says: La tahzani! (do not grieve), your Lord has provided a water stream under you.

“And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree: It will let fall fresh ripe dates upon thee. (Koran 19.25)

Shake the trunk of the date-palm towards you and it will let fresh ripe dates fall upon you. So Allah provided her with water and Allah provided her with dates. It is a miracle from Allah that Allah provided her with this. A water stream was suddenly flowing under her. She can reach it with her hands and then Allah, the Exalted, said to shake the palm tree and fresh ripe dates will fall unto you.

Now we learn from this some very important lessons.

Maryam (PBUH) just delivered a child, is helpless, alone. And she is told by Issa (PBUH) or Jibreel (PBUH) to shake, not the branch of the palm tree, but to shake what? The trunk, the base of the palm tree. And all of you know palm trees and how solid they are. If a group of men surrounded it and tried to shake it at the base it is impossible. So what is the point in Allah telling Maryam (PBUH) to shake the base of a palm tree? She’s not going to be able to shake it. She’s not going to be able to move it even a fraction of an inch. So why is Allah telling her to shake it? Make an effort. She has to do her part. Allah could have made the dates fall on her without her shaking it. Because it is not the shaking of a palm tree that will make the fruit fall down. It is a miracle from Allah. If you put your hands on a palm tree, don’t expect any dates to fall on you. It is a miracle from Allah. Allah, the Exalted, could have made the dates fall down without her intervention. But Allah wants her to do her part. And that is a very very important lesson. If we want the victory of Allah, we have to do our part. You have to take the first step. Allah says in the Hadith Qudsi “If you walk towards Me. I will run towards you”. But you have to take the first step. And Allah says the ones who seek guidance, who look for it, Allah will give it to them. If you seek guidance Allah will give it to you. If you wait there expecting things to come to you without any effort, nothing will happen. Allah does not reward the person for their laziness, procrastination and passiveness. Allah wants us to do our part.

So Maryam (PBUH) put her hand on the palm tree and these fresh ripe dates fell on her. We also learn from this in conjunction with the Sounna of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) that that is the best food for the women who just delivered a baby. Dates are the best food for a woman who just delivered a child and this is also confirmed in the Sounna of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS). They used to give the women who just delivered dates to eat. Allah provided her with water and provided her with dates.

“So eat and drink and cool (thine) eye… (Koran 19.26)

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
PBUH: Peace be upon him/her

Source:
Audio lecture “Lives of the Prophets”.
The full audio series may be downloaded here.

Hadith ~ A woman is married for four things

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “A woman is married for four things: for her wealth, for her lineage, for her beauty or for her piety. Select the pious, may you be blessed!”. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Commentary:
Mentioned in this Hadith are the various reasons why we choose our wife. Another Hadith tells us that he who marries his wife for her money or her family will finally become their slave. Whoever marries ONLY for her beauty will find all his troubles will come from this beauty. But he who chooses his wife for her chastity will be at peace which is the fundamental basis of life. But this does not mean that a woman cannot be chaste and at the same time beautiful and from a good family. Only a pious woman is in the true sense faithful and obedient to her husband who has himself good conduct. Such a couple not only lead a happy life but its future generation is also brought up on the right lines with the help of such a woman, otherwise you risk spoiling the future generations. For this reason, while selecting a wife, one should give preference to religion over all other qualities.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 45, Page 121, No 364

Ayaat 130-132 ~ Ta-Ha

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

130. So be patient over what they say and exalt [Allah] with praise of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting; and during periods of the night [exalt Him] and at the ends of the day, that you may be satisfied.

131. And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.

132. And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for [those of] righteousness.

Sura 20. Ta-Ha

Hadith ~ Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Ibn Abbas (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) observed Saum (fasting) on the day of ‘Ashura and commanded us to fast on this day. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Abu Qatadah (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) was asked about observing As-Saum (the fast) on the tenth day of Muharram, and he replied: “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year.” (Muslim)

Ibn Abbas (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “If I remain alive till the next year, I shall also observe fast on the ninth of Muharram.” (Muslim)

*Notes:
1. These days of fasting are voluntary however encouraged and desirable (mustahabb).
2. This year the 9th day of Muharram is Thursday 27th of July 2023, insha Allah.
3. This year the 10th day of Muharram is Friday 28th of July 2023, insha Allah.

Commentary: ‘Ashura 10th of Muharram. In another Hadith, it is stated that when the Prophet (SAWS) emigrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah, he saw that the Jews were fasting on this day. He asked them why they did this on that day, and they told him that they did it for the reason that Allah granted Prophet Musa (Moses) (peace be upon him) emancipation from Pharaoh on this day, and so they observed Saum in token of their joy. On this, the Prophet (SAWS) said that in this happiness of Prophet Musa, Muslims have a greater right to observe Saum than the Jews. Consequently, the Prophet (SAWS) also observed Saum on 10th of Muharram. Then, he said that if he lived the following year, he would observe Saum on 9th of Muharram also so that they would make themselves different from the Jews. It is regrettable indeed that present-day Muslims do not follow this Sunnah of the Prophet (SAWS) and some instead observe baseless practices of mourning assemblies.

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Hadith 1: Chapter 227, Page 364, No 1251
Hadith 1: Chapter 227, Page 364, No 1252
Hadith 1: Chapter 227, Page 364, No 1253

Commentary ~ Water down the milk

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

During Umar’s (may Allah be pleased with him) caliphate, it was not unusual for him to be seen patrolling the streets during the night. It was in fact his routine to do so in order to make sure that everyone was safe. On one such night, he was patrolling the streets with his servant. Becoming tired after a while, both of them stopped to rest beside a house. They could clearly hear the voice of an old woman from inside the house; she was ordering her daughter to water down the milk they were going to sell the following day. But the daughter refused her request; instead, she said, “Indeed, the Leader of the Believers has sent someone to make the announcement that it is forbidden to mix milk with water” (of course, referring to milk that is for sale and not for personal consumption).

The mother was not necessarily angry with her daughter, but she insisted that her daughter comply with her request. She even tried to reason with her, saying, “Where is Umar now? Verily, he does not see us.” Her believing, trustworthy daughter answered, “If Umar does not see us, then indeed, the Lord of Umar sees us.” The Leader of the Believers was very impressed by what he heard from the young woman, impressed by her faith and by her trustworthiness. On the following morning, he asked about her and found out her name was Umm Ammarah bint Sufyan bin Abdullah Ath-Thaqafi and that she was unmarried. He then married her to his son Aasim (may Allah be pleased with him). Allah blessed their marriage, for one of their grandchildren turned out to be a just and pious Caliph: of course, I am referring to Umar bin Abdul-Aziz.

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 283

Hadith ~ The Magnitude of the Reward

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “When Allah desires good for one of His slaves, He brings forward the punishment for him in this world. When Allah desires evil for His slave, He withholds from him what is due to him on account of his wrong actions and then settles it on the Day of Resurrection.” The Prophet (SAWS) said, “The greatest reward goes together with the greatest affliction. When Allah Almighty loves people, He tests them. All who are content receive His good pleasure. Those who are angry receive His anger.” (At-Tirmidhi).

Commentary: This Hadith shows that, for a Muslim, trials are also a blessing in this world because his sins are forgiven in proportion to the trials he has to face and his reward is increased with the Will of Allah. Thus, a Muslim should always be patient and contented in the event of trial because without these qualities he will not have the privilege associated with them. In fact, his impatience would increase his sins even further.

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 3, Page 19, No 43

Ayaat 53-58 ~ Az-Zumar (The Groups)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Listen to Recitation

53. Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins[1].

54. And return [in repentance] to your Lord and submit to Him before the punishment comes upon you; then you will not be helped.

55. And follow the best of what was revealed to you from your Lord [i.e., the Quran] before the punishment comes upon you suddenly while you do not perceive,

56. Lest a soul should say,[2] “Oh, [how great is] my regret over what I neglected in regard to Allah and that I was among the mockers.”

57. Or [lest] it say, “If only Allah had guided me, I would have been among the righteous.”

58. Or [lest] it say when it sees the punishment, “If only I had another turn[3] so I could be among the doers of good.”

Sura 39. Az-Zumar (The Groups)

[1]: For those who repent and correct themselves.
[2]: On the Day of Resurrection.
[3]: At worldly life.

Hadith ~ Prophet Muhammad’s (saws) Last Sermon

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

[This sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul-Hijjah 10 A.H. in the ‘Uranah valley of Mount Arafat’ in Mecca.]

After praising and thanking Allah the Prophet (saws) said:

“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn ‘Abd’al Muttalib [the Prophet’s uncle] be waived.

Every right arising out of homicide in pre-islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that i waive is that arising from the murder of Rabiah ibn al Harithibn.

O People, the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calender in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to forbid that which Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Shaban.

Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope of that he will be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste. O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white – except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belogs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware: do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur’an and my Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed Your message to Your people.”

*Source: Allah Alim. I don’t have exact source. Approximate translation of the sermon from the Arabic. May Allah forgive any mistakes.

Hadith ~ Ten first days of Dhoul-Hijjah / Day of Arafat

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

According to Ibn Abbas (ASH), the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “There are no days when the actions are the most loved by Allah then these days (meaning the first ten days of Dhoul-Hijja)”. They said: O Messenger of Allah! Not even jihad in the service of Allah? “He said:” Not even jihad in the service of Allah unless it is a man who came offering his life and his money and didn’t return with either. ” (Narrated by Al Bukhari)

Abu Qatada (ASH) said: “We asked the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) on the fasting of the day of Arafat. He said: “It absolves the sins of the past year and current year.” (Narrated by Moslem)

*: This year the 1st day of Dhoul-Hijjah is Monday the 19th of June 2023, insha Allah.
*: This year the 9th day of Dhoul-Hijjah, the day of Arafat, is Tuesday the 27th of June 2023, insha Allah.
*: This year the 10th day of Dhoul-Hijjah, Eid Ul-Adha, is Wednesday the 28th of June 2023, insha Allah.

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
ASH: May Allah be satisfied with him

Riyad as-Salihin (The gardens of the virtous)
of the Imam Mohieddine Annawawi 631 – 676
Translation and commentary by Dr Salaheddine Keshrid (Tunisia)
Editor: Dar Al-Gharb Al-Islami
Hadith 1: Chapter 111, Page 367, No 1247
Hadith 2: Chapter 111, Page 367, No 1248

Hadith ~ Successful

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Talhah bin ‘Ubaidullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A person with dishevelled hair, one of the people of Najd, came to the Messenger of Allah (SAWS). We heard the humming of his voice but could not fully understand what he was saying, till he approached close to the Messenger of Allah (SAWS). Then I came to know that he was asking about Islam. The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “There are five (obligatory) Salat during the day and the night.” He said: “Am I obliged to perform any other (Salat) besides these?” The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “No, but whatever you observe voluntarily.” He (SAWS) added, “There is the Saum (fasting) of Ramadan.” The inquirer asked: “Am I obliged to do anything besides this?” The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “No, but whatever you do out of your own free will. You may observe voluntary fasting.” And the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) told him about the Zakat (obligatory charity). The inquirer asked: “Am I obliged to pay anything besides this?” The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “No, but whatever you pay voluntarily out of your own free will.” That man turned back saying: “By Allah! I will neither make an addition to this nor will I decrease anything from it.” (Upon hearing this) the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) remarked, “He is successful if he proves truthful (to what he is saying).” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 216, Page 351, No 1207

Ayaat 103-108 ~ Al-Kahf (The Cave)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

103. Say, [O Muhammad], “Shall we [believers] inform you of the greatest losers as to [their] deeds?

104. [They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing well in work.”

105. Those are the ones who disbelieve in the verses of their Lord and in [their] meeting Him, so their deeds have become worthless; and We will not assign to them on the Day of Resurrection any weight [i.e., importance].

106. That is their recompense – Hell – for what they denied and [because] they took My signs and My messengers in ridicule.

107. Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – they will have the Gardens of Paradise[1] as a lodging,

Wherein they abide eternally. They will not desire from it any transfer.

Sura 18. Al-Kahf (The Cave)

[1] i.e., the highest part of Paradise, al-Firdaus.

Commentary ~ Must Every House be Built on Love?

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Umar Ibn Al Khattab (MAPH) said to a man who was thinking of divorcing his wife:

“Why do you want to divorce her?” He said, “I do not love her.” ‘Umar (MAPH) said, “Must every house be built on love? What about loyalty and appreciation?”

He went on:

‘You men! When we marry, we give a serious promise to her. A woman gives birth to children and goes through hard times during her pregnancy. Then she suckles the baby and takes care all nights about her children, when they get sick or need anything. She sacrifices her beauty and youth by being a mother. How fair is it, when her husband leaves her when she is grown up? If she would have never have taken care of her home and family, instead of taking care of her body and beauty, her husband would say: “What a bad mother she is.” Where is the integrity and loyalty? Fear Allah regarding your behavior towards your wives.’

MAPH: may Allah be pleased with him

[Al-Bayan wa at-Tabayeen, 2/101; Fara’id al – Kalam, p.113]