Salaat Time

Ayaat 37-42 ~ Az-Zumar (The Groups)

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

37. And whomsoever Allâh guides, for him there will be no misleader. Is not Allâh All-Mighty, Possessor of Retribution?

38. And verily, if you ask them: “Who created the heavens and the earth?” Surely, they will say: “Allâh (has created them).” Say: “Tell me then, the things that you invoke besides Allâh, if Allâh intended some harm for me, could they remove His harm, or if He (Allâh) intended some mercy for me, could they withhold His Mercy?” Say: “Sufficient for me is Allâh; in Him those who trust must put their trust.”

39. Say: “O My people! Work according to your way, I am working (according to my way). Then you will come to know,

40. “To whom comes a disgracing torment, and on whom descends an everlasting torment.”

41. Verily, We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book (this Qur’ân) for mankind in truth. So whosoever accepts the guidance, it is only for his ownself, and whosoever goes astray, he goes astray only for his (own) loss. And you are not a Wakîl (trustee or disposer of affairs, or keeper) over them.

42. It is Allâh Who takes away the souls at the time of their death, and those that die not during their sleep. He keeps those (souls) for which He has ordained death and sends the rest for a term appointed. Verily, in this are signs for a people who think deeply.

Sura 39. Az-Zumar (The Groups)

Commentary ~ Strive for your sustenance, but don’t be covetous

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

The Lord of the worlds provides for the worm in the ground:

There is not a moving (living) creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its two wings, but are communities like you… (Koran 6.38)

Allah provides for the birds in the sky and for the fish in the sea:

…And it is He Who feeds but is not fed… (Koran 6.14)

You are worthier than a worm, bird, or fish, so don’t worry about sustenance.

I have known people who were stricken by poverty simply because of their distance from Allah. Some of them were rich and healthy, but instead of being thankful they turned away from obedience to Allah, they abandoned prayer, and they perpetrated major sins. Allah took away from them their health and their wealth, replacing these with poverty, sickness, and anxiety. They were then afflicted with hardship upon hardship, calamity upon calamity.

But whosoever turns away from My Reminder, verily, for him is a life of hardship… (Koran 20.124)

That is so because Allah will never change a grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in their ownselves. And verily, Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. (Koran 8.53)

And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much. (Koran 42.30)

If they had believed in Allah, and went on the Right Way (i.e. Islam) We should surely have bestowed on them water (rain) in abundance. (Koran 72.16)

La Tahzan (Don’t be sad)
By Aaidh ibn Abdullah al-Qarni
Translated by: Faisal ibn Muhammad Shafeeq, 2nd ed. Riyadh 2005
Publisher: International Islamic Publishing House
ISBN Hard Cover: 9960-850-36-6
ISBN Soft Cover: 9960-850-44-7
Page 194

Hadith ~ Enjoin Good and Forbid Evil

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

Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said, “By Him in Whose Hand my life is, you either enjoin good and forbid evil, or Allah will certainly soon send His punishment to you. Then you will make supplication and it will not be accepted”. (At-Tirmidhi).

Commentary: To abandon the practice of enjoining virtue and forbidding vice is likely to incur the
displeasure of Allah. This trend is indeed fraught with the danger of rejection of prayers and
supplications by Allah.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 23, Page 69, No 193

Commentary ~ Under the influence of ignorance

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

Here is a saying of Tsavri Sofian, a native of Kufa. He died in Basra in the year 161 (777-778).

“In four cases one acts under the influence of ignorance:

  • When one censors others; this relates to not recognizing the supreme decisions of the Lord Most High and whoever does not recognize these decisions falls into infidelity.

  • When one lets envy take hold inside our hearts; this relates to not accepting the apportionment determined by the Lord, for he who does not accept his share falls into infidelity.

  • When one earns wealth from sources that are forbidden or of questionable legitimacy; this relates to not worrying about the Account that will be taken on the Day of Judgment, and to not worry about that Account is the characteristic of the unfaithful.

  • When one no longer expects anything from the Lord; this comes from disregarding Allah’s Mercy, and whoever despairs of Allah’s Mercy is an infidel.”

“…and never give up hope of Allah’s Mercy. Certainly no one despairs of Allah’s Mercy, except the people who disbelieve.” (Koran 12.87)

Hadith ~ Every Good Deed

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

Jabir (MAPH) reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) saying: “Every good deed is charity”. (Al-Bukhari)

Muslim has reported the same on the authority of Hudhaifah (MAPH).

Commentary: We come to know from this Hadith that whatever good action and deed is done by a Muslim, he gets a reward of Sadaqah on it. The word Ma’ruf stands here for every virtue and noble deed. Renunciation of evils is also a virtue (Mar’uf).

MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 370, Page 48, No 134

Commentary ~ The Cow and the Island

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

On a green island, a cow lived in solitude. She grazed until nightfall and thus fattened up every day. At night, no longer seeing the grass, she worried about what she was going to eat the next day and this worry made her as thin as a feather. At dawn, the prairie became green with the sunlight and the cow started grazing again with a bovine appetite until sunset. The cow once again had became fat and full of strength. At nightfall, not seeing the prairie, she began to cry and lose weight once again.

Time would pass but it never occurred to the cow’s mind that the prairie was not decreasing and that there was little reason to worry in this manner.

Your ego is like the cow and the island is the universe. The fear of tomorrow makes the cow lean. Do not worry for the future. Better to look at the present. You have been eating for years and the gifts and provisions from Allah have nevertheless never diminished.

Ayaat 15-34 ~ Qaf

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

15. Were We then tired with the first creation? Nay, They are in confused doubt about a new creation (i.e. Resurrection)?

16. And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein.

17. (Remember!) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being after he or she has attained the age of puberty), one sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions).

18. Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).

19. And the stupor of death will come in truth: “This is what you have been avoiding!”

20. And the Trumpet will be blown, that will be the Day whereof warning (had been given) (i.e. the Day of Resurrection).

21. And every person will come forth along with an (angel) to drive (him), and an (angel) to bear witness.

22. (It will be said to the sinners): “Indeed you were heedless of this, now We have removed your covering, and sharp is your sight this Day!”

23. And his companion (angel) will say: “Here is (this Record) ready with me!”

24. (And it will be said): “Both of you throw (Order from Allâh to the two angels) into Hell, every stubborn disbeliever (in the Oneness of Allâh, in His Messengers, etc.).

25. “Hinderer of good, transgressor, doubter,

26. “Who set up another ilâh (god) with Allâh, then (both of you) cast him in the severe torment.”

27. His companion (Satan devil)] will say: “Our Lord! I did not push him to transgress, (in disbelief, oppression, and evil deeds) but he was himself in error far astray.”

28. Allâh will say: “Dispute not in front of Me, I had already, in advance, sent you the threat.

29. The Sentence that comes from Me cannot be changed, and I am not unjust (to the least) to the slaves.”

30. On the Day when We will say to Hell: “Are you filled?” It will say: “Are there any more (to come)?”

31. And Paradise will be brought near to the Muttaqûn (pious – see V.2:2) not far off.

32. (It will be said): “This is what you were promised, – (it is) for those oft-returning (to Allâh) in sincere repentance, and those who preserve their covenant with Allâh (by obeying Him in all what He has ordered, and worship none but Allâh Alone, i.e. follow Allâh’s Religion, Islâmic Monotheism).

33. “Who feared the Most Beneficent (Allâh) in the Ghaib (unseen): (i.e. in this worldly life before seeing and meeting Him), and brought a heart turned in repentance (to Him – and absolutely free from each and every kind of polytheism),

34. “Enter you therein in peace and security; this is a Day of eternal life!”

Sura 50. Qaf

Hadith ~ Giving in charity is an obligation upon every Muslim

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

Abu Musa Al-Ashari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (SAWS) said: “Giving in charity is an obligation upon every Muslim”. It was said (to him): “What about one who does not find (the means) to do so?” The Prophet (SAWS) said: “Let him work with his hands, thus doing benefit to himself and give in charity.” It was said to him: “What if he does not have (the means) to do so?” The Prophet (SAWS) said: “Then let him assist the needy, the aggrieved.” It was said: “What about if he cannot even do this?” The Prophet (SAWS) said: “Then he should enjoin good.” He was asked: “What if he cannot do that?” The Prophet (SAWS) said: “He should then abstain from evil, for verily, that is a charity from him”. (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 13, Page 50, No 141

Commentary ~ Hope

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

One shouldn’t lose hope in Allah; that is the beginning of the path to safety. If you do not walk this path, know at least where that road begins, and do not say: “I have made mistakes.” Strive to always be on the straight path and nothing crooked will reach you. Righteousness is the stick of the Prophet Moussa (Moses) (peace be upon him), and crookedness is the magic (of Pharaoh’s magicians). When righteousness is manifest, it devours all magic. If you do wrong, you only harm yourself. The damage does not reach Allah. When you become straight, all that is crooked disappears. Never lose hope.

Ayaat 69-104 ~ Ash-Shu’ara’ (The Poets)

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

69. And recite to them the story of Ibrâhim (Abraham).

70. When he said to his father and his people: “What do you worship?”

71. They said: “We worship idols, and to them we are ever devoted.”

72. He said: “Do they hear you, when you call (on them)?

73. “Or do they benefit you or do they harm (you)?”

74. They said: “Nay, but we found our fathers doing so.”

75. He said: “Do you observe that which you have been worshipping,

76. “You and your ancient fathers?

77. “Verily! They are enemies to me, save the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinns and all that exists);

78. “Who has created me, and it is He Who guides me;

79. “And it is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink.

80. “And when I am ill, it is He who cures me;

81. “And Who will cause me to die, and then will bring me to life (again);

82. “And Who, I hope will forgive me my faults on the Day of Recompense, (the Day of Resurrection),”

83. My Lord! Bestow Hukman (religious knowledge, right judgement of the affairs and Prophethood) on me, and join me with the righteous;

84. And grant me an honourable mention in later generations;

85. And make me one of the inheritors of the Paradise of Delight;

86. And forgive my father, verily he is of the erring;

87. And disgrace me not on the Day when (all the creatures) will be resurrected;

88. The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail,

89. Except him who brings to Allâh a clean heart [clean from Shirk (polytheism) and Nifâq (hypocrisy)].

90. And Paradise will be brought near to the Muttaqûn (pious – see V.2:2).

91. And the (Hell) Fire will be placed in full view of the erring.

92. And it will be said to them: “Where are those (the false gods whom you used to set up as rivals with Allâh) that you used to worship

93. “Instead of Allâh? Can they help you or (even) help themselves?”

94. Then they will be thrown on their faces into the (Fire), They and the Ghâwûn (devils, and those who were in error).

95. And the whole hosts of Iblîs (Satan) together.

96. They will say while contending therein,

97. By Allâh, we were truly in a manifest error,

98. When We held you (false gods) as equals (in worship) with the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinns and all that exists);

99. And none has brought us into error except the Mujrimûn [Iblîs (Satan) and those of human beings who commit crimes, murderers, polytheists, oppressors, etc.].

100. Now we have no intercessors,

101. Nor a close friend (to help us).

102. (Alas!) If we only had a chance to return (to the world), we shall truly be among the believers!

103. Verily! In this is indeed a sign, yet most of them are not believers.

104. And verily, your Lord! He is truly the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

Sura 26. Ash-Shu’ara’ (The Poets)

Commentary ~ Eighteen Guidelines

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

Sa’eed bin Musayyib (MAPH) reports that there were eighteen guidelines that Umar Al-Khataab (MAPH) formulated for the people, every one of which is replete with wisdom. He said:

  • When someone disobeys Allah in a matter that impacts on you, you can give him no punishment worse than obeying Allah in matters that impact on him.
  • Always assume the best about your brother unless you learn something about him that you absolutely cannot reconcile.
  • Never assume the worst about any statement that a Muslim makes as long as you are able to make a favourable interpretation.
  • The person who exposes himself to slander must never rebuke anyone who holds a bad opinion of him.
  • Whoever guards his secrets will retain the choice in his hands.
  • Ensure that you keep true friends to stay under their wings because they are a source of beauty during times of prosperity and a means of protection during times of hardship.
  • Always speak the truth even though it leads to your death.
  • Never delve into matters that do not concern you.
  • Do not ask about matters that have not occurred because that which has already taken place is enough to preoccupy you from that which has not.
  • Never seek your needs from one who does not want to see your success.
  • Never treat false oaths lightly because Allah will then destroy you.
  • Never keep the company of the sinners to learn from their sinful ways.
  • Keep away from your enemy.
  • Beware even of your friends, except for the trustworthy one and none can be trustworthy unless he fears Allah.
  • Be humble when in the graveyard.
  • Be humble when submiting to Allah’s commands.
  • Seek Allah’s protection at the time of disobeying His commands.
  • In your affairs, consult with those who fear Allah because Allah says:

    • …It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allâh… (Sura 35.28)

(Khateeb, Ibn Asaakir and Ibn Najjaar, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol. 8 Page 235))

MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him

The Lives of the Sahaba (Hayat-Assahaba)
By Muhammad Yusuf Kandhelwi – Volume III
Translation Edited by Azfal Hoosen Elias
Editor: Zam Zam Publishers
Page 508

Commentary ~ Futility

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

Sentence of Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with him):

We recognize the futility of someone in that he talks a lot about things that do not concern him and in that he informs about things about which he was not asked.

Commentary ~ The True Believer

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

Yahya ben Mo’âz, who died in the year 258 (871-872), said: “…I find it strange the people who avoid eating unhealthy things for fear of getting sick, and who, never abstaining from sin, do not shelter their person from the punishment of the Lord most high. There are three kinds of intelligent people: those who abandon this world before this world abandons them; those who build their grave before entering it, and those who strive to please the Lord most high before arriving at His Court. Whosoever practices moderation of the desires of the heart will see their heart flooded with light. (…) The knowledgeable is he who prefers above all the glorification of the Name of Allah. In whose heart that person has the fear of the Lord most high, his whole being longs to be worshiping and stays away from sin. Every thing has its kind of beauty: the beauty of the acts of worship, is fear (taqwa).”

Hadith ~ Covers up the faults

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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: “Allah will cover up on the Day of Resurrection the defects (faults) of the one who covers up the faults of the others in this world”. (Muslim)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 28, Page 82, No 240

Ayaat 275-280 ~ Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

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

Listen to Recitation

275. Those who eat Ribâ (usury, interest) will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaitân (Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: “Trading is only like Ribâ (usury),” whereas Allâh has permitted trading and forbidden Ribâ (usury). So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Ribâ (usury) shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allâh (to judge); but whoever returns [to Ribâ (usury)], such are the dwellers of the Fire – they will abide therein.

276. Allâh will destroy Ribâ (usury) and will give increase for Sadaqât (deeds of charity, alms, etc.) And Allâh likes not the disbelievers, sinners.

277. Truly those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

278. O you who believe! Be afraid of Allâh and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribâ (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers.

279. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allâh and His Messenger but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.

280. And if the debtor is in a hard time (has no money), then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay, but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know.

Sura 2. Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

Commentary ~ Then his Heart Dies

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

Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab (MAPH) once said to Al-Ahnaf Ibn Qais (MAPH):

“O Ahnaf, the more one laughs, the less dignity will he possess. Whoever jokes (excessively or indecently) is a person who will be taken lightly. Whoever does something frequently will become known by that thing. Whoever speaks often, errs often; the more often one errs, the less modesty will he possess; whoever has a low level of modesty will also have a low level of piety (Taqwa); and when one has a low level of piety, then his heart dies.”

MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him

Glimpses Of The Lives Of Righteous People,
Darussalam publishing, Pp. 24-25,
Quoting from “Sifatus-Safwah”, 1/1449

Ayaat 84-95 ~ Hud

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

84. And to the Madyan (Midian) people (We sent) their brother Shu’aib. He said: “O my people! Worship Allâh, you have no other Ilâh (God) but Him, and give not short measure or weight, I see you in prosperity; and verily I fear for you the torment of a Day encompassing.

85. “And O my people! Give full measure and weight in justice and reduce not the things that are due to the people, and do not commit mischief in the land, causing corruption.

86. “That which is left by Allâh for you (after giving the rights of the people) is better for you, if you are believers. And I am not set over you as a guardian.

87. They said: “O Shu’aib! Does your Salât (prayer) (i.e. the prayers which you offer has spoiled your mind, so you) command that we leave off what our fathers used to worship, or that we leave off doing what we like with our property? Verily, you are the forbearer, right-minded!” (They said this sarcastically).

88. He said: “O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear evidence from my Lord, and He has given me a good sustenance from Himself (shall I corrupt it by mixing it with the unlawfully earned money). I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you. I only desire reform so far as I am able, to the best of my power. And my guidance cannot come except from Allâh, in Him I trust and unto Him I repent.

89. “And O my people! Let not my Shiqâq cause you to suffer the fate similar to that of the people of Nûh (Noah) or of Hûd or of Sâlih (Saleh), and the people of Lout (Lot) are not far off from you!

90. “And ask forgiveness of your Lord and turn unto Him in repentance. Verily, my Lord is Most Merciful, Most Loving.”

91. They said: “O Shu’aib! We do not understand much of what you say, and we see you a weak (man) among us. Were it not for your family, we should certainly have stoned you and you are not powerful against us.”

92. He said: “O my people! Is then my family of more weight with you than Allâh? And you have cast Him away behind your backs. Verily, my Lord is surrounding all that you do.

93. “And O my people! Act according to your ability and way, and I am acting (on my way). You will come to know who it is on whom descends the torment that will cover him with ignominy, and who is a liar! And watch you! Verily, I too am watching with you.”

94. And when Our Commandment came, We saved Shu’aib and those who believed with him by a Mercy from Us. And As-Saîhah (torment – awful cry, etc.) seized the wrong-doers, and they lay (dead) prostrate in their homes.

95. As if they had never lived there! So away with Madyan (Midian)! As away with Thamud! (All these nations were destroyed).

Sura 11. Hud

Hadith ~ He who believes in Allah and the Last Day

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

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him be hospitable to his guest; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain good the ties of blood relationship; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, must speak good or remain silent”. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Commentary: This hadith is mentioned here to highlight the importance of kindness to relatives. It enjoins considerate treatment to relatives and stresses that one should maintain relationship with them at all costs. So much so that even if they misbehave and sever relations with him, one should make efforts to restore not only relationship with them but also their rights. This is what kindness to relatives really means. Islam has laid great stress on it. Relatives include both paternal and maternal relatives.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 40, Page 105, No 314

Hadith ~ Do not get angry

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

Mu’adh bin Anas (MAPH) reported: The Prophet (SAWS) said: “The one who suppresses anger and has the power to give effect to it, will be called out by Allah, the Exalted, to the forefront of the creatures on the Day of Resurrection and he will be asked to choose any of the Hur of his liking”. (Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi)

Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: “A man asked the Prophet (SAWS) for an advice and the Prophet (SAWS) said: “Do not get angry”. The man repeated that several times and he replied: “Do not get angry”. (Al-Bukhari)

Commentary:
1. Rage which is declared objectionable is the one which concerns worldly affairs but that which is for Allah and His religion, that is to say, which occurs on the violation of the Injunctions of Allah, is meritorious and essential.

2. Anyone who gets furious quickly should be advised again and again to control his anger so that he becomes concious of this weakness and tries to overcome it.

3. Rage is a means of fulfillment of satanic aims; so it is a great evil and people are advised to make every effort to prevent themselves from this satanic device.

4. The Hadith mentions the distinction and reward of self-control of a man who, in spite of being powerful and having the means to avenge, suppresses his fage and does not exercise his power.

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 3, Page 20, No 47
Hadith 2: Chapter 3, Page 21, No 48

Ayaat 24-27 ~ Yunus (Jonah)

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

24. Verily the likeness of (this) worldly life is as the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, so by it arises the intermingled produce of the earth of which men and cattle eat until when the earth is clad with its adornments and is beautified, and its people think that they have all the powers of disposal over it, Our Command reaches it by night or by day and We make it like a clean-mown harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday! Thus do We explain the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, laws, etc.) in detail for the people who reflect.

25. Allâh calls to the home of peace (i.e. Paradise, by accepting Allâh’s religion of Islâmic Monotheism and by doing righteous good deeds and abstaining from polytheism and evil deeds) and guides whom He wills to a Straight Path.

26. For those who have done good is the best (reward, i.e. Paradise) and even more (i.e. having the honour of glancing at the Countenance of Allâh) Neither darkness nor dust nor any humiliating disgrace shall cover their faces. They are the dwellers of Paradise, they will abide therein forever.

27. And those who have earned evil deeds, the recompense of an evil deed is the like thereof, and humiliating disgrace will cover them (their faces). No defender will they have from Allâh. Their faces will be covered, as it were, with pieces from the darkness of night. They are dwellers of the Fire, they will abide therein forever.

Sura 10. Yunus (Jonah)

Commentary ~ Asma bint Yazid Al-Ansariyah

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

Muslim bin Asad related from Asma that she went to the Prophet (SAWS) while he was seated with his Companions. She said, “…I came as an emissary to you from a group of women. Indeed Allah has sent you to both men and women, and we believe in you and in your Lord. Indeed, we women are limited and constrained, though we are the pillars of your houses, from us do you fulfill your desires and lusts, and we also carry your children. Indeed, you men have been favored over us by the congregational Friday prayer and by all other congregational prayers, by visiting the sick, by attending funeral prayers, by performing pilgrimage after pilgrimage, and better than all of that – Jihad in the way of Allah. When men go out to perform Hajj, Umrah, or Jihad, we protect for them their wealth, spin for them their garments, and raise for them their children. Shall we not share with you in this recompense and reward?”

The Prophet (SAWS) turned to his Companions and said, “Have you ever heard any speech of a woman that is more beautiful than this woman’s questioning regarding the affairs of her religion?” They said, “O Messenger of Allah, we never thought that a woman should be guided to something like this.” The Prophet (SAWS) turned to her and said, “Understand this, O woman, and teach this to those women whom you left behind: For a woman to be a good spouse to her husband, for her to seek his pleasure, for her to follow and cooperate with him, is equal to all of that (i.e., all of the rewards that men get for their toils or for the deeds mentioned above).”

She left and was making Tahleel (i.e., she was testifying: None has the right to be worshipped but Allah).

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

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
P106

Commentary ~ Charity that is given in secret

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

Rabi bin Khuthaim said: “All that is desired not for Allah, but for something or someone else, perishes.”

Abu-Hamzah Ath-Thumali said: “Ali bin Husain used to carry loaves of bread on his back during the nighttime, to give them in charity. And he would say: ‘Indeed, charity that is given in secret extinguishes the anger of the Lord.'”

Amr bin Thabit said: “When Ali bin Husain died, they washed him and found black stains on his back. They asked: ‘What is this?’ And they were told: ‘He used to carry sacks of wheat during the nighttime on his back, and he would distribute them to the poor inhabitants of Al-Madinah.'”

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
P188

Commentary ~ Qutaibah and His Prisoner

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

Abu ‘Ubaidah relates that a number of people were presented to Al-Hajjaj; they were all accused of rebelling against him, and so he ordered that they all be executed. Because the time of prayer had arrived, there remained one from them who was still not executed. Al-Hajjaj said to Qutaibah bin Muslim, “He shall remain with you and you will bring him to us early tomorrow.”

Qutaibah said: I went and took the man with me, and as we were on our way, he said, “Qutaibah, do you wish to do a good deed?” I asked, “And what is that?” He said, “I have things that were trusted to me by people, and your companion, Al-Hajjaj, will surely kill me. Let me go free so that I may return each item to its rightful owner. And Allah is my Guarantor that I will return to you tomorrow.” I was amazed at what he said, and I laughed at him. He then repeated for a second time the same words and said, “By Allah, I will return to you.” He continued and persisted in the same manner, until finally, I said, “Go.” When he left, and when I could no longer see him, I returned to my senses and said: ‘What did you do to yourself, O Qutaibah?’ I returned to my family and spent the night, which seemed to last forever. In the morning, there was a man knocking at our door, and when I went to open it, there stood before me the same man from the day before. I said, “You have returned?” He said, “I made Allah as a Guarantor and then why should I not return?” I took him with me, and when Al-Hajjaj saw me, he said, “Where is the prisoner, Qutaibah?” I said, “He is at the door.” I brought him before the ruler and I informed him of the story. Al-Hajjaj gave him many piercing glances, and then said to me, “I give him to you as a gift.” I left with him and when we had exited from the building, I said to him, “Go wherever you please.” The man raised his head to the sky and said, “O Allah, all praise is for You.” He said nothing more and left.

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
P203

Hadith ~ A person who used to loan money

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

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “There was a person who used to loan money to the people and he used to say to his servant: “When an insolvent person comes to you, show him leniency so that Allah may forbear our faults.” So when he met Allah (i.e., when he died), Allah forgave him.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 240, Page 393, No 1370

Hadith ~ Which charity is the most rewardable?

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

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: There came a man to the Prophet (SAWS) and said: “O Messenger of Allah, which charity is the most rewardable?” The Prophet (SAWS) said: “That you should give charity (in a state when you are) healthy and stingy and fear of poverty, hoping to become rich (charity in such a state of health and mind is the best). And you must not defer (charity to such a length) that you are about to die and would be saying: “This is for so-and-so, and this for so-and-so.” Lo! It has already come into (the possession of) so-and-so”. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Commentary: Charity in the real sense is that which a person gives when he is healthy. If a person gives charity when he is facing death, it does not have much value before Allah. This injunction is an inducement for people to hurry in doing good deeds, especially in the matter of alms and charity. In fact, he should do it without delay.

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

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 10, Page 35, No 90

Ayaat 7-29 ~ At-Tur (The Mount)

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

7. Verily, the Torment of your Lord will surely come to pass,

8. There is none that can avert it;

9. On the Day when the heaven will shake with a dreadful shaking,

10. And the mountains will move away with a (horrible) movement.

11. Then woe that Day to the beliers;

12. Who are playing in falsehood.

13. The Day when they will be pushed down by force to the Fire of Hell, with a horrible, forceful pushing.

14. This is the Fire which you used to belie.

15. Is this magic, or do you not see?

16. Taste you therein its heat, and whether you are patient of it or impatient of it, it is all the same. You are only being requited for what you used to do.

17. Verily, the Muttaqûn (pious – see V.2:2) will be in Gardens (Paradise), and Delight.

18. Enjoying in that which their Lord has bestowed on them, and (the fact that) their Lord saved them from the torment of the blazing Fire.

19. “Eat and drink with happiness because of what you used to do.”

20. They will recline (with ease) on thrones arranged in ranks. And We shall marry them to Houris (female, fair ones) with wide lovely eyes.

21. And those who believe and whose offspring follow them in Faith, to them shall We join their offspring, and We shall not decrease the reward of their deeds in anything. Every person is a pledge for that which he has earned.

22. And We shall provide them with fruit and meat, such as they desire.

23. There they shall pass from hand to hand a (wine) cup, free from any Laghw (dirty, false, evil vague talk between them), and free from sin.

24. And there will go round boy-servants of theirs, to serve them as if they were preserved pearls.

25. And some of them draw near to others, questioning.

26. Saying: “Aforetime, we were afraid with our families (from the punishment of Allâh).

27. “But Allâh has been gracious to us, and has saved us from the torment of the Fire.

28. “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.”

29. Therefore, remind and preach[1]. By the Grace of Allâh, you are neither a soothsayer, nor a madman.

Sura 52. At-Tur (The Mount)

[1]: Therefore, remind and preach: mankind, O Muhammad (SAWS) of Islâmic Monotheism

Hadith ~ If a single person is guided

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

Sahl bin Sa’d (MAPH) reported: The Prophet (SAWS) said to Ali (MAPH), “By Allah, if a single person is guided by Allah through you, it will be better for you than a whole lot of red camels.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “He who calls others to follow the Right Guidance will have a reward equal to the reward of those who follow him, without their reward being diminished in any respect on that account.” (Muslim)

Commentary: “Better for you than red camels” is an allegory for everything that is better than anything else. Red camels used to be precious in Arabia, and their reference here is to highlight the value of guidance. Thus, this Hadith brings into prominence the importance of calling people towards Allah. But before calling others to the path of Allah, one must himself know it, and for this purpose, the knowledge of the Quran and Hadith is essential because one cannot provide any guidance in this respect without this knowledge.

The second Hadith has glad tidings for those who learn knowledge of religion, teach it and impart it to others.

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 241, Page 395, No 1379
Hadith 2: Chapter 241, Page 396, No 1382

Commentary ~ Retribution

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

Allah the Exalted, while promising that the retribution of good and evil will happen on the Day of Judgment, in fact, however, sends a small sample of that retribution here, at every instance and at every moment. If man discovers joy in his heart, he is being rewarded for making someone happy; if he is sad, it is that he has made someone sad. These rewards are presents from the other world and signs of the Day of Retribution, so that we may understand, with so little that which is great. We are being shown from a large warehouse, a small handful of wheat.

So that you know and remember that all discomfort, all darkness, all depressions that befall you, are the bitter fruit of sin and the pain you yourself have caused, even though you do not remember the evil that you have done through negligence, or ignorance, or because of a bad companion with no Iman (faith) who downplayed the sins in your eyes, to the point where you no longer considered them sins. Think of the reward: what is the level of your fulfillment and what is the degree of your depression? Certainly, depression is the punishment of sin and fulfillment is the reward of submission to Allah.

Hadith ~ An expiation for his past sins

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

Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “The five (daily) Salat (prayers) and the Friday (prayer) to the Friday (prayer) expiate whatever (minor sins) may be committed in between, so long as major sins are avoided.” (Muslim)

Uthman bin Affan (MAPH) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) saying: “When the time for a prescribed Salat is due and a Muslim performs its Wudu’ and its acts of bowing and prostration properly, this Salat will be an expiation for his past sins, so long as he does not commit major sins, and this applies for ever.” (Muslim)

Commentary: The first Hadith elucidates that the minor sins committed during the interval of the five prescribed Salat and in the period intervening between one Jumu’ah and the other are pardoned with the performance of the five-time prescribed Salat and the Jumu’ah prayer, provided one does not commit major sins which are not forgiven without repentance. Sins like Shirk (associating someone with Allah in worship), disobedience of parents, false oath, false evidence, encroachment on an orphan’s property, calumny against chaste women, etc., fall in the category of major sins and will not be forgiven by means of Salat only.

The second Hadith stresses the importance of performing Salat with all its essential prerequisites, i.e. Wudu’ and concentration of mind. Such a Salat will expiate the sins.

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 187, Page 310, No 1045
Hadith 2: Chapter 187, Page 310, No 1046

Ayaat 55-60 ~ Adh-Dhariyat (The Winds that Scatter)

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

55. And remind for verily, the reminding profits the believers.

56. And I (Allâh) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).

57. I seek not any provision from them nor do I ask that they should feed Me.

58. Verily, Allâh is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong.

59. And verily, for those who do wrong, there is a portion of torment like to the evil portion of torment (which came for) their likes (of old), so let them not ask Me to hasten on!

60. Then, woe to those who disbelieve (in Allâh and His Oneness Islâmic Monotheism) from (that) their Day which they have been promised (for their punishment).

Sura 51. Adh-Dhariyat (The Winds that Scatter)