Ayaat 36-42 ~ An-Nisa’ (The Women)

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

36. Worship Allâh and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masâkin (the poor), the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allâh does not like such as are proud and boastful;

37. Those who are miserly and enjoin miserliness on other men and hide what Allâh has bestowed upon them of His Bounties. And We have prepared for the disbelievers a disgraceful torment.

38. And (also) those who spend of their substance to be seen of men, and believe not in Allâh and the Last Day [they are the friends of Shaitân (Satan)], and whoever takes Shaitân (Satan) as an intimate; then what a dreadful intimate he has!

39. And what loss have they if they had believed in Allâh and in the Last Day, and they spend out of what Allâh has given them for sustenance? And Allâh is Ever All­Knower of them.

40. Surely! Allâh wrongs not even of the weight of an atom (or a small ant) , but if there is any good (done), He doubles it, and gives from Him a great reward.

41. How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad) as a witness against these people?

42. On that day those who disbelieved and disobeyed the Messenger will wish that they were buried in the earth, but they will never be able to hide a single fact from Allâh.

Sura 4. An-Nisa’ (The Women)

Commentary ~ The past is gone forever

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

By brooding over the past and its tragedies, one exhibits a form of insanity – a kind of sickness that destroys resolve to live for the present moment. Those who have a firm purpose have filed away and forgotten occurrences of the past, which will never again see light, since they occupy such a dark place in the recesses of the mind. Episodes of the past are finished with; sadness cannot retrieve them, melancholy cannot make things right, and depression will never bring the past back to life. This is because the past is non-existent.

Do not live in the nightmares of former times or under the shade of what you have missed. Save yourself from the ghostly apparition of the past. Do you think that you can return the sun to its place of rising, the baby to its mother’s womb, milk to the udder, or tears to the eye? By constantly dwelling on the past and its happenings, you place yourself in a very frightful and tragic state of mind.

Reading too much into the past is a waste of the present. When Allah mentioned the affairs of the previous nations, Allah, the Exalted said:

That was a nation who has passed away. (Quran 2:134)

Former days are gone and done with, and you benefit nothing by carrying out an autopsy over them, by turning back the wheels of history.

The person who lives in the past is like someone who tries to saw sawdust. Of old, they used to say: “Do not remove the dead from their graves.”

Our tragedy is that we are incapable of dealing with the present: neglecting our beautiful castles, we wail over dilapidated buildings. If every man and every jinn were to try jointly to bring back the past, they would most certainly fail. Everything on earth marches forward, preparing for a new season – and so should you.

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
P30

Hadith ~ Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day

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

Narrated by Abu-Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): ‘Allah’s Messenger (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor, and whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously and whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak what is good or keep silent (i.e. abstain from all kinds of evil and dirty talk, e.g. abusing, lying, backbiting etc.).'” (Bukhari)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapter 236, Page 959, Number 810

Ayaat 18-25 ~ Al-Isra’ (The Journey by Night)

by

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

Listen to Recitation

18. Whoever wishes for the quick-passing (transitory enjoyment of this world), We readily grant him what We will for whom We like. Then, afterwards, We have appointed for him Hell, he will burn therein disgraced and rejected, (far away from Allâh’s Mercy).

19. And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it, with the necessary effort due for it (i.e. do righteous deeds of Allâh’s Obedience) while he is a believer (in the Oneness of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism), then such are the ones whose striving shall be appreciated, thanked and rewarded (by Allâh).

20. To each these as well as those We bestow from the Bounties of your Lord. And the Bounties of your Lord can never be forbidden.

21. See how We prefer one above another (in this world) and verily, the Hereafter will be greater in degrees and greater in preference.

22. Set not up with Allâh any other ilâh (god), (O man)!, or you will sit down reproved, forsaken (in the Hell-fire).

23. And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour[1].

24. And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: “My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small.”

25. Your Lord knows best what is in your inner-selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn unto Him again and again in obedience, and in repentance.

Sura 17. Surah Al-Isra’ (The Journey by Night)

Commentary ~ The Root of Piety

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

Here is an anecdote of Sheikh Chaqiq Balkhi:

“On he who falls a decree of destiny must show resignation. Whoever, during trials, despairs and weeps is like a person who has seized a spear to fight against the Lord Most High.” He also said: “The root of piety is the fear of the Lord Most High and refraining from all that is forbidden. The failure of men is due to three reasons: One is that they commit sins and that they lull themselves in the hope of doing penance later, the other is that they are in no hurry to do penance, because they feel that they will live a long life, and the third is that many people on the pretext that Allah’s Mercy is great, die without doing penance after spending their days in heedlessness. The Lord Most High, at the moment of death, doubles the intensity of life for those of his servants who served faithfully, while Allah makes them similar to the dead, even during their lives, the bad servants who are addicted to sinning.” “What I like above all, he said, is to receive a guest in my home, because while the guest only eats what has been destined to him by Allah, I participate in the reward promised to those who give from their wealth.”

Ayaat 30-35 ~ Al-Anbiyah’ (The Prophets)

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

30. Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were joined together as one united piece, then We parted them? And We have made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe[1]?

31. And We have placed on the earth firm mountains, lest it should shake with them, and We placed therein broad highways for them to pass through, that they may be guided.

32. And We have made the heaven a roof, safe and well guarded. Yet they turn away from its signs.

33. And He it is Who has created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon, each in an orbit floating.

34. And We granted not to any human being immortality before you, then if you die, would they live forever?

35. Everyone is going to taste death, and We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good, and to Us you will be returned.

Sura 21. Al-Anbiyah’ (The Prophets)

[1] This verse contains truths about the formation of planets and the earth, which have been confirmed by recent scientific discoveries.

Hadith ~ The Dwellers of Jannah

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

Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (MABH) said: The Prophet (SAWS) said, “The dwellers of Jannah will look at those in the upper abodes above them as you look at a shining star which remains in the eastern or western horizon; such will be the difference in superiority which some of them have over others.’ The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) was asked: “Will those be the dwellings of the Prophets which no one else will be able to reach?’ The Prophet (SAWS) replied, “Yes, but by Him in Whose Hand my soul is! men who believed in Allah and acknowledged the truthfulness of the Messengers will reach them.’ (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Anas (MABH) said: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “In Jannah there is a market to which the people will come every Friday. The northern wind will blow and shower fragrance on their faces and clothes and, consequently, it will enhance their beauty and loveliness.They will then return to their wives who will also have increased in their beauty and loveliness, and their families will say to them: ‘We swear by Allah that you have been increased in beauty and loveliness since leaving us.’ Thereupon they will reply: ‘We swear by Allah that you have also been increased in beauty and loveliness since we left you.’ (Muslim).

Commentary: In Jannah, people will have different grades according to the strength of their Belief (Imane and good deeds) and love of Allah. Some people will be on a position near that of the Prophets. May Allah grant us such lofty places. Amin.

Bazaar refers to a place of gathering, where everything will be available, free of cost. Similarly, Jumu’ah means that people will gather there for a time period equal to that of Jumu’ah, as there will be no sun, nor night and day. Another speciality of Jannah is that the beauty and charm of men and women will go on increasing and so the love and affection between husbands and wives will also keep on progressing and increasing. It will be just the opposite of what happens here in this world.

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 372, Page 549, No 1887
Hadith 2: Chapter 372, Page 550, No 1889

Ayaat 27-29 ~ Al-A’raf (The Heights)

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

27. O Children of Adam! Let not Shaitân (Satan) deceive you, as he got your parents [Adam and Hawwa (Eve)] out of Paradise, stripping them of their raiments, to show them their private parts. Verily, he and Qabîluhu (his soldiers from the jinns or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them. Verily, We made the Shayâtin (devils) Auliyâ’ (protectors and helpers) for those who believe not.

28. And when they commit a Fâhisha[1], they say: “We found our fathers doing it, and Allâh has commanded us of it.” Say: “Nay, Allâh never commands of Fâhisha. Do you say of Allâh what you know not?

29. Say: My Lord has commanded justice and (said) that you should face Him only[2] in each and every place of worship, in prayers[3], and invoke Him only making your religion sincere to Him by not joining in worship any partner to Him and with the intention that you are doing your deeds for Allâh’s sake only. As He brought you (into being) in the beginning, so shall you be brought into being (on the Day of Resurrection) [in two groups, one as a blessed one (believers), and the other as a wretched one (disbelievers)].

Sura 7. Al-A’raf (The Heights)

[1]: Fâhisha: evil deed, going round the Ka’bah in naked state, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.
[2]: you should face Him only: i.e. worship none but Allâh and face the Qiblah, i.e. the Ka’bah at Makkah during prayers
[3]: in prayers: and not to face other false deities and idols

Commentary ~ If he prefers his passions

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

Omar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Beware of gluttony, it harms the body, brings disease and blocks the accomplishment of prayers. Look for moderation which is beneficial to the body, away from any excess because Allah the Exalted does not like the portly glutton. Man destroys himself if he prefers his passions over his Iman (faith). (Abu Naim)

The Compagnons of the Prophet (SAWS) (Hayat-Assahaba)
By Mouhammad Youssef Al-Kandahlawi – Volume II

Hadith ~ Grant him a period of grace

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

Narrated Abu-Horaira (may Allah be pleased with him): ‘The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “There was a merchant who used to lend the people, and whenever his debtor was under straitened circumstances, he would say to his employees: Grant him a period of grace so that Allah will forgive us.’ So, Allah forgave him.” (Bukhari)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapter 221, Page 868, Number 749

Hadith ~ Which charity is the most superior in reward

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

Narrated Abu-Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): ‘A man came to the Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) and asked: “O Allah’s Messenger which charity is the most superior in reward?” He replied: “The charity that you give while you are healthy, niggardly and afraid of poverty and wishing to become wealthy. Do not delay it to the time of approaching death and then say: ‘Give so much to so and so, and so much to so and so.’ (And it already belongs to such and such (his heirs)).”‘ (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 12, Page 205, Number

Ayaat 94-97 ~ An-Nahl (The Bees)

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

94. And make not your oaths, a means of deception among yourselves, lest a foot may slip after being firmly planted, and you may have to taste the evil (punishment in this world) of having hindered (men) from the Path of Allâh (i.e. Belief in the Oneness of Allâh and His Messenger, Muhammad ), and yours will be a great torment (i.e. the Fire of Hell in the Hereafter).

95. And purchase not a small gain at the cost of Allâh’s Covenant. Verily! What is with Allâh is better for you if you did but know.

96. Whatever is with you, will be exhausted, and whatever with Allâh (of good deeds) will remain. And those who are patient, We will certainly pay them a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do.

97. Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islâmic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter).

Sura 16. An-Nahl (The Bees)

Commentary ~ Begin with Yourself

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

A man went to Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) and said, “O Ibn Abbas, I want to enjoin people to do good and forbid them from doing evil.” Ibn Abbas said, “And have you reached that level?” He said, “I hope that is so.” He said, “If you do not fear to be exposed by three Verses of Allah’s Book, then do so.” The man asked, “And what are they?” He mentioned this Verse:

“Enjoin you Al-Birr (piety and righteousness and each and every act of obedience to Allâh) on the people and you forget (to practise it) yourselves…” (Quran 2:44)

And then asked, “Have you applied the implications of this Verse?” He said, “No.” Ibn Abbas then mentioned the second Verse:

“O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? Most hateful it is with Allâh that you say that which you do not do.” (Quran 61:2-3)

After that he asked, “Have you applied the implications of this Verse?” He said, “No.” He then mentioned the third Verse regarding Shuaib (Peace be upon him):

“…I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you…” (Quran 11:88)

And then he asked, “Have you applied the implications of this Verse?” He said, “No.” Ibn Abbas said, “Then begin with yourself.”

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 205

Commentary ~ Allah will never put the secret of success

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

Somebody asked a scholar once about how their parents were encouraging them to buy a house on interest otherwise they’d be poor.

So the scholar answered:

“Allah will never put the secret of success in something that Allah forbade or has made haram.”

So if anybody ever tells you that you’ll only become wealthy if you deal in interest (riba), then they have lied to you. They have lied to you out of ignorance or for whatever reason because Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala will never put success in something that Allah has made haram. If you do see some people being successful with it, they’re being set up and you’re being set up. Their success will be in the short-term with failure, sadness and loss in the long-term. It’s a test from Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala.

This applies to everything in life, money, relationships, health etc…

“Allah will never put the secret of success in something that Allah forbade or has made haram.”

Ayaat 155-157 ~ Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

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

155. And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.).

156. Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Truly! To Allâh we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.”

157. They are those on whom are the Salawât [1] from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones.

Sura 2. Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

[1]: Salawât: i.e. blessings, etc. i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven

Commentary ~ The Divine Decree related to the Believer is always a bounty

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

The divine decree related to the believer is always a bounty, even if it is in the form of withholding (something that is desired), and it is a blessing, even if it appears to be a trial, and an affliction that has befallen him is in reality a cure, even though it appears to be a disease!

Unfortunately, due to the ignorance of the worshipper, and his transgressions, he does not consider anything to be a gift or a blessing or a cure unless he can enjoy it immediately, and it is in accordance with his nature. If he were only given a little bit of understanding, then he would have counted being withheld from as a blessing, and the sickness as a mercy, and he would relish the trouble that befalls him more than he relishes his ease, and he would enjoy poverty more than he enjoys richness, and he would be more thankful when he is blessed with little than when he is blessed with a lot.

Imam ibn al Qayyim rahimahullah
Madarij al-Salikin 2/215-216

Hadith ~ Be Prompt in Doing Good Deeds

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

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said, “Be prompt in doing good deeds (before you are overtaken) by turbulence which would be like a part of the dark night. A man would be a believer in the morning and turn to disbelief in the evening, or he would be a believer in the evening and turn disbeliever in the morning, and would sell his Faith for worldly goods.” (Muslim)

Commentary: This Hadith tells that the Day of Resurrection will be preceded by a long chain of calamities. Because of the rush of these calamities, religion and Faith will loose their value in people.There will be a race for wealth, so much so that people would not hesitate to compromise their religion and Faith to acquire wealth. People will rapidly change their faces. This is what actually happening. In this situation true believers are exhorted to adhere strictly to Faith and perform noble deeds without delay.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 10, Page 34, No 87

Ayaat 12-15 ~ Al-Hadid (Iron)

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

12. On the Day you shall see the believing men and the believing women their light running forward before them and by their right hands. Glad tidings for you this Day! Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever! Truly, this is the great success!

13. On the Day when the hypocrites men and women will say to the believers: “Wait for us! Let us get something from your light!” It will be said: “Go back to your rear! Then seek a light!” So a wall will be put up between them, with a gate therein. Inside it will be mercy, and outside it will be torment.”

14. (The hypocrites) will call the believers: “Were we not with you?” The believers will reply: “Yes! But you led yourselves into temptations, you looked forward for our destruction; you doubted (in Faith); and you were deceived by false desires, till the Command of Allâh came to pass. And the chief deceiver (Satan) deceived you in respect of Allâh.”

15. So this Day no ransom shall be taken from you (hypocrites), nor of those who disbelieved, (in the Oneness of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism). Your abode is the Fire, that is the proper place for you, and worst indeed is that destination.

Sura 57. Al-Hadid (Iron)

Hadith ~ Hanzalah has become a hypocrite

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

Hanzalah Al-Usayyidi (MAPH) who was one of the scribes of Messenger of Allah (SAWS), reported: I met Abu Bakr (MAPH) he said: “How are you O Hanzalah?” I said, “Hanzalah has become a hypocrite”. He said, “Far removed is Allah from every imperfection, what are you saying?” I said, “When we are in the company of Messenger of Allah (SAWS) and he reminds us of Hell-fire and Jannah, we feel as if we are seeing them with our very eyes, and when we are away from Messenger of Allah (SAWS), we attend to our wives, our children, our business, most of these things (pertaining to life hereafter) slip out of our minds.” Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “By Allah, I also experience the same thing”. So Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) and I went to Messenger of Allah (SAWS) and I said to him, “O Messenger of Allah (SAWS), Hanzalah has turned hypocrite.” Thereupon Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “What has happened to you?” I said, “O Messenger of Allah, when we are in your company, and are reminded of Hell-fire and Jannah, we feel as if we are seeing them with our own eyes, but when we go away from you and attend to our wives, children and business, much of these things go out of our minds.” Thereupon Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “By Him in Whose Hand is my life if your state of mind remains the same as it is in my presence and you are always busy in remembrance (of Allah), the angels will shake hands with you in your beds and in your roads; but Hanzalah, time should be devoted (to the worldly affairs) and time should be devoted (to prayer)”. He (the Prophet (SAWS)) said this thrice. (Muslim).

Another translation of this hadith is similar but finishes like this: But Hanzala! One hour for the Hereafter, and one hour for the things of this world (and he (the Prophet (SAWS))) repeated this three times.

Commentary: This Hadith also tells us about the continence and piety of the Companions of the Prophet (SAWS) with reference to the natural instinct of man to think differently in different situations. This condition has nothing to do with Nifaq (hypocrisy). Islam is the Deen of Fitrah (pure nature) and takes the middle course in everything, and combines the benefits of this world and those of the Hereafter. It also satisfies the needs of the body as well as that of the soul.

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

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 14, Page 54, No 151

Commentary ~ The wealth of the rich

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

Imam Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

“Allah, Glory and Purity to Him, imposed on the goods of the rich enough to feed the poor. A poor man only feels hunger because of an enjoyment of a rich person and Allah, the Exalted, will account them for it.”

Hadith ~ The Hadith of Jibreel (Gabriel) (alaihis salaam)

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

‘Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with them) said: Once we were sitting in the company of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) when there appeared a man dressed in very white clothes and having extraordinary black hair. No signs of fatigue of journey appeared on him and he was known to none of us. He sat down facing the Prophet (SAWS) leaning his knees against the knees of the Prophet (SAWS) and placing both of his palms over his two thighs and said, “O Muhammad (SAWS)! Tell me about Islam”. He (SAWS) replied, “Islam is to testify that none has the right to be worshiped but Allah, and that Muhammad (SAWS) is the Messenger of Allah; that you observe Salat (prayers), pay Zakat, observe Saum (fasting) of Ramadan and perform Hajj (pilgrimage) of the House, provided you have resources of making journey to it.” He replied: “You have spoken the truth”. We were surprised to see that he had asked him and confirmed the correctness of the answers. He then inquired: “Tell me about Iman (faith)”. He (SAWS) said. “It is to believe in Allah, and His Books, and His Messengers and the Last Day and that you believe in fore-ordainment, its bad and good consequences.” He said, “You have spoken the truth.” He then inquired: “Tell me about Ihsan.” He (SAWS) said, “It is to worship Allah as if you are seeing Him; and although you do not see Him, He sees you”. He inquired: “Inform me about the Hour (i.e., the Day of Resurrection)”. He (SAWS) replied, “I have no more knowledge thereof than you”. He said, “Inform me about some of its signs”. He (SAWS) said, “They are -that a bonds-woman gives birth to her own master, and that you will find the barefooted, naked, poor shepherds competing one another in the construction of higher buildings”. Then he departed. The Messenger of Allah kept silent for a while then he said to me, “O ‘Umar! Do you know who the questioner was?” I replied, “Allah and His Messenger know better”. The Prophet (SAWS) said, “He was Jibreel (the Angel Gabriel); he came to you to teach you your religion”. (Muslim).

Commentary: This Hadith is known as ‘Hadith Jibril’. It mentions the basics of Islam the details of which are known to every Muslim. Al-Qadr (Divine foreordainment) means that Allah already knows and had recorded everything that will happen until the Day of Resurrection. Now whatever happens is in accordance with that knowledge and writing. What is meant by its good and bad consequences can be illustrated by saying that tranquillity, prosperity and abundance of crops come in the category of good consequences. Famine, calamities and troubles, etc., fall in the list as evil consequences. But we regard them good or bad according to our own understanding; otherwise, every action of Allah has some wisdom and expedience which are known to Him Alone.

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

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 5, Page 25, No 60

Ayaat 116-120 ~ Al-Ma’idah (The Table Spread with Food)

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

116. And (remember) when Allâh will say (on the Day of Resurrection): “O ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)! Did you say unto men: ‘Worship me and my mother as two gods besides Allâh?’ ” He will say: “Glory be to You! It was not for me to say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would surely have known it. You know what is in my inner­self though I do not know what is in Yours, truly, You, only You, are the All­Knower of all that is hidden and unseen.

117. “Never did I say to them aught except what You (Allâh) did command me to say: ‘Worship Allâh, my Lord and your Lord.’ And I was a witness over them while I dwelt amongst them, but when You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a Witness to all things. (This is a great admonition and warning to the Christians of the whole world).

118. “If You punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily You, only You are the All­Mighty, the All­Wise .”

119. Allâh will say: “This is a Day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise) – they shall abide therein forever. Allâh is pleased with them and they with Him. That is the great success (Paradise).

120. To Allâh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is therein, and He is Able to do all things.

Sura 5. Al-Ma’idah (The Table Spread with Food)

Commentary ~ Three Regrets

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

Hasan Basri (one of the Tabi’en) said: “Woe to him, of the sons of Adam who puts his complacency in this world, where we must account for the use of legitimate things and where there is a punishment for the forbidden things! Whenever dies a son of Adam, he will leave with three regrets:

  1. Never having been sated in accumulating the goods of this world;
  2. Never having found satisfaction for the desires that were in his heart;
  3. Not having properly prepared the provisions for the other world.”

Someone said: “Such a person is dying”. Hasan Basri would exclaim: “But it has now been seventy years that he has been dying; today he will be delivered from this effort.”

Hadith ~ When will the Last Day be?

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

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Once the Prophet (SAWS) was speaking to us when, a bedouin came and asked him: “When will the Last Day be?” The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) continued his talk. Some of those present thought that he had heard him but disliked the interruption and the other said that he had not heard him. When the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) concluded his speech he asked, “Where is the one who inquired about the Last Day?” The man replied: “Here I am.” The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) replied, “When the practice of honouring a trust is lost, expect the Last Day.” He asked: “How could it be lost?” He replied, “When the government is entrusted to the undeserving people, then wait for the Last Day.” (Al-Bukhari)

Commentary: Here a very important sign of the nearness of the Day of Judgement has been mentioned: The affairs of the world will be in the hands of wicked and undeserving people. The sinners and wicked people will become the leaders of the world. The preaching pulpits would also be occupied by people who would be greedy and ignorant.They will be devoid of piety and abstinence.

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

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 370, Page 532, No 1837

Ayaat 44-48 ~ Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

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

44. Enjoin you Al-Birr (piety and righteousness and each and every act of obedience to Allah) on the people and you forget (to practise it) yourselves, while you recite the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah)]! Have you then no sense?

45. And seek help in patience and As-Salât (the prayer) and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khâshi’un [i.e. the true believers in Allah – those who obey Allah with full submission, fear much from His Punishment, and believe in His Promise (Paradise, etc.) and in His Warnings (Hell, etc.)].

46. (They are those) who are certain that they are going to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are going to return.

47. O Children of Israel! Remember My Favour which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred you to the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns) (of your time period, in the past).

48. And fear a Day (of Judgement) when a person shall not avail another, nor will intercession be accepted from him nor will compensation be taken from him nor will they be helped.

Sura 2. Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

Commentary ~ When your supplications take too long to be answered

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

There will be Duas you make that won’t manifest when you want them to…

That doesn’t mean it’s an unanswered Dua…

There are 2 critical points I’d like you to understand…

The first is… Allah answers ALL Duas. It comes in one of 3 ways:

1. Yes.
2. Yes, but not yet.
3. Yes, I have something better for you.

The second critical point is this…

When the answer is “Yes, but not yet”, here’s why…

If you wanted to strengthen your upper body for weight lifting, a trainer would start with your lower body.

To get your upper body ready, you need to be stable, to plant your feet in the ground.

Likewise, for you to be ready for some duas, Allah wants you ready for it…

Put another way, a seed can’t produce fruit right away. It has to first grow roots, strength its trunk, grow its branches and then finally the fruits.

Commentary ~ A Gentle Admonition

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

A man went to the caliph, Mamun, in order to advise and admonish him; however, he was very severe in his speech, so much so that the ruler was visibly affected by his words. When the man left the company of the caliph, he regretted his words and feared punishment from him. When he returned to his home, he found out that the caliph wanted to meet him, and so he returned to him in a state of fear and agitation. Mamun said, “Indeed, Allah has ordered he who is better than you to be gentle in speech with he who is more evil than me.” Allah (the Exalted) said to Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) when he sent him to Firaun:

“And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear Allah.” (Koran 20.44)

The man apologized for what he said, and he learned gentleness in speech from Mamun.

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 146

Hadith ~ Prick of a thorn

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

Narrated Abdullah ibn Masoud (may Allah be pleased with him): ‘I visited Allah’s Messenger (SAWS) while he was suffering from a high fever. I said: “O Allah’s Messenger (SAWS)! You have a high fever”. He said: “Yes. I have as much fever as two men of you.” I said: “Is it because you will have a double reward?” He said: “Yes. It is so. No Muslim is afflicted with any harm, even if it were the prick of a thorn, but that Allah expiates his sins because of it, as a tree sheds its leaves.”‘ (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 140, Page 639, Number 469

Ayaat 132-136 ~ Al-Imran (The Family of Imran)

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

132. And obey Allâh and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy.

133. And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al-Muttaqûn (the pious – see V.2:2).

134. Those who spend [in Allâh’s Cause – deeds of charity, alms, etc.] in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allâh loves Al-Muhsinûn (the good­doers).

135. And those who, when they have committed Fahishah (illegal sexual intercourse etc.) or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allâh and ask forgiveness for their sins; – and none can forgive sins but Allâh – And do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know.

136. For such, the reward is Forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath (Paradise), wherein they shall abide forever. How excellent is this reward for the doers (who do righteous deeds according to Allâh’s Orders).

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

Hadith ~ A Sheer Hypocrite

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

Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-As (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “Four are the qualities which, when found in a person, make him a sheer hypocrite, and one who possesses one of them, possesses one characteristic of hypocrisy until he abandons it. These are: When he is entrusted with something, he betrays trust; when he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he acts treacherously; and when he argues, he behaves in a very imprudent, insulting manner.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 86, Page 220, No 690