I Have Divided...

Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah rahimahullaah

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1. The Hadeeth Qudsee [Reported by Muslim, Maalik, at-Tirmidhee, Abu Daawood, an-Nasaaee and Ibn Maajah]: I have divided the prayer between Myself and My servant


Abu Hurairah (ra) said: I have heard the Messenger Muhammad (saw) say:

"Allah (the Mighty and Sublime) has said: I have divided prayer between Myself and My servant into two halves, and My servant shall have what he has asked for. When the servant says:


All praise belongs to Allaah the Rabb of all the Worlds.
Allah (mighty and sublime be He) says: My servant has praised Me.


And when he says:
The Most Gracious the Most Merciful
Allah (mighty and sublime be He) says: My servant has extolled Me, and when he says:


Master of the Day of Judgement
Allaah says: My servant has glorified Me -and on one occasion He said: My servant has submitted to My power.


And when he says:
You alone do we worship and from You alone do we seek help
He says: This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall have what he has asked for.


And when he says:
Guide us to the Straight Path, the Path of those whom you have favoured, not of those upon whom is your anger, nor of those who are astray
He says: This is for My servant, and My servant shall have what he has asked for




And when he says: All praise is due to Allaah the Rabb of all the Worlds, he pauses for a short while waiting for the response of his Lord: "My servant has praised Me." Then when he says: The Most Gracious the Most Merciful, he waits for the response: "My servant has extolled Me" and when he says: Master of the Day of Judgement, he waits for the response: "My servant has glorified Me."


It is the delight of his heart, the pleasure of his eye and the joy of his soul that his Lord says about him: "My servant" three times. By Allaah! If the fumes of desire and the darkness of the souls were not upon the hearts, they would have flown out of happiness and joy that their Lord, Maker and Deity says: "My servant has praised Me, My servant has extolled Me and My servant has glorified Me."


Then there would have been space in his heart to witness (the reality) of these three names which are the basis of all the Beautiful Names and these are: Allaah, ar-Rabb and ar-Rahmaan...


...When he says: Master of the Day of Judgement, he witnesses the glory which be fits none but the King, the Truth, the Manifest. So he witnesses a very powerful and compelling King, to Whom the whole creation has yielded, to Whom the faces are humbled, to Whom the creation humbles itself, and to Whom every possessor of power and honour submits to. He witnesses with his heart a King (Who is) upon the Throne of the Heaven...


...And when he says: You alone do we worship and from You alone do we seek help, in which lies the secret of the creation and the affair, of the world and the hereafter, and which contains the loftiest of goals and the most excellent of means (of approach to Allaah). The loftiest of goals is enslavement to Allaah and the most excellent of means is His help and assistance.
There is no deity deserving of worship in truth except He and there is no helper in His worship besides Him. Therefore, His worship is the greatest of goals and His aid is loftiest of means...


...And these words contain the two types of Tawheed and they are Tawheed ur-Ruboobiyyah and Tawheed ul-Uloohiyyah. Devotion and Enslavement to Allaah is comprised in the names ar-Rabb and Allaah, so he is worshipped on account of His Uloohiyyah, help is sought from Him on account of His Ruboobiyyah and He guides to the Straight Path on account of His Mercy.

The first part of the surah therefore, mentions His names Allaah, ar-Rabb and ar-Rahmaan for the purpose of the one who seeks His worship, help and guidance. He is alone in being able to bestow all of that. There is no one who can aid others in His worship besides Allaah and none can guide (to the Straight Path) except Him.


Then the caller realises with the speech of Allaah: Guide us to the Straight Path, his extreme need for this (guidance). He is never in need of any other thing as much as he is for this guidance. He is need of it in every moment and at every glance of the eye...

...Then Allaah makes it clear that the people of this Guidance are those who have been specified with His favour, not of those upon whom is His anger, and they are the ones who know the Truth but do not follow it and not of those who are astray, and they are those who worship Allaah without knowledge.
Both of these groups share with each other in speaking about His creation, His command and His Names and Attributes without knowledge. The path of those upon whom is His favour and blessing is different from the people of falsehood with respect to knowledge and action.


When he finishes from this praise, supplication and tawheed he has been ordered to end it with "aameen", which is a seal to (to his supplication) and to which the aameen of the angels in sky coincides with. This aameen is from the beautification of the prayer, just like the raising of the hands is a beautification of the prayer, a following of the sunnah, veneration of the command of Allaah, worship by the hands and a sign of the movement from one pillar (of the prayer) to another.
[Taken from [As-Salaat wa Hukmu Taarikihaa], p. 171-172]

The Islamic Revival

The Islamic Revival

By Sheikh Omar Bakri Muhammad

In the Name of Allaah [swt] the Most Gracious The Most Merciful
All Praise is due to Allaah

Allaah [swt] says:
‘Verily the right of legislation is for none but Allaah’
[EMQ – Yusuf - 12:40]

He is the One who orders us to submit to Him [swt] to obey and follow none but Him [swt].
This is really what is called the intellectual leadership to be, all supremacy and sovereignty to belong to Allaah [swt].

And that is no way to be fulfilled unless those who say: ‘La Illaha Illallah Muhammadur Rasoolullaah’ understand the meaning of the kalimah, understand the meaning of the Tawheed, understand the meaning That there None worthy to be worshipped, obeyed to be followed but Allaah [swt].

And there is no example to reach that level of obeying and following and worshipping except by following the Messenger Muhammad [saw], and that is the meaning of the kalimah this is the intellectual leadership,

And this is what every Muslim should target, is to be the highest word, the highest decision and the sovereignty and supremacy belongs to None but Allaah [swt] in all spheres of life, in the society and in the whole world.
‘It is Allaah who sent the MM [saw] with the guidance and Haqq, for it to prevail over the whole world, even if the disbelievers, Mushrikeen hate it’
[EMQ – At Tawbah - 9: 33]

even if the united nation dislikes it, even if all the governments of the world dislikes it, Islam will prevail and Islam will Insha’Allaah take over but it needs for those Muslims to believe in that intellectual leadership, need those Muslims who believe that the purpose Allaah has created them to obey and to follow and to submit and worship

‘I [Allaah] have only created man and jinn but to worship Me [Allaah]’
[EMQ – Ad Dhariyaat - 51: 56]
Allaah [swt] has declared that He only created the man and jinn but only to submit to Him ‘Illah li u Wahhidoon’

In order to obey and to submit in all of their actions and transactions.
In all of their verbal and physical transactions, that is why Allaah [swt] has promised that He will account us all and Allaah He keeps His promise and warning us that all our actions will be subject to be accounted.

‘By your Lord (oh Muhammad) We are going to account them, for all what they used to do’
[EMQ – Al Hijr - 15: 92-93]


So every action that you do, every saying you say, you will be accountable for it, if it on the Qur’an and on the Sunnah then you will be rewarded, and if it is against the Qur’an and Sunnah, based on your hawah and desires you will be punished for it.

‘Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good, see it! And anyone who has done an atom's weight of evil, shall see it.’
[EMQ – Al Zalzalah – 99: 7-8]

Whoever does any small atoms of actions if its good then he will be rewarded, good meaning based on the Qur’an and Sunnah, based on the Qur’an and Sunnah according to the understanding of the sahabah, the Salaf of this ummah, with complete sincerity for Allaah and any action not based on the teaching of the Messenger Muhammad [saw] mean on the teaching of the prophet, the wahi [divine revelation] of the Qur’an and Sunnah is a sin and is not valid.
That is why the hadith stated clearly:
‘Any Actions not based on our guidance it is not valid’

So your verbal actions, your sayings or your talking or your physical actions any physical actions must be based on the revelation, the wahi [Qur’an and Sunnah]
in order that Islam as an intellectual leadership to be prevailed and that is the way for revival.

People progress NOT by the money they have, people progress not by the science and technology they have, people and the man he does not progress by the colour himself he was created with, man will progress not by the look he has, man will never progress by the position or the race he has, man will progress by how much he is subservient to Almighty Allaah [swt].

Allaah [swt] makes it clear that He created us from different backgrounds, different nations, for what?
‘The most honourable person from amongst you in the sight of Allaah is the one who has taqwa…’
[EMQ - Hujurat - 49:13]
The one who fears Allaah [swt].

‘We made you tribes and different communities to bond together with ‘La illaha illallah’ and the one who is closer to Allaah is the one who has taqwa and fear.

Not the one who is closer to the kuffar or the one who allies with the kuffar or the one who commits what negates the kalimatu ‘La illaha illallah’

The way for revival when the Muslims, when he hears the athan – ‘Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar’ he will make sure that o word and no command in society will be higher than the command of Allaah [swt].

Nowadays you hear the athan in Muslim countries, you hear the athan he himself may sing it ‘Allaahu Akbar’ but you look in reality - you find the rulers and the Tawagheet and those corrupted regimes in the east and in the west and in the earth their own words is the highest in reality.

That will make you have this sourness that will make you feel like a hypocrite if you do not engage and establish Allaah’s deen, if you do not engage in order to participate in the process of revival – to make Allaah’s deen the highest. Because the MM [saw] said:
‘Islam is Superior and can never be superseded by anything else’
This is where the Muslims are on the right track – the way for revival.

I can see it, there is a lot of awareness around, but the way for revival my Muslim brothers is when the Kalaimatu Tawheed has impact in our lives, in our actions, in our transactions, in our society, in the whole world when the kaafir he understands that the Muslims have been elevated because of ‘La illaha illallah’

And he comes down because he did not believe in ‘La Illaha illallah’ there is no way to make them equal – Muslims and non-Muslims, this is Aqeedah of Al Walaa Wal Baraa, this is the Aqeedah of Tawheed, this is why the way for revival is when the Muslims are working to establish Allaah’s deen, are working to make the Shari’ah prevail, are working to establish the Khilafah are working to make Allaah’s deen prevail ‘Alla’d-Deeni Kulli’
This is where the way for revival will on the right tracks.

I pray to Allaah [swt] that all the da’ees, all the students of the shari’ah even all those even the numbers who are supporting the cause, they will be all Insha’Allaah, their intention to be sincerely for the sake of Allaah, and may Allaah grant us victory and may Allaah [swt] make His deen prevail, may Allaah be witness that we did not suffer and we will never ever give up suffering for His sake, we did not suffer because of our sake, rather for His sake [swt].

And we will continue to take all the suffering even if they want to remove our heads from on top of our shoulders, we will never ever compromise our stand That is the Aqeedah of ‘La illaha illallah’ and that is the meaning of the muwahhid in the battle field he is a lion fighting and even in the dawah field he is a lion, shouting ‘La illaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasoolullaah’ in the face of the kaafir, in the face of the man who wants to put him behind the bars and does not want us to see the light and let us live in the dark and be secluded completely, we will never ever compromise.

It is a matter of time my dear Muslim brothers only, we will be standing in front of Allaah [swt] on the Day Of Judgement to be accounted for al that we did in this life.
Therefore, invest it to please Allaah [swt] and remember, remember one day you are going to face the truth after you go through the process of entering the grave and questioning in your grave and after that will be the pressing in your grave and after that will either be the punishment or the pleasant moment of your graves, and you are going to be resurrected and then on the Day Of Judgement you are going to come and everything is going to be replayed in front of you and all your actions is going to be accounted, remember that day.

And remember at that time when Allaah [swt] says:
‘Each one of you is going to go above the hellfire….’ We are going to see Jahannam, but some of us are going to be carried by angel over Jahannam and go to Jannah, some of us are going to walk over the bridge and the bridge will be really wide and will have light and you are going to see hellfire and go to Jannah to appreciate it and some of us their own bridge on the ard [earth] will become very narrow- some of them will be falling, some of them will fall in hellfire and be punished and then after that Allaah if He wishes He will forgive if they did not commit shirk and they will enter Jannah, in anyway my dear Muslim brother we are going to face what we are doing nowadays in this life and the lucky one who really will be under the ayah:

‘Some faces, that Day, will beam (in brightness and beauty) Looking towards their Lord;’
[EMQ – Al Qiyaama - 75: 22-23]

May Allaah [swt] make us from amongst them, may Allaah [swt] save us from hellfire, grant us victory in this life, make His Deen prevail and make the kuffar all of them either embrace Islam or go to hellfire on the Day Of Judgement as Allaah destined for them.

‘Oh my Lord, I hurry towards you, oh my Lord I am running towards you, oh my Lord be pleased with me and receive me’.
Ameen

Alhamdulillaahi Rabbil Alameen.

THEY ARE HUNTING US DOWN

My dear people, what can I relate to you today?
That the kufaar are succeeding in their very own way?
They are hunting us down, one by one we are gone
Your father, your mother, you sister and now your son

The du'aat have been taken to dark chambers so small
They have chained them away from delivering the call
What has happened to you oh ummah that you do not speak?
Your heart has become dead, For surely you don't weep!

Our history is what makes us so fierce and strong
But the way you are living now is indeed very wrong
Feel some shame and come out as lions as we did before
Spend your days in the deen, and you will be happy for sure

Where has the izzah gone of every man standing free?
When your sisters were taken in, raped by pigs every week?
Your brothers were lashed for speaking only the truth
Whilst you stood in silence supporting the kufaar troops

How sad it is indeed that you won't rise and defend!
The people who have preserved the deen till their end
They are taking us is every minute around the clock
Let go of your iphones and realise this shock!

Where will you hide when Allaah asks you on the day
'How did you defend the Ummah that needed your say?'
Quiet you will be without a valid answer indeed
Your abode will be hell, a place you'll be in need

So rise up oh Muslims and recognise your duty
And you will witness the outcome to be very fruity
Come out as one nation to show the world who we are
That they have no right to lay a finger on our dear ulemah!

When we rise as one, we prove to them we are strong
The kufaar will then realise where our allegiance belongs
They'll be running away, many miles out of fear
The victory of our Ummah will be indeed very near

They'll be running away, many miles out of fear
The victory of our Ummah will be indeed very near

So come out oh brothers and my dear sisters too
Show these people we are stronger, even if we are a few
Let them know that the days of silence have gone
We are coming to defend our people, as a body, as one!


By Anonymous

WE ARE THE UMMAH

We are the Ummah who are young yet strong
Our allegiance is to Allaah. To His deen do we belong,
We have raised huge and small armies against many nations many times
The honour is with the Muslims, not with you smelling swines,

You have captivated, killed and tortured those among us
But you have never been able to decrease our numbers
Your plan is always to break us, to separate us apart
Your plans are all a failure because you can never be smart

Remember that we are an Ummah that has started as a nation small
Yet we had the courage to stand against the societies which stood with power so tall
We are an Ummah who has raised tigers and lions from many lands
Victory has been promised to us, Allaah has indeed blessed our hands.

We have the mala'ika(angels) on our side what more could we ask for?
Our women are giving birth to children who will continue the struggle for sure
You have nothing beside you, not even your own kids
There's only one title for you - coward it is!

Come and stand against us without weaponry or jets
And we'll show u who we are we'll prove we're the best
You cringe from fear when you hear the name Ousama
So you hide away in your palaces, your lives is just a drama.

By Anonymous

DEMANDING THE RELEASE OF SHEIKH OMAR BAKRI MUHAMMAD

EMERGENCY PRESS CONFERENCE: DEMANDING THE RELEASE OF SHEIKH OMAR BAKRI MUHAMMAD


DATE: Monday 15th November 2010
TIME: From 12 noon – 3pm
VENUE: 21 Kensington Palace Gardens, Kensington, London, W8 4QN,

Following the arrest of Sheikh Omar Bakri Muhammad in Lebanon today on false charges and without due procedure the Muslim community in Britain condemn such oppressive tactics which are designed to silence the true voices of Islam and to appease the masters of the Lebanese authorities i.e. the Americans and the British.

Many rumours have surrounded the kidnapping of the noble sheikh today, some accusing him of not wanting to clear his name from the accusations of supporting an insurgency against the Lebanese authorities others to training members of Al Qaeda and giving them financial aid.

Sheikh Omar Bakri Muhammad has been interrogated by the internal security and military authorities over 100 times in the last five years, often as a result of pressure from other governments including and in particular the British and Americans.

The heavy handed tactics employed today including firing bullets at his car, whilst he was with his pregnant wife and young son, demonstrate the cowardice of the Lebanese authorities and their willingness to violate the sanctity of citizens to please their masters.

Sheikh Omar Bakri Muhammad has explained that he has had no official notice of the proceedings of the military court nor was he ever officially summoned to appear before a judge, nor was he informed of the decision by the judge or the court, rather he discovered indirectly by a lawyer contact that a life sentence had been passed against him and against other innocent Muslims, including some Muslim sisters.

The world is aware about the oppressive nature of the Lebanese government against their own citizens and their cowardice when it comes to the Israelis. These are the tactics of those who are willing to sell out anyone in order to hold on to the reigns of power, even if it means selling out scholars of Islam or shooting at innocent women and children.

We demand the immediate release of our noble sheikh and all Muslims held illegally in Lebanese prisons. The Muslim community in this country, in Lebanon and the rest of the world will continue to raise our voice in support of those unjustly taken hostage wherever they are and we will call upon Muslims to rise up against such tyrant regimes in order to release all Muslim captives and to implement the justice of the Shari’ah.



For more information contact:
Mr Anjem Choudary
Judge of The Shari’ah Court of The UK
Chairman of The Society of Muslim Lawyers
Former UK Head of Al-Muhajiroun
Call 07956 600 569

The Prince I Await....

'I await my handsom prince to come knocking on my door

Who’ll come with half my deen, kneeling on the floor
My half deen is with he who will fulfill my expectations
Who’s willing to them accept them, without taking them into consideration

My expectations reach out to the flowers red and white
To the rubies, pearls and diamonds brought to me everynight
Red roses of the da’wah, white daises of the Shahadah
His shield wrapped in jewels as he imitates Sheikh Osaamah

My prince would be he who would obey all commands and orders
Accepting raised opinions as he moves along with them forward
A man who has Taqwa, obeying the commands of his Lord
Taking the opinions of the sahaabah, who are better then us all

I expect my darling prince to wash-up all the time
With whom I’ll live with in a palace, which sparkles and shines
Washing his heart from deviant thoughts he once may have had
Our palace would be in jannah, attained without a bad

My beautiful prince, where are you today?
Come with my mahr which no one has seen till this day
My Mahr would weigh more then all the mountains on earth
The deen we are blessed with, at the time of birth

Our honeymoon won’t be cheap, rather expensive to afford
He would work to save up in every way he could
A trip to unseen gardens where green birds will fly
The cost would be life, the honeymoon after we die…'


By Annonymous....

INSOMNIA

Bismillaah
Subhan'Allaah here is a poem that was sent by a sister....
May Allaah [swt] give her ease and sukoon in her heart. Ameen.

Trying to sleep but my eyes open wide
With voices whispering from every side
Battles in my mind and nowhere to hide
a futile resistance against the rising tide

Thought after thought taunting my soul
As this constant barrage takes its toll
Eating away slowly now a gaping hole
My mind going crazy and out of control

I search frantically and fail in despair
For something elusive which was always there
Something tossed away without a care
its prolonged absence I can no longer bear
Peace of mind I no longer possess,
A nightmarish life I must confess
So much hardships and so much stress
A constant companion is pain and distress

Tossing and turning all night long
miserable and sad -everything is wrong
what is life? and where do I belong?
Millions of questions and all answers gone

My heart is riddled with grief and sorrow
And with these thoughts my tears flow
All hope lost my heart sinks low
Without a care what happens tomorrow

Finely balanced on the edge of a knife
I see the stranger who lives my life
an emotionless tyrant causing havoc and strife
A corrupted soul where ignorance is rife

My whole world is hypocrisy and lies
And no more goodness do I recognise
Everything I possess I begin to despise
And this voice inside, I hear its cries

Of a promise made before the days of old
In a meeting with my lord - I am told
That forever in my heart, tawheed I would hold
A promise broken for a miserable price sold

This murmuring voice so long ignored
To delay it further, I can not afford
So this mission of truth, I have taken aboard
With conviction my shield and truth my sword

An uphill struggle an eternal fight
Battle-lines drawn between wrong and right
Returning to my lord, I head for the light
Submerged in Salah is my only respite

Lifting my hands to my lord I pray
'let ignorance go and let faith stay
Through your mercy show me the way
Give me guidance so that I can obey'

With an open heart I read the Quran
I discover my Creator's will and plan
Word of my Lord, a guidance for man
Missing pieces restored now I am one

Content and happy, no more tears to weep
Content and happy, I fall asleep
Peace and happiness with faith running deep
Peace and happiness - forever to keep
 
 "Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah. for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction."

 [EMQ - Ar R'ad - 13:28]

Friendship

As we walk our path of life,
We meet new people everyday.
Most are simply met by chance.
But, special ones are sent our way.

These become special friends
Whose bond we can't explain;
The ones who understand us the most
And shares our joys and pain.

A special friend, who makes me see,
that what a wonderful life we have
no matter the ups and downs,
That our true happiness is to worship Allaah [swt] above.

This Friendship contains understanding,
in the best and righteous way
So, even we are miles.....apart,
To keep us strong we pray.

Their presence enhances us
With a warmth felt in the heart.
Indeed we thank Al-Mighty Allaah [swt]
That this friendship was created from the very start.

This friendship becomes a passageway,
When even the miles disappear.
And so, these special friends, God sends our way,
Remain forever near.


By Annonymous

The Virtues Of Fasting In Summer

 In the name of Allaah, Most Gracious,Most Merciful

By Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali

Ibn Rajab commented on the virtues of fasting in the heat in 'Lata'if al-Ma'arif'
[P. 272-273]:

"...And from the acts of worship whose reward is multiplied during the heat is fasting, and this is because of the thirst that one experiences in the mid-day heat.

This is why Mu'adh bin Jabal expressed regret on his deathbed that he would no longer experience this mid-day thirst, as did other early Muslims.

It was related that Abu Bakr would fast in the summer and not fast in the winter, and 'Umar advised his son 'Abdullah on his deathbed: "Try to obtain the characteristics of faith," and the first one he mentioned was fasting in the intense summer heat.


And al-Qasim bin Muhammad said that 'A'ishah[ra] would fast in the intense heat, and he was asked: "What drove her to do this?" He replied: "She would take advantage of the days before death." And some of the righteous women would choose the hottest days and fast them, saying: "If the price is low, everyone will buy," meaning that she wanted to do those actions that only a few were capable of due to how hard it was to do them, and this is indicative of the high aspirations these women had.

Abu Musa al-Ash'ari[ra] was on a boat, and he heard someone calling out: "O passengers, stand up!" And he said this three times. So, Abu Musa told him: "How can we stand up? Don't you see where we are? How can we stand up?" So, the caller said: "Let me tell you of a rule that Allah made upon Himself: whoever makes himself thirsty for Allaah's sake on a hot day has the right upon Allaah [swt] to have his thirst quenched on the Day of Resurrection." So, Abu Musa would search out the days that were so hot that one would feel he was being cooked, and he would fast those days.



Ka'b said that Allaah [swt]  Said to Musa: "I made it incumbent upon Myself that whoever is thirsty for My sake will have his thirst quenched on the Day of Resurrection," and others said that it's written in the Torah: "Glad tidings for whoever makes himself hungry in anticipation of the Great Day where he will have his hunger satisfied, and glad tidings for whoever makes himself thirsty in anticipation of the Great Day where he will have his thirst quenched."





Al-Hasan said: "A maiden of Paradise will speak to the wali of Allaah [swt] while he is laying with her on the shore of a river of honey in Paradise while she hands him a glass of the sweetest drink, and she will ask him: "Do you know what day Allaah [swt] married me to you? He Saw you on a long summer day while you were thirsty in the mid-day heat, and He called the Angels and Said: "Look at My slave. He has left his wife and pleasure and food and drink for Me out of his desire for what I have for him. Bear witness that I have Forgiven him," and He Forgave you on that day and married you to me.""



And when 'Amir bin 'Abd Qays went from Basrah to Sham, Mu'awiyah would ask him to tell him what he needed. He refused to ask of him, and eventually said: "All I need is for you to return the heat of Basrah to me to make the fasting a bit harder, as it is too easy in your lands."

Al-Hajjaj was on a journey between Makkah and Madinah. He pulled out his dinner and invited a bedouin to eat with him, and the bedouin said: "I have been invited by One who is better than you and I have accepted the invitation." He asked: "And who is this?" The man replied: "Allaah [swt] invited me to fast, and I fasted." al-Hajjaj asked: "On this very hot day?" The man replied: "Yes. I am fasting it in anticipation of a much hotter day." al-Hajjaj said: "So, eat today and fast tomorrow." The man replied: "Only if you can guarantee that I will live until tomorrow." al-Hajjaj said: "This isn't in my hands." The man said: "How can you ask me to do something now when there is something of the future that isn't in your hands?"

Ibn 'Umar [ra] went on a trip once with some companions, and they saw a sheep-herder who they invited to eat with them. He said: "I am fasting," and Ibn 'Umar said: "You are fasting in heat like this, and while you are between all these plants and sheep?" The herder replied: "I'm taking advantage of my remaining days." Ibn 'Umar was impressed by this reply and said: "Can you sell one of your sheep to us? We'll feed you from its meat when you break your fast, and we'll also pay you for it."
The herder said: "It doesn't belong to me. It belongs to my master." Ibn 'Umar said: "What would your master say if you told him that it was eaten by a wolf?" The herder raised his finger to the sky and said: "What about Allaah?" Ibn 'Umar kept repeating this phrase that the herder was saying, and when he got to the city, he went to the herder's owner and bought him and his sheep from him. He then freed the herder and gave him his sheep as a gift.


And Ruh bin Zinba' was traveling between Makkah and Madinah on a very hot day. A herder living on a mountain approached him, and he said to him: "O herder, come eat with me." The herder said: "I'm fasting." Ruh said: "You're fasting in this heat?" The herder replied: "Should I let my days pass by in vain?" So, Ruh said: "You have used your days wisely, O herder, while Ruh bin Zinba' has wasted his."

Ibn 'Umar [ra] used to fast extra days until he would almost faint, and this wouldn't cause him to break his fast. And al-Imam Ahmad would fast until he was about to pass out, and would wipe water over his face. He was asked about fasting very hot days, and he replied:

"There is nothing wrong with wetting a towel to squeeze the water on himself to cool down with." And the Prophet [saw] would pour water over his head while fasting.

Abu ad-Darda' would say:
"Fast the very hot days in anticipation of the Day of Resurrection, and pray two rak'at in the darkness of night in anticipation of the darkness of the grave."

It's reported in the two 'Sahih's that he said:

"You have seen us with the Messenger of Allaah [saw] on some of his journeys on very hot days, and a man would hold his hand against his head due to the intensity of the heat, and none of them would be fasting except the Messenger of Allaah and 'Abdullah bin Rawahah."

And the narration of Muslim states that Abu ad-Darda'[ra] said: "This was during the month of Ramadan."

When those who fast for Allaah [swt] in the heat are patient despite their intense thirst, He set aside a specific gate of the gates of Paradise for them. This is the gate called Rayyan, and whoever enters through it will drink, and whoever drinks after entering it will never be thirsty again. When they enter through it, it will be locked for those after them, and none will enter through it except them..."

AND THAT IS A GREAT DAY OF SUCCESS

May Allaah [swt] make firm and give us the ability to endure the hardship for His [swt]'s sake, And make us of those who enter through the Gate of Rayyaan.

Ameen

Tawheed And Emaan Course

Bismillaah....

All Praise and glory be to Allaah [swt] Lord of the worlds and all that exists.

May the peace and blessings of Allaah [swt] be upon the Messenger Muhammad [saw] his family, his beloved companions [ra] and all those who follow them in truth. Ameen

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)."

 [EMQ - Al -Baqarah (2):183]

Sufyaan Ath-Thawree [rhm] said: "The excellence of knowledge is due only to the fact that it causes a person to fear and obey Allaah, otherwise it is just like anything else."
[Related by ibn Rajab]



Al-Hasan al-Basree [rhm] said: "Whoever learns something in the name of Allaah, seeking that which is with Him, he will win. And whoever learns something for other than Allaah, he will not reach the goal, nor will his acquired knowledge bring him closer to Allaah."
[Related by Ibn ul Jawzee]

Assalamu 'Alaikum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuh

Dear Sisters.

Insha'Allah, this is a brand new course starting for sisters only Alhamdulillaah,

As you can see below is the Flyer for the course and the details which are:

The Course is starting on:

Wednesday 28th July 2010

It will be held in:

Harmony Hall, Truro Road, 

Walthamstow

E17 7BY

Time:

2-4pm Every Wednesday

Please Contact:

07930535070

SISTERS ONLY 

Insha'Allaah we all look forward to meeting you and studying through the blessed month of Ramadhan.

Wa'alaikum Assalam Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuh
xxx

Evidence that Music is Haram

Allaah [swt] said,
"And of mankind he who purchases idle talks to mislead (people) from the Path of Allah without knowledge, and takes it (the Path of Allah) by way of mockery, For such there will be a humiliating torment."
[EMQ - Luqmaan: 31:6].

Al-Wahidi [ra] along with other scholars of Tafsir (explaining the Qur'an), said that "Idle Talk" in this Ayah is singing. The following companions gave this Tafsir: Ibn Abbas, Ibn Masud, Mujahid and Ikrimah [ra] Ibn Masud [ra] said,
"By Allah, whom there is no God except Him, idle talk is singing."

The Messenger Muhammad [saw] said:
"From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments, as lawful. And there will be some people who will stay near the side of a mountain and in the evening their shepherd will come to them with their sheep and ask them for something, but they will say to him, 'Return to us tomorrow.' Allah will destroy them during the night and will let the mountain fall on them, and He will transform the rest of them into monkeys and pigs and they will remain so till the Day of Resurrection."
[Al-Bukhari Volume 7, Book 69, Number 494v].



This Hadith states that musical instruments are Haram, and there is no disagreement among the scholars on this. In his book, Ighathat Al-Lahfan,

Ibn Al-Qayyim [rhm] said,
"When the Messenger Muhammad [saw] said, 'render as lawful,' he meant that it was unlawful, then the people made it lawful."



Abu Hurairah [ra] narrated that the Messenger Muhammad [saw] said:
‘A group of this nation will be transformed into monkeys and swine." They said, "Do not they testify that there is no god except Allaah and that Muhammad is His Messenger?" He said, "Yes. And also they fast pray and perform Hajj " They said, "Then, what is their problem?" He said, "They use musical instruments, drums and female singers. (One day) they will go to sleep after a night of drinking and having fun, In the morning, they will be transformed (by Allah) into monkeys and swine."
[Ighathat Al-Lahfan].

"Their prayer at the House (Kaa'bah) was nothing but Muka'an and Tasdiyah."
[EMQ - Surah Al-Anfaal: 8:35].

Ibn Abbas, Ibn Umar, Atiyyah, Mujahid, Ad-Dhahh'ak, Al Hasan and Qataadah [ra] said that Muka'an means whistling, and that Tasdiyyah means clapping of hands.



What the Scholars say Regarding Music

Imam Ibn Taymiyyah [rhm] said, "Listening to music and sinful fun are among what strengthens the satanic ways the most. This is exactly what the disbeliever's used to do. Allaah [swt] said,


“And their prayer at the House (of Allah) was nothing but Muka’an and Tasdiyah.”[EMQ – Surah Al-Anfaal: 8:35]



Ibn Abbas, Ibn Umar and others [ra] said that Tasdiyyah is clapping of hands, and that Muka'an is whistling.
This was the way of the Mushrikeen and their way of worship. The Prophet [saw] and his companions [ra] worshipped Allaah [swt], according to His order, in their prayer, reading the Qur’an and Dhikr (remembrance of Allaah/ supplication).

It never occurred that the Messenger Muhammad [saw] and his companions [ra] gathered to listen to singing that is accompanied by clapping or using drums.

Imam Ibn Taymiyyah [rhm] also said regarding the person, whose habit is to listen to music,
"His state of emotions becomes less passionate when he hears the Qur’an. On the contrary, when he listens to instruments of the devil (music), he dances a lot. If the prayer is established, he either prays while sitting down or performs it as fast as when the roaster picks seeds. He dislikes listening to the Qur’an and does not find beauty in it while reciting it. He has no taste for the Qur’an and feels no love for it or pleasure when it is read. Rather, he finds pleasure if he listens to Muka’an' or Tasdiyyah. These are satanic pleasures and he is among those whom Allaah mentioned in the Ayah”

“And whosoever turns away from the remembrance of the Most Beneficent (Allah), We appoint for him Satan to be a companion for him.”
[EMQ – Az Zukruf: 43:36]
[Awliyaa' Ar-Rahman]



Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [rhm] said,
"Of the tricks of the enemy of Allah, Satan, that he uses to trap those who do not enjoy much intelligence, knowledge or sincerity in religion, are Mukaa' and Tasdiyyah. These people of ignorance listen to and use musical instruments that are prohibited and which lead the hearts to abandoning the Qur’an. These hearts are indulging in sin and disobedience of Allah. Music, then, is Satan's Qur’an and the barrier between one and Allah.
It is the way to sodomy and adultery. With it, the lover finds what he seeks and dreams of sinful love. Satan has trapped the weak hearts in the love of singing and made it beautiful to them. Satan reveals to his agents' fake proofs that they use as evidence to the beauty of singing. These people accept Satan's revelation and, as a consequence, abandon the Qur’an. When you witness them while listening, you will find them silent in humbleness, sitting idle and their hearts are concentrating and totally enjoying music and singing. Their hearts will feel closer to music, as if they were drunk. They dance and move in a suggestive manner, like faggots and loose women. And why not? They are drunk with the pleasure of listening to music and singing and act accordingly. For other than Allah, and for Satan, there are hearts that are being broken by sin, and fortunes that are being spent for other than Allah's Pleasure. They spend their lives in joyful fun and make a mockery of their religion. Instruments of the devil are sweeter to their ears than the Qur’an. If one of them listens to the Qur’an from beginning to end, it will have little effect or excitement on him. If Satan's Qur’an is being performed and heard, they feel joy in their hearts and one can see it in their eyes. Their feet dance, their hands clap, their breathing intensifies and the rest of their bodies feel joy. O you who are trapped in this sin, you who have sold your share of Allah to Satan, what a losing deal! Why not feels this joy when you listen to the Qur’an? Why not feel pleasure and comfort when the Glorious Qur’an is recited? But, everyone seeks what he feels is suitable for him, and ends up with what is really suitable for him."
[Ighathat Al-Lahfan].

Flying the Flag for England?

Since the beginning of the FIFA World Cup 2006 and continuing... there has been a rise in the number of people flying the English flag in a desperate attempt to regain national pride. The problem is that this has also become very common within the Muslim community.
The call for integration has affected some Muslims to the extent whereby they have gone out of their way to become more acceptable to the Englishman. They too, in order to show their solidarity and moderation, have flown the English flag over their homes and on their cars, most often not knowing the history behind it.



The national flag of England (otherwise known as the St George flag) bears the blood red cross symbolizing the patron Saint of England: St George. This flag was adopted as the uniform for English soldiers during the Crusades against the Muslims of the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth centuries and was the flag held by the Christians when marching into battle against the Muslims. At the Church of St. George in Fordington, England, there is a sculpture of St. George on a horse leading the Crusaders to victory at the Battle of Antioch (June 1098); his flag bearing the cross.


It is important to note that the Christian crusades were launched at the Council of Clermont in France, on November 27, 1095 by Pope Urban II in order to fight against the Muslims and gain authority over them, believing that this was god's work. These bloodthirsty crusaders waged a brutal and savage attack against the Muslims killing anyone in sight be it men, women or children resulting in mass killing and bloodshed.

They un-relentlessly tortured and mutilated Muslims with blood flowing up to their knees in the lands of al-Quds without care, showing their barbarity and hatred for the Muslims. This ‘war of the cross’ was fought under the banner of Christianity with the red-blood cross as their emblem. These crusades did not stop; in fact, up until now we see how the Christians of Europe and their illegitimate children in America have once again allied to fight against the Muslims in order to gain power and authority over us with the aim of destroying our belief and ideology. They too believe that they are doing god's work in the service of Christ, even the likes of Bush claim to have received instruction from god telling him to launch a crusade against the Muslims. Bush being the bloodthirsty crusader at the forefront with the cross held high whilst the others follow on behind.


Today this flag is widely used in England as a symbol of national pride and identity more commonly during sporting competitions like the football World Cup. The sad reality is that many Muslims too have taken up this flag and chosen to display it as a symbol of their support for the English.
They seem to be oblivious to the fact that not only does it represent the blood thirsty Christian crusades waged against the Muslims but also the Christian cross which is a symbol of the incorrect belief that Jesus was crucified on it.


Allah (swt) says in the Qur'aan:
"And because of their saying (in boast), "We killed Messiah 'Eesaa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allah," - but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but the resemblance of 'Eesaa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture."
 [EMQ - An-NIsa: 4:157]


Many Muslims have, as a result of their ignorance, displayed this flag in their houses, shops, cars and even on themselves without knowing the implications of it. The common response from ignorant Muslims is to say, ‘I only support the football team that’s why I’ve got it’, without even taking into consideration the implications of this act. Most often it is these same people who, during the cricket World Cup, will not hesitate to raise the Pakistani or Bengali flag for the same reason.
Yet this is not a valid excuse as is the case if someone was to wear a Jewish skullcap, the Sikh bangle, or any other such religious symbol. In fact, to do such a thing is in itself an act of kufr (disbelief) as this is showing support, acceptance and reverence to their religious symbols.


The fact of the matter is that the English flag is not just a symbol of support for a football team; rather it contains the Christian cross and carries a history of brutality towards the Muslims.


It is reported that Aa'ishah (ra) said: “The Prophet (saw) would not leave anything in his house on which there was a cross but he would alter [deface] it.”
[Saheeh al-Bukhaari]


Furthermore, the Messenger of Allah (saw) said:
“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
[Sunan Abu Dawud]
Imitating the Kuffaar in their deen is an act of kufr and this is what holding up, waving or displaying the Christian cross (i.e. the St George flag) amounts to.


We call upon all Muslims to take heed from this message and to remove any flags they may posses however big or small and to advise others to do the same, be they neighbours, family, relatives or friends.

Indeed the standing in front of All Mighty Allaah, is a great standing! This will be a day of Questioning!!!

::: A Conference in response to The Burqa Ban :::

Assalamu'Alaikum Wa Rahmatulaahi Wa Barakaatuh Dear sisters..,

We all pray that you are all well and in the best of Emaan Insha'Allaah, Ameen.

Uk Muslim Women present a one day Interactive Conference In London,
A conference: In Response To The Burqa Ban.


Insha'Allaah, Sisters have organised this very special conference for all the Muslimah's and the Non-Muslim Women too - to come and find out why the Covering of the Muslimah is soo important in our beautiful religion, and why it is that we cover ourselves

Some say that we are 'oppressed' and some say we are a 'threat' but we say we are liberated, Liberated almost 1400years ago! Allahu Akbar!!
Best of all, It is an Order from Our Lord, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

"Oh Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters, and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful!"
[EMQ - Al-Ahzaab - 33:59]

Stand in solidarity with your sisters , support the womens dawah network - support the event .. support the Burqa.. wear the Burqa
Support the call ... The Burqa .. Your sister ..Your Deen.

Flyer For The Event:

' Burqa or no Burqa ? '

...............................................

On the day There Will Be:

- Free Islamic Literature

- An interactive Islamic Dawah workshops

- Flash Presentation

- Creche facilities for Little ones

ENTRANCE IS FREE

Time:

1- 4pm

Venue:

Grove Road Centre,

Grove Road

Walthamstow

E17 9BU

Come along and find out from Muslimah's about Muslimah's and why we cover.

Please find attached a youtube link and a map (for directions) for this much awaited event taking place very soon..Insha'Allaah!!

For further Information or stall bookings please contact: - 0755-382-2068

Don't be like those who stand in slience in the face of oppression.

London Conferance - Burqa Or No Burqa ?
Link For Video Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/user/EssenceOfTaqwa#p/f/0/ApE4I0HyRbo

Link For Map:


http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&q=map+of+grove+road+walthamstow+e17&rlz=1R2ADSA_enGB381&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Grove+Rd,+London+E17&gl=uk&ei=Wt0bTLfHIsT74AbjiIyqCg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CBoQ8gEwAA




Please Share and forward This!! This is a WOMEN ONLY event Non muslims welcome.

The Prophet's Battles, Armies and Expeditions

By Imâm ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah [rahimahullâh]

From "Zâd al-Ma'âd fî Hadyi Khayri-l 'Ibâd"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All of the Prophet's Ghazwat, Bu'uth and Saraya [1] occurred after the Hijrah, within a span of ten years. There were either twenty-seven Ghazwat, or twenty-five, or twenty-nine. The Prophet[saw] had to fight in nine battles, Badr, 'Uhud, al-Khandaqh, Quraidhah, al-Mustaliqh, Khaybar, al-Fath' (Conquering of Makkah), 'Hunayn and Tâ'if. It was said that the Prophet sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam also fought against Banî an-Nadhîr (a Jewish tribe) and at al-Ghabah and Wadi al-Qura, which was a suburb of Khaybar.

As for the Saraya of the Prophet[saw] and the armies he sent, they numbered close to sixty. There were seven major battles: Badr, 'Uhud, al-Khandaqh, Khaybar, al-Fath', 'Hunayn and Tabuk. [2] Several parts of the Qur'ân mentioned these major Ghazwat. For instance, Sûrah al-Anfâl (chapter 8) was revealed about Ghazwat Badr, while the last part of Sûrah ali-'Imrân (chapter 3) was about Ghazwat 'Uhud, from Allâh's statement,

"And (remember) when you [Muhammad[saw] left your household in the morning to post the believers at their stations for the battle"
[EMQ - Surah Al-Imran - 3:121]
until just before the end of the Sûrah.

The beginning of Sûrah al-Ahzâb (chapter 33) was revealed about the battles of al-Khandaqh, Quraydhah and Khaybar. Sûrah al-'Hashr (59) was revealed about Banî an-Nadhîr, al-Fath' (48) about al-'Hudaibiyyah and the battle of Khaybar. The conquering of Makkah was mentioned indirectly in Sûrah al-Fath' and directly in Sûrah an-Nasr (110).
The Messenger Muhammad[saw] was wounded during the battle of 'Uhud. [3] The angels fought alongside the Messenger[saw] during the battles of Badr [4] and 'Hunayn. They also descended during the battle of al-Khandaqh [5] , where they shook the Mushriks [surrounding Madînah] and defeated them. During that battle, the Prophet[saw] threw a handful of sand at the faces of the Mushriks (Polytheists) and they fled [without a fight]. [6]

The Messenger Muhammad[saw] won decisively in two battles, Badr and 'Hunain. He used al-Manjaniq (mongonel, or catapult) during on battle, at-Tâ'if, and took cover behind a trench during Ghazwat al-Khandaqh, also known as Ghazwat al-Ahzâb. Salmân al-Farsi [ra] suggested that the trench be dug in that battle.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Footnotes

[1] 'Ghazwat', pl. for 'Ghazwah', means battles. The battles that the Prophet[saw] led himself were called, 'Ghazwat', whereas the armies and expeditions he sent while remaining behind are called, 'Bu'uth', pl. for, 'Ba'th', and 'Saraya', pl. for, 'Sariyyah'.

[2] All of which are mentioned in detail later on in, Zâd al-Ma'âd.

[3] Al-Bukhârî (3767) narrated that Sahl bin as-Sa'idi was asked about how the wound of the Prophet sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam was treated, and he replied, "'Alî used to bring water in his shield and Fâtimah (the Prophet's daughter and 'Alî's wife) used to wash the blood off his face. Then straw mat was burnt and the wound was filled with it."

[4] Al-Bukhârî (3694) narrated that 'Abdullâh ibn 'Abbâs[ra]said that the Messenger Muhammad[saw] said on the day of Badr, "Here is Jibrîl, holding the head of his horse and wearing war armours." Allâh sent the angels to strengthen their hearts of the believers and to aid them.

[5] Shaykh 'Irfân said, "Allâh[swt] said in Sûrah al-Ahzâb (33:9), 'O you who believe! Remember Allâh's Favour to you, when there came against you hosts, and We sent against them a wind and forces that you saw not [angels during the battle of Al-Ahzâb (the Confederates, Ghazwat al-Khandaq (in 5 AH)]. And Allâh is Ever All-Seer of what you do.' "

[6] Al-Bukhârî (2716) and Muslim (3277) narrated that The Messenger of Allaah[saw] asked for Allâh's wrath upon the Ahzâb, saying: "O, Allâh, Revealer of the Holy Book, and the One swift at reckoning! O, Allâh, Defeat the confederates. O, Allâh, Defeat them and shake them."

Captivated, Imprisoned and Fettered

Imaam ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah [rahimahullaah]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ibn al-Qayyim rahimahullaah said:

And among its effects is that the disobedient (sinner) is constantly in the shackles of his Shaytaan and the prison of his shahwa (desires) and the chains / fetters of his hawaa (whims). So he is a captive, one who is imprisoned and who is tied up. There is no captive in a worse state than the one who is captivated by his worst enemy and there is no prison which is tighter than the prison of hawa (desire) and there is no bond / fetter more strong than the bond of desire.
How, then, will a heart which is captivated, imprisoned and fettered travel unto Allaah and the Home of the Hereafter. How will a person take a single step forward when the heart is bound and harmful things approach it from every direction. The harmful things approach it to the extent that it is tied up [i.e. imprisoned by its desires and whims..].

The example of the heart is like the example of a bird. Every time is ascends it becomes distant from the harmful things and every time it descends the harmful things hurt it. In a hadeeth there occurs that Shaytaan is like a wolf to people. Just as when a sheep has no protector and is in between many wolves, they are quick in causing damage and injury; likewise the servant who does not have guardianship from Allaah, then his wolf [i.e. his desires, whims etc.] is to him a predatory animal. [Thus] there is no escape for the servant from having protection from Allaah.
Taqwaa is a safeguarding for him and a strong shield between himself and the punishment of this world and the Hereafter.


Every time the sheep is close to its shepherd it is more safe from the wolf and every time it becomes distant from its shepherd it is closer to destruction. So its sanctuary is when it is close to its shepherd because the wolf takes the lonely one from the flock and this is the one which is the furthest one of the flock from the shepherd. The basis of all of this is is that every time the heart is distant from Allaah[swt] the harmful things are quick in approaching it and every time it is close to Allaah[swt] the harmful things become distant from it.

Remoteness from Allaah[swt] has levels/degrees, some of which are more severe than others. Heedlesness distances the servant from Allaah and some acts of disobedience are greater than some acts of heedlessness. Some innovations are greater than some acts of disobedience and some things from hypocrisy and Shirk are greater than all of what has preceded.

Awakening

By Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah rahimahullâh (d. 751H)

From "Madrâjis as-Salikîn"
Printed in Al-Jumu'ah Magazine

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The first of the ranks of the journey of servititude (ubûdiyah) is awakening, which is alarming and stirring up of the heart from the sleep of heedlessness. By Allâh, how priceless is that revitalising alarm! How valuable and indispensable for the journey! Whoever experiences it, by Allâh, he has indeed experienced the breeze of success.
Without experiencing it, every one is lost in heedlessness. His hearing is asleep while his eyes appear awake. It is this blessed alarm that wakes one up and makes him a seeker of Allâh. The seeker now rolls up his sleeves and musters up his courage to set out on the journey to Allâh, station by station.

Perhaps it is this rising up from sleep that is mentioned in the following Qur'ânic verse:

"Say: I exhort you only to one thing, that you rise up for Allâh's sake in twos and singly, then ponder; there is no madness in your fellow citizen (Muhammad); he is only a warner to you before a severe chastisement."
[EMQ - As Saba - 34:46]

The first realisation that illuminates the seeker upon this awakening is the immensity of gifts of Allâh[swt] upon him. The believer's heart glances at the gifts and bounties of Allâh and is overwhelmed by his own sense of inability to even count them, let alone thank Allâh for them all.

The second realisation is the realisation of the inadequacy of his gratitude and worship to Allâh[swt]. These realisations are in fact both the cause and the effect of the first station of awakening. As the believer (alternatively, the seeker, for there is no difference between the two, every believer is indeed a seeker of Allâh – tr.) advances on his journey and as his heart is sharpened by these two realisations, it becomes incumbent upon him to notice more and more the innumerable inner and outer, open and hidden gifts of Allâh and recognise his own shortcoming in thanking the Giver adequately.

These two realisations make the seeker actualise the supplication of the Messenger Muhammad[saw], in which he said: "(O Allâh), I admit Your bounties upon me, and I admit my sin, so forgive me, for no one can forgive but You!" (al-Bukhârî)
At this point, one realises why this supplication is indeed the master of all supplications for forgiveness (as the Prophet has told us). The believer also realises at this point that if Allâh[swt] were to punish all the dwellers of Heavens and the Earth, He would not be in the wrong. If, on the other hand, He were to exonerate and reward them all, his reward and mercy would far exceed their deeds. The believer, therefore, realises that he must be ever mindful of Allâh's bounties and his own shortcomings.

NONE ENTERS IT EXCEPT THE PURE

The seeker inevitable realizes his sins and failings, and feels that he is in serious danger on account of them. He remembers Almighty Allâh's censure for those who forget the verses of Allâh[swt] after they have been reminded of them:

"And who is more wrongful than one who is reminded of the verses of Allâh, yet he evades them, and forgets what is awaiting him."
[EMQ - Al Kahf - 18:57]

Once the seeker is fully cognizant of his offences, he rolls up his sleeves to compensate for what has been lost. He breaks off the shackles of sins with the strength of istighfâr (seeking forgiveness) and penance. He yearns for purification, just like the purification of gold and silver from impurities when they are burnt, so that he may enter the paradise prepared by his Lord for him, for nothing impure can ever enter the Paradise:


"…those whose lives the angels take in a state of purity, saying (to them), "Peace be on you, enter the Garden, because of (the good) which you did (in the world)."
[EMQ - An Nahl - 16:32]

This purification is carried out by four means:
1) Repentance by turning away from sins (tawbah),
2) Actively seeking forgiveness (istighfâr),
3) Good deeds that erase the bad ones,
4) And calamities that efface the sins.
If one is purified by these four means, he becomes of those who is greeted and congratulated y the angles upon death, and assured by them of his abode in the Paradise, and that he shall see grief and fear no more. Without any of these four, one's repentance is not complete and is not likely to be enough to counter balance his sins.


After one's death, when he is in the state of Barzakh (the state between death and the Final Day), his sins may be effaced by the following:
1) Funeral salâh for him performed by the faithful,
2) The trials of the grave (may Allâh protect us from this),
3) What his brothers from the Muslims present to him after his death, of virtuous deeds, like charity, Hajj, fasting, recitation of the Qur'ân and salâh on his behalf.
The jurists agree that the charity and supplications of the living will reach him and benefit him after his death. Majority include Hajj in this list, while the Hanâbilah include all good deeds in this list; the Hanbalî way being the most liberal of all in this matter.


Those who are still not purified by these means, may be purified by the dreadfulness of the Day of Resurrection or by intercession of those whom Allâh[swt] will allow to intercede that Day, and finally and most importantly, by the pardoning of his Most Forgiving Lord.

If one's sins are still remaining, the Fire or the purgatory then purifies him, the extent of this punishment being proportional to one's sins. When one is cleansed of sins and corruption, and all that is left is pure and good, he is now entered into the Paradise, into which one but the pure may enter.


THREE PARTS OF THE REALISATION

The first of the two realisations, the recognition and appreciation of Allâh's endless bounties, is assisted by three things: the light of intellect, Allâh's favors, and consideration of the suffering of less fortunate people.

The light of intellect is the light that caused one's soul to wake up in the first place. One is able to appreciate the bounties of Allâh only as much as the strength of this light allows him. Some may not realise Allâh's bounties except in ordinary things like food, clothing, safety and their standing in the society.

Such people may not have even a piece of this light from Allâh[swt], for the real bounty to consider and appreciate is the bounty of Islâm, of Îmân, of Allâh's message, of the opportunity to remember Him and the honour to obey Him. This faith is the supreme bounty and gift of Allâh, and one cannot see it expect with the illuminated inner eye.

Sensing the rays of Allâh's favors through the clouds of mundane life and darkness of the desiring self is the second part of appreciation. One observes the unfortunate people who are heedless of Allâh, or lost in innovations (ibtida') and forgotten the essence of the Deen of Allâh[swt].
Such disbelievers and innovators are indeed greater in misery and suffering than those who are dying of starvation and disease. Once the seeker realises the misery of the misguided, he realises the immensity of Allâh's mercy upon him to have guided him, for things are known through their opposites.


THE SECOND REALISATION: OUR SHORTCOMINGS

The second of the two realisations associated with the Awakening of a believer is the realisation of one's sins, which again is assisted by three things. Realising the greatness of the Truth, knowing oneself, and certainty in Allâh's admonitions.

Realising His greatness from the core of one's heart is the key to understanding the enormity of defying Allâh, the Most High. If one contemplates in the greatness of Allâh and his own infirmity and weakness before Allâh, and his need for Allâh at every moment of his life, the enormity and wrongness of his sins becomes glaringly obvious.
Knowing the nothingness of one's own self before Allâh[swt], therefore, is an essential step in abandoning sins.

The axis of all success is belief in Allâh's promises and admonitions; and if this belief dwindles or weakens in the heart, so does any hope for success. Allâh has clearly told us that His verses and signs are of benefit only to those who believe in His promises and warning and fear the punishment of the afterlife:

"Indeed, in these there is a sign only for those who feared the Punishment of the Hereafter,"
 [EMQ - Hud - 11:103]

"You are a warner exclusively for those who fear it (the Last Day)."
[EMQ - An Nazi'at - 79:45]


Those deserving of salvation in this world and in the Hereafter are none but those who believe in and fear the admonition of Allâh, Lord Most High.

"And We will establish you (the believers) on the Earth after them (the disbelievers), that is the reward for those who feared meeting Me, and feared my admonition."
 [EMQ - Ibrahim - 14:14]


REMORSE OF THE LOST MOMENTS

One of the highest grades of this Awakening is the realisation of the lost days of one's life, which leads to the commitment to compensate for the lost time and fill the remaining days with goodness and virtue. Such an awakened soul then is miserly about wasting even an hour, indeed even a breath, in anything that is not helpful in its journey to Allâh. Every wasted moment is a regret and loss on that Day and a hindrance on the journey to Allâh[swt].

Three things enhance the remorse for the lost days and the concern to compensate for them in the remaining days of one's life; knowledge, responsiveness to admonition, and company of the righteous. The more one knows the worth of deeds and enormity of their consequences, the more he realises the worth of his loss.

Similarly, one's responsiveness to the admonisher of his heart (according to a hadîth of the Prophet, every believer has an admonisher in his heart who warns him against possible sins) determines how much he can improve.
The company of people who have great concern for the condition of their hearts and determination to reach the highest levels is another great help in the path of the seeker.

Thus ends the description of the first station (maqâm) of the Madârij (ranks) of the seekers of Allâh

Four Actions Towards Taqwaa

Notes from Hilyatul Awliya wa Tabaqat al Asfiya and Secondary References from Ibn al-Qayyim.
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"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 Muttaqoon."
[EMQ - Al- Imraan - 3:133]

1. BRINGING THE SELF TO ACCOUNT FOR HIS DEEDS

Allah[swt] says in the Qur'an:
"O you who believe! Fear Allah and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the morrow, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what you do."
[EMQ - Al- Hashr - 59:18]

When a Muslim takes account of his own deeds he is able to realize his mistakes and correct them. Those who do not engage in accounting their own deeds, only condemn themselves in front of Allah[swt].

Allah[swt] said in the Qur'an:
"So, by your Lord (O Muhammad) We shall certainly call all of them to account. For all that they used to do."
[EMQ - Al- Hijr - 15: 92-93]

Ibn Qayyim[rh] said "Condemning oneself is a practice of the truthful. A servant draws closer to Allah in a moment (when he condemns himself) much more than he would do so through actions."

When a Muslim takes account of his actions, he is able to realize the right of Allah over him. Ibn Qayyim also said "A benefit of understanding Allah's right over the servant is that it breeds condemnation of oneself and delivers one from showing off and vanity. It also opens the door of humbleness in front of Allah and closes the doors of conceit.

It allows one to realize that salvation is only through Allah's grace and mercy. It is Allah's right that He should be obeyed and not disobeyed: that He should be remembered and not forgotten and that He should be appreciated and not unappreciated.

Whoever thinks over these things will know with certainty that he cannot fulfill these conditions and, thus, has to resort to Allah's mercy. Such a person will be convinced that he cannot rely on his actions, lest he be destroyed. Many people think about their rights over Allah and do not about His rights over them.
This is how there are detached from Allah and deprived of the desire to meet Him. This is the epitome of ignorance of their Lord and of themselves."
[Ighathatul lahfaan 1/99-101; secondary reference]

A'isha[ra] was once asked about the verse,

"Then We gave the Book the Qur'an) for inheritance to such of Our slaves whom We chose (the followers of Muhammad) Then of them are some who wrong their ownselves, and of them are some who follow a middle course, and of them are some who are, by Allah's Leave, foremost in good deeds. That (inheritance of the Qur'an), that is indeed a great grace."
[EMQ - Al-Fatir - 35:32]

She answered "'My son! They are in Paradise. Those who raced towards good deeds are those who lived during the time of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam who testified to their sustenance and Paradise. As for those who were moderate, they followed him among his companions and caught up with him. And as for those who wronged themselves are concerned., they are people like me and you."

Abu Darda[ra] said "No one can achieve complete understanding of Islam until he condemns people for the sake of Allah and then returns home and condemns himself even more."

Imam Ahmed[rhm] related from Wahab ibn Munabbah[rhm] "It is written from the family of Dawood[as] "An intelligent person should not be distracted on four occasions; when he is supplicating to his Lord, when he is auditing himself, when he is being informed by his friends about his shortcomings, and when he is alone with himself."

Omar Ibn Khattab[ra] said "Take account of yourselves before you are taken to account [by someone else], weigh your deeds before they are weighed [by someone else]."

Hasan al Basri[rhm] said about the verse "No. I do swear by the criticizing self..."
[EMQ - Al- Qiyamah - 75:2] : A believer will always be critical of himself in his food, his drink and his speech. A sinner will not criticize himself."
He also said "A believer is a guardian over himself: he acounts himself for Allah. Those who take account of themselves in this world will be audited lightly in the Hereafter. Those who take this issue lightly will find their auditing very difficult."

2. DISCIPLINING ONE'S SELF FOR ITS SHORTCOMINGS

We are not made perfect by Allah subhana wa ta'ala and we inevitably have our shortcomings. The pious predecessors differed with us in that they were harsh on themselves when it came to their shortcomings because they knew that obedience can be very difficult.

In the Qur'an we are told that (Iblis) said:

"Because you have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones."
[EMQ - Al-Araaf - 7:12-17]

The pious predecessors were always fully aware of this and did everything to their capability to take their souls into account for its shortcomings, all out fear, love and hope in Allah[swt].

Tameem Dari [ra] failed to wake up for Tahajjud one night and he stayed awake at nights in prayer the whole of the next year. Talhah radi Allahu anhu became preoccupied with a bird on his wall on his orchard while he prayed and he donated the wall as redemption for that shortcoming.

Imam Muhammad ibn Sireen narrated that Abu Hurairah[ra] said "Sometimes I fell unconscious in between the mimbar of The Messenger Muhammad[saw] and the chamber of A'isha. People would say "Maybe he is mad!" However, Allah[swt] knows best that I am not mad, but my hunger made me fall." Omar[ra] gave a piece of land when he missed 'Asr prayers in a group, and ibn Omar used to stay awake the whole night if he missed a group prayer and then he would free two slaves.

Allah[swt] said in the Qur'an
"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."
[EMQ - Al- Zumar - 39:73]

3. BRINGING THE SELF TO DO ACTIONS OF OBEDIENCE
When a Muslim knows the value of the Hereafter, making an effort to have a pleasant abode is no longer difficult. This is why the pious predecessors acted upon the Qur'an and Sunnah. Abu Bakr Siddiq[ra] said "Whoever enters his grave without any provisions is like the one who mounts the sea without a ship."

Bringing the self to do actions of obedience to Allah[swt] has a great deal to do with being content by Allah's decree. This state can only be attained by those who seek to have great knowledge and love. And so, by this it is possible to find pleasure in whatever they have been given by Allah[swt] whether it is a trial or a tribulation, JUST BECAUSE, it comes from Allah[swt].

Allah[swt] said in the Qur'an
"Whoever acts righteously, whether male or female, and is a believer, We will surely give him life with a good life, and We will surely give them their reward in accordance with the best of what they used to do..."
[EMQ - An-Nahl- 16:97]

Ahmad bin Bindar narrated that Abu Hurairah cried during his last illness, and when asked about it he said "Surely I am not crying being attached to your world, but rather for the long journey awaiting me, and the little provisions I have prepared for it. This morning, I am descending upon either paradise, or hell, and I have no idea towards which of the two I will be taken!"

Narrated Muawiya: I heard the Messenger Muhammad[saw] saying, "A group of people amongst my followers will remain obedient to Allah's orders and they will not be harmed by anyone who will not help them or who will oppose them, till Allah's Order (the Last Day) comes upon them while they are still on the right path."
[Sahih Bukhari: Volume 4, Book 56, Number 835]

Abdur Rahman ibn Abdullah bin Mas'ud narrated that someone asked his father "O Abu Abdur Rahman, teach me a few words that are all-encompassing and beneficial, so that I will need no further elaboration!" Ibn Mas'ud said "Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him. Live by the dictates of the Qur'an and pursue its guidance. Accept the truth and justice even if they come from a stranger you do not recognize, or even from someone you disregard as despicable, and refute falsehood even if it comes from a sibling you love."

Yahya ibn Mu'adh[rhm] said "Congratulations to those who leave the world before it deserts them; to those who build their graves before they enter them; and to those who please their Lord before they meet Him."

Thus we should try to bring ourselves to the very best of our abilities to do actions of obedience to Allah [swt].

In Sahih Muslim it has been related that on the authority of A'isha[ra] The Messenger Muhammad[saw] said "Everyone of the children of Adam has been created with three hundred and sixty joints; so he who declares the Glory of Allah, praises Allah, and declares Allah to be one, Glorifies Allah, and seeks forgiveness from Allah, and removes stone, or thorn, or bone from people's path, and enjoins what is good and forbids what is evil, to the number of those three hundred and sixty, will walk that having removed himself from hell."

Abu Dharr[ra] reported "Some of the people from among the companions of The Messenegr Muhammad[saw] said to him: "O Rasulullah, the rich have taken away all the reward. They observe prayer as we do; they keep the fasts as we keep, and they give sadaqa out of their surplus riches.
Upon this he[saw]said "Has Allah not prescribed for you by following which you can also do sadaqa? In every declaration of the glorification of Allah there is sadaqa, and every takbir there is sadaqa and ever declaration that He is One is a sadaqa, and enjoining of good is a sadaqa, and forbidding of that which is evil is a sadaqa, and in man's sexual intercourse with his wife there is sadaqa."
The companions said "Rasulullah is there reward for him who satisfies his sexual passion among us?" He said "Tell me if he were to devote it to something forbidden, would it not be a sin on his part? Similarly, if he were to devote it to something lawful, he should have a reward."
[Muslim]

Abu Dharr[ra] asked The Messenger Muhammad[saw] "Which action is best?" he [saw] said "Faith in Allah and Jihad in the way of Allah." He asked "Which neck is best for emancipation?" he [saw] said "That which is dearest of them in price and most valuable of them near its masters." He asked "If I cannot do it?" The Messenger Muhammad [saw] said "You shall help a laborer or work for one who is disabled." He asked "If I cannot do it?" he [saw] said "You shall call the people from wrong doing, because it is charity which you bestow upon yourself."
[Agreed upon/Riyadhus Saleheen]

Allah[swt] said in the Qur'an
"If anyone does a righteous deed, it is for his own soul."
[EMQ - Al- Jaathiyya - 45:15]
And, He has promised us in the Qur'an
"And whoso does good an atom's weight will see it then."
 [EMQ - Az-Zilzaal - 99:7]


4. SEEKING THE COMPANY AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE PIOUS

Unnecessary company is a disease that causes much harm. The wrong kind of companionships often afford one to be deprived of Allah's blessings Companionship in this life should be beneficial for one's akhirah. Ibn Qayyim[rhm] cites four different kinds of companionships:

a) People whose company is like food. It is indispensable, night or day. Once we have taken our need from this company we can leave it until we need it again. These are people with knowledge of Allah[swt], who are pious, who wish well for Allah[swt], His prophet[saw] and His servants. Associating with them is an achievement in itself.

b) People whose company is like a medicine. Their company is only needed when a disease sets in. When you are healthy you have no need for them, but mixing with them is sometimes necessary such as livelihood, business and consultation. Once what you need has been fulfilled, mixing with them should be avoided.

c) People whose company is harmful. Mixing with these people is like a disease, in all its variety and degrees. You will never benefit from them in this life or in the next life if you have them for company. You will lose either one or both of your deen and your livelihood because of them. If their companionship has taken hold of you and is established then it becomes fatal.

Among such people are those who neither speak any good that might benefit you, nor listen closely to you so that they might benefit from you. They do not know their souls. Their words are like lashes, while all the while they are full of admiration for and delight in their own words. They cause distress to their company, while believe they are the center of attraction.
Mixing with such a person will inevitably come to an end and is destined to be doomed. In such cases a person should just hold on to good behavior, only presenting such company with his outward appearance, until Allah subhana wa ta'ala offers him a way out of this company and out of its afflictions.

d) People whose company is evil in itself. This is like taking poison, its victim either finds an antidote for it or dies. Many belong to this category. They are people of shirk and misguidance who abandon the Sunnah and bring their personal beliefs as the truth. A Muslim should not sit in their company nor mix with them. The result of which will be a death of the heart.

With these kinds of companionships, we need to be more aware of what we choose to surround ourselvers with.
In addition, Hasan al Basri said "The heart becomes corrupt in six ways: commiting sins in the hope of repenting, seeking knowledge and not applying it, practice without ikhlas (sincerity), eating the sustenance of Allah without appreciating Him, not being please with Allah's decree and burying the dead without learning from them."


Thus, in our effort to have increased taqwa we must surround ourselves with company who only seek to please Allah[swt] in speech and in actions. We must also take time to acquire knowledge from the pious of the past and of the present. And finally, we likewise must make an effort to keep company of those who are hungry for knowledge about Allah[swt] and The Messenger Muhammad[saw].