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]

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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

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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