The story of Imam Shafi, Imam Ahmad with Shaiban, the Sheppard (May Allah Please with them all)
Wise men realize that they have no right in their own possessions!
Once Imam Shafi® with his disciple Imam Ahmad® went to visit a shepherd called Shaiban. He was a man of great spiritual knowledge. The fact is that if a person strictly practices and follows known religious rules, Allah confers unknown knowledge onto him. Prophet Eisa (A) said: “Whoever acts upon his knowledge, Allah will teach him the unknown.”
Because of the shepherd’s spiritual wisdom, the great scholars did endeavor to visit him. On the way, Imam Ahmed discussed with Imam Shafi about asking some questions to Shaiban to verify his authority and knowledge. Because it is more harmful to practice the religion without proper knowledge rather than useful. Initially Imam Shafi rejected the idea and said “He is more knowledgeable than you and me”. But Imam Ahmed sought an excuse for his peace of mind.
Towards the end of meeting, Imam Ahmed asked the shepherd. “What to do if some mistakes occur in one’s Prayers?” Shaikh replied. “On which school of thought you want me to answer? Yours or ours?” Imam Ahmed wondered. “Do you have your own school of thought?” Shaiban said yes. And went on describing the rules of prayers and the corrective measures if any mistakes occur detailed as per authentic books of Islamic Jurisprudence. “However, according to our school if somebody goes absent minded and forget the seriousness of the position he stands during prayers, he should be subjected to a self-imposed punishment of continuous prayers and fasting for a whole year”. To hear this, both Imams were shocked and broke into tears.
Later, Imam Ahmed offered his second question.
“The first one didn’t suffice you, Ahmed” Imam Shafi commented.
“How do you pay Zakat for your herd?” Imam Ahmed asked
Shaikh: “as per your school or ours?”
Imam: “in this too you have two schools?”
“Yes, you have to give one sheep for a herd of forty” Shaikh described rules of zakat in detail and added. But as per our view, a slave with his all belongings is a property of his Master, Allah, the Owner of everything. He should be ready to spend everything when needed for the sake of Allah, The Lord of the World.”
If somebody continues to spend for the sake of Allah, he could realize the fact that everything he owns is really owned by The Lord. The slave is only a caretaker entitled to act upon the Master’s order. Later on he would be freed form the bondage of his own property.
Recently noticed a post by veteran educational activist AK Ismail Wafa about a store in his school campus. The store runs on its own without a salesman or a surveillance system. The shop has a cosmic importance as the World will not end as long as this store exists on the planet, literally halting the Doomsday on its way. The Beloved Prophet ﷺ asked us to expect the End of World when the Trust is lost. He further explains the loss of trust is due to the fact that the authority is given to the undeserved. Another Hadith says that near the end of the World, the honesty will gradually fade away from peoples heart and the men of trust will be hardly none. Read the Hadith in full at the End:
Narrated Hudhaifa:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) narrated to us two narrations, one of which I have seen (happening) and I am waiting for the other. He narrated that honesty was preserved in the roots of the hearts of men (in the beginning) and then they learnt it (honesty) from the Qur’an, and then they learnt it from the (Prophet’s) Sunna (tradition). He also told us about its disappearance, saying, “A man will go to sleep whereupon honesty will be taken away from his heart, and only its trace will remain, resembling the traces of fire. He then will sleep whereupon the remainder of the honesty will also be taken away (from his heart) and its trace will resemble a blister which is raised over the surface of skin, when an ember touches one’s foot; and in fact, this blister does not contain anything. So there will come a day when people will deal in business with each other but there will hardly be any trustworthy persons among them. Then it will be said that in such-and-such a tribe there is such-and-such person who is honest, and a man will be admired for his intelligence, good manners and strength, though indeed he will not have belief equal to a mustard seed in his heart.” The narrator added: There came upon me a time when I did not mind dealing with anyone of you, for if he was a Muslim, his religion would prevent him from cheating; and if he was a Christian, his Muslim ruler would prevent him from cheating; but today I cannot deal except with so-and-so and so-and-so. (See Hadith No. 208, Vol. 9)
In this short video Habib Ali Al Jifri differentiates between the scholars rightly guided by Almighty Allah and the scholars misguided by the damned devil. Generally speaking, this interesting anecdote portrays the traditional sufi scholars on the one hand and the modern extremist scholars on the other. I find for myself a great lesson here, and hope the same for my friends who dare for soul searching. May Allah join us with the true followers of our beloved Master. (Peace and Blessings be upon him). Ameen.
Translation subtitles: “Elders say about a student who was confused wondering which faction he should join? He saw two contradictory factions Claiming affiliation to Quran and Sunnah. So he confused the right group to be joined with. Seeking advice, he went to a holy man. He told the student “Come with me I will show you”
Then he went to the first group and stood upright…
What kind of seclusion did Prophet Muhammad practice before the divine revelation? What was the benefit of the spiritual retreat in the cave of Hiraa? What are the four elements that helped the Prophet in clarifying his mind and purifying his soul? Are Muslims asked to follow the Prophetic pattern of eating, sleeping, talking and seclusion?
As he prayed for to His Master he left to meet his beloved after a glorious ending. Martyrdom in the Masjid, on the eve of Friday between Maghrib and Isha, while holding and reading the Holy Quran.
May Allah bless his soul and join us in His Haven. Aameen
A Channel dedicated to the traditional Islamic school has been launched in Egypt by former grand mufti Dr. Ali Goma and Veteran scholar Habeeb Muhammad Saqaf among other great Islamic personalities. Al erth al Nabawi channel (قناة الارث النبوي)will be available on Nilesat 11334 H 275000 in Arabic language with its various programs of high profile traditional scholars like Habeeb Omar Hafeez, Dr. Ali Gomaa, Habeeb Ali Jifri, Shaikh Abdulla Bin Bayya and Habeeb Muhammad Saqaf. The channel is aimed to show the real picture of Islam as conveyed by Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaath and to alert people to the dangers of extremist and deviant versions of the religion. We hope the channel would meet its target and pave way for a brighter future for the whole world.
Here is a beautiful piece from the launching program as young singer Mustafa Atif performs in the presence of Habeeb Muhammad Saqaf and Awn Al Qadoomi. Make Captions on for English subtitles and Enjoy 🙂
Maher Zain feat. Mesut Kurtis – Subhana Allah – Lyrics
Subhanallah Subhanaka rabbi subhanak
Subhanaka ma a’zuma shanak nad’u ka wanarju gh’ufranak
nad’u ka wanarju gh’ufranaka rabbi
Maher Zain:
As I traveled through the earth
I can’t help but notice
The symphony I hear all around
from the smallest grain of sand
to the faraway planets
to a flower put in roots in the ground
Every bird in the sky
Every rock and every raindrop
Says as it falls from the clouds
every ant, every plant
every breeze and all the seas
They all sing
Subhanaka rabbi subhanak
Subhanaka ma a’zuma shanak
nad’o ka wanarju gh’ufranak
nad’o ka wanarju gh’ufranaka rabbi
Mesut:
jalallah bi koli kownillah
al mahnurallah
wa zikru rabbi fi daq’ati q’albi
yahtifu bismillah
k’al qul lah
soonullah ma adha
wal aqwan, usabhihu bismillah
jallallah fi u’lah
ya rabba ya rahman Allah
Subhanaka rabbi subhanak
Subhanaka ma a’zuma shanak
nad’o ka wanarju gh’ufranaka
nad’o ka wanarju gh’ufranaka rabbi
Subhanallah
Subhanaka rabbi subhanak
Subhanaka ma a’zuma shanak
nad’u ka wanarju gh’ufranaka rabbi
There is a huge difference between defending the messenger of ALLAH and defending MY messenger. We often hear people saying my messenger, my prophet, my book, my religion, etc… which points to selfishness and ego. It is like to be angry for My tribe, my group, my party, my car or my children. To be angry for the sake of Allah’s Messenger is much greater than all of these. The first thing to be noted is this fusion of selfishness. Why do we go so deep to search inside our mind? Because it effects our actions and dealings. Whenever we anger for the messenger of God, it should be connected to the will of God. If we anger for our own messenger we would anger as per our own will, destroying and hurting. Wishing sky to fall upon the wrong doer, and also upon the whole country and all other fellow citizens!!
This is because of the confusion between our messenger and Allah’s messenger. We need to deal with issue as it is connected to the messenger of Allah and not to messenger of ours. He is not our messenger but Almighty Allah’s Messenger sent to us. It is a big difference.
Prophet Muhammad is ‘the mercy to all worlds’ to Muslims: Egypt’s mufti
It goes without saying that violence of any sort, whether inspired by religious sentiment or secular interests, must be condemned unequivocally and in the strongest terms possible. This is in keeping with the best of Muslim tradition, which abhors sectarian rife, inter-ethnic conflict, and interreligious violence. This lesson is best contained in the example of the Prophet Mohammed himself, who was repeatedly subjected to the worst treatment by his enemies, only to consistently disregard these insults and instead take the path of forgiveness, mercy and compassion. This is why he is known to Muslims as “the Mercy to all worlds.” Indeed, this example is most succinctly summarized in the Quran itself, which instructs believers as follows: “The good deed and the evil deed are not alike. Repel the evil deed with one which is better.”
The world is sorely in need of such lessons, which represent the authentic teachings of the Quran and the Prophet of Islam. It is important to separate these noble messages from those that are bandied about by those who have no competencies in religious interpretation, Quranic hermeneutics or the history of Islamic thought. Unfortunately, the current state of the Muslim world is such that institutions and structures of legitimate authority have been weakened to such an extent that inflammatory rhetoric has taken the place of thoughtful analysis as a motivator of action and a guide for religious sentiment.
We are today in desperate need of serious religious leaders who engage the reality of the modern world – complete with its challenges and difficulties – in order to create an environment in which people can coexist. This must be a joint effort from members of all faith groups and cultures.
A necessary part of any such effort must be a sincere desire to understand what is behind the Muslims’ reverence for the Prophet. For more than a billion Muslims around the world, the Prophet Mohammed is their ultimate example. He is their reference point and, as the Quran explains: “dearer to them than their own selves.”
Prophets are the means, in the Islamic worldview, through which people have been taught about God. This is no less true for the succession of Prophets that preceded Islam – including Abraham, Moses and Jesus – than it is for the Prophet Mohammed himself. They are revered teachers who taught us the very nature of reality, the purpose of our existence, and how to connect with God Himself.
As a result, Muslims strive to emulate the example of the Prophet in every aspect of their lives. They seek to inculcate the values in a deep and profound manner. These include, among other things, the ability to confront evil provocations with patience, tolerance and mercy. These are, for Muslims, spiritual values of the utmost importance, and they are best exemplified in the life of the Prophet Mohammed himself.
A famous story from his life is known to Muslims around the world. One of his enemies was a woman who lived above a street he used to pass daily, and would litter the streets with garbage as he walked past. One morning, when the Prophet was walking by, he noticed no such provocation. His response to this sudden reprieve was to ask after the woman’s health, concerned that she had strayed from her daily routine, as painful as it might have been for himself. The stories of the Prophet’s praying for his enemies, and exhibiting enormous steadfastness in the face of insults and provocations, are legion in Islamic literature.
This should be the Muslim ideal, there is no doubt. Unfortunately, it is not possible that everyone can live up to the ideal. What is clear is that people’s attachment to the personage of the Prophet is undiminished, even when they are unable for their own reasons to live up to the lessons he has taught. Insults against the Prophet are taken as more serious than insults against one’s own parents and family, indeed than one’s own self. The Prophet is a sacred figure, who taught Muslims how to live in this world, and whose appearance in the world was a gift from the divine.
As such, inflammatory materials that are clearly designed to offend the deeply-held sensibilities of over a billion people around the world only contribute to the escalation of tensions with no observable benefit.
Muslims should either ignore such provocations, or respond non-violently, as per the limits laid down by their religion. Such limits have been obviously transgressed in recent days, and the broader Muslim religious establishment as well as the Coptic Church in Egypt all joined in calling for calm and not allowing this to further escalate.
EMOTIONAL, POWERFUL. Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, in a couple of minutes, reminds us of the forgiving, merciful nature of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
by Celebrate Mercy
Once again the blessed month of Ramadan is coming in. Ramadan is a time of wonderful experience when a believer’s life gets rejuvenated. The beginning moments of Ramadan is most important . Unfortunately, many people are unaware of its importance and often spend this time in shopping malls or amusement venues. As we all know Ramadan is an accepted witness for or against human being in the Day of judgement. The best thing to get it in our favor is to show up ourselves for its reception and impress it with best possible words and deeds .
Beginning of Ramadan cannot be calculated in advance. It is the beauty of this religion to keep its followers excited for Ramadan. You can read the benefits of Islāmic calendar in this post. https://baqavi.wordpress.com/2010/08/02/moon-sighting-and-lunar-calendar/ There I have written the importance of looking the crescent and the special prayers to be chanted at that time. It is expected to see the New Moon crescent Of Ramadan in the U.A.E. on Thursday 19-07-2012 approximately at 7 :10 PM.
Scholars say that what you think of Ramadan is exactly what you can expect from it. If you think it would be tiresome and dull so it would be for you. On the other hand, if you want it to be a season of great enlightenment and spiritual ecstasy it would be so. Likewise, if you are happy to see and welcome it, it would be happy and kind to you and vice-versa. May Allah make Ramadan a season of spiritual enlightenment and Divine blessings for us. Aameen
The International Criminal Court has threatened Islamist fighters in Mali with legal action if they do not halt their destruction of ancient Islamic monuments.”My message to those involved in these criminal acts is clear: stop the destruction of the religious buildings now,” Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda told the AFP news agency in an interview. “This is a war crime which my office has authority to fully investigate.”
“This includes attacks against historical monuments as well as destruction of buildings dedicated to religion,” Bensouda said.She said that Mali was a signatory to the Rome Statute, a document that established the ICC and states that deliberate attacks against undefended civilian buildings which are not military objectives are a war crime.Members of the group Ansar Dine have destroyed the mausoleums of Sufi saints in historic Timbuktu for two straight days.Yaya Tandina, a local journalist, told the Reuters news agency that about 30 members of the group, armed with Kalashnikovs and pickaxes destroyed three mausoleums of saints on Sunday.
“They had armed men guarding the door. Just like yesterday, the population did not react. They said we need to let them do what they want, hoping that someday we will rebuild the tombs,” Tandina said.
Seven ancient tombs have been smashed by Ansar Dine since Saturday. The group’s strict interpretation of Islam considers such places unholy and calls for their destruction.
The demolitions began on Saturday with Timbuktu’s independence monument, which depicts Al Farouk, a symbol of the ancient city on a horse.
Ansar Dine have also threatened to destroy the city’s three ancient mosques, one of which dates back to 1327.
Sanda Ould Boumama, an Ansar Dine spokesman, has said the group was acting in the name of God and would “destroy every mausoleum in the city. All of them, without exception”.
The destruction comes after UNESCO listed the city as an endangered site because of the continuing violence in northern Mali and in the wake of an attack on a fifteenth century tomb in May.
“God is unique. All of this is haram [forbidden]. We are all Muslims. UNESCO is what,” said Boumama.
The government of Mali has urged the outside world to take concrete steps to stop the destruction of the sites.
“Those who are destroying religious buildings in Timbuktu should do so in full knowledge that they will be held accountable and justice will prevail,” she said.
What do you think of an appointment with the President? How is it if you were the only candidate selected from billions to meet His Excellency? Of course you can’t help celebrating the day.
It is really a different case! The holy prophet is being invited by Almighty Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of Everything. Nobody ever got this opportunity in the past and nobody can expect it in the future; unique for the Beloved messenger. It was a great day for the holy Prophet (PBUH) and is so for all those who love him.
Moreover, it seems that the Almighty Allah wanted to give an entertainment to the prophet and to show His love and care. While he was shrouded with a cloud of tribulations, in the Sad Year, the holy prophet was taken to a world tour exploring all worlds leading to the extreme experience of seeing the Divine. Thus…
It has been mentioned by Abu’ Nu’aim in ‘Hilya’ from Anas Ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) he said, that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) used to make the following dua, when the month of Rajab came in:
‘Allahuma Barik lana fi Rajaba wa Sha’bana wa ballighna Ramadhan’ (O Allah Bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and Bring us Ramadhan)
It has bee mentioned by Abu’l Fath ibn Abi’l-Fawaris in his ‘Amali’ (dictations and transmissions) and Allama Suyuti has also mentioned in his Jami Saghir from Hasan Basri that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“Rajab is the month of Allah. Shaban is my month. Ramadhan is the month of my ummah (followers).”
From the above hadith, it shows that it is preferable to make dua, to remain in the coming and following months, in order to…
Here is a harmonious blending of beautiful meaning with lovely vocals. Noted Arab singer Mashari Al Afasy sings the lines written by Imam Shafi’e (RA) that advocate patience against provocation.
قالوا سكت وقد خوصمت قلت لهم ان الجواب لباب الشر مفتاح
والصمت عن جاهل او احمق شرف وفيه ايضا لصون العرض اصلاح
اما ترى الاسد تخشى وهي صامتة والكلب يخسى لعمري وهي نباح
Translation
They said: “you are silent though accused”
“To Answer is key to disasters”, I said
Silence towards Stupid is Dignity
It keeps one’s esteemed personality
Lions look dreadful while they’re silent
But Dogs bark as they’re driven out
Imam Shafiee (R.A)
–Under the banner of “Awakening Humanity,” the Indian state of Kerala will soon witness a massive campaign or Keralayathra (yathrameaning “expedition” in Malayalam, the local language.) This religious journey will led by the traditional Sufi Qamarul Ulama Sheikh Aboobacker Ahmed, known to the Muslims of Kerala as Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, and general secretary of the All-India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulama.
Bearing his great humanitarian message, Sheikh Aboobacker is expected to commence his itinerary on April 12 and to conclude it on April 28, delivering a luminous lesson in the history of a human being. The extended agenda, covering 60 large conference assemblies, is unquestionably significant at the dawn of the new common millennium.
Markaz, Kozhikkode, kerala
Sheikh Aboobacker’s actions now, to reconstruct the devastated pillars of humanity, were manifested in centuries past by the great prophets of Almighty Allah. The meaningful statement of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), “the scholars of Islam are the heirs of the prophets,” indicates that the essential duties and obligations of religious leaders must be fulfilled, irrespective of the opposition they face.
That is what we see in Sheikh Aboobacker’s magnificent endeavors. Kabil Sibal, federal minister for Human Resources Development and an outstanding representative of democratic India, says of Sheikh Aboobacker, “I think India will be built not by people like me, but will be built brick by brick, and the ultimate edifice will be as beautiful as Markazu Ssaqafathi Ssunniyya” (the Sunni cultural centre built by Sheikh Aboobacker in Kozhikode, Kerala, during the 1970s.)
Main Building at Markazu Ssaqafathi Ssuniyya, Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
TheKeralayathramarch has been criticized blindly and baselessly by Wahhabis and other radically-minded minorities, although the observance has gained support from all sectors of society.
The inevitable necessity of awakening humanity is continuously underscored by the disconcerting news, shocking to all humankind, not merely from distant regions or a single corner of the world, but from almost every country. Sensationalist media awaken us very early each morning with ugly images and horrific reports of bombings, robberies, sexual crimes, kidnappings, territorial disputes, and other signs of the stress on humanity’s limits. And nobody can deny that behind the glitz and glamor of the current digital and global world order, which claims invisibly an eternally pleasant life to those who come forth to swim rapturously in this fantasy, there lies a vast and barren desert in which the majority of people claw to survive.
Shaikh Aboobacker Ahmad
Today, while many among us firmly believed that science and technology would provide comprehensively the gifts for which morals craved, heinous and dangerous evils accompany the benefits of each. The impact of both depends on uses and misuses; but unfortunately, as we see clearly, the bad overwhelms the good. The most valuable aspects of the human relationship – affection, reverence, generosity, tolerance, patience, etc. – in which the human race struck its deepest roots, seem to have disappeared from the lexicon, to be silenced by deceit, unbridled ambition, treachery, and murder.
Images of those devastated by the storms of imperialism continue to appear before our eyes while their cries reverberate in our ears. Schools are built, less for the goals education formerly offered, of raising children to the pinnacles of a cultured and civilized life, but to realize personal self-interest through business. Those who study in them are taught to exploit and amass wealth.
It is therefore at this critical moment in contemporary world history that Sheikh Aboobacker Ahmed will once again begin his marvelous expedition. This should certainly erase the fallacious dogma holding that Islamic scholars or Sufis need only sit within the four walls of a shrine. Sheikh Aboobacker has made similar and memorable sojourns, which were more than mere visits, to Jammu and Kashmir, and to Gujarat. These are not brief stopovers.
Apart from the main expedition through 60 major cities, an accompanying effort, called “upa yathra,” will pass through no less than 500 towns ahead of Keralayathra. Such organizations as the Sunni Students Federation are committed to the full success of Keralayathra. Islamic scholars from elsewhere in India have called on Sheikh Aboobacker to extend his range throughout the country. Already, Keralayathra is a milestone in Indian Islamic history.
In this short video Habib Ali Al Jifri differentiates between the scholars rightly guided by Almighty Allah and the scholars misguided by the damned devil. Generally speaking, this interesting anecdote portrays the traditional sufi scholars on the one hand and the modern extremist scholars on the other. I find for myself a great lesson here, and hope the same for my friends who dare for soul searching. May Allah join us with the true followers of our beloved Master. (Peace and Blessings be upon him). Ameen.
Translation subtitles: “Elders say about a student who was confused wondering which faction he should join? He saw two contradictory factions Claiming affiliation to Quran and Sunnah. So he confused the right group to be joined with. Seeking advice, he went to a holy man. He told the student “Come with me I will show you”
Then he went to the first group and stood upright in the audience. This is a kind of test to know the truth. It was a big class and the lecture was on. The scholar saw them standing and shouted. “Sit down, why are you standing?” He said: “I don’t want to sit in your class” The scholar asked “why?” He said: “I have something against you in my mind” The scholar replied angrily “ I have a thousand things against you. Get out Devil, Don’t disturb our class” The saint told the student “Let us go before they hurt us”
They went to the second group and stood up in the audience. The speaker said: “could you please be seated” See the difference between sit down and please be seated He said: “I don’t want to sit in your class” The scholar: Why? Saint said: “I have something (unfavorable) regarding you in my mind” This scholar felt very humble.He started weeping and said: (Alas!)Inna Lillaah wa inna ilahi Rajioon I repent and seek forgiveness from Allah. He might have some information about my faults (from Almighty Allah). I do regret and repent!” He went on weeping. The holy man turned to the student and rhetorically asked “Which class you would join, Here or There?”
The level of religiousness is manifested in the character of the adherents.If you feel confused as different groups claiming that they are the right one, Just look into their behavioral attributes. Wherever good conducts exist, there exists the religion as well as the knowledge. If such qualities are stripped out, there is no religion and no knowledge at all.
There is no religiousness or knowledge without good conduct. So if religion or knowledge do not yield good conducts and manners to their followers,( it means) there are faults and flaws in their religiosity and learning.”
This post is to share with you an extract from a recent Friday sermon by veteran traditional scholar Muhammad Sa’eed Ramadhan Al Bouti at the historic Great Mosque of Damascus also known as the Umayyad Mosque. (جامع بنى امية الكبير )
Here is the video with English subtitles.
Translation:
“I Remind you, O servants of Allah , The Constitution of Islam is the book of God Almighty which was revealed to the Final Messenger , and our model in the implementation of this Constitution, is the beloved prophet Muhammad (PBUH) The practical application of the Constitution in the daily life is called Sharia. Consider these multiple sources.
The constitution of Islam, the Koran, which I never saw in it but warnings against fanaticism, extremism and criminal terrorism. It raised the prophet in the light of mercy and forgiveness. The Book of Allah Almighty told His Messenger: (It is by God’s grace that you…
Cairo: A Salafist (ultra-conservative) Egyptian lawmaker has lashed out at Egyptian government for expanding the teaching of the English language in the schools, calling it a foreign plot.
“The aim of teaching English is to change the culture of our children since their early years,” Mohammad Al Kurdi, an MP belonging to the Salafist Al Nour Party, told the parliament in a televised session.
He was commenting on an Egyptian-US cooperation agreement to improve elementary education.
“This agreement seeks to start teaching the English language in the second grade, instead of the fourth grade as is the case now, in governmental schools,” he said.
“There is no other nation that makes a foreign language the main language of teaching in its schools. May be the only subject that is not taught in English now [in Egypt] is religion.”
Al Nour controls 26 per cent of the newly-elected Egyptian parliament where Islamists hold more than two-thirds of the seats.
Nader Bakar, the spokesman for Al Nour, dismissed Al Kurdi’s argument as superficial, and “not based on the Sharia [Islamic law] or science”.
“The comment made by Al Kurdi was inappropriate too. It does not represent the party’s view. We have referred him to a probe,” added Bakar on his Twitter account on Tuesday.
This post is to share with you an extract from a recent Friday sermon by veteran traditional scholar Muhammad Sa’eed Ramadhan Al Bouti at the historic Great Mosque of Damascus also known as the Umayyad Mosque. (جامع بنى امية الكبير )
Here is the video with English subtitles.
Translation:
“I Remind you, O servants of Allah , The Constitution of Islam is the book of God Almighty which was revealed to the Final Messenger , and our model in the implementation of this Constitution, is the beloved prophet Muhammad (PBUH) The practical application of the Constitution in the daily life is called Sharia. Consider these multiple sources.
The constitution of Islam, the Koran, which I never saw in it but warnings against fanaticism, extremism and criminal terrorism. It raised the prophet in the light of mercy and forgiveness. The Book of Allah Almighty told His Messenger: (It is by God’s grace that you were gentle with them — for if you had been harsh and hard-hearted, they would surely have deserted you – so bear with them, pray for forgiveness for them and take counsel with them in the conduct of affairs.[Al-Imran: 159].
This direction to His Messenger is not specific to Muslims, but to all he has been sent to. Is it not the Book of Allah Almighty that laid down the scales of justice free from racial, prejudicial, or religious partialities?(Let not the hatred of others turns you away from justice; Deal justly; that is closer to piety) [Maa-ida: 8]
The book of God Almighty did defend a Jewish person with ten verses when he was accused of a theft charge while he was innocent and the thief was a Muslim?! Those verses started with the following: [We have sent the Book down to you with the truth so that you may judge among mankind by means of what God has shown you. And do not be an advocate for the treacherous. Al Nisaa: 105].
This is the Constitution speaking. If anyone fights against extremism and terrorism, you cannot find in the whole world and in the history of all times, such as the Book of Allah Almighty fights against extremism and terrorism. And Muhammad the Lord raised him in the light of mercy and forgiveness. Examine his life career from beginning to end, You can find only just opposite to what the Book of Almighty is being accused. Didn’t that polytheist Bedouin challenged the Messenger seizing the opportunity in the valley of full of trees on returning from a battle. Kicking foot, he wakes him up and says: Who would save you from me, O Muhammad? The prophet Replied quietly: “Allah”. The sword fell from the hands of the Bedouin and he sat scared and shaken. What did the Messenger ? Pardoned and calmed him down, the Bedouin returned to his people and said: “I have come to you from the best of mankind.” Muhammad is the Messenger of God, who was brought up by the Almighty in the light of mercy, forgiveness, moderation.
He is the one who treated all people as they are shown in public. , He did not penetrate into their private affairs; He did not keep secret eye on any one to turn a blind eye to their outward appearances. There were many hypocrites in the city, how did the Messenger (PBUH) deal with them? How did he treat the man who said on an occasion which I do not want to talk about its details: “We and the robes of Quraish are like the saying: Make your dog fat, it will eat you” By God If we return to al-Madina, the noble will surely expel the humble.” His son, a true Muslim, Abdullah ibn Ubay Bin Salool said: O Messenger of Allah I have heard that you want to eliminate my father because of his statements, if so, command me please I will come to you with his head. Smiled the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and said,
‘No, we deal with him friendly on what happened between us “ When he died, and his son Abdullah sent to the Messenger, begging for the shirt worn by the prophet (PBUH) to be shrouded by his father which he hoped It will make things easier for him in the hereafter. The Messenger of Allah did send it.
Moreover when he was brought for funeral prayer, the Prophet (PBUH) stood to pray while his companion Omar (R) whispered in his ear: ‘O Messenger of Allah do you pray for a person who said so and so and did so and so’. The Messenger did not pay any attention to it, when Omar (RA) continued the prophet (PBUH) turned to him and said: Leave me Umar, Allah gave me choices. And I chose this (to pray for him,) The Messenger (PBUH) prayed for bin Ubayy ibn Salool.
This is our example after the Constitution, which I told you about, do you see in his whole life a smell of extremism or of terrorism, O servants of Allah?!Next Come and look at the biographies of the companions who lived in the shade of Islamic law that stems from Quran and Sunnah, How did they live their life? After the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) many groups emerged straying away from the way of the book of Allah Almighty, Juhamiyya, Murjia, Muathazila and others, listen well, O slaves of Allah and contemplate. Do you find the companions call them unbelievers?! Do you find accusation of infidelity which blows these days here and there against those who went astray from Ahl Sunna Wal Jamaa?
We do not know – Even after a thorough study and analysis of the history – that the companions of the Messenger (PBUH) charged these groups with infidelity. No, But we find forgiveness and tolerance Do you smell extremism or terrorism in the lives of the companions? No. You cannot find it. Consider biographies of their followers, look and examine, their approach has been aligned with
The constitution of Islam, the Quran, and the life of the beloved Messenger (PBUH), Look at the position of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal – There are people who attribute the allegation to Imam Ahmad. You know the story of ordeal that took place on Imam Ahmad, when this ordeal took place in the age of Mutawakkil some of his disciples came and said to him: Sir, pray to God Against Ibn Abi Duat – one of the Mu’tazilah who inflated the fire against Imam Imam Ahmad replied: What benefit you have in punishing your brother on the Day of Resurrection because of you? He raised his hands and prayed in favour of for Ibn Abi Daat, and all those who caused the plight that took place on him.
Servants of Allah: This is our Islam represented by its constitution and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Do you find anything other than kindness, Just opposite to what Islam and Muslims are accused of?”
The model of what is billed as India’s biggest mosque — accommodating 25,000 in its courtyard — was unveiled here Monday.
The mosque is to come up in a 40 acres near here and the complex will also house a heritage museum, convention halls, and a media centre, according to the Jamia Markazu Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya headed by Muslim scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobaker Musliyar, who unveiled the model here.
“The heritage museum is for the protection and exhibition of all such holy remnants of prophets and men of Islamic importance, and this will surely add a new dimension to the cultural life of Kerala,” said Musliyar.
Speaking to IANS, an official of the Markaz said that the work on the mosque is expected to begin in April and would be completed in 18 months time.
“The cost of the project is estimated to be Rs.40 crore and will come through public contributions. The feature of the mosque is that initially it would be an open one and would more or less resemble the famed Jama Masjid in Delhi,” said the official who did not wish to be identified.
Musliyar heads the popular social, charity and educational organisation based here, which has taught more than 30,000 students from various states in the country in the last three decades.
Three years back, the Markaz was in the news when more than 100 children from Kashmir were brought here for basic education.
Delhi’s Jama Masjid is currently India’s biggest mosque
It is an inborn instinct of a human being to be happy for receiving precious gifts. Obviously Messengers of Allah are great gifts for the humanity. The final messenger, Our beloved prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is declared by the Almighty as a gift of mercy for the whole universe where the humanity is a tiny world. (وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ – we have not sent you except as a mercy to all the worlds21 -107). Moreover He commands the human beings to be jubilant at this great Mercy. (قُلْ بِفَضْلِ اللَّـهِ وَبِرَحْمَتِهِ فَبِذَٰلِكَ فَلْيَفْرَحُوا هُوَ خَيْرٌ مِّمَّا يَجْمَعُونَ Say: In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy: therein they should rejoice. It is better than all what they accumulate 10-58.)
The month in which the beloved prophet was born inspires his lovers to celebrate that blessed event. We feel sympathy with those who cannot entertain this time. Celebration initially springs up from the heart of a lover and it comes out in the form of words and deeds. There is no meaning in arguing with people who cannot digest it since they lack the basic aspect of love.
Twitter
Last year I posted a map (Click to view) portraying the popularity and universality of Meelad celebrations. One of the few countries where the birthday is not a holiday is the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Interestingly I found one twitter message from Shaikh Adil Kalbani former Imam at Masjid al Haram asking to call the birthday an official holiday.
Natives of the Blessed land of Makkah and Madina do celebrate this occasion. Here, You can see famous scholar of Makkah and a former lecture at Masjid al Haram Muhammad Alawi Maliki participating in an official ceremony of Meelad celebration in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Fatwa
In Qatar, despite official patronage, people do celebrate it. Yousuf Al Qardawi , a well-known Qatari scholar issued fatwa in support of it.
Let me quote from the earlier post: “It is a time to listen to and to speak of the marvelous personality of the holy Prophet as well as to renew the commitment to follow His way of life; A time to come closer to His great self and to His Lord, the Almighty Allah. Youngsters get introduced and elders get reminded of the humanity’s obligation towards its Savior. We need to set up personal relationship with him and to be close to him all the time.
May Allah bless us with his sweet and glorious companionship! Aameen.”
Its Bill of Rights upholding freedom of expression and belief comes at right time
The recent position of Al Azhar on rights and freedom is welcomed. This is being said given that Egypt cannot afford divisions — religious, political, or ethnic. And it is here where authoritative religious entities and leaders play a pivotal role in keeping the community together and ensuring unity under the umbrella of the nation state.
The head of Al Azhar has put forward a Bill of Rights upholding freedom of expression and belief ahead of the beginning of the process of drafting a new constitution.
The bill comes as an attempt by Al Azhar to show its neutrality and objective standing when it comes to rights and freedom as well as standing as an example of moderate Islam. This recent step is one in a series which have been taken as adaptive measures to the changing political environment in Egypt.
Within this context, Al Azhar’s move is encouraging as it has to deal with the changing landscape with adaptability and flexibility.
In addition, the latest step is important as all religious entities have to keep away from any political alliance or favouritism. The role of such entities, after all, is to bring communities together and strengthen the fabric of society. gulfnews : Al Azhar initiative deserves praise.
Here is the remarkable speech by Sheikh Aboobacker Ahmad, A veteran Islamic scholar from India. He is the General Secretary of the organization of Ahlussunna scholars in India and the patron of Jamia Markaz Saqafathi Sunniyya at Kozhikkode. His stands on various social, religious issues are widely discussed in Indian media and even in political circles as his mass support makes them anxious. Here we see him talking to world Muslim scholars and dignitaries in the Conference on Sufism in Cairo.
In the Name of Allah – the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. Peace and Blessings be upon the leader of Prophets and upon his family and companions as well.
Respected dignitaries and audience, Even though I brought here detailed essays on the subject, i.e. Sufism: an authentic way of personal and social reform I would like to summarize it as I am late to attend this conference. As I am also coming from India, representing Jamia Markaz Saqafathi Sunniyya al Islamiyya where some twenty thousand male and female students get their education. I don’t want to elaborate on Indian state of affairs since you heard it from our brother a short while ago.
Dear brothers and respected scholars, these days we are astonished to hear some people lashing out at Sufism and insulting Sufi scholars. They say “He is a Sufi” scornfully as if he were a heretic or a polytheistic. By God, We cannot understand how they can reject Sufism. If they do so because of some pseudo Sufis, likewise, Musailama, the Liar has falsely claimed prophet hood, can they reject our prophet because of that? There are genuine and counterfeit in everything, we take the original and throw the fake away. The same is true to Sufism also. This great way of life, Sufism, that we are talking about is the path where the great pious pioneers have stepped in. Imam abul Qasim al Junaidi, Supreme leader of the Sufis once answered to a question on Sufism (Tasawuf). He said it is the purification of heart. All Sufi scholars described Sufism in the same terms. Tasawuf we follow is what Our Messenger has pointed to by the word ‘Ihsan’and described it as to worship Allah as if you see Him, although you don’t see Him, He does see you.
So purification of mind from all bad characters such as Polytheism, heresy, arrogance, greed for fame and Hypocrisy is called Taswuf (Sufism) Almighty Allah indicated this in the holy Quran as He says: “Indeed Allah conferred a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from among themselves, reciting unto them His Verses, and purifying them, ….
Look at the verses of almighty Allah. Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) supplicated Allah to teach the people first and then to purify. “Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own who shall recite unto them Your Verses and instruct them the Book and the Wisdom and purify them.” In these verses and other verses as well, Almighty Allah emphasizes Purification of Heart because the main purpose of sending prophets and messengers is to cleanse and sanctify people from all bad characters. Allah mentioned this in many verses and so the prophet (PBUH) in many hadiths
Dear scholars, We need to differentiate between the truth and the falsehood. We cannot accept a way that contradicts religious principles. See what Shaikh Abdul Khadir al Jeelani has said. He said in his Book Futuh Al Ghaib , Chapter One The Essentials of a Believer – Accept Allah’s Orders and Content with His judgments: He sets obeying religious Do’s and Don’ts as a precondition for entering into the Sufi Order. Shaikh Zainuddin Makhdum al Malaibari said in his book that all Sufi orders require complete compliance with the Quran and Sunnah.
The real Sufi Tariqah is stemmed from the Holy Quran and Sunnah so it can never contradict any Sharia rule. If somebody claims affiliation with Sufism, at the same time acts against Sharia rules and permits what is prohibited like alcohol, he has nothing to do with the Sufism. Sufism that we follow is what our Messenger (PBUH) has taught us. All though the term Sufism was formed many years later like all other technical terms, it has been firmly rooted in Quran and Hadith. The real Sufi, I don’t say Islamic Sufi, is the one who follows the footprint of the Prophetic way by Practicing all what is ordered and avoiding all that is forbidden. Moreover, he cleanses his heart form all rusts and dusts. Quran says: “No. In fact what they have been doing has rusted on their hearts.” Human hearts get rusted and become dirty so that we need to clean them and keep them stainless.
We seek help from Allah and all praise is due to Him.
Extremist Salafists in Egypt unanimously decided to refuse talks with Habib Ali Al jifri in CBC Channel discussion. The discussion program with Habib Ali Jifri (amant.tv) was anchored by Khairy Ramadan and hosted leaders of various sections of the society belonging to different walks of life in a move to spread the message of religious tolerance, mutual cooperation and social harmony. After receiving formal invitation from the channel, Salfists leaders met together and settle on a total refusal.
Since long time ago, Habib Ali Al Jifri has been calling so called Salfists for serious dialogue especially after the release of a notorious audio of forged debate named “Peaceful Debate With Jifri=حوار هادئ مع الجفري “ made up of cropped clips from Habib Ali Jifri’s speech attaching their hapless replies to them. see (al7war .net )Once they have got an opportunity to talk directly and expose the reality they have simply withdrawn!
I have had personal experiences of this kind of people running away from scholars as they have neither answers to the questions nor proofs for their claims.
Just to Share this News from AFP
By Maria Antonova (AFP) – 5 days ago
MOSCOW — Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov broke into floods of tears as he unveiled a purported relic of the Prophet Mohammed in a bizarre ceremony involving a Rolls Royce motorcade, reports said Thursday.
The government of the majority Muslim Russian Northern Caucasus region, recovering after two separatist wars and still battling Islamic insurgents, boasted that the cup was 1,400 years old and had belonged to the Prophet.
The cup had earlier been flown into the Chechen capital Grozny from London where it was kept by unnamed descendants of Mohammed’s cousin Ali.
Kadyrov, clad in a bright purple shirt and trousers and a black Muslim skullcap, triumphantly carried the boxed relic straight off the plane at the airport at the ceremony on Wednesday.
He then sped through Grozny in a Rolls-Royce cabriolet surrounded by a motorcade of dozens of luxury cars, the first Russian television pictures of the event showed Thursday.
The flag-waving delegation then arrived to Grozny’s central mosque greeted by a crowd of singing and clapping people.
The Chechen leader proceeded to take the jade-coloured bowl out of bubble wrapping, and broke down in uncontrollable tears after kissing the object, covering his reddening face and shaking violently.
Chechen television aired a 18-minute long special on the event posted on the websiteChechnyatoday.comthat shows Kadyrov’s car covered in traditional rugs gliding along a major street in slow motion to the sounds of a Chechen song with English-language lyrics “You came to me… when I was so lost.”
Footage showed a crowd of several hundred assembled near the mosque to listen to impassioned speeches in Chechen and shout “Allahu Akbar!” before the cup was shown to the public. Several took a sip from the cup and prayed.
The Chechen government said in a statement on its website that “the cup was used by Prophet Mohammed, passing to his cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib the fourth Caliph.” Further details on its authenticity were not immediately available.
Anyone will be able to drink water from it on the day of Mohammed’s birthday, the Chechen government said.
“Nobody can say anything else about the origin of the cup,” a Chechen government spokesman told AFP. “The negotiations were led by the famous businessman Ruslan Baisarov and it was announced by Ramzan Kadyrov,” he said.
Baisarov owns major stakes in Russia’s top copper and coal companies and has promised to finance the development of a ski resort in Chechnya planned by the Chechen President.
Kadyrov, who has ruled the war-torn region since 2007 and was reappointed in the post earlier this year, has overseen several grandiose projects and events in Grozny aimed at boosting his political clout.
He has also encouraged the revival of Islam in the region, inaugurating in 2008 the “Heart of Chechnya” mosque, said to be the biggest in Europe.
But rights groups have long accused him of presiding over a personal militia that they say has carried out serial rights violations, torture and even murder.
Visitors of the Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessing be Upon Him) cannot miss the inscriptions on the wall of his blessed Chamber. Reading those lines, one would be amazed to feel the emotion of that great soul whose expressions got inscribed there with golden letters.
On the other hand visitors are embarrassed to see the tampering of these inscriptions as well. Many lines have been painted in a way that it makes them literally unreadable. The ridiculous excuse was they did not suit to the new version of Monotheism. In other words those lines convey polytheism!. God Forbid!!! What is more astonishing after all that those lines are still kept elevated to sanctum sanatorium and it is not a problem ! This very fact is more than enough to expose the hypocrisy of the so-called proponents of pseudo monotheism and the inconsistency of their arguments. If they really think of these lines speaking polytheistic what a disgrace to keep them on the wall!! If they don’t, what is the substance of covering up those beautiful and wonderful piece of an heartfelt expression?
In my recent visit to the blessed site, I snapped some pictures of the wall along with the door of the chamber where one of the most famous lines from Qaseeda Burda has been engraved.
It reads: هو الحبيب الذي ترجى شفاعته لكل هول من الاهوال مقتحم [He is (Allah’s) most beloved, whose intercession is hoped for every fear that comes at once]
Here is the poem in full and its English translation by G.F Haddad along with his introduction.
Poem of Tawassul and Praise
by Sh. G. F. Haddad
Sultan `Abd al-Hamid’s poem in praise of the Prophet upon him blessings and peace was engraved in the year 1191 (1777 C.E.) on the walls of the Prophet’s hujra in his mosque in Madina. The possessors of specious adab with the Prophet upon him blessings and peace covered up several of the verses with paint so that they could not be read, sparing what suited them, but the poem has been preserved in other ways. It can be found in the book of our late teacher Shaykh al-Islam fil-Balad al-Haram al-Sharif al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn `Alawi al-Maliki titled Shifa’ al-Fu’ad bi-Ziyarati Khayr al-`Ibad (Healing the heart with the visitation of the best of Allah’s servants) (Dubai: Da’irat al-awqaf, n.d.) p. 203. Here is the text in full, with an asterisk indicating each verse that was painted over.
1*
يا سيدي يا رسول الله خذ بيدي مالي سواك ولا ألوي على أحد
O my master, O Messenger of Allah, take my hand:
I have none besides you, nor will I pause to rely on anyone but you.
2*
فأنت نور الهدى في كل كائنة وأنت سر الندى يا خير معتمد
For you are the light of guidance in everything that exists
and you are the secret of munificence and the best reliance.
On the day of Eid , Companions of the Beloved Messenger were used to say each other :
“May Allah Accept from us and from you”
ذكر ابن التركماني في الجوهر النقي حاشية البيهقي ( 3/ 320 – 321 )حديث محمد بن زياد ، قال : كنت مع أبي أمامة الباهلي وغيره من أصحاب النبي صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم ، فكانوا إذا رجعوا يقول بعضهم لبعض : ( تقبل الله منا ومنكم ) ، قال : أحمد بن حنبل : إسناده جيد . اهـ .
وجاء في الفتح ( 2/446) : وروينا في المحامليات بإسناد حسن عن جبير بن نفير قال : كان أصحاب رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم إذا التقوا يوم العيد يقول بعضهم لبعضتقبل الله منا ومنكم .
Scholars say that what you think of Ramadan is exactly what you can expect from it. If you think it would be tiresome and dull so it would be for you. On the other hand, if you want it to be a season of great enlightenment and spiritual ecstasy it would be so. Likewise, if you are happy to see and welcome it, it would be happy and kind to you and vice versa. To get out looking for the crescent of Ramadan is considered to be a sign of pleasure of receiving it. Moreover it is an act of Sunnah as it was done by the Holy prophet (PBUH) in His lifetime.
The 30th Night of Shaaban 1432 falls on 30th of July, 2011 and the moon is expected to be sighted immediately after sunset. Despite astronomers claim of not being sighted we need to uphold the great tradition our religion of looking at the sky for the crescent and not at mere speculative calculations.
Last year I wrote :
Almighty Allah wants us to see his wonderful products on display. How many times he asked us to watch his marvelous creations? He asked us to look at the sky, the camel, the hills etc.. ,but we were busy with making money and wasting it. If you put your comment on it, you will get extra rewards! How can we put comments on his extremely stunning creations? And what we can put on them? Don’t worry! He himself mentioned the most appropriate comments in His Holy Quran
سبحانك ما خلقت هذا باطلا وقنا عذاب النار
(Our Lord! not for naught Hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee! Give us salvation from the penalty of the Fire. (3-191)
Regarding Moon sighting there are special comments and prayers to be chanted while looking at the crescent. Imam Nawawi (May Allah Bless him) reports the following hadiths in his famous Book, Al Adkar :
اللهم أهله علينا باليمن والإيمان والسلامة والإسلام ربي وربك الله
” الله أكبر ، اللهم أهله علينا بالأمن والإيمان والسلامة والإسلام ، والتوفيق لما تحب وترضى ، ربنا وربك الله
هلال خير ورشد ، هلال خير ورشد ، هلال خير ورشد ، آمنت بالله الذي خلقك ، آمنت بالله الذي خلقك, آمنت بالله الذي خلقك – ” الحمد لله الذي ذهب بشهر كذا وجاء بشهر كذا
Let us show our Lord Almighty Allah that we are prepared to welcome His Guest and eagerly waiting to accept His blessings by coming out of our home and to look for the crescent. While some people are fearful about Ramadan and want to see it leaving, we need to express our longing to join our forefathers who started preparing for Ramadan before months!
Once Again , friends, DON’T MISS IT ! It would be an auspicious opening of a booming season of your life.
First, the night of mid-Sha`ban is a blessed night. There are numerous hadiths which strengthen one another (and are, thus, elevated to the degree of being fair and strong) and which establish the merits of this night. Therefore, commemorating this night is, undoubtedly, lawful regardless of the fact that these hadiths may be weak or fabricated.
Hadiths on the virtue of the night of mid-Sha`ban:
`A`ishah, the Mother of Believers (may Allah be pleased with her), said:”One night, I did not find the Prophet in his bed, so I went out searching for him and found him at Al-Baqi` cemetery with his head raised towards the sky. He said:‘O ‘A`ishah! Were you afraid that Allah and His Messenger would treat you unfairly?‘ I said, ‘No, I thought you had gone to spend the night with one of your (other) wives’. He said: ‘Allah Almighty descends to the lowest heaven on the night of mid-Sha`ban and forgives more people than the number of hairs on the hides of the sheep of Bani Kalb.” (At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and Ahmad)
Mu`adh Ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “On the night of mid-Sha`ban, Allah looks at His creation and forgives all of them except for the polytheist and the quarrelsome.” (At-Tabarani and Ibn Hibban who declared it authentic)
`Ali Ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Perform the night vigil prayers on the night of mid-Sha`ban and fast its day (i.e., the day preceding it) for Allah descends to the lowest heaven at sunset of that night and says: ‘Is there any one asking for forgiveness that I may forgive him? Is there any one asking for sustenance that I may grant him sustenance? Is there any one under trial that I may relieve him? Is there any such-and-such…, is there any such-and-such?’ And so forth until the beak of dawn.” (Ibn Majah)
There is no objection to audibly recite surat Ya-Sin three times after the Maghrib Prayer in congregation because this is considered part of commemorating this night. As for the making dhikr (remembrance of Allah), the matter is open; it is permissible to designate certain places and times to regularly perform good deeds as long as this is not considered obligatory and thus a sin to neglect them.
`Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: “Every Saturday, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to go to Qiba’ Mosque either on foot or riding” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
In Fath Al-Bari, Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar stated:
In spite of having different chains of transmissions, this hadith proves the permissibility of designating specific days to regularly perform certain good deeds.
In Lata’if al-Ma’`rif Al-Hafiz Ibn Rajab said: “The scholars of Ash-Sham differed over the manner of celebrating this night:
The first opinion is that it is commendable to celebrate this night by assembling in mosques. Khalid Ibn Ma`dan, Luqman Ibn `Amir, and others used to wear their finest clothes, use incense, and line their eyes with kohl to celebrate this night in the mosque. Ishaq Ibn Rahawiyah approved of this.
Concerning commemorating this night in congregation in the mosque, he said, “This is not an innovation.” Al-Karmani cited this opinion in his Masa’il.
The second opinion is that it is offensive to gather in mosques on this night to perform (special) prayers, narrate moral stories, and make supplications. It is not offensive for one to pray individually on this night. This is the opinion of Al-Awza`i, the imam, jurist, and scholar of the people of Ash-Sham.
Based on this, it is permissible to celebrate the night of mid-Sha`ban in the aforementioned manner; it is neither an innovation nor is it offensive provided that it is not deemed an obligation. However, if it is considered obligatory to the extent of obligating others to observe it and accusing those who do not participate in its commemoration of committing a sin, it is then an innovation because they obligate what neither Allah nor His Messenger have made obligatory.
This is why there were some people among the predecessors who maintained the offensiveness of commemorating this night in congregation. Therefore, if this obligation is non-existent, then there is no offensiveness attached to it.
Second, it is commendable to celebrate different religious occasions provided they do not include anything unlawful. The command to remind people to observe ‘the days of Allah‘ has been mentioned in the Shari`ah, (…and remind them of the Days of Allah…) (Ibrahim 14: 5)
It is also included in the magnanimous Sunnah— it has been reported in the Sahih of Muslim that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to fast every Monday. He said: “I was born on this day.”
Likewise, Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated: “When Allah’s Messenger came to Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on the day of `Ashura’. So he asked, ‘What is (the significance) this day you are fasting?‘ They replied, ‘It is a day of great significance. On this day Allah delivered Musa and his people (from their enemy) and drowned Pharaoh and his army — so Musa fasted this day out of gratitude to Allah. Therefore, we, also, fast on this day.’ The Messenger of Allah then said: ‘We have more right to Musa than you.‘ So the Messenger of Allah fasted on this day and commanded (Muslims) to fast it.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Based on this, it is lawful to celebrate religious occasions in the aforementioned manner — it is neither offensive nor an innovation.
Rather, such celebrations are by way of honoring the rites of Allah Almighty, (…and whoever respects the signs of Allah, this surely is (the outcome) of the piety of hearts…) (Al-Hajj 22: 32)
What do you think of an appointment with the President? How is it if you were the only candidate selected from billions to meet His Excellency? Of course you can’t help celebrating the day.
It is really a different case! The holy prophet is being invited by Almighty Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of Everything. Nobody ever got this opportunity in the past and nobody can expect it in the future; unique for the Beloved messenger. It was a great day for the holy Prophet (PBUH) and is so for all those who love him.
Moreover, it seems that the Almighty Allah wanted to give an entertainment to the prophet and to show His love and care. While he was shrouded with a cloud of tribulations, in the Sad Year, the holy prophet was taken to a world tour exploring all worlds leading to the extreme experience of seeing the Divine. Thus lovers of the prophet have every reason to be excited and to celebrate this event. To mark the occasion fasting also is recommended by some scholars. (. ويستحب صوم يوم المعراج http://islamport.com/d/2/shf/1/2/185.html)
Provocative!
The incident was a provocation for disbelievers and a solid proof for believers. Today, it provokes modern science on many terms and proves the authenticity of the Holy Prophet’s Message. The most significant aspect of this eventful journey is the “The Relativity of Time” as it took only a few seconds to complete its all episodes. The Holy Quran has made it clear that the time we count is different from the time elsewhere.
Another significant aspect of the journey is its speed and its connection with the Light. The special vehicle is called Buraq a term derived from the root Light. Traditional sources say that its Leap during the Night Journey (ISRAA) was so far as its eye could reach, which is a clear reference to the speed of light. Thanks to the advancement of modern science, now we all know that the process of seeing is a light driven mechanism
According to Dr. Zaghloul El-Naggar, based on the root form of the word, even the name Miaraj (Ascension) is a reference to the bended path of light rays. The Quran mentions the traffic of the angels who are created from light with the same term. (تعرج الملئكة والروح فيها) see his article in Arabic here. http://www.eajaz.org/arabic/?option=com_content&view=article&id=663&catid=79:21
Thus the ascension of the Beloved messenger gave a boost to the faithful of that time. Similarly its celebration will boost up the faith and conviction of the believers of all times.
May Allah Increase our faith and join us with the faithful Aameen .
It has been mentioned by Abu’ Nu’aim in ‘Hilya’ from Anas Ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) he said, that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) used to make the following dua, when the month of Rajab came in: ‘Allahuma Barik lana fi Rajaba wa Sha’bana wa ballighna Ramadhan’ (O Allah Bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and Bring us Ramadhan) It has bee mentioned by Abu’l Fath ibn Abi’l-Fawaris in his ‘Amali’ (dictations and tra … Read More
Alhabib Mohammad Alsaqqaf in this episode of his “Raboeyat” reminds us of the impact of the name of the beloved peace be upon him on the muslims in the past and how they glorified him so much. Salla Allah Aleih Wassalam.
I would like to share yet another beautiful poetic expression on the city of the beloved Messenger.
لطيبة عرج إن بين قبابها
حبيب لأدواء القلوب طبيبُ
إذا لم تطب في طيبة عند طيبٍ
به طابت الدنيا فأين تطيبُ
إذا لم يجب في حيه ربنا الدعاء
ففي أي حي للدعاء يجيبُ
فيا ساكني أطراف طيبة كلكم
إلى القلب من أجل الحبيب حبيبُ
اللهم صل وسلم و بارك عليه وعلى اله واصحابه
Settle in Taybah for beneath its domes resides
The dearest, the healer of all sufferings of the minds.
If you weren’t pleased in the sweet city near the sweetie
By whom the world is pleasant, anywhere you could be?
At his neighbourhood, in case, calls are not answered,
Where does He answer the call, My Lord?
O’ the residents of Taybah, on each piece of its land,
You are dearly loved because of that Greatly Beloved.
Security forces in EGYPT have arrested two Salafis suspected of demolishing the shrines of revered Sufi figures in the Delta city of Qualiub. A group of Salafis on Wednesday demolished five shrines in the city, claiming that visiting shrines was an act of apostasy and against Islam. They also clashed with residents of the city who rushed to protect the shrines. The Islamic Research Academy on Thursday denounced the Salafis for demolishing the shrines and called the destruction a “criminal” act. http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/node/381918
In Cairo, Abdel Hadi al-Qassabi, head of the Supreme Council for Sufi Orders, announced the fact-finding committee, while at the Hussein mosque hundreds of people surrounded the shrine inside, promising to lay their lives down to protect it.
Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa
Gomaa, meanwhile, praised a fatwa by the Islamic Research Complex which criminalized the destruction of shrines, saying such behavior destroys the unity of Muslims. http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/node/383562
Youssef al-Qardavi too!!
The prominent Islamic scholar Youssef al-Qaradawi leveled severe criticism at Egypt’s Salafi movement, describing its thinking as both stagnant and extreme.
Al-Qaradawi added that the Salafi movement opposed the 25 January revolution and accused the revolutionary youth of deviating from Islam by disobeying authority. “Strangely enough, they now present themselves as the heroes of the revolution and its defenders,” he added. http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/node/386155
Pakistan
In Pakistan Taliban continues to destroy Sufi shrines and slaughter innocent pilgrims with human bombs. They sanctify suicide, which is a deadly sin in Islam, as well as killings of hundreds and thousands of innocent civilians.
See BBC report: Suicide attackers have killed at least 41 people and wounded many more at a shrine in Pakistan, The explosions struck near the Sakhi Sarwar shrine in Punjab, as Sufi Muslim devotees gathered for an annual three-day festival. Sufis, a minority Muslim group who follow mystical beliefs, are regarded as heretical by hardliners. A Taliban fighter told reporters his group carried out the attack, the third on Sufi shrines in a year!!!!
Interestingly it continues:
“Sufism has been widely practised in Pakistan for hundreds of years – analysts saying it has a much bigger following than the hard-line Taliban version of Islam. Devotees perform singing and dancing and pray to saints (sic)who are honoured with numerous shrines. Their beliefs are considered un-Islamic by hardliners, who have targeted their shrines several times. Last October, a suicide bombing at a shrine in Punjab province left six people dead. And earlier in the year a suicide attack on a Lahore shrine killed at least 42 people, making it the most deadly such attack on record. For decades, the government has also sought to suppress Sufism, and has put it under strict control.”
It has been posted elsewhere in this blog on the terrorist version of Islam that stems from the deviated ideology of Wahabism. The term itself has been defined as an outfit promoting and practicing violent attack against all non-Wahabis, Muslim or non-Muslim. The outfit unleashed, in its very beginning, bloody violent attacks on Traditional Muslims of Mecca and Medina and destroyed all historical and traditional structures in their Kingdom. Now No More is needed to be convinced of its terrorist nature with extreme deviation from the Religion Peace and the Messenger of Mercy.
Also see: a)“To My Fundamentalist Friend”b) Islam Vs Terrorism c)Suicide and Bombing
I would like to share excerptions from the “thoughts and recollections” posted by well-known American traditional Islamic scholar Mr. Hamza Yusuf on the current turmoil in Libya. He says,
Ghaddafi reminds me of Shakespeare’s tyrant, Richard III: conniving, mutant, dark, and absolutely cruel, with no concern for his family, friends, or companions, let alone the people he rules over. He kills to get to power and maintain it, but as power diminishes before his eyes, he unleashes his fury and decimates his own army, only to end up alone, condemned to die a traitor to his country and people.
I hope Ghaddafi’s reign comes to an end soon for the sake of Libya’s beautiful people. They deserve much better and, in sha Allah, they will get better. In each of our daily prayers, we should all pray for their succor and divine aid. God answers prayers, and there is no barrier between the oppressed and God.
I have visited Libya once, which was in 1979 and was quite a bizarre experience. Ghaddafi had been in power for just a decade, seizing control through a military coup in 1969 while King Idris was out of the country for medical treatment.
While in Libya, I visited the home of a delightful and cultured Libyan named Sidi Abdal Hamid Ben Halim, now deceased, may God have mercy on his soul. He had been a student at al-Azhar University before becoming a politician and went on to become an ambassador to Italy for Libya. At that time, his was the single most important Libyan diplomatic post. His brother, Mustafa, had been the prime minister under King Idris, who ruled Libya in the post-colonial period until the 1969 coup. From his close and personal knowledge of King Idris, Sidi Abdal Hamid recounted that not only was King Idris a just ruler, he was also a pious and erudite Muslim who dreamed of building Islamic schools and colleges throughout Africa with the newly acquired oil revenue.
In a classic example of his feigned madness, Ghaddafi actually stated that “democracy” was a hybrid Arabic word from dema and karasi, and hence that “democracy” really means “the thrones continue.
In my experience, Libyans are some of the most wonderful, loyal, and deeply religious Muslims that I have met. In my youth, my dream was to end up in Misurata, where Sidi Ahmad Zarruq’s school is and where he is buried. I used to talk with my Libyan friends about getting a plot of land there. Sidi Ahmad Zarruq loved the Libyans, and despite being a widely celebrated scholar and highly desirable resident anywhere in the Muslim world, he chose to live among the Libyans.
Dua. MP3
The recording of the Du’a al-Nasiri recited by the Fes Singers is posted here on the Sandala website. (The text of the prayer along with my translation will also soon be posted.) I advise people to recite it with the intention of succor for our brothers and sisters in Libya. This prayer is noted for its power and the effects it has on removing troubles due to the sincerity of its author. It was used by Moroccans as a means to ask God to expel the French during the colonial period and was proscribed by law under French authority.
طلع البدر علينا من ثنيات الوداع – وجب الشكر علينا ما دعا لله داع أيها المبعوث فينا جئت بالأمر المطاع – جئت شرفت المدينة مرحبا يا خير داع
With his charming touch famous singer Mr. Yusuf Islam renders these lines as below: O’ the White Moon rose over us, from the valley of Wada’ and we owe it to show gratefulness where the call is to Allah. O you who were raised amongst us coming with a work to be obeyed You have brought to this city nobleness Welcome, best caller to God’s way Title: Ta’ala al Badru Alayna ,Album: The Life of the Last Prophet ,Artist: Yusuf Islam
Since the outset of Rabeeu the Muslim world prepares to celebrate the birth of its beloved Messenger, The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Some ill-fated fellows have been deprived off the glory of this Season. But they are terribly few. Compare the maps below to see the popularity and wide acceptance of the Celebration across the globe.
It is noteworthy that many non-Islāmic countries like India and Philippines join with Islamic countries marking Meelad Day as Holiday. Other than some new central Asian republics of old USSR, the only visible exception on this map is kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar where, as in other secular countries celebrations are in full swing but without Governmental promotion. You can easily follow it with a simple search on internet. What happened in KSA after the bloody and violent invasion of Najdians in Hejaz is well-known. For centuries, Hejaz was in the forefront of celebration and in particular, the special event was held at the Prophet’s Birth Place on Meelad Day- See Mawlid at The Birth Place
It is a time to listen to and to speak of the marvellous personality of the holy Prophet as well as to renew the commitment to follow His way of life. A time to come closer to His great self and to His Lord, the Almighty Allah. Youngsters get introduced and elders get reminded of the humanity’s obligation towards its Saviour. We need to set up personal relationship with him and to be close to him all the time.
May Allah bless us with his sweetest and glorified companionship! Aameen
Just to share the video of the event that I mentioned in the previous post. The Original video that belongs to Badar Publication, Kozhikkode, India has been edited and I have added English subtitles. Thanks for watching!
It was really amazing. Millions stood witnessing it and a great number of people watched it live. One of the greatest moments of our time! Shaikh Ahmad Al Khazraji , son of former Minister of Islamic Affairs and Religious Endowments in the United Arab Emirates Shaikh Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Khazraji declaring that he would hand over the most honoured custodianship of one of the Holy Hairs of the Beloved Messenger to Shaikh Aboobacker Ahmad Musliar – A charismatic leader and renowned scholar from India . Al-Khazraji’ s assistant read out the entire lineage of that honour since it was first received by the companion of the Beloved Messenger. As we all know that the khazrajee is one of the two tribes of Ansar (Supporters) who had invited the Holy Prophet to Medina and undertaken His afety and support before migration . They have been holding this prestigious custody for centuries.
An incredible moment it was. I’ve watched it breathtakingly, wondering why Shaikh Al Khazraji wants to do it. The answer came instantly from the dais that it was at the behest of the Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessing be upon Him). Oh’ God! We saw tears bursting out and ecstatic chanting from the spectators. “Allahu Akbar!!!”. All were overwhelmed to see the greatness of Shaik Aboobacker Ahmad (May Allah Prolong His Life).
The auspicious event was at Calicut, a historic city of southern India, on the occasion of the 15th convocation and 33rd anniversary of Markaz Saqaafath Sunniyya. (Website Link) It was inaugurated by Dr. Ali Jumua , The Grand Mufti of Egypt in the Presence of Dr. Omar Abdulla Kamil from KSA and other national and international dignitaries.It was announced that on Monday 7th February 2011 the public will get access to see the sacred hair. May Almighty Allah join us all In His Haven in the company of Our Beloved Messenger, The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS). You can Click here to read an earlier post on the most blessed hair. and Here to watch the video of the event
First of all, I would like to wish you a very happy and prosperous new year. May Allah pour upon all of us His blessings and bounties and forgive all of our wrongdoings and misconduct. Aameen
The Holy Quran describes the Sun and the Moon as means of reckoning for human being. Although Islam advises to use lunar calendar for all its religious applications, it also endorses the solar method in the calculation of the fourth dimension. For instance, the Holy Quran used both solar and lunar calendar to describe a historical episode. According to that account the Hibernation of The Seven Sleepers’ in the Cave lasted 300 solar years that is 309 years in the lunar calendar.
“They did stay in their Cave for three hundred years and add nine.” (Surat al-Kahf, 25)
We see here wonderful description of the Holy Qur’an as it does not directly state 309 years but 300 plus 9!
A solar year consists 365.242217 days while a lunar year 354.36768 days, having a difference of 10.874537 days. Thus 100 solar years is equivalent to 103 lunar years. So to determine the equivalent of 300 solar years in terms of lunar years, we need to add on 9 more years – just as in the verse!!!The precision in the description of difference between these two methods can be cited as a clear proof for its authenticity and a miracle of the beloved messenger (PBUH).
Shikh Abdul Hameed Muhammed Ali Al Quds , a famous Shafi Scholar and Formerly Teacher at the Holy Mosque ,Makkah, mentions in his book ‘ Kanz Najhi wa Suroor’ special prayers at the beginning of a new year. It reads as follows:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم ، الحمد لله رب العالمين ،( اللهم) صل على سيدنا محمد صلاة تملأ خزائن الله نورا ، وتكون لنا وللمؤمنين فرجا وفرحا وسرورا ، وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم تسليما كثير ،( اللهم) أنت الأبدي القديم الأول ، وعلى فضلك العظيم وكريم جودك العميم المعوّل ، وهذا عام جديد قد أقبل أسألك العصمة فيه من الشيطان وأوليائه والعون على هذه النفس الأمارة بالسوء ، والاشتغال بما يقربني إليك زلفى يا ذا الجلال والإكرام ، وصلى الله تعالى على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم ) يقرؤه ثلاثا.
May Allah protect all of us from Satan and his assistants and help all of us against the evil inspiring selves. May Allah make each day of the year closer to Him than the day before and join us with His closest servants. Aameen
Just to share with you this beautiful Yemeni song in praising the beloved messenger. To add to your enjoyment, see the lyric and its translation at the end.
الف صلى الله على قمر الكمال
May Allah Bless the Moon of Perfection, a thousand times
من سكن طيبة ونال ذرى المعالي
Who lived in the Sweet City and reached the peak of Excellence
باعث الآمال فى ليل الحيارى
Who inspired Hope in the night of the lost
نوره جلى رهيبات الليالي
His light clears up the terrors of the night
سيدي ماكان ينطق عن هواه
My Master would not pronounce out of caprice, a word
قوله أوحى به رب الجلال
His word was revealed to him by His Majesty, the Lord
ذاك من أهدى محاسنه الزمان
It is he who presented to the Time, his lovely gifts
وهدى الناس الى قيم الجمال
And guided the people towards beautiful values
حبه فرض وما الحب ادعاء
Must is to love him and Love is not claiming
إنما نهج اتباع والتزام
But a way towards commitment and following .
بلغ المختار يا زائر سلامي
oh visitor, give my salutation to the Chosen
الصلاة والسلام عليك يا سيدي يا رسول الله Peace and Blessings upon You, My Master and Allah’s Messenger!
Don’t miss the beginning !
Beginning of Ramadan cannot be calculated in advance. It is the beauty of this religion to keep its followers excited for Ramadan. You can read the benefits of Islāmic calendar in this post. 
Traditional Islamic School 
