A Heart Serene - Qmajd Notes

A Heart Serene Sh. Riad Ourzazi

Qabeelat Majd

August 2008

This compilation is a project of Majd Scribes. For information contact [email protected]. JazakumAllahu khairun and May Allah make you successful, ameen!

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Introduction

C ONTENTS Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................5 What is Ehsaan?.........................................................................................................................................................6 Levels of Ehsaan.....................................................................................................................................................6 Categories of Ehsaan .............................................................................................................................................7 To Please or Not to Please- That is the Question ........................................................................................................ 11 Why do we Worship? ..............................................................................................................................................11 Worship in 3 main Categories: Heart, Tongue, Physical Faculties .......................................................................12 Usul Rulings of Worship .......................................................................................................................................12 Worshippers Fall into 4 Categories ...................................................................................................................... 12 Why did Allah Order us to Worship Him? ............................................................................................................13 How do we Worship Allah? .....................................................................................................................................14 In Need Of A Revitalizing Alarm? The Importance of Awareness ................................................................................15 Expiation of Sins in the DUNYA ............................................................................................................................15 Expiation of sins in AL-BARZAKH..........................................................................................................................16 Expiation of sins on THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT ....................................................................................................16 Expiation in THE HELLFIRE ...................................................................................................................................16 The Clock Is Ticking! The Importance of Time .............................................................................................................16 Beating Procrastination ...........................................................................................................................................17 Have You Weighted Your Deeds Lately? The Degree of Accountability ......................................................................18 Types of Souls ..........................................................................................................................................................18 Who is my worst enemy? ........................................................................................................................................18 Accountability ..........................................................................................................................................................19 Rescuing Your Soul? The Degree of Repentance .........................................................................................................19 Tawbah ....................................................................................................................................................................20 5 Conditions of Tawbah .......................................................................................................................................20 Understanding the Reality of Repentance ...........................................................................................................21 Signs of Acceptance .................................................................................................................................................22 What Hold Does The Shaytan Have On You? Avoiding the Plots of Peril ....................................................................22 The traps of the Shaytaan ........................................................................................................................................22 The Types of Hearts .................................................................................................................................................22 The Station of Admonition ......................................................................................................................................23 The 5 main Diseases of the Heart ........................................................................................................................ 23 Major and Minor Kufr ..............................................................................................................................................24 Major Sins ................................................................................................................................................................24 More Major Sins: .................................................................................................................................................25 Effect of Committing Sins: .......................................................................................................................................27 Does Your Heart Tremble? Crying Out of Fear of Allah ..............................................................................................29 The Types of Weeping: ............................................................................................................................................30 What Can Help us Gain this Quality? .......................................................................................................................30 What Does my Pulse Read? The Degree of Allah Consciousness ................................................................................31 Three Degrees of Fear: ............................................................................................................................................32 Can You Concentrate in Your Prayer? The Degree of Devotion .................................................................................33

Fiqh Matters: The Pillars of Salah ............................................................................................................................34 Acquiring Khushu’ in Salah ......................................................................................................................................35 There are Two things that Help one Develop Khushoo’ ......................................................................................37 People are of 4 Levels Regarding Their Prayers .......................................................................................................37 Where Can I Hide? The Degree of Vigilance ................................................................................................................ 38 Put things in Perspective - Examples of Vigilance ...................................................................................................38 3 Ways We are Being Watched: ..........................................................................................................................39 Will You Weather the Storm With Patience? The Degree of Perseverance ................................................................40 What is patience? ....................................................................................................................................................40 Allah Will Test Us .....................................................................................................................................................41 Do You Want to SECURE Allah’s Love? .................................................................................................................... 41 Ibn Qayyim Mentions 3 Kinds of Patience: ..............................................................................................................41 There are 3 DEGREES of Patience ........................................................................................................................ 42 The Degrees of Those who are Patient (as-Saabiroon) .......................................................................................42 The Rewards of the ones who are Patient...........................................................................................................42 To Acquire Patience One Needs ..............................................................................................................................44 A Person Grows Through Certain Levels of Patience:..........................................................................................44 5 Usul Categories of Patience ..............................................................................................................................44 True Self-Realization: The Meaning of Being Pleased with Allah as my Lord, Islam as my Religion, and Muhammad as my Prophet and Messenger ....................................................................................................................................45 The Station of CONTENTMENT (Ar-Ridha) ...............................................................................................................45 Introspection ...........................................................................................................................................................45 The 3 Ways to Implement the Sunnah of the Prophet (saw) in Your Life ...............................................................46 If You Really Love the Prophet (saw) Then Love What He Loved ........................................................................46 Look at the Bright Side: The Degree of Hope ..............................................................................................................47 Hope is of 3 kinds:....................................................................................................................................................48 Boot Camp: The Degree of Discipline ..........................................................................................................................49 Some traits of the Prophet (saw) .............................................................................................................................49 Humbleness .........................................................................................................................................................50 The Pillars of Good Moral Character .......................................................................................................................51 Fruits of Noble Character.........................................................................................................................................51 Who are you Trying to Please? The Degree of Sincerity..............................................................................................52 What is Sincerity? ....................................................................................................................................................53 Means of Attaining Sincerity ...............................................................................................................................53 Some of the Virtues of Sincerity: .........................................................................................................................53 What are Some of the Signs of Sincerity .............................................................................................................54 More Modest Than A Virgin in Her Seclusion? The Degree of Modesty .....................................................................55 10 Types of Modesty ...............................................................................................................................................55 3 Degrees of Modesty ..............................................................................................................................................57 Tie Your Camel: The Degree of Reliance ......................................................................................................................57 Preparations the Prophet Muhammad SAW Made for the Hijrah Journey .........................................................58 The Living and the Dead: The Degree of Remembrance .............................................................................................59 Types of Dhikr ..........................................................................................................................................................60 Heart Strings: The Degree of Longing (ash-Shawq) .....................................................................................................61

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Qabeelat Majd

Qabeelat Majd A Heart Serene

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Introduction

4 Styles of Handling Anger .......................................................................................................................................61 Ways to Limit the Effect of Anger ........................................................................................................................62 Some Strategies to Keep Anger at Bay ................................................................................................................62 Do you really love the Supreme Bestower? The Love of Allah ....................................................................................63 Types of Love ...........................................................................................................................................................64 Ways to Earn Allah’s love ........................................................................................................................................64 Don’t Worry Be Happy: The Degree of Happiness ......................................................................................................65 2 Types of Happiness ...............................................................................................................................................66 How Do You Achieve Happiness? ............................................................................................................................66 Keep the Following in Mind .................................................................................................................................70 Are You A Loner? The Degree of Alienation ................................................................................................................71 3 Types of Strangers ................................................................................................................................................71 3 Types of Strangeness ................................................................................................................................................71 Ways to Cope .......................................................................................................................................................72 The Weapon of The Believer: The Power of Supplication ...........................................................................................72 Fa Firroo ill Allah: Escape to Allah ............................................................................................................................73 Etiquettes of Making Du'aa .....................................................................................................................................73 Times When Dua' is Accepted .................................................................................................................................73 Reasons Supplications are not Answered ............................................................................................................74 What Happens When we Make Du’aa? ...................................................................................................................74 The Final Stretch: The End of Journey .........................................................................................................................75 The First Station after Death is the Grave ...............................................................................................................77 Causes of Punishment in the Grave .....................................................................................................................77 Salvation ..................................................................................................................................................................77 Signs of a Good End .............................................................................................................................................77 How to Break Better Than Even: The Degree of Steadfastness ...................................................................................78 Some Means of Remaining Steadfast ...................................................................................................................... 80 Virtues of Steadfastness ..........................................................................................................................................80 Levels of Jannah .......................................................................................................................................................83 The Gatherings of Jannah ........................................................................................................................................84 The Gateway to Jannah ...........................................................................................................................................84

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I NTRODUCTION th

Ibn Al Qayyim Al Jawziya’ real name is Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr. Born on the ‘7 of Safar 699AH in Syria in the village of Haron, he was named after his father who was a Qayyim (attendant) of a school called Jawziyyah. From an early age he learned Islamic sciences from leading scholars of his time and his schooling centered on Hadith, Aqeedah (theology), and Fiqh. He has been called “the heart surgeon.” His teachers include Saifudin al Hindi, Taqiudin Sulaiman, Sheik ul Islam ibn Taymiyyah, and his father. Ibn Kathir is a student of Ibn Qayim. He attained great proficiency in many branches, especially: hadith, usul and tafsir. He was constantly in the state of dhikr and this is what triggered his book which we are studying, Madraj As-Salikeen, which channels his focus on diseases of the heart and is an outlet for his intense of love Allah. Ibn Kathir says “He had a great deal of love and he did not harbour any bad feelings for anyone.” It is his salah was very lengthy, with a prolonged ruku. Ibn Al Qayyim died at the age of 60 in the year 1350 CE. Some of his legacies: Stations of Ihsaan, Provision of the hereafter, The Journey of the Hereafter, The Garden of Lovers. Some of his students: Ibn Kathir, Ibn Rajab He talks about six etiquettes of learning/stations to knowledge: • • • • • •

Asking questions in a good manner Remaining quiet and listening attentively Understanding well and if you don’t then ask but in a good way Memorize: i.e. quran, the hadith and matn Teaching it to others: If you just memorize but don’t convey you will forget it! Your new Motto: LISTEN, MEMORISE, TEACH! Acting upon the knowledge. Implement the knowledge and not just put on the shelves after acquiring. The only knowledge you truly have is that which you implement.

With this course, you are about to experience a Bloodless heart surgery – you will learn how to purify your heart and especially just before the month of Ramadhan. We are go through the most prominent of his books – Madarijus-Salikeen (stations of the travellers).

‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar then narrated the hadeeth that we were sitting with the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam and then came a man, and so on narrated the hadeeth about the man who came and sat next to the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam, knee next to the knees of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam and put his hands on the thighs of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam and started asking him questions: (etiquette of seeking knowledge on how to sit) What is Islam? what is Ehsaan? It is to worship Allah as if you see Him and even though you don’t see him know that he sees you. This is the station of vigilance i.e. knowing that Allah is with us always with his knowledge. The hadeeth continues after the man left. The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam informed us this man was Jibreel.

Qabeelat Majd

Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said that there is a piece of flesh in the body that if this piece of flesh is pure and sound then the entire body will become pure and sound and if this piece of flesh becomes corrupt then the entire body will become corrupt and this piece of flesh is the heart. (narrated in Sahih Bukhari and Muslim).

We spend so much time in cleansing our homes which is the center of our living, it is where we receive our guests but where we need to spend time cleaning is the dwelling of our emaan:- our soul.

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Introduction

This is the hadeeth (specifically the section on Ehsaan) we w will use for this course. Get ready fasten your seatbelts, get ready to board the soul train and by the time we finish we should have Insha Allah have a clean heart

W HAT

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E HSAAN ?

Ehsaan linguistically in Arabic means to beautify something – to make something ng look good, nice, embellished. Allah preserves the words of the Prophet Yusuf when he uses the term “Ehsan” to describe the blessings and favours Allah conferred on him.

And he raised his parents to the throne and they fell down before him pro prostrate. strate. And he said: "O my father! This is the interpretation of my dream aforetime! My Lord has made it come true! He was indeed good to me,, when He took me out of the prison, and brought you (all here) out of the bedouin bedouin-life, after Shaitân (Satan) had sown enmity between me and my brothers. Certainly, my Lord is the Most Courteous and Kind unto whom He will. Truly He! Only He is the All-Knowing, All the AllWise. [Yusuf: 100].

The Shariah definition of the word means –to acquire the sense of vigilance – to know that Allah is watching me wherever I am (AL MURAQABA).

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E HS AAN

The highest level of Ehsaan is to worship Allah as if we see him – and that he is watching us wherever we are – not that one worships only when people are around. a. Even ven though we do not see him we are aware that he will hold us accountable for our deeds – if we do good we will reap good (i.e. heaven) if we do bad we reap bad (i.e. hell) There is Ehsaan of intention – which means to purify ones intention Ehsaan in the action – purify our action – do it solely for the sake of Allah The lowest level of Ehsaan is (recorded by Muslim and Bukhari) narrated by Abu Hurairah (to the effect) when a prostitute watered a dog and because of her deed Allah forgave her and entered into i Jannah – the action in the eyes of Allah was so great yet simple a. Ibn Qayyim says that if this is the reward of ehsaan of such a person and what of the ehsaan of the one who says the Kallima – La Ilaha IllAllah?

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ehsaan in everything that we do to the extent that even Mujim al kabir – Allah has commanded eh when you slaughter an animal, you must do it with ehsaan such that you sharpen your knife to lessen pain for animal and you hide knife from animal, so you don’t frighten it and thus grant it death twice. c. Sahih Bukhari – Allah loves a person when he does an action with perfection d. Don’t cut corners – don’t leave your heart out – doesn’t matter how trivial the action may be – if I am helping do it with Ehsaan – put your heart into it – your not helping someone meone for that persons sake but for Allah’s Ehsaan with ones wife – smile with excellence, smile with ehsaan Ehsaan with ones children – ehsaan is like a beautiful tree and comes with many branches and beautiful roots. There aree many ways to show ehsaan. b.

5. 6.

In the Qur’an, Allah lah ordains justice and ehsaan in Surah Nahl: 90

[]

Verily, Allâh enjoins Al-Adl and Al-Ihsân and giving (help) to kith and kin (i.e. all that Allâh has ordered you to give them e.g., wealth, visiting, looking after them, or any other kind of help, etc.): and forbids Al-Fahshâ' (i.e all evil deeds, e.g. illegal sexual acts, disobedience of parents, polytheism, to tell lies, to giv give e false witness, to kill a life without right, etc.), and Al-Munkar (i.e all that is prohibited by Islâmic law: polytheism of every kind, disbelief and every kind of evil deeds, etc.), and Al-Baghy (i.e. all kinds of oppression), He admonishes you, that yo you may take heed.

What is the difference between justice and ehsaan? • Justice: Take your right and give others their right • Ehsaan:: Give them more than their right and take less than you deserve Which is better? Ehsaan.. Therefore, which should you strive for?

C ATEGORIES E HS AA N

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Be good to yourself – how can I be good to myself? Worship Allah with excellence and put our heart into it. Worship Allah with Ikhlaas

T O T HE

P AR E N T S

Parents are the gates to Jannah – Allah talks about his oneness and tawhid in parallel to obedience to parents – Allah says that Allah has decreed that you worship none other than him and you be obedient to the parents. parents Abi Bakrah narrated that the Prophet was asked about the major sins and he responded that the greatest sin is to associate with Allah someone else in any manner - second major sin is to dishonour the parents and to be unkind and be disobedient and even when they are mean to you still treat them w well. Another hadeeth narrated in Nasai – Umar ibn al Khattab narrated that the Prophet says 3 kinds of people Allah will neglect on the day of judgement – these will be the losers – 1) the one who encounters his parents and

Qabeelat Majd

E HS AA N

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Introduction

dishonours them (Allah will not look at this person) 2) women who want to be like men 3) the one who has no protective jealousy – for egs. A man’s wife shakes hands with others and the man doesn’t care GEM: “Kamaa tudeenu tudaan” – as you treat others, so will you be treated. Ask yourself, would you ask Allah to grant you children that treat you the way you treat your own parents? In a Muslim country a story was related that a young man was dragging an old man – some people tried to help by beating the young man and the old man tried to stop the people and told them he was his son and the reason he is doing this is because he used to do that to his own father. The kindness to the mother supersedes kindness to the father: • As the Prophet has said – when he was asked who should me the best of my companions – the Prophet responded your mother, your mother, your mother (thrice) then your father. • Abu Hanifah’s mother came to him and said I have a question that I need from a specific scholar – and Abu Hanifah knowing the answer went to Abu Mudar and asked the question and Abu Mudar didn’t know the answer so he asked Abu Hanifa. Abu Hanifa without letting his mother know gave Abu Mudar the answer and then Abu Mudar gave the answer to his mother Invest in your heart: If your mother is alive today– go to her and ask for only one du’aa and make a du’aa from the heart Musa asked Allah to see his companion in Jannah and Allah said to him to go to this cave and you will see a woman and her child (the child will be your companion in Jannah) – he went and saw a woman who was cleaning and taking care of her child – once the child left – Musa asked the woman what is so special about this child? Musa wanted to know what will make this child his companion in Jannah – and she responds that I made Du’aa to Allah to make this child the companion of Musa in Jannah – Musa responded that I am Musa and he will be my companion in Jannah – This is the power of du’aa of a parent, it has an increased chance of being accepted by Allah. However some parents think that ehsaan is only extended to parents only and not to the children i.e. parents are only financial managers and their responsibility is only to pay the bill and the other responsibilities fall upon the shoulders of other entities like schools or baby sitters or the imam at the masjid. This is not the case – Allah has set rights for everyone – For example the 2 rights of a child upon his father are that the father provide for his children a righteous mother (because she will play a major role in his moral upbringing) and to provide a good (i.e. related to the deen) education

EHSAAN WITH CHILDREN How much time are you spending with your kids? Kids value that time; sitting together to watch tv is not quality time. Do you converse with your children? Do you try to have friendly conversation with them? Ex. A father comes to imam and says my kid doesn’t listen to me. But the kid says “your impossible to talk to because I’m always wrong and your always right.” When was the last time you had a genuine outing with them? Just you and children having fun somewhere. How do you talk to your children? Do you talk at them or to them? “Seek first to understand before being understood,” whereas some people insist on having the last word. Ex. I’m your parent and you have to listen to what I say.

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At certain ages we have to be prepared to ask questions, otherwise they’ll go outside to get the answers. Ex. School/streets. Show love to your kids. Ex. Rasul Allah with Fatima. If with sahabah, and she came he’d stand up for her, hugged her, kissed her forehead and asked her to sit at his seat (she was less than a teen at that age). Subhan Allah, who wouldn’t want to have a father like Rasul Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam? Be that father/mother to your (future) children. Advice to Fathers and Mothers:
Stick to a strategy – be united on one front – never have a conflict in front of your kids –
To bond, consult with your children. Don’t always make hard decisions. Ask, what do you think we should do today? This summer? This weekend? Take opinions from everyone.
be consistent with the kids
Give them praise – some of us fall short in giving praise – even if they fail give them praise this will give them confidence and Being a Good Listener: positivity to do better instead of shunning them etc • Don’t interrupt
Never lie to them – this is something that needs to be valued
Apologize for your mistakes – this doesn’t show weakness but • Don’t judge instead this shows that I have parents who are loving caring • Think before and a heart
Use humour – some dads are like commanders in chief – use responding humor with the kids so that they may see love and kindness • Watch for non-verbal and humanity
Family gatherings – at least once a week me and my kids turn behaviour off all electronics – turn off all distractions – pick a time and lets • Avoid rehearsing your talk – family time family lunch and family dinner – everybody has got to be home – use this time to talk best time to bond answer (while the other with the kids – try it for a month you will feel the change!

is talking)









Upholding the ties of kinship – the close members of the family. • Ask questions (shows Call them, order flowers to be delivered online, support them that you are really financially if needed, make du’aa for them! Ehsaan to the Muslim society, volunteer, organize Islamic listening) events, donate to building of Islamic schools, etc. Ehsaan to all of mankind – you were the best nation that came out to mankind that calls to good and forbids evil – do ehsaan to your parents, children, make da’wah to non-Muslims Ehsaan can be found in anything – even in patience Ehsaan can also be found in the women you divorce, as we can see in Surah Baqarah: 229

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Introduction

The divorce is twice, after that, either you retain her on reasonable terms or release elease her with kindness. kindness And it is not lawful for you (men) to take back (from your wives) any of your Mahr (bridal money given by the husband to his wife at the time of marriage) which you have given them, except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limitss ordained by Allâh (e.g. to deal with each other on a fair basis). Then if you fear that they would not be able to keep the limits ordained by Allâh, then there is no sin on either of them if she gives back (the Mahr or a part of it) for her Al[] Khul' (divorce) . These are the limits ordained by Allâh, so do not transgress them. And whoever transgresses the limits ordained by Allâh, then such are the Zâlimûn (wrong-doers, etc.). [2:229]

OTHER TYPES OF EHSAAN •

•

In Islam even in the divorce – i.e. if you want to marry do so with ehsaan and if you want to divorce, do so with ehsaan o The wise man is the one who takes this word divorce and puts in box locks it and throws it deep into an ocean (although tied with a stri string) Ehsaan to the orphans – Allah commands us to deal with orphans wealth ONLY with ehsaan as evidenced in Surah An’aam: 152.

"And come not near to the orphan's property, except to improve it, until he (or she) attains the age of full strength; and give gi full measure and full weight with justice. We burden not any person, but that which he can bear. And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge between men or give evidence, etc.), say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfill the Covenant Covenan of Allâh, This He commands you, that you may remember.

• •

When someone greets with a greeting greet with a better greeting Find Ehsaan hsaan in economical aspects of life (Surah Baqarah Baqarah: 195) – Allah loves those who do good

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Aisha reported she saw a poor woman with her 2 daughter and so she gave her the only remaining date in her home. The mother split this date and gave a piece to each of her daughters (nothing to spare for herself). Aisha (as) was touched by this selfless gesture (although out of her own modesty, Aisha had give away her only date) and related this to the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam and he said that the whosoever has been blessed with a daughter and he treats them with excellence they will act like a shield for that person to enter hellfire.

Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said (reported in Muslim) whosoever comes and does his wudhu and perfects it and then he goes perform 2 rakahs for the sake of Allah with his heart in it wholeheartedly with devotion and concentration, he shall enter Jannah (a must).

We will try to rectify our hearts – we will purify our hearts so that we have hearts that are receptive INVEST IN YOUR HEART: Wake up and pray at least 2 raka’at tonight and ask Allah to purify your heart. If your parents are alive, give them a hug and ask them to forgive you.

T O P LEASE OR N OT TO P LEASE - T HAT IS THE Q UESTION The Meaning and Categories of Worship And I (Allâh) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone). I seek not any provision from them (i.e. provision for themselves or for My creatures) nor do I ask that they should feed Me (i.e. feed themselves or My creatures). Verily, Allâh is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong. [Surah adh-Dhaariyaat: 56-58]

W HY

DO WE

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His wife went to the doctor once and the doctor asked why do you have to wake up so early to do your prayers why not wake at 10. The response was I have to. That is not the response that should be. What is ‘Ibadah? Ibn Taymiyyah said that ‘ibadah is a comprehensive term that comprises everything that Allah Subhana wata `alah loves and approves of that is apparent and hidden actions or sayings. The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam has taught us everything Even the fact that entering the washroom could be ibadah

Recorded in Tirmidhi and Nisai Narrated by ‘Ali that Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said a person who goes to visit his Muslim brother in the morning for the sake of Allah 70,000 angels will be supplicating to Allah for forgiveness until the night – (simple visit for the sake of Allah). In Sahih Muslim Narrated by Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam (hadith Qudsi) said that Allah will questionthe person who didn’t visit his sick brother. Why didn’t you visit him there? If you had gone you would have found Me there. Bukhari and Muslim – narrated by Abu ‘Dhar that the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said smiling in the face of your brother will be considered as charity – (give a smile from the heart and is taken as charity)

Qabeelat Majd

Feeding our wife and children is a form of worship – only in islam is it that a simple action becomes worship and is written in the book of deeds as hasana – through islaam we increase our bank account of hasana easily – smiling in the face of our brother – in Sahih Muslim narrated by Thou’ban that when a muslim visits his sick muslim brother the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said about him that the visitor will have an accommodation in Jannah for the time he is visiting the other brother. What took him to visit the brother? It was only for the sake of Allah.

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To Please or Not to Please- That is the Question

Bukhari and Muslim – narrated by Abu Hurairah that the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said that every joint in the body requires a sadaqah (i.e. 360 joints). You can give sadaqah even if you’re bankrupt. The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said a smile in the face of your brother is a sadaqah. Bukhari Muslim – Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said that the one who supports the widow and the needy is like a mujahid in the way of Allah Sahih Muslim – Narrated by Abu Dhar that the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam was asked by a man even the intimacy between a man and his wife would be worship and the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam responded in the affirmative.

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C AT EG O R I E S : H E AR T , T O N G U E , P HY SI CA L F A CU L T I E S

Worship is anything pleasing to Allah from the hidden and apparent actions. Worship of the Heart is from the hidden actions, such as: • Loving Allah and his Messenger • Tawakkul (reliance on Allah) • Sabr (patience) • Being pleased with Allah and with His Qadr • Yaqeen (certainty in Allah and His religion) Worshipping Allah with Tongue: • Du’aa is of 2 types. A Muslim ensures to make both types of du’a and not just du’a of supplication. • Du’aa of supplication: where you ask Allah to grant you something • Du’aa of praise: i.e. subhan Allah, Allahu Akbar, where you glorify Allah • The heart has worship the tongue all our physical faculties have ‘Ibadah – we could be in form of worship all time – constantly with Allah Subhana wata `alah • When one observes and contemplates wonders of Allah could be worship o When was the last time we worshipped Allah with the Quran? o The greatest dhikr is the one that encompasses the tongue AND the heart o Dhikr of listening – listening to Quran, good talk – turning away from al-laghw (vain, evil speech. if someone is backbiting or slandering and we leave that will be worship of the ears. Worshipping Allah with the Physical Faculties: • Every good deed that we perform for the sake of Allah is worship. Even brushing your teeth if the higher intention is to purify your mouth for the worship of Allah (i.e. reciting Qur’an, etc) • Your migration from doing evil to good is ibaadah. Stopping self from doing hamaam for the sake of Allah is worship – I move to halal is a form of worship

U SU L R U LI N GS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

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Obligatory (Wajib) – i.e. obey parents Recommended (Mandoob / Mustahab) – sunnah mu’akkada (stressed sunan the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam would always do, like: praying 2 raka’at before fajr, praying witr salah, etc) Permissible (Mubah) – i.e. wearing the colour blue Disliked (Makrooh) – i.e. eating onions and going to the masjid Prohibited (Mahdoor) – i.e. homosexuality, making sujood to a human being

W O R SHI P P ER S F A L L 1.

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Those who pursue the hardest forms of worship – when circumstances are difficult and yet they fear Allah. For example it is a hot day and they still choose to fast. Or in Toronto, winter is very cold but we still make Wudhoo for fajr.

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2. 3. 4.

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Ascetics – those who leave the extra comforts or luxuries of this life and choose instead to isolate themselves from the fitan and worship Allah. Those who pursue beneficial acts of worship – for example – da’wah there is good in it and it is beneficial to others then I’ll do it. Those who pursue specific acts of worship at the appropriate time: a. At the time for salaah they pray b. If time for kids, then it’s time for kids c. When there’s time for wife then time for wife d. When the adhaan is going, they put down their Qur’an and repeat after mu’adhin.

There is a time when cry in front of Allah and then the time to frolic and play with our kids. This leads to a balanced life.

WHY

DI D

A L L AH O R D E R

US TO

W O R S HI P H I M ?

Because He deserves to be worshipped! Haqqun lillaahi ‘ala khalqihi: It is a right of Allah that we worship him. If man has rights upon each other what about the right of the One Who Created everything in existence? How do we do Ehsaan to Allah? We Worship him according to how he deserves to be worshipped. Who created us and gave us our beautiful faculties? Indeed Allah Subhana wata `alah. We ponder over every creation – he has created it in perfection – Allah has created Man in the most perfect way – Doesn’t he deserved to be worshipped? He blessed us with countless blessings and we sin with countless sins. He sent us the merciful Prophet - Who meticulously chose him? Ibn Qayyim says that Allah creates and selects (Allahu yakhluqu wa yakhtar)– He created the seven heavens and selected the highest heveans to be closest to his ‘arsh – of all of creation, he made mankind superior and of mankind He selected messengers and of the messengers he selected Prophets and of the Prophets he favoured 5 (ul ul-‘azm: Muhammad, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and Nuh) and of the 5 he favoured 3 and of the 3 (Muhammad, Ibrahim, Musa) he favoured 2 (Ibrahim and Muhammad and of the 2 he favoured the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam. Mu’aadh ibn Jabal (in Bukhari) the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam asked him oh Muaadh do you know what is the right of Allah Subhana wata `alah upon his servants and the right of the servants upon Allah- he responsded no – and the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said to him that Allah’s right upon the servant is that he be worshipped without associating any partners with him and the right of the slave is to be granted Jannah for whoever worships Allah alone.

Who is the one who gives life, death, fame, dignity, and wealth and who can take it all back? ALLAH this is what is happening of the Muslims today.

Similarly, we cannot feed our physical body alone, as the person is also possessed of a soul. We need to nourish it. The body was created from the ground (i.e. dust) and so it requires sustenance from the ground. The soul was created by Allah, and needs to be nourished with that which comes from Allah: Qur’an and Sunnah - the Divine Guidance. Ramadhan is the time for purification of the soul by controlling the desires. It is ‘Ibadah to our souls. ‘Ibadah rectifies our souls. And it is ONLY in the remembrance of Allah that hearts find peace. Allah commands us to

Qabeelat Majd

We worship Allah for our own benefit. Worship is sustenance to our souls – it is the food to our souls – not because we have to – just like we have to sustain our body we have to sustain our soul – people today are like zombies because they are controlled by their desires. They try to satiate their physical desires in order to numb the feeling of emptiness that is comes from the neglect of Allah. But even if the body is in its prime, if the soul leaves, the body cannot survive!

14

To Please or Not to Please- That is the Question

worship Him – and anything Allah commands is a source of good for us and protection from evil. It is a source of honour and dignity. We worship Allah because worship is the way to freedom and dignity dignity. Freedom – not restrained trained to anything – worshipping Allah - not slave of the dollar or any other currency or I will become disgraced as the dollar will be guiding my life – slave of only and only Allah – the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam wasallam cursed the slave of the dinar. We worship Allah because worship comes to our rescue at the time of hardship and difficulty difficulty.. Ibn I Taymiyyah wrote the majm’oo al fatawa while he was in prison – we say that I don’t have time but then if we worship Allah gives us the time and we realize the blessing – there is no limit to when where how one worships We worship Allah because we need his mercy and we need his reward reward. Fearing earing his punishment and looking for his mercy, Hoping for his mercy and looking for his reward reward. The fire of Hell cannot be compared to the fire that we experience on this earth earth. There, even ven the clothes are from fire, their sustenance from fire – their food is from fire. Oh Allah forgive us our sins and save us from the hellfire hellfire. Oh Allah make us on the highes highest abode of Jannah.

H OW

DO WE

W ORS HIP A LLAH ?

There are some rules and restrictions here. Not every ‘ibadah that is sincere is accepted even if it is the most sincere.. It must be in accordance to the way His Messenger taught us to worship Him. Allah accepts only that which is pure and correct correct:

Say (O Muhammad SAW): ): "I am only a man like you. It has been inspired to me that your Ilâh (God) is One Ilâh (God i.e. Allâh). [] So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord." [Kahf: 110].

Correct means, according to the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi `Alayhi-wasallam wasallam . For example, “I am sincere but I prayed 5 rakah of Maghrib Maghrib” – will that be accepted? “But it doesn’t state to pray any number of rak’aat in the Qur’an.” Rather it is in the sunnah. Our actions must therefore be performed in accordance to the sunnah. Note on Bid’ah – Ibn Taymiyyah said that the Quran needs the Sunnah more than the Quran needs the Sunnah – Does the Quran show us how to perform Hajj or perform 2 rakahs of prayer? It is in the way of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam. wasallam. I.e. in Bukhari Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam wasallam said pray like you have seen me pray.

Qabeelat Majd A Heart Serene

15

The details of many ahkam in the Quran are only available in the sunnah. I.e. Allah commands us to pay zakaat in Qur’an. But how much zakah do we pay, who must pay it, and on what wealth? This knowledge is preserved in the sunnah. If someone adds or removes from the deen it is an implication that Allah and His messenger did not complete the deen. Very serious implication indeed. Abdullah ibn Umar would say that every innovation goes into darkness even if people see it as a good innovation. Sufyan ath Thawree used to say that the innovation is more beloved to shaytaan than committing sin – Ponder – if you commit sin you may repent however committing bid’ah is dangerous because a person considers themselves to be doing good, therefore, they will not turn to Allah in repentance! Is there such a things as good bid’ah? No there is consensus amongst the scholars that any bid’ah leads to misguidance and all misguidance leads to hell fire. Then some say that what about Taraweeh? Isn’t is hasan Bid’ah? NO! The first one to start the taraweeh was the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam himself. However, out of his mercy he stopped praying taraweeh in congregation as he feared that it may become obligatory upon the Muslims and they would fall short of this obligation.

I N N EED O F A R EVITALIZING A LARM ? T HE I MPORTANCE OF A WARENESS Ibn Qayyim said the worshipper will not be able to understand the ramifications of Iyyaka Na’budhu wa iyyaka Nasta’een until they understand the degree that precedes it – Awakening. • • • • •

Waking up the heart from heedlessness We need an alarm It is this alarm that will make a person a seeker of Allah Subhana wata `alah This is the station of Awareness Awaken from our negligence. Surah Saba: 46

From this verse realize the enormity of the blessings and gifts of Allah . We need to come to this station because it will lead us to another station. To reach this Ibn Qayyim prescribed: As we need to purify our souls and remove our sins (efface).

EXPIATION

OF

SINS

IN THE

DUNYA

Duniya: the life of this world. 1. Repentance – at-tawbah 2. Istighfaar: actively seeking forgiveness. Note: heart needs to be engaged.

Qabeelat Majd

Say (to them O Muhammad SAW): "I exhort you on one (thing) only: that you stand up for Allâh's sake in pairs and singly, and reflect (within yourselves the life history of the Prophet SAW): there is no madness in your companion (Muhammad SAW), he is only a warner to you in face of a severe torment."

16

The Clock Is Ticking! The Importance of Time

3.

Good deeds that erase the bad one.

4. Calamities that erase the sins (efface) – expiation of the sins – If our sins are not removed then we move to the next level

EXPIATION

O F SI N S I N

AL-BARZAKH

Barzakh: the life after death, during grave, and before Day of Judgement. a. This is a form of purification before you enter Jannah b. When someone dies and the ones who pray over his body may intercede on his behalf c. The trial of the grave – includes the crushing of the grave – remember everyone has to go through the process of cleansing of the souls before going into Jannah – imagine if I got stuck somewhere and with no lights and no sound – imagine I am going to be in a pit dark quiet folded in a shroud, the darkness of the shroud, the darkness of the grave the darkness of the grave – indeed hair raising d. The offspring make du’aa for their parent after they die or a person leaves something behind which other people benefit from (sadaqah jariyyah) Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radiyallahu An Hum) narrates the Prophet (Sallahu Alyhee Wa Salaam) said, “There is no Muslim man who dies and forty men who do not associate anything with Allah pray funeral prayer for him, but Allah will accept their intercession for him.” [Muslim]

EXPIATION

O F SI N S O N

THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT

a.

The terror of the day – Allah to the extent that a pregnant woman would abandon her unborn child – everyone will be looking to their own interests b. The pain of the day – 50,000 years, so much sweat that it reaches to their knees others swimming in their sweat and others who are drowning in them. On the day when there is no shade except for Allah’s there will be chosen ones (including the seven mentioned in the famous hadith) who will be put under the shade of Allah. c. Intercession of the angels, believers, the prophets, the hufadh (the ones who have memorized the Quran with sincerity d. IncludesForgiveness and pardoning of Allah Subhana wata `alah and if this pardoning of the Most Merciful is not sufficing then the next stage is the hellfire

EXPIATION • •

IN

THE HELLFIRE

The ones who will come from Jahannam and enter Jannah will be called the Jahannamiyoon After purification of the fire, then they enter Jannah by the Permission and Mercy of Allah alone. Which group are you striving to be from? What are my actions telling me?

T HE C LOCK I S T ICKING ! T HE I MPORTANCE OF T IME The quintessential awakening is that of realization of time – when a person realizes how much time they have wasted in their ignorance there is guilt Stand and pause – the time I have wasted ponder over the journey back towards Allah Subhana wata `alah. Now I need to do something

Qabeelat Majd A Heart Serene

17

Lest a person should say: "Alas, my grief that I was undutiful to Allâh (i.e. I have not done what Allâh has ordered me to do), and I was indeed among those who mocked [at the truth! i.e. Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh), the Qur'ân, and Muhammad SAW and at the faithful believers, etc.] [Surah Az-Zumar: 56]

Time is like a car with no reverse – it will never come back – how many of us turn to each other and say to each other that I may not see you tomorrow therefore lets forgive each other? Haroon ar –Rasheed’s brother when dying wanted to see his grave and when he was put in the grave he cried and looked up and prayed Oh the One whose kingdom never perishes forgive the one whose kingdom has already perished Time is more precious than gold – time is precious – learn from the passage of time – learn from our mistakes – do not repeat the mistakes of history. o o o o o o o

Year - Ask a student who has failed a grade he knows the value of a year Month – Ask the mother who gave birth to a premature baby Week – Ask an editor Day – Ask the labourer who sweats the entire day for his family Hour – Ask the two lovers who are about to meet Seconds – Ask the one missed an accident Millisecond – Ask the one who runs a 100 meter race!

B EATING P ROCRAST INATION Procrastination is the disease of putting off important tasks – investing time in the wrong tasks – we say I’m busy but in reality we are really investing in the wrong activity – focus and complete the task at hand







Start an Activity log – how much time do I spend on each task – how much time do I waste on things that are unimportant – some love reading junk mail – Have an action plan – preparing for an event – brain storm all the activities I am about to do so for example Prioritize my to do list – if someone comes to me with a task and if I am already on a task then I should prioritize – which is high medium low – Start scheduling tasks – which can be done today or tomorrow – there are some who go to the extreme by going down to the minutes – be reasonable be realistic Personal Goal setting – we believe in Qadr but to make time and plan does not conflict with the belief in Qadr – these could be career goals, or personal goals – write it down – set a S.M.A.R.T goal: specific – measurable – actionable – realistic – time-bound goal. (Reported in at-Tirmidhi classified as Hasan) Every person has a time of energy and every time of energy is followed by a time of lethargy.




A person should follow the middle course – do not go to extremes – for example I have energy I can do all the worship now. Why? This is the tricks of shaytaan – he causes a person to do and do and do and then eventually when run out of gas then fall apart. This is one of the tricks that the soul plays on oneself.

Qabeelat Majd




18

Have You Weighted Your Deeds Lately? The Degree of Accountability

H AVE Y OU W EIGHTED Y OUR D EEDS L ATELY ? T HE D EGREE OF A CCOUNTABILITY

O you who believe! Fear Allâh and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the morrow, and fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is All-Aware of what you do. [Surah al-Hashr: 18]

So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall see it. [Surah Az-Zalzalah: 7]

T YPES 1.

2.

3.

W HO

OF

S OULS

Soul prone to evil – An Nafs al Ammara bis-soo (in Surah Yusuf): this kind of soul beautifies the sin to you and causes one to sin, this kind of sin will come in and justify the sin and if you try to control this soul moves to second level Nafs al Lawwama (mentioned in Surah al Qiyaama) – self reproaching soul – this soul will negate everything that I do – if I do good it will tell me that I haven’t done enough – or if I do not fulfil an obligation it will dumb down the severity if you have control of this nafs then. I.e. prayed 2 raka’at, will push for more. Nafs al Mutmainnah – (mentioned in Surah al Fajr`) the satisfied soul

IS MY W ORST ENEMY ?

#1 is the NAFS. #2 is ash-Shaytaan (Allah mentions shaytaan as our enemy 13 times in the Qur’an) The Shaytaan wants me to commit sin however my soul (Nafs al Ammara bis soo) will always want me to do this sin. How do I deal with this soul? • •

• •

Ignore the soul that boosts my ego to pride. Despise it – dislike it – Ibn Qayyim said weigh the blessings that Allah has given me and compare to what I have given back. o Abdullah bin Mas’ud used to say that by Allah if you knew the sins that I had you would beat me with your shoes o If we had a smell to our sins we will not be able to sit next to each other? Trick it – how can I trick/fool my nafs? Take on extra worship gradually, wear shades to lower your gaze Be skeptical of your soul. His goal obviously to push the person into kufr – spoil the work and spoil the actions.

19

How is the soul led astray? Shaytaan promises things in vain – for example if you give in sadaqah you will become poor – he doesn’t want me to do good deeds – or the beard or the hijab he promises that you won’t get a job. Threatens you with poverty.

A CCOUNTABILITY After overcoming the station of awakening move to the next station of accountability: To assess my current situation – where do I stand? Have I been doing good or doing evil? The time that I have wasted I will pause and sit with myself and put myself to some accountability. Allah will judge us and each one of us will be asked about each and every thing tiny or big that we did. Our book of records will not leave anything good or evil big or small out of our records. WE NEED TO TAKE ACCOUNT NOW – because I don’t know when my time is TO leave this earth. Close my eyes and ponder will the angel of death comes to me now am I ready to go now am I ready think what is it that I need to do now as I am awakened and as I realize all the time that has been wasted what is it that I need to do to get closer to Allah. Is this how I am paying Allah Subhana wata `alah back? He could have destroyed us like the nations past but he gives us the chance to redeem ourselves. He is with us in His knowledge – he is watching me, he is aware of my doings – don’t I need to be accountable? I am looking back at my deeds and the bad deeds outweigh my good deeds. Take the example of ‘Umar ibn Al Khattab was aware of Allah; when Umar was distributing the spoils of war and his son came and took an apple and took a bite out of that apple. Umar rushed took the apple and snatched the morsel from his sons mouth. His son cried and went home to his mother. Umar rushed home to find the smell of apples and asked his wife. He asked his wife of this and she told him that your son came crying – Umar said that when I took the morsel out of his mouth it was like I was taking out a piece of my heart but I didn’t want to be held accountable to Allah. INVEST IN YOURSELF: Engage in some muhasabah. Is there any change in me since this year’s Ramadhan? Accountability can be defined as the right of Allah upon the servant in that every act of obedience consists of 6 matters: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Sincerity in the action (for Allah alone) Pure devotion to Allah in it Following and imitating the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam Seeing and observing excellence in it Seeing Allah’s Benevolence in it Seeing one’s shortcomings (in performing this action) after all of this

R ESCUING Y OUR S OUL ? T HE D EGREE OF R EPENTANCE Then after accountability the next station is sincere REPENTANCE. With this station I will live until I meet my Lord. My entire religion is embedded in something called repentance. At-Tawbah is the reality of this Islam. The repentant person deserves to be beloved of Allah. Why? Allah says in Surah Baqarah that he loves the one who repents.

Qabeelat Majd

The correct intention doesn’t purify the wrong action and the wrong intention corrupts the good action.

Qabeelat Majd A Heart Serene

20

Rescuing Your Soul? The Degree of Repentance

They ask you concerning menstruation. Say: that is an Adha (a harmful thing for a husband to have a sexual intercourse with his wife while she is having her menses), therefore keep away from women during menses and go not unto them till they have purified (from menses and have taken a bath). And when they have purified themselves, then go in unto them as Allâh has ordained for you (go in unto them in any manner as long as it is in their vagina). Truly, Allâh loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves (by taking a bath and cleaning and washing thoroughly their private parts, bodies, for their prayers, etc.). [Surah Al-Baqarah: 222]

T AWBAH The meaning of Tawbah: It means leaving everything that displeases Allah Subhana wata `alah and come onward with everything that pleases Allah Subhana wata `alah. Repentance is for all the slaves of Allah.

Say: "O 'Ibâdî (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the . Mercy of Allâh, verily Allâh forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful [Surah Az-Zumar: 53]

If you have an opportunity to repent, grab it. Realise this opportunity is there as long as you are alive. REPENT, REPENT, REPENT, AND REPENT UNTIL YOU MEET YOUR LORD. However some are content with their current situation, all needs to be done is to look at the companions. The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam would make istighfaar more than 70 times in a day. And yet all his sins were forgiven by Allah. Do we have such a promise of forgiveness from Allah? What prevents us from making as much istighfaar? rd

Realise: Allah comes down in the 3 part of every night and calls out to the ones who are seeking his forgiveness. When I repent Allah is happy with me. The danger is in persistence of committing the sin!

5 C O N DI T I O N S 1. 2. 3. 4.

OF

T AW BA H

Sincerity to Allah Remorse – feel bad about it Stop committing the sin immediately. Make solemn determination that you don’t want to go back to the sin – I have no other lord except for you to repent too.

Qabeelat Majd A Heart Serene

5.

21

Repentance must occur before death – the opportunity is now. It is either now or never. When I see the reality of death it may not be accepted from me anymore. – But then what about committing injustice against someone else – if we can rectify the situation without creating greater harm then do so – if an apology is warranted then seek forgiveness

U N D ER ST AN DI N G

T HE

R E A LI T Y

OF

R E P E N T AN C E

Magnify the sin : The more enormous and exorbitant the sin is the more apologetic I will become a believer will see the sin as a huge mountain– if I diminish the reality of the sin I will not care much and not repent like the disobedient will see a sin like a fly on his nose and flick it away. Attribute high importance to the order to the command: Ta’dheem al-amr.

O you who believe! Turn to Allâh with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will remit from you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise) the Day that Allâh will not disgrace the Prophet (Muhammad SAW) and those who believe with him, their Light will run forward before them and with (their Records Books of deeds) in their right hands they will say: "Our Lord! Keep perfect our Light for us [and do not put it off till we cross over the Sirât (a slippery bridge over the Hell) safely] and grant us forgiveness. Verily, You are Able to do all things. [Surah Tahreem: 8]

Attribute high importance to the one who is giving the order: Allah the almighty the all high Question your repentance: Question my repentance – the more sceptical I am about the repentance the more will I repent – when I become content with my repentance is not a good sign – then there is a problem with my repentance.

1. 2.

When the Quran is recited it doesn’t move you When in seclusion and you are not pondering over the creation 3) when in gatherings of zikr does my heart kick? Does my heart miss beats? Does my heart jump? – if your heart does not repond to either of these 3 stimuli then your heart may be dead

Acquire protective jealousy to understand the reality of repentance: When I see the orders of Allah being disobeyed it moves me, it should shake me. Like when in the time ibn Mu’tassim – when a woman was slapped and she cried oh Mu’tassim come and help me (who was in Baghdad at the time) – the man who slapped laughed and said let your help come – a man saw this and had this protective jealousy he sat on his mule and travelled 1000 miles to tell ibn Mu’tassim and when he heard this he took of his cap and said that I will not shower until I assist this woman – he went with 90000 soldiers and when the man was brought forth to the court and the woman was asked what would you like me to do –

Qabeelat Majd

Abdullah ibn Masud would say that one should check his heart

22

What Hold Does The Shaytan Have On You? Avoiding the Plots of Peril

avenge you or leave him for the sake of Allah – she said leave him since you have fulfilled my right. WHERE ARE WE TODAY? Do I act if I see a sister being abused on the bus because she wears the hijab? No, although this doesn’t mean that I fight and punch – a wrong doesn’t correct a wrong but at least I should speak

S IGNS

OF

A CCEPTAN CE

The repentance has some signs 1. 2.

I should feel that I am better than I used to be i.e. I am refraining from the sins that I used to do To fear and be sceptical that perhaps Allah has not accepted my tawbah – maybe Allah hasn’t – I don’t know my end – I make du’aa to Allah for a good end.

W HAT H OLD D OES T HE S HAYTAN H AVE O N Y OU ? A VOIDING THE P LOTS OF P ERIL T HE

TRAPS OF THE

S HAYTAAN

7 in all: 1. 2.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Associating someone with Allah or not worshipping at all i.e. shirk – and if he fails at this he moves to the next trap Innovations/Bid’ah – this comes way before the trap of Major Sins – because one can make tawbah for major sins but when they think bid’ah is a good thing, they will not make tawbah! The trap of the major sins – disobedience of the parents – adultery etc – Allah says in the Quran Major Sins - how does he use this against us? He makes it seem to us as though it is a minor sin. Minor sins: The collection of minor sins is like a waterfall – drop by drop becomes a stream and which becomes a river. Preoccupying you with permissible things (mubah) – he doesn’t want me to obey Allah so he will distract me by halal things but they will take me away from more important things Preoccupying with deeds of lesser rewards – opportunity cost when faced with 2 options – and he will prompt the person to do the lesser deed Deploying his soldiers against you – the example of companion Umar (ra), and how he was killed Shaheed by a Fire Worshipper

T HE T YPES

OF

H EARTS

Imam Ibn Qayyim says that we repent but when we hear these reminders why don’t we benefit from these reminders so he investigated the types of hearts A dead heart – this heart does not benefit from any of the reminders.

Qabeelat Majd A Heart Serene

23

Then, after that, your hearts were hardened and became as stones or even worse in hardness. And indeed, there are stones out of which rivers gush forth, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which split asunder so that water flows from them, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which fall down for fear of Allâh. And Allâh is not unaware of what you do. [Surah al Baqarah:74]

A sick heart – has diseases but something that preventing it from benefiting completely. A healthy heart – Somebody whose heart is alive. Allah says verily there is a reminder for the healthy heart when the Quran is recited it moves.

Verily, therein is indeed a reminder for him who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful. [Surah Qaaf: 37]

T HE S TATION

OF

A D MONITION

To learn from past lessons. To leverage from the fruit of pondering. We hear the reminders and yet we do not benefit from these reminders. How do we benefit from these reminders? Learning lessons – learn from the past – learn about what Pondering the trials Allah put the people in the past through and what caused them to pass or fail. One needs a sound brain/intellect to take from past lessons – the fact that I can differentiate between opposites – right and wrong – false and truth. 1.

2.

The awareness that death is near – what would I do if I were to see a doctor and the doctor tells me that I have only a few weeks to live – this happened to an obese woman who went to many doctors and they couldn’t give her a cure until she went to a doctor who said to him that I have determined the reason for your obesity and that you are going to die – she turned herself around and after a year. To meditate the Quran – Will they not meditate on the Quran? Do we reflect upon what we read.

Be in dire need of a reminder – come with an open heart. Avoid scrutinizing the faults of the preacher – some come to a gathering only to criticise even if the preacher didn’t say anything maybe his clothing Ponder on Allah’s promises and warnings – promise of Jannah and warning of Jahannam – one needs a sound brain/intellect to take from pass lessons. We need a sound intellect to understand the blessings – Allah says that whoever has been blessed with wisdom.

1.

2. 3. 4. 5.

M AI N

D I S E AS E S

O F T HE

H E AR T

Intermingling of men and women– Allah says do not follow the footsteps of Shaytaan. a. Allah did not say “do not follow the shaytaan” but instead said to not follow his footsteps because he leads a person step by step to evil. Wishful Thinking – People wish however do not follow up with action – we wish but there is no plan to execute that wish Holding to anyone other than Allah – attracting to anyone other than Allah – this extinguishes the noor that is in the heart Excess eating – eat too much that one loses focus – Let’s take a lesson from Ramadhan – it just passed. We don’t really need as much food as we thought or are used to, to drive us through the day, do we? Excess sleeping – some youth who stay awake all night almost until fajr – then not only not pray fajr but sleep until Dhuhr or Asr or Maghrib the next day. Be moderate in sleep.

Qabeelat Majd

THE 5

24

What Hold Does The Shaytan Have On You? Avoiding the Plots of Peril

Warning!!! Major and Minor Sins M AJOR • •

AND

M INOR K UFR

Major Kufr: that which is apparent. Known in Arabic as shirk (giving the rights of Allah to other than Allah/denying the rights of Allah). Minor Kufr: that which is hidden (al khafi ), ar ar-riyya’

M AJOR S INS Major sins are considered those where a designated punishment or expiation is set in either the Quran or the Sunnah. Evidences of Major sins from the Quran:

]

If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall remit from you your (small) sins, and admit you to a Noble Entrance (i.e. Paradise). [An-Nisaa 4:31]

Those who avoid great sins (see 6:152-153) 153) and Al-Fawâhish (illegal sexual intercourse, etc.) except the small faults, verily, your Lord is of vast forgiveness. He knows you well when He created you from the earth (Adam (Adam), ), and when you were fetuses in your mothers' wombs. So ascribe not purity to yourselves. He knows best him who fears Allâh and keep his duty to Him [i.e. those who are Al-Muttaqûn]. [An-Najm 53:32]

Evidences of Major sins from the Sunnah: It is reported on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed: Avoid the seven noxious things. It was said (by the hearers): What are they, Messenger of Allah? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Associating anything with Allah, magic, agic, killing of one whom God has declared inviolate without a just cause, consuming the property of an orphan, and consuming of usury, turning back when the army advances, and slandering chaste women who are believers, but unwary. [Muslim, Book 1 #0161]

From this Hadith 7 major sins are mentioned (there are over 50): 1. Associating aything with the worship of Allah. 2. Black Magic 3. Killing an innocent soul

Qabeelat Majd A Heart Serene

4. 5. 6. 7.

25

Consuming the property of an orphan Ribba (dealing with usury) Turning back when the army advances Slandering Chaste women who are believers

COMMENTS: Black Magic – It is only Allah who knows past, present and future , he is Al-Aleem; the knower of all. Then why would a person go to a wizard or witch? These people have merely made contracts with Jinn, like the case of the witch whose deal with the jinn had her urinate on the Quran in order to get what she wanted. Slandering chaste believing women – an evil person called a chaste womans house and the son picked up – the son is innocent – the son described everything including the home and his mother – the man hung up and called the womans husband and described everything – the husband

1.

Not praying - There are 2 types of kufr: • In Faith. When someone denies something form the deen, by consensus this is kufr. (Ex. “there is no thing as Salah”) then this by consensus is kufr • In Action (Ex. the one who understands that he has to pray but doesn’t out of his shortcomings, and asks Allah for forgiveness and guidance).

2.

Magic/Witchcraft - Only Allah knows the past, present and future; and things that did not happen and if they were to happen he would know how it would be. He is al-Aleem. Ex. Someone not getting married, so go to the witchcrafter so they could find out. But, if the witchcrafter knew he wouldn’t be doing that! He’d be doing someone else. Outhubillah, that’s just lost 40 days of their salah. When a certain practiser of this died, they could not bury her, the ground was like rock. So they burned her instead.

3.

Disrespecting to parents

4.

Homosexuality

5.

Lying about Allah and His messenger - Attesting to Allah and his messenger that they have not said (bidah, or fabricating Hadith.)

6.

Bearing false witness - Like the men in some other countries who stand outside courts, when someone comes and says “I need a witness”—he says “yes, but it will cost you x”, and they will bear witness to something that didn’t happen. Ex. Supporting a friend in evil

7.

Drinking Khamr (Wine)

8.

Gambling

9.

Stealing

10. Committing Suicide 11. Women imitating men and men imitating women 12. Not protecting one’s self from urine - i.e. when one stands and urinates 13. Men wearing silk and gold

Qabeelat Majd

M O R E M AJO R S I N S :

26

What Hold Does The Shaytan Have On You? Avoiding the Plots of Peril

14. Slandering chaste women - Some people are smarter than ibliss. Ex. abu jahl, Shaytaan was with them in the form of a man, when they were plotting to kill the prophet sallahu alayhi wa-sallam, and when it was suggested to kill the Prophet (saw) shaytaan said ‘good plan.’ 15. Oppressing other men or our wives or our children – treating others unjustly. Abu Dharr reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying that Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, said: My servants, I have made oppression unlawful for Me and unlawful for you, so do not commit oppression against one another. My servants, all of you are liable to err except one whom I guide on the right path, so seek right guidance from Me so that I should direct you to the right path. O My servants, all of you are hungry (needy) except one whom I feed, so beg food from Me, so that I may give that to you. O My servants, all of you are naked (need clothes) except one whom I provide garments, so beg clothes from Me, so that I should clothe you. O My servants, you commit error night and day and I am there to pardon your sins, so beg pardon from Me so that I should grant you pardon. O My servants, you can neither do Me any harm nor can you do Me any good. O My servants, even if the first amongst you and the last amongst you and even the whole of human race of yours, and that of jinns even, become (equal in) God-conscious like the heart of a single person amongst you, nothing would add to My Power. O My servants, even if the first amongst you and the last amongst you and the whole human race of yours and that of the Jinns too in unison become the most wicked (all beating) like the heart of a single person, it would cause no loss to My Power. O My servants, even if the first amongst you and the last amongst you and the whole human race of yours and that of jinns also all stand in one plain ground and you ask Me and I confer upon every person what he asks for, it would not. in any way, cause any loss to Me (even less) than that which is caused to the ocean by dipping the needle in it. My servants, these for you I shall reward you for thern, so he who deeds of yours which I am recording finds good should praise Allah and he who does not find that should not blame anyone but his ownself. Sa'id said that when Abu Idris Khaulini narrated this hadith he knelt upon his knees. [Muslim, Book 032, #6246]

16. Giving and accepting bribes 17. Marrying a divorced woman so that the woman would become halal for the first man - “Hired bulls to fool the shaykh” 18. Showing off

WAYS TO SHOW KINDNESS TO YOUR NEIGHBOUR • •

19. Learning knowledge for the sake of this world and withholding it - Not being sincere – learning so that people will praise him. • 20. Listen to peoples secret conversations 21. Eavesdropping - There is a Prophetic adhab (etiquette) of seeking permission to enter another Muslim’s home three times (by knocking thrice each of the three tiems) and if there is no answer, then to leave.. • 22. Cursing - People with this disease cannot have one straight sentence without cursing 23. Believing in fortune tellers and astrologers 24. Offending ones neighbor - very applicable to our times The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said: If a single person were to sleep hungry in a town, then God's protection is lifted from such a town. [Musnad Imam Ahmad ]

•

Share sweets during Ramadan Some people have lived here 60 years and nobody has come to them to explain this to them. Some people only know of Islam what they hear on tv. So there are some movements, that took the initiative to do something good. Ex. Whyislam.org This is doing the job of the anbiya, the prophets. Yusuf Islam said “had I known muslims before Islam I would have neer embraced Islam”—we are unfortunately portraying the wrong image of Islam.

Qabeelat Majd A Heart Serene

27

Ibn 'Abbas told Ibn az-Zubayr, Zubayr, "I heard the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, 'A man is not a believer who fills his stomach while his neighbour is hungry.'" [Bukhari] "He is not a believer who eats to his fill but his neighbor goes without food." [Bukhari]

25. Slaughtering an animal in a name other than Allah - Ex. In the name of a person who passed away. Some witch crafters are asked to do this by the jinn they deal with, this is purely kufr. 26. Cursing or insulting the companions of the Prophet (saw) - We respect and make du’a for all of them – when we say their names we say

E FFECT

OF

C OMMIT TING S INS :

1.

The prevention of knowledge and disobedience extinguishes the light of Allah - Imam ash-shafi’ ash was a very strong memorizer. He would cover the other page of the Quran to prevent him from memorizing it at the same time as the other page. One day a woman was walking by and a wind blew up her dress so he accidentally saw her feet, and then he tried to memorize and he couldn’t. so he complained to his teacher, waqi’ ibn Jarrah and he advised him to “abandon sin because the light of Allah is a nur and the light of Allah is not given to the disobedient person.”

2.

Prevention of sustenance - Just as piety and fear and obedience brings provisions and sustenance, disobedience of Allah causes poverty. Whoever fears Allah He will ma make ke a way out for him – one has to go through the test – and then one will witness what happens.

”Then when they are about to fulfil their term appointed, either take them back in a good manner or part with them in a good manner. And take for witness two just persons from among you (Muslims). And establish the witness for Allâh. That will be an admonition given to him who believes in Allâh and the Last Day. And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from ev every difficulty).“[At [At Talaq 65:2]

•

•

• 3.

Finding a job: do you remove hijab? Allah will provide from ways and avenues which they would never have thought of, then the gates of good will open before their eyes. Going thru a test, you have to pass the test, st, and once passed you will see the good. After 9/11 some people removed hijabs and shaved beards, so they wouldn’t be harassed. Some girls in Houston went to a Denny’s with full hijab hijab—the the manager gave their meals on the house, he said he’s proud they had d the guts to be who they were. Sumayya, the first shaheed woman in Islam, did she change her name to Susu?

Prevention of obedience to Allah - You won’t be able to come closer to Allah if you want to.

Qabeelat Majd

Examples:

28

What Hold Does The Shaytan Have On You? Avoiding the Plots of Peril

4.

Weakens the heart and the body

5.

Reduces the lifespan and destroys blessings - Just like goodness will increase and bless the lifespan, disobedience reduces the lifespan and dries up its blessings. The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhiwasallam said “A person who obeys his parents, his lifespan will be blessed so they can continue to be good to their parents.“ Even the earth doesn’t want you, it screams (both from Hadith).

6.

Sins sows themselves deep inside the person - Becomes hard to separate from the sins

7.

Sins weakens the hearts

8.

The ill effects of the sinner fall upon the people beside him – Allah stopped the rain upon the Bani Israel (the story is below but there is no reference from Quran or Sunnah). Animals can also be touched by harm. It was narrated that in the days that Musa (Alahi salaam) wandered with Bani Israel in the desert an intense drought befell them. Together, they raised their hands towards the heavens praying for the blessed rain to come. Then, to the astonishment of Musa (Alahi salaam) and all those watching, the few scattered clouds that were in the sky vanished, the heat poured down, and the drought intensified. It was revealed to Musa that there was a sinner amongst the tribe of Bani Israel whom had disobeyed Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) for more than forty years of his life. "Let him separate himself from the congregation," Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) told Musa (Alahi salaam). "Only then shall I shower you all with rain." Musa (Alahi salaam) then called out to the throngs of humanity, "There is a person amongst us who has disobeyed Allah for forty years. Let him separate himself from the congregation and only then shall we be rescued from the drought." That man, waited, looking left and right, hoping that someone else would step forward, but no one did. Sweat poured forth from his brow and he knew that he was the one. The man knew that if he stayed amongst the congregation all would die of thirst and that if he stepped forward he would be humiliated for all eternity. He raised his hands with a sincerity he had never known before, with a humility he had never tasted, and as tears poured down on both cheeks he said: "O Allah, have mercy on me! O Allah, hide my sins! O Allah, forgive me!" As Musa (Alahi salaam) and the people of Bani Israel awaited for the sinner to step forward, the clouds hugged the sky and the rain poured. Musa (Alahi salaam) asked Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala), "O Allah, you blessed us with rain even though the sinner did not come forward." And Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) replied, "O Musa, it is for the repentance of that very person that I blessed all of Bani Israel with water." Musa (Alahi salaam), wanting to know who this blessed man was, asked, "Show him to me O Allah!" Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) replied, "O Musa, I hid his sins for forty years, do you think that after his repentance I shall expose him?" From: http://www.islamonline.net/english/Ramadan/Heart_Softening/Reflections/09.shtml

9.

Sins become easy for him - For the abd, a person feels that missing fajr is a crime. You still go to the masjid and pray by yourself, punish self, even if late.

10. It reduces the magnification of Allah - Subhana wata `alah, so that one doesn’t know who he/she is worshipping. When you say subhanallah, it loses its magnification.

Qabeelat Majd A Heart Serene

29

Hasan Al Basri used to say “do not look at the magnitude of the sin but look at the magnitude of the one you have committed the sin against.”

D OES Y OUR H EART T REMBLE ? C RYING O UT OF F EAR OF A LLAH When was the last time your heart shed some tears for fear out of love? Salvation, what does it mean? Is crying for the weak? Is it for women only? Some say the brave man doesn’t cry. One means of salvation is crying in front of Allah. The ones who eyes overflow with tears, these are the ones who have a sound heart, an alive heart. Allah describes the one who cries out of fear:

And when they (who call themselves Christians) listen to what has been sent down to the Messenger (Muhammad SAW), you see their eyes overflowing verflowing with tears because of the truth they have recognised. They say: "Our Lord! We believe; so write us down among the witnesses. [al [al-Ma’idah: 83]

And also in the ayat:

The believers are only those who, when Allâh is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Qur'ân) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone); [Surah-al-Anfaal: [Surah 2]

COMMENTS:

When Abu Bakr used to recite the Quran he used to cry like a baby. When the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam wasallam was passing away, he asked his companions to call Abu Bakr to lead the prayer – ‘Aisha knew that he would cry and wanted to distract the he Prophet (s) and recommended Umar to lead the salah. When Umar started to lead, the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi `Alayhi-wasallam did not approve, he said - “Allah and his Prophet don’t want that, we want Abu Bakr.” When he heard the verse of Allah sayin sayingg that when a choice of living forever and returning to the lord is given to the Prophet, and he chooses to meet his Lord -- only Abu Bakr understood this.

Qabeelat Majd

Who amongst use cries when we read the Qur'an? Does it make you shed tears when you see our brothers and sisters across the world being slaughtered? When this person picks up the Quran and reads “Oh you who Believe,” he knows that Allah is talking to him.

30

Does Your Heart Tremble? Crying Out of Fear of Allah

Where are the youngsters who have the concern of the Prophet sallahu alayhi wa wa-sallam? sallam? So much that tha you see in the night stand up and praying that Allah elevate us and change our situation? Look at the time that we waste. We should desire so much that we should not want to cry tears, but blood. Tears are not enough. It was narrated by Ibn Abbas that the Prophet (saw) said, “Two eyes will never be touched by the fire of Hell: an eye which weeps out of the fear of Allah and an eye which spends the night guarding in the cause of Allah.” (At-Tirmidhi) (At

One of the 7 people shaded under Allah’s throne is the man in seclusion and he cries out of his fear. Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet - peace be upon him - said, “Allah will cover seven people with His shade, on the Day when there will be no shade but His: a just ruler, a youth who has been brought up in the worship of Allah, a man whose heart is attached to the mosques, two persons who love each other only for Allah’s sake and they meet and part in Allah’s cause only, a man who refuses the call of a beautiful and rich woman for illicit relation with hher er and says: I am afraid of Allah, a man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given, and a person who remembers Allah while he is alone and his eyes are flooded with tears. tears.” (Al-Bukhari, Hadith 620)

When the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi `Alayhi-wasallam wasallam passed away and Abu Bakr came in and saw him in his bed, his eyes overflowed with tears, he kissed the Prophet on the forehead and said “ya rasul Allah you smell good in life and in death.” Umar ibn Khattab (ru) on his deathbed said put my face against the dust and maybe Allah will have Mercy on me. me

T HE T YPES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

8.

OF

W EEPING :

The weeping of mercy – like the mother who cries for her son. The weeping of fear, one who is afraid. The weeping of love and longi longing – you love so much so that it brings tears to the eyes. The weeping of joy – when we see the ummah come together – so happy to see this unity that it brings joy – it’s a serene environment. I see my loved one after so long that tears roll off my eyes. The weeping of pain, when something hurts. Crying of a hypocrite – he is crying to show people that he has fear of Allah in his heart when there is none. `Alayhi-wasallam wasallam and Abu Crying of consensus – like Umar passed by the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi Bakrr and saw them crying he went to them and started crying without knowing what they were crying about. You see your mom crying, you just go with her. Crying of false grief of someone passing away – paid women who do this for a living happened during the time of ignorance – join a funeral and when the sign is given they start crying and Slap selves and tear their clothes.

W HAT C AN H ELP 1.

US

G AIN

THIS

Q UALITY ?

Reading the Quran and pondering its meanings will soften the heart :

Qabeelat Majd A Heart Serene

31

Say (O Muhammad SAW to them): "Believe in it (the Qur'ân) or do not believe (in it). Verily! Those who were given knowledge before it (the Jews and the Christians like 'Abdullâh bin Salâm and Salmân Al-Farisî), Al when it is recited to them, fall down on their faces in humble p prostration." [Al-Isra’ Isra’ 17:107] 2.

Knowing the greatness of the reward of crying, especially when alone – i.e. being under the shade of the throne of Allah on the Last Day

3.

Think about your sins – check yourself because maybe you don’t have a heart. i.e. if I think about my sins and don’t cry "No man who cried out of fear of Allah will enter the Fire until the milk returns to the udder, and dust in the path of Allah (jihad) and the smoke of the Fire cannot go together."[ A H M A D , A T - T I R M I D H I , A N N A S A A ' I A N D H A K I M W H O A U T H E N T I C A T E D I T . A U T H E N T I C A T E D B Y A L -A L B A N I I N S A H E E H A L -J A A M I ` ( 7 7 7 8 ) ] this is a play on words to show that it’s impossible.

4.

Feeling regret that I have fallen short of fulfilling my obligations to Allah Allah—know know that the tears of the repentant at night, ht, it quenches sickness. Cry out of fear of a bad end – You don’t know how your end will be: husnal khatimah. May Allah give us all a good end

5.

Listening to moving speeches will help your heart and help you cry.

W HAT D OES MY P ULSE R EAD ? T HE D EGREE OF A LLAH C ONSCIOUSNESS

Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) to be affected by Allâh's Reminder (this Qur'ân), and that which has been revealed of the truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture [the the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before (i.e. Jews and Christians), and the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened? And many of them were Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh). [Al-Hadid [Al 57:16]

“I was an officer/guard and would indulge in sin. And then I married and was blessed by a daughter whom I loved so much. One O day I was playing with her and she fell and died. I burst, I couldn’t take the pain and went out and turned to drinking. When Whe I came home and slept I saw a dream where there was a beast chasing me, and I was running away. I came to a high hill where there ere were children on top of it. I asked them for help, and the hand of my daughter extended and said “isn’t it time that you came back to your lord” (i.e. the ayat). I then went for fajr salah, and the imam recited the same ayat.”

Qabeelat Majd

Malik ibn Dinar heard this ayah and it was one of the means that led him to become one of the pious predecessors. He narrated the story of his evil past:

32

What Does my Pulse Read? The Degree of Allah Consciousness

And of men and AdDawâb (moving living creatures, beasts, etc.), and cattle, in like manner of various colours. It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allâh Allâh. Verily, Allâh is AllMighty, Mighty, OftForgiving. Oft [Al-Fatir 35:28]

T HREE D EGREES 1. 2.

OF

F EAR :

Fear of Allah’s Punishment – this is the fear of the majority of the believers; they fear Allah’s hell fire. This is a natural fear that can be aroused in oneself. Fear of Allah’s Scheme – Allah Subhana wata `ala can change the hearts as he wants so fear him of his plots. plo The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi `Alayhi-wasallam wasallam would make the du’aa to be kept steadfast on the faith.

Did they then feel secure against the Plan of Allâh. None feels secure from the Plan of Allâh except the people who are the losers. [Al-A’raf 7:99] Abdullah b. Amr b. al-'As 'As reported that he heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Verily, the hearts of all the sons of Adam are between the two fingers out of the fingers of the Compassionate Lord as one heart. He turns that to anyy (direction) He likes. Then Allahs Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: 0 Allah, the Turner of the hearts, turn our hearts to Thine obedience obedience. [Muslim Book 33 #6418]

3.

Fear of a Bad Ending – Some people die making sujood, or die making adhan. There are many stories and counts of people who lived good lives but did something at the very end of their life which caused all of their good deeds to be wiped out. An in the inverse scenario, peop people le who were evildoers their whole lives did a good deed which cleared them of sin before they died. On the authority of Abdullah bin Masud, who said : the messenger of Allah, and he is the truthful, the believed narrated to us: "Verily the creation of eac each h one of you is brought together in his mother's belly for forty days in the form of seed, then he is a clot of blood for a like period, then a morsel of flesh for a like period, then there is sent to him the angel who blows the breath of life into him and who is commanded about four matters: to write down his means of livelihood, his life span, his actions, and whether happy or unhappy. By Allah, other than Whom there is no god, verily one of you behaves like the people of Paradise until there is but an arm's ar length between him and it, and that which has been written over takes him and so he behaves like the people of Hell-fire fire and thus he enters it; and one of you behaves like the people of Hell Hell-fire fire until there is but an arm's length between him and it, and nd that which has been written over takes him and so he behaves like the people of Paradise and thus he enters it." [Bukhari and Muslim, also in an an-Nawawi’s Nawawi’s 40 Hadith #4] EXAMPLES OF GOOD ENDINGS: After 40 years of making adhan, a mueddhin (person who call callss to prayer in the masjid) got sick and had to stop making adhan. He could not even stand up to pray. But then one day, he stood up and faced the qiblah, and started to say the adhan. “Allahu akbar, ashadu anla”… he continued until the end, and then he died. He’ll be resurrected with those who have the longest necks: those who call the adhan.

Qabeelat Majd A Heart Serene

33

Muaadh ibn Jabal when he was dying he would question again and again “is it morning yet?” And then he would say I seek refuge from the day that he would be thrown into hellfire. Another Salaf would ask Allah: Oh Allah bless me with a good death. A good death is dying in sujood – and he died in sujood. ‘Umar ibn Al Khattab – Abul lulu poisoned his knife for 40 days to kill ‘Umar – when he was dying after being stabbed 7 times, they took Umer and his guts were spilling out. He drank water, milk, it spilled out… he woke up and asked, he was not at all concerned about his injuries, he inquired whether the Muslims had prayed their Fajr. The sahabahs said yes. He then said to bring him water to make wudhu because he hadn’t finished his prayer yet. They told him not to because he was dying, but he insisted. He died after making prayer. Some people will be resurrected saying “labayk alahumma labaykh.” They died in Mecca while on/going for Hajj; those who died calling to the worship of Allah. EXAMPLES OF BAD ENDINGS: A young person attending university who was active in the deen: he used to pray by himself and did not ask others to pray with him. Some evil ‘friends’ tried to pull him into going out; one day he did so… they went bowling, the time for salah came..1-2-3 times he went. The next, they said, “why don’t you finish the game first then go?” Then next they asked, “why don’t you have a sip (of their drinks)? He died drunk; he’ll be resurrected drunk. You’ll be resurrected in the state you die in. A man lived next to the haram, but never went to it. He went overseas and got attached to a girl, then she stopped—he got cut off from her. He fell into depression and weeks later someone informed him where she was (at a club), and he then rushed to her. He was so desperate and was begging her and asked her to come back to him. At that moment death came to him, he was in a position of making sujood to her. Oh Allah, Bless me with a good ending…

C AN Y OU C ONCENTRATE IN Y OUR P RAYER ? T HE D EGREE OF D EVOTION

And seek help in patience and As-Salât (the prayer) and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khâshi'ûn [i.e. the true believers in Allâh - those who obey Allâh with full submission, fear much from His Punishment, and believe in His Promise (Paradise, etc.) and in His Warnings (Hell, etc.)]. [Surah Baqarah 2:45]

Ibn Sammah (a pious companion) said “For 40 years, I missed the first takbeerat (in jama’ah) only once, And that was when my mother passed away.”

Qabeelat Majd

When you stand in prayer do you feel as though you are standing in front of Allah? Seek Allah’s help in perseverance and prayer. The Prophet sallahu alayhi wa-sallam and his companions used to love the salah. The Prophet sallahu alayhi wa-sallam described it as “the coolness of my eyes”. He would say, “Oh Bilal, we need to have some rest… I feel rest when I am in the prayer,” meaning he would ask him to make the call to prayer (adhan).

34

What Does my Pulse Read? d? The Degree of Allah Consciousness

From m the Hadith stated earlier, we also know that another person who will be given shade under the shade of the throne of Allah is the one whose heart is attached to the mosque. For this person, he prays Dhuhr in the masjid and in the time after his heart longs ngs to pray ‘Asr in the masjid. When not in the masjid he feels like a fish outside of the ocean. Another pious predecessor, Bakr Al Muzzani, said ”if you want your prayer to be beloved to you, say to yourself that you may not have another chance to pra pray after it another prayer.” The Prophet (saw) used to say “pray as if it is your last prayer,” and that’s why Hathim al ‘Atham would say, “I would perfect my wudhu, face the qiblah, say Allahu Akbar, and envision that Allah is above me and Heaven is on my right, and Hell is on the my , the siraat is under me, the angel of death is behind me and when I would finish tasleem I would say astufgerullah, and would cry to Allah to forgive me – for my Salaah may not have been accepted.”

Successful indeed are the he believers. Those who offer their Salât (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness. [Al Mu’minoon 23:1-2]

F IQH M ATTERS : T HE P I LLARS

OF

S ALAH

The following is a discussion of the Rukn (Pillars) of salah and the Obligations. What’s the difference differen between a pillar and an obligation? If a pillar is missed the pillar must be repeated – whereas if an obligation is missed, a sajdat us suhu (prostration of forgetfulness) will make up for it. Note: There are several more details regarding the Fiqh of SSalah alah which are not covered here. We advise you use what is below as a general guideline and for the purpose of your deen, to perform a full independent study of the subject. The AlMaghrib Institute offers courses where the fiqh of salah is discussed in m more ore detail. THE RUKN OF SALAH Alhul ‘ilm said there are 14: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Standing during the obligatory prayers, if one is able to do so. The opening Takbeer.. One can’t start salah without it, and if it’s missed then one must do it, and also do the sujud as-suhu. Reciting Surat al Fatihah. Ruku’, the bowing prostration. Rising up from Ruku’.. If someone by accident goes directly from Ruku’ to Sujuud, then they would have to make up both the Ruku’, and the standing up straight after the Ruku’. Standing up straight after Ruku’.. Many make a mistake here. Bukhari Vol 1 Book 12 #764: Narrated Rifa'a bin Rafi AzZuraqi: One day we were praying behind the Prophet. When he raised his head from bowing, he said, "Sami'a "Sami'a-l-lahu lahu Liman hamida." A man behind him said, "Rabbana walaka-ll hamd hamdan Kathiran taiyiban mubarakan fihi" (O our Lord! All the praises are for You, many good and blessed praises). When the Prophet completed the prayer, he asked, "Who has said these

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35

words?" The man replied, "I." The Prophet said, "I saw over thirty angels competing to write it first." Prophet rose (from bowing) and stood straight till all the vertebrae of his spinal column came to a natural position. 7.

Sujood. When in sujud (prostration) we place the forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes firmly on the ground. The heel should be together and the toes should point towards the Qiblah. Q/A: The sujood of the man and woman are identical except for an opinion that says women should keep their limbs close to their body to show modesty/chasity (an-Nawawi, ash Shafi’ee Al-Mughniand, Abu Hanifah).

8. Rising from the prostration. 9. Sitting between the 2 sujood. 10. Being at ease in each of these physical pillars Bukhari Vol 1 Book 12 #724: Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle entered the mosque and a person followed him. The man prayed and went to the Prophet and greeted him. The Prophet returned the greeting and said to him, "Go back and pray, for you have not prayed." The man went back prayed in the same way as before, returned and greeted the Prophet who said, "Go back and pray, for you have not prayed." This happened thrice. The man said, "By Him Who sent you with the Truth, I cannot offer the prayer in a better way than this. Please, teach me how to pray." The Prophet said, "When you stand for Prayer say Takbir and then recite from the Holy Koran (of what you know by heart) and then bow till you feel at ease. Then raise your head and stand up straight, then prostrate till you feel at ease during your prostration, then sit with calmness till you feel at ease (do not hurry) and do the same in all your prayers. 11. The final tashahhud (the first tashahhud is not an obligation) 12. Sitting during tashahhud. 13. The two salaams. It is a pillar except in Salat al Janaazah where 1 salam is sufficient (according to the Hanbilah). 14. To do these actions in this sequence. THE OBLIGATORY ACTIONS IN SALAH If you missed then making the Sujud as-suhu will suffice the action (i.e. you do not have to make up the action). 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Saying the takbirs Allahu akbar other than the opening. If missed then sujud as-suha will compensate for it. Saying sami Allah huliman hamida… (when rising from Ruku) Saying rabana walakul hamd (after rising from Ruku) Saying subhana rabial adheem (while in ruku) Saying subhana rabial a’la (while in sujud) Saying rabighfirlee (My lord forgive me) between the 2 sujuds Saying the first and second tashahhuds (after sujud in rakat #2 and #4) Sitting for the first tashahuud

Q/A: When and how to do sujud as suhu? Added a rakat: Do 1 salam, then 2 sujuds as-suhu, then 2 salaams. Missed a rakat: Do the rakat, then before making the final salaams, do the 2 suju as-suhu, then the 2 salams.

A CQUIRING K HUSHU ’

IN

S ALAH

Is khushu’ obligatory? Yes according to ibn Taymiyya and others, it is obligatory. Khushu’ is often translated as concentration or focus, but it can also be understood as piety or humility in prayer. 1.

Preparing oneself for the prayer – using miswaak, wearing ones best clothes, wear athar, performing a good wudhu, repeating the adhan after the mueddin, removing smells (it harms khushu when there are smells).

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What Does my Pulse Read? The Degree of Allah Consciousness

O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel to every Masjid: eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loves not those who waste by extravagance. [Al A’raf 7:31] From this ayat Ibn `Abbas commented ommented on, “W E A R Y O U R B E A U T I F U L A P P A R E L T O E V E R Y M A S J I D ” by saying, “There were people who used to perform Tawaf around the K A ’ B A H while naked, and Allah ordered them to take adornment, meaning, wear clean, proper clothes that cover the private parts. Pe People ople were also commanded to wear their best clothes when performing every prayer.”

2.

Moving at a measured pace – the lengths of each action should be consistent.

3.

Ponder on the meaning of the ayah that you are reading. Think about the ayat and interact with them. t Learn Arabic so you can ponder them and understand (known in Arabic as Tadabbur). Catch the question marks. Investigate the exegesis (Tafsir) Pausing at the end of each ayah

4.

It is recorded that Umm Salamah said, “The Messenger of Allah used to distinguish each Ayah during his recitation, ‘In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is Allah's, the Lord of all that exists. The Most Gracious, the t Most Merciful. The Only Owner of the Day of Recompense’ (1:1 (1:1-4).” [Musnad off Imam Ahmad, the Sunan of Abu Dawud, the Sahih of Ibn Hibban and the Mustadrak of Al Al-Hakim]

5. 6. 7.

Beautify your voice – the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi `Alayhi-wasallam wasallam would love to hear the Quran from some specific companions. Recite in slow rhythmic tone (Tarteel) Tarteel) giving proper rights upon each word, and giving each vowel its right. Putting a sutra (barrier) in front of you. Bukhari Vol1 Book 9 #475. Narrated Sahl (bin Sa'd): The distance between the Musalla of Allah's Apostle and the wall was just sufficient for a sheep to pass through.

8.

Put the right hand over the left. Wa'il b. Hujr reported: He saw the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) raising his hands at the time of beginning the prayer and reciting takbir, and according to Hammam (the narrat narrator), or), the hands were lifted opposite to ears. He (the Holy Prophet) then wrapped his hands in his cloth and placed his right hand over his left hand.. And when he was about to bow down, he brought out his hands from the cloth, and then lifted them, and then recited takbir and bowed down, and when (he came back to the erect position) he recited: "Allah listened to him who praised Him." And when prostrates, he prostrated between the two palms. [[Muslim Muslim Book 004, Chapter 13, Number 0792]

9. The gaze should be lowered d looking at place of sujood (closing the eyes is makrooh). 10. Recite different surahs and ayahs of the Quran (break the routine). 11. Offering du’a in the sujood. Outside prayer you can make dua' in any language, but in salah Arabic is preferred. Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam), said: 'The nearest a slave can be to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) much in it. [Muslim, abu Dawud, an an-Nasa'i and others, Sahih al-Jami #1175]

12. Remove anything that may distract you 13. Not praying when food is being prepared

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14. Not praying when wanting to attend of the call of nature (i.e. washroom) 15. Praying in comfortable clothing 16. Not praying behind someone who is sleeping Abu Dawud, Book 2, Number 0694: Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: Do not pray behind a sleeping or a talking person.

17. Not turning around in prayer Abu Dawud Book 2, Number 0481: Narrated Ubadah ibn as-Samit: We came to Jabir ibn Abdullah who was sitting in his mosque. He said: The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) came to us in this mosque and he had a twig of date-palm of the kind of Ibn Tab. He looked and saw phlegm on the wall towards qiblah. He turned to it and scraped it with the twig. He then said: Who of you likes that Allah turns His face from him? He further said: When any of you stands for praying, Allah faces him. So he should not spit before him, nor on his right side. He should spit on his left side under his left foot. If he is in a hurry (i.e. forced to spit immediately), he should do with his cloth in this manner. He then placed the cloth on his mouth and rubbed it off. He then said: Bring perfume. A young man of the tribe stood and hurried to his house and returned with perfume in his palm. The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) took it and put it at the end of the twig. He then stained the mark of phlegm with it. Jabir said: This is the reason you use perfume in your mosques.

18. Suppress yawning as much as one can Muslim, Book 042, Number 7129: Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The yawning as from the devil. So when one of you yawns he should try to restrain it as far as it lies in his power.

19. Moving the index finger – the Prophet (S) said it’s more powerful against Shaytaan than hitting him with metal. 20. Not resembling animals (Ex. Pecking like a crow).

THERE 1.

2.

AR E

TWO

T HI N G S T H AT

H E LP

ONE

D EV E LO P K HU S HO O ’

Knowing who the person is standing before – Allah: The creator of all that exists. The one who doesn’t have any beginning or any end but the one who began everything and will end everything. When we take a gift for an important person how do we present it? The wrapping, the presentation. How do you stand, and where are you looking when you present it? We are standing in front of Allah. How should we be then? Warding off all distractions – even in masajids nowadays the intricacies of design can distract a person, so remove anything that adds to the distraction.

P EOPLE 1. 2. 3. 4.

ARE OF

4 L EVELS R EGARDING T HEIR P RAYERS

One who is negligent One who is struck by the whispers of the Shaytaan One who is engaged in Salah and struggling at the same time The one whose heart is deeply immersed in the prayer – like Hathim al ‘atham.

• •

Beware the body showing khushu but the heart not: Hudayfa calls this the khushu’ of hipocrasy. Salman said “I’ve never stood up for prayer except imagining the fire is before my eyes.”

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COMMENTS:

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Where Can I Hide? The Degree of Vigilance

W HERE C AN I H IDE ? T HE D EGREE OF V IGILANCE

He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days and then Istawâ (rose over) the Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty). He knows what goes into the earth and what comes forth from it, what descends from the heaven and what ascends thereto. And He is with you (by His Knowledge) wheresoever you may be. And Allâh is the All-Seer of what you do. [Surah alHadeed: 4]

Attaining viligence means nelieving, remembering, and *ACTING* with fill knowledge that Allah sees me everywhere. Remember the level of Ehsaan that is the highest? I live as if I see him all the time and even though I don’t see him I know that he sees me. Allah knows everything that is inside and outside – he knows what is before me and what is hidden. Know that Allah knows what you conceal in your hearts. Allah is closer to you than your jugular vein. He knows what you do, what you would do, what you will do—fear him, and fear him out of love.

And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge). [Surah Qaaf: 16]

P UT

THINGS IN

P ERS PECTIVE - E X AMPLES

OF

V IGILANCE

A woman whose husband passed away and they were in the midst of distributing the inheritance. At the same time another woman came forth and claimed that she was also married to the deceased man. The wife verified this to be true and she was very upset that her husband had not told her. But with the fear of Allah she gave the other wife her rightful portion of their dead husband’s inheritance. The other woman then disclosed also out of fear of Allah that her husband had divorced me before he died and therefore could not lay claim to the inheritance. While the khaleefah of the Muslims, Umar (RA) passed by a home where a girl and her mother were differing over whether to mix water in with the milk they intended to sell to the Muslims. The mother said to mix water with the milk so that they may sell more and the daughter reminded her that even if the Khaleefah couldn’t see them committing wrong, Allah is Al-Baseer (Always All-Watching). Umar (RA) was soo taken by the vigilance of this girl he married her to his son who later produced righteous offspring.

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A man sold a piece of land to another man. The other man while working on the land found a treasure and he went to the seller and wanted to give him back the treasure. The seller denied the treasure and exclaimed that this treasure belonged to him because he sold him the land. The buyer exclaimed that you would not have sold me the land if you had found the treasure. Don’t fall into the trap of fulfilling your duties to Allah and His creation when others can see you while wasting time and committing sins when no one can see you except Allah.

Apply this Advice of the Prophet Sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam: The Prophet (Sallahu Alyhee Wa Salaam) advised Mu’adh, when he sent him to Yemen, “O Mu’adh, fear Allah wherever you are, and follow up a bad deed with a good deed, and it will wipe out, and treat people in a kind manner. [Ibn Hajar]

Realise: When going through a hardship, Allah loves you and wants Jannah for you. It is only shaytaan that wants pain for you and for you to end up in Hellfire.

3 W AY S W E

ARE

A man who was successful wealthy man Nooh ibn Mariam, had a beautiful daughter and had a slave (Mubarak). He called his slave and told him to take care of his garden. One day he went to visit the garden and ordered Mubarak to get him a cluster of grapes. He brought the grapes they turned out to be bitter and he did this 3 times and each time they were bitter. Nooh became upset and said to Mubarak that don’t you know the difference between bitter and sweet grapes. He said By Allah I have never tasted a single grape because you ordered me to take care of your garden. Nooh was impressed and proposed that he marry his daughter. The result of that marriage was ‘Abdullah ibn Mubarak.

B EI N G W AT CH E D :

1. Allah watches us whenever we do anything 2. The Angels watch us – there is one angel on the right who is constantly recording our good deeds and one angel on our left who records any sins we commit. And out of the mercy of Allah, this angel waits for a determined period of time so that if the person repents to Allah, no bad deed is written for them and a good deed is written for the repentance. 3. Conscience: An alarm that Allah has built within us. The conscience that tells us when we have transgressed – it becomes evident when we do something wrong we become red, blush, or feel guilty. Some Islamic scholars went to visit some hospitals and saw horrific scenes – one brother approached them and said I have a wish. “What is your wish they asked?” “My wish is to urinate without these tubes” – a blessing to urinate with peace. Another man sitting laying on his side (as if in pride), but he said was his wish was to sit normally. Have you ever considered these as blessings? Did we ask Allah for them or did He grant it out of His Mercy?

Shaitân (Satan) threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahshâ (evil deeds, illegal sexual intercourse, sins etc.);

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Don’t be Shaytaan’s Enemy in Public and His Best Friend in Private!

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Will You Weather the Storm With Patience? The Degree of Perseverance

whereas Allâh promises you Forgiveness from Himself and Bounty, and Allâh is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, AllKnower. [Al-Baqarah: 268]

If Allah places you in a situation where you are tested, then He has equipped you to do outstandingly well in that test because Allah out of His infinite Mercy never tests a person with anything beyond that which they can bear. As Allah tells us in the ayat:

Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. "Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error, our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us (Jews and Christians); our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maulâ (Patron, Suppor-ter and Protector, etc.) and [] give us victory over the disbelieving people. " [Al-Baqarah: 286].

W ILL Y OU W EATHER THE S TORM W ITH P ATIENCE ? T HE D EGREE OF P ERSEVERANCE W HAT • • •

IS PATIENCE ?

Patience is to restrain and confine; restraining the soul from anger, panic. Restraining the tongue from complaint. Being totally aware that Allah Subhana wa ta `ala is with me – There are 2 types of togetherness: o Al-Ma’iyya (general) – for example seeing the same moon wherever you go, regardless where I am I will see the same moon. The moon is accompanying me if I travel from one destination to another – Allah is with his knowledge wherever you are and whoever you may be. Al-Ma’iyya or general togetherness applies to ALL creation. o Specific (only for the believers) – with the assistance support light guidance protection of Allah

INVEST IN YOURSELF: Check your conscience, check your soul, check your emaan – ask yourself: am not being tested at a higher level? Take the example of Bilal: when he was being persecuted he kept on saying Ahadu Ahad – Narrated in Bukhari – Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam says a person who has been hit by a calamity even if it is being pricked by a needle and he bleeds and he shows patience Allah will forgive his sins. If I get hurt or befall a calamity I should thank Allah because my sins are being wiped away!

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A LLAH W I LL T EST U S

And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to AsSâbirin (the patient ones, etc.). [Al-Baqarah: 155]

Ask a Muslim convert what kind of test they went through. They were abandoned by their families. Their jobs were lost. Perhaps their friends abandoned them. This is the Sunnah of Allah Subhana wata `alah that everyone goes through tests.

D O Y OU W ANT

TO

SECURE A LLAH ’ S L OVE ?

Allah LOVES those believers who are patient:

And many a Prophet (i.e. many from amongst the Prophets) fought (in Allâh's Cause) and along with him (fought) large bands of religious learned men. But they never lost heart for that which did befall them in Allâh's Way, nor did they weaken nor degrade themselves. And Allâh loves As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.). [Surah Aali ‘Imran: 146]

The test of the one who is closer to Allah will be harder than the one who is farther than Allah. When Allah loves a person He will test him.

Can you imagine a limitless reward from none than Allah? Allah promises that he will give to the ones who are patient, a reward that is countless.

I should thank Allah because my sins are being wiped away!

I BN Q AYYIM M ENTI ONS 3 K INDS 1.

2.

OF

P AT IENCE :

Patience over obedience (Al-Ma’moor) – We are being patient right now –you are reading these notes now for Allah’s sake, but you could be doing something else. I.e. We are being patient by taking time out to attend an Islamic seminar and study our religion. Patience over disobedience (Al-Mahdoor) – Staying away from temptations and being steadfast

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The Prophet (Sallahu Alyhee Wa Salaam) said, “A man will be tested according to the level of his religious commitment.” [Ibn Majah]

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Will You Weather the Storm With Patience? The Degree of Perseverance

3.

Patience over calamities (Al-Maqdoor) – Any kind of difficulty – I become sick with a disease, I lose my job, I am exiled, I am imprisoned Ex. The story of Yusuf encompasses all the above. Yusuf alayhis salam preferred JAIL to the displeasure and disobedience of Allah. And isn’t investing in the hereafter better and long-lasting?

Whatever is with you, will be exhausted, and whatever with Allâh (of good deeds) will remain. And those who are patient, We will certainly pay them a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do. [An-Nahl 16:96]

Remember Yusuf (AS) if ever you have to decide between the pleasure of Allah or disobedience to Him. Bukhari/Muslim “real sabr is when one is firstly stricken by calamity,” do you tear your clothes off, or say “alhamdulillah” when something you fear or hate occurs? Seek help in patience and Allah is with the ones who are patient.

O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As-Salât (the prayer). Truly! Allâh is with As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.). [Surah al-Baqarah: 153]

THERE 1.

2. 3.

AR E

3 DEGREES

THE DEGREES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. THE

P AT I E N C E

OF

T HO S E

W HO A R E

P AT I EN T ( A S -S AA BI R O O N )

Saabir – patient one Mustabir – the one who trains himself to have patience Mutassabbir – the one who has difficulty being patient but still remains patient Saboor – one with great patience Sabbaar – one with great patience (similar in meaning to Saboor)

R EW AR D S 1.

OF

Patience Billah – I will not be able to patience unless Allah wills and helps me be patient. If Allah didn’t love me he wouldn’t test me – endure in patience and remember patience is ONLY granted by Allah. INVEST IN YOURSELF: Make du’aa to Allah right NOW to shower you with patience. Patience Lillah – the beautiful patience – patience for the sake of Allah – no complaint at all. Because I love Allah, I am patient. Patience Ma’a Allah – we conduct our lives with the rules and regulations of Allah. Our motto is: “We hear and we obey”. Allah gives me an order and I obey without hesitation.

O F T H E O N E S W HO A R E

Allah loves those who are patient:

P AT I EN T

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O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As-Salât (the prayer). Truly! Allâh is with As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.). [Surah al-Baqarah: 153]

2. 3.

Allah supports those who are patient with His help and success. Allah rewards those who are patient WITHOUT measure:

And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly! To Allâh we belong and truly, to Him we shall return." They are those on whom are the Salawât (i.e. blessings, etc.) (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones. [AlBaqarah: 155-157] In Sahih Muslim narrated by Umm Salamah that when a person hit with calamity person should say:

‘To Allaah we belong and unto Him is our return. O Allaah, recompense me for my affliction and replace it for me with something better.’ [Source: www.makedua.com]

INVEST IN YOURSELF: Memorise this du’aa and make sure it is the first thing you say in the event of a calamity! 4.

Victory for those who are patient – i.e. the battle of Badr – the Muslims were not ready to fight physically but Allah sent down angels to assist the Believers!

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Umm Salamah lost her husband and then she heard this hadeeth from the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam and exclaimed who is better than Abu Salamah? But she was soon married to the Prophet Sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and truly who is a better husband than he?

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T O A CQUIRE P ATIEN CE O NE N EEDS 1. 2. 3.

Person needs to be truthful with Allah – the time of dignity will come – after hardship will come ease Seeking reward from Allah Realise relief will come from Allah, so be patient until it doe does. s. This is a GUARANTEE from Allah.

So verily, with the hardship, there is relief, Verily, with the hardship, there is relief (i.e. there is one hardship with two tw reliefs, so one hardship cannot overcome two reliefs). [[Ash- Sharh: 5-6]

4.

Ponder on Allah’s ’s blessings upon you. Be content with what Allah has given you because it’s easy to be impatient when you focus on the negative and forget the infinite number of good things they have been given in life.

A P E R SO N G R O W S T HR O U G H C E R T AI N L EV EL S 1. 2. 3. 4.

2.

3.

4. 5.

P AT I E N C E :

There are those who when in calamity curse curse. Those who endure the calamities with patience patience. Those who are pleased. The calamity is from Allah and they are ok with it. Those who show thanks – they are hit with calamity they thank Allah – when a calamity lamity befalls them they say that “alhamdulillah” that Allah loves me and he is testing me

5 U S U L C AT E GO R I E S 1.

OF

OF

P A T I EN CE

Obligatory (Wajib) patience – staying away from haraam when facing difficulty i.e. not taking haram riba loan to pay tuition for school Encouraged (mandoob) patience - keeping away from Makrooh (disliked/discouraged acts) and patience in performing Mustahab (encouraged ) acts. Mustahab covers the recommended acts of worship although they are not mandatory but you will receive a reward for doing them. Patience in abstaining from taking revenge (when you are in the right and have full power to take the other person to account). Forbidden (Mahdhoor) patience - patience from haram things when they would save your life (for egs when I face death from starvation but only have pork (haram meat) available and I choose not to eat it and therefore live). Patience that require enduring things that may lead to my death (For egs putting oneself in a box with scorpions) - not eating until I die. These are all prohibited! Disliked (makrooh) patience - abstaining from food until cause severe damage to the body – i.e. some women participating in contests that may lead a person to their death. Permissable (mubah) patience ence – i.e. attending A Heart Serene when we could be somewhere else.

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T RUE S ELF -R EALIZATION : T HE M EANING OF B EING P LEASED WITH A LLAH AS MY L ORD , I SLAM AS MY R ELIGION , AND M UHAMMAD AS MY P ROPHET AND M ESSENGER T HE S TATION

OF

CONTENTMENT (A R -R IDHA )

Say (O Muhammad SAW to mankind): "If you (really) love Allâh then follow me (i.e. accept Islâmic Monotheism, follow the Qur'ân and the Sunnah), Allâh will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Surah Aali’Imran: 31]

ONLY the sincere truthful believer can achieve this station: To be content that Allah is my lord and the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam as my Prophet. - Narrated by Abu Hurairah (reported in Muslim), the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said: he or she shall taste the sweetness of Emaan the one who is pleased with his Lord as Allah as his Lord and is pleased as Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam as his messenger and is pleased with Islam as his religion!

If I say I am happy with Allah as my Lord, then I’ll put myself under microscope and compare this claim of love with criteria of the Qur’an: am I really pleased with Allah?

Do I obey Allah’s command no matter what? Do I abstain from what he has forbidden no matter what?

[]

And of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allâh as rivals (to Allâh). They love them as they love Allâh. But those who believe, love Allâh more (than anything else). If only, those who do wrong could see, when they will see the torment, that all power belongs to Allâh and that Allâh is Severe in punishment. [Surah Al-Baqarah: 165]

If you are content with Allah then prove it! Example of Qais and Laila. Because Qais loved Laila dearly he was willing to cut off flesh from his body at her request. He was willing to give ANYHING to her.

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I NTROSPECTION

Realise: After Allah ta’ala, if it wasn’t for the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, you wouldn’t be a Muslim. There wouldn’t be any Islam.

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True Self-Realization: Realization: The Meaning of Being Pleased with Allah as my Lord, Islam as my Religion, and Muhammad as my Prophet and Messenger

Just like this the one pleased with Allah is willing to give ANYTHING for Allah. One may sacrifice so much to marry the person they desire: are we willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of Allah and His messenger? What are you willing to do?

O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allâh and His Messenger (SAW), ), and fear Allâh. Verily! Allâh is AllAll Hearing, All-Knowing. [Surah Al- Hujuraat:1]

Do I worship Allah alone? Do I sacrifice for His sake alone? Do I go to Hajj for His sa sake ke alone? Do I praise Him alone?

Say: "Verily, my Salât (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allâh, the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinns and all that exists). [Al-An’aam: 162]

Are you pleased with the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam as your Messenger? Analyze your life your and compare it to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi `Alayhi-wasallam. wasallam. Where is Rasoolullah in your life? – Are you practicing his way of life? Are you implementing his manners in your conduct? Are A you copying his Sunnah in every aspect of your life?

T HE 3 W AYS L IFE

TO I MPLEMENT THE

S UNNAH

OF THE

P ROPHET ( SAW )

IN

Y OUR

1. The way he looked (as-soorah) soorah) 2. His mannerism conduct (as-seerah) seerah) 3. His intention (as-sareerah) If you are pleased with the Prophet et sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam then give him his right. What is the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam’s right? That you love him. Ibn Taymiyyah said the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi `Alayhi-wasallam wasallam is to be loved, adhered, and mimicked for the sake of Allah. The he Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi `Alayhi-wasallam wasallam said that none of you will become true believer until he becomes more beloved to you more than his parents, children, wife and all of mankind

I F Y O U R EA L LY L O V E • • • •

THE

P R O P H ET ( S AW ) T H EN L O V E W H AT H E L O V E D

Salah Istighfar: seeking Allah’s forgiveness Charity Perfection in his actions for Allah

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Send blessings on him especially when his name is mentioned. The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said the one who hears his name and does not send salaam on him is a Miser. When the adhaan is read for the salah, make du’aa for the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam afterwards:

One should then send prayers on the Prophet (S) after answering the call of the muadhdhin: ‘O Allaah, Owner of this perfect call and Owner of this prayer to be performed, bestow upon Muhammad al-waseelah and al-fadeelah and send him upon a praised platform which You have promised him. Verily, You never fail in Your promise.’ One should also supplicate for himself during the time between the aadhaan and the iqaamah as supplication at such time is not rejected. Reported in Bukhari and Muslim: narrated by Abu Hurairah that the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said every Prophet has a supplication that is granted - all the Prophets have used their supplications - except me – I have saved it for the day of judgement when I will use it on the day of Judgement.

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam saved his du’aa for you… That’s how much Rasoolullah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam loved you. How can one not love him?

L OOK AT THE B RIGHT S IDE : T HE D EGREE OF H OPE

And how many generations have We destroyed after Nûh (Noah)! And Sufficient is your Lord as an All-Knower and All-Beholder of the sins of His slaves. [Surah al-‘Isra: 57]

Whoever hopes for the Meeting with Allâh, then Allâh's Term is surely coming. and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. [al‘Ankaboot: 5]

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One should always remain in between 2 states - hope and fear:

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Look at the Bright Side: The Degree of Hope

Ibn Qayyim says that the degrees of Emaan are 3: Love, Allah- Consciousness, Hope (of Mercy and Reward)

H OPE

IS OF 3 KINDS : 1. Working righteousness and hoping for a reward [i.e. making sujood and hoping Allah will accept it from you] 2. Repenting from a sin and hoping for reward - i commit a sin | i repent | i seek Allah's mercy | i seek Allah to accept my repentance | i hope for Allah's reward for seeking his repentance Take the example of the farmer who works hard to sow seeds and protect them and then he hopes from Allah's favour that his farm is blessed - the Hope of the companions | Abu Bakr (ra) was given glad tidings that he's companion of the Prophet in Jannah yet they strove struggled to get to that level. This doesn’t mean despairing or being skeptical of receiving Allah's mercy – Allah decreed that His Mercy would overcome His wrath. Allah has bestowed upon us on this earth 1 part of a 100 mercy and the remaining for the day of judgment for the Muslims - case in point a woman lost her child and frantically looking for the child and when she found the child she hugged him and kept him close - Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said to the companions do you see her throwing her child in the fire the companions responded No; Allah loves you 70 times more than that mother loves her child - see hadeeth on Page 17 of notebook - despite what the Muslims are enduring we will have insha Allah have the upper hand

Don’t despair of the mercy of Allah. Allah can still forgive you, no matter who you are and what you’ve done, so long as you come to Him with a sincere heart.

3. This concept of hope does not mean we do not act. Rather those who have believed in Allah and sincerely desire His mercy are those who strive and do good deeds to earn it. You can’t just do nothing and still hope to be a companion of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhis wa sallam in Paradise, but you must work like Abu Bakr to earn that favour.

Verily, those who have believed, and those who have emigrated (for Allâh's Religion) and have striven hard in the Way of Allâh, all these hope for Allâh's Mercy. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful. [Surah al-Baqarah:218] Jaabir ibn Abdillah (Radiyallahu An Hum) narrates that the Prophet Muhammed (Sallahu Alyhee Wa Salaam) said, “None should die except while thinking well of their Lord.”

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Be pure of any shirk or associating partner with him: Anas ibn Malik (Radiyallahu An Hum) narrates that the Prophet (Sallahu Alyhee Wa Salaam) said, “Allah says, “O son of Adam, so long as you call on Me and put your hope in Me, I will forgive whatever you have done, and I will not mind. O son of Adam, even if your sins were to reach the clouds of the sky, then you were to seek forgiveness, I would forgive you and I will not mind. O son of Adam, if you were to come to me with an earthful of sins, and you were to meet Me not associating anything in worship with ME, I will come to you with an earthful of forgiveness.” [al-Mundhiri, Sunan, at- Tirmidhi, Ibn Rajab]

B OOT C AMP : T HE D EGREE OF D ISCIPLINE The true Muslim has distinct and balanced moral character. The Muslim embodies the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah in his character. I.e. According to first ten verses of Surah Mu’minoon, the Muslim or Believer (Mu’min) has such a character that he prays his fardh salah with Khushoo’ (humbleness to Allah), pays zakaat (i.e. tazkiya, purifies his soul and pays in zakaat), etc.

And verily, you (O Muhammad SAW) are on an exalted standard of character. [Surah al-Qalam: 4]

'Aisha Radhi Allahu 'anha described the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam as a walking Quran. The Muslim follows the sunnah in all affairs and relations. But what is the Sunnah? Sayings (things he said), actions (he did) and tacit approvals (saw someone doing something either he approved or did not say anything about) of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam.

S OME

TRAITS OF THE P ROPHET ( SAW ) Which we should copy to the best of our ability: Courage: (one night in Madinah all citizens woken by a sound and when investigating they saw the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam coming back to the city telling the people to go back to sleep problem been taken care of) | 'Umar, Zubair ibn Awwam, Khalid bin Walid the power houses of Islam known for their courage and ferociousness in battle would hide behind the Prophet when the battle would get hot. Remember, bravery or courage helps cultivate self-dignity. Generosity: the prophet sal Allahu wa sallam was always generous, but during Ramadhan his generosity was soo much, it was like the blowing of the wind.

Loved the youth - Prophet sal Allahu wa sallam gave a lot of importance to the youth - 'Ali bin Abi Talib, Anas bin Malik, Usama bin Zaid were all less than 20 but were conferred great favour and attention. “The most perfect believer in faith is the one who is best in moral character. The best of you are those who are the best to their spouses in manner.” [at-Tirmidhi]

Chasity (Modesty, Shyness): al-‘Iffa, prevents one from doing evil/wrong actions. The one who stops himself from disobeying Allah out of shyness from Him and His greatness is a stronger believer than the

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Jawami’ al-Kalam: the Prophet sal Allahu wa sallam was blessed with concise or brief speech. He spoke to everyone at their level. Therefore, we should speak to our audience according to their background or education whether doctor, student, business man, etc.

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Boot Camp: The Degree of Discipline

one who prevents himself from committing evil out of fear of Allah’s punishment alone. The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam was more shy than a virgin in her seclusion. Cleanliness: the Prophet sal Allahu wa sallam loved to use Miswaak to purify his mouth and he would dislike that any bad odour would come from his body. The Prophet sal Allahu wa sallam loved perfume and would use it a lot and in great amounts. Whenever the Prophet sal Allahu wa sallam had passed a place in Madinah, the sahabah would know because his beautiful scent would still linger in the air! Patient: with both Muslims and non-Muslims The Prophet (Sallahu Alyhee Wa Salaam) was asked about the deed that would get people to heaven, he said, “Fearing Allah and adopting a good moral character.” [at-Tirmidhi]

Just: Never make a judgement until he had heard from both sides. Wise Merciful Upheld the ties of kinship: Even years after the death of his wife Khadijah (ra), he would send meat to the friends of Khadijah. So not only did he uphold the ties of kinship, but even upheld ties with the friends of his family members after their death. Loving personality Leadership - Prophet sal Allahu wa sallam was a leader inside his home and to the Muslims at large Abu ad-Darda’ narrates that he heard the Prophet (Sallahu Alyhee Wa Salaam) say, “There is nothing in the balance heavier than the good moral. Indeed the person of good morals will reach by them the rank of the person of fasts and prayers.” [atTirmidhi]

Called people by their names Jokes were truthful and beautiful: the Prophet sal Allahu wa sallam would never lie even when joking Helped the widows and orphans Physically strong - athletic - strength of 40 men Forgiving personality - there are some people who just don’t want to forgive even if begging for forgiveness, this is not the sunnah of the Prophet sal Allahu wa sallam. The Prophet sal Allahu wa sallam extended mercy and prayed for those who abused him without bound. Remember the incident of Ta’if? The Prophet sal Allahu wa sallam had every right to retaliate against those people who treated him soo unjustly, but he chose to forgive and pray for their guidance. He would not compromise his Islam He would not compel anyone to accept Islam

H U MB L EN E SS Is the Opposite of: • •

Al-Kibr (arrogance). Kibr comes from an over-estimation of one’s abilities and merits. Ar-Riyaa (shirk al-khafee, hidden shirk). Desire to show off and seek praises from others. Cure? Check your intentions before performing any action.

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Ibn Qayyim prescribes cure for both Kibr and Riyaa from Surah al-Fatiha. • •

Ar-Riya: Iyyaka Na'bud (You alone we worship), out of His greatness and is deserving of All Praise Kibr: iyyaka nasta'een (You alone we seek help from), we are not sufficient to help ourselves.

T HE P I LLARS • • • • •

OF

G OOD M ORAL C HARACTER

Patience (as-Sabr) - helps contain ones anger Bravery (ash-Shuja'ah) - cultivates self dignity Chastity (al-'iffa) - avoid evil doing and wrong doing Justice (al-'adl) - just in judgment/actions, not opting for extremism Also: Generosity, Speaking well, wishing well for others.

ELEMENTS OF BAD MORAL CHARACTER

Ignorance – Not taking the time to learn Islam leads to this ignorance. Allah has given us guidance and because we are ignorant this leads to disobedience Oppression – Allah, in His Greatness, has forbidden oppression for Himself and has also forbidden it for his slaves. GOOD SIGNS OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER

Loving good for all people - reported in Bukhari the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said none of you can be true believer until you love for others what you love for yourself Withstanding and bearing harm - if I am inflicted by harm and I forbear it: • • • •

I know this is a divine decree - believer knows and believes in Qadr Teaches me patience Teaches me to be content - if I try to do something good and some harm befalls me I don’t care since I am doing for the sake of Allah Ehsaan with the person who does harm against you - like Hasan Al Basri when told that he was being backbitten he bought bag of apples and took to the person and told them I wanted to thank you as I heard you were backbiting me and this means you are giving me your hasanaat (good deeds).

1. 2.

3. 4.

5.

OF N OBLE C HARACTER Allah Subhana wata `alah will bless the person and the offspring. Puts weight in the book of records - narrated by Umm-ad-Darda that the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said that there is nothing will put more weight in the good book of deeds than good moral character Allah will love me - the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said the most beloved servants in the eyes of Allah Subhana wata `alah are the ones who have good moral characters Deserve Jannah - (reported by tirmidhi) narrated by Abu Hurairda - Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam asked what takes people into jannah - fear of Allah and good moral character You will achieve closeness to the Prophet sal Allahu alayhis wa sallam, as those who are closest to the Prophet Muhammad sal Allahu alayhis wa sallam on the Day of Judgement are the ones with good moral characters

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F RUITS

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Who are you Trying to Please? The Degree of Sincerity

HOW TO FIND OUT WHAT THINGS I CAN IMPROVE IN MY CHARACTER:

• • •

•

Befriend a pious sheikh through whom I can learn about my kind manners Befriend a trustworthy companion who can point out your shortcomings to you Listen to what your enemies say about you. Remember, the disbelievers of Makkah during the time of the Prophet Muhammad sal Allahu alayhis wa sallam sought out any means to malign him and his mission. Yet they could never say anything about his character. They would lie and say he was a soothsayer, magician, or crazy person but could never say anything bad about his character because they still considered him as-Saadiq (the truthful) and al-Amin (the trustworthy). Intermingle with people and reflect about their bad character. So that if you perceive something to be a clear shortcoming, you can strive to eliminate it from your own character.

W HO ARE YOU T RYING TO P LEASE ? T HE D EGREE OF S INCERITY

And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allâh, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him), and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) and give Zakât: and that is the right religion. [Surah al Bayyinah: 5]

Allah has set 2 conditions for the acceptance of deeds without which these deeds will be rejected 1. Performed sincerely (Ikhlas) for the sake of Allah - sincerity is the musk of our hearts foundation for success. Majority of books of hadith start with hadeeth of sincerity 2. The deed must be correct (Surah Al-Kahf: 110) - that which coincides with the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam - Ibn Qayyim a person who acts without adhering to the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam and performs actions without sincerity is like a traveller who travels with his bag full of provisions for his journey and travelled without using any of those provisions

Verily, We have sent down the Book to you (O Muhammad SAW) in truth: So worship Allâh (Alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allâh's sake only, (and not to show-off, and not to set up rivals with Him in worship). [Surah az-Zumar: 2-3]

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Surely, the religion (i.e. the worship and the obedience) is for Allâh only. And those who take Auliyâ' (protectors and helpers) besides Him (say): "We worship them only that they may bring us near to Allâh." Verily, Allâh will judge between them concerning that wherein they differ. Truly, Allâh guides not him who is a liar, and a disbeliever. [Surah az-Zumar:39]

W HAT

IS

S INCERIT Y ?

Ikhlas from root word Kha La Sau - clear to make pure | to perform deeds without any ar-Riya or Kibr solely for the sake of Allah Subhana wata `alah The first people to come to account in front of Allah; the martyr - when comes to Allah he would say that i gave my life for your sake - Allah will say no you fought so that people could say that you are so brave - the second would be the scholar and the third would be the rich person who gives

Say (O Muhammad SAW): "I am only a man like you. It has been inspired to me that your Ilâh (God) is One Ilâh (God i.e. Allâh). [] So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord." [Surah al-Kahf: 110]







SOME



OF

A T T AI N I N G S I N C ER I T Y

The Lord is watching over me all the time Keen to please only Allah Subhana wata `alah To conceal the deed - to go to the extent of tricking the wife - there is another hadeeth in Bukhari that Allah is proud of the woman who wakes up her husband to pray the night prayer The ones who will be under the shade of the throne - a man who gives charity from the right hand that not even the left hand knows OF THE

V I R T U ES

OF

S I N C ER I T Y :

The deed may be trivial but the reward will be great - the reward will be magnified Eschewing the slave during hardship - the people who got stuck in the cave - they got out by the virtue of their righteous deeds

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M EA N S

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Who are you Trying to Please? The Degree of Sincerity





Guarding the people from Shaytaan (surah Saad:38) When - whoseoever professes La ilaa ha Illallah with sincerity will enter jannah The Prophet (Sallahu Alyhee Wa Salaam) said, “Actions are only by intention, and every man shall only have what he intended. Thus he whose Hijrah was for Allah and was for Allah and His Messenger, his Hijrah was for Allah and His Messenger, and he whose Hijrah was to achieve some worldly benefit or to take some woman into marriage, his Hijrah was for that for which he Hijrah.” [al-Bukahri and Muslim]




Check intention 3 instances: 1. Before the action 2. During the action - shaytaan may whisper 3. After the action - ask myself why I did this action “Learn about intentions, for their importance is greater than the importance of actions. [Yahya ibn Abu Kathir]




However this does not contradict the sincerity when sometimes the companions presented their deeds when asked by the prophet - like Abu Bakr - he did it to drive the Ummah Al-Fudayl ibn ‘Iyaad said, “For worship to be accepted, it has to meet two conditions: correctness and sincerity.”

W H AT 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

AR E

S O ME

OF THE

SIGNS

OF

S I N CE R I T Y

To have good intention before starting the deed To perfects ones duty in private and public To welcome advise from friends - sign of sincerity to accept ones shortcomings To be constantly mindful of one’s shortcomings and to advise or wish others well - to praise the brother/sister To feel that my contribution is minimal compared to others To love my salah with congregation To prefer giving charity in secret To dislike being praised Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu An Hum) narrates that the Prophet (Sallahu Alyhee Wa Salaam) said: “Three categories of people will be the first to be thrown into Hell-fire: a scholar who taught people merely to be praised as a scholar; a generous person who gave charity just to be called generous; and a person who participates in Jihad to be recognized as brave.” [Muslim, at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa’i and Ahmad]

“A devout person is someone who conceals things that are good, in the same way that he conceals that are bad.” [Yaqoob]

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M ORE M ODEST T HAN A V IRGIN IN H ER S ECLUSION ? T HE D EGREE OF M ODESTY

Then there came to him one of the two women, walking shyly. She said: "Verily, my father calls you that he may reward you for having watered (our flocks) for us." So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said: "Fear you not. You have escaped from the people who are Zâlimûn (polytheists, disbelievers, and wrong-doers)." [Surah al-Qasas: 25]

Modesty is the freedom from vanity and showiness/flashiness. Zaid bin Talha reported that the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said modesty and faith are companions if one goes the other follows it - they go parallel hand in hand with each other. The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam despite his great handsomeness was the most modest among all mankind. He was the most bashful- he was described as being more bashful than a virgin in her seclusion.

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.). That is purer for them. Verily, Allâh is All-Aware of what they do. [ Surah Noor: 30]

‘Imran bin Hussain narrates that the Prophet(Sallahu Alyhee Wa Salaam) said, “Modesty brings nothing but good. Modesty is part of Faith and Faith is in Paradise. But obscenity is part of hardness of the heart and hardness of the heart is in hell.” [al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood, and Ahmad]

OF M ODESTY Ibn Qayyim Mentions 10 Types of Modesty 1 - Modesty upon sins - the modesty of Adam; when he committed the sin he was trying to hide from Allah because he recognized he had sinned against Him. 2 - Modesty upon shortcomings - the angels; enormous in size and number, the carriers of the throne of Allah; between their ear and their shoulder is the distance between the heavens and the earth. Allah created these angel, who never disobey Him and continuously glorify His praises. These angels asked

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10 T YPES

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More Modest Than A Virgin in Her Seclusion? The Degree of Modesty

Allah the purpose behind such a creation when they would merely transgress whereas the angels glorified Allah’s praises:

And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: "Verily, I am going to place (mankind) generations after generations on earth." They said: "Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, - while we glorify You with praises and thanks (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners) and sanctify You." He (Allâh) said: "I know that which you do not know."

And He taught Adam all the names (of everything), then He showed them to the angels and said, "Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful."[Al-A`raf 7:172]

When Allah proved the superiority of Adam over them, due to the knowledge he bestowed on Adam, the angels immediately glorified Allah and belittled their status and realised their shortcomings. They know nothing except what Allah taught them:

They (angels) said: "Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what you have taught us. Verily, it is You, the All-Knower, the All-Wise." [Baqarah: 30-32].

3 - Modesty upon knowledge - living a life of profound spirituality in pursuit of jannah - the more knowledge one pursues the more modest one will become. Any knowledge which does not increase you in fear of Allah is no good. 4 - Modesty upon generosity - when the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam would be sitting with a gathering in his own home and when he grew tired he would get up kindly and leave, and not tell his guests to leave. 5 - Modesty upon decency - 'Ali so modest that when he had a wet dream - he did not ask the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam directly as he was married to his daughter but had to go ask someone else (al Miqdam ibn al aswad) to ask the Prophet (in Bukhari and Muslim). 6 - Modesty upon despising - being modest about despising generally 7 - Modesty upon love - shyness when about to meet the one who I love

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8 - Modesty upon enslavement – derived from fear of Allah. 9 - Modesty upon dignity - doing more than the soul deserves - surprising myself that I could possibly do so much good. I.e. giving $100 in charity to the masjid instead of usual $5 10 - Modesty upon one's self – committing actions which downgrades oneself in front of Allah and people to below the level they are. I.e. Umar telling himself he had a lowly status before Islam before entire Muslim congregation (in order to prevent any kibr). Ibn Mas’ood (Radiyallahu An Hum narrates that the Prophet (Sallahu Alyhee Wa Salaam) said, “Be bashful before Allah according to His right to modesty before Him.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah, verily we are shy, praise be to Allah.” He said, “That is not it. Modesty before Allah according to His right to modesty is that you perfect your mind in what it learns, your stomach in what it ingests. And remember death and the tribulations attached to it. And whoever wishes for the Hereafter, leaves the adornment of this life. So whoever does all that is truly bashful before Allah according to His right to modesty. [atTirmidhi, al-Haakim, al-Bayhaqi, at-Tabarani]

3 D EGREES

OF M OD ESTY 1. Ar-Raqabah (vigilance) - Modesty that stems from belief that Allah is watching me. And Allah is watching you. 2. Stemming from Allah's specific togetherness 3. Resorting to Allah alone - Ibn Qayyim says about this that this can only be reached by some profound spirituality

A female companion asked the Prophet Muhammad (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salaam) personal questions despite her modesty! Therefore, Modesty is not that which prevents you from asking necessary questions regarding your religion. There is no modesty when it comes to the religion.

T IE Y OUR C AMEL : T HE D EGREE OF R ELIANCE

“Allah loves those who put their trust [in Him].” (Aali ‘Imran: 159)

Tawakkul means Allah will suffice you (in anything and against everything). In the days Jahilliyah (ignorance), people would take birds outside with them and only their homes if the bird flew west. Today’s omens include black cats, crows, owls, ladders, broken mirrors, “knocking on wood”, among other things. “When Allah’s Messenger SAW foretold of the seventy thousand people who shaLl enter Paradise without a reckoning, he described their qualities as those who do not seeks ‘Ruqyah’, practice cauterization (using hot steel to stop bleeding), do not follow omens, Put their trust in Lord. I ask Allah for more and He gave more.” Narrated by Abu Hurairah

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“The Prophet SAW would leave his home saying Bismillaahi tawakkaltu ‘alaallah, wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa billa (In the Name of Allah; I placed my trust in Allah; there is no might and no power except with Allah). Narrated by Anas ibn Malik RA and found in Bukhari, Tirmidhi, Mundhiri.

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Tie Your Camel: The Degree of Reliance

“Do not rely on the means but the Lord of the means (i.e., Allah).”

“And in Allah therefore let the believers put their trust” (a-Taghaabun: 13)

If all of mankind and creation wanted to benefit and Allah did not intend benefit then no benefit can be brought to that person and if all of mankind and creation wanted to harm and Allah did not intend harm then no harm can be brought to that person. This is another reason why we should have tawakkul. ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab (Radiyallahu An Hum) narrates that the Prophet (Sallahu Alyhee Wa Salaam) said, “If you all were to rely upon Allah in the manner He deserves from you, then He would certainly grant you provision as He provides it to the birds who depart hungry in the morning, and return with a fully belly at dusk.[at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban and Ibn Rajab]

Note: The best Ruqyah is Surah Fatihah. One of the best examples of tawakkul is the life of Prophet Ibrahim SAW; he left his wife Hajar and son Isma’eel in desert alone. But contemplate the fruits of Tawakkul. Until this day, millions of Muslims continue to make sa’ee in the way Hajar (as) did. Musa SAW’s mom feared the wrath of the Pharaoh but she had tawakkul and she put her baby into the Nile. Allah protected and raised her son with the Pharaoh.

“And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he could never imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him.” (atTalaaq:2-3)

P R EP A R AT I O N S






T HE

P R O P H ET M U H A M MA D SAW M A DE

FO R T H E

H I JR AH J O U R N E Y

Asked an intimate friend to accompany him (i.e. Abu Bakr) Prepared food and water for journey Arranged a good riding camel He employed an expert guide - a man who wasn’t even a Muslim They went south first then north. They also had someone brush away the footsteps.

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam could have said I’m a prophet and do not need to take any human preparation. But he worked and did everything humanly possible THEN put His trust in Allah.

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Hassan al-Basri when asked how he achieved knowledge responded that he realized: 1. No one can take my rizq (provision) that Allah has decreed for me! 2. I know Allah is watching me and so I don’t want him to see me committing a sin 3. No will do my work for me, so I do it myself 4. I know one day I will be standing before Allah. Therefore I am preparing for that day. ASK YOURSELF: Who can bring harm and give benefit? Only Allah, my Lord in whom I have believed!

“And put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed.” (al-Ma’idah: 23)

T HE L IVING AND THE D EAD : T HE D EGREE OF R EMEMBRANCE

“And perform the Dhikr of your Lord in your very soul with humility and without loudness in words in the mornings and evenings and do not be of those who are unheedful.” (A’raaf: 205)

There is no better Dhikr than reciting the Qur’an! The example of those who remember Allah and those who don’t is the example of the living and the dead. Everything in CREATION makes Dhikr to Allah

The Prophet SAW said, “Shall I not inform you of the best of your actions, the most pure in the sight of your Master, the one which raises your ranks highest, that which is better for you than giving gold and silver (in charity), better for you than meeting your enemies, so that you strike their necks and they strike yours?” The companions replied “Of course, O Messenger of Allah (Inform us!)” He replied, “It is the Remembrance of Allah.” Narrated by Abu Darda’ and found in Abu Dawood.

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“And remember your Lord when you forget.” (Kahf: 24)

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The Living and the Dead: The Degree of Remembrance

“And glorify the praises of you Lord before the rising of the sun, and before its setting.” (Ta Ha: 130)

“(Speaking of the wise men these are_ such as remember Allah, standing, sitting, and reclining, and consider the creation of the Heavens and the Earth, and say (after deliberation) ‘Our Lord! Thou has not created this in vain. Glory be to Thee! Preserve us from the doom of Fire.’” (Aali ‘Imran: 191)

Even SLEEPING can be a form of Dhikr or worship. For example if one:
Makes Wudhoo before sleeping
Reads adhkaar an-Nawm (du’aa one read before sleep, found in hisn al-Muslim)

Ibn Taymiyyah said if the Kings knew the happiness the believers find in their belief in Allah, they would fight us over it. INVEST IN YOURSELF: Read or recite ONE juz of Qur’an a day. Ramadhan may have passed, the but the word of Allah is no less deserving of being read and followed outside that blessed Month. Abu Hurayrah (Radiyallahu An Hum) narrates that the Prophet (Sallahu Alyhee Wa Salaam) said, “No people gather together in one of the House of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it among themselves, except that Sakeenah (Tranquility) decends upon them, and Mercy envelops them, and the Angels surround them, and Allah mentions them amongst those are with Him.” [al-Bukari, Muslim, at-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood] “ Whoever of you performs Wudhoo’ carefully and then affirms ‘ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illallaahu wahdahu laa sharika lahu, was ash hadu anna Muhammadan `abduhu was Rasooluhu(I testify that there so no true Allah except Allah alone, Who has no partners and that Muhammad SAW is His slave and Messenger) the eight gates of Jannah (paradise) are opened for him. He h may enter through whichever gate he desires (to enter).” Narrated by Umar Al-Khattab and found in Muslim.

When Kahlid bin Waleed was about to attack an army, the Prophet SAW asked him what he was going to do. He replied that the army is dead and that he was live. This is because the difference between those who remember Allah and those who do not remember Allah is like the living and dead.

T YPES

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D HIKR

1. Fixed timing o Duas after getting up, after Salah (prayer), etc. 2. Specified for certain acitivites o Before and after intercourse, eating, washroom, etc.

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3. Unrestricted dhikr 'Ali says: he looked at the fire and said that the fire is the strongest creation of Allah in the universe. Then he saw the rain, and thought it is more powerful because it extinguishes the fire. Then he considered the clouds where the water comes down. But then thought the clouds are blocked by the mountains, thus they must be the strongest creation of Allah. But man can climb atop mountains, so he must be the strongest. But man is maintained by his heart. But the heart is made content by Dhikr – the remembrance of Allah. Therefore, it must be the strongest creation of Allah and indeed it is.

H EART S TRINGS : T HE D EGREE OF L ONGING ( ASH -S HAWQ )

“Whoever is looking forward to the meeting with Allah, then Allah’s term is surely coming and He is the All-Hearer, the AllKnower.” (al-‘Ankaboot: 5)

“ I hastened to You, O my Lord, that You might be pleased.” (Ta Ha: 84)

“When the night covered him over with darkness he saw a star. He said, ‘This is my Lord.’” (An’aam: 76) “I ask You for the joy of seeing Your face and for the longing to meet You” Narrated by Mu’adh ibn Jabal and found in anNasaa’I, Ahmad, al-Hakim, and adh-Dhahabi “The pleasure of giving pardon is followed by a praiseworthy outcome. The pleasure or taking revenge is followed by the bitterness of regret.” (Ali ibn Abi Talib) “No one should judge between two people when he is angry.” Found in Bukhari and Muslim

“Longing is the journey of the heart to its beloved!” “Ash-Shawq, if exceeded, can lead to anger and thirst.” (Ibn al-Qayyim)

4 S TYLES

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H ANDLING A NGER

1. Open Aggression o Physical and verbal force. Instead of getting rid of the anger, this style leads to more anger, and thus more aggression. Do not fall into this cycle.

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“Longing for Allah is one of the signs of Love.”

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Heart Strings: The Degree of Longing (ash-Shawq)

2. Suppressed Anger o People pretend not to be angry and they suppress it within themselves. They also ignore their emotions and feelings and hope that it will go away. Experts have linked this style with ulcers, headaches, stomach aches, and other physical illnesses. Many women fall into this habit. 3. Passive Anger o People here use indirect, non-verbal ways to deal with their anger. Some of these include the refusal to talk, breaking things, stomping feet, and slamming doors. This also tends to lead to more anger. 4. Assertive Problem Solving o People here deal with it in a certain manner and express it politely and honestly. They realize the problem and they talk about it. They also employ the ACTS technique • Aware – They are aware of their anger. • Control – They control their anger and they don’t let it escalate. • Talk – talking to the other parties in a polite and assertive manner. This may include the use of the WIN technique o When you …. o I felt ….. o I Need you to….

WAYS • • • • • • • • • •

TO

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A N G ER

Seeking refuge with Allah from the Shaytan Keeping silent Not moving Following the advice of the Prophet Muhammad SAW; “do not become angry and Paradise will be yours” Knowing the high status and advantages offered to those who control themselves Following the Prophet’s example in the case of anger Knowing the resisting anger is one of the signs of righteousness Listening to reminders (lectures) Dua’a If standing sit and if sitting then lie down

S O M E S T R AT E GI ES • • • •

E F F EC T

TO

K E EP A N G ER

AT

B AY

Breather deeply from your diaphragm Slowly recite some Adhkar Use imagery; visualize a relaxing experience Slow, calm movements and stretches to relax your muscles and make you feel calmer.

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D O YOU REALLY LOVE THE S UPREME B ESTOWER ? T HE L OVE OF A LLAH

“And those who believe have intense love for Allah.” (Baqarah: 165)

“Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you have delight … are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger, and striving hard His cause, then wait until Allah brings about His Decision (torment). And Allah guides not the people who are faasiqoon (rebellious, disobedient).” (at-Tawbah: 24) “Improper love is a psychological sickness, and if it grows strong, it affects the body and becomes a physical sickness, either as diseases of the brain, which are said to be diseases caused by waswas, or diseases of the body such as weakness.” (ibn Taymiyyah) “None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his child, his father and all the people.” Found in Muslim

If the heart loves Allah alone and is sincerely devoted to Him, it will not even think about loving anyone else in the first place, let alone falling in love. When a heart falls in love, it is due to the lack of love for Allah alone. Hence Yoosuf loved Allah and was sincerely devoted to Him, he did not fall into the trap of love, rather Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

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It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah RA said, “The Messenger of Allah SAW said, ‘Allah says, “Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war with him. My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I will love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it. I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about [seizing] the soul of My faithful servant: he hates death and I hate hurting him.” Found in Bukhari

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Do you really love the Supreme Bestower? The Love of Allah

“Thus it was that We might turn away from evil and al-Fahshaa, Surely, he was one of Our chosen, (guided) slaves.” (Yusuf: 24)

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L OVE

1. Specific Love - (Muhhabba Khassa) a. one type could be Halal Love (like the love of Allah - the most important obligation and basis of Islam/ love of the Prophets / Love of the Quran b. the other type would be Haram Love - Love that gets developed on a lust such as communicating on MSN or chatting 2. General Love - (Muhhabba 'amma) - 3 types of love a. natural love - hungry person for food - thirsty person for water b. love based on mercy - like love of a mother for her child or love of a husband to her wife c. Friendship - travelling companion - people I do business with, friends However, the ultimate love is Allah’s love.

W AYS TO E ARN A LLAH ’ S LOVE • • • • • • •

• •

Ta'atullah (the obedience of Allah) - First and foremost obeys his orders and laws. The laws are intended to make you a better person and to bring you closer to Him Ta'atu rasoolullah (the obedience of His Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam) - [AlTawbah:24] - if I claim to love Allah then follow the Prophet Actions speak louder than words. Implement what the Prophet SAW and Allah have said. Quran An-nawwafil (supererogatory prayers) - in Bukhari and Muslim, narrated by Abu Hurairah. The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said, “A man will get closer to Allah by increasing the number of supererogatory prayers.” Dhikr -ullah (remembrance of Allah) Reported by Imam Ahmed, the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said, “I am with (togetherness of specific) My servant as long as he remembers Me. The shaytaan cannot approach me – I’m always in a state of wudhu.” Az-ziyyara (visiting Muslims for the sake of Allah) In bukhari, a man decided one day decided to visit his muslim brother. In the midst of his journey approached him and asked him where he was going. “I am going to visit him for the sake of Allah.” “Is there anything you want from him or him from you?” “NO, I love him for the sake of Allah”. “Glad tidings to you, I am an angel from Allah. Reported by ibn habban, narrated by miqdan ibn al ma'id Qiyaam-al-Layl - standing up for the night prayer increases ones love for Allah - the best prayer after the obligatory prayer is qiyaam-al-layl. It is the time that one is closest to Allah, even if it is just 2 raka'ah. Little actions done regularly are better than big actions that are done irregularly. Majalis-al-'Ilm (gathering of ilm)

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Pondering the creation and blessing of Allah. All the creation and the favours Allah has blessed us with Being tested and be patient - Allah loves the ones who are patient for the sake of Allah. There are so many temptations out there and shaytaan is making every attempt to misguide you; be patient and Allah will love you Allah loves them who purify themselves - Ramadan i can acquire during this month all these things - Al bayhaqi narrates the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said that “there will be souls that will be saved from the hellfire not only during the night of power but every single moment of Ramadhan”

D ON ’ T W ORRY B E H APPY : T HE D EGREE OF H APPINESS Allah created each person of mankind differently - culture, language, colour, race etc. but we agree on one single thing - HAPPINESS - where we disagree is how do we get this happiness? Some say money, riches, fame, etc Some people find happiness in salah, in dhikr (remembering Allah in all times), in charity; they find happiness when they are tested and going through trials. TRUE HAPPINESS IS IN THE NOURISHMENT OF THE SOUL: peace of heart and mind results. The Prophet sallahu alayhi wa-sallam and sahaba used to rest and peace in salah.

Say: "In the Bounty of Allâh, and in His Mercy (i.e. Islâm and the Qur'ân); -therein let them rejoice." That is better than what (the wealth) they amass. [Surah Yûnus: 58]

Rejoice that Allah has let you live another day; rejoice that Allah has given you another chance to fast in Ramadan; rejoice that when you go home your parents are still alive—the gates of jannah

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They rejoice in what Allâh has bestowed upon them of His Bounty, rejoicing for the sake of those who have not yet joined them, but are left behind (not yet martyred) that on them no fear shall come, nor shall they grieve. [Âl'Imrân:170]

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Don’t Worry Be Happy: The Degree of Happiness

Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allâh, Verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest. [Surah Ar-Ra'd:28]

True enrichment does not come through possessing a lot of wealth, but true enrichment is the enrichment of the soul. Remember the ones who cannot sleep despite having all the wealth in the world. Remember the ones who discover they have cancer - rejoice to Allah for giving you health - If Allah has taken your sight it is because He wants to give you better in Jannah - if you are paralyzed then something better is for you in Jannah

2 T YPES

OF H APPIN ESS 1. Commendable – Example: happiness in prayer, happiness in remembering Allah, happiness in good health etc. 2. Blameworthy – Example: happiness through wealth like Qarun whom Allah destroyed with his money:

Verily, Qârûn (Korah) was of Mûsa's (Moses) people, but he behaved arrogantly towards them. And We gave him of the treasures, that of which the keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men. When his people said to him: "Do not be glad (with ungratefulness to Allâh's Favours). Verily! Allâh likes not those who are glad (with ungratefulness to Allâh's Favours). [Surah Al – Qasas: 76]

H OW D O Y OU A CHIEVE H APPINESS ? Think and thank: Think about the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon you and thank Him for it. Imagine: If you had to pay for every single breath you had to take, you would be bankrupt in no time. Imagine you had to pay to exhale, its nima. Imagine: If the earth said to you that I don’t want you to walk on me because you have committed so many sins? Allah has blesses us with that which we ask of Him and that which we never asked for!

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Do not await praise from anyone: do and do it for the sake of Allah. Sometimes da’ees feel they are doing so much without even a pat on the shoulder. You don’t need praise from anyone because you are doing business with Allah. Do Ehsaan to others: doing good to others will bring contentment to your soul and the feeling of happiness – even if others are unjust to you still be good to them – this will give you the contentment your soul needs – do good and do good for the sake of Allah Think of the organizers, those who work and pray to make this event possible. Just a smile is all they need and you have done ehsaan.

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

Feed your time with what is beneficial: to you and beneficial to others. When you have too much free time that’s when you feel despair because you have so much time which you don’t know what to do with. Fill it with things that are good; contribute to the betterment of your society, your community, your family and yourself. Qada’ wa Qadr: having firm belief in the divine decree that nothing will happen to you except what Allah wills and I will not fight it – you simply hear and obey - Alhumduliillahi ‘ala kulli haal (All praise due to Allah in every situations). Don’t just ask for more: do! i.e. Allah has decreed that I remain in my position as a programmer— escalate, pursue higher positions. This doesn’t mean that you don’t strive for highest - the stronger believer is better than the weak believer – It is a great blessing if you are knowledgeable of the world, knowledgeable of the deen and have taqwa.

So verily, with the hardship, there is relief, [Surah Ash-Sharh:5]

Turn a loss into a gain: When life gives you lemons make lemonade: lemons are naturally sour but when you make lemonade you have made sweet out of sour.


When Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam was expelled out of Makkah he established a Muslim government.

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Ease comes after hardship so never despair. Beyond the ocean of difficulty there is land and on that land there are trees and on those trees are fruits

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Don’t Worry Be Happy: The Degree of Happiness







When Ibn Taymiyyah was jailed for years he wrote books on his fatawa. When Imam Ibn Ahmed was imprisoned he accessed many books of knowledge and became the Imam of Ahlus Sunnah. When Imam ibn al Jawzee was expelled from Baghdad became master of the 7 Qira'aat - turned loss into gain . Or the story of 2 men in a hospital ward: one was next to a window and the other behind a partition away from the window. The man behind the partition would ask the first man what he saw outside. The other man would tell him that it is a beautiful day, it is sunny and that he is facing a garden and he can see a family walking. He would describe the next day, saying he saw flowers and trees and birds. Months and years went by and this continued every day until that person died. The man behind the partition was moved next to the window and to his surprise he found a wall behind the window. He was informed that the man was blind and could not see anything. But the blind man saw what others would have never seen. He had a vision.

Make Du’aa: Who is the One Who answers the call of the needy? - Allah - when going through distress or hardship – You weapon is supplication - invoke Allah

Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations. Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? Little is that you remember! [Surah An-Naml: 62]

Be content with what you have





Think: You have a house while millions don’t Think: You have food while billions are starving Think: Money to spend beyond the basics of life, while billions of others don’t! A friend of Sheikh Riad took his kids to North Africa and while they were going on a freeway they saw a child without shoes. What are you doing here? He told them that he was selling bread and he lives 10 kms away! He travels 10 kms one way every day without shoes so that he can feed his family – the man brought his kids and showed him this child - how do we react when there is no food or our clothes are not pressed? We forget the favours of Allah—be content. You have things that Allah has not given to other people before you

Whoever leaves something for the sake of Allah, He will compensate with something better. Ibn Rajab and others gave an account of a worshipper who ran out of resources while he was in Makkah. He became extremely hungry and was about to die from lack of nourishment. One day, as he was wandering in the precincts of Makkah, he found an expensive necklace. He put it into his sleeves and headed for the Masjid. On his way he came across a man announcing that he had lost a necklace. The poor man later said, "I asked him to describe it to me, and he did so, perfectly, leaving no room for doubt. I gave him the necklace.” The old man wanted to reward the poor man with 500 dinars but he refused. The poor man then turned to Allah and said: "O Allah, I have given it for You, so compensate me with what is better." Years later he went to the ocean and began a journey in a

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small boat. Only a brief period of time passed before a storm came with heavy winds crashing into the boat. The boat smashed into pieces and the man was forced to cling to a piece of wood. The winds were violent, propelling him to the left and to the right. Finally, he was washed ashore onto an island. He found there a Masjid filled with people who were praying, so he joined them. He found papers with parts of the Qur'an written on them and he began to recite from them. The people of the island asked him, "Do you read Qur'an?" He answered in the affirmative. They said, “Teach our children Qur'an." So he began to teach them and he took a salary for his services. One day, they saw him writing and they asked, “Will you teach our children to write?" Again he answered in the affirmative and began teaching them for a salary. When a while had passed he had renewed his intention to travel further but the people were so happy with him that they did not want him to leave. They proposed to him to stay with them forever and become their imam. He accepted. He benefited greatly from what Allah had blessed him with however Allah had more in store for him. A short time later, they proposed to him: “There was a pious man who had died and left behind a lovely and adorable girl of good manners. Allah has endowed her with physical and mental beauty. She is virtuous and is a suitable match for you. Will you marry her?" He had no objection to the proposal whatsoever. A few days later, the bonds of marriage united them. After the festive ceremonies were over, the girl was escorted her to the man’s house that was in fact her old abode where she had lived with her late father. The man looked at her and his gaze was concentrated steadily on her. He forgot to even say welcome to her. He was not only looking at her beautiful and charming face, and at her downcast eyes; but his glance was riveted upon her pretty neck, which was ornamented by precious pearls. He at once recognized that necklace. It was the same necklace that He once found on a deserted road of Makkah. He looked at her in silent and open-mouthed wonder. The people noticed his confused condition and thought that her beauty and the luster of the pearls had enchanted him. He was politely told that, "that necklace and its wearer, both are yours now and you can take all your time to behold them.” The man was then told a strange story that many years ago, the girl’s father went to Makkah for pilgrimage and took that necklace with him to get it re-polished. There, he lost it. But due to the goodness of an honest young man, he recovered it intact. That commendable young man refused to sell his honesty and declined the pressing offer of a handsome reward. He left a lasting impression upon the man who always remembered and talked about him. He once confided to his friend that he had a mind to go to Makkah again and ask that virtuous young man to accept the hand of his daughter, but time did not allow him to do so. The man would always supplicate while prostrating, for her daughter to become blessed with a husband similar to the honest man. An emotional storm erupted within the man. The strange happenings of the fateful events which were unfolded by the hidden hands of destiny agitated him and drops of tears rolled down his cheeks; He looked towards a friend of the girls late father through misty eyes and said, "Dear Sir...It would perhaps be a pleasant surprise to know that I am the same person who found the necklace and restored it to your friend. He, in return, offered me an amount of five hundred dinars. Although I was a pauper and was suffering from the agonies of hunger in those days, my conscience did not allow me to accept anything that was not my due. I pinned all my hopes and expectations of Almighty Allah for any reward. And here I am with His gracious and greatest reward of all."

"O Allah, I have given it for You, so compensate me with what is better." Abandoning something for the sake and Pleasure of Allah- Allah will definitely compensate with something that is better, either sooner or later, in this world or Hereafter. Remembrance of Allah puts the heart at ease and this will make you happy. Do not envy anyone for something Allah has blessed them with. Envy is a disease and is one of the major sins which is bound to destroy good deeds as fast as the fire burns the wood and dry grass to ashes. “Envy eats away at good deeds, just as fire eats away at firewood.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

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The man then related that: “without saying a word, he held my hand and shook it was a passion. My newly wedded wife lifted her eyes and looked me full in the face. Her eyes were filled with enthusiastic love that any husband ever could desire for. Almighty Allah had bestowed upon me His favors by giving me a considerate and loving wife and nothing in life surpasses that bliss."

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Don’t Worry Be Happy: The Degree of Happiness

As-Salah, As-Salah: The Prayer, The Prayer) The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam was on his death bed and yet his concern was if the people had prayed their salah. He kept on saying prayer, prayer, prayer - oh my people, oh my people, oh my people – pray, pray. Let us take the deathbed advice of our beloved Prophet! When Umar ibn al Khattab was wounded mortally the only worry he had was whether the people prayed Fajr? He was comforted to know that the people had indeed. There is no good in those who do not pray. Put your trust in Allah: delegate all your affairs to Allah Subhana wata `alah Don’t carry the weight of the entire world on your shoulders: There are some people who always talk about problems - rent problems, political problems, family problems, work problems and the list goes on and on. This person is carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders and this will break the person. Although, you should be concerned but do not carry the world on your shoulders as it is always your responsibility. There will always be things that are out of your control about which you can do nothing except du’aa. Always put Allah before anyone else: Please your Lord before pleasing anybody else. Your lord comes first, when in a situation of choosing do or don’t, choose Allah. The happiest people are not those who are taking the most, but the ones who are giving the most. A Chinese proverb says: If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap; If you want happiness for a day, go fishing; If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune and if you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone.

K E EP

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1. Be happy with yourself – abandon a bad attitude – also when you are happy with yourself you will exude a persona that will make others around you happy with you 2. Make sure others are happy with you – improve your attitude to others 3. Help Mankind and you will feel happy 4. But most important MAKE SURE ALLAH IS HAPPY WITH YOU

And whomsoever Allâh wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islâm, and whomsoever He wills to send astray, He makes his breast closed and constricted, as if he is climbing up to the sky. Thus Allâh puts the wrath on those who believe not. [Surah AnAn’aam: 25]

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A RE Y OU A L ONER ? T HE D EGREE OF A LIENATION All of us can relate to - especially muslims - Many a time and situations - people who follow a religion do not feel the sense of belonging. Islam began as something strange and it shall return to something strange so give glad tidings to the strangers.

3 T YPES

OF S TRANGERS 1. Those righteous ones who when the people are falling into moral decay 2. (Reported in At Tirmidhi) - Those who straighten what people have corrupted from my sunnah these are the strangers 3. (Reported by Imam Ahmed) - Righteous people amongst many evil doers - we are amongst our own family and presenting the evidence and yet the family is unable to see it

Few are the ones who prevent people from Fasad or evil (these are the strangers).

If only there had been among the generations before you, persons having wisdom, prohibiting (others) from Al-Fasâd (disbelief, polytheism, and all kinds of crimes and sins) in the earth, except a few of those whom We saved from among them. Those who did wrong pursued the enjoyment of good things of (this worldly) life, and were Mujrimûn (criminals, disbelievers in Allâh, polytheists, sinners, etc.). [Surah Hood: 116]

1. Strangeness of Muslim adherants - praiseworthy strangeness - in this society see a muslim with beards muslimahs with hijab are seen as strange – extremists. 2. Adherance to the sunnah - more strange is the strangeness of the adherance to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam - amongst ones own family own community people treat you as a stranger - i want to pray at the masjid but i am scrutinized to go to the mosque - i have nothing to do with anybody i just want to pray and revive the sunnah – Case in Point: story of the king who had a problem with his nose - surgeons suggested to remove his nose - he removed his nose but found people ridiculed him. Issued edict for people to follow suit and remove their noses also. This tradition was passed down through the generations. Generations later a man came who had a nose and the people laughed at him. But what was the original, true state of the people? 3. Strangeness in the world - each one of us as human beings when we go to different countries we feel as alien - we are all strangers in this world - no one is here for ever How can we alleviate this feeling? Because it can lead some youngsters to despair - some who underestimate themselves and fee they don’t want anything to do with Islam – they ask, why are the Muslims like this?

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3 T YPES OF S TRANGENESS

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The Weapon of The Believer: The Power of Supplication

And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly. [Yusuf: 103]

If you do not call people to good, they will call you to evil!

WAYS

TO

COPE


Adhering to Allah's rope - connect my heart to Allah ta’ala through extra acts of worship like - dhikr qiyaam - al -layl --- because emaan goes up and down. How can i stay in this serenity? How can I maintain my eman? Realise Emaan increases with obedience and decreases with disobedience. Seek out righteous friends who will help you to be firm upon the worship of Allah. Create a supportive environment in your own home.
Reviving the Islamic brotherhood - remember the Hadeeth we mentioned before of the brother who visits the other for the sake of Allah? Go back and read it again!
Enduring good and forbidding evil: If you do not call people to good, they will call you to evil! Your duty as an ambassador of Islam is to prevent people from entering hellfire.
Endurance - enduring the pain of rejection - Ibrahim, Nuh and all the Prophets endured. Abdullah ibn Maktoum blind wanted to participate in battle and said give me the flag I will not run away even if the army charges at me because I’m blind and cannot see-. He was killed Shaheed because he endured.
Never despair! The dignity we have been looking for it will come back this is the promise of Allah to the believers and Allah never breaks His promise.

They worked for him what he desired, (making) high rooms, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and (cooking) cauldrons fixed (in their places). "Work you, O family of Dâwud (David), with thanks!" But few of My slaves are grateful. [Surah Saba’ :13]

T HE W EAPON OF T HE B ELIEVER : T HE P OWER OF S UPPLICATION

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And your Lord said: "Invoke Me, [i.e. believe in My Oneness (Islâmic Monotheism)] (and ask Me for anything) I will respond to your (invocation). Verily! Those who scorn My worship [i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not believe in My Oneness, (Islâmic Monotheism)] they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!" [Surah Ghaafir: 60]

Ad-du'aa - the most powerful weapon of the believer - the rope that ties to my Lord to my Creator to my Sustainer. Ad-du’aa hiyal ‘ibaadah: Du’aa is the essence of worship!

F A F IRROO

I LL

A LLAH : E SCAPE

TO

A LLAH

(Narrated by Bukhari and Imam Ahmed ibn al Hakim) an-Nu'maan al Basheer narrates that the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said that “Du'aa is worship.”

And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad SAW) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright. [Surah al-Baqarah: 186]

E TIQUETTES



OF

M AKING D U ' AA

Invoke Allah first - praise Him - Invoke Allah with his beautiful names and attributes - start by praising Him Be continuous in making du'aa - i will ask him now, i will ask him today, i will ask him tomorrow I will ask him always - Allah is angered when a person does not ask from Allah - if a person does not ask Allah and asks someone else Allah is angered. (Reported in Bukhari muslim) narrated by Abu Hurairah that the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said that Allah will answer your du'aa as long as you don’t rush it as long as you dont hasten it - be patient in making du'aa - i dont know what is good for me or when some test is about to befall me. Don’t EVER complain that your du’aa has not been accepted. Continue begging of Allah as only He knows what is best for you and He grants that which is best for you even if you don’t realise it.




Repeat the du'aa three times - when i make a du'aa 3 things will happen (i) Allah will give me what i asked for (ii) Allah will not give it to me but remove a calamity or harm from my way which was supposed to happen to me (3) or Allah will hold the du'aa for something better in the hereafter Take advantage of those times when du’aa is more likely to be accepted.

T IMES W HEN D UA '

IS

A CCEPTED

Note: To recite Qur’an during sujood is prohibited, the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam encouraged us to increase our du’aa during sujood. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Between adhan and Iqamah Before Tasleem Before one breaks their fast When the rooster is crowing When the rain falls During last third of EVERY night

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The Weapon of The Believer: The Power of Supplication

7. The day of 'Arafah 8. An hour on every day of jum'uah 9. When you are being oppressed - there is not partition between the person and Allah - the Du'aa of the oppressed 10. Du'aa of the parent for their child 11. When drinking zamzam 12. Between EVERY adhaan and iqamah 13. When travelling 14. Layl-at-ul-Qadr NOTE: Making An-Nadhr or a conditional du'aa (O Allah, if you grant me such and such, I will do such and such) is NOT good etiquette and is not an encouraged act of worship. Who are we to place conditions upon Allah? Rather, make du’aa sincerely and have full conviction that Allah will answer your supplication!

R E A SO N S S U P P LI C AT I O N S

ARE NOT

A N SW E R ED

Sa'ad ibn Abi Waqas asked the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam to make dua for me - the Prophet said eat Halal and Allah will answer your call - one cannot be dealing with the haram and be expecting their du'aas to be accepted –










How can Allah answer such a persons call? You know Allah but you do not obey him You say indeed death is true yet you have not prepared for it You eat of that which Allah has provided for you yet you do not thank him You bury your dead yet you do not take a lesson from it You read Qur’an but do not act according to it. …list continued page 30 of notebook.

W HAT H APPENS W HEN




WE M AKE D U ’ AA ? Allah grants your supplication in this life (whether immediately or delayed) Allah removes some calamity which would have befallen you rather than granting you that du’aa Allah will give you a reward which you meet you in the hereafter. Such that a person will wish NONE of their du’aa was accepted in the Dunya.

[]

And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allâh , so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names. They will be requited for what they used to do. [Surah Al-A’raaf: 180]

Subhan Allah, what’s preventing you from making du’aa RIGHT NOW? You have so much to gain from the mercy of Allah.

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T HE F INAL S TRETCH : T HE E ND OF J OURNEY Realise this Dunya is worthless. Everything in the Dunya will perish and come to a definite end:

Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish. [Surah ar-Rahman:26-27]

And the Face of your Lord full of Majesty and Honour will abide forever. [Surah az-Zumar:30]

Verily, you (O Muhammad SAW) will die and verily, they (too) will die. [Imran: 144]

Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing). [Surah Aali 'Imran:185]

Qabeelat Majd

If the most beloved of creation tasted death then what us? Do we realize a definite death awaits us?

76

The Final Stretch: The End of Journey

"Wheresoever you may be, death will overtake you even if you are in fortresses built up strong and high!" And if some good reaches them, they say, "This is from Allâh," but if some evil befalls them, they say, "This is from you (O Muhammad SAW)." Say: "All things are from Allâh," so what is wrong with these people that they fail to understand any word? [Surah an-Nisaa':78]

When the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam was dying his head was on the lap of 'Aisha Radhi Allahu 'anha and he would so oh the pains of death - he died and he experienced the agony of death. He remembered the Ayah of the Qur'an:

It is Allâh Who takes away the souls at the time of their death, and those that die not during their sleep. He keeps those (souls) for which He has ordained death and sends the rest for a term appointed. Verily, in this are signs for a people who think deeply. [Surah az-Zumar: 30]

Imagine - I am on my death bed and shaytaan will come to me to try to prevent me from dying on the straight path. The stupor of death will bring the truth before your eyes - the truth will be that i will be able to say La ilaha illAllah or not – Not everyone will be able to utter the Shahadah at the time of death. Death will overtake you even if you am in a fortress built high. Remember the destroyer of pleasure: death The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said that the lifespan of my followers is between 60 and 70. When the soul reaches the collar bone? Who can help me? The dying person wants something but Allah wants something else… and then you will see the angel of death… and then you will wonder are these the angels of death or angels of mercy? What will the angel of death say to me? Oh righteous soul come out to your praising or your forgiving Lord or foul soul come out to your wrath of your Lord? Come out to a Lord who is not pleased with You?

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I will turn to my children i sacrificed everything for you didn’t I? Can’t you give me one hour? No. Oh my dear wife - I gave you everything you wanted, can you delay me this meeting? No. Realise: Whosoever longs to meet Allah, Allah longs to meet him. Whosoever doesn’t long to meet Allah, Allah doesn’t Long to see him. Nobody wants to die - but when the believer is given the glad tiding of jannah he will long to see his Lord. Death is a bitter reality that needs to be spoken about

T HE F I RST S TATION

AFTER D EATH IS THE The life of the grave is called al-Barzakh:

G RAVE

(Bukhari Muslim) narrated by Abu Hurairah - the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam walked by 2 graves and he mentioned that the 2 inhabitants of these graves were being punished.

Why? The first one was a backbiter and the second would not protect himself from the backsplash of urine when urinating (realise this are great sins punishable by hellfire!). Darkness upon darkness upon darkness - darkness of the shroud - then in the coffin - then in the grave then covered by the sand and then the darkness of the night

CAUSES









OF

P U N I S H ME N T

IN THE

G R AV E

Shirk - associating with Allah Hypocrisy The ones not protecting themselves from Urine Lying - also causes the punishment of the grave Sleeping and missing the obligatory prayer Adultery Eating Haram - dealing with haram - Samura ibn Jundub (in Bukhari) Ignoring or leaving the Qur'an

S ALVATION

S I GN S







OF A

GOOD END

Uttering Shahdah Dying with a smile When the angel of death will ask Who is your Lord? (Allah) Who is my Prophet? (The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam) What is your deen? (Islam)- not everyone will be able to respond correctly, if at all Dying with sweat on the forehead is a sign (doesn’t mean anyone who dies with sweat on brow is a guaranteed a blessed abode)

Qabeelat Majd

1. Tawheed - the opposite of shirk 2. Observing the sunan of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam 3. Pondering for a moment before going to sleep -- Ohh ALLAH if i were to die what will be my status - will it be Jannah or Jahannam - what do i need to fix in my life? 4. Reciting Surah-al-Mulk before going to sleep- Surah tul Mulk helps save you from the punishment of the grave 5. Crying out of the fear of ALlah - remembering my sins and crying to Allah out of regret and seeking forgiveness

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How to Break Better Than Even: The Degree of Steadfastness









Dying of the plague - the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said plague is martyrdom for every muslim Whoever dies of a stomach disease will die a martyr To the sisters - if a woman dies due to child birth she is also a shaheedah - narrated by Imam Ahmed - when a woman is giving birth her supplication will be accepted (share this with your mother or any (mahram) sisters you know who are expecting!). Dying to defend ones religion, wealth, self defence is a martyr

"O my people! Truly, this life of the world is nothing but a (quick passing) enjoyment, and verily, the Hereafter that is the home that will remain forever." [Surah Al-Ghaafir: 39]

Say (to them): "Verily, the death from which you flee will surely meet you, then you will be sent back to (Allâh), the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, and He will tell you what you used to do." [Surah Al- Jumu’ah: 8]

H OW TO B REAK B ETTER T HAN E VEN : T HE D EGREE OF S TEADFASTNESS How can I remain in the state of serenity and the high state of emaan? The hadeeth of Handala when he came our crying thinking He had become a hypocrite - and met Abu Bakr - explained to him that when they were with the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam they had a high of emaan and when i was with my kids i did not have the same state of emaan - they went to the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam and he praised them and told them that if you were the same outside when you were with me then the angels would come down and greet you in the streets – there is a time for this and time for that. The key is balance.

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[]

Verily, those who say: "Our Lord is Allâh (Alone)," and then they Istaqâmû , on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): "Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised! [Fussilat 41:30]

"We have been your friends in the life of this world and are (so) in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have (all) that your innerselves desire, and therein you shall have (all) for which you ask for. [Fussilat 41:32]

Qabeelat Majd

Verily, those who say: "Our Lord is (only) Allâh," and thereafter Istaqâmû (i.e. stood firm and straight on the Islâmic Faith of Monotheism by abstaining from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allâh has forbidden and by performing all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. [Al-Ahqaf: 13]

80

How to Break Better Than Even: The Degree of Steadfastness

Allâh will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world (i.e. they will keep on worshipping Allâh [] Alone and none else), and in the Hereafter. And Allâh will cause to go astray those who are Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrongdoers, etc.), and Allâh does what He wills [Surah Ibrahim:27]

S OME M EANS 1. 2.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

OF R EMAINING S TEAD FAST As-salaat - adhere to the prayers just as we adhere during Ramadhan - Whosoever goes to the masjid and comes back Allah has prepared for him an abode The recitation of the Quran. Let’s keep up with our excellent Ramadhan habits and keep the Qur’an even closer to our hearts. Read the Qur’an, as it will intercede on your behalf on the day of judgment Studying the stories of the companions and the Prophets - as you read the story of Bilal and Khubaib what they went through and they still remained steadfast on their deen Supplication - Du'aa the power of du'aa is very potent weapon that a believer has as a resource to remain steadfast Realize: i have awakened - i have repented - shaytaan is going to try and get me back - he is going to fight me - I AM NOT GOING TO LET HIM WIN - I AM GOING TO WIN AGAINST HIM! Befriending the righteous - visit each other - see each other - struggle against the nafs - It is a means of steadfastness Remembering death constantly - fearing Allahs wrath and the flames of hellfire

And give glad tidings to those who believe and do righteous good deeds, that for them will be Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise). Every time they will be provided with a fruit therefrom, they will say: "This is what we were provided with before," and they will be given things in resemblance (i.e. in the same form but different in taste) and they shall have therein Azwâjun [] Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives), (having no menses, stools, urine, etc.) and they will abide therein forever. [Surah AlBaqarah: 25]

V IRTUES

OF S TEADFASTNESS The angels will descend upon the person when they are going through the agonies of death - the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam when he was suffering the agony of death the angels descended upon him - the mo'min will see his place in Jannah - example of the man when he was dying and he was little concerned about the clothes they were about to put on him he saw his clothes of jannah.

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But those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and do deeds of righteousness, We shall admit them to [] Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), abiding therein forever. Therein they shall have Azwâjun Mutahharatun [purified . mates or wives (having no menses, stools, urine, etc.)] and We shall admit them to shades wide and ever deepening (Paradise) [Surah An-Nisaa’: 57]

Qabeelat Majd

When the soul of righteous man comes out of the body the angels will come down at that moment and give glad tidings and also at the time of death. The believer will be so happy that he is among the people of Jannah.

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How to Break Better Than Even: The Degree of Steadfastness

Successful indeed are the believers. Those who offer their Salât (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness. And those who turn away from Al-Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk, falsehood, and all that Allâh has forbidden). And those who pay the Zakât. And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts). Except from their wives or (the captives and slaves) that their right hands possess, for then, they are free from blame; Those who are faithfully true to their Amanât (all [] the duties which Allâh has ordained, honesty, moral responsibility and trusts etc.) and to their covenants; And those who strictly guard their (five compulsory congregational) Salawât (prayers) (at their fixed stated hours). These are indeed the inheritors. Who shall inherit the Firdaus (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever. [Surah Al- Mu’minoon: 1-11]

Whoever enters jannah will never have to be concerned - worried ever again. Their garments will never wear out. They will remain young forever and ever. What about the gates to Jannah - the angels will come from the gates - in Jannah there are 8 gates - there is a gate by the name ar-Rayyan - only those who fast will enter from that gate and when they enter through it the gates will close. The angels will welcome them - come in, come in. There is a gate that is only for those who perform a lot of prayers. Then the gate for those who give charity Is there a person who could enter from his choice of 8 gates? The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam informed us Abu Bakr would be from those people. Don’t you want to enter from any gate you please? What are you willing to achieve that?

Thereof (the earth) We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you out once again. [Surah Taha: 55]

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L EVELS

OF J ANNAH In jannah there are 100s of levels - each level is the distance the like of distance between the heaven and the earth. The highest level of Jannah is al Waseela (in Bukhari). Whenever anyone hears the adhan, one should make the du'aa that the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam will be granted this special station. Any one who makes this du’aa for the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam will receive his intercession on the Day of Judgement, ONLY through the Permission of Allah. Allah will elevate the parents with the du'aa of the children. Al kawthar - that the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam was describing the river of Kawthar - its dust smells sweeter than musk. Another spring on the left called tasneem - (surah al-Insaan) a drink to those who are nearest to Allah.

(From) the Lord of the heavens and the earth, and whatsoever is in between them, the Most Beneficent, none can dare to speak with Him (on the Day of Resurrection except after His Leave). [An-Naba 78:37] Imam Ahmed reported hadith narrated by 'Ali Radhi Allahu 'anhu that the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam said that there are some mansions that you can see the outside from the inside and the inside from the outside - these are prepared for the ones who talk with wisdom feed the needy feed the poor - who fast continuously = and to those who pray in the middle of the night while the rest sleep.

The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu `Alayhi-wasallam has told us how to get these palaces - narrated by Uthman - whosoever builds a masjid seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah will make for him a house in Jannah. In another hadeeth “whoever prays 12 superperogatory prayers during the day he will be granted a mansion in Jannah.” INVEST IN YOURSELF: Pray 12 raka’at Sunnah today! Take a break from reading the notes and pray your first 2 right now!

And fruit; that they may choose. [Surah Wa-qiyyah:20]

Qabeelat Majd

I see light what is this? In Jannah there is no day or night - all of it is noor. I feel like eating and so I eat:

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How to Break Better Than Even: The Degree of Steadfastness

Or have We given them any Book before this (the Qur'ân), to which they are holding fast? [Surah Zukhruf: 21]

Just wish desire and it will come to you. - If i want a flying bird roasted it will come! I feel like a drink then there is the wine - not the kind that makes one intoxicate - only pleasure:

They will be served by immortal boys, upon cushions set in rows - from silk gold and silver - reclining on carpet lining of rich brocade [Al Waqiah 56:17]

T HE G ATHERINGS

OF J ANNAH

"And We shall remove from their breasts any sense of injury (that they may have), (So they will be like) brothers facing each other on thrones. [Surah al Hijr: 47]

Remove from them any sense of injury - they will meet and they will talk - experiences that will be reminisced upon.

Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny? [Surah Ar-Rahman:53]

T HE G ATEWAY • • • • • • •

TO J ANNAH

Firm belief in Allah Fear of Allah - story of i'yyad Prompt in the prayers Dhikr Forbidding evil enjoining good Giving salaam Reading and teaching the Quran

• • • • • •

Visiting the sick Maintaining family ties good character Patience Suppressing of anger Calling people to Allah Kindness to the parents. Parents are the gateway to Jannah!

Have you implemented Shaykh Riad’s final advice? ACT on it! STAY TOGETHER - KEEP THE SERENITY - STICK TO EACH OTHER - SUPPORT EACH OTHER - LOVE EACH OTHER