Virtues of Fasting on month of Muhram

A Muslim is to be keen to get closer to Allah and draw nearer to Him all the time. Such keenness gains more weight and significance during blessed occasions and times. One of these occasions in which a Muslim should exert more effort and show more keenness is the month of Muharram.  

Indeed, the sacred month of Muharram is a blessed and important month. It is the first month of the Hijri calendar and is one of the four sacred months concerning which Allah says,(Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so it was ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein) (At-Tawbah 9: 36) 

Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Time has come back to its original state which it had when Allah created the Heavens and the Earth; the year is twelve months, four of which are sacred. Three of them are in succession: Dhul-Qa`da, Dhul-Hijja and Al-Muharram, and (the fourth being) Rajab Mudar (named after the tribe of Mudar as they used to respect this month) which stands between Jumad (ath-Thani) and Sha`ban."

It was reported that Ibn `Abbas said regarding the above verse that these four months were singled out and made sacred. Sins in these months are more serious and good deeds bring a greater reward.

Qatadah said concerning this phrase ( so wrong not yourselves therein) that wrongdoing during the sacred months is more serious and more sinful than wrongdoing at any other time. Wrongdoing at any time is a serious matter, but Allah gives more weight to whichever of His commands He will. Allah has chosen certain ones of His Creation. He has chosen from among the angels Messengers and from among mankind Messengers. He chose from among speech His remembrance or dhikr. He chose from among the earth the mosques, from among the months Ramadan and the sacred months, from among the days Friday and from among the nights laylat al-qadr, so venerate that which Allah has told us to venerate. People of understanding and wisdom venerate the things that Allah has told us to venerate. (Summarized from the Tafseer of Ibn Kathir, may Allah have mercy on him. Tafseer of Surat at-Tawbah, verse 36).
 
Muharram is called so because it is a sacred (muharram) month and to confirm its sanctity. Allah Almighty says, ( so wrong not yourselves therein), which means do not wrong yourselves in these sacred months, because sin in these months is worse than in other months.
 

 The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Fasting the day of `Ashura' (is of great merits), I hope that Allah will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year” (Muslim).

Also, fasting the 9th of Muharram is highly recommended by the Sunnah. Imam At-Tirmidhi reported that Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) used to say: We should fast on two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram to distinguish ourselves from the Jewish community. (At-Tirmidhi)

Explaining the virtue of fasting on the 9th and the 10th of Muharram, Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, former President of the Islamic Society of North America, states:

It is the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him used to fast on the day of `Ashura'. When he came to Madinah, he found out that the Jews of Madinah were also fasting on this day remembering Prophet Musa (peace and blessings be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) admired this tradition and said to the Jews, "I am closer to Musa than you are." He fasted and he also told his Companions to fast on this day.


Later, before the end of his life, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told Muslims to add the 9th day also. Thus, it is recommended to fast on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram.

Moreover, in his well-known book, Fiqh As-Sunnah, the late Sheikh Sayyed Sabiq states:

Abu Hurayrah reported: "I asked the Prophet: 'Which Prayer is the best after the obligatory Prayers?' He said: 'Prayer during the mid of the night.' I asked: 'Which fasting is the best after that of Ramadan?' He said, 'The month of Allah that you call Muharram’" (Ahmad, Muslim, and Abu Dawud).


Mu`awiyyah ibn Abi Sufyan reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah say: "Concerning the day of `Ashura’, it is not obligatory upon you to fast on it as I do. Whoever wishes may fast and whoever does not wish to is not obliged to do so" (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).


It is noteworthy that Muslim scholars have stated that fasting of `Ashura’ is of three levels as follows:


1. fasting for three days, i.e., on the 9th, 10th, and 11th of Muharram,


2. fasting the 9th and 10th of Muharram, and


3. fasting only the 10th of Muharram.

  Hadhrat Ali Radhi-Allâhu ‘anhu narrates that he was once sitting with Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam when a person asked, “O Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam! Besides the month of Ramadhân, in which month would you advise me to fast?” Rasulullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam replied, “If you wish to fast in any month after Ramadhân, then fast in the month of Muharram because this is Allâh’s month. It has a day in which Allâh Ta’âla had accepted the repentance of a nation and in which Allâh Ta’âla will accept the repentance of others also.” The nation whose Taubah (repentance) was accepted on a day in this month was the Bani Isrâ’eel. It was on the 10^th of Muharram (Âshura) that the Bani Isrâ’eel (the Jews) and Hadhrat Moosa Alayhis-Salâm were saved from Fir’aun and his army. 

Prophet Mohammad (SAW) said this 1400 yrs ago!

·        Camels will no longer be used as a means of transport;
  People will ride on saddles that aren't saddles (cars?)
  The distance on earth will become short;
  Horses will not be used in wars;
  Muslims will defeat the Byzantines which will end with the conquest of    Constantinople  

·        Istanbul);
  The Jews will gather again to live in Bilad Canaan;
Very tall buildings will be built;
  The disappearance of knowledge and the appearance of ignorance, with much killing;
Adultery will become widespread, and the drinking of wine will become common;
  The number of men will decrease and the number of women will increase until there are 50 women to be looked after by one man.
  Islam will become worn out like clothes are, until no one will know what fasting, prayer, charity and rituals are;
  Allah will send a disease to fornicators that will have no cure (Aids?);
People will begin to believe in the stars and reject AL QADAR (THE DIVINE DECREE OF DESTINY);
  Men will pass by people's graves and say: 'Would that I were in his place'; (large amount of sucidal deaths?)
  The Euphrates will uncover a mountain of gold for which people will fight over (the river of Alfurat that lies near Syria );
Two large groups of people will fight one another, and there will be many casualties; they will both be following the same religion World War II?);
   Approximately 30 DAJJALS will appear, each one claiming to be the messenger of ALLAH;
  Earthquakes will increase; 
  Time will pass quickly;
  Afflictions will appear;
  Killing will increase;
  Wealth will increase;
  Women will be wearing clothes but not wearing clothes

  THE PROPHET (saw) SAID: 'IF MY UMMAH BEARS 15 TRAITS (QUALITIES), TRIBULATION WILL FOLLOW IT.' (DAY OF JUDGEMENT) SOMEONE ASKED,'WHAT ARE THEY O MESSENGER OF ALLAH?' HE (saw) SAID:

 When any gain is shared out only among the rich, with no benefit to the poor;
  When a trust becomes a means of making profit;
  When paying ZAKKAT becomes a burden;
  When voices are raised in the mosque;
  When the leader of a people is the worst of them; when people treat a man with respect because what he may do;
* When much wine is drunk; red wind or the earth swallow them, or to be transformed into animals.'
'IMRAN IBN HUSAYN SAID: 'THE PROPHET (AS) SAID, 'SOME PEOPLE OF THIS UMMAH WILL BE SWALLOWED BY THE EARTH, TRANSFORMED INTO ANIMALS, AND SOME WILL BE BOMBARDED WITH STONES'. ONE OF THE MUSLIMS ASKED, WHEN WILL THAT BE O MESSENGER Of ALLAH?' HE SAID, 'WHEN SINGERS AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS WILL BECOME POPULAR, AND MUCH
WINE IS DRUNK.'' THE GREATER SIGNS OF THE HOUR The Quran will disappear in one night, even from the people's hearts, and no Ayah will be left on earth. (Some groups of old people will be left who will say: 'We heard of fathers' saying 'LAILLAHA ILLA ALLAH' so we repeat it);  

 The appearance of the MAHDI;
The appearance of the DAJJAL (Anti Christ); * The appearance of Ya'juj and Ma'juj (biblical Gog and Magog);
Isa (Jesus) will come during the time of Dajjal;
  The rising of the sun from the west;
  The destruction of the Ka'ba and the recovery of its treasures;
The smoke.

ALLAH CREATES OUR WORLD AS IMAGES IN THE BRAIN

ALLAH CREATES OUR WORLD AS IMAGES IN THE BRAIN

Everything we see as matter in fact consists merely of photons for us. Photons are light particles with varying wavelengths. These waves reach us and turn into electrical signals when they strike the retina in our eyes. The electrical signals move along a predetermined path and eventually reach the visual center in the brain. And there they assume meaning in a quite amazing way: We are sure that what we see is really there, and that there really is a television or a skyscraper in front of us.

No matter how convincing the image of a skyscraper may be, what you perceive as matter in fact consists of nothing more than electrical signals. And the image forms in your brain, not in front of you. The real image of the skyscraper outside will never reach you. All you perceive, as electrical signals, is the light waves emitted from it. To put it another way, what you see is nothing more than light waves and electrical signals. For that reason, throughout your life you only experience an illusory image of a skyscraper, never the original of it. Despite being an illusion, however, it still has a perfectly clear and flawless appearance. It is very difficult for you to realize the fact that it consists only of electrical signals. The image is so perfectly created in the brain that it is almost impossible to distinguish it from the original. This is the immaculate artistry of our Almighty Lord.

A miracle is created every day, every moment in the human brain. Although only electrical signals reach the brain, and although the interior of the brain is pitch black and although this region is only a few square centimeters in size, all the mountains, seas, fields, the sky, endless wastes, houses, televisions, people, trees and in short everything we see are all in the brain. Everything there is colored. But there is no color in the brain. Everything there is light and bright, but there is no light in the brain, nor even outside it. Everything there is noisy and accompanied by sound, but the interior of the brain is completely silent. There is a depth to everything there; the stars seem very far away, while a pencil we hold in our hand seems very close. But in fact everything is on the same plane in our brains and at the same distance. The Sun seems to be thousands of kilometers away. But it is actually right next to us, inside our brains. The reason why the Sun exists in our brains is simply and solely electrical signals. A heavenly body we know to be thousands of kilometers across is actually created in a space of just a few square centimeters. And, to remind ourselves, it exists solely as an electrical signal, that we cannot hold in our hands nor even really know exists.

For that reason, the world we see is not the original of matter. We can never have direct experience of the original of matter on the outside. Our world is limited to what we are shown on the screens in our brains. Apart from that, we have no guarantee whether entities really exist or not, just as we have no guarantee whether the world created for us is the same as the real world on the outside.

The world we see is the world that Allah transmits to our souls. There is no matter in that world; no hardness, softness, scent or color. There are only electrical signals. Allah makes electrical signals the causes of the bright and colorful world He shows our souls. And it is the soul He created for human beings that perceives and interprets these images, rejoices, grieves, doubts, feels joy and longing, remembers, loves and feels excitement in that world

A lady who spoke only in aayats of Quran

The Lady who spoke only in ayats of the Qur’an A remarkable story

The undermentioned incident is narrated by Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu. He was a man of great learning and he lived in the era of the Abbasids. This incident reflects the love and attachment with the Noble Qur’an. It also Manifestates the comprehensiveness of the Noble Qur’an.

An elderly Arab lady was sitting at the trunk of a tree, on the way to Haj. Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu happened to pass that way. He was also heading for Baitullah, for Hajj, and to the Sacred tomb of the Noble Prophet (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam). Seeing this lady very disturbed and in a state of despair, (distressed) he spoke to her. The discussion is recorded as follows:

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah

The lady: “The word from a merciful Lord is Peace” (Surah 36 ayat 58). She meant that the reply of salaam is from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, Most High, Himself. She said further: “Those whom Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala sendeth astray, there is no guide for them.” (Surah 7 ayat 186). She meant that she has lost her way.

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Where are you coming from?

The lady: “Glorified be He who carried His servant by night from the Musjid-e-Aqsa (invioble place of worship) to the Musjid-e-Haraam” (Far distant place of worship) (Surah 17 ayat 1). She meant that she had come from Musjid-e-Aqsa.

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: How long are you in this place?

The lady: “For three nights” (Surah 19 ayat 10).

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: What arrangements are made for your food?

The lady: “And who (Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) feedeth me and watereth me” (Surah 26 ayat 79). She meant that somehow or the other, her food is provided to her by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala.

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Is there any water for Wudhu?

The lady: “And ye find not water, then go to high clean soil and (make tayammum) rub your faces and hands.” (therewith) (Surah 4 ayat 43). She meant that she makes tayammum, due to not finding water.

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Here is some food. Partake of it.

The lady: “Strictly observe the fast till nightfall” (Surah 2 ayat 187). She indicated that she is fasting.

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: This is not the month of Ramadaan.


The lady: “And he who does good of his own accord (for him) lo! Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is responsive, aware”. (Surah 2 ayat158) meaning that I have observed an optional (nafl) fast.

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: It is permitted to break the fast when in a journey.

The lady: “And that ye fast is better for you, if you did but know.” (Surah 2 ayat 184)


Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Speak like how I speak.

The lady: “He (man) uttereth no word but there is with him an observer ready” (Surah 50 ayat 18). She meant that since every word of a person is observed and recorded, she is taking precaution by speaking only in the words of the Noble Qur’an al kareem.

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Which clan do you belong to?

The lady: “Follow not that whereof thou hast no knowledge, lo! The hearing and the sight and heart of each of these it will be asked” (Surah 17 ayat36). She meant those things that you have no knowledge of, nor do they concern you, you are wasting your strength (senses) by enquiring about them.

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Forgive me. I have certainly made a mistake.

The lady: “Have no fear this day. May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala forgive you” (Surah 12 ayat 92)

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Would you like to travel on my camel and meet your caravan?

The lady: “And whatsoever good ye do Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala knoweth it” (Surah 2 ayat 197). Meaning that if you will do this good deeds towards me, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will recompense you for it.

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Well, then you may mount it. Saying this he made the camel to sit down.

The lady: “Tell the believing men (when confronted by women) to lower their gaze”. (Surah 24 ayat 30). Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu understood and (turned) looked away. While she was mounting, the camel jerked and her clothes got estrangled in the saddle (dorsers) and she proclaimed: “whatever of misfortune striketh you, it is what your hands have earned.” (Surah 42 ayat 30). In other words she was drawing Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak’s radi Allahu anhu attention towards this mishap.

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu understood and he tied the legs of the camel and he straightened the straps of the saddle (or dorser). She applauded him for his proficiency and capability by saying “And we made Sulaiman alayhis 'salam to understand” (Surah 21 ayat 79). When the journey was about to begin, the lady recited the ayats which are read when undertaking a journey “Glorified be he who hath subdued these unto us, and we were not capable (of subduing them). And lo, unto our Lord we are returning.” (Surah 43 ayat 13). Hadrat Abdullh bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu held the bridle (or nose string) of the camel. He began to hum the (Huddi) famous Arabic song for travelling, and he started walking very fast.

The lady: “Be modest in thy bearing and subdue thy voice” (Surah 31 ayat 19). Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu understood. He began walking slower and he lowered his voice. The lady: “Recite of the Qur’an al kareem that which is easy for you.” She meant that instead of humming the Huddi, he should rather recite the Noble Qur’an al kareem.

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu began reciting the Noble Qur’an al kareem.

The lady became very pleased and said “but none remember (accept advice) except men of understanding” (Surah 2 ayat 269).

After reciting the Noble Qur’an al kareem for a while, Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu asked (the lady if she had a husband) (if he was alive) “O Aunt, have have you a husband? (meaning is he living)

The lady: “O you who believe, ask not of things which if they were made known unto you, would trouble you” (Surah 5 ayat 101). She meant that no questions should be asked regarding this matter which indicated that her husband has most probably passed away. Finally they (caught up) met the caravan.

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Do you have any son or relative (friend) in this caravan who has connection (contact) with you?

The lady: “Wealth and children are an ornament of life of the world” (Surah 18 ayat 46). She meant that her sons were with this caravan and he has provisions with him.

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: What work are your sons doing for the caravan? (Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu’s object for asking was to make it easy for him to recognise her son).

The lady: “And landmarks, and by the star they find a way” (Surah 16 ayat 16). She meant that he is a guide for the caravan.

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: Can you tell me their name?

The lady: “Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala chose Ibrahim alayhis 'salam as (for) a friend” (Surah 4 ayat 125). And Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'alaspoke directly unto Moosa alayhis 'salam” (Surah 19 ayat 12). By reciting these ayats the lady informed him that her sons names were Yahya, Ibrahim and Moosa.

Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu called out these names in the caravan and immediately three young people came forward.

The lady: (addressing her children) “Now send one of you with this your silver coin unto the city. And let him see what food is purest there and bring you a supply thereof” (Sura 18 ayat 19) In other words she instructed them to feed Hadrat Abdullah radi Allahu anhu.

When the food was brought, she told Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu: “Eat and drink at ease for that which ye sent on before you in the past days.” (Surah 69 ayat 24), and with this ayat she recited another ayat, the object of which was to convey (show) her gratefulness to him for his good conduct and courtesy. The ayat was: “Is the reward of goodness aught save goodness?” (Surah 55 ayat 60).

Their conversation terminated on this ayat. The lady’s son informed Hadrat Abdullah bin Mubarak radi Allahu anhu that his mother has been speaking in this manner, i.e. using only the ayats of the Noble Qur’an al kareem in her speech, for the last forty years.


MASHA ALLAH :-)

DON'T ONLY WORK HARD..."WORK SMART"

Many years ago in a small Indian village, 

A farmer had the misfortune of owing a large sum of money to a village moneylender. 
The moneylender,
who was old and ugly,
fancied the farmer's beautiful daughter.
So he proposed a bargain.
He said he would forgo the farmer's debt if he could marry his daughter.
Both the farmer and his daughter were horrified by the proposal.
So the cunning money-lender suggested that they let providence decide the matter.
He told them that he would put a black pebble and a white pebble into an empty money bag.
Then the girl would have to pick one pebble from the bag
1) If she picked the black pebble,
she would become his wife and her father's debt would be forgiven.
2) If she picked the white pebble she need
not marry him and her father's
debt would still be forgiven.
3) But if she refused to pick a pebble,
her father would be thrown into jail
They were standing on a pebble strewn path in the farmer's field.
As they talked, the moneylender bent over to pick up two pebbles.
As he picked them up,
the Sharp-eyed girl noticed that he had picked up two black pebbles and put them into the bag.
He then asked the girl to pick a pebble from the bag.
Now,
imagine that you were standing in the field.
What would you have done if you were the girl?
If you had to advise her,
what would you have told her?
Careful analysis would produce three possibilities:
1. The girl should refuse to take a pebble
2. The girl should show that there were two black pebbles in the bag and expose the money-lender as a cheat.
3. The girl should pick a black pebble and sacrifice herself in order to save her father from his debt and imprisonment.
Take a moment to ponder over the story.
The above story is used with the hope that it will make us appreciate the difference between lateral and logical thinking.
The girl's dilemma cannot be solved with traditional logical thinking.
Think of the consequences if she chooses the above logical answers.
What would you recommend to the Girl to do?
Well,
here is what she did....
The girl put her hand into the moneybag and drew out a pebble.
Without looking at it,
she fumbled and let it fall onto the pebble-strewn path where it immediately became lost among all the other pebbles.
Oh, how clumsy of me,'
she said.
'But never mind,
if you look into the bag for the one that is left,
you will be able to tell which pebble I picked.'
Since the remaining pebble is black,
it must be assumed that she had picked the white one.
And since the money-lender dared not admit his dishonesty,
the girl changed what seemed an impossible situation into an extremely advantageous one.
MORAL OF THE STORY:
Most complex problems do have a solution.
It is only that we don't attempt to think.
Start your day with this thought provoking story and have a nice day.

BEAUTIFUL DUAS/SUPPLICATIONS IN THE QURAN

PRAYERS OF MUSLIMS IN THE QUR'AN

Surat al-Baqara, 200-202:

... There are some people who say, ‘Our Lord, give us good in this world.’ They will have no share in the Hereafter.

And there are others who say, ‘OUR LORD, GIVE US GOOD IN THIS WORLD, AND GOOD IN THE HEREAFTER, AND SAFEGUARD US FROM THE PUNISHMENT OF THE FIRE.’ They will have a good share from what they have earned. Allah is swift at reckoning.

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Surat al-Baqara, 285:

The Messenger believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and so do the the believers. Each one believes in Allah and His angels and His Books and His Messengers. WE DO NOT DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN ANY OF HIS MESSENGERS. THEY SAY, ‘WE HEAR AND WE OBEY. FORGIVE US, OUR LORD! YOU ARE OUR JOURNEY’S END.’

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Surat al-Baqara, 286:

Allah does not impose on any self any more than it can stand. For it is what it has earned; against it, what it has merited. OUR LORD, DO NOT TAKE US TO TASK IF WE FORGET OR MAKE A MISTAKE! OUR LORD, DO NOT PLACE ON US A LOAD LIKE THE ONE YOU PLACED ON THOSE BEFORE US! OUR LORD, DO NOT PLACE ON US A LOAD WE HAVE NOT THE STRENGTH TO BEAR! AND PARDON US; AND FORGIVE US; AND HAVE MERCY ON US. YOU ARE OUR MASTER , SO HELP US AGAINST THE UNBELIEVERS.

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Surah Al ‘Imran, 8:

‘OUR LORD, DO NOT MAKE OUR HEARTS SWERVE ASIDE AFTER YOU HAVE GUIDED US. AND GIVE US MERCY FROM YOU. YOU ARE THE EVER-GIVING.

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Surah Al ‘Imran, 9:

OUR LORD, YOU ARE THE GATHERER OF MANKIND TO A DAY OF WHICH THERE IS NO DOUBT. ALLAH WILL NOT BREAK HIS PROMISE.’

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Surah Al ‘Imran, 16:

Those who say, ‘OUR LORD, WE BELIEVE, SO FORGIVE US OUR WRONG ACTIONS AND SAFEGUARD US FROM THE PUNISHMENT OF THE FIRE.’

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Surah Al ‘Imran, 147:

All they said was, ‘OUR LORD, FORGIVE US OUR WRONG ACTIONS AND ANY EXCESSES WE WENT TO IN WHAT WE DID AND MAKE OUR FEET FIRM AND HELP US AGAINST UNBELIEVERS.’

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Surah Al ‘Imran, 191:

Those who remember Allah, standing, sitting and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the Earth: ‘OUR LORD, YOU HAVE NOT CREATED THIS FOR NOTHING. GLORY BE TO YOU! SO SAFEGUARD US FROM THE PUNISHMENT OF THE FIRE.’

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Surah Al ‘Imran, 192:

OUR LORD, THOSE YOU CAST INTO THE FIRE, YOU HAVE INDEED DISGRACED. THE WRONGDOERS WILL HAVE NO HELPERS.

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Surah Al ‘Imran, 193:

OUR LORD, WE HEARD A CALLER CALLING US TO FAITH: “BELIEVE IN YOUR LORD!” AND WE BELIEVED. OUR LORD, FORGIVE US OUR WRONG ACTIONS, ERASE OUR BAD ACTIONS FROM US AND TAKE US BACK TO YOU WITH THOSE WHO ARE TRULY GOOD.

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Surah Al ‘Imran, 194:

OUR LORD, GIVE US WHAT YOU PROMISED US THROUGH YOUR MESSENGERS, AND DO NOT DISGRACE US ON THE DAY OF RESURRECTION. YOU DO NOT BREAK YOUR PROMISE.’

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Surat al-Ma’ida, 83:

When they listen to what has been sent down to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of what they recognise of the truth. They say, ‘OUR LORD, WE BELIEVE! SO WRITE US DOWN AMONG THE WITNESSES.’

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Surat al-A‘raf, 47:

When they turn their eyes towards the Companions of the Fire, they will say, ‘OUR LORD, DO NOT PLACE US WITH THE PEOPLE OF THE WRONGDOERS!’

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Surah Yunus, 85:

They said, ‘WE HAVE PUT OUR TRUST IN ALLAH. OUR LORD, DO NOT MAKE US A TARGET FOR THIS WRONGDOING PEOPLE.

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Surah Yunus, 86:

‘AND RESCUE US, BY YOUR MERCY, FROM THE UNBELIEVERS!’

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Surat al-Isra’, 107:

Say: ‘Believe in it or do not believe in it.’ Certainly, when it is recited to them, those who were given knowledge before it fall on their faces in prostration,

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Surat al-Isra’, 108:

Saying, ‘GLORY BE TO OUR LORD! THE PROMISE OF OUR LORD IS TRULY FULFILLED!’

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Surat al-Kahf, 10:

When the young men took refuge in the cave and said, ‘OUR LORD, GIVE US MERCY DIRECTLY FROM YOU AND OPEN THE WAY FOR US TO RIGHT GUIDANCE IN OUR SITUATION.’

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Surat al-Kahf, 23-24:

Never say about anything, ‘I am doing that tomorrow,’ without adding ‘IF ALLAH WILLS.’ Remember your Lord when you forget, and say, ‘HOPEFULLY MY LORD WILL GUIDE ME TO SOMETHING CLOSER TO RIGHT GUIDANCE THAN THIS.’

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Surat al-Muminun, 109-110:

There was a group of My servants who said, “OUR LORD, WE BELIEVE, SO FORGIVE US AND HAVE MERCY ON US. YOU ARE THE BEST OF THE MERCIFUL.” But you made a mockery of them so that they made you forget to remember Me while you were laughing at them.

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Surat al-Muminun, 118:

Say: ‘MY LORD, FORGIVE AND BE MERCIFUL! YOU ARE THE BEST OF THE MERCIFUL.’

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Surat an-Nur, 47:

They say, ‘WE BELIEVE IN ALLAH AND IN THE MESSENGER AND WE OBEY.’ Then after that a group of them turn away. Such people are not believers.

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Surat al-Furqan, 74:

Those who say, ‘OUR LORD, GIVE US JOY IN OUR WIVES AND CHILDREN AND MAKE US A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR THOSE WHO RESPECT AND FEAR ALLAH’

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Surat al-Furqan, 65:

Those who say, ‘OUR LORD, AVERT FROM US THE PUNISHMENT OF HELL, ITS PUNISHMENT IS INESCAPABLE PAIN.’

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Surat az-Zukhruf, 12-14:

It is He Who created all the species and gave you ships and livestock for you to ride, so that you might sit firmly on their backs and remember your Lord’s blessing while you are seated on them, saying,‘GLORY BE TO HIM WHO HAS SUBJECTED THIS TO US.WE COULD NEVER HAVE DONE IT BY OURSELVES. INDEED WE ARE RETURNING TO OUR LORD!’

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Surat al-Hashr, 10:

Those who have come after them say, ‘OUR LORD, FORGIVE US AND OUR BROTHERS WHO PRECEDED US IN FAITH AND DO NOT PUT ANY ANCOUR IN OUR HEARTS TOWARDS THOSE WHO BELIEVE.OUR LORD, YOU ARE ALL-GENTLE, MOST MERCIFUL.’

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Surat at-Tahrim, 8:

You who believe! Repent to Allah. It may be that your Lord will erase your bad actions from you and admit you into Gardens with rivers flowing under them on the Day when Allah will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believed along with him.Their light will stream out ahead of them and on their right.They will say, ‘OUR LORD, PERFECT OUR LIGHT FOR US AND FORGIVE US! YOU HAVE POWER OVER ALL THINGS.’

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Surat al-Falaq, 1-5:

Say: “I SEEK REFUGE WITH THE LORD OF DAYBREAK,

FROM THE EVIL OF WHAT HE HAS CREATED

AND FROM THE EVIL OF THE DARKNESS WHEN IT GATHERS

AND FROM THE EVIL OF WOMEN WHO BLOW ON KNOTS

AND FROM THE EVIL OF AN ENVIER WHEN HE ENVIES.”

Beware of hesitating when pleasing Allah - A lesson from the battle of Mutah

We are all guilty of it.

* “I’ll start next week.”
* “Just after I (insert-useless-task-here)“
* “I don’t feel like it right now.”

And we all want to cure it.

But procrastination is NOT an orphan. It has a parent cause. It might just be laziness and boredom, usually due to Shaitaan’s whipsers. It may be a fear of the task. It may be a lack of motivation, and it maybe the willingness to settle for less than excellence.

Sometimes the difference between greatness and excellence, is nothing more than a fleeting second.

Here is the story of one critical moment in the life of a Sahabi (companion of Prophet Mohammad salla allahu allayhe wa salam).

Let us learn from that moment. The moment that made all the difference.

The facts:

* Sahaba Involved:

1. Zaid bin Haritha
2. Jaa’far bin abi Talib (The Prophet salla allahu allayhe wa salam said that Jaa’far was similar to him both in appearance and character)
3. Abdullah Ibn Rawaha (From the Ansar. A poet)

* Battle:

1. Mu’tah.
2. Number: 3000 Muslims vs. 200,000 Romans
3. The Prophet (allayhe alsalat wa salam) was not present. He was in Madinah.

The Story:

For the battle of Mu’tah, the three sahaba Zaid bin Haritha, Jaa’far bin abi Talib, and Abdullah Ibn Rawaha were chosen by the Prophet, salla allahu allayhe wa salam, as leaders, in that order. (As in: the Leader is Zaid, but if anything happens to him, then it is Jaa’far, and if anything happens to him, it is Abdullah Ibn Rawaha)

Look at the numbers. 3000 vs. 200,000. That’s scary! The Sahaba were worried if they could take on this mighty task. Abdullah Ibn Rawaha comforted them: “Oh people, the thing you fear is the thing you have left for: martydom, and we shall not fight our enemy with our numbers or strength or abdundance, but only with this Deen Allah has honored us with. So proceed for the result is one of two greatnesses: victory or martydom.”

With that, he raised their spirits, “Wallah Ibn Rawaha has told the truth.” And they went, motivated and renewed.

Now during this next particular part of the battle, the Prophet salla allahu wa salam reported it by a miracle-the events were reported live.

It began with Zaid bin Haritha. Arrows shooting at him left and right. One right in his shoulder. But he remained firm. The Prophet, salla allahu allayhe wa salam told the Ansar that were listening, “Zaid bin Haritha took the flag and fought with until he was killed a martyr…”

Zaid immediatley entered Jannah.


Then, “Jaa’far took the flag and fought with it until he was killed a martyr…”

The Prophet’s eyes welled with tears for Jaa’far…Allayhe alsalatu wa alsalam..

And Jaa’far was replaced with wings in Jannah, to fly with them as he pleased in Jannah

Before the Prophet, (SAW), continued, he was silent…He was silent to the extent that the expressions upon the faces of the Ansar listening changed-they were worried…What happened to Abdullah ibn Rawaha?

He did take the flag, and continued in the battlefield…But Ibn Rawaha hesitated a moment.

Imagine facing death. Realizing that if the other two had just been killed martyrs, his turn was soon.


But he strengthen himself with his own beautiful lines of poetry…

أقسمت يا نفس لتنزلنه لتنزلن أو لتكرهنه إن أجلب الناس وشدوا الرنه
مالي أراك تكرهين الجنه قد طال ما قد كنت مطمئنه
هل أنت إلا نطفة في شنه

يا نفس إلا تقتلي تموتي هذا حمام الموت قد صليت
وما تمنيت فقد أعطيت إن تفعلي فعلهما هديت

Quote:

I swear upon you Oh Nafs (self) that you shall enter or shall be forced to do so, The people have gathered and the cries have raised… What is the matter with you? I see that you do not wish for heaven! It has been too long for you to have been comforted… What are you (Oh Nafs) but a tiny speck? Oh Nafs if you are not killed then you shall still die.. These are the signs of the death upon you And it is your exact desire that you have been given If you do their (Zaid and Jaa’far’s) action then you have been guided…

And he entered the battlefield. Then he found a piece of meat and took a bite. Then he heard the sound of people fighting and asked himself:

“وأنت فى الدنيا؟” And You are in Dunya?

He dropped the meat and went on...Then the Prophet reports, “Abdullah bin Rawaha took the flag but hesitated a moment, then he entered and fought and died a martyr…”

Then the Prophet, (SAW), began speaking about all three: “I see them in jannah, like the vision of one who is dreaming, they are upon beds made of gold. But I see Abdullah bin Rawaha’s bed not leveled with the beds of his friends.”
The sahaba listening questioned, “Why is that?”
He replied, “They went. But Abdulalh hesitated a bit of hesitation, then he went."

The Lesson:

Abdullah Ibn Rawaha did the right thing-the very right thing- eventually. But he hesitated one moment. And we hesitate hour after hour, year after year. We may catch the deadline, but we’ve missed out- On the Ajar, the reward.

Also, talk and action are different. Abdullah Ibn Rawaha comforted the army at the beginning. He then had to use his tongue to comfort himself-when it came down to that moment of truth.

Let’s-Apply-Together:

-Every time we are about to procrastinate doing a good task let us ask ourselves, our ‘nafs’, “What is wrong? Do you not wish for Jannah? I swear upon you oh nafs to _________”… and think, “Ibn Rawaha hesitated A MOMENT.” Don’t let that be your moment.

Prophet Dhul-Kifl (ISAIAH)

PROPHET DHUL-KIFL (ISAIAH) (peace be upon him)  

 

Dhul-Kifl (peace be upon him) was the Prophet of Allah. The Holy Qur'an has made mention of him in the following two Verses: 

And Isma'il and Idris and Dhul-kifl; all were men of constancy and patience. We admitted them into out mercy because they were of the righteous ones. (21:85. 86) 

And remember Isma'il, Elisha and Dhul-kifl. Each of them was of the company of the good. (38:48) 

Al-Baizawi says that he was so called because he had to do double the work of the Prophets of his time. 

He is identified with Ezekiel of the Bible who was carried away to Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem. He was chained and imprisoned. He bore all hardships with patience and continued reproving the evil sin of the Bani Israel. Ibn Jarir, an interpreter has narrated an event which throws some light on his life. When Al-Yasa (peace be upon him) grew old, he wished to appoint a suitable person as his successor to guide the Israelites. He declared: Only that person will be considered competent to become his successor who observes fast during the day remembers Allah throughout the night and refrains from flying into a rage. One among the crowd stood up and said: (I will adhere to all these conditions. The Prophet Al-Yasa (peace be upon him) repeated these conditions thrice and the same person promised solemnly to fulfil the conditions. Thereupon he was appointed as a vicegerent. 

After some time he was subjected to a trial. One day the Satan in the disguise of an old man knocked at his door. He was allowed to get in. The visitor lodged a complaint against the cruel treatment of the people towards him. The vicegerent directed him to come in the evening. He assured the visitor that all his grievances shall be redressed. He promised but did not turn up at the appointed time. Next day he came again and complained as usual. The vicegerent commanded him to come in the evening. He made a solemn promise to come but did not abide by it. On the third day he came again and knocked at the door but it was not opened. The Satan in the disguise of an old man managed to slip into the room and presented himself before the vicegerent. He was wonder-struck at the sudden appearance of the old man. The vicegerent interrogated the visitor. He admitted that he was Iblis who assumed the likeness of an old man and was trying to enrage him. He endeavoured to make him back out of his promise but failed in his mission. Thereupon the vicegerent became known as Dhul-kifl because he maintained his solemn promise with the Prophet Al-Yasa (peace be upon him). He refrained from losing temper though the Satan left no stone unturned to annoy him. Soon after Allah chose him as His Prophet. 

He commanded the Israelites to wage holy war against those who made mischief on the earth and opposed the religion of Allah. His followers, the Israelites refused to carry out his orders because they were afraid of death. As a retaliation for the utter disobedience of the Commandment of Allah and His Prophet, most of the people were overtaken by calamity. Plague broke out and numerous people died miserably. They deserted their houses in terror and ran away to save their lives. When they covered some distance, they heard a dreadful sound and the death prevailed over them. None remained alive to bury them. The corpses were putrefied in the scorching heat of the sun. The Prophet Dhul-kifl (peace be upon him) came out of the seclusion after seven days. He was overwhelmed with grief to see the predicament of his followers and supplicated: O' Allah! You have perished my followers. Take pity on them and give them a new life. Allah granted the prayer of His Prophet, the dead persons regained their lives. The Holy Qur'an Affirms: 

Have you not thought on those who quitted their dwellings--and they were thousands for fear of death. Allah said to them: Die! Then He restored them to life, for full of bounty towards man is Allah. But most men give not thanks. (2: 280) 

Afterwards the Prophet Dhul-kifl (peace be upon him) left his followers and migrated to Babylon. He died there.

NAMAZ

jisne fajr ki namaz ko tarak kar diya,     ( those who left  fajr salah)

usne chehre se noor khatam kar diya.   ( lost the noor from his face)

jisne zohar ki namaz ko tarak kar diya, ( those who left zohar salah)

usne rozi se barkat khatam kar diya.     (lost the blessing of earning )

jisne asar ki namaz ko tarak kar diya,    (those who left  asar salah)

usne badan se takat khatam kar diya.    (lost the energy from his body)

jisne magrib ki namaz tarak kar diya,     ( those who left magrib salah)

usne aulad se faida nahi paya.   (will not get any benefits from his children)

jisne eshan ki namaz tarak kar diya,        ( those who left eshan salah)

usne neend se rahat khatam kar diya.     (lost the peace from his sleep)

A wise young muslim boy

Many years ago, during the time of the Tâbi'în (the generation of Muslims after the Sahâbah), Baghdâd was a great city of Islam. In fact, it was the capital of the Islamic Empire
and, because of the great number of scholars who lived there, it was the center of Islamic knowledge.

One day, the ruler of Rome at the time sent an envoy to Baghdâd with
three challenges for the Muslims. When the messenger reached the city, he informed
the khalîfah that he had three questions which he challenged the Muslims
to answer.

The khalîfah gathered together all the scholars of the city and the
Roman messenger climbed upon a high platform and said, "I have come with
three questions. If you answer them, then I will leave with you a great amount
of wealth which I have brought from the king of Rome." As for the questions,
they were: "What was there before Allâh?" "In which direction
does Allâh face?" "What is Allâh engaged in at this
moment?"

The great assembly
of people were silent. (Can you think of answers to these questions?) In
the midst of these brilliant scholars and students of Islam was a man looking
on with his young son. "O my dear father! I will answer
him and silence him!" said the youth. So the boy sought the permission
of the khalîfah to give the answers and he was given the permission
to do so.

The Roman addressed the young Muslim and repeated his first question,

"What was there before Allâh?"

The boy asked, "Do
you know how to count?"

"Yes," said the
man.

"Then count down from ten!" So the Roman counted down, "ten,
nine, eight, ..." until he reached "one" and he stopped counting.

"But what comes before 'one'?" asked
the boy.

"There is nothing before one- that is it!" said
the man.

"Well then, if
there obviously is nothing before the arithmetic 'one', then how do you
expect that there should be anything before the 'One' who is Absolute Truth,
All-Eternal, Everlasting- the First, the Last, the Manifest, the Hidden?"

Now the man was
surprised by this direct answer which he could not dispute. So he asked, "Then tell me, in which direction is Allâh
facing?"

"Bring a candle and light it," said the boy, "and
tell me in which direction the flame is facing."

"But the flame
is just light- it spreads in each of the four directions,

North, South, East
and West. It does not face any one direction only," said
the man in wonderment.

The boy cried, "Then if this physical light spreads in all four directions
such that you cannot tell me which way it faces, then what do you expect of
the Nûr-us-Samâwâti-wal-'Ard: Allâh- the Light of the
Heavens and the Earth!? Light upon Light, Allâh faces all directions
at all times."

The Roman was stupified and astounded that here was a young child answering
his challenges in such a way that he could not argue against the proofs. So,
he desperately wanted to try his final question. But before doing so, the boy
said,

"Wait! You are
the one who is asking the questions and I am the one who is giving the
answer to these challenges. It is only fair that you should come down to
where I am standing and that I should go up where you are right now, in
order that the answers may be heard as clearly as the questions."

This seemed reasonable
to the Roman, so he came down from where he was standing and the boy ascended
the platform. Then the man repeated his final challenge, "Tell
me, what is Allâh doing at this moment?"

The boy proudly
answered, "At this moment, when Allâh found upon
this high platform a liar and mocker of Islam, He caused him to descend and
brought him low. And as for the one who believed in the Oneness of Allâh,
He raised him up and established the Truth. Every day He exercises (universal)
power (Surah 55 ar-Rahmân, Verse 29)."

The Roman had nothing
to say except to leave and return back to his country, defeated. Meanwhile,
this young boy grew up to become one of the most famous scholars of Islam.
Allâh, the Exalted, blessed him with special wisdom
and knowledge of the deen. His name was Abu Hanîfah (rahmatullâh
'alayhi- Allâh have mercy on him) and he is known today as Imâm-e-A'zam,
the Great Imâm and scholar of Islam. May Allâh shower some of His
Mercy in the same way upon our Muslim children who are growing up today. Âmeen.

[Adapted into English
from "Manâqib Abî Hanîfah" written
by Imâm

Muwaffaq Ibn Ahmad
al-Makki (d. 568 Hijri). Dar al-Kitâb al-'Arabiy,

Beirut, 1981/1401H.]

THE GREAT SECRET

Allah tells us that believers will undergo many tests in this world. For example, they will be tested in their personal lives and with their possessions, or will be confronted with traps set by unbelievers and be falsely accused. In other words, they may encounter difficulties at every stage in their lives. But the important thing is that they continue to practice the Qur'an's morality in difficult times, remember Allah without ceasing, give thanks, and realize that everything will turn out well.

Of course, it is easier to do these things when one is enjoying His blessings than when one is undergoing difficult times. But one of the main things that prove the strength of the Muslims' faith is their refusal to compromise their moral character. Muslims who patiently endure poverty, hunger, fear, personal and material loss, illness, threats from unbelievers, slander, and entrapment will receive a better reward for their moral excellence.

The Qur'an gives many examples of the entrapments and tyranny suffered by the Prophets and other devout Muslims. One example of this is the tyranny that Pharaoh exercised over his people. In the Qur'an, Allah says that this was a testing from Himself:

Remember when We rescued you from the people of Pharaoh. They were inflicting an evil punishment on you—slaughtering your sons and letting your women live. In that there was a terrible trial for you from your Lord. (Surat al-Baqara, 49)

As this verse says, everything that unbelievers do to prevent good is a test for believers. Their unwavering moral character, courage, and fortitude they display while enduring these trials will increase their reward and status in Paradise. The Qur'an tells us what kind of tests believers will undergo and the fine moral character they will display, as follows:

We will test you with a certain amount of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth, life, and fruits. But give good news to the steadfast. Those who, when disaster strikes them, say: "We belong to Allah, and to Him we will return." Those are the people who will have blessings and mercy from their Lord; they are the ones who are guided. (Surat al-Baqara, 155-57)

The trust and submission described in these verses is a good example for all Muslims. But unbelievers cannot understand this patient trust, for they think that believers are just like themselves and behave according to their own misguided criteria. Thus, they think that believers will respond to abundant wealth by getting caught up in it, and will allow difficulties and frustration to make them so afraid that they will abandon their belief.

But this is a grave error on their part, for Muslims who understand the secret of this world's trials know that one of the finest things to do in such circumstances is to be patient. For those Muslims who practice the Qur'an's morality and do their best to inculcate this fine morality in others, all such troubles are a sign that they are on the right path. As a result, they increase their eagerness, joy, and determination to continue following His path.

In the Qur'an, Allah speaks of laws that have remained unchanged throughout history. One of them is that believers will encounter difficulty and frustration and be subjected to oppression by unbelievers. However, the unbelievers will never succeed in their aims:

They were very near to scaring you from the land with the object of expelling you from it. But had they done so, they would only have remained there a short time after you. That was the pattern with those We sent before you as Our Messengers. You will not find any changing of Our pattern. (Surat al-Isra', 76-77)

This is one of the secrets of this world's trials. Allah has warned Muslims of the many things that they will face, and has revealed that they will be able to enter Paradise only if they face the same difficulties as the preceding believers did:

Or did you suppose that you would enter the Garden without facing the same as those who came before you? Poverty and illness afflicted them, and they were shaken to the point that the Messenger and those who believed with him asked: "When is Allah's help coming?" Be assured that Allah's help is very near. (Surat al-Baqara, 214)

Rewards of Reciting Darood Shareef

In the previous post we discussed about the respect which has to be given while reciting the Darood Shareef!! Today we will see the rewards which we will get when reciting the Darood Shareef, Dear muslim brothers and sisters please pay attention and read carefully the following article and make reading Darood Shareef a part of your life!!!

Important Ahadith of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) have been included here for the betterment, benefit guidance and gain of the readers. If followed, the reader of these sayings will receive a permit to Paradise even in this world. Every saying opens door to Divine favour and sure success.

1. For every Durood Shareef that you recite, ten sins are forgiven, ten good deeds are entered into your sheet of actions and ten position are upgraded.

2. Allah showers ten blessings on the man who recites a Durood. 3. The first man who will meet the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) on the Day of Judgement will be that person who had recited the Durood maximum number of times in his life time.

4. Those who recite Durood in maximum number will be nearest and dearest to the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) in the next world.

5. If any one is involved in a difficulty then he must recite countless number of Durood Shareefs.

6. Reciting Durood Shareef eradicates poverty and hunger.

7. If the Sawaab of the Durood Shareef is dedicated to another person, then thatperson will receive the Sawaab, while the Sawaab of the reciter will not be lessened.

8. Reciting excessive Durood Shareef brings purity.

9. Reciting maximum number of Durood Shareef is full compensation of all sins.

10. Any one who recites excessive Durood Shareef in this world will be safe and sound in the next world.

11. When a prayer is made to Allah it is never accepted unless praise of Allah Ta'ala and Durood Shareef on the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) is first of all recited.

12. Those who recite Durood quite often will see Divine Light on the dark Day of Judgement.

13. Three persons will be under the cool shade and the favours of Allah Ta'ala on the Doom's Day. One who kept the Holy Prophet's (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) Sunnah alive, one who removed difficulty of a fellow being and one who recited maximum number of Durood Shareef in his life time.

14. When you forget anything and your memory fails to recollect it, then recite Durood, you will remember the forgotten thing.

15. Reciting Durood in this world is rewarding in the next.

16. The reciter of 10 Duroods in the morning and 10 in the evening will receive the help of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) on the Day of Judgement.

17. One who recites Durood Shareef near the shrine of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) is heard by him there and then alone.

18. Any one who recites Durood is just as one who purchased a slave and freed him.

19. If a Durood is written in a book by someone Angels of Allah shower blessings on him till the Durood remains in that book.

20. The Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) said that he himself recites blessings on one who recites Durood on him.

21. Any one who wants to meet his Allah with a happy face must recite countless number of Durood Shareef.

22. Reward equivalent to a big mountain (Uhad) is given to one who recites one Durood.

23. All people will be presented to the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) with their habits, natures and distinct manner, so it is obligatory for a man to recite maximum number of Durood.

24. Allah is Great and Almighty to forgive all sins of the reciter during the day and night when he recites Durood Shareef.

25. If any one meets in a tragedy, he should recite Durood Shareef in countless numbers.

26. Reciting Durood is like giving something in charity.

27. Reciting maximum number of Durood kills all hardships.

28. Recite Durood Shareef in countless number on Friday, as it is presented to me (the Holy Prophet).

29. Bad deeds of 200 years (equivalent) are obliterated if a man recites 100 Durood on Friday.

30. Anyone who recites Durood will overcome all their troubles.

31. If the name of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) is mentioned and one who hears it but does not recite Durood Shareef, understand that he has forgotten the path to Paradise.

32. "I pray for all those who recite Durood on me", said the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim).

33. If any one recites Durood Shareef from any place, any part of the world from any distance, it actually reaches the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) immediately. Allah Ta'ala has appointed several Angels who are given exclusive duty to collect all Durood Shareef and present the same before the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) immediately.

34. Angels of Allah shower 70 blessings on a man who recites Durood once.

35. Whenever you hear the call of prayers (Azaan) you should recite Durood.

36. Wherever you are, from any quarter of the world, you must recite Durood as it reaches the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim).

37. Ablution is not complete if Durood is not recited on it.

38. The Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) said to his wife that any one who hears the name of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) and does not recite Durood on him will not see the beautiful face of Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) on the Day of the Judgement.

39. Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) reports that Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) said, "The real miser is he in whose presence I am mentioned and then he fails to recite Salat on me".

40. If a person recites 1 000 Durood Shareef daily, he will never die unless he himself sees his place in Heaven with his own eyes.

41. The Durood Shareef that is recited by the person is written with a Golden Pen on a Silver tablet by the Angels. The Angels then present this Durood Shareef to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) and proclaim, "O Habeeb of Allah! The son of such and such a person has presented this gift in your majestic court".

Qarun gets Swallowed

Qarun (Korah) was doubtless, of the people of Moses; but he acted insolently towards them: such were the treasures We had bestowed on him that their very keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men, behold, his people said to him: 

"Exult not, for God loveth not those who exult (in riches). "But seek, with the (wealth) which God has bestowed on thee, the Home of 

the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as God has been good to thee, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for God loves not those who do mischief."

He said: "This has been given to me because of a certain knowledge which I have." 

Did he not know that God had destroyed, before him, (whole) generations,- which were superior to him in strength and greater in the amount (of riches) they had collected? but the wicked are not called (immediately) to account for their sins.

So he went forth among his people in the (pride of his wordly) glitter. Said those whose aim is the Life of this World: 

"Oh! that we had the like of what Qarun has got! for he is truly a lord of mighty good fortune!"

But those who had been granted (true) knowledge said: 

"Alas for you! The reward of God (in the Hereafter) is best for those who believe and work 

righteousness: but this none shall attain, save those who steadfastly persevere (in 

good)."

Then We caused the earth to swallow up him and his house; and he had not (the least little) party to help him against God, nor could he defend himself.

And those who had envied his position the day before began to say on the morrow: 

"Ah! it is indeed God Who enlarges the provision or restricts it, to any of His servants He pleases! had it not been that God was gracious to us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us up! Ah! those who reject God will assuredly never prosper."

That Home of the Hereafter We shall give to those who intend not high-handedness or mischief on earth: and the end is (best) for the righteous.

If any does good, the reward to him is better than his deed; but if any does evil, the doers of evil are only punished (to the extent) of their deeds. (The Holy Quran, 28:76-84)

Commentary:

Qarun is called Korah in the Bible and the Talmud. He was a first cousin of the Prophet Moses (peace be on him). According to Bible, in the book of Exodus (18-21), the fathers of Korah and the Prophet Moses were real brothers. At another place in the Qur'an it has been stated that this man had joined with Pharaoh inspite of being an Israelite. Qarun became a ring-leader of opposition to Prophet Moses.

"We sent Moses to Pharaoh and Haman and Qarun with Our Signs and a clear authority of appointment, but they said, `He is a sorcerer, a liar'." (Al-Mu'min :23-24). 

From this it follows that Korah had rebelled against his own people and become a supporter of the hostile forces which were bent upon wiping out the Israelites. On account of this rebellion against his own people he had attained a high place with Pharaoh and the two persons, besides Pharaoh, to whom the Prophet Moses had been sent were Pharaoh's minister, Haman, and this Israelite capitalist, Korah. All other chiefs and courtiers were of inferior status, who were not worth mentioning. The same position of Korah has been alluded to in Surah Al' Ankabut: 39.

In the story related of him in the Bible (Num., ch. 16), there is no mention of this man's wealth. But according to the Jewish traditions, he possessed immense wealth, so much so that three hundred mules were required to carry the keys of his' treasures. (Jewish Encyclopedia, Vol. VII, p. 556). Though greatly exaggerated this statement shows that even according to the Israelite traditions, Korah was a very wealthy man of his time.

Few things to remember before reciting darood shareef

RESPECT THAT SHOULD BE ACCORDED WHEN RECITING THE DUROOD SHAREEF

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) said: "Without doubt, there is an Angel of Almighty Allah whom Allah has given power to listen to the voices of all the people. Whenever any person reads the Durood Shareef, this Angel delivers the Durood Shareef to me. I then plead to Almighty Allah for the person to receive ten blessings for reading a single Durood Shareef". (Jami'us Sagheer).

The following points should be taken into account when reciting Durood Shareef:

1. It should be read with utmost humility and respect.

2. The clothes of the reciter should be clean and free from all impurity.

3. The place where the Durood Shareef is to be read should be clean.

4. It is more superior to be in a state of Wudhu while reciting the Durood Shareef. (Not a must, can be recited without Wuduh [Islamic Academy] )

5. It is better to sit in the Tashahudd position as you would sit when in Salaah and recite the Durood Shareef with concentration and the respect due to it.

6. It is preferable to face Madinatul Munawwarah.

7. If possible, one should have sweet fragrance around the place.

8. The reciter should try and understand the meaning of the Durood Shareef.

9. One should possess a clean and untainted intention. One should read with the sole intention of pleasing Almighty Allah and Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim).

10. The person should not be involved in worldly talks.

11. A person should try his level best to follow the example or Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim).

12. When reading Durood Shareef, you should try and imagine that you are sitting in the august presence of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim). Utmost respect and reverence should be displayed.

13. Whenever one hears or recites the Durood Shareef, it should be read and written in full. It is also preferable to kiss one's thumb and rub them over one's eyes when hearing the name of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim). It's a Sunnah of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (Radiallah Tala Anhu).

14. When the reading of the Durood Shareef is completed one should praise Allah Ta'ala that he has given you the opportunity of reading such a great Zikr as the Durood Shareef.

15. Whenever one takes the name of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim), one should use titles of respect and reverence.

16. As an advantage one should count (if possible) on one's fingers as Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) often encouraged this practice because on the Day of Qiyamah those same fingers will bear witness at the time when they are questioned.

17. Recite Durood Shareef wherever you are (not in the bathroom or toilet) and during any occasion.

Above are mostly Mustihibaats. If above conditions cannot be met please do not let them stop you from reciting Durood Shraif. One should recite Durood Sharif whenever possible but avoid places like restrooms, toilets and bathrooms.

Three Who Were Tried on Wealth

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said that: He heard the Prophet (PBUH) said: "There were three men among the Banu Israel, one leper, one bald and one blind. Allah wanted to test them. He therefore, sent to them an angel who came to the leper and asked him what he would like best. He replied: "A good colour, a good skin and to be rid of what makes me loathsome to people". He (the angel) rubbed him and his loathsomeness vanished and he was given a good colour and a good skin. He then asked him what type of property he would like best. The leper replied that he would like camels - [or perhaps he said cattle, for Ishaq (one of the subnarrator of the Hadith) was uncertain, either said: 'Camels,' or: 'Cattle']. He was given a pregnant she-camel. The angel invoked for Allah's Blessing on it. 

The angel then went to the bald man and asked him what he would like best and he replied: "Good hair and to be rid of what makes me loathsome to people". The angel ran his hand over him and he was given good hair. He then asked him what property he would like best. He replied that he would like cattle, so he was given a pregnant cow. The angel invoked Allah's Blessing on it. 

The angel then went to the blind man and asked him what he would like best, and he replied: "I wish that Allah restore my sight to me so that I may see people.'' Thereupon the angel ran his hand over him and Allah restored his sight. The angel then asked what property he would like best. He replied that he would like sheep, so he was given a pregnant ewe. Flocks and herds were produced for the three men, the first having a valley full of camels, the second one, a valley full of cows and the third one full of sheep. Then the angel came in the form of a leper, to the one who had been a leper, and said: "I am a poor man and my resources have been exhausted in my journey, and my only means of reaching my destination are dependent on Allah and then on you, so I ask you by Him Who gave you the good colour, the good skin and the property, for a camel by which I may get to my destination". He replied: "I have many dues to pay.'' The angel then said: "I think I recognize you. Were you not a leper whom people found loathsome and a poor man to whom Allah gave property?'' He replied: "I inherited this property through generations". The angel said: "If you are telling a lie, may Allah return you to your former condition". The angel went in the form of a bald man to the one who had been bald, and said the same as he had said to the former and received a similar reply. So he said: "If you are telling a lie, may Allah return you to your former condition". The angel then went to the one who had been blind and said: "I am a poor traveller and my resources have been exhausted in my journey. My only means of reaching my destination are dependant on Allah and then on you, so I ask you by Him Who restored your eyesight for a sheep by which I may get to the end of my journey". He replied: "Yes, I was blind. Allah restored my eyesight, so take what you wish and leave what you wish. I swear by Allah that I shall not argue with you today to return anything you take, as I give it for Allah's sake". The angel said: "Keep your property. You have all simply been put to a test, and Allah is pleased with you and displeased with both of your companions".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim