Secret Beauty Behind Salaat

To His Majesty We Bow and Rise

http://fajr.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/to-his-majesty-we-bow-and-rise/

As-salamu `alaykum wa rahmatullah

Not many of us realise the subtle and hidden secrets that lie behind our movements in salah (prayer). Some of us may even rush through it without giving much thought to the hidden intricacies and the hidden beauty. How many people stand in salah but their mind does not stand focused? How many people bow down but their inner soul refuses to bow? How many people prostrate but their heart fails to do so? And how many people pray but a prayer has not been written for them?

The secret beauty behind rising up from Ruku’

Below are 2 passages from Ibn al-Qayyim’s book ‘Asrar al-Salat’.

“… Then it has been prescribed for the servant to extol and praise his Lord as he is rising up from ruku’ (i.e. after bowing in prayer)*, rising up and returning to his best pose**. So he exalts and praises his Lord as he returns to the best of forms because Allah has guided him to attain this humbleness which others have been prevented from attaining.

He is returned to a state of uprightness, standing up to be in his Lord’s service. He stands in front of Him just as he stood in front of Him during recitation (when reciting al-Fatiha), and for that reason it is prescribed that he praises and exalts Him just like he praised and exalted Him during the recitation.

And there is a special meaning to this rising; it is a state that reaches and penetrates the heart… It is for this reason that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to prolong this standing (after the ruku’) just as he prolonged the ruku‘ and sujud (prostration). He used to praise Allah much therein and exalt Him…

And when in the night prayer, he (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to repeatedly say during this standing after the ruku’, ‘For my Lord is all Praise, for my Lord is all Praise.’ [1]

Repetition within the Prayer

“… And it has been prescribed for the servant to repeat these actions and words (i.e. repeat recitation of al-Fatiha, ruku’, sujud etc, in the prayer) as it is a source of nourishment for the heart and soul. There is no strength in them (the heart and soul) except by this.

Repeating it is just like repeatedly eating food – mouthful after mouthful until a person eats his fill, and drinking again and again until his thirst is quenched. If a hungry person only took one mouthful of food and then pushed his food away, what will that mouthful do for him? In fact, it may even cause him to become hungrier!

For this reason, one of the Salaf said: ‘A person who prays but does not find tranquillity in his prayer is like a person who is hungry, then food is brought to him but he only takes one or two handfuls. What will it then do for him?’

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[1] Reported by Abu Dawud and al-Nasa’i; declared sahih by al-Albani

* Rifa’a ibn Rafi’ said, “One day we were praying behind the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) when the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) raised his head from ruku’ and said, ‘Allah hears the one who praises Him’ (Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah). A man behind him said, ‘Our Lord, praise belongs to You – blessed, pure and abundant praise’ (Rabbana wa laka’l-hamd kathiran tayyiban mubarakan fihi). When the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) had finished, he said, ‘Who was it who spoke just now?’ The man said, ‘I did, Messenger of Allah,’ and the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘I saw more than thirty angels rushing to see which one of them would record it first.’”

** By ‘best pose’ Ibn al-Qayyim is refering to the verse in Surah al-Tin: “… And We have indeed created Man in the best of forms.”[al-Tin: 4] – i.e. with an upright posture.

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Etiquette of Speaking With The Opposite Gender

Etiquette of Speaking With The Opposite Gender
By Sheikh Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid

Praise be to Allah.

In brief, what the scholars have said about women's voices is that they are not 'Awrah in and of themselves, and there is nothing wrong with listening to them when there is a need to do so, so they do not forbid listening to them, but certain conditions apply, as follows:

The woman should speak without elongating the words, making her voice soft, or raising her voice. It is Haram for a man to listen with enjoyment, for fear of Fitnah (temptation). The decisive factor for knowing what is Haram in the matter of women's speaking is what is included in the ayah (interpretation of the meaning):

"O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner. " [Noble Quran 33:32]

What is forbidden is being too soft in speech. It is obligatory for women to speak in an honorable manner, which means, that they should not make their voices soft when addressing men.

In conclusion, what is required of the Muslim woman when she speaks to a non-Mahram man is that she should adhere to what is mentioned in this Ayah.

1) She should refrain from what is forbidden and should fulfill her duties.

2) She should speak only when necessary, and only about matters that are permissible and honorable, not evil.

3) Between a woman and a non-Mahram man there should be no intonation, gestures, chat, joking, flirting or playful talk, so that there will be no room for provocation of desires and doubts.

4) Women are not prevented from talking to non-Mahram men when it is necessary to do so, such as dealing directly with them when buying things or conducting any other financial transaction, because in such cases it is necessary for both parties to speak.

5) A woman may also ask a scholar about some legal Islamic matter, or a man may ask a woman such questions, as is proven in various texts of the Quran and Sunnah.

Within the guidelines described above, there is nothing wrong with a woman speaking to a non-Mahram man. It is also permissible for men to greet women with Salam and vice versa, according to the most correct opinion, but this greeting must be free of anything that may provoke desire in the person in whose heart is a disease, so as to be safe from Fitnah and pay attention to the regulations outlined above.

If there is fear of Fitnah being provoked by this greeting, then the woman should refrain from either initiating or returning the greeting, because warding off Fitnah by neglecting the greeting is warding off mischief, and warding off mischief takes precedence over doing something useful. (See al-Mufassal fi Ahkam al-Mar'ah by 'Abd al-Karim Zaydan, vol 3/276).

And Allah knows best.

He Gives and He Withholds

He Gives and He Withholds

Sometimes in this Dunya (world) we are given what we do not want or ask for, and sometimes that which we wish for is just not attainable. Allah `azza wa jall keeps some things away from us, things which our hearts may ardently request, and yet He at times places the world at our feet. He chooses, He commands and He runs our affairs out of wisdom which belongs only to Him. We thus remain suspended between being given of our wishes and being given other than that. The smart one therefore realises that he or she remains suspended between patience and gratitude…

Were He to let the Dunya loose on us and give us of our every want, will and desire, then indeed we would have forgotten Him and we would have become arrogant in the land without right. So He, Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, withholds some things and gives us others in order to keep us as believers, humble ones, constantly in a state of iftiqar (dire need) to His Majesty.

وَلَوْ بَسَطَ اللَّهُ الرِّزْقَ لِعِبَادِهِ لَبَغَوْا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَٰكِن يُنَزِّلُ بِقَدَرٍ مَّا يَشَاءُ ۚ إِنَّهُ بِعِبَادِهِ خَبِيرٌ بَصِيرٌ

“And if Allah were to expand the provision for His slaves, they would have surely rebelled on the earth, but He sends down what He wills by a due measure. Verily! He is in respect of His slaves, the Well-Aware, the All-Seer.” [al-Shura: 27]

Rasulullah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) taught us to say after each prayer the following supplication, and he himself was foremost in saying it:

اللهم لا مَانِعَ لِما أعْطَيتَ ولا مُعْطِي لِما مَنَعْتَ

‘O Allah, nothing can withhold what You have given and no-one can give what You have withheld.’

It is a true beauty, which reminds every believer and renews his/her strength, belief and reliance. It’s a powerful wall for us to lean on whenever difficulties arise and it is an ascending set of stairs for us to use when we need to walk out of each and every calamity.

And it was once said to me, ‘When Allah withholds, He actually gives…’ – deep, if only we pondered.

Source: Fajr wordpress

Fajr Prayer

Virtue of Sitting in the Prayer Area After the Fajr Prayer

After reading these narrations, I see importance in publishing them for the general benefit.- Shaykh `Abdullah ibn `Abdur Rahman Al-Jibreen

From Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: "The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: 'Whoever prays the morning prayer in congregation then sits remembering Allah until the sun rises, then prays two units of prayer has the reward like that of Hajj and `Umrah.'" He said, "Allah's Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: 'Complete, complete, complete (i.e. reward).'"

Related by at-Tirmidhi (2/586), Takhreej Ahmad Shakir. `Abu `Isa (at-Tirmidhi) said: This hadeeth is hasan ghareeb. Shakir said in his verification: At-Tirmidhi declared it hasan, and in its chain of narrators is Abu Dhilaal, and he has been spoken about, but the hadeeth has other supporting narrations. Al-Albani declared it hasan in Saheeh at-Tirmidhi (591) and At-Ta`leeq ar-Ragheeb (164 and 165) and Saheeh at-Targheeb (1/461) and declared it saheeh in Saheeh al-Jaami` (6346).

From supporting narrations

- From Abi Umaamah who said: "Allah's Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: 'Whoever prays the morning prayer in congregation then sits remembering Allah until he sun rises, then stands up and prays two units of prayer returns with the reward of Hajj and `Umrah.'" [Majma` uz-Zawaid of al-Haythami 10/104-105] Related by at-Tabarani and its isnad is good. Al-Albani declared it hasan in Saheeh at-Targheeb (1/464)]

- From `Abdullah bin `Aamir that Abu Umaamah and `Utbah Bin `Abd related that Allah's Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Whoever prays as-S.ubh. (i.e. fajr prayer) in congregation then sits until he prays for Allah the prayer of Dhuha has the reward like that of a haajj (pilgrim performing Hajj) and a mu`tamir (pilgrim peforming `Umrah), complete reward of his Hajj and his `Umrah." Related by at-Tabarani and declared hasan by al-Albani in Saheeh at-Targheeb (/1466) [Majma` uz-Zawaid of al-Haythami 10/104-105]

- From `Usrah who said, "I heard the Mother of believers, meaning `Aa'isha, say: 'I heard Allah's Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, say: 'Whoever prays fajr (or he said al-ghadaah, [transl. both referring to the morning prayer]), then sits in his place and does not speak idly with something from matters of this world and remembers Allah until he prays four units of Dhuha, he will leave his sins like the day his mother bore him, without any sin.''" [al-Mataalib al-`Aaliyah bi Zawaa'id al-Masaaneed ath-Thamaaniyah of Ibn Hajr (3/3394), takhreej: Habeeb ur-Rahman al-A`dhami. The authenticator said: "Al-Buwaysari said: 'Abu Ya`laa related it about Salat adh-Dhuha with a hasan chain.'"] Related by Abu Ya`laa and at-Tabarani related something similar to it in al-Awsat.

- From Sammaak That he asked Jaabir bin Samurah: "What did the Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, do when he prayed as-Subh (the morning prayer)." He said: "He used to sit in the Musallaa after he prayed as-Subh until the Sun rises." [Muslim, Sharh an-Nawawi: Mosques - Virtue of sitting in the Musalla after Subh (5/171)]

- From Sahl bin Mu`aadh bin Anas al-Juhani from his father, that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: "Whoever sits in his prayer area (musallaa) after he completes as-Subh prayer until he prays two units of Dhuha prayer, [and] doesn't say except what is good, his sins will be forgiven even if they are more than the foam of the sea." [Abu Dawud 2/1287, takhreej ad-Da`aas]

Important Remarks

• Women are included in this bounty, as indicated by the previously quoted supporting evidence and the hadeeth of Juwayriyyah - from Imam Muslim - that she used to sit in her prayer area (musallaa) when she would pray the morning prayer until adh-Dhuha.
• One who sits should not pray until the Sun rises and its light spreads in the horizion, as in the hadeeth of Muslim.
• One should pray four units of prayer of adh Dhuha prayer as in the hadeeth of `Aa'ishah and the hadeeth of Umaamah and `Utbah bin `Abd from at-Tabarani.
• Greatness of the reward and ease of the action should not sound discouraging to us, for great rewards have been related in the two Saheehs for easy actions. Look for examples in what has been related about saying Laa ilaha il Allah and Subhan Allah.
• Read precious comments related to understanding of these narrations by Shakh Mustafa Muhammad `Imarah in his notes to the book at-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb by al Mundhiri (1/298, and what comes after it).

Source: islam.com

This Journey, What Have We Prepared For It?

She's My Sister - A True Story
Translated By: Muhammad Alshareef

Her cheeks were worn and sunken and her skin hugged her bones. That didn't stop her though, you could never catch her not reciting Qur'an. Always vigil in her personal prayer room Dad had set up for her. Bowing, prostrating, raising her hands in prayer. That was the way she was from dawn to sunset and back again, boredom was for others.

As for me I craved nothing more than fashion magazines and novels. I treated myself all the time to videos until those trips to the rental place became my trademark. As they say, when something becomes habit people tend to distinguish you by it. I was negligent in my responsibilities and laziness characterized my Salah.

One night, I turned the video off after a marathon three hours of watching. The adhan softly rose in that quiet night. I slipped peacefully into my blanket.

Her voice carried from her prayer room. "Yes? Would you like anything Noorah?"

With a sharp needle she popped my plans. 'Don't sleep before you pray Fajr!'

"Agh ... there's still an hour before Fajr, that was only the first Adhaan!"

With those loving pinches of hers, she called me closer. She was always like that, even before the fierce sickness shook her spirit and shut her in bed. 'Hanan can you come sit beside me.'

I could never refuse any of her requests, you could touch the purity and sincerity. "Yes, Noorah?"

'Please sit here.'

"OK, I'm sitting. What's on your mind?"
With the sweetest mono voice she began reciting:

"Every soul shall taste death and you will merely be repaid your earnings on Resurrection Day"

She stopped thoughtfully. Then she asked, 'Do you believe in death?'

"Of course I do."

'Do you believe that you shall be responsible for whatever you do, regardless of how small or large?'

"I do, but … Allah is Forgiving and Merciful and I've got a long life waiting for me."

'Stop it Hanan ... aren't you afraid of death and it's abruptness? Look at Hind. She was younger than you but she died in a car
accident. So did so and so, and so and so. Death is age-blind and your age could never be a measure of when you shall die.'
The darkness of the room filled my skin with fear.

"I'm scared of the dark and now you made me scared of death, how am I supposed to go to sleep now. Noorah, I thought you promised you'd go with us on vacation during the summer break."

Her voice broke and her heart quivered. 'I might be going on a long trip this year Hanan, but somewhere else. Just maybe. All of our lives are in Allah's hands and we all belong to Him.'

My eyes welled and the tears slipped down both cheeks. I pondered my sisters grizzly sickness, how the doctors had informed my father privately that there was not much hope that Noorah was going to outlive the disease. She wasn't told though. Who hinted to her? Or was it that she could sense the truth.

'What are you thinking about Hanan?' Her voice was sharp. 'Do you think I am just saying this because I am sick? Uh - uh.
In fact, I may live longer than people who are not sick. And you Hanan, how long are you going to live? Twenty years, maybe? Forty? Then what?' Through the dark she reached for my hand and squeezed gently.

'There's no difference between us; we're all going to leave this world to live in Paradise or agonize in Hell. Listen to the words of Allah:

"Anyone who is pushed away from the Fire and shown into Jannah will have triumphed."

I left my sister's room dazed, her words ringing in my ears:
"May Allah guide you Hanan - don't forget your prayer."

Eight O'clock in the morning. Pounding on my door. I don't usually wake up at this time. Crying. Confusion. O Allah, what happened?

Noorahs condition became critical after Fajr, they took her immediately to the hospital ... Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.
There wasn't going to be any trips this summer. It was written that I would spend the summer at home. After an eternity...

It was one O'clock in the afternoon. Mother phoned the hospital. 'Yes. You can come and see her now.' Dad's voice had changed, mother could sense something had gone deathly wrong. We left immediately.

Where was that avenue I used to travel and thought was so short?
Why was it so long now, so very long?
Where was the cherished crowd and traffic that would give me a chance to gaze left and right?
Everyone, just move out of our way. Mother was shaking her head in her hands – crying – as she made dua' for her Noorah.

We arrived at the hospitals main entrance.

One man was moaning, another was involved in an accident and a third's eyes were iced, you couldn't tell if he was alive or dead. We skipped stairs to Noorahs floor. She was in intensive care. The nurse approached us. 'Let me take you to her.' As we walked down the aisles the nurse went on expressing how sweet a girl Noorah was. She reassured Mother somewhat that Noorah's condition had gotten better than what it was in the morning.

'Sorry. No more than one visitor at a time.' This was the intensive care unit. Through the small window in the door and past the flurry of white robes I caught my sisters eyes. Mother was standing beside her. After two minutes, mother came out unable to control her crying.

'You may enter and say Salaam to her on condition that you do not speak too long,' they told me. 'Two minutes should be enough.'

"How are you Noorah? You were fine last night sister, what happened?"

We held hands, she squeezed harmlessly. 'Even now, Alhamdulillah, I'm doing fine.'

"Alhamdulillah ... but ... your hands are so cold."

I sat on her bedside and rested my fingers on her knee. She jerked it away. "Sorry ... did I hurt you?"

"No, it is just that I remembered Allah's words:

"One leg will be wrapped to the other leg (in the death shroud)"

... Hanan pray for me. I may be meeting the first day of the hearafter very soon. It is a long journey and I haven't prepared
enough good deeds in my suitcase.'

A tear escaped my eye and ran down my cheek at her words. I cried and she joined me. The room blurred away and left us –
two sisters - to cry together. Rivulets of tears splashed down on my sister's palm which I held with both hands. Dad was now
becoming more worried about me. I've never cried like that before.

At home and upstairs in my room, I watched the sun pass away with a sorrowful day. Silence mingled in our corridors. A cousin came in my room, another. The visitors were many and all the voices from downstairs stirred together. Only one thing was clear at that point ... Noorah had died!

I stopped distinguishing who came and who went.
I couldn't remember what they said. O Allah, where was I?
What was going on? I couldn't even cry anymore.
Later that week they told me what had happened.
Dad had taken my hand to say goodbye to my sister for the last time, I had kissed Noorah's head.

I remember only one thing though, seeing her spread on that bed,
the bed that she was going to die on. I remembered the verse she recited:

"One leg will be wrapped to the other leg (in the death shroud)"

and I knew too well the truth of the next verse:

"The drive on that day we be to your Lord (Allah)!"

I tiptoed into her prayer room that night. Staring at the quiet dressers and silenced mirrors, I treasured who it was that had shared my mother's stomach with me. Noorah was my twin sister.

I remembered who I had swapped sorrows with. Who had comforted my rainy days. I remembered who had prayed for my guidance and who had spent so many tears for so many long nights telling me about death and accountability. May Allah save us all.

Tonight is Noorah's first night that she shall spend in her tomb.

O Allah, have mercy on her and illumine her grave. This was her Qur'an, her prayer mat and …and this was the spring rose-colored dress that she told me she would hide until she got married, the dress she wanted to keep just for her husband.

I remembered my sister and cried over all the days that I had lost.
I prayed to Allah to have mercy on me, accept me and forgive me.
I prayed to Allah to keep her firm in her grave as she always liked to mention in her supplications.

At that moment, I stopped.

I asked myself: what if it was I who had died? Where would I be moving on to? Fear pressed me and the tears began all over again.

"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar..."

The first adhan rose softly from the Masjid, how beautiful it sounded this time. I felt calm and relaxed as I repeated the Muadhdhins call. I wrapped the shawl around my shoulders and stood to pray Fajr. I prayed as if it was my last prayer, a farewell prayer, just like Noorah had done yesterday. It had been her last Fajr.

Now and inshaAllah for the rest of my life, if I awake in the mornings I do not count on being alive by evening, and in the evening I do not count on being alive by morning.

We are all going on Noorah's journey – what have we prepared for it?

Sisterhood in Islam, Article

SISTERHOOD IN ISLAM

Sisterhood in Islam is something very special that a sister who has come from a life as a non Muslim and embraced this beautiful religion of Islam notices immediately. Her sisters in Islam treat her in a manner that no one has ever done before, not even her family.

So what makes this relationship so special?

She Loves Them as Sisters For the Sake of Allah

It doesn't matter what your skin color is, the language you speak, the status of your family, whether you are rich or poor, in Islam we are all united like a single family. Our belief in Allah united us:

"The Believers are but a single brotherhood..." [Noble Quran 49:10]

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"There are three things that whoever attains them will find the sweetness of faith: if Allah and His Messenger are dearer to him than anyone or anything else; if he loves a person solely for the sake of Allah; and if he would hate to return to Kufr after Allah has rescued him from it, as much as he would hate to be thrown into the Fire." [Bukhari and Muslim]

The Status of Two Who Love One Another For the Sake of Allah

There is great reward in loving one another for the sake of Allah:

"Where are those who loved one another for My glory? Today I will shade them in My shade on the Day when there is no shade but Mine." [Muslim]

Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"A man went to visit a brother of his in another village. Allah sent an angel to wait for him on the road. When the man came along, the angel asked him, 'Where are you headed?' He said, 'I am going to visit a brother of mine who lives in this village.' The angel asked, 'Have you done him any favor (for which you are now seeking repayment)?' He said, 'No, I just love him for the sake of Allah.' The angel told him, 'I am a messenger to you from Allah, sent to tell you that He loves you as you love your brother for His sake.'" [Muslim]

And we are encouraged to tell one another, to promote a loving bond between each other:

Anas said that a man was with the Prophet (peace be upon him), when another man passed by. The first man said, "O Messenger of Allah, indeed I truly love this man." The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked him, "Have you let him know that?" He said, "No." The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Tell him." He caught up with him and told him, "Truly I love you for the sake of Allah," and the man said, "May Allah love you who loves me for His sake." [Abu Dawud]

Effect of Love for the Sake of Allah on the Life of a Muslim Woman

It is important that we greet one another in the proper Islamic manner:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"By the One in Whose hand in my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you of something that if you do it, you will love one another? Spread Salam amongst yourselves." [Muslim]

And when one of us is hurting, oppressed or suffering in some way, we all feel it:

"The believers, in their mutual friendship, mercy and affection, are like one body: if any part of it complains, the rest of the body will also stay awake in pain."

She Does Not Forsake or Abandon Her Sister

We don't let our differences or misunderstandings keep us apart, we work to keep our relationships strong.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"No two people who love one another for the sake of Allah, or for the sake of Islam, will let the first minor offence of either of them come between them." [Bukhari]

He (peace be upon him) also said:

"It is not permissible for a Muslim to be estranged from his brother for more than three days, both of them turning away from one another when they meet. The better of them is the one who is first to greet the other." [Bukhari and Muslim]

And all it takes to mend that relationship is greeting your sister with "As-Salamu Alaykum" (peace be with you) a greeting of peace:

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

"It is not permissible for a man to be estranged from a believer for more than three days. If three days have passed, then he should go and give Salam to him; if he returns the Salam, then both of them will have share in the reward, and if he does not respond then the one who gave the Salam will be absolved of the sin of estrangement." [Bukhari]

We always want the best for one another and avoid harming our sister in Islam:

Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Do not envy one another, do not outbid one another (in order to inflate prices), do not hate one another, do not turn away from one another, and do not enter into a transaction when others have already entered into it. O servants of Allah, be brothers. A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He does not oppress him, humiliate him or look down upon him. Taqwa is here" - and so saying, he pointed to his chest three times. "It is evil enough for a man to look down upon his Muslim brother. The whole of a Muslim's being is sacred to another Muslim - his blood, his wealth and his honor are inviolable." [Muslim]

And we do not bear grudges. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"The doors of Paradise are opened on Monday and Thursday, and every servant who does not associate anything with Allah will be forgiven, except for the man who bears a grudge against his brother. It will be said, 'Wait for these two until they reconcile, wait for these two until they reconcile, wait for these two until they reconcile.'" [Muslim]

She is Tolerant & Forgiving Towards Her Sisters

Allah says in the Noble Quran:

"...[those] who restrain anger and pardon (all) men - for Allah loves those who do good." [Noble Quran 3:134]

And His Prophet (peace be upon him) explained:

"There are three sins, whoever dies free of these sins will be forgiven for anything else, if Allah wills: associating anything with Allah; practicing magic or witchcraft; and bearing resentment towards his brother." [Bukhari]

She Meets Them With a Smiling Face

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Do not think little of any good deed, even if it is just greeting your brother with a cheerful countenance." [Muslim]

She is Faithful & Kind Towards Them

We try our best to emulate the beautiful example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) who showed to greatest of kindness and tolerance:

Anas, his servant and constant companion, described his noble character thus:

"I served the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) for ten years, and he never said to me 'Uff! [The smallest word of contempt]. If I did something, he never said 'Why did you do that?' and if I did not do something, he never said 'Why did you not do that?'" [Bukhari and Muslim]

Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"There is no kindness in a thing but it adds beauty to it, and there is no absence of kindness but it disfigures a thing." [Muslim]

And we behave with the best manners towards our sisters:

Anas also said:

"The Prophet (peace be upon him) never used obscene language, or uttered curses and insults. If he wanted to rebuke someone, he would say, 'What is the matter with him, may his forehead be covered with dust! '"

She Does Not Gossip About Them

We avoid back biting, slandering, gossiping about our fellow sisters in Islam:

"...Nor speak ill of each other behind their back. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, you would abhor it. But fear Allah, for Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful." [Noble Quran 49:12]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned Mu'adh ibn Jabal. He took hold of his tongue and said,

"Restrain this." Mu'adh said, "O Messenger of Allah, will we be held responsible for what we say?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "May your mother be bereft of you! Is there anything that causes people to be thrown into Hell on their faces (or he said: on their noses) but the harvest of their tongues?" [Ibn Majah]

She Avoids Arguing With Them, Making Hurtful Jokes & Breaking Promises

And we are careful to speak in a manner that will not hurt our sisters feelings:

The Prophet (peace be upon him):

"Do not argue with your brother, do not joke excessively with him, do not make a promise to him then break it." [Bukhari]

She is Generous & Honours Her Sisters

We are always keen to share what we have no matter how small it may be:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Spread Salam, offer food generously, uphold the ties of kinship, stand in prayer at night when people are sleeping, and enter Paradise in peace." [Ahmad]

He (peace be upon him) also said:

"In Paradise there are rooms whose outside can be seen from the inside, and whose inside can be seen from the outside. Allah has prepared them for those who feed others generously, who are gentle in speech, who fast continuously, and who stand in prayer at night when people are sleeping." [Ahmad]

She Prays for Her Sisters in Their Absence

And when our dear sister and friend is away from us, we supplicate for her:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"The quickest prayer to be answered is a man's supplication for his brother in his absence." [Bukhari]

You are not a true believer until you love for your sister what you love for yourself. We love for our sister to be in Paradise as much as we love to be there ourselves, and we strive to please Allah together, side by side in this beautiful relationship called Sisterhood in Islam.

Courtesy of ShareIslam.com

Seeking out Laylatul-Qadr

"The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel] by Allaah's Permission with all Decrees, (All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allaah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn." [al- Qadr 97 : 3-5]
i.e. worshipping Allaah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months

When the last ten days of Ramadaan came, Rasulullah (salla allahu alayhi wasallam) would stay up at night, wake his family and gird his loins ( "gird his loins" is a metaphor meaning "rolling up one's sleeves" to worship - more than usual) - reported from the hadeeth of 'Aa'ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) in Al-Saheehayn.

"Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments" [al-Dukhaan 44:4] , i.e., the affairs of that year are dispatched from al-Lawh al-Mahfooz to the angels who record the decrees: who will live, who will die, what provision people will be given, what will happen until the end of that year, every matter of ordainments is decreed, and it cannot be altered or changed. (See Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 4/137, 138).

All of this is already known to Allaah before it is even written down, but He makes known to the angels what is to happen, and commands them to do whatever they are enjoined to do. ( Sharh Saheeh Muslim li'l-Nawawi, 8/57)

Abû Hurayrah relates that Rasulullah (salla allahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Whoever spends Laylatul-Qadr in prayer, believing in Allah and seeking His reward, will be forgiven all of his past sins." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1802) and Sahîh Muslim (760)]

What night will laylat-ul-Qadar fall on?
Rasulullah (salla allahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten nights." (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4/259)

Laylatul Qadar's timing is from Maghrib to Fajr. Keeping in mind that in Islam the night comes before the day. If you are eager to worship Allah (swt) then we are sure you will figure out when those nights are...

How about I'tikaf in a masjid (seclusion)?
`Â'ishah tells us: "Rasulullah (salla allahu alayhi wasallam) used to observe a retreat in the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan up until he died. His wives continued to observe this practice after his death." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî & Muslim]

Some of the salaf (early generations of Islam) found it odd that people did not observe i'tikaaf even though Rasulullah (salla allah alayhi wasallam) persisted in doing so. Ibn Shihaab al-Zuhri said: It is strange that the Muslims have given up i'tikaaf when Rasulullah (salla allahu alayhi wasallam) never gave it up from the time he entered Madeenah until Allaah took him (in death).

What are some Du'as you can make?
Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: I asked Rasulullah: 'O Rasulullah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said Allahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni' "

'Say: O Allah, You are Oft-Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'" Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmidhi

Please make strong duaa to Allah in the last 10 days/nights and strongly believe in your heart that Allah will respond to your duaa - He is able to forgive everything and accomplish anything - please don't forget the Muslim youth and the troubled brothers/sisters everywhere in the world from your sincere duaa.

"Umm Darda' reported: My husband reported that he heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: He who supplicates for his brother behind his back (in his absence), the Angel commissioned (for carrying supplication to his Lord) says: Amen, and it is for you also." [Sahih Muslim]
(meaning, your duaa is accepted and you will get a similar to what you have asked for others).

Lastly, it is important for us to worship Allah (swt) at all times. Those who only worship Allah (swt) on the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan have misunderstood Islam. As Muslims, we worship Allah (swt) at all times until he takes our soul and we leave this life.

For more info visit:
ARTICLE: Laylatul Qadr & last 10 days
http://www.kalamullah.com/lailatul-qadr.html

"Shabe Baraat", 15th of Sha'baan

Jaabir (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhi wassallam, said: The best of speech is the Book of Allah, and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad, sallallahu alayhi wassallam. The most evil of affairs are the religious innovations. Every religious innovation is a bid’ah; every Bid’ah is misguidance; and every misguidance leads to the Hellfire! (Sahih Muslim)

INNOVATION ALERT - 'Shabe Baraat' Concerning the Islamic Hijri date of the 15th Sha'baan the Imaam, the 'Allaamah Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen (rahima-hullaah) was asked:
We see some people specifying the 15th of Sha'baan with particular supplications and reciting the Qur.aan and performing naafilah prayers. So what is the correct position concerning this?

The shaykh responded as follows:That which is correct is that fasting (specifically on) the 15th of Sha'baan or specifying it with reciting (the Qur'an) or making (particular) supplications has no basis (in Islam).

So the day of the 15th of Sha'baan is like any other 15th day of any other month.
From that which is known is that it has been legislated for a person to fast the 13th, 14th and 15th of every month, however, Sha'baan is characterised unlike the other months in that (except for Ramadan) the Prophet (salallahu`alaihe wa sallam) used to fast more in Sha'baan than any other month.

SEE: Ruling on celebrating the middle of Sha’baan (Shabe Baraat)http://kalamullah.com/Books/Celebrating%20middle%20of%20shaban.pdf

The Effects of Sins

The Effects of Sins
Imaam Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah (from his book alJawwab alKafee)
Translator: SalafiPublications. com

ONE: The prevention of knowledge: Knowledge is a light which Allaah throws into the heart and disobedience extinguishes this light. Imaam Shaafi’ee (rahimahullah) said: “I complained to Wakee’ about the weakness of my memory, so he ordered me to abandon disobedience. And informed me that the knowledge is light. And that the light of Allaah is not given to the disobedient."

TWO: The prevention of sustenance: Just as Taqwaa brings about sustenance, the abandonment of Taqwaa causes poverty. There is nothing which can bring about sustenance like the abandonment of disobedience.

THREE: The prevention of obedience (to Allaah): If there was no other punishment for sin other than that it prevents one from obedience to Allaah then this would be sufficient.

FOUR: Disobedience weakens the heart and the body: Its weakening the heart is something which is clear. Disobedience does not stop weakening it until the life of the heart ceases completely.

FIVE: Disobedience reduces the lifespan and destroys any blessings: Just as righteousness increases the lifespan, sinning reduces it.

SIX: Disobedience sows its own seeds and gives birth to itself until separating from it and coming out of it becomes difficult for the servant.

SEVEN: Sins weaken the hearts will and resolve so that the desire for disobedience becomes strong and the desire to repent becomes weak bit by bit until the desire to repent is removed from the heart completely.

EIGHT: Every type of disobedience is a legacy of a nation from among the nations which Allaah Azzawajall destroyed. Sodomy is a legacy of the People of Lot, taking more than one’s due right and giving what is less is a legacy of the People of Shu’ayb, seeking greatness in the land and causing corruption is a legacy of the People of Pharoah and pride/arrogance and tyranny is a legacy of the People of Hud. So the disobedient one is wearing the gown of some of these nations who were the enemies of Allaah.

NINE: Disobedience is a cause of the servant being held in contempt by his Lord. Al-Hasan al-Basree (rahimahullah) said: They became contemptible in (His sight) so they disobeyed Him. If they were honorable (in His sight) He would have protected them. Allah the Exalted said: “And whomsoever Allaah lowers (humiliates) there is none to give honor.” [Hajj 22:18]

TEN: The ill-effects of the sinner fall upon those besides him and also the animals as a result of which they are touched by harm.

ELEVEN: The servant continues to commit sins until they become very easy for him and seem insignificant in his heart and this is a sign of destruction. Every time a sin becomes insignificant in the sight of the servant it becomes great in the sight of Allaah. Ibn Mas’ood (radiy Allahu anhu) said: Indeed, the believer sees his sins as if he was standing at the foot of a mountain fearing that it will fall upon him and the sinner sees his sins like a fly which passes by his nose so he tries to remove it by waving his hand around. [Bukhaaree]

TWELVE: Disobedience inherits humiliation and lowliness. Honor, all of it, lies in the obedience of Allaah. Abdullaah ibn al-Mubaarak said: “I have seen sins kill the hearts. And humiliation is inherited by their continuity The abandonment of sins gives life to the hearts. And the prevention of your soul is better for it.”

THIRTEEN: Disobedience corrupts the intellect. The intellect has light and disobedience extinguishes this light. When the light of the intellect is extinguished it becomes weak and deficient.

FOURTEEN: When disobedience increases, the servant’s heart becomes sealed so that he becomes of those who are heedless. The Exalted said: “But no! A stain has been left on their hearts on account of what they used to earn (i.e. their actions).” [Mutaffifeen 83:14]

FIFTEEN: Sins cause the various types of corruption to occur in the land. Corruption of the waters, the air, the plants, the fruits and the dwelling places. The Exalted said: “Mischief has appeared on the land and the sea on account of what the hands of men have earned; that He may give them a taste of some of (the actions) they have done, in order that they may return.” [Rum 30:41]

SIXTEEN: The disappearance of modesty which is the essence of the life of the heart and is the basis of every good. Its disappearance is the disappearance of all that is good. It is authentic from the Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) that he said: Modesty is goodness, all of it [Bukhaaree and Muslim]
A Poet said: “And by Allaah, there is no good in life or in the world when modesty goes.”

SEVENTEEN: Sins weaken and reduce the magnification of Allaah, the Mighty in the heart of the servant

EIGHTEEN: Sins are the cause of Allaah forgetting His servant, abandoning him and leaving him to fend for himself with his soul and his shaytaan and in this is the destruction from which no deliverance can be hoped for.

NINETEEN: Sins remove the servant from the realm of Ihsaan (doing good) and he is prevented from (obtaining) the reward of those who do good. When Ihsaan fills the heart it prevents it from disobedience.

TWENTY: Disobedience causes the favors (of Allaah) to cease and make His revenge lawful. No blessing ceases to reach a servant except due to a sin and no retribution is made lawful upon him except due to a sin. Allaah the Exalted said: “Whatever misfortune afflicts you then it is due to what your hands have earned and (yet) He pardons many.” [Shura 42:30]

And the Exalted also said: “That is because never will Allaah change the favor He has bestowed on a people until they change what is with themselves.” [Anfaal 8:53]

Words from our Rasoul saws...

Bismillaah wal Hamdolillaah wa Salat wa Salam ala Rasul Allaah

Chapter 1Sincerity and Significance of Intentions and all Actions, Apparentand Hidden - Hadith 10

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "The reward for Salat performed by a person in congregation is more than 20 times greater than that of the Salat performed in one's house or shop. When one performs Wudu' perfectly and then proceeds to the mosque with the sole intention of performing Salat, then for every step he takes towards the mosque, he is upgraded one degree in reward and one of his sins is eliminated until he enters the mosque, and when he enters the mosque, he is considered as performing Salat as long as it is the Salat which prevents him (from leaving the mosque); and the angels keep on supplicating Allah for him as long as he remains in his place of prayer. They say: 'O Allah! have mercy on him; O Allah! forgive his sins; O Allah! accept his repentance'. This will carry on as long as he does not pass wind".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

A few words about As-Saabiroon

"O you who believe! Seek Help in Patience and Salah. Truly, Allah is with those that are patient." [Baqarah 2/153]

Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) say, "Any Muslim that says when a calamity befalls him that which Allah commanded him: To Allah we belong and to him we return. O Allah reward me in this calamity and give me better then it - (any Muslim that says this) Allah will grant him better than (that which he lost)." - [Muslim]

“And Allaah loves As-Saabiroon (the patient)” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:146]

-May Allah swt make us all of those whom He loves, ameen.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEKING KNOWLEDGE FOR WOMEN

THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEKING KNOWLEDGE FOR WOMEN

And the statement of the Messenger صلى الله عليه و سلم: ‘Women are the twin halves of men.’ Section: The obligation of seeking knowledge.
(Qur’an, Ta-Ha 20:114):“And say: My Lord increase me in knowledge.”
(Qur’an, Muhammad 47:19): ‘So know that there is no god save Allah, ask forgiveness for your sins and for the believing men and the believing women. Allah knows well your moving and your place of rest.’

On the authority of Anas Ibn Malik the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said: Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.

Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab At Tamimi said: Know, may Allah have mercy upon you that it is compulsory upon every Muslim to know these four issues.
1. العلم Al ‘Ilm: “Firstly, the Knowledge.”
2. العمل به Al ‘Amalu Bihi: “and the actions (working) by it.”
3. الدعوة إليه Ad Da’watu Ilaihi: “Calling to it.”
4. الصبرعلى الأذى فيه As Sabru ‘Alaal Adhaa Feehi: “and to have patience with the hardships that come along that path (in the way of da’wah)

Qortoba Institute Scholarship for Arabic & Islamic Studies

Qortoba Institue in cooperation with Hidayah Muslim Youth Presents:
12 month full-paid Arabic & Islamic Studies Program Scholarship for both single and married individuals.

The Arabic and Islamic Studies Program
You will study at Qortoba Institute for 12 months. Each day you will have 5 hours of studies in Arabic and Islam. During this time, you will complete all twelve levels of the program. If you excel in your studies, you will be able to continue for another 6 months to a year studying more advanced levels. Arabic will be taught from well-known books and Islam studies will be taught from Imam University books, which abide by the sunnah of Rasulullah (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and are free from innovations (bid’ahs). In the Islamic studies portion, you will memorize Quran, learn Fiqh (Jurisprudence), Hadeeth, Tafseer (Quranic Commentary), and Shari'ah.

The Scholarship
If you are chosen, your scholarship will include:• Fully paid accommodation which can suite single people or married couples.• Fully paid tuition fees.For those of you who are married, this is a perfect chance to learn Arabic and Islam insha'Allah. As mentioned, married couples will also have fully paid accommodation.

For more info, contact Dr. Saad Bahr at masjid al-Hidyah or email tricity@islam-canada.com

Allah's Mercy Upon the Believers

O ye who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance: In the hope that your Lord will remove from you your ills and admit you to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow,- the Day that Allah will not permit to be humiliated the Prophet and those who believe with him. Their light will run forward before them and by their right hands, while they say, "Our Lord! Perfect our light for us, and grant us Forgiveness: for Thou hast power over all things."

( سورة التحريم , At-Tahrim, Chapter #66, Verse #8)

Qatar University Arabic Program Scholarship

Masjid Al Hidayah presents....
Qatar University Arabic Program Scholarship

Earn a full scholarship (includes flight, accommodation, food, and monthly allowance) for this 10 month program, starting in September 2009, which is being offered by Qatar University in coordination with Masjid Al Hidayah.

For more information: www.youth.islam-canada.com or contact Dr. Saad Bahr @ masjid al-Hidayah for the details.

Sacred Month of Muharram & It's Virtues

The Sacred month of Muharram
Muharram is one of the four sacred months. Abu Bakrah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumaada and Sha’baan.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2958).

“Verily, the number of months with Allaah is twelve months (in a year), so it was ordained by Allaah 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…” [al-Tawbah 9:36]

It was reported that Ibn ‘Abbaas said that this phrase (so wrong not yourselves therein…) referred to all the months, then these four were singled out and made sacred, so that sin in these months is 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 that wrongdoing at any other time. Wrongdoing at any time is a serious matter, but Allaah gives more weight to whichever of His commands He will. Allaah 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 the remembrance of Him (dhikr). He chose from among the earth the mosques, from among the months Ramadaan and the sacred months, from among the days Friday and from among the nights Laylat al-Qadr, so venerate that which Allaah has told us to venerate. People of understanding and wisdom venerate the things that Allaah has told us to venerate. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer).

Fasting in Muharram
In this month the 10th day (Ashura) was one which Rasoolillah(SAW) recommended fasting on. Ibn Abbas reported: "The Prophet came to Madinah and found the Jews fasting the day of Ashura. He asked them: "Why are you fasting this day?" They said: "This is a great day. Allah saved Mousa (Moses) and the tribes of Israel from their enemies on this day and therefore Mousa fasted on it. "The Prophet said: "We have more of a right to Mousa than you." So he fasted on that day also and ordered the people to fast on that day." [al-Bukhari and Muslim].

When the Prophet (SAW) fasted the day of Ashura, the people told him that this day is a day that Jews and Christians honor. The Prophet said: "When the following year comes, Allah willing, we shall fast both the ninth and the tenth day of Muharram (that is to be different from the Jews and the Christians.)" The Prophet (SAW) died before the following year."[Muslim].

*To read more about fasting in this blessed month please see following link: http://www.sunnahonline.com/library/hajj/0012.htm

Virtues of Hijaab

Hijaab is...

An Act of Obedience
The hijaab is an act of obedience to Allah and to his prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, Allah says in the Qur'an:
'It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His messenger have decreed a matter that they should have an option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, has indeed strayed in a plain error.' (S33:36).

Allah also said: 'And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc) and not to show off their adornment except what must (ordinarily) appear thereof, that they should draw their veils over their Juyubihinna.' (S24:31).
Juyubihinna: The respected scholars from As-Salaf As-Saleh (righteous predecessors) differed whether the veil cover of the body must include the hands and face or not. Today, respected scholars say that the hands and face must be covered. Other respected scholars say it is preferable for women to cover their whole bodies.

The Hijaab is IFFAH (Modesty)
Allah (subhana wa'atala) made the adherence to the hijaab a manifestation for chastity and modesty. Allah says:
'O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested.' (S33:59).
In the above Ayaah there is an evidence that the recognition of the apparent beauty of the woman is harmful to her. When the cause of attraction ends, the restriction is removed. This is illustrated in the case of elderly women who may have lost every aspect of attraction. Allah (swt) made it permissible for them to lay aside their outer garments and expose their faces and hands reminding, however, that is still better for them to keep their modesty.

The Hijaab is Tahara (Purity)
Allah (swt) had shown us the hikma (wisdom) behind the legislation of the hijaab:
'And when you ask them (the Prophet's wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and their hearts.' (S33:53).
The hijaab makes for greater purity for the hearts of believing men and women because it screens against the desire of the heart. Without the hijaab, the heart may or may not desire. That is why the heart is more pure when the sight is blocked (by hijaab) and thus the prevention of fitna (evil actions is very much manifested. The hijaab cuts off the ill thoughts and the greed of the sick hearts:
'Be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner.' (S33:32)

The Hijaab is a Shield
The prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Allah, Most High, is Heaven, is Ha'yeii (Bashful), Sit'teer (Shielder). He loves Haya' (Bashfulness) and Sitr (Shielding; Covering)." The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam also said: "Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's house (to show off for unlawful purposes), has broken Allah's shield upon her." The Hadeeth demonstrates that depending upon the kind of action committed there will be either reward (if good) or punishment (if bad).

The Hijaab is Taqwah (Righteousness)
Allah (swt) says in the Qur'an:
'O children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better.' (S7:26).
The widespread forms of dresses in the world today are mostly for show off and hardly taken as a cover and shield of the woman's body. To the believing women, however the purpose is to safeguard their bodies and cover their private parts as a manifestation of the order of Allah. It is an act of Taqwah (righteousness).

The Hijaab is Eeman (Belief or Faith)
Allah (swt) did not address His words about the hijaab except to the believing women, Al-Mo'minat. In many cases in the Qur'an Allah refers to the "the believing women". Aisha (RA), the wife of the prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, addressed some women from the tribe of Banu Tameem who came to visit her and had light clothes on them, they were improperly dressed: "If indeed you are believing women, then truly this is not the dress of the believing women, and if you are not believing women, then enjoy it."

The Hijaab is Haya' (Bashfulness)
There are two authentic Hadeeth which state: "Each religion has a morality and the morality of Islam is haya." AND "Bashfulness is from belief, and belief is in Al-Jannah (paradise)." The hijaab fits the natural bashfulness which is a part of the nature of women.

The Hijaab is Gheerah
The hijab fits the natural feeling of Gheerah, which is intrinsic in the straight man who does not like people to look at his wife or daughters. Gheerah is a driving emotion that drives the straight man to safeguard women who are related to him from strangers. The straight MUSLIM man has Gheerah for ALL MUSLIM women In response to lust and desire, men look (with desire) at other women while they do not mind that other men do the same to their wives or daughters. The mixing of sexes and absence of hijaab destroys the Gheera in men. Islam considers Gheerah an integral part of faith. The dignity of the wife or daughter or any other Muslim woman must be highly respected and defended.



*Taken from University of Essex ISOC - http://www.kalamullah.com/sisters08.html

1430 AH - New Year, New Plans…

Muharram 1, 1430 AH - New Year, New Plans…

As we know this year has come to an end and we are entering year 1430 AH in full steam! HMY Sisters would like to thank you for your efforts & would like your opinions through your comments and suggestions as to how we can improve insha'Allah. Tell us about some events (socials, sleepovers etc.) we put together which you liked/disliked as well as the reasons (hmysisters@gmail.com) - insha'Allah with your opinions we can ensure a bright future for HMY Sisters. If you liked some of the changes so far, wait till you see the things yet to come…

HMY Sisters Coordinator,

Mariarm Rahimi

An -Nawawi's 40 Hadiths (videos/audios)

The following are a couple of links to Imam An-Nawawi's famous 40 Hadiths:
Videos: http://www.abuabdissalam.com/?p=16
Audios: http://www.abuabdissalam.com/?p=21

These links are from a site known as 'Heavenly Pearls' - it is a commentary/explanation of An-Nawawi's ahadiths by Abu Abdissalam (a graduade from Dar Al-Hadith Al-Khayriyyah in Makkah). Abu Abdissalam's website(http://www.abuabdissalam.com/) also consists of many lectures, Q/A, videos as well as tafsir of the Quran, it is a very good source for students of knowledge. We should try to understand & implement these prophetic traditions into our lives insha'Allah.

JAK to one of our brothers for introducing this source...