Assalamu Alaikum waRahmatullahi waBarakatuh

InshaAllah you are well.

Ramadhan Mubarak, the Month of Quran and feeding the fasting has returned!

http://www.justgiving.com/feedthefasting/

Ramadhaan has a special relationship with the Quran, as Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning: “The month of Ramadhaan is the one in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it.” [Quran 2:185)

The word 'so' in this ayah leads to the following paraphrase of one aspect of its meaning: "Fast this month because it is the one in which the Quran was sent down".

Ibn 'Abbaas narrates "that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was the most generous person, and he would be at his most generous in Ramadhaan because Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) would come to him every night and he would rehearse the Quran with him." [Al-Bukhaari]

This hadeeth contains the following recommendations that we can take heed from:

• Studying the Quran in Ramadhaan

• Coming together for this purpose

• Checking (one’s memory/knowledge of) the Quran with someone who has preserved it better

• Increasing recitation of the Quran in Ramadhaan and

• That the night time is the best time to recite, when other preoccupations decrease and it is easier to concentrate, as in Soorah al-Muzzammil [73:6].

Further, Faatimah, may Allaah be pleased with her, narrated from her father the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam,  who told her: Jibreel would rehearse the Quran with him (in Ramadhaan) once every year, and he did so twice in the year of his death. [Al-Bukhaari]

About the situation of the Salaf (our righteous predecessors) during Ramadhaan,  Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali said:

“… Some of the Salaf would complete reciting the whole Quran during the night prayer of Ramadhaan every 3 days; others every 7 days (e.g. Qataadah) and others in 10 days (e.g. Abu Rajaa’ al-Atardi).The Salaf would recite Quran in Ramadhaan in Prayer as well as outside it.

Al-Zuhri would say when Ramadhaan began, ‘It is recitation of the Quran and feeding of people.’

Then Ramadhaan began, Imam Maalik would stop narrating Hadeeth and sitting with the people of knowledge, and stick to reciting the Quran from its pages, while Sufyaan al-Thawri would leave other acts of worship and stick to reciting the Quran.

‘Aishah would recite from the pages of the Quran at the beginning of the day in Ramadhaan (i.e. after Dawn), until when the sun had risen, then she would sleep.

Zayd al-Yaami would bring copies of the Quran when Ramadhaan began and gather his companions around him. …”

“O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Qur’aan, enjoining all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that which is in your hearts” [Yoonus 10:57]

Allahuma Balighna Ramadan (Oh Allah, Grant us Ramadan)

Jazak Allahu Khair

Abu Affan

Credits: islamweb.net

Email from www.Islamictube.net

Part 1

“Be content with Allah (SwT) has decreed for You, & You will be the richest person.”

“Put Your Trust & Reliance upon Al-Hayy (SwT) – The Ever-Living- Who will  never die.”

“When distress strikes & calamities appear one after another, then say: ‘La ilah ila Allah’.”

“Sickness is a message in which there is Glad Tidings, & good health is a garment that has a price.”

“Count Allah (SwT’s) Blessings upon You, not Your problems.”

“Wherever You go & find darkness in Your life, just light the Lamp within Yourself.”

“If You have made mistakes in the past, learn from them, then let them go.”

“Life is short, don’t make it shorter by worrying.”

“Prayer is guarenteed to bring Tranquility & chase away worries.”

“Leave the opressor to the court of the Hereafter, where there will be none Save Allah Al-Malik (SwT).”

“The Happiness of the Believer rests upon Loving Allah (‘AwJ), & Loving for His (SwT’s) Sake brings Greater, Deeper and Sweeter Happiness known only to Sincere Believers, who do not accept any substitute for it.”

“A Smile does not cost anything, but it gives a great deal.”

“Glory is not granted except to those who always dreamed of it.”

Part 2

“When there is a violent storm, the seas are turbulent, the earth becomes narrow & constricted, caravans are lost, paths are filled with obstacles & dangers, plans end in failure, doors are shut, disaster, distress, calamities strikes, all hope is lost, call out ‘Ya Allah!’…..

- ‘Is it not He Who responds to the distress one, when he calls upon Him…’ [Surah An-Naml: 62]

- ‘Whosoever is in the Heavens and upon the Earth begs of Him, every day He has a matter to bring forth’ [Surah Ar-Rahman: 29]

….& thereby be hopeful & optimistic, even if You are in the eye of the storm”!

“Don’t give up on Yourself, as change is slow, there will be obstacles, do not let them defeat You”

“Don’t let anyone know of Your problems, Except to those who can Assist, Advice & have Taqwa”.

“Stop thinking about the sin, think about the Good Deeds which You are going to replace it by, & will be an expiation”.

“If every man & jinn tried to bring back the past, they certainly will fail. Everything upon the Heavens & Earth marches forward, so should You”.

“Cast away all discouraging thoughts that make Yourself helpless, but focus on success, then You will not fail”.

“Prepare for the worst, then You’ll feel & see things are better than you thought.”

“Give up all daydreams that are not True in Your Efforts & Abilities”

“Control Your thoughts, & You’ll be Happy”

“Learn to co-exist with fear, & eventually it will disappear”

“He who sows the wind, reaps the storm”

“Avoid slander, backbiting, as You avoid the plague”

“Seek out death for the Sake of Allah (SwT), & You shall be granted life”

“The coward dies many deaths, & the brave one dies only once…”

Compiled by Ustadh Abu Hasan

Part 1

“…It may well be that You dislike something in which Allah has placed in it much Khayr (good and benefit).” [Surah An-Nisa; 19]

The Messenger (SA) said: “The Believer is not afflicted with illness or hardship, even if it be a worry that troubles him, or a thorn that pricks him, except that his sins would be expiated as a result of it.” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

He (SA) said: “..Man will be tested according to the Strength of his Eman..the believer will be continually tested untill he walks upon the Earth with all his sins Forgiven.” [Al-Bukhari]

He (SA) also said: “The example of the believer is like the stem fresh tender plant, the wind causing it to bend sometimes, fall over sometimes & stands upright at others untill it withers and dies”. [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

Part 2

‘Ali (RA) said: “Son of Adam! Do not rejoice at wealth & do not despair at poverty. Do not become hopeless at the onset of tribulations, & do not rejoice at the onset of ease, for gold is refined through fire, & Righteous Servants is refined through tribulations. You will not attain what You want Except by leaving what you desire, & You will not reach what You Aspire to, Except through Sabr (Patience), So expend all Your efforts in carefully fulfilling the duties made obligatory upon You.”

Imam Al-Gazzali said: “If You see Al-’Asees Al-Hakeem (SwT), holding back this world from You, frequently trying You with adversity & tribulations, Know that You hold A Great Status with Him (‘AwJ). Know that He (‘AwJ) is with Yourself as He (SwT) does this with His Awliya (Friends) & chosen elite, & is Watching over You. Have You not heard His (SwT’s) saying: “Thereby wait Patiently (& Steadfastly) for the Judgement of Your Rabb, You are Cartainly before Our Eyes. [Surah At-Tur,48]? Therefore acknowledge this Great Favour upon You!”

Specific Benefits:

1. Realising & Acknowledging the Greatness of Allah (SwT), Specifically His (SwT’s) Rububiyyah (Lordship & His All- Emcompassing Power)
2. Realising & Acknowledgment of ones insufficiency & thereby Submitting to Him (Swt) Humbly Attaining Sincerity
3. Turning back to Him (‘AwJ) alone in Repentance & Istighfar
4. Seeking Assistance from Him (SwT) alone
5. Achieving Hilm (Forberance; not hasting…)
6. Opportunity to Worship Allah (SwT) through Patience & Steadfastness
7. Chance to be Grateful.. “How many hidden Blessings Under the veil of trials & tribulations?!!” SubhanAllah! Allahu Akbar!! Al-Hamdo Lillahi Rabb Al-’Alameen!!

Compiled by Ustadh Abu Hasan

One day (5 part) conference on ‘Steps Towards the Right Path of Understanding’ by Shaykh Haitham Al Haddad, Director of Muslim Research Development Foundation, London. On Saturday 12th April 2008

A MUST SEE FOR EVERY MUSLIM!!!

Share Our Vision: To Launch A 21st Century English Language Islamic Centre in Bradford for All.

For more information:

Tel – 07939 011162
Email – info@islambradford.com
Website – www.IslamBradford.com

Part 1 of 5 – Introduction

Part 1 is an introduction to the topic discussing the aims and objectives of this course. Detailing the steps needed to be taken when dealing with general life issues and Islamic issues; which are:

1. What are the reliable sources of information about what you want to find out
2. Then, to correctly understand the information received
3. Then, to correctly implement it

The shaykh goes on to discuss “Internal Sources” of information being; the brain, the heart/desires, senses/emotions and al fitrah..

Part 2 will discuss in detail “External Sources” of information in Islam, starting with Al Quran.

Part 2 of 5 – Al Quran

Part 2 introduces the 4 external sources of information in Al Islam, being:

1. Al Quran
2. As Sunnah
3. Al Ijma
4. Al Qiyas

The Shaykh starts off explaining the first source of information and legislation, being Al Quran and “The methodology of the Quran in changing people”; how the Quran never asks/orders people for anything without setting a premise (a common ground) for those people involved.

What is Al Quran?

It is the speech of Allah SWT, sent down to the Prophet Muhammad (S), and its recitation is an Ibadah. It is of the highest degree of authenticity, whoever doubts even 1 letter of the Quran commits an action of Kufr.

“…Whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’ân nor acts on its orders, etc.) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection. He will say: “O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight (before). (Allah) will say: “Like this, Our Ayât came unto you, but you disregarded them (i.e. you left them, did not think deeply in them, and you turned away from them), and so this Day, you will be neglected (in the Hell-fire, away from Allah’s Mercy).”

[Surah Ta Ha]

Part 3 will discuss the second source of information, being As Sunnah.

Part 3 of 5 – As Sunnah

In part 3, Shaykh Haitham discusses the second source of information in Al Islam being As Sunnah.

There are a number of definitions of the word “Sunnah”, depending on how it is used. Linguistically, it means ‘a way or a path’. Non-linguistically it takes different meanings, when used within the following contexts:

* Aqeedah -
Aqeedah is the main belief of a Muslim and what negates those beliefs. Example, the 6 articles of faith — their details are given to us in the sunnah. The word “Sunnah” here is used as to explain the way of the Prophet SAW, his path, i.e. Islam.

* Fiqh -
The scholars of Fiqh (the Fuqaha), are concerned with the rulings in Islam. If something is recommended, it would be called “Sunnah” in order to differentiate from Fard, Wajib, Muba, Haraam..

* Hadith -
The scholars of Hadith (the Muhaditheen), are interested in all that the Prophet SAW did, his actions, his words, his approvals, his appearance and descriptions etc. The words “Sunnah” here is to report everything on the Prophet SAW.

As a sacred source, the Sunnah is different than the Quran and comes second. As a source of legislation, both the Quran and Sunnah are of the same authority.

“Nor does he (Prophet) speak out of his desire. (What he says) is nothing but Wahi (revelation that is revealed.)” (Quran 53:3-4)

The Prophet (SAW) said: “I do not want to see any one of you reclining on his couch and, when he hears of my instructions or prohibitions, saying ‘I don’t accept it; we didn’t find any such thing in the Book of Allaah.’” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)

Part 4 will discuss the third source of information, being Al Ijma (consensus of scholars)..

Part 4 of 5 – Al Ijma

In this part, Shaykh Haitham discusses the third source of information being Al Ijma (general consensus of the scholars).

In Arabic, this means “to take a decision.”

The technical point of view is: “An agreement of the scholars of the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad SAW after his death, on a shari’ee matter.”

The Shaykh explained if the first generation of Muslims were in agreement on an issue (or the overwhelming majority), and then the second generation were also and then the third also — this is Ijma ontop of Ijma ontop of Ijma…..Now how can anyone now after 1,400 years go against their agreement? Are we saying the whole Ummah for 3 generations were misguided and now we are right? Did we find a daleel they did not find?

Thus, Ijma safeguards our religion from those who try and innovate into it.

The last part of this course, Part 5 – will discuss the last source of information in Islam, Al Qiyas.

Part 5 of 5 – Al Qiyas

The last part of this course, Shaykh Haitham discusses the 4th source of information and legislation in Al Islam, which is Al Qiyas.

In English this word means, “extension”.

Technically this word means, “To extend the ruling from an old (original) case to a new case that both share and agree on the effective cause.

The Shaykh gives examples of this and explains how Al Qiyas is an effective tool for Ishtihad.

Alhamdulilah, this is the end of the course, InshAllah we hope it has been of benefit to you, as it has been to us.

We look forward to your feedback.

Jazaak Allahu Khairan IB, Sh Haitham and to you all. Ameen

REBELutionary Video’s PRESENTS… The Beautiful Truth Series

The Beautiful Truth: Part 2 – Al-Qur`an: Undeniable Proofs

But to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, He will give their (due) rewards,― and more, out of His bounty: but those who are disdainful and arrogant He will punish with a grievous penalty; nor will they find, besides Allah, any to protect or help them.
{Surah An-Nisa, verses 173}…

Spread the videos if you feel they are helpful to Muslims and non Muslims…challenge the Kaafirs into finding a greater truth…and when they surely will not find any greater truth than Islam…remind them of their death, their purpose of life, and being judged by the Lord of the worlds, Allah Almighty. Allah guides whom He wills to the straight path…

(sorry about the music…couldn’t remove it without removing commentary from the video clips)

:: Part 3 coming soon ::

A MUST HEAR FOR ALL:

Tafseer of Ayatul Kursi – Anwar Awlaki

Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber, nor sleep overtake Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter . And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursee extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. (This Verse 2:255 is called Ayat-ul-Kursee.)

Masha’allah, we all must of heard of Ayatul Kursi! Subhaan’Allah, but how many of us know the benefits of this 1 Ayaat (Verse)? The meaning of it? How many of us actually know it off by heart and recite it in our daily life?

Visit: Mount Hira Blog to help you learn this beautiful Ayaat, line by line.

Introduction

Ayatul Kursi is verse 255 of the second Surah (Chapter) of the Noble Qur’aan – Surah Al Baqarah (The Chapter of the Cow).

Imaam Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in his Tafseer of Aayat al-Kursiy from Soorat al-Baqarah:

This is Aayat al-Kursiy, which has a high status. It was reported in a saheeh hadeeth from the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that it is the greatest aayah in the Book of Allaah… It was narrated from Ubayy, i.e., Ubayy ibn Ka’b that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked him which aayah in the Book of Allaah was the greatest. He said, “Allaah and His Messenger know best.” He repeated it several times, then he said, “Aayat al-Kursiy.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Congratulations upon your knowledge O Abu’l-Mundhir. By the One in Whose hand is my soul, it has a tongue and two lips, and it glorifies the Sovereign (i.e., Allaah) at the foot of the Throne.” This was also narrated by Muslim, without the phrase “By the One in Whose hand is my soul…”.

Virtues

Concerning the virtue of reciting this aayah after the prescribed prayers, it was narrated that Abu Umaamah said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Whoever recites Aayat al-Kursiy immediately after each prescribed prayer, there will be nothing standing between him and his entering Paradise except death.”

This is how it was narrated by al-Nasaa’i in al-Yawm wa’l-Laylah, from al-Hasan ibn Bishr. It was also narrated by Ibn Hibbaan in his Saheeh from Muhammad ibn Humayr, who is al-Homsi, and is also one of the men of al-Bukhaari. The isnaad meets the conditions of al-Bukhaari.

The following hadith by Al-Bukhaari explains how reciting Ayatul Kursi can protect you from Shaytaan (The Devil) and this was said by Shaytaan himself! Read to learn how this came about…. Narrated that Abu Hurayrah, who said:

“The Messenger of Allaah (sa) appointed me to guard the Ramadaan zakaah. Someone came and started taking some of the food. I grabbed hold of him and said, ‘I am going to take you to the Messenger of Allaah (sa)!’ He said, ‘Let me be, for I am in need and I have children and am in great need.’ So I let him go.

The following morning, the Prophet (sa) said, ‘O Abu Hurayrah, what did your prisoner do last night?’ I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, he complained of being in great need and having children to look after, so I took pity on him and let him go.’ He said, ‘But he was lying, and he will be back.’

So I knew that he would come back, because of what the Messenger of Allaah (sa) had said. I lay in wait for him, and he came and started taking some of the food. I grabbed hold of him and said, ‘I am going to take you to the Messenger of Allaah (sa)!’ He said, ‘Let me be, for I am in need and I have children. I will not come back again.’ So I took pity on him and let him go.

The following morning, the Prophet (sa) asked again, ‘O Abu Hurayrah, what did your prisoner do last night?’ I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, he complained of being in great need and having children to look after, so I took pity on him and let him go.’ He said, ‘But he was lying, and he will be back.’

So I lay in wait for him on the third night, and he came and started taking some of the food. I grabbed hold of him again and said, ‘I am going to take you to the Messenger of Allaah (sa)! This is the third and last time. You said that you would not come back, then you did come back.’ He said, ‘Let me go, and I will teach you some words by which Allaah will benefit you.’ I said, ‘What are they?” He said, ‘When you lie down in your bed, recite Aayat al-Kursiy, “Allaah! Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists…” [al-Baraqah 2:255 – interpretation of the meaning] until the end of the aayah, then you will have a protector from Allaah and no shaytaan (devil) will come near you until morning comes.’ Then I let him go.

The following morning, the Prophet (sa) said, ‘What did your prisoner do last night?’ I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, he claimed that he would teach me some words by which he said Allaah would benefit me, then I let him go.’ He asked, ‘What are they?’ I said, ‘He told me, when you lie down in your bed, recite Aayat al-Kursiy, from the beginning to the end of the aayah, “Allaah! Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists…” [al-Baraqah 2:255 – interpretation of the meaning]. And he told me, you will have a protector from Allaah and no shaytaan (devil) will come near you until morning comes.’ And they [the Sahaabah] were always keen to do good.’

The Prophet (sa) said: ‘He indeed told you the truth, although he is a liar. Do you know who you have been speaking with for the past three nights, O Abu Hurayrah?’ I said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘That was a shaytaan (a devil)!!’”

So let’s get busy learning this beautiful Ayaat, implement it in your life – read it after every obligatory salaah, before going to sleep, etc.

May Allah protect us all, ameen.

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