Friendships Fi'Sabilillah

Islam and the concept of Friendship

2007-03-13T10:59:00.000-07:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

"The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk, and the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows. So as for the seller of musk then either he will grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at least you enjoy a pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows then either he will burn your clothes or you will get an offensive smell from him."
~~~~~~~~~~~

Islam and the concept of Friendship
(from here)

Humans are social creatures by nature; they're always in need of friends and companions. Most of our lives depend on interaction with others. Strong individuals are the core of a strong community, something that Muslims should always strive for.

We all know that Allah the Most High has brought us to life in order to test us. Thus we are here for a relatively short period of time and that we shall meet Allah one Day, so we need to use our present life for what is best for us in the hereafter. Once we know our purpose and our goal in life, we should seek ways to achieve them so as to benefit our own selves.

In an authentic Hadith, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said:

"A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, so look whom you befriend."

Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) who has the most noble character and dealings with fellow humans gave us a very clear and simple message and advice in regard to friendship.

How should we choose our friends?

We should choose the friend that believes and abide by our religion (Islam) and gives great respect to what Allah and Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) has ordered us. And we should stay away from that who is not well mannered and gives no attention to what Islam is about or what pleases or displeases Allah, for he'll surely affect us negatively. There is no good in the companion drowns us in sins and displeasing Allah.

The bases for the actions of those who follow the evil ways are corrupt; their actions are built upon misguidance and deviation. Their deeds are worthless to them as Allah said:

"And We will proceed to what they have done of deeds, so We shall render them to scattered floating dust." Qur’an (25:23)

Their actions, even if we see them as righteous and noble are of no value to them, so how can they be useful to us?

Good friends are those who share their companions both happiness and sadness. If we share our feelings with the wrong-doers whose actions are worthless and based on corruption, then we are following the same ways and standards as they are, and we'll end up being as corrupted as they are, and then we're in a big trouble, how can we face Allah's dissatisfaction and displeasure?!

Instead of making friends with the misguided ones we should befriend the righteous, yet treat the rest in a gracious and just manner. Staying at sufficient distance is necessary; yet treating everybody in a noble and kind manner is required.

In another Hadith, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said:

"The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk, and the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows. So as for the seller of musk then either he will grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at least you enjoy a pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows then either he will burn your clothes or you will get an offensive smell from him."

When choosing our friends we should ask ourselves first: Are they going to help us achieve the purpose for which we were brought to life? or will they take us away from it? Will they desire for us Allah's pleasure or is that completely irrelevant to them and not their concern at all? Are they leading us to Paradise or to the Hell?

Allah says in the Qur'an:

"O you who believe! Take care of your own selves. If you follow the right guidance and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong no hurt can come to you from those who are in error. The return of you all is to Allah, then He will inform you about (all) that which you used to do." Qur'an (5:105)

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim. Rawdhina billahi Rabba wa bil'islaami deena wa bi'Muhammadin nabiyaa, wa akhirud'duana anil'hamdulillahi rabbil'alameen. Walaykumasalam wa rahmatullah

Islamic Brotherhood

2006-09-02T04:44:00.000-07:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

It is related byabu Musa Ash'ari (radiAllahu anhu) that The Messengerof Allah said "The connection between Muslims is like that of a strong building - one part strengthens another." The Prophet then showed this by interlocking the fingers of one hand with those of the other (that muslims should remain united and combined - thereby streghthening one another).

In the above hadith, by enlikening Muslim unity to a strong building, the Holy Prophet has in effect urged the Ummah to form a fortress by uniting where each Muslim will be a "brick" and the closeness and coherence amongst Muslims should be like that of bricks in a building. He then demonstrated, interlocking the fingers of both hands that the Muslims should remain together and blend into a single body.

In a hadith, narrated by Nu'man ibn Bashir (radiALlahu anhu) the Prophet is reported to have said that"The Muslims (the Ummah) are like the limbs of a man, where if the eye hurts the whole body feels pain and if the head hurts, the whole body feels pain and suffering."

This hadith, also seeks to emphasize the desired unity of the Ummah. "All for one and one for all" should be the Muslims' motto. They should be prepared to assist one another and even share the sorrows and problems of each other. In fact, in yet another hadith mention is made of the fact thatjust as it is necessary for a believer (muslim) to be loyal and devoted to Allah, the Holy Prophet ,the Holy Qur'an and the Islamic government; it is an essential condition, for being a faithful Believer, not to remain indifferent to the difficulties and problems of the Muslims but to take a genuine interest in them.

As related by Huzaifah (radiAllahu anhu) the Prophet said "Whoever does not take an interest in the affairs and problems of the Muslims, he is not of them. And whoever's state is such that, each morning and evening, he is not loyal and earnest to Allah, his Apostle, His Book, the Islamic ruler and towards the Muslims, as a whole, he is not of them."

The Holy Prophet was so stem with regards to the mutual relat ion ship of Muslims, that he even took pledges for brotherly feeling and sincerity towards all muslims.

It is related by Jabir ibn Abdullah (radiAllahu anhu) that he said "I had taken a pledge at the hand of Rasuluilah to observe Swallah (prayers), to pay Zakah (charity due) and to be a sincere well-wisher of every Muslim." The Fact that the Prophet took the pledge or promise from the companions, for being a sincere well - wisher of the Muslims together with that of observing Swalaah and Zakah which are important pillars of Islam - shows the importance attached by him to the matter.

Besides the general kind treatment, brotherly love etc. to be extended to fellow Muslims, there are certain specific rights and claims to be fulfilled. It is related by Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) that the Prophet said, "There are five claims of a Muslim upon a Muslim: to return his greetings when he greets; to visit him when he falls ill; to attend his funeral; to accept his invitation to a meal and to pray for him, when he sneezes, by saying'yarhamukallah'(May the mercy of Allah be on you)."[Note that another hadith mentions six claims of one Muslim upon another]

The five things mentioned in the hadith a reacts which not only give expression to, but also promote brotherly feelings between Muslims and therefore special attention should be paid to them. In another report, some other acts are specified too-which shows that the claims described here are by way of example only and not conclusive.

Anas (radiAllahu anhu) reports that Rasulullah once said "I swear by the Holy Being in whose power my life is, any one of you cannot be a true believer unless he desires for his fellow-brother what he desires for himself.

"To feel earnestly for a Muslim brother, to the extent of preferring for him what one prefersforoneself has been classed asa prerequisite forcomplete faith. So, anyone who claims to be a Muslim, but is lacking in this aspect, he in fact does not possess the reality of Faith (iman).

A principal feature of the Holy Prophet 's teachings is the emphasis upon every class, group or individual to fulfil the rights of others, with a full sense of responsiblity, and consider it a source of good fortune in both worlds.

May Allah the Almighty grant us all, the understanding and the guidance to fulfil our rights and duties to one anottyer, in the mannerthat has been explained to us by the Holy Prophet and may He create the bond of true and Sincere Unity betiween us all. Ameen.

Taken from Mutmainaa

It seemed impossible...

2006-07-22T00:04:00.000-07:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

"Stay together, friends
Don't scatter and sleep.
Our friendship is made
of being awake."
~Rumi rahmatullahi'alay

Asalamualaykum wa rahmatullah,

Forgive us for the lack of updates, and sorry for the wait.

So whats with the Poetry from Rumi [Rahmatullahi'alay] up top? Nothing but a reminder, perhaps it will come into play later. Now on with the post insha'Allah...This is a post Sister Mujahidah and I were planning to post together, but due to certain time restraints I am posting-but it is both our ideas put together insha'Allah.

Some of you may know, and many of you probably do not know but some time in the recent past Sister Mujahidah an Nafs and myself were given the opportunity to meet and spend a few days together. Alhamdulillah. We won't bore you with the details, but in general: Sister Mujahidah an Nafs and I met via "Blogistan" and eventually we became good friends, Alhamdulillah.

Modern day technology allowed us to stay in touch through various mediums, but meeting in person seemed pretty unlikely. Why? Well it's simple: We're quite far from one another, so meeting looked impossible, unless one of us was going to travel the distance, use the time, spend the money..not to mention get the blessing of our parents to actually go this far without any "real" reason... It all seemed impossible, something that would have to be put on the backburner till the opportunity presented itself.

Little did we know the opportunity was going to present itself less than a year after we became friends. Sister Mujahidah was given the opportunity of coming "pretty close" to where I am... pretty close compared to the distance now. So of course we seized the opportunity...well, we tried at leat.... She reached her destination fine Alhamdulillah and was there for a while, finally we started looking around for tickets... Lo and behold: Just when we needed them their prices were sky-rocketing. Subhan'Allah.. seemed so close..but at the same time we both felt it would be impossible. Oh of course the travel was covered, the time allotted was already being spent, the valid reason was there, the "go ahead" from the families even...The only thing that was stopping us was a direct flight which seemed quite costly, so costly that both of us agreed it would be too much to bother with, and the indirect flights were a serious hassle..making the journey 3x its length. So of course we were upset, so close yet so impossible..and indeed it seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity.

So what happened? Well at one point we seemed ready to give up and figured "Khayr Allah didn't want it, or it wasn't meant to be, why have it any other way? There's Hikmah in it." In the end we figured Alhamdulillah 'ala kulli haal. So the idea of us meeting up was abolished for a short period of time. But when you have your heart set on something for so long, and are planning for almost two months...only to find out that nothing was going through... there was bound to be persistence. So we persisted in our search for tickets, and finally sister Mujahidah found one...of the same value as the others we had checked out previously.

So someone (who I will be forever indebted to-for brining together two friends, may Allah give her more happiness than she can imagine in this life and the next insha'Allah, and may her spouse and children be the coolness of her eyes insha'Allah. [say ameen please]) So someone talked to Sister Mujahidah and (although I'm sure Mujahidah didn't need any talking to) this sister still made her see how this really is a once in a life-time chance because the chance of 1)VeiledKnight going to see Mujahidah were quite slim unless for special reason or it was on the way to elsewhere. 2)Sister Mujahidah [as it looked] would have been booked for the next year or so with her Pre-Reg, and the holidays were already booked for other occasions. Alhamdulillah this gave her that little push she needed and she booked the ticket and within a few days we met, spent time together, and Alhamdulillah all I can say is that to my Sisters if you don't know Mujahidah-well get to know her. Masha'Allah.

So what was the lesson to be learned? We both thought about this, and we came up with a few lessons, undoubtedly we probably missed a few lessons but at the same time here is one key lesson we picked up on:

If it's meant to be, it'll happen. Now this goes for all cases, but let's talk about Friends. Many a time we meet people online via Islamic projects, blogs, etc. Some we take as close friends knowing we may never meet in this life, and others we simply know as acquaintances. But MOST of the time our friends are people we know from around our area, people we went to school with, people we know from the masjid, basically meaning people we have actually met and interacted with in person.

Subhan'Allah it's so interesting how people meet and how they become friends, sometimes it makes you wonder "what triggered this friendship to work so well, and this one doesn't work at all?" Thinking of this reminds me of a saying; unfotunately i have not the slightest idea where this is anymore, but if anyone does have it please e-mail journeyends@hotmail.com immediately with the text. JazakAllahukhayr. Anyway- so I believe(tentative) it was Ali radhi'Allahu'anhu who said that Those people who become friends in this life are friends because they recognized eachother from that one time when all our souls were toghether-when we said to Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala that He was Our Lord, and we would worship none but Him. This is why we almost "instantaneously click."

Now does that go for "internet friends?"(btw try not to have exceedingly many.. just a tip) maybe it doesn't BUT Allahu'Alim..the point is: Sister Mujahidah and I ended up meeting because there was a reason behind it, Allah allowed it for a reason, and Alhamdulillah i can say nothign but good came from that few days we spent together. Had there been evil to be derived from it, surely Allah Azz'wa Jal would not have allowed it to happen. Even after we gave up trying, still in the end things worked out. Sometimes things are just meant to be? Perhpas also because our friendship is purely Fi'Sabilillah. Alhamdulillah, Allah has enabled us to have developed a friendship in which when we talk we mention Din, when we met we spoke of Din, anytime we interact theres some concept of Din tied to it. Only by the Will of Allah, Alhamdulillah.

We started this friendship Fi'Sabilillah and insha'Allah it will continue as so. As someone I know once said "The friendships made on His Path, indeed are unique." We have become friends on this long journey to Allah, and may the end of This Path be with Him, and His Habib Sal'Allahu'alayhiwasalam at "Al'Kawthar, The Fount of Abundance."(Talib al Habib)

So whats the point? Should we all go and meet friends that we have all over the world? Well thats not practical..is it? But the idea is...even if you meet, or don't meet... Keep those ties, not becuase one day you will meet but becuase it is the Order of Allah and His Messenger Sal'Allahualayhiwasalam. Till the last moment there was no guarantee Sister Mujahidah and I were going to meet, but we did, becuase Allah Allowed it. So what good happened by us meeting, how did this help the ummah? Not only did Sister Mujahidah meet me, she also was given teh chance to meet a very dear friend of mine. One more tie Fi'Sabilillah, Alhamdulillah. Secondly, our families now know one another... two seperate Muslim families, miles apart, who would have probably never met otherwise, probably never gotten that chance to extend a hand Fi'Sabilillah, these two families now know one another, respect one another, have at least some sort of care and concern for one another, and insha'Allah are in one another's duaas...

Indeed we are One Ummah, it doesn't matter if we are near or far, it's about securing the Ties of our Ummah. If we know one another from the internet or if we know one another from the Masjid: Never forget- Our rope is one-. Indeed Maulana Rumi is right; "Stay together friends, do not scatter and sleep, our friendship is made of being awake."If we aren't awake, if we don't take the initiative to keep ties or to reach out to our fellow Brothers or Sisters..how can we even think to Unite?

We thank Allah Subhananhu wa ta'ala for giving us the chance to meet and we pray He gives us more, if not in this life then insha'Allah in The Best of Places.

May Allah enable us to make all our ties Fi'Sabilillah so that we may as the hadith says "keep our matter alive." Insha'Allah.

~Mujahidah an Nafs & Veiled Knight

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim. Rawdhina billahi Rabba wa bil'islaami deena wa bi'Muhammadin nabiyaa, wa akhirud'duana anil'hamdulillahi rabbil'alameen. Walaykumasalam wa rahmatullah

The Best of Neighbours...

2006-06-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

Asalamualaykum wa Rahmatullah,

Insha'Allah all is well.

As mentioned in a previous post-there would be a 'part 2' in regards to the following Hadith:

It is reported by Bukhari and Muslim [rahima'ullah ta'ala] that Rasulullah Sal'Allahu'alayhiwasalam said:

"The best of companions in Allah's view is the best among them to his companion, and the best of neighbours in Allah's view is the best among them towards his neighbour."

The earlier post dealt with the first part of the hadith "The best of companions in Allah's view is the best among them to his companion." Insha'Allah, today's post is in regards to the later part: "and the best of neighbours in Allah’s view is the best among them towards his neighbour." Alhamdulillah.

Interestingly enough, many of us extend the hand of friendship to our fellow Muslim, whether they be two doors down from us or an ocean apart, simply because they are a Muslim. It's from the Beautiful Sunnah of our Nabi Sal'Allahu' alayhiwasalam to build strong bonds with our fellow brethren so that we may 'Keep our matter alive' [excerpt from hadith]. Many call this extending a hand Fi'Sabilillah. Masha'Allah that is all well and great, may Allah reward each of those individuals who strengthen the ties of this Ummah far and wide. But as we go about making friendships Fi'Sabilillah with Muslims here and there, do we often forget that we should make ties Fi'Sabilillah even with those who do not share the same faith as us?

"and the best of neighbours in Allah’s view is the best among them towards his neighbour."

If you live in the west, it is quite probable that your neighbors may be non-Muslims and/or of a different 'cultural background'(unless you live in Leicester,UK...then its a whole 'nother ballpark, a cricket one perhaps :D) Alhamdulillah for communities which have managed to build and strengthen ties purely based Fi'sabilillah, insha'Allah. Anyway the point is if you live in the western countries, it is likely that your neighbor will be a non-Muslim and/or have a different 'cultural background' which is more than fine Alhamdulillah.

I believe that this is where many of us fall short. There are two scenarios which are often seen, and a few more "sub scenarios" which go under them, yet as Muslims we do not fulfill our duty in these circumstances.

Scenario One:

A non-Muslim family/person is living next door to a Muslim family. Both families/neighbours have lived in the same place (in their respective houses) for well over a few weeks (months, years, decades, take your pick) yet the Muslim family has never really extended a hand of friendship to these neighbors simply b/c "they are kuffar and we don't need 'riff-raff' like that" or "they are different, we don't share the same views, they could corrupt our kids." Oh the list is endless, Subhan'Allah.

It feels like we are so caught up in making ties Fi'Sabilillah with those who are Muslim, whether they be abroad or across the street, but we are hesitant to extend a hand of friendship to our very own neighbors, knowing well that Rasulullah Sal'Allahu'alayhiwasalam constantly reminded us to be good with our brothers as well as to our neighbors.

"They are kuffar:" If my memory serves me right, a kaafir is one who is shown the religion of Islam, is shown The Truth in the correct manner, and then still denies it, then they are labeled 'kaafir' otherwise they are simply uninformed OR they really are [because they chose to be] blatantly iggnorant... So isn't it up to us to give dawah?

"They are different:" Yea and so what? Boggling really...I'm sure they find us different too, but do many of the non-Muslims actually 'show' it? Many are taken aback by beards, hijaabs, abayas, thobes, etc but at the same time many of tehm do not shun Muslims, the way we shun them...So someone gave you a dirty look because you're wearing hijaab or have a beard.. We should smile at them and make duaa for them insha'Allah, and if they ask questions, be nice! We should try to answer them, explain to them the Wisdom and Beauty behind these facets of Islam.

"They will corrupt our kids:" So let us give our kids the 'tarkeeb' to be strong enough to leave an impression on their children, opposed to the other way around.

"But we are good to them; we don't bother them or anything:" Alhamdulillah, that is being good to your neighbor in away, but at the same time, we live next door to someone for three years and still don't know their first name? I'm not asking or saying that we have to call our neighbors over for dinner (although feeding them Zabiha meat doesn’t sound like a bad idea) or that we have to go out with our neighbors, but it should be so that if our neighbors ever needed anything they could simply come over and ask for it, or if they needed some help with something they could come over and ask for it. It is one thing to be hospitable and kind and it is another to be quiet and rude.

Subhan'Allah the excuses seem endless, but do we realize the solutions are endless as well? Alhamdulillah.

It's no lie; living in the west can be cumbersome when it comes to society, but at the same time, Subhan'Allah we can look at it as a Test and a Mercy from Allah. Many of us have it SO much easier in the west opposed to many other places in the world, and Subhan'Allah, non-Muslim neighbors? What a great Dawah oppurtunity, Alhamdulillah.

True many of these people do not really care about religion, but some do... what if that small percentage of people who are looking for some Saqoon in their lives, what if from them one of those individuals happens to be our next door neighbor, and we did not present Islam to them the best way possible?

Many do not accept before their death, so will they be asked of it on That Day? Perhaps they will, Allah gave them a brain, He gave them intellect to go out and research, look up, find, and question...but Allah Knows Best. But will we be questioned? Yes. Allah will ask us 'Why did you not propagate My Deen? Why did you not extend your hand to these neighbors? Why didn't you show them the kindness Islam teaches us, perhaps through that they may have accepted Islam.' Perhaps those will not be the exact words, indeed Allah Knows Best.

Extending a hand Fi'Sabilillah doesn't always mean to secure ties within the Ummah, at times it also means making doorway for Dawah insha'Allah.

Scenario Two:

The neighbours are Muslim, but of a different "cultural background."

In Surah Al'Hujraat, Ayah thirteen it says: "O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)."

If Rasulullah Sal'Allahu'alayhiwasalam and the Sahabah Akram Radhi'Allahu'anhu wa anhuma could live with Christian monks, Jewish rabbis, heedless leaders, zionists, many of who were anti-Islam and would try to diminish Islam, then we can suck it up and live with our own Muslim Brethren, no matter what culture they be.

"I can't 'connect' with my neighbors because they are Pakistani/Arab/Indian/Afghani/Caucasian/Oriental/Latino/African/purple/green/orange
/red/teal/pink/etc... "

Is the stupidest and most un-excusable 'excuse' ever. Khallas.

"But they don’t understand!:" Understand what? Why you do one thing one way and they do the same thing another? So what? All our job is, is to be their neighbor. It's not hard, race shouldn’t be an issue. This is like saying "Oh I can't associate with you b/c your Maliki and I'm Shafii."

"They aren't practicing Muslims:" Yea..and? Insha'Allah maybe if our characters were so good, people would become practicing by our company...

"They don't like me/us:" So that doesn't mean we disassociate with our Muslim brother, does it? What did we do that they don’t like us? It's possible we could have done something which turned them away from us. Regardless, many from the own family of Rasulullah Sal'Allahu'alayhiwasalam didn't 'like' him, did he shun them? No. Alhamdulillah.

So what do we have to do?

We don't neccesarily have to throw dinner parties, get togethers, set up picnics, etc etc etc.* We simply make sure our neighbor knows wedo care for them. Take over food every now and then, share with them the rich culture of Islaam, and find opportune moments to give dawah to them. In their grief, comfort them with words from the Quran and Sunnah, in their happiness smile with them and wish them the best, in their anger, help them to be reasonable. Many say this leads to unnecessary talking, intermingling etc. No, there is no compromise in religion. Do not send your wife/daughter/sister with food over when you know the next door neighbor is a male, take it yourself. Do not send your husband/son/brother over with some food if your next door neighbor is a female. Do it yourself. If their kids need a ride and your headed out, maybe you can give them a lift? If your going out to the grocery store maybe your neighbor needs a few things? These are ' Al'maun- small kindnesses. Be a good neighbor, but also make the lines of Shari’ah very clear, insha'Allah soon enough [if they aren’t Muslim or practicing] they will come to respect and understand us but all we have to do is extend our hand Fi'Sabilillah.

*However if they are Muslim, we might want to spend time with them, maybe set up a halal dinner [separated etc]

Remember: "the best of neighbours in Allah's view is the best among them towards his neighbour."

No one is asking for an organ, being a good neighbor just means being kind, this too is a Friendship Fi'Sabilillah.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim. Rawdhina billahi Rabba wa bil'islaami deena wa bi'Muhammadin nabiyaa, wa akhirud'duana anil'hamdulillahi rabbil'alameen. Walaykumasalam wa rahmatullah

Advice on Friends

2006-06-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

A short poem by Imran Ibn Zarkhan Al Shafi on friendship Inshallah Ta'ala. (I promise to post something original on the topic of friendship soon VK :)

A real friend wishes his companions well,

He's not one who allows them to get close to hell,

Always be careful of the friends you Choose,So, in the end,

Jannah you will not lose,

If you find your companion is not stopping your wrong,

then, be weary, his friendship is not strong.

If you see the pattern made,that when you are under your friend's shade,

Your Imaan begins to fade,

Leave the worthless creation,make friends with Allah, Surely that is a high station!.

A dervish who had knowledge of our present situation,

Once told his students the following dictation,

"The meeting of people will never enrich you,

save with the gibberish of useless gossip.

So diminish your meeting with people,

except for knowledge or to improve your condition"

The Best of Companions...

2006-05-28T23:31:00.000-07:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

Asalamualaykum wa Rahmatullah,

Insha'Allah you are in the best of health and imaan.

It is reported by Bukhari and Muslim [rahima'ullah ta'ala] that Rasulullah Sal'Allahu'alayhiwasalam said:

"The best of companions in Allah’s view is the best among them to his companion, and the best of neighbours in Allah’s view is the best among them towards his neighbour."

So what do we understand from this hadith? Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala is pleased when we have good charachter with our friends and neighbors, and in general as you know- Allah is pleased with those who show good character to anyone. Alhamdulillah there are a few things we can take from this hadith but for now let's focus on one aspect, and the next will coem in a later post insha'Allah.

"The best of companions in Allah’s view is the best among them to his companion"

This is quite interesting becuase most likely when we first hear it we sort of shrug it off thinking "Yea I'm nice to my frineds, okay." we might not give this phrase the attention it needs.

More often than not when you befriend someone you're both kind to one another, care for one another and treat one another with respect. Alhamdulillah, indeed when the hadith states the above mentioned phrase it means all that; but when you contemplate about it, you think 'why would that me neccesary to say..isn't it obvious that your friends are people you are good to?" So perhaps the phrase has to mean more?

I'm no muhadith so I'm not trying to give tafsir of the hadith, rather just reminding myself and whoever Allah wills to read this; that being good to our companions/friends to their face is not enough. Your friendship and loyalty to that person doesn't end there.

Being "the best among them to your companion" entails alot..but it's no burden either, Alhamdulillah.

If our friend is sad we should try to make her/him smile and see the positive. If our friend is angry we should not let them become consumed in their fury, we should talk to them, reason with them, and try to help them. If our friend is happy then be happy for them, share their joy. If somethign good happens to our friend, be happy for them and make duaa Allah gives them more insha'Allah. If something bad happens to our friend feel sad for them, we should make duaa for them and not become joyful over their loss. When our friend is not around, praise him/her infront of others so that they may know of his/her piety and goodness. When our friend talks to us we should listen carefully and give them our attention. When your friend is with you make your friend feel as if they are most beloved to you. We should not act with your friend in such ways that they may start to harbor ill feelings towards us. We should try to be friends who bring out the best in others. We should ease the worries of our friends if we can, we should remind them of Allah and they should remind us of Allah, we should be friends for His Sake in this life so that we may strenghten this Ummah. This is a true friend....a true friend does all of the above and much more. Alhamdlillah.

It is narrated in the ahadith that when Rasulullah Sal'Allahualayhiwasalam sat with his companions, radhi'Allahuanhum wa anhuma, and he Sal'Allahualayhiwasalam spoke with them they would feel as if they were the favorite of Rasulullah Sa'Allahualayhiwasalam, this is how special we should treat our companions, insha'Allah.

Indeed everyone slips but what do we do then? We seek refuge in Allah Most High and we ask our friend(s) to forgive us insha'Allah. But let's not make it a habit to be having to seek forgiveness from our friends because we upset them.

Another thing: Thank Allah Az wa Jal, verily without Him these people wouldn't be in our lives.

Alhamdulillahi'Rabbil alamin I have been blessed with a few friends who I can honestly say are true companions, whom I would hope to be re-united with in Jannah insha'Allah. Subhan'Allah...my words could do them no justice. May Allah give them all the happiness there is to accquire in this life, but most importantly the next insha'Allah.

*On another note: Sister Mujahidah an Nafs, a dear and true friend of mine [Alhamdulillah], recently had a family member pass away, may Allah fill his grave with Nur and grant him ease insha'Allah. Please keep the family in your duaas as well. May Allah give them sabr and ease insha'Allah. Also she is currently in the midst of some important exams, please make duaa for her. May she pass all the exams that she may face in this life and may she be saved from the tests of the hereafter insha'Allah.

May Allah make us of those who are of the best to our companions and raise the ranks of those who are among the best of companions to their friends and give them ease in both lives insha'Allah.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim. Rawdhina billahi Rabba wa bil'islaami deena wa bi'Muhammadin nabiyaa, wa akhirud'duana anil'hamdulillahi rabbil'alameen.

Walaykumasalam wa rahmatullah

Forgiveness...Fisabilillah.

2006-05-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

Asalamu'alaykum wa Rahmatullah

Forgiveness... For the Sake of Allah, Subhan'Allah what a beautiful thing. SubhanAllah, how flawed we are...There is sometimes the rare occasion when discussing something with a close friend whom you love For the Sake of Allah, and they too love you For the Sake of Allah, that you disagree upon something, or you say something or do something which leads to the other being hurt... And then you regret it.

Remorse and sadness take over your soul, and you are filled with nothing but grief over this incident. Why? Becuase this sin, however light it may be seen, is so manifest and of a great magnitude. Not only have you hurt someone, you have hurt someone you love For the Sake of Allah...you have hurt The creation of The Creator

Rasulullah Sal'Allahualayhiwasalam said that Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala has said: 'My love is granted to those who love one another for My sake, who visit one another for My sake, and who spend on one another for My sake.'

If those who love one another for Allah's Sake, and also forgive one another for His Sake... What a display of your love for Allah (ofcourse to Allah, not so you may be held high in the sights of others) masha'Allah to forgive someone who you feel may have wronged you or hurt you in anyway...

I believe I am guilty of this. Out of haste and caught in emotion I feel I may have hurt someone. Someone who holds a special place in my life and also happens to be one of the individuals who I have some (okay quite a lot) of respect for; Someone I love For the Sake of Allah, today I hurt this person. I despise causing someone any sort of discomfort, which is what makes it worse...Inna Lillah...but the fact remains that we all make mistakes, may Allah forgive us insha'Allah. But still in such a scenario, Allah will not forgive the wrong doer until the one who he/she hurt forgives him (the wrong doer.)

So I humbly request that you make duaa my beloved friend finds it in her heart to forgive me, and that Allah gives me the sense to think, think, think, re-evaluate what I thought, and then to speak in all scenarios and situations...insha'Allah.

To my sister(you know who you are): Please forgive me, I hold enough burden to answer for on That Day, I'm asking you to ease this burden..forigve me... For the Sake of Allah... ana uhubbikufillah...

[excuse the arabi if it makes no sense, i'm sure she understands, as she is one of those who understnads me best..Alhamdulillah..insha'Allah..]

May Allah give us all the inclination to love and forgiveone another for His Sake, and treat others with the utmost kindness* possible insha'Allah.

sidenote:*utmost kindness: keep it halal guys!..Alhamdulillah...

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim. Rawdhina billahi Rabba wa bil'islaami deena wa bi'Muhammadin nabiyaa, wa akhirud'duana anil'hamdulillahi rabbil'alameen.

Walaykumasalam wa rahmatullah

Hadhrat Maulana Yunus Patel Sahib on Friendship.

2006-05-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

" Everyone projects the image of friendship, but true friendship is that which is established for the pleasure of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala. A freind is one who takes no difference when a weakness of his is pointed out, and he too does not resist to point out the friends weakness and assist him in rectifying it"

Hadhrat Maulana Yunus Patel Sahib

Achieve true brotherhood

2006-04-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

"There are five steps to follow when setting out on the path of
achieving true brotherhood in the service of the Din.

1. The first step of action is to have a daily litany (wird) of
supplication (du’a) for your brothers.

2. The second step of action is to devote a certain time of the day
to serving your brothers, outside of your classes, study time,
and other obligations.

3. The third step of action is to not sleep at night with something
in your heart against your Muslim brother; regardless of what
happened, whether you were right or wrong.

4. The fourth step of action is to avoid speaking against any of
your brothers.

5. The fifth step of action is to distinguish between judging
something that is from the unseen and something that you
clearly see."

Found on This Article click to read more insha'Allah.

May Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala enable us to love and serve one another purely for His Sake insha'Allah.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim. Rawdhina billahi Rabba wa bil'islaami deena wa bi'Muhammadin nabiyaa, wa akhirud'duana anil'hamdulillahi rabbil'alameen. Walaykumasalam wa rahmatullah

Islam and the concept of friendship.

2006-04-22T05:31:00.000-07:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah...Found this article on the net...Have a read Inshallah..Jazakallah khair :)

Humans are social creatures by their nature and in need of friends and companions. Much of our lives is spent in interaction with others. For us, Submitters (Muslims in Arabic), who are living in a society where we are clearly a minority, the issue of choosing the right companions is essential for preserving our religion and maintaining our righteousness.

Befriending the right people is an essential mean for staying on the Straight Path. In choosing our friends we should be looking for friends who believe in God and His scriptures. Living in a society where Submitters (Muslims) are a minority is a challenge by itself that is rewarded by God fully. In such a society, finding the righteous friend may not be easy at the beginning but insisting on them and looking for them is a sign to God that you are sincere in your search and He will direct you in the right path.

Since we cannot always find other Submitters (Muslims) near us, God permitted us in the Quran to befriend other people from other religions as long as they do not mock God or our religion. If you have school mates or neighbors who are not Submitters (Muslims) whom you like, who behave righteously as far as their religion command them and who do respect your beliefs and religion, you can have them as friends. Those who do not respect your beliefs, and mock your religion or God do not deserve you and you should not keep them any more. If you choose to befriend non-Submitters, remember that you cannot compromise any aspect of your religion just to please your friends. Always remember that we are here in this life to please God first. Also remember that some of those who are born in a Submitters (Muslim) family and call themselves Submitters (Muslims) while in reality have not got a grip on their religion, may be as bad friends as non-submitters who mock your religion. Beware, only befriend those who believe God and respect His commandments, do not think because a person call him/herself a Submitter (a Muslim) , guarantees that he/she will be a good friend.

A good friend will always remind you of God, remind you of performing your Salat (Contact prayers), support you when you fast, remind or encourage you to pay Zakat (obligatory charity) and do righteous work and behave respectfully in your community as God told us in the Quran. Having bad friends is the same like having the Devil as your guidance. The bases for the actions of those who follow the evil ways are corrupt; their actions are built upon misguidance and deviation. Their deeds are worthless to them as God said:

"We will look at all the works they have done, and render them null and void. " [25:23]

Friends are those who feel for their companions, in both happy and sad moments. If we share our feelings with the wrong- doers whose actions are worthless and based on corruption, then we are following the same ways and standards as they are. Affection which results from that friendship leads to love and closeness to other than the righteous believers, and this may even lead to avoiding those who are on the Straight Path. Mixing with the wrong friends also results in a change in one's behaviour, morals and conduct. If we agree, follow and are pleased with such friends, then we inherit their habits, behaviours and even the wrong practices of their religion. Such a person would find him/herself in a situation wherein he/she is willing to hide his/her correct beliefs in front of those who despise it and to separate from the true believers. When this situation occurs, a point is reached when there is a very slight difference between the Submitter (Muslim) and his wrong-doing companion. Such a companionship is the root of sickness of one's heart and loss of one's religion.

Instead of making friends with the misguided ones we should befriend the righteous of among all God's religions, and treat the rest in a gracious and just manner. Staying on a sufficient distance is necessary, yet treating everybody in a noble and kind manner is required.

God, the Most Merciful says in the Qur'an:

"The day will come when the transgressor will bite his hands (in anguish) and say, "Alas, I wish I had followed the path with the messenger. "Alas, woe to me, I wish I did not take that person as a friend. "He has led me away from the message after it came to me. Indeed, the devil lets down his human victims."[25:27-29]

This shows, how important is choosing our friends.

"So take heed before the inevitable Day comes and we are reckoned for our acts. God, the Most-Wise also says: "The close friends on that day will become enemies of one another, except for the righteous." [43:67].

A reminder that bad friends in this life will be the worst enemies, blaming each other for getting into the eternal Hell.. This lesson is for us to know and take heed.

It is through the good company that God, the Most Merciful, saves those who are astray and guides the wicked. The benefit of mixing with the righteous is immense, and it will, God willing, be even more obvious to us in the Hereafter.

"O you who believe, you should worry only about your own necks. If the others go astray, they cannot hurt you, as long as you are guided. To GOD is your ultimate destiny, all of you, then He will inform you of everything you had done." [5:105]

We pray to God to make us of the righteous ones and give us companions who will be with us when we walk away from His Wrath and lead us to His Pleasure and Paradise.

2006-04-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

Asalamualaykum wa Rahmatullah, Masha'Allah an awesome post from another blog...

"Often times we forget what true friendships really mean, and the responsibility that comes along with being a friend, especially to your fellow Muslim brother or sister. We lose sight of the true aim of friendships as these relationships become immersed with jealousy, conceit, hypocrisy, and evil. These friendships wither away because of our shortcomings and diseases within us..."

read the rest here Insha'Allah ....

Duas for the blogger^^ & ofcourse all of us.
Walaykumasalam wa Rahmatullah

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim. Rawdhina billahi Rabba wa bil'islaami deena wa bi'Muhammadin nabiyaa, wa akhirud'duana anil'hamdulillahi rabbil'alameen. Walaykumasalam wa rahmatullah

When Friends hurt eachother

2006-04-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

Imam Malik one day entered the Masjid after Asr. Towards the front of Masjid An-Nabawee he drew closer and sat down. Rasul Allah had commanded that anyone who enters the Masjid should not sit until he first prays 2 rakas as a salutation of the Masjid. Imam Malik was of the opinion however that Rasul Allah's forbiddance of praying after Asr took precedence and so he would teach his students to not pray the tahiyyatul Masjid if they entered between the Asr and Maghrib time.

At that moment that Imam Malik sat down, a young boy had seen him sit without first praying the 2 raka's of Tahiyyatul Masjid. The young boy scorned him, "Get up and pray 2 rakas!"

Imam Malik dutifully stood up once again and began praying the 2 rakas. The students sat stunned: What was going on? Had Imam Malik's opinion changed?

After he had completed the salah, the students swarmed around and questioned his actions. Imam Malik said, "My opinion has not changed, nor have I gone back on what I taught you earlier. I merely feared that had I not prayed the 2 rakas as the young boy commanded, Allah may include me in the Ayah...

"And when it is said to them, 'Bow (in prayer)', they do not bow." - al mursalat 77/48.

Imam Ahmad held the opinion that eating camel meat nullifies ones Wudhu, an opinion that the majority of scholars differed from. Some students asked him, "If you find an Imam eating camel meat in front of you and - without first making Wudu - then leads the Salah, would you pray behind him?" Imam Ahmad replied, "Do you think I would not pray behind the likes of Imam Malik and Sa'eed ibn Al-Musayyab?"

Allah created humans with differences. It is the law of creation. Different tongues, different colors, different cultures... all that on the outside. On the inside, humans were created with many degrees of knowledge, intellect, and comprehension of concepts. This is all a sign of Allah's all encompassing power to do whatever He wills:

"And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colors: verily in that are signs for those who know." [30:22]

Humans shall differ, that is not the issue. The issue is: How as a Muslim should one confront these differences of opinions and what should be our relationship with someone of a different opinion.

Allah ta'ala commanded us to call and advise people in this Deen of Al-Islam. Many Muslims set off on this mission blindfolded, not realizing that the map was there in the Qur'an also. In fact, in the very same verse where Allah commanded us to call and advise people in this Deen, Allah taught us how to do it. Read the following verse carefully:

"Invite (fi'l Amr - Allah is commanding) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction and argue with them in a way that is best! " - Surah An-Nahl 16/125.

There is no need to philosophize. No need to talk in the flower gardens. It is right there, plain and simple for anyone who would take heed.

There in that Ayah are the three ingredients to apply when we disagree with someone. The same Allah that taught us to debate the truth, taught us how to do it:

1 - With Hikmah

2 - With good instruction, and

3 - To argue in a way that is best.

What does it mean to have Hikmah when differing with someone? The grandsons of Rasul Allah once set one of the most beautiful examples of Hikmah in advising others. Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn - in their young age - once saw a senior man performing Wudu incorrectly. Together they arranged a plan to teach the man without insulting him, advising him in a manner befitting of his age.

Together they went to the senior and announced, "My brother and I have differed over who amongst us performs Wudu the best. Would you mind being the judge to determine which one of us indeed performs Wudu more correctly."

The man watched intently as the two grandsons of Rasul Allah performed Wudu in an explicit manner. After they had completed, he thanked them and said, "By Allah, I did not know how to perform Wudu before this. You have both taught me how to do it correctly."

We must understand that there are two dimensions to Hikmah. Firstly, there is the Hikmah of knowledge - Hikmah Ilmiyyah. And secondly, there is the Hikmah of Action - Hikmah Amaliyyah.

Some people may have Hikmah of knowledge. But we see that when they try correcting others, advising them, they lack the Hikmah of Action. This causes many a common folk to reject the Hikmah of knowledge.

To illustrate this hikmah of knowledge without Hikmah of action, a brother once completed the Salah in a local Masjid and then proceeded to shake hands with the people on his right and left. The brother to his immediate right slapped his hand and snapped, "That is not part of the Sunnah!" The man replied most correctly, "Oh, is disrespect and insult part of the Sunnah?"

To show Hikmah when we differ requires the following:

Sincerity One:

If we differ, our intentions should be that we are differing in the sincere hope of coming away with the truth. Our intentions should be sincere to Allah.

We should not differ just to release some hate or envy in our heart. We should not differ to embarrass someone like we may have been embarrassed.

Rasul Allah said, "Whoever learns knowledge - knowledge from that which should be sought for the sake of Allah - only to receive a commodity of the material world, he shall not find the fragrance of jannah on the day of resurrection." - An authentic hadith narrated by Abu Dawood in Kitab Al-Ilm.

Kindness and Gentleness Two:

To have Hikmah when differing means we should rarely depart from an atmosphere of kindness and gentleness, we should seldom allow ourselves to become angry and raise our voices.

Fir'own was one of the evilest people that lived. Musa was one of the noblest. Look at how Allah told Musa to advise Fir'own...

"Go, both of you, to Fir'own. Indeed, he has transgressed. And speak to him with gentle speech, perhaps he may remember or fear (Allah)."

A man once entered upon the Khalifah and chastised him for some policies he had taken. The Khalifah replied, "By Allah, Fir'own was more eviler than me. And by Allah, Musa was more pious than you. Yet, Allah commanded him...'And speak to him with gentle speech, perhaps he may remember or fear (Allah).'"

Take Your Time and Clarify Three:

To have Hikmah when dealing with others is to be patient and clarify things before snapping to conclusions.

Imam Ahmad narrates with his chain of narrators leading to Ibn Abbas who said, "A man from Bani Saleem passed by a group of the Prophet's companions. (At that time of war) The man said 'as salamu alaykum' to them. The companions concluded that he only said 'as salamu alaykum' to them as a deception to save himself from being caught. They surrounded him and Malham ibn Juthaamah killed him. From that event Allah revealed the verse...

"O you who have believed, when you go forth (to fight) in the cause of Allah, investigate, and do not say to one who gives you (a greeting of peace), "You are not a believer," Aspiring for the goods of worldly life; for with Allah are many acquisitions. You (yourselves) were like that before; then Allah conferred His favor (i.e. guidance) upon you, so investigate. Indeed, Allah is ever with what you do, acquainted." - Surah AnNisa, 4/94. From Tafseer Ibn Katheer.

Speak Kindly Fourthly,

Never trade in kind words for harshness, especially when dealing with other Muslims.

Look at the power of a sincere and polite word: Mus'ab ibn Umayr was the first of ambassador of Rasul Allah in Madinah. Before Rasul Allah had arrived in Madinah, Mus'ab taught ahl al-Madinah about Islam and they began to enter the Deen.

This enraged Sa'd ibn 'Ubaadah, one of the chieftains of Madinah. He sheathed his sword and set off for the head of Mus'ab ibn 'Umayr. When he confronted Mus'ab he threatened, "Stop this nonsense you speak or you shall find yourself dead!"

Mus'ab replied in the way that should be a lesson for us all. This man before him did not stop at rudeness and ignorance, he wanted to slit his throat.

Mus'ab said, "Shall you not sit and listen for a few moments. If you agree with what I say then take it, and if not, we shall desist from this talk." Sa'd sat down.

Mus'ab spoke about Allah and His messenger until the face of Sa'd ibn Ubaadah's face shone like a full moon and he said, "What should a person do who wishes to enter into this Deen?" After Mus'ab had told him he said, "There is a man, if he accepts this Deen, there shall be no home in Madinah that will not become Muslim. Sa'd ibn Mu'aadh."

When Sa'd ibn Mu'aadh heard what was happening, he was infuriated. He left his home to go and kill this man called Mus'ab ibn Umayr for the dissention he had caused. He entered upon Mus'ab and announced, "You shall desist of this religion you speak of or you shall find yourself dead!"

Mus'ab replied, "Shall you not sit and listen for a few moments. If you agree with what I say then take it, and if not, I shall desist from this talk." Sa'd sat.

Mus'ab spoke about Allah and His messenger until the face of Sa'd ibn Mu'aadh's face shone like a full moon and he said, "What should a person do who wishes to enter into this Deen?"

Look at what a kind word did. Sa'd ibn Mu'aadh went home to his Madinan tribe that night and announced to them all, "Everything of yours is Haram upon me until you all enter into Islam."
That night, every home in Madinah went to bed with Laa ilaaha illa Allah ... all because of a kind word.

Part II: Who wins?

Mu'aawiyah ibn al-Hakam al-Salami. When he came to Madeenah from the desert, he did not know that it was forbidden to speak during the salaah. He relates: "Whilst I was praying behind the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), a man sneezed, so I said 'Yarhamuk Allaah (may Allaah have mercy on you).' The people glared at me, so I said, 'May my mother lose me! What is wrong with you that you are looking at me?' They began to slap their thighs with their hands, and when I saw that they were indicating that I should be quiet, I stopped talking (i.e., I nearly wanted to answer them back, but I controlled myself and kept quiet).

When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had finished praying - may my father and mother be sacrificed for him, I have never seen a better teacher than him before or since - he did not scold me or hit me or put me to shame. He just said, 'This prayer should contain nothing of the speech of men; it is only tasbeeh and takbeer and recitation of the Qur'aan.'" (Saheeh Muslim, 'Abd al-Baaqi edn., no. 537).

Islam showed us how to differ with one another. Some people think that we should never differ at all and all disagreements should be avoided. Nay, this is an incorrect assumption, for the Qur'an and Sunnah show clearly that when a mistake is made it should be corrected. Indeed helping others do what is right is a requirement of the Deen, sincere Naseeha.
We see when Rasul Allah turned away from AbdAllah ibn Umm Maktoom, the blind man, Allah corrected him in the Qur'an...

"The Prophet) frowned and turned away, Because there came to him the blind man But what could tell you that perchance he might become pure (from sins)? Or that he might receive admonition, and that the admonition might profit him?" - surah Abasa, 1-4

When Haatib ibn Abi Balta'ah (may Allaah be pleased with him) made the mistake of writing to the kuffaar of Quraysh and informing them of the direction in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was headed on a military campaign against them, Allaah revealed the words:

"O you who believe! Take not My enemies and your enemies as friends..." -Surah Mumtahinah/1

And so on. Thus we learn that when a mistake happens it should be corrected. However, the method of correction is what needs our attention.

Whenever Muslims argue, it is as if each party carries a banner of: 'I must win and you must lose!' Careful study of the Sunnah however shows us that this is not always the case with the way Rasul Allah acted. Consider the following examples:

"I lose and you win!" A Bedouin came to Rasul Allah and told him, "Give me from what Allah gave you, not from the wealth of your mother nor from the wealth of your father." The Sahaabah were furious at the man and step forward to discipline him for what he said. Rasul Allah commanded everyone to leave him.

Then by the hand, Rasul Allah took him home, opened his door and said, "Take what you wish and leave what you wish." The man did so and after he completed, Rasul Allah asked him, "Have I honored you?" "Yes, by Allah," said the Bedouin. "Ash hadu an laa ilaaha illa Allah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadar Rasul Allah."

When the Sahabah heard of how the man changed, Rasul Allah taught them. "Verily the example of myself, you and this Bedouin is that of a man who had his camel run away. The townspeople tried capturing the camel for him by running and shouting after the camel, only driving it further away. The man would shout, 'Leave me and my camel, I know my camel better.' Then he took some grass in his hand, ruffled it in front of the camel, until it came willingly.

'By Allah, had I left you to this Bedouin, you would have hit him, hurt him, he would have left without Islam and eventually have entered hellfire."
"I win and you lose!" A Muslim should not have an apologetic stance to everything he is confronted with. There are times when the truth must be said, when there is no room for flattery.

When the Makhzoomi women - a women from an affluent family - stole, people approached Rasul Allah to have her punishment canceled. Rasul Allah became very angry and stood on the pulpit and announced, "By Allah, had Fatima the daughter of Muhammad stole I would have cut her hand off."

No room for flattery, the truth must be stood up for. It is here that the etiquette of disagreement that we talked earlier about should shine.

"I win and you win!" There doesn't always have to be a loser. We see in many cases that Rasul Allah gave a way out for the people he differed with.

When he sent the letter to Caesar, he said in it, "Become Muslim and you shall be safe, Allah shall give you your reward double!"

He did not say surrender or die! Nothing of the sort. Become Muslim and you shall win, rather your victory shall be double.

I shall end with this shining example of how to act with other Muslims from our role model, Abu Bakr:

Abu Bakr once disputed with another companion about a tree. During the dispute Abu Bakr said something that he rather would not have said. He did not curse, he did not attack someone's honor, he did not poke a fault in anyone, all he said was something that may have hurt the other companion's feelings.

Immediately, Abu Bakr - understanding the mistake - ordered him, "Say it back to me!" The companion said, "I shall not say it back." "Say it back to me," said Abu Bakr, "Or I shall complain to the Messenger of Allah." The companion refused to say it back and went on his way.

Abu Bakr went to Rasul Allah and related what had happened and what he said. Rasul Allah called that companion and asked him, "Did Abu Bakr say so and so to you?" He said, "Yes." He said, "What did you reply." He said, "I did not reply it back to him." Rasul Allah said, "Good, do not reply it back to him (do not hurt Abu Bakr). Rather say, 'May Allah forgive you O Abu Bakr!'"

The Companion turned to Abu Bakr and said, "May Allah forgive you O Abu Bakr! May Allah forgive you O Abu Bakr!" Abu Bakr turned and cried as he walked away.

Let us leave today with a resolve to revive this air Rasul Allah and his companions breathed, an air of mercy and love and brotherhood .
And Allah knows best.

By Muhammad Alshareef, LL.B Shariah

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim. Rawdhina billahi Rabba wa bil'islaami deena wa bi'Muhammadin nabiyaa, wa akhirud'duana anil'hamdulillahi rabbil'alameen. Walaykumasalam wa rahmatullah

"Don't judge people"

2006-04-06T22:52:00.000-07:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

Asalamu'alaykum wa Rahmatullah

"Don't judge people." Three short words, one small phrase...(and one stern voice.) I was told this a few years ago, and this was the best piece of advice i had recieved in quite a while. It came from a dear friend, may Allah grant her and her family good in both lives insha'Allah.

Among the many things i have learned from this sister, this is the biggest and by far the one which has had the greatest affect on me. Although i never thought i was judgmental, to some degree i was. This sister, through her friendship with me, through kindess and love taught me never to judge anyone based on their actions for i do not know what is in their hearts, and more importantly i myself have many imperfections. This friend taught me to see the good in people, and if i couldn't even see one good thing in them then i was..hmm how to put it... 'to shutup and sit down' (not her words) because as we know, it is better to be silent than to speak evil. Also becuase what makes me so special that i should see the good in someone, it is up to us to love one another, and Allah will judge us on His own.

Anyhow, so today i realized that, had it not been for this sister to teach me this valuable lesson through her love and kindess, i probably would not have learned it till much later, if i even learned it at all.

So whats the point? Simple: Don't judge people, regardless of what the do or say, look for the good in them and keep your duty to them as a Muslim sister/brother. Love your bretheren Fi'sabilillah, and don't worry about the rest. Insha'Allah Allah will take care of it, afterall He is The Best of All Judges, The Most Knowing, The Most High. Alhamdulillah.

Make duaa for my dear sister who taught me such a vital lesson in life. May Allah grant her and her loves ones more happiness than they can imagine in this life and the next insha'Allah.

Duas.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim. Rawdhina billahi Rabba wa bil'islaami deena wa bi'Muhammadin nabiyaa, wa akhirud'duana anil'hamdulillahi rabbil'alameen. Walaykumasalam wa rahmatullah

A Friend in Deen is a Friend indeed

2006-04-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

Did you read the caption to this article? Well, read it again, carefully this time. That's right, it's not a misprint. Really a friend in Deen is a friend indeed. Let us examine why. Whether we like it or not every moment of our lives we are interacting with people. Our occupation, studies and activities provide us with opportunities to associate with certain groups of people more often than others.

This company that we keep definitely plays an important role in the manner we behave. Just to be with it, we tend to do what those around us are doing. A student is sometimes forced to behave in a certain manner just to claim his place amongst his peers. How often have people have to sacrifice principles of Deen to secure this kind of friendship.

WAY OF LIFE

How important is it for a person to be guarded about the kind of people he associates with? In a Hadith reported by Abu Hurayra (Radhiallaahu anhu), Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said, "A person is upon the way of life of his close companion so each of you should be careful whom you take as a close friend."
The effect that the kind of company you keep has on you has further been illustrated by the beautiful words of Nabi (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) where he has mentioned in a Hadith found both in Bukhari and Muslim.

"The example of a pious companion and an evil companion is like that of a musk seller and a person blowing a furnace. As for the musk seller, he may give you some or you may purchase some from him or you would obtain a beautiful fragrance from him. As for the person blowing the furnace he may either burn your clothing or you would obtain an unpleasant odour from him."

While we ensure that we only join good company, let us for a moment think, what kind of friend have we been to our colleagues at work, classmates at school and neighbours at home? Have we been encouraging them to participate in activities that are un-Islamic.

Am I responsible for the first puff of cigarette that he took, the first taste of drugs, the first sip of alcohol, the first attempt at gambling, the first pornographic movie or magazine which has passed through his hands?? If our answer to any of the above is in the affirmative then let us ponder over the verse in Surah Furqaan (25:26-29) wherein Allah Ta'ala says that the wrongdoer would bite his hands on the day of Qiyaamat saying, "Would that I had not taken such a person as a friend, he led me astray from the message of Allah after it came to me."

Who then is a sincere friend? One who sticks with you through thick and thin, through prosperity and adversity, above all the one who is concerned about your welfare both in this world and the hereafter. Allah Ta'ala says in Surah Zukhruff (43:67)

"On that day close friends would be enemies of each other except the God conscious ones."
A friendship which earns the wrath of Allah Ta'la is not worth securing as it is said: "Being alone is better than having an evil companion and having a pious companion is better than being alone."

www.everymuslim.com

The Most Beautiful Heart

2006-03-19T16:29:00.000-08:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

The Most Beautiful Heart
From Qisas.com

One day a young man was standing in the middle of the town proclaiming that he had the most beautiful heart in the whole valley.

A large crowd gathered and they all admired his heart for it was perfect. There was not a mark or a flaw in it.

Yes, they all agreed it truly was the most beautiful heart they had ever seen. The young man was very proud and boasted more loudly about his beautiful heart.

Suddenly, an old man appeared at the front of the crowd and said, “Why your heart is not nearly as beautiful as mine.” The crowd and the young man looked at the old man’s heart. It was beating strongly, but full of scars, it had places where pieces had been removed and other pieces put in, but they didn’t fit quite right and there were several jagged edges. In fact, in some places there were deep gouges where whole pieces were missing.

The people stared — how can he say his heart is more beautiful, they thought? The young man looked at the old man’s heart and saw its state and laughed. “You must be joking,” he said. “Compare your heart with mine, mine is perfect and yours is a mess of scars and tears.” “Yes,” said the old man, “yours is perfect looking but I would never trade with you.

You see, every scar represents a person to whom I have given my love - I tear out a piece of my heart and give it to them, and often they give me a piece of their heart which fits into the empty place in my heart, but because the pieces aren’t exact, I have some rough edges, which I cherish, because they remind me of the love we shared.

Sometimes I have given pieces of my heart away, and the other person hasn’t returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty gouges — giving love is taking a chance. Although these gouges are painful, they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for these people too, and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting.

So now do you see what true beauty is?” The young man stood silently with tears running down his cheeks. He walked up to the old man, reached into his perfect young and beautiful heart, and ripped a piece out. He offered it to the old man with trembling hands. The old man took his offering, placed it in his heart and then took a piece from his old scarred heart and placed it in the wound in the young man’s heart. It fit, but not perfectly, as there were some jagged edges.

The young man looked at his heart, not perfect anymore but more beautiful than ever, since love from the old man’s heart flowed into his. They embraced and walked away side by side.

Please let everyone know each day how much they mean to you, as they may be gone tomorrow.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim. Rawdhina billahi Rabba wa bil'islaami deena wa bi'Muhammadin nabiyaa, wa akhirud'duana anil'hamdulillahi rabbil'alameen. Walaykumasalam wa rahmatullah

Fisabilillah insha'Allah...

2006-03-09T22:06:00.000-08:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

Asalamualaykum wa Rahmatullah, insha'Allah all are doing well...

Firstly, I have to apologize on behalf of myself and sister Mujahidah an Nafs for the lack of participation on this blog from us. As some of you may know Sisiter Mujahidah and Nafs hasn't been too well lately, she has taken a leave from her blog for, insha'Allah, a short period of time and I have been busy with a few things. Insha'Allah this blog will become more active in a few months time, but untill then it seems as if it will continue to be one randomly timed post after another insha'Allah. So anyways...

Today I had a conversation with a dear friend, instead of boring you with the conversation, heres what happend: this dear sister of mine was very upset becuase people were being mean, not only that someone shes close to lied to her. My friend was upset by this because it was blatant and she knew it wasnt true and at that time my friened needed help and the other person was not able to help her, or rather was, but decided not to.

So the 'other' person sounds evil huh? Hmm they might, but i think theres another way to look at this. See i belive we can learn many things from our friendships/relationships with everyone and anyone. One thing I've learned is that People come with Imperfections. I'm not saying this to point out the faults in others, because I myself have MANY MANY MANY imperfections. But the point isn't that sister this or brother that does this or that. The point is that we are human and we all err. We all have our imperfections. If we go around expecting to have create bonds of friendship but only with the MOST pious and faultless people, we may never become One Unified Ummah. We all have our faults, some may be stronger in one trait while others may be weak in that, and vice versa.

So the main point is.. Even if its somethng small or big, people come with imperfections, love your fellow brother or sister in Islam For the Sake of Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala, 'cuz when you think about it you and I are people too. Besides this way its easier to love everyone, accept everyone, be good to everyone, maintain ties Fisabilillah, strengthen the Ummah, and most importantly it gives us another chance to look into our hearts and correct ourselves; b/c when we begin to see the faults of others, we should quickly negate those thoughts, make istighfar and look at our own faults and make istighfar again, insha'Allah.

If anyone finds this post utterly useless feel free to email us at journeyends@hotmail.com. Please remember Sister Mujahidah an Nafs [and her family] in your duaas, may Allah grant her complete shifa'a insha'Allah. If possible please remember this faqir in your duaas too. Jazakamullahukhayran.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim. Rawdhina billahi Rabba wa bil'islaami deena wa bi'Muhammadin nabiyaa, wa akhirud'duana anil'hamdulillahi rabbil'alameen.
Walaykumasalam wa rahmatullah

Rabee'ah ibn Ka'b RadhiAllahuanhu

2006-02-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

Rabee'ah ibn Ka'b Radhi'Allahuanhu narrates:

It was the habit of the Prophet, peace be on him, that if someone did him a good turn, he loved to repay that person with something more excellent. He wanted to do something for me too in return for my service to him. So one day he came up tome and said: 'O Rabee'ah ibn Ka'b.' 'Labbayk ya rasulullah wa Sadaik - At your command, O Messenger of God and may God grant you happiness,' I responded. 'Ask of me anything and I will give it to you.' ..

I thought a little and then said: 'Give me some time, O Messenger of God, to think about what I should ask of you. Then I will let you know.' He agreed.

At that time, I was a young man and poor. I had neither family, nor wealth, nor place of abode. I used to shelter in the Suffah of the mosque with other poor Muslims like myself. People used to call us the "guests of Islam". Whenever any Muslim brought so mething in charity to the Prophet, he would send it all to us. And if someone gave him a gift he would take some of it and leave the rest for us.

So, it occurred to me to ask the Prophet for some worldly good that would save me from poverty and make me like others who had wealth, wife and children. Soon, however, I said: 'May you perish Rabee'ah. The world is temporary and will pass away. You have your share of sustenance in it which God has guaranteed and which must come to you. The Prophet, peace be on him, has a place with his Lord and no request would be refused him. Request him therefore, to ask Allah to grant you something of the bounty of the hereafter.'

I felt pleased and satisfied with this thought. I went to the Prophet and he asked: 'What do you say, O Rabee'ah?' 'O Messenger of God,' I said, 'I ask you to beseech God most High on my behalf to make me your companion in Paradise.'

'Who has advised you thus?' asked the Prophet.

'No by God,' I said, 'No one has advise me. But when you told me 'Ask of me anything and I will give to you,' I thought of asking you for something of the goodness of this world. But before long, I was guided to choose what is permanent and lasting agains t what is temporary and perishable. And so I have asked you to beseech God on my behalf that I may be your companion in Paradise.'

The Prophet remained silent for a long while and then asked: 'Any other request besides that, Rabi'ah?' 'No, O Messenger of God, Nothing can match what I have asked you.' 'Then, in that case, assist me for your sake by performing much prostration to God.'

So I began to exert myself in worship in order to attain the good fortune of being with the Prophet in Paradise just as I had the good fortune of being in his service and being his companion in this world.

Sahaba.net

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim. Rawdhina billahi Rabba wa bil'islaami deena wa bi'Muhammadin nabiyaa, wa akhirud'duana anil'hamdulillahi rabbil'alameen. Walaykumasalam wa rahmatullah

2006-02-19T22:12:00.000-08:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

"And keep yourself (O Muhammad Sal'Allahualaihiwasalam) patiently with those who call on their Lord (i.e. your companions who remember their Lord with glorification, praising in prayers, etc., and other righteous deeds, etc.) morning and afternoon, seeking His Face, and let not your eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp and glitter of the life of the world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our Remembrance, one who follows his own lusts and whose affair (deeds) has been lost."
~Surah Kahf, Ayah Twenty-Eight

The Prophet Sal'Allahualayhiwasalam has given similar advice in choosing companions and forming friendships.

He Sal'Allahualayhiwasalam was asked,

"What person can be the best friend?"

"He who helps you remember God, and he who reminds you when you forget Him," he replied.

Then the Prophet Sal'Allahualayhiwasalam was asked, "And which friend is the worst?"

"He who does not help you when you remember God and does not remind you of God when you forget," he replied.

The Prophet Sal'Allahualayhiwasalam was further asked,
"Who is the best among people?"

He Sal'Allahualayhiwasalam replied, "He who when you look at him, you remember God" (because of his noble character, devotion to God, and concern for others).

2006-02-18T22:06:00.000-08:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

It has been recorded by Muslim that Rasulullah Sal'Allahualahiwasalam once said: “Do not be envious of one another, do not artificially raise prices against one another, do not turn one’s back on each other and do not undercut one another in business transaction. And O servants of Allah, be brothers. A muslim is a brother of a muslim. He does not wrong him. He does not fail him (when he needs him). He does not lie to him. And he does not show contempt for him. Piety is here”. And he pointed to his chest three times. “It is enough of evil for a person to hold his brother in contempt. All of a muslim is inviolable to another muslim, his blood, his wealth and his honor”.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim. Rawdhina billahi Rabba wa bil'islaami deena wa bi'Muhammadin nabiyaa, wa akhirud'duana anil'hamdulillahi rabbil'alameen. Walaykumasalam wa rahmatullah

Those who love one another Fi'sabilillah

2006-02-06T15:22:00.000-08:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

The Status Of Two Who Love One Another...For The Sake Of Allah

Many hadith describe the status of two people who love one another for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala), and describe the high position in Paradise which He has promised them and the great honour which He will bestow upon them on the Day when mankind is resurrected to meet the Rabb of the Worlds: Among them is the hadith which describes the seven whom Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta`ala) will shade on the Day when there is no shade but His:
"...a just leader; a youth who grows up worshipping Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta`ala); a man who is deeply attached to the masjid; two men who love one another for the sake of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta`ala), meeting for His sake and parting for His sake; a man who is called by a beautiful woman and says, I fear Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta`ala)'; a man who gives charity in secret such that his left hand does not know what his right hand is doing; and a man who remembers Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) when he is alone and his eyes fill with tears." (Bukhari and Muslim)

The two who love one another for the sake of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta`ala) are clearly shown to be among those whom Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) will shelter with His shade and upon whom He will shower His mercy and kindness. What a great honour! It is enough honour for those who love one another for the sake of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta`ala) that their Almighty Rabb will greet them on the Day of Resurrection and say to them: "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)

Such is the magnificent honour and tremendous reward that will be bestowed upon those who truly loved one another for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala), on that awesome Day.

Love for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala), and not for the sake of anything else in this life which is filled with greed, desires and interests, is very difficult, and none can attain it except the one who is pure of heart, for whom this world is as nothing compared to the pleasure of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala). It is not surprising that Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) should give them a status and blessing which is commensurate with their position in this world, above whose concerns they have risen. We find proof of this in the hadith of Mu'adh who said that the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) said: 'Those who love one another for My glory, will have minbars of light, and the Prophets and martyrs will wish that they had the same." [Reported by al-Tirmidhi, who said it is a hasan sahih hadith]

Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) gives to those who love one another for His sake a gift which is even greater than this status and blessing: that is His precious love which is very difficult to attain. This is proven by the hadith of Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu `anhu) in which the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said:
"A man went to visit a brother of his in another village. Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) sent an angel to wait for him on the road. When the man came along, the angel asked him, 'Where do you intend to go?' He said, 'I am going to visit a brother of mine who lives in this village.' The angel asked, 'Have you done him any favour (for which you are now seeking repayment)?' He said, 'No. I just love him for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala).' The angel told him, I am a messenger to you from Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala), sent to tell you that He loves you as you love your brother for His sake."' (Muslim)

What a great love, that raises a man to a position where Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) loves him and is pleased with him!

The teaching of the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) states that the better of two brothers who love one another for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa Ta`ala) is the one who loves his brother more. The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said:
"No two men love one another, but the better of them is the one whose love for his brother is greater." [Reported by Bukhari in al-Adab al-Mufrad]

Islam goes even further in spreading love in the rightly guided Muslim society by telling the Muslim that if he loves his brother, he should tell him. The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "If a man loves his brother, let him tell him that he loves him." [Reported by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi, who said it is a sahih hadith]

The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) understood the impact of this strong, pure love in building societies and nations, so he never let any occasion pass without advocating this love and commanding the Muslims to announce their love for one another, in order to open hearts and spread love and purity among the ranks of the Ummah.

Anas (radhiallahu `anhu) said that a man was with the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), when another man passed by. The first man said, "O Messenger of Allah, indeed I truly love this man." The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) asked him, "Have you let him know that?" He said, "No." The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, "Tell him." He caught up with him and told him, "Truly I love you for the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala)," and the man said, "May Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) love you who loves me for His sake." [Reported by Abu Dawud, with a sahih isnad]

Mu'adh(radhiallahu `anhu) began to spread this pure love among the Muslims throughout the Muslim lands, telling them what he had heard from the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) about the great reward that Allah (subhanahu wa Ta`ala) had prepared for those who loved one another for His sake, and about His great love for them. In al-Muwatta', Imam Malik(rahmatullahi alaiyh) gives a report with a sahih isnad from Abu Idris al-Khulani who said: "I entered the masjid of Damascus, where I saw a young man who had a bright smile, and I saw the people gathered around him. When they disagreed on some matter, they referred it to him, and accepted his opinion. I asked who he was, and they told me, 'This is Mu'adh ibn Jabal (radhiallahu `anhu)." Early the next day, I went to the mosque but I found that he had arrived even earlier than I. He was praying, so I waited until he had finished, then I approached him from in front, greeted him and said, 'By Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) I love you.' He said, 'For the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala)?' I said, 'For the sake of Allah'. He repeated his question, 'For the sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala)?' and I said, 'For the sake of Allah.' So he took hold of my collar and pulled me towards him and said, 'I have good news for you. I heard the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) say: "Allah Almighty says: 'My love is granted to those who love one another for My sake, who visit one another for My sake, and who spend on one another for My sake.'"'

Reference: The Ideal Muslim By Dr. Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi

source

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim. Rawdhina billahi Rabba wa bil'islaami deena wa bi'Muhammadin nabiyaa, wa akhirud'duana anil'hamdulillahi rabbil'alameen. Walaykumasalam wa rahmatullah

Abbad ibn Bishr RadhiAllahuanhu

2006-02-04T22:43:00.000-08:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

Abbad ibn Bishr Radhi'Allahuanhu

It was the fourth year after the Hijrah. The city of the Prophet Sal'Allahualayhiwasalam was still under threat from within and without. From within, the influential Jewish tribe, the Banu Al-Nadir, broke their agreement with the Prophet and made plans to kill him. For this, they were banished from the city. This was in the month of Safar.

Two months of uneasy quiet passed. Then the Prophet received news that tribes from distant Najd were planning an attack. To pre-empt them, the Prophet gathered a force of over four hundred men, and leaving one of his companions Uthman ibn Affan in charge of the city, set out eastwards. Among this force was the young Madinan, Abbad ibn Bishr.

Arriving at Najd, the Prophet found the habitations of the hostile tribes strangely deserted of men. Only women were about. The men had taken to the hills. Some of them regrouped and prepared to fight. The time of Salat al-Asr (the afternoon prayer) came. The Prophet feared that the hostile tribesmen would attack them during prayer. He arranged the Muslims in ranks and divided them into two groups and performed the prayer as the Salat al-Khawf (the Prayer of Fear). With one group he performed one rakah while the other group stood on guard. For the second rakah the groups changed places. Each group completed its prayer with one rakah after the Prophet had finished.

On beholding the disciplined ranks of the Muslims the hostile tribesmen became uneasy and afraid. The Prophet had made his presence felt and something of his mission was now known at first hand in the central highlands of Arabia whence he departed peacefully.

On the way back, the Prophet pitched camp in a valley for a night. As soon as the Muslims had settled their camel mounts, the Prophet peace be on him, asked: "Who will be our guard tonight?" "We, O Messenger of God," said Abbad ibn Bishr and Ammar ibn Yasir, both of whom had been paired off as 'brothers' by the Prophet when he arrived in Madinah after the Hijrah.

Abbad and Ammar left for the mouth of the valley to take up duty. Abbad saw that his "brother" was tired and asked him: "What part of the night do you wish to sleep, the first or the second?" "I shall sleep during the first part," said Ammar who was soon fast asleep quite close to Abbad.

The night was clear, calm and peaceful. The stars, the trees, and the rocks all appeared to celebrate in silence the praises of their Lord. Abbad felt serene. There was no movement, no threatening sign. Why not spend the time in ibadah (worship) and reciting the Quran? How delightful it would be to combine the performance of Salat with the measured recitation of the Quran which he so much enjoyed.

In fact Abbad was enthralled by the Quran from the moment he first heard it being recited by the mellow and beautiful voice of Musab ibn Umayr. That was before the Hijrah when Abbad was just about fifteen years old. The Quran had found a special place in his heart and day and night thereafter he would be heard repeating the glorious words of God so much so that he became known among the Prophet's companions as the "friend of the Quran".

Late at night, the Prophet once stood up to perform the Tahajjud Prayer in Aishah's house which adjoined the masjid. He heard a voice reciting the Quran, pure and sweet and as fresh as when the angel Jibril revealed the words to him. He asked: "Aishah, is that the voice of Abbad ibn Bishr?" "Yes, O Messenger of God," replied Aishah. "O Lord, forgive him," prayed the Prophet out of love for him.

And so in the stillness of the night, at the mouth of the valley in Najd, Abbad stood up and faced the Qiblah. Raising his hand in surrender to God, he entered into the state of Prayer. Finishing the compulsory opening chapter of the Quran, he began reciting Surah al-Kahf in his sweet, captivating voice. Surah al-Kahf is a long Surah of one hundred and ten verses which deals in part with the virtues of faith, truth and patience and with the relativity of time.

While he was thus absorbed in reciting and reflecting upon the divine words, eternal words of illumination and wisdom, a stranger stalked the outskirts of the valley in search of Muhammad and his followers. He was one of those who had planned to attack the Prophet but who had fled into the mountains on the approach of the MusIims. His wife whom he had left in the village had been taken as a hostage by one of the Muslims. When he eventually found that his wife was gone, he swore by al-Lat and al-Uzzah that he would pursue Muhammad and his companions and that he would not return unless he had drawn blood.

From a distance, the man saw the figure of Abbad silhouetted at the mouth of the valley and he knew that the Prophet and his followers must be inside the valley. Silently he drew his bow and let fly an arrow. Unerringly it embedded itself in Abbad's flesh.

Calmly, Abbad pulled out the arrow from his body and went on with his recitation, still absorbed in his Salat. The attacker shot a second and a third arrow both of which also found their mark. Abbad pulled out one and then the other. He finished his recitation, made ruku and then sujud. Weak and in pain, he stretched out his right hand while still in prostration and shook his sleeping companion. Ammar awoke. Silently, Abbad continued the Salat to its end and then said: "Get up and stand guard in my place. I have been wounded."

Ammar jumped up and began to yell. Seeing them both the attacker fled into the darkness. Ammar turned to Abbad as he lay on the ground, blood flowing from his wounds.

"Ya Subhanallah (Glory be to God)! Why didn't you wake me when you were hit by the first arrow?" "I was in the midst of reciting verses of the Quran which filled my soul with awe and I did not want to cut short the recitation. The Prophet had commanded me to commit this surah to memory. Death would have been dearer to me than that the recitation of this surah should be interrupted."

Abbad's devotion to the Quran was a sign of his intense devotion to and love for God, His Prophet and His religion. The qualities he was known for were his constant immersion in ibadah, his heroic courage and his generosity in the path of God. At times of sacrifice and death, he would always be in the front line. When it was time for receiving his share of rewards, he would only be found after much effort and difficulty. He was always trustworthy in his dealings with the wealth of Muslims. Aishah, the wife of the Prophet, once said: "There are three persons among the Ansar whom no one could excel in virtue: Sad ibn Muadh, Usayd ibn Khudayr, and Abbad ibn Bishr."RadhiAllahu anhum

Abbad died the death of a shahid (martyr) at the battle of Yamamah. Just before the battle he had a strong presentiment of death and martyrdom. He noticed that there was a lack of mutual confidence among the Muhajirin and Ansar. He was grieved and upset. He realized that there would be no success for the Muslims in these terrible battles unless the Muhajirin and Ansar were grouped in separate regiments so that it could be clearly seen who really bore their responsibility and who were truly steadfast in combat.
At the break of day when the battle commenced, Abbad ibn Bishr stood on a mound and shouted: "O Ansar, distinguish yourselves among men. Destroy your scabbards. And do not forsake Islam."

Abbad harangued the Ansar until about four hundred men gathered around him at the head of whom were Thabit ibn Qays, al-Baraa ibn Malik and Abu Dujanah, the keeper of the Prophet's sword. With this force, Abbad unleashed an offensive into the enemy's ranks which blunted their thrust and drove them back to the "garden of death".

At the walls of this garden, Abbad ibn Bishr fell. So numerous were his wounds, he was hardly recognizable. He had lived, fought and died as a believer.

~Companions of the Prophet Sal'Allahualayhiwasalam

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim. Rawdhina billahi Rabba wa bil'islaami deena wa bi'Muhammadin nabiyaa, wa akhirud'duana anil'hamdulillahi rabbil'alameen. Walaikumasalam wa rahmatullah

With The Name of Allah...

2006-02-01T23:17:00.000-08:00

Bismillahir'rahman'nir-rahim.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim.

Asalamualaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

In today's world we find ourselves lost in the company of people; friendship, kinship, all sorts of relationships. Alhumdulillah, Allah has sent down for us an Example for all of Mankind, Subhan'Allah if we were to go on about his greatness still we could not do it justice. Islam as we know "Is a complete way of life." From the moment we enter into this dunya to the moment we are laid to rest we have the Glorious Quran and the Guidance of Our Beloved Sal'Allahualayhiwasalam to guide us along the way. What more guidance do we need?

The magnitude of these examples is so much so that we even have guidelines on how to be with our fellow brethren, family members, spouses, friends and even our enemies. Insha'Allah this is a small joint effort to strengthen the ties of This Beautiful Ummah using words and actions from the life of The Greatest of Examples for mankind, Al'Mustafaa Sal'Allahualayhiwasalam, also the lives of his family, companions, successors and followers, Insha'Allah, may Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala Bless and accept them all.

Rasulullah Sal'Allahualayhiwasalam said,

"Fear Allah and help each other for the sake of Allah. Have mercy upon each other. Visit each other and remember our matter and keep it alive."

Insha'Allah as time goes on the appearance of this blog may change, but purpose will remain the same, Fi'sabilillah. May Allah forgive us for our sins and shortcomings and accept us, Verily without Him we are of the losers.

Although this post has been "posted" by Veiled Knight, it is from both of us, we would like to remind you one thing: Only Allah knows what our weaknesses are and like all people we can be affected by shaytaan. Therefore commenting has been enabled in only order for the readers to share their thoughts and views about a particular post or to point out any errors we make. Your support, comments, and critique are always appreciated, but nothing can outwheigh sincere duaas. Jazak'Allahukhayran wa ahsanal jazaa

May Allah Azza wa jal guide us in being good to one another and save us all from the evils of this world.

Allahumma sali'ala sayyiddina Muhammadin wa 'ala alay sayyiddina Muhammadin wa barik wa salim. Rawdhina billahi Rabba wa bil'islaami deena wa bi'Muhammadin nabiyaa, wa akhirud'duana anil'hamdulillahi rabbil'alameen.

Walaykumasalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

~Veiled Knight & Mujahidah an Nafs ~