Preservation of the Holy Quran Against Distortion

PRESERVATION OF THE QURAN AGAINST DISTORTION. 

The Noble Quran is unlike the other divinely revealed Books for Allah The Almighty has undertaken to preserve it against distortion and change. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran and indeed, We will be its guardian.}[Quran 15: 9]

Scholars said that Allah The Almighty has protected it from the least additions or deletion of words. Had not Allah The Almighty promised to preserve it with Himself, it would have met the same fate of the other divinly revealed books in the way they were distorted and altered. That is because Allah The Almighty entrusted the preservation of these Books to those to whom such books were revealed. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, We sent down the Torah, in which was guidance and light. The prophets who submitted [to Allah] judged by it for the Jews, as did the rabbis and scholars by that with which they were entrusted of the Scripture of Allah, and they were witnesses thereto.}[Quran 5: 44]

The wisdom behind preferring the Quran to the other divinely revealed Books with this great privilege is that it is the last of them.

Allah The Almighty has prepared for it the favorable factors of its preservation unlike the other divinely revealed Books. Amongst such factors is what the rightly guided Caliph Abu Bakr may Allah be pleased with him did concerning collecting the Quran in a single Mus-haf. This happened when many of the Companions who had memorized the Quran were killed in the Battle of Al-Yamamah. Abu Bakr may Allah be pleased with him was afraid that the Quran would be lost by the demise of its memorizers, as authentically proved in Saheeh Al-Bukhari.

Then the rightly guided Caliph ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan may Allah be pleased with him after obtaining the agreement of all the Companions of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) compiled it in one unified version in which he combined the authentic recitations of the Quran. He then distributed it to the various regions so as to put an end to the emerging discrepancies, and burnt any copy other than that one.

Furthermore, one of the greatest factors that Allah The Almighty made for the preservation of the Noble Quran is that Allah The Almighty has made it easy to remember and be memorized so that all people; young, old, illiterate, literate, Arab, and non-Arab may learn it by heart. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And We have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?} [Quran 54: 32]

Moreover, there is an amazing story which acts as clear-cut evidence proving that Allah The Almighty has protected and preserved the Quran from the distortions of the hands of humans: "Once a Jewish man entered upon Caliph Al-Ma’moon while he had people gathered in his court and he spoke with much eloquence. When the gathering disbanded, Al-Ma’moon called him and asked if he was Jewish. The man answered that he was. Al-Ma’moon invited him to Islam and encouraged him with gifts. The Jewish man said: It is my religion and the religion of my forefathers then he left. A year later, the same man came again and spoke about Islamic Fiqh with much eloquence. So Al-Ma’moon asked the man: Are you that man who came to us last year? He answered in the affirmative. Al-Ma’moon enquired him: What made you embrace Islam? He said: When I left you a year ago, I decided to examine those religions, and you know that I am clever in calligraphy. I started with the Tawrah (Torah). I wrote three copies of it. I introduced additions and deletions in it. Then I presented them to the synagogue and they were bought from me. Then I did the same with the Injeel (Gospel) and introduced three copies to the church and they were bought from me. Then I did the same with the Quran. I wrote three copies and introduced some additions and deletions to it and presented them to the booksellers. When they read them, they found additions and deletions in them. They immediately threw them away and did not buy them from me. Thus I became sure that the Quran is a preserved book. This was the reason I embraced Islam.

Consequently, the issue of the preservation of the Noble Quran is decisively settled in the minds of Muslims and taken for granted by every believer. Scholars stated that whoever claims that there is the least addition or deletion in the Noble Quran, would be denying what Allah The Almighty Stated, and whoever does so would put himself beyond the pale of Islam.

Who and How To Call To Islam

DATES MENTIONED IN QURAN AND ITS ASTONISHING HEATH BENEFITS.

HOW MANY FRUITS ARE MENTIONED IN QURAN?

There are several verses in Quran talking about the 6 fruits of Paradise,

Including;Date,Olive, Pomegranate, Grape, Banana and Fig.

1. Dates Mentioned In Quran

The Word "date" has been mentioned in the Holy Quran more than 20 times.

And it is He Who produces gardens trellised and untrellised and date-palms,and crops of different shape and taste (Its fruits and its seeds) and olive and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in taste). Eat of their fruit when they ripen,but pay the due thereof (its Zakat, according to Allah's Order 1/10th or 1/20th) on the day of its harvest, and waste not by extravagance. Verily, He likes not Al-Musrifun (those who waste by extravagance) 

(Quran 6:141)

And the earth are neighbouring tracts, and gardens of vines, and green crops (fields etc.), and date-palms, growing out two or three from a single stem root,or otherwise (one stem root for every palm), watered with the same water, yet some of them We make more excellent than others to eat. Verily in these things, there are Ayat (proofs,evidences,lessons, signs) for the people who understand.
(Quran 13:4)

With it He causes to grow for you the crops, the olives,the date-palms, the grapes, and  every kind of fruit. Verily! In this indeed an evident proof and a manifest sign for people who give thought.
(Quran 16:11)

And from there the fruits of date-palms and grapes, you derive strong drink (this was before the order of the prohibition of the alcoholic drinks) and a goodly provision.
Verily,therein is indeed a sign for people who have wisdom.
(Quran 16:67)

or you have a garden of date-palms and grapes, and cause rivers to gush Forth in their midst abundantly.
(Quran 17:91)

And put forward to them the example of two men; unto one of them We had given two gardens of grapes,and We had surrounded both with date-palms; and  had put between them green crops (cultivated fields etc.).
(Quran 18:32)

And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you.
(Quran 19:25)

Then We brought forth for you therewith gardens of date-palms and grapes, wherein is much fruit for you, and where of you eat.
(Quran 23:19)

And green crops (fields etc.) and date palms with soft spadix.
(Quran 26:148)

And We have made therein gardens of date-palms and grapes,and We have caused springs of water to gush forth therein.
(Quran 36:34)

And tall date-palms, with ranged clusters
(Quran 50:10)

Therein are fruits, date-palms producing, sheathed fruit-stalks (enclosing dates)
(Quran 55:11)

In them (both) will be fruits,and date palms and pomegranates.
(Quran 55:29)

And Olive s and date palms.
(Quran 80:29)

2. Nutrients In Dates

   

The fruits (dates) contains a high Percentage of carbohydrate (total sugars,44-88%), fat (0.2-0.5%), 15 salts and minerals, protein (2.3-5.6%), vitamins and a high percentage of dietary fiber 6.4-11.5%)

The flesh of dates contains 0.2-0.5% of oil, whereas the seed contains 7.7-9.7% oil. The fatty acids occur in both flesh and seed as a range of saturated and unsaturated acids, the seed containing 14 types of Fatty acids, but only eight of these fatty acids occur in very low concentration in the flesh.

Unsaturated fatty acids include Palmitoleic, Oleic, Linoleic, and Linolenic acid.The Oleic acid content of the seed varies from 41.1% to 58.8%, which suggests that the seed of date could be used as a source of oleic acid. There are at least 15 minerals in dates.

The percentage of each mineral in dried dates varies from 0.1% to 9/6 mg/100 g dates depending on the type of mineral. In many varieties, potassium can be found at a concentration as high as 0.9% in the flesh while it is as high as 0.5% in some seeds.

Other minerals and salts that are found in various proportions include boron, calcium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and zink.

The protein in dates contains 23 types of amino acids, some of which are not present in the most popular fruits such as oranges,apple and banana's.

Dates contain at least six vitamins including a small amount of Vitamin C, and Vitamins B(1) thiamine, B(2) riboflavin, nicotinic acid (niacin) and vitamin A.

The dietary fiber of 14 varieties of dates has been shown to be as high as 6.4-11.5% depending on variety and degree of ripeness.
Date contain 0.5-3.9% pectin, which may have important heath benefits.

3. WorldWide Use Of Dates.

The world production of dates has increased 2.9 times over 40 years, whereas the world population has doubled. The total world export of dates increased by 1.7% over 40 years. In many ways, dates may be considered as an almost ideal food, providing a wide range of essential nutrients and potential heath benefits.

4. Heath Benefits of Dates

4.1 No Cholesterol
Dates are free from cholesterol and contain very low fat. Dates are rich in Vitamins and Minerals.

4.2. Rich source of protein.
They are rich source of protein, dietary fiber and rich in Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B5 along with Vitamin A1 and C.

4.3. Good For Digestive System.
It helps improve the digestive system as it contains soluble and insoluble fibers and different kind of amino acids.

4.4. Energy Booster
Dates are great energy boosters as they contain natural sugars like glucose, sucrose and fructose.To get more advantage add dates to milk and make it a very nutritious snack.Date are very low in calories and are extremely suitable for health conscious people.

4.5. Healthy Nervous System.
Date are rich in potassium and reduced in sodium. This helps regulate a healthy nervous system.

4.6 Reduces The Risk Of Stroke
Research has revealed the fact that potassium intake up to a certain extent can reduce the risk of stroke.Dates also help in lowering the LDL cholesterol.

4.7 Good For Treating Anemia
Dates have high iron content and are very useful in treating anemia. The patients can eat many dates for better advantages.

4.8 Fight Against Tooth Decay
Dares also have fluorine that slows down the process of tooth decay.

4.9 Cure For Constipation
It helps people suffering from constipation. Soak dates over night and take it along with water to have added advantage.

4.10 Improves Stamina
It helps increase one's sexual stamina.
Soak one handful of dates in goat's milk overnight. In the morning grind the dates in the milk and add honey and cardamon powder and drink it.

4.11 Cure For Over Slimming
Dates help in weight gain and are beneficial for those who suffer from the over-slimming problem.

4.12 Cure For Abdominal Cancer
Cures abdominal cancer. The best thing is that it does not have any side effect on the body as it works better than medicine.

4.13 Improves Eyesight
It also helps in improving eyesight and helps in caring night blindness as well.

Serving the Religion

SERVING THE RELIGION. 

All praise is due to Allah; and prayers and peace of Allah be upon the Messenger of Allah.

A seeker of knowledge said that he was sent in a religious mission; to call people in the remote lands of Africa to the way of Allah Almighty. He tolerated hardships and difficulties till he reached these very hot lands that have no luxury. He got rest in his first night thinking that he did great effort. In the morning, when he got out being familiar with the country, he saw a woman seems to be a European woman. He was astonished by her existence in a place like that, that does not resemble her lands nor has any kind of luxury or any sign of civilization. When he asked about her, it was said to him: “She is here, from eight years ago, calling the people of this country to Christianity.” Therefore, he belittled his own efforts.

A student, was sent to study in Europe, mentioned that a woman knocked his door at some morning and asked him to give her a few minutes to preach him in the name of the Christ. He apologized and told her that his religion is against hers. However, she insisted that he must give her a few minutes in the name of the Christ. When he refused and closed the door; she stood in front of the door talking about what she wants to say, in a loud voice, for about half an hour.

When Dr. O-Saher, who is called ‘The father of the Japanese engines’, was sent to Germany to have the PhD, he used to study hard. Despite his German teachers presented the books to him, he said: “If I had followed the advice of my German teachers, I would have gained nothing.”

Actually, he went to the factories of iron and copper and put on the workers’ uniform to take knowledge from them. Furthermore; he used to serve the workers, even at the time of food or drink. Although he is descended from a samurai family, he said: “I was serving Japan, and everything is easy as long as it is for Japan!” Finally, he made the first Japanese engine.

These are examples of the efforts of the people of untrue with their beliefs. So, where are my efforts and your efforts for the religion of Allah Almighty?!

Where are our efforts for the cause of Allah Almighty?!

O-Saher said ‘I was serving Japan;’ so, where is our service to Islam?!

And he said ‘everything is easy as long as it is for Japan;’ so, does everybody among us does his best and says ‘everything is easy as long as it is for Islam.’

Actually; exerting efforts for the religion’s sake, spending for the cause of Allah, raising Islam’s flag, exerting efforts for making Islam superior than any other religion, restoring the caliphate regime, enabling this nation to turn back to leading the worldly affairs by the religion of Allah (the Exalted the Glorious), and making the people servants for the Lord of people only are not the responsibility of specific person or authority; rather they are the responsibility of every Muslim person, according to his own power, ability and capability.

In fact; it is us who need this good work and this effort, to gain safety and happiness in the worldly life and hereafter too. Indeed, our religion does not need this, because Islam is strong in itself; it is the truth and everything else is false. And that is why Islam gets spread worldwide and gains hundreds of people, even thousands, daily; although the Muslims are weak and helpless.

Let us consider this great scene of Ya’qûb Jacob (peace be upon him) when he gathered his children at the last moments of his life, to be assured about the issue that he lived for and spent everything he had for its sake; the issue of religion: {Or were you witnesses when death approached Ya’qûb (Jacob)? When he said unto his sons, “What will you worship after me?” They said, “We shall worship your Ilâh (God - Allâh), the Ilâh (God) of your fathers, Ibrâhîm (Abraham), Ismâ’îl (Ishmael), Ishâq (Isaac), One Ilâh (God), and to Him we submit (in Islâm).”} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:133]

{أَمْ كُنْتُمْ شُهَدَاءَ إِذْ حَضَرَ يَعْقُوبَ الْمَوْتُ إِذْ قَالَ لِبَنِيهِ مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ بَعْدِي قَالُوا نَعْبُدُ إِلَهَكَ وَإِلَهَ آبَائِكَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ إِلَهًا وَاحِدًا وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ} البقرة:133

Transliteration: ‘Am Kuntum Shuhadā’a ‘Idh Ĥađara Ya`qūba Al-Mawtu ‘Idh Qāla Libanīhi Mā Ta`budūna Min Ba`dī Qālū Na`budu ‘Ilahaka Wa ‘Ilaha ‘Ābā’ika ‘Ibrāhīma Wa ‘Ismā`īla Wa ‘Isĥāqa ‘Ilahāan Wāĥidāan Wa Naĥnu Lahu Muslimūna

He was not satisfied by just dying as believer; rather he wanted to be assured about the future of his children and people, concerning their obedience and worship to Allah.

The same happened with his grandfather, Ibrâhîm (peace be upon him): {And this (submission to Allâh, Islâm) was enjoined by Ibrâhîm (Abraham) upon his sons and by Ya’qûb (Jacob) (saying), “O my sons! Allâh has chosen for you the (true) religion, then die not except in the Faith of Islâm (as Muslims - Islâmic Monotheism).”} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:132]

{وَوَصَّى بِهَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بَنِيهِ وَيَعْقُوبُ يَا بَنِيَّ إِنَّ اللَّهَ اصْطَفَى لَكُمُ الدِّينَ فَلا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلا وَأَنْتُمْ مُسْلِمُونَ}البقرة:132

Transliteration: Wa Waşşa Bihā ‘Ibrāhīmu Banīhi Wa Ya`qūbu Yā Banīya ‘Inna Al-Laha Aşţafa Lakumu Ad-Dīna Falā Tamūtunna ‘Illā Wa ‘Antum Muslimūna

Also; Yusuf Joseph, the grandson (peace be upon him), was not distracted by the prison and its injustice and pain from the major issue that he lived for, working for the religion and calling people to the way of Allah Almighty. When the two men came to him, asking the interpretation of their dreams, he firstly called them to Allah Almighty: {“O two companions of the prison! Are many different lords (gods) better or Allâh, the One, the Irresistible? (39) You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged) - you and your fathers - for which Allâh has sent down no authority. The command (or the judgement) is for none but Allâh. He has commanded that you worship none but Him (i.e. His Monotheism); that is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not.} [Surat Yusuf 12:39-40]

{يَا صَاحِبَيِ السِّجْنِ أَأَرْبَابٌ مُّتَفَرِّقُونَ خَيْرٌ أَمِ اللَّـهُ الْوَاحِدُ الْقَهَّارُ ﴿٣٩﴾ مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِهِ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنتُمْ وَآبَاؤُكُم مَّا أَنزَلَ اللَّـهُ بِهَا مِن سُلْطَانٍۚ إِنِ الْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّـهِۚ أَمَرَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُۚ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ} يوسف: 39-40

Transliteration: Yā Şāĥibayi As-Sijni ‘A’arbābun Mutafarriqūna Khayrun ‘Ami Al-Lahu Al-Wāĥidu Al-Qahhāru (39) Mā Ta`budūna Min Dūnihi ‘Illā ‘Asmā’an Sammaytumūhā ‘Antum Wa ‘Ābā’uukum Mā ‘Anzala Al-Lahu Bihā Min Sulţānin‘Ini Al-Ĥukmu ‘Illā Lillahi‘Amara ‘Allā Ta`budū ‘Illā ‘ĪyāhuDhālika Ad-Dīnu Al-Qayyimu Wa Lakinna ‘Akthara An-Nāsi Lā Ya`lamūna

Furthermore; when he gained the authority, he was not distracted by it from his case as mentioned by the believer man among the people of Pharaoh who came many years after him; in the time of Musa Moses (peace be upon him): {And indeed Yûsuf (Joseph) did come to you, in times gone by, with clear signs, but you ceased not to doubt in that which he did bring to you: till when he died you said: “No Messenger will Allâh send after him.” Thus Allâh leaves astray him who is a Musrif (a polytheist, an oppressor, a criminal, sinner who commit great sins) and a Murtâb (one who doubts Allâh’s Warning and His Oneness).} [Surat Ghâfir 40:34]

{وَلَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ يُوسُفُ مِن قَبْلُ بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ فَمَا زِلْتُمْ فِي شَكٍّ مِّمَّا جَاءَكُم بِهِۖ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا هَلَكَ قُلْتُمْ لَن يَبْعَثَ اللَّـهُ مِن بَعْدِهِ رَسُولًاۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يُضِلُّ اللَّـهُ مَنْ هُوَ مُسْرِفٌ مُّرْتَابٌ} غافر:34

Transliteration: Wa Laqad Jā’akum Yūsufu Min Qablu Bil-Bayyināti Famā Ziltum Fī Shakkin Mimmā Jā’akum Bihi Ĥatta ‘Idhā Halaka Qultum Lan Yab`atha Al-Lahu Min Ba`dihi RasūlāanKadhālika Yuđillu Al-Lahu Man Huwa Musrifun Murtābun

And Nûh Noah (peace be upon him) stayed among his people 950 years inviting them to believe in the Oneness of Allah; but they met his invitation with stubbornness and disbelief: {And verily, every time I called unto them that You might forgive them, they thrust their fingers into their ears, covered themselves up with their garments, and persisted (in their refusal), and magnified themselves in pride} [Surat Nuh 71:7]

{وَإِنِّي كُلَّمَا دَعَوْتُهُمْ لِتَغْفِرَ لَهُمْ جَعَلُوا أَصَابِعَهُمْ فِي آذَانِهِمْ وَاسْتَغْشَوْا ثِيَابَهُمْ وَأَصَرُّوا وَاسْتَكْبَرُوا اسْتِكْبَارًا} نوح: 7

Transliteration: Wa ‘Innī Kullamā Da`awtuhum Litaghfira Lahum Ja`alū ‘Aşābi`ahum Fī ‘Ādhānihim Wa Astaghshaw Thiyābahum Wa ‘Aşarrū Wa Astakbarū Astikbārāan

However; he continued inviting them and did not despair or say ‘there is no good in them’ or ‘there is no good could come from them;’ rather he called them in private and in public, as individuals and groups, in night and day, and by awakening of desires and by awakening of fears: {“Then verily, I called to them openly (aloud); (8) “Then verily, I proclaimed to them in public, and I have appealed to them in private, (9) “I said (to them): ‘Ask forgiveness from your Lord; Verily, He is Oft-Forgiving; (10) ‘He will send rain to you in abundance; (11) ‘And give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers.” (12) What is the matter with you, [that you fear not Allah (His punishment), and] you hope not for reward (from Allah or you believe not in His Oneness).} [Surat Nûh 71:8-13]

{ثُمَّ إِنِّي دَعَوْتُهُمْ جِهَارًا ﴿٨﴾ ثُمَّ إِنِّي أَعْلَنتُ لَهُمْ وَأَسْرَرْتُ لَهُمْ إِسْرَارًا ﴿٩﴾ فَقُلْتُ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُ كَانَ غَفَّارًا ﴿١٠﴾يُرْسِلِ السَّمَاءَ عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًا ﴿١١﴾ وَيُمْدِدْكُم بِأَمْوَالٍ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ أَنْهَارًا ﴿١٢﴾ مَّا لَكُمْ لَا تَرْجُونَ لِلَّـهِ وَقَارًا} نوح: 8-13

Transliteration: Thumma ‘Innī Da`awtuhum Jihārāan (8) Thumma ‘Innī ‘A`lantu Lahum Wa ‘Asrartu Lahum ‘Isrārāan (9) Faqultu Astaghfirū Rabbakum ‘Innahu Kāna Ghaffārāan (10) Yursili As-Samā’a `Alaykum Midrārāan (11) Wa Yumdidkum Bi’amwālin Wa Banīna Wa Yaj`al Lakum Jannātin Wa Yaj`al Lakum ‘Anhārāan (12) Mā Lakum Lā Tarjūna Lillahi Waqārāan

Our Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) stayed in Makkah, inviting people to believe in the Oneness of Allah Almighty and exerting efforts for the cause of Allah. However; when the infidels of Quraish stood against him, because of their stubbornness and unbelief, he went to At-Ta`if to open new scopes for his invitation. Actually, the preacher’s home is where the benefit of his invitation is. Then; he was answered in At-Ta`if by the same response of Quraish, even worse. Then; he left the most desirable city to him and to Allah as well. He left his home land and migrated to Allah Almighty. Furthermore; he fought for the cause of Allah till the last moments of his life. And his care for his nation and its religion and protecting it continued to the last moments of his life; the last words he uttered was: “(Care for) the prayer and the people whom you have authority over them.” [Reported by ibn Majah and declared authentic by Al-Albani]

«كان يقول في مرضه الذي توفي فيه الصلاة وما ملكت أيمانكم» رواه ابن ماجه وصححه الألباني

And he said: “Allah’s curse upon the Jews and the Christians that they have taken the graves of their prophets as Masjids.” He in fact warned (his nation) against what they (the Jews and the Christians) did. [Agreed upon]

«لعنة الله على اليهود والنصارى. اتخذوا قبور أنبيائهم مساجد (يحذر مثل ما صنعوا)» متفق عليه

Actually, the prophets are the models and examples: {They are those whom Allâh had guided. So follow their guidance} [Surat Al-`An’âm 6:90]

{أُولَئِكَ الَّذِينَ هَدَى اللَّهُ فَبِهُدَاهُمُ اقْتَدِهْ} الأنعام: 90

Transliteration: ‘Ūlā’ika Al-Ladhīna Hada Al-Lahu Fabihudāhumu Aqtadihi

Indeed, they are the ushers to the way of Allah in every time and place.

Also, you should consider the story of the boy of the valley. He is a boy had been guided by Allah to faith and continued calling people to it, till the king was informed about him. When the king tried to kill him, he could not do it; then, the boy told him how to kill him. This boy lived for the cause of the religion, and he wanted to send his call to every person in his country; so, he spent his life for this cause, till people believed; although, he died before seeing the fruit of his call.

When Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), the caliphate of the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him), was appointed as caliphate and some Arab apostatized and others hold back the Zakat; he said his well-known saying: “Would the religion get diminish during my life!” meaning that this could never occur, after he spent his life and all his money in fighting for the cause of Allah and devoted his life for the religion.

When At-Tufail ibn ‘Amr Ad-Dawsi (may Allah be pleased with him) embraced Islam, he knew from the first moment of his embrace to Islam that there is a duty for him towards his religion. He said to the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him), after uttering the testimony of Islam: “Verily, the tribe of Daws did not believe in Allah; so, order me to go to it.”

Actually, all the companions of the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him), after twenty-three years of fighting, sacrifice, tolerating the pains and hardships, and leaving the wives, children, homes, spending money along with other things, did not stay to have rest or collect the medals and badges of honor or narrate the stories of their heroic situations. Rather; they continued going in the way of serving the religion and supporting Islam, till they died in various continents.

Also, there were Nur-Addin and Salahuddin (may Allah mercy them) who devoted their lives to Allah, till Allah Almighty enabled Salahuddin to liberate Al-Masjid-al-Aqsâ (i.e. Jerusalem). Indeed, it is they who said the well-known saying: “How could I laugh while Jerusalem is captured?!”

In fact, the lives of our righteous forefathers have uncountable situations about serving the religion, supporting Islam and spending for the cause of Allah. Consider the feelings of our righteous forefathers when one of them said, “When I see an evil doing I cannot change it, I urinate blood!” and when another one said, “I will be pleased if my skin is torn by scissors to make people worship their Lord.”

You may say: “Who am I? Does my work have value?!”

Whereupon we say: Never belittle yourself; Allah may present much good at your hands! Therefore; you should be truthful with Allah and be sincere and exert efforts working hard to gain good by the will of Allah. Actually, every person invites people to the way of Allah will surly find many good fruits; the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “If you are sincere with Allah, He will be sincere with you (affirm your good actions).” [Reported by An-Nasâ`i and authenticated by Al-Albani]

«إن تصدق الله يصدقك» رواه النسائي وصححه الألباني

Also, he said: “Never belittle any of the good deed.” [Reported by Muslim]

«لا تحقرن من المعروف شيئا» رواه مسلم

Allah Almighty asked us to worship Him by acting; He will not ask us about the results. The Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “There were brought before me the people and I saw a prophet and a small group (of his followers) along with him, another (prophet) and one or two persons (along with him) and (still another) prophet having no one with him.” [Reported by Muslim]

«عرضت علي الأمم فرأيت النبي ومعه الرهيط، والنبي ومعه الرجل والرجلان، والنبي ليس معه أحد» رواه مسلم

Hence, there would be a prophet that does not have even one person following him; however, he fulfilled his role and accomplished his mission.

Then, you say: “What is my role? What could I do for serving and supporting my religion?”

First: Seek a role for yourself; do not wait somebody to tell you your role. Actually, loving your religion will lead you to finding many roles.

These are keys for roles that benefit you:

1-   Adhering to Shari’ah and upbringing your children according to the rules of Islam are among the greatest ways for supporting Islam.

2-   Inviting people to the way of Allah Almighty and enjoining the good and forbidding the evil.

3-   Learning the religion and teaching it to others; this includes delivering sermons and lessons.

4-   Caring for the issues of Muslims worldwide and telling people about the facts of these issues and the deceit of the enemies.

5-   Caring for the orphans, poor people and supporting them.

6-   Excelling in your studies; for the sake of Muslims’ progress in economy, policy, science and technology.

7-   Serving the Muslims in the field of your work and neglecting whatever is forbidden; whether you are an employee, worker, doctor, engineer or whatever.

8-   Invoking Allah and supplicating Him to help the Muslims. Actually; it is something everyone can do. The Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Do you gain victory and provision but by the weak people among you!” [Reported by Al-Bukhari]

«هل تنصرون وترزقون إلا بضعفائكم» رواه البخاري

And in another narration: “Verily, Allah grants victory to this nation because of the weak people in it; by their invocation, prayer and sincerity.” [Reported by An-Nasâ`i and authenticated by Al-Albani]

«إنما ينصر الله هذه الأمة بضعيفها، بدعوتهم، وصلاتهم، وإخلاصهم» رواه النسائي، وصححه الألباني

9-   Go to the people of knowledge and those who invite to the way of Allah in your city and area; in order that they may guide you to deeds they need, and you can participate in them, for the sake of Allah.

One scholar said: “They used to say to us; when you hit a nail in the wall to hang a notification for a lesson; you support the religion and participate in returning back the caliphate regime.”

Actually, they told the truth. Never belittle a deed, because Allah measures by the weight of atoms. Verily, a small deed may become great because of the intention while a great deed may become trivial because of the intention.

Also, there is a role for the woman. She has to interact with the issues of her nation; she is not isolated from working for Islam and supporting it. Woman’s roles include;

1-   Holding fast to Shari’ah, especially the veil. Furthermore; she should be model in the good manners, etiquettes and shyness.

2-   Upbringing her children according to the rulings of Islam.

3-   Inciting her husband and children to obey Allah and work for His religion.

4-   Making the environment of the house a good environment for the husband and children to work and exert efforts; indeed, the wife of the caller to the way of Allah is the Unknown Soldier.

5-   Not to make her husband exhausted by the demands, lest he is distracted from the superior aims.

Finally, I ask Allah to grant honor to Islam and grant victory to Muslims, and I ask him to humiliate the polytheism and polytheists.

And the we end our invocation with: Al-Hamdu Lillâhi Rabb-il-’Alamîn [All the praises and thanks is due to Allâh, the Lord of ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists)]

And prayers and peace of Allah be upon His servant and intimate, Muhammad, and upon his family and companions.

Compiled by: Muhammad Sarhan

The two Most Authentic Books of Hadeeth 1

The Two Most Authentic Books Of Hadeeth

Saheeh Al-Bukhari 

Of all the works of Hadeeth, Saheeh Al-Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim are regarded as the most authentic and authoritative books, after Al-Quran. Indeed the very word "Saheeh" means "authentic". Saheeh Al-Bukhari was compiled by Imam (leader) of Hadeeth, Mohammad Ibn Isma'eel Al-Bukhari, born 194H in Bukhara, central Asia. He traveled at an early age seeking knowledge to Hijaz (Makkah and Madeenah), Ancient Syria, Iraq, Egypt etc. He  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  himdevoted more than 16 years of his life to the actual compilation of this work. He  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him learnt from more than 1000 scholars. It is said that Imam Al-Bukhari  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him collected over 300,000 Hadeeths and he himself memorized 200,000 of which some were unreliable. He  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him wrote many books especially on the bibliography of Hadeeth narrators and other books on various issues of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). However, his book ‘Saheeh Al-Bukhari’, stands out for being the most authentic book of Hadeeth. It was also the first book to contain only authentic Hadeeths, while previous books contained authentic and non-authentic Hadeeths, as well as sayings of the companions  may  Allah  be  pleased  with  them and others. Imam Al-Bukhari  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him died in his hometown, Bukhara in the territory of Khurasan (West Turkistan), in the year 256H.

He  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him grouped the traditions of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) under various headings dealing with specific points of Islamic jurisprudence. In his time, the schools of law had been generally established and his objective was to catalogue the traditions he regarded as authentic in relation to their respective topics of jurisprudence.

Before he recorded each Hadeeth, he  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him would perform ablution and offer a two-Rak'ah prayer and supplicate to Allah. Many religious scholars of Islam tried to find fault in the great remarkable collection, but all in vain. It is for this reason, they unanimously agreed that the most authentic book after the Book of Allah is Saheeh Al-Bukhari.

Some facts about Saheeh Al-Bukhari

1. It contains 7,275 Hadeeths, which he  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him chose from the large number of Hadeeths that he  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him had collected.

2. The number of complete unrepeated Hadeeths is 2230.

3. All the Hadeeths mentioned are authentic.

4. The conditions for accepting a Hadeeth were very stringent. Such as:

a) The chain of narrators must be linked, i.e. every narrator must have met his predecessor, (the man of whom he heard the Hadeeth from, up to the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ).)

b) For it to be enclosed in the Saheeh, the narrators must be of the highest caliber regarding their piety, manners, memory, integrity, etc.

5. The book is not a mere book of narrations; it is essentially a course of study on Hadeeth, its derivatives, inductions and research.

6. Each one of its 97 chapters is headed by a relevant verse from the Quran that complements the meaning of the Hadeeths quoted.

7. Finally, much more could be said about this monumental work, however, it is enough to say that many people have reached fame and achieved the highest qualifications by studying the book, researching it and commenting on it.

Saheeh Muslim

Saheeh Muslim is the second most authentic book of Hadeeth after Saheeh Al-Bukhari, compiled by Imam Muslim ibn Al-Hajaj Al-Nisapuri  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him. Born in 202H and died in 261 H. He  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him traveled widely to many countries such as Iraq, Hijaz, Ancient Syria, and Egypt to gather his collection of Hadeeth. He  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him learnt from many scholars, most of which were Al-Bukhari's teachers. He  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him also learnt from the Imam Al-Bukhari himself  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him and became his most loyal student. Like Imam Al-Bukhari, Allah have mercy upon him, he, Allah have mercy upon him, wrote many books on the sciences of Hadeeth.

He, Allah have mercy upon him, sought not so much to complement the issues at stake in the fiqh (the lslamic jurisprudence) but rather to produce a collection of sound traditions, an authentic record, on which future studies of Hadeeth could be based.

Some facts about Saheeh Muslim

1. The book contains 4000 non-repeated Hadeeths and 12000 repeated ones.

2. Many narrations are mentioned in Saheeh Al-Bukhari, but with different chain of narrators.

3. In every chapter more than one Hadeeth with the same meaning but with different chains and text are listed. The first Hadeeth in each chapter is the strongest, followed by weaker narrations in order to strengthen weaker narrations.

4. Excellent classification.

5. The book is forwarded by a detailed introduction about the basis of the sciences of Hadeeth.

Saheeh Al-Bukhari is preferred over Saheeh Muslim based on the authenticity of the Hadeeths. Imam Al-Bukhari  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him was more strict in selecting Hadeeths (chains) than Imam Muslim  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him. Besides considering all the conditions of a Saheeh Hadeeth, Imam Al-Bukhari  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him stipulated a further condition that a narrator should meet the person from whom he is narrating the Hadeeth.

Imam Muslim  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him however, did not stipulate the evidence of meeting the narrator from whom he is narrating, but according to him, it is sufficient to accept the Hadeeth of a narrator if he lives in the same period and there was the possibility of meeting the narrator from whom he is reporting the Hadeeth. So, the condition of Imam Muslim  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him was less strict than the condition of Imam Al-Bukhari  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him.

While Bukhari's compilation is considered the more reliable of the two, Muslim's arrangement of his material has been recognised as superior, and rightly so. While Al-Bukhari  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him made the traditions in his collection testify to his own schedule of various points of law, Muslim  may  Allah  have  mercy  upon  him left them to speak for themselves.

Precious Dowries for the Lovely Houris.

PRECIOUS DOWRIES  FOR  THE  LOVELY HOURIS. 

The Houris with wide lovely eyes are the great rewards that Allah, may He be Exalted, prepared for Muslims. Allah, may He be Exalted, says in His Noble Book:

[الواقعة: 22-23] {وَحُورٌ عِينٌ. كَأَمْثَالِ اللُّؤْلُؤِ الْمَكْنُونِ}

Interpretation of the Meaning:

“And (there will be) Houris (fair females) with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for the pious),” [Al-Waqi’ah: 22-23]



The Noble Quran mentioned amazing attributes of the Houris. Such attributes capture the minds because of the beauty of the Creation of Allah, may He be Glorified. Blessed be Allah, the Great. In the Sunnah of the Prophet, we have a lofty description that captivates the souls by its eloquence and magnificent impact. Al-Bukhari reported on the authority of Annas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

ولو أن امرأةً من نساءِ أهلِ الجنةِ اطَّلعَت إلى الأرضِ لأضاءَتْ ما بينهما، ولملأَتْ ما بينهما رِيحًا، ولنَصِيفُها - يعني الخِمارَ - خيرٌ من الدنيا وما فيها

(Interpretation): “…And if a houri from Paradise appeared to the people of the earth, she would fill the space between Heaven and the Earth with light and pleasant scent and her head cover is better than the world and whatever is in it.” (Al-Bukhari: 6567).

 However, those Houris with wide lovely eyes require a precious dowry that the wise Muslim should be keen to obtain. Mu'adh bin Anas Al-Juhani narrated that the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

مَن كَظم غيظًا، وهو يستطيع أن ينفذه، دعاه اللهُ يومَ القيامة على رؤوس الخلائق، حتى يخيِّره في أيِّ الحور شاء

(Interpretation): "Whoever suppresses his rage while he is able to unleash it, Allah will call him before the heads (leaders) of creation on the Day of Judgment, so that he can inform Him of which of the Huris he would like." (At-Tirmizi: 2021) and authenticated by Al-Albani in (Sahih At-Targhib: 2753).

Therefore, dear Brother, suppressing anger is one of the loftiest qualities that a Muslim should have. It requires the Muslim to tame the soul on tolerance and forgiveness, especially while he is able to unleash his anger. The greatest incentive to suppress anger is reminding oneself how Allah, may He be Exalted, is Most Forbearing, Oft Forgiving towards us.

 We supplicate Allah the Almighty to grant us good manners and to bestow upon us from His Great Bounty. All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, the Lord of all that exists, and may Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his Family, all of his Companions and pious followers until the Day of Judgement.

The Quran and Community.

THE  QURAN AND  COMMUNITY. 

Virtually every human language has a word for ‘community.’ How could it be otherwise when community is of the core essence of the human experience? We are creatures of community. To live as part of one fulfills the most natural inclination to society that thrives in every one of us. This is the reason that the notion of community—simple, innate, intuitively understood—never did call for much discussion. It was that fundamental.


Not so since the cesarean birth of the modern, when man was untimely ripped from his natural social womb and delivered disoriented into moral distortion, unmanageable materialism, greed, injustice and arrogance. This has steadily led us to a gross reverence of individualism and a neartotal disregard for the common weal of man.


The result has been much more than the mere loss of an abstract communal sense among us (and its attendant avalanche of ugly ills). We have been forced to endure the degradation and, in some cases, the complete destruction, of the most essential humanizing component in life: The family.


Still, 'community' remains in wide use among all people. We invoke it at every turn because it is deep in our Fitrah (the natural predisposition upon which Allah Almighty created mankind), our inherent tendency toward virtue. For community alone holds all earthly hope for our shared happiness and brotherhood.


It is a strange thing that something as ancient as community—a given for the pre-moderns, despite their technological and informational "deficiencies"—has become a cause of primary challenge in our time and at what price?


This points up another important note on community: The lack of proper understanding of what community means. This is the chief reason it isso hard today to establish and maintain one.


In this, there is, indeed, a sign for our confused times. It exposes a certain unawareness among our Muslim leadership, which has shown itself at a loss for identifying the wellsprings of community, though the Quran is utterly unambiguous about this.


The first thing about community in the Quran that rivets you is its massive emphasis. Aside from the topics of faith and Tawheed, Ummah (in its various forms) is the most widely mentioned concept in it. It establishes community as the standard by which we are to understand and reflect upon man. Allah Almighty Says (what means): "O mankind, indeed We have created you from a male and a female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted."[Quran 49:13]


This is the most essential form of community intended by God Almighty for man—a single fellowship commanded to come together for the common good on the basis of monotheism. The Quran grants that material means may allow man gain in worldly matters. Yet only one criterion (God's reverence and worship—which the Quran refers to as Taqwa) forms the basis upon which man is to be judged. This makes Taqwa, reverencing only One God, the sole guidance worth living by. This is no mere abstraction. So let there be no ambiguity about it. Taqwa is entirely concrete.


If people find it difficult to grasp the rope of God Almighty by which Taqwais represented, let's be frank, it is wholly due to one failing: The fact that establishing a community based on exclusive reverence for God Almighty alone means that some men cannot be lords over others. All are equal and must, therefore, render unto others what they expect from them in return. That is the reason why Taqwa is the only logical criterion of a just community. It is a direct measure of our willingness to believe in Allah The Most High and obey His commands.


Strikingly, the Quran tells us that the most important ingredient in establishing a community depends not on space, time, matter, or any other "chance" trait or relationship in the world. It is a bond of the human heart. The naked truth is no amount of human will or earthly means can bring it about. It is purely and explicitly an act of Divine Grace. Allah Says (what means): "…And remember the favor of Allah upon you – when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers…" [Quran 3:103] Thus, it is Allah, and Allah alone, who brings the hearts of a community together and binds them.


We need to appreciate that this is not an act of pure destiny but also a function of whether a people consciously chooses to internalize and live by the sterling standard of Taqwa, namely this: God is God. Man is Man. The First is to be worshiped. The latter is His servant, serving all others at His divine pleasure.

The best Supplication for Seeking Forgiveness

THE BEST SUPPLICATION FOR SEEKING FORGIVENESS 

Praise is due to Allah the Almighty, peace and blessings of Allah be upon the Prophet Muhammad, his Family, his Companions and whosoever follows him.

Seeking forgiveness from Allah the Almighty is the greatest goal to every Muslim. This act of worship has to be continuously implemented to follow the path of the Prophet Muhammad Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him. In Noble Sunna, the Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him urged us for seeking forgiveness a lot of times every day. In essence, the Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him taught us the best way for seeking forgiveness from Allah the Almighty.

Shaddad bin Aus (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

the Prophet Muhammad Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him said

سيِّدُ الاستِغفارِ أن تقولَ : اللَّهمَّ أنتَ ربِّي لا إلَهَ إلَّا أنتَ ، خَلقتَني وأَنا عبدُكَ ، وأَنا على عَهْدِكَ ووعدِكَ ما استطعتُ ، أعوذُ بِكَ من شرِّ ما صنعتُ ، أبوءُ لَكَ بنعمتِكَ عليَّ ، وأبوءُ لَكَ بذنبي فاغفِر لي ، فإنَّهُ لا يغفرُ الذُّنوبَ إلَّا أنتَ قالَ : ومَن قالَها منَ النَّهارِ موقنًا بِها ، فماتَ من يومِهِ قبلَ أن يُمْسيَ ، فَهوَ من أَهْلِ الجنَّةِ ، ومن قالَها منَ اللَّيلِ وَهوَ موقنٌ بِها ، فماتَ قبلَ أن يُصْبِحَ ، فَهوَ من أَهْلِ الجنَّةِ

(Interpretation of Hadith)

"The best supplication for seeking forgiveness (Syed-ul- Istighfar) is to say: 'Allahumma Anta Rabbi, la ilaha illa Anta, khalaqtani wa ana 'abduka, wa ana 'ala 'ahdika wa wa'dika mastata'tu, a'udhu bika min sharri ma sana'tu, abu'u laka bini'matika 'alayya, wa abu'u bidhanbi faghfir li, fa innahu la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa Anta. (O Allah! You are my Rubb. There is no true god except You. You have created me, and I am Your slave, and I hold to Your Covenant as far as I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge the favours that You have bestowed upon me, and I confess my sins. Pardon me, for none but You has the power to pardon).' He who supplicates in these terms during the day with firm belief in it and dies on the same day (before the evening), he will be one of the dwellers of Jannah; and if anyone supplicates in these terms during the night with firm belief in it and dies before the morning, he will be one of the dwellers of Jannah (Al-Bukari)

This manner of seeking forgiveness depicts the Glory of Allah the Almighty and shows a great humility to Allah the Almighty. It refers to our weakness and emphasizes our Tawheed of Allah the Almighty. We have to understand the meaning of this great manner of Istighfar and recognize the consequence of saying it. Saying this supplication with great belief will be a cause to enter paradise. Consequently,  we have to motivate ourselves to frequently say it on a regular basis, encourage our family members, our friends, and  all Muslims to utter this Istighfar for seeking forgiveness from Allah the Almighty. Allah the Almighty is the most Generous, accepts Istighfar from those who repent and return to their Creator

The Virtue and Benefits of Hajj

The VIRTUE AND BENEFITS  OF HAJJ 

Hajj is one of the great pillars of Islam. Allah Almighty has made it obligatory on the Muslims who are able to find a way to do it, saying (what means): {And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House—for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves—then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.} [Quran 3: 97]

People have continued to perform the Hajj since Ibrahim (Abraham), may Allah exalt his mention, raised the foundations of the House and called on people to come to it, as Allah ordered him until our present time, and it will not stop as long as there are believers on earth. When Allah Almighty will seize the souls of the believers to leave only the evil persons, who will witness the final Hour, the delegations of Hajj to the Sacred House will stop, as will be explained later.

The virtues of Hajj are many and variable:

1- Hajj is one of the best righteous deeds and acts of obedience: Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )was asked: "What is the best deed?" He replied: "To have faith in Allah and His Messenger." The enquirer asked: "What next?" The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "To perform jihad for the sake of Allah." The enquirer asked: "What next?" The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "A valid and accepted Hajj." [Al-Bukhari, Muslim, At-Tirmithi, An-Nasaa’i, and Ahmad]

2- Hajj equals (in reward) observing jihad for the sake of Allah. It is also the alternative for those who are unable to observe jihad or those who are not obliged to observe it in the sharia: ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, narrated that she said: "O Messenger of Allah! We see that jihad is the best deed. Should we (women) not actively participate in it?" The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) replied, 'No, the best jihad for you is a valid and accepted Hajj.'" [Al-Bukhari]

According to the wording of another narration, she said: "Should we (women) not actively participate in fighting and jihad along with you?" The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) replied: "For you, the best and most beautiful jihad is a valid and accepted Hajj." Thereupon, ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, commented: "I will never abandon Hajj after hearing these words from the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )." [Al-Bukhari]

According to the wording of a third narration, she said: "Should we (women) not set out and observe jihad along with you? I do not see any other action better than jihad in the Quran." The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) replied: "For you, the best and most beautiful jihad is observing Hajj to the House (of Allah), a valid and accepted Hajj." [ An-Nasaa’i]

3- Entering Paradise is the reward of the valid and accepted Hajj. Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )said: "An ‘Umrah to another ‘Umrah will be redemption of sins for whatever occurs between them, and (entering) Paradise is the reward of a valid and accepted Hajj." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

4- A valid and accepted Hajj purifies from sins. Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that he heard the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) say: "Whoever performs a Hajj during which he neither commits sexual intercourse nor sins will return as sinless as a newborn child on the very day his mother delivered him." [Al-Bukhari]

According to another narration, the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "Whoever comes to this House and neither commits sexual intercourse or sins will return as sinless as a newborn child on the very day his mother delivered him."[Muslim]

According to a third narration, the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "Whoever performs a Hajj during which he neither commits sexual intercourse nor sins, his past sins will be forgiven." [At-Tirmithi]

5- Performing Hajj often wipes out poverty. Ibn Mas‘ood and Ibn ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu 'layhi wa sallam, said: "Perform Hajj and ‘Umrah successively for they remove poverty and sins just as fire removes the impurities of iron." [At-Tirmithi and Ibn Majah]

6- Those performing the Hajj are the guests of Allah, and He pledged to generously host and honor them. ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "The fighter for the sake of Allah and the one observing the Hajj and ‘Umrah are the guests of Allah; He invited them and they responded, and when they ask Him, He gives them." [Ibn Majah]

According to the wording of another narration, the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "The pilgrims of the Hajj and ‘Umrah are the guests of Allah; and when they supplicate Him, He answers their supplication; and when they ask for His forgiveness, He forgives them." [Ibn Majah]

The obligation of the Hajj will continue even after the occurrence of the great trials at the end of time. In a hadith, the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "Hajj and ‘Umrah to this House will continue even after the emergence of Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj (Gog and Magog)." [Al-Albani: authentic] 

When Allah will seize the souls of the believers at the end of time to leave only the evil people to witness the Hour, Hajj will stop. The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )said: "The (final) Hour will not come unless people refrain from performing the Hajj." [Al-Albani: authentic]

Thus, it is obligatory on each Muslim who is physically and financially able to hasten to perform the Hajj before he will be unable to do so. The Prophet sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "Whoever intends to perform the Hajj should hasten to it; for one could get sick, his mount could be lost, or he could face poverty and need." [Saheeh Al-Jaami']

Glad tidings for those who are unable to perform the Hajj:

There is a reward equal to the reward of Hajj. It was narrated on the authority of Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )said: "Whoever performs the Fajr (dawn prayer) in congregation, then sits to remember Allah until the sun rises, and then performs a two-rak‘ah (unit of prayer) prayer, his reward will be equal to that of Hajj and ‘Umrah, completely, completely, completely." [At-Tirmithi; Al-Albaani: authentic]

The benefits intended from Hajj:

Firstly: Teaching the Muslim to honor the symbols of Allah: Allah Almighty says (what means): 

• {Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Mecca—blessed and a guidance for the worlds. In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Ibrahim. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House—for whoever is able to find thereto a way.} [Quran 3: 96-97] 

• {That [is so]. And whoever honors the Symbols of Allah—indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.} [Quran 22: 32]

Secondly: Achieving compassion and love among the Muslims. Despite the differences in language, color, and nationality, all Muslims gather in one place, supplicate only one God, and circumambulate only one House. This contributes to uniting their goals and purposes, and then the Muslims become like one person. The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) said: "The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the organs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever." [Muslim]

The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) also said: "The Muslims; [the value of] their blood is equal, and the protection offered by the humblest of them is entitled to be respected by all of them, and they are all united against others." [Ibn Majah]

The hajj reflects the aspects of the Muslims' strength and unity and unveils their sharia. Allah Almighty says (what means): {And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security.}[Quran 2: 125]

Third: Following the example of Ibrahim and his son, Ismaa‘eel (Ishmael), may Allah exalt their mention, as well as the practice of Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) and recalling these memories and actions. Allah Almighty says (what means): {And [mention] when Ibrahim was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ismaa‘eel, [saying], "Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing. Our Lord, and make us Muslims [in submission] to You and from our descendants a Muslim nation [in submission] to You. And show us our rites and accept our repentance. Indeed, You are the accepting of repentance, the Merciful. Our Lord, and send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise."} [Quran 2: 127-129]

During the course of Hajjat Al-Wadaa‘ (the Farewell Hajj), the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention )said to the people: "Station where you are performing your rituals for you are heirs to the heritage of your forefather Ibrahim." [Abu Daawood]

The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ) also said: "Learn your rituals (of Hajj) from me, for I may not meet you again in this place after this year." [Muslim]

Fourth: Declaring the Islamic monotheism with which Allah sent His messengers, may Allah exalt their mention, and manifesting it through words and deeds. In the talbiyah, the observer of the Hajj or ‘Umrah says:"Labbayka Allahumma labbayk. Labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk. La shareeka lak." (I am responding to Your call O Allah, I am responding to Your call! I am responding to Your call, You have no partner with You, I am responding to Your call. All perfect praise and bounty belongs to You, and the dominion is Yours.).

People of the pre-Islamic era used to repeat the talbiyah ,but they added polytheistic statements, saying: "There is no other partner with You except one associate; he is Yours; You Own him and whatever he owns."

Throughout all the rituals and actions of the Hajj, one confirms the oneness of Allah and performs them with the sole intention of obeying Allah and of following the example of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ). He walks and stops according to the command of Allah, shaves his hair, and slaughters his hady (sacrificial animal for the Hajj) where Allah commands him. In doing so, he follows the example of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allah exalt his mention ).

O Allah, provide for us so we can perform Hajj to Your House and grant us success to do what You love and what brings Your satisfaction. The end of our supplication is to praise Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

Making Obligations Easy.

MAKING OBLIGATIONS EASY 

The Prophet, peace be upon him, hated to let his Companions nurture a pointless feeling of guilt. He kept telling them that they must never stop conversing with the One, the Most Kind, the Most Merciful who welcomes everyone in His grace and benevolence and who loves the sincerity of hearts that regret and return to Him. This is the profound meaning of at-tawbah offered to everyone: sincerely returning to God after a slip, a mistake, a sin. God loves that sincere return to Him and He forgives and purifies.

The Prophet himself exemplified that in many circumstances. Once, a Bedouin came and urinated in the mosque: the companions rushed on him and wanted to beat him up. The Prophet stopped them and said: “Leave him alone, and just throw a bucketful of water on his urine. God has only sent you to make obligations easy, and not to make them difficult.” [Bukhari]

«أن أعرابيا بال في المسجد، فثار إليه الناس ليقعوا به، فقال لهم رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: دعوه، وأهريقوا على بوله ذنوبا من ماء، أو سجلا من ماء، فإنما بعثتم ميسرين ولم تبعثوا معسرين» رواه البخاري

Abu Huraira reported: “While we were sitting with the Prophet a man came and said, “O Allah's Apostle! I have been ruined.” Allah's Apostle asked what the matter with him was. He replied “I had sexual intercourse with my wife while I was fasting.” Allah's Apostle asked him, “Can you afford to manumit a slave?” He replied in the negative. Allah's Apostle asked him, “Can you fast for two successive months?” He replied in the negative. The Prophet asked him, “Can you afford to feed sixty poor persons?” He replied in the negative. The Prophet kept silent and while we were in that state, a big basket full of dates was brought to the Prophet . He asked, “Where is the questioner?” He replied, “I (am here).” The Prophet said (to him), “Take this (basket of dates) and give it in charity.” The man said, “Should I give it to a person poorer than I? By Allah; there is no family between its (i.e. Medina's) two mountains who are poorer than I.” The Prophet smiled till his pre-molar teeth became visible and then said, 'Feed your family with it.” [Bukhari]

«بينما نحن جلوس عند النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، إذ جاءه رجل فقال: يا رسول الله، هلكت. قال: مالك. قال: وقعت على امرأتي وأنا صائم، فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: هل تجد رقبة تعتقها. قال: لا. قال: فهل تستطيع أن تصوم شهرين متتابعين. قال: لا. فقال: فهل تجد إطعام ستين مسكينا. قال: لا. قال: فمكث النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم. فبينا نحن على ذلك أتي النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم بعرق فيه تمر، والعرق المكتل، قال: أين السائل. فقال: أنا. قال: خذ هذا فتصدق به. فقال الرجل: أعلى أفقر مني يا رسول الله؟. فوالله ما بين لابتيها، يريد الحرتين، أهل بيت أفقر من أهل بيتي. فضحك النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم حتى بدت أنيابه ثم قال: أطعمه أهلك» رواه البخاري

That gentleness and kindness were the very essence of his teaching. He said to ‘A’isha (may Allah be pleased with her): “God is gentle (Rafîq) and he loves gentleness (ar-rifq) in everything. And He gives for gentleness what He does not give for violence or anything else.” [Muslim]

«يا عائشة! إن الله رفيق يحب الرفق. ويعطي على الرفق ما لا يعطي على العنف. وما لا يعطي على ما سواه» رواه مسلم

He declared to one of his companions: “There are in you two qualities that God loves: clemency (al-hilm) and forbearance [nobleness, tolerance] (al-anâ).” [Muslim]

«إن فيك خصلتين يحبهما الله: الحلم والأناة» رواه مسلم

He invited all his companions to that constant effort of gentleness and forgiveness.

Compiled From: “The Invocation of God” - Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, pp. 33, 34

Believers Soul

THE SOUL OF THE BELIEVER 

“Al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib stated that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “When a believer is leaving this world and entering the next, angels with faces shining brightly like the sun descend from the heavens carrying a shroud and embalming fragrance from Paradise, and [then they] sit down within sight-range. The Angel of Death then approaches, sits by his head and says, ‘O good soul, come out to Allaah’s forgiveness and pleasure.’ It will then come out like a flowing drop of water from a water-skin, and he will catch it. But, within the blinking of an eye after he catches it, they will take it and put it in the shroud and fragrance. There will then come from the soul a fragrance like that of the sweetest musk found on the face of the earth. They then ascend with it and every group of angels they pass ask, ‘Who is this good soul?’ to which they reply, ‘So-and-so, the son of So-and-so,’ using his best names by which people called him on earth. They then bring him to the lowest heaven and ask that the gate should be opened for him. This is done, and from every heaven its archangels escort him to the next heaven until he is brought to the seventh heaven, and Allaah, Most Great and Glorious, says, ‘Record the book of My servant in the ‘illiyyoon’ [register of the righteous] and take him back to earth, for I created mankind from it, and I shall return them to it, and from it I shall bring them forth again.’ His soul is then restored to his body…” Authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheeh al-Jaami‘ as-Sagheer, vol. 1, pp. 344-346, no. 1676. This statement coincides with the following Qur’anic verse: “From it We created you, into it We will return you, and from it We will bring you forth again.” Qur’aan, 20:55.