Assalam alykom wa rahmatuAllah wa barakatu … there is a group that offers online course by sending 2 types of literature:
1) Tafsir of the Qur’aan, starting with Surah Fatihah. (Tafsir is by Ibn Kathir)
2) Collection of Hadith/topics of interest – current topic is Salaat (from Sahih Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi).
To join that just send an email to islaamic_knowledge@hotmail.com
Or islaamic_knowledge@hotmail.com
May Allah let us all learn the true ilm … Ameen
Jazakom Allah khyran
By : ad-Dawal ila-Allah
For every act that a Muslim does, there is a chance for him to earn some reward for it from Allaah. From praying to performing Ghusl (ritual bath), ِAllaah has placed His Blessings in everything. These rewards and blessings can be attained only by those keen to follow the guidance and example of the Prophet Muhammad, into every aspect of their lives, thereby seeking nothing but the pleasure of their Creator.
The entire life of such people becomes an act of worship. Even the act of eating and drinking, upon which all living things depend, can become acts of worship. Thus, by acquainting ourselves with the Sunnah (the tradition of the Prophet) of eating and drinking, we too can turn this mundane exercise into an act of worship and a source of blessing.
The Etiquette of Eating
1- How to Begin
When a Muslim begins to eat, he should begin with the name of Allaah. As the Prophet Muhammad, said: ‘When one of you eats, he should mention Allaah’s name (i.e. say Bismillaah). If he forgets to mention Allaah’s name at the beginning, he should say (when he remembers): I begin in the name of Allaah at the beginning and at the end of it.’
The Prophet, explained that Shaytaan (Satan) partakes in the food if the name of Allaah is not mentioned at the start of eating. However, if one forgets in the beginning and then remembers and says the aforementioned Du’aa (supplication), Shaytaan is made to vomit out what he had eaten.
2- The Manners of Eating
The best manner in which to eat food is with the fingers of the right hand. The Companion, Ka’ab bin Maalik reported that he saw the Messenger, eating with three fingers and when he finished, he would lick them. Another manner of eating which the Prophet, taught us is that we should always eat from what is nearest to us and not from the middle of the plate. The reason for this is that the blessings come down upon the food in its middle, therefore it should be left to last. [Abu Daawood, eng. Trans. Vol. 3, p. 1064, no. 3763]
3- The Manners of Sitting while Eating.
The Prophet, would never eat while in a reclining position. Eating while reclining was a manner used to show arrogance, as traditionally associated with the Greeks and Romans.
The whole life of the Prophet, was a model of modesty and humility and this was evident in his manner of eating. The Companion Anas reported that he saw Allaah’s Messenger, squatting and eating dates [Muslim]. At other times, the Prophet, would sit on his knees as reported by ‘Abdullaah bin Busr who said that: “The Prophet, was sitting on his knees upon which a bedouin asked: ‘Why are you sitting like this?’ The Prophet, replied: “Allaah has made me a respectable servant and He did not make me an obstinate tyrant.”
4- Do not Criticize Food:
Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet, never found fault with food. If he liked it, he would eat it, but if he disliked it, he just left it.
These are the manners our Prophet, who we are enjoined to emulate, who was the best example for mankind. If we look at the manners of people nowadays, we will see that people are quick to criticize food. It is a sign of extreme ingratitude to Allaah, the Provider. Rather, one should be thankful to Allaah for whatever He has provided us with and not complain about its taste. One should also remind oneself that there are many people who do not know where their next meal is coming from. So we should instead be grateful as instructed by Allaah (what means): “O you who believe, eat of the good (lawful) things We have provided you with, and be grateful to Allaah, if it is (indeed) He whom you worship.” [Quran 2:172]
5- Do not Eat too Much
In today’s times, many people follow a lifestyle in which they over indulge in food. They eat large quantities until it is difficult for them to breathe and they can almost feel the food rising to their throats. We have been taught by the Prophet, that we should do all things in moderation, including eating. The Prophet, said: “A Believer eats in one intestine, whereas a non-believer eats in seven intestines” [Muslim]
Therefore, we should not eat until we are completely satiated; rather we should eat an amount of food that eliminates the hunger and does not satisfy us to our fullest.
6- After Eating
When we have finished eating, we should always remember Allaah and be grateful to Him, for He is the Provider and our Sustainer. We should express this gratitude in the manner in which the Prophet, taught us. He, said: “One who has eaten some food and then says: ‘All praise is for Allaah, who has given me this (food to eat) and provided for me without any effort or power on my part’, he will have his sins forgiven.” [At-Tirmithi]
We can extract most of the etiquettes of eating from the following Hadeeth: Narrated ‘Umar bin Abi Salamah: “I was a boy under the care of Allaah’s Messenger, and my hand used to go around the dish while I was eating. So Allaah’s Messenger, said to me: ‘O young boy! Mention the name of Allaah, eat with your right hand and eat of the dish what is nearer to you.” [Al-Bukhaari]
Etiquette of Drinking Water
Water should be drunk in three breaths, that is one should breathe three times outside the drinking vessel one is drinking from. This habit has a salutary impact on one’s character and helps one avoid doing things in haste.
Anas reported: The Messenger of Allaah, used to breathe three times in the course of a drink (he used to drink in three gulps).
The Messenger of Allaah, also prohibited us from breathing in the drinking vessel because the bad smell or spittle may flow into the drink. This is both vile as well as injurious to one’s health. Abu Qataadah reported: “The Prophet, forbade breathing into the vessel while drinking.”
To sum up the etiquette of drinking:
1. Never drink straight from a bottle (carbon dioxide is released in the bottle).
2. Do not drink from the mug’s cleft and do not breathe in the beverage.
3. Drink in three draughts.
4. Invoke Allaah when you drink and praise him when you finish.
It is reported that the Prophet, said: “Do not drink the water in one draught just like camels, but drink it in one or three gulps, and invoke Allaah when you drink and praise Him when you finish.”
By : Dr. Abdul-Rahman ibn Muala al-Luwaihiq al-Mutairi
“Thus have We made of you a nation justly balanced, that you may be witnesses over the people and the Messenger a witness over yourselves.” [al-Baqarah 2:143]
Therefore, one finds that Islam presents the moderate way in every aspect of life. Not only that, it also warns against heading towards either extreme: the extreme of too much zealousness and the extreme of too much nonchalance.
“Guide us to the straight way, the way of those upon whom You have bestowed Your grace, not those whose (portion) is wrath nor those who have gone astray.” [al-Fatihah 1:6-7]
This balanced approach that distinguishes Islam from other religions is the true justice and excellence. Abu S’id al-Khudri narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “On the Day of Resurrection, Noah will be brought and asked, ‘Did you convey (the message)?’ He will say, ‘Yes, O Lord.’ His nation will be asked, ‘Was the message conveyed to you?’ They will answer, ‘No warner came to us.’ He (the Lord) will say (to Noah), ‘Who are your witnesses?’ He will answer, ‘Muhammad and his nation.’ Then you (i.e. the followers of Muhammad) will be brought and will give witness.” Then the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) read the verse, “Thus have We made of you a nation justly balanced,” – he stated, “(That is) just,”- “that you may be witnesses over the people and the Messenger a witness over yourselves.” [Bukhari]
This explanation (for the above verse) is also what the early scholars of Quranic exegesis stated, including Ibn Abbas, Mujahid, Sa’id ibn Jubair, Qatadah, as well as others of the later Quranic commentators.
Hudhaifah ibn al-Yaman said: “Beware of Allah, O Quranic reciters (i.e., religious scholars). Follow the path of those before you. Then you will be the best of leaders. But, if you go right or left, then you will go far astray.” [Bukhari]
Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz wrote to one of his workers, saying, after advising him to follow the path of the early predecessors, “There is no room to fall short of them and there is no room to go beyond them. Some people shortened the matter and fell short. Some people went above them and therefore went to extremes. They (the pious predecessors) were between that (those two extremes) upon a straight guidance.” [Recorded by Abu Dawud]
Ibn al-Qayyim wrote: “Allah does not make any command except that Satan has two incitements (towards it), either to negligence and neglect or to excess and exaggeration. The religion of Allah is in a middle position between being aloof from it and exaggerating in it. It is like a valley between two mountains, guidance between two astray positions and the middle; just position between two blameworthy positions. In the same way that one who is aloof from a matter, loses that matter, the one who exaggerates also loses that matter. The first, by his not meeting the minimum requirements and the second by going beyond the limits.” [Madarij-ul-Salikin]
| About the Prophet’s Marriage with Aishah – Part 1 | |||
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Most of the western orientalist scholars who have published extensive literature on Islam have not always been inspired by the purest spirit of scholarly impartiality. They have worked with the clear intention of belittling Islam and its adherents and were encouraged by the bigot missionaries and imperialistic colonial powers. Western writings on Islam are biased either due to willful distortion or sheer ignorance. They often refer to quotations from books by the secularists who have heretical ideas or the writings of the deviant sects that hate the Prophet’s Companions and revile them or even by some ignorant Muslims who lack Islamic knowledge.
The foundations of Orientalism are in the maxim “Know thy enemy”. When the “Christian Nations” of Europe began their long campaign to colonize and conquer the Muslim World they brought the Orientalists and missionaries in order to assist in the task. They were the servants of the church or the imperialist governments used as a way to subdue or weaken the enemy.
For instance, the notable orientalist William Muir, was an active missionary who authored several books on Islam. His biased books continue to be used as references for those wishing to attack Islam. From the fanatical distortions of John of Damascus to Peter the Venerable and Sale whose “translations of the Qur’an included additional chapters, they were attempts to degrade the religion of Islam and its followers!
In fact the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him – PBUH) and his great companions set the good example for all mankind in their characters and personalities. Therefore, the orientalists never ceased to slander them by inventing stories, or relating fabricated or unauthentic narrations. In this context, the opponents of Islam has selectively placed a magnifying glass on some acts done by these prominent Islamic figures so as to distort their images and assassinate their characters.
Islam has the most humane and just system of marriage and divorce that exists. A woman is highly respected and allowed to reject any marriage proposal made to her. The western influenced media portrays the Islamic system of marriage to be oppressive. They never ceased to criticize the Messenger of Allah for polygamy generally and in particular for marrying an underage wife, namely Aisha the daughter of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with her and her father) so as to show the Prophet as a man of lust!
Aisha was brought up by a family which was greatly respected. Her father was a man of wide knowledge and gentle manners. She was very clever and had strength of personality since she was quite young. Therefore, she was neither tricked nor forced to marry the Prophet.
Some narrations say that Aisha was nine when the Prophet consummated the marriage with her. That was when she reached the age of puberty. For that reason she used to say: “when a girl reaches nine years she becomes a women ” [ Ahmed and Al-Termidhi]. Imam Al-Shafi said: “I saw a grandmother who was only twenty one years old. ” This means that she and her daughter as well became pregnant before the age of ten years!
Some other narrations says that Aisha became the Prophet’s third wife in Makkah when she was most likely in the tenth year of her life but her wedding did not take place until the second year after the Hijrah when she was about fourteen or fifteen years old. However, the Prophet did not take her to his house as bride until she reached the age of puberty.
The life of Aisha is proof that the wife in Islam is not only a feminine source of pleasure to her husband, but can also be a scholar and can infuse both men and women with inspiration. The utterances of this illiterate lady are studied in faculties of literature, her legal pronouncements are researched in colleges of law for centuries. Through the great retentive power of her memory she preserved so many of the priceless sayings of the Prophet while she was still quite young.
The Prophet referring to her extensive knowledge of Islam is reported to have said: “Learn a portion of your religion from this red-colored lady.” “Humayra” meaning “Red-coloured” was an epithet given to Aisha by the Prophet. Her house thus became a school and an academy for men and women who came from far and wide to benefit from her knowledge. Besides answering enquiries, she took boys and girls, some of them orphans, into her custody and trained them under her care and guidance. If she was abused or unhappy in her marriage with the Prophet she would suffer the trauma and never become a leader in every field in knowledge, in society, and also in politics.
Aisha, the self-confident wife of the Prophet was quoted as saying: ”I was not, jealous of any other wife of the Prophet as I was jealous of Khadijah, because of his constant mentioning of her. Whenever he sacrificed a sheep he would send a fair portion of it to those who had been her intimate friends. Many a time I said to him: “It is as if there had never been any other woman in the world except Khadijah.” If the Prophet was a man of lust, why his young and beautiful wife was jealous of his late wife Khadijah, who was old and already dead?
What is recorded in the authentic biographies of the Prophet is that he married Khadijah when he was 25 years old and she was 40. He remained with her, not marrying any other, until the noble lady was over 65. She died when he was just over 50 years of age. No one of his staunchest opponents dared to accuse him of any immorality or indecency, and in this period of his life, the most active and crowded of any man’s, the star of chastity and nobility shone on his forehead wherever he went.
If he had wanted to marry another woman there was no law nor reason nor custom to stop him. Polygamy was a tradition among the Arabs, known as part of the religion of the father of Prophets, Ibrahim (Abraham – PBUH). Nevertheless, he contented himself with one in whom he could find comfort, even though she was in her old age while he was at the peak of manhood. What place does pleasure have in the life of a man who rejected it in his youth? How could he immerse himself in lust as an old man?
When Khadijah died and the Prophet wanted to remarry, the beauty was not the criterion by which he selected his wife. His main consideration was to strengthen his ties with those men who had dedicated their lives to the message of Islam and da’wah. He chose Aisha, the daughter of Abu Bakr, in spite of her tender age, and he chose Hafsah, the daughter of ‘Umar, in spite of her lack of beauty. Then he chose Umm Salamah, the widow of his commander who was martyred in the way of Allah. His wife Sawdah, was a woman who had given up the idea of marriage because of her old age. Life with these four was not expected to be full of fun and joy.
Surely the conditions surrounding the other wives made living with them a part of the burden that the Prophet had to bear. Is there any place for pleasure in the life of a man who never rested a single day form the toil of exhausting jihad? Surely as a great leader and in his capacity as head of state he was so fully occupied with the problems of the community and every individual in it, that he hardly enjoyed an hour’s rest. He was always busy in his endless struggle to establish good and eradicate evil.
However, the Prophet’s life was not based on abundant food, drink, pleasures and luxurious living. It was a simple life of a man whose entire concern was for da’wah and the truth alone, a man who exerted himself to the utmost to gather the people around Islam. This was a man who was chosen and purified by Providence. His aspirations were towards lofty ideals and to what will be one’s fate when one returns to Allah.
His life with his wives was an austere path that no one could bear. Bukhari transmitted on the authority of Anas ibn Malik (RA): “I do not know the Prophet to have seen flat loaf of bread before he passed away.”
Aisha reported: “We used to look at the new moon (crescent) three times (i.e. two months’ duration) and no fire for cooking food was lit in the Prophet’s homes!” Urwah ibn al Zubayr asked Aisha (his aunt): “What did he (the Prophet) give you to eat?” She replied: “The two black things: dates and water.” Aisha also reported: “Allah’s Messenger died, and in my cupboard there was only a piece of barley-bread in one of my shelves!”
(To be concluded)
A Sahabi once said, “0, Rasulullah, (SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM), I know that the commandments of Sharee-at are many, but of these tell me the one that I may practice assiduously throughout my life.” The Prophet, (SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM), replied, “Keep your tongue always moist (i.e. busy) with the zikr of Allah.” According to another Hadith, Harat Mu’aaz (Radhiyal-laho anho) has said, “Once at the time of my departure from Rasulullah (Sallallahu ALAIHI WASALLAM), I asked him to advise me of that action which is most pleasing to Almighty Allah: whereupon he replied, “At the time of your death, your tongue should be busy with zikr of Almighty Allah.”
Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallaho anho) narrated that Rasulullah (SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) has said, “Almighty Allah says, I treat my slave (man) according to his expectations from Me, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in his heart, I remember him in My heart; if he remembers Me in a gathering, I remember him in a better and nobler gathering (i.e. of angels). If he comes closer to Me by one span, I go towards him a cubit’s length, if he comes towards Me by a cubit’s length, I go towards him an arm’s length, and if he walks towards Me, I run unto him.”
1) Zikr keeps away the Satan and weakens his strength.
2) It is the cause of Almighty Allah’s pleasure.
3) It relieves the mind of anxieties and worries.
4) It produces joy and happiness in the heart.
5) it strengthens the body and mind.
6) It brightens the face and heart.
7) It attracts one’s subsistence.
8 ) It induces love for Allah, which in fact is the spirit of Islam and the pivot of “Deen”, and the source of success and salvation in the Hereafter. He who seeks access to the love of Almighty Allah should do Zikr profusely. Just as reading and repetition is the door of knowledge, so Zikr of Allah is the gateway to His love.
9) .Zikr of Allah causes one’s mention in the Court of Allah, as said in the Holy Book.
(Remember Me, and I will remember you), and as stated in the Hadith (whosoever remembers Me in his heart, I remember him in My heart). It has already been explained under other verses and Ahadith that, even if there were no other good points in Zikr, except that mentioned above, this alone would have established its superiority over others. Nevertheless, there are many more virtues and benefits of Zikr.
10) It helps realization of Allah so that by and by a stage is reached when he comes to regard Almighty Allah as his sole Cherisher, Guardian and Master, and he turns unto Him, in all afflictions.
11) It is the key to nearness to Almighty Allah; the greater the Zikr, the greater the nearness to Allah, and greater the indifference to Zikr, the greater the distance from him.
12) It gives life to the heart. Hafiz Ibn Tamimia says that Zikr is as necessary for the heart as water for the fish. Imagine the condition of a fish out of water. As Allah Said: (Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest! ) (13:28)
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