Invalidators of islam

Allah has made it obligatory upon all His slaves to enter Islam and hold onto it and warned them against following other than Islam. He also sent His Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, to call all mankind to it. Allah has informed us in the Quran that guided are those who follow the teachings of Islam, and misguided are those who reject them. He warned in many Verses against the causes of apostasy and all forms of Shirk and disbelief. Religious scholars have mentioned that there are a number of invalidating factors that are bound to take one out of the fold of Islam

Ten most critical invalidators of Islam

1. To associate others with Allah in worship. The Quran says:
"Allah forgives not (the sin of) setting up partners with Him in worship, but He forgives whom He pleases other sins than this" [4:116]

"whoever sets up partners with Allah in worship, Allah will forbid him Paradise, and the Fire will be his abode. For the wrongdoers there are no helpers" [5.72]

Forms of worship include calling upon the dead, seeking their assistance, offering sacrifices to them, and taking vows in their names.

2. To set up intermediaries between oneself and Allah, seeking their intercession and putting absolute trust in them. Those who do so are unanimously considered disbelievers.Such as going to shrines - or asking someone to pray because he/she is perceived as being more spiritual or closer to Allah.

3. Not to accuse polytheists and those who commit Shirk or disbelief, to doubt as to their being disbelievers, or to approve of their beliefs.

4. to believe that the Prophets guidance is not complete or perfect or that other people's ruling and judgement is better than his. Those who prefer the rule of false gods are blatant disbelievers.

5.those who hate anything that the Prophet pbuh came with are also disbelievers even if they act upon them. The Quran says
" that is because they hate that which Allah sent down, so He has made their deeds fruitless."

6. Those who ridicule anything that Islam preaches, such as punishment and reward in the Hereafter, are disbelievers. The Quran says:
"say: was is it Allah , and His Signs, and His Messenger, that you were mocking? Make no excuse you have rejected faith after you had accepted it" [9:65,66]

7. Magic in all its forms including turnings someone away from somebody that he she loves and making somebody love someone or something he or she does not normally like. Whoever practices magic or approves of it is is a disbeliever, as evidenced by the Quranic Verse that says:
"But neither of these [two angels] taught anyone [such things] without saying 'we are only for trial, so disbelieve not [by learning this magic from us] [2:102}

8. to take the disbelievers for friends, give them support and assistance against the Muslims is an act of disbelief. The Quran says:
"And one amongst you that turns to them [for friendship] is of them.Verily Allah guides not people unjust."

9. those who believe that it is in their power or authority to forsake the law of Islam are not disbelievers. The Quran says:
"And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers."[3:85]

10. To turn away from Islam and to stubbornly refuse to earn its teachings or act upon them. The Quran says:
"And who does more wrong than he who is reminded of the Signs of His Lord, Then he turns away there from? Verily from those who transgress W shall exact [due] retribution"

HALAL FORUM

I came across this link while browsng. Hope InshÁllah it proves beneficial to all of us muslims.

WORLD HALAL FORUM

Spread the word and create awareness.

Ten different phrases that are short, easy, and light, but will give you what no eye has seen, no hear has heard, and what no mind has imagined.

Enjoy (and implement):


1 - "Whoever says: 'Glorified is Allah, the Most Great, and praised is He' [Subhan Allah al-'Adhim wa bi-Hamdih] will have a date palm planted for him in Paradise." ['Sahih al-Jami'' #5531]

2 - "Whoever is stricken with sadness, grief, sickness or hardship and says: 'Allah is my Lord, without any partners' [Allahu Rabbi, la sharika lah], then it will be removed from him." ['Sahih al-Jami'' #6040]

3 - "Whoever ate something, then said: ‘Praise be to Allah who has fed me this food and provided it for me, without any strength or power on my part’ [al-Hamdu lillah aladhi at'amani hadha wa Razaqnih bi ghayr hawlin minni wa la quwwa] is forgiven his past and future sins. And whoever wears a garment and says: ‘Praise be to Allah who has clothed me with this garment and provided it for me without any strength or power on my part' [al-Hamdu lillah aladhi kasani hadha at-thawb wa Razaqnih bi ghayr hawlin minni wa la quwwa] is forgiven his past and future sins.” ['Sahih al-Jami'' #6086]

4 - "Whoever enters the marketplace and says: 'There is none worthy of worship except Allah who has no partners, for Him is the Dominion, and for Him is all Praise, He brings life and He causes death, and He is Alive and does not die, in His Hand is all good, and He is able to do all things,' [La ilaha ill-Allah, Wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-Mulk, wa lahul-Hamd, yuhyiyy wa yumit, wa Huwa Hayyun la yamut, bi Yadihil-Khayr wa Huwa 'ala kulli shay'in Qadir] then Allah will write one million good deeds for him, and will wipe away one million of his bad deeds, and will raise him one million levels and will build a home for him in Paradise." ['Sahih al-Jami'' #6231]

5 - "Whoever controls his anger when he is able to act upon it, then Allah will call him to come in front of all of the Creation so that he would let him choose from the Hur al-'Ayn and marry from them whomever he pleases." ['Sahih al-Jami'' #6518]

6 - "Whoever asks Allah for Paradise three times [Allahumma inni as'aluk al-Jannah], then Paradise will say: "O Allah! Enter him into Paradise!" And whoever seeks protection with Allah from the Fire three times [Allahumma najjini min an-Nar], the Fire will say: "O Allah! Protect him from the Fire!"" [Reported by at-Tirmidhi, and it is authentic]

7 - "Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and the believing women, Allah writes for him - for every believing man and woman - a good deed." [Reported by at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and Ahmad, and it is authentic]

8 - ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud said: "Whoever reads 'al-Mulk' (chapter 67 of the Qur'an) every night, Allah will protect him from the torment of the grave. At the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), we used to call it al-mani’ah (that which protects). In the Book of Allah, it is a chapter which - whoever recites it every night - has done very well." ['Sahih at-Targhib wat-Tarhib' #1475]

9 - “Whoever asks Allah sincerely for martyrdom [Allahumma inni as'aluk ash-shahadah], Allah will cause him to reach the status of the martyrs even if he dies in his bed.” ['Sahih al-Bukhari' #1909]

10 - "No one witnesses that there is none worthy of worship but Allah and that I am Allah's Messenger - truthfully, from his heart - except that Allah makes the Fire of Hell forbidden to touch him." [Reported by Muslim, Ahmad, and al-Bayhaqi]

Translated by Abu Sabaayaa


taken from http://www.kalamullah.com/

sadaqah

How often do we see people stop and help others for the sake of humanity? Little gestures like helping a mother maneuver a stroller onto the pavement? Help someone with a heavy object - just for the sake of it? Smile at someone or compliment them on their effort - knowing they have put in hard work and a smile or kind word will cheer them up?

If we were paid to do these deeds - I'm sure there would be dearth of such kindness everywhere. No one would have to be asked.Simply because you were getting something in return.

Allah has created man. He Knows our weaknesses and strengths. The same way - if we do such kind deeds for His sake - we are indeed given something in return. A helping hand nor the kind word will be in vain. You will be rewarded. Such kindness falls under sadaqah.

sadaqah. It is something that we constatly need to remind ourselves of - because we often forget – I had only remembered one type of sadaqah – that was giving from your wealth. But there are other types of sadaqah. The general definition is that all good deeds are sadaqah.

The Messenger of Allah pbuh said ' every Muslim has to give sadaqah" the people asked : " O, Prophet what about the one who has nothing? " He replied: " he should work with his hands to give sadaqah" they asked " what if he cant find work?'. He replied ; " he should help the needy who asks for help." They asked ;" if he cannot do that? " He replied;" He should do good deeds and shun evil, for this will be taken as sadaqah"

[Related by Bukhari and others]

Abu Dhar Al-Ghifary said : The Messenger of Allah PBUH said : 'Sadqah is for every person every day the sun rises.' I said ' O Prophet from what do we give sadaqah if we do not possess property?'

He said : The doors of sadaqah are Allahu Akbar, Subhan Allah; Alhamdullilah[ all praise is for Allah]; La ilaha illal-lah; Astaghfirullah [ I seek forgiveness from Allah]; enjoining good; forbidding evil removing thorns,bones, and stones form the paths of people; guiding the blind; listening to the deaf and dumb until you understand them; guiding a person to his object of need if you know where it is; hurrying with the strength of your legs to one in sorrow who is appealing for help; and supporting the weak with the strength of your arms. These are all the doors of sadaqah.

[The sadaqah] from you is prescribed for you, and there is a reward for you [even] in sex with your wife.' [Ahmad]

in another narration [Muslim] it is that the people asked the Prophet 'O Messenger is there reward if one satisfies his passion?' He replied " Do you now that is he satisfies it unlawfully he has taken a sin upon himself? Likewise, if he satisfies is lawfully, he is rewarded."

The messenger of Allah pbuh said : 'every good deed is sadaqah. To meet your brother with a smiling face and to pour out from your bucket into his container are sadaqah." [ I would interpret this is giving someone water, or spooning out food for someone or similar acts ]

A few examples of small gestures that we would never think to be rewarded for;

Eating halal food. Every time you put halal food in your mouth it is sadaqah - you are refraining from eating haram. That is why you will be compensated for it.

Doing something for your parents. Even it is something casual like dropping them somewhere , getting something that they asked for, or simply serving them food. Since a refusal to do something for them will be noted as a sin - simply by doing something - it is written down as a good deed.

Taking care of your employees. They are working for you. Make sure they are not over burdened. Do not be rude to them - race/age/ money - is no excuse for treating someone rudely. Be careful with you manners. Surely we all will be brought to account. As for the employees who work in your homes. Feed them the food that you eat. Be not harsh nor abusive to them. Treat them the way you would want to be treated.

Listen to Islamic lectures and gaining knowledge of and about Islam. Our knowledge will lead to us becoming better Muslims insh'Allah. Keep reminding yourself of your duties as Muslims - to children, parents- siblings - the people around you.

May Allah guide us all.

Start by doing a small good deed now. Maybe the article that you weren't getting time to read. The friend who needed you but you never got around to asking. The relative that you haven't met in a long time because of some dispute you had. Cleanse your heart against someone you had an argument with. Be careful the next time you put something in your mouth.Make sure its halal. If not.Forgo it for the sake of Allah - He will reward you with something ten times better insh'Allah.

Zill hajj.How to make the most of it!

I was going to write a post on the benefits of doing ibadah and how to make the most of these precious days of Zill hajj when every single good deed weighs so much more. Alhamdullilah, a sister fowarded me this article which i have copy/pasted. May Allah guide our ummah to the right path and prevent us from going astray.


The BEST days are here once again alhumdulillaah! We already know the significance of the 10 day of Dhul Hijjah… We know that good deeds during these days are the MOST beloved to Allaah. BUUUTTT… we sit back and watch these 10 Exceptional days fly by every year without making the most out of it. WHY? Most of the time its vecause we don't know what good deeds to do in the first place! (It could also be coz we are lazy, not interested, too busy, in the 'New Years' spirit …but lets not get into that ;))

Here's a list of easy good deeds to spice up these days and earn UNBELIEVABLE rewards on our scales. Most of the list is taken from Muhammad Al-Shareef's article- '50 things to do in Hajj' (with slight modifications applicable to those of us staying back) Use this list, and enjoy the pleasure of crossing out each deed as the days fly by. 1 day is already over… 9 more to go. Enjoy!51 things to do during the 10 days of Dhul -Hijjah


[1] Smile in another Muslims face

[2] Say Salam to strangers

[2.5] Say salaam to your family and those who you meet everyday - not Good morning or good evening.

[3] Shake someone's hand and ask about their health

[4] Shun vain talk

[5] Recite Takbeer ("Allaahu akbar"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah"), Tahleel ("La ilaha ill-Allaah") and Tasbeeh ("Subhaan Allaah") everywhere you go and encourage others

[6] Lower your gaze

[7] Read Qur'an with the Tafseer

[8] Do the authentic Dhikr of the morning and evening

[9] Visit/ Phone relatives on Eid day

[10] Make dua for forgotten friends (and the author of this list)

[11] Say the dua of entering the market place when you go there

[12] Forgive people that wrong you

[13] Compliment someone sincerely

[14] Visit the hospital and thank Allah for all that He has given you

[15] (For men) On the days of Eid, offer perfume to those around you

[16] Remember specific blessings Allah has bestowed upon you and say Alhamdulillah

[17] Pray to Allah using His most beautiful names (al Asmaa' al Husna)

[18] Use a Miswak

[19] Memorize two ayahs of the Qur'an daily

[20] Visit your Non-Muslim neighbors and gift them Eid baskets (With a special note about the significance of this special occasion)

[21] Don't forget to visit your Muslim neighbors as well

[22] Make small/attractive cards about the importance of the 10 days of Dhul Hijja and hand it out at jumuah prayers (or any prayer!) Sisters- Give the cards out to the Muslims you meet during these days

[23] (For men) Pray in the masjid

[24] Buy gifts for Mom, Dad and family

[25] Call up someone who haven't spoken for AGES (But no gossiping!)

[26] Give charity every day - even 1 buck at the mall or supermarket or anywhere is good.

[27] Invite you non Muslim friend for lunch/dinner and tell her/him about Islam

[28] Switch OFF the TV (Turn ON your life!)

[29] Take out your long list of duas and beg Allaah to have ALL your desires fulfilled If you don't have a Dua list, MAKE ONE! (Advice of a sweet sister)

[30] Fast (Especially on 9th Dhul Hijjah) - for those in dxb, 9th dhul hijjah is on Friday, 3oth Dec

[31] Set your alarm ring earlier then Fajr and do qiyam! Trust me, you'll love it!

[32] Pray for our Ummah, Pray for the families sufferreing in iraq, afghanistan,chechnya. the prisoners that are being held without trial.

[33] Always intend reward from Allah for everything you do

[34] Forward this list to EVERY Muslim you know!

35. For those in dxb, try listening to 88.2 in your car, thats the Quran channel 36. Say dua for our Prophet Sallallahu alaihiwasalam

37. Every thing that you do, do it for Allah's pleasure. For instance, sit and drink water, simply because it is sunnah that way.

38. Before going to bed say Ayatul kursi and the three Quls (qul hua allahu ahd, qul aauzu bi rabbi naas, qul aauzu bi rabbi'l falaq)

39. Teach a child a simple dua to say during his prayers. Whenever the child says the dua, you also will get the benefit.

40.Visit the sick or those who are lonely or don't have much company (eg. granparents or single granparent)

41.Offer two rakahs Salat ud-Duha…this is equal to offering charity for the 360 joints of the body.

42.Say loads of 'Astagfaar' (asking forgiveness)

43.Can even perform two rakahs for astagfaar.

44.Controlling the tongue ...and also avoiding fights

45.Good treatment towards parents (mostly taken for granted), relatives, neighbours, siblings (especially the younger ones who are mostly bossed)

46.Peace making – between 2 friends or relatives who may not be on good terms with each other

47.Remove harmful things from the way

48.Condolence and consoling…Making someone's day....some friend or relative maybe going through a diffcult time and many times we dont realize it.

.Meet for Allah...attend religious gatherings. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.s. said: "When you pass by the gardens of Paradise, avail yourselves of them." The companions asked what are the gardens of Paradise, O Messenger of Allah? He replied: "The circles of zikr. There are roaming angels of Allah who go about looking for the circles of zikr and when they find them, they surround them closely."

49.Help an orphan/widow - Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever strokes the head of an orphan, not stroking it for any other reason except to seek the pleasure of God, will be rewarded for every hair that his hand touches." He also said:"Whoever treats an orphan girl or boy well, I will be with him on the Day of Resurrection like these,' and he pointed to his two fingers, the index finger and the middle finger."

50.Kushoo in salaah -

51.Get rid of a bad habit (eg. being on time, more organized...and im sure there are many other habits we can fix )

[More suggestions are welcome]

note: salutul duha : The time for duha begins when the sun is about a spear's length above the horizon [so about 15 minutes or so after sunrise time on the timetable] and it continues until the sun reaches its meridian. It is preferred to delay it until the sun has risen high and the day has become hot.It can be prayed as two or more rakah.