Ruling on celebrating the Propphet PBUH birthday

Praise be to Allaah the Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and all his family and companions.
The commands mentioned in the Qur'aan and Sunnah to follow the laws of Allaah and His Messenger, and the prohibitions on introducing innovations into the religion are quite clear. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Say (O Muhammad to mankind): 'If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur'aan and the Sunnah), Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins'"
[Aal 'Imraan 3:31]
"Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord (the Qur'aan and Prophet Muhammad's Sunnah), and follow not any Awliyaa' (protectors and helpers who order you to associate partners in worship with Allaah), besides Him (Allaah). Little do you remember!"
[al-A'raaf 7:3]
"And verily, this is My straight path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His path"
[al-A'naam 6:153]
And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "The most truthful of speech is the Book of Allaah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad, and the most evil of things are those which are newly-invented." And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours (i.e., Islam), that is not part of it will have it rejected." (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 2697; Muslim, no. 1718). According to a version narrated by Muslim, "Whoever does anything that is not in accordance with this matter of ours (i.e., Islam), will have it rejected."
Among the reprehensible innovations that people have invented is the celebration of the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in the month of Rabee' al-Awwal. They celebrate this occasion in various ways:
Some of them simply make it an occasion to gather and read the story of the Mawlid, then they present speeches and qaseedahs (odes) for this occasion.
Some of them make food and sweets etc., and offer them to the people present.
Some of them hold these celebrations in the mosques, and some of them hold them in their houses.
Some people do not limit themselves to the actions mentioned above; they include in these gatherings haraam and reprehensible things, such as free mixing of men and women, dancing and singing, or committing actions of shirk such as seeking the help of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), calling upon him, seeking his support against their enemies and so on.

Whatever form it takes and whatever the intentions of those who do this are, there is no doubt whatsoever that it is an invented, haraam innovation which was introduced by the Shi'a Faatimids after the three best centuries, in order to corrupt the religion of the Muslims. The first person to do this after them was the king al-Muzaffar Abu Sa'eed Kawkaboori, the king of Irbil, at the end of the sixth century or the beginning of the seventh century AH, as was mentioned by the historians such as Ibn Khalkaan and others. Abu Shaamah said: the first person to do that in Mosul was Shaykh 'Umar ibn Muhammad al-Malaa, one of the well-known righteous people. Then the ruler of Irbil and others followed his example.
Al-Haafiz Ibn Katheer said in al-Bidaayah wa'l-Nihaayah (13/137), in his biography of Abu Sa'eed Kazkaboori: "He used to observe the Mawlid in Rabee' al-Awwal and hold a huge celebration on that occasion… some of those who were present at the feast of al-Muzaffar on some occasions of the Mawlid said that he used to offer in the feast five thousand grilled heads of sheep, ten thousand chickens and one hundred thousand large dishes, and thirty trays of sweets… he would let the Sufis sing from Zuhr until Fajr, and he himself would dance with them."
Ibn Khalkaan said in Wafiyaat al-A'yaan (3/274): "When it is the first of Safar they decorate those domes with various kinds of fancy adornments, and in every dome there sits a group of singers and a group of puppeteers and players of musical instruments, and they do not leave any one of those domes without setting up a group (of performers) there.

The people give up work during this period, and they do no work except going around and watching the entertainment. When there are two days to go until the Mawlid, they bring out a large number of camels, cows and sheep, more than can be described, and they accompany them with all the drums, songs and musical instruments that they have, until they bring them to the square… On the night of the Mawlid there are performances of nasheed after Maghrib in the citadel."
This is the origin of this celebration on the occasion of the Prophet's birthday. More recently idle entertainment, extravagance, and wasting of money and time have become associated with an innovation for which Allaah has not sent down any authority.
What Muslims should do is to revive the Sunnah and put an end to bid'ah (innovation); they should not do any action until they know the ruling of Allaah concerning it.
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And We have also sent down to you the Reminder (Adh-Dhikr) that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought. [ Soorah An-Nahl Aayah 44]
Anas (RA) narrates that Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasalaam) said, "Such a time will come upon people that it will be as difficult for them to remain on Deen as it is for a person to hold a burning coal in his hand."
Ka'b Ibn Iyaadh (RA) narrates "I heard Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasalaam) saying, "Every Ummat had some trial (Fitnah) and that Fitnah of my Ummah is wealth.
(Tirmidhi)

Blessing in Rain

Since all we people here in the emirates are talking about the rain - a post about it was a must.
Enjoy the rain and make dua for yourself and others
there is blessing in the rain

Our beloved Prophet (peace & blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:"Two are the du'as that are never returned: the du'a made when the prayer is being called, and at the time of rainfall." (Abu Dawud).
So makes lots of duas for yourself and family and whoever needs them. Make dua for your parents. For yourself...for success in deen duniya and akhirah....basically put your heart in it....and ask the Almighty...:)



During rain:
Allahumma sayyiban naaf'ian.
(O Allah, (bring) beneficial rain clouds)

After Rain:
MuTirnaa bi Fadhlil-Llahi wa Rahmatihi.
(It has rained by the Bounty of Allah and His Mercy)

When it thunders:
Subhanah alldhi yusabbihur-ra'du bi hamdihi wal malaa'ikatu min khifaatihi
Glory to Him whom thunder and angels glorify due to fear of fear)

Funeral Rites in Islam

Some excerpts taken from Abu Ameenah's book "Funeral rites in islam'.


Reading it, i realised that there are alot of misconceptions that are practiced amongst muslims. There are some rituals that take place that have no link to the sunnah of the Prohet Muhammed PBUH.


InshÁllah i hope this post proves to be a guidance and a source of knowledge. May Allah guide us to become better muslims.


Some people read Surah Yasin at funerals. People and well wishers come in groups to sit and read the Quran and chapters of the Quran thinking that it will benefit the person who has died. Yet ponder for a moment - do we not know that only a few things will benefit a person who's soul has been taken?


Any good deed that a Muslim starts during his lifetime, and that is of renewed benefit and ongoing use for the Muslims, will continue to benefit him and augment his record of good deeds, even after his departure - as long as its benefits continue to reach others. Allaah subhanahu wa ta'ala says - "We record that (deeds) which they have put forward and their traces (that which they have left behind)." (Yaa-Seen 36:12)
Abu Hurayrah rahimahullaah reported that Allaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "When a human being dies, all of his deeds are terminated except for three types: an ongoing sadaqah, a knowledge (of Islaam) from which others benefit, and a righteous child who makes du'aa for him." (Muslim and others).

Abu Qataadah rahimahullaah reported that Allaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Among the good deeds that continue to benefit a believer after death are: a knowledge that he taught and disseminated, a righteous child who lived after him, a Qur'aan book that he left as inheritance a masjid that he built, a house that he built for the two wayfarers, a stream that he ran, or a charity that he gave from his wealth during his healthy lifetime so that it would reach him (in rewards) after death." (Ibn Maajah and others. Verified hasan by al-Mundhiri and al-Albaanee). Commenting on this, al-Mundhiri rahimahullaah said: "Some scholars say that the deeds of a human being end with his death. However, since he had caused these things (which are mentioned in the above hadiths), such as the earning of a child, disseminating the knowledge among those who take it from him, compiling a book that remains after him, or establishing a sadaqah, the rewards of these things continue to reach him as long as they continue to exist." ('Awn al-Ma'bud, 8:86) http://www.sunnahonline.com/ilm/aqeedah/0035.htm



Thus there is no evidence that people coming and reading the Quran will benefit the person who has died. Thus reading specific chapters has no basis either. To specify that Surah Yasin should be read for the dying and to believe that doing so has special value is considered bidah - a sinful innovation in religion since neither the Prophet PBUH nor his companions did it or recommended that it be done.

Based on the hadith of Umm Salamah:

Umm Salamah said "Allah's Messenger PBUH came in and found Abu Salamash eyes wide open. He closed them and said "Indeed when the soul is snatched the eyes follow it."Some people from his family began to scream so he siad " Only pray for good for yourselves, for verily the angels say Amin [so be it].'to whatever you say ." He then prayed saying,

"Allahummagh-fir li Abi Salamah warfa'darajatahu fil-mahdiyin

O Allah, forgive Abu salamah and raise his level among the rightly guided

wakhlufhu fi áqibihi filghabirin

and let his remianing offspring be like him

waghfir laná walahú yá Rabbal- Álamin

Forgive us and forgive him O Lord of the worlds

wafsah lahu fi qabrihi wa nawwir lahu fih

and expand his grave and illuminate it for him

Facing the Qiblah [ before burial]

Turning the body of one who is dying so that he or she faces the qiblah [makkah] has no foundation in the practice of the Prophet and his Companions.The body should be turned to face Makkah when it is placed in the grave, according to the Prophet's instructions. However, at the time of dying , there were no such instructions [ i.e before burial - it was not a practice of the Prophet PBUH for the dead to be placed facing the Qiblah].Turning the body became a custom after the time of the Prophets Companions, but was objected to by the scholars of the time.



Wailing

The Prophet PBUH strictly forbade wailing and screaming and the hiring of mourners.Furthermore, he identfied such practices as acts of kufr [disbelief], because they indicate displeasure with what Allah has decreed. Emaan [ faith] includes the belief that Allah is the source of all good and that all of His actions are wise .

Preparing food by the family of the deceased

The obligation placed on the family of the dead prson to prepare food for gatherings is incorrect and so is organising gatherings at the home of the deceased family.Mourning for family and relatives in only for three days. For a widow it is four month and 10 days. Besides this there is no relevance of meeting after 40 days after the death of the person, as is practiced in amongst some people. Those presenr and the relatives of the deceased are allowed to cry for a maximum period of three days.

Ábdullah ibn Ja'far narrated that the Prophet delayed coming to visit Ja'fars family for three days after his death, then hecame to them and said , " Do not cry fo rmy brother after today."

[Sunan Abu Dawud]

Imam ash'Shafi said "I dislike gatherings, even if there is no wailing or crying. For it only renews the [familys feeling of] sorrow and puts burdens on their food supplies" Imam Nawawi related that the leading scholars prohibited organized gatherings, based on its being and innovation.

Furthermore the Prophet PBUH explicitly instructed to relatives, friends and neighbours to send food to the bereaved famly.

This conludes this port for now inshÁllah will continue with some more issues involving funeral rites. May Allah guide us all to the straight path.Ameen

Interview of Imam Anwar Al-Awlaki

Iman Anwar alawlaki - was Alhamdullilah recently released from prison. He was interviewed by Moazzam Begg.

Moazzam Begg: When were you arrested? On what grounds were you held? Were there any charges made against you?

Anwar Al-Awlaki: Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Raheem[i]. I was arrested in mid-2006. Initially I was held because I entered as an arbitrator in a local issue here, a tribal issue. I was an arbitrator in that issue and I was arrested until that issue… because the government wanted to solve that issue rather than have it solved tribally.

MB: Right.

AA: After that, they began asking me questions about my local Islamic activities here, and later on it was becoming clear that I was being held due to the request of the US government. That was what they were telling me here, and that the Americans wanted to meet me.

MB: Subhan Allah[ii]. Well, that’s something that we can share together. I’ve also been held at the request of the Americans for quite some time.

The other question is that the media reported that your incarceration was due to having some knowledge, or some people who were involved in 9/11 at your sermons. Could you clarify any of this at all?

AA: That was one of the issues that the Americans asked about but I don’t know if I was held because of that, or because of the other issues that they presented. But it was one of the issues that they enquired about.

MB: Can you describe a little bit about what your prison conditions were like? What was your individual cell was like?

AA: For the first nine months, I was in solitary confinement in an underground cell. I would say that the cell was about 8 feet by 4. It was about 12 feet high. It was clean. No interaction with any other prisoner was allowed for the entire nine months. After that, they moved me to the upper floor. The same thing, it was solitary confinement, although the restrictions were less, and the room was larger, it was about, maybe three times the size of the initial room, the initial cell. I spent there the remainder of my period, which was one and a half a years.

I was allowed for the last month and a half… they moved another person into this room, for the last month and a half. So for a year and a half, minus this month and a half, I was in solitary confinement, with the exception of the last month and a half.

MB: Subhan Allah. Did they place any restrictions on you in terms of what you were allowed to have in your cell, how you were allowed to interact with other prisoners, or in any way, other than you have already stated?

AA: When I was in the underground cell, there were restrictions on family visits, restrictions on any food that my family would send me, there were restrictions on books. I was not allowed pen and paper, and no exercise whatsoever. I hadn’t seen the sun for the entire period. What else… No interaction at all with any person except with the prison guards.

Later on, when I moved to the upper level, even though I was still in solitary confinement, but the restrictions were less. Visits from the family were more frequent. They would allow me food from home twice a week, and I was allowed more books. So things were better during the last period of the time I spent in detention… I don’t want to say sentence, because there wasn’t any sentence.

MB: That’s one of the questions I was meant to ask you. You were never charged with a crime, is that correct, and you were never put through any legal system?

AA: I wasn’t charged with anything. I was held for interrogation. When interrogation was over, I was released.

MB: Did any foreign interrogation take place? Did any Americans or any other foreign nationals interrogate you?

AA: Yes, the US did interrogate me. Officials from the US.

MB: And do you know if that was the FBI? Did they identify themselves as FBI, CIA, NSA or anything?

AA: Yes. They were FBI.

MB: Okay. And how was their attitude towards you… how did they deal with you as a person, how did they regard you?

AA: There was some pressure, which I refused to accept and that led to a conflict that occurred between me and them, because I felt that it was improper behaviour from their behalf. That led to an issue between me and them during the interrogation. That was solved however, later on, and they apologised.

MB: Al Hamdulillah[iii]. Were you able to have contact with your family at all, during the imprisonment, of course you’ve already said that they restricted from you letters, phone calls, and so forth, for the first nine months, I think you said. But afterwards, did they allow you this contact?

AA: Yes, towards the latter period of my imprisonment, I was allowed visits from my family, once a week.

MB: How often were you interrogated, by either local officials or foreign officials? Was it something regular, or was it something sporadic?

AA: The interrogation was on and off for a year.

MB: Is there any truth in the rumour that you were placed under house arrest prior to this and that you were banned from speaking in public?

AA: No, no that’s not true. I haven’t been placed under house arrest, nor have I been banned from speaking publicly.

MB: There was also something that said that you were being punished in prison because you were teaching some of the other prisoners. Is this true also, or could you elaborate on that?

AA: No, I didn’t have a chance to deliver any lectures because I was in solitary confinement for the entire period except the last month, which was only me and another person, so I wasn’t in touch with other prisoners.

MB: Are you allowed to travel outside the Yemen? Obviously, many people want you to come to the United Kingdom and elsewhere, to come and give lectures, and you’ve only been out a few days! I think this is based on a question from a lot of your supporters, subhan Allah. Are you allowed to travel outside the Yemen to give lectures?

AA: Well, I would like to travel. However, not until the US drops whatever unknown charges it has against me.

MB: Yes, and that would be my advice to anybody who would be in that sort of situation is to be aware of that.

Can you tell us any of the lessons that you’ve learnt from being incarcerated that you would like to share?

AA: In sha’Allah[iv] this is something that I plan to do in a lecture or more, and I would leave it to that point.

MB: In sha’Allah… and is that one of your plans for the future? Do you have any other plans for the future that you’d care to elaborate upon, or is it something that you’d wish to wait and see how time evolves?

AA: You mean, in terms of lectures?

MB: Lectures, and just life in general. Not just lectures but generally, in the future – what does the future hold?

AA: I have a few opportunities open at the moment and I haven’t chosen yet among them. I’m still sort of studying the situation at the time being.

MB: What was your response to the outpouring of support and concern, the campaigns, petitions, Facebook groups and the messages that you’ve received since your release – what was your response to this? How do you feel?

AA: Al Hamdulillah, it was very moving to know that there were brothers and sisters out there who were making du’a[v] for me. Al Hamdulillah Rabbil-Alameen[vi]. I believe that I was released due to the du’a of a certain righteous person who was making du’a for me, because RasulAllah (salla Allahu alayhi was-salam)[vii] says that when a person makes du’a for his fellow brother, an angel makes du’a for him, and RasulAllah (salla Allahu alayhi was-salam) says that the du’a for your brother Muslim is an accepted du’a. So I believe that it was due to these people, who were making dua for me, that I have been released, and I would like to thank them very much and say jazaakum Allahu khairan.[viii]

MB: In sha’Allah, and I pray that the du’a that they made for you is also made for all the other Muslim prisoners around the world, in sha’Allah, and that they will all be released.

Could you please give some words of advice, to the other prisoners and the prisoners’ families in terms of your experience, and how they might benefit from your words?

AA: My advice to them is the saying of Allah, azza wa jall[ix], “You might dislike something but there is a lot of good in it for you”.[x] And the hadith[xi] of RasulAllah (salla Allahu ‘alayhi was-salam), Whatever decree Allah has decreed for the believer it is good for him. So if Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala[xii] has decreed that a certain person should be in prison, and that if Allah azza wa jall has decreed for a certain family that one of their members is in prison, we, as believers should believe that this decree is good and there is a hikmah, there is wisdom in it, and we should all have the trust and faith in whatever Allah azza wa jall has destined for us; because RasulAllah (salla Allahu ‘alayhi was-salam) used to say, in the du’a, ‘As’aluka ridha fil-Qadhaa’, I ask You to make me satisfied and happy with what you have

decreed for me. This is the first word of advice.

The second word of advice is this is a test for your sabr, patience; and patience is the one deed in which Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala has promised an open reward. “Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning.”[xiii] There is no limit on their reward that Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala gives for the Sabireen, the patient.

Finally, one should always believe that the strongest weapon that they have is du’a. They should never underestimate the power of du’a. ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab[xiv] used to say, I’m not worried about Allah not accepting my prayers but I am worried about the way I pray to Allah azza wa jall. Allah will accept the du’a, Allah will respond to the it, it’s just that we have to do it properly, with sincerity.

MB: SubhanAllah, jazaakAllahu khair. One of the things that we used to do in Guantanamo, one of the things that I learnt, was Surat Yusuf[xv] used to be the most often, the most resonating surah that I used to read, and contemplate on, simply because Yusuf (‘alayhis-salam) was thrown in prison for something he didn’t do. And when I read that, in prison, it was totally different, my attitude towards it, and I began to cry in a way that I never would have thought was possible. Did you feel any particular verses from the Qur’an, any particular aayaat[xvi] or sahaba[xvii] stories, were relevant to how you were faring your time in prison?

AA: Well, the feeling I had when I was reading Qur’an – every surah, every ayah was totally different when I was reading it in the cell, compared to when I was reading it when I was outside.

MB: Yes, absolutely, ma sha’Allah[xviii].

AA: That was particularly true with Surat Yusuf but I can say that this has been the case with every single ayah and every surah in Qur’an. It was in a totally different light when I was reading it in prison.

MB: It’s quite amazing, because in prison, for us, in Guantanamo, they took everything away from us, our clothes, our families, our food, our life, everything and the only thing that we had that was familiar to us was the Qur’an, even though it was a different version or a different print, but it was the only thing that we could look at that was familiar. Everything else - the land, the area, the prisons, even the accents of the people that were speaking were totally unfamiliar except the word of Allah.

AA: Subhan Allah, and because they took everything away and gave the Qur’an, that is why the Qur’an had this different meaning. ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan[xix] used to say that if our hearts were clean and pure we would never satisfy our thirst from Qur’an. It is because of the distractions that are going around us, that we don’t get the most benefit from Qur’an. But when a person is in that solitary environment, all of the distractions are taken away and his heart is fixed on the word of Allah azza wa jall, the ayaat of Qur’an open into a completely different – they give a completely different meaning.

MB: Absolutely. Do you have or have you had interaction with people who have been in Guantanamo, in prison or after release, have you been able to speak to them or see how they’ve fared since their release at all?

AA: There were some brothers who were brought from Guantanamo and handed over to the Yemeni government and spent time in the PSL prison where I was but I didn’t have a chance to interact with them. I heard that they passed through while I was there. However, I never had a chance to interact with any of them yet.

MB: In sha’Allah may you interact with them in jannah[xx], insha’Allah

AA: In sha’Allah… I would really like to know how it was over there.

MB: In sha’Allah. Finally, I suppose it’s a question for Cageprisoners. Do you have any words about your feelings towards organisations like Cageprisoners are; what you think of our work, good or bad?

AA: The brothers and sisters at Cageprisoners are fulfilling the order of RasulAllah (salla Allahu ‘alayhi was-salam) which was stated in Bukhari[xxi], ‘Seek the release of the prisoner’, and they are at the forefront of fulfilling this command of RasulAllah (salla Allahu ‘alayhi was-salam) so I ask Allah azza wa jall to reward them and assist them in their efforts.

MB: Barak Allahu feek[xxii]. JazaakAllahu khairan, ya Shaykh.

AA: Wa iyyakum.[xxiii]

HALAL PORK

When i saw HALAAL written on school plastic lunch boxes - i had realised that companies just used the word 'hallal"as a marketing tool. something that would sell in the middle-eastern countries - and something the Muslims would buy. This just reflects the kind of ignorance there is present amongst the companies. They may spend billions in research on target markets - and in launching their products but they do not have enough sensibility to actually find out what the word halal actually means - and how important it is to the Muslims.

For now I'm just copy pasting this letter that was forwarded to me - next time you go grocery shopping - look twice when it says halal. At least if you have a choice of something marked halal from a non- Muslim country and a Muslim country - opt for the Muslim one. Its not a 100% guarantee - but it is a safer bet. For a 100% guarantee - note down numbers of the concerned companies and ask in detail about their slaughtering procedures, or email or write to the instead. From personal experience - they do reply back. Take the extra step.

A personal experience - i live in a Muslim country where all the fast food restaurants serve halal food -as advertised [no assumption] or so we think. I called pizza hut to order - as an after thought i just asked the guy "is the meat you use halal? My call was directed to the manager he simply goes to me - I'm a Muslim and wont lie to you - he told me clearly that the meat used in their pizzas is halal but some side dishes- I was specifically told which ones - are not halal. So do verify the next time. These chains keep changing their suppliers as well - so you need to keep yourself informed - i know its not possible all the time- but once in a while it wont hurt to ask.


His Excellency the High Commissioner
For Australia Suite 710, 50 O'Connor Street,
Ottawa, ON K1P 6L2
Canada Fax 613-236-4376

Your Excellency SIR,

I am among the many Muslims who preferentially purchase Australian meat products, stamped "Halaal". We were shocked that the "Halaal" mark was stamped on PORK, as you could see from the photograph below.

This incidence completely demolishes our trust in Australian meat products marked with HALAAL stamp. I am a freelance writer, whose articles are read in many parts of the world. I realize I have a responsibility to verify this matter with the concerned authorities before I warn fellow Muslims to avoid Australian meat products. I am also fully aware of the fact that the Australian government has been quite sensitive to the needs of its Muslim citizens, and that, in many Australian hospitals, menus do not contain pork or pork products. Muslims around the world are certainly very appreciative of such kind gestures. Since this incidence has been brought to my attention, I will have to write on this topic. However, if your Excellency would care to advise me what kind of remedial actions your government is prepared to undertake and guarantee its implementation to the fullest requirement, I will gladly mention that in my article, to avert the fears Muslims may have, as this may quite well be an isolated incidence.

Pls click here for picture:















http://tinyurl..com/2wwx5u
Yours truly Meer Sahib P.

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.