A monthly newsletter from Masjid Bani Hashim Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue#13 Dec 2014

P A G E !2

أعوذ باهلل من الشيطان الرجيم .بسم اهلل والصالة والسالم على رسول اهلل

Sometimes in life, you feel that you are going through test after test. You say, Ya Rabb’al Ala, I am tired…I do not understand, I do not have the strength. Subhanal Allah. If you have ever felt in such a way, then Bismil Allah Ar Rahman Ar Raheem - in the name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful…does not want to cause you harm.

Life is not supposed to be paradise; be sure life is a test, is a repetition, is a cycle…there are ups & downs. Alhamdulil Allah. However, one thing is for sure, whenever you feel overwhelmed with a situation you are going through, then please before you turn to anyone, turn to Allah (SWT) as Yakoub (AS) turned to Allah (SWT) on his grief for the loss of Yusuf AS. What did Yakoub (AS) say, when the feeling of pain took over him? Surah Yusuf, ayah 12:

قال إنما أشكو بثي وحزني إلى اهلل وأعلم من اهلل ما ال تعلمون86: He said: "I only complain of my grief & sorrow to Allâh, & I know from Allâh that which you know not.

This is amazing, turn to Allah (SWT)… yes! You need to create a connection with Allah (SWT) & open up to Him (SWT) & ask as the prophets were inspired to ask Allah (SWT) & subhanal Allah, the Qur’an is a remedy for the broken hearts that are in pain & suffering. The relief is never far when you turn to Allah (SWT), your Wali, your Protecting Friend; your Nasir, Your Helper, The One Who is Going to Give you victory. Subhanal Allah, the prophets are the most loved creatures of Allah (SWT) and what tests did they not go through? Just bear in mind, that the solution is always attached to the problem. You are not able to see the solution, but you also cannot see Allah (SWT) & Allah (SWT) is Al Haqq, The Truth, no doubt. Everything within you & outside you bears witness to His (SWT) Existence. Surah Al-Inshirah, ayat 5-6:

فإن مع العسر يسرا. إن مع العسر يسراVerily, along with every hardship is relief. Verily, along with hardship is relief (i.e. there is one hardship with two reliefs, so one hardship cannot overcome two reliefs)

One of the most beautiful supplications that can give strength in times of distress is Musa AS’ supplication after helping the two sisters to draw water from the well. Surah Al Qasas, ayah 24:

فسقى لهما ثم تولى إلى الظل فقال رب إني ملا أنزلت إلي من خير فقيرSo he watered (their flocks) for them, then he turned back to shade, and said: "My Lord! truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!"Many of the righteous have recommended this supplication for the one seeking a spouse, job or family as after this dua’a, he was offered in marriage one of the above sisters that he helped, a job, a home, etc. Last but not least, I leave you with one of the treasures from the treasures of paradise. If we go after the treasures of paradise, will the world ever miss or fail us???

ال حول و ال قوة اال باهلل(There is no Might or Power except with Allah).[the above is] a treasure from the treasures of Paradise (Sahih al-Bukhari; al-Fath al-Bari #11:213, Sahih Muslim #4:2076)

الحمدهلل رب العاملني

A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #13 Dec 2014

This Issue

Introduction: Page 2

Learn, Live & Love the Names of Allah Azza Wajal - Istiwaa (Rise Over): Pages 4 - 8

The Real Superstars: Pages 9 - 11

Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) - One of the best Role Models in Seeking Knowledge: Pages 12 - 16

Cheer Up!: Pages 17 - 18

Quran Outline - Surah Al Kaafiroon: Pages 19 - 20

Love for the Sake of Allah (SWT): Pages 21 - 25

How to prove you are ‘Muslim’: Pages 26 - 30

Muslim Contributions that Changed the World: Page 31

Masjid Bani Hashim: Pages 32 - 34

A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue#13 Dec 2014

Pages 4-8

Pages 9-11

Detailed Discussion of Some AttributesA - Istiwaa (Rise over)

Mujaahid reported that Istiwaa means He rose over it. There are 7 ayat in the Quran that specifically mention Istiwaa:

1 - Indeed your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and then He Istawa (rose over) the Throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty). He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly, and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)! (7:54)

ماوات واألرض في ستة أيام ثم استوى على العرش يغشي الليل النهار يطلبه  إن ربكم اهلل الذي خلق الس

رات بأمره أال له الخلق واألمر تبارك اهلل رب العاملني مس والقمر والنجوم مسخ حثيثا والش

 2 - Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in six Days. Then He Istawa (rose over) the Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty). The Most Beneficent (Allah)! Ask Him (O Prophet Muhammad SAW), (concerning His Qualities, His rising over His Throne, His creations, etc.), as He is Al-Khabir (The All-Knower of everything i.e. Allah). (25:59)

ن فاسأل به خبيرا ماوات واألرض وما بينهما في ستة أيام ثم استوى على العرش الرحم  الذي خلق الس

3 - Allâh is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see. Then, He Istawâ (rose above) the Throne. He has subjected the sun and the moon (to continue going round)! Each running (its course) for a term appointed. He regulates all affairs, explaining the Ayât (proofs, signs) in detail, (so) that you may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord. (13:2)

مس والقمر كل ر الش ماوات بغير عمد ترونها ثم استوى على العرش وسخ اهلل الذي رفع الس

ل اآليات لعلكم بلقاء ربكم توقنون يجري ألجل مسمى يدبر األمر يفص

 4 - Surely, your Lord is Allâh Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days and then Istawâ (rose over) the Throne, disposing the affair of all things. No intercessor (can plead with Him) except after His Leave. That is Allâh, your Lord; so worship Him (Alone). Then, will you not remember? (10:3)

ماوات واألرض في ستة أيام ثم استوى على العرش يدبر األمر ما من إن ربكم اهلل الذي خلق الس

رون  شفيع إال من بعد إذنه ذلكم اهلل ربكم فاعبدوه أفال تذك

5 - The Most Beneficent (Allâh) Istawâ (rose over) the (Mighty) Throne. (20:5)

ن على العرش استوى الرحم

 6 - Allâh it is He Who has created the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them in six Days. Then He Istawâ (rose over) the Throne. You (mankind) have none, besides Him, as a Walî (protector or helper etc.) or an intercessor. Will you not then remember (or be admonished)? (32:4)

ماوات واألرض وما بينهما في ستة أيام ثم استوى على العرش ما لكم من دونه اهلل الذي خلق الس

رون من ولي وال شفيع أفال تتذك

 7 - He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days and then Istawa (rose over) the Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty). He knows what goes into the earth and what comes forth from it, what descends from the heaven and what ascends thereto. And He is with you (by His Knowledge) wheresoever you may be. And Allah is the All-Seer of what you do. (57:4)

ماوات واألرض في ستة أيام ثم استوى على هو الذي خلق الس

العرش يعلم ما يلج في األرض وما يخرج منها وما ينزل من

ماء وما يعرج فيها وهو معكم أين ما كنتم واهلل بما تعملون الس

بصير

One need to do nothing more than look up these Ayat and read them in context to see the true meaning of Istiwaa. Some of the groups of kalam tried to claim that Istiwaa actually means Istawlaa (to conquer) and this is incorrect for a number of reasons. It is not the understanding of any of the first generations of Islam, and there is no evidence to suggest that it is the correct meaning. Allah also specifies thumma (then), i.e. He created the heavens and then He Istiwaa over the Throne. The early scholars of Arabic language also rejected it. In fact, Ibn al-’Araabee refuted it by saying that Istawlaa occurs only when you have an enemy to fight. Some of the scholars of kalam also tried to use a line of poetry to show Istiwaa meant to conquer. However, this line of poetry was fabricated and was found in none of that author’s works (who by the way was a Christian poet). Also, it is incorrect methodology to ignore the explicit evidences in the Quran and Sunnah and turn to some obscure line of poetry. Lastly, poetry is used to help understand exotic words, not to distort obvious ones. It should also be noted that the early Ash’aris actually affirmed Istiwaa (e.g. Bayhaqi, Abul-Hasan, Baqilanee) & the later ones rejected it. This is yet another indication that their creed has changed over time, and is therefore incorrect. Another argument some groups try to use to deny this Lofty Attribute of Allah is to say that Istiwaa has over 15 meanings, so we do not know which one was intended. This is just like their making Tafwid. This is akin to saying that the Quran is vague and we do not know what it means, the Quran may as well have just said “alpha beta chi” here and it would carry the same meaning for these groups of kalam.Notice how vile this claim is, it destroys all spirituality of Allah’s Names and Attributes. Instead of knowing Allah (swt) is above us, He (swt) is Majestic, over His (swt) Mighty Throne, the same Throne that will shade some people on the day of judgment, from above the heavens, Allah (swt) is protecting us, from above the heavens He (swt) sent down the revelation to us, to guide us, to worship Him (swt), and glorify Him Most High (Subhaana Rabbi al-A’laa), they

have stripped this from the Noble Attributes of Allah (swt). They have destroyed this meaning and turned it into some sort of intellectual puzzle that no one can decipher, Audhubillah.

TAFSEER

وما أرسلنا قبلك من املرسلني إال إنهم ليأكلون الطعام ويمشون في األسواق وجعلنا بعضكم

لبعض فتنة أتصبرون وكان ربك بصيرا

And We have made some of you as a Fitnah for others; will you have patience? And your Lord is Ever All-Seer. [Al Furqaan: 20]

Ibn ‘Abbas stated: Meaning I made some of you as a trial for others so that you may be patient concerning what you hear from them, see their disputes amongst themselves and follow guidance. A wealthy person is a trial for the poor, the poor person would say; why am I not like him? The healthy person is a trial for the sick, the noble a trial for the lowly.

It was also said that it was revealed due to the trial of the poor for the wealthy. This is because when the wealthy person wants to embrace Islam, he looks at the poor person, when he sees that the poor person embraced Islam before him he disdains him saying to himself; ‘Should I embrace Islam after him so that he has virtue and priority over me?’ So he remains upon his disbelief and refrains from embracing Islam. This is how some of them are a trial to others. This is one opinion. Muqaatil stated: This verse was revealed concerning Abu Jahl, al Waleed ibn ‘Uqbah, al-‘Aas ibn Waa-il and an Nadr ibn al Haarith. When they looked at al Kalbee Abu Dhar, ibn Mas’ood, ‘Aamir, Bilaal, Suhayb, ‘Aamir ibn Faheerah and others, they said: ‘Are we to embrace Islam and be like them?’

It was also said that it was revealed concerning the slaves who followed Muhammad – صلى اهلل عليه وسلم -. The poor from amongst the believers were put to trial through those who mocked them from Quraysh, they used to say: ‘Look at them, the lowly from amongst us.’

So Allah the Elevated told those believers:✤ { …will you be patient. } Meaning with this state of poverty, hardship and

harm.

✤ { And your Lord is Ever All-Seer }…of those who are patient and those are impatient.

Ahmad ibn ‘Abdillaah as Saalihee narrated to us…on the authority of Abu Hurayrah who said: The Messenger of Allah – صلى اهلل عليه وسلم – said:“If one of you sees someone who is better than him physically or financially, then let him look at who is less than him physically and financially.” (Muslim)

In the last issue we began our journey of knowing  one of the greatest woman that ever lived- Khadija bint Khuwaylid (RA)- the wife of Prophet (SAWS).

It needs to be mentioned here, that there is not a lot written or known about Khadija (RA) and her life with the Prophet (SAWS). Khadija (RA) was present with the Prophet (SAWS) in the early Makkan period, when not much was being documented. There are only a few narrations, mostly coming from the Prophet (SAWS) himself.

A short recap..Khadija (RA) was the noblest of the women of that time, coming from a very prominent family. She was also  a very successful businesswoman. She did not engage directly in trade herself; rather, she

would employ men to work for her. She hired Muhammad (SAWS) after hearing about his honesty and trustworthiness.  When he (SAWS) came back with profit much more than what she was used to getting from her earlier employees, and when she heard about his (SAWS) personality, she was very impressed with him. She thus desired to get married to him.

So, she sent her friend Nafeesah bint Maniyyah to let Muhammad (SAWS) know of her intent to marry him.Nafeesah asked Muhammad (SAWS), "Why are you not married, yet?" "For lack of means," he (SAWS) answered. "What if I could offer you a wife of nobility, beauty, and wealth? Would you be interested?" she proposed. He (SAWS) replied in the affirmative, but when she mentioned Khadija (RA), he (SAWS) was surprised and answered her by asking, "How can someone like her want to get married to me, a poor shepherd? " 

From his answer , Nafeesah could tell that Muhammad (SAWS) was not opposed to the idea, and she took that as a good sign.After this meeting, both Khadija (RA) and Muhammad (SAWS) consulted their respective uncles. The uncles agreed to the marriage, and Muhammad (SAWS)'s uncles accompanied him to make a formal proposal to Khadija (RA). It is disputed as to whether it was only Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib (RA) or  Abu Talib or both who accompanied Muhammad (SAWS).

Khadija (RA)'s uncle accepted the proposal and the marriage took place which was and is one of the most loving, happiest, and sacred marriages in all of human history.

Prophet (SAWS) loved Khadija (RA) the most and she was his  pillar of strength. Khadija (RA) was older than Prophet (SAWS) and this was from the hikmah of Allah (SWT). It was this maturity that enabled her to be the tower of strength and comfort which Prophet (SAWS) needed when the revelations came down to him (SAWS).

They were married for a good 25 years, and she bore him 6 (some say 7, others say 8) children: 2 sons and 4 daughters. His first child was Al-Qaasim, from whom he took his kunya Abu’l-Qaasim. He died in his childhood, and it was said that he lived until he was old enough to ride. Then came Zaynab (and it was said that she was older than al-Qaasim); then Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthoom and Fatimah (RA) may Allah be pleased with all of them. [It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas that Ruqayyah was the oldest of the three and that Umm Kulthoom was the youngest.] Then ‘Abd-Allaah was born to him (SAWS). There is some dispute as to whether he was born after his (SAWS)' s Prophethood began or before. Some scholars said that he was born after his (SAWS) Prophethood began. There is also some dispute as to whether he (Abd-

Allah) was Al-Tayyib or Al-Taahir, or whether they were other children; the correct view is that these were nicknames given to him; and Allah knows best.

These children were all born from Khadeejah (RA) and he had no children from any other wife.( Ibrahim was born to Prophet (SAWS) from Maariyah al-Qibtiyyah in 8 AH. (Zaad al-Ma’aad, 1/103)) Khadijah (RA) was a source of immense love, strength, and comfort for the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) and he (SAWS) leaned heavily on this love and support on the most important night of his life…

To be continued..

بسم اهلل الرحمن الرحيم

عبد اهلل ابن العباس (رضي اهلل عنهما) Abdullah Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them both)

Praise be to Allah (SWT) & Peace & Blessings be upon the best of Allah’s creation, our Prophet Mohammed.

The best adornment for the seekers of knowledge is a good manner that obstructs one from disadvantages, elevates him in the sight of Allah (SWT) & enables him to succeed as much as possible. If the ummah is like a building, then the good manners in a person are the bricks of this structure & an ideal trait for a Muslim seeker of knowledge who seek this knowledge for the sake of Allah, the Almighty, & to gain what Allah (SWT) has promised him through His Messenger (PBUH), mentioned in his hadith in Sahih Muslim "Whoever takes a path upon which to obtain knowledge, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for him."

Brief Introduction:This dignified Companion, Abdallah Ibn Abbas possessed all kind of glory, i.e. the glory of being the prophet's companion (Peace Be Upon Him), the glory of his kinship, for he is the son of the Prophet Mohammed's uncle (Al Abbas), & the glory of the Knowledge for he (RA) is the ink of this Ummah & the sea of its rich knowledge that has all been observed in him (RA), he (RA) is the best of those who has the knowledge & understanding of Allah's book. He (RA) used fast in the days & establish the night prayer, a weeper out of Allah's fear, to the extent that the tear left marks on his (RA) cheeks from excessive crying. 

When his mother delivered him (RA), she carried him (RA) to the prophet (PBUH) who then put some of his blessed saliva on baby Abdullah Ibn Abbas's (RA) tongue, thus, it was the prophet's (PBUH) saliva that first entered his (RA) stomach, & with it thus entered the Piety & the Wisdom, Allah the Exalted said:

ر إال أولو األلباب يؤتى الحكمة من يشاء ومن يؤت الحكمة فقد أوتي خيرا كثيرا وما يذك

Abdullah Ibn Abbas - One of the Best Role Models in Seeking Knowledge

(He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.﴿ Al Baqarah, Verse: 269

The Prophet (PBUH) would often draw 'Abdullah as a child close to him, pat him on the shoulder and pray, "O Lord, enable him acquire a deep understanding of the religion of Islam and instruct him in the meaning and interpretation of things”.(Sahih al-Bukhari, 9:92:375)

Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated:Once the Prophet (صلى اهلل عليه وسلم) embraced me (pressed me to his chest) and said, “O Allah, teach him wisdom (i.e. the understanding of the knowledge of Qur’an)”.(Bukhari Book #57, Hadith #100) This is indeed a great honour as Allah the Almighty answered the prayer of the prophet (PBUH), for He (SWT) gave Abdullah (RA) the wisdom.

Abdallah Ibn Abbas (RA) once said about himself:Once the prophet (PBUH) was about to make ablution, so I quickly prepared the water for him, he was impressed by what I did, & when he was about to pray he indicated for me to stand by his side, but I stood behind him, & when the prayer was over he turned towards me & said: “what stopped you from standing by my side oh Abdullah?” I said: “Oh Messenger of Allah! You are honourable in my eyes & dearest that I can’t equal myself to you by standing next to you in prayer.”

This shows indeed his (RA) good manners as a seeker of knowledge as he (RA) shows humbleness & great respect in his (RA) attitude towards his (RA) teacher.

His (RA) Etiquette with Knowledge & The People of Knowledge: Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) depicts for us his (RA) strive in the way of seeking knowledge by saying: when Messenger of Allah صلى اهلل عليه وسالم passed away, I told a boy from the Ansar: let’s go & ask companions of the Prophet of Allah صلى اهلل عليه for they are many today. The boy then said: Lo to you oh the son of Abbas! Do وسالمyou see people are in need of you whilst among them exist the companions of the Prophet as you see? So he left & I then went ahead asking the companions of Allah's Messenger (PBUH).

This great companion (RA) says about himself after the death of the Prophet (PBUH):Whenever I knew that a particular Hadith is with one of the companions of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS), I would go to his house at his (SAWS) nap time, pillow my robe at his (SAWS) door step, & the wind would blow sand unto me (as I sat waiting). If I wanted to ask permission from him he could have let me in, but I was doing so to please him (SAWS). When he (SAWS) came out from his (SAWS) house & saw me in this situation he (SAWS) would say: "Oh the cousin of Allah's Messenger! What brought you? You could have just sent for me & I would have come?" Then I would say: It is me who must come to you, for knowledge is sought & does not come by itself. I would then ask him (SAWS) about the Hadith & leave.

This incident clearly shows the extent of Abdullah Ibn Abbas's (RA) respect for knowledge & how he (RA) actually acknowledges the status of the scholars & especially those from among the distinguished Companions, Allah's Pleasure be upon them all, for scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets.

He (RA) was assiduous about learning from the Messenger's companions whatever he missed hearing & learning from the Messenger, for he (RA) says about himself: I used to ask about a single issue/matter from thirty (30) of the Messenger's (PBUH) companions. This way his (RA) knowledge & wisdom grew & hence he (RA) had wisdom of the elderly & their patience.

Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) also said: I used to honour the great ones amongst the companions of Allah's Messenger (PBUH) & ask them about the battles fought by Allah's Messenger (PBUH), about the Quran revealed in that regard. All of them used to be pleased by my approach due to my closeness to Allah's Messenger (PBUH).

Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) used to approach even the Prophet's (PBUH) servant, Abu Rafi'i, & ask him about what the Prophet (PBUH) used to do & say writing it all down.    

Abdullah Ibn Abbas - One of the best Role Models in Seeking Knowledge

Ibn Abbas (RA) used to say: I humbled myself as a seeker of knowledge, then I became dearly sought. Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) reached an elevated degree despite his (RA) young age that, even Omar Ibn al Khattab (RA) used to call for him along with all the other great companions, whenever he (RA) encountered a dilemma. When Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) came Omar (RA) rose his status & lowered his owns & would then tell him (RA) that a matter has been difficult for him to solve & that he (RA) saw him as the best person to solve it. The Companions (RA) once admonished Omar Ibn Al Khattab (RA) for that & for considering him (RA) among the elderly while still a young boy.

Omar (RA) once asked the companions the interpretation of Surah An-Nasr, they said that, it is Allah (SWT) commanding His Prophet (PBUH) to seek forgiveness from Him & repent when Allah gave them victory. Then Omar (RA) asked the same to Ibn Abbas (RA), who then said that their interpretation was not correct, & that the right interpretation is that, Allah (SWT) informed His prophet (PBUH) about the approach of his death, & the conquer referred to the conquer of Makkah, & that when the prophet (PBUH) saw the people entering into islam in crowds then that is the sign of his death. So Omar (RA) said upon this interpretation of Surah An-Nasr: "How would you then blame me for what you can see?"[refer to a Hadith by Ibn Abbas in Sahih Al Bukhari in regards to this incident.] This great companion (RA) is a role model even for the children, for being a young child of about 13 years of age when the Prophet (PBUH) died & narrating 1660 authentic Hadiths of Allah's Messenger (PBUH) which has all been authenticated by Bukhari & Muslim. He (RA) was a reference for Omar Ibn Khattab (RA), and great in islamic knowledge.

Abdullah Ibn Abbas says: Ask me about the interpretation of the Quran, for my Lord has gifted me a questioning tongue & mindful heart.

The Fruits of his striving in seeking knowledge:His (RA) contemporary companions mention about the diversity of his (RA) knowledge illustrating the gatherings of people at his (RA) door to the extent that there is hardly any space left for anyone to come or go. In such situations he (RA) used to make ablution, seat himself & call for the seekers of knowledge in different groups based on the type of knowledge being sought until his (RA) house was full & couldn’t

accommodate anymore. Due to the multiplicity of his (RA) study circles & multitude of seekers of knowledge approaching him (RA), he (RA) later started dividing the days, allocating each day for certain knowledge (subject).

Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) took the hearts when he (RA) spoke & was a good listener & had an amount of knowledge that dazzled the hearts whether be it about Quran translation & its interpretation, Fiqh, Hadith, History, Arabic Language & its Literature & Poetry until he (RA) became the destination of the researchers & seekers of knowledge. In all those cases he (RA) answered their questions sufficiently & even presented them more than the sought information. His (RA) knowledge was so intense that, he (RA) interpreted Surah Al Baqarah Verse by verse, letter by letter. Thus, was called the “Ink & the Sea of this Ummah", for his abundant knowledge & sharp understanding.

Conclusion:

From the above insight of Abdullah Ibn Abbas’s (RA) method of seeking knowledge & how it reflected on his (RA) life in general, one can see that the value of a human is by what he knows & what he does, & any other measurement has no value. So always seek the measurement that elevates you in Allah’s (SWT) sight.

Ibn Abbas (RA) lived his prolonged age flooding knowledge & wisdom. He (RA) spread knowledge among the people until death overtook him (RA) in Ta’if on 68th Hijri year at the age of 71. Mohammad Ibn Al Hanifa, the rest of the remaining Companions of Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) & all of the Tabi’in prayed on him.

These verses were read on the verge of his grave, no one knows who wrote it: يا أيتها النفس املطمئنة ارجعي إلى ربك راضية مرضية فادخلي في عبادي وادخلي جنتي   

 .سورة الفجر/ءاية 27 ـ 30 ‘O soul at peace! Return to your Lord, pleased, pleasing! Then enter among My

servants! And enter My paradise!’

Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) - One of the best Role Models in Seeking Knowledge

Cheer UP: Raise your hands up!

Bismil Allah Ar Rahman Ar RahimAlhamdulil Allah Rabb al alameen,

wa salato wa salamo ala Rasulil Allah

★ I turn to right, I turn to left…I keep walking…

★ I am walking….I am running…★Who am I running from… who am I

scared of?★ Suddenly, I stop…I take a big, deep

breath…★ I woke up, it was a nightmare! Subhanal

Allah★ I had some water, standing by my

bedside table.

★ I said Alhamdulil Allah, I supplicated to Allah as these were the early hours of the morning, the last third of the night…I made dua’a. I asked Allah to make me independent, I asked Allah for ease and strength and I asked Allah for all the good…I asked Allah for barakah…Subhanal Allah

Surah Al Baqarah, ayah 201:

ومنهم من يقول ربنا آتنا في الدنيا حسنة وفي

اآلخرة حسنة وقنا عذاب النار

And of them there are some who say: "Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!"

The above is a dua’a that the Prophet SAW used to supplicate most with. Subhan Allah, sometimes you want to ask so much, but you do not know how and what to ask, at that time ask Allah with the above dua’a.

If reflected upon, it will give you what is best for you in dunya, in akhirah and will save you from the punishment of the fire.In other words, it will guide you to faith, to good deeds, to health, to halal livelihood, etc.

It will help you to succeed in dunya and in the hereafter and will save you from the fire, which is a reality. And if you are safe from the fire, where are you going to go???Subhan Allah…In shaa Allah Jannah awaits us…

One of my favourite and the best of dua’a is Alhamdulillah الحمدهلل - All Praises to Allah.

Alhamdulillah is an acceptance that every action of Allah (SWT) is praiseworthy as He (SWT) is the Owner of the most beautiful names and perfect attributes.

So whatever situation you are in, there is a blessing in it and you can unravel that blessing by saying Alhamdulillah.

In shaa Allah, from now on…as you walk, as you sit or lie down….keep making

dua’a…and if nothing else comes to your mind…Subhan Allah….please utter you will not lose, you will only ,الحمدهللgain. The trade with Allah (SWT) is always profitable and the expectation from Allah (SWT) is fulfilled, beidhnil Allah.

Alhamdulillah Rabb al alameen, wa salato wa salamo ala Rasulil Allah.

Quran OutlineThe purpose of this breakdown is to see the surah of the Quran in an ‘outline’ format. This facilitates the way of seeing the flow of the ayat, understanding it, and helping to remember the words, in sha’a Allah.

#109 Surah Al Kafiroon – The Disbelievers (سورة الكافرون)

Virtues of Surah Al Kafiroon:

1. Protection from shirk: The Messenger of Allah said: “Recite Al-Kafirun as it releases you from shirk.” (Al Tirmidhi, Hadith #2709)

2. Equivalent to a quarter of the Quran: The Messenger of Allah said: “Al-Kafirun is equal to quarter Quran.” (Al Albani)

قل يـأيہا ٱلڪـفرون (١) آل أعبد ما تعبدون (٢) وآل

أنتم عـبدون مآ أعبد (٣) وآل أنا عابد ما عبدتم

(٤) وآل أنتم عـبدون مآ أعبد (٥) لكم دينكم ولى

(¶ð٦) دين

Surah Al Kaafiroon

Say (O Muhammad (SAW)): "O Al-Kâfirûn (disbelievers in Allâh, in His Oneness, in His Angels, in His Books, in His Messengers, in the Day of Resurrection, and in Al-Qadar)! (1) "I worship not that which you worship, (2) "Nor will you worship that which I worship. (3) "And I shall not worship that which you are worshipping. (4) "Nor will you worship that which I worship. (5) "To you be your religion, and to me my religion (Islâmic Monotheism)." (6)

This surah was revealed when a group of pagans from Quraish suggested to the Prophet (pbuh) that they are prepared to worship Allah (SWT) along with the co-gods they already worshiped. Similarly, he should worship their co-gods along with Allah (SWT), and thus a common ground would be created between them. This surah refutes to any such suggestions and it was declared that no compromise is possible on the basis of accepting a false notion. It is also clarified that their offer to worship Allah (SWT) is no more than a deceitful move because Allah’s (SWT) worship actually means that He (SWT) should be worshipped to the exclusion of others.

✤ Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) addressing the disbelievers – Say (قل)

✦ Oh disbelievers (يـأيہا ٱلڪـفرون)

❖ I do not worship (آل أعبد)

★What you worship (ما تعبدون)

❖ Nor are you worshippers (وآل أنتم (عـبدون

★ Of what I worship (مآ أعبد)

❖ And I shall not worship (وآل أنا (عابد

★What you are worshipping (ما (عبدتم

❖ Nor will you be worship (وآل أنتم (عـبدون

★What I worship (مآ أعبد)

❖ To you, your religion (لكم دينكم)

★ And to me, my religion (ولى (دين

I love you. What does that mean? I love you because you are my family, I love you because you are beautiful, or I love you because you help me out? How many people actually love simply for the sake of Allah (SWT)?

Love for the sake of Allah (SWT) brings rewards your mind can’t even grasp, but unfortunately it has become a a lost trait among many Muslims. So let’s find out what it means to love someone for the sake of Allah (SWT) and get motivated by a selection of amazing ahadeeth to start loving others in this blessed way Inshaa’Allah!

The ayah in which Allah (SWT) says about the brotherly love of the people of the Ansaar:  

يمان من قبلهم يحبون والذين تبوءوا الدار واإل

من هاجر إليهم وال يجدون في صدورهم حاجة

ا أوتوا ويؤثرون على أنفسهم ولو كان بهم مم

خصاصة ومن يوق شح نفسه فأولئك هماملفلحون

And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, – love those who emigrate to them. [Quran, 59:9]

What does “loving for the sake of Allah (SWT)” really mean?Loving someone for the sake of Allah (SWT) comes in two ways: in your heart and with your deeds. You love someone for the sake of Allah (SWT) in your heart because of their position with Allah (SWT), and this starts with loving the prophets and messengers and everyone who follows them. You should have this love in your heart for other Muslims. Outwardly means that you support that person in the good deeds they do, and you respect and defend them according to their good deeds. This means you don’t love them because you know them very well, or because they brought you a direct benefit or because they have a nice appearance: you love and support them because of their efforts to please Allah (SWT)!

4 Huge Rewards to Gain1. Taste the sweetness of faith.

To start with an invaluable reward in this world, the Prophet sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam said: There are three qualities whoever has them, will taste the sweetness of eman: to love Allah (SWT) and His Messenger more than anyone else; to love a slave (of Allah

Love for the Sake of Allah

(SWT)) only for (the sake of) Allah (SWT); and to abhor returning to infidelity after Allah (SWT) has saved him from it as he would abhor to be thrown into the fire (of Hell). [Al-Bukhari, Muslim] We have to realise that of everything you can have in this world, a taste of the sweetness of eman is the most precious.

2. Enjoy the shade of Allah. Moving to the Day of Judgement, the Prophet (SAWS) said that Allah (SWT) will ask on this day: Where are those who loved each other for the sake of My glory? Today, on a day when there is no shade but Mine, I shall shade them with My shade.[Muslim] You will only understand your intense need of this shade, when you are there and by just loving someone for the sake of Allah (SWT) you can work for it now!

3. The Prophets and martyrs will envy you.

The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said:Allah, the Exalted, has said: For those who love one another for the sake of My Glory, there will be seats of light (on the Day of Resurrection), and they will be envied by the Prophets and martyrs. [At-Tirmidhee] Imagine yourself sitting on seats of light and the best of the best envying you because you made it a priority to love others for the sake of Allah (SWT)!

4. You will have a high rank with Him (SWT). The Prophet (SAWS) said: A man set out to visit a brother (in faith) in another town and Allah (SWT) sent an angel on his way. When the man met the angel, the latter asked him: Where do you intend to go? He said: I intend to visit my brother in this town. The angel said: Have you done any favour to him? He said: No, I have no desire except to visit him because I love him for the sake of Allah, the Exalted, and Glorious. Thereupon the angel said: I am a messenger to you from Allah (to inform you) that Allah (SWT) loves you as you love him (for His sake).[Muslim] Isn’t this breath taking? By loving someone for the sake of Allah (SWT), you gain the love of the Highest and which love is better than His?

How to love someone for the sake of Allah (SWT)

1. Be patient with others and strive for a clean heart. In your relationship with other believers don’t try to seek the negative side of each word or gesture, be fast in accepting apologies and don’t be selfish. A common issue is the more ‘religious’ some people get, their hatred for others increases. Try to seek the good side in others and always try to find a good explanation or interpretation of certain behaviour or the speech of the other.

2. Be a person on whom others can rely in times of need. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: The believers, in their mutual friendship, mercy and affection, are like one body: if any part of it complains, the rest of the body will also stay awake in pain. [Al-Bukhari, Muslim] You might know this hadith, but try to truly reflect on it. Do you truly feel the pain of other believers, does it affect you? As this is a sign of your actual love for another!

There was an example of a man who loaned his friend money and walked back home crying. When his wife asked him why he was crying and if it was because he needed the money himself he said: No I am crying at my brother in faith’s state of affairs. How could I not have known what he was going through? If I had, I would have offered my help before he was compelled to ask for it.

He was crying because he had seen his friend sighing, and even though he had seen  something was wrong, he had never bothered to ask. This brother was crying because he hadn’t been there to prevent his brother in Islam from going through the pain of having to ask for a loan.

3. Tell others you love them for Allah’s sake. The Prophet salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: If any of you loves his brother then he should inform him.[At-Tirmidhee]

Love for the Sake of Allah

Action Point: Revive the sunnah by telling the ones you love for His (SWT) sake by saying:

أحبك في اهلل

Uhibbuka fil-llaahi (or to a female: uhibukki fil-llaahi), which means: I love you for the sake of Allah (SWT).The plural is:

  أحبكم في اهلل

Uhibbukum fil-llaahi (to a group of men or a mix of men and women) or

أحبكن في اهلل

Uhibbukunna fil-llaahi (to a group women).

When someone tells you they love you for the sake of Allah (SWT), you can respond by:

أحبك الذي أحببتني له

Ahabbak-alladhee ahbabtanee lah (for a male) or Ahabakk-illadhee ahhabtinee lah (for a female), which means: may the One for whom you have loved me, love you, in return. [Above phrases as narrated in Abu Dawood]

So let’s ask Allah ‘azza wa jal to help us love others for His (SWT) sake and get into action now: call or send a message and say the above to someone you love for the sake of Allah (SWT).

And I start with you all, for your eagerness to read about Islam and learn to understand the Quran: Uhibbukum fil-llaah – I love you for the sake of Allah (SWT)!

How to prove you are ‘Muslim’

The label ‘Muslim’ needs to be earned from Allah (SWT) and He (SWT) knows what is in our hearts and can see us every second. There are no excuses or hiding from Him (SWT). Testifying (giving Shahadah) that: ‘There is no one worthy of worship except Allah (SWT) and Muhammad (SAW) is the messenger and final Prophet of Allah.’ is well known to Muslims, but do we understand the weight of this statement and what it entails? For our Shahadah to be valid it needs to meet certain conditions and criteria.

When we bear witness to submitting to Allah’s (SWT) will, we must believe in Him (SWT) completely and wholeheartedly, and prove this submission by obeying His (SWT) commands. Seven conditions for the Shahadah to be valid have been derived from the Quran and Hadith to give us a comprehensive definition of being a Muslim.

The conditions include Knowledge, Certainty, Sincerity, Truthfulness, Love, Submission and Acceptance of the Shahadah. Some scholars also add Denial and Adherence as conditions: to deny and reject any false deities or submission to other than Allah (SWT), and to adhere to the Shahadah until death.

1. KNOWLEDGE - Al Ilm - Knowing the meaning of the Shahadah and what it affirms and negates.

Allah (SWT) says: وال يملك الذين يدعون من دونه

فاعة إال من شهد بالحق وهم الش

يعلمون

"Save him who bears witness unto the truth knowingly" (Az-Zukhruf: 86).

This condition can also be derived from the prophet (SAW) saying: "Whoever dies knowing that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah (SWT) shall enter Paradise." (Muslim) Worshipping Allah (SWT) alone and believing Muhammad (SAW) was his servant and messenger is the essence of Islam. This involves making Allah (SWT) the most important factor in our life, and judging our behaviour and everything surrounding us according to the criterion that He (SWT) has revealed and taught through our Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

2. CERTAINTY - Al Yaqeen - Perfect knowledge without

any suspicion and doubt in any aspect. Allah (SWT) says:

إنما املؤمنون الذين آمنوا باهلل ورسوله ثم لم يرتابوا

وجاهدوا بأموالهم وأنفسهم في سبيل اهلل أولئك هم

ادقون الص

"The (true) believers are those only who believe in Allah and His messenger and afterward doubt not" (Al-Hujuraat: 15).

The Prophet (SAW) said, "No one meets Allah (SWT) with the testimony that there is none worthy of worship but Allah (SWT) and I am the Messenger of Allah, and he has no doubt about that statement, except that he will enter Paradise." (Muslim)

What about the people who succumb and fall prey to the false weak arguments of non-Muslims and are unable to defend this misalignment of their faith? What about those who doubt the validity of hadith or the preservation of the Quran? What about those who pick and choose from commands which

are clearly stated in the Quran?

Having suspicions or doubts, whilst claiming to be Muslim, is classified as being a disease of the heart by scholars and this can only be dispelled by seeking authentic knowledge of the Quran and the hadith. Usually the reason for doubts and misconceptions is the lack of knowledge.

3. SINCERITY - Al-Ikhlaas - formation of pure intentions in all our actions. Allah (SWT) says: إنا أنزلنا إليك الكتاب بالحق فاعبد

اهلل مخلصا له الدين

"Worship Allah, making religion pure for him" (Az-Zumar: 2)

And the Prophet (SAW) said, "Allah (SWT) has forbidden for the Hell-fire anyone who says, 'There is no one worthy of worship except Allah (SWT),' and

say so desiring the face [and pleasure] of Allah (SWT)." (Muslim)

The Prophet (SAW) said, "No one bears testimony to there being no one worth of worship save Allah (SWT), sincerely from his heart, except that Allah (SWT) makes the Hell-fire forbidden for him." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Why we accept Islam is important. We must not accept the Shahadah or maintain it for worldly gain, or to make other people happy — or be doing it for any other reason except for the sake of obeying Allah (SWT). When we involve other reasons this becomes a form of shirk, and shirk is the direct opposite of the meaning of the Shahadah. Doing all acts of worship and accepting commands should only be purely for the sake of Allah (SWT).

We should not be praying or going to the masjid to make our family members happy, or fasting in Ramadan because everybody else is doing it. If we are sincere, we cannot leave a part of Islam or do something contrary to it to please others.

4. TRUTHFULNESS - Al-Sidq - that leaves no room for falsehood, dishonesty or hypocrisy. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

ومن الناس من يقول آمنا باهلل

وباليوم اآلخر وما هم بمؤمنني.

يخادعون اهلل والذين آمنوا وما

يخدعون إال أنفسهم وما يشعرون.

في قلوبهم مرض فزادهم اهلل مرضا

ولهم عذاب أليم بما كانوا يكذبون.

"And of mankind are some who say, 'We believe in Allah and the Last Day,' when they believe not. They think to beguile Allah and those who believe, and they beguile none save themselves, but they perceive not. In their hearts is a disease, and Allah increases their disease. A painful doom is theirs because they lie" (Al-Baqarah: 8-10).

This means saying the Shahadah honestly and meaning it from our heart is vital. If someone is lying that they are Muslim to fool others, to get some worldly gain, or to gain protection, their Shahadah is not valid. They will be held accountable for lying and face severe punishment from Allah (SWT).

5. LOVE - Al-Mahabbah - of the Shahadah and its meaning. Allah (SWT) says:

ومن الناس من يتخذ من دون اهلل أندادا يحبونهم كحب اهلل

والذين آمنوا أشد حبا هلل ولو يرى الذين ظلموا إذ يرون

العذاب أن القوة هلل جميعا وأن اهلل شديد العذاب

"Yet of mankind are some who take unto themselves (objects of worship which they set as) rivals to Allah, loving them with a love like (that which is due to) Allah only. However, those who believe are stauncher in their love of Allah" (Al-Baqarah: 165).

The Prophet SAW said, "Whoever has three characteristics has tasted the sweetness of faith. [The first of these] is that he loves Allah (SWT) and His Messenger more than he loves anyone else...” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Loving and being happy with every aspect of the Shahadah and its implications comes under this category. Our faith is not complete without loving the Shahadah and the requirements that follow it. The Shahadah is negated by loving someone or something more than Allah (SWT). True believers, who strive in meeting the conditions of the Shahadah would never put anything as equal to their Lord; doing all actions out of love for Allah (SWT), not just fear of His (SWT) punishment; avoiding those things that displease Him (SWT) and striving in those actions that please Him (SWT)— out of love for Him (SWT) and His (SWT) commands.

6. SUBMISSION - Al-Inqiad - complying fully with the duties and requirements taught to us. Allah (SWT) says:

موك فيما شجر بينهم ثم ال فال وربك ال يؤمنون حتى يحك

ا قضيت ويسلموا تسليما يجدوا في أنفسهم حرجا مم

"But nay, by your Lord, they will not truly believe until they make you [the Messenger of Allah] judge of what is in dispute between them and find

within themselves no dislike of which you decide, and submit with full submission" (An-Nisa : 65)

Submission to the will of the one true Lord, Allah (SWT), is the basis of Islam. This means doing what is needed to fulfil his commands, and doing what the Prophet (SAW) taught us to, in the way that he taught.

Salah is one of the first things we will be questioned about after we die, and worship is a physical demonstration of our obedience to Allah (SWT). Giving Zakah is an obligation for those that have wealth and Hajj is an obligation for those that are able. By delaying or not doing these things when

we are able we are disobeying Allah SWT. Our faith has to be proven by our tongues, hearts and actions. If we disobey Allah (SWT) this is a huge disrespect of our Lord and we will be accountable for every action.

7. ACCEPTANCE - Al-Qubool- this contradicts any form of rejection of Allah’s commands. Allah (SWT) asks us:

ثم أنتم هؤالء تقتلون أنفسكم وتخرجون فريقا منكم من

ثم والعدوان وإن يأتوكم أسارى ديارهم تظاهرون عليهم باإل

تفادوهم وهو محرم عليكم إخراجهم أفتؤمنون ببعض الكتاب وتكفرون ببعض فما جزاء من يفعل ذلك منكم إال

خزي في الحياة الدنيا ويوم القيامة يردون إلى أشد

ا تعملون العذاب وما اهلل بغافل عم

“Do you believe in part of the book and reject part of it? And what is the reward of those who do so save ignominy in the life of the world, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be consigned to the most grievous doom" (Al-Baqarah : 85).

Accepting the commands of Allah (SWT) and accepting the Shahadah fall under this category. Some people may not accept Islam or fail to obey certain commands due to pride, arrogance, desire or being influenced by other people. Accepting the will and decree of Allah (SWT) is also a pitfall some of us may fall into;

we cannot question the wisdom and commands of Allah (SWT).

The Shahadah signifies an entire lifestyle and attitude. No matter how much we repeat or memorise it and all of the above conditions — it is of no use unless we believe and comply correctly by obeying the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.

Whether we are new to Islam or were blessed to be born in to a Muslim family we must ensure that we strive to rectify and maintain our Shahadah. This testimony is not just mere words; it is extremely important because without it we cannot enter paradise.

Masjid Bani HashimAt Jumeirah Islands, Dubai

Masjid Bani Hashim by the Grace of Allah عز وجل, opened its doors 2nd Ramadan 1434; July 10th, 2013 & is a Non-Profit

Organisation. It envisions to offer intensive courses, lectures, workshops, Tafseer elQuran with Taddabur, Tajweed, Seerah of

the Prophet pbuh & major Islamic Studies.

Our MissionMasjid Bani Hashim’s mission is to provide authentic

understanding of Islam based on Qur'an and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Mohammed (صلى اهلل عليه وسلمs). Masjid Bani

Hashim welcomes all and provides a golden opportunity to access Islamic Courses to all seekers of Ilm. Without rushing back home, you can make a stop at Masjid Bani Hashim to nurture your soul,

pray & recite Quran.