Guide to Muslims

8/4/2019 Guide to Muslims

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Guide to Muslims - Islamic & Social Affairs

byHakeem-ul-Ummat HAZRAT MUFTI AHMED YAAR KHAN NAEEMI

BIRTH OF A CHILD

It is generally found that people celebrate on the birth of a boy and show dissatisfaction when a girl is born. Islamdisapproves of this kind of behavior. Children are great gift from Almighty Allah and we should be thankful and rejoiceirrespective of the gender of the new-born child. The birth of a daughter is a blessing and the Prophet of Islam (sallal

laahu alaihi wasallam) said that they would be a shield for the parents from Hell.

It is stated in the Quran Shareef, Surah an-Nahl, Verse 58: " when news is brought to one of them of the birth of a

female child his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief". This was the belief of the Kufaar prior to Islam.

The woman that gives birth to a girl as her first child is indeed fortunate as the first born of the Prophet Muhammad

(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was a girl.

On the birth of a child, gifts or alms should be distributed among the poor. Nafils should be read instead of havingparties, playing music and distributing sweetmeats, which is totally unnecessary.

When a child is born, he or she should be given Ghusal as soon as possible and the Azaan must be read in the rightear and the Takbeer recited in the left ear. The after-birth (placenta, etc.) of the child should be buried.

It is also Sunnat that some pious person chews something sweet like dates (Khajoor) and place in the baby s palate(Thaneek). It is established from the Ahadith that the Sahabas took new-borns to the Prophet Muhammad (sallal

laahu alaihi wasallam) for Thaneek .

It is preferable to have a Meelad Shareef or Fateha on the birth of a baby. All other unnecessary customs, which has

no basis in Islam, should be completely stopped.

AQEEQA AND CIRCUMCISION

It is Sunnat to make Aqeeqa on the 7th day after the birth of a child, but if this is not possible, it should be done on

the 15th or 21st day.

It is required to make Aqeeqa of two sheep for a boy and one sheep for a girl. The Aqeeqa meat should be dividedinto three parts: one part is to be given to the poor, one to friends and family and one part to be used in the house.

It is preferable that the bones should not be broken but be separated by the joints and buried after eating.

It is also better that the child be named by the 7th day from the time of birth. A good name, preferably one of thenames of the Ambiya or of a Sahabi would be of Barakat. "Mohammed" is the best name and names such as thisshould never be mispronounced.

English Book: Guide to Muslims - Islamic Social Affairs

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During Aqeeqa (7th day) the childs hair can also be removed and the equivalent weight in Silver should be given inSadaqah. Soaked Saffron can be rubbed on the childs head after the hair is removed.

It is also permissible to make Aqeeqa of one cow for a few children, meaning 2/7 part of a cow for a boy and one partfor a girl.

One should not borrow money to make Aqeeqa as it is not compulsory on a person that cannot afford it. Aqeeqa isnot Fardh or Waajib but it is a Sunnat.

Circumcision is Sunnat for males between the ages of 7 to12 years. To circumcise after the age of 12 is prohibited. It

is best to circumcise at an early age, even during Aqeeqa (7th day) as the child heals very quickly and does not suffermuch. There is no need to have functions to celebrate the process of circumcision.

UPBRINGIN G OF CHILDREN

A child should be weaned off breast milk at the age of two.

When the child is learning to speak, first teach him or her to say the name of Allah and teach the child Kalima

Tayyibah at a later stage.

When making a child sleep, mothers should read Naaths or Qasida instead of singing songs or playing the radio.

Try to set a good example and practice what you preach as children have a habit of imitating what they see.

Read your Namaaz in their presence, recite Quran Shareef and take them to the Masjid with you.

Read stories of good pious people as children love listening to stories and can learn valuable lessons and form good

habits from Hadith and such stories.

When children reach the age of 7 years, they should be ordered to perform Namaaz, learn the five Kalimas, Imaan-e-

Mujmal and Imaan-e-Mufassil.

Send children to Madressa to learn Duas, to read the Quran Shareef and other Islamic Books and magazines.

Children should be taught to keep their body, clothes and surroundings pure and clean.

They should be given responsibilities as well as certain duties or tasks to perform in the house.

They must be taught to do their own work and should also be taught to make Salaams when entering the house orwhen meeting people. They should be taught the importance of respecting their elders.

Encourage a life of simplicity including simple dressing and eating habits.

It is advisable that at least one of the children should become Hafiz or an Aalim as it has been stated in a Hadith thatthree generations of one Hafiz and seven generations of one Aalim will be pardoned.

Instill good constructive hobbies in them, those that can be means for them to earn a Halaal Rozi (sustenance) at a

later stage in their lives.

According to Islam, children must be educated in religious and worldly affairs. In this connection, there is also a

famous Hadith of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) which says: "The acquisition of knowledge is




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incumbent on every Muslim man and woman." But the education of the females should be in accordance with hertemperament and the immediate needs of society. She should be educated in such a manner as could make her a

good Muslim, wife, mother, educator and an ideal citizen. Girls should be taught handicrafts, cooking, sewing, etc. Itis very important that with any career one should gain Islamic knowledge and practice good Islamic way of life and

values.

If a child is not given proper Islamic training and as a result adopts evil habits and commits sins, the sins thereof willbe upon the parents.

NIKAH OR WEDDING

The qualities that one should look for in a marriage partner are piety and God-fearing.

Neither the boy nor the girl should be forced into a marriage.

The brides mothers consent is just as important.

According to the Shariah it is necessary that when permission is being sought from the bride for marriage that the

name of the bridegroom, his fathers name and the amount of Maher (dowry) be mentioned. Nikah only takes placewhen the bride accepts this.

Some excuse should be made for the boy to see the girl without the girls knowledge.

The Quran Shareef states: "The affairs according to the consultation amongst them." The elders of both partiesshould have a discussion concerning the forthcoming union so that in the event of a misunderstanding between the

couple after marriage, their elders can help in resolving the matter.

An engagement is not necessary. The purpose of an engagement is to confirm or promise a Nikah, so if in some cases

it has to take place, it should be done without extravagance.

When setting the date for a wedding it is better that it is set on a Monday or Friday since these days are of Barakat.

The tradition of Haldi (putting Tumeric powder) and of Mehendi (putting Henna powder) is also unnecessary and

should be stopped, as this has no basis in our religion. Everything besides the performing of the Nikah itself has novalidity in Islam.

The wedding of Bibi Fathima Zahra (radi Allahu anha) should be used as a guideline. The Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) could have had an elaborate wedding for his dearest daughter but he made it a simple affair.He knew that the Ummah would use this wedding as an example. Therefore, the custom of songs, dancing, mixing ofsexes and many other western practices should be stopped as these are all against the teachings of Islam.

Unnecessary financial expenses should be avoided so that the rich and the poor may have similar weddings.

It is not necessary to provide a meal during the wedding as this was not done during the wedding of Bibi FathimaZahra (radi Allahu anha). Yes, it is Sunnat to distribute dates.

It is preferable to have the Nikah at the Masjid as this is Mustahab. The bride s residence as a venue for the Nikah isalso acceptable.

A man once came to Hadrat Imaam Mohammed (radi Allahu anhu) and related that he had promised to give hisdaughter everything in this world as dowry and now he finds this task impossible, as even a king cannot accomplish




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this. Hadrat Imaam Mohammed (radi Allahu anhu) advised him to give the Quran Shareef in dowry as everything is

contained in the Holy Quran.

It is Sunnat for the bridegroom to have a Walima the day after the wedding. This should be done in accordance withhis means. A loan should not be taken to have a Walima. The poor and the needy should be invited to the Walima. Itis stated in a Hadith that the most blessed Nikah is the one in which the least expenses are involved and is simple.

After the marriage has taken place, the couple should give time to adjust and be polite, kind and understanding toeach other. A husband should provide as best maintenance as he can and also show love, affection, protection,comfort and happiness. He should encourage his wife to follow the Islamic way of life. He should not speak ill of her

parents or relatives and should allow her to visit families occasionally.

In the same token a wife should also be kind to his relatives especially his parents and treat them with respect. A wife

should manage the household affairs wisely.

The wife is given the right of Maher, which can be claimed from her husband at the time of marriage. The Maher

should be set with the consideration of the husband s financial status and the wifes living standards, her qualities and

her family background. The Maher is a personal property of the wife and nobody can claim a share in it without herconsent. Greed for excessive dowry should be avoided.

In case of any disagreements, a husband should not be hasty in giving Talaaq as in most cases the act is immenselyregretted bringing about a lot of pain and misery. In most cases of differences or problems, it is the man that walksout, gets married again and lives a happy life and it is the wife who is left helpless, as the man refuses to give Talaaq.

Therefore, during Nikah an affidavit should be drawn up by the bridegroom saying that if he goes missing or

remarries while still married to his wife, or is cruel, or unfair towards her, or even does not perform his rightful dutiestowards his wife, etc. then the wife has the right to take Talaaq. This should be done after making necessaryaffirmation of Nikah. The Qazi (Muslim Judge) should make negotiations from the man s side and the women must

accept by laying her conditions, that in case of so and so, etc. she should have the right to take Talaaq and be free ofher husband. Insha-Allah, the husband will not ill-treat his wife and he will be just and fair to her safeguarding her

from misery. According to Shariah there is no objection to this kind of solution.

A wife should not be forced to live or to perform any services for her in-laws as Islam offers her the right to choose. Ifshe chooses to do so as a favour to her husband, she will be rewarded.

It has been stated by the Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that if it was allowed to make Sajdah(prostration) to anyone after Almighty Allah, he would order the women to make Sajdah to their husbands, and on

the husbands, remember that you have four fathers in this world: one is your biological father, second is your father-in-law, third is your Ustaad (teacher) and fourth is your Peer (spiritual guide). If you speak ill of your father-in- law,know that you have spoken against your father as well.

A successful man is one whose wife and children are happy and content with him. The Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) has declared: "Fear Allah regarding women. Verily, you have married them with the trust of

Allah, they have rights over you in respect of their food, clothing and lodging." (Bukhari)

The Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has also said: "The most perfect of the believers is he who isthe best of them in conduct, and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives." (Tirmidhi)

Women enjoy a very high status of respect and honour in an Islamic Society. As a wife she is the queen and mistress

of the house. She manages the house and brings up and trains the children. She enjoys full and complete social,religious, cultural, legal and economic rights. She has the rights in her father s and husbands properties.




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ISLAMI C ATTIRE

In many professions, it is required that a person dresses in a certain manner or has to wear a uniform to identify his

profession. If these rules are not followed, then one is dismissed. Similarly, in Islam, different codes of dressing havebeen set aside for Muslims so that they can be recognized among the Kufaars. If this dress code is not followed, thenwe deserve to be punished as well.

As Muslims everything about us from our character to the dressing should serve as an example to people. We shouldbe proud of showing that we are Muslims by adhering to the Islamic way of dressing and not following the westblindly and trying to look like them.

It is Fardh on a male to keep the area between his navel and knees covered at all times. It is Sunnat for a male towear a full-sleeved Kurta. A Muslim male is recognized by a Topi (hat).

If one is wearing a Turban, a Topi should be worn under it as well.

The keeping of a beard is Waajib. The moustache should no be completely shaved off but kept well trimmed so that it

does not come on the upper lip.

It is also Sunnat to shave underarms and the area below the navel.

The nails should be neatly trimmed as well. This should be done at least once a week but never left for longer then 40days.

Men have been commanded to restrain their gaze and avoid looking at women intentionally.

Women should wear clothing that provide comfort and not restrict movements, such as tight- fitting clothes, seethrough clothes and clothing that attract attention should be avoided completely. Women should also not reveal their

adornment in public or in front of any Non-Mahram (one whom Shariah allows them to marry).

A womens clothing must be such that it covers her from head to toes (with exception of her face and palms in

Namaaz).

Shariah also commands that women should not leave their homes without necessity. When traveling, it is veryimportant that a woman be accompanied by a Mahram (one whom Shariah does not allow them to marry.

To preserve her modesty and honour it is necessary that she adopt the Islamic way of dressing.

For a Muslim it is Haraam to wear anything that represents the Kufaars.

Females should not cut the hair to resemble males.

FUNERALS

Death can come to anyone at anytime and at any place. Therefore, it is very important for every Muslim to know therules and procedures regarding Ghusal, Kaffan and the burial.

To talk of worldly matters in the funeral house is wrong and people should rather engage themselves in Tilaawat(recitation) of the Holy Quran, Zikr and the recitation of Yaseen Shareef.

Loud crying, beating of the chest or pulling of hair, etc. is prohibited in Islam. Mourning in silence and crying softly is




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acceptable.

Unnecessary delaying of the Mayyit to its final destination by waiting for people to arrive from afar is not permissible.The dead should be buried as soon as possible.

When the funeral procession is on its way to the Masjid, Durood and Kalima Tayyibah should be recited instead ofindulging in worldly talks.

After the Janaza Namaaz it is Sunnat to read Fateha and send the Sawaab (reward) to the Marhoom (deceased) andmake Dua in abundance for the Marhoom.

After the burial, it is also good to give Azaan at the head-side as this lessens the Azaab (punishment) of the Qabar(grave) and makes it easy to answer the questions asked by Munkar and Nakeer.

It is also Sunnat to cook food and take the food to the bereaved family and feed them, instead of expecting them tofeed everybody. This food should only be used to feed the bereaved family members and their relatives who havecome from afar and not feed everybody present at the funeral house. If the family does wish to cook food, it should

be for the poor and needy.

SIGNIFICANT DAYS IN ISLAM

MUHARRAM:

The month of Muharram is a very auspicious month especially the Day of Ashura, which is on the 10 th of Muharram

(on a Friday). On this day:

Hadrat Nooh (alaihis salaam) alighted from his Ark.

Hadrat Moosa (alaihis salaam) was victorious over Firaun

The Martyrdom of Imaam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) occurred on this day in Karbala, and

Qiyaamat will also occur on this day.

Just as the reward for good deeds are awarded abundantly on this day, the Azaab (punishment) for your sins

committed on this day will be greater.

The practices of the procession of Tazia, Matam, following of Jaloos, fire tramping, etc. are not allowed as these are

the acts of the followers of Yazid. These acts were not done by the Ahle Bait and are against the teachings of Islam.However, it is acceptable if one makes a real copy of the dome of Karbala as remembrance of Hadrat Imam Husain(radi Allahu anhu), to make Ziarat, to pay their respects and show love and devotion. It is also of great Sawaab tohave Majlis, Quran Khwaani and Fateha in remembrance of the Ahle Bait.

It is very rewarding to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. It is of Barakat to spend on your family and cook nice

food on the 10th. The Barakat remains for the whole year on the crops that have been cooked on this day, therefore it

is good to cook Kichra or Haleem as it contains many ingredients, grains and crops. Fateha should be made on theseand the Sawaab sent to Imam Husain (radi Allahu anhu) and the rest of the Shuhada-e-Karbala.

RABI-UL-AWWAL:




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This month is most joyous and contains lots of Barakat. It is a month of celebration as our Prophet Muhammad (sallal

laahu alaihi wasallam) was born on the 12th of this month. It is of great Sawaab to fast and to celebrate the birth-day

of our Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). The hosting of Meelad or Moulood functions or partaking init brings about peace and lots of Barakat in the house for the whole year. It is recommended to have Ghusal, wearnew clothes, apply attar and celebrate this night by staying up and reciting Naaths and reading Duroods inabundance.

RABI-UL-AKHIR:

The Fateha of Sheikh Abdul Qaadir, Hadrat Ghaus Paak Sarkaare Baghdad (radi Allahu anhu) is made on the 11th ofthis month. It is very rewarding to have Majlis, gives talks on Ghaus Paak, make Fateha and feed everybody includingthe poor and needy as the Barakat of this stays for the whole year.

RAJAB:

On the 22nd of this month, Fateha should be made for Hadrat Imaam Jafar (radi Allahu anhu). To have this Fateha is

very good as it brings about lots of Barakat and many problems are solved with the Barakat of this Fateha. Generallysweet Puris are cooked to make Fateha on this day and like any other Fateha these can be distributed out of thehouse as well.

To fast on the 13th, 14th and 15th of this month is very rewarding as the Sawaab of these Rozas are equivalent to the

Sawaab of one thousand Rozas.

The 27th of Rajab is the celebration of Meraj-un-Nabi or the Ascension of our Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi

wasallam). On this night, the Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was called by Allah Subhanahu waTaala to journey to the Heavens. On this night, one should celebrate by having Jalsa, reciting Naaths in the praise ofour Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and reading Nafils.

SHABAAN:

The 15th night of Shabaan is known as Shabbe Baraat. This night, the night of forgiveness and blessings is the most

auspicious night. On this night the Amaal Nama (Book of Deeds) of a person containing all his deeds of the past yearare closed and new ones are started. The doors of mercy and forgiveness are opened, and those who sincerely grieve

and repent for their past sins and seek forgiveness from Almighty Allah, they are pardoned and many needs aregranted as well.

One who fasts on the 13th, 14th and 15th of this month, then ones all past sins are forgiven. One should also pay offloans on this night, visit the cemetery and read Fateha. It is also Sunnat to make Fateha on something sweet and

distribute it to the poor. One should engage themselves in Zikr, Istighfaar, Tilaawat, Wazaaif and Nafils till the nextmorning.

RAMADAAN:

Every moment of this auspicious month is full of Barakat. In this month, Ibaadat is made excessively at all times. Tokeep Fasts, make Tilaawat of the Holy Quran, perform Taraweeh, and partake in Sehri are the daily practices of this

month. The last Friday (Juma-tul-Wida) is also a very auspicious day. The giving of Sadaqah and Fitra is also veryimportant. The needs of the poor should be considered and taken care of.

The 27th of Ramadaan is the night of Shabbe Qadr (Night of Power). One should stay up the whole night reciting

Quran Shareef and completing it, offering special prayers and reading Nafils. One is rewarded seventy times more forIbaadat made on this night. The reading of Salaatul Tasbih on this night is also very rewarding. One should takeadvantage of this night and make lots of Du as.




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On the day of Eid it is Sunnat to make Ghusal, wear new clothes and use fragrance. To wish each other on this day is

also very good. One should eat dates before going to Eid Gaah and read Takbeer softly on the way. It is better to usedifferent ways for going to and returning from Eid-Gah.

IMPORTANCE OF SUITABLE OCCUPATIONS

The only reason that we are saved from the Azaab (punishment) of Almighty Allah and are still alive today is becausewe are from the Ummat of Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu laihi wasallam).

We are committing more sins than the previously dead tribes. The tribe of Nabi Shuaib (alaihis salaam) was guilty ofcheating by weighing less during business. The tribe of Loot (alaihis salaam) was guilty of forbidden acts, particularly

adultery and fornication. But we are the worst tribe of all as we left our ancestors far behind and crossed all the limitsin bad behavior and living a life of deceit. It is about time that we as Muslims consider this matter seriously and thinkof the consequences.

Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu laihi wasallam) has stated that the best food is that which comes from one s hardearned money. It is stated in Bukhari that Nabi Dawood (alaihis salaam) also ate from his hard earned money.

Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu laihi wasallam) has stated that the most scented thing comes from your earnings

and your children are your earnings, therefore parents can live on their childrens earning.

Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu laihi wasallam) said that there will come a time when nothing else besides yourmoney will be of help.

Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu laihi wasallam) has said that Halaal earning is Fardh after Fardh, meaning afterNamaaz and Roza a Halaal profession is Fardh.

Just as Almighty Allah commanded His Messengers, he has ordered the same for the Muslims. He had ordered theMessengers: "O Paigambars, eat from your Halaal earnings and perform good, pious deeds."

And he ordered the Muslims: "O Muslims, eat Halaal things that is given by us."

Many people make Duas and ask Almighty Allah to grant their wishes. But, how can their Du as be fulfilled if theclothes that they wear and the food that they eat comes from Haraam earnings.

It is stated by Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu laihi wasallam) that besides three people, it is not Jaiz for anyone toask for anything Firstly, one who has to pay his debts, second are those whose goods are destroyed by natural

causes, and thirdly, those that have been starving.

BENEFITS OF WORK:-

It is Sunnat-e-Paigambar (Sunnat of the Prophets) to earn a Halaal living.

By you earning a living, there is an increase in wealth, which can be used for Sadaqah, Khairat, Haj, Zakaat, and the

building of mosques and Islamic Institutes. Hadrat Uthman (radi Allahu anhu) bought Jannat with the aid of hiswealth. When one is occupied with work, he is saved from many disasters and sins such as stealing, gossiping, gettinginto fights and unnecessary arguments and other mischief which happens when one is idle.

When working, one gets accustomed to hard work and does not have pride.

When earning, one lives a life of peace unlike in poverty which brings about lots of pain and misery.




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