"From Dusk 'Til Dawn"

MAS-IE

Presents

"From Dusk 'Til Dawn"

3rd Annual New Years Eve Program

A MAS Youth Revive Event

With Guest Speaker Br. Munir Qtaish

An All Night Event with Various Activities:

Prayers

Lectures

Sports Activities

Plays

Games

Much more....

Refreshments and Breakfast will be provided

Thursday December 31st 2009

From 8:00 to 6:00 am (Friday) 2010

MAS Center

8423 Rochester Ave.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

For more information log onto www.mas-ie.com or call 951-440-5270

Kind Treatment

'A'isha(rAa) reported:

"A poor woman came to me along with her daughters. I gave her three dates. She gave a date to each of them and then she took up one date and brought that to her mouth in order to eat that, but her daughters expressed desire to eat it. She then divided the date that she intended to eat between them. This (kind) treatment of her impressed me and I mentioned that which she did to Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). Thereupon he said: Verily Allah has assured Paradise for her, because of (this act) of her, or He has rescued her from Hell-Fire."

[Sahih Muslim- Book 032, Chapter 44: The merit of according benevolent treatment to daughters, Number 6363.]

Conditions for the Acceptance of Actions

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen (d.1421H) - rahimahullaah - said,

“Sincerity (ikhlaas) towards Allaah means that the person desires by his worship closeness to Allaah the Exalted and reaching His Abode of Nobility (i.e. Paradise), such that the servant must be sincere towards Allaah the Exalted in his intended purpose. He must be sincere towards Allaah the Exalted in his love. He must be sincere towards Allaah in his exaltation. He must be sincere to Allaah the Exalted outwardly and inwardly. He does not seek anything with his worship, except for the Face of Allaah the Exalted and reaching His Abode of Nobility.”

[Refer to Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (7/112) of Ibnul-’Uthaymeen.]

Stated al-’Allaamah Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-’Uthaymeen (d.1421H) – rahimahullaah,

“And in order that it will be known – O brothers – that al-mutaaba’ah cannot be actualized, except when the action is in agreement with the Sharee’ah in six affairs:

1. The First: as-Sabab (reason, motive); So when the person worships Allaah with act of worship that is accompanied by a motive that is not legislated by the Sharee’ah, then it is an innovation that is rejected back to its doer. An example of that is when some of the people commemorate the twenty-seventh night of Rajab under the pretence that it was the night in which the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) ascended. So tahajjud (the night Prayer) is worship. However, when it is accompanied with this motive, it becomes an innovation. This is because this action of worship is built upon a motive that has not been confirmed in the Sharee’ah. And this description – the conformity of the worship to the Sharee’ah in motive – is an important affair that clarifies many innovations from amongst those that are thought to be from the Sunnah, yet they are not from the Sunnah.
2. The Second: al-Jins (type); so it is inevitable that the act of worship be in conformity to the Sharee’ah in its jins (type). So if the person worships with an act of worship whose type is not legislated, then it is not accepted. An example of that is if a man were to slaughter a horse, then this sacrifice would not be correct, because it has opposed the Sharee’ah in the type. So the blood sacrifices cannot be done, except with cattle, grazing livestock, camels, cows and sheep.
3. The Third: al-Qadr (quantity); so if the person increases in the Prayer that is obligatory, then we say that this is an innovation that is not accepted, because it opposes the Sharee’ah in quantity. With all the more reason, if the person prays the noon Prayer for example as five units, then his Prayer is not correct by agreement.
4. The Fourth: al-Kayfiyyah (manner, mode); so if a man performs ablution, and he begins with washing the feet, then he wipes his head, then he washes his hands, then his face, then we say that his ablution is null and void, because it opposes the Sharee’ah in manner.
5. The Fifth: az-Zamaan (time); so if the person slaughters in the first days of Dhul-Hijjah, then his blood sacrifice will not be accepted due it opposing the Sharee’ah in time. And I have heard that some of the people slaughter sheep during the month of Ramadaan in order to draw closer to Allaah with blood sacrifice. So this action in this manner is an innovation, because there is nothing with regards to drawing closer to Allaah with slaughtering, except for blood sacrifice, gifts and the ’aqeeqah. As for slaughtering in Ramadaan along with the belief that one will attain the reward of slaughtering, such as the blood sacrifice in ’Eedul-Adhaa, or slaughtering for the sake of meat, then this is permissible.
6. The Sixth: al-Makaan (place); so if a man performs i’tikaaf in other than a mosque, then his i’tikaaf is not correct. And that is because the i’tikaaf cannot occur, except in the mosques. And if a woman says, ‘I wish to perform i’tikaaf in the musallaa (place of Prayer) in the house,’ then her i’tikaaf is not correct due to opposition of the Sharee’ah in place. And from the examples of that is if a man desires to perform tawaaf. So he finds that the area of tawaaf has become too confined and he finds that whatever is around it has become too confined. So he starts to perform tawaaf from behind the mosque, then his tawaaf will not be correct, because the place of the tawaaf is the house.

So the act of worship cannot be considered a righteous action, except if two conditions are fulfilled with regards to it, the first is al-ikhlaas (sincerity) and the second is al-mutaaba’ah (following the Prophet). And al-mutaaba’ah cannot be fulfilled, except with the six affairs that have been previously mentioned.”

[Refer to Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (5/253-254) of Ibnul-’Uthaymeen.]

Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad(PBUH)

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I don't know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allaah has forbidden you to take usury (Interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived...

Beware of Satan, for your safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have right over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to commit adultery.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allaah, say your five daily prayers (Salaah), fast during the month of Ramadaan, and give your wealth in Zakaat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action.

Remember, one day you will appear before Allaah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness oh Allaah that I have conveyed your message to your people."

[This Sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H in the Uranah Valley of mount Arafat. Last Sermon of the Messenger of Allaah (SAAS).]

Achieving a Strong Marriage Bond

Marriage is considered an 'ibaadah, an act that is pleasing to Allah SWT. It is in accordance with His commandments that husbands and wives love each other and help one another to rear their children as true servants of Allah SWT.
Most spouses start out with hopes and rosy dreams; truly committed to making their marriage work. However, as the reality of living with a less than perfect spouse lurks in, and as the pressures of life builds, many individuals do not find as much satisfaction in their relationships. All marriages change over time. However, with hard work and dedication, people can keep their marriages strong and enjoyable. How is it done? What does it take to create a long-lasting, satisfying marriage?
Researches indicate that the most successful marriages share some key characteristics. These are some of the characteristics that researchers have found to be common in successful marriages. Let's look at each of these factors.

CHARACTERISTICS OF HAPPY AND SATISFYING MARRIAGES

1. POSITIVITY
Successful spouses have far more positive than negative interactions. If there is too much negativity — criticizing, demanding, name-calling, holding grudges, etc. — the relationship will suffer. However, if there is never any negativity, it probably means that frustrations and grievances are not getting air time and unresolved tension is accumulating inside one or both partners.
The key is balance between the two extremes. There are many ways to foster positivity in a marriage. Being affectionate, truly listening to each other, taking joy in each other's achievements and being playful are just a few examples of positive interactions that help make marriages successful.

2. EMPATHY
Another characteristic of happy marriages is empathy. Empathy means understanding a person's perspective by putting oneself in his or her shoes. Many researchers have shown that empathy is important for relationship satisfaction.
People are more likely to feel good about their marriage and spouse if their partner expresses empathy towards them. Husbands and wives are more content in their relationships when they perceive that their spouses truly understand their thoughts and feelings.

3. COMMITMENT
Successful marriages involve both spouses' commitment to the relationship. When two people are truly dedicated to making their marriage work, despite the unavoidable challenges and obstacles that come, they are much more likely to have a relationship that lasts.
Husbands and wives who only focus on themselves and their own desires are not as likely to find joy and satisfaction in their relationships. However, when spouses are committed to investing in their marriage and are willing to sacrifice some of their own preferences for the good of the relationship, they usually have high-quality marriages.

4. ACCEPTANCE
One of the most basic needs in a relationship is acceptance. Everyone wants to feel valued and respected. When people feel that their spouses truly accept them for who they are, they are usually more secure and confident in their relationships.
Often, there is conflict in marriage because partners cannot accept the individual preferences of their spouses and try to demand change from one another. When one person tries to force change from another, he or she is usually met with resistance. However, research has shown that change is much more likely to occur when spouses respect differences and accept each other unconditionally. Basic acceptance is vital to a happy marriage.

5. MUTUAL LOVE AND RESPECT
Perhaps the most important component of successful marriages are love and respect for each other. This may seem very obvious — why would two people get married to someone whom they did not love and respect? The fact is, as time passes and life becomes increasingly complicated, the marriage often suffers as a result.
It is all too easy for spouses to lose touch with each other and neglect the love and romance that once came so easily. It is vital that husbands and wives continue to cultivate love and respect for each other throughout their lives. If they do, it is highly likely that their relationships will remain happy and satisfying.

Paramount of all, marriage must be based on the teachings of the Noble Qur'an and Sunnah of the Prophet SAW. InshaaAllah, married couples will not only gain blessing and harmony from their marriages but also benefits and rewards in the Hereafter. Ameen.
[Achieving a Strong Marriage Bond-ICNA National Family Campaign.]

Rays of Faith (Aqeedah 103) Jan 22-31 !!

BismiLah al Rahman al Rahim

AlMaghrib Institute introduces

Rays Of Faith

By: Sh Waleed Basyouni

Coming to SoCal (Qabeelat Haqq) in

January 22-24 & 30-31

To read more on the class and to Enroll visit:

www.almaghrib.org/socal

Rays of Faith. A seminar to enlighten the minds and hearts, as we continue on our journey towards Allah SWT and explore the deeper meanings of the last five of the six articles of Islamic faith: Angels, Divine Books, Messengers, the Day of Judgment and Al-Qadar.

www.almaghrib.org/socal

*If you are interested in getting into a power of ten and saving $30.00 please email: Haqq.registration@almaghrib.org

13th Annual Regional MAS Convention - Dec 25-27th, 2009

Muslim American Society Presents

Portrait of a Family

The 13th Annual MAS-LA Convention
Friday December 25^th – Sunday December 27^th

Westin LAX Hotel

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
Ahmad Sakr
Ahmed Soboh
Ali Ataie
Aneesah Nadir
Ekram Beshir
Hisham Mahmoud
Hussam Ayloush
Imad Bayoun
Mohamed Allali
Mohamed Beshir
Mohammad Faqih
Munir Qtaish

Nahla Kayali
Noha Alshugairi
..more to come!

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Renowned Speakers
Adult, Youth, Kids Program
Quality Child Care
Entertainment
Bazaar
Halal Food

Details & Registration
www.mas-la.org/

Seeking Elevation and High Handedness

Allaah, the Sublime said:
"That home of the Hereafter (i.e. Paradise), We shall assign to those who desire not high-handedness or mischief in the land. And the good end is for the Muttaqûn (pious)" [Al-Qasas 28:83]

Allaah, the Exalted has made the home of the Hereafter in this verse for the one who does not seek high handedness upon the earth, due to showing off, fame, and ostentation - and this is one of the indications of humility - and for the one who does not desire mischief and corruption.
Seeking elevation can occurr in a number of different contexts such as in the various corrupt disciplines (of knowledge), position or rank, love of leadership and power. It can also occurr in the matters of the religion, such as loving to be foremost in the gatherings, and competing in answering the questioners, even if someone who is equal to him or better than him is present.
And perhaps this elevation might even turn into envy, jealousy, the hatred of some of the callers to Allaah of one another and the dislike of showing benevolent conduct towards each other.

Allaah the Exalted said:
"Neither those who disbelieve among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) nor Al-Mushrikûn (the disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh, idolaters, polytheists, pagans, etc.) like that there should be sent down unto you any good from your Lord. But Allâh chooses for His Mercy whom He wills. And Allâh is the Owner of Great Bounty." [Al-Baqarah 2:105]

One of the things that grieves the disbelievers is that good things should befall the Muslims, this is a characteristic amongst the characterstics of the disbelievers. Therefore, let the Muslim beware of letting his heart being mixed with the likes of these vile feelings and sensations.

Shaikh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said, in explaining the above verse [of Surah al-Qasas]:

"…For people are of four types:

1. The first type: They desire elevation over the people and corruption in the earth, and this is disobedience to Allaah. Such mischief-making kings and leaders are like Pharoah and his party, and they are the worst of all of creation.
2. The second type: Those who desire corruption without elevation, such as the thieves and criminals from the riff-raff amongst the people.
3. The third type: Those who desire elevation without corruption, such as those who have the deen, they desire to elevate themselves by it over other than them amongst the people.
4. And as for the fourth type: They are the people of Paradise, those who seek neither elevation in the earth and nor corruption - along with the fact that they are (indeed) much higher than those besides them."

[Excerpt from the Book of Humility on Seeking Elevation and High Handedness-Hussain al-Awaaishah. A look at the verse in Surah Qasas about those who do not seek elevation in the land or high-handedness, with some quotes from Shaikh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (Majmoo ul-Fataawaa Vol 18, with some abridgement).]

The Greater the Hardship, the Greater the Reward.

Allaah(SWT) says:
"And among mankind is he who worships Allâh as it were, upon the very edge; if good befalls him, he is content therewith; but if a trial befalls him, when fitnah comes to him, or a hardship befalls him, if something that brings about grief comes his way, if he is tested, if he is put to the test, when sadness comes his way, if a hardship befalls him, what happens? He flips upon his face. He loses both this world and the Hereafter. There is no doubt that this is the clear loss." [Surah Al-Hajj (22:11)]

Walhamdulillah. The greater the test, the greater the reward, the greater the hardship the greater the reward, the greater the difficulty, the greater the reward from Allaah (tabarak wa ta'ala). And the Salaf understood this.

Urwah Ibn Zubair, a well known from the Salaf had a problem with his foot. So the doctors decided that they had to cut it off, cut the foot off. When the doctors cut it off he didn't say anything except these words: 'O Allaah, for you are Full praise. For if you have taken some, you have left some. And if you have tested, and put through difficulty you have also put in good condition. If you have tested and tried and put through difficulty you have also put good health, good circumstances and good conditions.'
The next day his son was riding a horse or mule and fell off of it and died. So they came to Urwah with the information of the death of his son, he didn't say anything except : 'O Allaah, for you is full praise. For if you have taken some, you have left some. And if you have tested and tried you have also placed us in good situations and good condition.'
So when he was asked about this he said: 'I had 4 limbs (meaning 2 arms and 2 legs) and Allaah took some and left some. 'I had 4 limbs 2 arms and 2 legs Allaah took o­ne and left me three. I had 7 sons, Allaah (tabrak wa tala) took o­ne and left six. And he gave me good condition, or good situation my whole life up until this time. Then he tested me. Should I not praise Allaah for that? Should I not praise Allaah for that?'
[The Greater The Hardship The Greater The Reward-Abu Uwais Abdullaah Ali (Transcribed Lecture)]

Al-Mutawakkil : One Who depends upon Allah

"One of the names of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)"

Narrated Ataa ibn Yasar who said:
‘I met Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas and asked him, “Tell me about the description of Allaah’s Messenger which is mentioned in the Tawrah (i.e. Old Testament).” He replied, “Yes. By Allaah, he is described in the Tawrah with some of the qualities attributed to him in the Qur’aan as follows:

‘O Prophet! We have sent you as a witness (for Allaah’s True Religion), and a giver of glad tidings (to the faithful believers), and a warner (to the unbelievers), and a guardian of the illiterates. You are My slave and My Messenger. I have named you “al-Mutawakkil” (who depends upon Allaah). You are neither discourteous, harsh, nor a noise-maker in the markets, and you do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but you deal with them with forgiveness and kindness. Allaah will not let him (the Prophet) die until he makes straight the crooked people by making them say: “None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah,” with which will be opened blind eyes and deaf ears and enveloped hearts.”

[Reported by al-Bukhaaree, no. 1997, in chapter dealing with the tafseer of Surah Fath.]

Gratitude of Different Faculties

A man said to Abu Hazim:

"What is the gratitude of the eyes?" He said "If you see good things, you speak about them, and if you see bad things, you keep quiet about it." He asked "What is the gratitude of the ears?" He said, "If you hear something good, you accept it, and if you hear something bad, you reject it." Then he asked "What is the gratitude of the hands?" He said, "Do not take that which does not belong to you and do not hold back from paying the dues of Allah (zakat)." Then he asked, "What is the gratitude of the head?" He said "To have knowledge in it." Then he asked "What is the gratitude of o­ne's private parts?" He quoted: "Who guard their private parts, except from those joined to them in the marriage bond, or (the captives) whom their right hands possess - for (in their case) they are free from blame, but those whose desires exceed those limits are transgressors." (23:5-7)

As for those who o­nly pay lip service to gratitude, and do not give thanks with the rest of their faculties, are concerned, they are like a man who has a garment, and all he does with it is touch it, but he does not put it o­n: it will never protect him from heat, cold, snow or rain.

[Patience and Gratitude - Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah.(From Uddat as-Saabireen wa Dhaakirat ash-Shaakireen).]

Wisdom in the Provision

Al-Hasan Al-Basri (rahimahullah)said,

"Whomever Allaah gives provision and he thinks that Allaah is not testing him, has no wisdom. Whomever has little provision and thinks that Allaah will not look at (provide for) him, has no wisdom."

He then recited the Ayaah,
“So, when they forgot (the warning) with which they had been reminded, We opened to them the gates of every (pleasant) thing, until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We took them to punishment, and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows.” (Al-An'am 6:44)

He added,

"By the Lord of the Ka'bah! Allaah deceived these people, when He gave them what they wished, and then they were punished."

Ibn Abi Haatim recorded this statement.[Ad-Durr Al-Manthur 3:270, Ibn Abi Haatim 4:1291]
[From Tafsir ibn Kathir (abridged. English Translation, published by Darussalaam) Vol 3. page 348]

Does hasad (destructive envy) exist in Islam or not?

Praise be to Allaah.

Hasad (destructive envy) means wishing that a blessing that Allaah(SWT) has bestowed on the envied person be taken away. Allaah(SWT) enjoined His Prophet(PBUH) to seek refuge with Him(SWT) from the evil of the envier when he envies. Allaah(SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Say: ‘I seek refuge with (Allaah), the Lord of the daybreak, 2. ‘From the evil of what He has created, 3. ‘And from the evil of the darkening (night) as it comes with its darkness; (or the moon as it sets or goes away), 4. ‘And from the evil of those who practise witchcraft when they blow in the knots, 5. ‘And from the evil of the envier when he envies.’” [al-Falaq 113]

What is meant by “when he envies” is when he manifests what he feels of envy in his heart and acts on it, and his envy makes him do something bad to the one whom he envies.

Hasad is of varying degrees:

1. When a person wants the blessing to be taken away from his Muslim brother, even if it does not come to him; rather he does not like Allaah to bless anyone else and that upsets him.
2. Where he wants the blessing to be taken away from someone else because he wants it, in the hope that it will come to him.
3. Where he wishes for himself a blessing like that which someone else has, without wanting it to be taken away from the other person. This is permissible and is not called hasad rather it is called ghibtah.

The envier harms himself in three ways:

1. He earns sin because hasad is haraam.
2. It is bad etiquette before Allaah, because what hasad really means is hating Allaah’s blessing His slaves, and objecting to what Allaah does.
3. He suffers because of too much worry and distress.

And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions. End quote.

[Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas. Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wa’l-Ifta’ (26/29).Does hasad (destructive envy) exist? What does it mean?]

Adorning Knowledge with Actions

"The two feet of the son of Adam will not move from near his Lord on the Day of Judgement until he is asked about five (matters):

1. about his life - how he spent it;
2. about his youth - how he took care of it;
3. about his wealth - how he earned it; and
4. where he spent it; and
   
5. about that which he acted upon from the knowledge he acquired."

[at-Tirmidhi, As-Silsilah as-Sahihah #946]

The Virtues of the First 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah

InshaAllah,
Wednesday, the 18th of November will be the first of Dhul Hijjah
Thursday, the 26th of November will be the day of Arafa
Friday, the 27th of November will be Eid al-Adha

1) The first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah are the most virtuous days of the year.
2) Virtues of performing good deeds during these days and the necessity of utilizing time.
3) Examples of good deeds: Salaah, Recitation of the Qur'aan., Fasting, Charity, and Hajj.
4) Sacrificing Udh-hiyah, and the Sunnah regarding it.
5) Not cutting your hair/nails within these 10 days if you plan to offer a sacrifice

From the most virtuous of days are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah (the 12th month in the lunar calendar, one of the sacred months and the month of Hajj). A group of those from the People of Knowledge say: “Verily they are the best days of the year just as the last ten nights of Ramadaan are the best nights of the year.” Some of the various types of righteous actions which are done in these first ten days are mentioned below:

REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAAH
The first of the righteous actions is the remembrance of Allaah(swt). Allaah(swt) said: "…and the men and the women who remember Allaah much with their hearts and tongues - Allaah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise)." [al-Ahzaab 33:35]
It is affirmed in a number of texts the encouragement of mentioning the takbeer. Allaah(swt) said: "…and mention the Name of Allaah on appointed days (i.e. 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah)" [al-Hajj 22:28]
It has been affirmed from the Sahaabah (Companions) of the Prophet(pbuh) and from him(pbuh), that they increased in the takbeer (saying “Allaahu Akbar—Allaah is the Greatest) in the first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah and they raised their voice with it, each one of them saying the takbeer on his own. They raised their voices until the mountains shook from their takbeer but they did not say the takbeer in unison (in Jamaa’ah). Each of them said the takbeer on his own.

VOLUNTARY ACTS OF WORSHIP
One should implement the voluntary acts of worship - whether prayer, fasting or charity. It is reported in hadeeth that the Prophet(pbuh) encouraged fasting the ten days and it is reported that he(pbuh) said: “Whoever fasts the Day of Arafah will have his sins expiated for two years (the past year and the coming year).” [Ibn Maajah]

DO NOT CUT HAIR OR NAILS FOR THE ONE DOING THE SACRIFICE
From what is considered as righteous actions on these ten days is that the one who wants to do the Udhiyyah (sacrificial slaughter) should not cut his hair or nails during these ten days. As such it is desired that he commits himself before these ten days by cutting his hair and nails. The Prophet(pbuh) said: “When any one of you intending to sacrifice the animal enters in the month (of Dhul-Hijjah) he should not get his hair or nails touched (cut)”. [Muslim]

SUPPLICATE FOR THE HUJJAAJ
One should make du`aa (supplication) for the hujjaaj (pilgrims who have embarked upon the Hajj) that Allaah(swt) keeps them safe from all evil and that He(swt) returns them to their countries. This is because the hujjaaj are the guests of Ar-Rahmaan so they have a right upon us that we supplicate for them for ease in their affairs and their safe return.

UDHIYYAH - SACRIFICIAL SLAUGHTER
One should prepare to do the Udhiyyah (sacrificial slaughtering of an animal) and arranging distribution of the meat amongst family, friends, the needy etc. This is from the pious and righteous deeds. Abu Haneefah(rahimahullah) was of the opinion that it was from the obligatory acts but most of others say that it is desirable. The Prophet(pbuh) said: “Who does not slaughter should not come to the salaah”. [Ibn Maajah]

ATTEND THE `EED SALAAH
From amongst the righteous actions is attending the salaatul `Eed, greeting one another, and leaving off fasting on the day of `Eed and on the days of Tashreeq (i.e. the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah).
[Based on a lectured by Shaykh Sa`d ash-Shitree (may Allaah preserve him). The Virtues of the First 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. Albaseerah News letter Issue # 2 of Vol. ]

Tayba Foundation Eid Sponsorships

As-salamu alaykum,

We hope that all is well with you and your families. We at the Tayba Foundation are please to announce that in Ramadan of this year we began working on our Prison Outreach Program (http://www.taybafoundation.org/outreach.php) to serve our incarcerated Muslim brothers and sisters. We will offer religious education as well as skill development training and rehabilitation programs. Our program is open to Muslim and non-Muslim inmates alike. We have a 3 year projected plan to develop the entire curriculum and we began work during Ramadan of this year, 2009. We hope to have monthly donations from various masajid, community centers and individuals to cover the costs of the curriculum development and the distance learning program.

We also have a drive to collect sponsorships to cover the costs of an Eid al-Adha banquet that will be held at Avenal State Prison. Sponsorships of $20 will cover the costs of sending an Eid greeting card (with artwork by a Muslim inmate) to a prisoner and cover the costs associated with that prisoner's participation in the Eid al-Adha. Zabiha meat, which is not provided by the state, (although Jewish inmates receive Kosher meat) will be part of what we provide for the banquet. At Avenal State prison, zabiha meat has not been brought into the prison for at least nine years and thus many prisoners go without eating meat. The last Eid Banquet we sponsored had almost 400 attendees with about 100 of that number being non-Muslims. Here are two quotes from attendees of our last Eid Banquet:

It was a blessing to receive the spiritual food as well as the halal chicken. This environment brings difficulty, so the reality shared by the guests is very much needed. I would like to thank the guests and the Muslims that support our program. – Abdul Mumin Ali

Personally, I enjoyed the entire event, especially the guest speakers and the messages that were shared. Though I am not a Muslim, I enjoy partaking in the festivities. I especially would like to thank the visitors for taking the time to come and share the message with all those that participated. – Owvour

If we get enough sponsorships, we will also be able to sponsor an Eid Banquet for Pleasant Valley State Prison where for Eid al-Fitr all that the Muslims had to celebrate was one cake, cut up in small pieces served on napkins. Previously, their Eid Banquet was sponsored by a Church.

The Eid al-Adha Banquet will take place a few weeks after the Eid date, so we will continue to accept sponsorships after that time. You may donate online (http://taybafoundation.org/support.php) or send your check by mail. Please include a mailing address so that we may send you a tax receipt for your donation. Please note "Eid Banquet" on online donations and checks.

--
Tayba Foundation
www.taybafoundation.org
510.754.1217

How to control your anger.

Control Anger - wikiHow

How to Control Anger

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Anger can be very destructive to yourself and others. Not only can it harm you on the outside, but in your inside as well. Anger is a feeling, or more of a destructive emotion that can, will, or might take over you without your consent or permission. The following material discusses various types of anger and how to control it.

Steps

1. Understand the reasons for your anger and understand its causes:
   
   • Examine thoughts, as the memories of the causes and reasons for the anger to arise. Limit this examination to one source and cause at a time, and isolate it from the numerous other things that may make one angry.
     
   
   
2. Determine whether specific anger is legitimate, or from expectation:
   
3. LEGITIMATE ANGER: One is certainly genuinely entitled to anger at those who do one harm, cheat, lie, steal from one, or violate one in some way. One may be legitimately angry at circumstance such as the situation of an orphan, incest, rape, deceit and innumerable other injustices. And so the anger is justified and it is there, and it is quite natural. This justified anger may be amplified by frustration, where one cannot do anything to rectify the cause, either because it is in the past and done, or because the cause cannot or will not be changed. Dwelling on #this anger often causes extreme emotional states, adrenaline rush, the racing of thoughts and the exaggeration of other slights related or not.
   
   • Deal with Legitimate Anger: It comes down to - one wants justice. Anger may be readily justified by difficult circumstances and people. One would expect not to get robbed and when one does one is entitled to get and be angry. However the anger and bitterness only compounds the original injustice extending it into perpetuity. One allows the perpetrator the control of one's feelings endlessly, not only in the past but in the present as well.
     
   • Realize anger becomes an identity. 'I am angry person, hear me roar'. This entitles one to special privileges and compensations. It gives one power. Attempt to discover the entitlements one's anger has provided one, and that one becomes dependent. One may derive emotional energy and motivation from anger, to power trip and just to get one's own way. Perhaps a better way to channel this type of anger is to get mad at things that don't affect one exactly personally, like the news. Channel anger into creative motivation like art, writing, manual labor or sports.
     
   • Realize that depression, even that diagnosed by a professional, can at root be caused by anger, and the frustration arising when it cannot or is not rectified, and there is no justice. Because anger in most cases must be suppressed, so as to not cause harm to oneself and others, or its source has caused humiliation and shame, and because one seethes with it when not released, and one pushes it into the unconscious, its unresolved festering can cause depression.
     
   • Understand that unresolved anger is often directed unfairly at others by stereotype, as either individual persons, groups or organizations. Unable or unwilling to confront the source of one's anger, one may create a general category resembling the character of the source and attack those of that type to get justice. It is unfair to guiltless parties.
     
   • Determine fault by an honest assessment, mostly to determine whether one has misplaced blame on oneself. Do not take blame for others misconduct. If one has some culpability take responsibility for it, wherein it helps to admit and cross check with others. Refuse to take any responsibility where one is not at fault. This means there is no guilt. However if one has culpability one may have diverted the anger from the self to another party. One might find that they may have exaggerated the source incident out of proportion. Until one accepts responsibility there will be no resolution, but only endless recrimination.
     
   • Attempt to discover one's true feelings toward the source of one's anger and of oneself in relation to it. One may feel they cannot put the blame on someone they love, or admit hate especially if one does not believe they hate, or cannot love one they think they hate, or cannot hate one they think they love.
     
   • Separate out conflicts of interest, such as emotions in conflict with ambitions and desires, such like confrontation with an anger source that controls inheritance or livelihood. One may have to choose between material benefit and self-well being.
     
   • Purge the anger. This is a necessity and can be done in a variety of ways. Confront the perpetrator. Do not get revenge even if you think the perpetrator truly deserves it. Revenge is a destructive cycle that ends up harming you as much as it harms them. Just confess it calmly to oneself and to others. Write it out. Once one has made it conscious, the next step is to say it aloud to others, as the case with 'whatever' Anonymous. This can be a professional, a group, friends or complete strangers.
     
   • Accept it. What is done is done. Move along nothing to see here. Get over what is only a negative force in one's life.
     
   • Forgive and realize that under different life circumstances you might have been capable of doing the same thing.
     
   
   
4. EXPECTATION ANGER: means one creates expectations of one's own choosing, or adopts them from family, friends or the culture in general. Anger may arise when actual experience or present thinking does not conform to expectation, and where that expectation is important and has consequence. Expectation is standards, rules, laws, tradition, custom, the way one expects others and reality and general to be. When reality does not meet expectations, one may get angry. This anger problem can be dealt with by changing one's expectations.
   
   • Do not expect others to share the same standards, values, and expectations as oneself. Maybe the most common expectation is expecting others to conform to one's own standards. Don't assume others who make one angry are doing it intentionally. They may simply have different standards. In some cities in the world everyone beeps their horn when the light changes to green. One may get angry because someone's faux pas is interpreted as willful disrespect, arrogance or animosity, when actually the true problem may be they are simply unaware of what one's standards are. Confront the perpetrator in some way to let them know that they are making one angry. Of course caution must be considered in the event of the possibility of violence.
     
   • High expectations for other people when unrealized, may tend to cause anger. Anger may be created by imposing expectations and by having them imposed on one. Attempt to understand the motivations for one's high expectations. One may discover they have more to do with one's own flaws of character. Recognize that imposing one's own standards on others is fascist. Let them have their own life. When there is conflict: discuss it, argue it out, compromise or separate. One may not like it when others do it to one, but to then do it to others, can only be for the reason of some higher authority. One may have to learn to avoid these kind of people.
     
   • When something makes one angry express and let it out immediately in some calm and intelligent way and do not suppress it. Make understandings with others concerning one's annoyances. One should expect that compromise might be necessary. In relationships, expectations should be known and agreed upon by all parties. Expectations for children or anyone for that matter should be relative to their capacities and equally explained.
     
   • You can change your expectations: Anger can be dealt with by changing one's expectations. One may change, as raise or lower one's expectations for circumstances and other people. It is useless to expect a dog to adopt religion, and the failure can only cause disappointment and anger. People who are wedded to strict, standards and absolutes are subject to anger when others do not conform. Apply standards to oneself and not necessarily others. Separate the responsibility for one's own standards from others.
     
   • Always discuss with others what it is they do that causes one's anger and attempt a resolution or compromise. Relationships may have to be ended if no resolution can be reached, when the anger is destructive to all members involved. The break may be a better option than the continuous friction and perhaps violence and humiliation of all.
     
   
   
5. CIRCUMSTANTIAL ANGER: Anger at circumstance can be difficult to solve since it is often difficult to change, like children who don't like their family for instance. Learn to accept reality as it naturally is. Avoid circumstance that causes anger whenever possible, like avoiding certain people, situations and relationships. Learn one's own capacities and do not get angry at one's inability to live up to things that are not realistic for one's own abilities. Many times these things may become possible as one gets older, or they may simply be impossible. Personally not planning on ever becoming a millionaire. Not fair is it? It may help to accept the world the way one finds it and not create anger by having unrealistic expectations.
   

Tips

• If the above fails, seek therapy or anger management groups. Or with the net one can go on line, and find dozens, hundreds, perhaps thousands with a same or similar problem. One can join chat groups.
  
• One can mitigate one's anger by transference. Transfer one's anger to inanimate objects like a punching bag. Examples of such may found at the following Release-Anger.
  
• If at any time you are thinking about doing something that would hurt yourself or other people, get help immediately.
  
• If you feel anger taking over, remove yourself from the situation before things become too heated.
  
• Recognize that sometimes anger is justified, and may need to come out. However, realize that there are productive ways to do it instead of lashing out at others.
  
• Ask yourself if the future recipient of your furor deserves to be blown up at, or if you are just using them as a punching bag to release steam about another person/issue that bothers you.
  
• Sometimes, instead of talking to someone directly, it is more appropriate to write a letter.
  
• Taking yoga can be a long-term solution to anger problems, allowing you to focus on your feelings and release your stress.
  
• If at all possible, remove yourself from the situation. It's amazing the difference 8-hours of sleep or a 5-minute walk can make. Time gives you distance from the issue, allowing you to put things into perspective.
  
• Find a creative outlet, such as writing, drawing etc. where you can expend your energy. Hobbies help elevate your mood and allow you to channel energy that you'd usually spent dwelling on issues that you aren't able to resolve. Imagine what you could do with the energy you expend in anger if you channeled it into something else.
  
• There is a difference between controlling anger and holding it in until later. If you are unable to avoid feelings of anger, try to release your bottled up feelings later in positive forms like art, exercise, or some other hobby.
  
• Try thinking of stuff that you are thankful for. The more specific, the better. You can't be truly angry and thankful at the same time.
  
• Meditation is a useful way to release stress and/or anxiety, which are often prerequisites to anger. Do not meditate when you are angry, as this could have a negative effect on your anger. Instead, meditate when you have calmed down and are in complete control of your thoughts and emotions.
  
• Remember, we are all human and tend to get angry at someone or something. You can tell someone how you feel and see if they can help you.
  
• Try writing down all the things that happened today (try at least a whole front and back of a page, or more) and how you feel about yourself and other people.
  
• Try to go in an empty room and count to 10.
  

Warnings

• You may need to see a professional on mental health if problems still exist.
  
• If you feel like you lose control when you're angry, seek psychological help.
  
• Anger is never, ever an excuse to strike out at or abuse (physically or verbally) the people around you.
  
• Find something that releases your anger (nothing violent or harmful) this could be as simple as throwing a few punches at your punching bag in the basement
  
• Do not hurt a person or animal. In fact, stay away from them when you are angry.
  
• Don't abuse yourself (e.g: cutting, substance abuse) This won't make you feel better and will only hurt you more.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Build Self Control
  
• How to Gain Control of Your Emotions
  
• How to Make a Hate Relief Doll
  
• How to Handle People Who Are Angry at You
  

Sources and Citations

• Anger Management Techniques
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Control Anger. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Nine Days of Dhul-Hijjah

Fasting the first Nine Days of Dhul-Hijjah is a Sunnah
Hunaydah ibn Khaalid narrated upon the authority of his wife who said, "Some of the wives of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihiwasallam) told me that the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihiwasallam) used to fast the Day of 'Aashoorah, the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, and three days out of every month (13th, 14th, and 15th every month)" [Imam Ahmad, An-Nasaaee]
Commentary: Imam An-Nawwawee (rahimahullaah) said with reference to fasting the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, quote: "It is extremely preferable to do so."

Fatwah from Shaikh al-'Uthaimeen about fasting first Nine Days of Dhul-Hijjah
A questioner asked Shaikh al-'Uthaimeen (rahimahullaah) the following question: Oh Shaikh, are there any authentic ahadith that mention fasting the first [nine] days of Dhul-Hijjah?
Answer by Shaikh al-'Uthaimeen - quote:
"Fasting the first [nine] of Dhul-Hijjah is from the righteous actions without doubt.
And the Prophet salallaahu 'alaihi wasallam said, "There are not any days in which righteous actions are done that are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days." They said, "Oh Messenger of Allaah, not even jihad in Allaah's cause?" He said, "Not even jihad in Allaah's cause, except for a man who left out with his self and his wealth, and he did not return with either."
So fasting is included in the general context of this hadith. And there appears a hadith stating that the Messenger of Allaah salallaahu 'alaihi wasallam used to fast the first ten of Dhul Hijjah, not counting the 'Eid [in other words, the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah].
And Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal rahimahullaah takes this position and it is authentic. Fasting in the first ten [of Dhul-Hijjah, excluding the 'Eid] is sunnah. Yes."

Islamic Relief - Egypt Fundraising Dinner

Islamic Relief Presents.....

A NIGHT OF HOPE:
SHEDDING LIGHT ON EGYPT’S NEEDY

Egypt Fundraising Dinner
Guest Speaker: Hanan Turk, Egyptian Actress

Saturday, December 19, 2009
6:00pm

Hyatt Hotel Anaheim
11999 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840
714-750-1234

Tickets: $40 ($50 at the door)
Table of 10 seats for $350
Dinner & Children’s program provided

For Tickets & Volunteer Info Contact:
714-676-1309
888-479-4968
sw@IslamicReliefUSA.org
www.IslamicReliefUSA.org

'The Ins and Outs of Adolescence' Seminar/Workshop

Do you know young youth
that would benefit from getting the Islamic training
on how to go through adolescence?

Do you know parents who are interested in getting some important tips
on how to approach their children about sensitive subject matters?

New Dimensions presents
The Ins and Outs of Adolescence

Keynote Speaker: Mohammed Hannini
Dr. Shamel Abd-Allah
Dr. Tahseen Shareef

Saturday, November 21st
10 A.M. - 5 P.M.

$20 Adults and $10 Youth

436 4th W. St. Pomona, CA 91766 (909) 620-5297
newdimensions.webs.com

-babysitting available upon request

No poverty after Paradise and no wealth in the Fire

It is reported that Jundub b. ‘Abdillâh Al-Bajalî – Allah be pleased with him – was once asked for advice and instruction. He said:
I advise you to fear Allâh and obey Him (taqwâ) and I advise you to adhere to the Quran, for it is a light in the dark night and a guidance during the day, so implement it no matter how much struggle and poverty you have to face. If a calamity befalls you, put your wealth forward to protect your religion, and if the calamity continues, put forward your wealth and your life to save your religion [but never risk your religion], for the ruined is he whose religion is ruined, and the looted is he whose religion is taken. And know that there is no poverty after Paradise, and no riches after the Fire. [Al-Dhahabî, Siyar A’lâm Al-Nubalâ` 3:174. Sayings of the Salaf. No poverty after Paradise and no wealth in the Fire.]

An-Nams =/

"The Prophet(PBUH) cursed the woman who plucks eyebrows and the one who has her eyebrows plucked; the woman who extends hair and has her hair extended; and the woman who tattoos and has herself tattooed." [Reported by Imaam Al-Bukhaaree from the narration of 'Abdullaah bin Mas'ood.]

A Naamisah is someone who plucks the hair from the eyebrows with either a scissor or a razor blade or by removing it using any other method by which eyebrow hair is removed. This is what is known as an-nams (eyebrow-plucking) which the Prophet (PBUH) cursed any woman that did it. A Mutanammisah is a woman that asks for her eyebrows to be plucked. She is also cursed based on the statement of Allaah's Messenger (PBUH).

["Advice to the Muslim Woman (Naseehah Lil-Mar'at-il-Muslimah)." a transcribed lecture from Shaikh Saalih bin Fawzaan Al-Fawzaan.]

Time to abandon lying

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Anyone who abandons lying, having (made false statements in the past), will have a castle built for (them in) Paradise.” [Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1239]

Never Say No

Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) never said `no' to anyone who asked him for anything.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith illustrates the refined morals, sublimity of soul and the generosity of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). Had somebody asked him of something, provided it was in his possession, he would never say `no' to him. He would also on occasions resort to borrowing to meet the want of a needy person. If the borrowing were not possible, he would promise to fulfill his need.

[Imam Al-Nawawi's Riyad-us-Saliheen.Chapter 60: Excellence of Generosity and Spending in a Good cause with Reliance on Allah.#547]

Part from the days.....

"Part from the days where you used to do as you wish.

And restrain your soul when the decree of Allah is ordained.

And don’t despair over the events of the past.

Fore none of the events of the dunya were ever meant to remain.

And be a man who is firm upon his affairs.

And whose character is that of pardoning and nobility.

And there is sadness or happiness that is continuous.

Just as there is there is no comfort or pain.

If you are a person who is satisfied with what he has.

Then you and the owner of all possessions are equal.

And upon he who’s open valley death descends upon.

Then there is no earth or sky to protect you from it.

And the earth of Allah is vast but.

When the ordainment of Allah descends even the open valley congests."

[Imaam Shafi'ee'. Part from the days.]

Three White Days for the month of Dhul-Qa'dah

Assalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu,

Just a Reminder, InshaAllah the three white days (13, 14, and 15) for the month of Dhul-Qa'dah will be from Sunday, November 1st - Tuesday, November 3rd. Try and fast them if you can.

Jareer ibn ‘Abdullaah (rAa) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Fasting three days of each month is fasting for a lifetime, and ayaam al-beed are the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth." [Al-Nasaa'i; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheel al-Targheeb]

Qatada ibn Milhan said, "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to command us to fast the white days: the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth." [Abu Dawud]

Ibn 'Abbas said, "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) did not fail to fast the white days either when at home or on a journey." [an-Nasa'i]

*****There is a yahoo group titled 'ThreeWhiteDays' that will send email reminders of when these days will be observed for each month.

fi'imanilLah,
Wafā' وفاء Manasrah

If only you knew.....

“If only you knew what you will certainly see upon your death, you would never again eat a single bite out of a craving appetite, and you would never again drink an extra sip of water for the pleasure of unquenchable and insatiable thirst.

Hence, you will remain outdoor in perpetuity, bewildered and awaiting the unexpected, and you will never again seek comfort in a shelter or seek a shade. You will wander aimlessly and climb the hilltops of every mountain, you will look up towards the heavens and beseech your Lord for mercy, and you will beat on your chest and cry endlessly, and you will wish that you were a little vegetable – a plant which is protected to grow, and then plucked to be eaten by a hungry person passing along.”[Abu-d-Dardaa’. If only you knew.]

IIOC Quran Institute

(Click here to register online. IIOC.)