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.)

Global Pink Hijab Day - October 28, 2009

Mission:
Pink Hijab Day is intended to shatter stereotypes of Muslim women, as well as raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. All over the world, Muslims participated by wearing pink hijabs, pink ribbons, and donating to breast cancer foundations.

The event takes place the last Wednesday of every October. This year's event is scheduled for October 28, 2009.

Donations are being collected here.

To join the mailing list, click here.

Pink Hijab Day Frequently Asked Questions

How did Pink Hijab Day Start?

Pink Hijab Day began small, in a high school in Columbia, MO. A group of girls decided to wear pink hijabs one day to encourage others to ask questions about their hijabs and about Islam. After more and more people began participating, the Susan G Komen Foundation was conacted and Pink Hijab Day had its start.

What is the purpose of Pink Hijab Day?

1) To encourage people to ask questions about Hijab, and extinguish stereotypes people may have about hijab

2) To raise awareness and funds for breast cancer foundations across the globe

3) To encourage Muslim women to participate in helping their own communities

Who can participate in Pink Hijab Day?

Anyone! Anyone can wear a pink item, whether it's a pink Hijab, a pink ribbon, or pink socks. In 2008, a group of students in Canada dyed kufis and wore pink kufis. Even if you don't wear anything pink, you can donate to any local cancer foundation

Here's what YOU can do for your Pink Hijab Day event:

• Wear a pink hijab, ribbon, shirt, shoelace...ANYTHING!
• Donate to a local cancer research organization
• Organize a walk, or join a local walk for cancer
• Encourage the Imam at your masjid to focus his khutba on issues related social activism, health, and breast cancer
• Send the press release to local media outlets
• Organize a panel discussing women in Islam, Hijab, and/or Islam and social activism
• Contact your local Islamic School or MSA to participate in the project
• Distribute information about breast cancer prevention and general health
• Text/email all of your friends about Pink Hijab Day!

check out the "Official Pink Hijab Day" site for more information.

MSA West Olympics 2009

In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful

MSA West Olympics 2009!!!
UC Irvine's Anteater Recreation Center
Basketball, Football, Soccer, Track Sports and more.....
Get your teams ready for an all out, high-endurance, high-intensity, fun
COMPETITION!

Event is for brothers and sisters, with separate accommodations!!

$15 per person!
To REGISTER and for carpool information contact: officers@msawest.net
Registration ends November 12th, 2009

Each MSA is allowed as many teams as it can come up with, but register early, it's a first come first serve basis!!!

Calling Upon Allah with Our Words & Deeds

I once saw a man get angry with a merchant. He turned himself to face the direction of prayer, raised his hands to the sky, and shouted out all of Allah's names in a single angry breath. I was amazed at how well he had memorized this noble list of names. I was equally amazed at his ignorance and the mean-spirited conduct that caused him to mention these names in such an unseemly manner, invoking them in supplication against his brother. How could he rush to angrily invoke those names in a rant at the first inkling of disagreement with someone else? He did not even have time to determine which of two of them was truly in the wrong.

He gave a new meaning to taking Allah's name in vain.

When we beseech Allah by His names, we should do so with dignity, composure, and understanding.

There are two ways that we call upon Allah. The first is to beseech him with our petitions, to entreat him with the concerns we have about our worldly lives and our hopes for the Hereafter. This is what we usually understand by supplication (du`â).

The second way we call upon Allah is through our devotions. We do so by invoking His names in our remembrances, by meditating upon the meanings and significance of those names. We do so by praising Him and glorifying Him as His noble attributes warrant through devotion in our prayers, our remembrances, and in our God-consciousness.
Ibn al-Qayyim observes: "Allah is Knowing and He loves those who have knowledge. He is Beautiful and He loves beauty. He is Merciful, and He loves those who show mercy. He is Kind and He loves those who show kindness to others."

When we take to ourselves something of the light of Allah's beautiful names by learning what they mean and developing ourselves and our temperaments accordingly, then we have truly comprehended His names.

I recall reading, in a book by al-Ghazzî entitled A Good Reminder, a hadîth which reads: "Inculcate in your character Allah's good manners."
Now, this hadîth is not authentic, as explained by al-Albânî in al-Silsilah al-Da`îfah (2822). However, as a statement – as a word of advice – its meaning is a good one.

It is as Ibn al-Qayyim explains, that Allah is Oft-Pardoning and He loves to pardon. Therefore, He rewards and blesses those of us who pardon their fellow human beings. He is Generous and loves for us to be generous as well. He is the Concealer of Faults, and He loves it for us to conceal the faults of those who might have wronged us. He is Merciful, and He shows His mercy especially to those of us who are merciful to others.

One way that we call upon Allah's names through our devotions is by reading the Qur'ân. This is because the Qur'ân is full of the mention of His names. We also do so when we call up their meanings in our minds so that they become a constant part of our lives. In this way, we become more fully reliant upon Allah, more penitent, more mindful of our conduct, and stronger in faith. These are all ways in which we bring Allah's names to full realization in our lives.

[source: IslamToday - Calling Upon Allah.By Sheikh Salman al-Oadah]

Domestic violence hurts Muslims too: Stop the hurt now

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month nationwide. Three to four million women are beaten annually and every 15 seconds a woman is abused in her home. Nationally, domestic violence has become the number one cause of death among women.

One reaction may be, "that's a tragedy that doesn't effect Muslim families". But it does.

While research on the prevalence of family violence among Muslims is just beginning, Imams, community leaders and social workers across North America confirm that Muslim women, children and men are being affected by this devastating social problem.

Spouse abuse is described by The Family Violence Prevention Fund as "a pattern of purposeful behaviors, directed at achieving compliance from or control over the victim."

A pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviors, including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks, as well as economic coercion characterizes spousal abuse. Behaviors include shoving, pushing, destruction of valuables, hurting pets and loved ones- even children.

Physical violence may lead to broken bones, head injury, vision loss, and death. Among victims, emotional abuse leads to a broken spirit and feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and oppression.

Domestic abuse knows no boundaries. It occurs among well known and little known community members, the rich, the poor, the well-educated and uneducated, foreign-born and American-born, all cultures, racial and religious groups-including Muslim converts and non-converts.

The signs include controlling behavior, isolation, uncontrolled anger, unexplained bruises, patterns of irrational thinking and victim blaming, intimidation; "joking" about taking another wife, name calling and remarks that degrade the victim's self esteem. Domestic violence is cyclical, from explosion to remorse to explosion. Women and men are victims. Often one spouse inflicts abuse on another but both spouses may also hurt each other.

Children in these families are our most vulnerable victims. The majority of battered women have children who are hurt physically and emotionally by the violence in their homes. More than half the children whose mothers are battered are likely to be physically abused themselves.

Domestic abuse also occurs during pregnancy and can severely impact the child in utero. According to the statistics eight percent to 26 percent of battered women were pregnant during the abuse. When children are raised in violent homes they usually grow up to perpetuate the cycle of violence in their families.

Violence against women is not an Islamic tradition. Prophet Muhammad(peace and blessings be upon him) instructed Muslims regarding women, "I command you to be kind to women." He said also, "The best of you is the best to his family (wife). The Quran urges husbands to be kind and considerate to their wives, even if a wife falls out of favor with her husband or disinclination for her arises within him. It also outlawed the pre-Islamic practice of inheriting women as part of the estate of the deceased.

A translation of Quran says, "O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the marital gift you have given them, except when they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary, live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you take a dislike to them, it may be that you dislike a thing through which Allah brings about a great deal of good. (Quran 4:19)"

Dr. Jamal Badawi, author of Gender Equity in Islam, discusses Chapter 4, verse 34 of the Quran which is often used to justify maltreatment of women. He indicates, "under no circumstances does the Quran encourage, allow, or condone family violence or physical abuse. In extreme cases, and whenever greater harm, such as divorce, is a likely option, in an effort to save the marriage it allows for a husband to administer a gentle pat with a miswak (a small natural toothbrush) to his wife that causes no sort of physical harm to the body nor leaves any sort of mark. It may serve, in some cases, to bring to the wife's attention the seriousness of her continued unreasonable behavior, and may be resorted to only after exhausting other prerequisite steps".

Prophet Muhammad said, "Do not beat the female servants of Allah;" "Some (women) visited my family complaining about their husbands (beating them). These (husbands) are not the best of you" and "[is it not a shame that] one of you beats his wife like [an unscrupulous person] beats a slave and maybe sleeps with her at the end of the day." (Riyadh Al-Saliheeen, p137-140). In another Hadith the Prophet (pbuh) said, "...How does anyone of you beat his wife as he beats the stallion camel and then he may embrace (sleep with) her?..."(Sahih Al-Bukhari, vol. 8, hadith 68, p.42-43).

Domestic violence is preventable by building our Iman (faith), remembering and implementing the commands of Allah and the example of His Prophet. Marriage preparation education and premarital counseling can help future spouses learn skills that will assist them in developing a healthy, violence-free family life.

Anger management, communication skills, stress management, decision making and problem solving skills are also very important life skills that can help to prevent domestic violence. During October and throughout the year Khutbas (sermons) and study circles should focus on Islamic ways to prevent family violence.

As Imams, community leaders, brothers and sisters we can not be tolerant of family violence on any level. This is a problem that will not be eliminated unless we act. We must recognize the signs of spouse abuse and act to prevent it or work towards its elimination. We must stop encouraging the marriage of individuals with a family history of domestic abuse which has not been resolved through counseling and sincere repentance to Allah. We must encourage couples to seek spiritual and professional help.

Shelters are needed for women and children seeking a safe, protective, Islamic environment. Islamic Social Services are needed to provide preventive education, support and crisis intervention. Insha Allah (God willing) we must become partners against domestic violence. Spread the word. Stop the hurt.

[source: Soundvision - Stop Domestic Violence.By Aneesah Nadir, MSW, CISW]

The Thief and The Three Homes!

Indeed the servant is able to strengthen his concentration in prayer and focus on his Lord (during it) if he is successful in overcoming his desires and cravings. However if his heart has been conquered, his desires have taken him captive, and the Shaytan is able to find a place within it, then how can this individual escape the whispers and thoughts (that disturb him during prayer)!

Verily the hearts are of three types:

1. The heart which is void of Eeman and all types of good, this is the dark heart. The Shaytan no longer needs to confront this heart with whispers because he now dwells in it. He decrees what he wishes in it and has taken complete control of it

2. The heart which has been illuminated with the light of Eeman. Faith has kindled its lanterns within it, but at the same time there is still present some darkness of desires and winds of disobedience. The Shaytan approaches and retreats from this category of hearts, and at times he takes advantage of opportunities. The war (in this heart) is sometimes severe and at other times calm.

The affair of the individuals who fall into this category of hearts varies between many and few. Some possessors of this category are usually victorious over their enemy, while others regularly allow their enemy to get the upper hand. A third group are those who have equal moments of defeat and victory.

3. The heart which is filled with faith. This heart is illuminated with the light of Eeman and the veil of desires and darkness has been lifted from it. The light of Eeman is glowing within the chest and that glow contains flames. If desires attempt to approach the heart they are burned by the flames (of Eeman). This heart is protected similar to the protection of the sky by the stars. If the Shaytan attempts to advance toward the sky to steal (information) he is flogged with a star and he burns. The sky is not more precious than the believer and Allah's protection of the believer is greater than His protection of the sky. The sky is a place of worship for the Angels, it is also the place of revelation (The Quran was brought to the last sky and then revealed to The Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) piece by piece), and in it (the sky) are the rays of obedience. But the heart of the believer is the place of Tawheed, love (of Allah, the Prophet (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), Islam, etc..., understanding and faith. In it are the rays of the previously mentioned elements, and therefore it is befitting that it is protected from the plots of the enemy. As a result of this, he (the enemy) can not obtain anything from it (the heart of the believer) except by deceitfully seizing it.

A good example of this has been made with the example of 3 homes:

1. The home of the king: In it are his treasures and precious jewels and belongings.

2. The home of the slave: In it is his wealth and precious jewels and belongings, but indeed his belongings are much less (in value and quantity) than that of the king's.

3. The empty home: There is nothing present in it.

A thief approaches with the intention of stealing from one of the homes, which one would he burglarize?

If you say that he would rob the empty home, this is something impossible because the empty home possess nothing for him to steal. Based on this (reality), it was mentioned to Ibn Abbass (May Allah be pleased with him): Verily the Jews claim that they do not experience whispers (distractions) in prayer. Ibn Abbass thereupon commented: "What would the Shaytan do to a heart that is already destroyed"

If you said that he would steal from the home of the king, this would also be impossible due to the strong presence of guards, consequently the thief can not approach this home. How could he, while the king himself is protecting his own home! How could he come close while this home is surrounded and guarded by an army!

Consequently there is nothing left for the thief except the third home. This is the home the thief attempts to approach.

It is incumbent for the intelligent individual to reflect upon this example with true reflection and contemplation, and apply this example to the hearts for indeed it is applicable.
[An Important Excerpt from Ibnul Qayyim's Book on Remembrance (Al Wabilu Sayyib). source: SalafiTalk, "The Thief and The Three Homes!"]

UMMAH NITES is back!

Islamic Society of Corona-Norco Presents....

UMMAH NITES
( a halaqa for post-college young adults (20s and 30s))
Babysitting will be available $5/child (4th child free)

October 16th @ 7PM (after maghrib prayer)
featuring: Amir Abdel Malek Ali

I.S.C.N. - 465 Santana Way, Corona CA 92881 - www.coronamuslims.com

Questions, Comments, Suggestions?
ummahnites@gmail.com or Br.Nasir Hyder (909)510-1241 or Sr.Heba Hyder (909)510-1240

waiting for you in Jannah

The Messenger of Allah(sallah Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said,
"By the One in Whose hands is my soul, the miscarried fetus will drag his mother to Paradise by his [umbilical] cord if she was patient [with the miscarriage], hoping to be rewarded." [Ibn Majah, Hadith 1305]

Tawakkul Upon Allah(swt)

“So at this point, the people are divided into four categories:

A group who look towards the orders and prohibitions, and towards obedience; bearing witness to the Ilaahiyyah (right to be worshipped) of the Rabb – free is He from all imperfections – the One that they have been ordered to worship; and they do not look towards al-Qadhaa and al-Qadr (the decree and predestination) and towards at-Tawakkul (reliance) and al-Isti’aanah (seeking aid and assistance). And this is the situation of many of the Mutafaqqihah (scholars) and the Muta’abbidah (worshippers). So these people, despite the goodness of their intention and their honoring of the Hurumaat (sacred/forbidden things) of Allaah and His symbols, they are overcome by weakness, incapacity and disappointment. This is because al-Isti’aanah (seeking aid and assistance) from Allaah, at-Tawakkul (reliance/trust) upon Allaah, seeking refuge in Him and making du’aa to Him – this is what strengthens the ‘abd (servant) and makes the affairs easy upon him.

And this is why some of the Salaf have said: “Whoever is pleased that he should be the strongest of the people then let him place his tawakkul (reliance) upon Allaah” And in the two Saheehs from Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr that the description of the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam in the Tauraat (is as follows): ‘We have sent you as a witness, a bearer of glad tidings, a warner and as a protection for the unlettered ones. You are my slave and my Messenger, I have named you al-Mutawakkil (the one who places his reliance upon Allaah). You are neither severe nor harsh-hearted and you don’t do not make a clamor (noise) in the markets. And he does not return evil with evil, rather he returns evil with good, and he overlooks and forgives. And I will not take his soul until I correct by him a crooked people; so by him I will open eyes that are blind, ears that are deaf and hearts that are covered, due to their saying “Laa ilaaha illAllaah” (There is no god worthy of worship except Allaah)’

And this is why it has been narrated that the only reason why the bearers of the ‘Arsh (Throne of Allaah) were able to bear the lifting of the Arsh is due to their saying: “Laa haula walaa quwwata illaa billaah” (There is no power and no strength except with Allaah). And it has been confirmed in the two Saheehs that the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Verily it (the statement ‘Laa haula walaa quwwata illaa billaah’) is a treasure from the treasures of Jannah”. He, The Most High said: “And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him”. And He, The Most High said: “Those (i.e, believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, ‘Verily the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore fear them.’ But it (only) increased them in Eemaan, and they said: ‘Allaah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)’. So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allaah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good pleasure of Allaah. And Allaah is the Owner of Great Bounty. It is only Shaytaan that suggests to you the fear of his Auliyaa’ [supporters and friends (polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah and in His Messenger, Muhammad sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam]; so fear them not, but fear Me, if you are (true) believers.” And it is recorded in Saheeh al-Bukhaari from Ibn Abbaas radhiyallaahu ‘anhu regarding Allaah’s statement: “and they said: ‘Allaah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)’” – that Ibraaheem the Khaleel of Allaah alaihi assalaam said it when he was thrown into the fire, and Muhammad sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam said it when the people said to them: “Verily the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army).”

And Shaykhul Islaam continued saying:
“The second category: Those who bear witness to the Ruboobiyyah of Allaah and their poverty towards Him, and they seek aid and assistance from Him; but they do this according to their whims and fancies, not considering the reality of His orders and prohibitions, nor His Pleasure, Anger and Love. And this is the condition of many of the Muftaqirah and the Mutasawwifah (Soofees)……..”

And he rahimahullaah continued: “As for the third category: And this is the one who turns away from the worship of Allaah and seeking aid and assistance from Him. So this is the worst of all categories.

The fourth category: This is the praiseworthy category and this is the condition of those who have actualized (the statement of Allaah) “You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything)” and His statement “So worship Him (O Muhammad sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) and put your trust in Him”, so they sought aid and assistance from Him in carrying out His obedience, and they bore witness that He is their Ilaah (object of worship/deity), and that it is not allowed to worship anyone except Him, (and this ‘ibaadah is) by obeying Him and obeying His Messenger; and (and they bore witness) that He is their Rabb (Lord), the One who “there is no protector nor intercessor for them besides Him”; and that “Whatever of mercy (i.e. of good), Allaah may grant to mankind, none can withhold it; and whatever He may withhold, none can grant it thereafter”, “And if Allaah touches you with harm, there is none who can remove it but He, and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favor”, “Say: ‘Tell me then, the things that you invoke besides Allaah – if Allaah intended some harm for me, could they remove His harm? Or if He (Allaah) intended some mercy for me, could they withhold His Mercy?’”

And this is why a group from the scholars have said,
‘To turn completely towards the means is Shirk in Tawheed; to not consider the means as being the means is a defect in the intellect; to turn completely away from the means is to censure the legislation (sharee’ah). And the Tawakkul that we have been ordered with is only that which gathers together the requisites of Tawheed, the intellect and the legislation.’”

[Shaykhul Islaam ibn Taymiyah in “Kitaab Ilm as-Sulook” (Volume 10) of Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (Page 32). Translated by Sayyid Umar ibn Ghulam Muwlaa al-Hindee. Source: SalaiTalk. "Tawakkul"]

Tahiyyatul-Masjid during the Times when Prayer is Forbidden

Question:
There is much talk about Tahiyyatul-Masjid: Some say that it should not be done during the times when it is reported that prayer is forbidden, such as at the times of sunrise and sunset. Others say that it is permissible since the reasons for it are not restricted by any time and that it should be done even if half the sun had set. I request a detailed explanation of this.

Answer:
There is some disagreement amongst the scholars in this matter, but the correct view is that Tahiyyatul-Masjid is lawful at all times, even after Fajr and after Asr based upon the general meaning of the words of the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam): If any of you enters the mosque, he should not sit until he has prayed two Rakahs. [1] Also, it is a prayer that there is a reason to perform, like Salat At-Tawaf [2] and Salat Al-Khusuf, [3] and the correct view in all of these is that they should be performed at all of the times when prayer is (normally) prohibited, just like making up for an obligatory prayer which one has missed, based upon the words of the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) regarding Salat At-Tawaf: O people of (the tribe of) Abdi Manaf! Do not prevent anyone from performing Tawaf of this House and praying anytime of the night or day that he wishes. [4] And he (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said, regarding Salat Al-Kusuf: Verily the sun and the moon are two Signs among the Signs of Allaah, they are not eclipsed for the death or the birth of any man, so if you see them, pray and supplicate, until what you are suffering is removed. [5] And he (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Whoever slept through a prayer or forgot it, must make up for it as soon as he remembers it, and there is no expiation for it except this,. [6] All of these Hadiths extend to include the times when prayer is prohibited and other times. This saying is the preferred view of Shaikh Al-Islam, Ibn Taymiyyah and his student, the great scholar, Ibn Al-Qayyim - may Allaahs mercy be on both of them. And Allaah is the Granter of success.

[1] Al-Bukhari no. 1163 and Muslim no. 714 [2] Salat At-Tawaf: A two rakah prayer following circumambulation of the Kabah during Hajj and Umrah. [3] Salat Al-Khusuf: Prayer of the lunar or solar eclipse. [4] Abu Dawud no. 1894, At-Tirmithi no. 868 and Ahmad 4:81 [5] Al-Bukhari no. 1040 and Muslim no. 901 [6] Al-Bukhari no. 597 and Muslim no. 684

[Shaykh `Abdul-`Azeez Bin Baz. Fatawa Islamiyah Volume 2 Page 28.]

Bayyinah Institute - Essentials of Tajweed: Workshop

By:Hafidh Wisam Sharieff
Tajweed Workshop

Los Angeles, CA Oct. 23-25, 2009.
Friday 7 PM - 10 PM | Saturday & Sunday 10 AM - 7 PM.

California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840

BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Students will study and drill all critical areas of Tajweed. The Course will predominantly involve oral drills though written exams on definitions and rule application are part of the course. Students completing the course will develop an accurate assessment of their own weaknesses in Tajweed and be in a better position to correct them overtime.

To Register: http://bayyinah.com/student_center/#ARA102

A Fly or a Mountain

‘Abdullah b. Mas’ûd – Allah be pleased with him – said: The believer sees his sins as if he is sitting at the foot of a mountain fearing that it might fall on him, while the sinner (fâjir) sees his sins as a fly that lands on his nose, he just waves it away. [Al-Bukhârî, Al-Sahîh, The Book of Supplications, Chapter on Tawbah.]

Ibn Hajr quotes in his commentary, Fath Al-Bârî:
Ibn Abî Jumrah said, “The reason for this [fear] is that the heart of a believer is illuminated; so when he sees from himself something that goes against what he illuminates his heart with, it is very distressing to him. The wisdom behind giving the example of a mountain is that a person might find some way to escape from other dangers, but if a mountain falls on a person he does not survive. In short, the believer is dominated by fear (of Allah) due to the strength of îmân he has; he does not therefore feel falsely secure about being punished because of his sins. This is the way of the Muslim: he always fears and checks on himself, his good deeds are little to him and he fears even the small bad deeds he has done.”

Turn to Allah(swt)

In a hadith Qudsi, Allah(swt) says:
"O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it." [Saheeh. Related by at-Tirmidhi.]

"Mama, I'm waiting for you in Jannah"

“I am sorry, but your baby did not survive.”

From somewhere in the distance, an unknown voice utters the words that deafen all sounds and ring on everlastingly.

In this special edition of Muhammad Alshareef 2.0, AlMaghrib Institute presents:

The loss of a baby is an unthinkable trial, yet an undeniable truth. At the blow of first shock, the mother is struck with a tidal wave of questions, thoughts, and emotions that none can understand except her Lord. Her world shrinks, her heart hurts, and all matters suddenly become trivial.
With such a whirlpool of emotions, what is the single most crucial lifesaver to pull a mother out from an ocean of sadness?

The connection a mother feels with her unborn child is not imagined, but real. Knowing the essence of the Akhirah and the Mercy of Allah (swt) is what brings the coolness to the eyes and the pleasure to the heart.

"The title of this Ilminar alone brings tears to my eyes. I want to do

a lecture that may, by the permission of Allah, be a source of comfort
for parents all over the world who have experienced the loss of a
loved on. These are REAL issues that do not normally get addressed. I
intend to champion it. Please invite your friends and family to
RSVP." - Muhammad Alshareef

Join Shaykh Muhammad Alshareef as he delivers one of the most captivating Ilminars to hit the airwaves.

• Understand the true meaning of sabr in the face of affliction
• Learn about the status of the parent who lost her child
• Embrace the contentment of accepting the Qadar of Allah
• Train your heart to smile at the thought of your child
  
• Learn from stories of those who encountered similar trials
• Feel the strength of the Sahaba and scholars who lost their children
• Save yourself from the spiral of sadness
• Look forward to the next meeting with your child in Jannah
  

"The eyes tear, the heart is grieved, and we will only say that which is pleasing to our Lord. And at your departure (O my son Ibraheem) are indeed saddened." - The words of Rasul Allah, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, at the death of his infant son Ibraheem.

Visiting the Sick

The Reward for Visiting the Sick
"When a man goes to visit his sick Muslim brother, he walks along a path of Paradise until he sits, and when he sits he is cloaked in mercy. If he comes in the morning, seventy thousand angels pray for him until evening, and if he comes in the evening, seventy thousand angels pray for him until morning. [source: Fortress of the Muslim - 50. At-Tirmithi, Ibn Majah, Ahmad. See, Al-Albani, Sahih Ibn Majah 1/244, and Sahih At-Tirmithi 1/286]

Invocations for Visiting the Sick

Laa ba'sa tahoorun 'inshaa'Allaah.

Do not worry, it will be a purification (for you) , Allah willing. [source: Fortress of the Muslim - 49. Al-Bukhari, cf. Al-Asqalani Fathul-Bari 10/118]

'As'alullaahal-'Adheema Rabbal-'Arshil-'Adheemi 'an yashfiyaka.

I ask Almighty Allah , Lord of the Magnificent Throne, to make you well. (Recite seven times in Arabic .) [source: Fortress of the Muslim - 49. At-Tirmithi, Abu Dawud. See also Al-Albani, Sahih At-Tirmithi 2/210 and Sahihul-Jami' As-Saghir 5/180.]

MAS-IE Week In Preview 10/05/09-10/11/09

Rust of the Heart

Ibn al-Qayyim - rahimahullaah- said:

"There is no doubt that the heart becomes covered with rust, just as metal dishes - silver, and their like - become rusty. So the rust of the heart is polished with dhikr (remembrance of Allaah), for dhikr polishes the heart until it becomes like a shiny mirror. However, when dhikr is abandoned, the rust returns; and when it commences then the heart again begins to be cleansed. Thus the heart becoming rusty is due to two matters: sins and ahafah ( neglecting remembrance of Allaah ). Likewise, it is cleansed and polished by two things : istighfaar (seeking Allaah's forgiveness) and dhikr." [Al-Waabilus-Sayyib]