Islamic Daily Reminder

THIRD REMINDER. Monday. ARGUING AND DEBATING IN ISLAM. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Please read through the first/second Reminder before one. If you missed any, please request a copy from me. We should respond to their misguided arguments with dignified behavior and engage them in discussion if they demonstrate sincerity, but we should leave them if the discussion descends into bitterness and fruitless debating. If they accept the message of Islam it is good for them, but if they refuse the message they should be left alone. Allah said: If they turn away, then your duty is only to clearly convey the message. Surat An-Nahl 16:82. Haytam ibn Jamil reported: I said to Malik, “O servant of Allah, if a man has knowledge of the prophetic tradition (sunnah), should he argue to defend it?” Malik said: No, rather he should convey the Sunnah if they might accept it from him, otherwise he should remain silent. Jāmi’ al-‘Ulūm wal-Ḥikam 1/248 Therefore, we should avoid getting into detail...

SECOND REMINDER. Monday. ARGUING AND DEBATING IN ISLAM. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Please read through the first Reminder before this one. If you missed it, please request a copy from me. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said; I guarantee a house on the outskirts of Paradise for one who abandons arguments even if he is right. Sunan Abu Dawud 4800. The righteous predecessors (salaf as-saalih) were firm in the prohibition of disputation as it leads to confusion, doubts, and spiritual ruin. Imam Maalik ibn Anas, may Allah have mercy on him, said: Disputation and arguments about sacred knowledge cause the light of knowledge to extinguish in a man’s heart. Ja’far ibn Muhammad, may Allah have mercy on him, said: Beware of disputes in the religion, for they preoccupy the heart and breed hypocrisy. Fadl al-‘Ilm 1/5. The righteous predecessors were fully capable of arguing and winning debates against their opponents, but they refused to do so out of fear and min...

THIRD REMINDER. Sunday. Survival of the Kaaba, a wonder. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. It is a wonder that all the royal palaces built throughout history have been demolished but the Kaaba, a house built of mud and stone over four thousand years ago by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismail (AS) in a parched land is still upright and will continue to be loved by human beings until the Day of Judgment. What is more wonderful is the attraction of this House. So many glorious and majestic buildings in the world are found in areas of good climate, but the Kaaba attracts people to itself without having means of entertainment or being satisfying people's pleasure. The reason however is natural. It is God Himself Who has created this attraction in people's hearts through Prophet Ibrahim's supplication: "And proclaim among men the pilgrimage: they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every remote path." (The Holy Quran, 22:27). Alla...

FIRST REMINDER. Sunday. 7th day of Dhul Qa'âdah. THE REAL AND TRUE TREASURE. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Our beloved Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Allah gives worldly things to those He loves and to those He does not love, but He gives eeman (faith) only to those He loves, so he who is given eeman by Allah, has been loved by Him.” [Ahmad, Bayhaqiy]. The most priceless treasure on earth is eeman(faith or belief system). This is the currency that will buy us eternal happiness and all the riches you want to keep forever. Thus, whoever is given the treasure of eeman is among the most beloved people to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). We must strive to earn that from Allah, Allah does not just grant it without our efforts. If something is not in your share in this worldly life (e.g. car, house, nice clothes, good food), it makes no difference. The duration of this life compared to the life that starts after this, is so short, that it will be as though it n...

THIRD Reminder. Saturday. The status of Sunnah to the Quran continues. Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. The Qur'an says : Whoever obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah. Allah says, No, by your Lord they do not believe until they submit to your adjucation in all disputes between them, then they do not find themselves oppressed with your decisions and they completely submit. Al-Quran 4:65 Again, Allah says: When a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger, it does not behove a believer, man or woman, to have choice in their matter. One who disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path. Al-Quran 33:36 Furthermore, Allah says: What the Messenger teaches you, take it, and what he forbids you, avoid doing it Al-Quran 59:7. From the above, lets strive to learn both the Quran and teachings of the prophet if indeed we want to be among the guided one's. My apologies for posting a bit a late i had troubles with my phone that's why. Don't say Aameen ...

SECOND REMINDER. Saturday. The necessity of Sunnah to understand The Qur'an and Parables on that.BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Allah says: The male thief and female thief cut off their hands (5:38) is a fitting example of that. The thief in it is general like the hand. The oral tradition explains the first of them and restricts it by 'as-sareq' (the thief) who steals something worth a fourth of a Dinar according to the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him) There is no cutting - of the hand - unless the thing stolen is worth a fourth of a Dinar or more (Bukari & Muslim). Again, the other is explained by the action of the Prophet (peace be upon him) or the action of his companions and his confirmation. They used to cut the hand of the thief from the wrist as is known in the work of Hadeeth. The oral tradition explains the hand mentioned in the verse on Tayammum (dust ablution) And rub therewith your faces and hands (5:6) is also the palm of the hand as is stat...

FIRST REMINDER. Saturday. 6th day of Dhul Qa'âdah. The Role of Sunnah Towards The Qur'an. Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. We all know that Allah, The Blessed and Mighty, chose Muhammad (peace be upon him) as His Prophet and picked him to deliver the final message. The Qur'an was revealed to him and commanded him to obey all what He had ordered him to do, that is, to expound His message to the people. Allah says, "I have revealed to you the Reminder (The Qur'an) to expound to people what was revealed to them."Al-Quran 16:44. I think that the declaration mentioned in the verse contains two orders: 1. Declaration of the word and its arrangement. It is the communication of the Qur'an and its non-concealment, and its pursuit to Mankind just as Allah, The Blessed Almighty, has revealed to the heart of the Prophet (peace be upon him) which is the intent of His saying: "O Messenger proclaim what is revealed to you from your Lord."Al-Quran 5:67. Sayyida...

THIRD REMINDER. FRIDAY. FRIDAY KHUTBAH continues. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Please read the first/second Reminder first before this one. If you missed any, please request a copy. My dear sisters and brothers in eemaan, Allah knows what you want, what you need, what you deserve, at what time & what place, trust Him & His decisions is best for HIS creation, He knows while you don't. Let's just appreciate the little we've got and be content and no doubt that Allah will increase us in whatever will please us. And, make the Qur'an your companion and a part of your life. Don't let urself become a stranger to it. The Qur'an is like a friend, the longer the friendship lasts the more you will know of its secrets. Don't praise me because you think I'm on my Deen, but pray for me because I have faults which you have not seen or know about. Lets Repent today: ُ"Truly, Allah loves those who repent (the prodigal son), and He loves those who cl...

SECOND REMINDER. FRIDAY. FRIDAY KHUTBAH continues. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Please read the first Reminder first before this one. If you missed it, please request a copy or visit www.islamicdailyreminder.blogspot.com. Our death and meeting with our Creator is approaching and yet our biggest worry is what are we going to wear tomorrow? in competition. One day you'll just be a memory for people, and a lesson to others. Do everything you can to please Allah, be a positive lesson. Just imagine how many people were here with us last year, but are no longer here again! Even our turn is soon approaching. May Allah forgive us an forgive them. We walk with our heads high up in the sky, unaware that one day we'll be trapped 6' Feet under the ground. You look for the latest fashion and designer clothes, but don't forget O' Son of Adam! You will end up being wrapped up in just a white shroud. Live to please the Creator, not the Creation. If Allah is happy with us, ...

FIRST REMINDER. FRIDAY. 5th day of Dhul Qa'âdah. FRIDAY KHUTBAH. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Below are some good advices for my beloved readers on this Blessed Jumuat day. Please Surround urself with Muslims who practice the Deen. They are ur only True Friends in this Life and in the Hereafter. Not everybody is out there to judge you, there are some who want the best for you and want to help you get into Al-Jannah, value them. Don't blame them to be Judgemental. The one to tell you your faults is your true friend. Indeed, a friend who doesn't care about your Aakhirāh is not really your friend. Sometimes the hardest person for you to correct is yourself. There is no shame in being wrong, the shame is in choosing to stay on the wrong path. Learn to say I'm sorry and seek forgiveness from Allah regularly and consistency. Whatever takes you NEAR to Allah, takes you AWAY from Hellfire. Whatever takes you AWAY from Allah, takes you CLOSER to Hellfire such as Zina, Rib...

THIRD REMINDER. Thursday. Why does Allah(SWT) at times speak in the plural form in the Quran Using ''WE'' continues. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Please read the first/second Reminder first before this one. If you missed any, please request for a copy or visit www.islamicdailyreminder.blogspot.com. From all verses quoted in the first and second Reminders, we may have noticed that whenever ALLAH speaks from a position of Majesty, the words WE are used in HIS communique. Now lets analyse a few verses when HE uses the words "I". Allah says in Chapter 21 Surah Anbiyaa Verse 92-93: Indeed, this community of yours is one community, and I am your LORD: so worship ME alone. Allah says in Chapter 15 Surah Al-Hijr verst 49-50: O Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)! Tell MY servants, I (Allah) am very Forgiving and Merciful, but at the same time MY chastisement is also very severe. Now here Allah is taking a very merciful attitude towards HIS servants, as if HE i...

SECOND REMINDER Thursday. Why does Allah(SWT) at times speak in the plural form in the Quran Using ''WE'' continues. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Please read the first Reminder first before this one. If you missed it, please request a copy. Secondly lets get one thing clear as humans who believe in Allah, the Mighty GOD as the English call HIM. And that is the message of Tauheed One God(Allah). That is the primary message of the Holy Quran and the same message was brought by every Prophet of Allah who ever came to this earth, starting from Aadam through Issah Jesus Christ upto the LAST Messenger MOHAMMED sallallahu alaihi wasallam. Allah says in Chapter 112, Surah Ikhlas Verse 1-4: Say (commanding the prophet Muhammad to tell mankind): HE is ALLAH, THE ONE and ONLY. ALLAH is Independent of all, and all are dependent on HIM. Neither has HE any offspring, nor is HE the offspring of anyone; and NONE is EQUAL to HIM in EVERYTHING. There is only ONE GOD by name ALLAH...

FIRST REMINDER. Thursday. 4th day of Dhul Qa'âdah. Why does Allah(SWT) at times speak in the plural form in the Quran Using ''WE''. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. In general terms, every believer must believe that every action of Allaah has great wisdom behind it, and there is no need for it to be explained in full to every person bcs some ignorance may be confused due to lack of knowledge. This is a kind of test, as Allaah says : “… that He may test you which of you is best in deed…” [al-Mulk 67:2]. To answer this question in more detail: the Qur’aan was revealed in the language of the Arabs, and in Arabic it is as correct to use the plural when speaking of one person as it is to use the singular. But the plural is used for respect and glorification, and no one is more deserving of respect and glorification than ALLAAH. So the singular is used to affirm the fact that HE is ONE and has no partner or associate, and the plural is used to affirm HIS GLORY and MAJES...

THIRD REMINDER. Wednesday. PATIENCE IN SEEKING ALLAH'S MERCY AND FORGIVENESS continues. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem.    Please read the first/second Reminder first before this one. If you missed any, please request for a copy. The best way to ask for Allah’s Grace and Mercy is by asking for His forgiveness and seeking repentance. Allah tells us in the Quran: And (commanding you): “Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Allah in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace (i.e. the one who helps and serves needy and deserving, physically and with his wealth, and even with good words). But if you turn away, then I fear for you the torment of a Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). (Quran, Surah Al-Hud: 3). One of the best remedies for tough times is to be patient. A state of patience requires that we not resort to complaining, and remember Allah often. We take this lesson from the st...

SECOND Reminder. Wednesday. PATIENCE IN SEEKING ALLAH'S MERCY AND FORGIVENESS continues. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem.    Allah has made forgiveness and reward conditional upon doing righteous deeds and being patient, and that is easy for the one for whom He makes it easy. Allaah says:  “Except those who show patience and do righteous good deeds: those, theirs will be forgiveness and a great reward (Paradise)” Quran 11:11. One of the most important good deeds in Islam is to obey Allah's commands especially establishing Salaat(five times prayers). Allah tells us that patience and forgiveness are among the things recommended by Him and those who pay heed to this will never lose, as He says. “And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives, that would truly be from the things recommended by Allaah” 42:34. We ask Allah to aid us in applying patience in our marriages, in our obedience to Him, in our sicknesses, in trying to find jobs, partners, dealing with difficult parents...

FIRST Reminder. Wednesday. 3rd day of Dhul Qa'âdah. PATIENCE IN SEEKING ALLAH'S MERCY AND FORGIVENESS. Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Allaah tells us, and reinforces it with an oath to be patient in all we do and also encourage fellow Muslims to be patient in all affairs they find themselves, Allah says 1.“By Al‑‘Asr (the time). 2. Verily, man is in loss, 3. Except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al‑Ma‘roof) which Allaah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al‑Munkar) which Allaah has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allaah’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islamic Monotheism or Jihad)” [al-‘Asr 103].  Allaah will divide His creation into two categories: those who are on the right hand and those who are on the left hand...

THIRD REMINDER. Tuesday. MEANING OF TEST AND TRIALS FROM ALLAAH continues. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. My apologies for sending the third REMINDER this late this was due to some unforeseen circumstances Please read the first/second Reminder first before this one. If you missed any, please for a copyTHIRD REMINDER. Tuesday. MEANING OF TEST AND TRIALS FROM ALLAAH continues. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. My apologies for sending the third REMINDER this late this was due to some unforeseen circumstances Please read the first/second Reminder first before this one. If you missed any, please for a copy or visit www.islamicdailyreminder.blogspot.com. ALLAAH Says: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me” [adh-Dhaariyaat 51:56]: What this verse means, “except to worship Me” is: so that I may enjoin on them that they should worship Me and I will test them; that is, I will test them with religious duties, then I will requite them for their deeds: if their deeds ar...

SECOND REMINDER. Tuesday. MEANING OF TEST AND TRIALS FROM ALLAAH continues. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Please read the first Reminder first before this one. If you missed it, please request a copy. ALLAAH Says: “And it is HE who has made you successors upon the earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that HE may try you through what HE has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful”[al-An‘aam 6:165]. ALLAHU AKBAR All these verses indicate that this test or trial is the reason for man’s creation; this test also includes the religious duties. So whoever carries out his duties towards his Lord – in all aspects of his life, will succeed, and whoever falls short will incur loss commensurate with his shortcomings. Sheikh Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Allah, may He be exalted, has told us that the creation of the universe, death, life, and the making attractive of the earth and ...

FIRST REMINDER. Tuesday. 2nd day of Dhul Qa'âdah. MEANING OF TEST AND TRIALS FROM ALLAAH. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Tests and Trials include all the affairs and deeds of the son of Aadam (Mankind), and all the details of his life, for his life is a test, his good health is a test, his poor health is a test, his happiness is a test, his wealth is a test, his provision is a test, the environment in which he lives is a test, and his knowledge is a test. In all of that, Allah, may He be exalted, is testing this man and his behaviour to see whether he will follow the path of righteousness or the path of evildoing, whether he will obey the Most Gracious or will obey the Shaytaan. Hence Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (to the nearest meaning): “[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving”[al-Mulk 67:2]. “Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [H...

THIRD REMINDER Monday. ISLAMIC TEACHINGS ABOUT DREAMS continues. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Please read the first/second Reminders first before this one. If you missed any, please request a copy or visit www.islamicdailyreminder.blogspot.com. Dreams from One's Self: These dreams come from one's thoughts. Sometimes we think about some things or about somebody during the day and start dreaming about that when we sleep. That's why it's important not to discuss your dreams with anyone and rather seek help from Allah whenever we wake up from our dreams. It's very important we don't lie about our dreams to anyone and must also avoid trying to interpret someone's dream for them. Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing Be upon Him)  said, "Indeed the worst of lies is that of a person who falsely claims to have dream." (related by Al-Bukhari) so please don't lie about dreams. May Allah keep guiding us all and protect us from any satanic influ...

SECOND REMINDER Monday. ISLAMIC TEACHINGS ABOUT DREAMS continues. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Please read the first Reminder first before this one. If you missed it, please request a copy. Bad Dreams: Bad dreams are plot from sheitan or Satan to put fear, doubt etc in us. Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing Be upon Him) told us what to do upon seeing a bad dream. "So when one of you sees a dream which he does not like, he should spit on his left side three times, seek refuge with Allah from Shaitan thrice, and change the side which he was sleeping on (or may move to another spot in the room) (related by Sahih Muslim). The prophet also told us that if we saw a bad dream should "stand up and offer prayer." (related by Muslim). Bad Dreams MUST NOT  Be Disclosed to anyone: Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing Be upon Him) said,"If he has a dream that he dislikes, then it is from Shaitan. He should seek refuge with Allah from its evil, and he SHOULD NOT MENTIO...

FIRST REMINDER Monday. ISLAMIC TEACHINGS ABOUT DREAMS. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Dreams are of three kinds according to the teachings of our beloved messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam: Ru'yaa, good dreams, Hulum, bad dreams and Dreams from our own thoughts. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing be upon Him) said, "There are three types of dreams: a righteous dream which is glad tidings from Allah, the dream which causes sadness is from Satan (the devil), and a dream from the ramblings of the mind. (Related by Muslim). You may share your good dreams with those you like as Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing Be upon Him) said, "If one sees a good dream, let him expect good, and not tell it except to those he likes (someone pious, honest, trustworthy)."(related by Muslim) An example of the above Hadeeth is Prophet (Jacob) Yaqoob (Peace Be upon Him) telling his son, Josef (Yusuf) (Peace Be...

THIRD REMINDER. Sunday. TAKING ACCOUNT OF OURSELVES continues. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. How easy it is to make excuses or justify oneself to others. However, one must constantly remember that Allah is aware of the entire truth; therefore, we ourselves must face the truth as well. Speaking directly to His servants in the Qur'an, Allah (subhaanahu wa ta'aalaa) says: And know that Allah knows what is within yourselves so be aware of Allah. Qur'an 2:235. Truly He knows the secret and what is even more hidden. Qur'an 20:7 Whether you show what is within yourselves or conceal it, Allah will hold you to account for it. Qur'an 2:284 These verses were terrifying to the Prophet's companions (radiallahu 'anhu). Because of their intense devotion and their consciousness of Allah, they often worried about certain thoughts and feelings that came to them, repeatedly asking the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) about them until they were finally reassure...

SECOND REMINDER. Sunday. TAKING ACCOUNT OF OURSELVES. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Imam Umar Ibnul-Khattaab may Allah be pleased with him advised in an authentic narrations that, "Call yourselves to account before you are called to account."; and undoubtedly, Allah (subhaanahu wa ta'aalaa) has given us the means by which to do this: Allah says, He has shown him the two ways. [Qur'an 90:10]. In other words, mankind has been given the tools with which to distinguish good from evil, and right from wrong: observation, perception, conscience, judgement and emotion, all in a delicate balance. But even so, as we are reminded by Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, such assessment is difficult unless one has the following: 1. The light of wisdom -the light by which Allah has enlightened the hearts of those who follow the teachings of the prophets. 2. The ability to discern between blessing and trials in what Allah as provided, i.e. one's wealth, time, skills, opportunities, infl...

FIRST REMINDER. Sunday. 29th day of Shawwaal. WHY! WHY!! WHY!!!?. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. We are always asking: Why was I tested? Quran answers: “Do men think that they will be left alone saying, ’We believe’, and that they will not be tested? Allah did test those before you, and Allaah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false.” [29:2-3]. Why could I never get what I want? Quran answers: ”It is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing, which is bad for you. But Allaah knows, while you know not.” Surah Al-Baqarah [2:216]. Why was I burdened this way? Quran answers: “Allaah does not place a burden to a soul greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns.” Surah Al-Baqarah [2:286] & “So verily, with every difficulty there is relief: (repeated) Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.” Surah Al-Insyirah [94:5-6]. Why do I lose hope? Quran answers: “S...

THIRD REMINDER. Saturday. THE HIDDEN BLESSINGS OF ILLNESSES, SICKNESSES and HARDSHIPS continues. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Please read the first and second Reminders first before this one. If you missed any, please request a copy or visit www.islamicdailyreminder.blogspot.com. Allah Ta'ala is so relenting and lenient with the Ummah of His beloved Nabi Muhammad (sallalaahu alaihi wasallam) . However, it has been observed that because of a lack of proper Deeni knowledge, very often even when a Muslim becomes ill, many incorrect statements are uttered by the sick person as well as those who treat and take care of him such as why me? What have I done wrong to Allah etc AstaghfirulLah. To seek a cure for one's illness and to take treatment for it is certainly not forbidden in Islam. In fact it is a Sunnah. There is also no harm if a person complains about pain in the body. However, when a person becomes sick and then complains bitterly and objects to Allah Ta'ala, ...

SECOND REMINDER. Saturday. THE HIDDEN BLESSINGS OF ILLNESSES, SICKNESSES and HARDSHIPS continues. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Please read the first Reminder first before this one. If you missed it, please request a copy The fact is that, Sickness can be very disturbing, but if viewed in the light of the teachings and the practical example of our Nabi(Sallallaahu alaiyhi wassallam), then it will become easier to cope with even the agony of pain. Furthermore, if these teachings are practised, our illnesses will become a means for us to earn great rewards in the Aakhirah. Sickness and other difficulties that we undergo in this worldly life should not only be seen as a misfortune or as an expression of the displeasure of Allah Ta'ala. For those servants of Allah who enjoy a very special relationship with Him, it is a means of great blessing and a mercy. Is there anyone in this world who is free from sins and mistakes? If every soul were to be fully recompensed for its every ...

FIRST REMINDER. Saturday 28th day of Shawwaal. THE HIDDEN BLESSINGS OF ILLNESSES, SICKNESSES and HARDSHIPS. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. If I say AlhamdulilLah, I'm grateful that I am ill or sick right now. That might sound crazy right? Not at all bcs our beloved Messenger of Allaah sallallahu alaihi wasallam encouraged us to say AlhamdulilLah in any situation we find ourselves bcs that might be the medicine for the sickness. Our dear mother Aa'ishah"(may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, “For any adversity a Muslim suffers, Allah erases some of his sins, even though it may be no more than a thorn pricking him.”(Related by Al-Bukhari). In Another Hadith he sallallahu alaihi wasallam says: “Whatever befalls a Muslim of exhaustion, illness, worry, grief, nuisance or trouble, even though it may be no more than a prick of a thorn, earns him forgiveness by Allah of some of his or her sins. One more hadit...

*THIRD Reminder*. FRIDAY. *Question*: "*_I work in a bank in a particular country, in a department that does not deal with riba-based transactions, but the central bank does deal with interest and it is a government foundation. What is the ruling on working in this bank? I hope you can advise me" I want to be total obedience to Allah as such if haraam I promise to resign straight forward. Allah is sufficient for His creatures_*. *RESPONSE*: *BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem*. May Allah reward you and anyone who adheres to Allah command with better job. Aameen. Basically your working in this bank is haraam, even if you are in a department which does not deal with riba-based transactions. It is sufficient to note that the “central bank” is the head bank and working in the other departments complements the work of the sections that do deal with riba; the bank is formed from all the departments and all the institutions connected to it are engaged in riba.   The scholars base on t...

Top Up to the First Reminder BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Many brothers and sisters are asking as to what about if you are facing urgent situation such mother dying, child needing urgent operation etc can you go for the loans with interest? BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. I will say first of all, Allah knows best but It's not realistic questions bcs no bank can even offer you loan instantly bcs your relative is dying in hospital. If you are been offered personal loan and the person if requesting for interest whilst you definitely has no alternative to resolving the emergency financial responsibilities, you may accept but even so you don't try to justify loans with interest. The ideal alternative is to solicit for support from local charities, wealthy Muslims around with your case, involve local masjid imam to announce for support etc but not to go for haraam means as your immediate initial decision. The bottom line is that, any kind of loans with interest is haraam. Some e...

FIRST Reminder. FRIDAY. 27th day of Shawwaal. Question: The government in our country offers a loan to young people who graduate instead of employing them in government service. Is this loan halaal or haraam? What about local financial loans and loans from bank to help us establish halaal business? Response: The scholars of Islam base on Qur'an and sunnah are unanimously agreed that if it is stipulated that a loan be repaid with an additional amount, this is riba, which is haraam regardless of whoever is giving it or taking it and regardless of what the loan is to be used for.  Every loan in which it is stipulated that something extra be paid back is haraam, and there is no difference of scholarly opinion on this point making it a serious major sin in Islam. Is it not amazing that a Muslim will never eat pork because it is haram (unlawful); never marry his mother or sister because it is also haram, yet that same person has no problem devouring riba (e.g. interest, usury)? Di...

SECOND REMINDER. Thursday. OUR TOPIC TODAY ON SHARIAH CONTINUES. Bit lengthy but please read through. Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Mercy and compassion are the essence of Shariah, which is designed to protect all members of society and to improve the condition of humanity. It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Show mercy to those on earth, so that He who is in the Heavens (God) will show mercy to you.” Shariah is an Arabic word that literally means a ‘vast road leading to an uninterrupted source of water.’ Figuratively, it refers to a clear, straight path, as mentioned in the following Quranic verse: “Then ALLAH put you, [O Muhammad], on a straight way concerning the matter [of religion]; so follow it and do not follow the inclinations of those who do not know.” (45:18) Hence, Shariah is the practical guidance Muslims live by. It is rooted in the divine teachings of Islam and relates to all aspects of life. Its collective aim is to facilitate justice and benefit ...

FIRST REMINDER. Thursday. 26th day of Shawwaal. UNDERSTANDING THE TERM SHARI'AH IS OUR TOPIC TODAY IN SHAA ALLAH. Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem. The buzzword these days is Shariah As several countries scramble to pass legislation to outlaw Shariah, a hyped fear and persistent confusion surrounds this loaded term. Most people who speak passionately against Shariah do not, in reality, understand it and often reduce it to merely a penal code. Shariah is an integral part of Islam. It is often defined as ‘Islamic law,’ causing one to assume that it consists mostly of criminal rulings and penalties. However, Shariah encompasses much more than the conventional understanding of law. While Shariah provides the legal framework for the foundation and functioning of a society, it also details moral, ethical, social and political codes of conduct for Muslims at an individual and collective level. Islam is a faith that every prophet sent by Allah (Mighty God) preached to his people, culmin...

THIRD REMINDER. Wednesday. HALAAL LIES IN ISLAM? . BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Many take the permission of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, to lie in three exceptional cases in the wrong way as a justification for white lies. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "A liar is not one who tries to bring reconciliation amongst people and speaks good (in order to avert dispute), or he conveys good." [Muslim]. Commenting on this Hadeeth, Ibn Shihaab, one of the transmitters, said that he has not heard that the exemption was granted with regard to the typical lies that people tell but in three cases: In war in order to cause reconciliation among people and in the narration of the words of the husband to his wife to create piece, and the narration of the words of a wife to her husband (in a euphemistic way in order to cause reconciliation between them). Some may take this as a license to take truthfulness lightly and tell what they think to be white, har...

*SECOND REMINDER*. Wednesday. *_Swearing a false oath or lying in order to reconcile between two disputing parties_*. *BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem*. Whomsoever Allaah honours and enables him to reconcile between Muslims, if he needs to tell lies in order to reconcile between them, there is no sin on him for that, and it is not permissible to describe him as a liar, because the matter is serious; it is the matter of shar’i interests which means that in this case, lying is permissible, as it is narrated in al-Saheehayn from the hadeeth of Umm Kalthoom bint ‘Uqbah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that she heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “He is not a liar who reconciles between people, conveying good messages and saying good things.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2546; Muslim, 2605  If necessity dictate that a false oath be sworn, there is no sin in that, because it is proven in the hadeeth of Umm Kalthoom bint ‘Uqbah ibn Abi Mu’eet (may Allaah be please...

FIRST REMINDER. Wednesday. 25th day of Shawwaal. LYING DAMAGES OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ALLAH AND DAMAGE OUR HEARTS. BISULPHITE RAHMAANIR RAHEEM. Rasuul Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Truthfulness leads to righteousness and righteousness leads to Paradise; a person remains truthful until he is written as a Siddeeq (truthful person) with Allah. Lying leads to sin and sin leads to the Fire; a person keeps lying until he is written as a Kadhdhab (liar) with Allah.” Imam Malik may Allah be pleased with him records that Abdullah ibn Masud RA, would say, “Each time someone lies a black spot appears on his heart until his whole heart becomes black and he is written with Allah as a Kadhdhab.” He also records that it was asked of the pious Luqman may Allah be pleased with him, “How have you reached this level in excellence?” He replied, “By being true in speech, fulfilling trusts and leaving what does not concern me.” Such is the importance of remaining truthful that the Prophe...

THIRD REMINDER. Tuesday. Let's continue on our topic on guidance. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Allaah, free from all imperfections, praised his believing servants who ask Him to make them leaders who are sought as examples upon guidance. Allaah, the Exalted, said regarding their description: And those who say, Our Lord Bestow on us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us an Imaam (leader/guide) for the pious (Muttaqoon). [Soorah al-Furqaan (25):74]_. That's one of the best duas for married couple to be recite. (Rabbana hab lana min azwajina wa dhurriyatina qurrata a`yunin wa’j`alna li’l muttaqina imama)” [Qur’an, 25:74]. _رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَاماً_ Let's seek guidance in all we do and be sincere. If we do things with intentions to please Allah, we will never regret our act as Allah will guide us through. Let's strive to purify our intentions and action...

SECOND REMINDER. Tuesday. SERVANTS EXTREME NEED FOR GUIDANCE CONTINUES. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. As servants of ALLAH, we are in need of guidance at every moment and in every breath, in everything that happens to us and passes us by, for we are in the midst of many matters from which we cannot separate ourselves, among the following: (i) Matters in which we found ourselves because of ignorance, rather than guidance, so we are in need of seeking guidance to the truth with respect to these matters. (ii) Matters in which we knows the guidance, but did not act upon it in the proper manner, so we are in need of repenting from them. (iii) There are matters concerning which we did not know the aspect of guidance in them, neither in terms of knowledge nor action. Thus guidance to both knowledge and acquaintance with them, the desire for them and acting upon them has passed us by. (iv) There are matters to which we have been guided but we are in need of further guidance with re...

FIRST REMINDER. Tuesday. 24th day of Shawwaal. OUR EXTREME NEED FOR GUIDANCE FROM ALLAH. Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. As Muslims, its extremely important to seek guidance in all we do especially when it comes to religious duties else we will end up falling into the traps of Sheitan due to our ignorance, pride etc. Sheikh Ibn al Qayyim may Allah be pleased with him said in his book "THE PATH TO GUIDANCE" that , Guidance (hidaayah) is: a) Elucidation or explanation (bayaan) and Indication (dalaalah) (to the path), then b) Success (tawfeeq) and Inspiration (ilhaarn) in following the path), and this comes after the guidance of elucidation and indication. There is no way to elucidation and indication except by means of the Messengers. So when elucidation, indication and acquaintance (of the path) has been obtained, there will occur, as a result of this the guidance of success (in following the path), the placing of faith (eemaan) in the heart and its beautification and en...

THIRD REMINDER. Monday. Tips for marriage couple continues. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Please read the first/second Reminders first before reading this one and if you didn't receive any, please request for a copy Issues on Parenting*: The tug of war that results from differing understandings of parenting are also a source of tension in marriage. One solution is to start learning about Islamic parenting before having children. If you already have kids, you can still learn. Issues on Stress: Stress is an almost constant factor in most people's lives in the world today. Muslim couples are no exception. Stress from work, for example, is carried into the home. Couples and families need to work out a coping mechanism in the family. For instance, couples can take a walk to talk about the day or go to the Masjid for at least one prayer. They can read Quran individually or together. The methods can vary, but as long as they are Halal and work, they can be used. Issues on Dom...

SECOND REMINDER. Monday. Tips for the Married Couple continues. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Please read the first Reminder first before reading this one and if you didn't receive it please request for a copy Issues on In-laws: In-laws are the focus of blame and reproach when there are marital disputes. But there are ways to maintain a good relationship with them. Here are some tips: Remember your spouse's parents have raised, cared, known them longer and loved them longer. Never make an issue about "me or them". Let respective parties settle their own disputes. If your mother-in-law has a problem with her husband, let them deal with it. Don't interfere. Don't tell your spouse how to improve their relationship with their parents. Expect some adjustment time for parents after marriage to adjust to this new relationship. Remember that mothers are usually skeptical about daughter-in-laws and fathers about son-in-laws. Always treat your in-laws with compas...

FIRST REMINDER. Monday 23rd day of Shawwaal. Tips for the Married Couple. Those planning marriage can also benefit from these tips. Share to any group please. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Marriages usually start off so nicely. Everyone cooperates-the couple, their parents, other relatives, friends. Things usually run smoothly. But somewhere along the way, marital disputes pop up. This is of course natural, but these can escalate to dangerous levels if not dealt with correctly. We will be discussing Some problems on today's reminders and provide some tips on how to deal with them in shaa. 1. Issues of Money: Couples argue over many things but money is by far one of the most frequent and serious issue. The solution is to discuss issues openly and consult within the family. For instance, the issue of a wife working outside the home can become a contentious one. This should preferably be discussed before marriage contract is agreed. Also, if she does decide to work and the husba...

THIRD REMINDER Sunday. FAITH AND GOOD CHARACTER ARE THE PATH TO SALVATION IN ISLAAM continues. BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Please read through the first and second Reminders before reading this Request for a copy if you didn't receive any please My apologies for the length but don't miss a line Let's study about character in Islam after learning about faith from the first/second Reminders. Allah May He be glorified and exalted says, “It is He who raised up among the unlettered [Arabs] a Messenger from them to recite His verses to them and purify them and teach them the Book and Wisdom, even though before that they were clearly misguided.” (Soorat Al-Jumu‛ah, 62:2). This verse reveals one of the favours Allah May He be glorified and exalted has bestowed on the believers, stating that He has sent them His Messenger, Muhammad May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, to teach them the Qur’an and to purify them. Purification can only be attained by purging one’s ...

*SECOND REMINDER*. Sunday. *_FAITH AND GOOD CHARACTER ARE THE PATH TO SALVATION IN ISLAAM_* continues. *BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem*. *_Please read through the first Reminder before reading this_* *Request for a copy if you didn't receive the first Reminder please* Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah may Allah be pleased with him writes: Among the principles of the people following Sunnah strictly is that the religion and faith consists of sayings and actions: the sayings of the heart and the tongue, and the actions of the heart, tongue, and limbs. Source: Al-Aqida Al-Wasitiyya 1/264. Righteous deeds are the inevitable result of sincere faith, such that Allah constantly emphasizes the reward of those “who have *faith* and *do good deeds*.” Allah says: Verily, those who had *faith* and had done *righteous deeds" will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. That is the great achievement. Surat Al-Buruj 85:11. Righteous deeds are an important manifestation of faith, but they are no...

*FIRST REMINDER*. Sunday. 22nd day Shawwaal. *_FAITH AND GOOD CHARACTER ARE THE PATH TO SALVATION IN ISLAAM_*. *BismilLaahir Rahmaanir Raheem*. First of all, let me use this first reminder to share to you what *scholars* has written based on Qur'an and Sunnah about the meaning of *Faith*. The intended meaning of faith in Islam is important for us to understand, as mistaken definitions of faith have caused a number of problems in early Islamic history up until the present time. However, the righteous predecessors *The Salafs* had a clear definition of faith that should serve as the basis of our understanding of Islam. Before I continue, let me clear some misconception the word *Salaf*. It is not a sect in Islam. The Salaf were the righteous predecessors such as the companions of the Prophet and their students till today. It means, following the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah base on how the companions of the Prophet understood and narrated it from the Prophet himself. Non Mus...

*THIRD REMINDER* Saturday. *_PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS THEIR CHILDREN_* continues. _BismilLashir Rahmaanir Raheem_. Parental care and guidance are fundamental to child upbringing. Some parents nowadays become so preoccupied with their jobs or with making money or with their social lives that children are often neglected. They may be ignored or left for hours with the television or computer or they may be sent to day-care centers at a very early age to be cared for in groups by other people and by non Muslims who then start teaching them shirk.  The parents’ right to respect from their children is dependent upon the children’s right to loving care and guidance of their parents.  It is related that a man once came to ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, the second Khaleefah (Caliph) of Islam, may Allah be pleased with him, complaining of his sons’ disobedience to him. ‘Umar summoned the boy and spoke of his disobedience to his father and his neglect of his rights. The boy replied: “O Ame...