Islamic Daily Reminder

THIRD REMINDER. Thursday. HARAAM ENTERTAINMENT ON EID DAYS? BismilLah My dear brothers and sisters in Islam,Falling short in one's commitment to Islam after Fasting today is manifested in many ways, including: Ending these blessed days with so called Sallah Dance, AstaghfirulLah. Intermixing and dancing with haraam music. May Allah protect us and our offspring from such satanic traps. Let's fear Allah in all we do. If you don't mine been granted paradise with little efforts at least let's fear the day the Angel of death will visit us. It will be too late. Imagine the Angel visiting you whiles you are sinning and disobeying Allah. What will be your excuse? PLEASE mention my name to Allah before breaking your fast that His daily Islamic reminder servant Abdulateef Tajudeen is in need of His Mercy and Forgiveness for my past, present and future sins and prepare me for HIS Jannatul Firdaus. I pray that May Allah answer your dua as you remember others. Please remember...

SECOND REMINDER. Thursday. GOOD DEEDS ON THIS BLESSED DAY OF ARAFAH continues. BismilLah. For a practicing Muslim, nothing seems more spiritually fulfilling in this month than traversing the streets of Madina, following the footsteps of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, reliving the story of Prophet Ibrahim, and holding on to the cloth of the Kaaba and weeping for Allah to forgive all sins, all while joined by millions of other Muslims. The day of Arafah, the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, is crucial to the completion of Hajj. So much so that the Prophet said, “Hajj is Arafah” (Tirmidhi). Without completing this step, Hajj is not valid. Whilst we are Avoiding food, drink, useless activities, and focusing on our relationship with our Rabb, for at least one day, seems like an extremely good bargain in return for two years of forgiveness isn't it? That's the mercy of our Lord, ALLAH, the Creator of all Creation. But one crucial aspect to keep in mind is to no...

FIRST REMINDER. Thursday. Blessed 9th day of Dhul Hijjah. GOOD DEEDS ON THIS BLESSED DAY OF ARAFAH. BismilLah. AlhamdulilLah for granting us the opportunity to be part of this day. It's my hope that all those who could fast are Fasting be-iznilLah. May Allah accept it from us all and forgive our past, present and future shortcomings. Aameen. After each salaat it's recommended to recite the below Zikir up to the Asr of the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah. *Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, wa Lillaahi’l-hamd* (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is none worthy of worship except Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great , Allah is Most Great, and all praise be to Allah). *Allahu Akbar* can be recited twice instead of thrice, all accepted AlhamdulilLah. As we fast today seeking for Allah's forgiveness, let's recite a lot of Zikir starting from the above. Fo...

THIRD REMINDER. Wednesday. FASTING TOMORROW, THURSDAY (DAY OF ARAFAH) IS CRUCIAL. BismilLah Fasting tomorrow is an expiation for two years.  It was reported from Abu Qutaadah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about fasting on the Day of ‘Arafaah. He said, “It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year.” Narrated by Muslim.  This (fasting) is highly recommended for those who are not on Hajj. In the case of the one who is on Hajj, it is not Sunnah for him to fast on the Day of ‘Arafaah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not fast on this day in ‘Arafaah. It was narrated that he forbade fasting on the Day of ‘Arafaah in ‘Arafaah.  It is the day on which Allaah took the covenant from the progeny of Adam.  It was reported that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “...

SECOND REMINDER. Wednesday. FASTING TOMORROW, THURSDAY (DAY OF ARAFAH) IS CRUCIAL. BismilLah Part of enjoining good is to motivate and encourage all Muslims to fast tomorrow Thursday if you've missed Fasting since 1st day of Dhul Hijjah.  It is a day of Eid for the people who are performing hajj and it's a very special day for them and for us.  Our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Yawm ‘Arafaah (the day of ‘Arafaah), Yawm al-Nahr(the Day of Sacrifice) and Ayyaam al-Tashreeq (the 3 days following Yawm al-Nahr) are Eid (festival) for us, the people of Islam. These are days of eating and drinking.” This was narrated by the authors of al-Sunan. It was reported that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab said: “It – i.e., the aayah ‘This day I have perfected…’ was revealed on a Friday, the Day of ‘Arafaah, both of which, praise be to Allaah – are Eids for us.”  It is a day by which Allaah swore an oath.  The Almighty cannot swear by anything except that which ...

First Reminder. Wednesday 8th day of Dhul Hijjah. Encouraging Good and Fobiding Evil is all we need to start doing if we want Allah to help us. Bismillah Lets look at our communities today, can we be proud of having majority good practising brothers and sisters? Definitely not, majority of our parents, brothers and sisters have turned fornicators, thieves, gamblers, soothsayers etc. Majority of our brothers and sisters are having children or pregnancies out of marriage. You hardly find a virgin girl or a holy brother today to marry each other yaa Allah. Marriage is now expensive to bear, nothing like sunnah marriages any more, bid'a marriages dominate now making zina (fornication) cheap. With all these evil going on, how do we get the blessings or guidance of Allah? It is clear in Quran and authentic hadith that if these kind of evil becomes open and real and we dont speak against it and find a way of stopping it then Allah will humilate us in dunya and in the hereafter will ...

THIRD REMINDER. Tuesday. RULINGS ON EID FALLING ON FRIDAY continues. BismilLah. Let's continue from the second Reminder; When any group of people decide to offer zuhur instead of Jumuat prayers even if in a masjid should not give the adhaan except in the mosques where Jumu‘ah prayers will be held. It is not prescribed to give the adhaan for Zuhr on that day.  The view that whoever attends the Eid prayer has a concession waiving both Jumu‘ah and Zuhr prayer on that day is an incorrect view. Therefore it is rejected by the scholars and they have deemed it to be mistaken and odd, because it is contrary to the Sunnah and suggests that one of the obligatory duties enjoined by Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, is to be waived with no evidence to that effect. And Allah, may He be exalted, knows best. May Allah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam and upon his family and companions. These rulings were taken from the fatwas given by Sha...

SECOND REMINDER. Tuesday. 7th day of Dhul Hijjah. RULINGS ON EID FALLING ON FRIDAY continues. BismilLah. Based on many hadiths as mentioned in the first Reminder, Scholars have given fatwas on the topic as follows; Whoever attends the Eid prayer has a concession allowing him not to attend Jumu‘ah prayer, so he may pray it as Zuhr at the time of Zuhr. But if he decides to pray Jumu‘ah with the people, that is preferable and better in rewards. Whoever has not attended the Eid prayer is not included in that concession, therefore the obligation to attend Jumu‘ah is not waived in his case. Therefore he must go to the mosque in order to pray Jumu‘ah. The imam of the Jumu‘ah mosque must hold Jumu‘ah prayers on that day so that those who wish to attend, and those who did not attend the Eid prayer, may attend Jumu‘ah. Whoever attends the Eid prayer and has a concession allowing him not to attend Jumu‘ah must pray it as Zuhr after the time for Zuhr begins. No need to wait till after Ju...

FIRST REMINDER. Tuesday. RULINGS ON EID FALLING ON FRIDAY. BismilLah. Allah the Mighty Creator of the Universe and beyond has offered us some options when it comes to some aspects of worship BUT it's very very important that we choose the best of the any options as our priority. I always advise fellow brothers and sisters that never miss Jumuat prayers on Eid day because we have options to pray zuhur. There is no doubt that we have options to pray zuhur on Friday even though it's compulsory for the local imam to organise the Jumuat prayers but individually, we may choose to follow the imam or pray zuhur if something very important makes it impossible to join for Jumuat prayers so do not intentionally decide not to participate for Jumuat with excuse of Eid prayers. In the Saheeh of al-Bukhaari (may Allah have mercy on him) and the Muwatta’ of imam Maalik (may Allah have mercy on him) it is narrated that Abu ‘Ubayd, the freed slave of Ibn Azhar, said: I was present on the oc...

THIRD REMINDER. Monday. LIVING A SIMPLE LIFE AS MUSLIMS. BismilLah. Indeed, Allah Ta’ala had offered to turn the mountains into gold for Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Yet the life he chose was one where, on many occasions, there was nothing available to eat in any of the homes of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). While Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) adopted simplicity himself, he stressed the same for the Sahaaba (R.A.) as well. When Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) dispatched Sheikh Mu’az bin Jabal (R.A.) as the governor of Yemen, he gave him several advises among which was: “Beware of hankering after comforts and luxuries for verily the true servants of Allah Ta’ala are not self-indulgent.” Once the Sahaaba (R.A.) were discussing some worldly aspects. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) addressed them and said: “Will you not listen? Will you not listen? Will you not listen? Verily simplicity is a part of Imaan. Verily simplicity is a part of...

SECOND REMINDER. Monday. LIVING A SIMPLE LIFE AS MUSLIMS. BismilLah. Let's continue from the first Reminder. Imam Umar ibn Khattab (RadiAllahu ‘anhu) said: ‘I entered the Messenger’s house and I found him sitting on a mat. He had a leather pillow stuffed with fibres. He had a pot of water by his feet, and there was some clothes hung on the wall. His side had marks due to the mat that he lay on’. Umar wept when he saw this, and the Messenger (salAllahu’alayhi wasallam) asked him: ‘Why do you weep?’ Umar said: ‘O Prophet of God! Khosrau (Persian emperior) and Caesar enjoy the best of this world, and you are suffering in poverty?!’ He said: ‘Aren’t you pleased that they enjoy this world, and we will enjoy the Hereafter?’ Saheeh Bukhari. Simplicity and abstinence from extravagance is highly recommended in Islam. While living in luxury is not prohibited for a Muslim, it is at most ‘mubah’, or permissible (not encouraged). As we are aptly reminded through the above narration, the pro...

Morning Reminder. Monday. 6th day of Dhul Hijjah. Living a simple life on earth in exchange for luxurious life in Paradise. Lets make a choice and act upon it. Bismillah. “A man came to the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Guide me to such an action that when I do it, Allah will love me and the people will also love me.’ He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, ‘Be detached from this world and then Allah will love you, and do not be attached to what people have and then people will love you.’” [Ibn Majah; Kitab az-Zuhd]. This hadith shows that Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) loves those who live simple life in this life like how the Prophet and his companions lived. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) says: “Yes, you prefer the life of this world, but the next world is better and more lasting.” [Quran: Surah al-A’la, Ayaat 16-17]. Part of living a simple life is to prepare well towards our grave which is the only way to put a check on ourselves. A brother shared...

THIRD REMINDER. Sunday. Let's continue from the afternoon reminder on conditions for hajj to be obligatory upon us. BismilLah Being able to do Hajj means that one is sound in body and has means of transportation to reach the sacred House of Allaah whether by plane, car or riding animal, or by renting such means, according to his situation, and that he has sufficient provisions to get there and back. That should be surplus to what he needs to spend on those on whom he is obliged to spend, until he returns from Hajj. A woman should also have a husband or mahram with whom to travel to Hajj or ‘Umrah. End quote.  The money that he uses to reach the sacred House should be surplus to his basic needs, the spending enjoined on him by sharee’ah, and what he needs to pay off his debts.  If a person has a debt, and he does not have enough money to both do Hajj and pay off the debt, then he should pay off the debt first and he does not have to go for Hajj.  Some people think that the reas...

SECOND REMINDER. Sunday. Let's continue with the conditions that make hajj compulsory upon us. BismilLahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Being of sound mind and being an adult: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The pen is lifted from three [and does not record their deeds]: from one who is sleeping, until he wakes up; from a child until he reaches puberty, and from one who is insane until he comes to his senses.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4403; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.  So a child is not obliged to perform Hajj, but if his parents take him for Hajj, his Hajj is valid; the child will have the reward of Hajj and his parents will also have a reward, because when a woman lifted up a child and asked, “Is there Hajj for this one?” the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Yes, and you will have the reward.” Narrated by Muslim.  Being free: Hajj is not obligatory for a slave, because he is distracted by his duties towar...

FIRST REMINDER. Sunday. 5th day of Dhul Hijjah. Conditions of Hajj being obligatory. BismilLah The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) research on Quran and Sunnah have stated the conditions of Hajj being obligatory, which, if they are met, make it obligatory for a person to perform Hajj, and without them Hajj is not obligatory. There are five such conditions: being Muslim, being of sound mind, being an adult, being free and being able to do it.  Being Muslim: This applies to all acts of worship, because worship done by a kaafir or non Muslim is not valid. Allaah says:  “And nothing prevents their contributions from being accepted from them except that they disbelieved in Allaah and in His Messenger”[al-Tawbah 9:54]. According to the hadeeth of Mu’aadh, when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sent him to Yemen, he said: “You are going to people from among the people of the Book. Call them to bear witness that there is no god but Allaah and that I am the Me...

THIRD REMINDER. Saturday. OUR INTENTIONS IN GOOD DEEDS. Bismillah. Ask yourself why you are on Facebook, whatsapp and other social network. If you are there to please a man or woman then note that your activities online are a waste of your time. For those of us sharing knowledge in particular, as soon as your intentions become corrupted that's by trying to please someone, you nullify your good deeds with bad intentions. If as a brother or sister, you are displaying your inappropriate photos online to please a man or woman then note that if you displease Allah, Allah will cause people to be displease with you. I always remind my beloved readers that Facebook & Whatsapp does not make anyone including myself "More Religious. Let's purify our hearts and intentions and strive to please only Allah. Allah is Perfect, AMAZING and HE is our Protector. May Allah make our Intentions pure and give us Taqwa Online so that we become Jannah Focused. Aameen.

SECOND REMINDER. Saturday. OUR BELIEF SYSTEM. BismilLah The definition of belief in the Qur'an is complete devotion to Allah and Allah alone. The Hereafter is absolutely inescapable. The believer is devoted to Allah because we knows we will certainly give an account of everything we did in the world. Everything a person owns in the world such as health, intelligence, beauty, wealth, career, good standards of living, spouse, children, and other blessings such as food and clothing are all from Allah and is defined by Allah down to the finest detail. There is no provider other than Allah. The true believer knows this undeniable fact and so loves and glorifies Allah ceaselessly. Surely the one who has given everything is deserving of the greatest love and respect. We can never make a silly mistake to attribute the source of these blessings to any worldly being or to ourselves or anyone else. Allah says; "When something harm my servant, he cry on me Then, when I grant my serva...

FIRST REMINDER. Saturday. 4th day of Dhul Qa'adah. One of the basic arguments raised by non-Muslims, especially Christians, against Islam concerns the concept of salvation. They say that in Christianity, one is saved by faith, whereas in Islam one must earn their salvation through good deeds. How do we answer that? BismilLah Many Muslims due to lack of Islamic Knowledge fail to realize that the Islaamic concept of salvation is not based upon only good deeds, but is based primarily upon faith. In the dozens of times Allah Almighty talks in the Quran about salvation, Allah always states, "Those who believe and do good deeds." Belief is always mentioned before deeds or works. When one converts to Islaam, one does not do it by doing some good work but rather through realizing and believing that there is but one God and Muhammed peace be upon him is HIS last messenger. Such persons becomes a Muslim and all their past sins forgiving to the extend that if they are to die th...

THIRD REMINDER. Friday. ANIMALS FOR THE UPCOMING SACRIFICE continues. BismilLah Let's continue from the first/second Reminders. Our beloved messenger of Allah said: "He who sacrifices (the animal) before offering the ('Eid) prayer, he should offer again in its stead, and he who did not sacrifice the animal should slaughter it by reciting "Bismillaahi wallaahu ‘Akbar, Allaahumma minka wa laka. Allaahumma taqabbal minnee or minnaa(for plural). In the Name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest! Oh Allah, from You and to You. Oh Allah, accept it from me/us. Muslim 3/ 1557, Al-Bayhaqi 9/287. The animal for sacrifice should be free of any faults that would render it unsuitable for sacrifice such as:  1. An obvious defect in one eye, such as when the eye is sunken in its socket, or when it sticks out like a button, or is white and obviously defective.  2. Obvious sickness, whose symptoms are clearly apparent in the animal, such as fever that prevents it from grazing and causes...

SECOND REMINDER. Friday. Sharing an animal for sacrifice continues. BismilLah. Let's continue from the first Reminder. Imam Abu Daawood (2808) narrated from Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “A cow on behalf of seven and a camel on behalf of seven.” Imam Al-Nawawi said in Sharh Muslim:  These ahaadeeth indicate that it is permissible to share in the sacrifice, but they are unanimously agreed that it not permissible to share in a sheep. These ahaadeeth indicate that a camel is sufficient on behalf of seven people, and a cow is sufficient on behalf of seven people, and each of them takes the place of seven sheep.   Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Ahkaam al-Udhiyah:  One sheep is sufficient for one person, and one-seventh of a camel or cow is sufficient for what one sheep is sufficient for. AlhamdulilLah. May Allah aid us to be able to be part of this great acts of worship. Aameen.

FIRST REMINDER. Friday. 3rd day of Dhul Hijjah. Sharing an animal for sacrifice. BismilLah. Islam is a complete way of life as such has rulings on all issues if we choose to learn. Allah does not require us to do things above our abilities or affordability. It is permissible to share in a sacrifice if it is a camel or a cow, but it is not permissible to share in a sheep. It is permissible for seven, 7 people to share one camel or cow.  It is narrated that the Swahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) shared sacrifices: seven people would share a camel or a cow in Hajj and ‘Umrah.  Muslim (1318) narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “On the day of al-Hudaybiyah we offered the sacrifice with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), a camel on behalf of seven and a cow on behalf of seven.  According to another report, it was narrated that Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: We performed Hajj with the Me...

THIRD REMINDER. Thursday. ANIMALS FOR THE UPCOMING SACRIFICE continues. BismilLah Let's continue from the first/second Reminders. Our beloved messenger of Allah said: "He who sacrifices (the animal) before offering the ('Eid) prayer, he should offer again in its stead, and he who did not sacrifice the animal should slaughter it by reciting "Bismillaahi wallaahu ‘Akbar, Allaahumma minka wa laka. Allaahumma taqabbal minnee or minnaa(for plural). In the Name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest! Oh Allah, from You and to You. Oh Allah, accept it from me/us. Muslim 3/ 1557, Al-Bayhaqi 9/287. The animal for sacrifice should be free of any faults that would render it unsuitable for sacrifice such as:  1. An obvious defect in one eye, such as when the eye is sunken in its socket, or when it sticks out like a button, or is white and obviously defective.  2. Obvious sickness, whose symptoms are clearly apparent in the animal, such as fever that prevents it from grazing and caus...

SECOND REMINDER. Thursday. 2nd day of Dhul Hijjah. ANIMALS FOR THE UPCOMING SACRIFICE continues. BismilLah Let's continue from the first Reminder. As for 'Eid sacrifice from the goats, it should be at least one year old. The cow, if chosen to be 'Eid sacrifice, two years old. But the camel should not be less than five years old". The castrated animal can suffice because the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) observed 'Eed sacrifice with two castrated rams. Also the sheep that was born without a fat tail or which has at least half of its fat tail can suffice as 'Eid sacrifice. The time for slaughtering the sacrifice is after the eid prayer and slaughtering it before the prayer does not suffice as the Prophet (sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: " The first (act) with which we start our day (the day of 'EId-ul Adhha is that we offer prayer. We then return and sacrifice the animals and he who does that in fact has adhered to our Sunnah (pr...

FIRST REMINDER. Thursday. 2nd day of Dhul-Qa'dah. ANIMALS FOR THE UPCOMING EID SACRIFICE. BismilLah This year's Eid will be around next week Friday 1st September in Shaa Allah and I guess this is the right time to buy your animal for the sacrifice if you've not purchased one yet. They become expensive as the date approaches. Eid sacrifice is a Sunnah (recommended act) for any Muslim who is able to do it. Slaughtering the 'Eid sacrifice is better than giving its value in charity. If you are living abroad and cannot find a suitable animal to sacrifice can pay money to Islamic charities who buy the animals and slaughter on your behalf as your sacrifice for the poor to enjoy the meat. The best way for more rewards is to let your own family sacrifice on your behalf and enjoy its meat. The sacrificed animal should be from the livestock: cows, camels, sheep and goats. As for the prevailing view in this concern might be that the sheep and goats are the best animals for th...

THIRD REMINDER Wednesday. Let's continue from the second reminder. Please share to any group you are a member of. BismilLah A sin may appear insignificant in the eyes of a person when before Allaah it is serious, as Allaah says: “you counted it a little thing, while with Allaah it was very great” [al-Noor 24:15]. With regard to belief, if a Muslim who prays commits some sins or bad deeds, he is still a Muslim so long as he does not commit any action which would put him beyond the pale of Islam or do any of the things which nullify Islam. This sinful Muslim will be subject to the will of Allaah in the Hereafter; if He wills He will punish him, and if He wills He will forgive him/her. If he or she enters Hell in the hereafter, he/she will not abide there forever. But no person can be certain as to his fate, as to whether the punishment will befall him or not, because this matter is known only to Allaah. Sins are divided into two categories, minor and major. Minor sins may be exp...

SECOND REMINDER. Wednesday. Let's continue from the morning reminder. Please share to any group you are a member of. BismilLah Look around and you will find that vices are creeping in corroding the moral fabric of our society. Falsehood has become an art form. Immodesty is called fashion and indecency is in vogue. Corruption is rampant. The epidemic is global. Those who fear Allah (SWT) and continue to struggle to uphold their faith and character under such adverse circumstances, Prophet (S.A.W) had given us good tidings for paradise. Alhamdulillah. Moreover, the Muslim should not look at how small or great the sin is, rather he should look at the greatness and might of the One Whom he or she is disobeying, for He is the Most Great, the Most High; He is Mighty in strength and Severe in punishment, and His punishment is severe and painful and humiliating. If He exacts vengeance on those who disobey Him, then utter destruction will be their fate. Allaah says: “Such is the Seizure...

FIRST Reminder. Wednesday. 1st day of Dhul Hijjah. PRESCRIPTION FOR PIETY. BismilLah Allah (SWT) says in Aayah 119 of Surah Taubah: “O Believers fear Allah and be with those who are truthful.” To fear Allah means to avoid sins at all cost and to make sincere repentance and seek forgiveness from Allah in case a sin is committed.  Along with fearing Allah, this Aayah also commands to be with the people who are truthful, i.e., who always speak the truth, who at heart are truthful and whose actions reflect their belief in truth. This is Allah (SWT)’s mercy that when He commands to do something, which may apparently seem hard, He sends a command soon after which makes the first command easy and doable. In other words the second or the following command paves the way for the fulfillment of the first command. A person, who is living in an amoral, immoral or unethical environment, may ask a question: “How to build a barrier against sins and be safe from their influence.” Listen to what Prop...

THIRD REMINDER. Tuesday. WHAT MUST a MUSLIM AVOID DURING THESE TEN DAYS if HE or SHE WANTS to OFFER a SACRIFICE? Bismillah Let's continue from the first/second Reminders. If you missed any, please request me to manually copy you. If a person has cut his hair or nails during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah because he was not planning to offer a sacrifice, then he decides later, during the ten days, to offer a sacrifice, then he must refrain from cutting his hair and nails from the moment he makes this decision. Among the good deeds which the Muslim should strive to do during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah are: Fasting as mentioned in the first Reminder. Takbeer. It is Sunnah to say Takbeer ("Allaahu akbar"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah"), Tahleel ("La ilaha ill-Allaah") and Tasbeeh ("Subhaan Allaah") during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, and to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street and every place where it is permit...

SECOND REMINDER. Tuesday. WHAT MUST a MUSLIM AVOID DURING THESE TEN DAYS if HE or SHE WANTS to OFFER a SACRIFICE? Bismillah The Sunnah indicates that the one who wants to offer a sacrifice must stop cutting his hair and nails and removing anything from his skin, from the beginning of the ten days until after he has offered his sacrifice, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "When you see the new moon of Dhu’l-Hijjah, if any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, then he should stop cutting his hair and nails until he has offered his sacrifice." According to another report he said: "He should not remove (literally, touch) anything from his hair or skin." (reported by Muslim with four isnaads, 13/146). The Prophet’s instruction here makes one thing obligatory and his prohibition makes another haraam, according to the soundest opinion, because these commands and prohibitions are unconditional and unavoidable. However, if a person doe...

FIRST REMINDER. Tuesday. 30th day of Dhul Qe'dah. ARE WE READY FOR DHUL HIJJAH, THE MONTH OF BLESSING. BismilLah Tomorrow Wednesday (23rd of August) may be the first day of the Islamic month known as Dhul-Hijjah( The month of Pilgrimage). Our hearts and prayers are with those undertaking the difficult pilgrimage during these days. For those of us who are not performing the Hajj, there are still many ways to make the most of this blessed time! Virtues of the first 10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah. How many times have we heard Surat Al-Fajr recited, be it in our homes, while memorizing, or in the mosque? As a shorter surah, it may be a frequent part of our prayers, but taking the time to reflect on even a part of the first verse reveals a treasure of meaning. In the first two ayahs (verses) of Surat Al-Fajr, Allah says: "Walfajir, walayaalil ashr. Meaning “By the dawn; And [by] the ten nights.” (89:1-2). According to scholars of the Qur’an, the days mentioned as significant enough fo...

THIRD REMINDER. Monday. WHY ARE WE SPLITTING INTO SECTS continues_*? Bismillah. Imam At-Tirmidhi said: The meaning of the united community according to the scholars are the people of jurisprudence, knowledge, and prophetic traditions. Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2167. There are two main causes for people to break away from the united community. First, there are those who abandon the scholarly legacy, such as the violent Kharijites, which leads them to persecute other Muslims in the name of religious reform. These are the religious innovators, those who change the religion and prevent people from practicing it as it should be. Second, there are those who foment aggression and hatred between Muslims for some worldly or political end. Ash-Shatibi writes: Indeed, this splitting has happened due to the presence of aggression and hatred. If that is the case, then it is sinful disobedience and not religious innovation. Its example is what happened to the people of Islam when they split du...

SECOND REMINDER. Monday. WHY ARE WE SPLITTING INTO SECTS continues? Bismillah. Ibn Kathir comments on the verses in the first Reminder, saying: The followers of other religions before us differed in their opinions and false sects. Each faction among them imagined they were onto something. This nation will also differ due to false ascriptions and each sect is misguided except for one. They are the people of the prophetic tradition and united community (Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama’ah), those who hold fast to the book of Allah and the tradition of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and what was left by the first generation of companions, their followers, and the leaders of the Muslims in the early and latter times. Source: Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr 30:31. The Prophet informed us that the Muslims would split into even more sects than previous nations. Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: تَفَرَّقَتْ الْيَهُودُ عَلَى إِحْدَى وَسَ...

FIRST REMINDER. Monday. 28th day of Dhul-Qa'dah. WHY ARE WE SPLITTING INTO SECTS? Bismillah Sectarianism and partisanship are among the worst sins in Islam. The religion was revealed and bestowed upon humanity to provide principles for mutual respect, cooperation, and brotherhood between different tribes, countries, and nations. When we practice the religion as it should be, it will lead to greater unity within a diversity of people. On the contrary, when we mix the religion with selfish desires, worldly ambitions, and ignorance it leads to disunity, sectarianism, and even violence. Allah has blamed those who use the religion as a means to divide people, as they have nothing to do with Islam and are on the verge of falling into idolatry. Allah says: وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا Hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. Qur'an 3:103. And Allah says: إِنَّ الَّذِينَ فَرَّقُوا دِينَهُمْ وَكَانُوا شِيَعًا لَّسْتَ مِنْه...

THIRD REMINDER. Sunday. CHEATING WITHIN MARRIAGE continues. BismilLah. Let's conclude on our topic today. Some of our scholars says, This action of having a relationship with non relative opposite gender is not permissible, because it will provoke desire between them and will make them want to meet one another. This kind of correspondence often causes fitnah (temptation) and plants the seeds of zina in the heart, which leads to evil actions. So we advise those who are seeking that which is in their own best interests and who wish to protect themselves to avoid writing to or speaking with non-mahrams, etc., so as to protect their religious commitment and their honour, and Allaah is the Source of help. May Allah keep guiding us all and protect us from any satanic influences. Aameen.

SECOND REMINDER. Sunday. CHEATING WITHIN MARRIAGE continues. BismilLah. Let's continue from the first Reminder. For a Muslim woman to also form an illicit relationship with a man who is not her mahram or relative whether married or not is also a major sin and is worse than that of a man, because it results in mixing of lineages and it makes the husband doubt whether his children are really his or not, which leads to a great deal of mischief. Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen may Allah be pleased with him said: It is not permissible for any person to correspond with a woman who is not his mahram and vise versa, because of the fitnah (temptation) involved in that. Any person communicating with non relative unnecessarily may think that there is no fitnah involved, but the Shaytaan will keep at him until he tempts the man by means of the woman and vice versa. There is a great deal of temptation and danger in correspondence between young men and young women, so they must keep away from it,...

FIRST REMINDER. Sunday. 27th of Dhul Qa'âdah. CHEATING WITHIN MARRIAGE. BismilLah. For a man to form an illicit relationship with a non-mahram woman is not just cheating on his wife, it is a sin against his own soul and an act of disobedience towards his Lord. Allaah has forbidden such relationships and has barred the ways that may lead to the greater form of immorality which is zina (unlawful sexual relationships). The forbidden acts which people commit when they have such relationships are many and include being alone with that person (khulwah), shaking hands with them, looking at them, etc. These are sins which are forbidden in the texts in and of themselves, and because of the sin of zina to which they may lead. Let's fear Allah and the day we die in such relationship. It's a major risk to take towards our grave. We can die within any moment without any prior notice. We are not cheating on our wives as the west term it, we are cheating on ourselves. To be continue...

SECOND REMINDER. Saturday. TYPES OF HAJJ. BismilLah. There are three types of Hajj: Tamattu’, Ifraad and Qiraan. Tamattu’ means entering ihraam for ‘Umrah only during the months of Hajj (the months of Hajj are Shawwaal, Dhu’l-Qi’dah and Dhu’l-Hijjah). When the pilgrim reaches Makkah he performs tawaaf(circumambulating the Kaaba (most sacred site in Islam) seven times, in a counterclockwise direction) and saa’i(to perform the going (Tawaaf) between As-Safa and Al-Marwah, the two mountains) for ‘Umrah, and shaves his head or cuts his hair, and exits ihraam. Then when the day of al-Tarwiyah(day of Hajj), which is the 8th of Dhu’l-Hijjah, comes, he enters ihraam for Hajj only, and does all the actions of Hajj. So Tamattu’ involves a complete ‘Umrah and a complete Hajj. To be continued in Shaa Allah. May Allah purify our intentions and grant us the opportunity to participate in the coming years hajj. Aameen.

FIRST REMINDER. Saturday. 26th day of Dhul-Qa'dah. HAJJ MOOD ACTIVATED. BismilLaah As the hujjaaj departs towards the most important and meritorious journey of their life, we pray that Allah purify their intentions and accept their hajj. Aameen. Hajj is one of the best acts of worship. It is one of the pillars of Islam with which Allaah sent Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam and without which a person’s religious commitment is incomplete. Worship cannot bring a person closer to Allaah and cannot be accepted unless it meets two conditions: 1. Sincerity towards Allaah alone, i.e., it is done to seek the Countenance of Allaah and the Hereafter, and is not done to show off, to enhance one’s reputation or for worldly gain. 2. Following the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in word and deed. Following the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) can only be achieving by knowing his Sunnah. Hence the one who wants to worship Allaah by do...

THIRD REMINDER. Friday. Sunnah making during her Menstruation continues. BismilLaah. There are many other harmful effects, some of which have not yet been discovered, but Allaah has referred to them when HE says; “Say: that is an Adha (a harmful thing for a husband to have a sexual intercourse with his wife while she is having her menses), therefore, keep away from women during menses and go not unto them till they are purified (from menses and have taken a bath)” [al-Baqarah 2:222]. Allaah has described it as adha, a harmful thing both for the wife and for the husband, and other harmful effects about which Allaah knows best. Thus it becomes clear that the prohibition on intercourse at the time of menstruation is not just because of the blood, rather it is for many reasons as stated above. The Muslim must also obey the commands of Allaah, for He is the Creator and He knows best what is good for His slaves and what is harmful to them. He is the One Who says “keep away from women...

SECOND REMINDER. Friday. Sunnah making during her Menstruation continues. BismilLaah. Dr. al-Baar thinks that the harm is not limited to what he describes of the introduction of germs into the uterus and vagina which is difficult to treat, rather it also extends to other things, which will be discussed in the evening Reminder: Let's avoid whatever Allah says is forbidden for our own good. Don't listen to some inexperienced doctors who advice Sisters to meet with their husbands during their menses to enhance pregnancy, please note that Allah does not put any blessings into things HE has forbidden us. Some dangers we put ourselves when we make sunnah with our wives in their menses include; 1. The spread of infection to the fallopian tubes, which may then become blocked, which in turn may lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy, which is the most dangerous kind of pregnancy. 2. The spread of infection to the urethra, bladder and kidneys; diseases of the urinary tract are usu...

FIRST REMINDER. Friday. 25th day of Dhul Qa'âdah. MAKING SUNNAH WITH HER DURING HER MENSTRUATION PERIOD IS HARAAM. BismilLaah. Allaah has forbidden men to have intercourse with their wives at the time of menstruation. The Qur’aan clearly stated the reason for this prohibition, which is that menstruation is adha (a harmful thing). Allaah says: “They ask you concerning menstruation. Say: that is an Adha (a harmful thing for a husband to have a sexual intercourse with his wife while she is having her menses), therefore, keep away from women during menses” [al-Baqarah 2:222]. Scientific studies in this field have disclosed to us some of the harm that is referred to in this verse, but they have not managed to describe all the harms that are referred to in the Qur’aanic text. Dr. Muhiy al-Deen al-‘Alabi said: “It is essential to refrain from having intercourse with a menstruating women because doing so leads to an increase in the flow of menstrual blood, because the veins of the...

THIRD REMINDER. Thursday. 24th day of Dhul Qa'âdah. PERFORMING HAJJ IS OBLIGATORY AND VERY BENEFICIAL FOR THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD continues. BismilLah. “Whoever works righteousness man or woman, and has Faith, verily, to him ALLAH will give a new Life, a life that is good and pure, and ALLAH will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.” (Qur’an 16: 97). Another tremendous reward for performing Hajj is the acceptance of our supplications. If we ask for Allah’s forgiveness, He the Most Forgiving responds to our prayer as narrated in the following Hadith: Abu Hurayrah (r.a., radhiallahu anhu, meaning: may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “Those who perform the Hajj and those who perform the umrah are people who have come to visit the universal worshiping site of Allah. If they supplicate Him He will respond to them, and if they ask Him for forgiveness He will forgive them.” (Tirmidhi 2536 and Ibn Majah). Since our Rabb li...

SECOND REMINDER. Thursday. 24th day of Dhul Qa'âdah. PERFORMING HAJJ IS OBLIGATORY AND VERY BENEFICIAL FOR THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD continues. BismilLah. When we perform the Hajj rites properly we attain tremendous rewards. One of which is Allah’s forgiveness of all our past sins. This means our eternal happiness and success in Paradise. In the following authentic Ahâdîth we learn the following very inspiring teachings from the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). “He who came to this House (the Ka’bah) (with the intention in performing Hajj) without speaking or committing indecencies, would return (free from sin) as on the day his mother bore him.” (Muslim, 2/3129). Allahu Akbar. “From one ‘Umrah to another is expiation for what is between them and Hajj Mabrûr has no reward except Paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim). By Hajj Mabrûr it means the Hajj accepted by Allah for being performed perfectly according to the Prophet’s Sunnah with legally earned money avoiding sinful and evil ...

FIRST REMINDER. Thursday. 24th day of Dhul Qa'âdah. PERFORMING HAJJ IS OBLIGATORY AND VERY BENEFICIAL FOR THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD. BismilLah. Hajj (the Pilgrimage to Makkah) is the fifth pillar of Islam. The Prophet (sallallahu' alayhi wa sallam meaning: may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:  “Islam has been built upon five pillars: declaring that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; the establishment of salaah (five compulsory daily prayers; the payment of zakaah (obligatory charity); the Hajj (pilgrimage to the House of Allah, if one is able); and sawm of Ramadan (fasting in the month of Ramadan).” (Bukhari 1/ 7). This final pillar of Islam is obligatory, at least once in a lifetime, upon all sane Muslims, who reach the age of puberty, and are physically and financially able to make the journey. Allah the Almighty tells us in His Book:  “... And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty ...

THIRD REMINDER. Wednesday. HOW TO DEAL WITH OUR BAD RELATIVES ISLAMICALLY. BismilLah A man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said: "O Messenger of Allaah, I have relatives with whom I try to keep in touch, but they cut me off; I treat them well, but they treat me badly; I try to be kind to them, but they are cruel to me." He said: "If you are as you say, it is as if you are putting hot ashes in their mouths. You will continue to have support from Allaah against them so long as you continue doing that." (Reported by Muslim, no. 2558). This Hadith and many similar ahadith is to encourage us to keep our kindness to our relatives purely for Allah sake regardless of how they treat us back because we are not doing to seek their rewards or appreciation but instead to seek Allah's MERCY so why bother about what they do in return? In Islam we are encouraged to reciprocate whatever kindness we receive from others with better kindness ...

SECOND REMINDER. Wednesday. Continuation from the First reminder on how to treat our relatives in Islam. BismilLah Human relationship may be based on nationality, faith, ethnicity, culture, race or language etc., but the most important bondage of relationship is that of blood that is tied to the maternal womb. Allah says; “O Mankind, fear your Lord, Who created you of a single soul, and of the same created his mate, and from that pair spread countless men and women over the earth; fear that Allah in Whose name you demand your rights from one another, and abstain from violating relations between kinsfolk; note it well that Allah is watching you very closely.” This Aayah beautifully explains the basis of laws and regulations about Human Rights, especially about the smooth running of the immediate and extended family. To be concluded in shaa Allah. We ask Allah to bless and protect our parents till Jannat becomes their abode. Aameen.

FIRST REMINDER. Wednesday. 23rd day of Dhul Qa'âdah. ISLAMIC TEACHINGS ON HOW TO TREAT OUR RELATICES. BISMILLAH. Islam gives great importance to the bonds of kinship and rights of relatives. Allah command us in the holy Qur’an to that at least 12 times in different verses. I will mention just a few. Aayah 90 of Surah Nahl says: “Allah enjoins justice, generosity and kind treatment with relatives…” The third thing which has been enjoined is good treatment with one’s relatives. It means that one should not only treat relatives well, share their sorrows and pleasure and help them within lawful limits but should also share one’s wealth with them along with the rights of parents and immediate family. The Prophet (Sallallaahu Alaihi wasallam ) has emphasized this fact in many Traditions. In the light of such Traditions a person owes rights to his parents, his wife, husband, children, brothers, sisters and other relatives in accordance with the nearness of their relationships. Islam ...

THIRD REMINDER. Tuesday. Let's conclude on our topic on JINNS. It's long but please don't miss reading even one line. Very important information. Bismillah. The ability to possess and take over the minds and bodies of other creatures is also a power which the Jinn have utilised greatly over the centuries. This however, is something which has been prohibited to them as it is a great oppression to possess another being. Human possession is something which has always brought about great attention. But the true knowledge of this subject is rare amongst the people. Over the last 3 decades the subject of possession has become very commercialised. During the 70's films such as The Exorcist and Rosemary's Baby were used to educate people about possession. However, because such institutions (the film industry) were heavily influenced by Christianity, knowledge of the subject was non-existent. Rather than educate people about Jinn possession, films such as The Exorcist ju...

SECOND REMINDER. Tuesday. OUR TOPIC TODAY ABOUT JINNS continues. Bismillah Jinns can thus be Muslims or non-Muslims. However, due to their fiery nature the majority of them are non-Muslims. All these non-Muslim Jinns form a part of the army of the most famous Jinn, Iblis- the Shaytan. It must be remembered that Iblis is a Jinn and not an Angel. The concept of the Devil being a fallen Angel is from Christianity and not Islam. Consequently, these disbelieving Jinns are also called Shaytans (devils). As for the Jinns who become Muslims, then the first of them did so in the time of the Prophet (saws) when a group of them were amazed by the recitation of the Qur'an. Allah orders the Prophet to tell the people of this event: "Say (O' Muhammed): It has been revealed to me that a group of Jinn listened and said; 'Indeed we have heard a marvellous Qur'an. It guides unto righteousness so we have believed in it, and we will never make partners with our lord'" (Sur...

FIRST REMINDER. Tuesday. 22nd day of Dhul Qa'âdah. LET'S STUDY ABOUT THE WORLD OF JINNS. Bismillah Throughout history man has always had a deep attraction for the supernatural and the unseen. The existence of a world parallel to our own has always fascinated people. This world is commonly referred to as the spirit world, and almost every set of people have some concept of one. With some people, these spirits are no more then the souls of dead people- or ghosts. With others, spirits are either the forces of good or the forces of evil - both battling against one another to gain influence over humanity. However, both of these explanations are more in tune with folk tales and fantasy. The true explanation of such a world comes from Islam. Like every other way, Islam also claims to explain this realm of the unseen. It is from this realm that Islam explains to us about the world of the Jinn. The Islamic explanation of the Jinn provides us with so many answers to modem day myster...