自殺是非法的

在伊斯蘭，只有在規定的原因下，才能殺人或處死刑：如果非穆斯林要與穆斯林鬥爭，挑起戰端，為了自衛，教法允許殺死來犯之敵人；但如非穆斯林不與穆斯林交戰，就不得妄殺對方。只有三種情況可以處死刑：已婚者通姦；以命抵命；和脫離群眾的叛教者。（布哈里聖訓實錄和穆斯林聖訓實錄）所以無故殺人是非法的，包括殺人和自殺。誰無論什麼原因自殺，誰確已殺了真主所禁止無理殺的人－－「誰故意殺害一個信士，誰要受火獄的報酬，而永居其中，且受真主的譴怒和棄絕，真主已為他預備重大的刑罰。」（古蘭經4章93節）。

人的生命，並不是自己主宰，人既不能創造自己的生命，也不能創造自身上的任何一個肢體，就連身上的一個細胞，人也無能創造。人的生命，只是真主委託給人的一個寄存物，所以人不應該怠慢或浪費生命，何況是侵犯生命、擺脫生命？古蘭經4章29~31節：「....你們不要自殺，真主確是憐恤你們的。誰為過份和不義而犯此嚴禁，我要把誰投入火獄，這對於真主是容易的。如果你們遠離你們所受禁的一切大罪，我就赦宥你們的一切罪過，並使你們得入一個尊貴的境地。」

伊斯蘭教育穆斯林，在面對災難時要堅強、剛毅和果敢。在任何情況下，都不允許穆斯林逃避生存，也不允許因遭遇不幸及挫折，就對人生失去信心。信士生來是為了奮鬥，不是為了坐享其成，要為生存而奮鬥，不要逃避現實，伊斯蘭的信仰和道德，可幫助穆斯林度過今世的苦難，還有真主對穆斯林的應許，及穆斯林對後世樂園的盼望，都能幫助穆斯林努力生存下去。

穆聖（願主賜福他）警告那些膽敢犯自殺罪的人們，他們將被剝奪享受樂園裏真主的慈惠而墮入火獄，遭主的遣怒。也說過令人震顫的警告：「誰從高山跌下而自尋死亡者，將在火獄裏永久跌個不停；誰引毒劑而自殺者，將在火獄裏永永遠遠的手捧毒劑而飲；誰以金屬利器而自殺者，將在火獄裏永永遠遠的手執金屬利器而自我亂刺。」（布哈里聖訓實錄和穆斯林聖訓實錄）

以上改寫自＜論伊斯蘭教律中的合法事物與非法事物＞

Q: Why Do Muslims Commit Suicide?

A: Allah doesn't Muslims. Allah doesn't anybody.

●Burden in terms of responsibility

●Trial of difficulty

●Be Honest

●Be Kind to your pain

●Humble Yourself

●Sabr doesn't mean sit back and pass away

●Face the problems, deal with it

●People take Sabr in the passive meaning, Quran takes Sabr in the very active meaning

Q: Is Suicide Under any Circumstances Justified in Islam?

A: 

If you kill any human beings, you kill all human beings

If you save one human beings, you save all human beings

Tahajjud Prayer (1)

Salatul layl 

(Night Prayer)

Performing this special Tahajjud prayer will require you to have a short deep sleep before you even perform it, as the name of the prayer, which means wake up, suggests. This prayer can be done anytime between Isha' and Fajr. However, it is best done between midnight to Fajr, preferrably in the last third of the night. Make it part of your daily routine and God willing, He will return you with good fortune and health.

Tahajjud Prayer does not entail a specific number of rak`ahs that must be performed, nor is there any maximum limit that may be performed. It would be fulfilled even if one prayed just one rak`ah of Witr after `Isha'; however, it is traditionally prayed with at least two rak'at which is known as shif'a followed by Witr as this is what Muhammad did. Abdullah ibn Umar narrated that Muhammad said:

"Salatul Layl (Night Prayer, i.e. Tahajjud) is offered as two rak'at followed by two rak'at and (so on) and if anyone is afraid of the approaching dawn (Fajr prayer) he should pray one rak'at and this will be a Witr for all the rak'at which he has prayed before." 【Bukhari, Hadith 539】

“And (during part) of the night, abandon sleep and keep vigil to pray Salat, in addition to the regular obligatory prayer. Your Rabb (the Sustainer) may (as a reward) elevate you to the position of High Distinction, Glory and Praise.”

【Al Qur’an 17:79】

There are so many narrated Hadiths (Our Prophet’s (S.A.W) sayings and deeds) about the virtue of the Tahajjud prayer. One of the meanings of a Hadith among them is as follows:

“When one third of the night remains, every night, Our Lord, Allah, the All-Mighty says as follows till the dawn to break:
‘Whoever wants me something, I shall give. Whoever supplicates to me, I shall accept his/her pray. Whoever repents, I shall forgive him/her.’”

The narrator of that Hadith Hazrath Ebu Hurayra (may Allah grant him peace) adds the following sentence:

“For this reason, the companions of Our Prophet (pbuh) used to prefer performing prayer at the end of the night rather than before the night.” (Ibni Mace, Ikamatu’s-Salat: 182).

This prayer may be performed as between 2 and 8 rakahs. That is to say, according to the capability, it can be performed as two, four, six or eight rakahs. There is no compulsion like as “it must be absolutely eight rakahs”. As one can perform this prayer at his/her home, so can perform it at suitable places and time, such as at work, at the company etc. where s/he works at night.

The time for praying Salatul-Layl is from midnight (midnight is reckoned as the time which is exactly half the time between sunset and the actual dawn) to the time of Adhan for Fajr prayers. However, it can be prayed at anytime after Isha prayers but it is better to pray during the last part of the night near to the time of Fajr prayers. If it is not possible to pray after midnight or before Fajr, then it can be prayed in the morning or any part of the day with the niyyah (intention) of Qadha. It is better to pray with the niyyah of Qadha during the day time than to pray in the early part of the night. 

With the deed of getting up at night and performing the night prayer, it is meant the deed of Tahajjud which is mentioned in a verse of Isra chapter concerning the subject. The word of “Tahajjud” which can be used as both “to sleep” and “to wake up”, after having been used in the Qur’an with that usage, it, henceforth, has been used as “to get up at night and to perform prayer”.

How to Perform the Tahajjud Prayer

Steps

1. Make sure that you have woken up from a sleep and also that you are now in a time between Ish'a Prayer and Fajr Prayer.

2. Perform wuzu. It is a ritual ablution before you pray or handle the Holy Quran.

3. Walk into a perfectly clean place. This step should be done because the names of God is pure. Thus we have to speak of His name in a clean place. Sit down on a prayer mat facing the Qiblah. It is the direction of the Holy Kabah.

4. Erase all worldly worries from your heart. Make yourself calm. If you are having trouble over someone else, ignore it. Just think that nothing ever happened. Try to be in the state of awareness. Try to expel negative feeling or thought. Lightly close your eyes and bring your attention to the region of your heart.

5. Perform the voluntary prayer. The Tahajjud prayer is encouraged to be performed but it is not obligatory. It is a set of two cycles of prayer. You can repeat doing the two cycles of prayer as many as you want because there is no limit. Eight rakats is considered optimal.

Salatul-Layl is made up of Eleven Rak’ats.

 Ø      The first eight Rak’ats are prayed as normal in pairs of two each with the niyyah of Nawafilatul-Layl.

 Ø      The next two Rak’ats are prayed with the Niyyah of 'Salatul Shaf’a'.

Ø      The remaining one Rak’at is prayed with the Niyyah of 'Salatul Witr.'

 (In the last one Rak’at, Qunoot is recited before Rukuu and the Salat is completed as usual with Tashahud and Salaam) 

  After reciting the Al-Fatihah for each first cycles, recite a surah named Al-Kafirun.

  After reciting the Al-Fatihah for each second cycles, recite a surah named Al-Ikhlas.

  During sujood(prostration) for each second cycle of prayer, recite this three times.

Rabbi adkhilnii mudkhala sidqiwwa akhrijnii mukhraja sidqi waj'allii minladunka sultaanan nasiiraa.
"O God, have me enter from the door of truth, and also have me exit from the door of truth too, and provide me with assitance from you."

6. Ask from God, after you have completed the set of two cycles of prayer, good health and fortune for you are a benevolent individual. God willing, He will grant your wishes.

Quick Note

You have to leave Witar of Isha                                                       

During Isha timing,you will only say Isha farz and sunnah or nafal (optional)

You will say Witar with Tahajjud prayer

In Tahajjud

You will say 8 Nawafil =2+2+2+2 separate with niyyat of each (I am saying 2 nawafil of Tahajjud)

And three Witar=3 (with Dua e Qunoot in thrid rakha as u normally do in Witar)

so they become 11=8+3

Before saying Tahajjud You should sleep after Isha, even for 30 mint, its more rewarding

You can say without sleeping, but u can get more rewards by napping for a bit or more

Still it doesn’t matter if u can’t sleep, just go for Tahajjud, no worries, its not compulsion

If u think u can’t say Tahajjud tonight, say ur complete Isha with Witar

And at night if u think you should say Tahajjud

So u can only say 8 Rakahs of Tahajjud, no problem in it

But once you have left Witar in Isha, you have to say Tahajjud b4 Fajar

Witr and Dua e Qunoot

Witr and Dua e Qunoot

The word "Witr", in the Arabic language means "odd" (as in "odd number", as opposed to "even number").

The "Witr" prayer that the Muslims generally offer after "Isha" prayers are basically a part of the "Tahajjud" prayers, which were obligatory for the Prophet (S.A.W.W.) and are a "Naf'l" (supererogatory) prayer for other Muslims besides the Prophet (S.A.W.W.). The Prophet (S.A.W.W.) offered his Tahajjud prayers in such a way that the number of the rakaat totaled to an odd number. When some Muslims came to the Prophet (S.A.W.W.) informing him that it was very difficult for them to wake up in the middle of the night for their Tahajjud prayers, and inquiring from the Prophet (S.A.W.W.) regarding what should they do to earn the rewards of offering Tahajjud prayers, the Prophet (S.A.W.W.) allowed them to offer their "Witr" prayers, after `Isha.

The Prophet (S.A.W.W.) never exceeded eleven rakaat in this prayer;

"Qunoot" means 'obedience'. Thus, from a literal perspective, Du`a-e-Qunoot would mean the supplication expressing obedience to God. As a term, "Du`a e Qunoot" refers to supplications reported as having been recited by the Prophet (S.A.W.W.) during his prayers.

Du`a e Qunoot is an extremely beautiful and concise supplication expressing our love, respect, reverence, reliance and hope in God. It is reported that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W.) used to recite this supplication during his prayers. Thus, even though this supplication is not an essential part of the Sala'h, yet one may recite it any of his prayers.  As in other prayers, one may also recite this supplication in the Witr prayers. However, reciting it during the Witr prayers is not obligatory.

The Prophet (S.A.W.W.) said, “Witr is a duty, so whoever does not perform Witr is not of us,” and he repeated it three times. Witr can be offered with Isha namaz , if one is certain that he/she will wake up for Tahajjud then witr can be said with Tahajjud.

For common Muslims,  Tahhajud is an optional prayer and it is a great blessing for them if in following the Prophet (S.A.W.W.) they offer this prayer. It has been narrated that he would at most offer eleven rak'at in this prayer and would stand, kneel and prostrate for great lengths of time in it. Indeed some narratives do mention thirteen rak'at but two of them are the optional rak'at. Since the Tahajjud prayer was obligatory on the Prophet (S.A.W.W.), he prayed two optional rak'at before them much like the optional rak'at Muslims pray before or after the obligatory part of their prayer.

It is evident from Surah Bani Isra'il and Surah Muzzammil, the real time of this prayer is when one gets up at night, and for this reason it is called Tahajjud.

However, if a person is not able to reap the blessings of this prayer, he can offer this prayer before going to sleep. This inference is also evident from the verses of Surah Muzzammil which mention a reduction of the amount of the prayer in the following words:

[O Prophet! We had enjoined upon you to stand by night]. Your Lord, indeed, knows that sometimes you stand two thirds of the night and sometimes half and sometimes one third of it, and so does a group among your followers. And Allah alone [keeping in regard the need of people] appoints the day and night in due measure. He knew that you would not be able to follow this [routine]. So He turned towards you mercifully. Recite then from this Qur'an [in this prayer] as much as you are able to. He knows that there are among you who will be sick and others who will be traveling to seek the bounty of Allah and others who will be fighting for the cause of Allah; so, recite then from this as much as is possible for you. (73:20) 

The Prophet (S.A.W.W.) is reported to have said:

أيكم خاف أن لا يقوم من آخر الليل فليوتر ثم ليرقد ومن وثق بقيام من الليل فليوتر من آخره فإن قراءة آخر الليل محضورة وذلك أفضل

Whoever among you fears that he would not be able to get up in the last part of the night, he should offer the Witr; but he who is certain that he would be able to get up, he should offer this prayer in the last part of the night because the recital [of the Qur'an] at that time is in the presence of the Almighty and it is this which is more blessed. (Muslim 755)

Sadaqa Jariyat

Sadaqa Jariyat

It is basically giving charity that will benefit people even after you die. Jariyah means “ever-flowing” , like an endless source of water, Sadaqa is charity. Literally it means “running”, but when applied to water it means ever-flowing. Wherever water flows, life grows. Same goes for knowledge.

The messenger of Allah ﷺ said once: “When a human being dies, all one’s deeds cease, save three: a Sadaqah Jariyah, [religious] knowledge [one leaves behind] from which others benefit, and a righteous child who prays for one” 真主的使者 ﷺ 說：“當一個人死亡時，他的所有行為都會停止，除了三個：Sadaqah Jariyah，一個人留下來使他人受益的宗教知識，以及一個為他祈禱的正直的孩子”

When you die, your wealth and possessions become useless, and your good deeds stop being counted. Except that kind of sadaqa, that keeps adding up for your soul and help make your scale heavier to reach Jannah inshaAllah.

What is Special About the Days of Tashreeq?

 

The Prophet (S.A.W.) said concerning the days of Tashreeq: “They are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.” The Prophet  (S.A.W.) forbade fasting on these days: “Do not fast on these days, for they are the days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.” Narrated by Ahmad.

The days of Tashreeq are the days following the Eid day. These are the appointed days Allah mentioned in chapter Al-Baqarah:

Celebrate the praises of Allah during the Appointed Days. But if anyone hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if anyone stays on, there is no blame on him, if his aim is to do right. Then fear Allah, and know that ye will surely be gathered unto Him. (2:203)

The strongest opinion on why they are called Ayyam-ut-tashreeq or the days of Tashreeq is because prior to the invention of the refrigeration system, the pilgrims used to slice the meat they acquired from the udhiyah, season it with salt and then let it dry in the sun in an early and traditional style of food preservation.

The dehydrating of the meat allowed the pilgrims to preserve it and carry it with them on their long journey back from wherever they came.This process in itself is called tashreeq, and it was derived from the Arabic word which means sunrise or sunshine. The process entails the exposure of the meat to the sun for a long time.

And although most of the pilgrims don’t practice this anymore, if you look carefully in the camps of Mina, perhaps you will see some people still practice the tradition, and you might see the meat “jerky” already hung on ropes and on different sides of their tents.

Celebration and Worship

These days are considered days of celebration and worship. It is not recommended for the pilgrims to fast on these days, rather they should enjoy the celebration of the Eid by feasting, eating and drinking. The Prophet said:

The days of Tashreeq are days of eating and drinking (i.e. feasting). (Muslim)

The wisdom behind these days is to allow the pilgrims to celebrate the season and encourage them to eat from the meat they have offered for the sake of Allah. The pilgrims in the past used to come from far distances, and meat for them was a very precious meal. Now that they have plenty of it, they were given the incentive and encouragement to consume it during the days of Eid without any feeling of guilt.

It was normal during these days to walk around the camps of Mina seeing smoke all over the place and smelling nothing but barbecue. Today things are different, and pre-catered meals are becoming the standard. Allah said:

The big animals of sacrifice (like camels and cows) are made by Us among the symbols of Allah for you, in which there is much good for your benefit. So recite the name of Allah over them as they are lined up (for sacrifice). Then, once their flanksfall down (after slaughter), eat of them and feed the one who is content and the one who wishes to receive. Thus We have made them (the animals) subjugated to you, so that you may be grateful. (22:36)

Rulings for Pilgrims

It is only permissible to fast these days for the pilgrims if they were unable to offer the sacrificial animal, and therefore these pilgrims become obligated to fast three days during the Hajj and seven when they arrive home. Allah said:

…and when ye are in peaceful conditions (again), if any one wishes to continue the ‘umrah on to the Hajj, he must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, he should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return, making ten days in all… (2:196)

The days of Tashreeq are minimum of two: the 11th and the 12th; the 13th is an optional day for those who desire to stay longer, as Allah mentioned in the verse previously quoted:

But if any one hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if any one stays on, there is no blame on him, if his aim is to do right. (2:203)

Eid al-Adha (宰牲節；古爾邦節)

古爾邦節（Eid al-Adha）（意譯為宰牲節，阿拉伯語：عيد الأضحى‎，是伊斯蘭教的重要節日。在伊斯蘭曆每年的12月10日，麥加朝聖過後。該節日是為了紀念先知易卜拉欣（基督教翻譯為亞伯拉罕）忠實執行真主阿拉的命令，打算獻祭自己的兒子易司馬儀（基督教翻譯成以實瑪利），在阿拉的寬免下，又用羊羔代替的這一事件。此典故延續至今，而有了現在的宰牲節。

傳統上，宰牲節與伊斯蘭新年假期一樣，都是全家團聚的日子。其重要性與家人團聚的精神。宰牲儀式或在自家、或是參與家中附近的清真寺舉辦的儀式。在此預備犧牲的「牲口」，幾為牛與羊。在進行祝禱儀式後，將牲口依符合可蘭經教義的方式，將牲口放血宰殺，之後再將所得肉食與家人及較窮困者分食。

Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عید الاضحیٰ‎, romanized: Eid 'al 'Adha, lit. 'Festival of the Sacrifice') is the latter of the two official holidays celebrated within Islam (the other being Eid al-Fitr or ‘Festival of the Breaking of the Fast’). It honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God's command. Before Abraham could sacrifice his son, however, God provided a lamb to sacrifice instead. In commemoration of this intervention, animals are sacrificed ritually. One third of their meat is consumed by the family offering the sacrifice, while the rest is distributed to the poor and needy. Sweets and gifts are given, and extended family are typically visited and welcomed.The day is also sometimes called Big Eid or the Greater Eid.

In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, and lasts for Three days. In the international (Gregorian) calendar, the dates vary from year to year, shifting approximately 11 days earlier each year.

Sacrifice on Eid al-Adha

The tradition for Eid al-Adha involves slaughtering an animal and sharing the meat in three equal parts – for family, for relatives and friends, and for poor people. The goal is to make sure every Muslim gets to eat meat. The celebration has a clear message of devotion, kindness and equality.

However, the purpose of sacrifice in Eid al-Adha is not about shedding of blood just to satisfy Allah. It is about sacrificing something devotees love the most to advance the message of Eid al-Adha. In other words, the sacrifice can be something other than an animal such as money or time spent on community service. There are historical precedences of caliphs sacrificing items other than meat. After all, the animal sacrifice is only a sunnah, which is habitual rather than required. The Quran said that the meat will not reach Allah, nor will the blood, but what reaches him is the devotion of devotees.

Eid prayers

Devotees offer the Eid al-Adha prayers at the mosque. The Eid al-Adha prayer is performed any time after the sun completely rises up to just before the entering of Zuhr time, on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah. In the event of a force majeure (e.g. natural disaster), the prayer may be delayed to the 11th of Dhu al-Hijjah and then to the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah.

Eid prayers must be offered in congregation. Participation of women in the prayer congregation varies from community to community. It consists of two rakats (units) with seven takbirs in the first Raka'ah and five Takbirs in the second Raka'ah. For Shia Muslims, Salat al-Eid differs from the five daily canonical prayers in that no adhan (call to prayer) or iqama (call) is pronounced for the two Eid prayers.The salat (prayer) is then followed by the khutbah, or sermon, by the Imam.

At the conclusion of the prayers and sermon, Muslims embrace and exchange greetings with one another (Eid Mubarak), give gifts and visit one another. Many Muslims also take this opportunity to invite their friends, neighbours, co-workers and classmates to their Eid festivities to better acquaint them about Islam and Muslim culture.

Traditions and practices

During Eid ul-Adha, distributing meat amongst the people, chanting the takbir out loud before the Eid prayers on the first day and after prayers throughout the four days of Eid, are considered essential parts of this important Islamic festival.

Men, women, and children are expected to dress in their finest clothing to perform Eid prayer in a large congregation in an open waqf ("stopping") field called Eidgah or mosque. Affluent Muslims who can afford it sacrifice their best halal domestic animals (usually a camel, goat, sheep, or ram depending on the region) as a symbol of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his only son. The sacrificed animals, called aḍḥiya (Arabic: أضحية‎), known also by the Perso-Arabic term qurbāni, have to meet certain age and quality standards or else the animal is considered an unacceptable sacrifice. In Pakistan alone nearly ten million animals are sacrificed on Eid days, costing over $2 billion.

The meat from the sacrificed animal is preferred to be divided into three parts. The family retains one-third of the share; another third is given to relatives, friends, and neighbors; and the remaining third is given to the poor and needy.

Muslims wear their new or best clothes. People cook special sweets, including ma'amoul (filled shortbread cookies) and samosas. They gather with family and friends.

Calligraphic fragment dated to 1729–30 displaying blessings for Eid al-Adha in Arabic

Prophets in Al Qur'an

 

The Importance of Miswak

A group of dentists at King Saud University in the Saudi Arabia have studied the medicinal properties of the miswak, or teeth cleaning sticks, commonly used in Arab and Asian countries, and have concluded that the beneficial effects of the miswak for oral hygiene and dental health are equal to, if not greater than, those of a toothbrush and toothpaste.

The research identified a total of 19 natural substances found within the miswak that benefit dental health. It contains a number of natural antiseptics that kill harmful microorganisms in the mouth; tannic acids that protect the gums from disease; and aromatic oils that increase salivation. Because of its built-in antiseptics, the miswak needs no cleaning, and because its bristles are parallel to the handle rather than perpendicular, it can reach more easily between the teeth, where a conventional toothbrush often misses.

"The Prophet said, "It (i.e. Siwak) is a purification for the mouth and it is a way of seeking Allah's pleasures." 

Dr. Hani Saeed, a dentist and a professor at Dhamar University, believes the miswak has benefits, but can be over used. “I am against the daily use of the miswak because it can grind down the enamel of teeth,” he said. “If it is used no more than once per week, the stick is fine, but I discourage people from using it any more than that.”

“I always clean my teeth using the miswak after every prayer during Ramadan month. It gives me a fresh and good breath, and I feel better to have clean teeth and healthy gums,” said Malika Farah, 22, student at Sana’a University.

Many Muslims use the miswak on the recommendation of the Prophet Mohammed, who said, “Siwak cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord”, and “if I had not found it hard for my followers or the people, I would have ordered them to clean their teeth with siwak for every prayer.” 

“I use the miswak during Ramadan more than during other months of year because I heard an advisory opinion warning Muslims not to use toothpaste during fasting since it nullifies fasting,” said Sana’a University student, Umm Anas, 23. “I also use this stick to clean my teeth during Ramadan because I like to do what our Prophet used to do during his life,” she said. 

By contrast with the conventional plastic toothbrush, the miswak can be used any time, anywhere. It completely eliminates the need for toothpaste squeezing, vigorous brushing, foaming at the mouth or spitting.

●Miswaak Quick View of Benefits:

1. Miswaak strengthens the gums and prevents tooth decay.

2. Miswaak assists in eliminating toothaches and prevents further increase of decay which has already set in.

3. Miswaak creates a fragrance in the mouth.

4. Miswaak is a cure for illness.

5. Miswaak eliminates bad odors and improves the sense of taste.

6. Miswaak sharpens the memory.

7. Miswaak is a cure for headaches.

8. Miswaak creates lustre (noor) on the face of the one who continually uses it.

9. Miswaak causes the teeth to glow.

10. Miswaak strengthens the eyesight.

11. Miswaak assists in digestion.

12. Miswaak clears the voice.

13. The greatest benefit of using miswaak is gaining the pleasure of Allah.

14. The reward of Salaah (Prayers) is multiplied 70 times if Miswaak was used before it.

●Times when usage of Miswaak is Sunnah:

1. For the recitation of the Qur'an.

2. For the recitation of Hadith.

3. When the mouth emits and odor.

4. For the learning or teaching of virtues of Islam.

5. For making Dhikrullah (Remebrance of Allah, meditation).

6. After entering ones home.

7. Before entering any good gathering.

8. When experiencing pangs of hunger and thirst.

9. After the signs of death are evident.

10. At the time of Sehri.

11. Before meals.

12. Before undertaking a journey.

13. On returning from a journey.

14. Before sleeping.

15. Upon awakening.

●How long should a Miswaak be?

A Miswaak should not be longer than a "span" i.e. the maximum distance between the tips of the thumb and little finger, and it should not be thicker than a finger's breadth.

●How should it be used?

A Miswaak should be held in such a manner that the small finger and thumb is below the miswaak and the remaining fingers on its upper side.

27th Rajab

 

27th Rajab

 

 

 

27th Rajab is a highly blessed night / day called ‘laylat al-mab`ath’,which stands for the beginning of the Holy Prophet’s Mission of promulgating the true religion of Almighty Allah On this day, the Holy Prophet (saws)was appointed for conveying the Divine Mission of Almighty Allah when Archangel Gabriel first came to him with the Divine Revelation.  It is recommended to have Ghusl (bath) on this day.& observe Fasting. This day is one of the four days that are specified for highly recommended fasting during the whole year. The reward of observing fasting on this day is mentioned to be equal to seventy years fasting. It is recommended to repeat very frequently the salwat ie sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad and his Household.

 

Understand the greatness the 27thof Rajab

 

 

 

The most important thing that can be done on this day is to Understand the greatness of the night and day of the 27th of Rajab.There is no person greater or higher in rank than the Messenger of Allah (blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny). He is the leader of all of the creations and the noblest and closest of all of them to Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) and the most beloved of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He)!

 

It is the Prophet Muhammad (blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny) who is: The First Nur, The Closest Hijab (to Allah), The Greatest Name (of Allah) and there is not a single Prophet or Angel who can even come close to this station. He is also the Mercy to all the Worlds. Therefore, if we see the greatness of an individual and his nobility then we can realize the importance of the day of his official appointment. It is because of this reason that the importance of giving the Prophet (blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny) his right is even more important for the Ummah and the Shi`a just as our intelligence dictates.

Just think about what has been said ñ do we accept this? If we accept it then we must take this day seriously and there is nothing else that needs to be said to encourage anyone about this day. Since goodness ñ in itself ñ should pull and attract one to that which is recommended to be done on this day. If what has been said is not accepted, then either we are out of the folds of Islam or our hearts must be corrected so that we can permit Iman (true faith) to enter it.

However, we suspect that the majority of Muslims who fall short and do not recognize the importance and greatness of this day is not because they do not have faith ñ may Allah protect us from this ñ rather, it is due to being immersed and engrossed in the beauties and attractions of this despicable world and being deluded by it. We are so busy in competing with one another to gain material pleasures that we are completely oblivious of everything else and when the time comes that we see our grave in front of us, will we remain in this state of heedlessness! The remembrance of this world has caused the hearts of such people to be negligent of the remembrance of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) and to forget their creation and their eventual end.

In summary, the Salik (the one who is spiritually traveling towards Allah) must sincerely try to consider this day as something great and seek to understand and appreciate the blessings of the official appointment and the blessing of the divine light (nur) and all the blessings that the Prophet of Islam (blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny) has brought including the happiness and goodness - just as he deserves to be understood and appreciated.

We must all look into ourselves and gauge our own happiness on this day. If we see that our happiness and pleasure is the same on this day or more as it is on other days for worldly events and pleasures, then we know that our soul is polluted and we must try to correct it and strive to remove the animalistic traits in us ñ we must try to distance ourselves from the natural world and its pleasures and move closer to the spiritual world and its divine light (nur).

In closing we mention one final point in regards to this day and that is that after these supplications are finished, we should sit back and think about the days of Ignorance before the Bi`that of the Prophet and see what a state mankind had reached to.

A group of people were Jews; another group Christians; and yet others were idol worshippers. The laws of Islam had been forgotten; people had lost the etiquette of humanity and acted as wild animals. The people had reached to such a low state that they used to bury their new born daughters alive. They took pride in vain talk and activities; did not practice justice in the least and took the rights of other people around them. The strong were subjecting the weak to oppression such that they destroyed the worth and dignity of a person. They hated Scholars and were weary of intelligent people. They took pride in keeping slaves. The broke off all family relations, were busy in gambling and drinking alcohol and were constantly at war with one another. Self gratification and pride were their characteristics and they boasted of being impatient people! Cursing and evil words were common place and vain talk, including lies, back biting, etc were the norm. They killed the Prophets and their successors and helpers, and in their place they permitted the lowest amongst themselves to lead the society!

In such an environment did Allah raise a Prophet for the task of, as it is mentioned in the Quran: It is He who has sent to the illiterate a Messenger from among their own people to recite to them His revelations and purify them.

He will teach the Book to them Wisdom even though before this they were in manifest error. Insha-Allah, may Allah accept all of our acts of worship on this day and all days of the months of Rajab, Sha`ban, till Ramadan.



 

10 Facts About JUMMAH



 



FACT #1

 

Even if we wanted to, we couldn’t count the blessings of Allah. An obvious blessing is the day of Jumu’ah (congregational prayer for Muslims). Friday is called Jummah. The Messenger of Allah (salallahu alaihi wa salaam) said: “The best day the sun rises over is Friday. On it Allah created Adam. On it he was made to enter paradise, on it he was expelled from it, and the Last Hour will take place on no other day than Friday.” [Source: Ahmad and At-Tirmidhi].

 

FACT #2

 

“It was named Jumu’ah because it is derived from the word Al-Jam’ in Arabic which means to gather, as Muslims gather on this day every week, and Allah has commanded the believers to gather for His worship, as He says that which means: “Oh you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for Jumu`ah (Friday prayer), come fast to the remembrance of Allah.” [Source: Quran 62: 9] meaning be keen to go and attend it.”
 

FACT #3

The congregational prayer (Jumu’ah prayer) is one of the obligatory acts in Islam and one of the great gatherings of Muslims. The angels sit in wait for the arrival of people.

Prophet Muhammad (sal’Allahu alahi was salaam) said: “On the day of Jummah, the angels stand at the entrance of that masjid in which Jumuah salat is to be offered. They write down the name of the person who enters the masjid first, and thereafter the name of the person who follows, and they continue doing this. The person who entered first will receive the reward of sacrificing a camel in the path of Allah; the one who followed him will get the reward of sacrificing a cow, thereafter a chicken, thereafter the reward of giving an egg as charity in the path of Allah.Once the khutbah commences, the angels close the register and begin listening to the khutbah.” [Source: Bukhari and Muslim]

 

FACT #4

The day of Jumu’ah includes an hour during which all supplications are accepted. Abu Hurayrah, narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alaihi wa salaam), said: “On (the day of) Jumu’ah is an hour during which Allah gives to a Muslim servant standing in prayer whatever he asks for.” [Source: Bukhari and Muslim]

FACT #5

Giving your charity on Jummah carries more virtue than other days. Ka’b,  narrated that Prophet Muhammad (sal’Allahu alaihi wa salaam) said, “Charity given during the day of Jumu’ah is greater (in reward) than any other day.”

FACT #6

Believers in Allah will see Allah on Jummah.

   

FACT #7

It is an Eid for muslims. This holiday happens regularly and frequently. Ibn Abbas,  narrated that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alahi wa salaam) said, “Jumu’ah is a day of celebration, so whoever attends it should perform ghusl  beforehand.” [Source: Ibn Majah]

FACT #8

It is a day on which sins are forgiven. Salman narrated Prophet Muhammad (sal’Allahu alahi wa salaam) said, “Any man who performs ghusl on Friday, perfumes himself if he has perfume, wears the best of his clothes, then goes to the mosque and offers as many prayers as he wishes while not harming anybody, then listens quietly while the Imam speaks until he offers the prayer, will have all his sins between that Friday and the next forgiven.” [Al Bukhari]

FACT #9

When walking to attend the Friday sermon, a Muslim gets the reward of both praying qiyam (the night prayer) and fasting a full year. Aws ibn Aws  narrated Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alaihi was salaam) said, “Whoever performs ghusl on Friday after having sexual intercourse with his wife, then goes early to the mosque and attends from the beginning of the khutbah and draws near to the Imam and listens to him attentively, Allah will give him the full reward of fasting all the days of a year and observing night-vigil on each of its nights for every step that he took towards the mosque.” [Source: Ahmad]

FACT #10

Dying on Friday, during the day or night, is a sign of a good end.  Allah The Almighty will enable the person to be steadfast during it.  Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alaihi was salaam) said, “Any Muslim who dies during the day or night of Friday will be protected by Allah from the trial of the grave.” [At Tirmidhi and Ahmad]
 

Islam and Magic

Islam and Magic

Magic is an old human practice. It is sometimes defined as deception by showing something to an audience, which is contrary to reality. In Islam this is part of magic, which is, however, defined as seeking the help of demons to perform something harmful against somebody.

In the light of the above definition, Islam considers magic to be an act of blasphemy. Thus, the Holy Quran say:

"Suleiman (Solomon) did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved teaching men magic" (2:102)

In an authentic saying, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W.) said: Whoever goes to a fortune teller (a soothe sayer) or a diviner and believes him, has, in fact, disbelieved in what has been revealed to Muhammad.

Thus Islam condemns magic, even what is called the horoscope or luck or reading one's palm to foretell the future is also prohibited in Islam. This is based on the belief that no one knows the future or the unseen except God almighty. That is why the Quran asserts that even Muhammad does not know the unseen. Concerning this, it says:

"If I had the knowledge of the unseen, I should have secured abundance for myself, and no evil would have touched me" (7:188).
Again, God is described in the Quran as the knower of the unseen and the manifest (6:73) and as the holder of the keys of the unseen (6:59).

In another tradition, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W.) says: "Avoid the seven deadly acts which are:

(1) Ascribing partners to God,

(2) Magic,

(3) Killing the human self which Allah prohibited except with right,

(4) Eating usury,

(5) Devouring the orphan's wealth,

(6) Defecting from the battle-field (without a justified reason)

(7) Slandering chaste, unwary believing women.

Thus Islam has closed the door for practicing magic, simply because it is against its teachings, and it is deceptive and harmful. There are some of the verses of the Holy Quran that refer to magic: In Surat Baqara Ayat 102-103, the Quran says:

"And when there came to them a Messenger from Allah confirming what was with them, a party of those who were given the scripture threw away the book of Allah behind their backs as if they did not know. And they followed what the devils gave out falsely of magic of the reign of Solomon; for Solomon did not disbelieve but the devils disbelieved, teaching men magic and such things that came down at Babylon to the two angels Harut and Marut, but neither of these two (angles) taught anyone (such things) until they had said: we are only for trial, so don't disbelieve. And from them (magicians) people learn that through which they would cause separation between a person and his spouse, but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah's leave; and now they learn that which harms them rather than profits them. And indeed they knew that its practitioner would have no share in the Hereafter. And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their own selves if they but knew" (2:102-3).

Although Solomon was the Prophet and Messenger of God, he was accused by some of his opponents to be practicing magic. Those who claimed this could not distinguish between magic and miracles. Almost all messengers of God were granted miracles as a proof of their authenticity. To name only a few: Moses was granted the staff by which he could divide the sea and make water gush from rocks. Abraham was flung in the middle of a huge raging fire, which Allah made cool and peaceful to him. Jesus Christ could heal the blind and the leper and bring back the dead to life.

If we contemplate these acts we find that miracles are totally different from magic. While magic is always harmful, miracles are useful. Magic is from devils while miracles are from God. When these divine miracles are rejected other miracles are imposed to inflict severe punishments on rejecters. On the other hand, miracles are real while magic is sometimes deceptive.

It may be said that the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W.) was himself exposed to the effect of magic. How could you explain this? This is true; but God saved him from the spell of magic through the repeated remembrance of God and the recitation of some chapters and verses of the Holy Quran. This took place to confirm the humility of Muhammad (S.A.W.W.). who was a human like other humans. This made it easier for his followers to imitate him. Two questions are pertinent in context:

●How to protect one's self from magic?

●And how to treat a person under the spell of magic?

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W.) provided us with the recipe through which we can protect ourselves from magic. We shall be immune from magic if we recite the last three chapters of the Holy Quran, which are number 112, 113 and 114: Al-Iklas, Al-Falaq, Al-Nas after the five daily prayers.

And here is their translation:

●Al-Iklas (Unity)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Say: He is Allah, the One! Allah, the eternally besought of all!

He begets not nor was begotten.

And there is none comparable unto Him.

●Al-Falaq (Daybreak)
In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful

Say I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak

From the evil of that which he created;

From the evil of the darkness when it is intense,

and from the evil of malignant witchcraft,

And from the evil of the envious when he envies.

●Al-Nas (Mankind)
In the name of Allah the beneficent, the Merciful

Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind,

The King of mankind,

The God of mankind,

From the evil of the sneaking whisper,

Who whispers in the hearts of mankind,

Of the jinn and of mankind.

These three surats are also recommended to be recited three times after the dawn prayer and three times after the sunset prayer. Secondly Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W.W.) encouraged us to recite the greatest verse in the Quran called the verse of the Throne, Ayat-ul-Kursi, it is translated as follows:

"Allah! There is no God save Him, the Alive, and the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. Unto Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. Who is he that intercedes with Him save by His leave? He knows that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His chair encompasses the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the sublime, the Tremendous" (2:255).

This verse should be recited after each and every one of the five daily prayers and before going to bed.

The Prophet (S.A.W.W.) also encouraged us Muslims to recite the last two ayats of Surat Baqara at the beginning of every night whose translation is as follows:

"The Messenger believes in that which has been revealed unto him from his Lord and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah and His angles and His scriptures and His messengers and they say: We hear, and we obey. (Grant us) Your forgiveness, our Lord. Unto you is the journeying" (2:285).

"Allah tasks not a soul beyond its scope. For it (is only) that which it has earned, and against it (only) that which it has deserved. Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget, or miss the mark! Our Lord! Lay not on us such a burden as you did lay on those before us! Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear! Pardon us, absolve us and have mercy on us. You are our Patron; so grant us victory over the disbelieving folk" (2:286).

Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W.W.) said: “whoever recites the last two ayats of the Surat Baqara, they will suffice him”. This means that they will protect him from every evil. Again seeking refuge in Allah and remembering his name is an effective protection against all evils including magic. Two main supplications are recommended in this respect. They are:

1. I seek refuge in the complete words of Allah from the evils of what He created;
2. In the name of Allah through whose name nothing on earth or in heaven can cause any harm.

If these two prayers are recited three times in the beginning of the day and in the beginning of the night, then no harm or evil will approach the reciter by the grace of Allah (S.W.T).

The Month of Rajab

The Month of Rajab

Rajab is the month of planting. Sha’ban is the month of watering and Ramadan is the month of harvesting. Everyone harvests what they plant.

Rajab means honor and respect. Pre-Islamic Arabs used to deem the month of Rajab important and they used to respect and extol it. When the month of Rajab arrived, they used to put their swords back in their sheaths and their deep and bloody enmities used to be covered under a temporary curtain of peace. Those noisy and terrifying deserts used to be covered by the peaceful atmosphere of a sweet spring and all places used to turn into fields of safety and security. Even when someone came across the killer of his father, he would not raise his head to look at him. The reason why this month was called the “deaf month” is that it is a season of peace.

Another reason why the month of Rajab is called the deaf month is explained as follows: Allah chooses not to hear people’s sins committed within this month and their faults and He only witnesses believers’ worship and good deeds, for the sake of this month. Thus, Allah the Glorious forgives His believing servants’ sins which they commit in this month.

They continued to respect the month of Rajab when Islam appeared too. Especially, it was honored with phenomena such as Raghaib and Miraj. The Honorable Messenger (S.A.W.W.) said in his supplications:

My Allah! Make Rajab and Sha’ban good and blessed for us; and let us reach Ramadan. (Jamiu’s-Saghir, 2/90).

Rajab is also called “the month of rajm (stoning to death)”. According to this, demons are stoned in this month; they are chased away. The letter “R” in the word Rajab alludes to Allah’s mercy (rahmah), “J” alludes to His generousness and help, and “B” alludes to His birr (goodness and offerings). The reason why the month of Rajab is called “mutahhar (cleaned)” is that the ones who spend this month by fasting are purified from their sins and faults. The Month of Rajab has got an important place in the history of prophets. For instance, Prophet Noah and his people boarded on the ark and saved themselves from the flood in the month of Rajab. 

The month of Rajab is the seventh one of the Hijri months and it is two months before Ramadan. It is important because of its virtuousness. The fact that it includes holy nights such as Raghaib and Miraj increases its virtuousness. Moreover, the fact that it is one of the forbidden months mentioned in the Quran increases its position in Muslim hearts. 

The month of Rajab is the first month of the season which is known as “three holy months”. Badiuzzaman, who calls them “months of worship with lots of rewards”, points out that they are a means of elevation for people, enabling believers to advance in thawabs:

For if the reward yielded by good works at other times are tenfold, in the month of Rajab they are more than a hundredfold, in Sha‘ban they exceed three hundredfold, and in Ramadan they reach a thousand fold, while on Fridays in Ramadan they reach thousands and on the Night of Power may reach thirty thousand. (The Rays, p.491)

According to this, worshipping, good deeds and services performed in the month of Rajab yield a hundredfold rewards per one of them. For this reason, believers make more efforts to increase their shares in this month. They focus on good deeds more.

Some wise scholars have said the following about the month of Rajab: 

*Rajab is for forsaking the hardships and unjust treatment; Sha’ban is for good deeds and loyalty; and Ramadan is for faithfulness and ease. 

*Rajab is the month of repentance and regret; Sha’ban is the month of affection and Ramadan is the month of closeness to Allah.

*Rajab is the month of respect, Sha’ban is the month of service and Ramadan is the month of boons.

*Rajab is the month of worshipping, Sha’ban is the month of quitting worldly delights and Ramadan is the month which increases the rewards of worships. 

The supreme Sufi, Zunnun Misri, says:

Rajab is the month of planting. Sha’ban is the month of watering and Ramadan is the month of harvesting. Everyone harvests what they plant. If one quits planting, he regrets it when the time for harvest arrives. And he will be in a very bad situation on the Day of Judgment.

(Abdulqadir Gaylani, Üç aylar ve Faziletleri: The Blessed Three Months and Their Virtues) 

A difference between the month of Rajab and other months is fasting. One should try to fast more in this month as much as possible. In Abu Dawud, it is narrated that the Prophet (S.A.W.W.) said to a man who fasted without a break in this month: 

Fast some of the forbidden months and do not fast some of them. Fast and give a break in forbidden months, Fast and give a break in forbidden months. (Abu Dawud, Sawm, 54) 

Then the Companion, who is the narrator of this hadith, continues as follows: 

“The Messenger of Allah folded three fingers of his while saying ‘fast’ and unfolded them when he said ‘give a break’.” Thus, it is understood that the Prophet told him to fast for three days and then give a break of three days. 

As it is known, the forbidden months are “Dhul-qidah, Dhul-hijjah, Muharram and Rajab”. The reason why it was found inappropriate to fast the whole of Rajab is to avoid making the months of Rajab and Sha’ban resemble the month of Ramadan. This is because fasting a whole month without any breaks is exclusive to the month of Ramadan only. Some Mujtahids such as Imam Ghazali and Ibni Qayyim al-Jawzi say that fasting the whole of the month of Rajab is not even mandub. They find fasting the whole Rajab without break makruh, so that it would not resemble the month of Ramadan. (Ihya, 1/237; Zadu’l-maad, 2764).

It is advised to fast in the middle of the month of Rajab or on specific days or by giving breaks of three days, like in other months. As it is seen, there is not a hadith or narration about fasting the whole Rajab. Fasting the blessed three months without any breaks is neither sunnah nor mustahab. It is only a nice tradition of righteous people. Those who want to fast the whole of Rajab cannot be discouraged, yet it is necessary to state its jurisprudential judgment.

By the way, the months of Rajab and Sha’ban are a good opportunity for those, who broke the fast of a day in Ramadan, to compensate for it. If they fast the two months without any breaks beginning from the first day of Rajab to the last day of Sha’ban, it will compensate for the fasting of one Ramadan day. As the month of Ramadan follows these two months, they happen to fast three months without missing a single day. In this situation, they both compensate for their broken fasting and fill their treasure of thawabs (Spiritual merit or reward that accrues from the performance of good deeds and piety).

Since the month of Rajab is a month in which the sins are forgiven, it is essential to know the way of being forgiven and how to repent. According to narration, one’s sins are forgiven when he recites the following repentance supplication seven times in the month of Ramadan:

Astaghfirullaha'l-Azima'lladhi la ilaha illa hu al-Hay-yu'1-Qayyumu wa atubu ilayh. 
Tawbata abdin zalimin li-nafsihi la-yamliku li-nafsihi mawtan wala hayatan wala nushura.

Translation: 
“I wish for Allah’s forgiveness, who is the owner of life, who controls everything and makes all things work, there is no god but He. I repent to Him like the repentance of a servant who wronged his own self, such a servant that cannot control his own death, life or resurrection.” (Majmuatu’l ahzab, 1/599) 

The blessed three months are each a season of supplication. We learn the most beautiful supplications primarily from the Companions and other Islamic scholars. It is narrated that Hazrat Ali supplicated in the month of Rajab as follows: 

*O Allah, bless Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his family, who are the stars of wisdom and source of continuous boons and honor.

*O Allah, protect me from all kinds of evil. Do not make me forgetful and do not let me be heedless. And do not let me end in longing and regrets. Be pleased and content with me. Your forgiveness is for wrongdoers, and I wronged my own self. 

*O Allah, forgive me; You will lose nothing by forgiving me. Bless your boons upon me; your blessings are not decreased when you bless them upon me. Your mercy is so wide and abundant. And your wisdom is nice and beautiful.

*O Allah, make me healthy and well. Bless safety and peace upon me. Let me reach thankfulness and taqwa (self-awareness)

*O Allah, I ask for patience and righteousness from You. Ease my works. Do not make me encounter hardships in my works. Bless my family, children and siblings. Make them believers and Muslims and let them depart the world in that way.”  

And some scholars from Salaf supplicated in the month of Rajab as follows:

*O Allah, I am supplicating to You with my sorrowful heart, with the supplication of Your beloved ones whose wishes You accepted. I am asking from You with the words of those who seek for Your content. I wish from Your Greatness to let me know You and worship You.

*O Lord, let me benefit from the mercy and abundance of this night.

*O Allah, You give whatever You wish to whomever You wish. Who can prevent You from offering to them? I am a poor and weak servant of Yours. I hope to receive boons from Your virtuousness and Your generousness. I seek refuge with You only and expect help from You only.

*O Supreme Lord, You send Your mercy and abundance upon your servants at this night. O Allah, do not leave tongues supplicating to You and hands raised above for You unanswered. Let us benefit from Your goodness and help. Adorn us all with your blessings.

*O Allah, bless Muhammad and his children, wives and friends with your never-ending mercy and abundance. O the Lord of the Realms!