My journey begins…

As salaam ‘alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh dear readers,

As we get closer to ushering in a new year 1432 in the Islamic calendar, it’s interesting to note that I am in the process of new beginnings and adventure as I embark on my journey later this evening.

It’s my hope and prayer that this journey first and foremost, will be for the sake of Allah before any earthly reasons as I intend to seek nearness to Him with both my intentions and actions.

As I seek to begin a new life, I can’t help but ponder on the numerous blessings I have been bestowed with and how grateful I am for being honored with Islam. With each passing day as we get older and hopefully, we become  wiser, our priorities change. It’s my hope that our priorities are to seek Allah’s mercy at all times.

We are here  but for a fleeting moment so I encourage each and everyone to examine themselves, re-evaluate and perhaps take the necessary steps to change courses and align yourself with the purpose of our creation which is to worship Allah alone. 

I am reminded of a great quote that I  came across recently ”this dunya is like a shadow. If you try to catch it, you will never be able to do so. If you turn your back towards it, it has no choice but to follow you”. Ibn Qayyim Al Jawziyyah rahimuhullah. 

It is better for us to focus on the things that are important for our akhirah while we still have the ability to do so. As time wasted can never be gotten back. 

Keep making du’a, asking for forgiveness, make dhikr and seek closeness to Allah with all that He loves.

I ask Ar Rahman to purify us and our intentions, to keep us under His shade both in this life and in the next. I pray we are all reunited with our loved ones on yaumul qiyamah and given our books in our right hands. Lastly, I ask Allah to forgive us, have mercy on us and enter us into His abode with His mercy…Ameen thumma ameen.

I leave you with these words and I urge you all to read, reflect and react. Read with an open mind and a sound heart. Reflect by thinking about the reason of our creation and finally, re-act in making the necessary changes in order to achieve your objectives. 

As a traveller I will constantly make du’a for the Ummah and it’s my hope that you too will remember me in yours.

Also come back often to my blog as I intend to blog about my travels for the next 3-4 months bi idhnillah ta’ala.
Was salaam ‘alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh. 

Yahya Ibrahim | To My Children

Yahya Ibrahim | To My Children
November 22nd, 2010
Reprinted by permission from the author.

Bismillah wasSalatu was Salaamu ‘ala Rasoolillah – With the Name of Allah, I begin by invoking Divine Greetings and Peace upon the Messenger of Allah.

Shireen, my daughter, you are now 4 years old.

Omar, my son, you are now three years old.

Adam, my son, you are now 7 weeks old

My children, know that I and your mother love you.  We agree on these words of advice to you.  I pray that these words will be a part of you as long as you may live.

My children, there is only One God.  All that exists belongs to Him as He is the Originator of all.  He, subhanahu, alone is worthy of worship and all other deities are to be shunned. Laa illah illa Allah. He, the Mighty and the Majestic, is the Creator of all things big and small.  Out of nothing, He, subhanahu (Most Glorious), made everything. He has knowledge of all things, not even a leaf flutters to the ground without His foreknowledge of its descent.  He, subhanahu, knows what was, what is, what will be, and what would be even though it will never come into reality.  He is the Provider for all. None can gain what He has not set. None can push back what He has brought forth.  Allah is arRahman arRaheem – The Merciful to All, the Especially Merciful to those who distinguish themselves in obedience to Him.  Do not join anything with Him in that which Only He deserves.

My children, establish your prayers regularly and with humility. Nothing in your life is more important than your Salaat.  Prayer is your connection to Allah.  Insha allah, I will teach you what to say and the Quran to recite in your prayers. I will teach you the times and the rules and regulations. I will enforce it upon you by praying with you, and behind you as you mature. I will remind you often of its importance and form so as to remind myself of it.  There will be times when your faith fails and your Salaat begins to slip away from you.  Return to Allah quickly and make up that which you miss.  I pray for your success in this.

My children, feel the hunger and thirst of others.  Wealth, health, prosperity are all governed by the Decree of Allah.  If we are prosperous now, we thank and praise Allah.  Tomorrow may not be the same as today.  If you are less fortunate in days to come, be patient and equally thank Allah and praise Him.  Put your trust in Allah and work hard as taught to us by His Messenger (s).  To avert poverty give to others from the bounties bestowed upon you by Allah, treat your mother well, and spend your money in that which is permitted.  Give loans to those who ask, and repay quickly those you owe.  All the while, be content with the meagre and generous with your excess.  Speak well of Allah’s Grace upon you and be charitable to your neighbours, family and community.  Ask forgiveness from those you harm and repent to Allah.  If all you have is but a single meal and your neighbour hungers, split it in half. That, my children, is prosperity.

My children, seek knowledge and find ways to apply it. Learn something about everything. Familiarise yourself with all the sciences that surround us in life and the things you encounter regularly. All the while search for something you seek to know everything about and delve deeply into it.  Knowledge is a torch that illuminates your path. It is power.  Develop a love for solving problems, unravelling mathematics and appreciating literature.  The more you dread the better.  I pray that Allah ddgrants me life to instruct you in the sQuran – the Sacred Truth.  Its emessageE is peace, its words are holy and its script is revered.  I will read with you, for many years the Quran, page by page, ayah by ayah, and word by word, insha Allah.  It is through the Quran that you must view the world.  It will lead you upon the straight path that has been tread upon by the virtuous.  The limits you set for yourself and the boundaries I will establish are that of the Quran.  The Quran is Truth.

My children, as you mature you will come to realise that life is not easy and Allah will test you every so often.  The more you read of the life of the Messenger Muhammed (s) and seek to follow his tradition of life, the more resilient you will be in the face of adversity.  Any kind of hardship you can envision and pray to never face was shouldered by him, Salaa allahu ‘alihi was Salim, simultaneously.  He experienced, in his 63 years of blessed life more tribulation than a cohort.  He, Salaa allahu ‘alihi was Salim, was an orphan, a widower, battle scarred, and unjustly outcast.  He outlived many of his children and buried some of his grandchildren.  His uncle, the Mercy of Allah be upon him, was martyred and his body desecrated.  He, Salaa allahu ‘alihi was Salim, was defamed, mocked, lied to and about.  He was poisoned, stoned, and had to witness his companions tortured on account of their faith in his Message, Salaa allahu ‘alihi was Salim.

My children, know that your faith in Allah must manifest itself in your character. Tawheed builds Character.  Speak the truth always, even if against yourself. Avert your eyes from immorality, pornography and junk TV.  Keep your chastity and guard yourself from any stage of sexual immorality. Know that a friend is a window to your soul.  Follow your heart and be true to your firasah (instint).  Be just, firm and gentle in your dealings.  When you are hurt, recover quickly and thank Allah for the difficulty that extinguishes sin.  When you are well and all seems to be at peace, be vigilant and anticipate a brewing storm.

When you err, repent to Allah and seek not to conceal it from me by lying or deception.  The greatest lessons you will learn will be through your naive misjudgement of peoples’ character, your over confidence and because you did not heed our advice as your parents.  When you err, we are there. As bad as you may think it is and as embarrassing as you may find it, step up to me and I will run over to you.  Know that you are brothers and sisters to one another. If your cousin slights one of you, it is as if he slighted all of you. Together you must remain as one.

My children, if pushed, push back harder.  In life you must hit back.  Let no one assume you weak on account of your spiritual inner peace. Learn to negotiate and compromise and dialogue while attaining your objective.  Violence is not a solution.  Peace does not mean fragility. Be sturdy, humble, durable and reflective.

My children, remember that your mother carried you and sustained you in her own body. For nine months she protected you and nurtured you.  She loved you with an amazing intensity all throughout.  The day of your birth and all that days that followed have only increased that love.  Your illness is our illness, your success is our success.  Know my children that I possess nothing of the dunya that is equal to you.  I love you and will continue to love you as long as I live.  Eventually, insha Allah, you will have children of your own.  Make sure you write them a letter.

I ask Allah to grant me life, health and ability to educate you as my father and mother educated me.  I ask Allah to put love in your hearts for humanity and to use you in the assistance of others.

I ask Allah to protect you and honour you with al-Quran.

I ask Allah to increase your rizq, lifespan and allow you happiness in this dunya and in the akhira.

The news that stopped me cold in my tracks…

Tonight Allah subhana wa ta’ala chose to remind me of the inevitable event that is in everyone’s future. I was reminded of death and how close it really is to each and everyone of us. This reminder came through a local brother and what a reminder it was!

Just after 1 am, I was preparing to go to sleep after checking my twitter, Google buzz, email and finally my facebook account but just as I was about to log out I read something that stopped me cold in my tracks!

 A brother (may Allah have mercy on him) who was on facebook had passed away earlier this morning and this brother in Toronto had posted this news on his page with a message asking us to check on the brother’s last status and to reflect upon it.

 So being the curious one, I did just that. I searched for the late brother’s page and I proceeded to read till I got to his final status and what a shock it was. I felt as though I had run into a brick wall at full speed! No wait…it felt much worse, much stronger and powerful even words cannot begin to encapsulate the strong emotion I experienced and still do as I write this.

 Now, I have buried a great grandmother, grandfather and several other family members not to mention my mother right here in Toronto (may Allah forgive all of them and grant them Jannatul Firdaws al’ala) and with each death in my family I got affected but in this instance it’s a bit different. The emotion is rawer, real and quite unnerving. Could it be that I’m feeling the intensity because I’m older now perhaps wiser? Allahu ‘alam.

I didn’t know the brother who had passed, wasn’t a facebook ‘friend’, he lived in South Africa while I’m in North America however the similarities we shared are that he and I are both Muslims (believers insha Allah), we had 13 ‘facebook friends’ in common, we both are part of Al Kauthar Institute, both involved in da’wah activities and have an  affinity for human interest causes.

His final post was a powerful ayah of the Qura’an: “We will test you with a certain amount of fear and hunger and loss of wealth and life and fruits. But give good news to the steadfast. Those who, when disaster strikes them, say, “We belong to Allah and to Him we will return.” Those are the people who will have blessings and mercy from their Lord; they are the ones who are guided. (Quraan, 2: 154 -156). This status message was posted on October 29^th, at 2:59 am.

 At 8:25 am  just about 5 hours later, someone posted a shocking status on his page swhic said “Please pray for Brother Feroz Ganie who met with an accident today and is in a critical condition in hospital. May Allah grant him recovery and ease”.

Finally 20 days later his page was updated with the message that he had succumbed to his injuries and had passed away earlier this morning after being in the hospital and being on a breathing machine. There seemed to be some confusion as to whether he had undergone surgery or not which still wasn’t made clear as to the time I was writing this post.

 Words cannot express the emotion I feel at this very moment and as soon as I had received the first status posted by the local brother, I made du’a, responded to the status I had first read and then I decided to write this post as a reminder to myself first and then to everyone else.

 Many a times I’ve read people’s status messages and have noticed arrogance, hatred, ignorance, lack of decorum, useless information and even I am guilty of this and I shudder to think what if one of those was the very last message I wrote? Would that be how I want people to remember me?

 Yet here is a brother whose very last status was almost like a prediction that he probably knew not of, a reminder for himself and others and what a powerful one it was.  Those very same words he wrote in translation from the Qura’an verse are the same words we say for him today and for others who have passed on.

 To all who are reading this post, please take heed and tread carefully. Keep in mind that there are people whom you know and whom you don’t that will read your messages and you may never know how it would affect them. Take note of what you write and say what is true and correct and beneficial and leave that which has no benefit to your dunya and akhiraah.

 I remind myself first and then you. I ask Ar Rahman to forgive and have mercy on all of the Muslims and believers  who have preceded us, to grant us the tawfique to do what is right at all times and to shy away from any wrongdoing. I ask Allah jalla wa ‘ala to give us all a good ending, to fortify us when asked the three questions, to give us a spacious abode, to not test us  in our final resting places or on yaumul Qiyamah, to give us our book in our right hand and to finally enter us into jannah with his Mercy…Ameen Allahumma Ameen.

Ultimate Du’a…

We should all strive to be like Dawud alayhi salaam who thanked Allah for the ability to be able to thank Allah subhana wa ta’a'la. His du’a was the  best and most complete. So read the following and say ameen!

 O Allah, I ask you to push away from us high prices, chronic diseases, difficult situations, usury, depression, ungratefulness, heavy rains that will drown us and earthquakes that will bury us.

O Allah protect us from greed, envy,  jealousy, miserliness, cowardice, avarice, sloth, bad behoviour, dispelasing you and most of all your anger and wrath.

 O Allah push away fitan (issues that can make you question our faith) the known ones and the unknown ones, especially for the believing men and women and also for all Muslim countries as well. You are Most Merciful, most Gracious.

O Allah we beg you for your Mercy, make things right for us and do not make us in need of anyone, and do not make us fall prey to our own selfish souls even for a blink of an eye. You are our Lord and there is no God but You. Alhamdulillah rabbil alameen and peace be upon the Prophet.

 O Allah, all praise is due to You;

And to You is due all gratitude and thanks;

And to You returns all matters;

The open of them and the hidden of them

 Glory to the Lord of power and dominion

Glory to the One who will not die;

Glory to the One who gives life to His creation;

And He will not die

 Glory to the One how is Lord of all lords

Glory to the One who facilitates all means;

Glory to the One whose throne is in the heavens and

in the earth is His authority

 Glory to the One whom no creature of this life

can see and Whom no sense can perceive;

and Whom description seekers cannot perceive;

and whom incidents do not change;

and He does not fear His creatures

 He knows the weight of the mountains, and the

Measures of the oceans;

And the number of rain drops;

And the number of leaves on the trees;

And the amount of darkness of night and

The brightness of days

 Oh Giver of refuge for those who seek refuge

Beloved of those who love;

Hope of those who are cut off

Raiser of the fallen;

The One who is with the broken hearts;

Who answers the calls of the dejected;

the Mercy of this life and the hereafter and

the Compassion of both;

 Who answers the desires of those in need

He knows the minds of the silent;

One who does not have a partner from whom

He must seek, or an angel from whom He

Asks and is refused;

Or one who is thankful to Him but is deprived

Glory is due to Allah, and praise;

all Glory is due to Allah

 O Allah guide us by Your favor among those whom

You have guided;

And forgive us among those whom You have forgiven

and be our Protector among those whom You have

protected;

and bless us in all that You have given us

and save us and keep us away from any evil which you have

decreed

verily You decree and none decrees besides what

You decree,

And none is abased whom You befriend

And none holds power whom You oppose

 Blessed are you our Lord Exalted

And to You are due all thanks

For Your blessings and bounty;

We seek forgiveness from Allah from all sins

and we repent to You;

there is no refuge of place of shelter except to You

 O Allah, distance our sins from our

obedience to You that will lead us to paradise;

and indeed from certainty in faith comes

difficulty in the life of this world

 And bless us our hearing, and our sight;

and our faculties, as long as You allow us to live;

and make them protectors for us against the

transgressions we have committed;

and make us victorious over our enemies;

and do not allow us to have problems in our deen;

and do not allow us to make the life of this world our

greatest concern;

and remove from us difficulty in attaining knowledge

and do not make hellfire our destination and make

jannah our home;

and do not impose upon us, because of our sins,

people who lack mercy and do not fear you as

authorities over us

by Your mercy of the Most Merciful of those who show Mercy

 O Allah, preserve us with steadfastness in Islam

While we’re standing

and preserve us in Islam while we’re sitting;

and preserve us in Islam while we’re sleeping

 O Allah bless us with a pure life; and an easy death

and a return to You without grief and difficulty;

 O Allah help us with our death; and with our grave

and its punishment; and from slipping from the siraat

and the Day of Reckoning and its terror

 Our Lord, You created us in the best of forms;

and You granted us sustenance from Your bounty;

and You taught us and gave us guidance;

and then we disobeyed You openly,

 but You forgave us and we committed sins,

but You availed us from them;

 Your generosity has been descending upon us;

yet we sin easily, and we are weak;

 If You look to our account then we indeed deserve

punishment;

 But Your Mercy is more expansive than ours is

so grant us Your Mercy

 O the Most Merciful of those who show Mercy

 O Allah give us, and do not deprive us;

and increase for us, and do not decrease us;

 and be generous to us, and do not be severe with us;

and grace us, and do not disgrace us; and help us

and do not forsake us

 O Allah, make white our faces (with light)

and give us our books on our right

and raise our degrees in status

and make our balances heavy on the side of good

and overlook our since

 O Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth

Lord of Majesty and Bounty

by Your power which does not exhaust

we ask, Oh Allah, Oh the Most Merciful

Make our vision lighted by Your Book

so that our tongues will manifest from it

and lighten our graves (with it) and by it forgive our

sins and improve our affairs by Your mercy

O the Most Merciful of those who show Mercy

 O Allah, allow the month of Ramadhan to be

complete in Your pleasure

and with us attaining the success of entering Your garden

 O our Lord this holy month has indeed past,

and we stand fearful and shaking before You

and we hope in You; accept from us our Lord our fasting

and our standing in worship

and our prayers and our remembrance and all our deeds

and do not reject our deeds on the Day of Judgement

the Day of regret and shame

 O our Lord, all gates are closed except Your gate;

do not reject us from Your presence,

if You do so, there is no power nor strength to

save us except You

 La ilaha illa Allah…He who wills the number of

footsteps on the surface of the earth and on steps;

 all praise is due to Allah, He in Whose hand is the

keys of escape (farraj)

 O our Hope when all doors are closed;

 Our Hope when all links are cut;

 and when there is a barrier between us and our family

and our people (and we stand alone)

 La ilaha illa Allah…Oh Allah do not let this gathering

disperse except when our sins are forgiven;

 and our efforts accepted;

and our good deeds counted

 O the Powerful, the Most Forgiving,

by Your Mercy,

o the Most Merciful of those who show Mercy

The Sunnah of Eid al-Adha

In keeping with the tradition of our beloved prophet Muhammad sallalahu alayhi wassalaam, we are encouraged to prepare ourselves for the occasion of Eid. Below is a list of things we are recommended to do in preparation for the Eid al-Adha festival:

1. Wake up early (before sunrise).
2. Make wudu (ablution) and offer Salat al-Fajr (the pre-sunrise prayer).
3. Prepare for personal cleanliness – take care of details of clothing, etc.
4. Make Ghusl (ritual bath) after Fajr prayer.
5. Brush teeth (preferably with a miswak, or tooth-stick).
6. Dress up, putting on new or best clothes available (White, when available, is optimal)
7. Apply (alcohol free) perfume (attar) (men only).
8. It is customary to eat dates preferably or something before going to Eid prayers but you can’t eat sacrificed meat as Sacrifice must be done after Eid prayers to be accepted as Sacrifice otherwise it becomes just normal meat and no reward for sacrifice.
9. Go to the prayer grounds (known as an ‘Waqf’ or ‘Eidgah’) early.
10. Offer Salat al-Eid (the congregational Eid prayer) in an open place, weather permitting, or in the mosque.
11. Use two separate routes when traveling to and from the Eid prayer location.
12. Recite the following Takbir which starts at Maghrib (sunset) on the 9th of Dhul-hijah and last until the Asr on the 12th Dhul-hijah:
Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. La ilaha illa-lah wallahu-Akbar. Allahu-Akbar wa-lillahil-hamd, which translates to: “Allah (God) is the Greatest (3 times); there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest and to Him are due all praises.”

Salat al-Eid

Salat al-Eid is Wajib (strongly recommended, but just short of obligatory). It consists of two Raka’ah (units) with six additional Takbirs. No adhan (Call to Prayer) or iqama (call) is to be pronounced for this Eid prayer. It must be offered in congregation. The Salaat (prayer) is followed by the Khutbah, or sermon, by the Imam. The Khutbah is part of the worship and listening to it is Wajib. During the Khutbah, the Imam reminds the Muslim community about its responsibilities and obligations towards Allah, and good works, kindness, mercy and generosity towards their fellow Muslims and humanity as a whole.

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

Rules Regarding the Animal to be Sacrificed

1. The animal has to be one of the cattle approved by the Sharia (Cow, Camel, Goat, Sheep etc.)
2. The animal has reached the required age. The adult age is: (a) One year for a goat, sheep, lamb (b) Two years for a cow (c) Five years for a camel.
3. The animal is free from an obvious defect like a one-eyed animal whose defect is obvious, a sick animal whose sickness is obvious, a lame animal whose limp is obvious and an emaciated animal that has no marrow in its bones
4. The animal is in full possession of the one who is offering the sacrifice; i.e. it is not stolen or taken by force, not of joint possession or held in pledge
5. The animal can not be sold or given away once selected or bought for sacrifice, unless exchanging for something better.

Rules Related to the Person offering the Sacrifice

1. Being a Muslim
2. It is necessary for the one who intends to offer the sacrifice that he does not remove any hair or nail from the sunset on last day of Dhul-Qa’dah until the sacrifice is done on the Eid day
3. Doing the slaughter with one’s own hands. If one is not able to do so then he can appoint some one else to do the slaughter on his behalf. In such case one should witness his slaughter if at all possible.
4. It is a necessary condition of the sacrifice that the animal be slaughtered with the intention of offering a sacrifice (udhiyah). The intention must be in the heart, and should not be spoken out loud.
5. Taking the Name of Allah at the time of slaughter.

The Takbir and Other Rituals

The Takbir is recited from the dawn of the tenth of Dhul-Hijjah to the thirteenth, and consists of:
Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar الله أكبر الله أكبر الله أكبر
lā ilāha illā Allāh لا إله إلا الله
Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar الله أكبر الله أكبر
wa li-illāhil-hamd ولله الحمد
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest,
There is no deity but Allah
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest
and to Allah goes all praise

Traditions and Practices

Men, women, and children are expected to dress in their finest clothing to perform Eid prayer (ṣalātu l-`Īdi) in a large congregation is an open waqf field called Eidgah or mosque. Those Muslims who can afford, i.e. Malik-e-Nisaab; sacrifice their best domestic animals (usually a cow, but can also be a camel, goat, sheep or ram depending on the region) as a symbol of Ibrahim Alayhi salaam’s willingness to sacrifice his only son. The sacrificed animals, called Uḍhiyyah (Arabic: أضحية‎, also known by its Persian term, “al-Qurbāni”), have to meet certain age and quality standards or else the animal is considered an unacceptable sacrifice.

The regular charitable practices of the Muslim community are demonstrated during Eid al-Adha by concerted efforts to see that no impoverished person is left without an opportunity to partake in the sacrificial meal during these days.

During Eid al-Adha, distributing meat amongst the people, chanting the Takbir out loud before the Eid prayer on the first day and after prayers throughout the three days of Eid, are considered essential parts of this important Islamic festival. In some countries, families that do not own livestock can make a contribution to a charity that will provide meat to those who are in need.

The Day that Allah completed His favor upon us… The Day of Arafah

A day preferred over all other days; a day in which sins are forgiven and supplications are answered; a day in which Allah descends from His throne and says to the angels, ‘What do these people desire and seek?’

It is befitting therefore that we, as Muslims, know about this day and appreciate its virtue.

Corresponding to 9th Dhul Hijjah, wherein our brothers and sisters who have departed to perform Hajj stand together, Arafah remains the core and essence of Hajj. This day Allah descends to the nearest heaven, and He is proud of His slaves on the earth and says to those in heaven, “Look at My servants. They have come from far and near, with hair disheveled and faces covered with dust, to seek My mercy…’

Virtues

1. Allah perfected His religion on this day, and completed his favor upon us.

{This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion} [05:03]

Umar (may Allah be pleased him) said regarding the above ayah, ‘we know the day and place in which [this verse] was revealed to the Prophet (salAllaahu alayhi wa salam). It was when he was standing in Arafah on a Friday.’

2. Allah took an oath by this day. He said,

{By the witnessing day, and by the witnessed day} [85:03]

Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa salam) said, ((the witnessed days are the Day of Arafah.))

It is known that Allah would only take an oath by something of great importance.

3. It is the best day and the most beloved day to Allah in the year.

Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (sal Allah alayhi wa salam) said, ((And there is no day better in the sight of Allah than the Day of `Arafah…)).

4. Allah frees more people from the hell fire.

Muslim and others have reported from A’ishah that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Allah frees more people from the Hellfire on the Day of `Arafah than on any other day, and Allah draws closer this day and proudly says to the angels, ‘What do these people want and seek?’”

5. It is a day held dear to ALL the prophets before us.

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allaahu alayhi wa salam) said, ((The best supplication is that of the Day of ‘Arafah, and the best thing that I and other Prophets before me said, is: ‘La ilaaha Illallaah, wahdahu la shareeka lahu. Lahul mulk wa lahul hamd wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shayin qadeer.”))

For those not performing Hajj

To attain the reward of this blessed day, and thereby follow the example of the Prophets who came before, one should:

1. Fast the day of Arafah

Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (salAllaahu ‘alayhi wa salam) said, ((Fasting the day of `Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one.))

One should therefore fast on this day, and encourage friends and family to fast, so that our sins may be forgiven and we may be favored amongst the righteous servants of Allah.

2. Supplicate to Allah

The prophet (sal Allaahu ‘alayhi wa salam) said, ((the best of supplications is the supplication on the Day of ‘Arafah))

3. Make remembrance of Allah -praising and glorifying him.

Ibn Umar states, ‘we were with the Prophet on the Day of ‘Arafah. Some of us would glorify Allah (by saying Allah Akbar) whilst others would praise Allah (by saying Laa ilaaha illa Allah).

Through the above, the benefits, blessings and favors of the pilgrim are shared and Allah draws near; His Generosity and Kindness overflowing, as He boasts to His angels:

“He says ‘My slaves have come to me so lovingly,
and indeed I am, to them most Kind and Merciful,

Bear witness, I have forgiven their sins,
blessed them and granted them their hopes.”

[Ibn Al-Qayyim Al Jawziyyah]

Authored by : Naveed Ayaaz, Abul Abbaas

Let us pause… read & reflect

Assalaam alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh,

As we prepare to revel, eat, drink, congratulate each other, smile, laugh, share special moments with our loved ones, close friends, brothers and sisters, let’s pause for a few minutes.

Pause and reflect on what this ‘Eid symbolizes and what it’s about. It is about fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam for those who are able to and it’s about solidarity and submission of Muslims around the world. It’s also about worshiping Allah as He ought to be worshipped and honoring a mother who ran up and down with her child between two mounts. It’s about celebrating the end of the pilgrimage, signaling the end of the Islamic calendar and the beginning of a new one. It’s about continuing in the footsteps and tradition of our beloved Prophet Muhammad salallahu alayhi wassalaam and about commemorating the trials and triumphs of Ibrahim alayhi salaam.

Now take a moment and sincerely pray for all those that are destitute, poor, sick, in war torn countries around the world, those who are in mourning and those that have preceded us. Think of those who do not have water, food, shelter, clothing, education, medical supplies. Those who do not have the ability to worship freely from fear of persecution.

Those that Allah subhana wa ta’ala has guided to Islam and find themselves alone and without their families, those that have been forsaken, forgotten, lost and hopeless.

Remember our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, daughters and sons who live under oppression, tyrannical rule, those who have absolutely no rights whatsoever, whose days and nights revolve around keeping their families safe from mortar shelling and gunfire that doesn’t discriminate and those who are forced to live with injustice in their everyday lives.

How about those who are behind bars all over the globe? Who have no water to make wudhu or a prayer mat to make their salaat on, or a Qura’an to read, or not knowing the time of salah due to the fact that they have been isolated from the general population thrown in a dark hole days on end.

Let’s take a step back and evaluate the blessings we have and most often, take for granted. With all our faculties intact, our physical body without a missing limb, the ability to do as we please when we please and how we please, surely we aren’t daft to think that everyone is in the same condition with the ability to do as they please when they please or how they please!

The act of sacrifice symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts while following the commandments of Allah subhana wa ta’ala. This is a time to give up some of our own bounties in order to strengthen ties of kinship and brotherhood. We all recognize that all blessings come from Ar Rahman and we should open our hearts and share with others. So I remind myself first then you and urge everyone to act upon this and not just pay lip service.

In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity and urge each and every one to spare a few moments and pray for all the Muslims. Invite each other into your homes and share what Allah has blessed you with.

May this ‘Eid be a joyous occasion for you and your families, the hujjaj who stood in vigil on Mount Arafah, those who fasted, stood in worship and continue to sincerely hold on to the rope of Ar Rahman with unwavering certainty…ameen thumma ameen.

Was salaam alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh.

“My Son, I am Your Mother”

All praise is due to Allah, the easer of grief and the dispeller of worries, and may his blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, the best of mankind.

My son, This is a letter of injury from your poor mother, who wrote in shyness after much delay and hesitation. Often, she had picked up a pen and was stopped by a tear! And she would stop the tear only that the heart’s wailing would prevail.

“My son… after all this time, I see you a matured man, of sound mind and balanced emotions. It is my right over you that you should at least read this paper, and then if you wish, you can rip it, as you have ripped at the corners of my heart before.

“My son… more than twenty years ago, it was a bright and sunny day in my life when the doctor told me I was pregnant. Mothers, my son, know the meaning of this word well! It is a blend of joy and rapture, and the beginning of pain marked by physical and emotional changes. And after those glad tidings, I carried you nine months inside me with jubilant happiness. I rose with difficulty, and I slept with difficulty. I ate with difficulty, and I breathed with difficulty. Only none of this lessened my delight and love for you. Instead, my love grew more with the days and a longing for you flourished within me.

“I carried you, my son, enduring weakness upon weakness, and pain upon pain, delighting at your movement, and rejoicing at your weight’s increase, though it was for me, a heavy burden. It was long suffering, after which came the dawn of a night I did not sleep in or close my eyelids. I acquired of suffering and anguish, and of fear and alarm, what neither a pen can describe nor a tongue utter.

“The hurt grew so severe I lacked strength to cry, and I saw death with my eyes several times. This lasted until you came out into the world, when the tears of your screams mixed with the tears of my bliss, and removed all my torment and injury. Even in my pain, I held you in tenderness and kissed you before they could take you away and wash you with a single drop of water.

“My son… years have passed of your life as I have carried you in my heart and bathed you with my hands. I made my lap for you a bed and my bosom for you nourishment. I was awake during my nights so you could sleep and laboring during my days so you could be happy. My wish, everyday, was to see your smile, and my pleasure, every moment that you should ask for something I could make for you. These things were the peak of my ecstasy.

“The days and nights passed and I was still in that state: an attendant servant who did not neglect and a nurse who did not stop; a worker who did not rest and a supplicant for your good and success who did not slacken. I watched you day after day until your body strengthened and your youthful energy turned righteous, and the signs of manhood began to appear in you. I found myself running left and right, searching for you for the kind of wife you requested.

“The date of your marriage came, and the time of your wedding neared. At this, my heart tore, and my tears ran, out of joy for your new life and sadness at your parting. After that, the hours passed heavily, and the moments slowly, and then I suddenly realized you were not my son that I knew. Your smile had vanished, your voice had disappeared, and your expression grown sullen. You have forsaken me and forgotten my rights!

“The days pass and I watch for your countenance and wait with a yearning sorrow to hear your voice. Your abandonment has grown long, and the days have spread out. I have stared patiently at the door, hoping you might come, and listened expectantly for the sound of the ringing phone until I thought myself delusional. And here the days have extended and the nights grown dark, and I neither see you nor hear your voice. You have disregarded the person who took care of you with the best of human care.

“My son, I don’t ask but little. Put me in the place of your slightest friend, the farthest from your regard. Make me, my son, one of your monthly stations, so that I see you then if only for a sparing time.

“My son… my back has arched and my limbs have shriveled. I have been wearied by ailments and visited by sickness. I do not rise except with adversity, nor sit except with hardship, and my heart still throbs with love for you.

“My son, whenever I learn that you are happy in your life, my happiness and joy increase. I am puzzled, when you are the product of my toils. What sin have I reaped that I have become an enemy you cannot stand to see, and whose visit is so burdensome? Did I falter some day in your treatment, or neglect for a moment your attendance? Make me like the rest of your servants whose rights you give to them, and grant me a part of your mercy. Award me with some of my recompense, and be good, for Allah loves the doers of good.

“My son, I wish to see you! I don’t want other than that! My heart has broken, and my tears have flowed, and you are alive and receiving sustenance. I hear people still talk about your refined manners and gracious conduct. Let me see, if nothing else, the frown of your face, and the features of your anger.

“My son… is it not time for your heart to soften to a frail woman worn out by longing and restrained by mourning; a woman who has made grief her emblem and distress her garment; a woman who’s weeping you have caused, whose heart you have saddened, and whose kinship you have broken?

“My son… here is the door to heaven before you, so pursue it, and knock upon it. Perhaps I will meet you there by my Lord’s mercy as it came in the Hadith: ‘The parent is the best door to paradise. So if you want, you may ignore this door or pay attention to it [narrated by Imam Ahmed].’

My son, I know that since your height has increased and your shoulders broadened, you have been looking for reward and merit. Perhaps today you have forgotten the words of the 
Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم: ‘The best of deeds to Allah is prayer at its proper time, then kindness to the parents, and then Jihad in the cause of Allah [agreed upon].’ Here then is that reward without the waging of battles or slaying of enemies, so where are you from the best of deeds?

“My son, I warn you from being of those meant by the Prophet when he said: ‘Let him be humbled, let him be humbled, let him be humbled.’ It was said: ‘Who, oh Messenger of Allah?’ He said: ‘Whoever finds his parents in their old age, one or both of them, and does not enter Paradise.’ [Muslim]‘

“My son, I will not raise the complaints or disclose the sorrow, for it they rise above the clouds and reach the sky’s door; you will be seized with the evil of ungratefulness. Punishment will come down to you, and your living be overtaken with calamity. No, I will not do that. You are still my son, a piece of me. You are the flower of my heart, and the delight of my life.

“Wake up my son. Old age is overtaking you, and years will pass and you will soon become an aged father. Reward is given according to doing, and you will write letters to your son with tears as I have to you. And with Allah, adversity gathers.”

Son, fear Allah in your mother, and be constant to her, for heaven is at her feet. Brush away her tears, and ease her sadness, and if you still insist, then rip her letter. And know, that whoever does good, it is for himself, and whoever does evil, it is against him.

Where are our Muslim leaders and what is their stance?

As I sit and write this I can’t help but wonder where our moderate, Muslims leaders are and this is the reason that prompted me to sit down and write this article.

In these tumultuous times a lot of issues have sprung up that directly affect our community even when these issues happen in different parts of the world. Not too long ago we had to deal with the issue of niqab banning—an issue that is still resonant and as it stands still unresolved in other parts of the world though the decision to ban the niqab was unanimously denounced by the government of Canada. In an official statement in response to Tarek Fatah and his MCC’s petition to ban the niqab, the office of the Prime Minister wrote “…however, in an open and democratic society like Canada, individuals are free to make their own decisions regarding their personal apparel and to adhere to their own customs or traditions of their faith and/or beliefs. That said, the individual rights and freedoms are the key foundations to any democratic society and are to be protected and promoted”.

That said the public outcry was overwhelming however, our Muslim leaders abstained from collectively commenting and those who chose to make their positions known were attacked by this very organization that began this whole fiasco in the first place and that is sheer travesty.

Perhaps, in a small measure the Muslim woman’s right to observe her apparel that is in direct alignment with her religion was upheld by the Canadian government’s response whose stance was to protect the freedoms that each Canadian has a right to enjoy and observe.

Another concern that is at the forefront of the international media is the ludicrous antics of a Florida Preacher Terry Jones. He has unambiguously stated on various media outlets that this weekend he and his 50 church members plan to burn 200 copies of the English translated Qur’an. Infact he went a little further and declared “September 11th 2010 as the “International burn the Qur’an day”. What is even more absurd is that he has said that he is doing this in memory of the 9/11 tragedy.

What puzzles me is that according to him he is doing this to commemorate the tragedy that occurred 9 years ago and even though there were Muslims who died in the 9/11 attacks. The other thing is that the only way for Muslims to dispose of old, torn or tattered Qur’an is by burning the pages—therefore had this pastor did his homework he would have known these two very important facts. Therefore, it’s much ado about nothing!

Being a Muslim Canadian I can choose to not do anything about this though it behooves me as to why people would choose to stay silent over something so fundamental and at the very core of what affects the millions of Muslims all over the world. I would agree that to pay any attention to this preacher’s antics will only serve to spur him on however; a collective voice needs to be heard and its unified message should be that of a non violent manner. Imams and community leaders everywhere should join world leaders and call for peace and calm.

It’s no wonder that President Obama’s administration in a recent online article has expressly denounced this act by saying “this could endanger the lives of U S troops and Americans everywhere” and notwithstanding that even the Vatican has denounced this act. In the same article it reported that Gen. David Petraeus warned Tuesday in an e-mail to The Associated Press that “images of the burning of a Qur’an would undoubtedly be used by extremists in Afghanistan — and around the world — to inflame public opinion and incite violence.” It was a rare example of a military commander taking a position on a domestic political matter.
In a recent CBC news report, Canada’s Foreign Ministry put out a statement strongly condemning the plan. “It is an insult to the Muslim world. It also puts the lives of Canadians in Afghanistan at risk. The burning of the Qu’ran will also give our enemies material for propaganda against allied forces in Afghanistan,” the statement said. “To put this in context, Canada is not fighting against Islamic beliefs; we are fighting against the Taliban.”
Now I ask this question again, where the moderate, middle path Muslim leaders are and why their voices aren’t being heard. This is an opportunity to rise up and urge their community members to not resort to violence or any sort of uprising.

This is a time that those who are on the middle path can rally their members in a unified and clear voice and urge them to be patient and follow the shining examples set forth by our beloved Prophets Muhammad and Isa (Jesus) peace be upon them who both advocated for peace.

In retrospect, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that if this preacher goes ahead with his plans then Muslims will react and perhaps, this reaction is what the preacher was after all along.

In another unrelated issue burning up the wires is the proposed building of the Cordoba House two blocks from ground zero. In an unprecedented, exclusive and one on one interview on Larry King Live, Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf who is the brainchild of this project, spoke very candidly regarding his project. In this interview, his message was very clear in that his sole motivation is to build bridges and promote a healthy dialogue.

This project began last December but it wasn’t until this May when the story broke out on the front page of the New York Times creating a furor that is still reverberating across the globe. In his live interview, Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf stated, “he’s extremely concerned and sensitive to the feelings of 9/11 families”. He opined that a memorial will be erected in honor of the lives lost and the families of this tragedy that is still haunting them –9 years later.

According to him this is slated to be an all inclusive project that will house an interfaith prayer space and a community center among other things. One thing that stood out in his interview is that he believes that if he were to pull out of this project now that the radicals will have shaped the discourse which will in turn strengthen their stance which ironically is in direct opposition to his life long mission of peace building and promotion of a healthy discourse. He continued on to state that his primary motive is to bring Muslims and non Muslims together in a unified and peaceful manner.

When questioned on his point of view regarding the proposed Qur’an burning he said and I quote, “It’s an un-Christian thing to do”. He continued on to say that he “urges Preacher Jones to seriously reconsider his position”. There is a clear divide amongst those who want the project to be canned and their opinion is that this sacred ground even though the proposed project is 2 whole blocks away from the World Trade Center’s proper—Ground Zero.

This so called proposal by the Florida Preacher comes on the heels of the 9th commemoration of the 9/11 tragedy and in a recent interview on CNN he mentioned that he is praying over the decision at this time which leads us to believe that he is looking at the options that he has. The point of note is that both these issues are covered under the First Amendment and according to New York City’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg, he defended the church’s right to burn the books even though he found it distasteful. Meanwhile U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s opinion is that this is a “disrespectful, disgraceful act.”

From Indonesia to Afghanistan riots have broken out in direct protest to this deplorable act while U S embassies all over the world have been asked to amp up their security. Is this preacher’s madness worth inciting the world over?

I strongly believe that he is only seeking attention irrespective of what damage this attention seeking causes and the best thing to do now is to urge people to calm down and leave it in the hands of Allah. The Qur’an has been in existence for over 1400 years and will continue long after we have moved on to our graves.

I write this to appeal to the moderate, Muslims leaders and urge them to take a stance and denounce this act and at the same time to unequivocally and explicitly rally their communities to not react with aggression as this will only continue the never ending circle of hatred and violence.

Scrolls; Scholars & a woman among them

They say dreams are an extension of who you are, what you did and what you saw that day before you went to sleep. I’ve had quite a few interesting dreams in the last few months and I wanted to share one such amazing dream that to this day I have never forgotten a single moment of it. It’s so vivid that I sometimes feel as though it truly happened!

Last August, I went to sleep relatively early as I almost always never go to bed early. I had quite a tasking day that day and I went to bed with heavy thoughts and as soon as my head hit my pillow I fell into a deep sleep. I woke up for fajr prayer and I laid down again right after salah.

Immediately after, I began dreaming that I was in a huge field and all I could see for miles was grass, the sky and the clouds above me. In this field there were a multitude of old bearded men wearing thobes and they all happened to be eminent scholars that I recognized!

One of the scholars approached me and I instinctively knew who he was and in his hand he had 5 big rolled up scrolls that contained Ilm and he extended his hand to me that had the scrolls.

He asked me to take the scrolls of knowledge and to in turn choose a scholar of our time and give them to him. Now I must add this, on the field there were a lot of scholars both past and present.

So I took the scrolls, turned towards the scholars and I could recognize Sh. Ibn Baaz, Sh. Ibn Uthaymeen, Sh. Ibn Qayyim al Jawziyyah, Sh. Ibn Taymiyyah, Imam Bukhari, Sh. Al Albaani rahimahum and others even though I had never seen them in this life.

As I was contemplating on whom to hand these scrolls to, I woke up before I could make a choice!

Upon waking up I almost couldn’t believe what I had dreamt of. I began replaying the dream and to this day I am still able to do so with clarity. I must say this though, I am quite touched by the dream and humbled however, the significance of the dream still eludes me and Allah knows best.