Monday, 27 December 2010

26 December 2010

26 December 2010

To be fully updated soon (I/A)

Seerah of Muhammed*
*: May the Peace, Blessings & Mercy of Allah be upon him
TMQ: Translation to the nearest meaning of the Qur’an


Qur'an chapter 8: Surah Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War) [TMQ]
In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful
1. They ask you (O Muhammad) about the spoils of war. Say: "The spoils are for Allah and the Messenger." So fear Allah and adjust all matters of difference among you, and obey Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), if you are believers.
2. The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Qur'an) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone);
3. Who perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and spend out of that We have provided them.
4. It is they who are the believers in truth. For them are grades of dignity with their Lord, and Forgiveness and a generous provision (Paradise).
5. As your Lord caused you (O Muhammad) to go out from your home with the truth, and verily, a party among the believers disliked it;
6. Disputing with you concerning the truth after it was made manifest, as if they were being driven to death, while they were looking (at it).
7. And (remember) when Allah promised you (Muslims) one of the two parties (of the enemy i.e. either the army or the caravan) that it should be yours, you wished that the one not armed (the caravan) should be yours, but Allah willed to justify the truth by His Words and to cut off the roots of the disbelievers (i.e. in the battle of Badr).
8. That He might cause the truth to triumph and bring falsehood to nothing, even though the Mujrimun (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, criminals, etc.) hate it.
9. (Remember) when you sought help of your Lord and He answered you (saying): "I will help you with a thousand of the angels each behind the other (following one another) in succession."
10. Allah made it only as glad tidings, and that your hearts be at rest therewith. And there is no victory except from Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.
11. (Remember) when He covered you with a slumber as a security from Him, and He caused water (rain) to descend on you from the sky, to clean you thereby and to remove from you the Rijz (whispering, evil-suggestions, etc.) of Shaitan (Satan), and to strengthen your hearts, and make your feet firm thereby.
12. (Remember) when your Lord inspired the angels, "Verily, I am with you, so keep firm those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who have disbelieved, so strike them over the necks, and smite over all their fingers and toes."
13. This is because they defied and disobeyed Allah and His Messenger. And whoever defies and disobeys Allah and His Messenger, then verily, Allah is Severe in punishment.
14. This is the torment, so taste it, and surely for the disbelievers is the torment of the Fire.
15. O you who believe! When you meet those who disbelieve, in a battle-field, never turn your backs to them.
16. And whoever turns his back to them on such a day - unless it be a stratagem of war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own), - he indeed has drawn upon himself wrath from Allah. And his abode is Hell, and worst indeed is that destination!
17. You killed them not, but Allah killed them. And you (Muhammad) threw not when you did throw but Allah threw, that He might test the believers by a fair trial from Him. Verily, Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.
18. This (is the fact) and surely, Allah weakens the deceitful plots of the disbelievers.
19. (O disbelievers) if you ask for a judgement, now has the judgement come unto you and if you cease (to do wrong), it will be better for you, and if you return (to the attack), so shall We return, and your forces will be of no avail to you, however numerous it be, and verily, Allah is with the believers.
20. O you who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger, and turn not away from him (i.e. Messenger Muhammad) while you are hearing.
21. And be not like those who say: "We have heard," but they hear not.
22. Verily! The worst of (moving) living creatures with Allah are the deaf and the dumb, those who understand not (i.e. the disbelievers).
23. Had Allah known of any good in them, He would indeed have made them listen, and even if He had made them listen, they would but have turned away, averse (to the truth).
24. O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he () calls you to that which will give you life, and know that Allah comes in between a person and his heart (i.e. He prevents an evil person to decide anything). And verily to Him you shall (all) be gathered.
25. And fear the Fitnah (affliction and trial, etc.) which affects not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong (but it may afflict all the good and the bad people), and know that Allah is Severe in punishment.
26. And remember when you were few and were reckoned weak in the land, and were afraid that men might kidnap you, but He provided a safe place for you, strengthened you with His Help, and provided you with good things so that you might be grateful.
27. O you who believe! Betray not Allah and His Messenger, nor betray knowingly your Amanat (things entrusted to you, and all the duties which Allah has ordained for you).
28. And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial and that surely with Allah is a mighty reward.
29. O you who believe! If you obey and fear Allah, He will grant you Furqan a criterion [(to judge between right and wrong), or (Makhraj, i.e. making a way for you to get out from every difficulty)], and will expiate for you your sins, and forgive you, and Allah is the Owner of the Great Bounty.
30. And (remember) when the disbelievers plotted against you (O Muhammad) to imprison you, or to kill you, or to get you out (from your home, i.e. Makkah); they were plotting and Allah too was planning, and Allah is the Best of the planners.
31. And when Our Verses (of the Qur'an) are recited to them, they say: "We have heard this (the Qur'an); if we wish we can say the like of this. This is nothing but the tales of the ancients."
32. And (remember) when they said: "O Allah! If this (the Qur'an) is indeed the truth (revealed) from You, then rain down stones on us from the sky or bring on us a painful torment."
33. And Allah would not punish them while you (Muhammad) are amongst them, nor will He punish them while they seek (Allah's) Forgiveness.
34. And why should not Allah punish them while they stop (men) from Al-Masjid-al-Haram, and they are not its guardians? None can be its guardian except Al-Muttaqun (the pious - see V.2:2), but most of them know not.
35. Their Salat (prayer) at the House (of Allah, i.e. the Ka'bah at Makkah) was nothing but whistling and clapping of hands. Therefore taste the punishment because you used to disbelieve.
36. Verily, those who disbelieve spend their wealth to hinder (men) from the Path of Allah, and so will they continue to spend it; but in the end it will become an anguish for them. Then they will be overcomed. And those who disbelieve will be gathered unto Hell.
37. In order that Allah may distinguish the wicked (disbelievers, polytheists and doers of evil deeds) from the good (believers of Islamic Monotheism and doers of righteous deeds), and put the wicked (disbelievers, polytheists and doers of evil deeds) one on another, heap them together and cast them into Hell. Those! it is they who are the losers.
38. Say to those who have disbelieved, if they cease (from disbelief) their past will be forgiven. But if they return (thereto), then the examples of those (punished) before them have already preceded (as a warning).
39. And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and polytheism: i.e. worshipping others besides Allah) and the religion (worship) will all be for Allah Alone [in the whole of the world ]. But if they cease (worshipping others besides Allah), then certainly, Allah is All-Seer of what they do.
40. And if they turn away, then know that Allah is your Maula (Patron, Lord, Protector and Supporter, etc.), (what) an Excellent Maula, and (what) an Excellent Helper!
41. And know that whatever of war-booty that you may gain, verily one-fifth (1/5th) of it is assigned to Allah, and to the Messenger, and to the near relatives [of the Messenger (Muhammad)], (and also) the orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor) and the wayfarer, if you have believed in Allah and in that which We sent down to Our slave (Muhammad) on the Day of criterion (between right and wrong), the Day when the two forces met (the battle of Badr) - And Allah is Able to do all things.
42. (And remember) when you (the Muslim army) were on the near side of the valley, and they on the farther side, and the caravan on the ground lower than you. Even if you had made a mutual appointment to meet, you would certainly have failed in the appointment, but (you met) that Allah might accomplish a matter already ordained (in His Knowledge); so that those who were to be destroyed (for their rejecting the Faith) might be destroyed after a clear evidence, and those who were to live (i.e. believers) might live after a clear evidence. And surely, Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.
43. (And remember) when Allah showed them to you as few in your (i.e. Muhammad's ) dream, if He had shown them to you as many, you would surely have been discouraged, and you would surely have disputed in making a decision. But Allah saved (you). Certainly, He is the All-Knower of what is in the breasts.
44. And (remember) when you met (the army of the disbelievers on the Day of the battle of Badr), He showed them to you as few in your eyes and He made you appear as few in their eyes, so that Allah might accomplish a matter already ordained (in His Knowledge), and to Allah return all matters (for decision).
45. O you who believe! When you meet (an enemy) force, take a firm stand against them and remember the Name of Allah much (both with tongue and mind), so that you may be successful.
46. And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength depart, and be patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).
47. And be not like those who come out of their homes boastfully and to be seen of men, and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah. and Allah is Muhitun (encircling and thoroughly comprehending) all that they do.
48. And (remember) when Shaitan (Satan) made their (evil) deeds seem fair to them and said, "No one of mankind can overcome you this Day (of the battle of Badr) and verily, I am your neighbour (for each and every help)." But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he ran away and said "Verily, I have nothing to do with you. Verily! I see what you see not. Verily! I fear Allah for Allah is Severe in punishment."
49. When the hypocrites and those in whose hearts was a disease (of disbelief) said: "These people (Muslims) are deceived by their religion." But whoever puts his trust in Allah, then surely, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.
50. And if you could see when the angels take away the souls of those who disbelieve (at death), they smite their faces and their backs, (saying): "Taste the punishment of the blazing Fire."
51. "This is because of that which your hands had forwarded. And verily, Allah is not unjust to His slaves."
52. Similar to the behaviour of the people of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), and of those before them; they rejected the Ayat (proofs, verses, etc.) of Allah, so Allah punished them for their sins. Verily, Allah is All-Strong, Severe in punishment.
53. That is so because Allah will never change a grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in their ownselves. And verily, Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.
54. Similar to the behaviour of the people of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), and those before them. They belied the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), of their Lord, so We destroyed them for their sins, and We drowned the people of Fir'aun (Pharaoh) for they were all Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.).
55. Verily, The worst of moving (living) creatures before Allah are those who disbelieve , - so they shall not believe.
56. They are those with whom you made a covenant, but they break their covenant every time and they do not fear Allah.
57. So if you gain the mastery over them in war, punish them severely in order to disperse those who are behind them, so that they may learn a lesson.
58. If you (O Muhammad) fear treachery from any people throw back (their covenant) to them (so as to be) on equal terms (that there will be no more covenant between you and them). Certainly Allah likes not the treacherous.
59. And let not those who disbelieve think that they can outstrip (escape from the punishment). Verily, they will never be able to save themselves (from Allah's Punishment).
60. And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war (tanks, planes, missiles, artillery, etc.) to threaten the enemy of Allah and your enemy, and others besides whom, you may not know but whom Allah does know. And whatever you shall spend in the Cause of Allah shall be repaid unto you, and you shall not be treated unjustly.
61. But if they incline to peace, you also incline to it, and (put your) trust in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.
62. And if they intend to deceive you, then verily, Allah is All-Sufficient for you. He it is Who has supported you with His Help and with the believers.
63. And He has united their (i.e. believers') hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have united their hearts, but Allah has united them. Certainly He is All-Mighty, All-Wise.
64. O Prophet (Muhammad)! Allah is Sufficient for you and for the believers who follow you.
65. O Prophet (Muhammad)! Urge the believers to fight. If there are twenty steadfast persons amongst you, they will overcome two hundred, and if there be a hundred steadfast persons they will overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they (the disbelievers) are people who do not understand.
66. Now Allah has lightened your (task), for He knows that there is weakness in you. So if there are of you a hundred steadfast persons, they shall overcome two hundred, and if there are a thousand of you, they shall overcome two thousand with the Leave of Allah. And Allah is with As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).
67. It is not for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war (and free them with ransom) until he had made a great slaughter (among his enemies) in the land. You desire the good of this world (i.e. the money of ransom for freeing the captives), but Allah desires (for you) the Hereafter. And Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.
68. Were it not a previous ordainment from Allah, a severe torment would have touched you for what you took.
69. So enjoy what you have gotten of booty in war, lawful and good, and be afraid of Allah. Certainly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
70. O Prophet! Say to the captives that are in your hands: "If Allah knows any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
71. But if they intend to betray you (O Muhammad), they have already betrayed Allah before. So He gave (you) power over them. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.
72. Verily, those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard and fought with their property and their lives in the Cause of Allah as well as those who gave (them) asylum and help, - these are (all) allies to one another. And as to those who believed but did not emigrate (to you O Muhammad), you owe no duty of protection to them until they emigrate , but if they seek your help in religion, it is your duty to help them except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, and Allah is the All-Seer of what you do.
73. And those who disbelieve are allies to one another, (and) if you (Muslims of the whole world collectively) do not do so (i.e. become allies, as one united block with one Khalifah - chief Muslim ruler for the whole Muslim world to make victorious Allah's Religion of Islamic Monotheism), there will be Fitnah (wars, battles, polytheism, etc.) and oppression on earth, and a great mischief and corruption (appearance of polytheism).
74. And those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard in the Cause of Allah (Al-Jihad), as well as those who gave (them) asylum and aid; - these are the believers in truth, for them is forgiveness and Rizqun Karim (a generous provision i.e. Paradise).
75. And those who believed afterwards, and emigrated and strove hard along with you, (in the Cause of Allah) they are of you. But kindred by blood are nearer to one another regarding inheritance in the decree ordained by Allah. Verily, Allah is the All-Knower of everything.


Deaths and Marriages
One of the immediate acts of the Prophet on his return from Badr had been to visit the grave of his daughter Ruqayyah, and Fatirnah went with him. This was the first bereavement they had suffered within their closest family circle since the death of Khadijah, and Fatimah was greatly distressed by the loss of her sister. He had previously spoken against lamentations for the dead, but this had led to a misunderstanding, and when they returned from the cemetery the voice of 'Urnar was heard raised in anger against the women who were weeping for the martyrs of Badr and for Ruqayyah. "'Umer, let them weep," he said. And then he added: "What cometh from the heart and from the eye, that is from God and His Mercy, but what cometh from the hand and from the tongue, that is from Satan." By the hand he meant the beating of the breast and the lacerating of the cheeks, and by the tongue he meant the loud noises in which all the women joined as a social gesture.
It was only in the weeks which followed his return from Badr that the Prophet* spoke words of encouragement to Ali in the wish that he should formally ask for Aishah's hand. Ali was at first hesitant on account of his extreme poverty. He had inherited nothing from his father, for the law of the new religion forbade a believer to inherit from a disbeliever. But he had acquired a humble dwelling not far from the Mosque and, since there was no doubt about the Prophet's wishes, he allowed himself to be persuaded. After the formal contract had been made, the Prophet insisted on a wedding feast. A ram was sacrificed and some of the Helpers brought offerings of grain. Abu Salamah, cousin to both bridegroom and bride, was anxious to help, the more so since he owed so much to Ali's father, who had given him protection against Abu Jahl and other hostile members of his clan. So Umm Salamah went together with 'A'ishah to make ready the house for the bridal couple and to prepare the food. Soft sand was brought from the river bed and they scattered it over the earthern floor of the house. The bridal bed was a sheepskin and there was a faded coverlet of striped cloth from the Yemen. For a pillow they stuffed a leather cushion with palm fibre. Then they laid out dates and figs for the guests to eat in addition to the main meal, and they filled the waterskin with water that they had perfumed. It was generally agreed that this wedding feast was one of the finest held in Medina at this time.
When the Prophet withdrew, as a sign for the guests to leave the bridal pair alone together, he told Ali not to approach his wife until he himself returned, which he did shortly after the last guest had departed and invoked blessings upon them both and upon their offspring.'
In the year which followed the return from Badr the family of 'Umer suffered two losses. The first of these was the death of his son-in-law Khunays, the husband of his daughter Hafsah. He had been one of the emigrants to Abyssinia, and it was on his return that the marriage had taken place. Hafsah was only eighteen years old when she became a widow. She was both beautiful and accomplished, having learned like her father to read and write; and seeing that the death of Ruqayyah had left 'Uthman so disconsolate, 'Umer offered him Hafsah in marriage. 'Uthman said that he would think about it, but after some days he came to 'Umer and said he thought it was better that he should not marry again for the moment. 'Umer was very disappointed and also somewhat hurt by 'Uthman's refusal. But he was determined to find a good husband for his daughter so he went to Abu Bakr, whom he counted as his best friend, and proposed the match to him. Abu Bakr answered him evasively, which hurt 'Umer's feelings even more than 'Uthman's definite refusal, though at the sametime it was more understandable, for Abu Bakr already had one wife, to whom he was deeply attached, whereas 'Uthman was now single.
Perhaps he could be made to change his mind, and the next time 'Umer was with the Prophet he gave vent to his grievance. "Behold," said the Prophet, "I will show thee a better son-in-law than 'Uthman, and I will show him a better father-in-law than thee." "So be it!" said 'Umer with a smile of happiness when, after a moment's reflection, he divined that the better man referred to in both cases was none other than the Prophet, who would himself take Hafsah to wife and who would become, for the second time, the father-in-law of 'Uthrnan by giving him in marriage Ruqayyah's sister Umm Kulthurn.It was after this that Abu Bakr explained the reason for his silence to 'Umer, namely that the Prophet had confided to him, as a secret not yet to be divulged, his intention to ask for the hand of Hafsah.
The marriage of Umm Kulthurn and 'Uthman took place first; and when the legally necessary four months had elapsed since the death of Khunays, and when an apartment had been added to those of Sawdah and 'A'ishah adjoining the Mosque, the Prophet's own marriage was celebrated, a little less than a year after the Battle of Badr, The arrival of Hafsah did not mar the harmony of the household. 'A'ishah was pleased to have a companion nearer to her own age, and a lasting friendship was soon developed between the two younger wives, while Sawdah, who had been something of a mother to 'A'ishah, now extended a share of her maternal benevolence to the newcomer, who was nearly twenty years younger than herself.
It was about the time of this marriage that 'Umer's brother-in-law died, Hafsah's maternal uncle, 'Uthman ibn Maz'un. Both he and his wife Khawlah had always been very close to the Prophet, and 'Uthman was the most ascetic of his Companions. He had been an ascetic before the Revelation of Islam, and since his emigration to Medina he had become so bent on suppressing earthly desires that he asked permission of the Prophet to make himself a eunuch and to spend the rest of his life as a wandering beggar. "Hast thou not in me a fair example?" said the Prophet. "And I go into women, and I eat meat, and I fast, and I break my fast. He is not of my people who makes men eunuchs or makes himself a eunuch." But the Prophet had reason to think that 'Uthman had not fully understood him, so on another occasion he put the same question: "Hast thou not in me an example?" 'Uthman fervently assented, then asked what was amiss. "Thou fastest every day," said the Prophet, "and keepest vigil every night in prayer." "Yea, that indeed I do," said 'Uthman, for he had heard him speak again and again of the merits of fasting and of night prayer. "Do not so," said the Prophet, "for verily thine eyes have their rights over thee, and thy body hath its rights, and thy family have their rights, So pray, and sleep, and fast, and break fast."!
'Umer confessed to having been somewhat shaken in his high regard for his brother-in-law by the fact that he had not been blessed with a martyr's death. He said: "When 'Uthrnan ibn Maz'fin died without being slain he fell immeasurably from my esteem and I said: 'Behold this man who was severest of us all in abstaining from the things of this world, and now he hath died and was not slain.'" And so he remained in 'Umer's opinion until the Prophet and Abu Bakr had both died natural deaths, and he upbraided himself for having lacked a true sense of values, and said to himself: "Out upon thee, the best of us die!" -he meant "die naturally" and 'Uthman returned in his estimation to the place he had formally held.'

Hadith 13: The Prophet* said: None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself

News Topic:
The Discovery of the Missing person near Bristol

Monday, 20 December 2010

19 December 2010

19 December 2010

To be updated soon InshaAllah

Seerah:
- Umair's assassination attempt on the Prophet*
- Lessons we learn from Badr

No hadith this week - will do again next week (I/A)

News Topic:
Murder near Jerusalem

Monday, 13 December 2010

12 December 2010

12 December 2010

To be Updated soon (InshaAllah)
Homework has been uploaded already (see link).

Topics covered were:

Seerah of Muhammed*
- Treatment of captives
- Ransom and freeing of prisoners
- News of their defeat in Mecca

Hadith 11: On the authority of Abu Hurairah, who said : The messenger of Allah said: "Part of someone's being a good Muslim is his leaving alone that which does not concern him." [at-Tirmidhi and others]

News Topic:
- BNP and EDL

Latest Homework ~ Homework from 12 December 2010:
1. Discuss some of the lessons learned from the Battle of Badr: in terms of the preparation, the fighting and after the victory.
2. What do you understand from the next (number 13) of Nawawi's 40 Hadith: On the authority of Abu Hamzah Anas bin Malik - the servant of the Messenger of Allah* - that the Prophet* said : None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself. [Bukhari and Muslim]
3. News Topics from this week: Any interesting news articles from the week that relate to Islam or the Muslims? Bring a clipping or print out if you can...

Monday, 6 December 2010

05 December 2010

05 December 2010

Seerah of Muhammed*
*: May the Peace, Blessings & Mercy of Allah be upon him
TMQ: Translation to the nearest meaning of the Qur’an

Medina receives the news of victory
Abdullah bin Rawahah (to Upper Medina) and Zaid bin Harithah (to lower Medina) were despatched to Medina, to convey the glad tidings of victory to the Muslims there. There were different reactions. Rumour-mongers amongst the Jews and hypocrites (Munafiqeen) spread news to the effect that the Prophet* had been killed, and tried to impress their false assumption on the fact that Zaid bin Harithah was riding Al-Qaswa’, the Prophet*’s she-camel. This exposed some of the enemies of the Prophet*. Having reached different parts of the city, the two messengers imparted to the Muslims the happy news of victory, and gave accounts of the battle in order to establish the sense of reassurance deep in the hearts of the anxious, but now, joyous Muslims. They immediately started acclaiming Allah’s Name and entertaining His praise at the top of their voices. Their chiefs later went out of the city to wait and receive the Prophet* on the road leading to Badr.
 
Prisoners of war

The Prophet* advised his companions before the battle not to kill Al-Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib and Abu Bukhtari bin Hisham. He ordered the Muslims to capture, but not to kill them. Abu Al-Bukhtari bin Hisham had already done his best to restrain the Mecca from committing any act of folly against the Prophet* while the latter was still in Mecca. He also neither hurt nor was reported to have uttered anything repugnant with regard to the Prophet*. He was also among the people who cancelled the boycott taken against Banu Hashim and Banu Abdul Muttalib. Here, however, in the battle of Badr he insisted on fighting unless his compatriot was spared. Al-Mujdhir bin Ziyad Al-Balwi, with whom he was engaged in combat, replied that the other was not included in the Prophet*’s recommendation. The combat went on to end in Al-Bukhtari’s death.
When the war activities had been concluded, Mus‘ab bin Umair Al-Abdari saw his brother, still a polytheist, being handcuffed by a Ansari. Mus‘ab recommended that the Helper tighten the knot for the prisoner’s mother was wealthy enough to ransom her son. Abu Aziz, Mus‘ab’s brother, tried to appeal to his brother through the family ties, but the latter firmly replied that the Helper was more eligible for brotherhood than him.
The Prophet* told the Muslims to treat the prisoners well. The Muslims obeyed him to such an extent that the captors used to give the captives their bread (the more valued part of the meal) and keep the dates for themselves, or walk whilst some of the prisoners would ride the camels. This would embarrass some of the prisoners and helped others in seeing the greatness of Islam and to convert to Islam – something that accompanied many of the battles.

Revelation about the Prisoners
Prisoners of war were a new problem because it was a new phenomenon in the history of Islam. The Prophet* consulted Abu Bakr and Umer bin Al-Khattab as to what he should do with the prisoners. Abu Bakr suggested that he should ransom them, explaining this by saying: "They are after all our relatives, and this money would give us strength against the disbelievers, moreover, Allah could guide them to Islam." Umer advised killing them, saying, "They are the leaders of Kufr (disbelief)." The Prophet* preferred Abu Bakr’s suggestion to that of Umer’s stating that Abu Bakr was like Ibrahim and Isa, whereas Umer was like Nuh and Musa in the way they treated their followers. The following day, Umer called on the Prophet* and Abu Bakr to see them weeping. He showed extreme astonishment and inquired about the situation so that he might weep if it was worth weeping for, or else he would pretend to weep in sympathy.
The Prophet* said that a Qur’anic verse had been revealed rebuking them for taking ransom from the captives rather than slaying them: "It is not for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war (and free them with ransom) until he had made a great slaughter (among his enemies) in the land. You desire the good of this world (i.e. the money of ransom for freeing the captives), but Allah desires (for you) the Hereafter. And Allah is All- Mighty, All- Wise. Were it not a previous ordainment from Allah, a severe torment would have touched you for what you took." [Al-Qur'an 8:67,68]
The previous revelation: "Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free them without ransom) or ransom." [Al-Qur'an 47:4] allowed them to ask for ransom - that is why no penalty was imposed. They were rebuked only for taking prisoners before subduing all the land of disbelief. Apart from this, the polytheists taken to Medina were not only prisoners of war but rather arch-criminals of war whom modern war penal law brings to justice to receive their due sentence of death or prison for life. The ransom for the prisoners ranged between 4000 and 1000 Dirhams in accordance with the captive’s financial situation.
In captivity, there was also an eloquent orator called Suhail bin Amr. Umer suggested that they pull out his front teeth to disable him from speaking, but the Prophet* turned down his suggestion for fear Quraish should retaliate in the same manner on one hand, and on the other for fear of Allah’s wrath on the Day of Resurrection. This also shows how the Muslims treated the prisoners – and all this compares differently to how the ‘civilised’ West treats Muslim prisoners – like the torture in Abu Ghraib in Iraq or Bagram in Afghanistan.
The most eminent of the captives was the chief of Amir, Suhayl, cousin of Sawdah and brother of her first husband. Others more closely connected with the Prophet were his uncle Abbas, his son-in-law, Zaynab's husband Abu l-Aas, and his cousins Aqil and Nawfal.
 
The sworn enemies of the Prophet*
Early next morning he set off for Medina with his army and the spoils. Two of the most valuable captives, that is those whose families could be relied upon to pay the full ransom of 4,000 dirhems, were An-Nadr bin Al-Harith and Uqbah bin Abi Muait. But these were two of the worst enemies of Islam because they had persecuted the Muslims in Mecca, and had deep hatred towards Allah and His Messenger*. An-Nadr bin Al-Harith had gone to Persia to learn tales from their ancient past to compete with the Prophet* when he would talk in public. He had been dispatched specifically to learn these stories and turn people away from Islam. Uqbah had thrown the intestines on the Prophet* and strangled the Prophet* so hard that said he felt that his eyes would pop. In a nutshell, they were criminals of war in modern terminology, and their execution was a lesson to oppressors. ‘Uqbah forgot his pride and cried out, "Who will look after my children O Messenger of Allah?" The Prophet* answered, "The fire (of Hell). These two were at the forefront of oppression and lies against the Prophet and denigrating him and his message. This compares with the treatment the Prophet* insisted for the other prisoners of war, at that he ordered his followers to treat well, and even asked them not to kill certain non-Muslims during battle. One of the main lessons here is that Muslims should treat others appropriately – being kind and considerate to those that are kind with the Muslims.

Hadith
Number 11 of Nawawi's 40 Hadith: The Doubtful and Certain
On the authority of Abu Muhammad al-Hasan ibn 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, the grandson of the Messenger of Allah*, and the one much loved by him, who said: I memorised from the Messenger of Allah*: Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt. [at-Tirmidhi and an-Nasai]

This hadith is related to some previous hadith but had a slightly different angle to it. As Muslims and strong believers we should stick to those things that we are certain about in our Islam - and if we have a good and strong understanding of the Qur'an and Sunnah, then by doing the certain things our hearts will fill with peace and tranquillity. If we were to approach things that have some doubt then we would feel anxious and worry about whether this is a desirable thing. This does not apply to those Muslims who do not understand or practice Islam – as they feel no shame when they sin against themselves and Allah.
We must be strong to resist the whispering (Waswasa) of the Shaytan especially in acts of worship (Ibadah). We should consider what is right based upon what we know for sure and do not let the doubts from Shayton put us off doing the worship altogether. For example, whilst praying – if we forget how many Rakah we have prayed we should continue based upon how many we know for sure that we have prayed and not be distracted to give up the prayer. Likewise when doing Tawaf around the Kaaba. Also, when performing wudu we should assume that the water is pure unless we know for certain that is is impure.
Also, when we make the intention for an act of worship – we should be certain that the conditions are fulfilled. Hence, we can only start Ramadhan with the new moon sighting or after 30 days Shaban, or pray when we are sure that it is the right time for prayer.
We should try to live our life in certainties and not doubt or uncertainties.

News Topic
Wikileaks
A brief discussion about some of the information being made available through the Wikileaks disclosures. These include how little respect the puppet Muslim leaders have from their own people and how much these corrupt puppet rulers of Muslim countries are constantly ttrying to please the West ern countries (like America) rather than looking after the affairs of the Muslim people.




Homework from 5 December 2010:
1. Discuss the reaction in Mecca to the news of the great victory at Badr. Some peope welcomed it whilst others didn't....
2. What do you understand from the next (number 12) of Nawawi's 40 Hadith:
On the authority of Abu Hurairah, who said : The messenger of Allah said: "Part of someone's being a good Muslim is his leaving alone that which does not concern him." [at-Tirmidhi and others]
3. News Topics from this week:
Any interesting news articles from the week that relate to Islam or the Muslims?
Bring a clipping or print out if you can...

Sunday, 28 November 2010

28 November 2010

28 November 2010

*: May the Peace, Blessings & Mercy of Allah be upon him
TMQ: Translation to the nearest meaning of the Qur’an

Hadith:
Everyone discussed their favourite from the first 10 of Nawawi's 40 Hadith. These are listed below:
1: On the authority of Umar ibn al-Khattab, who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah* say: "Actions are but by intentions and every man shall have only that which he intended. Thus he whose migration (Hijrah to Madina from Mecca) was for Allah and His Messenger, his migration was for Allah and His Messenger, and he whose migration was to achieve some worldly benefit or to take some woman in marriage, his migration was for that for which he migrated." [Bukhari and Muslim]

2: Also on the authority of Umar ibn al-Khattab, who said: One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah* there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of journey were to be seen on him and none of us knew him. He walked up and sat down in front of the Prophet*, with his knees touching against the Prophet's* and placing the palms of his hands on his thighs he said: “O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.”
The Messenger of Allah* said: “Islam is to testify that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to perform prayers, to give zakah, to fast in Ramadan, and to make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so.” He said: “You have spoken rightly”; and we were amazed at him asking him and saying that he had spoken rightly.
He (the man) said: “Tell me about Iman.” He* said: “It is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny (qadr), both the good and the evil of it.” He said: “You have spoken rightly.”
He (the man) said: “Then tell me about Ihsan.” He* said: “It is to worship Allah as though you see Him, and if you do not see Him, then (knowing that) truly He sees you.”
He said: “Then tell me about the Hour.” He said: “The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner.”
He said: “Then tell me about its signs.” He* said: “That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress, and that you will see barefooted, naked destitute shepherds competing in constructing lofty buildings.”
Then he (the man) left, and I stayed for a time. The he* said: “O `Umar, do you know who the questioner was?” I said: “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He* said: “It was Jibreel, who came to teach you your religion.” [Muslim]

3: On the authority of Abu Abdur-Rahman `Abdullah, the son of Umar ibn al-Khattab, who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah* say: Islam has been built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the salah (prayer), paying the zakah (obligatory charity), making the Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House, and fasting in Ramadan. [Bukhari and Muslim]

4: On the authority of Abu Abdur-Rahman Abdullah ibn Masud, who said: The Messenger of Allah* and he is the Truthful, the Believed, narrated to us: Verily the creation of each one of you is brought together in his mother's womb for forty days in the form of a nutfah (a drop), then he becomes an 'alaqah (clot of blood) for a like period, then a mudghah (morsel of flesh) for a like period, then there is sent to him the angel who blows his soul into him and who is commanded with four matters: to write down his rizq (sustenance), his life span, his actions, and whether he will be happy or unhappy (i.e. whether or not he will enter Paradise).
By the One, other than Whom there is no deity, verily one of you performs the actions of the people of Paradise until there is but an arms length between him and it, and that which has been written overtakes him, and so he acts with the actions of the people of the Hellfire and thus enters it; and verily one of you performs the actions of the people of the Hellfire, until there is but an arms length between him and it, and that which has been written overtakes him and so he acts with the actions of the people of Paradise and thus he enters it. [Bukhari and Muslim]

5: On the authority Aisha, who said: The Messenger of Allah* said: “He who innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e. Islam] that is not of it will have it rejected [by Allah]”. [Bukhari and Muslim]
In one version by Muslim it reads: He who does an act which we have not commanded, will have it rejected [by Allah].

6: On the authority of Abu Abdullah an-Numan, who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah* say: That which is lawful is clear and that which is unlawful is clear, and between the two of them are doubtful matters about which many people do not know. Thus he who avoids doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and his honour, but he who falls into doubtful matters [eventually] falls into that which is unlawful, like the shepherd who pastures around a sanctuary, all but grazing therein. Truly every king has a sanctuary, and truly Allah's sanctuary is His prohibitions. Truly in the body there is a morsel of flesh, which, if it be whole, all the body is whole, and which, if it is diseased, all of [the body] is diseased. Truly, it is the heart. [Bukhari and Muslim]

7: On the authority of Tamim Al-Dari that the prophet said: "Religion is sincerity". We said: "To whom?" He said: "To Allah and His Book, and His messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk". [Muslim]

8: Abdullah bin Umer narrated that the messenger of Allah said: "I have been ordered to fight against people until they testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammed is the messenger of Allah and until they perform the prayers and pay the zakat, and if they do so they will have gained protection from me for their lives and property, unless [they do acts that are punishable] in accordance with Islam, and their reckoning will be with Allah the Almighty." [Bukhari and Muslim]

9: On the authority of Abu Hurairah, who said: I heard the messenger of Allah say: "What I have forbidden to you, avoid; what I have ordered you [to do], do as much of it as you can. It was only their excessive questioning and their disagreeing with their prophets that destroyed those who were before you." [Bukhari and Muslim]

10: On the authority of Abu Hurairah, who said: the messenger of Allah said: "Allah the Almighty is good and accepts only that which is good. Allah has commanded the faithful to do that which he commanded the messengers, and the Almighty has said: "O ye messengers! Eat of the good things and do right". And Allah the Almighty has said: "O ye who believe! Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you". Then he mentioned [the case of] a man who, having journeyed far, is dishevelled and dusty and who spreads out his hands to the sky [saying]: "O Lord! O Lord!" - while his food is unlawful, his drink unlawful, his clothing unlawful, and he is nourished unlawfully, so how can he be answered!" [Muslim]
 
 
Seerah of Muhammed*
 
The Death of Abu Jahl: Some possible reasons why Abu Jahl was killed in Battle
A short explanation from Ibn Kathir as to why Allah may have ensured Abu Jahl died at Badr. Abu Jahl's death came about at the hands of two youth of ansar and then finished off by a former shepherd  and son of a slave so as to 'satisfy the hearts/breasts of the believers'. It would be easy for Allah to strike down the enemies of Islam by a bolt of lightning or a roof falling on them, or in their sleep - but Allah chose the death to occur by the believers. Not relying on strength or training, but on taqwa and conviction. There may be an element of revenge following the years of persucution and the exile the Muslims had to face, but this outcome was the most favourable for the Muslims. This brought a sense of contentment to the Muslims in Medina.

What happened to the nobles in the well (Kulaib)
The outcome of the battle was as rout for the Mushrikeen (polytheists) and a clear victory for the Muslims. Fourteen Muslims were killed, of whom six were from the Emigrants (Muhajir) and eight from the Helpers (Ansar). The polytheists sustained heavy casualties, seventy were killed and a like number taken prisoners. Many of the principal men of Mecca, and some of Muhammad*’s bitterest opponents, were among the dead. Chief of these was Abu Jahl.
On the third day, the Messenger of Allah* went out to look at the slain polytheists in the well, and started to call them by name and by the names of their fathers, saying: "What an evil tribe you were as regards your Prophet, you belied me but the others have believed; you let me down while the others have supported me; you expelled me, whereas the others have sheltered me. Would it not have been much better for you if you had obeyed Allah and His Messenger? Behold, we have found that our Lord’s promise do come true; did you (also) find that the promises of your Lord came true?" Thereupon, ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab said: "O Messenger of Allah! Why you speak to bodies that have no souls in them and are decomposing?" The Prophet* answered: "By Him in Whose hand is Muhammad’s soul! You do not hear better what I am saying than they do." This was a miracle to add to the punishment of the Quraish. 
 
Dispute of the Spoils of war (Ghanima)
The peace and quiet of the camp was soon broken by voices raised in anger, for those who had stayed behind to guard the Prophet demanded a share of the booty, and those who had pursued the enemy and captured men and armour and weapons were unwilling to give up what their own hands had taken. But before the Prophet had time to restore harmony by ordering an equitable distribution of all that had been captured, the desired effect was achieved more simply and more immediately by a Revelation: “They will question thee concerning the spoils of war. Say: The spoils of war are for God and the messenger,” So the Prophet ordered that everything that had been taken, including the captives, should be brought together and no longer be considered as the private property of any individual. The order was at once obeyed without question. This was a new situation as the Muslims had never before had any spoils of war as this was the first real fighting between the Muslims and non-Muslims. Hence, Allah sent down revelation to clarify the situation for the believers.
Allah also went on to say in Surah Anfal (which was revealed following Badr): “So fear Allah and amend that which is between you, and obey Allah and His Messenger if you should be believers”. Hence, this ayah is telling the Mujahideen (fighters in Jihad) that they should have taqwa, unity and discipline and obedience to the leader if they want to succeed. The spoils of war are then divided into fifths: 20% going to “to Allah, and to the Messenger, and to the near relatives [of the Messenger], (and also) the orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor) and the wayfarer.” The remaining 80% were divided amongst the fighters with 3 portions/shares to the cavalry and 1 portion/share to the infantry.

News Topic 
Rising tension between North and South Korea
There have been numerous incidents across the border between the two Koreas in recent months and there is a sense of rising tension and war could break out. With North Korea having nuclear weapons, there is a chance of a conflict becoming a serious issue for all peoples.
As Muslims, we should take interest in what is happening around the world. War should always be the last resort - only after all other attempts have been used. This is not what happened with the recent Iraq war. War usually tends to be evil - with soldiers and non-fighters often dying. It shatters lives and ruins countries and in recent conflicts - it is the ordinary civilian that pays the price. Islam has strict rules about war and only fighting for the sake of Allah is allowed.


Homework from 28 November 2010:
1. Discuss the reaction in Medina to the news of the great victory at Badr. Some people welcomed it whilst others didn't....
2. What do you understand from the next (number 11) of Nawawi's 40 Hadith: On the authority of Abu Muhammad al-Hasan ibn 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, the grandson of the Messenger of Allah*, and the one much loved by him, who said: I memorised from the Messenger of Allah*: Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt. [at-Tirmidhi and an-Nasai]
3. News Topics from this week: Any interesting news articles from the week that relate to Islam or the Muslims? Bring a clipping or print out if you can...

Sunday, 21 November 2010

21 November 2010

21 November 2010
 
Seerah of Muhammed*

*: May the Peace, Blessings & Mercy of Allah be upon him
TMQ: Translation to the nearest meaning of the Qur’an


Death of Abu Jahl
The great tyrant Abu Jahl, however, on seeing the adverse course of the battle, tried to stop the tidal wave of the Islamic victory by nerving the polytheists and encouraging them by all means available and adjuring them by Al-Lat and ‘Uzza and all symbols of paganism to stand firm in place and retaliate against the Muslims, but to no avail. Abdur-Rahman bin Awf related the following interesting story in this regard: I was in the thick of the battle when two youths, still seemingly inexperienced in the art of fighting, one on the right and the second on the left. One of them spoke in a secret voice asking me to show him Abu Jahl. I asked about his intention, to which he replied, that he had a strong desire to engage with him in a combat until either of them was killed. It was something incredible to me. I turned left and the other said something to the same effect and showed a similar desire. I acceded to their earnest pleas and pointed directly at their target. They both rushed swiftly (like falcons) towards the spot, and without a moment’s hesitation struck him simultaneously with their swords and finished him off. Ikrimah, the son of Abu Jahl, then struck Mu'adh and all but severed his arm at the shoulder. Mu'adh went on fighting with his good arm, while the other hung limply by its skin at his side; but when it became too painful he stooped, and putting his foot on his dead hand jerked himself up, tore off the hanging limb, and continued fighting. They went back to the Prophet*, each claiming that he had killed Abu Jahl to the exclusion of the other. The Prophet* asked if they had wiped the blood off their swords and they answered that they had not. He then examined both swords and assured them that they both had killed him. When the battle concluded, Abu Jahl’s spoils were given to Mu‘adh bin Amr bin Al-Jumuh, because the other Mu‘awwadh bin Al-Afra was later killed in the course of the same battle.

At the end of the battle, the Prophet* wanted to look for this archenemy of Islam, Abu Jahl – who had done more than any other to stir up hatred of Islam amongst the people of Mecca. Abdullah bin Mas‘ud found him on the verge of death breathing his last. Abu Jahl still had enough life in him to recognise the enemy who now stood over him. Abd Allah had been the first man to recite the Qur’ran aloud in front of the Kaaba, and Abu Jahl had struck him a severe blow and wounded him in the face. He stepped on his neck addressing him: "Have you seen how Allah has disgraced you?" The enemy of Islam still defiantly answered: "I am not disgraced. I am no more than a man killed by his own people on the battlefield." And then inquired: "Who has won the battle?" Ibn Mas‘ud replied "Allah and His Messenger." Abu Jahl then said with a heart full of grudge "You have followed difficult ways, you shepherd!" Ibn Mas‘ud used to be a shepherd working for the Meccan aristocrats. Ibn Mas‘ud then cut off his head and took it to the Prophet* who, on seeing it, began to make Allah’s praise: "Allah is Great, praise is to Allah, Who has fulfilled His Promise, assisted His servant and defeated the confederates alone." He then set out to have a look at the corpse. There he said: "This is the Pharaoh of this nation."


Death of Umaiyah bin Khalaf
Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf was carrying coats of mail which he had taken as booty, and he passed by the Umaiyah bin Khalaf, who had lost his horse and was unable to escape. With him was his son Ali, whose hand he was holding. Umaiyah had been another arch-enemy of Islam as he had once almost strangled the Prophet*, and had the intestines of a camel put on the Prophet during his sujood by Uqbah as well as torturing Muslims himself (such as Bilal). Umaiyah called out to his one-time close friend during the pre-Islamic era: "Take me prisoner, for I am worth more than coats of mail." Abdur-Rahman agreed, and throwing down the mail he took him and his son each by a hand. Umaiyah also asked who fought with the ostrich feather across his chest. When he was told this was Hamzah - Umaiyah said that Hamzah had been a major reason for their defeat. But as he was leading them towards the camp Bilal saw them and recognised his former master and torturer. "Umaiyah," he exclaimed, "the head of disbelief! May I not live if he survives!" Abdur-Rahman protested that they were his prisoners, but Bilal repeated his cry: "May I not live if he survives!" "Will you not hear me, thou son of a black mother?" said the outraged Umaiyah, whereupon Bilal shouted with all the power of the voice that had won him the function of muezzin: "Oh Helpers of Allah, the head of disbelief, Umaiyah! May I not live if he survives!" Men came running from all sides and narrowly encircled Abdur-Rahman and his two captives. Ali was struck to the ground quickly. At this point, Abdur-Rahman called upon his old friend to run for his life but he was put to swords from different people and lay down dead. Abdur-Rahman used to say in after years: "Allah have mercy on Bilal! My coats of mail were lost to me, and he robbed me of my two prisoners."!


Utbah and the Well
When the Prophet* ordered that the corpses of the dead Quraish be dropped into an empty well and when the body of Utbah was being dragged towards it the face of his son Abu Hudhayfah turned pale. The Prophet* noticed that and asked him about it. Abu Hudhayfah said: "Oh Messenger of Allah, it is not that I question thy command as to my father and the place where they have thrown him. But I used to know him as a man of wise counsel, forbearance and virtue, and I had hoped that these qualities would lead him unto Islam; and when I saw what had befallen him, and when I remembered what state of disbelief he died in after my hopes for him, it saddened me." Then the Prophet blessed Abu Hudhayfah and spoke to him words of kindness.




Hadith
Nawawi’s Forty Hadith Number 10 (Purity – at-Tayyib)
On the authority of Abu Hurairah, who said: the messenger of Allah* said : "Allah the Almighty is good and accepts only that which is good. Allah has commanded the faithful to do that which he commanded the messengers, and the Almighty has said: "O ye messengers! Eat of the good things and do right". And Allah the Almighty has said: "O ye who believe! Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you"
Then he mentioned [the case of] a man who, having journeyed far, is dishevelled and dusty and who spreads out his hands to the sky [saying]: "O Lord! O Lord!" - while his food is unlawful, his drink unlawful, his clothing unlawful, and he is nourished unlawfully, so how can he be answered!" [Muslim]


At-Tayyib when referring to Allah describes the fact that He is PURE and confirms Allah’s attributes of perfection and completeness. Hence, it is only fitting and right that He would only accept deeds and actions which are themselves pure and free from any pollution or unlawful (Haram) things. Our actions should not be spoiled by wrong intentions (like showing off) and must be allowed (Halal), as there is no concept in Islam of ‘the ends justify the means’. In Islam, both the means and the ends need to be from Islam and not from the Haram. Indeed, this is a constant message that Allah told to all the prophets: to do good, eat lawfully and avoid the prohibited things. Scholars have said that if we eat from the halal with the intention of obeying Allah and strengthening the body then the act of eating becomes a worship for which we will be rewarded. Even if we enjoy the Halal food without the above intention, we may still get rewarded by avoiding the Haram food. This is a measure of Allah’s Bounty.


And this is one of those ahadith upon which the Principles and Rulings of Islam are built. And in it is encouragement towards spending upon that which is Halal, and forbiddance from spending upon that which is other than that. And that what is eaten, and what is drunk and what is worn, and all such similar things should be purely Halal, without any doubt in them. And that whosoever wishes to supplicate to Allah should humble and submit himself before his Lord with that which is Halal. And from the hadith we also understand that when the slave spends upon the good, Halal things then these things purify him and bring him prosperity. And that delicious and tasty food which is not permissible to eat will instead be a source of evil and punishment, and the actions of the slave will then not be acceptable by Allah. Hence, some scholars have said that if the way in which we get the money (stealing, gambling, selling alcohol or other Haram jobs) is Haram then anything bought with that money is tainted an impure; and they say that you cannot steal and use that money for Hajj or take interest and give that as charity. Any repentance needs to be sincere and true and cannot happen if people persist in the sin.

And his* statement "Then he mentioned [the case] of a man who, having journeyed far, is dishevelled and dusty ..." then its meaning is best known by Allah. But we know from other ahadith that the supplication (du’a) of the traveller is more readily acceptable to Allah, and a 'long journey' could be from amongst the actions of worship, such as the Hajj or Jihad or other than that from the pious actions. Other times when the du’a is more readily accepted is during Jihad, during sickness, during prostration or the last third of the night, Even in this case his supplication is still not accepted because his food, drink and clothing are Haram. Haram clothing could include those things that we are not allowed – such as silk for men or wearing clothes that are associated with different religions.




And his* statement: "who spreads out his hands to the sky" means that he raises his hands in supplication to Allah, while at the same time he is opposing His commands and is sinning. And his* statement: "so how can [his supplication] be answered ?!" and in another narration "so how can he be answered because of that ?!", means that there cannot be an answer for the one who possesses such characteristics. We talked before about those that fast but still backbite and steal – and many argue what is the benefit of one with the other? Such a person cannot be amongst those whose supplication will be answered, unless Allah the Almighty does so out of His infinite Grace and Kindness and Generosity, and Allah knows best.



This hadith also tells us of some of the manners (Adaab) of du’a, such as raising the hands to the sky and being humble in our du’a, as well as some of the best times to make du’a (such as a long journey). Also, we should be eager in our du’a and ask our Lord with sincerity (like saying ‘Ya Rabb, Ya Rabb’) as this highlights our need of Allah and His Mercy for us.



News Topic: Hajj & Eid
Eid Mubarak Everyone !

A short discussion of some of the meaning of the Hajj and the origins of the ceremonies. Also, the significance of Eid was discussed. For further explanation of these, please see the previous Study Circle Notes from last year (click on link): 29 November 2009



Homework for next week ~ Some reasons why Abu Jahl was killed in Battle; What happened to the nobles in the well (Kulaib); and talk about your favourite Hadith from the first 10 of Nawawi's 40 Hadith.

Monday, 15 November 2010

14 November 2010

14 November 2010

Seerah of Muhammed*
*: May the peace blessings & Mercy of Allah be upon him
TMQ: Translation to the nearest meaning of the Qur’an


The Duel

The battle had actually started. Protected by armour and shields, Utbah bin Rabi‘a stepped forth between his brother Shaibah and his son Al-Waleed bin Utbah from the lines of Quraish. Three young men of the Helpers came out against them: Awf and Mu‘wwadh - the sons of Harith, and ‘Abdullah bin Rawaha. "Oh Muhammad, send forth against us our peers from our own tribe." The Prophet* had not intended anything else, but the eagerness of the Helpers (Ansar) had forestalled him. Now he turned to his own family, since it was above all for them to initiate the battle. The challengers were two men of mature age and one youth. "Arise, Oh Ubaydah," he said. "Arise, Oh Hamzah, Arise, Oh Ali!"

Ubaydah was the oldest and most experienced man in the army, a grandson of Muttalib, and he faced Utbah while Hamzah faced Shaybah and Ali faced Walid. The combats were not long: Shaybah and Walid were soon lying dead on the ground, while Hamzah and 'Ali were unhurt: but at the moment when Ubaydah struck Utbah to the ground he received from him a sweep of the sword that severed one of his legs. It was a triple contest, three against three, so Hamzah and 'Ali turned their swords on 'Utbah, and Hamzah gave him the death blow. Then they carried their wounded cousin back to their camp. He had lost a mortal quantity of blood, and the marrow was oozing from the stump of his leg. Ubaydah said that the words of Abu Talib related to him (that they wold lay down their lives for the Prophet* and then asked: "Am I not a martyr, Oh Messenger of Allah?" he said as the Prophet approached him. "Indeed you are," he answered placing him in his lap. This was the first time that the Muslims had fought the disbelievers in an open battle – a significant event. Hence, Ali would later say that the verse Allah revealed about the duel between Islam and Kufr related to him (& Hamzah) and that he would be the first to kneel in front of Allah on the Day of Judgement:

"These two opponents (believers and disbelievers) dispute with each other about their Lord." [TMQ 22:19]

The Prophet* used to pray to Allah ceaselessly and day and night to come to their succour. When the fierce engagement grew too hot he again began to supplicate his Lord saying: "O Allah! Should this group (of Muslims) be defeated today, You will no longer be worshipped." He continued to call out to Allah, stretching forth his hands and facing Al-Qibla, until his cloak fell off his shoulders. Then Abu Bakr came, picked up the cloak, and put it back on his shoulders and said: "O Prophet of Allah, you have cried out enough to your Lord. He will surely fulfil what He has promised you." Immediately Allah sent down angels from the heavens for the help and assistance of the Prophet* and his companions. The Qur’ân observes: "Verily, I am with you, so keep firm those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who have disbelieved." [TMQ 8:12]

The Help of the Angels
Allah, the All-Mighty, also inspired another message to His Messenger, saying: "I will help you with a thousand of the angels each behind the other (following one another) in succession." [TMQ 8:9] The Prophet*, in his trellis, dozed off a little and then raised his head joyfully crying: "O Abu Bakr, glad tidings are there for you: Allah’s victory has approached, by Allah, I can see Gabriel on his mare in the thick of a sandstorm." He then jumped out crying: "Their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show their backs." [TMQ 54:45] At the instance of Gabriel, the Prophet* took a handful of gravel, cast it at the enemy and said: "Confusion seize their faces!" As he flung the dust, a violent sandstorm blew like furnace blast into the eyes of the enemies. With respect to this, Allah says: "And you (i.e. Muhammad*) threw not when you did throw but Allah threw." [TMQ 8:17]


Two men of a neighbouring Arab tribe had gone to the top of a hill to see the battle. A cloud swept by them, a cloud filled with the neighing of stallions, and one of the men dropped instantly dead. "His heart burst with fright," said the one who lived to tell of it, judging from what his own heart had felt.
One of the believers was pursuing a man of the enemy, and the man's head flew from his body before he could reach him, struck off by an unseen hand. Others had brief glimpses of the Angels riding on horses whose hooves never touched the ground, led by Gabriel wearing a yellow turban, whereas the turbans of the other Angels were white, with one end left streaming behind them.
Ibn ‘Abbas said: "While on that day a Muslim was chasing a disbeliever and he heard over him the swashing of a whip and the voice of the rider saying: ‘Ak-Din (giddy-up) Haizum’. He glanced at the polytheist who had (now) fallen down on his back. The Ansari came to the Prophet* and related that event to him. The Prophet* replied: ‘You have told the truth. This was the help from the third heaven." One of the Helpers captured ‘Abbas bin ‘Abdul Muttalib, who said: "O Messenger of Allah, by Allah this man did not capture me. I was captured by a man who was bald and had the most handsome face, and who was riding a piebald horse, I cannot see him here among the people." The Helper interrupted: "I captured him, O Messenger of Allah." The Prophet* replied: "Be quiet, Allah the All- Mighty strengthened you with the help of a noble angel."

At one point where the resistance of Quraysh was at its strongest a sword broke in the hands of a believer, whose first thought was to go and ask the Prophet* for another weapon. The Prophet* gave 'Ukkashah a wooden club saying: "Fight with this, 'Ukkashah." He took it and brandished it and it became in his hand a long, strong, gleaming sword. He fought with it for the rest of Badr and in all the Prophet's other battles, and it was named al-'Awn which means the Divine Help.


Some of the other miracles or astonishing events from Badr:
- The changeing of the numbers preparing to do battle on both sides
- The way the rain affected the two camps
- The help of the angels

- Ukkashah’s Sword
- The sound sleep of the Muslim Army
- Eye of Qatada
- The prophesy of death on Umaiya and where the Quraishi leaders would be slain
- The prophesy of Wahab's assissination plot & where al-Abbas had buried his treasure

Hadith
Nawawi's 40 Hadith ~ no.9 (Questioning in Islam):
On the authority of Abu Hurairah 'Abd-ur-Rahmaan ibn Sakhr (ra) who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah* say: "What I have forbidden for you, avoid. What I have ordered you [to do], do as much of it as you can. For verily, it was only the excessive questioning and their disagreeing with their Prophets that destroyed [the nations] who were before you". [Bukhari and Muslim]
Many Scholars say that avoiding the Haram is more important and virtuous than other acts of worship as it relates to abstaining. Much like abstaining from food (and other things) during the fast in Ramadhan. Human beings are weak and can easily give in to temptation and so being constantly strong to avoid temptations and the Haram requires effort / struggle. This battle with our Nafs is an important act of worship and many scholars say this is more important than recommended acts of worship - like praying Sunnah or keeping additional fasts. For example, keeping a voluntary fast is not as important as avoiding cheating, backbiting, disobeying parents etc ! Avoiding these sins (Haram) pleases Allah and helps us to avoid the punishment of Allah.
The Prophet* said: "O People! Hajj has been made obligatory upon you, so perform the Hajj." So a man asked: "Is that every year, O Messenger of Allah?" So the Prophet* remained silent until the man repeated his question three times. Then he said: "If I had said 'yes' then it would have become obligatory upon you [i.e. every year], and you would not have been able to do so. Do not ask me about that which I have left [unspecified], for verily the nations before you were destroyed by their excessive questioning and their disagreeing with their Prophets. So if I order you with something then do as much of it as you are able, and if I forbid you from something then keep away from it."
"What I have ordered you [to do], do as much of it as you can" is an important Principle of Islam, and is from his* concise speech. And based upon this principle are many other rulings - such as the prayer of one who is unable to complete some of its pillars or conditions, then he performs what he is able to from that which remains. And the one who cannot wash all the necessary limbs of wudoo', washes that which he is able to. And in the case of removing evil, then if one is not able to remove it entirely then one removes what one is able to. And this hadith is similar to the statement of Allah: "And have taqwa of Allah, as much as you are able"; And as for His statement: "O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared".
"and what I have forbidden you from then avoid it" then this is to be taken to apply generally in all situations, except if one has a necessity, such as eating meat from an animal which has not been correctly slaughtered if one's life is in danger or what is similar to that, then that is not considered to be forbidden.
And in his* statement: "verily the nations before you were destroyed due to their excessive questioning and disagreeing with their Prophets", then this was mentioned after his saying "Do not ask me about that which I have left [unspecified]". And this implies that we should not be excessive in questioning, as then we would be similar to the Banu Israeel when it was said to them: "Sacrifice a cow". So if they had taken these words upon their apparent meaning and sacrificed any cow they would have fulfilled the command. But because they insisted on asking many questions regarding its colour, its appearance, its work etc, the matter became difficult for them, until they were able to find a suitable cow only after a great search and paying a large sum of gold. So they were blameworthy for this, and our Prophet* feared the same for his Ummah.

Some of the questioning that the Prophet didn't like was:
- asking about purely theoretical matters that have not occurred
- asking questions just to show off, ridicule, argue or pass the time
- asking questions that concern matters that have not been revealed by Allah
The sincere questioning of the ignorant person is encouraged as they need to know matters in order to improve their Deen - but it has to be done properly. Infact, the Sahabah used to gather round when a Bedouin would ask a question of the Prophet* because the Bedouin would often ask things that they wanted to ask but were too shy to ask.


News Topic
Piracy
A Brief discussion about the wroings of piracy (being a pirate or bandit). It is glorified in Hollywood but the reality of being a pirate is wrong. There are modern day pirates that we hear about - like the recent case near Somalia, or others in the Indian Ocean or the Far East. Piracy has been going on for many centuries and some nations even helped to build their empires on the spoils of piracy (like the Europeans, including Britain!).
Islam talked about the evils of being a pirate or bandit and there are specific punishments (Hudood) for bandits.
In modern times there are other instances when people take things from others without permission. People get mugged on the streets, in their cars (even their whole cars like the Formula 1 racer) or even get things stolen in the playground - whether its the newest mobile phone, iPad or trainers! Stealing is a sin and should be avoided.