27 November 2011 / 03 Muharram 1433
Umm Habibah, al-Adba and Muharram
Umm Habibah, al-Adba and Muharram
Seerah of Muhammed**: May the Peace, Blessings and Mercy of Allah be upon him
TMQ: Translation to the nearest meaning of the Qur’an
TMQ: Translation to the nearest meaning of the Qur’an
Prophet* Marries Umm Habibah (Ramlah bint Abi Sufyan)
Waraqah bin Nawfal, 'Uthman bin Huwayrith bin Asad, Zayd bin 'Amr bin Nafil and 'Ubaydullah bin Jahash were four friends who were disheartened by idol worship in Arabia. They used to get together and discuss this. One night they came to a decision to search the pure religion of Ibrahim which was the straight path of righteousness. After meeting they moved in different directions to find the pure religion of the Prophet Ibrahim. Waraqah bin Nawfal gave up idol worship, stopped eating flesh of animals sacrificed in idols' names and knew Torah and Injil by heart.
His cousin Khadijah had taken Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to him on the occasion of the first revelation in the cave of Hira. Waraqah told her that it was the same Angel in the cave who delivered Messages from Allah to earlier Prophets, and that Muhammad must be the chosen Last Messenger, whose coming was foretold in both the Torah and the Injil. He would soon be elevated to that great position, and the whole nation would turn against him and he would be forced to flee his motherland. He passed away before Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) openly declared himself the Last Prophet of Allah.
'Uthman bin Huwayrith bin Asad, traveled to Syria, and worked as a missionary for Christianity. He became a close friend of the Roman Emperor Caesar and was elevated to the papal position Zayd bin 'Amr bin Nafil stopped worshipping idols. He gave up eating dead animals and drinking their blood. He hated eating the flesh of the animals sacrificed and often talked of the pure religion of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him). He too died before the proclamation of Muhammad as the Messenger of Allah.
'Ubaydullah bin Jahash fell into doubts between truth and falsehood. He married the beautiful, intelligent and well-educated daughter of the Qurayshi chieftain, Abu Sufyan Sakhr bin Harb. It was around this time that Makkah was shaken by the news that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was rejecting all the idols. He invited people to worship Allah and proclaimed he was His Last Prophet and Messenger. The Wise daughter of Abu Sufyan, Ramlah, accepted Islam and so did her husband. His two brothers 'Abdullah bin Jahash and Abu Ahmad bin Jahash had also become Muslims. Her sisters, Zaynab hint Jahash and Hamnah bin Jahash too entered Islam. The former had joined the select group of the Mother of the Believers. The whole family was fortunate to have obeyed the call to Islam, but while in Abyssinia 'Ubaydullah had the misfortune to reject Islam after having accepted it. Meanwhile, after surveying the situation the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) decided that the staunch supporters of Islam had taken enough of the oppression from the Quraysh. They would have to migrate, and he ordered them to leave for Abyssinia, where the ruler was known for his kindness and hospitality to refugees from tyrannical rule.
Ramlah bint Abu Sufyan and her husband were among the second group of migrants who left for Abyssinia. There Ramlah gave birth to a girl, Habibah so Ramlah was now known as Umm Habibah. The days passed swiftly for her as she kept busy seeing to the upbringing of her little daughter; and any free time was spent in prayer and meditation. One night she dreamt that her husband's face was mutilated. She woke up panic stricken, but was too nervous to talk about her dream to her husband. A few days later he told her that he originally had been a Christian and then converted to Islam. But since coming to Abyssinia he had given a great deal of careful consideration and concluded that Christianity offered the best system of beliefs for leading a successful life. Hence he was recanting and going back to the fold of Christianity. He advised her to do the same and become a Christian.
Immediately it struck Ramlah that this was what her dream meant. The metamorphosis of her husband's face from a superior to a lower form and its mutilation, meant that he had lost his identity as a Muslim. Then she told him about her dream, hoping that this at least would instill the fear of Allah in his heart. But he was too far gone on the downward road; not only his face but his heart had been mutilated. He started drinking and was so addicted that he was drunk for most of the time. Umm Habibah was now growing desperate, worrying about the future of her daughter and herself. She prayed to Allah to give her the strength to remain steadfast in her faith.
After some time 'Ubaydullah died due to heavy drinking. Umm Habibah was relieved, of course, but what was she to do now, how was she to survive? Only two activities kept her occupied - the upbringing of her daughter and her prayers. She would sometimes get together with the other Muslim ladies in Abyssinia to talk of the latest developments. Ruqayyah, the daughter of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), Asma' bint 'Umays and Laylah bint Abi Hashmah were the great ladies with whom she would spend her free time. But these ladies too soon returned home. Still, there were other ladies with whom she was friendly and she would remain patient.
Years passed and the map of the Islamic world changed and battles continued to be fought. The Treaty of Hudaybiyah was signed. One night while she was fast asleep she dreamt someone called out to her, "Mother of the Believers". When she woke up she felt a great sense of not just happiness, but ecstasy. During the time, the Prophet* had migrated to Al-Madinah, and the first Islamic State had been established. Someone, while talking to him about the state of affairs in Abyssinia, mentioned that Umm Habibah, the daughter of a wealthy and noble family was living from hand to mouth. After the husband had recanted and died, and she was living under tragic circumstances. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) heard this, he sent 'Amr bin Umayyah to Najashi with the message that if Umm Habibah liked she could marry him.
When Najashi got the message he sent his slave girl Abraha to Umm Habibah. Umm Habibah was overjoyed when she heard of the proposal, she was so happy that she rewarded Abraha with all the silver jewellery she was wearing - bangles, anklets and rings. Abraha also told her she should appoint someone as her representative for the ceremony. Umm Habibah nominated her relative from the tribe of Quraysh, Khalid bin Sa'id bin 'Aas. That very evening Najashi sent a message to Ja'far bin Abi Talib asking him to bring all his Muslim friends to his palace. When all the refugee Muslims were assembled in the court, he announced the news of Umm Habibah's marriage. After praising Almighty Allah he said he had received a request from His Messenger to arrange for his marriage with Umm Habibah, and he was giving her a dowry of four hundred Dinars.
Then Umm Habibah's representative, Khalid bin Sa'id bin 'Aas, read the marriage vows and said, 'All Praise is for Allah, and I praise Him, seek His help and ask His forgiveness. I bear witness that None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is His Servant and His Messenger, to whom He has sent with true Religion and a guidance to the Right Path to overpower His Religion over all the false religions though the polytheists will not like it. I have accepted the proposal of the Prophet* and married Umm Habibah bint Abu Sufyan to him. May Allah bless this marriage and make it fruitful for Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Najashi then gave four hundred Dinars to Khalid bin Sa'id. When all the guests rose to leave, Najashi asked them to stay on for a dinner he arranged in celebration of the marriage.
When Umm Habibah reached Al-Madinah she told the Prophet* about the happenings in Abyssinia and about the goodness of Najashi and how the wedding had been organized. She also told him about the slave girl Abraha and the respectful greetings she had sent him. The Prophet* was very pleased with her message; returning her greetings, he prayed that Allah should bless her with plenitude. Abu Sufyan heard about his daughter's marriage and he expressed happiness in spite of the fact that he had not yet accepted Islam. He said the Prophet* was the youth who would never lose face, and always be honoured.
Umm Habiba spent four years of her life with the Prophet Muhammad* and lived for another thirty-three years after he had died, dying at the age of seventy-two in 44 AH, may Allah be pleased with her. Like all the wives of the Prophet* Umm Habiba spent much of her time remembering Allah and worshipping Him. She has related that once the Prophet* said to her, "A house will be built in the Garden for anyone who, in the space of a day and a night, prays twelve voluntary rak'ats;" and she added, "I have never stopped doing this since I it from the Messenger of Allah*.
Al-Adba – The Prophet’s Camel
From Sahih Muslim: Narrated Imran ibn Husayn: The tribe of Thaqif was the ally of Banu Uqayl. Thaqif took two people from amongst the companions of Allah's Messenger* as prisoners. The companions of Allah's Messenger* took one person of Banu Uqayl as prisoner, and captured al- Adba' (the she-camel of the Holy Prophet) with him. Allah's Messenger* came to him and he was tied with ropes. He said: Muhammad. He came up to him and said: What is the matter with you? Thereupon he (the prisoner) said: Why have you taken me as prisoner and why have you caught hold of one preceding the pilgrims (the she-camel as she carried the Holy Prophet on her back and walked ahead of the multitude)? He (the Holy Prophet) said: (Yours is a great fault). I (my men) have captured of you for the crime of your allies, Banu Thaqif. He (the Holy Prophet) then turned away.
He again called him and said: Muhammad, Muhammad, and since Allah's Messenger* was very compassionate and tenderhearted, he returned to him, and said: What is the matter with you? He said: I am a Muslim. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Had you said this when you had been the master of yourself, you would have gained every success. He then turned away. He (the prisoner) called him again saying: Muhammad, Muhammad. He came to him and said: What is the matter with you? He said: I am hungry, feed me, and I am thirsty, so provide me with drink. He (the Holy Prophet) said: That is (to satisfy) your want. He was then ransomed for two people (who had been taken prisoner by Thaqif).
He (the narrator) said: A woman of the Ansar had been taken prisoner and also al-Abda' was caught. The woman had been tied with ropes. The people were resting to their animals in front of their houses. She escaped one night from the bondage and came to the camels. As she drew near the camels, they fretted and became angry and so she left them alone until she came to al-Adba'. It did not fret and fume; it was docile. She mounted upon its back and rode away. Thus she escaped.
When they (the enemies of Islam) were warned of this, they went in search of it, but it (the shecamel) exhausted them. She (the woman) made vow to Allah that He saved her through it, she would offer that as a sacrifice.
As she reached Medina, the people saw her and they said: Here is al-Adba', the she-camel of Allah's Messenger*. She (the woman) said that she had taken a vow that if Allah would save her on its back, she would sacrifice it. They (the Prophet's companions) came to Allah's Messenger* and mentioned that to him. Thereupon he said: Hallowed be Allah, how ill she rewarded it by vowing to Allah that if He saved her on its back, she would sacrifice it! There is no fulfilment of the vow in an act of disobedience, nor in an act over which a person has no control. In the version of Ibn Hujr (the words are): "There is no vow in disobedience to Allah."
From Bukhari: Narrated by Anas: The Prophet had a she camel called Al Adba which could not be excelled in a race. (Humaid, a sub-narrator said, "Or could hardly be excelled.") Once a bedouin came riding a camel below six years of age which surpasses it (i.e. Al'Adba) in the race. The Muslims felt it so much that the Prophet noticed their distress. He then said, "It is Allah's Law that He brings down whatever rises high in the world."
Main Topic: Muharram
1433: The significance of Muharram and Ashura
The day of Ashura is approaching us on the tenth of the month of Muharram. This sacred month of Muharram is a blessed and important month for the Muslims. It is the first month of the Hijri calendar, and is one of the four sacred months concerning which Allah says in Surah al-Tawbah: “Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so it was ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein…” [TMQ al-Tawbah: 36]
In this ayah, Allah says, “so wrong not yourselves therein…” means do not wrong yourselves in these sacred months, because sin in these months is worse than in other months. It was reported that Ibn ‘Abbas said that this phrase, “so wrong not yourselves therein…” referred to all the months, then these four were singled out and made sacred, so that sin in these months is more serious and good deeds bring a greater reward. It was narrated by al-Bukhari that Abu Bakrah reported that the Prophet* said: “The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’ l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumaadil-akir and Sha’ baan.”
In these days of Muharram the Prophet* recommended for us to fast on the 9th and the 10th of this month. Al-Bukhari narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas who said: “The Prophet* came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura’. He said, ‘What is this?’ They said, ‘This is a righteous day, it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Musa fasted on this day.’ He said, ‘We have more right to Musa than you,’ so he fasted on that day and commanded [the Muslims] to fast on that day.” [Bukhari]. In a report narrated by Imam Muslim, that the Jews said, “This is a great day, on which Allah saved Musa and his people, and drowned Pharaoh and his people.”Muslim also reported that, “Musa fasted on this day in thanksgiving to Allah, so we fast on this day.” Mu'awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan relates: I heard the Messenger of Allah* say, "It is the day of 'Ashoora. Allah has not made fasting obligatory for you. But I am fasting. He who likes to observe fast among you should do so, and he who likes not to observe it (does not have to) observe it." [Muslim] Abu Qatada relates that the Holy Prophet* said that, “the fast on the 10th of Muharram atones for the sins of the preceding year.” [Muslim] Abu Huraira reports that the Holy Prophet* said, “after Ramadan, the fasts of Muharram have the greatest excellence.” [Muslim] In addition to the keeping of the fast on the 10th of Muharram we should also aim to fast on the 9th as well as stipulated in the following ahadith: Ibn Abbas relates that when the Holy Prophet* said, "If I survive till next year, I will definitely observe fast on the 9th of Muharram (as well)." [Muslim] Hakam ibn Al-Arat relates: I went to Ibn Abbas. I said to him: Tell me about fasting on 'Ashura. He said, "When you seen the new moon of Muharram count the (days) and (begin to) observe fast on the 9th." I said to him: "Is it how the Messenger of Allah (saw) observed the fast?" He said, "Yes." [Muslim]
The day of Ashura is approaching us on the tenth of the month of Muharram. This sacred month of Muharram is a blessed and important month for the Muslims. It is the first month of the Hijri calendar, and is one of the four sacred months concerning which Allah says in Surah al-Tawbah: “Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so it was ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein…” [TMQ al-Tawbah: 36]
In this ayah, Allah says, “so wrong not yourselves therein…” means do not wrong yourselves in these sacred months, because sin in these months is worse than in other months. It was reported that Ibn ‘Abbas said that this phrase, “so wrong not yourselves therein…” referred to all the months, then these four were singled out and made sacred, so that sin in these months is more serious and good deeds bring a greater reward. It was narrated by al-Bukhari that Abu Bakrah reported that the Prophet* said: “The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’ l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumaadil-akir and Sha’ baan.”
In these days of Muharram the Prophet* recommended for us to fast on the 9th and the 10th of this month. Al-Bukhari narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas who said: “The Prophet* came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura’. He said, ‘What is this?’ They said, ‘This is a righteous day, it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Musa fasted on this day.’ He said, ‘We have more right to Musa than you,’ so he fasted on that day and commanded [the Muslims] to fast on that day.” [Bukhari]. In a report narrated by Imam Muslim, that the Jews said, “This is a great day, on which Allah saved Musa and his people, and drowned Pharaoh and his people.”Muslim also reported that, “Musa fasted on this day in thanksgiving to Allah, so we fast on this day.” Mu'awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan relates: I heard the Messenger of Allah* say, "It is the day of 'Ashoora. Allah has not made fasting obligatory for you. But I am fasting. He who likes to observe fast among you should do so, and he who likes not to observe it (does not have to) observe it." [Muslim] Abu Qatada relates that the Holy Prophet* said that, “the fast on the 10th of Muharram atones for the sins of the preceding year.” [Muslim] Abu Huraira reports that the Holy Prophet* said, “after Ramadan, the fasts of Muharram have the greatest excellence.” [Muslim] In addition to the keeping of the fast on the 10th of Muharram we should also aim to fast on the 9th as well as stipulated in the following ahadith: Ibn Abbas relates that when the Holy Prophet* said, "If I survive till next year, I will definitely observe fast on the 9th of Muharram (as well)." [Muslim] Hakam ibn Al-Arat relates: I went to Ibn Abbas. I said to him: Tell me about fasting on 'Ashura. He said, "When you seen the new moon of Muharram count the (days) and (begin to) observe fast on the 9th." I said to him: "Is it how the Messenger of Allah (saw) observed the fast?" He said, "Yes." [Muslim]
These days also remind us of the story of Musa and his struggle against the Pharaoh.
Allah said in Sura al-Qasas: “These are Verses of the Book that makes (things) clear. We rehearse to you some of the story of Musa and Firawn (Pharaoh) in Truth for people who believe. Truly Firawn elated himself in the land and broke up its people into sections depressing a small group among them: their sons he slew but he kept alive their females: for he was indeed a maker of mischief. And We wished to be gracious to those who were being depressed in the land to make them leaders and make them heirs. To establish a firm place for them in the land and to show Firawn and Haman and their hosts at their hands the very things against which they were taking precautions.” [TMQ 28:1-6]
Indeed the story of Musa is a great story that Allah related to us in the Quran. Allah told us of how the Firawn oppressed the people, how Firawn broke the people into sections depressing a small group among them, how Firawn killed the new born sons of the people and how he ruled the people with his tyranny and oppression. And we all know how Allah raised Musa to liberate the people from this tyranny and oppression. Allah mentioned in the in Surah al-Qasas how he protected Musa from his campaign of killing the children. Allah tells us of how when Musa was born Allah inspired his mother to cast him into the river. Look how she obeyed this command of Allah with no resistance, imagine casting your child into the river, this is the meaning of having Tawakkal in Allah (swt). Firawn and his wife found Musa (as), upon seeing Musa Firawn’s wife felt joy and convinced Firawn not to slay him. Allah reunited Musa with his mother when he would not take the milk from others, so eventually the wife of Firawn employed Musa (as)’s mother as a maid to look after him. Allah explains this beautiful story: “And We ordained that he refused suck at first until (his sister came up and) said: "Shall I point out to you the people of a house that will nourish and bring him up for you and be sincerely attached to him?"...Thus did We restore him to his mother that her eye might be comforted that she might not grieve and that she might know that the promise of Allah is true: but most of them do not understand.” [TMQ al-Qasas: 12-13]
When Musa grew up he stood against Firawn and challenged his corruption and tyranny, he led the Children of Israel (Bani Israel) against the Firawn and made them disbelieve in him and his tyranny. Firawn believed he was a god and that he had the power of life and death in his hands. Allah said in Surah Yunus: “Firawn was an arrogant tyrant on the earth indeed he was one of the Musrifeen (transgressors)” [TMQ 10:83]
Unfortunately, today we have many modern day Firawn’s, many Musrifeen (transgressors) and tyrants. Who are the modern-day Pharaoh’s? And who are the assistants in the world as Firawn had his assistants like Haman?
Musa and all the other Prophet’s relied upon no-one other than Allah to fulfil their mission. Musa sought help and support from his Lord, Allah says in Surah Ta-Ha: "Musa said: 'O my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness). And ease my task for me; And loosen the knot (the problem) from my tongue, (i.e. remove the impairment in my speech), that they understand my speech, And appoint for me a helper from my family, Haroon, my brother; Increase my strength with him, And let him share my task (of conveying Allah's message), That we may glorify You much, And remember You much, Verily! You are of us Ever a Well-Seer” [TMQ Ta-Ha: 25-35]
The Virtues of Fasting in the Month of Muharram
The month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, holds many virtues. Fasting, charity and prayer hold additional values. Surely, the months provides a great opportunity to seek the inner strength that comes from the nearness to Allah for Muslims in general and dedicated dawa carriers in particular.
The Virtues of Fasting in the Month of Muharram
Muslim reported from Abu Hurayra , that the Prophet* said, "The best of fasts after the month of Ramadan are in the Month of Allah, which you call Muharram. And the best of prayer after the obligatory prayer is the night prayer." [Muslim] This refers to general voluntary fasts according to Imam Ibn Rajab: These are best in the month of Muharram, just as the best general voluntary prayer is night prayer. Fasting is a secret between the servant and his Lord. This is why Allah Mighty and Exalted says, [in the divine hadith (hadith qudsi)], "Every action of the son of Adam is his, except for fasting. It is Mine, and it is I who reward it." [Bukhari and Muslim] The Prophet* also said, "The fasting person has two joys: one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Lord." [Muslim] Similarly, it has been related that fasting is a means for good health. The Prophet* is reported to have said, "Fast, and you shall have good health." [Ahmad]
The Day of `Ashura': The Tenth of Muharram
It is mentioned in Bukhari and Muslim from Ibn Abbas that he was asked about fasting the Day of `Ashura' [10th of Muharram]. He said, "I did not see the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) fast a day while more avid to seek its virtue than this day," meaning the Day of `Ashura'." [Bukhari and Muslim]. The Day of `Ashura' has great virtue, and tremendous sanctity (hurma). The virtue of fasting it was known among the Prophets (peace be upon them all). Both Prophet Nuh and Prophet Musa (peace be upon them both) fasted it. The Prophet* used to fast this day even in Mecca, though he had not yet ordered others to do so, as mentioned in both Bukhari and Muslim. [Bukhari, Muslim] When he migrated to Medina, and found the People of the Book fasting this day and venerating it, he ordered the Muslims to fast it, and encouraged it so much that even the children would fast it.
It has been reported in both Bukhari and Muslim from Ibn Abbas , that, "When the Messenger of Allah* reached Medina, he found the Jews fasting the Day of `Ashura', so he asked them, ‘What is this day you are fasting?' They said, ‘This is a tremendous day. Allah saved Musa and his people on this day and drowned Pharaoh and his people. Musa fasted it out of thanks, so we fast it too.' The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) said, ‘And we are more deserving of Musa than you are.' So he fasted this day, and ordered that it be fasted." [Bukhari, Muslim]
At the end of his life, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) made the determination not to fast this day alone, but with another day [either before or after it], in order to be different from the People of the Book. It has been reported in the Sahih of Imam Muslim, also from Ibn Abbas that, "When the Messenger of Allah* fasted the Day of `Ashura' and ordered his companions to fast it, they said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! This is a day that the Jews and Christians venerate.' So the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) said, ‘When next year comes - if Allah wills - we will fast the Ninth [of Muharram with it].' But the next year did not come before the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) passed away." [Muslim, Abu Dawud] And it is reported in the Musnad of Imam Ahmad (Allah have mercy on him), from Ibn Abbas that the Prophet* said, "Fast the Day of `Ashura' and be different from the Jews by fasting a day before it or a day after it." [Ahmad]
Giving in Charity on the Day of `Ashura'
It has been reported from Abd Allah ibn `Amr ibn al-`As , that "Whoever fasts `Ashura' it is as if he has fasted the entire year. And whoever gives charity this day it is like the charity of an entire year."
Some of the Virtues of the Day of `Ashura'
It is a day in which Allah forgave an entire people. Tirmidhi relates that the Prophet* said to a man, "If you want to fast a month after Ramadan, then fast Muharram, for it has a day in which Allah forgave an entire people, and He turns to others in repentance in." [Tirmidhi]
Night Prayer
As for voluntary night prayer (qiyam al-layl), it is superior to voluntary prayer during the day because it is closer to secrecy, and nearer to sincerity (ikhlas). Allah Most High said,"Lo! the vigil of the night is (a time) when impression is more keen and speech more certain." [Qur'an, 73:6] This is because the time of the night vigil (tahajjud) is the best of times for voluntary prayer, and the closest a servant gets to his Lord. It is a time when the doors of the skies are opened, supplications answered, and needs fulfilled. Allah Most High has praised those who wake up at night in His remembrance, supplication, seeking forgiveness, and intimate entreating (munajat), saying, "Who forsake their beds to cry unto their Lord in fear and hope, and spend of that We have bestowed on them. No soul knows what is kept hid for them of joy, as a reward for what they used to do." [Qur'an, 32:16-17] And, "Or he who pays adoration in the watches of the night, prostrate and standing, bewaring of the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord? Say: Are those who know equal with those who know not? But only those of understanding will pay heed." [Qur'an, 39:9] And He swt said to His Prophet*, "And some part of the night awake for it, as voluntary worship for you. It may be that thy Lord will raise thee to a praised estate." [Qur'an, 17:79]
It has been said that those who worship at night will enter Paradise without reckoning, and that standing in night prayer shortens the length of one's Standing on the Day of Judgment. This is why the Prophet* said, "Stick to night prayer, for it was the way of the righteous before you. Night prayer is a means of closeness to Allah Most High, of expiating for bad deeds, avoiding sins, and keeping away illness from one's body." [Tirmidhi (3543], Bayhaqi, and others; it is a sound (hasan) hadith] This is why Abu Sulayman al-Darani would say, "The people of the night find more joy than the people of distraction (lahw) in their distractions. Were it not for the night, I would not like to remain living."
Indeed the story of Musa is a great story that Allah related to us in the Quran. Allah told us of how the Firawn oppressed the people, how Firawn broke the people into sections depressing a small group among them, how Firawn killed the new born sons of the people and how he ruled the people with his tyranny and oppression. And we all know how Allah raised Musa to liberate the people from this tyranny and oppression. Allah mentioned in the in Surah al-Qasas how he protected Musa from his campaign of killing the children. Allah tells us of how when Musa was born Allah inspired his mother to cast him into the river. Look how she obeyed this command of Allah with no resistance, imagine casting your child into the river, this is the meaning of having Tawakkal in Allah (swt). Firawn and his wife found Musa (as), upon seeing Musa Firawn’s wife felt joy and convinced Firawn not to slay him. Allah reunited Musa with his mother when he would not take the milk from others, so eventually the wife of Firawn employed Musa (as)’s mother as a maid to look after him. Allah explains this beautiful story: “And We ordained that he refused suck at first until (his sister came up and) said: "Shall I point out to you the people of a house that will nourish and bring him up for you and be sincerely attached to him?"...Thus did We restore him to his mother that her eye might be comforted that she might not grieve and that she might know that the promise of Allah is true: but most of them do not understand.” [TMQ al-Qasas: 12-13]
When Musa grew up he stood against Firawn and challenged his corruption and tyranny, he led the Children of Israel (Bani Israel) against the Firawn and made them disbelieve in him and his tyranny. Firawn believed he was a god and that he had the power of life and death in his hands. Allah said in Surah Yunus: “Firawn was an arrogant tyrant on the earth indeed he was one of the Musrifeen (transgressors)” [TMQ 10:83]
Unfortunately, today we have many modern day Firawn’s, many Musrifeen (transgressors) and tyrants. Who are the modern-day Pharaoh’s? And who are the assistants in the world as Firawn had his assistants like Haman?
Musa and all the other Prophet’s relied upon no-one other than Allah to fulfil their mission. Musa sought help and support from his Lord, Allah says in Surah Ta-Ha: "Musa said: 'O my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness). And ease my task for me; And loosen the knot (the problem) from my tongue, (i.e. remove the impairment in my speech), that they understand my speech, And appoint for me a helper from my family, Haroon, my brother; Increase my strength with him, And let him share my task (of conveying Allah's message), That we may glorify You much, And remember You much, Verily! You are of us Ever a Well-Seer” [TMQ Ta-Ha: 25-35]
The Virtues of Fasting in the Month of Muharram
The month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, holds many virtues. Fasting, charity and prayer hold additional values. Surely, the months provides a great opportunity to seek the inner strength that comes from the nearness to Allah for Muslims in general and dedicated dawa carriers in particular.
The Virtues of Fasting in the Month of Muharram
Muslim reported from Abu Hurayra , that the Prophet* said, "The best of fasts after the month of Ramadan are in the Month of Allah, which you call Muharram. And the best of prayer after the obligatory prayer is the night prayer." [Muslim] This refers to general voluntary fasts according to Imam Ibn Rajab: These are best in the month of Muharram, just as the best general voluntary prayer is night prayer. Fasting is a secret between the servant and his Lord. This is why Allah Mighty and Exalted says, [in the divine hadith (hadith qudsi)], "Every action of the son of Adam is his, except for fasting. It is Mine, and it is I who reward it." [Bukhari and Muslim] The Prophet* also said, "The fasting person has two joys: one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Lord." [Muslim] Similarly, it has been related that fasting is a means for good health. The Prophet* is reported to have said, "Fast, and you shall have good health." [Ahmad]
The Day of `Ashura': The Tenth of Muharram
It is mentioned in Bukhari and Muslim from Ibn Abbas that he was asked about fasting the Day of `Ashura' [10th of Muharram]. He said, "I did not see the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) fast a day while more avid to seek its virtue than this day," meaning the Day of `Ashura'." [Bukhari and Muslim]. The Day of `Ashura' has great virtue, and tremendous sanctity (hurma). The virtue of fasting it was known among the Prophets (peace be upon them all). Both Prophet Nuh and Prophet Musa (peace be upon them both) fasted it. The Prophet* used to fast this day even in Mecca, though he had not yet ordered others to do so, as mentioned in both Bukhari and Muslim. [Bukhari, Muslim] When he migrated to Medina, and found the People of the Book fasting this day and venerating it, he ordered the Muslims to fast it, and encouraged it so much that even the children would fast it.
It has been reported in both Bukhari and Muslim from Ibn Abbas , that, "When the Messenger of Allah* reached Medina, he found the Jews fasting the Day of `Ashura', so he asked them, ‘What is this day you are fasting?' They said, ‘This is a tremendous day. Allah saved Musa and his people on this day and drowned Pharaoh and his people. Musa fasted it out of thanks, so we fast it too.' The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) said, ‘And we are more deserving of Musa than you are.' So he fasted this day, and ordered that it be fasted." [Bukhari, Muslim]
At the end of his life, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) made the determination not to fast this day alone, but with another day [either before or after it], in order to be different from the People of the Book. It has been reported in the Sahih of Imam Muslim, also from Ibn Abbas that, "When the Messenger of Allah* fasted the Day of `Ashura' and ordered his companions to fast it, they said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! This is a day that the Jews and Christians venerate.' So the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) said, ‘When next year comes - if Allah wills - we will fast the Ninth [of Muharram with it].' But the next year did not come before the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) passed away." [Muslim, Abu Dawud] And it is reported in the Musnad of Imam Ahmad (Allah have mercy on him), from Ibn Abbas that the Prophet* said, "Fast the Day of `Ashura' and be different from the Jews by fasting a day before it or a day after it." [Ahmad]
Giving in Charity on the Day of `Ashura'
It has been reported from Abd Allah ibn `Amr ibn al-`As , that "Whoever fasts `Ashura' it is as if he has fasted the entire year. And whoever gives charity this day it is like the charity of an entire year."
Some of the Virtues of the Day of `Ashura'
It is a day in which Allah forgave an entire people. Tirmidhi relates that the Prophet* said to a man, "If you want to fast a month after Ramadan, then fast Muharram, for it has a day in which Allah forgave an entire people, and He turns to others in repentance in." [Tirmidhi]
Night Prayer
As for voluntary night prayer (qiyam al-layl), it is superior to voluntary prayer during the day because it is closer to secrecy, and nearer to sincerity (ikhlas). Allah Most High said,"Lo! the vigil of the night is (a time) when impression is more keen and speech more certain." [Qur'an, 73:6] This is because the time of the night vigil (tahajjud) is the best of times for voluntary prayer, and the closest a servant gets to his Lord. It is a time when the doors of the skies are opened, supplications answered, and needs fulfilled. Allah Most High has praised those who wake up at night in His remembrance, supplication, seeking forgiveness, and intimate entreating (munajat), saying, "Who forsake their beds to cry unto their Lord in fear and hope, and spend of that We have bestowed on them. No soul knows what is kept hid for them of joy, as a reward for what they used to do." [Qur'an, 32:16-17] And, "Or he who pays adoration in the watches of the night, prostrate and standing, bewaring of the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord? Say: Are those who know equal with those who know not? But only those of understanding will pay heed." [Qur'an, 39:9] And He swt said to His Prophet*, "And some part of the night awake for it, as voluntary worship for you. It may be that thy Lord will raise thee to a praised estate." [Qur'an, 17:79]
It has been said that those who worship at night will enter Paradise without reckoning, and that standing in night prayer shortens the length of one's Standing on the Day of Judgment. This is why the Prophet* said, "Stick to night prayer, for it was the way of the righteous before you. Night prayer is a means of closeness to Allah Most High, of expiating for bad deeds, avoiding sins, and keeping away illness from one's body." [Tirmidhi (3543], Bayhaqi, and others; it is a sound (hasan) hadith] This is why Abu Sulayman al-Darani would say, "The people of the night find more joy than the people of distraction (lahw) in their distractions. Were it not for the night, I would not like to remain living."
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Hajj - The duties this entails
News Topic: Muslims and Darwinism in University
Muslim medical students boycotting lectures on evolution... because it 'clashes with the Koran' By Daily Mail Reporter
27th November 2011
Conflict: An increasing number of Muslim biology students are boycotting lectures on the theories of Charles Darwin
Muslim students, including trainee doctors on one of Britain's leading medical courses, are walking out of lectures on evolution claiming it conflicts with creationist ideas established in the Koran.
Professors at University College London have expressed concern over the increasing number of biology students boycotting lectures on Darwinist theory, which form an important part of the syllabus, citing their religion.
Similar to the beliefs expressed by fundamentalist Christians, Muslim opponents to Darwinism maintain that Allah created the world, mankind and all known species in a single act.
Steve Jones emeritus professor of human genetics at university college London has questioned why such students would want to study biology at all when it obviously conflicts with their beliefs.
He told the Sunday Times: 'I had one or two slightly frisky discussions years ago with kids who belonged to fundamentalist Christian churches, now it is Islamic overwhelmingly.
'They don't come [to lectures] or they complain about it or they send notes or emails saying they shouldn't have to learn this stuff.
'What they object to - and I don't really understand it, I am not religious - they object to the idea that there is a random process out there which is not directed by God.'
Earlier this year Usama Hasan, iman of the Masjid al-Tawhid mosque in Leyton, received death threats for suggesting that Darwinism and Islam might be compatible.
Sources within the group Muslims4UK partly blame the growing popularity of creationist beliefs within Islam on Turkish author Harun Yahya who, influenced by the success of Christian creationists in America, has written several books denouncing Darwinist theory.
Yahya associates Dawinism with Nazism and his books are and videos are available at many Islamic bookshops in the UK and regularly feature on Islamic television channels.
One such lecture was given at UCL in 2008 and this year's talks have been given in London, Manchester, Leeds, Dundee and Glasgow.
Evolutionary Biologist and former Oxford Professor Richard Dawkins has expressed his concern at the number of students, consisting almost entirely of Muslims, who do not attend or walk out of lectures.
Homework from 27 November 2011:
Quiz: Prepare for the Quiz on the topics outlined:
Last Quiz was on 9th September 2011 ~ So revise everything since then, including:
Seerah
Banu Quraizah
Abu Lubabah
The Prophet offers to marry Rehana, a Jewish captive
Lessons from Ghazwah al-Ahzab (Battle of Khandaq – Ditch or Confederates/Coalition)
Banu Quraizah
Saad bin Muadh passes away
Some virtues of Saad ibn Muadh
Banu Mustaliq and Abdullah ibn Ubai (Leader of the Hypocrites)
Tribalism (nationalism) leading to the argument and in-fighting
Tayammum (ablution without using water)
Prophet* marries Juwairiyah
The incident of the Ifk (Slander) against Aisha.
Selected Verses Surah an-Nur (24: 11-25)
Lessons from The Ifk (lie) against Aisha
The Death of Abu Rafi’
Bani Bakr Expedition
Other Expeditions and Delegations (including: Bani Asad; Bani Tha‘labah in Dhil Qassa; Abu ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah; Bani Saleem; Zaid bin Haritha in Al-‘Ais; Bani Tha‘labah; Wadi Al-Qura)
Zainab’s (the Prophet’s daughter)
The Prophet* Marries Zainab with Zaid
The Prophet* Marries Zainab
Clarification of Adoption
Uraynah Robbers
Story of Salamah ibn Akwa
Prophet Marries Umm Habibah
The Prophet's Camel al-Adba
Hadith: Nawawi’s 40 Hadith (nos 31 - 34)
Hadith no 31 (Loved Actions): On the authority of Abu al-Abbas Sahl bin Sa'd al-Sa'idi who said: A man came to the Prophet*, and said: "O Messenger of Allah, direct me to an act which if I do it, [will cause] Allah to love me and people to love me." He*, answered: "Be indifferent to the world and Allah will love you; be indifferent to what people possess and they will love you." [Ibn Majah]
Hadith 32 (No Harming nor Reciprocating Harm): It was related on the authority of Abu Sa'id Sa'd bin Malik bin Sinan al-Khudri, that the Messenger of Allah*, said: "There should be neither harming [darar] nor reciprocating harm [diraar]" [Ibn Majah, Al-Daraqutni and others]
Hadith 33: (Onus of Proof is on the Claimant): Ibn 'Abbas said that the Messenger of Allah*, said: "Were people to be given according to their claims, some would claim the wealth and blood of others. But the burden of proof is upon the claimant and the taking of an oath is upon the one who denies (the allegation)." [al-Bayhaqi, al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Hadith 34 (Changing an Evil): On the authority of Abu Sa'id al-Khudri who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah*, say: "When any one of you sees anything that is disapproved (of by Allah), let him change it with his hand. If he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his tongue. And if he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his heart, though that is the weakest (kind of) faith." [Muslim]
Main Topics (or other discussions)
Al Qadha Wal-Qadr (Divine fate & Destiny)
The Greatness of first 10 days Dhul-Hijjah
Highlights from the Life of Ibrahim [Abraham]
Selected Qualities of Ibrahim
Eid-ul Adha
Prophets on the different levels of Heaven
Tips on how to maintain prayers in school
Muharram and Ashura
Musa and Pahroah
News Topics
Falling satellites
Pakistan Floods
Palestine's Statehood bid and the US/UN
Assassination of Imam Anwar al-Awlaki
Vandalism of Graves in Israel/Palestine
Two Muslim children who are young and finished A-Levels
What is ‘intelligence’ and who are clever.
The difference between Proof and Evidence.
The Death of Gaddafi
Death in King's Heath of a young girl on a bike
Muslims in UK and loyalty
Darwinism, Evolution and Muslims
Feedback
Exams (lessons from Quiz / Questionnaires)
Scary Words (or Concepts)
Taqdeer (al-Qadha wal-Qadr)
Different colours
Prayer
Mosque
Islamic Calendar
Some Etiquettes of Visiting the Graves
Allah: 10 things about Allah that we need to know
Jannah-Jahannum: Paradise and Hellfire
The Last Day
Signs of ad-Dajjal
The Day of Judgement
Unity of the Muslims - what this means
The Life of the Prophet
The M5 crash
Juj and Majooj
Equality for Muslims
Hajj
Quiz: Prepare for the Quiz on the topics outlined:
Last Quiz was on 9th September 2011 ~ So revise everything since then, including:
Seerah
Banu Quraizah
Abu Lubabah
The Prophet offers to marry Rehana, a Jewish captive
Lessons from Ghazwah al-Ahzab (Battle of Khandaq – Ditch or Confederates/Coalition)
Banu Quraizah
Saad bin Muadh passes away
Some virtues of Saad ibn Muadh
Banu Mustaliq and Abdullah ibn Ubai (Leader of the Hypocrites)
Tribalism (nationalism) leading to the argument and in-fighting
Tayammum (ablution without using water)
Prophet* marries Juwairiyah
The incident of the Ifk (Slander) against Aisha.
Selected Verses Surah an-Nur (24: 11-25)
Lessons from The Ifk (lie) against Aisha
The Death of Abu Rafi’
Bani Bakr Expedition
Other Expeditions and Delegations (including: Bani Asad; Bani Tha‘labah in Dhil Qassa; Abu ‘Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah; Bani Saleem; Zaid bin Haritha in Al-‘Ais; Bani Tha‘labah; Wadi Al-Qura)
Zainab’s (the Prophet’s daughter)
The Prophet* Marries Zainab with Zaid
The Prophet* Marries Zainab
Clarification of Adoption
Uraynah Robbers
Story of Salamah ibn Akwa
Prophet Marries Umm Habibah
The Prophet's Camel al-Adba
Hadith: Nawawi’s 40 Hadith (nos 31 - 34)
Hadith no 31 (Loved Actions): On the authority of Abu al-Abbas Sahl bin Sa'd al-Sa'idi who said: A man came to the Prophet*, and said: "O Messenger of Allah, direct me to an act which if I do it, [will cause] Allah to love me and people to love me." He*, answered: "Be indifferent to the world and Allah will love you; be indifferent to what people possess and they will love you." [Ibn Majah]
Hadith 32 (No Harming nor Reciprocating Harm): It was related on the authority of Abu Sa'id Sa'd bin Malik bin Sinan al-Khudri, that the Messenger of Allah*, said: "There should be neither harming [darar] nor reciprocating harm [diraar]" [Ibn Majah, Al-Daraqutni and others]
Hadith 33: (Onus of Proof is on the Claimant): Ibn 'Abbas said that the Messenger of Allah*, said: "Were people to be given according to their claims, some would claim the wealth and blood of others. But the burden of proof is upon the claimant and the taking of an oath is upon the one who denies (the allegation)." [al-Bayhaqi, al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Hadith 34 (Changing an Evil): On the authority of Abu Sa'id al-Khudri who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah*, say: "When any one of you sees anything that is disapproved (of by Allah), let him change it with his hand. If he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his tongue. And if he is not able to do so, then let him change it with his heart, though that is the weakest (kind of) faith." [Muslim]
Main Topics (or other discussions)
Al Qadha Wal-Qadr (Divine fate & Destiny)
The Greatness of first 10 days Dhul-Hijjah
Highlights from the Life of Ibrahim [Abraham]
Selected Qualities of Ibrahim
Eid-ul Adha
Prophets on the different levels of Heaven
Tips on how to maintain prayers in school
Muharram and Ashura
Musa and Pahroah
News Topics
Falling satellites
Pakistan Floods
Palestine's Statehood bid and the US/UN
Assassination of Imam Anwar al-Awlaki
Vandalism of Graves in Israel/Palestine
Two Muslim children who are young and finished A-Levels
What is ‘intelligence’ and who are clever.
The difference between Proof and Evidence.
The Death of Gaddafi
Death in King's Heath of a young girl on a bike
Muslims in UK and loyalty
Darwinism, Evolution and Muslims
Feedback
Exams (lessons from Quiz / Questionnaires)
Scary Words (or Concepts)
Taqdeer (al-Qadha wal-Qadr)
Different colours
Prayer
Mosque
Islamic Calendar
Some Etiquettes of Visiting the Graves
Allah: 10 things about Allah that we need to know
Jannah-Jahannum: Paradise and Hellfire
The Last Day
Signs of ad-Dajjal
The Day of Judgement
Unity of the Muslims - what this means
The Life of the Prophet
The M5 crash
Juj and Majooj
Equality for Muslims
Hajj
