Showing posts with label Jannah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jannah. Show all posts

Friday, 10 April 2015

Answers



5 April Quiz Answers

Starter

Where is Jannah / Paradise?
  • Under the feet of your mother

Five Pillars of Islam
  • Shahada / Kalima
  • Prayer
  • Fasting (Ramadhan)
  • Zakat
  • Hajj

6 Articles of Faith / Belief (Aqeeda)
  • Belief in Allah.
  • Belief in the Angels.
  • Belief in Divine Books.
  • Belief in the Prophets.
  • Belief in the Day of Judgment.
  • Belief in al-Qadhaa Wal-Qadr.


Main Answers

1. What type of bird is this
Hud Hud (Hoopoe) Bird

2. Fill in the missing word
“The parable of those who disbelieved in their Lord is that their works are as XXXXXXXXX, on which the wind blows furiously on a stormy day; they shall not be able to get anything of what they have earned. That is the straying, far away [from the Right Path].” (TMQ 14: 18)
“The parable of those who disbelieved in their Lord is that their works are as ASHES (mountain of Ash), on which the wind blows furiously on a stormy day; they shall not be able to get anything of what they have earned. That is the straying, far away [from the Right Path].” (TMQ 14: 18)

3. How long between the 2 shouts (2 blows of the Trumpet)
40

4. Fitna al-Qabr (Trials in the Grave) - What are the 3 questions the angels first ask?
“Ma rabbuk? Wa ma deenuk? Wa man nabiyuk?”
Who is your Lord?
What is your religion?
And who is your Prophet?

5. Exodus: Gods and Kings - In the film ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’ Musa* left Egypt in a parade. According to the Qur’an, when did Musa* actually set off ?
In the middle of the night after marking the houses.
We revealed to Moses: "Travel with Our servants by night. You will certainly be pursued." (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 52)

6. Who did Prophet Adam give 40 years of his life to?
Allah drew from Adam's back his descendants and showed him the Prophets among them, Adam saw amongst them a light shining brightly (man with a shining face), so he asked, 'O my Lord! Who is this man'?' Allah said, 'This is your son, Dawud.' He asked, 'O my Lord! How old will be he?' Allah said, '60 years.' He said, 'O my Lord! Increase his age.' Allah said, 'I will not increase it except out of your own age.' (Adam had known from Allah that his own age would be one thousand years) so he granted Dawud* 40 years of his age. When Adam's life came to an end, the angel of death came to take his soul. Then (Adam) said, 'There still remain 40 years of my age.' He forgot that he had gifted Dawud* with them.

7. What is the name of the monk / worshipper (Aabid) who diverted from the path of Islam and killed a mother & child to hide his crime and eventually bowed down (sujood) to Shaytan
The Story of Barsisa 
(summary)
Three men from the children of Israel had to go for a battle and left their sister under his care because he is the most righteous and trustworthy.
He said no then Shaytan said an evil person might corrupt her so he agreed.
She stayed in a separate house.
Barsisa would bring food and leave it on his doorstep (temple).
Then he left it on her doorstep.
“She’s coming out to get the plate and somebody can still see her. You have to deliver the plate into her own room.”
“it’s like she’s in prison, speaking to no one. Why don’t you take that responsibility and speak to her a little”
“Why don’t you make it a little convenient for each other? Don’t scream to each other. Sit in the same room.”
They started getting closer and closer until the great ‘aabid committed zina
She became pregnant. She delivered a child
“The only solution is that you murder the child and bury it.”
“Do you think the mother will keep the secret after you have killed her son? You’re a fool if you think so. You should kill her too”
The brothers came back and Barsisa said she died of an illness.
Brothers saw a dream. Shaytaan said, “Did you believe Barsisa? He’s lying! She is buried in her room, under the rock”
They took him to the king.
Barsisa said, “Please save me!” Shaytaan said, “Make sujood for me.”  Then was killed.
That is the danger of following desire. Sometimes we feel confident because of our knowledge or the Qur’an that we know or the ‘ibadah that we do. We should always be afraid and never be over confident.

8. What were the 3 things al-Khidr did that upset Musa*
Al Khidr took an axe and pulled up a plank (made a hole) in the boat
Al Khidr took a hold of the boy's head and plucked it with his fingertips as if he were plucking some fruit.
Then they saw therein a wall which was just going to collapse and Al Khidr repaired it just by touching it with his hands.
Al Khidr said: "This is the parting between you and me, and I shall tell you the explanation of those things on which you could not remain patient."

9. What is this sin regarding Punishment in the Grave:
And so we proceeded and came across a river.” I think he said, “…. red like blood.” The Prophet added, “And behold, in the river there was a man swimming, and on the bank there was a man who had collected many stones. Behold, while the other man was swimming, he went near him. The former opened his mouth and the latter (on the bank) threw a stone into his mouth whereupon he went swimming again. He returned and every time the performance was repeated, I asked my two companions, ‘Who are these (two) persons?’ They replied, ‘Proceed! Proceed!’
..And the man whom you saw swimming in the river and given a stone to swallow, is the eater of usury (Riba / interest)

10. List ALL 9 signs (ayat) given to Musa* in dealing with Pharaoh according to Islam?
Snake / Staff
White Hand
Years of drought / Scarcity of fruits*
Floods
Locusts
Lice / ticks / fleas
Frogs
Blood
Splitting of the sea*

11. After the Sun rises from the West, the beast will appear. What is he carrying in his hands?
The Prophet* said, “The beast would come out carrying the seal of Suleiman [Solomon] and the stick of Musa [Moses]. It would mark the face of the believer with Musa and would stamp the face of the nonbeliever with the seal of Suleiman. People would be eating together and they would say, ‘Give me this, believer’ or ‘Hand me this non-believer.’” [at-Tarmidhi]

12. To Pharaoh, Musa* was a terrorist and was challenged to a competition with which people?
He said, "Have you come to us to expel us from our land by means of your magic, Moses? We will bring you magic to match it. So fix a time between us and you which neither we nor you will fail to keep at a place where we can meet halfway."
He (Moses) said, "Your time is the day of the festival. The people should gather in the morning." (Surah Ta-Ha: 57-59)
(They said) "To bring you all the skilled magicians."
The magicians came to Pharaoh and they asked, "Will we receive a reward if we are the winners?"
He (Pharaoh) said, "Yes, and you will be among those brought near." (Surat al-A'raf: 112-114)

13. In Summary, what is the secret for individual Muslims to be happy
Find pleasure in doing things that Please Allah.



Hence Allah alone decides what is ‘Right’ and ‘Wrong’, what is ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’, what makes Him ‘pleased’ and what ‘angers’ Him, and so what should make us ‘Happy’ and ‘Sad’

Our priority as Slaves of Allah is to make Allah Pleased with us (like the yearning of a child to his mother)

‘In Truth, In the remembrance of Allah do the hearts find rest/tranquillity’ [TMQ 13:28] and focus on pleasing Allah for our own happiness as He knows what is best for us as He created us that way


14. What is the name of the Night which is better than a thousand months
Lailat al-Qadr
"Verily, We have sent it down in the Night of Al-Qadr.
And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is
The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.
Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord's permission with every matter.
There is peace until the appearance of dawn.“
Surah al-Qadr [97]


15. Who was the King when Dawud* killed Jalut (Goliath)
Talut  (Saul)


16. In the famous hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (transmitted in Abu Dawud) what did the Prophet* describe a Muslim is to his brother? "A believer is a xxxxxxx to another believer"
In the famous hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (transmitted in Abu Dawud) what did the Prophet* describe a Muslim is to his brother?
"A believer is a mirror to another believer"


17. Who did Musa* slap in the face so hard his eye came out?
Abu Hurairah narrated: "The Angel of Death was sent to Moses*. When he came to Moses, Moses slapped him on the eye. The Angel returned to his Lord and said: 'You have sent me to a slave who does not want to die.' Allah said: 'Return to him and tell him to put his hand on the back of an ox and for every hair that will come under it, he will be granted one year of life.' Moses said: 'O Lord! What will happen after that?' Allah replied: 'then death.' Moses said: 'Let it come now!' Moses then requested Allah to let him die close to the Holy Land so that he would be at a distance of a stone's throw from it."


18. What is a Mihrab?
Prayer niche showing direction of prayer


19. In Surah al-Baqarah, why were Bani Israel ordered to slaughter a cow?
A wealthy man died, leaving behind an only son, who inherited his father's wealth. His cousins envied his good fortune and secretly killed him so that they could inherit it.
The dead boy's other relatives came to the Prophet Moses and asked his help in tracing the boy's murderer.
Moses instructed them to slaughter a cow, remove part of it and place it on the corpse. This would reveal the murderer, he told them.


20. What were the 3 Darknesses that Prophet Yunus/Jonah* was in when he made the Du’a to Allah
Darkness of the Belly of the whale
In the Darkness of the bottom of the ocean
In the Darkness of the night

21. ‘Freedom of Speech’ - 'Charlie Hebdo Magazine'  itself censored, apologised and then fired long-time cartoonist Siné for a caricature insulting who?
'Charlie Hebdo Magazine'  itself censored, apologised and then fired long-time cartoonist Siné for a caricature insulting the son of former president Nicholas Sarkozy and his wife Jessica Sebaoun-Darty, while staunchly standing on their 'right' to repeatedly troll Muslims, minorities & immigrants e.g. by showing Muhammad naked and bending over—which tells you something about the brand of satire they practice and that they’d rather be aiming downward towards minorities than upward

22. Who built the barrier that has trapped Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog & Magog)
They will ask thee of Dhul-Qarnayn. Say: "I shall recite unto you a remembrance of him. Lo! We made him strong in the land and gave him unto every thing a road. And he followed a road. Until, when he reached between two mountains, he found, before (near) them (those two mountains), a people who scarcely understood a word. They said: “O Dhul-Qarnain! Verily! Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog) are doing great mischief in the land. Shall we then pay you a tribute in order that you might erect a barrier between us and them?” He said: “That (wealth, authority and power) in which my Lord had established me is better (than your tribute). So help me with strength (of men), I will erect between you and them a barrier. Give me pieces (blocks) of iron,” Then, when he had filled up the gap between the two mountain-cliffs, he said: “Blow,” till when he had made it (red as) fire, he said: “Bring me molten copper to pour over it.” So they [Ya'juj and Ma'juj] were made powerless to scale it or dig through it. Dhul-Qarnain) said: “This is a mercy from my Lord, but when the Promise of my Lord comes, He shall level it down to the ground. And the Promise of my Lord is ever true.” And on that Day [i.e. the Day Ya'juj and Ma'juj will come out], We shall leave them to surge like waves on one another, and the Trumpet will be blown, and We shall collect them all together.”

23. Courtroom cases: Missing case
Case 1:  The case of 99 Sheep and a good talking man with one man and his only sheep
Case 2:  The case of Sheep grazing in neighbours field destroying his livelihood
Case 3:  The case of a worshipper admiring horses and missing their prayer
Case 4:  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Case 5:  Mothers disputing about whose child survived the wolf attack
Case 1:  The case of 99 Sheep and a good talking man with one man and his only sheep
Case 2:  The case of Sheep grazing in neighbours field destroying his livelihood
Case 3:  The case of a worshipper admiring horses and missing their prayer
Case 4:  The case of what to do with the first batch of Prisoners of War
Case 5:  Mothers disputing about whose child survived the wolf attack

24. The Prophet*’s birthday happens in which month (according to most authentic sources)?
Rabi’ul-Awwal - (3rd month)

Islamic months:
  1. Muharram
  2. Safar
  3. Rabia Awal  
  4. Rabia Thani (Rabiul-Akhir)
  5. Jumaadil Awal (Jumaada al-Ula)
  6. Jumaada at-Thani
  7. Rajab
  8. Sha‘ban
  9. Ramadhan
  10. Shawwal
  11. Dhul-Qa'dah
  12. Dhul-Hijjah


25. When was Musa* made a Prophet by Allah
Burning Bush
"Moses! I am your Lord. Take off your sandals. You are in the holy valley of Tuwa. I have chosen you, so listen well to what is revealed. I am Allah. There is no god but Me, so worship Me and establish prayer to remember Me." [TMQ 20:11-14]
"Take hold of it and have no fear. We will return it to its original form." [TMQ 20:21]
"Have no fear, Moses. In My Presence the Messengers have no fear." [TMQ 27:10]


Thank you and Well Done

Tuesday, 7 April 2015

5 April 2015: Quiz

5 April 2015: Quiz

Here are the Quiz Questions - Answers will be uploaded shortly (inshaAllah)




Harborne Islamic Study Circle Quiz

Topics from May 2014 – March 2015


Starter Questions

  • Where is Jannah / Paradise?
  • Five Pillars of Islam
  • 6 Articles of Faith / Belief (Aqeeda)


Main Questions

1. What type of bird is this




2. Fill in the missing word

“The parable of those who disbelieved in their Lord is that their works are as XXXXXXXXX, on which the wind blows furiously on a stormy day; they shall not be able to get anything of what they have earned. That is the straying, far away [from the Right Path].” (TMQ 14: 18)


3. How long between the 2 shouts (2 blows of the Trumpet)


4. Fitna al-Qabr (Trials in the Grave) - What are the 3 questions the angels first ask?


5. Exodus: Gods and Kings - In the film ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’ Musa* left Egypt in a parade. According to the Qur’an, when did Musa* actually set off ?


6. Who did Prophet Adam give 40 years of his life to?


7. What is the name of the monk / worshipper (Aabid) who diverted from the path of Islam and killed a mother & child to hide his crime and eventually bowed down (sujood) to Shaytan


8. What were the 3 things al-Khidr did that upset Musa*


9. What is this sin regarding Punishment in the Grave:

And so we proceeded and came across a river.” I think he said, “…. red like blood.” The Prophet added, “And behold, in the river there was a man swimming, and on the bank there was a man who had collected many stones. Behold, while the other man was swimming, he went near him. The former opened his mouth and the latter (on the bank) threw a stone into his mouth whereupon he went swimming again. He returned and every time the performance was repeated, I asked my two companions, ‘Who are these (two) persons?’ They replied, ‘Proceed! Proceed!’


10. List ALL 9 signs (ayat) given to Musa* in dealing with Pharaoh according to Islam?


11. After the Sun rises from the West, the beast will appear. What is he carrying in his hands?

 
12. To Pharaoh, Musa* was a terrorist and was challenged to a competition with which people?


13. In Summary, what is the secret for individual Muslims to be happy


14. What is the name of the Night which is better than a thousand months


15. Who was the King when Dawud* killed Jalut (Goliath)


16. In the famous hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (transmitted in Abu Dawud) what did the 
Prophet* describe a Muslim is to his brother? "A believer is a xxxxxxx to another believer"


17. Who did Musa* slap in the face so hard his eye came out?


18. What is a Mihrab?


19. In Surah al-Baqarah, why were Bani Israel ordered to slaughter a cow?


20. What were the 3 Darknesses that Prophet Yunus/Jonah* was in when he made the Du’a to 
Allah


21. ‘Freedom of Speech’ - 'Charlie Hebdo Magazine'  itself censored, apologised and then fired long-time cartoonist Siné for a caricature insulting who?


22. Who built the barrier that has trapped Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog & Magog)


23. Courtroom cases: Missing case

Case 1:  The case of 99 Sheep and a good talking man with one man and his only sheep
Case 2:  The case of Sheep grazing in neighbours field destroying his livelihood
Case 3:  The case of a worshipper admiring horses and missing their prayer
Case 4:  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Case 5:  Mothers disputing about whose child survived the wolf attack


24. The Prophet*’s birthday happens in which month (according to most authentic sources)?


25. When was Musa* made a Prophet by Allah

Monday, 20 October 2014

19 October 2014 Musa (part 14) Exodus and Death (part 1)

19 October 2014

Musa (part 14) Exodus and Death (part 1)

Musa and Pharaoh: Exodus from Egypt and the Drowning Of Pharaoh in the Sea

Pharaoh and his inner elite circle resisted the message for years and deserved punishment. They rebelled against Allah, accusing the messenger of insanity as well as of being a liar. Because of their denial, Allah prepared for them a humiliating end. Before this affliction began, Allah commanded the Prophet Musa* to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt:

We revealed to Moses: "Travel with Our servants by night. You will certainly be pursued." (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 52)
Musa* and his people secretly left Egypt in the night with the promise that they will be chased. And the spies quickly reported back to Pharaoh that perhaps up to a million subjects were leaving Egypt. The flight of Bani Israel was entirely unacceptable to Pharaoh. He saw himself as the sole master of all Bani Israel. In addition, it would mean a loss of manpower that would ultimately diminishment his authority. Therefore, he mobilized his soldiers and set out after them:
Pharaoh sent marshals into the cities: "These people are a small group and they are agitating against us and we constitute a vigilant majority."
We expelled them (Pharaoh and his people) from gardens and springs, from treasures and a splendid situation. So it was! And We bequeathed them to the tribe of Israel. So they (Pharaoh and his troops) pursued them towards the east. (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 53-60)


Like today the Western Leaders claim the Muslims are a small group of extremists yet they are so scared of the Muslims that it always dominates their political agenda.

By the time the Children of Israel had reached a shore, Pharaoh and his soldiers had caught up with them. Panic and despair engulfed some of the people of the Prophet Musa* when they saw Pharaoh and his soldiers approaching. Pharaoh and his soldiers were within just a short distance. There was no room to escape. These people thought they were trapped:
And when the two hosts came into sight of one another Moses' companions said, "We will surely be overtaken!" (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 61)
At that very moment, Musa* tried to reassure the people:
He said, "Never! My Lord is with me and He will guide me." Then, he followed the revelation he received from Allah, "Strike the sea with your staff". And it parted, and each separate part (of that sea water) became like the huge mountain. Then We brought near the others (Pharaoh) to that place. And We saved Musa and all those with him. Then We drowned the others. Verily! In this is indeed a sign (or a proof), yet most of them are not believers. (TMQ 26: 62-66)

Miraculously, Allah divided the waters of the sea leaving a dry path in the middle, which the Children of Israel immediately followed. Pharaoh and his soldiers went so audacious as to chase the Children of Israel into the sea. Here was an apparent miracle; without question, Allah's help and support was with the Prophet Musa* and his followers. Nevertheless, this miracle did not suffice to convince Pharaoh. Together with his soldiers blindly entered the path that divided the sea. However, after the Children of Israel had safely crossed to the other side, the waters suddenly began to close in on Pharaoh and his soldiers and they all drowned. Though, at the last moment, Pharaoh tried to repent, his repentance was not accepted:
We brought the tribe of Israel across the sea and Pharaoh and his troops pursued them out of tyranny and enmity. Then, when he was on the point of drowning, he (Pharaoh) said, "I believe that there is no god but Him in Whom the tribe of Israel believe. I am one of the Muslims." What, now! When previously you rebelled and were one of the corrupters? Today We will preserve your body so you can be a Sign for people who come after you. Surely many people are heedless of Our Signs. (Surah Ta-Ha: 90-92)
There is a very important lesson to draw from Pharaoh's repentance at the very last moment of his life and its rejection by Allah. At the moment of death, a person can clearly sense the reality and proximity of the Hereafter, and bears witness to this truth when he confronts the angels of death. This should act as an especially important warning to all those who believed in "living it up," and postponed their performance of religious responsibilities to their later years in life. The fulfilment of religious obligations, however, should in no way be postponed. Allah informs us about this fact as follows:
Allah only accepts the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and then quickly repent after doing it. Allah will pardon them. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. There is no repentance for people who persist in doing evil until death comes to them and who then say, "Now I repent," nor for people who die unbeliever. We have prepared for them a painful punishment. (Surat an-Nisa': 17-18)
The Fire, morning and night, to which they are exposed; and on the Day the Hour takes place: "Admit Pharaoh's people to the harshest punishment!" When they are squabbling with one another in the Fire, the weak will say to those deemed great, "We were your followers, so why do you not relieve us of a portion of the Fire?" Those deemed great will say, "All of us are in it. Allah has clearly judged between His servants." (Surah Ghafir: 46-48)
Muslims still commemorate this great event (saving of the people of Musa*) by fasting on the day of Ashura. The body of Pharaoh has been preserved by Allah as a sign for us – not as a reason to take selfies!


Main Topic: The Series on Death, the Grave, the Day of Resurrection and the Afterlife

Introduction to the Circles on
Death, the Grave, the Day of Resurrection and the Afterlife

Why do we study this?
Death is the only thing for sure we know that is going to happen in life – hence we should know about it! We will be asked a really important series of questions upon death:
1. Man Rabbuka (Who is your Lord) ?
2. Ma Deenuka (What is your religion) ?
3. Ma kunta taqoolu fa haazar rujul (What do you have to say about this person = Muhammed*) ? (Or what is your religion)

5 Pillars of Islam:
1. Shahadah: sincerely reciting the Muslim profession of faith.
2. Salat: performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times each day.
3. Zakat: paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit the poor and the needy.
4. Sawm: fasting during the month of Ramadan.
5. Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca.

6 Articles of Belief:
1. Belief in God (Unitary)
2. Belief in His Angels
3. Belief in His Books (and Qur’an is the Word of Allah)
4. Belief in His Prophets and Messengers (and Muhammed* is the seal of Prophets)
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment (and Heaven and Hell)
6. Belief in God’s Divine Decree (Al Qadhaa Wal Qadr – the good and bad from Allah)

This is all linked to the Belief Pathway we have talked about in the Study Circle:
3 Fundamental Questions in Life:
1. Why am I here?
2. Where did I come from?
3. Where am I going?

  • As Muslims life is about pleasing Allah and getting to Paradise.
  • We have, in the Study Circle, covered all these topics in detail except ‘Belief in the Day of Judgment (and Heaven and Hell)’. Hence we will cover this now.
  • This is also linked to the concept of Halal and Haraam – which is linked to reward / punishment linked to Heaven / Hell.

This society is built upon escapism / distractions and not addressing the fundamental questions of life. Muslims are encouraged to think often about the ‘Destroyer of Desires’.

We, the human race living on this earth, are under the perception that we belong here and that this is our residence. But we do not belong here. Our home should be Heaven and the ratio of this life to the Afterlife is important. We don’t belong here. We are traveling. That is why the Prophet* said “Be in this world as if you are a traveller.” And he said that the example or the analogy of me in this dunya is as if somebody is traveling in the desert and he saw a tree and he took some shade under this tree and then took some rest. And then he continued traveling. That is dunya: we spend a few moments under this tree, and then we keep on travelling. Hence we need to prepare for death.

Aisha talks about this: “If the first thing revealed in Qur’an was ‘do not drink’, the people would have said ‘we are never going to stop drinking.’ And if the first thing that was revealed in the Qur’an was telling the people to not commit fornication and adultery the people would have said ‘we’re never going to stop committing fornication and adultery!’ The first things that were revealed in the Qur’an were the Surah Al-Mufassal that talked about and mentioned hell fire and paradise. Until the hearts were attached to Allah, THEN the orders for halal and haram came down.” Hence when the verses abolishing alcohol were eventually revealed the Muslims instantly followed – and compare this to ‘The Prohibition’ in 1930s America.

What causes death?
Responses from the audience were: smoking, heart attack, drugs, age, diseases, marriage, obesity, suicide, accidents, war, gunshots, cancer...
These do not CAUSE death !!

The truth is that death is the same and its cause (sabab) is also the same, which is the end of ajal (life-term), and nothing else. As regards to these matters, which take place and due to them death occurs, they are cases in which death occurs and are not causes of death. As regards the incidents of killing and the situations from which death results, they are cases (haalaat) in which death occurs, but are not causes (asbaab). So, they are not the cause (sabab) of death; rather the cause of death is the end of life term (intihaa’ ul-ajal).

Death is something Allah alone causes / controls. This is because the cause (sabab) produces the effect (musabbab) definitely; and that the effect (musabbab) can’t result save from its cause (sabab) alone. This is different to the case (halah), it is a specific circumstance within certain surrounding conditions in which death usually takes place.

No soul can ever die except by Allah’s leave and at a term appointed.” [TMQ Al-Imran:145]
“My Lord is He Who gives life and causes death.” [TMQ Al-Baqarah: 258]

The Soul (Ruh) upon death

The Prophet* says: “If the believing soul is leaving this world and moving into al-Akhirah [in the interface] angels will descend from the heavens. White, bright faces like the sun. They have with them a coffin from paradise and incense from paradise. So he can see them. And then the angel of death will descend. And then he will sit next to his face/head. He will say, ‘Oh you pure soul, come out to the forgiveness of Allah and His Pleasure.’ This soul will come out so smoothly, like a drop of water rolling out of a jug. For the kaafir, if he is leaving the dunya and approaching akhirah, then dark angels will come down. They are carrying coffins made of harsh materials. The angel of death will come down, sit beside him and say, ‘O you evil soul! Come out to the anger of Allah and His Wrath!’ When the angel of death will make that announcement, this soul will run around in the body. The angel of death will grab the soul and pull it out, as if you are pulling out wet wool from thorny branches.”

Monday, 13 October 2014

October 12 2014: Musa (13) - Final Signs for Pharaoh

October 12 2014: Musa (13) - Final Signs for Pharaoh

Life of Musa (part 13)
Titles of Egyptian Rulers In The Qur'an
In the stories of the Prophet Musa* and the Prophet Joseph* in the Qur'an highlight an important difference: the Egyptian ruler at the time Yusuf* the word "malik" (the King): The King (Malik) said, "Bring him (Yusuf) to me straight away! So I may draw him very close to me." When he had spoken with him, he declared, "Today you are trusted, established in our sight." (Surah Yusuf: 54)
In the time of the Prophet Musa*, however, the Egyptian ruler is referred to as the "Pharaoh": We gave Moses nine Clear Signs. Ask the tribe of Israel about when he came to them and Pharaoh said to him, "Moses, I think you are bewitched." (Surat al-Isra': 101)
Historical records now explain that in ancient Egypt, the term "pharaoh" originally referred to the royal palace. During the reign of the ancient kingdoms, the rulers did not hold such a title. The word "pharaoh" came to be used as a synonym for the Egyptian king under the New Kingdom (starting in the 18th dynasty, 1539-1292 B.C.), and by the 22nd dynasty (c. 945-c. 730 B.C.) it had been adopted as an epithet of respect.
The history of Ancient Egypt was completely forgotten by the 4th century, since hieroglyphic writing was not deciphered until the 19th century (Rosetta Stone).

A Man Of Faith (Mu’min) In The Palace
Read Surah Ghafir: 23-45
We sent Moses with Our Signs and clear authority to Pharaoh, Haman and Karun. But they said, "A lying magician." When he brought them the truth from Us they said, "Slaughter the sons of those who have faith with him but let their women live." The stratagems of the unbelievers are nothing but errors. Pharaoh said, "Let me kill Moses and let him call upon his Lord! I am afraid that he may change your religion and bring about corruption in the land." Moses said, "I seek refuge in my Lord and your Lord from every proud man who does not believe in the Day of Reckoning." (Surah Ghafir: 23-27)
A man among Pharaoh's people who had faith, but kept his faith concealed, said, "Are you going to kill a man for saying 'My Lord is Allah' when he has brought you Clear Signs from your Lord? If he is telling a lie, be it on his own head. But if he is telling the truth, then some of what he is promising you will certainly happen to you. Allah does not guide any unbridled inveterate liar. My people! The kingdom is yours today, as masters in the land, but who will help us against Allah's violent force, if it comes upon us?"
Pharaoh said, "I only show you what I see myself and I only guide you to the path of rectitude."
The man who had faith said, "My people! I fear for you a fate like that of the factions (of old), the same as happened to the people of Noah and 'Ad and Thamud and those who followed after them. Allah does not want any injustice for His servants. My people! I fear for you the Day of Calling Out, the Day when you will turn your backs in flight, having no one to protect you from Allah. Whoever Allah misguides will have no guide. Joseph brought you the Clear Signs before, but you never stopped doubting what he brought to you to the extent that when he died, you said, 'Allah will never send another Messenger after him' That is how Allah misguides those who are unbridled and full of doubt."
Those who argue about the Signs of Allah without any authority coming to them do something hateful in the Sight of Allah and in the sight of the people who believe. That is how Allah seals up the heart of every arrogant oppressor. (Surah Ghafir: 28-35)
Pharaoh said, "Haman, build me a tower so that perhaps I may gain means of access, access to the heavens, so that I can look on Moses' God. Truly I think he is a liar." That is how Pharaoh's evil actions were made attractive to him and he debarred others from the path. Pharaoh's scheming led to nothing but ruin. (Surah Ghafir: 36-37)
The man who believed said, "My people! Follow me and I will guide you to the path of rectitude. My people! The life of the earth is only fleeting enjoyment. It is the Hereafter, which is the abode of permanence. Whoever does an evil act will only be repaid with its equivalent. But whoever acts rightly, male or female, being a believer, such a person will enter Paradise, provided for in it without any reckoning. My people! How is it that I call you to salvation while you call me to the Fire? You call me to reject Allah and to associate something with Him about which I have no knowledge, while I call you to the Almighty, the Endlessly Forgiving. There is no question that what you call me to has no foundation neither in the world nor the Hereafter, that our return is to Allah, and that the profligate will be Companions of the Fire. You will remember what I say to you. I consign my affair completely to Allah. Truly Allah sees His servants."
So Allah safeguarded him from the evil things they plotted and a most evil torment engulfed Pharaoh's people. (Surah Ghafir: 38-45)

 

Summary –
  • don’t kill Musa because if he is a liar he will get his comeuppance but if he is true we Egyptians are in trouble
  • who else can we ask to stop these punishments if he is really sent from Allah
  • Pharaoh rejected this argument and wants a tower built to heaven
  • the Mu’min talks to the inner circle then the population: you all know about the punishment of previous civilisations so take heed  (Noah, Aad, Thamud)
  • Allah saved the Mu’min from the punishment to the other people as he was doing Dawah (enjoining the Good and forbidding the Evil) and not being quite
  • we talked about Allah destroying the town with a worshipper: It is reported that Malik ibn Dinar, one of the successors, said: "Almighty Allah revealed to an angel to destroy one of the villages. So the angel wondered: 'O my God, there is this slave of yours who has not disobeyed you for a single moment and he lived there.' Almighty Allah said to him: 'Start with him, for he has never moved upon seeing other people violating my prohibitions.'"

The Period Of Disasters And The Folly Of Pharaoh
Recap: We talked about most of the signs:
1.    Snake / Staff
2.    White Hand
3.    Years of drought
4.    Scarcity of fruits*
5.    Floods
6.    Locusts
7.    Lice / ticks / fleas
8.    Frogs
9.    Blood
 

One after another, Allah tried Pharaoh and his subjects with various disasters, a people obstinate in denial. First, there began a period of extreme drought in Egypt. Water was terribly crucial for the Egyptians, the drought directly threatening their very livelihood. As a result, agricultural products diminished in availability and famine ensued:
We seized Pharaoh's people with years of drought and scarcity of fruits so that hopefully they would pay heed. (Surat al-A'raf: 130)
We revealed to Moses and his brother: "Settle your people in houses in Egypt and make your houses places of worship (masajid) and establish prayer and give good news to the believers." (Surah Yunus: 87)
Whenever a good thing came to them, they said, "This is our due." But if anything bad happened to them, they would blame their ill fortune on Moses and those with him. No indeed! Their ill fortune will be with Allah. But most of them did not know. (Surat al-A'raf: 131)
"'My people, does the kingdom of Egypt not belong to me? Do not all these rivers flow under my control? Do you not then see?" (Surat az-Zukhruf: 51)

 

Pharaoh criticised Musa* for:
- not speaking properly
- not being rich and wearing gold
- not enslaving angels
Much like how people criticise Muslims now as being terrorists, not winning enough Nobel Prizes, not having proper technology industries... And how The West lauds itself like ‘American Exceptionalism’ which states the USA is different due to its special character as a uniquely free nation based on democratic ideals and personal liberty and has been chosen by God to be the leader of the world. Hence, they were blind to the message:
They said, "No matter what kind of Sign you bring us to bewitch us, we will not have faith in you." (Surat al-A'raf: 132)
These later signs were not just for Pharaoh but for the whole Egyptian population. If they thought about it and not taken in by the propaganda, they should (as a people) believed in Musa*. Pharaoh had a choice and he rejected the message, the magicians had a choice and believed, the people had a choice but rejected. So, they too are blameworthy. People do not need to be taught that oppression is wrong, and that punishments (of Pharaoh or drone bombs) are oppressive and what constitutes ‘natural justice’.
So We sent down on them floods, locusts, lice, frogs and blood, Signs, clear and distinct, but they proved arrogant and were an evildoing people. (Surat al-A'raf: 133)
Whenever the plague came down on them they said, "Moses, pray to your Lord for us by the contract He has with you. If you remove the plague from us, we will definitely believe in you and send the tribe of Israel away with you." But when We removed the plague from them—for a fixed term which they fulfilled—they broke their word. (Surat al-A'raf: 134-135)

The final sign of ‘Blood’ is not clear. But the scholars say that either the Nile became as blood or that when the Egyptians drew water (from the Nile or a well) it soon became blood before they could drink it – whereas if Bani Israel drew water it would stay as water.
Despite all these signs – people rejected Musa* and his message. So, Musa* was told to ‘mark the houses of the believers’ to get ready for the next sign.
In Moses, too, there was a sign. We sent him to Pharaoh with clear authority. But he turned away with his forces... (Surat adh-Dhariyat: 38-39)
Rebuffed by this firm refusal, the Prophet Musa* prayed to our Lord to inflict torment upon this rebellious nation:
Moses said, "Our Lord, You have given Pharaoh and his ruling circle finery and wealth in the life of the world, Our Lord, so that they may be misguided from Your Way. Our Lord, obliterate their wealth and harden their hearts so that they do not have faith until they see the painful punishment."
He (Allah) said, "Both your request is answered, so go straight and do not follow the way of those who have no knowledge." (Surah Yunus: 88-89)

‘Both’ refers to Musa* and Haroon* saying ‘Ameen’. Hence, the importance of saying ‘Ameen’ to correct du’a.

Main Topic: Introduction to the next series of topics on Death and the journey to the Afterlife
InshaAllah, topics to be covered will be:

  • What is the point of studying about all this
  • Death
  • Punishment of the Grave
  • The final hour
  • Resurrection
  • What happens on the Day of Judgment
  • Path to Hellfire
  • Path to Jannah
  • Descriptions of Hellfire
  • Descriptions of Jannah
  • Death of Death