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Why YOU Should Become a Haafidhah: Rewards Here and Now (2)

3. A cure for the hardness of the heart It’s really heartbreaking, devastating and astounding to see the sort of crimes perpetrated by hard-hearted criminals. Sentencing and imprisoning such people is not the only solution to stopping such problems all together as some are never caught or convicted at all. The root reason behind these crimes is the hardness of the heart and being estranged from Allah’s Words. Allah Almighty has said, “Then, after that, your hearts were hardened and became as stones or even worse in hardness.” [Al-Baqarah 2:74] Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim (rahimahullah) has eloquently written in this regard: “The servant is...

Memorize The Qur'aan 26 Jan 2012 Hits:531

Why YOU Should Become a Haafidhah: Rewards Here and Now (1)

“And We have indeed made the Quran easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember?” [al-Qamar [54]:17] There is always an underlying reason as to why a sister has failed to memorize or failed to continue to memorize the Qur’aan. Some sisters may have stopped because they feel that they don’t have good memory; others did memorize but forgot what they memorized because of a lack of time and commitment, or a distraction that resulted in a permanent diversion. Whatever the case, the person who has left memorizing the Qur’aan has really not come to terms with...

Memorize The Qur'aan 18 Jan 2012 Hits:800

The Women-Bearers of the Qur’aan (2)

It is a fact that just as was the case in the past, today also many disbelievers are levying great efforts in trying to take the message of the Qur’aan away from the hearts of the Muslims. This is evident not only from the fact that people have been incited to burn the Qur’aan, as mentioned in the previous article, but by many other cases, such as the suggestion that the verses which mention Jihaad in the Qur’aan be taken out and a new version of the Qur’aan be introduced in its place. Such attempts come about due to ignorance over...

Memorize The Qur'aan 09 Nov 2011 Hits:1959

The Women-Bearers of the Qur’aan (1)

"And We (Allah) have made the Holy Quran easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will receive admonition?"{footnote}The Quran, 54:17{/footnote} In Arabic the term for a woman who has memorized the Qur’aan is 'Haafidhah' and its plural is 'Haafidhaat'. It’s a prestigious title of honor unlike any other, it’s a blessing which is indescribable and it’s a title for one who has been blessed to travel a journey and tread a path only undertaken by a few out of the majority of Allah’s creation. For the real Haafidhah, every page glows forth right into her heart, taking away...

Memorize The Qur'aan 31 Oct 2011 Hits:1619

Muhammad’s Wife, Aa’ishah & King Richard’s Wife, Isabella

King Richard’s Wife, Isabella The above picture shows the marriage of Richard II, King of England, to Isabella, a princess of France who after her marriage to Richard II became the Queen consort of England from 1396 to 1399. Although the marriage was a move for peace due to the political tension between France and England, their marriage actually later developed into a mutual respectful relationship and later, when Richard II died, Isabella mourned his death and refused to yield to Henry IV’s efforts to marry his son to her, the future Henry V of England. What is noteworthy here is that...

Muhammad, The Final Messenger 26 Oct 2011 Hits:722

Specific Punishments in the Grave (23)

As Muslims, we believe in the punishment of the grave. There are many narrations which verify its authenticity. One such narration is: The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Seek Allaah's protection from the Punishment of the Grave, since the Punishment of the Grave is a fact/true."{footnote}Saheeh: At-Tabraanee in 'al-Kabeer' from Umm Khaalid bint Khaalid ibn Sa'eed ibn al-'Aas.{/footnote} Our righteous predecessors have mentioned many stories in this regard, some of which are as follows: Ibn Abi'd Dunya (rahimahullah) mentioned that one of his companions said, “My brother died and I saw him in a dream. I said, "How was...

Death and the Grave 09 Oct 2011 Hits:1670

The Disbeliever, Hypocrite and Evil Soul Answers (22)

The great blessings bestowed or the painful punishment inflicted by Allah, the High, on the believer in his grave is something that we can’t thoroughly understand, even if all the mechanisms and devices available to us were utilised for this purpose. This is partly due to the fact that we can’t perceive, look at or touch these realities in this world. For example, we can’t see the door that opens for the believer in his grave towards paradise. Furthermore, even if we were to inspect every grave in this world, we can’t hear what the animals can hear from the...

Death and the Grave 09 Oct 2011 Hits:1377

The Righteous Soul Responds (21)

The time-span exacted for the soul to be taken up into the heavens is a matter unknown to us as time holds a completely different dimension in the next life. What we do know, however, is that after the person is buried and as his friends and family walk away, the soul is returned back to the body at this stage. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When a person is placed in his grave and his companions leave him, he can hear their footsteps."{footnote}Agreed upon{/footnote} We also learn from the following Prophetic Narrations that the questioning of the angels will...

Death and the Grave 09 Oct 2011 Hits:1425

The Return and the Squeeze (20)

Back down, right into the earth. The murky, dark, dirty and inexpensive soil beneath us shall one day be a part of us, engulfing us and freely entering within the openings of our noses and mouths as it becomes one with us. We won’t have any choice but to submit to it, as choice and free-will is something of this world and therefore will no longer be readily available to us in the grave. Towards the grave is our destination; indeed we were created from it, will be buried into it, and then will be resurrected from it. This is the...

Death and the Grave 09 Oct 2011 Hits:1744

Women who Studied and Taught Saheeh Muslim

Today, as my eyes were scanning through the various books on an Islamic bookshelf, I happened to pick up a copy of Saheeh Muslim. It is the second most authentic Hadeeth collection after Saheeh Al-Bukhari and was written by the illustrious scholar, Abu'l-Husain 'Asakir-ud-Din Muslim b. Hajjaj al-Qushayri al-Naisaburi. Imaam Muslim was from Nishapur - a place, as we will come to learn, where some of the most prominent female scholars who studied and taught the Saheeh of Imaam Muslim resided. Nishapur (or Nishabur) is a city in the Razavi Khorasan province in northeastern Iran and is situated in a fertile plain...

Women Scholars 22 Sep 2011 Hits:1402

A Hellish Unwelcome for the Evil Soul (19)

Just Stop and Think Everything around the disbeliever points out to him that there is Only One Lord Worthy of Worship and that the existence of this world is limited; but still he continues to deny. The sky, the earth and all that is in-between; the darkness of the night as the stars spectacularly glow and shine across its expansive breadth; the brightness of the day and its intricate paths; the coldness of winter; the heat of summer; the cool breezes of spring; the swaying leaves of autumn; the parks full of greenery and blossoming flowers; the lakes full of...

Death and the Grave 03 Aug 2011 Hits:1690

Finally Free (18)

The time will then finally come for the righteous soul to depart from this transient, fleeting and constricted abode, a life polluted and tainted with a mixture of joy and pain, sadness and happiness. Now the time has come for the soul to become separated from the body, for the body to be left lifeless, still without motion or movement, and for the soul…to fly, to fly towards its Lord and towards the eternal abode of the Next, leaving behind a body that was swift in obeying and undertaking the commands of Allah and limbs shining forth with the signs...

Death and the Grave 27 Jun 2011 Hits:2026

The Angels Present at the Time of Death (17)

Many people have famously heard about the Angel of Death and that he is in charge of taking out the souls of the children of Adam at the time of death. Yet, many of us have not heard or come across the fact that there will also be other angels present at this crucial and critical time. This is proven by many Prophetic Narrations which mention that angels, other than the Angel of Death, will also come near the dying person. Depending upon whether the soul is good or evil and in accordance with what the dying person deserves, these...

Death and the Grave 27 Jun 2011 Hits:1999

Satan’s Last Chance and Presence at the Time of Death (16)

Many incidences have been related in which people ended their lives on a bad note, i.e. a sin, and so have been recounted as having died in a difficult or infamous way. This is because satan works hard at the time of death, a time which is full of tests, difficulties and infirmity, a time when a person is in-between the life of this world and the life of al-Barzakh. Satan’s intent at this stage is to evilly, sinfully and wickedly influence a dying person’s last deeds and actions. He knows that this is his final chance to make this person...

Death and the Grave 17 Jun 2011 Hits:2170

Your Temporary Visa Will Soon Expire (15)

The nature of this world’s creation is such that it is temporary; therefore, it can only offer a temporary visa to anyone who enters and resides within it. For this reason an appointment is binding upon every single individual who has had a soul breathed into him or her while s/he was in his or her mother’s womb. This appointment is the meeting of death with al-Malakul-Mowt (the Angel of Death) which will inevitably come to pass upon every single individual that has come into this world because the one who has come into it… must one day inevitably depart...

Death and the Grave 17 Jun 2011 Hits:2303

Remembrance, Even While the Soul Exits (14)

As one sits reciting the Qur’aan, contemplating and pondering over its verses and the meanings and signs found within it, one will find that the natural innate thirst and inquisitiveness found within the heart and mind is quenched by the exquisite, unparalleled, amazing, magnificent and unmatched Words of Allah, the Lord of the heavens and the earth. Each and every human being has a chance to undertake this spiritual journey, a choice to pick up the Qur’aan…if they are willing. Satanic whispers will be abated and ailments of the heart, soul and body can be cured. This is because each...

Death and the Grave 10 Jun 2011 Hits:1736

Can You Smell Something Fishy? (13)

Humans like nice smells. This can especially be seen today in the world around us, where people go out of their way to spend hard earned money on expensive, arousing, sensational and aromatic perfumes of all kinds. Yes, a small bottle with some colored liquid in it (sorry for being so literal and unromantic) costs many of our light pockets a hell of a lot of money. Why? Because humans - aka we - like nice smells. The Daily Mail published an article in 2010, which states: ‘Classic fragrances are making a comeback, with sales of perfumes that evoke nostalgic...

Death and the Grave 28 May 2011 Hits:2392

Towards the Heavens (12)

For those of you who have witnessed the death of someone, you may have noticed that the eyes face a certain fixed direction while the soul is being taken out at the moment of death. This is a phenomenon, the reality of which people without eemaan fail to understand and explain, regardless of how much they may have excelled in worldly sciences. But once again, Islaam provides the most clear, precise, true and accurate answer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) explained hundreds of years ago, “When the soul is taken, the eyes follow it.” (Saheeh Muslim) If you look carefully, while...

Death and the Grave 28 May 2011 Hits:2253

The Reality of the Soul (11)

So far we have covered in detail regarding the journey the body takes after death, right up until the grave. Now we are going to move on to a completely different journey, and that is of the soul’s journey up towards the heavens and back, straight after death. It is important to understand that although in this life your body and soul are relatively always together, joint and linked, after death they will separate from each other for some time until the soul is returned to the body later on. A Mystery Unsolved Although scientists have and are spending a...

Death and the Grave 26 May 2011 Hits:2526

The Barzakh (Barrier): A Transitional Stage (10)

In the following verse the term “Barzakh” is mentioned. {Until when death approaches one of them (the polytheists), he says, "My Lord! Send me back, so that I may do good in that which I have left behind!" No! It is but just a word that he speaks; and behind them is a barrier (barzakh) until the Day when they will be Resurrected.} (Quran 23:99-100) Literally, “Barzakh” means ‘interval, gap, break, partition, bar, obstruction and isthmus’ (a relatively narrow strip of land (with water on both sides) connecting two larger land areas). The following images give us a clear illustration of...

Death and the Grave 24 May 2011 Hits:1834

Special Bodies Which Don’t Decompose (9)

Allah (Almighty) is so gracious towards His creation, so much so that His Graciousness abounds to the extent that out intellects can’t even imagine. He is also Just in that He gives those who deserve what they deserve...and truly some deserve much much more than others. From mankind there is a batch that deserves more, a group above the rest. Allah (the Subtle, All-Knowing) chooses them out of His infinite Wisdom and Knowledge. They are chosen in that they are given certain privileges above others, one of which is that many of them are completely saved from all stages of decomposition....

Death and the Grave 20 May 2011 Hits:2919

Decomposition (8)

Before we look into the life of al-Barzakh (what it entails and what a believer will face therein) I would like to briefly examine the deteriorating effect of the earth on a human corpse. Currently, as you read this sentence, the process of decomposition of once living creatures is occurring all around you. However, many of us are so engrossed and deluded by the life of this world that we hate to contemplate, reflect, talk or even hear anything about the grave and the decomposition of our bodies within it. Today, when the fear of Allah, His Accountability and Reckoning does...

Death and the Grave 15 May 2011 Hits:2120

The Silent Duff (Poem)

{Say: "If you (really) love Allâh then follow me, Allâh will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."} (Aal 'Imraan [3]:31) The sound of this duff is silent and only I know, That within my heart it beats love with a rhythmical flow, For as I read the biography of the Rasool I came to know, That without a doubt he was the last Prophet sent after many in a row. Yes, his Character was so pure… just like snow, His shoulders testified so that all would recognize him...

Seerah, the Life of the Prophet Muhammad 11 May 2011 Hits:894

The ‘Brother’-in-Law: In Conclusion [7/7]

Mujaahidaat: Women who struggle in the way of Allah (‘azza wa jall) are referred to as ‘Mujaahidaat’. Usually ‘Jihaad’ is understood to mean an action done by men in the battlefield; although this is true, the linguistic meaning of Jihaad is not solely restricted to this. The term Jihaad comes from the term juhd, which means to strain, exert and take pains when doing something. Therefore, although a Sister is not religiously obliged to go and fight in the battlefield, she is nevertheless tested in different ways throughout her life for which she has to struggle and take great...

The In-Laws 03 May 2011 Hits:764

The ‘Brother’-in-Law: Tabarruj [6/7]

The Muslim woman must be wise and prudent in safeguarding her dignity and honour. Times are swiftly changing and a clever woman is she who protects herself and realises her high worth and dignity as a believer, even if she trusts the same men that the Shar’iah (chronicles of Islamic Law) has outlined as potential threats to her chastity and hereafter. Today, when dressing immodestly has become the social norm and to speak out against it may adjudge you to be a social outcast, you – the Muslim woman – must stand strong against such vicious tides. You must remember that...

The In-Laws 26 Apr 2011 Hits:881

Even if I Were to Spend my Whole Life

Abdullah ibn Al-Mubarak used to often stay at home, so he was asked, "Don’t you get lonely?" He replied, "How can I get lonely when I am with the Prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wasallam, i.e. I read his hadith)?" (Ibn ‘Asâkir, Târîkh Dimishq Vol. 32 p458.) *** Even if I were to spend my whole life, Fighting off the soul’s strife, Completing the day-to-day chores of a wife, But studying the Prophetic Narrations with a heartfelt drive, By the Will of Allah, the Most Wise, I’d surely have made the most of my life. Each time the soul endures, ...

Enthusiasm and Zeal 24 Apr 2011 Hits:607

Enveloped With Submissive Dignity

In many secret locations, treasure-chests, deposits, safes, banks, hidden excavations in the ground and chambers, people have hidden away from the eyes of men the most precious of items, the likes of money and jewellery. Some hide them out of fear of theft, whereas other items, such as precious stones and gold, are hidden in order to preserve their beauty and worth. Sadly, before the dignity of woman comes the need for the security of material assets. The hearts which contain faith in the One Ever-Watching Lord ache in pain when seeing the abuse, misuse, oppression and brainwashing of women...

Jilbaab 31 Mar 2011 Hits:913

My Sister! Quench Your Spiritual Thirst by the Qur’aan

Within the darkness of the night can be heard the soothing and melodious words of the Qur’aan... There is nothing which can quench the innate, deep thirst and need for the closeness with Allah, our Creator and Master, as does the Qur’aan. For, it is His Words, His Expressions, His Laws, His Promises, His Descriptions and yes, His very Speech. Each chapter brings to light facts long forgotten and ignored by the lost and confused soul, with unmatched exquisite precision, eloquence and divine injunction. In this way, the believing woman is energised and truly perceives her natural disposition in a...

Your Relationship With The Qur'aan 28 Mar 2011 Hits:991

Muhammad’s Marriage to Young ‘Aa’ishah

Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) marriage to young ‘Aa’ishah is regarded as a highly controversial issue. In truth the answers are simple and clear, if only we were to sincerely turn towards their respective biographies. Divinely Inspired Muslims believe that this blessed marriage was not initiated by the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself. Rather it was divinely initiated, as he himself professes, “You have been shown to me twice in my dreams. A man was carrying you in a silken cloth and said to me, ‘This is your wife.’ I uncovered it and behold it was you. I said to...

Muhammad, The Final Messenger 03 Jan 2011 Hits:1194

Hafsah bint Seereen (Part 1)

Over a number of years, while listening to talks, reading books and articles, time after time again I came across the name ‘Hafsah bint Seereen’. This continued to be the case until recently I quickly scribbled down her name on my sticky-pad with the intention of doing some thorough research about the life of such a great, yet to many in the west, unknown personality. And so, I began writing this article with the hope of raising ignorance from myself, and hopefully others. Little did I know... I was to stumble upon a treasure from the...

Women Scholars 19 Jun 2010 Hits:2180

Hafsah bint Seereen (Part 2)

An Epitome of Shyness and Modesty: Travelling on the path of the Names and Characteristics of Allah (a'zza wa jall) is a journey never to be forgotten. One of the most striking realities of the Names of Allah (subhaanahu wa ta'ala), is that Allah, the Most High, loves for His creation to manifest aspects of the meanings of His Names. For example, Allah (subhaanahu wa ta'ala) is Al-‘Aleem (the Most Knowing) and loves the scholars. Allah (a'zza wa jall) is Just and loves justice. And Allah (a'zza wa jall) is Modest and loves those who are modest. The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, “Certainly...

Women Scholars 22 Sep 2010 Hits:1189

Hafsah bint Seereen (Part 3)

The Importance of Youth: As time passes by, each second in it is similar to a leaf, flying away from the tree of our life. Today these seconds loyally cling to us; tomorrow they may stand against us. Blown away by destiny, their outcome we will surely see in the hereafter. That will be The Day (al-Yowm) when people will be drowning in sweat, running away from the most beloved to them. Few indeed will be those under the cool shade of the magnificent Throne of Allah, witnessing a day unlike any other. Those who defied the passions and illicit desires...

Women Scholars 07 Oct 2010 Hits:1286

Hafsah bint Seereen (Part 4)

A Devoted Worshipper: Today, when few indeed are those who devoutly and wholeheartedly worship Allah, Hafsah (may Allah be pleased with her) stands out like a shining star to be followed in her worship of Allah. Mahdi ibn Maymoon said: “Hafsah bint Seereen stayed thirty years without leaving her prayer place, unless for sleep or to answer the call of nature.” (Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa’) Hishaam said that: “Hafsah used to enter her Masjid, then pray in it Adh-Dhuhr, Al-‘Asr , Al-Maghrib , Al-‘Ishaa’ and As-Subh (i.e. Fajr). Then she would stay in it (the Masjid) until the day rose. She would then bow...

Women Scholars 02 Nov 2010 Hits:981

The Women Scholars of Madinah

Madinah, a city situated in the Hijaaz region of Western Arabia, is where the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) did hijrah (migrated), settled down and was later buried. Madinah was a safe haven from the persecution the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) and his Companions faced in Makkah. For many of us, when we remember the noble city of Madinatul Munawwarah (The Enlightened City), memories of the green dome, the white marble tile surrounding the Masjid, the cool winds, peacefulness and tranquillity occupy our minds. Certainly, blessed moments spent in Madinah can’t be forgotten by souls which reside so far...

Women Scholars 30 Apr 2010 Hits:2386

Aafia Siddiqui Forced to Walk Naked Over the Qur’an

As hundreds of concerned citizens hold a Day of Remembrance in Pakistan to commemorate the seventh anniversary of her disappearance, the Justice for Aafia Coalition reveal for the first time, in the English language, specific harrowing details of the abuse Aafia Siddiqui was forced to endure in the years spent in secret detention.During the course of an interview by Kamran Shahid on Pakistan’s Front Line, screened 26th March, Siddiqui’s mother and sister described publicly for the first time the various forms of torture she underwent at the hands of US agents. This included being: forcefully stripped by six men and then...

Aafia Siddiqui 30 Mar 2010 Hits:1954

Mu 'aadhah Al 'Adawiyyah [Part 5]

Mu’aadhah’s (rahimahallah) Asceticism from this WorldAlthough we know for sure that death is an impending event, anytime to take us into its clutches, how many of us are actually prepared for it? How many of us actually begin and end our day with this certainty in mind?This great Muhaddithah Mu‘aadhah was a unique woman in this regard. She was a realistic woman, who knew the reality of this temporal life. That is why it has been narrated that Mu’aadhah [rahimahallah] would say at the advent of a new day:“This is my day, in which I will die.” In...

Women Scholars 05 Apr 2010 Hits:1338

Mu 'aadhah Al 'Adawiyyah [Part 4]

The 'Aabidah of Iraaq: Mu’aadhah [rahimahallah] was not only known for her knowledge of hadeeth, but also for her extensive worship. This is why in her time, as well as later on in classical books, we find many scholars have referred to her with the prestigious title of "Muhaddithah" (woman scholar of hadeeth), as well as the honourable title of "Al-A’abidah" (the worshipper) (Tuhfah al Ahwazee, baab al istinjaa bil maa’, vol 1, pg 77.) For example, in the famous book pertaining to the lives of our pious predecessors ‘Sifah as-Sawfah,’ we find her name appearing under the chapter...

Women Scholars 19 Mar 2010 Hits:1411

Mu 'aadhah Al 'Adawiyyah [Part 3]

Knowledge vis-à-vis Implementation: Beauty within a person or an object is usually described as something which is rare, eye-catching, attractive and alluring to the eyes of the beholder. One such rare attribute within the believers is the beauty of beneficial knowledge intertwined with implementation. For sure, the implementation of knowledge is one of the most beautiful and intriguing characteristics Mu'aadhah, the great muhaddithah and teacher had. She wasn’t from those unfortunate women who possessed knowledge, yet never saw the fruits of it within their lives, because such knowledge is then just a burden for the one who acquires it, rather than...

Women Scholars 18 Jan 2010 Hits:1445

Mu 'aadhah Al 'Adawiyyah [Part 2]

True Love: When we read the life of Mu’aadhah, we come to see the great love she had for her husband. For not only was he a great mujaahid (combatant in the way of Allah [a'zza wa jall]), but he was also a great 'aabid (worshipper) and therefore shared and strived for the same goal as her - to worship the Lord of the heavens and the earth. Indeed, it is a great blessing for a Muslim woman to be blessed with a righteous and Allah-fearing husband with whom she can work to improve herself, both knowledge-wise and eemaan...

Women Scholars 01 Jan 2010 Hits:1470

Mu 'aadhah Al 'Adawiyyah [Part 1]

A Teacher Unlike Any Other: In the life of a student of knowledge, the presence of a teacher plays a weighty and momentous role. It is under the shade of one’s teacher that not only does the individual gain knowledge but a refinement of mannerism and thought. This is why, before mentioning the biography of someone great, there is no harm in first mentioning the teacher. In fact, this is a source of respect for the one to be spoken about especially if the teacher holds great respect and awe within the hearts of the masses...such...

Women Scholars 29 Dec 2009 Hits:1522

Kareema Carol Czerepinski

To recite the Qur’aan with tajweed is in fact an implementation of Allah’s command. Allah ('azza wa jall) says, “And recite the Qur'ân (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style.” [Qur’aan [73]:4] Women today, as in the past, have not lagged behind in serving this science. Around the world we see women ardently working to teach themselves, their children and their community how to correctly pronounce and recite the words of their Creator. Some have done so by teaching in masaajid and schools, others by writing and setting up websites. One such sister is Kareema Carol Czerepinski, an author of...

Women Scholars 18 Dec 2009 Hits:5199

The ‘Brother’-in-Law: Etiquettes to be Maintained [5/7]

Keeping Strong With Dhikr: I’m sure many sisters would agree that a lot of their time goes into completing chores within their homes. Without a doubt, this duty can turn into a great blessing if a sister has the intention to please her Lord by fulfilling her role with warmth, care and attention. In fact, one can take it a step further and use this time to do the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah.In this way, as the Muslim Woman walks around her home completing her daily chores, her being will be full of deep faith, love and conviction in her...

The In-Laws 25 Oct 2009 Hits:721

The ‘Brother’-in-Law: Etiquettes to be Maintained [4/7]

The Third is Satan: May Allah ('azza wa jall) shower His peace and blessings on our Beloved Nabi (sallallahu a’lyhi wa sallam), for by his words Allah ('azza wa jall) brought to light much of what is hidden from our vision, bringing us from the darkness of ignorance towards the illuminating light of knowledge. Allah ('azza wa jall) says, “Allah is the Walee [Friend and Protector] of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light.” (Al-Baqarah [2]:257) One such example is when the Prophet (sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam) stated in clear...

The In-Laws 25 Oct 2009 Hits:1167

What! Sisters Using Miswaak?!

The Sister walks down the aisle and to her amazement, she sees the racks full of various items for oral hygiene, ranging from mouth- fresheners to teeth-whiteners…she smiles as she thinks back in time, when the Prophet [saws] said:, “Siwaak [1] is a way of purifying the mouth and satisfying the Lord”[2]. As women grapple to find a solution for their debilitating oral condition, she has learnt that the Siwaak [which is also referred to as Miswaak] not only contains an immediate antimicrobial effect on bacteria [3] but most importantly it is a means by which to satisfy her...

Miswaak 07 Nov 2009 Hits:935

O Women of the Believers!

The following is a translation of amazing advice given by Shaykh Muhammad Mukhtaar Ash-Shanqeetee to Muslim Women. Shaykh Mukhtaar is a scholar and has a seat in the Prophet [saw]'s Masjid and regularly teaches there and also resides in Madinatul Munawwarah. At the present moment he is going through the Muwatta of Imaam Maalik in the Masjid of the Prophet [saws]; he is known for his righteousness and knowledge. May Allah [swt] reward him for his works and increase him in knowledge and righteousness. Ameen. ****** O Women of the Believers! Certainly Allah has given you your adab [good manners and...

Repentance 07 Nov 2009 Hits:956

Poem: Segregation

They ask: why do you segregate The veil you obligate Separate seating you allocate Suppressed, denied, imprisoned and over you they dominate Your rights they want to abate In society we will make you achieve and accelerate Segregation is oppressive and thus we must abrogate Sit with us and wine and dine You'll come to see that life is so fine I reply and sigh You don't know history and thus you ask me why Although you call it 'sexual apartheid' to defy and deny With your preconceived ideas, segregation in Islaam you belie For me it is an honour, a privilege, a dignity which I apply You have misunderstood the reasons and...

Modesty 25 Oct 2009 Hits:1808

Eyes Unlike Any Other

The eyes are like an ocean, every moment carrying various tides of feelings and sentiments; such discreet and inaudible expressions that it is impossible for the limbs to translate each flicker into words and actions. In fact, the eyes are a treasure chest for the secrets hidden within the being of a woman. It is these very eyes that have been a means of attraction, allurement and temptation for centuries. But few indeed are those who have possessed eyes holding the beauty of modesty as do the eyes of the Muslim Woman. As many fall into the abyss of unrestrained glances,...

Modesty 25 Oct 2009 Hits:1416

Kaamilah Al Kawaaree

Islaamic history is rich in its account of the many writers that were fortunate to live within its midst. In fact, the books of great scholars and historians live on centuries later imparting great benefit for the believers. We ask Allah [azza wa jall] that the Muslim scholars and writers continue to gain the reward for the seeds they sowed, the benefit of which continues to be reaped by the Muslims after them. Ameen. From amongst these blessed names we find the names of many Muslim Women who also participated in striving to spread the words of Allah [azza wa jall]...

Women Scholars 07 Nov 2009 Hits:1630

A Place Inhabited by the Jinn

One of the fatal consequences of leaving the guidance of the Prophet [sallallahu a’lyhi wa sallam] is that we find people facing many problems which are metaphysical and which many a time result in bringing about severe and tragic physical consequences. One such problem is the problem of jinn-possession and black magic. Although this is a matter encompassing various dimensions, in this article I wish to highlight one of the places inhabited by the jinn with the hope of bringing about awareness and precaution for which there is a dire need. Indeed Allah is the One from Whom help is...

Ettiquettes of using the lavatory 25 Oct 2009 Hits:1716

Thaabit, the Firm Companion of Anas

Before we begin learning about the great Companion of Anas (radhiallahu'anhu), Thaabit al-Bunaani, I would like to share with you two quotes which I recently came across: Some of our righteous predecessors said: “The accounts [i.e. regarding the lives of the righteous] are an army from the armies of Allah, the Most High. By it [the stories of the righteous] Allah makes firm the hearts of His awliyaa’ [friends].” [Muqaddamah ath-thaaniyyah, safahaat min sabr al-u’lama] Also, the great faqeeh (scholar of Islamic Jurisprudence) and one of the imaams of the four famous madhaahib, Imaam Abu Hanifah [rahimahullah], said: “The narratives regarding...

Men Scholars 25 Oct 2009 Hits:901

Within These Dark Nights

As time continues to follow its course and the last day swiftly approaches, Muslims are increasingly facing violent and dark winds which wish to throw them off from the ocean of belief, righteousness and conviction unto the shore of disbelief, confusion and immorality. Some Muslims have become weak in the face of these winds; the darkness engulfs them and the winds easily sway them. In truth, they have been hurled away into an identity crisis and they have forgotten the fleeting nature of this world. This group can’t offer a solution to the problems Muslims face today since they permeate...

Seerah, the Life of the Prophet Muhammad 25 Oct 2009 Hits:1129

33.6%		United States
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3%		Malaysia
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