The Personal Relationship Between a Scholar and His Student

Imam Ahmad used to mention the virtues of his sheikh, Imam Ash Shafi’ee to his wife. He would mention to her the extensive and superb knowledge of Imam Ash Shafi’ee as well as his taqwah (i.e. piety). Imam Ahmad invited Imam Ash Shafi’ee to come visit him at his home. When the time for dinner arrived, Imam Ash Shafi’ee ate until he was full and went to the guest room for some sleep.

The wife of Imam Ahmad said to him: “O Ahmad! Is this the same Shafi’ee that you used to tell me so much about?“

Imam Ahmad said: “Indeed he is!“

So she said: “I noticed three things about him worthy of criticism! Firstly, when we served him the food, he ate plenty of it! Secondly, when he went into the guest room, he went to sleep without standing up to perform the night prayer (i.e. tahujjud)! Lastly, when he prayed Salat ul Fajr with us, he did not perform ablution (i.e. wudhu)?!”

So Imam Ahmad went to Imam Ash Shafi’ee to ask him about these three matters his wife noticed. Imam Ash Shafi’ee said to him, (the way a father would explain to his son): “O Ahmad! I ate plenty because I know for certain that your food is halal (i.e. permissible islamically) and you are a generous man! And the food that comes from a generous man is a cure, while the food that comes from a stingy man is a disease!

However, I didn’t eat plenty of food in order to achieve my fill; rather I ate plenty of your food in order to derive the cure from it! As for the reason I didn’t stand up at night to perform the night prayer, when I laid my head down to get some sleep, I looked and all I could see was the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet (Sallahu alaihi wa salam) right in front of my face! So I deducted 72 fiqh related benefits from them for the Muslims to benefit from. Thus there was no opportunity for me to stand and perform the night prayer!

As for the reason why I prayed Salat ul Fajr without performing ablution, by Allah! My eyes never tasted the sweetness of sleep in order for me to renew my wudhu!! I was awake the whole night, so I prayed Salat ul Fajr with the same wudhu I had for Salat ul Isha!!!“

[Collected by Al Hafidh Ibn Hajr in Fath ul Bari concisely and by Abu Nu’aim in Hilya tul Awliyaa’. Translated by Abu Azzubayr Shadeed Muhammad on 3/30/2010 in the City of Riyadh Saudi Arabia]

Assalam Aleikum wa Rahmatula wa Barakatu

Ramadan is around the corner. Are you ready for the month? Are you
ready to get the most of the fasting, or simply to get by with the
fasting?

I am forming a 7-day cleansing program starting from the first week of
July. You are cordially invited to join me. Click on the link below to
learn about this Pre-Ramadan Cleansing Program.

Pre-Ramadan Cleansing Program:

http://islamicholisticliving.wordpress.com/2010/06/18/pre-ramadan-cleasning-its-free-sign-up-now/

It’s amazing. It’s rewarding. It’s FREE!

Please spread the words and share this information with your friends
and family members.

Wendy

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Asalaamu Alaiakum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatu

4 Signs of Those who are  Studying the Qur’aan Properly

By Cilia Ndiaye

Administrator of Ad-Duha Institute

Website: http://ad-duha.org/

There are four signs that we can look for, in ourselves, that indicate how successfully we are listening to, reciting, and/or studying the Qur’an, and Allah knows best. These four signs are as follows…

1. Comprehension:

We should understand the meaning of what we are listening to or reciting (for example we are able to tell others what the ayaat are about). As Allah tells us, “(Here is) a Book which we have sent down unto thee, full of blessings, that they may meditate on its signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonition.” (Qur’aan 38:29)

This means that if you do not understand Arabic, you should make sincere efforts to learn it.

In the meantime, using a translation to assist in comprehending the message can be very helpful. However, using a translation should be a tool that you use to get to the goal (i.e. learning Arabic) rather than a goal in and of itself.

2. Emotion:

Once we understand what we are reading or listening to, we naturally will feel the weight (importance) of the message so much so that our hearts are moved by strong emotion (i.e. fear, hope, happiness, love, wonder, gratitude, etc.). As Allah tells us in the Qur’aan, “For believers are those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a tremor in their hearts, and when they hear His signs rehearsed, find their faith strengthened, and put (all) their trust In their Lord.” (Qur’aan 8:2).

3. Weeping:

This strong emotion (mentioned above) does not just stop in our thoughts. The emotions that are most strongly felt are those that inspire in us a physical response. In the case of the Qur’aan, this immediate physical response is to weep (tears without loud wailing, flailing, or exaggeration). We should weep when we recite or listen to the Qur’aan (i.e. tears of joy at Allah’s mercy, tears due to fear of Allah’s punishment, or tears of gratitude due to Allah’s generous blessings, etc.). As Allah tells us in the Qur’aan, “…and when they listen to the revelation received by the Messenger, you will see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognize the truth: They pray: “Our Lord! We believe; write us down among the witnesses.” (Qur’aan 5:83) …“Do you then wonder at this recital (the Qur’aan)? And will ye laugh and not weep, wasting your time in vanities? But fall you down in prostration to Allah, and Adore (him)!” (Quran 53:59-62)

4. Responding:

As the ayah above indicates about the believers, tears are not the only response to the Qur’aan. Although necessary for our own benefit, tears are passive, and the Qur’aan requires and active response through a change in behavior to meet the goals that Allah has set out for us. Thus, we should respond to what is said in the Qur’aan with affirmations and praise (just as Rasulullah did). Allah has recorded in the Qur’aan how a believer should respond (with their speech and actions) to the Qur’aan  “…and when it is recited to them, They say: “We believe therein, for it is the truth from Our Lord: indeed we have been Muslims (bowing to Allah’s will) from before this.” (Qur’aan 28:53)  “…only those believe in Our Signs, who, when they are recited to them, fall down in adoration, and celebrate the praises of their Lord, nor are they (ever) puffed up with pride.” (Qur’aan 32:15)

In conclusion, the Qur’aan is a message to us that we must seek to understand and implement in our lives. By looking at what Allah has told us in the Qur’aan itself, and the behavior of Rasulullah, we can learn valuable lessons about how to study the Qur’aan properly and get the most benefit from it insha-Allah, and Allah knows best.

~~~

Disclaimer: Our sister site http://Halalbuzz.com is promoting Ad-Duha, because one of the parents that bought the books loved Ad-Duha so much that she paid to send out an email about them. Of course, we figured an article is more beneficial than a simple email, inshaAllah.

Wasalaamu Alaiakum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatu

How to gain Khushu in Salat

By Dr. Mamdouh N. Mohamed Associate Professor at the American Open University

What is Khushuu’?

Khushuu‟ during Salaat is misunderstood by some people as crying and weeping. Rather, it is the presence of the heart during an act of „ibadah. When a person‟s heart is fully occupied of what he says or hears, he is in a true state of khushuu‟. The concept of Khushuu‟ in Salaat is very essential.

1- It is a vital factor in making a person successful in this life and in later life. “Indeed, the believers, who have khushuu‟ in their Salaat, are the winners.”

2-It is a contributing factor for the acceptance of Salaat.

3- It is a way to gain more rewards from the Almighty Allah; the more the khushuu‟ a person has, the more rewards he gets.

4- Without Khushuu‟ the heart cannot easily be purified.

Ways to Gain Khushuu

A. Pre-Salaat

1- A Muslim should know his Lord very well. Knowing whom one worships makes a person a better worshipper. Having clear and authentic knowledge about Allah increases His love in our hearts. Consequently, faith also increases.

2- Avoiding major and minor sins is very helpful in gaining Khushuu‟, as the heart becomes more receptive to the words of Allah during and after Salaat.

3- Reciting the Qur‟an frequently and consistently softens the hearts and prepares it for Khushuu‟. Hard hearts do not gain Khushuu‟.

4- Minimize attachment to worldly matters. Gearing one‟s intentions towards the Afterlife helps against the temptations of life.

5- Avoid excessive laughter and useless arguments as they harden the heart and lead to heedlessness.

6- Stop working as soon as you hear the Azaan. When you listen attentively to the call of Salaat repeat after the muˆz-zin then offer the relevant supplication. This prepares you for a smooth transition from the business with worldly matters to the business with Salaat.

7- Performing wuduuˆ immediately after hearing the Azaan prepares you for the pending Salsat. Wuduuˆ also works as a buffer zone before engaging in Salaat.

8- Going to the mosque early for praying and continuing mention of Allah drives Satan away and help gain concentration.

9- The waiting time for the congregational Salaat helps create a buffer zone between the state of mind before Salaat and the state of during Salaat.

B. During Salaat

1- The Iqaamah itself is a final signal to the mind to be well prepared for

performing the actual Salaat. Remember what the messenger of Allah said to Bilal (ra) “Let us enjoy the comfort of the Salaat.”

2- When you stand facing the Qiblah remember the following:

a. It might be the last Salaat in your life. There is no guarantee to live longer to catch the next Salaat.

b. You are standing between the hands of Allah, the Lord of the worlds. How can you be busy with something else?

c. The angel of death is chasing you.

3- Do not forget to make isti‟azah. It wards off Satan‟s whispers.

4- Keep your eyes focused on the place of sujuud. This helps you gain more concentration.

5- When reciting the Fatiha, try to recall the response of Allah to you after every ayah you say. (When you say: ”al-hamdu lillahi rab-bil „alamin) Allah responds: “My servant praised me.” etc. This feeling of speaking to Allah puts you in the right mood of khushuu‟.

6- Beautifying the recitation of the Qur‟an has a positive impact on the heart.

7- Recite the Qur‟an slowly and reflect upon its meaning deeply.

8- It is recommended to change the suras that your recite from time to

time to avoid the mechanic-like state of repetition.

9- Alternate between the various authentic sunan such as proclaiming a different opening supplication in every Salaat.

10- Undoubtedly, understanding Arabic helps you focus on the intended meaning.

11- Interact with the recited aayahs;

a. if you hear an ayah about Allah, glorify Him by saying “Subhaana Allah”;

b. If you hear an ayah about Hellfire, say “a‟uuthu billaahi mina-n-naar”.

c. If you hear a command to make istighfaar, do it.

d. If you hear an ayah that requests tasbiih, make tasbiih.

12- These forms of interactions are very helpful in keeping you focused.

13- When you prostrate, remember that this position brings you closer to Allah. Seize the opportunity to make sincere du‟aaˆ. Invest these moments in making sincere supplications.

C- Post-Salaat

e. When you make tasliim, make istighfaar to Allah as you might have made during Salaat.

f. When you praise Allah, thank Him from the bottom of your heart that you have experienced the beauty of Salaat in your heart. Getting used to this habit prepares your for the next Salaat, as you will always be eager to focus in your prayer.

g. One perfection leads to another perfection. If some one perfects his Salaat once, he would be self-motivated to continue on the same level.

May Allah fill our hearts with khushuu‟ – Aameen.

Ibrahim was very happy to see sheik Nabeel open the door to his room. We can only see his happiness from his expression as he is unable to speak

Notice the breathing instrument around Ibrahim’s neck.. he is unable to even breath normally.

Thus sheik Nabeel and Ibrahim started talking about da’wa on the internet and the striving it requires.
They also exchanged some stories

According to Makkah, 10th of Muharram for 1431 is on December 27th, 2009.

So please remember to fast on Sunday the 27th and the following day Monday the 28th (instead of fasting Saturday the day before, because there is an opinion based on a narration that fasting on Saturday is not allowed except for obligatory fasts, and Allah knows best).

YouTube Link

Post your questions to sister Wendy our speaker for the upcoming session (it’s a recorded event based on your posted questions).

• Gain outrageous energy and mind clarity!
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Hajj playlist

Dhul hijjah, Zhul, Zul, hijja, hijah

Assalamu alaikum brothers

I would like to take this opportunity to let everyone know that
inshallah I will be departing for Hajj tomorrow with my wife and my
parents. This is the ultimate journey a Muslim could make and it
exemplifies complete and utter submission to the Creator. Inshallah,
please make dua that our Hajj will be accepted and we do it according
to the sunnah of the Prophet salallahu allahiwasalam. I have already
informed a few of my close friends about this journey and I will
strive hard to remember the duas that were requested. Inshallah I
will try to remember your duas so if any of you have any special
requests, please let me know.

Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to seek your
forgiveness for all my shortcomings and for anything I did to hurt
your feelings in anyway. Please forgive me and may Allah reward you
for your generosity. Also please let me know if I owe anyone any
money. I remember keeping tabs with a few people back at school, so if I
have forgotten to settle anyone, please let me know. I need all of
this off my chest. I know its been a while now but it’s better late
than never. So if I do owe anyone anything, please let me know as
soon as possible, so I can make the relevant arrangements as soon as
possible.

Take care brothers and keep us in your duas.

Jazakallah Khair,

Brother [name removed]

Assalam Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuhu

The best 10 days of the year are fast approaching..these are nothing but the first 10 days of the Dhul-Hijjah

These are the most virtuous days of the year and we have to strive hard with more nafl prayers , fasting, zikr , quran recitation and sadaqa and other ibadah.Listen to the excellent lecture The Merits of the 10 Days of Thul Hujjah – by Dr. Saleh as-Saleh (Rahimahullah)

A reminder about the Virtues of the First 10 Days of Dhil-Hijjah

Know that the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah are the best and most virtuous days of the year –for both the pilgrim and those who stay behind. They are days of striving to gain closeness and proximity to Allaah and seeking His Mercy and Forgiveness. They are days of Salaah, and Zakaah, Fasting, du’aa and the remembrance of Allaah, sincere repentance, and all other virtuous deeds.

And Allaah swore by these days in His saying:

وَالْفَجْرِ * وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ

“By the Dawn, and by the Ten Nights.” [Al-Fajr (89):1-2]

And the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

أَفضَلُ أَيَّامِ الدُّنيَا أَيَّامُ العَشْرِ

“The best days in the dunyaa are the ten days.” 1 [al-Bazzaar. See Saheehul-Jaami' of Shaykh Al-Albaanee (#1133)]

And the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

مَا مِنْ أَيَامٍ العَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فَيهَا أَحَبُّ إَلَى اللهِ مِن أيامِ العَشرِ
قَالُواْ: يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ! وَ لاَ الجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللهِ؟
قال: و لاَ الجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللهِ؛ إِلاَّ رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ بِنَفسِهِ وَ مَالِهِ ، فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ مِن ذَلِكَ بِشَيءٍ

” There are no days during which good righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than the ten days (the first ten days of Dhil-Hijjah).” So the Companions asked: “Not even Jihaad in the Path of Allaah?” He said: “Not even Jihaad in the Path of Allaah, except for a man who goes out with his person and his wealth, and comes back with nothing.” 2

[Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim from Ibn 'Umar and others, al-Bukhaaree from Ibn 'Abbaas, Muslim from Abee Sa'eed, At-Tahaawiyyah (#734), Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood (#2438), and As-Saheehah (#1471). ]

During these days it is recommended to increase in making takbeer, tahleel, and tamheed, and to increase in all types of righteous deeds, like prayer, fasting, giving in charity and so on.

Fasting the Day of ‘Arafah

And from these righteous actions is fasting the Day of ‘Arafah. The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

يُكَفَّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي قَبْلَهُ ، وَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي بَعْدَهُ

“It expiates (the sins) of the previous year, and the following year.” 3 [Saheeh Sunan at-Tirmidhee (#749)]

And this fast is for those who remained behind, as fasting the Day of ‘Arafah by those who are at ‘Arafah is not from the guidance of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and his Companions. ‘Abdullaah bin ‘Umar (Radiyallaahu ‘anhumaa) was asked about fasting the Day of ‘Arafah by those at ‘Arafah. He said: “I made Hajj with the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and he did not fast it, and with Aboo Bakr and he did not fast it, and with ‘Umar and he did not fast it, and ‘Uthmaan and he did not fast it. And I do not fast it, nor do I order it, nor do I prohibit it.” 4 [ Saheeh Sunan at-Tirmidhee (#751) ]

The Sacrifice

Of these 10 blessed days is the Day of an-Nahr, or ‘Eedul-Adhaa. The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

إَنَّ أَعْظَمَ الأَيَّامِ عِندَ اللهِ تَبارَكَ وَ تَعالَى يَومُ النَّحْرِ ، ثُمَّ يَومُ القَرَِّ

“Verily the greatest of Days with Allaah- the Blessed and Most High- is the Day of Sacrifice, then the Day of Rest [following it].” 5 [Saheeh Sunan Aboo Daawood (#1552)]

And know that the sacrifice is from those actions that are highly stressed upon for those who have the ability, as the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

مَنْ كَانَ لَهُ سَعَةٌ وَ لَم يُضَحِّ فَلاَ يَقْرَبَنَّ مُصَلاَّنَا

“Whoever has the means, and does not sacrifice, should not approach our musallaa.”6 [Saheeh Sunan Ibn Maajah (#2549): Hasan.]

And the one who has the ability and intends to sacrifice an animal, then he is not to cut his hair and nails, from the first day of Dhul-Hijjah up until after he sacrifices.

And Allaah has made the days of An-Nahr (the day of ‘Eed) and at-Tashreeq (the 3 days that follow it) days of eating and drinking.

The Takbeeraat

From the day of ‘Arafah (9th of Dhil-Hijjah) up until the ‘Asr prayer on the 13th day of Dhil-Hijjah, after the Salaah, we make the takbeeraat. Ibn Abee Shaybah reported that ‘Alee used to make the takbeer beginning after the Fajr prayer on the Day of ‘Arafah, up until after the ‘Asr prayer on the last day of Tashreeq (the 13th day of Dhil-Hijjah). As for the wording of the Takbeer, then there is nothing authentically reported from the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Rather, what we find is the ‘Abdullaah bin Mas’ood (Radiyallaahu ‘anhu) used to say:

Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallaah, wallaahu akbar,

Allaahu Akbar, wa lillaahil-Hamd 7 [Reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah]

And Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radiyallaahu ‘anhumaa) used to say:

Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, wa lillaahil-Hamd.
Allaahu Akbar wa ajalla, Allaahu Akbar ‘alaa ma hadaanaa. 8 [ al-Bayhaqee (3/315)]

So it is upon us to exert ourselves in obedience to Allaah during these 10 blessed days, from their beginning till their end; increasing in our salaah, trying to fast the Day of ‘Arafah, making mention of Allaah in abundance, sadaqah, sacrificing an animal on the Day of An-Nahr or the days that follow it, recitation of the Qur’aan, Repenting to Allaah, seeking His mercy and forgiveness, and so forth. For there is no time like these 10 days:

مَا مِنْ أَيَامٍ العَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فَيهَا أَحَبُّ إَلَى اللهِ مِن أيامِ العَشرِ

” There are no days during which good righteous deeds
are more beloved to Allaah than the ten days.”

________________
1) al-Bazzaar. See Saheehul-Jaami’ of Shaykh Al-Albaanee (#1133)

2) Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim from Ibn ‘Umar and others, al-Bukhaaree from Ibn ‘Abbaas, Muslim from Abee Sa’eed, At-Tahaawiyyah (#734), Saheeh Sunan Abee Daawood (#2438), and As-Saheehah (#1471).

3) Saheeh Sunan at-Tirmidhee (#749)

4) Saheeh Sunan at-Tirmidhee (#751)

5) Saheeh Sunan Aboo Daawood (#1552)

6) Saheeh Sunan Ibn Maajah (#2549): Hasan.

7) Reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah

al-Bayhaqee (3/315)