Monthly Archives: June 2006

virtues

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O believers! When the call for Salah is made on, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and cease your business. That is better for you if you but knew. When you finish the Salah, then disperse through the land and seek the bounty of Allah. Remember Allah frequently, so that you may prosper. (62:9-10)

Alhumdulillah we are blessed with a regular weekly Eid. Resplendent with so many virtues decorating our heart and our Jannah, Insha’Allah.

Masjid Nabawi As-Shareef overflows with the faithful seeking the myriad of rewards promised by Allah Ta’ala every Juma’ah of the year. Vehicles stream in from near and far depositing pilgrims eager to follow the Commands of Allah Ta’ala and to give their Salam to our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihu wasallam. According to many narrations by offering Durood abundantly on the illuminated night and the illuminated day of Juma’ah, the many Angels in attendance present the recited Durood directly to Habibul Allah SallAllahu alaihu wasallam. SubhanAllah.

Abu Darda RadhiAllahu anhu narrated Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihu wasallam said, "Invoke many blessings on me on Friday for it is witnessed. The angels are present on it, and no one will invoke a blessing on me without his blessing being submitted to me till he stops." I asked whether that applied also after his death, and he replied, "Allah has prohibited the Earth from consuming the bodies of the prophets; so Allah’s prophet is alive and given provision."  Ibn Majah transmitted it.

The Earth witnesses thousands of feet rhythmically striding to Haram. Responding to a magnetic-like pull; Come to Prayer, Come to Prayer, Come to Success, Come to Success. SubhanAllahu.

Salman RadhiAllahu anhu said: "Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu alaihu wasallam said, "If anyone takes a bath on Friday and cleans himself as best as he can (that is), gets his hair trimmed and nails clipped, then oils his hair and perfumes his clothes, goes to the mosque and then does not try to forge his way over the necks of sitting persons, offers as many optional prayers as he can, and quietly listens to the sermon preceding the prayers, he is forgiven all his sins committed between that Friday and the preceding one". (Bukhari) Ahadith mention that Ghusl is incumbent on all who have reached puberty, so Insha’Allah we teach this to our youth.

Narrated Aws ibn Aws RadhiAllahu anhu Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihu wasallam said, "If anyone washes and bathes on Friday, goes out early walking, not riding, goes near to the Imam and listens without interrupting, he will have the reward of a year’s fasting and praying for every step he takes." Tirmidhi, AbuDawud, Nasa’i and Ibn Majah transmitted it. SubhanAllah SubhanAllah SubhanAllah.

On the authority of Abu Lubaaba ibn Abdul Mundhir RadhiAllahu anhu Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihu wasallam said, "Friday is the lord of days and the chief of them in Allah’s sight, being greater in Allah’s sight than the day of sacrifice and the day of breaking the fast. It has five distinguishing characteristics: on it Allah created Adam, on it Allah sent Adam to the Earth, on it Allah took Adam in death, it contains a time at which no one will ask for anything without Allah giving it, so long as he does not ask for anything unlawful, and on it the last hour will come. There is no Angel near Allah’s presence, nor sky, nor earth, nor winds, nor mountains, nor sea which do not fear Friday." Ibn Majah transmitted. Ahmad transmitted from Sa’d ibn Mu’adh.

Abu Hurairah Abul Qasim RadhiAllahu anhu said the Prophet SallAllahu alaihu wasallam said, "There is an hour or a moment of particular significance on Friday. If it happens that a Muslim is offering a prayer and invoking Allah for some good at that very moment, Allah will grant him his request." Sahih Muslim

Narrated Anas ibn Malik RadhiAllahu anhu Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihu wasallam said, "Seek the time in which hope is placed on Friday from after the afternoon prayer till sunset."

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu narrated the Prophet SallAllahu alaihu wasallam said, "When it is a Friday, the Angels stand at the gate of the mosque and keep on writing the names of the persons coming to the mosque in succession according to their arrivals. The example of the one who enters the mosque in the earliest hour is that of one offering a camel in sacrifice. The one coming next is like one offering a cow and then a ram and then a chicken and then an egg respectively. When the Imam comes out the Angels fold their scrolls and listen to the Khutba."

It was also on a Friday when Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihu wasallam first used the new Mimbar, which had been suggested by one of the Ansari women as a replacement for the palm trunk the Prophet originally leaned on as he delivered the Khutbah.

The first time the Prophet SallAllahu alaihu wasallam used the new Mimbar the date-palm trunk cried so much so that it was about to burst. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihu wasallam came down from the Mimbar to the palm trunk and embraced it and it started groaning like a child being persuaded to stop crying and then it stopped crying. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihu wasallam said, "It has cried because of missing what it used to hear of the religious knowledge."

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu narrated that Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihu wasallam took hold of my hands and said: "Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, created the clay on Saturday and He created the mountains on Sunday and He created the trees on Monday and He created the things entailing labour on Tuesday and created light on Wednesday and He caused the animals to spread on Thursday and created Adam Alaihis Salam after Asr on Friday; the last creation at the last hour of the hours of Friday, i.e. between afternoon and night."

Whoever recites the following Du’a 80 times after Asr Salat on the day of Juma’ah, Allah will forgive his sins of 80 years and reward him 80 years of good deeds. This was related by Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu after hearing it from the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

 

"O Allah, bestow your blessings upon the unlettered Prophet and upon his family; and bestow your Mercy upon him and his family."

And while we are celebrating Juma’ah in Dunya, according to Anas ibn Malik RadhiAllahu anhu’s narration Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihu wasallam said: "In Paradise there is a market to which they would come every Friday. The north wind will blow and would scatter fragrance on their faces and on their clothes and would add to their beauty and loveliness. Then they would go back to their family after having an added lustre to their beauty and loveliness, and their family would say to them: By Allah, you have been increased in beauty and loveliness after leaving us. They would say: By Allah, you have also increased in beauty and loveliness after us. SubhanAllah!

Anas ibn Malik RadhiAllahu anhu also said, Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihu wasallam said: The prayer of a person in his house is a single prayer; his prayer in the mosque of his tribe has the reward of twenty-five prayers; his prayers in the mosque in which the Friday prayer is observed has the reward of five hundred; his prayer in the mosque of Aqsa (i.e. Bayt al-Maqdis) has a reward of fifty thousand prayers; his prayer in my mosque (the Prophet’s mosque in Medina) has a reward of fifty thousand prayers; and the prayer in the Sacred Mosque (Ka’bah) at Makkah has a reward of one hundred thousand prayers. Transmitted by Ibn Majah. (other narrations say the reward of praying in Masjid Nabawi is 1,000. And Allah knows best.)

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihu wasallam said, "If anyone recites surat al-Kahf on Friday, a light will shine brightly for him till the next Friday." Baihaqi transmitted it in Kitab ad-Da’wah al-Kabir. Also whoever recites Surah Dukhan on the eve of Juma’ah 70,000 Angels ask forgiveness for that person until the morning.

 

Masjid Juma’ah. After spending a few days in Quba, and laying the foundations for the first Masjid in Islam, Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam headed towards Madinah. Approximately one kilometer north of Quba he stopped at an open plain in the locality of Banu Salem and with about 100 Sahabah RadiAllahu anhum they offered the first Juma’ah Salat. Insha’Allah I intend to post more about this later.

Verily, Allah and His Angels send greetings to the Prophet. O you who believe offer greetings to him in a befitting manner. O You, Allah my Lord, I am present and prepared to support They faith; would that the mercy of Allah, the Kind and Compassionate, be showered on our Noble-Master Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, and likewise the greetings of His Angels, chosen ones, the prophets, staunch believers, martyrs and righteous persons and from all things which latently glorify Allah, be offered to our Noble Master, SallAllahu alahi wasallam, son of Abdullah, the last and head of Prophets, the pioneer amongst the pious ones, Messenger of Allah, the cherisher of the worlds, one who is the witness on the Day of Qiyamah, carries happy tidings, solicits devotion to Allah with His permission and thus diffuses light as if he is a burning lamp, so peace be on him. Ameen.

 

Allahumma salli ala Muhammad, Ya Rabbil ‘Aalameen.

Allahumma salli ala Muhammad, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

Allahumma salli ala Muhammad, Ya Rabbil ‘Aalameen.

Allahumma salli ala Muhammad, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

Allahumma salli ala Muhammad, Ya Rabbil ‘Aalameen.

Allahumma salli ala Muhammad, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

Stellar Sahabiah

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Stellar Sahabiah

The names of the two Sahabiah mentioned in the stories following are written so feintly that they remain anonymous. But the example they shine to us eternally glows. Jewels of the Madanian society, inspiring our contemporary lives until this day. May we have the courage to emulate their noble qualities. Ameen.

We learn from Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu that the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "A woman is married for four reasons: her property, her rank, her beauty and her religion. So marry one for her religion; may you thus prosper." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Abdullah ibn Amr RadhiAllahu anhu said that the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "The world, all of it, is something to benefit from. Of the things of the world a righteous woman is the best from which one may benefit." (Muslim)

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu said that the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "When someone with whose religion and character you are satisfied asks your daughter in marriage, accede to his request. If you do not do so there will be temptation in the earth and extensive corruption." (Mishkat and Tirmidhi)

According to Aisha RadhiAllahu anha, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "The marriage that involves the least burden is one that produces most blessing." (Baihaqi)

 

Once, Sayyiduna Saad RadhiAllahu anhu came to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and exclaimed, "Oh Prophet Allah! I want to get married but not a single person is willing to grant me his daughter, I am black and moneyless, nevertheless, I belong to a noble family, I am Ansari, but no one accepts my proposal." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Go to Amar Bin Wahab Thaqafi RadhiAllahu anhu and tell him to give you his daughter."

Amar RadhiAllahu anhu was well off and his daughter was quite pretty.

Saad RadhiAllahu anhu went to Amar’s house and called out "ajib rasula rasulillah" "Reply to the call of the messenger of Allah’s Prophet"

He hastily came out and answered "marhaban bi rasuli rasulillah" "Welcome oh thou who has been sent from the Prophet of Allah." Amar asked him what the matter was, whereupon Saad RadhiAllahu anhu informed him of the Prophet’s SallAllahu alaihi wasallam message requesting he marry his daughter to him.

Alas, Amar was a father, he could see the vast difference; great poverty on one side, and wealth on the other, unattractive on one side, and beauty on the other, so he hesitated, he stammered a bit, and answered that it isn’t possible.

Hearing this, Saad RadhiAllahu anhu turned and went away.
The daughter had listened to this conversation while sitting inside, so when her father appeared she said, "ya abata! annajaat annajat qabla an yafdhaha ka al wahu" I accept it. Amar RadhiAllahu anhu scurried after Saad RadhiAllahu anhu.

Meanwhile, Saad RadhiAllahu anhu had already informed the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam that the proposal has been rejected, so when Amar arrived, He said, "anta alladhi radadta ala’ rasulillahi maa radadta?" "Are you the one who replied as you replied?" He answered, "Oh Prophet of Allah! After all, I am the father. Now I am ready to carry out whatever you enjoin me to." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam told him to marry his daughter. He answered "Oh Prophet of Allah! You marry her."
The marriage took place and the dowry was 400 dirhams. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam ordered Saad RadhiAllahu anhu to hand over the dowry. But Saad exclaimed; "Oh Prophet of Allah! I don’t even have 4 pennies, how can I afford 400?"
Thus, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam requested Ali, Abu Bakr and Abdur Rahman RadhiAllahu anhum to arrange some money for him. They collected 800 dirhams for him. Saad was delighted, it was much more than he needed. He proceeded to the bazaar to buy some things he was in need of for his married life.

While he was in the market a voice from the Masjid called out, "yaa khailalllahi irkabee." This announcement used to be called when someone was needed for Jihaad. "Oh horsemen of Allah! Ride, away/ take off/ mount (on your horses)."

There used to be minor attacks on Medinah launched by the Arab Bedouins. This was one of the occasions where the Bedouins had invaded Medinah, and as soon as the news arrived there was an announcement from the Masjid "Ya khailallahi! Irkabee."

On hearing this, Sayyiduna Saad RadhiAllahu anhu, who was planning to greet his bride, momentarily stood dazed. He looked at the sky, exclaiming; "Subhanallah, Allahumma ilahas samaawaati wal ardh" "Oh lord of the heavens and the earth" "wa ilaaha Muhammadin SallAllahu alaihi wasallam " "And Oh Lord of Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam " "la ajalanna haadhihi ddaraahima feemaa yu hibbullahu wa rasuuluhu wal mu’minun" "Witness that I will utilize this money for that which Allah Ta’ala and His Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and the believing people would desire/prefer."

So with the money that he was planning to do some shopping for some essentials for his marriage, he now goes and buys a horse, a shield and a sword. Hanging the sword on the horse, and with one vault he joins the other Sahabah congregating to follow the commands of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.
Saad veiled his face with his turban. Everyone was quite curious as to who this person with the hidden face was, "manil mutalathim"
"Who is it with the veiled face?" Ali RadhiAllahu anhu hushed them saying what does it matter? Maybe he hid his face fearing that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would return him if he saw him, wondering why he was there when he had just married.

Anyway, when the attack was launched he ensued and in the first attack his horse was wounded, lurching forward, making him stumble, but he regained his balance and continued fighting. He came upon the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam who recognized him, and exclaimed, "awa Saadun!" "Aren’t you Saad?", "Yes indeed I am Saad", "bi abee ant yaa rasulallallhi" "abshir" "congratulations to you (of Jannah)" The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "asbahta saeeda" "you are
glorified " (Saad and Saeed mean blessed/lucky/fortunate/redeemed.) "Oh Saad you have become Saeed!" "That’s all I desire Oh Prophet of Allah." Suddenly he leapt into the crowd and fought till he was severely injured and tumbled down. The Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum exclaimed, "Useeba Saadun Ya rasulallah" "Oh Prophet of Allah! Saad is hurt." On hearing this, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam hurried towards him and put Saad’s head in his lap. Saad’s head was in the Prophet’s lap with the Prophet’s SallAllahu alahi wasallam tears mixing with the mud on Saad’s face. As the Prophet’s tears were trickling on his face, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam exclaimed, "maa atyaba reehak wa ahaabbaka ilallahi wa rasulihi yaa Saad!" "How lovely is your fragrance Oh Saad! And you are so greatly adored by Allah and His Prophet" "waradal haudha wa rabbil Kaaba" "I swear by the Lord of the Kaaba! He has already arrived at the Haudh of Kauthar" and he smiled, then turned his face away.

Abu Lubaaba RadhiAllahu anhu was standing nearby. When the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said this, Abu Lubaaba RadhiAllahu anhu asked, "What is this Haudh Oh Rasulallah?" The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam replied, "It is the fountain of Kauthar, it is as white as milk, sweet as honey and cold as ice, you drink one sip and you will never feel thirsty." Then he asked, "Oh Rasulallah! First you cried, then smiled, then you turned your face away, why was that? Raitu minka thalaatha khis’alin" "I noticed three expressions" The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam answered, "amma bukaai fa shauqan ilaa Saadin" "I cried in woe of Saad’s death", "wa amma dhihkee fa mimma raitu manzilatahu indallah" " whereas my smiling was because of the high degree which he was rewarded, "wa amma iraadhee fa limaa raaitu azwaajahu minal hurilain" "and as for the turning of my face, it was because of the Hur’s I saw. They were his wives" "kaashifaatin suqahunna wa baadiyaatin
khalaakheelahunna fa a’radhtu anhunna hayaan" "They were running so
fast that their legs became uncovered exposing their ankles, so I turned
my head away in embarrassment." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then asked that a message be sent to Saad’s wife, telling her that Allah Ta’ala has awarded him the most beautiful of wives in Jannah.

Read also the moving story of Julaybib RadhiAllahu anhu.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

Imprisoned

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Imprisoned

Then, when the great Disaster befalls – the Day when man shall remember whatever he had striven for – and Hell shall be laid open for everyone to see, then the one who had rebelled and preferred the life of the world, Hell shall be his home. As for him who had feared to stand before his Lord and restrained himself from evil desires, Paradise shall be his home.  (79: 34-41)

Hadith Qudsi:

"O Dunya, whoever serves Me then you serve him.

And whoever serves you enslave him."

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu reported Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam as saying: "The world is a prison for a believer and Paradise for a non-believer."  (Bukhari)

Imprisoned

in the dust of Madinah.

Particles ignite

From the Light of Mustafa.

 

Decaying walls,

paint falls

from the fragrant breeze

of thousands of celestial wings

Caressing.

Adoring.

Venerating

The Emissary of Virtue.

 

Metal clangs,

Keys click

Music of this Dunya penitentiary

 

Muffled

By hymns of Eternal Praise.

Resonance of Adhan

vibrating minarets,

shaking hearts.

 

Sweetness of Iman

Transforms bland crumbs

Into a succulent banquet.

 

Melodic murmurings

Of lovers of the Most Loved

From the Lord of Love

Fill my humble cell.

Euphonic waves

Rippling from beyond the gold Wajiha.

 

Imprisoned.

In a prism

Of dazzling euphoria.

 

Ya Lateef,

Never release me.

 

 

 
Sun shining on the outside of my prison.

Subhanallah, Shine from the same sun shining on The Most Shining.

Allahumma salli ala Muhammad, Ya Rabbil ‘Aalameen.

Allahumma salli ala Muhammad, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

 

Inside looking out.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

Masjid Sheikhain

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Masjid Sheikhain

Rafe’ bin Khudaij RadhiAllahu anhu stood on his tip toes and puffed out his chest to give the impression he was much taller and bigger than he really was. His devotion to the Prophet SallAllahu alahi wasallam was so great at such a tender age, and his mission to fight for the Muslim army against the Qureysh at the Battle of Uhud filled with the zeal of sacrifice. Many of his peers were fuelled with the same intoxicating devotion, but had been refused to partake in this expedition by Rasulullah SallAllahu alahi wasallam due to their young age. Rafe’s father had insisted that he was an exceptional archer, and it was this quality which the Prophet SallAllahu alahi wasallam accepted him. However Samurah bin Jundud RadhiAllahu anhu, another Ansari youth, when he heard that his friend Rafe’ has been honoured with a place in this historic army, asked his step father Murrah bin Sanan RadhiAllahu anhu to explain that Samurah RadhiAllahu anhu possessed extraordinary wrestling skills which could easily defeat Rafe’ RadhiAllahu anhu. So the Prophet SallAllahu alahi wasallam staged a match between them, where Samurah RadhiAllahu anhu did prove his strength and so was permitted to be part of the army.

The seeds of Iman and Islam were deeply sown in the children of the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum. How their love for the Prophet SallAllahu alahi wasallam knew no bounds, and their spirit of dedication such an inspiration to our young ones today. Their fearless attitude to enter into battle with the reality of knowing the possible consequences of being wounded or attaining martyrdom was no impediment to their passion for all that the Prophet SallAllahu alahi wasallam epitomized in his teachings. Their Akhirah was vivid in their sight, and the honour of following their beloved Rasul SallAllahu alahi wasallam their motivation. SubahanAllah.

Masjid Sheikhain today marks this memorable time and place. Also known as the Masjid of Wrestling, the Masjid of the Shield and the Masjid of Badaai’e as according to one narration Umm Salman RadhiAllahu anha came to give food to Rasulullah SallAllahu alahi wasallam at the time. The explanation for calling this the Mosque of the Two Sheikhs is that two elderly men lived in tall houses so close together that they could both stand at their respective windows conversing with each other. And Allah knows best.  

 

Masjid Sheikhain (pink mark) is to the north of Masjid Nabawi and approximately half way to the battle ground (green mark)at the foot of Mount Uhud. The Prophet SallAllahu alahi wasallam inspected the troops and the equipment here and finalized the strategy for the encounter with the enemy.

Bilal RadhiAllahu anhu called Adhan for Maghrib soon after they arrived, and according to most narrations they stayed for Esha, departing in the early morning darkness in order not to draw attention to the Makkans of their position.

Rasulullah SallAllahu alahi wasallam called for volunteers to guard his tent during the night. From among the crowd a voice replied offering him self for such a noble deed. Rasulullah SallAllahu alahi wasallam then called for a second volunteer to relieve the first, when a voice was heard giving his name, and then for a third time, Rasulullah SallAllahu alahi wasallam asked for another, with a reply from the eager Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum. Then Rasulullah SallAllahu alahi wasallam requested that the three volunteers come forward to give them his instructions, but only one person identified himself. When he was asked where the other two were this Sahabah Dhakwan bin ‘Abd Qais RadhiAllahu anhu announced that it was he who called out each time! How eager they were to face whatever adversaries may befall them for the sake of Allah Ta’ala and His Habib SallAllahu alahi wasallam. 

Little four year old Yasmeen has captured her version of how strong and powerful the Muslims were in battle! On the right is the "bearded" Mu’min brandishing his faithful sword against the cowering enemy on the far left. The figure in the middle I was told is a "good friendly Muslim" coming to give assistance. All this action is played out in front of a tall minaret symbolizing Masjid Nabawi! May all our children be imbued with an endearing love for this glorious Deen Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with.

May their love for Rasulullah SallAllahu alahi wasallam grow day by day as we all take on the responsibility of bringing the stories that have been instrumental in fashioning the illustrious legacy of the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anahum into their heart and hence a reality in their lives. Ameen.  

Those who believe and do good deeds are the best of creation. Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of everlasting bliss graced with flowing streams, Allah is pleased with them and they with Him. All this is for those who stand in awe of their Lord. (98: 7-8)

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

 

 

 

two

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One day on the outskirts of Madinah the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam passed by a group of children who were laughing and mocking Sayyiduna Bilal’s RadhiAllahu anhu Adhan. On seeing the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam the children ran away, except for Abu Madhura who had as yet not accepted Islam. He was the oldest of this group and felt ashamed of their behaviour.

The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam called him over to him, with Abu Madhura shyly walking towards the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. He started perspiring in apprehension and fear of a reprimand. But the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam calmly assured him not to be afraid and further asked him to continue the call to prayer as he had been repeating it mockingly with his friends. Abu Madhura started imitating Sayyiduna Bilal’s RadhiAllahu anhu call as he just been doing, when suddenly a change came over him as he reached Ash-hadu anna Muhammadur Rasulullah

The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam told him he could go once he finished, but Abu Madhura hesitated. He then said to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, "Abu Madhura will now only go wherever the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam goes."

Moments earlier this boy had been ridiculing Islam’s call to prayer, but as his eyes fell upon the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, Allah Ta’ala in His infinite mercy turned the mockery into reality and opened Abu Madhura’s heart to Islam. He later became the keeper of the keys to the Ka’aba and the Muadhdhan of Makkah where he performed the call to prayer for the next sixty years!

*

The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum, were outside Madinah where they stopped to rest in the early afternoon. The Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum suggested that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam rest in the shade of a tree, as they were in sweltering heat, they then dispersed to rest nearby. Meanwhile an unbeliever happened to be traveling past and noticed the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam under a tree with his sword hanging by one of the branches. He was excited by this opportunity to kill the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. He seized the Prophet’s SallAllahu alaihi wasallam sword and was about to smite him, when suddenly the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam roused from his sleep. The man said, "Who can save you from me now O Muhammad?"

To this the messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Allah!" with such devotion and power that terror seized the unbeliever. He started trembling and dropped the sword. The messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam picked up the sword and said, "Now tell me who will save you from me?"

The man started begging for his life, highlighting the Prophet’s SallAllahu alaihi wasallam mercy towards people. Listening to his pleas the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam immediately forgave him this sworn enemy who was a few minutes ago focused on murdering the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Go, for I have forgiven you." The unbeliever was astonished that the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would forgive such an unforgivable action, that the words touched his heart. He said, "O Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, you have forgiven me; now please make me a Muslim so that Allah Ta’ala may forgive me too." This man accepted Islam at that moment.

*

"We sent you not but as a mercy for all the worlds."

(21:107)

 

 

Ka’b ibn Malik

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 Stellar Sahabah RadhiAllah anhum

 Ka’b ibn Malik RadhiAllah anhu

The desert stars glitter and sparkle in the deep velvety black sky. Diamonds meticulously set in a sphere so majestic. By Al-Majeed, The Majestic One.

Every detail of the creation is in total harmony with each and every component part. Subhanallah. We are a minute part of a world overflowing with countless beautiful things embellished by the unique artistry of The Creator.

 

"He Who created the seven heavens in layers. You will not find any flaw in the creation of the All-Merciful. Look again, do you see any flaw? Then look again and again. Your sight will return to you dazzled and exhausted!" (67: 3-4)

 

So to be aware of the magnificence, and the benefits, of the stars set in the grander of the cosmos, and the influence they have on the rhythm and movements of the whole, gives perspective to the saying of the Prophet, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, describing his Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum as being like the shining stars; so follow them. Insha’Allah let us too be dazzled by their exemplary stories, their enduring sacrifices, the trials and lessons presented to them from Allah Ta’ala testing their Yaqeen, their reliance on nothing but Him the One, as taught to them by the Most Beloved of all creation, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Allow the heart to follow their shining examples. Learning how to gain the favours and pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, by opening to their illustrious stories and emulating their resolve. Ameen.

 

Ka’b was the son of Malik, a great poet of the tribe of Khazraj of Madinah, composer of heroic poems during the wars between the city’s two famous tribes, al-Aws and al-Khazraj, which were frequent before the advent of Islam. Ka’b inherited this talent from his father and became known for it.

Ka’b was among those who hastened to embrace Islam in Madinah. He was among the forty who gathered for salatul-Jumuah for the first time, before even the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wasallam, made Hijrah. He was also among the seventy-three men who traveled from Madinah to Makkah to pledge allegiance to the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam.

Insha’Allah read the rest of this story and reflect upon the significance it may have on your life today.

 

This waterfall marks the place where a messenger was sent by Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to deliver the news that Allah Ta’ala had forgiven him for not participating in the Tabuk Ghazwah.

 

The map shows the relationship between the Haram and the edge of Mount Sala’. According to narrations the messenger traveled across the mountain, standing at the top of this section calling on Ka’b ibn Malik from there. And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

Insha’Allah share such stories with family and friends, so that our hearts shine with the love of what Allah Ta’ala loves from us, and the love of following the Sunnah becomes a reality. Let us contribute to the shining of the Ummah, in harmony with Allah Ta’ala’s Magnificence, glowing in the delight of following the Prophet’s SallAllahu alaihi wasallam shining stars. Ameen. 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Bless all readers.  

Dates at the foot of Uhud

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Dates

 

Subhanallah, how resplendent these dates; green gems strung on a golden chain, suspended from a most elegant palm. Fashioned by the most Artistic of Jewellers! Allahu Akbar. This photo was taken a few weeks ago in one of the dense groves hugging the foot of Mount Uhud.


The very same bunch having been artistically rendered with a subtle palette of ruby by Al-Khaliq, The Creator during the time in between visits. Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar.

 

I was momentarily transported back in time whilst standing on a track inside this plantation. Imaging that it could very well have been where,  Khalid ibn Al Waleed RadhiAllahu anhu, (before he was the Sword of Allah) had so aggressively ridden to the surprise attack on the Muslims as they left their position on top of Mount Ramah.

 

Khalid ibn Al Waleed Radhiallahu anhu, rode around the back of mount Uhud appearing from the opposite side to where the Qureysh army had originally attacked. At the time the date plantations were extremely dense, providing an excellent camouflage. He was noted for his courage, intellect, firm determination, as well as an unparalleled rider, expert swordsman, and equally adept with the spear or any other weapon. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "Khalid ibn Al Waleed! On the basis of your intelligence and foresight I was very hopeful that one day you would finally accept Islam." Masha’Allah, what stunning attributes he did bring to the Muslims and their numerous battles requiring his impeccable skills in warfare, after realizing the Truth and embracing Islam.

As I walked on this dirt track, the houses around Uhud vanished on my inner screen. Replaced by imaginative scenes of tension, disobedience, death, pain, loss, amidst valour and heroics on this small battlefield. The Sahabah Radhiallahu anhum, were fearless in their sacrifices for the sake of Islam, their ardent trust in our Noble Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and their firm belief in all the promises of the Akhirah. May Allah Ta’ala bestow the highest Ajar on the martyrs of Uhud, especially the cherished uncle of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, Sayyiduna Hamza, RadhiAllu anhu. And may He bring them close to Him in Jannatul Firdous, along with all true Shaheed. Ameen.

 

I did not linger, the sun was scorching.

 

Tal’a  is the very first stage of the date and it is small pearly fruits that have quite a  slightly astringent taste. This is the most liked by birds so they feast on it, leaving just enough SubhanAllah, on each corymb (the long stalk with the numerous stems carrying the dates) so as not to be overweighed by the ripened fruit later on. The corymb can be 25-100 centimeters long, Masha’Allah.

The fruit pass through several separate stages of maturity, traditionally described by changes in colour, texture taste and flavour. Green dates contain maximum moisture and are firm in texture. These are now available in the market. Some traditional Arabs particularly enjoy them, in this form. Though we have been told that after a few days they become soft and have a distinct flavour compared to the ripe or dried dates. Reflect on the Hadith where the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was offered a bunch of dates composed of various stages of development so he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam could choose the ones he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam preferred.

The next stage (Arabic khalal), the dates begin to lose moisture and in parallel accumulate considerable quantities of sugar. The Bedu farmers love the intense heat we are experiencing these days, saying that the success of the date crops depends on this intense blast between the green stage and then the gradual transformation into the ripe crispy juicy phase. The average palm tree can produce 40 kilograms of dates.

There are approximately 300 varieties of dates in the Kingdom.

Alhumdulillah, how Allah Ta’ala is constantly revealing His signs across the spectrum of His Grandeur. For men of understanding, so that we may be grateful, for people who believe, for people who know, for people who believe with certainty.  Subhanallah.

 

With it He causes to grow for you the crops, the olives, the date-palms, the grapes, and every kind of fruit. Verily! In this is indeed an evident proof and a manifest sign for people who give thought.  (16:11)

 

Then We brought forth for you therewith gardens of date-palms and grapes, wherein is much fruit for you, and whereof you eat. (23:19)

 

Therein are fruits, date-palms producing sheathed fruit-stalks (enclosing dates).  (55:11)

 

In them (both) will be fruits, and date- palms and pomegranates.  (55:68)

 

And out of the date palm and its pollen come forth clusters of dates hanging low and near, (6:99)

 

Allah Ta’ala mentions dates and the palm tree numerous times in His Book. Alluding to the significance and the beneficial qualities of all aspects of the palm and its produce. May we take heed of this repetition of the Signs from Allah Ta’ala, Insha’Allah and bring these lessons into our lives today. May our hope to be in the bliss of Jannah amidst groves of heavenly trees, and all the untold unimaginable features, inspire us to have the sincerity of intention that all we do is for Allah Ta’ala, and that we are accruing Amal Salih in the hope of securing a place in His Garden. Ameen Ameen Ameen.

 

The story of Maryam Alaiha Salam attests to the high regard Allah Ta’ala has for the palm tree and its fruit

 

And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date-palm. She said: "Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!" 

(19:23)

"And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you." 

(19:25)

Harun Yahya in the chapter Eat Dates from his book ‘Maryam: An Exemplary Muslim Woman’ gives a detailed outline of this beautiful story as well as an excellent commentary on the amazing nutritional values of the date. (ignore the illustrations, a sad addition) Additional nutritional information.


Ajwa dates are the most famous ones from Madinah.

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam has said: “The Ajwa dates is from Jannah and in it is a cure from poison." (Tirmidhi and Ibne Maja). In another hadith Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam has said: "He who eats seven ajwa dates in the morning will not be harmed by poison or black magic for that day. (Bukhari and Muslim)

 

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar Radhiallahu anhu: The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, "There is a tree among the trees which is similar to a Muslim (in goodness), and that is the date palm tree." (Bukhari and Muslim)

The Ulema say that dates speed digestion, clears the bowels, forms a balanced diet, provides energy and zest, increases and enriches the blood, strengthens the functions of the kidneys, removes throat and skin infections and removes biliousness.

 

Ayesha Radhiallahu anha reports that our Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was very fond of eating dates with sweet melon. This diet is said to be very good as a neutralizer as well as very good food, acid stomach, dryness and itchiness, biliousness and also when a person is feeling melancholic and depressed. This diet also opens the bowels and clears the urinary tract and assists in removing any stone which may be lodged in the gallbladder.

 

Accounts from the time of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam tell how Bedouin trackers were able to discern from the droppings of the camels if they were from Madinah by the distinct small rounded shape of the Ajwa date stone. Hence aiding them with information of the movement of armies and traders. Subhanallah.

 

Another important feature of the date is Tahneek, a the Sunnah of the Prophet SallAllahu alahi wasallam for a new born baby. Allahu Akbar. Subhanallah, how we have been blessed with the correct Way to conduct every aspect of our lives, and with all the means of achieving this. Alhumdulillah.

 

Insha’Allah, my intention is to parallel my writing about dates and the palm tree with the stages it goes through. So more in a few weeks as the green gradually changes to ruby red and golden yellow. How majestic the plantations are, continually offering a feast for the eyes, seasonal feasts for the tongue, and a continual boost to our Iman!

Masha’Allah!

 

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Bless all readers.