Monthly Archives: August 2006

Juma’ah Mubarak rewards

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Juma’ah Mubarak

Alhumdulillah Allah Ta’ala, has blessed us with another Juma’ah, another opportunity to reap all the rewards and benefits He so generously promises. Angels festoon the skies; some industriously recording, others offering Salam on our Esteemed Master, the most loved of all creation, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, and others directly presenting Salawaat and Salam coming from the hearts and tongues of the zillions of faithful seekers across the globe, to our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. And all the while the 70,000 Angels constantly visiting The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam add to the perfumed breeze one always feels around the Blessed Abode. 

Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, knowing the excellence of Juma’ah would begin preparing for it the night before. He would say, "The night before Juma’ah is a white night and Juma’ah is a bright day." SubhanAllah, may we all bask in the brightness of this day, so everything about us glows with brightness. Ameen.

Imam Ghazzali, Rahmatullahi alaihi, says, "Only that believer is graced with the blessings and benefits of Juma’ah who looks forward to it anxiously and eagerly, and wretched is the negligent one who is least interested in it and who does not even know in the morning what day it is."

May we all, regardless of where we are tune our hearts to all that Juma’ah offers us, by submitting the maximum in our religious duties during this auspicious time. So many narrations emphasize the importance of abundant Durood Shareef during these precious hours of Juma’ah, as said by Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam here in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah all those centuries ago: "Confer Salaat upon me excessively on Fridays." "Confer Salaat increasingly upon me during the day of Juma’ah and during the eve of Juma’ah. Whoever does so, I will be his witness, I will intercede for him on the Day of Qiyamah." "Confer Salaat upon me excessively on each Juma’ah, who confers the most Salaat will be closest to me." "The one who confers 1000 Salaat upon me on Juma’ah will not die until he sees his abode in Jannah."

The courtyards are alive around Haram on the eve of Juma’ah. Families regard it as picnic time, children frolic about in the open air. The smooth marble transformed into an ideal surface for various games. May the playful squeals be interpreted as jubilant Dhikr! Insha’Allah the unseen hearts are engaged in songs of praise. Inside just prior to Adhan for Maghrib, sufrahs are laid and spread with dates, yogurt, bread and Zamzam, while the aromatic smell of the green Arabic coffee fills the air.

I share the following from "The Key to Arriving at The Door of The Messenger" by Shaykh Muhammad Sadiq Alawi, Volume 2. Published by Dar al Hawa 2006 Damascus. See also Durood 4 post.

The Glad Tidings of Goodness, a salutation attributed to Shaykh ‘Abdul Qader al-Jilani Rahmatullahi alaihi. The introduction to this Durood, expounding its virtues is so powerfully beautiful. In part: "In a narration related about the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, when he was taken to His Lord, Mighty and Majestic is He, the Most Grand said to him, Majestic and Supreme is He. ‘Whose is the Earth, O Muhammad?’ And he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said to Him, ‘Yours, O Lord.’ Then He said to him, ‘For whom are the heavens, O Muhammad?’ The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam replied to Him, ‘For You, O Lord.’ Then He said to him, ‘For whom is the Pedestal (Kursi) O Muhammad?’ The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, replied, ‘For You, O Lord.’ Then He said to him, ‘For whom are you, O Muhammad?’ At which the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam prostrated, and modesty prevented him from saying anything. So the Majestic said to him, Majestic and Supreme is He, ‘You are for the one who sends salutations upon you, and so increases in honour and reverence.’"

According to Shaykh ‘Abdul Qader al-Jilani Rahmatullahi alaihi, The Glad Tidings of Goodness Salutation opens seventy doors of mercy, and displays wonders on the road to Paradise. It is better than freeing a thousand slaves, or sacrificing a thousand animals, or having spent a thousand gold coins in charity, or fasting a thousand months. Within it is an enclosed secret. By it, sustenance is made easy, character made pure, needs fulfilled, ranks are raised, sins wiped out, defects veiled, and despicable people made great.

The following is part of The Glad Tidings of Goodness Salutation, Insha’Allah, the remaining section will be posted next Juma’ah.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the Worlds. O Allah grant blessings and peace to our Master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor to the believers of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

And give glad tidings to the believers. (2:223)
And that Allah does not waste the wage of believers. (3:171)

O Allah grant blessings and peace to our Master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor to those who remember, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

Therefore remember Me and I will remember you. (2:152)
O you who believe! Remember Allah, with frequent remembrance, glorify Him morning and evening. He it is Who sends His blessings on you, as do His angels, that He may bring you forth out of utter darkness into the light; and He is Merciful to the believers. Their salutation on the day that they meet Him shall be, Peace, and He has prepared for them an honourable reward. (33:41-44)

O Allah grant blessings and peace to our Master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor to those who labour of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

I do not waste the labour of any labourer among you, whether male or female. Whoever does right, whether male or female and is a believer such will enter the Garden, where they will be nourished without measure. (40:40)

O Allah grant blessings and peace to our Master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor to those who turn back [to their Lord] of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

He is always forgiving to those who turn back [to Him.](17:25)
They shall have whatever they will in the presence of their Lord. That is the reward of those who are active in goodness. (39:34)

O Allah grant blessings and peace to our Master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor to those who repent, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

Truly Allah loves those who repent, and He loves those who purify themselves. (2:222)
And He it is who accepts repentance from His servants, and pardons evil deeds. (42:25)

O Allah grant blessings and peace to our Master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor to those who are sincere, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

So whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord let him do righteous work, and him give no one any share at all in the worship due unto his Lord. (18:110)
Devoting the religion sincerely to Him. (7:29)

O Allah grant blessings and peace to our Master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor to those who perform the ritual prayer, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

And establish the ritual prayer. The ritual prayer helps to prevent indecency and reprehensible behaviour. (29:45)
Enjoin what is right and fair and forbid what is wring and unfair, and endure with patience whatever may befall you; surely that is true constancy. (31:17)

O Allah grant blessings and peace to our Master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor to the humble minded, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

And seek help in patience and prayer, though truly it is a hard except for the humble minded, for those who know that they shall meet their Lord and that unto Him they are returning. (2:45-46)
[There are signs for] those who remember Allah, standing, sitting and on their sides, and who reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth: "our Lord, You have not created us in vain. Glory be to You! So guard us against the torment of the Fire." (3:191)

O Allah grant blessings and peace to our Master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor to those who endure with patience, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

Surely the patiently enduring will be paid their wages in full without reckoning. (39:10)
Such are those whom Allah guides, and such are those endowed with understanding. (39:18)

O Allah grant blessings and peace to our Master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor to the fearful, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

But for him who fears the standing before his Lord there shall be two Gardens. (55:46)
But as for him who feared to stand before his Lord, and forbade the lower self to follow passion. Surely the Garden will be his final place of rest. (79:40-41)

O Allah grant blessings and peace to our Master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor to those who are truly devout of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

And My mercy embraces all things, so I shall prescribe it for those who are truly devout, and who pay the arms due, and those who believe in Our Signs; those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet. (7:156-157)
Theirs will be a double reward for what they have done, and they will dwell secure in lofty halls. (34:37)

O Allah grant blessings and peace to our Master Muhammad, the bringer of glad tidings and the conveyor to those who are humble, of what Allah the Magnificent has said:

And give good tidings to the humble, whose hearts fear when Allah is mentioned. (22:34-35)
And those who give that which they give with hearts afraid, because they are about to return to their Lord. (23:60)

 

Juma’ah Mubarak! May it be the beginning of a renewed effort to increase your efforts in offering Durood. Ameen.

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the ummah

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The Ummah

 

 

Like scented roses on a vine,

May the Ummah’s hearts entwine.

 

Like dancing waves on the shore,

May the Ummah’s love grow more and more.

 

Like soft falling flakes of snow,

May the Ummah’s kindness be for all to know.

 

Like glowing moonbeams shining bright,

May the Ummah’s smiles always delight.

 

Like sparkling gems on a ring,

May the Ummah’s gratitude forever sing.

 

Like sturdy mountains standing firm,

May the Ummah from each other learn.

 

Like refreshing rain bringing relief,

May the Ummah’s faith be true in belief.

 

Like swaying trees in a gentle breeze,

May the Ummah’s sharing be to please.

 

Like a mirror reflection on a lake,

May the Ummah embrace for Allah’s sake.

 

Like the shiny marble of the Haram wall,

May the Ummah’s support be to all.

 

Like fragrant blossoms of the Lote Tree,

May the Ummah be companions in Eternity.

 

Like the harmony seen in a flock of geese,

May the Ummah’s Du’s be for peace.

 

Like foggy mist in a valley,

May the Ummah in solidarity rally.

 

Like rare diamond drops of morning dew

May the Ummah’s Iman glisten anew.

 

Like an embroidered cloth of silk,

May the Ummah’s compassion never wilt.

 

Like a handcrafted piece of glass,

May the Ummah’s sincerity always last.

 

May we follow the Sunnah of our Rasul

SallAllahu alaihi wasallam,

So the Ummah is beside him by his Pool.

Ameen Ameen Ameen.

 

 

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. 

 

the night

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The Night

 

Night time and all is still

Birds no longer trill.

 

All is calm and dark outside,

A quiet time for all to hide.

 

Stars twinkle across the sky.

While the gleaming moon rises high.

 

Time for us to say our prayers,

And to Allah give all our cares.

 

Reflecting on our book of deeds,

Begging Allah to fulfill our needs.

 

May we be truly sad,

For things we have done that’s bad.

 

Hearts with a burning love,

To be honoured with Heaven above.

 

Longing for the kindness of Mustafa,

Drinking with him at his Kawthar.

 

And as we shut our eyes

Have the hope for Allah’s prize.

 

To be with Him in His Garden,

Blessed and saved by His pardon.
 

 

The Slave

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The Slave, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam

 

O Allah! Shower Your blessings on Muhammad, Your Slave and Your Prophet and Your Messenger, the "unlettered" Prophet, and on his family, his wives and progeny. And let Peace be on him equal to the number of Your creation, and according to what pleases You, and equal to the weight of Your Throne and the ink of Your Words.

 

O Allah! Bless our master Muhammad whose heart You have filled up with Your splendour and his eyes with Your beauty. Thus, he became happy and rejoiced and supported and victorious.

 

Stylized ornamental Naskhi, Persia, dated 1883. The text translates: "O Muhammad ‘Abd Allah, (Slave of Allah) may peace be upon you."

In what ever manner we are blessed, whether it is as a visitor to Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, or a resident, or one dreaming of this Mubarak City, or desiring to be called here, or contemplating its virtues, or reliving its history, or conversing about  its splendour, or pondering over images of its features, or eating dates from its soil, may our hearts be softened thinking of our Beloved Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, and his humble status to our Rabb, the Generous and Mighty.

Abu Hurairah reports that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would stand in prayer until his feel would become swollen. When he was asked, "Why do you burden yourself in this way when Allah has forgiven your past and future wrong actions?" He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Should I not be a grateful slave?"

Umar RadhiAllahu anhu related that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "O Muslims! Do not extol my merits unduly in the way the Christians have praised Isa Alaihis Salaam. I am only the slave of Allah. Say no more than that Muhammad is the salve of Allah, and His Apostle."

It is related by Umamah RadhiAllahu anhu that as the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam once came to us walking with the aid of a stick, we stood up to pay him respect. He said, "Do not stand up to pay respect as the non-Arabs do. I am only a slave of Allah and eat and sit like any other slave of Allah."

Narrated Ata bin Yasar: I met Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-’As RadhiAllahu anhu and asked him, "Tell me about the description of Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam which is mentioned in Torah." He replied, ‘Yes. By Allah, he is described in Torah with some of the qualities attributed to him in the Quran as follows: "O Prophet! We have sent you as a witness for Allah’s True religion and a giver of glad tidings to the faithful believers, and a warner to the unbelievers and a guardian of the illiterate. You are My slave and My messenger. I have named you "Al-Mutawakkil" (who depends upon Allah). You are neither discourteous, harsh nor a noise-maker in the markets and you do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but you deal with them with forgiveness and kindness. Allah will not let him (the Prophet) die till he makes straight the crooked people by making them say: "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah," With which will be opened blind eyes and deaf ears and enveloped hearts."   

Narrated Shaqlq bin Salama: ‘Abdullah said, "Whenever we prayed behind the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam we used to recite in sitting ‘Peace be on Jibreel, Mikaael, peace be on so and so. Once Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam looked back at us and said, ‘Allah Himself is As-Salam (Peace), and if anyone of you prays then he should say, At-Tahiyatu lil-lahi wassalawatu wat-taiyibatu. AsSalamu ‘alalika aiyuha-n-Nabiyu wa rahmatu-l-lahi wa barakatuhu. As-Salam alaina wa ala ibadil-lah is-salihin. (All the compliments, prayers and good things are due to Allah: peace be on you, O Prophet and Allah’s mercy and blessings be on you. Peace be on us and on the true pious slaves of Allah). So, when you have said this, then you have surely sent the greetings to every pious worshipper of Allah, whether he be in the Heaven or on the Earth Ash-hadu an la-ilaha illa-l-lahu wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluhu. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and I also testify that Muhammad is His slave and His Apostle."

Once Jibreel Alaihis Salaam came to Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam saying, "Allah greets you and asks you: Would you like Me to give you this mountain in gold to accompany you wherever you want to go?" He bowed his head for an hour and then said, "Jibreel, this world is the abode of someone who has no abode and the property of some one who has no property. It is amassed only by those with no intellect." Jibreel Alaihis Salaam said to him, "Allah has made you firm, Muhammad, confirming you with the firm word."

From lhya’ of Imam Ghazzali. ‘Ali said that he asked the Messenger of Allah about his Sunnah, and he said: "Gnosis is my capital. Intellect is the basis of my Deen. Love is my foundation. Yearning is my mount. Remembrance of Allah is my intimate companion. Reliance is my treasure. Sorrow is my companion. Knowledge is my armour. Patience is my cloak. Satisfaction is my booty. Incapacity is my boast. Doing without is my profession. Certainty is my food. Truthfulness is my intercessor. Obedience is enough for me. Jihad is my character, and the coolness of my eye is in the prayer."

O Allah ! Forever bless, Your excellent blessings, on our master, Your Slave, Your Prophet, Your Messenger, Muhammad and his family. And confer peace on him, a complete peace in abundance. And increase him in nobility and honour. And on the Day of Judgement bring him close to You. Ameen.

 

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. 

 

 

ants

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Ants

Sulaiman’s host’s of jinn, men and birds were marshaled in ordered ranks before him, and when they came to the valley of ants, one ant said, "Ants! Go into your homes, in case Sulaiman and his hosts inadvertently crush you." Sulaiman smiled, laughing at its words and said, ‘Lord, inspire me to be thankful for the blessings You have granted me and my parents, and to do good deeds that please You; admit me by Your mercy into the ranks of Your righteous servants.’ (27:17-20)

Persistent, diligent, obedient, industrious, intelligent, social, skillful, organized, mathematical, managerial, meticulous, ingenious, engineers, doctors, nurses, farmers, meteorologists, ecologists, scientific, militaristic, technological, architects; qualities, professions and attributes given to man by Allah Ta’ala, but also to the tiny ant! And this list is hardly definitive! 

Allah Ta’ala, the Lord of all the Worlds, displays His Omnipotence with His miraculous creation through these minute marvels. May we be from the ‘men of understanding.’

Men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the wonders of creation in the heavens and earth, saying: "O Lord! You have not created this in vain! Glory be to You! Give us salvation from the penalty of the Fire. (3:190-191)

There are almost nine thousands species of the ant genus, all with varying characteristics, representing the highest and densest population in the world! And the 80 million year old fossilized ants found, reveal that they have not changed at all throughout these millions of years! Time we could never begin to comprehend! SubhanAllah! For these millions of years they have followed the decree as set by Allah Ta’ala. Their total submission to whatever conditions reveals the same calculating, organizing, researching, managing; striving to enact the same perfection and wisdom in maintaining the amazing tasks allotted to each group. Never complaining, never aspiring, never coveting, and never dreaming! They have perfected the ideal social system devoid of competition, individual pursuits, status, greed, power. An achievement man perpetually struggles with.

All creation possesses a sense of intelligence. How else can one explain how the ant knows to break a grain into two so that it does not germinate, and thus is able to store it for the winter? Or how does one ant know that its duty is to "milk" the honey ant, or another to guard the colony, or another to nurse the new born ants, or another to control the air conditioning? And the list goes on.

The tiny ant has the fastest jaw in the entire animal kingdom, literally quicker than the blink of an eye, as recent research has discovered. One species of ant can clamp its mandibles shut at between 78 mph and 145mph. The average time for a strike on its prey was 0.13 milliseconds, some 2,300 times faster than the blink of an eye! Such intricacies from our Rabb all around us in the most unassuming of His creation! SubhanAllah, may we truly be amazed and Glorify Him morning and night, as do these tiny ants!

So much information is readily available on these great miracles of creation. Insha’Allah, you share such learning with your children and others. Especially conveying how they are constantly glorifying their Maker, Jalla Jalaaluhu.

 

I sit transfixed by the recent appearance of ants in our humble Madinah house. Thinking that more than likely they belong to the same colony from generations ago, who were crawling around engaged in exactly the same routine during the time of our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam! How season after season, they intuitively know, without calendars, without mechanical devices, when to begin to look for suitable places for their winter retreats and storage of their food supplies!

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu reports from Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam that a certain Nabi of Allah Ta’ala once took his people out of town to pray for rain. As they emerged, he noticed an ant praying to Allah Ta’ala with its feet in the air. Seeing this, he told his people, "Let us return. Our prayers have been answered because of this little ant." (Mishkat)

Another Hadith affirms the fact that the ants supplicate to Allah Ta’ala. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: A learned person is as much above a worshipper as I am above the least of you. He added: Allah, His angels and all those in the Heavens and on the Earth, even the ants in their hills and the fish in the water, call down blessings on those who instruct people in beneficial knowledge.

Three of the four creatures given special status by Allah Ta’ala in His Book, ants, bees and the Hoopoe were also mentioned by the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam as being prohibited to kill. The fourth is the sparrow-hawk.

Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Once while a prophet amongst the prophets was taking a rest underneath a tree, when an ant bit him. He ordered that his luggage be taken away from underneath that tree and then ordered that the dwelling place of the ants should be set on fire. Allah sent him a revelation: ‘Wouldn’t it have been sufficient to burn a single ant, the one that bit you?’"

Abu Dawood reports that Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam once noticed that an anthill was burnt. When he asked who had burnt it the Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum admitted that they had done so. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then told them, "It is only befitting for the Rabb of Fire to punish with fire."

‘Ata was asked by a man about the fleas or ants that vexed him while he was in the state of ihram. He replied: "You may throw away what does not belong to you."

The one who respects Allah Ta’ala’s right over him is like Ibn Sirin. He bought forty jars of butter. His servant found a mouse in one of them, so he removed it. Ibn Sirin asked, "Which jar did you take it from?" The man replied, "I don’t know!" So he dumped all of them onto the ground. Or he is like Abu Yazid al-Bistami. He bought a measure of oats in Hamadan, and a little of it was left over. When he returned to Bistam he spied two ants in it so he returned to Hamadan and released the two ants!

Allah is the creator of everything and He is the Guardian over everything. (39:62)

 

 

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. 

 

 

 

Date Hadith

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Dates….

Dates…..more…again….still!

Subhanallah, the succulent, small, fleshy, burgundy-black fresh Madian Ajwa dates now in the markets are truly from Jannah, as our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said! They are more expensive than the dried ones, but well worth paying that little bit extra. Walking around the main date market south west of Haram* trucks line the roads delivering supplies, while labourers sit packaging ten kilo boxes, soon to be carried back to countries all over the world for family and friends of the millions of visitors constantly coming and going to and from Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah. Wish I could send some via email to you all I see across the globe passing by this humble page!

Seeing that I am unable to share the real dates with you, I continue with more stories from Ahadith that mention dates.

*

Salman al-Farsi RadhiAllahu anhu, prior to his embracing Islam was very curious about all that he heard regarding the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. But he still harboured doubts as to believing all that came to his notice. During his extensive travels he had heard from various priests and Rabbis that a new prophet would appear in the Hijaz, that he would have a mark between his shoulders, the symbol of the seal of Prophethood, and that he accepted gifts, but not charity. One evening Salman al-Farsi RadhiAllahu anhu had the opportunity to test if Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was who so many were pledging allegiance to. He went to Quba where the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was at the time and offered him some dates saying: "I have heard that you are a righteous man and that you have companions RadhiAllahu anhum with you who are strangers and are in need. Here is something from me as sadaqah. I see that you are more deserving of it than others." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam ordered his companions RadhiAllahu anhum to eat but he himself did not eat of them. Salman al-Farsi RadhiAllahu anhu gathered some more dates and when the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was leaving Quba for Madinah he went to him and said: "I noticed that you did not eat of the sadaqah I gave. This however is a gift for you." Of this gift of dates, both the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his companions RadhiAllahu anhum ate. Salman al-Farsi RadhiAllahu anhu knew that only the true Prophet would act accordingly.

*

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu used to have a bag that he carried dates in wherever he went. During one of the battles there was an acute shortage of food, so he brought his bag containing a few dates to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam requesting, "Ask Allah for a blessing on them, O Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam." He took them and prayed that I might have a blessing on them and said, "Take them and as often as you wish to take any, put in your hand and take them, but do not scatter them." Those few dates sufficed the entire army with some remaining.  Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu said he was blessed with the equivalent of many camel-loads from those dates in Allah’s cause, eating of them and giving others something to eat. This Barakah continued undisturbed and the bag never left his side until the day Uthman RadhiAllahu anhu was killed, when the disturbances seemed to contribute to him losing his date bag. It was reported that he said that the loss of this date bag was a great calamity for him.

*

Aishah RadhiAllahu anha said that a woman came to her with her two daughters asking her for something, but she did not have anything in the house except for one date, which she gave her. The woman divided it between her two daughters, not eating from it herself, the she stood and left. When the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam returned to the house of Aishah RadhiAllahu anha she told him what had happened. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "Whoever is tested by these girls, they will be as a shield for him from the fire." Meaning that whoever is tested by the needs of his daughters and treats them generously will be protected from Jahannam due to their generosity. SubhanAllah!

*

When the uncle of Abu Rafi ibn Amr al-Ghifari was a boy he used to throw stones at the palm-trees of the Ansar. He was brought to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam who said: "O boy, why do you throw stones at the palm-trees?" He explained that he would throw the stones in the hope of making the dates fall to the ground so he could eat from them.  The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "Do not throw stones at the palm trees, but eat what falls beneath them." He then wiped his head and said: "O Allah, fill his belly."

*

Many narrations relate to how women would seek advice from the various wives of the Prophet RadhiAllahu anhunna on the use of dates. Umm Salamah RadhiAllahu anha said that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam forbade them from boiling dates so much so that the kernels became spoiled. Raisins were steeped for the Apostle of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and then dried dates were infused in them, or dried dates were steeped and then raisins were infused in them. And another version tells that Aishah RadhiAllahu anha would steep dates for the Apostle of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam in the morning. When the evening came, he took his dinner and drank this infusion after his dinner. If anything remained, she poured it out. She then would steep another lot in the evening, ready for our Noble Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to drink after he finished his morning meal. The skin vessel which they used for this purpose would be washed in the morning and in the evening.

Safiyyah RadhiAllahu anha, daughter of Atiyyah RadhiAllahu anha, said: I entered upon Aishah RadhiAllahu anha with some women of Abdul Qays, and asked her about mixing dried dates and raisins as a drink. She explained that she would take a handful of dried dates and a handful of raisins and put them in a vessel, crush them,  soak them in water, and then give it to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to drink.

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Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu reports: "When the people saw new fruit, they used to come and present it to Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and he would read the following Du’a:

"O Allah, Bless us in our fruits. Bless us in our city. Bless us in our ‘Saa, and bless us in our ‘Mudd (these were the two measures in Madinah to weigh dates etc) O Allah, verily Ibrahim Alaihis Salaam is Your servant, friend and Nabi. And most certainly I am also Your servant and Nabi. And whatever he has supplicated to You for Makkah,

….so make the hearts of some people fond of them, and provide them with fruits, that they may be grateful. (14:37)

I supplicate the same to You for Madinah." From Shamaa-il Tirmidhi.

 

O Allah, may we too be grateful for the abundance of dates You continue to provide for the Ummah in this Sacred City of Radiance and Light. And may we continue to open our hearts to all the narrations You have preserved for our constant seeking of Sacred Knowledge. O Allah, may You continue to bless Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah with the bounties of dates and produce till the End of Times. Ameen.

 

And ….yes…..there will be more on dates, Insha’Allah!

 

 

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 ejabah and masjid abi dhar

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Masjid Ejabah and Masjid Abi Dhar

 

Masjid Ejabah, also known as Masjid Mu’awiyah, from Banu Mu’awiyah bin ‘Awf. (yellow)

To the north west of our last stop of this "virtual tour" around the precincts of Masjid Nabawi, is Masjid Ejabah. The new section of the main ring road around the central business district is immediately adjacent to the western wall of the Masjid. And as part of the redevelopment, the surrounding older areas to the north and the east are gradually being demolished in readiness for yet more new hotels. Masjid Ejabah is an extremely popular place for Ziarah, especially for the Iranians, with numerous street vendors taking advantage of this by setting their trinkets out on the pavement, while opposite the Masjid is a public hospital, making this a very congested area.

The significance of the location, and name of this Masjid, is because the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam supplicated to Allah Ta’ala three times with Allah Ta’ala answering two of his SallAllahu alaihi wasallam requests, but forbade the third. The Arabic word "ejabah" in English closely meaning "responding".

It is reported by Muslim, that ‘Amir bin Sa’d narrated from his father: One day The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam came from Al-’Aliyah, passing by the mosque of Banu Mu’awiyah, where he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam went in and offered two Rak’ahs, and we prayed behind him. After the Salat Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam made a long Du’a to Allah Ta’ala. He then came to us and said, "I asked my Lord three things and He granted me two but withheld one. I begged my Lord that my Ummah should not be destroyed due to famine, and He granted me this. And I begged my Lord that my Ummah should not be destroyed by drowning (by deluge) and He granted me this. And I begged my Lord that my Ummah should not be destroyed by fighting amongst each other, but He did not grant this."

Masjid Abi Dhar (lime)

Continuing North West, crossing a major intersection and then meandering through some of the older alley ways, we reach Masjid Abi Dhar. This is also a very busy area, as the main transport terminal is directly opposite, where commuters to all major cities across the Kingdom arrive and depart from. This is a temporary location as plans have been made for a huge underground transport hub at the place where Masjid Sabaq was recently demolished in preparation for this project. The following is an artist’s impression of the hotel/commercial complex to be built above the terminal, a city in itself!

 

And Allah Almighty knows best, as the company who initially began this project, along with several other major ones in the CBD are apparently facing some problems. Anyway, a slight diversion, back to Masjid Abi Dhar.

Masjid Abi Dhar, also known as Masjid Sajdah, is approximately 900 metres north of Masjid Nabawi. At the time of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam it was a garden of the Baitul-Maal. It is narrated that Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman bin Auf RadhiAllahu anhu was praying behind Rasulullah SallAllahu Alaihi wasallam, when he went into a very long prostration. After Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman bin Auf RadhiAllahu anhu said to the Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wasallam: "Oh Prophet of Allah you prostrated for so long that I feared Allah Ta’ala had taken your soul." The Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wasallam said: "Jibreel Alaihi Salam came with a message from Allah Ta’ala: "He who sends salutations and peace upon you, I shall send mercy and blessings upon him," I prostrated in gratitude of this bounty of Allah Ta’ala."

Insha’Allah, may Allah Ta’ala increase us all in Iman and love for Him, and His Habib SallAllahu alaihi wasallam by learning about the Mubarak places and incidents from the enlightened years of Islam in this Radiant, Enlightened City. Ameen. May our hearts absorb the significance of the chapters from the life of our Beloved Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, contemplating the depth of all the stories and events from the life of the Best of Creation; pondering on the messages of the Ahadith and how to relate the lessons to our lives today.
Allah Ta’ala willed that infighting amongst the Ummah becomes a major obstacle in their existence. He wants Muslims to acquire the attributes that would enable them to live together harmoniously without infighting. Allah Ta’ala says in the Quran "Be humble to the believers", be merciful to each other. He opened the way for us to gain His pleasure through the real struggle of maximum tolerance to each other through the blessed path of acquiring desired attributes, as exemplified by Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum, through the shining example of our Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. The Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhum, before Islam, had major tribal and personal fights. However, this changed slowly through acquiring qualities like piety, humbleness, strict following of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, striving to acquire the true knowledge, the knowledge of Deen, generosity to each other and so many other humbling qualities. May we too strive and turn away from that which does not earn rewards. May we relive these episodes from Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, and have the courage to reform that which is not of benefit.      

Allahumma! Awaken us to the full meanings of our noble heritage, assisting us to attain realization of this outwardly and inwardly.

Allahumma! Make us of the people of light by which we walk among the people. Fill our hearts with vestiges of the light you have blessed this Illuminated City with.

Is he who was dead and We have raised him unto life, and set for him a light wherein he walks among men, as him whose similitude is in utter darkness whence he cannot emerge? (6:122)

Allahumma! May we, through our love of your Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, be delivered from the darkness by loving everything about his SallAllahu alaihi wasallam past. What a refuge we have in You and in all the teachings from You through your Habib SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Make them alive in our hearts. There is no refuge nor rescue from You except in You. We ask You for a glance from You toward us. We ask You for tenderness on Your part for us. We ask You for Your mercy for us by which we may tread the paths of light and purity and by which we will stand firm when creation is shaken with tribulations.

Allahumma! Bring us to life in faith. Cause us to die doing our best. Resurrect us in the company of the master of the worlds, Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

Allahumma! Look kindly upon the Ummah of Your Beloved SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, with a glance from You. We complain to You for what has befallen us; unbearable harms, the oppression of our enemies, our hankering after the fleeting things of this world, making them our priorities rather than You.

Allahumma! Restore in our hearts the manners of your Beloved SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, the Sunnah of Your Beloved SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Forgive us our past sins and guard us in what remains.

O Most Merciful. The Blessings of Allah upon His Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his Family and Companions. Alhumdulillahi rRabbil ‘Aalameen.   

 

It has been deemed that this humble speck has been humbled even more over the past few days with computer and internet connection woes. Alhumdulillah ‘ala kulli hal!!!!!!!

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

It has been deemed that this humble speck has been humbled even more over the past few days with computer and internet connection woes. Alhumdulillah ‘ala kulli hal!!!!!!!

 

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.