Monthly Archives: May 2007

Juma’ah and miswak

“O Muslims! Allah Most High has made this day a day of Eid. So have a bath on this day, whoever has perfume should apply it, and use the miswak." (Ibn Majah)

…..and use MISWAK

Salvadora persica, or Arak, is the gnarled scrubby tree most commonly used for Miswak. Other types of wood that are suitable are the Peelo, Bitam Zaitun, Walnut, and any bitter variety, but not the poisonous wood of Pomegranate, Bamboo, Raihan or Chambelie. Both the twigs and the flexible roots can be used for the Miswak. It truly is a miracle brush.

It is a long held tradition for brothers patiently sitting at strategic positions selling Miswak outside the Haramain. The art of displaying and preparing the various types having been handed down from father to son for generations. The best type is called Hanash, which is usually wrapped in brown paper to maintain its freshness, and one needs to ask to inspect the pungent lengths for the prime pieces. They can be purchased as one long piece, or cut to your required length by the brother. Many of the locals buy large quantities when they discover some of good quality and freeze it, ensuring its freshness for even months later. it is not advised to buy the pre-packaged bundles, which are often dry and brittle and often moldy from the inside as they are often soaked in water to try and maintain their freshness, but this is not conducive for the best Miswak. The best option for those who want to purchase good Miswak to take back to their home countries are the individually vacuum packed ones, available in boxes as well as in assorted flavours, which some people prefer. There are now numerous competitive online companies dealing in Miswak and its offshoot products.

It is one of the practices of the Ambiyyah, from the time of Adam Alihis Sallam

It purifies the mouth

It is a pleasure for our Creator, Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala

It increases the reward of Salat, some narrations say from seventy times, up to four hundred times, and Allah Ta’ala knows best

Jibreel Alaihis Sallam exhorted the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to use it regularly, so much so that he feared that its use would be decreed obligatory the Ummah. Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would have made using miswak compulsory but feared it would be a hardship on his Ummah. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said to Aishah Ummul Mu’minin RadhiAllahu anha that Miswak is a Sunnah for you and Fardh for me.

Times when our Blessed Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam used Miswak:

When reciting the Qur’an and Hadith

When the mouth emits an odour

For teaching or learning the virtues of the Deen

When engaged in Dhikrullah

After entering one’s home

Before entering a Deeni gathering

When experiencing pangs of hunger or thirst

After the signs of death are eveident

At the time of Sehri

Before meals

Before embarking on a journey, and upon returning from a journey

Before sleeping

Upon waking

Adab of Miswak:

The Miswak ideally is a straight twig devoid of roughness.

It should be clean and not too hard and not too soft

It should not be used while lying down

The length of the Miswak to be no longer than a span, that is the maximum distance between tips of the thumb and the little finger, and the thickness of the forefinger

When using the Miswak hold it in such a way that the thumb and the little finger are under the stick, while the remaining fingers are above it.

Place the Miswak vertically, the brush end uppermost, when not in use.

It should be washed before use and washed after use, and not be sucked

Brush the upper teeth thrice with a vertical motion (not horizontal), wash the lower teeth thrice, also in a vertical motion.

Do not use the Miswak from both ends.

Benefits of Miswak:

It eliminates bad mouth odour and improves the sense of taste. (a scientific evaluation)

It sharpens the memory and intelligence

It eliminates slime

It is a cure for illness

It creates a fragrance in the mouth

Strengthens the gums

Prevents tooth decay

Is a cure for headaches

It creates Nur on the face of the one who is constant with using it

It causes the teeth to glow and removes the yellow stain

It strengthens the eyesight

It assists in the process of digestion

It clears the voice

It facilitates the appetite

It increases the eloquence of one’s speech

Its constant use eases the pangs of death, making it easy for the Ruh to depart from the body when its appointed time arrives

Its use is a factor which will earn higher ranks in Jannah

The Angels sing the praises of the one who uses Miswak

Use of Miswak displeases Shaytan

Use of Miswak graces one with the companionship of the Angels

The greatest benefit is that the habit of using Miswak is pleasing to Allah Ta’ala and was used so much by our Beloved Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

Du’a for using Miswak: O Allah, purify my mouth, enlighten my heart, purify my body, and make my body unlawful to the Fire.

JUMA’AH MUBARAK and happy brushing to higher and higher in Jannah! Insha’Allah. How blessed we are to be of the Ummah of Al-Mustafa SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

Alhumdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen.

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. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do good. Ameen.

ten

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A tablecloth, a lamp and a sock!

The Story of Anas Ibn Malik RadhiAllahu anhu.

Once some guests came to visit Anas Ibn Malik RadhiAllahu anhu, who entertained them with a meal. The tablecloth became dirty and discoloured, due to some food falling on it. Anas Ibn Malik RadhiAllahu anhu instructed the maid servant to cast it into the burning furnace. The servant did as she was commanded to do.

The guests were astonished at this command. When the tablecloth was thrown into the burning furnance, they awaited the appearance of smoke to indicate that the tablecloth was burning. But instead when it was removed from the fire, it was still intact and had become clean.

They asked him:

“O companion of Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, why did this tablecloth not burn in the fire?

And instead of burning, had become perfectly clean.”

Anas Ibn Malik RadhiAllahu anhu replied:

“The reason for the tablecloth not burning is this, that on various occasions Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam cleansed his hands and lips on this cloth.”

Now Maulana Rumi Rahmatullah alaihi says:

“O you, who have become frightened of the fire and the punishment of Jahannam

It is most advisable that you draw near to such blessed hands and lips, by following the Sunnah.

When something material has been granted such honour by the lips of Rasulullah Sallahu alaihi wasallam

You can imagine what honour he must have granted to his true Lovers.”

Lesson:

When a tablecloth was granted this honour by the wiping of his Sallahu alaihi wasallam’s blessed hands one can imagine what honour and nearness to Allah Ta’ala will be granted in both worlds to those who follow the Sunnah diligently, which is a way of obtaining Divine proximity. May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the ability to follow the Sunnah and make us anxious to attain that great bounty from Him, Ameen!

The Story of a Person Walking with a Lamp by Day.

One day a certain person took a burning lamp in his hand during the light of day as he proceeded to the market. Someone said to him: “What is wrong with you? What need is there for a lamp during the daylight?”

He replied: “I am searching for man everywhere. I do not see even one man.”

The person said: “But this market is filled with men.”

He replied: “No there is no man in this market, only the outer forms of men.
These are only the bread-eaters and persons involved with their desires.

All the persons you see in this market are all carriers of attributes contrary to the true mankind.

They are not men but persons dressed in the outer forms of men.

For a man the attributes of man are necessary.

If aloe wood which has a fragrance, does not possess fragrance, then what is the difference between it and other timber?

Manhood and humanity is not the name for flesh, fat and skin.

Manhood is the name given to those attributes, character and deeds

Through which Allah’s pleasure is attained. If manhood is only for those in manly form,

Then Ahmad and Abu Jahl would be equal, yet we know it is not so.”

Lesson:

If we should on the above criteria take stock of our manhood and humanity, then on the whole surface of the earth the only real men will be the saintly ones. The rest of those who are supposed to be human beings are only eating and defecating ones, who are busy with their objectives and what is connected to them.

The best example of this is the machine for grinding flour. At the one side the corn is entered into it and at the other end the flour comes out. Similarly, the human body of those who only eat and defecate is also a machine, where on the one side bread is entered into it, and the other side is the rubbish coming out of it. It is thus a machine producing rubbish. So those who only look upon their aims in life as eating and eliminating waste are actually calling their bodies a machine. May Allah save us from this stupid theory.

Maulana Rumi Rahmatullah alaihi’s other theme, that man is not a name for flesh and fat, covered in human skin but is a name for him who does that which pleases Allah. The signs of it being so is that this person becomes adorned with deeds and character which lead to His pleasure. Such a person undoubtedly is fit being called a man. He has the contact of ‘nisbat’ within him. Adam alaihis Sallam’s special description is that he uttered the cry:

“Rabbanaa Zalamnaa Anfusanaa wa Illam taghfirlanaa tarhumnaa lana koonanna minul khausireen.”

“O our Lord, we have been unjust to our own selves. And if You do not forgive us and have Mercy on us, we shall be of the losers.”

He cried thus for a lifetime so much so that from the tears he shed, small fountains started flowing and from them fragrant flowers, roses, and jasmine were created (as mentioned in the Tafseer Maha-imy)

Hence Maulana Rumi Rahmatullah alaihi says:

“Those people who are special children of Adam, will, like their father

Cry: Rabbanaa Zalamnaa, over their sins, begging His pardon.”

Through this theory of Maulana Rumi Rahmatullah alaihi many an owner of huge mansions and motor cars, but who do not possess the attributes of true servants of Allah Ta’ala, should pass judgement over themselves as to whether they are great men or small men. In fact there is no doubt as to whether they are men at all. Great men are those who have kept Allah Ta’ala pleased with them. On the Plain of Reckoning, on the Day of Qiyamah, everyone will be brought to his correct level. If in this world it is said that this is a great man, because he owns a mansion stretching over 2,000 yards, or that he has three cars and is the owner of three factories, of what use it is going to be to him when in the Hereafter he will be looked upon as if he was just a sweeper.

Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam once asked: “O people, do you know who is a great man?”

He then informed them that a great man is one who is known as the “Ashaabu-Layl” and “Hamalatul-Qur’an”. That is, he is one of those who stand up during the night to recite Tahajjud prayers and secondly he is one of those who not only recite the Qur’an but has made the Quranic lifestyle his habit. If he had been only a recite of the Qur’an, Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would have said “Hafathatul-Qur’an”.

May Allah Ta’ala make us the true exponents of manhood and humanity, Ameen. And may He enter into us the correct relationship with our father Adam Alaihis Sallam and may He cause the true soul to enter our bodies, Ameen.

The Story of an Eagle Taking Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam’s Socks.

Once Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam after performing wudhu went to put on his leather socks, when an eagle came along and took one of the socks and flew away with it. Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was quite surprised and distressed about this. However after a short while, the eagle came back, turned the sock upside down towards the ground and a black snake fell out of it. Then the eagle presented the sock to Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and said:

“O Messenger of Allah, the reason for this flying with the sock was that a snake was hidden in it;

This was the cause of my insulting behavior.

Allah ordered me to protect you, otherwise I had no other duty

Than to be submissive and utterly respectful towards you.”

Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam expressed his gratitude to Allah and said:

“The incident which I considered a sad affair

Was actually a case of loyalty and mercy.

O eagle, you carried my sock away and I became displeased

You made me sad and I considered it a case of grief.”

The eagle replied:

“O Beloved SallAllahu alaihi wasallam for you this incident is a lesson of warning from Allah

So that you may be pleased with every verdict of Allah

And consider it as a means of goodness.

And accept with pleasure from Allah if anything contrary to your wish takes place.

That anything which outwardly appears to harm you by Divine verdict

You may be certain that it is for your welfare and good.

Should any calamity take place, do not become saddened

And be not grief stricken when any loss occurs.

Because whatever calamity overtakes you wards off a greater calamity

And any loss occurring is to ward off a greater loss.

While flying in the air I saw the snake inside the sock.

This was not as a result of my own specialty.

No! it was a reflection of your own light and your own blessings.

And Allah in His Wisdom kept the snake hidden from you

To give a special lesson.”

Lesson:

The lesson in this story is that a person should not become impatient and unduly worried when a calamity comes. Instead one should think that it has come to ward off a greater calamity. In other words, one should always pray for safety and make plans in that direction, but be patient over any calamity that comes his way from Allah Ta’ala. The thought that it has come to ward off a greater calamity is a consolation and eases the pain and suffering.

These lessons about our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, based on the Mathnawi of Jalaluddin Rumi Rahmatullah alaihi, from the commentary by Maulana Hakim Muhammad Akhtar, Daamat-Barakaatuhum, provide us with many deep "ponderable" insights. The above excerpts are from the print edition, however the online edition offers many other valuable stories to enlighten and awaken! May we all be enlightened and awake with our pondering!

ring road environs and plans

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Streets….construction….destruction….

Backtracking…..the photo that elicited the emotive responses in the last post, taken just before Maghrib a week or so back.

The following photo is the same view but walking up towards the foot of Jabal Sal’a (see the blue dot on the google map below) taken after last Juma’ah. The huge excavation area (yellow area on the map) has remained untouched for almost two years as the company working on this project went broke. Masjid Sabaq, previously to the left of this shot, was demolished to make way for this development several years ago, sadly it seems all too prematurely.

Imagine turning around from the above position, looking up towards Jabal Sal’a, where the remains of an Ottoman structure stands. During the Ottoman times it would have been an advantageous lookout, overseeing the Haram area. Later it became a popular picnic place, but now relegated to neglect and a rubbish dump.

Architecturally it is only small, but the technique with the precision in the brick arches supporting the bluestone walls and two low circular domes forming the roof is quite impressive.

A scan from an older photo showing the dome structure, looking down on a housing area long gone, having been replaced with modern hotels.

These places are inhabited, satellite dishes a standard feature! The bottom left hand corner is the roof of one of the "residences" dug into the side of the mountain along the track up to this Ottoman structure.

An alley way nearby this same area. As the development around the CBD area creeps out over the first ring road all of these older places will gradually be vacted and demolished. It is sad listening to stories of families who used to live beside Haram years ago, who were forced to move further away due to all the expansions. Locals are still being faced with having to relocate even further out as the central area engulfs more land.

A closer view of the above alley, the typical older style low doorways leading down into the first level that has been dug into the ground for coolness. I was amazed to see the letter boxes still intact! The majority are vandalized in so many other areas. Maybe this close living has more of a sense of community with a protective neighbourly spirit.

Note the mud brick extension on the top of this unique home! Any and everything goes, a true do as you please attitude, devoid of any regulations or planning! Soon to be archived into the annals of history.

To return home after this little adventure, we drove south along the ring road, where on the fly-over bridge to the south of Haram (lime line) you can look back to see the Dome of Felicity and our loved Jabal Uhud. (taken from the pink dot) This view will soon too be history, as the concrete and steel supports of the next buliding is visible at the bottom of this photo. When the CBD area is complete Masjid Nabawi will be totally hemmed in.

I am lost for words over many aspects of what is happening to this most Blessed Radiant and Enlightened City. Without a doubt, it is the most treasured piece of land in the entire UNIVERSE….not just world, planet, or earth, but the ENTIRE UNIVERSE. And what I have just heard, and the reason I am posting this google map, is that this current fly-over bridge, the lime green, straight line, is to be replaced by a new curved section (blue line) beacause it will extend the CBD area and more land will be availabe to squeeze more hotels onto! I am speechless….flabbergasted…along with all the synonyms that go with it. The lime green north of Jannatul Baqi also represents all the new buildings either under construction, or soon to be.

May Allah Ta’ala save us all. Ameen.

your responses to a photo

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A sharing…..

I invited some readers to share their responses to this photo. SubhanAllah! Heartfelt "JazakumuLlahu khairan" to you all for your time and precious thoughts.

“What to write, what to write? My heart aches at the sight of such a center of glowing Nur. It is as if the magnificent minarets are aglow seemingly feeding off the majestic power that must exist in that most blessed soil. As many Ulema have said time and time again; the most blessed soil, the most blessed piece of land anywhere in existence, is that piece of land housing Al Habib salallahualaihiwasalam. It is the city wherein the scout would go out daily, eagerly awaiting the arrival of The Beloved of Allah salallahualaihiwasalam and finally to the sounds of song and cheer were the Mercy to Mankind salallahualaihiwasalam and his companions from the hijrah to Medina, ushered in.

Now this is what those minarets seem to be, beacons, sending out signals generated from those hallowed grounds, calling out to all of mankind with the Hearts of the Believers replying to this call. Hearts yearning to walk those grounds, to sit in that mosque, to stand in reverence conveying salawaat and salams being in his proximity, salallahualaihiwasalam.

May Allah subhanawatala allow us to respond to this beacon and may He azawajal open up the avenues for us to all follow it back to the source, to our Beloved Rasul salallahualaihiwasalam. Ameen."

Allahumma Salli ‘alaa Sayyidina Muhammadin wa anzilhul manzil-al muqarraba Yaum al Qiyaamah

O Allah! Bestow blessings upon Sayyidina Muhammad and give Him a place nearby on the Day of Judgement.

He attracts me because He wanted me to be attracted

He sought me because He wanted me to seek Him

He opened a way for me because He wanted me to pass through

He witnessed me because I could not witness Him

He found me to show me that I can never be lost

He is with me when I cannot be with Him

He loves me because He wants me to love Him

His love gave me felicity in my anonymity

He is the vision and I the horizon

I found Him everywhere without Him being there

I love Him

SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam

….the photograph is overwhelming. Upon it slowly opening up on my screen, i saw the minarets i
havent seen in person for a long time, the maghrib sunset is
so beautiful, ALHAMDULILLAH!!!!!!!!!!

I pray a day will come when the tears i am experiencing now staring at the
photo in thinking of Habibullah will be ones i feel every second of every
day for then i am truly in love with Allah SWT and His Beloved, ameen.

Shaykh Hamza on the weekend in Birmingham said how we should all strive to
read the seerah and learn everything about Mohammed SAW life and desire to
be sitting in his company, desire to see his smile, desire to follow his
every sunnah, ameen.

He SAW is the greatest gift to mankind, may we receive the true opening from
Allah the Kind, the Giver, the Generous to love His Beloved…………to
experience true mahabbah.

I love this feeling in my heart of love and heartache to be closer to the
best of Mankind, ameen.

Long, slender lines

they look very beautiful

when they shine.

Perfect

Pastel colored sentinels

calling all to peace.

Pure, shining, beautiful.

when will I be called to come

joining in the hum

of forth flowing love?

Allahu akbar…..as the pic was downloading and bit by bit it appeared, sky first, on my screen, all that came to mind, without even thinking, (and goosebumps on my arms!) was ALLAHUMMA SALLI ‘ALAA SAYYIDINA MUHAMMED WA ‘ALA ALI SAYYIDINA MUHAMMED WA ASHABIHI ALFA ALFA MARRAH!! repeatedly….and that was all! i just imagined what the original view, minus all these buildings might have been…the original masjidun nabawee sallallahu alayhiwasallam..roof of palm leaves etc..surrounded by the small houses of the azwaje mutahharaat??! the profound noor that must have emanated from this area, due to all its inhabitants with pure iman..breathtaking, mind boggling! that always just floods my mind whenever i see any pic of Madinah or musjidun nabawee sallallahu alayhi wasallam….

Maghrib Symphony in Taqwa Major!

Cymbals crash,

a thundery pulse booms from the percussion instruments

orchestrated to accompany the falling sins as thousands wash, wipe, gargle and snuff

in preparation for meeting the One and Only to Whom we lower our lowly heads.

the strings hit notes of sublime majesty, coalescing with the celestial sounds of Angels’ wings

as they caress the Green Dome, dispatching Salam in numbers matching ocean bubbles,

to glide away with multifarious replies glittering as a concoction

of every shimmering dewdrop created, with the sparkle and twinkle

of the mass sum of constellations and the Milky Way.

thus is the lure of the Maghrib Symphony, played in Taqwa Major!

the lyrical grace notes suddenly slide into drums beating a marching, striding purposeful rhythm, mesmerizing and mobilizing feet of the devout.

wrinkled feet, white, black, brown feet. old, bare, painted, and stocking feet,

feet propelled; dusty feet, cracked feet, soft baby feet.

a maelstrom of patter, running, sauntering, shuffling magnetized momentum,

cymbals, timpani and tubular bells synchronize in surround sound.

the most blessed of earth records the identity of every present soul, witnessing.

every tiny pebble, every mote of dust, stretches of shiny marble, worn reflective concrete mirrors,

witnessing intentions of the reflective mirror of hearts protected in cages of ribs

as they beat on cue to an expected crescendo.

souls dance in anticipation of the ultimate bow of humility,

the bow to the unfurling of all veils

accompanied by a human chorus exalting …submitting.

a massed praising; a choral refrain of hushed mumbled glorifications

interspersed with delicate clicks of wood, stone, seeds and plastic.

the climax is imminent as sunlight weaves into twilight

sun slipping off stage behind a dusk curtain.

The Conductors baton is raised,

the giant tuning forks vibrate

the Universe vibrates……..

ALLAAHU AKBAR A -L -L –A-A–H- U A -K –B- A- R A -L -L –A-A –H- U A -K –B- A- R.

Typical of the ummah today: dunya demands squeeze the Deen, the picture illustrates and conveys this meaning in an obvious way. The not so obvious is that the demands of dunya hide the objectives (the Green Dome) of our life, and we are deluded in calling what remains of Deen the whole Deen.

I’m Going HOME!

I told you

I’m tired of this noise

Ambitions and choice

Of crime and deception

And participation

In a cold, everyday war

I’m homeless here!

I told you

I’m going HOME!

Home is with the white doves

Their freedom and dependence

I’m one of them

Home is on the off-white marble

A scorching fire

To burn my bare feet

A frozen iceberg

To numb my toes

A breath of Hellfire

A touch of Bliss

Home is at the Green Dome

That sparkles with the rays

Of the mid-day sun

I’m going HOME

To the golden chandeliers

The grey-white columns

The green Persian carpets

And empty walls

Cool, everlasting water for guests

I’m going HOME

Where my guardian

Rests at peace

A part of Paradise on earth

His grave is,

Full of musk, amber and rose petals

Smells that never cease

Tears of joy

A drum of a heart

To see again those minarets

Stand high

In the night

Radiant with light

I’m going HOME

Where it never rains

But MERCY,

Where I can only be at peace

Ahmad’s white palace

The sign of its gates reads.

The home of beggars and kings

Give me your hand

I’ll take you with me

As long as you promise

To REPENT

SUBMIT

OBEY and

DEFEND.

By a dear friend, sister Zaina Hafiz, and soon to return, Insha’Allah, Madania, check her recently published anthology.

And gracious appreciation to Asiyah for sharing her colourful, expressive prayer mat!

Insha’Allah, I intend to repeat such a sharing regularly. Let me know if you would like to participate.

Juma’ah in Jannah

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JUMA’AH in JANNAH!

The Bazaar in Jannah.

14. Our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said:

“A Bazaar will be held in Jannah and the people of Jannah will visit this Bazaar every Juma’ah. And when these people enter the Bazaar, the northern breeze (Al-Mutheerah) will blow and sprinkle various perfumes on their faces and garments and this breeze will have a special effect; it will make heavenly people more beautiful than ever. After having made their round of the Bazaar, they will return to their abodes where their companions will enquire: “You have become more beautiful since you went out. What is the reason for this?” These people will reply: “By Allah, in my absence your beauty has also grown more bewitching and extremely attractive. Why is this so?”

The reason the companions who did not go to the Bazaar becoming more attractive will in all probability be the same as in the case of the heavenly people going to the Bazaar. (Muslim)

15. ‘Ali RadhiAllahu anhu reports the following tradition: “The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam

Stated that there would be a Bazaar in Paradise, but there will be no buying or selling of any kind in this Bazaar. Herein there will be nothing else except the statues of men, and should the people of Paradise happen to like a certain statue that heavenly person will enter the same state, that is, they shall be changed into the same shape and form that he likes the best.” (Tirmidhi)

16. Sai’id ibn Musiyyab RadhiAllahu anhu met Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu in the Bazaar of Madinah. Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu said: “O Sa’id, I pray to Almighty Allah that you and I should meet in the Bazaar of Paradise, and you and I should get together there.” Upon this Sa’id RadhiAllahu anhu enquired: “Will there be a Bazaar in Jannah?” Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu replied: “Yes indeed. I was informed by the Prophet of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam that when the companions of Jannah shall enter therein they shall lodge in various sections according to their deeds. Those whose deeds will be better and numerous will get better and lofty abodes. Every Juma’ah the heavenly people shall be commanded to set out from their places. On receiving the command these people shall be honoured with the vision of their Lord and that day Allah Ta’ala shall bestow upon them immense bounties of His pleasure and special blessing. Allah Almighty will hold a special court in the biggest Garden of Jannah. Various types of seats will be arranged there according to the protocol of honour and position. Some seats will be made of light; some made of pearls; some of rubies; some of emeralds; some made of gold; and some others made of silver. Each heavenly person will take his seat according to his position. The most inferior among them will be seated on mounds of musk and camphor and the wonderful thing would be that people seated on the mounds will not feel whether those seated on the chairs are superior to them in position or vice versa. For each one of the heavenly people will content in his status and will be thankful and will never aspire for a higher estate.” After this Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu states: “I submitted to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, shall we have a vision of our Creator and Provider?” He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam replied: “Yes indeed, you shall see Him. Do you doubt having sighted the sun and the moon of the fourteenth night?” I submitted, “No, I do not doubt having sighted the sun and the moon of the fourteenth night.” The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam replied: “Likewise, you shall not doubt having the vision of your Creator and Provider, and there shall be none in that assembly with whom the Almighty Allah will not converse directly. They will be seated face to face with their Lord in an informal manner and there shall be no inhibitions between them. During the conversation the Lord Almighty will ask a man, “O son of so and so, dost thou remember the day when you said this and you spoke thus?” And then Allah Ta’ala shall remind him of some of his acts of breach of faith which the person had committed during his lifetime. This man will submit, “O Lord, has Thou not forgiven my sins?” Allah Ta’ala will declare, “Why, yes I have forgiven thee. You entered this state due to the vastness of My Mercy and My Generosity.” In the meantime a cloud will come and will shower such perfume that its scent will never have been smelt before. And during this shower of perfume, Allah the Almighty shall command: “Stay and reach for the thing which I had already prepared for thee and take freely of whatever you wish for.” Upon hearing this command of Allah Ta’ala we will come to a Bazaar. The Angels will be posted on all four sides of the Bazaar. We shall see in these Bazaar things unseen and unheard of before, nor will such things have entered our imagination before this time. Thereafter we shall be given our favourite things free of charge, for there shall be no trade of buying or selling in this Bazaar. The companions of Jannah will meet each other in this Bazaar. When a heavenly man of higher rank shall see a man of lower rank, neither of them will feel the difference of quality in their apparel, the superior one will have no feelings of superiority, and the inferior one will be free from distress on account of feelings of inferiority because he will have no such feelings. In my humble estimation the state of affairs seems to be that as soon as the two heavenly men meet each other the apparel of the inferior one will be made as resplendent as the superior person, so that neither the inferior one should suffer distress on the account of inferiority, nor the superior person entertain any pride of superiority. Thereafter when we reach our respective abodes our women shall see us and say: “Allah bless you! Welcome! How is it that you look so handsome? When you went forth you wer not as attractive and charming as you look now?” In the answer to this we will say: “Today we have been in the presence of Almighty Allah Ta’ala. Hence due to our presence in the company of Allah Ta’ala we have been beautified and we have returned to you in a more beautiful state.” (Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)

Excerpt taken from this book.

O Allah send blessings and peace upon our master Muhammad, the one who You chose for the great intercession. When he prostrates to You, You will say to him: “Lift your head and ask, for you will be granted, intercede and your intercession will be accepted.” You have forbidden Paradise for all the prophets, until he enters it, and You have forbidden it to all nations until his nation enters it. May the blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, companions and his wives to the extent of Allah’s pleasure and his pleasure. (From The Key to Arriving at the Door of the Messenger, Shaykh Muhammad Sadiq Alawi )

May the deeds we perform this Juma’ah gain Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy and Grace. May we all be seated, facing each other on thrones of rubies, pearls, emeralds, gold and silver, and Al-Mutheerah sprinkling us all with dust of musk, as we wander the Bazaar in Jannah every Juma’ah. And sway in ecstasy as our gaze rests on our Lord Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala and we drink from the hand of our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ya Rabb, Insha’Allah. Ameen Ameen Ameen.

JUMA’AH MUBARAK!

The Minbar

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My Minbar is on my pool.

My Minbar is a tura’a (various translations describe tura’a as a door, a step and other scholars have said it means a garden in a raised platform) of Jannah.

The feet of my Minbar will be steps of a ladder for Jannah.

The corners of my Minbar are firmly planted in Jannah.

Such blessed descriptions from our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam of his Minbar. Whatever the external appearance the Minbar has, or ever will have, the fact remains that our Noble Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam addressed the stellar Sahabah RadhiAllahu with his weekly Khutab from the Mubarak ground where this lavish Ottoman structure now stands.

As mentioned in previous posts, Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam initially delivered the Khutbah leaning on a palm tree trunk which was positioned near the original Mihrab. During the eighth year after hijrah, when the number of Sahabah had greatly increased, and it was difficult for the assembled crowd to see and hear the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, it was suggested that a new raised Minbar be constructed.

Narrated Jabir RadhiAllahu anhu: “A woman said, "O Allah’s Apostle! Shall I get something constructed for you to sit on as I have a slave who is a carpenter?" He replied, "Yes, if you like." So she had that pulpit constructed.”

It is recorded that the wood for this simple three stepped edifice was from Al-Ghaba, a forested area approximately 10 kilometers north west of Masjid Nabawi. This land was owned by Az-Zabair ibn Al-‘Alawwam and his wife Asma RadhiAllahu anhum, they purchased it for one hundred and seventy thousand dirham. They established the first abattoir for the residents of this Enlightened City. When he died it was sold for one million six hundred thousand dirham! Ruins of a pond that existed at the time still exist till now.

The following two photos are from Al-Ghaba, also known as the Wild Park, is a popular picnic location for the locals. Credit to sister Anisah for these wonderful photos.

Sahl bin Sa’d was asked about the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam pulpit as to what thing it was made of? Sahl replied: "None remains alive amongst the people, who know about it better than I. It was made of tamarisk wood of the forest. So and so, the slave of so and so prepared it for Allah’s Apostle. When it was constructed and placed in the Masjid, Allah’s Apostle stood on it facing the Qibla and said ‘Allahu Akbar’, and the people stood behind him and led the people in prayer. He recited and bowed and the people bowed behind him. Then he raised his head and stepped back, got down and prostrated on the ground and then he again ascended the pulpit, recited, bowed, raised his head and stepped back, got down and prostrate on the ground. So, this is what I know about the pulpit."

Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam used to sit on the third step, placing his Mubarak feet on the second step. Later, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq RadhiAllahu anhu, would sit on the second step, placing his feet on the first step, and then ‘Umar ibn Khattab RadhiAllahu anhu would sit on the first step, placing his feet on the ground. For six years Caliph Uthman RadhiAllahu anhu followed the habit of ‘Umar RadhiAllahu anhu, but then began to deliver the Khutbah from the third rung as did Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

Numerous renovations have taken place over the centuries.

When Mu’awiyah RadhiAllahu anhu was Amir, he extended the height of the Minbar to that of nine rungs, with the Khateeb sitting on the seventh rung.

It has been narrated that during this time the original three wooded steps were showing signs of deterioration. Wooden structures do not survive the intense weather conditions here, or the presence of white ants who favour all things wooden. So Mu’awiyah RadhiAllahu anhu decided to replace these three rings from the time of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. When the attempt to remove these steps began, the sky blackened, to the extent that stars appeared in the sky, even though it was day time. People were fearful, wondering what terrible punishment was being sent to them. Mu’awiyah RadhiAllahu anhu ordered the halt of the renovations and decided instead of replacing the three steps to place them as the top three rungs. SubhanAllah! Just as the palm tree trunk had wept and was so saddened, so too were these three steps.

In 654 A.H. the Minbar was burnt during the fire that damaged the Masjid, so in 656 A.H. Al-Muzahar who was the ruler of Yemen at the time sent a Minbar that was used for ten years. The next one was a gift from Egypt, from Al-Zahir Baibarus in the year 666 A.H. This was again replaced in 797 A.H. by Al-Zahir Barquq, and then another sent by Al-Muayid in 820 A.H.

In 886A.H. another fire destroyed the Minbar. This time the people of Madinah constructed a brick replacement, painting it with a coat of white paint. After two years Al-Ashraf Qaitabai sent a more sophisticated marble replacement which remained until the Ottoman Sultan Murad the Third in 998 A.H. sent the current Minbar. The elegant Qaitabai one is now in Masjid Quba, below.

The present Haram Shareef Minbar is made of an expensive marble with gold decorations. A dome sits on marble columns creating an elongated appearance. There are twelve steps, three which are outside the door, with nine inside. The richly ornamented door has the following written above it:

“Sultan Murad bin Saleem sent this to be rewarded on the Day of Judgement. May his kingdom be high forever. The best of cities be under his peaceful control. For the Garden of Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala’s Graces and Honours be bestowed upon him since all people received guidance through him. This pulpit is built with full sincerity to seek guidance and blessing. May much guidance be imparted from the top of this pulpit to thise who seek this guidance. Sa’ad composed these verses and the pulpit was made by Sultan Murad in 997 A.H.”

Ibn Najjar said: “The pulpit will be placed on the Haud Kawthar and it will be reborn just like all other creatures of Allah Ta’ala on the Day of Judgement.” And Ibn Hajar agrees with this explanation, while Khattabi explains this to mean that due to the good deeds enacted near the Minbar it will be honoured with being placed at the Haud Kawthar, SubhanAllah!

On the other hand according to a Hadith, if a person makes a false oath near the Prophet’s Minbar, even if it were about, or as little as a green siwak, then that person will take his place in Jahannam. Audhu BiLlah.

Narrated Aishah, Ummul Mu’minin RadhiAllahu anha: “The Apostle of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam used to setup a pulpit in the mosque for Hassan Radhiallahu anhu who would stand on it and satirize those who spoke against the Apostle of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. The Apostle of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would say: The spirit of holiness, Gabriel is with Hassan RadhiAllahu anhu so long as he speaks in defense of the Apostle of Allah.”

On another occasion the beloved Hassan and Hussein RadhiAllahu anhuma, dressed in red shirts, playfully arrived in the Masjid when their blessed grandfather SallAllahu alaihi wasallam when he was on the Minbar. He came down from the Minbar, took them and ascended it with them. He then said: Allah truly said:

Your property and your children are only a test for you. (64.15),

Another narration states: Allah’s Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam mounted the pulpit and called in a loud voice, "You who have accepted Islam with your tongues but whose hearts have not been reached by faith, do not annoy the Muslims, or revile them, or seek out their faults; for he who seeks out the faults of his brother Muslim will have his faults sought out by Allah and he whose faults are sought out by Allah will be exposed by Him, even though he should be in the interior of his house."

The Prophet led us in prayer and then went up to the pulpit and beckoned with both hands towards the Qiblah of the mosque and then said, "When I started leading you in prayer, I saw the display of Paradise and Hell on the wall of the mosque facing the Qiblah. I never saw good and bad as I have seen today." He repeated the last statement thrice.

Imagine! Any wonder that the sky turned black at the thought of these humble wooden steps to be removed. SubhanAllah, such a sublime heritage we have been blessed with.

SubhanAllah! Such a blessed piece of Jannah! With so much said at this hallowed place from the Mubarak lips of our Noble Nabi SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to assist us on the path to Jannah! May we take heed and all meet in Jannah by the Haud Kawthar, Ameen.

local produce

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The black and white photo above is looking south, across the Dome of Felicity, towards the direction of Masjid Quba at a time when this Radiant City was girthed by the silvery green of palm groves.

This is the road that leads to Masjid Quba, looking back towards Masjid Nabawi with the soaring slender minarets and Jabal Uhud nestled shyly in the background. As I wander these Mubarak streets I imagine I have the ability to strip away all the changes and developments over the centuries, zooming my heart back to the time of our Beloved Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. I do not see the minarets, or the modern Shariah courts, or cars, or buildings, or billboards. Jabal Uhud, fully resplendent, beams an aura of peace. The humble muted tones of the palm thatched Masjid shines heavenward without the modern means of tinted glass or electricity. A light emanating from the one, who the entire creation was created for SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, dims all manufactured lights and glitter.

And just as this piece of selected earth is the same chosen by Allah Ta’ala to fulfill and finalize all His Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala promises for the Deen, so too are many aspects of our daily needs as humans. The need for sustenance, water, air, clothing, shelter will never change regardless of the massive changes constantly happening around us, and our purpose as needy slaves will never change, and our path to success will never be any way other than the Sunnah of Habib Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

And so for the eyes to rest upon the fruits that were loved and eaten by our Noble Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam brings our presence to his presents; his habits and manners, his Sunnah.

Colours, shapes, textures, varieties, tastes, aromas, delight and titillate not only the nafs, but also inject the Iman with a massive dose of sweetness! Ya Allah Ya Rabb, SubhanAllah!

Watermelons, musk-melons, cucumber are among the specific fruits mentioned in Ahadith that were commonly eaten in the hot summers by our Beloved Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

A previous post showed the simple arrangement of one brother setting up his “pavement shop”; this morning I walked a little further along this road to Quba to a more permanent “shopping mall”! The variety not only includes the local produce, but also many imported fruits, from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, India, Pakistan, Yemen, and the decor is thrilling!

This basic method of keeping the greens fresh with wet hessian bags is amazing. Temperatures are now in the low 40’s here, and yet the leaves of these vegetables, herbs and mints do not wilt.

The back of the "establishment", the storage area! The minarets of Masjid Nabawi are just beyond the trees.

Heat reflecting devices!

The front of the "mall", the ancient pickups in the previous photos supporting the various sheets of canvas for shade. A shop specializing in HUBHUB, the local name for watermelon.

The specialist himself! Normally I try to avoid people in photos, but he was insistent, and so proud of his business. Masha’Allah. Insha’allah I will make a print of this for him. May Allah Ta’ala bless these brothers for the hardships they endure while earning a Halal income. Ameen.

I did not buy a Hubhub, too heavy to carry home. But I did buy the first Indian MANGOES for the season, Alhumdulillah!

Reminding me of how Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would make the Du’a when eating the first fruit of the season:

O Allah! Bless us in our fruits. Bless us in our city, bless us in our Saa’, and bless us in our Mudd’. O Allah verily Ibrahim alaihis salaam is Your servant, friend and Nabi, and whatever he has supplicated to You for Makkah, I supplicate the same to You for Madinah.’

He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would then offer that fruit to a small child.

Being the morning, with children in school, I did not see a child to offer a mango, but someone with a child-like love for them was very happy, Alhumdulillah!

While my happiness was barely contained during my imagined walk to the market at the time of our Esteemed Al-Mustafa SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Alhumdulillahir Rabbil Aalameen.

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