ESSENTIALS TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

Compiled by

Najeema A U

Essentials Towards Understanding Islam Author Name First Edition Pages Price Printed by : Najeema A U : April 2012 : 88 : Rs.100/: Patel Graphics 573, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai - 600 006.

CONTENTS Introduction Foreword 1. 2. Purpose of Life What every Muslim should know about ISLAM
l l

Five pillars of ISLAM Six articles of Faith in ISLAM

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Shirk Hypocrisy Fiqh (Knowledge in Islam) Hijab for Men and Women Salaah and its requirements Recite Qur'an Sunan

10. Ramadan Fasting 11. Zakat 12. Twenty five ways to paradise 13. Major sins 14. Daily duas 15. Who can buy paradise? End

In the name of Allaah, The most Gracious, The most Merciful

INTRODUCTION All praise is for Allaah, who has created the heavens, raised the believers in rankings, forgiven them their sins, prepared for them gardens in paradise, and sent down abundant blessings upon his slaves. Da'wah (calling mankind to Allaah) is one of the most significant duties obliged on Muslims. Da'wah to Allaah ensures ultimate success and religious benefit for individuals, as well as to the society at a large space. What is the need of Da'wah among Muslim brothers and sisters? Why some born Muslims are weak in religion? What are the reasons for the Weakness of Muslim Ummah? The reasons for the Weakness of Muslim Nation is mainly because of the "Love for the wordly life and the hatred for death." Every Muslim in his right mind can see that the love of this world is the root of all evil and it is the reason behind all wrongdoings and calamities. Therefore it is compulsory that the Muslims return back to this principle of following the Qur'an and the Sunnah upon the understanding of the righteous predecessors. It is compulsory upon the Muslims to have proper understanding of their religion, then to implement it correctly, then to teach others according to his ability. I believe that one day, all the Believers will rejoice due to their ultimate victory-Jannah! InshaAllaah. ****

Chapter I A Message -Purpose of your life. To a Muslim, the whole purpose of life is "Ibadah" or Worship to the One True Almighty God on His Terms and Conditions. The term "Worship" to a Muslim includes any and all acts of obedience to Almighty Allaah. So his purpose of life is a standing purpose; Worshipping Allaah by accepting Allaah's Will over his own. For a Muslim,This act of ibadah is worshipping, thanking and extolling the Greatness of Almighty Allaah [on His Terms and Conditions], throughout his whole life regardless of his age. Islam teaches that this LIFE IS ONLY A TEST or TRIAL for the individual to show him his true nature, it is only natural that he would accept death as not so much an ending to everything but more as a beginning of the final and lasting life in the Hereafter. Before entering into either of the final lodging places i.e.; Heaven or Hell, they have to undergo a Trial of the'Day of Judgment' to make them aware of their own nature and thereby understand what they have sent on ahead during the life here on the earth. Every person will be rewarded [or punished] according to their attitude, appreciation and efforts during this stay on earth. None will be asked about the actions and beliefs of others, nor will anyone be asked regarding that which he was unaware of or incapable of doing. As the life here is considered as an examination for the individual, the death stage is considered as a resting period after the test. It could be easy for those who were faithful and dedicated or it could be gruelling and horrible for the wicked. Reward and punishment will be in direct proportion to each person and it is only Allaah, who will be the Final Judge over all of us.
8

Purpose of life in logical and simple terms: 1. 2. 3. The first life is a test The life in the grave is a resting or waiting place before the Day of Judgment The Day of Judgment brings about the clear understanding of what will happen to the individual based on his own desires and actions The Permanent or Afterlife will either be spending in luxurious splendour or miserable punishment.

4.

Following are the clear understanding of life, as a Muslim. - he is only created by Allaah - he is going to spend a period of time in this material world [called "Ad Dunyah" in Arabic] - he knows he will die - he knows that he will spend time in the grave, either pleasant or in difficulty, depending on his own choice of attitude and actions - he knows he will be resurrected for the Day of Judgment - he knows he will be judged according to the most fair of standards by Allaah the Almighty This life is very meaningful and purposeful to the Believing Muslim, as he realizes that it will determine the outcome and permanent position in the Next Life.

Chapter 2

WHAT EVERY MUSLIM SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ISLAM

What is ISLAM? The religion of Islam is the acceptance of and obedience to the teachings of Allaah, which He revealed to His last ProphetMuhammad (SAW). Islam is based on the following five principles: Five Pillars of ISLAM: 1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah and Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) is Allaah's Apostle. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly. To pay Zakat (I.e. obligatory charity). To perform Hajj. (I.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca) To observe fast during the month of Ramadan. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah and Muhammad is Allaah's Apostle.

2. 3. 4. 5. 1.

The Testimony of Faith is saying with conviction, "La ilaha IllaAllaah, Muhammadur Rasoolu Allaah." This saying means "There is no true god but Allaah,and Muhammad (SAW) is the Messenger of Allaah." The first part, "There is no true god but Allaah," means that none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah alone, and that Allaah has neither partner nor son. This testimony of faith is called the Shahada, a simple formula which should be said with conviction in order to convert to Islam. The testimony of faith is the most important pillar of Islam.

10

2.

To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.

To perform Iqaamat-as-Salaat.Each and every Muslim, male or female, is oblige to offer his prayers(Salaat) regularly five times a day at the specified times; the male in the Masjid(mosque) in congregation and the female at home. To offer the salaat (prayers) in a way just as Prophet Muhammed (SAW) offered it with all its rules and regulations. I.e. Standing, bowing, prostrating, sitting etc. as he has said: "Offer your Salaat (prayers) the way you have seen me offering them." 3. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity) Support of the Needy: All things belong to Allaah, and wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The original meaning of the word zakat is both 'purification' and 'growth.' Giving zakat means 'giving a specified percentage on certain properties to certain classes of needy people.' The percentage which is due on gold, silver, and cash funds that have reached the amount of about 85 grams of gold and held in possession for one lunar year is two and a half percent. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a small portion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth. A person may also give as much as he or she pleases as voluntary alms or charity. 4. To perform Hajj. (I.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca) The annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah is an obligation once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able toperform it. About two million people go to Makkah each year fromevery corner of the globe. Although Makkah is always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj is performed in the twelfth month of theIslamic calendar. Male pilgrims wear special simple clothes whichstrip away distinctions of class and culture so that all stand equal before God.
11

The rites of the Hajj include Circumambulating the Kaaba seven times and going seven times between the hillocks of Safa and Marwa, as Hajar (R A) did during her search for water. Then the pilgrims stand together in Arafa and ask God for what they wish and for His forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Day of Judgment. The end of the Hajj is marked by a festival, Eid Al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers. This, and Eid al-Fitr, a feast-day commemorating the end of Ramadan, are the two annual festivals of the Muslim calendar. 5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan Every year in the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. Although the fast is beneficial to health, it is regarded principally as a method of spiritual self-purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry, as well as growth in his or her spiritual life. SIX ARTICLES OF FAITH: Basic Islamic Beliefs
l l l l l l

Tawheed: Believe in one God, ( Islamic Monotheism) His Angels, His Messengers, His revealed Books, The Day of Resurrection Al -Qadar (Divine Preordainments i.e. whatever Allaah has ordained must come to pass). Tawheed: Believe in one God (Islamic Monotheism)

1)

Allaah says: "Say: He is Allaah, the One; Allaah, the Eternal, Absolute; to whom the creatures turn for their needs. He begets not, nor was He begotten; and there is none like Him." (Qur'an, Surah No.112, Verses 1-4)
12

Muslims believe in one , unique, incomparable God, who has no son nor partner, and that none has the right to be worshipped but him alone.That means, no one has the right to be invoked, supplicated, prayed to, or shown any act of worship, but Allaah alone. The Arabic word Allaah occurs in the Qur'an more than 2150 times. In Aramaic, a language related closely to Arabic and the language that Jesus habitually spoke, God is also referred to as Allaah. 1)
l

Tawheed (Islamic Monotheism) has three aspects: Oneness of the Lorship of Allaah; Tawheed-ar-Ruboobiya: To believe that there is only one Lord for the entire universe, its creator, Organizer, Planner, Sustainer, and the Giver of security, etc., and that is Allaah. Oneness of the worship of Allaah; Tawheed-al-Uloohiya: To believe that none has right to be worshipped [e.g. praying, invoking, asking for help (from the unseen), swearing, slaughtering sacrifices, giving charity, fasting, pilgrimage, etc.] but Allaah. Oneness of the names and qualities of Allaah: Tawheed-alAsma'was-Sifat: To Believe that:We must not name or Qualify Allaah except with what He or His Messenger(SAW) has named or Qualified him;None can be named or Qualified with the names or Qualifications of Allaah; E.g. Al-Karim; We must confirm all of Allaah's Qualifications with Allaah has stated in his Book(the Qur'an) or mentioned through His Messenger Muhammed(SAW) without changing them or ignoring them completely or twisting the meanings or giving resemblance to any of the created things( e.g. Allaah is present over his throne as mentioned in the Qur'an. These three aspects of Tawheed are included in the meaning of "La ilaha illa Allaah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allaah." Belief in the Angels

2)

Belief in the Angels is one of the articles of Faith. Muslims believe in the existence of the angels and that they are honored creatures. The angels worship Allaah Subahanu Wa T'ala alone, obey Him, and act
13

only by His command. Among the angels is Jibreel (A S), who brought down the Qur'an to Muhammad (SAW). 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Allaah has created Angels out of light and gave them various duties to perform. They are not visible to us. They do not commit any sins nor do they disobey Allaah. They do what Allaah has ordered. We do not know their exact number. We know of four famous Angels. They are: 1. Hazrat Jibreel Alayhis Salaam. 2. Hazrat Michaeel Alayhis Salaam. 3. Hazrat Izraaeel Alayhis Salaam. 4. Hazrat Israfeel Alayhis Salaam. Hazrat Jibreel (A.S.) brought Allaah's Books, Orders and messages to all the Prophets. He was also sent to help the Prophets at times and fight against their enemies. Hazrat Michaaeel(A.S.) is in charge of food and rain. Other Angels work under him, who is in charge of clouds, the seas, the rivers and the winds. He gets the order from Allaah. He then orders the others under his command. Hazrat Izraaeel(A.S.) takes away life with the order of Allaah. He is in charge of death. Numerous Angels work under him. Some take away the lives of good persons whilst others looking very fearful, take away the lives of sinners and disbelievers.

7.

8.

9.

10. Hazrat Israafeel(A.S.) will blow the Soor (Trumpet) on the Day of Judgment. The sound will destroy and kill everything that is on earth and in the skies. When he blows for the second time, all will come to life with the order of Allaah. 11. There are two Angels that are always with every person. One writes all his Good Deeds whilst the other enters all his Bad Deeds. They are known as: -Kiraaman-Kaatibeen.
14

12. The Munkar and Nakeer question a person when he dies. 13. Some Angels are in charge of Heaven, some of Hell, some of looking after children, the old, the weak and others whom Allaah wishes to protect. 14. From the Quran and Hadith we come to know that various other angels are in charge of various other duties. 3) Belief in Allaah's revealed Books Muslims believe that Allaah revealed books to His messengers as proof for mankind and as guidance for them. Among these books is the Qur'an, which Allaah revealed to his Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Allaah has guaranteed the Qur'an's protection from any corruption or distortion. Allaah has said: "Indeed, We have sent down the Qur'an, and surely We will guard it (from corruption)."(Qur'an, 15:9) Other books are: Books of Abraham (Ibrahim (A S)), the Torah of Moses (Musa (A S)), Zabur (Psalms) of David (Dawood (A S)), and the Injil (Gospel) of Jesus Christ (Isa (A S)). The Books of Abraham are extinct and not traceable in the existing world literature. Except Qur'an, other books are corrupted, which have been altered over many centuries and are still being changed. The Qur'an on the other hand, is fully preserved and not a syllable has been changed or left out of it. 4) Belief in the Messengersof God (Allaah) Belief in the Messengersis one of the articles of Faith. The Qur'an says about the prophets: "The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one of them believes in God, His angels, His books, and His Messengers. They say: 'We make no distinction between one and another of His Messengers.' And they say: 'We hear, and we obey. We seek Thy forgiveness,Our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys.'" (Al-Baqarah, 2:285) Which are the prophetsmentioned in the Qur'an? There are 25 prophets mentioned by name in the Qur'an, although
15

Muslims believe that there were many more in different times and places. Among the prophets that Muslims honor are: AdamAlayhis Salaam, Idris Alayhis Salaam (Enoch), Nuh Alayhis Salaam (Noah), Hud Alayhis Salaam, Saleh Alayhis Salaam, Ibrahim Alayhis Salaam (Abraham), Isma'il Alayhis Salaam (Ishmael), Is'haq Alayhis Salaam (Isaac), Lut Alayhis Salaam (Lot), Ya'qub Alayhis Salaam (Jacob), Yousef Alayhis Salaam (Joseph), Shu'aib Alayhis Salaam, Ayyub Alayhis Salaam (Job), Musa Alayhis Salaam (Moses), HarunAlayhis Salaam (Aaron), Dhu'l-kifl Alayhis Salaam (Ezekiel), Dawood Alayhis Salaam(David), Suleiman Alayhis Salaam (Solomon), Ilias Alayhis Salaam (Elias), Al-Yasa Alayhis Salaam (Elisha), Yunus Alayhis Salaam (Jonah), Zakariyya Alayhis Salaam (Zechariah), Yahya Alayhis Salaam (John), 'Isa Alayhis Salaam (Jesus), Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) . 5) Belief in the Day of Judgment Muslims believe in the 'Qiyamah' (The Last Day) and the 'Hashr' the Day of Judgment (the Day of Resurrection). On the day of judgement, all people will be resurrected for Allaah's judgment according to their beliefs and deeds. 6) Belief in Al-Qadar Muslims believe in Al-Qadar, which is Divine Predestination, but this belief in Divine Predestination does not mean that human beings do not have freewill. Rather, Muslims believe that Allaah has given human beings freewill. This means that they can choose right or wrong and that they are responsible for their choices. The belief in Divine Predestination includes belief in four things: 1) Allaahknows everything. He knows what has happened and what will happen. 2) Allaahhas recorded all that has happened and all that will happen. 3) Whatever Allaahwills to happen happens, and whatever He wills not to happen does not happen. 4) Allaahis the Creator of everything. KUFR: Kufr is basically disbelief in any of the articles of faith in ISLAM (Above mentioned).
16

Chapter 3 SHIRK Definition: Shirk basically is polytheism. It implies ascribing partners to Allaah or ascribing divine attributes to others besides Allaah and believes that the source of power, harm, or blessing is from others besides Allaah. THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SHIRK There are three different kinds of Shirk namely: 1) The major Shirk: Ash-Shirk-al-Akbar 2) The minor Shirk: Ash-Shirk-al-Asgar 3) The inconspious Shirk: Ash-Shirk-al-Khafi 1) The major Shirk: Ash-Shirk-al-Akbar has four aspects: (a) Shirk-ad-Dua i.e. Invocation. This aspect implies invoking, supplicating or praying to other deities besides Allaah. (b) Shirk-al-Niyyah Wal-Iradah Wal-Qasd. This aspect implies intention, purpose and determination in acts of worship or religious deeds not for the sake of Allaah but directed towards other deities. (c) Shirk-at-Taah. This aspect implies rendering obedience to any authority against the order of Allaah. (d) Shirk-al-Mahabbah. This implies showing the love which is due to Allaah alone, to others than Him. But those who believe, love 'Allaah' more than anything else. (2) Ash-Shirk-Al-Asghar Ar-Riya (The minor Shirk, i.e. acts performed to show off) Any act of worship or any religious deed done in order to gain praise, fame or for worldly purposes, false under this category. (3) Ash-Shirk-Al-Khafi (The inconspicuous Shirk) This type implies being in worldly dissatisfied with the inevitable condition that has been ordained for one by Allaah; conscientiously lamenting that had you done or not done such and such or had you approached such and such you would have had a better status, etc.
17

Chapter 4 AN-NIFAQ-HYPOCRISY Hypocrisy is of two types, namely: (A) Hypocrisy in Belief. (B) Hypocrisy in deeds and actions. (A) Hypocrisy in Belief There are six aspects of hypocrisy in Belief: 1. 2. To believe not in agreement with the Messenger (Muhammad (SAW)) To believe only few of all that was brought by the Messenger (SAW) (e.g. the Quran, the Sunnah, laws and principles of Islam). To hate the Messenger (Muhammad (SAW)). To hate some of all that was brought by the Messenger (Muhammad (SAW)). E.g. Islamic Monotheism, etc. To feel happy at the disgrace of or setback for the religion of Allaahs Messenger (Muhammad (SAW)). To dislike that the religion of Allaahs Messenger (Islamic Monotheism) becomes victorious (not being pleased at the victory of Islam).

3. 4. 5. 6.

A person having these six types (of hypocrisy) will be in the lowest depths (grade) of the Fire (Hell). (B) Hypocrisy in deeds and actions There are five aspects of hypocrisy in deeds and actions, and their proof is from the statement of Allaahs Messenger (SAW). The signs of a hypocrite are these: 1. 2. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie. Whenever he promises, he always breaks it (his promise).

18

3. 4. 5.

If you trust him, he proves to be dishonest (if you keep something as trust with him, he will not return it). And in another narration of the Prophet (SAW): Whenever he quarrels, he behaves in a very imprudent, evil, insulting manner. Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves himself treacherous Chapter 5 FIQH (KNOWLEDGE IN ISLAM)

The Fiqh distinguishes two sorts of duties: Fardh 'Ain - it is an individual duty - an essential obligation to be performed by each individual. Fardh Kifayah - it is a collective duty - an obligation which, if performed by one person suffices for the rest; as it does not have to be performed essentially by all.
l

I.e. It is a duty which is imposed on the whole community of believers (ummah). The classic example for it is Janaza Prayer (Funeral): the individual is not required to perform it as long as a sufficient number of community members fulfil it.

Fardh 'Ain - The obligation of every Muslim.

l

Ilm Usul ud-Deen (Fundamentals of Deen): Knowledge in Tawheed (Oneness of God), Justice, Prophethood (Belief in the Prophets (PBUT) of Allaah), Imamat (Guidance), Qiyamah (Resurrection) - Belief in the Day of Judgement. Fiqh al-ahkam: This is also called Fiqh al-'Ibadat (understanding of acts of worship). This field covers all aspects of the Islamic acts of worship that are necessary for the correct practice of one's Salaat, Recitation of Qur'an, Zakat, Sawm (Fasting), and Hajj. It also covers all aspects of family issues, such as marriage, divorce, children's education, as well as rules
19

and regulations for one's business transactions such as, buying, selling, borrowing and lending, etc. A Muslim is obligated to learn from Fiqh al-ahkam only matters that are related to Ibadah (worship) he needs to perform; and rules of a particular transaction he wants to undertake. For example, if a Muslim has not reached the age for prayer or fasting, he does not have to learn about them though they may be encouraged to do so. Also, if one does not have the necessary means to perform Hajj, one does not need to learn its rituals until one becomes able to undertake the Hajj journey. Chapter 6 HIJAB Hijab for Men and Women It is important to first understand whether the hijab is a command from Allaah Subahanu Wa T'ala or not. We should also have an idea of what is meant by the hijab and whether it is only the women who are given this command or not. When one reads the Qur'an it is seen that the women and men both are instructed to practice the Hijab. Men are given their specific instructions and women are given theirs. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught his Ummah how to observe this Hijab. He told us what it includes and what it excludes. The order for hijab for the women is found in Surah An-Noor 24:31. Hijab for the Women "And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small
20

children who have no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O ye Believers! Turn ye all together towards Allaah, that ye may attain Bliss". - [Qur'an, An-Noor verse no: 31] 1) 2) 3) Clothing must cover the entire body, with the exception of the face and the hands. The attire should not be form fitting, sheer or so eye-catching as to attract undue attention or reveal the shape of the body. Feet should be covered and do not wear any ornaments that attracts any attention. Glorious Qur'an {24:31} says "And that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden Ornaments. It should be thick and not transparent or "see-thru". It should not be perfumed with bakhoor or fragrance. It should not resemble the clothing of men. It should not resemble the dress of disbelievers. It should not be a garment of fame and vanity.

4) 5) 6) 7) 8)

Hijab for Men In regards to hijab, men have a clothing requirement from hijab as well, only it differs in which parts of the body they have to cover. "O Children of Adam! We have bestowed clothing upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc.) and as an adornment, and the raiment of righteousness, that is better. Such are among the Ayt (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allaah, that they may remember (i.e. leave falsehood and follow truth)". Glorious Qur'an {7:26}. The parts of your body that are awra and have to cover with clothing are: from umbilicus (belly button) of one's abdomen to one's knees,
21

and it is better that both his shoulder should be covered, and no trace of the garment should trail on the ground. Also forbidden to wear is the wearing of gold, silk, or the colour red or purple (this is for men only). The wearing of the izar (loin-wrap), thawb (long cloth), `imama (turban), jubba (coat or mantle), sirwal (baggy pants), and not wearing the colour yellow etc were the Prophet Salla Allaahu Alaihi WaSallam's Sunnah of dressing. There is no such thing as an unimportant or unnecessary Sunnah. Also, to dress in other than the Sunnah is to dress in the way of the disbelievers. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) Keep your clothes clean, do not wear bright, flashy colours, and wear white for prayers, when able. Do not wear images of people, animals, or insects on your clothes. Guard your modesty and lower your gaze. Hem your pants short to the ankle level, so that they do not drag on the ground. Do not tuck your shirt in your pants, but instead have a thawb that covers the knees, or wear an izar, etc. Cover your hair for prayer when able. Do not shave off your beard, for it is a part of your required hijab. Do not wear gold or silk. Do not resemble to the disbeliever's attire.

Grow your Beards A beard is fardh for a man just as a woman's hijab is fardh for her. It is a grave sin to remove the beard. The Prophet Muhammed (SAW) said on the authority of Ibn `Umar (R A): "Whoso resembles a people in appearance, he is one of them." [Narrated by Abu Dawood] "Trim the moustache and save the beard". [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
22

The Prophet Muhammed (SAW) said, "Cut your moustaches and leave your beards alone! Be different from the people of the scripture." [Sahih Muslim] "Cut the moustaches and grow your beards. Be different from the Magians" (followers of a religion that dominated in Persia.)- [Sahih Muslim] Guard your modesty and lower your gaze Modesty is a virtue.Modesty is goodness. Narrated Abu Huraira (R A): The ProphetMuhammed (SAW) said, "Faith (Belief) consists of more than sixty branches (i.e. parts). And Haya (This term "Haya" covers a large number of concepts which are to be taken together; amongst them are self respect, modesty, bashfulness, and scruple, etc.) is a part of faith." [Al-Bukhari] Salim(R A) reported on the authority of his father that the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) heard a man instruction his brother about modesty. Upon this the Prophet (SAW) remarked: Modesty is an ingredient of Iman (faith). [Muslim] Narrated 'Abdullah (R A): We were with the ProphetMuhammed (SAW) while we were young and had no wealth whatever. So Allah's Apostle (SAW) said, "O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power." [Al- Bukhari] The Prophet (SAW) said: Modesty brings forth nothing but goodness. [Muslim]

23

Chapter 7 SALAAH (PRAYER)

l

As described in the Book ("The Abridgement of the Prophet's! Prayer Described."-by The Imaam and Muhaddith, Muhammed Naasarud Deen Al Albaanee) Facing the ka'bah (Istiqbaalul-Ka'bah) - face the direction of the Ka'bah, wherever you are, in obligatory Prayers and optional Prayers. This is one of the pillars of the Prayer, such that the Prayer is not valid without it. The ruling concerning praying towards a direction other than that of the ka'bah by mistake (1) If a person prays towards other than the Qiblah due to the sky being cloudy or for any reason other than that, after having tried to the best of his knowledge and ability to face the correct direction, then his Prayer will be correct and he will not have to repeat it. (2) However if a person whom he holds to be reliable comes to him whilst he is praying and informs him of the correct direction, then he must immediately turn to the correct direction, and his Prayer will be correct.

Salaah and its requirements 1)

2)

3)
l

Standing (Qiyaam) It is obligatory that the person prays standing. This is a pillar (rukn) except for: The one who is praying the Fear Prayer or during severe fighting. In these circumstances it is permissible for him to pray whilst riding. Also the one who is ill and the one who is unable to stand, he should pray sitting if he is able, or if not then whilst lying down. Also the person praying Optional (Nawafil) Prayer, he may pray whilst riding or whilst sitting if he wishes, and in this case he
24

should perform rukoo' (bowing) and sujood (prostration) by lowering his head and likewise the sick. He should lower his head further for the prostration than for the bowing. 4)
l

The obligation of praying towards a Sutrah (barrier) and of being close to it It is obligatory that he prays towards a barrier (Sutrah). It makes no difference whether he is praying in a mosque or elsewhere, nor whether the mosque is large or small. This is because of the all-embracing statement of the Prophet (SAW), "Do not pray except towards a sutrah, and do not let anyone walk in front of you. So if a person insists (on trying to pass) then stop him. The forbiddance of praying towards graves It is not allowed to pray towards graves whatever the case, whether it is the graves of Prophets or anyone else besides them. The forbiddance of passing in front of a person who is praying even in the sacred mosque in Makkah (Al-Masjidul-Haram) The obligation of preventing anyone trying to pass in front of you, even in the sacred mosque in Makkah It is not allowed for a person praying towards a Sutrah to allow anyone to pass in front of him, do not let anyone walk in front of him and repel him by pushing him on the chest. And it is allowed for him to take a step or more forwards in order to prevent an animal or a child from passing in front of him, so that they pass behind him.

5)
l

6) 7)

8)
l

The intention (An-Niyyah) The person who is going to pray must have in his heart the intention to pray that particular Prayer, be it the Obligatory Zuhr or 'Asr Prayer, or the sunnah Prayer's for them, for example. The expressing the Niyyah upon the tongue, is an innovation (bid'ah), on contrary to the Sunnah.

25

A person should offer prayers to carry out the orders of the Almighty Allaah only. So, if a person prays to show off to the people, his prayers arevoid (ineffectual). It will be void even if he couples the intention of showing off, with the performance for the pleasure of Allaah. The Takbeer (saying: Allaahu Akbar) It begins the Prayer by saying: Allaahu Akbar, Allaah is Greater. He should not raise his voice in saying the takbeer in any of the Prayers, unless he is an Imaam (leading others in prayer). The person following an Imaam in Prayer should not say the takbeer until the Imaam has finished saying it. He should raise his hands whilst saying the takbeer or before it, or after it. All of these are established in the Sunnah. He should raise his hands with the fingers extended. He should raise his palms up to the level of his shoulders, and sometimes he should raise them even further, up to the level of his car lobes. He should only place his hands upon his chest. This applies equally to men and women. It is not allowed to place the hands on the waist.

9)
l

10) Raising the hands and how it is to be done

l

l l

11) Where the hands are to be placed

l

12) Humility and attentiveness (Al-Khushoo') and looking at the place of prostration
l

He must have humility and attentiveness in his Prayer, and should avoid everything that may divert his attention, whether it is designs or decoration. Nor should he pray when food that he desires has been served, nor whilst he is having to withhold urine or faeces. "The khushoo" of true faith is when the heart feels aware and humble before the greatness and glory of Allaah, and is filled
26

with awe, fear and shyness, so that the heart is utterly humbled before Allaah and broken, as it were, with fear, shyness, love and the recognition of the blessings of Allaah. So no doubt the khushooof the heart is followed by the khushooof the body.
l

Whilst standing he should look towards the place of his prostration. He should not turn to the right or the left, since his turning aside will be something that Satan snatches away and steals from the person's Prayer. It is not allowed for him to raise his sight to the sky. Prayer demands whole attention. Then he should begin by reciting one of the supplications established from the Prophet!and they are many. The most wellknown is: Subhaanak-Allaahumma, Wa BiHamdika, Wa Tabaarakasmuka, Wa Ta'aalaaJadduka, Wa Laa Ilaaha Ghayruka I declare that you are free and far removed from all imperfections, O Allaah, and all praise is for you. Blessed is Your Name. Great and Exalted is Your Kingdom. None has the right to be worshipped besides You. A'oodhu billaahi min ash-Shaytaan-ir-Rajeem. Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem. He should say it quietlyor silently, in both loud and silent Prayers. Recite Surah Al Faatihah. It is obligatory that the one praying behind an imaam also recites it in quiet Prayers. He should also recite it in loud Prayers if he cannot hear an imaam reciting or if it happens that the imaam remains silent after his own recitation in order to enable the follower to recite it.
27

l l

13) The opening supplication (du'aa Al-Istiftaah)

l

14) The recitation (Al-Qiraa'ah)

l

However, it is our view that this period of silence is not established from the Sunnah. It is obligatory that he recites al-Faatihah in every rak'ah. Everyone should say Aameen after Faatihah. It is from the Sunnah that after reciting Al-Faatihah, he recites another Soorah - even in the Funeral Prayer, or that he recites some aayahs, in the first two rak'ahs. He may sometimes lengthen the recitation after itand shorten it at other times, due to the needs of travel, having a cough and cold, being ill or due to the crying of a child. The Sunnah is also to make the recitation in the first rak'ah longer than the recitation in the second rak'ah. Also that he makes the recitation in the last two rak'ahs shorter than that in the first two rak'ahs. He should recite aloud in the Dawn (Fajr) Prayer, the Jumu'ah Prayer, and the two 'Eid Prayers, the Prayer for seeking rain, the Eclipse Prayer and in the first two rak'ahs of the Maghrib and 'Ishaa Prayers. He should recite quietly in the Zuhr and 'Asr Prayers, in the third rak'ah of the Maghrib Prayer and the last two rak'ahs of the 'Ishaa Prayer. As for the Witr Prayer and the Prayer during the night (SalaatulLayl), then he should sometimes recite quietly in it, and recite loudly at other times. However, his voice should only be raised moderately. The Sunnah is that he recites the Qur'an slowly. He should not recite it quickly or hurriedly. Rather, his recitation should be clear and each letter distinguishable.

15) The recitation after Surah al-Faatihah

l l l

16) Loud and Quiet Recitation

l

17) Reciting the Qur'an slowly (and beautifully)

l

28

He should also beatify the Qur'an with his voice, and recite it in a beautiful and good manner, whilst abiding by the rulings that are well-known to scholars of recitation. He may not recite it in newly innovated tones, nor in the manner of singing. When he has finished reciting he remains silent for a moment, long enough to return his breathing to normal. Then he raises his hands, says the takbeer (i.e., Allaahu Akbar). Then he performs the rukoo' (i.e., bows) in such a manner that he should place his hands firmly upon his knees. He should spread his fingers, as if he were grasping his knees. He should stretch out his back and make it level, such that if water were to be poured upon it, then it would settle upon it. He should neither cause his head to droop lower than his back, nor should he raise it above it. Rather he should make it level with his back. He should say in his rukoo': Subhaana Rabbee al-'Azeem (I declare that, my Lord, the Supreme, is free and far removed from all imperfections). Saying it three times, or more.

18) The bowing (Rukoo')

l

l l

19) Straightening up from the Rukoo'

l

Then he must rise up and straighten his back from the rukoo' and he should raise his hands when he rises up. He must say, while raising his back: Sami' Allaahu Liman Hamidah (Allaah listens and responds to the one who praises Him).

He should say while standing: Rabbanaa WaLakal-hamd (our Lord! And all praise is for you).

29

20) The Sujood (Prostration)

l l

Then he says: Allaahu Akbar (Allaah is Greater). Then he prostrates, placing his hands upon the ground before his knees. He should rest upon his palms, and point them towards the Qiblah. He should place his palms level with his shoulders. And sometimes he places them level with his ears. He must lift his elbows away from the ground. He is not allowed to spread them on the ground in the manner of the dog. He must place his nose and his forehead firmly upon the ground, this is a pillar. He must also place his knees firmly on the ground and likewise his toes. His feet should be placed upright on the ground. The tips of his toes should be pointed towards the Qiblah (direction of Prayer). And his heels should be joined together. He should say in it:Subhaana Rabbee Al-A' laa I declare my Lord, the Most High, free and far removed from all imperfections.(Three times or more).

l l

It is recommended to supplicate to Allaah as much as possible while in prostration, since it is a time most suitable for the acceptance of supplications. It is not allowed to recite the Qur'an in prostration. He should make his prostration about as long as his bowing, as has proceeded. It is allowed to prostrate upon the earth, or upon something placed upon the ground such as a garment, a carpet, a mat and the like. Then he rises up his head, saying the takbeer (i.e., Allaahu Akbar).
30

l l

l l

He raises his hands at this point, sometimes. Then he sits with calmness, such that every bone settles in its place. Sit upon the left foot laid flat (Al-Iftiraash) and right foot raised in heels (Al-Iq'aa`) in between the two prostrations. He says in his sitting:Allaahumma-ghfirlee, Warhamnee, Wajburnee, Warfa'nee, Wa'aafinee,Warzuqnee Allaah forgive me, and have mercy upon me, and suffice me, and raise my rank, and grant me safety and well-being, and grant me provision.

And if he wishes, then he may (instead) say: Rabbi-ghfirlee, Rabbi-ghfirlee My Lord, forgive me! O my Lord, forgive me! Then he says: Allaahu Akbar, Allaah is Greater. He does in the second prostration that which he did in the first. Then he gets up, supporting himself upon the ground with his fists clenched, like one who clenches his fists when kneading dough. So he stands up for the second rak'ah. He does in the second rak'ah the same as he did in the first. He should make the second rak'ah shorter than the first rak'ah. So when he finishes the second rak'ah he sits to perform the tashahhud. And he sits upon the left foot laid flat, as preceded with regard to the sitting between the two prostrations. He should point his right forefinger towards the Qiblah (Direction of Prayer). He should fix his gaze upon his forefinger.
31

21) The second prostration

l l

22) The second unit of prayer (rak'ah)

l

l l

23) Tashahhud
l

And he should agitate it, making supplication with it, from the start to the end of the tashahhud. At-Tahiyyaatu Lillaahi, Was-Salwaatu, Wat-Tayyibaatu. AsSalaamu 'Alan-Nabee', Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuh. As-Salaamu 'Alaynaa Wa 'Alaa 'Ibaad-Illaah-Is-Saaliheen. Ashhadu An Laa Ilaaha Illallaah, Wa Ashhadu Anna Muhammadan ' Abduhu Wa Rasooluhu Words of Praise and glorification are for Allaah alone, and Prayers and acts of worship, and pure words and attributes. May Allaah send peace and security upon the Prophet, and may Allaah's Mercy and Blessings be upon him. May Allaah send peace and security upon us, and upon all of Allaah's righteous servants. Then he should supplicate for blessings upon the Prophet(SAW): Allaahumma Salli 'Alaa Muhammad, Wa 'Alaa Aali Muhammad, Kamaa Sallayta 'Alaa Ibraaheem, Wa 'Alaa Aali Ibraaheem, Innaka Hameedun Majeed. Allaahumma Baarik 'Alaa Muhammad, Wa 'Alaa Aali Muhammad, Kamaa Baarakta 'Alaa Ibraaheem, Wa 'Alaa Aali Ibraaheem, Innaka Hameedun Majeed. Allaah! Extol and honour Muhammad and the true followers of Muhammad, just as You extolled and honored Ibraaheem and the righteous offspring of Ibraaheem. Indeed, You are deserving of all praise, Perfect in Glory and Honour. 0 Allaah! Send continual blessings upon Muhammad and upon the true followers of Muhammad, just as You sent blessings upon Ibraaheem and upon the righteous offspring of Ibraaheem. Indeed, You are deserving of all praise, Perfect in Glory and Honour.

24) The third and fourth rak'ahs

l l l

Then he says: Allaahu Akbar, Allaah is Greater. He raises his hands, sometimes. He does the same as first and second rak'ah.
32

In each of the third and fourth rak'ahs he recites Soorah alFaatihah. He may also recite an aayah or more in addition to it. He should do in it what he did in the first tashahhud. It is obligatory that he supplicates for blessings upon the Prophet (SAW) in this tashahhud. He must seek Allaah's refuge from four things, saying: Allaahumma Innee A'oodhu Bika Min ' Adhaabi Jahannam, Wa Min 'Adhaabil-Qabr, Wa Min Fitnatil-Mahyaa WalMamaat, Wa Min Sharri Fitnatil-Maseehid-Dajjaal. Allaah! I seek refuge with You from the punishment of HellFire, and from the Punishment of the Grave, and from the Trials of Living and Dying, and from the Evil Trials of the False Messiah (Dajjaal). Then he may supplicate for himself with whatever supplication he wishes from the supplications established in the Book and the Sunnah. There are very many, so if he has not memorised anything from them, then he may supplicate with whatever du'aa is easy for him, from that which will benefit him in his Religion or his worldly life. Then he should give salutations to his right side, turning his face such that the whiteness of his right cheek can be seen. He then gives salutations to his left side, turning his face such that the whiteness of his left cheek can be seen, even if it is the Funeral Prayer.

25) The final Tashahhud.

l l

l l

26) Supplicating (du'aa) before the Salutation (Salaam)

l

27) The Salutation (At-Tasleem)

l

33

Tasleem: As-Salaamu 'Alaykum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuhu May Allaah grant you peace and security, and may His Mercy and Blessings be upon you.

So if you perform the Prayer in the above described manner, is like the Prayer of the Prophet Muhammed (SAW)!Then I hope that Allaah, the Most High, will accept it from you, because inthat case you will be putting into practice the saying of the Prophet (SAW), "Pray as you have seen me praying." Then along with this it is upon you that you do not forget the importance to be given to praying with an attentive heart, and to praying with humility and submissiveness (khushoo'), since this isthe major goal of the servant's standing before Allaah, the Most High, in Prayer. SUNNAT MU'AKKADAH & OTHER NAWAFIL PRAYERS Al-Sunan al-Rawatib (Sunnah Mu'akkadah) Every Muslim, whether be male or female, is recommended to pray 12 Rak'ah of supererogatory prayers every day: four of these Rak'ah (units of prayers) are before Zuhr (noon) prayer, two after it, two after Maghrib prayer, two after Ishaa (night) prayer and two before the morning prayer These supererogatory prayers are called (Rawatib) which means: "Certain supererogatory exercises of optional prayers."[Al-Bukhari] It is also advisable to the Muslim to pray four optional Rak'ah before Asr prayer (afternoon prayer), two before Maghrib prayer (evening prayer), and two before Ishaa prayer (night prayer), because this manner was reported to be one of the traditions of the Prophet (SAW). Allaah, the Almighty says: "You have indeed in the Messenger of Allaah an excellent exemplar" (33:21).

34

Tahiyyatul Masjid (Prayer of Greeting the Masjid) Some of the etiquettes of visiting the Masjids, is the offering of two rak'ah' glorifying Allaah; inside upon arrival. These two rakah's, show honor and respect for the places of worship. These two rak'ah are known as "Tahiyyatul Masjid", and display salutation for the masjid. The person entering the masjid performs them greeting the masjid; similar to the way a person greets somebody. [Al-Bukhari] Duha (Forenoon) &Ishrak Prayers Theahadith holds that Duha prayer consists of eight Rak`ahs and the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alayhi WaSallam) performed these Rak`ahs in four couplets. The one performed in the early hours is called Ishrak prayer, while the one performed in the late hours is called Duha prayer. Some people say that the two Rak`ah performed at the time when the sun is at a height of a lance in the sky is Ishrak, and the one, comprising four Rak`ah couplets, performed when the sun covers one fourth of the sky is Duha. [Al-Bukhari] Istikhaarah -The Prayer for Guidance "Istikhaarah" is a word which means invoking Allaah for help, to make a choice, or meaning choosing the best of two things where one needs to choose one of them. Concerning the phrase 'The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) used to teach us to make Istikhaarah in all things'. The issue of Istikhaarah is confined to matters that are mubaah (allowed), or in mustahabb (desirable) matters when there is a decision to be made as to which one should be given priority. Eclipse prayer (Salaat al-Kusuf) Salaat-ul-Kusuf (Prayer on a solar eclipse) and Salaat-ul-Kusuf (Prayer on a lunar eclipse) are each comprised of two Rak'ahs (units of Prayer). Recitations in both Salaahs (Prayers) are performed out loud.

35

Funeral (Janaza) Prayer If anyone attends the funeral prayer of a Muslim, out of faith and seeking reward from Allaah, and stays till the prayer is offered and the burial is complete, he will return with a reward of two Qiraat, each Qiraat being similar to the Mountain of Uhud. [Al-Bukhari] Taraweeh Prayer Abu Hurairah (R A) reported: The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said, "He who observes optional prayer (Taraweeh prayers) throughout the Ramadan, out of sincerity of Faith and in the hope of earning rewards, will have his past sins pardoned''[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Taraweeh are in fact Tahajjud prayers. For the sake of convenience and benefit of the maximum number of people, it is performed soon after `Ishaa' prayer during the month of Ramadan, along with the latter, which is the early time for Tahajjud prayers. Tahajjud Prayer "And in some parts of the night (also) perform the Salaat (prayer) with it (i.e., recite the Qur'an in the prayer) as an additional prayer (Tahajjud optional prayer - Nawafil) for you (O Muhammad (SAW)). It may be that your Rubb will raise you to Maqam Mahmud (a station of praise and glory, i.e., the honour of intercession on the Day of Resurrection).'' (17:79) The above verse clearly says the virtues and rewards of the Tahajjud prayer. Narrated by 'Aaisha (RA): The Prophet (SAW) used to offer thirteen Rakat of the night prayer and that included the Witr and two Rakat (Sunnah) of the Fajr prayer.[Al-Bukhari]. This says, eleven rakat of Tahajjud including Witr. In praising those who perform the late night prayers, Allaah says: "The slaves of the Beneficent are they who walk upon the earth in humbleness, and when the ignorant address them, they say: 'Peace' and they who spend the night prostrating before their Lord and standing." (Al-Furqan: 63-64)
36

Next to these Qur'anic verses, there also exist a number of hadiths that reinforce the importance of Tahajjud: `Abdullah ibn as-Salam (R A) reported: "When the Prophet (SAW) came to Medinah, the people gathered around him and I was one of them. I looked at his face and understood that it was not the face of a liar. The first words I heard him say were: 'O people, spread the salutations, feed the people, keep the ties of kinship, and pray during the night while the others sleep and you will enter Paradise in peace."' This is related by al-Hakim, Ibn Majah, and At-Tirmidhi who consider it authentic and sound hadith. Best time for Tahajjud It is best to delay this prayer to the last third portion of the night. Abu Hurairah quoted that the Messenger of Allah, as saying: "Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night, inquiring: 'Who will call on Me so that I may respond to him? Who is asking something of Me so I may give it to him? Who is asking for My forgiveness so I may forgive him?" [Bukhari (also by Muslim, Malik, at-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud) In a version by Muslim the Hadith ends with the words: "And thus He continues till [the light of] dawn shines."] Salaat-ul-Taw'bah Taw'bah wipes out all past sins. Therefore, you should give up your doubts that Allaah has turned your Taw'bah away. Rather, you have to expect good from your Lord and have firm belief that He has accepted your heartfelt Taw'bah. This is based on the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) in which Allaah says: Surah An-Noor (24: 31) "And all of you beg Allh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful". Eid Prayer The Eid prayer is one where the imam attends and leads the people in praying two rak'ahs.

37

Chapter 8 QUR'AN RECITATIONS The importance of reciting, studying and contemplating on the verses of the Glorious Qur'an cannot be stressed enough. Indeed this great revelation has many depths and mysteries that have yet to be discovered. Those who frequently read the GloriousQur'an can attest to the fact that it is an unending source of information and a bottomless well of fresh knowledge and guidance. Reading it repeatedly does not lead to boredom, but rather causes one to open many more avenues of thought. How unfortunate is the person who forsakes the words of his Creator? And what excuse would be acceptable for doing so? If the true value of the Glorious Qur'an was understood, the Muslims of the world would not be where they are today. Lifetimes can be spent in research about the meanings of what is contained in this divine book and yet nothing would be exhausted from it. Reading and Reflecting Over the Qur'an Fulfils an Islamic Duty The Prophet (SAW) summarised this religion with his statement: "The religion (of Islam) is a naseehah (offering sincere advice)!" Tameem bin Aws (RA) said: "We asked, 'To whom?'" He (SAW) replied: "To Allaah, His Book, His Messenger, the leaders of the people, and to their subjects." [Muslim].The sincerity that is due, to the Book of Allaah includes its regular recitation, learning the rules of Tajweed (the recitation of the Qur'an, according to specified rules) and reciting it beautifully, learning about its Tafseer and the reasons for its revelation, affirming that it is the truth, the perfect Speech of Allaah and not part of the creation, honouring it and defending it, abiding by the orders and prohibitions found in it, and teaching it and calling to it. The Qur'an will be a Proof for us or against Us on the Day of Judgement This is due to the statement of the Messenger (SAW): "And the Qur'an is a proof for you or against you." [Muslim]
38

So, one of two things will occur with this proof, the Book of Allaah. It will either be in one's favour, a proof for us on the Day when we will desperately need every single good deed, or it will be something standing against us. The very Speech of our Creator as a proof against us! Who could be saved from the terrors of that Day if Allaah's own Speech is against Him? Think carefully, dear Muslim brothers and sisters, about your position with the Qur'an. Are you neglecting it, contradicting it, and being heedless of its orders and prohibitions? Are you thinking deeply over it? Will it be on your side on the Day of Judgement? The Qur'an will intercede for us on the Day of Judgement. Abu Umaamah(R A) related that the Prophet (SAW) said: "Read the Qur'an, for indeed it will come on the Day of Standing (Judgement) as an intercessor for its companions." [Muslim] The Qur'an Raises One's Status in this Life. The People of the Qur'anare from Best of People 'Uthmaan(R A) said that the Prophet (SAW) said: "The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it to others." [Al-Bukhari] There are Ten Rewards for Every Letter Recited from the Qur'an "Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allaah, he will have a reward, and this reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that 'Alif, Laam, Meem' (a combination of letters frequently mentioned in the Glorious Qur'an) is a letter, rather I am saying that 'Alif' is a letter, 'Laam' is a letter and 'Meem' is a letter." [At-Tirmidhi] So increase your recitation of the Qur'an to gain these merits, as well as the following ones. The Reciters of the Qur'an Will Be in the Company of the Noble and Obedient Angels 'Aa'ishah(R A) related that the Prophet (SAW) said: "Indeed the one who recites the Qur'an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. As for the one who
39

recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have twice that reward." [Al-Bukhari & Muslim] So dear brother or Sister, do not let the Shaytaan (Satan) give you false excuses, such as 'I am not an Arab.' or 'It is not in my language.' This Hadith is a firm proof against these whisperings. Dedicate yourself to the Book of Allaah, whether you are an Arab or not! The excuses have been eliminated and the pathway has been cleared for you to embrace the Book of Allaah without holding back or offering excuses! Surely you will not hesitate to seek a teacher or a study circle for the Qur'an once you hear the last and perhaps greatest benefits of reading and contemplating over the Qur'an. One's Position and Rank in Paradise is Determined by the Amount of Qur'an He Memorised in this Life. 'Abdullaah bin 'Amr bin Al-'Aas(R A) heard the Prophet (SAW) saying: "It will be said to the companion of the Qur'an: 'Read and elevate (through the levels of Paradise) and beautify your voice as you did when you were in the worldly life! For verily, your position in Paradise will be at the last verse you recite!'" [Abu Dawood& AtTirmidhi] The Qur'an Leads to Paradise The Qur'an states (what means): "Indeed the Qur'an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward." [Qur'an: 17:9] The Prophet (SAW) said: "The Qur'an is an intercessor - something given permission to intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise; whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire." [At-Tabaraani] These are few of the benefits from the numerous benefits available, which can be attained only by sincere commitment to the Book of Allaah, and not simply by an empty claim of love for it. Rather, the heart must be sincerely attached to the Book of Allaah and the limbs and tongue will follow suit in this attachment. One must know that we only mentioned a few of the numerous benefits of reading and
40

reflecting over the Qur'an. There are many other benefits that await your reading of the Qur'an and books of Hadith, such as the chapter of the Qur'an that will plead on your behalf in the grave, and that it is a physical healing, a source of rest and relaxation for your heart, among many other things. We pray to Allaah to enlist us from those who always recite the Glorious Qur'an when He raises us on the Day of Judgement Aameen. Chapter 9 SUNAN If you follow Sunnah, then you will be showered with rewards. InshaAllaah. I)
l

SUNAN ON WAKING UP Wipe the effects of sleep from the face with your hands [AlBukhari] Supplication for waking up from sleep:

AlhamdulillahAllathee Ahyaanaa Ba'da Maa Amatana, Wa IlayhinNushoor (Praise Be To Allaah Who Granted Us Life after death, and to him we will be resurrected) [Al-Bukhari] Laa Ilaha Illa Allaah, Wahdatu Laa Shareeka Lahu, Lahul-Mulku Walahul Hamdu, Wa Huwa 'Ala Kulli Shay`In Qadeer, Alhamdulillah Was-Subhaana Allaah, Wallaahu Akbar, Wa Laa Hawla Wa Laa Quwata Illa Billah, Then Said, Allaahumma Ghfirlee
l l

Use a Siwak [Al-Bukhari] Snuff water: When one of you wakes up from sleep, then snuff water three times. For indeed, Shaytaan spends the night in the upper part of the nose. [Al-Bukhari, Muslim] Wash both the hands three times [Al-Bukhari]

41

II) SUNAN OF SLEEPING (Sunan an-Nawm)

l l l

Sleeping on wudu'. [Al-Bukhari] Dust the bed with a cloth before sleeping. [Al-Bukhari] Reading Soorat al-Ikhlaas, al-Falaq and an-Naas before sleeping. [Al-Bukhari] Doing takbeer and tasbeeh when going to sleep: Allaahu Akbar thirty-four times, andSubhaanAllaah thirty-three times, and say Alhamdulillah thirty-three times. [Al-Bukhari] Recite Surah Ikhlaas (QulhuwAllaahu Ahad) three times, Surah Falaq (Qul A'oodhubi Rabbil Falaq) once and Surah Naas (Qul A'oodhubi Rabbinnaas) once and blow on his palms and wiping his hands over his blessed body where they could reach, this was done thrice.' [Al-Bukhari] 'Allaahumma Bismika Amu-tu Wa-Ahya' 'O Allaah (The Exalted) with Your name I die and I live' [AlBukhari]

Supplication before sleeping

To recite last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah (2: 285,286) [AlBukhari]. To recite Aayah Al-Kursee- Al-Baqarah (2: 225), [Al-Bukhari]. Lie down on your right side, placing your right hand under your right cheek. [Al-Bukhari]. The Messenger (SAW) disliked lying on the stomach.[AlBukhari] Recite Surah Al-Kaafiroon (109:1-6). [Dawood, At-Tirmidhi] One should recite 'Bismillaah' whilst closing the doors and latching the lock. Containers with foodstuff including water should be covered with the recitation of 'Bismillaah'.
42

l l

ETIQUETTES BEFORE SLEEPING

l

l l l

To put out any burning fire i.e. candles, fireplace etc... To switch off or put out anything that may catch alight if left on. To discuss, with members of the household, matters relating to Islam. For example, by telling stories (of Sahabas, etc.) or simply talking about matters that pleases the family but within the confines of Shariah. To have available Surma and apply three times in the right and left eye. To lay or spread the bed yourself. When a child reaches the age of ten, he must not sleep in the same room as his sister, mother or another woman except his wife. For two men to sleep on one bed or in one blanket is not permissible, it has been prohibited in the hadith. The feet should not be facing towards Makkah or Madinah. Do not have your feet facing the Qur'an or other religious books and if the books are higher than the feet there is no problem. To keep a prayer mat for the Tahajjud prayer besides the bed. When going to sleep, remember your grave as you will be sleeping on your own with your deeds and no one will be there with you. Remember Allaah (The Exalted) because the state a person sleeps in is the state in which one will wake up.

l l

l l

l l

III) SUNAN FOR GHUSL (BATHING) Allaah Almighty says: "If you are in a state of major impurity, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey, or have come from the lavatory, or have touched women, and cannot find any water, then do Tayammum with pure earth, and wipe your faces and your hands. Allaah does not want to make things difficult for you, but He does want to purify you and to perfect His blessing upon you so that perhaps you may show thanks." (5:6)
43

And Allaah, may His mention be exalted! Says, "O you who believe! Do not approach the prayer when you are drunk so that you know what you are saying, nor in a state of major impurity - unless you are travelling - until you have washed yourselves completely. If you are ill or on a journey, or any of you have come from the lavatory or touched women, and you cannot find any water, then do tayammum with pure earth, wiping your faces and your hands. Allaah is EverPardoning, Ever-Forgiving." (4:42) There are five aspects that make it obligatory for a person to have a bath, and they are as follows: 1. 2. 3. The ejaculation of sperm from its place with lust. To have a wet dream. Meaning, nocturnal emission,i.e. the releasing of sperm whilst sleeping. The head of the penis to enter the vagina, whether it is with or without lust, with or without orgasm, the bathing would be obligatory on both. To become clean from menstrual pause (period). To become clean from blood after child birth.

4. 5.

If sperm was ejaculated from its place but not due to lust, i.e. it was done by lifting a heavy load or falling from a height, then to bathe is not obligatory, however, the ablution is broken. If semen dropped but was very thin and it came out whilst urinating or on its own accord without lust then the bath does not become necessary but the ablution will break. Fardh (Compulsory) aspects in Ghusl 1. To wash the mouth thoroughly making sure water reaches the throat and between the teeth, gums under the tongue etc. [AlBukhari] Snuffing up: To rinse the nostril up to the soft bone making sure every hair is wet. [Al-Bukhari]

2.

44

3.

To wash all the body making sure no hair is left dry including the hair of the head. [Al-Bukhari] Supplication before ghusl Nawaytu An Agh Tasila Liraf 'il Hadath I bath for purification Supplication after ghusl 'Ash-Hadu 'An Laa 'Ilaaha 'Illallaahu Wahdahu Laa Shareeka Lahu Wa 'Ash-Hadu 'Anna Muhammadan 'Abduhu Wa Rasooluhu. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah alone, Who has no partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger. [Muslim] Allaahummaj'alnee Minat-Tawwaabeena Waj'alnee MinalMutatahhireen. O Allaah, make me among those who turn to You in repentance, and make me among those who are purified. [At-Tirmidhi] Subhaanaka Allaahumma Wa Bihamdika, 'Ash-Hadu 'An Laa 'Ilaaha 'Illa'Anta, 'Astaghfiruka Wa 'Atoobu 'Ilayk. Glory is to You, O Allaah, and praise; I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance. [An-Nasa'I, 'Amalul-Yawm walLaylah, p. 173. See also Al-Albani, 'Irwa'ul-Ghalil 1/135 and 2/ 94]

ETIQUETTES FOR BATH

l

One should hasten in the making of Janaba ghusl if one awakens after early dawn. [At- Tirmidhi], so that Fajr Salaah is offered with jamaat. It is major wrong to delay a compulsory bath until after sunrise as the angel of mercy do not enter homes where a person delays his Fardh ghusl. [ Mishkaat] To Perform Wudu' before bath: The Prophet Muhammed (SAW) performed ghusl for janaba, he would began by washing his hands and then perform wudu' like he did wudu' for the prayer. Then he put his fingers in the water, [then he would take water]
45

and massage the roots of his hair with them. Then he poured three handfuls on his head and then poured water over the entire surface of his skin. [Al-Bukhari]
l l l

Pouring water on the head three times. [Al-Bukhari] Beginning with the right side of the head in ghusl. [Al-Bukhari] Any najasat (filth) found on any part of the body should be washed off (even when one is not in the state of janabat- i.e. in need of Fardh Bath). [Al-Bukhari] Both the private parts should then be washed even if one had not relieved himself. [Al-Bukhari] Wudu' should then be made in accordance to the Sunnat method. However, the feet could be washed at the end of ghusl if used water does not flow off. [Al-Bukhari] Water should then be poured over the head first, then the right and left shoulders, three times each. One should ensure that water reaches every part of the body not forgetting the mouth and nostrils. [At- Tirmidhi] It is mustahabb (preferable) to clean the body by rubbing it. All parts of the body should be rubbed with the hands to ensure that water reaches every part of the body. [Al-Bukhari] Both to wipe the body dry or not to, are Sunnat. On completion one should confine oneself to a clean place and wash his feet if they had not been washed whilst making wudu' and thereafter dress hastily as possible. [Al-Bukhari] If a single hair, or its equivalent area, is left dry ghusl will not be valid. It is not necessary to repeat the entire ghusl if, after ghusl, one notices or recalls that a certain part of the body is left dry. Merely washing the dry portion shall suffice. Passing of the wet hand is not sufficient as it must be washed.
46

l l

*NOTE: 1) 2)

2)

If the hair of a woman is plaited, she is excused from loosening her plaited hair but it is compulsory for her to wet the root of each and every hair. If she fails to do this then the ghusl will not be valid. If a woman is unable to wet the very bottom of her plaited hair, then it is necessary for her to unplait and wash her entire hair. Men who grow their hair long are not excused from leaving their plaits dry. Rings, earrings, etc. should be rotated or preferably removed to ensure that no portion covered by them is left dry. The navel and ears should also be washed. It is not necessary to make fresh wudu' to read Salaat. The bath will suffice as the essentials of wudu' are covered in ghusl.

3) 4)

5)

IV) SUNAN OF MISWAK The Miswak is a means of purifying the mouth and is pleasing to Allaah (The Exalted). The Siwak (sewak) is a teeth cleaning twig made from a twig of the Salvadora persica tree (known as arak in Arabic). This is a great Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (SAW). It is also a Sunnah of all the Messengers of Allaah (upon them all be peace). Narrated Abu Hurairah (R A): Allaah's Apostle (SAW) said, "Were I not afraid that it would be hard on my followers, I would have order them to use the siwak (as obligatory, for cleaning the teeth) [AlBukhari] Abu Ayyub Ansari (R A) narrates that four things are the Sunnahs of all the prophets (upon them all be peace) 1) Circumcision, 2) To apply fragrance (Itr), 3) To use Siwak, 4) Marriage. To perform Miswak in wudu' is an emphasized Sunnah (Sunnat-eMu'akkadah). Other times when the usage of Miswak is Sunnah 1. For the recitation of the Glorious Qur'an/ Hadith. 2. Before going to Jumu'ah. 3. When the mouth emits bad odour.
47

V)

SUNAN FOR CLOTHING

Allaah (The Exalted) has given us clothing to cover ourselves and to look good. Clothing saves us from cold weather and protects us from the heat too. The true Muslim takes good care of his clothes, so you will see him presenting a pleasant appearance, without being extravagant. He is pleasant to look at and to meet, and does not annoy people with his careless, dishevelled appearance. He always checks himself before he goes out to meet people, and he makes himself look good in front of his Companions, as well as in front of his family. Dress neatly, even with friends and relatives. Dress properly when visiting your parents, a pious person, an elder, a relative or a friend. Your attire should be clean and elegant, not ugly or unsightly. We are attracted or repulsed by what we see, and if you look good in clean clothes, smelling nice, you will be pleasant to look at and people will be attracted to you and enjoy your presence. If you were the opposite, people will look down on you even if you were a relative or friend. To look neat while visiting or being visited is an instinctive trait in addition to being an Islamic manner. Supplication for clothing Imaam Nawawee (Rahmathullahi alaihi) said: To Say the Tasmiyah (Bismillaah) is preferred in all actions. (This is his opinion). Alhamdulillaahillathee Kasanee Hadha Warazakhani Min Ghairi Howllin Minnee Wala Quwata. "All praise is for Allaah! Who has clothed me with this garment and provided it for me, with no power or might from, myself [Abu Dawood] Manners of Clothing l To wear your new clothes on Friday, as it is Sunnah. l Silk is forbidden to men.[Al-Bukhari] l Do not wear clothing that has pictures or dress children in them either, those who do so will be sinful.
48

To wear short sleeves is against the Sunnah. l First wear the upper garment and then the lower. l Do not dress boys in the clothing of girls and do not dress girls in clothing of the boys.[Al-Bukhari] l Men should keep their lower garments above their ankles and women below their ankles.[Al-Bukhari] l Do not drag the cloths in ground while walking.[Al-Bukhari] l It is not allowed for men to wear cloths dyed with saffron. [AlBukhari] l Do not Imitate the dress code of non-believers.[Al-Bukhari] l Do not practise tattooing and do not get yourselves tattooed. [Al-Bukhari] l Do not use artificial hair (wig), and do not get the hair lengthened artificially. [Al-Bukhari]. l The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) would not throwaway clothing until worn patched. l The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) loved white clothes. For Women: l Clothing must cover the entire body, with the exception of the face and the hands. l The attire should not be form fitting, sheer or so eye-catching as to attract undue attention or reveal the shape of the body. l Feet should be covered and do not wear any ornaments that attracts any attention. l It should be thick and not transparent or "see-thru". l It should not be perfumed with bakhoor or fragrance. l It should not resemble the clothing of men. l It should not resemble the dress of disbelievers.
l l

It should not be a garment of fame and vanity.

49

VI) CLEANLINESS IS HALF OF EEMAAN The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said that, 'Purification is half of faith.' [Muslim] 'Aaisha (R A) narrates that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) saying that, 'The religion is based on cleanliness'. Allaah Subahanu WaTa'ala says: 'Indeed, Allaah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves'. (2:222) Purity is a condition for the Prayer to be regarded valid, and the Prayer is an act of worship which a Muslim performs at least five times throughout his daily routine. Islam also requires that one bathe after ejaculation or sexual intercourse, and highly encourages taking a bath before performing those types of worship which are manifest symbols of Islam, such as the Friday Prayer and the Greater and Lesser Pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj and Umra'). Allaah says in the Glorious Qur'an: 'O you who believe! When you rise up for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe your heads (with wet hands), and (wash) your feet up to the ankles. And if you are in a state of major ritual impurity (janaba), purify yourselves (by taking a bath). And if you are sick or on a journey, or one of you comes from the answering of call of nature, or you have had contact with women, and you find no water, then go to clean earth and wipe your faces and hands with some of it. Allaah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you and to perfect His grace upon you that you may give thanks.' (Al-Maidah: Verse 6) Cleanliness keeps your mind clear and your life organized. If your house is a total disaster, your thinking is going to feel similarly disorganized. There is a natural connection between the order of your environment and the state of your mind. Clutter will weigh you down and stress you out. A clean, well-organized environment will lift your spirits.
50

Cleanliness gives you a good image: How you present yourself in life is paramount. If you, your clothes, or your house looks like a disheveledmess, people are inevitably going to judge part of your character and personality on such evidence. Perhaps that is unfair, but it is how the world works. When you present a neat and clean appearance to others, they will respect and think highly of you. Cleanliness leads to beauty: That which is neat, well-proportioned, and symmetrical creates beauty and appeals to the eye. As we transform our lives to be orderly and clean, we increase the amount of beauty in our lives.The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said: "Allaah, Most High, is beautiful and likes beauty." Cleanliness leads you closer to Allaah: Ablution is a pre-requisite for salaah[prayer]. When a person stands in salaah[prayer] all the veils between him and Allaah are lifted and the person then communicates directly with Allaah. Without being clean [making wudhu(ablution)] the person cannot stand in Salaah Keeping the House Clean The Prophet Muhammed (SAW) is reported to have exhorted the Muslims to keep the courtyards of their houses clean, for those who ordinarily keep the courtyard of their houses unclean resemble the Jews. [Al-Bukhari] We should always make sure that we make our beds, put clothing away and not leave them lying around. Also make sure that your house or your work area always neat and clean. We should be the ambassadors of Islam at all times. VII) SUNAN FOR CUTTING NAILS AND HAIR Natural things: Abu Hurairah (R A) reported that, 'Five are the acts of fitra (natural inclination): 1) circumcision, 2) removing the hair below the navel, 3) trimming the moustache, 4) cutting the nails, and 5) plucking the hair under the arms'. [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

51

Before Jumu'ah Salaah Abu Hurairah (R A) has related that, 'The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) before going to Friday prayer, would clip his nails and moustache.' [Al-Bukhari] Every fifteenth day The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) would get his nails pared every fifteen days. Do not exceed forty days Anas (R A) relates that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said that, 'Do not let forty days elapse without trimming the moustache and paring the nails.' [Muslim] Manners of cutting the fingernails & hair 1. To remove the hair directly below the navel, under the arms and to trim the nails once a week is Mustahabb (preferable), it is permissible after fifteen days and to leave it for after forty days is disliked (Makrooh). It is preferable on Thursday or Friday as it is stated that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) would do this before Jumu'ah Salaah. To wash the fingers after trimming the nails is desirable. Do not bite your nails as it is disliked and a predisposition to infectious diseases. To get rid of the hair under the navel is Sunnah and the best day is Friday. It is permissible to use hair removal cream. Do not remove the hair from inside the nose as it could affect an illness of sense Do not pluck your eyebrows. If the eyebrows become long, then to trim them is permissible.
52

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

9.

To take of hair in any part of the body when in the state of impurity (when bathing is obligatory) is disliked (Makrooh).

10. The hair and nails should be buried and to flush them in any water bodies are disliked (Makrooh) as there is a chance of spreading illness. 11. Women should put the hair that has been removed from the head, naval and under the arm in a place that no non-permissible man can see (Ghair Mehram). As this is part of the Awra and should be covered even after removing from the body. 12. Four things should be buried, blood, hair, nails and the cloth that has been used for the menstrual period. VIII) SUNAN OF EATING Food is a great gift from Allaah (The Exalted). Within, it has many different tastes and nourishments to fulfil our need. By eating according to the Sunnah there will be many blessings. The manners of eating are very important to learn and perfect because it is repeated many times a day. One must learn how to eat properly whether eating alone, with family or with friends. To avoid pretences, you with your family should practice proper eating manners until it becomes a natural part of your behaviour. Supplication before eating Bismillaah.(In the Name of Allaah) And if you forgot and, when you remember, say: Bismillaahi Fee 'Awwalihi Wa'Aakhirihi. With the Name of Allaah, in the beginning and in the end. [Reference: Abu Dawood 3/347, At-Tirmidhi 4/288. See Al- Albani's Sahih At-Tirmidhi 2/167]

53

MANNERS OF EATING 1. 2. Wash both hands up to the wrists before and after eating. Eating with three fingers: It is narrated on the authority of Ka'b bin Maal (R A) that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) used to eat with three fingers and lick his hand before wiping it. [Muslim]. Place food on a Sufra (a ground cover). Do not just wash the fingers, as this is not the Sunnah. After completing the meal wash your hands so that no smell remaining. Say 'Bismillaah' loudly so that those who have forgotten are reminded. It is an emphasized Sunnah (Sunnat-e-Mu'akkadah) to recite the praise of Allaah (The Exalted) before and after meals. To eat together and not individually, as this will bring more blessing. To lean on something or to leave your head uncovered is disrespectful. To lean on the left-hand side is Makrooh (disliked).

3. 4. 5 6. 7. 8. 9.

10. Do not find fault in anything you eat. If you like it eat it otherwise do not pass any comment. Narrated Abu Hurairah (R A): The Prophet Muhammed (SAW) never criticized any food (he was invited to) but he used to eat, if he liked the food, and leave it if he disliked [Al-Bukhari] 11. Eat with your right hand, similarly when taking food from a bowl and when giving to someone the right hand should be used. 12. If some food has been dropped then pick it up, clean it and pray 'Bismillaah', eat it, and do not leave it for the devil. 13. If a visitor comes, he should also be urged to join you. 14. When taking the food out, take it out from the side and not the middle. Eat from the food, which is closest to you.
54

15. Sit the Sunnah way i.e. 'Squat with the buttocks away from the ground. (Both knees touching the stomach and the souls of feet on the floor) ' Sit on the left leg having the right knee raised touching the stomach. ' Sit on both the legs as in the Tashahhud posture (shins touching the ground). 16. Do not smell the food. 17. To have vinegar and honey in the house is Sunnah. [Al-Bukhari] 18. Do not eat hot food or hot drink, as there is no blessing in excessively hot food, let it cool down. 19. Do not blow on the food to cool it. 20. When eating together, the most pious or eldest should be asked to begin. 21. Clean your plate after eating. 22. To eat from a plate / bowl made from clay / earth is a Sunnah. 23. It is Sunnah to Miswak after eating. 24. Do not eat to the fill of your stomach, as you will feel lazy. [AlBukhari] 25. Do not eat standing or walking, as it is Makrooh. 26. Rinsing one's mouth after consuming milk: It is narrated on the authority of 'Abbaas(R A) that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) drank milk and then rinsed his mouth. He said: "It contains fat." [Muslim] Supplication after eating Alhamdu Lillaahi Hamdan Katheeran Tayyiban Mubaarakan Feehi, Ghayra [Makfiyyin Wa Laa] Muwadda'in, Wa Laa Mustaghnan 'Anhu Rabbanaa.

55

All praise is to Allaah, praise in abundance, good and blessed. It cannot [be compensated for, nor can it] be left, nor can it be done without, our Lord. [Reference: Al-Bukhari 6/214, At-Tirmidhi 5/507.] 'Alhamdu Lillahil Ladhi At'amana Wasa Qanaa Waja 'Alana Minal Muslimeen' 'All praise is due to Allaah (The Exalted) who gave us food and drink and made us Muslims.' You will not be accounted for the food you eaten, on the day of resurrection, if the meals are completed with this supplication. When eating at someone's house When eating at someone else's home, the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) would read the following: 'Allaahumma At'Im Man-at'Amani Wasqi Man-saqani' 'O Allaah (The Exalted), feed him, who has fed me and quench his thirst who has quenched my thirst.' Narrated Jabir Ibn Abdullah (R A): AbulHaytham Ibn at-Tayhan (R A) prepared food for the Apostle of Allaah (SAW), and he invited the Prophet (SAW) and his Companions. When they finished (food), the said: If some people enter the house of a man, his food is eaten and his drink is drunk, and they supplicate (to Allaah) for him, this is his (host) reward. [Abu Dawood] IX) SUNAN OF USING TOILET Islam teaches etiquettesfor using toilet. Supplication before entering the Toilet Allaahumma Innee A'oodhu Bika Min Al-Khubthi Wal-Khabaa`Ith O Allaah I seek refuge in You from the male and female devils [Al Bukhari].

56

1. 2. 3.

Cover your head. Enter with the left foot. Any item (e.g. ring, locket etc.) that has the names of Allaah (The Exalted) or His beloved Messenger (SAW) or any verse of the Qur'an, should be removed before entering the toilet. It is forbidden (Haraam) to face or have the back facing towards the Qiblah whilst relieving oneself. It is best to lower oneself as much as possible before uncovering the body, when one is in open place. One should be very careful about the splashing of urine (as this is a grave sin). One should sit to urinate. One should not talk in the toilet without absolute necessity, but if a person outside is calling and does not know then cough thrice to make them aware. This includes the use of a mobile phone, be it for texting as this is not the place to do such things. Hold the container in the right hand whilst cleansing with the left. The right hand should not be used to cleanse oneself. Unless there is a problem with the left hand then one can use the right hand.

4. 5. 6. 7.

8. 9.

10. When leaving the toilet one should step out with the right foot. Supplication on leaving the toilet (outside) Ghuf-raa-naka Al-ham-du-Lil-la-hil-ladhi Adh-haba 'An-nil Adhaa Wa-'Aa-faani 'O Allaah I seek Your pardon. All praises are due to Allaah who has taken away from me discomfort and granted me relief.' [Abu Dawood] Mustahabb and Makrooh Acts 1) It is Mustahabb that a person sitting for relieving himself, sits at a place where no one would see him, and enters the toilet with his left foot forward, and comes out with his right foot. It is also
57

Mustahabb to cover one's head, and to place one's w eight on the left foot. 2) It is Makrooh to face the sun, or the moon, while relieving oneself. But if a person manages to cover his private parts, it will not be Makrooh. Moreover, it is Makrooh to sit for urinating etc. facing the wind; or on the road side, or in lanes, or in front of a doors of a house or under the shade of the fruit-yielding tree. It is also Makrooh to eat while relieving oneself, or take longer than usual time, or to wash oneself with the right hand. Talking is also Makrooh unless necessary. It is Makrooh to urinate while standing, or on hard earth, or in the burrows of the animals, or in stationery water. It is Makrooh to suppress or constrain one's urge for urine or excretion, and if it is injurious to one's health, it becomes haram. It is Mustahabb to urinate before namaz, before retiring to sleep, before sexual intercourse, and after ejaculation. Rules of Beauty To have extensions (artificial hair) using someone else's or even your own once taken out is forbidden. It is permissible for women to apply henna on their hands and feet as this is for beauty. It is better not to, without any reason colour the hands and feet of young children. It is permissible to use henna on young girls as it is permissible for them to wear jewellery. It is preferable for females to be content with silver jewellery and not insist on gold. It is permissible for women to place beads in their hair made from gold or silver. Whosoever wears gold jewellery due to pride shall be punished in the hereafter.

3) 4) 5) X) 1. 2.

3. 4. 5. 6.

58

7.

Females should not wear such jewellery that creates a jingling noise with movement especially on the feet as the curse of Allaah (The Exalted) is on them. Females can colour their nails with henna. When the women are feeding their children, they should use a veil to cover up even in their own homes.

8. 9.

10. If the eyebrows are too long then they may be trimmed, only if they have over grown. 11. It is permissible to remove the hair of the arms and the legs. 12. To take off the hair from the chest and back is not recommended. 13. You can remove the hair from the arms, feet and stomach. 14. To have a young girl's ears pierced is permissible. Some even get the boys done too, this is not permissible. Boys are not allowed to wear jewellery. 15. For women to wear glass bangles is permissible. 16. To use black dye is forbidden and to use henna is permissible. [Al-Bukhari] XI) SUNAN OF DRINKING 1. 2. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Pray 'Bismillahi Rahmanir Raheem'. Drink with your right hand as the devil drinks and eats with the left hand. [Muslim] To sit and drink [Muslim]. Drink by taking three separate sips and not all at once. Separate the utensil from the mouth each time. Whilst drinking, suck the drink and do not make a noise. Do not blow into any drink for cooling. Say 'Alhamdulillahi Rabbil 'Aalameen' or Shukkarallaah after drinking. It is not permissible to throw away the left over drink.
59

8. 9. 10.

Always cover the water that is left in a glass, jug or pot. Drink from where you can see the contents inside the container. It is Sunnah to use utensils for drinking made from earth (Metal/ Wooden/ Glass).

Supplication after Drinking Water 'Alhamdulilla Hilladhi Saqana 'Adhbann Furotann Birrahmatihi Walam Yaj'Alhu Milhann Ujajann Bidhunoo Binaa' 'All praise is due to Allaah (The Exalted) who has given us fresh sweet water through His mercy and did not make it salty and bitter due to our sins' While drinking Zam Zam water, supplicate: AllaahummaInneeAs'alukka Ilamn Nafian, Wa Rizakkan Wazi'an, Wa Shifaain Min Kulli Daiin. O Allaah, I seek beneficial knowledge, wide sustenance and cure from all ailments from You.(Hisnul Hasin) Supplication after Drinking Milk Say 'Bismillaah' and supplicate after drinking milk: 'Allaahumma Baarik Lana Feehi Wazidna Minhu' 'O Allaah grant us blessings in it (the milk) and increase it for us.' XII) Manners of 'Itr (Alcohol free perfume) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. To apply 'Itr on the hair and beard is Sunnah. To apply 'Itr at night and before Jumu'ah prayers is a Sunnah. One should not refuse 'Itr when offered. ([Al-Bukhari] To use 'Itr of Raihan and 'Ud is Sunnah. Women should not use 'Itr or any perfumes but apply Henna. One should not use a fragrance that contains unlawful ingredient or alcohol. To burn 'Ud and Camphor is a Sunnah.
60

Chapter 10 RAMADAN FASTING The month of Ramadan is the month of grace and blessing. Upon arrival of this blessed month, Allaahu Subahanu WaT'ala causes His blessings and forgiveness to descend upon the one who gives this month its rights. Ramadan is the month in which Allaahu Subahanu Wa T'ala showers His blessings upon our homes, and upon those who enter the mosques, especially the House of Allaah - the Ka'bah. During Ramadan, the Mercy of Allaahu Subahanu WaT'ala falls upon us, like rain falling from the clouds, upon the ummah of the Blessed Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is during this time, that little effort has the ability to earn high rewards, no matter where one is, be it in the Sacred Precinct in Makkah or in one's home. Allaahu Subahanu WaT'ala is the creator of all things. He created each year, month, day and hour. In the same way that Allaahu Subahanu Wa T'ala has elevated the status of the Prophet(SAW) over the whole of creation; and the status of the Ka'bah over other places of worship, He has elevated and raised the month of Ramadan over all other months. This is entirely the will of Allaahthe Most High, and a manifestation of His Omnipotent Power and Divine Will. Allaahu Subahanu WaT'ala says in the Qur'an: "The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur'an was sent down, as guidance for the people, and clear verses of guidance and a criterion."(Surah al-Baqarah, Ayah 185) O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain unto piety. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ayah 183) Abu Hurairah (R A) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said: When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] He (R A) also narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said:
61

Whosoever fasts in the month of Ramadan, with faith, seeking reward from Allaah, his past sins will be forgiven. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] It has also been narrated by Abu Hurairah (R A) that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said: Allaah says, 'Every action of the son of Adam belongs to him except the fast. It is Mine, and I repay him for it.' Fasting is a protection. When one of you has a day of fasting, he should then speak neither obscenely nor too loudly; and if someone seeks to curse him or fight with him, let him say, 'I am fasting.' By Him in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad (SAW), the smell of the mouth of the one who fasts is more delectable to Allaah than the scent of musk. The one who fasts has two joys in which to delight: when he breaks his fast, he rejoices; and when he meets his Lord, he rejoices in his fast. [Muslim] Sahl bin Sa'd (R A) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said: Verily there is a gate in Paradise which is called 'Al-Rayyan'. Those who fasted will enter it on the Day of Judgement, and none shall enter it except them. It will be said, 'Where are those who fasted?' They will come forward and none shall enter it except them. When they have entered, the gate will be closed and none shall enter it except them. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] Fasting is to refrain from things that break the fast with the intention of worshiping Allaahthe Most High. The levels of the fast are three: 1) 2) To simply refraining from food and drink, and other things which invalidate the fast; In addition to (1) above, to protect one's eyes, ears, tongue and all other parts of the body from disobedience to Allaahthe Most High; And in addition to (1) and (2) above, to devote oneself entirely to Allaah Most High, through repentance, worship and abstinence from all that distracts one from Allaahthe Most High.
62

3)

Allaahthe Most High rewards each level of fasting, accordingly. Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for everyone who: a) is Muslim b) has reached puberty c) is sane d) is capable of bearing the fast e) and if female, is not in the period of menstruation or postnatal bleeding (nifas) One must make the intention to fast for each day, that one fasts. The obligatory (Fardh) fasts are: 1) 2) The fasts of Ramadan The fasts which one is obliged to makeup (qada')

The intention must be made during the night prior to dawn. The required (wajib) fasts are those which one has vowed to perform. If one has set conditions at the time of making the vow, they must be fulfilled, for example, making a vow to perform ten fasts in Muharram. This means that one can fast any ten days in Muharram as this was not specified when making the vow. The recommended (mustahabb) fasts other than Ramadan are: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) The day of 'Ashura (10th Muharram), combining it with a day before, or after it The 13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar month Mondays and Thursdays The day of 'Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) And the first six days of Shawwal

The intention for the above can be made before noon, of the day of fasting.

63

The slightly disliked (MakroohTanzihi) fasts are: 1) 2) 3) 4)

l

Fasting the day 'Ashura (10th Muharram) alone, without combining it with fasting a day before, or after it The days held special by those of other religions, if they do not coincide with days which one habitually fasts And the day of 'Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) for a pilgrim at 'Arafah It is MakroohTahrimi to fasts on the day of Eid. Take the pre-dawn meal, for verily in the pre-dawn meal there is a blessing. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] The people will remain on the correct path as long as they hasten to break the fast. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] The one who does not refrain from falsehood and acting in accordance with it, there is no need for him leaving his food and drink. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] Many a fasting person gets nothing from his fasting but thirst. Many a man standing for worship gets nothing from his standing but sleeplessness. [Darimi]

Things Disliked and Those Not Disliked Whilst Fasting

It is disliked whilst fasting: 1) To taste or chew anything 2) To exaggerate in rinsing the mouth and in drawing the water into the nostrils 3) To rinse the mouth unnecessarily 4) To keep saliva together in the mouth, then to swallow it 5) Not to eat or drink anything between fast-days (wisal) 6) To keep silent all day until night, when there is no need to 7) To make useless talk 8) To delay the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) to such an extent that one fears that the fast has already begun 9) And to merely taste toothpaste and the like
64

It is not disliked during the fast: 1) 2) 3) 4) to chew something for a small child in order to help the child eat for a woman to taste food during prepration, if she fears her husband to use a tooth-stick (Miswak) or a toothbrush, without toothpaste and to line the eyes with kohl, even if its taste is felt in the throat Things Which Invalidate Fast But Do Not Require Kaffarah (substitute) Each of the following invalidates the day's fast but do not require Kaffarah: 1) 2) 3) to be forced to eat or drink to swallow a morsel stuck in one's teeth, if more than the size of a chickpea to use so much water in rinsing out the nose and mouth in ablution or the purificatory bath (ghusl) that some reaches the stomach, provided that one remembers that one is fasting to open one's mouth and for something to enter into the throat to eat something which is not described as 'food' for example eggshells, provided that it is not one's habit to eat these things to swallow rain accidentally to swallow one's tears after allowing them to drip into one's mouth to allow anything, for example, oil or water, to enter the body through natural openings, for example the nose, ear, eyes or private parts the appearance of menstrual or postnatal flow

4) 5) 6) 7) 8)

9)

10) to eat or drink while sleeping, for a person who habitually walks in their sleep

65

11) to intentionally vomit at least a mouthful or to unintentionally vomit and then to swallow it back, even though a little 12) and to take intravenous injections or drips. The fast remains valid if one eats or drinks absentmindedly The fast is not invalidated if one inhales flour or dust suspended in the air or has a wet dream. If a fly or similar insect enters into the throat, the fast is not invalidated. Things Which Invalidate the Fast and Require Kaffarah Kaffarah is only required if one eats, drinks or sleeps with one's wife, intentionally during a fast of Ramadan. The Kaffarah consists of freeing a Muslim slave, or if not possible, then to fast the days of two consecutive months. If this is not possible, then the Kaffarah is to feed sixty needy people. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] Those Not Obliged to Fast The following are not required to fast: 1) Those who are ill such that fasting would worsen, delay recovery from, or cause considerable harm. One must be advised by a qualified Muslim doctor, or know from personal experience; Those who are travelling more than 48 miles. If a traveller takes it upon himself to fast, it is valid, but he should not endanger himself by it, unnecessarily; Someone who is forced to break the fast by an enemy; a woman who is breast feeding a baby or is pregnant and apprehends harm to herself or her child; Someone who has excessive hunger or thirst, meaning likely to cause death or illness; And someone whom fasting exhausts because of advanced years or having an illness from which he is unlikely to recover. Such a person must give the amount equal to the zakat of 'Eid al-Fitr, in charity, for each day missed. Although the above are not obliged to fast, they must makeup each day missed, being an exception.
66

2)

3) 4) 5) 6)

The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) 'Aaisha (R A) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said: Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd numbered nights, among the last ten days of Ramadan. [Al-Bukhari] 'Abdullah Ibn 'Umar (R A) narrated: Men from amongst the Companions of the Prophet (SAW) were shown in a dream that Laylat al-Qadr was in the last seven nights. The Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said, 'I see that your visions regarding the last seven, agree. So whomsoever searches for it, let him search for it in the last seven.' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] 'Aa'ishah (R A) narrated: I once asked, 'O Messenger of Allaah (SAW), what should I say if I have knowledge of which night is Laylat al-Qadr?' He replied, 'Say these words: O Allaah, thou are forgiving, loving forgiveness. So forgive me.' [Ahmad, Ibn Majah andTirmidhi] 'Ubada Ibn al-Samit (R A) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) went out to inform the people about Laylat al-Qadr, but there was a dispute between two Muslims. The Prophet Muhammed (SAW) said, 'I came out to inform you about Laylat al-Qadr, its knowledge has been taken away and maybe it was better for you. Now look for it in the 27th 29th and 25th.' [Al-Bukhari] It has been mentioned that the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) saw that the lifetimes of the previous nations were very long, and he became sad at the fact that his ummah would not be able to undertake as much worship as the other nations. On this, angel Jibreel (A S) descended and revealed Surat al-Qadr, and gave the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) the good news that the ummah of the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) has been honoured with a blessed night in which one night's worship will be worth more than the worship of a thousand months. The Zakat of 'Eid al-Fitr Abdullah bin 'Umar (R A) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) made the zakat al-Fitr as a sa'[tr: a unit of measure] of dates
67

or a sa' of barley, obligatory upon the slave and freeman, male and female, young and old from among the Muslims. And he (SAW) commanded for it to be given before leaving for the prayer. [AlBukhari and Muslim] Ibn 'Abbas (R A) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) made the zakat al-Fitr obligatory as a purification of the fast from empty and obscene talk and as food for the poor. [Abu Dawood] The zakat of 'Eid al-Fitr is required (wajib) from everyone upon whom the zakat is obligatory. Someone obligated to pay the zakat of 'Eid alFitr must also pay it for every person he is obliged to support, such as his wife and family. Those who are not obliged to fast must still give the zakat of 'Eid al-Fitr, even if they have not fasted. It is recommended to give the zakat of 'Eid al-Fitr before performing the 'Eid prayer. The Day of 'Eid al-Fitr Anas (R A) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) said: When the day of their 'Eid appears, meaning the day of their breaking fast, Allaah is proud of them, He says to His angels, 'O My angels, what is the reward of the servant who has fully accomplished his work?' They say, 'O our Lord, his reward is that he is paid his wage in full.' He says, 'My angels, My male servants and My female servants have done what I have made obligatory upon them, then they came out hastening to supplication. By My Honour, Greatness, Generosity, Exalted Position and Sublime Nature of My Rank, I will surely respond to them.' Then He says, 'Return. I have forgiven you and changed your sins into virtues.' Then they return forgiven. [Bayhaqi] The performance of the 'Eid prayer is required (wajib) from those whom the Jumu'ah prayer is required(wajib). The following are recommended before offering the 'Eid prayer: l Trimming one's hair and cutting one's nails l Performing the purificatory bath (ghusl) l Wearing perfume l Dressing in one's best clothes
68

l l l l

Giving the zakat of 'Eid al-Fitr Eating something sweet, for example an odd number of dates Coming early after the dawn prayer on foot and returning home by a different route than one came And being joyful and showing happiness with one another. Chapter 11 ZAKAT

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It has been mentioned, along with daily Prayers (Salaat / Namaz), over seventy times in the Qur'an. Allaah's word commanding ".....and establish regular Salaat and give regular Zakat....." are referred to in many parts of the Qur'an. From this we can conclude that after Salaat, Zakat is the most important act in Islam. Charity towards man, in the widest sense of the word, is the cornerstone of the Islamic society and a constant theme in the Qur'anic teachings. There are two kinds of charities in Islam: - the obligatory and the voluntary. The obligatory charity is called Zakat while the voluntary charity is called Sadaqah. Linguistically, Zakat has two meanings: purification and growth. Technically, it means to purify one's possession of wealth by distributing a prescribed amount to the poor, the indigent, the slaves or captives, and the wayfarer. The * * * * * * * * proceeds of Zakat are supposed to be devoted towards: Relieving poverty and distress Helping those in debt Providing comfort and convenience for travellers Providing stipends for scholarships Providing ransom for prisoners of war Propagation of Islam Meeting the expenses for the collection of zakat Other things beneficial for the society
69

Zakat is obligatory upon a person if:

l l

He or she is an adult, sane, free and Muslim. He/she must possess wealth in excess of specified minimum (Nisaab) excluding his or her personal needs (clothing, household furniture, utensils, cars etc. are termed article of personal needs). It should be possessed for a complete lunar year. It should be of productive nature from which one can derive profit or benefit such as merchandise for business, gold, silver, livestock etc. Gold and silver, in any form. Cash, bank notes, stocks, bonds etc. Merchandise for business, equal to the value of Nisaab. Livestock. On income derived from rental business.

l l

Types of wealth on which zakat is imposed: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

Calculation of zakat: Zakat takes the form of a prescribed contribution based on a person's wealth and income. The rate of contribution varies with the kind of property owned but, on an average, works out to two and half percent of the total value. To calculate Zakat on jewellery etc. one must first determine the gold or silver content and then calculate the Zakat according to current market price. If the Gold possessed is less than 87.48 grams or if silver possessed is less than 612.36 grams, but the value of both combined is equal to or exceeds the Nisaab of either Gold or Silver, the Zakat will be due. For stocks (shares held in a company), Zakat is calculated based upon the current market value.
70

As machinery, land, fixtures and fittings, furniture, buildings etc. are exempt from Zakat; one is allowed to subtract these from the total asset. This could be obtained from annual reports. For example, if one has shares worth $1000 and machinery, land etc., are worth 5% of the total asset, then deduct $50 for these assets; afterwards deduct the liabilities of the company proportionately to the percentage of shares held. Zakat must be calculated on the balance. Distribution of zakat: * * * Zakat should be given as soon as possible after it becomes due. All of the Zakat can be given to one person or to several persons. A poor man cannot be paid for his work from Zakat nor can Zakat be given in payment of services, except to the people appointed by the Islamic government to collect Zakat. Zakat will only be valid if the recipient is made the owner of that amount. If, for example, a few needy persons are fed a meal from Zakat money, then Zakat will not be fulfilled as they were not made owners of the food. Zakat cannot be given for the construction of Masjid, Madrasah, Hospital, a well, a bridge or any other public amenity. Zakat can be paid in kind from the same merchandise on which it is due, or alternatively, it could be paid in cash. On any metals other than gold or silver. Fixtures and fittings of a shop, car, trucks or any delivery vehicle etc., which is used in running business. Diamonds, pearls, other precious or semi-precious stones which are for personal use. There is no Zakat on personal residence, household furniture, pots and pan, personal clothing, whether they are in use or not.
71

* *

Types of wealth on which zakat is not imposed:

l l

There is no Zakat on a person whose liabilities exceeds or equals his assets. (Home Mortgage in this country is not to be counted as personal liability for the Zakat purpose). Zakat cannot be given to the descendants of Muhammad (SAW). Zakat cannot be given to parents and grandparents. In the same manner one's children and grandchildren cannot be given Zakat. A husband and wife cannot give Zakat to each other. Zakat contributions cannot be given to such institutions or organizations that do not give the rightful recipients possession of Zakat, but instead use Zakat funds for constructions, investment or salaries.

Persons who cannot be given zakat: * *

Virtues of zakat: Allaah says in the Qur'an:

l

The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allaah is that of a grain of corn. It grows seven ears and each ear has hundred grains. Allaah increases manifold to whom He pleases." (Qur'an 2:261) It is stated in the Hadith that by giving Zakat the following benefits are derived: Gain the pleasure of Allaah. Increase in wealth and protection from losses. Allaah's forgiveness and blessings. Protection from the wrath of Allaah and from a bad death. A shelter on the Day of Judgment; Security from seventy misfortunes. Zakat, therefore, is a duty enjoined by God in the interest of the society as a whole. While on one hand these charitable contributions provide for the needs of the society, on the other hand the act of giving in the name of Allaah, purifies the heart of the contributor from selfishness and greed.
72

* * * * * * *

The punishment for not giving zakat: Allaah says in the Qur'an: "And there are those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allaah, announce to them a most grievous penalty (when) on the Day of Judgment, heat will be produced out of that wealth in the fire of Hell. Then with it they will be branded on their forehead and their flanks and backs. (It will be said to them) This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves, taste then the treasure that you have been hoarding." (Al-Qur'an 9:34-35) Chapter 12 25 WAYS TO PARADISE 1. 2. Whoever meets Allaah without ascribing anything to Him will enter Jannah. [Al-Bukhari] Whoever believes (has Eemaan) in Allaah and His Messenger (SAW), and establishes the prayer and fasts the month of Ramadan, it is incumbent upon Allaah that He enters him in Jannah. [Al-Bukhari] Whoever builds a masjid seeking by it the Pleasure of Allaah, Allaah will build for him a similar place in Jannah. [Al-Bukhari] Whoever prays the two cool prayers (Asr and Fajr) will enter Jannah. [Al-Bukhari] Whoever goes to the masjid (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer), Allaah will prepare for him an honourable place in Jannah with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon goings. [Al-Bukhari] Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Jannah for him. [Al-Bukhari] Whoever prays 12 rak'ah in the day and night, a house in Jannah will be built for him. [Muslim]
73

3. 4. 5.

6.

7.

8. 9.

Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allaah will make easy for him the path to Jannah. [Al-Bukhari] Whoever repeats after the mu'adhdhin from his heart (i.e., sincerely) will enter Jannah. [Abu Dawood]

10. There is not one of you who perfects his wudu and prays two rak'ah setting about them with his heart as well as his face except that, Jannah would be mandatory for him. [Abu Dawood] 11. Whoever says: "I am pleased with Allaah as my Rabb, and with Islam as my Deen, and with Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) as my Prophet, Jannah would be mandatory for him. [Abu Dawood] 12. Whosoever last words are: laa ilaaha il Allaah, will enter Paradise. [Abu Dawood, Sahih] 13. Whoever says "SubhanAllaah al-Adheem wabi Hamdihi, Glorified and Exalted is Allaah, The Great, and with His Praise", a date-palm will planted for him in Jannah. [At-Tirmidhi] 14. Whoever dies and is free from three: arrogance, grudges and debt will enter Jannah. [At-Tirmidhi] 15. Whoever raises two girls, he and I will enter Jannah. [AtTirmidhi] 16. Whoever calls the adhan for 12 years, Jannah will become mandatory for him. [IbnMajah] 17. Whoever asks Allaah for Jannah three times, Jannah will say: "O Allaah, enter him into Jannah." [At-Tirmidhi] 18. Whoever visits an ailing person or a brother of his to seek the Pleasure of Allaah, an announcer (angel) calls out: `May you are happy, may your walking be blessed, and may you be awarded a dignified position in Jannah'. [At-Tirmidhi] 19. Indeed, truthfulness leads to righteousness and indeed righteousness leads to Jannah. [Al-Bukhari]

74

20. Allaah guarantees him who strives in His Cause and whose motivation for going out is nothing but Jihad in His Cause and belief in His Word, that He will admit him into Jannah. [AlBukhari] 21. O people, spread the salaam (greetings), feed the hungry, and pray while the people are asleep; you will enter Jannah in peace. [At-Tirmidhi] 22. (The performance of) Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah; and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted) is nothing but Jannah. [AlBukhari] 23. Allaah has ninety-nine Names, one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Jannah. [Al-Bukhari] 24. I saw a man going about in Jannah (and enjoying himself) as a reward for cutting from the middle of the road, a tree which was causing inconvenience to the Muslims. [Muslim] 25. O Allaah, You are my Lord, none has the right to be worshipped except You, You created me and I am You servant and I abide to Your covenant and promise as best I can, I take refuge in You from the evil of which I committed. I acknowledge Yourfavour upon me and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for verily none can forgive sin except You. "If somebody recites this invocation during the day, and if he should die then, he will be from the people of Jannah. And if he recites it in the night, and if he should die on the same day, he will be from the people of Jannah." [Al-Bukhari]

75

Chapter 13 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. MAJOR SINS Associating anything with Allaah Murder Practising magic Not Praying Not paying Zakat Not fasting on a Day of Ramadan without excuse Not performing Hajj, while being able to do so Disrespect to parents Abandoning relatives Fornication and Adultery Homosexuality(sodomy) Interest(Riba) Wrongfully consuming the property of an orphan Lying about Allaah and His Messenger Running away from the battlefield As leader, deceiving his people and being unjust to them Pride and arrogance Bearing false witness Drinking Khamr (wine) Gambling Slandering chaste women Stealing from the spoils of war Stealing Highway Robbery Taking false oath Oppression Illegal gain Consuming wealth acquired unlawfully
76

29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55.

Committing suicide Frequent lying Judging unjustly Giving and Accepting bribes Woman's imitating man and man's imitating woman Keeping silence for the adulterer wife Marrying a divorced woman in order to make her lawful for the husband Not protecting oneself from splashing urine Showing-off (Riyah) Learning knowledge of the religion for the sake of this world and concealing that knowledge Bertrayal of trust Recounting favours Denying Allaah's Decree Listening (to) people's private conversations Carrying tales Cursing Breaking contracts Believing in fortune-tellers and astrologers A woman's bad conduct towards her husband Making statues and pictures Lamenting, wailing, tearing the clothing, and doing other things of this sort when an affliction befalls Treating others unjustly Overbearing conduct toward the wife, the servant, the weak, and animals Offending one's neighbour Offending and abusing Muslims Offending people and having an arrogant attitude toward them Trailing one's garment in pride
77

56. Men wearing silk and gold 57. A slave's running away from his master 58. Slaughtering an animal which has been dedicated to anyone other than Allaah 59. To knowingly ascribe one's paternity to a father other than one's own 60. Arguing and disputing violently 61. Witholding excess water 62. Giving short weight or measure 63. Feeling secure from Allaah's Plan 64. Offending Allaah's righteous friends 65. Not praying in congregation but praying alone without an excuse 66. Persistently missing Friday Prayers without any excuse 67. Unsurping the rights of the heir through bequests 68. Deceiving and plotting evil 69. Spying for the enemy of the Muslims 70. Cursing or insulting any of the Companions of Allaah's Messenger.

78

Chapter 14 WORDS OF REMEMBRANCE FOR MORNING AND EVENING These are the important Dua's to be supplicated: Asbahnaa Wa 'Asbahal-Mulku Lillaahi Walhamdu Lillaahi, Laa 'Ilaaha 'Illallaahu Wahdahu Laa Shareeka Lahu, Lahul-Mulku Wa Lahul-Hamdu Wa Huwa 'Alaa Kulli Shay'in Qadeer. Rabbi 'As'aluka Khayra Maa Fee Haathal-Yawmi Wa Khayra Maa Ba'dahu Wa 'A'oothu Bika Min Sharri Maa Fee Haathal-Yawmi Wa Sharri Maa Ba'dahu, Rabbi 'A'oothu Bika Minal-Kasali, Wa Soo'il-Kibari, Rabbi 'A'oothu Bika Min 'Athaabin Fin-Naari Wa 'Athaabin Fil-Qabri. We have entered a new day and with it all dominion is Allaah's. Praise is to Allaah. None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah alone, Who has no partner. To Allaah belongs the dominion, and to Him is the praise and He is Able to do all things. My Lord, I ask You for the goodness of this day and of the days that come after it, and I seek refuge in You from the evil of this day and of the days that come after it. My Lord, I seek refuge in You from laziness and helpless old age. My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of Hell-fire, and from the punishment of the grave. 1. When you say this in the evening you should say 'Amsaynaa wa'amsal-mulku lillaah: "We have ended another day and with it all dominion is Allaah's. When you say this in the evening you should say: Rabbi 'as'aluka khayra maa fee haathihil-laylati, wa khayra maa ba'dahaa, wa 'a'oothu bika min sharri maa fee haathihillaylati wa sharri maa ba'dahaa: "I ask You for the good things of this night and of the nights that come after it and I seek refuge in You from the evil of this night and of the nights that come after it."

2.

Allaahumma Bika 'Asbahnaa, Wa Bika 'Amsaynaa, Wa Bika Nahyaa, Wa Bika Namootu Wa 'Ilaykan-Nushoor.
79

O Allaah , by You we enter the morning and by You we enter the evening, 1 by You we live and and by You we die, and to You is the Final Return. 2 In evening : Allaahumma Bika 'Amsaynaa Wa Bika 'Asbahnaa, Wa Bika Nahyaa, Wa Bika Namoot, Wa 'Ilaykal-Maseer Allaahumma 'Anta Rabbee Laa 'Ilaaha 'Illaa 'Anta, Khalaqtanee Wa 'Anaa 'Abduka, Wa 'Anaa 'Alaa 'Ahdika Wa Wa'dika Mas-Tata'tu, 'A'oothu Bika Min Sharri Maa Sana'tu, 'Aboo'u Laka Bini'matika 'Alayya, Wa 'Aboo'u Bithanbee Faghfir Lee Fa'innahu Laa Yaghfiruth-Thunooba 'Illaa 'Anta. O Allaah, You are my Lord, there is none worthy of worship but You. You created me and I am your slave. I keep Yourcovenant and my pledge to You so far as I am able. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I admit to Your blessings upon me, and I admit to my misdeeds. Forgive me, for there is none who may forgive sins but You. Allaahumma 'Innee 'Asbahtu 'Ush-Hiduka Wa 'Ush-Hidu Hamalata 'Arshika, Wa Malaa'ikataka Wajamee'a Khalqika, 'Annaka 'Antallaahu Laa 'Ilaaha 'Illaa 'Anta Wahdaka Laa Shareeka Laka, Wa 'Anna Muhammadan 'Abduka Wa Rasooluka. O Allaah , I have entered a new morning 1 and call upon You and upon the bearers of Your Throne , upon Your angels and all creation to bear witness that surely You are Allaah , there is none worthy of worship but You alone , You have no partners, and that Muhammad is Your slave and Your Messenger . (Recite four times in Arabic.) Allaahumma Maa 'Asbaha Bee Min Ni'matin 'Aw Bi'ahadin Min Khalqika Faminka Wahdaka Laa Shareeka Laka, FalakalHamdu Wa Lakash-Shukru. O Allaah, whatever blessing has been received by me or anyone of Your creation is from You alone, You have no partner. All praise is for you and thanks are to You.

80

Allaahumma 'Aafinee Fee Badanee, Allaahumma 'Aafinee Fee Sam'ee, Allaahumma 'Aafinee Fee Basaree, Laa 'Ilaaha 'Illaa 'Anta. Allaahumma 'Innee 'A'oothu Bika Minal-Kufri, Walfaqri, Wa 'A'oothu Bika Min 'Athaabil-Qabri, Laa 'Ilaaha 'Illaa 'Anta. O Allaah, make me healthy in my body. O Allaah, preserve for me my hearing. O Allaah, preserve for me my sight. There is none worthy of worship but You . O Allaah, I seek refuge in You from disbelief and poverty and I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave. There is none worthy of worship but You. (Recite three times in Arabic.) Hasbiyallaahu Laa 'Ilaaha 'Illaa Huwa 'Alayhi Tawakkaltu Wa Huwa Rabbul-'Arshil-'Adheem. Allaah is sufficient for me. There is none worthy of worship but Him. I have placed my trust in Him; He is Lord of the Majestic Throne. (Recite seven times in Arabic) Allaahumma 'Innee 'As'alukal-'Afwa Wal'aafiyata Fid-Dunyaa Wal'aakhirati, Allaahumma 'Innee 'As'alukal-'Afwa Wal'aafiyata Fee Deenee Wa Dunyaaya Wa 'Ahlee, Wa Maalee , AllaahumMastur 'Awraatee, Wa 'Aamin Raw'aatee, AllaahumMahfadhnee Min Bayni Yadayya, Wa Min Khalfee, Wa 'An Yameenee, Wa 'An Shimaalee, Wa Min Fawqee, Wa 'A'oothu Bi'adhamatika 'An 'Ughtaala Min Tahtee. O Allaah, I seek Your forgiveness and Your protection in this world and the next. O Allaah, I seek Your forgiveness and Your protection in my religion, in my worldly affairs, in my family and in my wealth.O Allaah, conceal my secrets and preserve me from anguish. O Allaah, guard me from what is in front of me and behind me, from my left, and from my right, and from above me. I seek refuge in Your Greatness from being struck down from beneath me. Allaahumma 'Aalimal-Ghaybi Wash-Shahaadati FaatirasSamaawaati Wal'ardhi, Rabba Kulli Shay 'In Wa Maleekahu, 'Ash-Hadu 'An Laa 'Ilaaha 'Illaa 'Anta, 'A'oothu Bika Min Sham Nafsee, Wa Min Sharrish-Shaytaani Wa Shirkihi, Wa 'An 'Aqtarifa 'Alaa Nafsee Soo'an, 'Aw 'Ajurrahu 'Ilaa Muslimin.
81

O Allaah, Knower of the unseen and the evident, Maker of the heavens and the earth, Lord of everything and its Possessor, I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but You. I seek refuge in You from the evil of my soul and from the evil of Satan and his helpers. (I seek refuge in You) from bringing evil upon my soul and from harming any Muslim. Bismillaahil-Lathee Laa Yadhurru Ma'as-Mihi Shay'un Fil'Ardhi Wa Laa Fis-Samaa'i Wa Huwas-Samee 'Ul- 'Aleem . In the Name of Allaah, Who with His Name nothing can cause harm neither in the earth nor in the heavens, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (Recite three times in Arabic). Radheetu Billaahi Rabban, Wa Bil-'Islaami Deenan, Wa BiMuhammadin (Sallallaahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallama) Nabiyyan. I am pleased with Allaah as my Lord, with Islam as my religion and with Muhammad (SAW) as my Prophet. (Recite three times in Arabic) Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoomu Birahmatika 'Astagheethu 'Aslih Lee Sha'nee Kullahu Wa Laa Takilnee 'Ilaa Nafsee Tarfata 'Aynin. O Ever Living One, O Eternal One, by Your mercy I call on You to set right all my affairs. Do not place me in charge of my soul even for the blinking of an eye (i.e. a moment). Asbahnaa Wa 'Asbahal-Mulku Lillaahi Rabbil-'Aalameen, Allaahumma 'Innee 'As'aluka Khayra Haathal-Yawmi: Fathahu Wa Nasrahu Wa Noorahu, Wa Barakatahu, Wa Hudaahu, Wa'a'oothu Bika Min Sharri Maafeehi Wa Sharri Maa Ba'dahu. We have entered a new day and with it all the dominion which belongs to Allaah, Lord of all that exists. O Allaah, I ask You for the goodness of this day, its victory, its help, its light, its blessings, and its guidance. I seek refuge in You from the evil that is in it and from the evil that follows In the evening recitation, say here: Allaahumma 'innee 'as'aluka khayra haathihil-laylati: "My Lord, I ask You for the good things of this night."
82

Asbahnaa 'alaa fitratil-'Islaami wa 'alaa kalimatil-'ikhlaasi, wa 'alaa deeni Nabiyyinaa Muhammadin (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallama), wa 'alaa millati 'abeenaa 'Ibraaheema, haneefan Musliman wa maa kaana minal-mushrikeen. We have entered a new day upon the natural religion of Islam, the word of sincere devotion, the religion of our Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and the faith of our father Ibrahim. He was upright (in worshipping Allaah), and a Muslim. He was not of those who worship others besides Allaah. When you say this in the evening, you should say: 'Amsaynaa 'alaa fitratil-'Islaami...: "We end this day..." Subhaanallaahi Wa Bihamdihi. Glory is to Allaah and praise is to Him. (Recite one hundred times in Arabic). Subhaanallaahi Wa Bihamdihi: 'Adada Khalqihi, Wa Ridhaa Nafsihi, Wa Zinata 'Arshihi Wa Midaada Kalimaatihi. Glory Is To Allaah And Praise is to Him, by the multitude of His creation, by His Pleasure, by the weight of His Throne, and by the extent of His Words. (Recite three times in Arabic upon rising in the morning.) Allaahumma 'Innee 'As'aluka 'Ilman Naafi'an, Wa Rizqan Tayyiban, Wa 'Amalan Mutaqabbalan. O Allaah, I ask You for knowledge that is of benefit, a good provision, and deeds that will be accepted. (Recite in Arabic upon rising in the morning.) 'Astaghfirullaaha Wa 'Atoobu 'Ilayhi. I seek the forgiveness of Allaah and repent to Him. (Recite one hundred times in Arabic during the day.) AllaahummaSalliWaSallim 'alaa Nabiyyinaa Muhammad. O Allaah, we ask for your peace and blessings on our Prophet Muhammad. (Recite ten times in Arabic)
83

WHAT TO SAY AFTER COMPLETING THE PRAYER 'Astaghfirullaaha Allaahumma 'Antas-Salaamu Wa MinkasSalaamu, Tabaarakta Yaa Thal-Jalaali Wal-'Ikraam. I seek the forgiveness of Allaah (three times). O Allaah, You are Peace and from You comes peace. Blessed are You, O Owner of majesty and honor. Laa 'Ilaaha 'Illallaahu Wahdahu Laa Shareeka Lahu, LahulMulku Wa Lahul-Hamdu Wa Huwa 'Alaa Kulli Shay'in Qadeer, Allaahumma Laa Maard'a Limaa 'A'tayta, Wa Laa Mu'tiya Limaa Mana'ta, Wa Laa Yanfa'u Thal-Jaddi Minkal-Jadd. None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things. O Allaah, there is none who can withhold what You give, and none may give what You have withheld; and the might of the mighty person cannot benefit him against You. Laa 'Ilaaha 'Illallaahu Wahdahu Laa Shareeka Lahu, LahulMulku, Wa Lahul-Hamdu Wa Huwa 'Alaa Kulli Shay 'In Qadeer. Laa Hawla Wa Laa Quwwata 'Illaa Billaahi, Laa 'Ilaaha 'Illallaahu, Wa Laa Na'budu 'Illaa 'Iyyaahu, Lahun-Ni'matu Wa Lahul-Fadhlu Wa Lahuth-Thanaa'ul-Hasanu, Laa 'Ilaaha 'Illallaahu Mukhliseena Lahud-Deena Wa Law KarihalKaafiroon. None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things. There is no power and no might except by Allaah . None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah, and we do not worship any other besides Him . His is grace , and His is bounty and to Him belongs the most excellent praise. None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah. (We are) sincere in making our religious devotion to Him, even though the disbelievers may dislike it. Subhaanallaahi, Walhamdu Lillaahi Wallaahu 'Akbar, - Laa 'Ilaaha 'Illallaahu Wahdahu Laa Shareeka Lahu, Lahul-Mulku Wa Lahul-Hamduwahuwa'alaakullishay'inqadeer.
84

Glory is to Allaah, and praise is to Allaah, and Allaah is the Most Great (each said thirty-three times). None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things. Ayt ul Kursi 'Allaahu Laaa 'Ilaaha 'Illaa Huu. 'Al-Hayyul-Qayyuum. Laa Ta'Khuzuhuu Sinatunw-Wa Laa Nawm. Lahuu Maa Fissamaawaati Wa Ma Fil-'Arz. Man-Zallazii Yashfa-'U'indahuuu 'Illaa Bi'Iznih? Ya'-Lamu Maa Bayna 'Aydiihim Wa Maa Khalfahum. Wa Laa Yuhiituuna Bi-Shay-'Im-Min 'Ilmihiii 'Illaa Bimaa Shaaa'. Wasi-'A Kursiyyu-Hus-Samaawaati Wal-'Arz; Wa Laa Ya-'Uuduhuu Hifzu-HumaaWa Huwal-'Aliyyul-'Aziim. Allaah! There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. Unto Him belonged whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that interceded with Him saving by His leave? He knows that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He will. His throne included the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous. Surah Ikhlaas, Surah Falaq, Surah Naz(3 times each) Laa 'Ilaaha 'Illallaahu Wahdahu Laa Shareeka Lahu, LahulMulku Wa Lahul-Hamdu Yuhyee Wa Yumeetu Wa Huwa 'Alaa Kulli Shay'in Qadeer. None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah alone, Who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise. He brings life and He causes death, and He is Able to do all things. (Recite ten times in Arabic after the Maghrib and Fajr prayers.) Allaahumma 'Innee 'As'aluka 'Ilman Naafi'an, Wa Rizqan Tayyiban, Wa 'Amalan Mutaqabbalan. O Allaah, I ask You for knowledge that is of benefit, a good provision, and deeds that will be accepted. (Recite in Arabic after the Fajr prayer.)
85

ON THE DAY OF JUMU'AH 1. 2. 3. 4. Cut Nails Have a Ghusl Salaat al-Jumu'ah (Friday prayer) Making a lot of du'aa'. (Between the times the Imam starts the khutbah until the time the prayer is over and after `Asr until sunset) Reading Soorat al-Kahf( Bayhaqi) Sending a lot of blessings upon the Prophet (Sallallaahu 'AlayhiWa-Sallam). Make Istighfar/Seek forgiveness Do as many good deeds as possible

5. 6. 7. 8.

Remember All Muslims in your du'aa! Acts of worship which are prescribed on Fridays. 1. 2. 3. 4. Salaat al-Jumu'ah (Friday prayer) [Al-Qur'an 62:9] Making a lot of du'aa. [Sahih Al-Bukhari, 893; Muslim, 852] Reading Soorat al-Kahf.[Sahih al-Targheeb, 836] Sending a lot of blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). [Abu Dawood, 1047]

Narrated from Abu Saeed al-Khduri that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "Whoever reads Soorat al-Kahf on Friday, he will be illuminated with light between the two Fridays." (Narrated by al-Haakim; classed as Sahih by al-Albaani in Sahih alTargheeb, 836)

86

Chapter 15 Who can buy paradise? Purchasing paradise is one of the biggest challenges we Muslims face today as an Ummahdue to our heedlessness and the love forduniya, which is seeping through our ranks. Further, most of us believe that whatever our misdeeds, we were born with a right to enter Jannah, and we will enter it. The Qur'an, however, speaks differently Allaah says in surah Tawbah, verse 111: "Verily, Allaah has purchased of the believers their lives and their properties for (the price) that theirs shall be paradise. They fight in Allaah's cause, so they kill and are killed. It is a promise in truth which is binding on him in the Torah and the Injil and the Qur'an. And who is truer in his covenant than Allaah? Then rejoice in the bargain which you have concluded. That is the supreme success." The implications of this verse are staggering. It is as though Jannah is right out there for us to purchase; however, being a superior item, it demands a price too heavy for some to pay: our entire self. We need to "sell" ourselves to Allaah by submitting to his will in every last aspect of our lives - from our deepest emotions to our trivial everyday actions. We must expend willingly for Allaah's cause every ability, all our time, resources, wealth, and everything he blessed us with, so much so that even the time we spend resting, eating, or with our loved ones, is in truth in accordance with his will. Price must be set and payment made. He has also set a clear price: submission of your possessions and your will to him and him alone. When in the world we cannot afford to pay a high price for an item of superior quality, we go instead for a lower quality item we can afford. However, unfortunately in the hereafter there is no lower quality of heaven on sale. There is either heaven or the raging, fiery flames. So unless you pay the price in full, you cannot enter heaven, and if you cannot enter heaven, the only other option is hell.
87

Allaah will test you thoroughly before letting you enter Jannah. Do you really deserve the superior prize? To prove that you indeed do deserve it, you need to pass the test of faith every true believer is put through: to thank Allaah even in times of trial, to remember him in prosperity, and to fight the evil that surrounds and tempts you every moment. If we really believe in Allaah's words as we claim to, should we not spend every moment in fear of the moments of judgment day, and strive ceaselessly to win Allaah's pleasure? Would our nights not have been sleepless with worry, and spent in fervent prayer, if we had honestly believed in the possibility of landing in the fires of hell? With what supreme foolishness, then, do we neglect our duties, our prayers, fasts, and ourFardh? How can we lie so casually, and in what heedlessness do we hurt others, backbite, and commit sin upon sin? Has anyone ever, ever sold you a product simply because you wanted it even though you were unable to pay the price? Then how can we be so casual in our dealings with the almighty, the Most High, and imagine that mere wishes and dreams will get us into Jannah without lifting a finger to get there? To the same Jannah, in which Allaah will enter those who made sacrifice upon sacrifice, the Sahabas who gave up all they had, the prophets who struggled against such violent oppression? We need to do all we can for Allaah's pleasure, starting from today, starting now. We need to look into our hearts, see where we hold back a little of ourselves, hold our Nafs superior to Allaah. Submit to him this minute; make it your life's work to uphold the cause of Allaah. Understand what he wants from you, release your energy, release your time and do it today, for the sword of death is suspended by the thinnest of strands above us; any minute it will strike, and with your life will go your one chance to earn and deserve the blissful abode you so earnestly ask for. END ms.abdalfattah@rediffmail.com https://www.facebook.com/BaytAlDeen http://www.facebook.com/ARABIAN0NIGHTS
88 If you have any enquiries, Please write to me: