Friday, April 30, 2010

Morning&EveningDuaaPART2

assalamu alaikum,

Athkaar for morning and evening (4):

It is reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: Whoever says this four times four times in the morning or in the evening, Allah will spare him from the fire of Hell.

اللهم إنى أصبحت أشهدك وأشهد حمله عرشك، وملائكتك وجميع خلقك، أنك أنت الله لا إله إلا أنت وحدك لا شريك لك، وأن محمداً عبدك ورسولك

Allaahumma ‘inee ‘asbahtu ‘ush-hiduka wa ‘ush-hidu hamalata ‘arshika, wa malaa’ikataka wa jamee’a khalqika, ‘annaka ‘anta Allahu laa ‘ilaaha ‘illaa ‘anta wahdaka laa shareeka laka, wa ‘anna Muhamadan ‘abduka wa rasooluka.

Oh Allah I have entered a new morning calling upon you and upon the bearers of your throne , upon your angels and upon all your creation to bear witness that surely you are Allah, there is no one worthy of worship but you alone, You have no partners and that Mohamed is your slave and your messenger.

Note: If you say this in the evening then you should say اللهم إنى أمسيت (Allahumma ‘innee ‘amsaytu…, Oh Allah I have ended another day…..)

reference:Abu Dawud 4/317
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

اللّهُـمَّ ما أَصْبَـَحَ بي مِـنْ نِعْـمَةٍ أَو بِأَحَـدٍ مِـنْ خَلْـقِك ، فَمِـنْكَ وَحْـدَكَ لا شريكَ لَـك ، فَلَـكَ الْحَمْـدُ وَلَـكَ الشُّكْـر .

Allahumma ma asbaha bee min ni'matin, aw bi-ahadin min khalqika, faminka wahdaka la shareeka laka, falakal hamdu wa lakash shukru.

reference:Abu Dawood 4/138 , Ibn Hibban no2361.Its chain of narration is good (Hassan)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
اللّهُـمَّ عافِـني في بَدَنـي ، اللّهُـمَّ عافِـني في سَمْـعي ، اللّهُـمَّ عافِـني في بَصَـري ، لا إلهَ إلاّ أَنْـتَ
اللّهُـمَّ إِنّـي أَعـوذُبِكَ مِنَ الْكُـفر ، وَالفَـقْر ، وَأَعـوذُبِكَ مِنْ عَذابِ القَـبْر ، لا إلهَ إلاّ أَنْـتَ


Allahumma 'aafini fee badani, Allahumma 'aafini fee sam'i, Allahumma 'aafini fee basari, la ilaha illa Anta.
Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal kufri, walfaqri, wa a'udhu bika min 'adhaabil qabri, la ilaha illa Anta .


Oh Allah, preserve for me my health. Oh Allah, preserve for me my hearing. Oh Allah, preserve for me my sight. There is no God but You. Oh Allah, I seek refuge in You from disbelief and proverty and I seek refuge

(Say it three times in Arabic )

Please note : in the evening, say ''Allahumma ma amsa bee min... and the rest of the dua' ''

‘O Allah, what blessing I or any of Your creation have risen upon, is from You alone, without partner, so for You is all praise and unto You all thanks.’

reference: Abu Dawud 4/324 ; Ahmad 5/42, An-Nasa'i 'Amal Al-Yaum wal-Lailah (n0 22), Ibn As Sunni (n0 69), Al Bukhari Al-Adab Al-Mufrad. Its chain of transmission is good (Hasan). Ibn Baz, p.26

to be continued inshaAllah...

Monday, April 26, 2010

Hijab: Essence of Modesty

assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah

In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful.
May Allah send His peace and blessings upon His final Messenger, and upon his family and companions.

This campaign is a reminder to all our sisters about the superiority of observing Hijab for the sake of Allah. Hijab is much more than simply a scarf on the head, it is a total concept, a whole attitude. Hijab implies modesty, humility, from the way we walk to the way we talk. Observing correct Hijab provides many benefits to a Muslim woman herself, and to society.

*This campaign was put together by sisters, for sisters!
Insha'Allah please participate in this campaign by responding with any video regarding Hijab.

Jazakum'Allahu khayr

For virtually everything Islamic: http://IslamicEmirate.com


LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0JZGbvxzew

Saturday, April 24, 2010

some more Ahadeeth from "Islahul Mujtama' "

assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah

Hadeeth 58:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, "The poor person is not the one for whom a date or two or a morsel or two (of food is sufficient but the poor person is he who does not (beg or) ask the people (for something) or show his poverty at all. Recite if you wish, (Allah's Statement):

"They do not beg of people at all." (2.273)



Hadeeth 59:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle said, "One would rather cut and carry a bundle of wood on his back than ask somebody who may or may not live him."

Hadeeth 60:

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar

The Prophet said, "A man keeps on asking others for something till he comes on the Day of Resurrection without any piece of flesh on his face."

Hadeeth 61:

Narrated Anas ibn Malik:

The prophet said," show them leniency and do not be hard upon them.Give tidings (to the people) , do not create (in their minds) aversion (towards religion)"

Hadeeth 62:

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:

Somebody asked, "O Allah's Apostle! Who is the best among the people?" Allah's Apostle replied "A believer who strives his utmost in Allah's Cause with his life and property." They asked, "Who is next?" He replied, "A believer who stays in one of the mountain paths worshiping Allah and leaving the people secure from his mischief."


Hadeeth 63:

Narrated Sad:

I was the first Arab to shoot his arrow for the sake of Allah and we were ones who fought(naghzu) with Allah's Apostle and we had nothing to eat then, except the leaves of the Habala (Hubula) tree and samuru tree, so that our stool used to be similar to that of sheep.

****these are trees that grow in the oultands of Arabia


Hadeeth 64:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, "(There are) three (types of persons to whom) Allah will neither speak to them on the Day of Resurrections, nor look at them (They are):--(1) a man who takes a false oath that he has been offered for a commodity a price greater than what he has actually been offered; (2) and a man who takes a false oath after the 'Asr (prayer) in order to grab the property of a Muslim through it; (3) and a man who forbids others to use the remaining superfluous water. To such a man Allah will say on the Day of Resurrection, 'Today I withhold My Blessings from you as you withheld the superfluous part of that (water) which your hands did not create.' "

Enjoy! =)

Compiled by Umm Abdullah

Beautiful Hadith

assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah

عن أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضي الله عنه ، قَالَ : قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ :
( مَنْ يَأْخُذُ عَنِّي هَؤُلاَءِ الكَلِمَاتِ فَيَعْمَلُ بِهِنَّ أَوْ يُعَلِّمُ مَنْ يَعْمَلُ بِهِنَّ ؟ فَقَالَ أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ : فَقُلْتُ : أَنَا يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ !
فَأَخَذَ بِيَدِي فَعَدَّ خَمْسًا وَقَالَ :
اتَّقِ الْمَحَارِمَ تَكُنْ أَعْبَدَ النَّاسِ ، وَارْضَ بِمَا قَسَمَ اللَّهُ لَكَ تَكُنْ أَغْنَى النَّاسِ ، وَأَحْسِنْ إِلَى جَارِكَ تَكُنْ مُؤْمِنًا ، وَأَحِبَّ لِلنَّاسِ مَا تُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِكَ تَكُنْ مُسْلِمًا ، وَلاَ تُكْثِرِ الضَّحِكَ ، فَإِنَّ كَثْرَةَ الضَّحِكِ تُمِيتُ القَلْبَ ) .
رواه أحمد والترمذي والطبراني في الأوسط

Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet sallaAllahu alayhe wasallam said, “Who among you will accept of me the following words and adopt and execute their meaning or teach someone to adopt them and act according to them?” Abu Hurayrah replied, “I, ya Rasulullah!”

Abu Hurayrah said, “So he held my hand and counted five things according to my five fingers as follows:
"Keep away from prohibited things and you will be the best of worshippers.

Be content with what Allah has given you, and you will be the richest of people.

Be good to your neighbor and you will be a true believer.

Love for other people what you love for yourself and you will be a (perfect) Muslim.

Do not laugh too much, for excessive laughter deadens the heart."


(Recorded by Ahmad and al-Tirmidhi)

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Fear Allah wherever you are!!!

assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah

عـن أبي ذر جـنـدب بـن جـنـادة ، وأبي عـبد الـرحـمـن معـاذ بـن جـبـل رضي الله عـنهما ، عـن
الرسول صلي الله عـليه وسلم ، قـال : ( اتـق الله حيثما كنت ، وأتبع السيئة الحسنة تمحها ، وخالق الناس بخـلـق حـسـن ).
رواه الترمذي [ رقم : 1987 ] وقال : حديث حسن ، وفي بعض النسخ : حسن صحيح


On the authority of Abu Dharr Jundub ibn Junaadah, and Abu 'Abd-ir-Rahmaan Mu'aadh bin Jabal (radiAllaahu anhumaa) that the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said :

Have Taqwaa (Fear) of Allaah wherever you may be, and follow up a bad deed with a good deed which will wipe it out, and behave well towards the people.
It was related by at-Tirmidhee, who said it was a Hasan (Good) Hadeeth, and in some copies it is stated to be a Hasan Saheeh Hadeeth.

Explanation of Hadeeth

The virtues and outstanding traits of Abu Dharr (radiAllaahu anhu) are many. He accepted Islaam while the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) was still in Makkah, and was instructed by him to return to and keep close to his tribe [in order to call them to Islaam]. However, when the Prophet (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) saw in him a great eagerness to remain with him in Makkah, and knowing that he would not be able to do so [due to the torment of the Quraysh], he said to Abu Dharr : "Have Taqwaa (Fear) of Allaah wherever you may be, and follow up a bad deed with a good deed which will wipe it out", and this is in accordance with the statement of Allaah ta'aalaa "Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds" [Hood, 114].

And his (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) statement "and behave well towards the people" means that one should treat the people the way one would like them to treat oneself. And know that "Verily the heaviest thing to be placed in the Scales [on the Day of Accounting] will be the Good Character/Behaviour". And the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) is reported to have said "Verily the most loved of you by me and the closest of you to me on the Day of Resurrection are the best of you in Character" [related by at-Tabaraanee, but judged weak by al-Haafidh al-Mundhiree in at-Targheeb wa at-Tarheeb]. And good character is from the characteristics of the Prophets and Messengers and the chosen ones from amongst the Believers - those who do not retaliate with evil, but rather forgive and pardon and behave well despite being treated badly.

Summary

That one must remember Allaah with Fear no matter where he may be

That one must do a good act to cover up each bad act that he commits

That a Muslim must behave well towards others


from 40 Hadeeth of Imam Nawawi(hadith number 18)

Umm Abdullah

Monday, April 12, 2010

"Beware of Jealousy..."

"Beware of jealousy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood."

Hasad (jealousy and envy) is among the most destructive emotions or feeling which a man may have towards his fellow human being. It causes him to wish evil for others and to be happy when misfortune befalls them. The Prophet (sallallâhû alaihi wa-sallam) warned against envy by comparing it to fire that completely burns the wood.

He (sallallâhû alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Beware of jealousy, for verily it destroys good deeds the way fire destroys wood." [Abû Dawûd]

Hasad is a disease of the heart and it causes impurity to the heart, when Allâh's Messenger (sallallâhû alaihi wa-sallam) was asked who are the best of people? He (sallallâhû alaihi wa-sallam) replied: "The one with a clean heart and truthful tongue." They asked: 'We understand a truthful tongue, but what does a clean heart mean?' he answered: 'It is the heart of one that is pious, pure, and is free of sin, transgressions, hatred and Hasad." [Ibn Mâjah]

Hasad is such a dangerous characteristic that Allâh revealed verses of the Qur'ân to be recited as a protection from the jealous,

"Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn… from the evil of envious when he envies." [Sûrah al-Fâlaq (113): 1]

At-Tirmîdhî narrated from al-Zubayr Ibn al-Awam that the Prophet (sallallâhû alaihi wa-sallam) said: "There has come to you the disease of the nations before you, jealousy and hatred. This is the 'shaver' (destroyer); I do not say that it shaves hair, but that it shaves (destroys) faith…" [(Hasan) Jamî at- Tirmîdhî (2434)]

Hasad can cause the person to indulge in disbelief because it causes the individual to feel that Allâh has not been fair with him; he forgets all the mercy and blessings which Allâh has bestowed upon him. The Messenger of Allâh (sallallâhû alaihi wa-sallam) said: "They are enemies for Allâh's bounties." They asked: "Who are they?" He said: "Those who envy people for what Allâh has given them of Bounty." [at-Tabarânî]

Allâh through His Absolute Wisdom has given some people more wealth, intelligence, beauty, strength, children, etc. than others. The believing Muslim should be content with what Allâh has destined for him.

Allâh says: "Allâh favored some of you over others with wealth and properties… Do they deny the favors of Allâh?" [Sûrah an-Nahl (16): 71]

And: "Do they envy men for what Allâh has given them of His Bounty?" [Sûrah an-Nisâ (4): 54]

"It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in this world, and We raised some of them above others in ranks, so that some may employ others in their work. But the mercy of your Lord is better." [Sûrah az-Zukhruf (43): 32]

meaning mercy of Allâh is better than the convenience of the world. The materials of this life do not make one superior to another in Allâh's Judgment. True superiority lies in Taqwa (righteousness, fear of Allâh).

He said: "Surely, the most noble of you to Allâh is the most God-fearing." [Sûrah al-Hujurât (49): 13]

"And the Hereafter with Your Lord is (only) for those who have Taqwa." [Sûrah az-Zukhruf (43): 35]

What belongs to the transient world is of no significance before Allâh. The Prophet (sallallâhû alaihi wa-sallam) said: "If this world were worth a mosquito's wing before Allâh, He would not give a disbeliever a drink of water." [At-Tirmidhî]

The favors of Allâh in the world are a test; the more the favors, the more the tests. Al-Hasan al-Basri said: "Umar Ibn Khattâb wrote this letter to Abû Musa al-Ash'ari, 'Be content with your provision in this world, for the Most Merciful has honored some of His servants over others in terms of provision as a test of both. The one who has been given plenty is being tested to see if he will give thanks to Allâh and fulfill the duties which are his by virtue of his wealth…" [Ibn Hâtim]

Allâh, the Exalted, has therefore forbidden us from desiring what other have, "Do not wish for what we have favored some of you over others." [Sûrah an-Nisa (4): 32]

In order to discourage envy, the Prophet (sallallâhû alaihi wa-sallam) said: "Do not look to those above you. Look to those below you, as it will more likely remind you of Allâh's favors bestowed on you." [Sahîh al-Bukharî and Sahîh Muslim] On another occasion, he said: "If one of you looks at someone wealthier and better built than him, he should also look at someone of lower standard than himself." [Sahîh Muslim]

translated by Yahya Adel Ibrahim

Friday, April 9, 2010

Some Ahadeeth on the Day of Jumuah

assalamu alaikum

Some Ahadeeth on the Day of Jumuah

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): I heard Allah's Apostle (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) saying, "We (Muslims) are the last (to come) but (will be) the foremost on the Day of Resurrection though the former nations were given the Holy Scriptures before us. And this was their day (Friday) the celebration of which was made compulsory for them but they differed about it. So Allah gave us the guidance for it (Friday) and all the other people are behind us in this respect: the Jews' (holy day is) tomorrow (i.e. Saturday) and the Christians' (is) the day after tomorrow (i.e. Sunday)." (Al-Bukhari Book 013, Hadith Number 001.)



Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Apostle (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Anyone of you attending the Friday (prayers) should take a bath." (Al-Bukhari Book 013, Hadith Number 002.)

Narrated Sahl bin Sad (Radhi Allahu Anhu) "There was a woman amongst us who had a farm and she used to sow Silq (a kind of vegetable) on the edges of streams in her farm. On Fridays she used to pull out the Silq from its roots and put the roots in a utensil. Then she would put a handful of powdered barley over it and cook it. The roots of the Silq were a substitute for meat. After finishing the Jumu’ah prayer we used to greet her and she would give us that food which we would eat with our hands, and because of that meal, we used to look forward to Friday." (Book #13, Hadith #60)

Don’t forget to send Salams and Salah upon the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alayhi wa Sallam)and recite Surah Al-Kahf (18) (the Cave)

Umm Abdullah

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Evening&Morning DuaaPART1

assalamu alaikum,

Athkaar for morning and evening:

اللهم بك أصبحنا، و بك أمسينا، و بك نحيا، و بك نموت، و إليك النشور

Allaahumma bika ‘asbahnaa, wa bika ‘amsaynaa, wa bika nahyaa, wa bika namootu wa ‘ilaykan-nushoor

O Allah by you we enter the morning and by You we enter the evening, by you we live and by you we die and to you is the final return.

[u][b]When you say this in the evening then you should say:

اللهم بك أمسينا و بك أصبحنا و بك نحيا، و بك نموت، و إليك المصير

Allaahumma bika ‘amsaynaa, wa bika ‘asbahnaa wa bika nahyaa, wa bika namootu wa ‘ilaykal-maseer

O Allah by you we enter the evening and by You we enter the morning by you we live and by you we die and to you is our fate.

Reference:
At-Tirmithi 5/466 and see Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/142

to be continued inshaAllah....

some ahadeeth from the hadeeth book "Islahul Mujtama' "

Assalamu alaikum,

here are some ahadeeth from a hadeeth book i memorized a year ago. All the hadeeth are authentic and can be found in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.


Hadeeth 48:

Anas ibn Malik narrates: Allahs rasul said:

"None of you should search for death due to a problem which befell him, if he/she cannot remove it(like a dangerous fitnah where he fears for his or her deen) then he/she should say: O Allah make me live as long as living is better for me and make me die as long as dying is better for me."

Hadeeth 49:

Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Aas narrates: "Allahs rasul was not one who did bad things or looked for bad things and he use to say: Indeed the best among you are the best in good behavior (manners)."

hadeeth 50: Aisha narrates: "I never saw Allahs messenger laughing so badly that his molar tooth in the back could be seen he would simply smile."

Hadeeth 51:

Narrated Abu Huraira :

The Prophet said, "Every day two angels come down from Heaven and one of them says, 'O Allah! Compensate every person who spends in Your Cause,' and the other (angel) says, 'O Allah! Destroy every miser.' "


Hadeeth 52:

Narrated Abu Musa :

The Prophet said, "An honest Muslim store-keeper who carries out the orders of his master and pays fully what he has been ordered to give with a good heart and pays to that person to whom he was ordered to pay, is regarded as one of the two charitable persons."


Hadeeth 53:

Narrated 'Aisha:

Allah's Apostle said, "When a woman gives in charity from her husband's meals without wasting the property of her husband, she will get a reward for it, and her husband too will get a reward for what he earned and the store-keeper will have the reward likewise."


Hadeeth 54:

Abu Hurayra said: Allah's rasul said:

"The one who takes care of a widow and the poor person is like a Mujahid who fights in the cause of Allah OR a person who stands in prayer all night and fasts during the day."


Hadeeth 55:

Abu Musa narrates Allahs prophet as saying:"Upon every muslim there is charity (due on him)."It was asked," what if he can not find any?" He (saw) said, "He makes with his hand and then benefits himself with it and then gives it in charity." It was asked,"what if he cannot do so? He said "he helps one who needs help and cannot give." He was then asked,"what if he cannot do that?" He replied, "he enjoins the good."It was asked," what if he cannot do that?"He said " He holds back his evil from people for that will be a sadaqa for him."

Hadeeth 56:

Abu Umama (may Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) as saying, "Son of Adam, to give away what you have extra is better for you and to withhold it is worse for you, but you are not blamed for having a sufficiency. Give first to those who are dependent on you."

Hadeeth 57:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, "Riches does not mean, having a great amount of property, but riches is self-contentment."


Umm Abdullah

Monday, April 5, 2010

The Hijaab

As-Salamu Alaykum (peace be upon you),

THE HIJAB

One day a sheikh with his wife in Hijab and a non Muslim were traveling together in the train.

The non Muslim asked the sheikh: "Why do you people cover your wife from head to toe?"

The sheikh started thinking... suddenly he took a fruit from his pocket cut it half with knife.

The sheikh asked the non Muslim: "Do you know what this is?"

The non Muslim responded: "hmmm...yum yum...Yes I know, this is fruit.

The sheikh then replied: "No....this is my fruit, while it was in my pocket your mouth didn't water but as soon as I took it out and cut it, you wanted to taste it, similarly when a woman is covered from head to toe, no one will think about her but if she removes her Hijab then every one will desire her.

What is the correct Hijab of a Muslim woman? Why should we wear it and how should we wear it?

"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (Jilbab) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful" [Noble Quran 33:59]

The reason for women to cover is clearly stated here by Allah the Almighty as a form of protection. And in the following verse from the Quran it is clear who women are allowed to be uncovered around.

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts from sin and not show of their adornment except only that which is apparent, and draw their head covers over their necks and bosoms and not reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women (i.e., their sisters in Islam), or their female slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants free of physical desires, or small children who have no sense of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah altogether, O you Believers, in order that you may attain success." [Noble Quran 24:31]

Definition and Description of the Jilbab (Over Garment)

The Jilbab is defined as the covering with which a woman wraps around her body on top of her regular household garments to cover herself from head to toe, and is intended to completely hide the shape of her body.

The Jilbab has been mentioned in ayah 33:59 above. This ayah orders Muslim women to draw their outer garments about themselves when they go out.

How the Salaf (Early Companions) & Other Scholars Defined Jilbab

Ibn Mas'ud said, "Jilbab is that sheet of cloth which is worn on top of the scarf."

Ibn `Abbas said, "concerning the description of the Jilbab that "it is to be fully wrapped around the women's body, so that nothing appears but one eye with which she can see." [Tafsir Ibn Kathir]

Al-Qurtubi defined it as "a cloth which covers the entire body..."

Ibn Al-Hazm said: "The word Jilbab means the outer sheet which covers the entire body. A sheet smaller than that which would cover the entire body, cannot be categorized as Jilbab." [al-Muhalla, Vol 3. Pg. 217]

Muhammad bin Sireen: "When I asked Ubaydah bin Sufyan bin al-Harith the meaning of this verse and how the Jilbab was to worn, he demonstrated it to me by pulling a sheet of cloth over his head to cover his entire body, leaving the left eye uncovered. This was also the explanation of the word 'Alaihinna in this verse" [Commentary by Ibn Jarir and Ahkam-ul-Quran, Vol.III, p .457 ]

Umm Salamah narrated that: When the verse, "That they should draw their over garments (Jalabib) close around them" was revealed, the women of Ansar came out as if they had crows over their heads by wearing over garments (Jalabib).

Al-Qurtubi, explains: "Women in the past (i.e. before the ayahs concerning covering properly were revealed) used to cover their heads with the Khimar, throwing its ends over their backs. This left the neck and the upper part of the chest bare, in the manner of the Christians. Then Allah commanded them to cover those parts with the Khimar."

Hence, the Khimar must fully cover not only the hair, but the neck, the shoulders and the chest.

Allah states further in An-Nur, 24:31: "...And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment." [Noble Quran 24:31]

The women in the time of Jahiliyyah (ignorance) wore anklets which were used to attract attention by stamping their feet and making the anklets jingle. This shows not only that this practice (of stamping the feet to draw attention), is forbidden by Allah, but also that the legs and ankles must be covered as well.

Regarding the feet, this is clarified in the following Hadith from Ibn 'Umar who reported that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said: "On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will not look at the man who trails his garment along out of pride. Umm Salamah then asked: What should women do with (the hems of) their garments? He replied: Let them lower them a hand span. She said: Their feet would be exposed! He (Peace be upon him) then said: Let them lower them a forearm's length but no more." [Reported by At-Tabarani]

So it is clear that the dress worn in public must cover the entire body (including the feet) except what has been specifically excluded.

Therefore, from the above proofs from the Quran, the Sunnah and the Statements of the Salaf of this Ummah, we can conclude that a Jilbab or an outer garment or cloak of some type must be worn by a Muslim woman over her normal clothes whenever she goes out in public or if she is in the presence of strangers (i.e., men that are not a Mahram for her) within her own home or the home of a close relative and that simply covering the hair with a headscarf along with normal clothing is not sufficient.

Garments such as the Abaya, the chador, a cloak or other similar garments that are worn over normal clothing can also be defined as a "Jilbab" as well as any combination of clothing that covers as a single over garment (such as the Abaya) does.

The Jilbab Must be Sufficiently Thick and Loose

The Jilbab should be thick and opaque so as not to display the skin color and loose enough so as not to reveal the shape and size of the woman's body beneath it.

We find a very severe warning against wearing clothing that is transparent or tight fitting in the following Hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah who said that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said: "I will not be a witness for two types of people who are destined for the fire: people with whips, like the tails of cows, who beat the people (i.e. tyrants who are the enemies of their own people) and women who, although clothed, are yet naked seducing and being seduced, their hair style like the tilted humps of camels. These will not enter the paradise nor will its fragrance reach them although its fragrance reaches a very great distance" [Muslim]

The Scholars have interpreted the Prophet's (Peace be upon him) statement "although clothed, are yet naked" as meaning a woman wearing clothes that do not cover her body properly.

Al-Qurtubi reports a narration from `Ayshah that some women from Banu Tamim came to see her, wearing transparent clothing. `Ayshah said to them: "If you are believing women, these are not the clothes of believing women."

Further proof that the Jilbab should be both sufficiently loose and thick can also be found in the following Hadith from Usamah ibn Zaid who said: Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) gave me a gift of thick Coptic cloth he had received as a gift from Dahiah Al-Kalbi, and so I gave it to my wife. Thereafter the Prophet (Peace be upon him) asked me: Why didn't you wear the Coptic cloth? I replied: 'I gave it to my wife.' The Prophet (Peace be upon him) then said: Tell her to wear a thick gown under it (the Coptic garment) for I fear that it may describe the size of her limbs. [Narrated by Ahmad, Al-Baihaqi, and Al-Hakim]

So, from this, we can conclude that a skin-tight body suit or blue jeans (for example) which may conceal the skin color, are nonetheless lacking as proper Hijab because they still reveal the size and shape of the body. Additionally, a Jilbab that may be sufficiently loosely fitting, but is transparent, would also be lacking because it is not opaque and thick and would reveal the skin color of the woman.

Color Must Not Be Alluring and Should Not Have Attractive Designs

The Hijab is intended to conceal the woman and her beauty from public view and should not be a thing which actually enhances her beauty or draws attention. Therefore, the Jilbab should not have bright colors, eye-catching decorations nor have a glossy and/or reflective fabric that will draw the attention of the opposite sex.

The Proof for this is as follows Allah says: "...And do not make a display of yourselves like the displaying of the ignorance of long ago..." [Noble Quran 33:33]

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said: "Do not prevent the female slaves of Allah from attending the mosques of Allah, but let them go out unadorned." [Abu Dawud]

So, the Muslim woman is encouraged to wear soft, somber colors and to avoid Jilbabs that contain bright designs, patterns, images, bright colors or any other thing which draws attention. Additionally, the Jilbab should not be adorned with jewelry and/or perfume. Many women wear black, not because it is obligatory, but because it is the most somber color and farthest removed from being an adornment.

The following report from Abu Dawud indicates that the women of the Sahabah used to wear black in which 'Ayshah said: "After this Ayah (Al- Ahzab, 33:33) was revealed the women of the Ansar appeared like crows." The scholars have interpreted part of the meaning of "appeared like crows" as meaning that their Jilbabs were plain and black.

Also, over garments that could be considered to be extravagant dress of high status, or something worn as a status symbol) should also be avoided in accordance with Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: "He who wears extravagant clothing in this world will be dressed in humiliating clothes on the day of judgment" [Ahmad Abu Dawud]

Must Not Resemble Men's Clothing

A Muslim woman's clothes must not resemble men's clothing (and vice versa).

The Messenger (Peace be upon him) said: "Allah curses those men who imitate the women, and He curses those women who imitate the men." [Al-Bukhari]

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: "The man who resembles a woman and the woman who resembles a man is not from us" [Ahmad and At-Tabarani]

Must Differ from the Clothing of Kuffar

A Muslim's clothing must not resemble the clothing of unbelievers. This is a general ruling of the Shari'ah which not only includes dress but manners, religious practices and festivals, and other customs and traditions that are exclusive to the Kuffar.

'Abdullah ibn `Amr ibn Al-`Aas said: Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) saw me wearing two saffron-colored garments, so he said: "Indeed, these are the clothes of Kuffar (unbelievers), so do not wear them." [Sahih Muslim]

Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) stated: "Whoever resembles a people is one of them." [Abu Dawud]

So a Muslim woman should not resemble a Nun, for example, in her dress even if what she is wearing is appropriately long, thick and loosely fitting.

We sincerely ask Allah by His Infinite Mercy to unite our hearts upon His Book and the Sunnah of His Messenger (Peace and Blessing be upon him) and make us firm in our efforts to spread His Deen. Indeed Allah is The One with the ability to do that.
Ameen...

And our final Du'a is All Praise to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds...

Khadejah Jones
Share Islam Team
ShareIslam.com

Thursday, April 1, 2010

A Beautiful Story[MUST READ!!]

assalamu alaikum

this is a lovely story shared to me by a sister.please read and comment.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Every Friday afternoon, after the Jumma prayers, the Imam and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out "PATH TO PARADISE " and other Islamic literature.

This particular and fortunate Friday afternoon, as the time came for the Imam and his son to go to the streets with their booklets, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring rain.

The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, 'OK, dad, I'm ready!'

His dad asked, 'Ready for what' 'Dad, it's time we go out and distribute these Islamic books.'

Dad responds, 'Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring rain.'

The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, 'But Dad, aren't people still going to hell, even though it's raining?'

Dad answers, 'Son, I am not going out in this weather.'

Despondently, the boy asks, 'Dad, can I go Please'

His father hesitated for a moment then said, 'Son, you can go. Here are the booklets. Be careful son.'

'Thanks, Dad!'

And with that, he was off and out into the rain. This eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a pamphlet or a booklet.

After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST BOOKLET. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a booklet to, but the streets were totally deserted.

Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell. He rang the bell, but nobody answered..

He rang it again and again, but still no one answered. He waited but still no answer.

Finally, he turned to leave, but something stopped him.
Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch!

He rang again and this time the door slowly opened.
Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady. She softly asked, 'What can I do for you, son?' With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, 'Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that ALLAH REALLY LOVES AND CARES FOR YOU and I came to give you my very last booklet which will tell you all about God, the real purpose of creation, and how to achieve His pleasure.'

With that, he handed her his last booklet and turned to leave.

She called to him as he departed. 'Thank you, son! And God Bless You!'

Next week on Friday afternoon after Jumma prayers, the Imam was giving some lectures. As he concludes the lectures, he asked, 'Does anybody have questions or want to say anything?'

Slowly, in the back row among the ladies, an elderly lady's voice was heard over the speaker.
'No one in this gathering knows me. I've never been here before. You see, before last Friday I was not a Muslim, and thought I could be. My husband died few years ago, leaving me totally alone in this world.. Last Friday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, i was contemplating suicide as i had no hope left.

So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home.. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and broken-hearted I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away.

I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly....

I thought to myself again, 'Who on earth could this be? Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me.' I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder.

When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you! The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, 'Ma'am, I just came to tell you that ALLAH REALLY LOVES AND CARES FOR YOU!'

Then he gave me this booklet, Path To Paradise that I now hold in my hand.

As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this book. Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more.

You see? I am now a Happy Vicegerent of the One True God. Since the address of your congregation was stamped on the back of this booklet, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell.'

There was not a dry eye in the mosque. The shouts of TAKBIR...ALLAH AKBAR.. rented the air.

Imam-Dad descended from the pulpit to the front row where the little angel was seated....

He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.

Probably no jama'at has had a more glorious moment, and probably this universe has never seen a father that was more filled with love and honor for his son... Except for One. This very one...

Blessed are your eyes for reading this message.

Don't let this message die, read it again and pass it to others. Heaven is for His people!
Remember, Allah's message CAN make the difference in the life of someone close to you.
Please share this wonderful message
Spread His Word, help Him and you'll see His hand in everything you do...

"This day I've perfected your religion for you, and completed my favor on you, and chose Islam for you as religion:"....Qur'an 5:3:

“And who is better in speech than one who calls to Allah and works righteousness and says: ‘Surely I am of the Muslims.’ ” (41: 33).

Prophet Muhammad (salaAllahu alayhi wassalam) said:
“Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward similar to that of one who follows it.”


Umm Abdullah