Going to the Toilet

We have gone through the akhlaq of goingto toilet, but Insya Allah a formal one to check each other’s knowledge.

The Book of Purification (Kitab Al-Taharah)

Muslim :: Book 2 : Hadith 505

Salman said that (one among) the polytheists remarked: I see that your friend even teaches you about the excrement. He replied; Yes, he has in fact forbidden us that anyone amongst us should cleanse himself with his right hand, or face the Qibla. He has forbidden the use of dung or bone for it, and he has also instructed us not to use less than three pebbles (for this purpose).

We must be thankful that Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasalam even teaches us to clean ourselves to stress on its importance and to learn what please Allah most.

Enter the bathroom.

1. Before entering the toilet remember to recite the du’a.

Say Bismillah and read the dua’

Remember this so you can easily recite even when you are in rush to go to the toilet.

Alee Ibn Abee Talib reported that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasalam said,
The private areas of the children of Adam are veiled from the Jinn if one of them (children of Adam) enters Al Kaneef (a place which people relieve themselves) and says, Bismillah.

Ibn Majah. Al Albanee ruled it is authentic.

Narrated By Anas: Whenever the Prophet (sal-Allâhu alayhi wa sallam) went to answer the call of nature, he used to say,
“Allahumma inni a’udhu bika minal khubuthi wal khaba’ith i.e.
O Allah, I seek Refuge with You from all offensive and wicked things (evil deeds and evil spirits).”(Bukhari, 144)

We make this dua’ to ask Allah to protect us from Shaytan. Shaytan loves dirty place and as you know toilet is the place where people throw dirty things. Alhamdulillah Allah send us the Prophet sallalahu alaihi wasalam who teaches us how to protect ourselves from our biggest enemy with the permission of Allah.

2. Before you want to step in the toilet. Stop and check which foot you are entering the toilet with.

It should be the left foot first.

Hazrat Aisha (RadiAllahu anha) says, “Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) liked to begin with the right while combing his hair; while performing ablution (wudhu) and when putting on his shoes. (Also in every other deed, he first began with the right then the left).

Commentary.
This (beginning from the right) is not confined to the three acts mentioned in this Hadith. Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) began everything with the right, that is why every other deed’ has been added in the translation of the Hadith. The basic rule is, that all those things that reflect dignity and elegance, while putting on these the right is preferred, and when removing them the left is begun with, as when putting on clothes, shoes etc. When one enters
the Masjid, one enters with the right foot and leaves with the left foot first, as this is the place of dignity and greatness. Contrary to this, in those things that do not have elegance in them, for instance when entering the toilet. (Tirmidhi) from The Hadith Software.

3. Close the Door

Alhamdulillah most of us have toilets with DOORS. So when you want to use the toilet, close the door. Have shame.

If you do not know how to unlock the door (because you are still small), do not lock them less you might not know or may not be strong enough to unlock it.

Purification (Kitab Al-Taharah)  

Dawud :: Book 1 : Hadith 1

Narrated Mughirah ibn Shu’bah:

When the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) went (outside) to relieve himself, he went to a far-off place.

He went to far away place so that no one can see him.

4. In the Toilet

Nowadays most of the household in my part of the world use the sitting type of bowl rather than the squatting one. Regardless do take care that you sit properly. Care that the “target” will go to the bowl.

If it is a sitting type, then sit, if it is a squatting type then squat.

If accidents happen, clean it. (Or better yet call me (But I will still make you clean it yourself))

Now. Can you stand (for boys mostly) is it okay to stand when you pass urine?

The basic principle in this issue is that a person should be seated.

Aisha r.a. said, “If anyone relates to you that teh Messenger salllahu alaihi wasalam urinated while standing, then don’t believe him, the Prophet sallallahu alaihi waslam would always be seated when urinating”

Narrated by An Nassaee and Albani rated as saheeh.

However in another hadith

Ablutions (Wudu’)  

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 4 :: Hadith 224

Narrated Hudhaifa:

Once the Prophet went to the dumps of some people and passed urine while standing. He then asked for water and so I brought it to him and he performed ablution.

Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam usually would seat when he passed urine. Some scholars hold that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam stood to indicate that it is permissible and he was in a place where it was not possible for him to sit down to urinate.

For you if you are in the comfort of home or where the place is clean, sitting down is preferred.

Remember as good manners to always flush. If it requires more than one flushing, do it. be sure it’s clean before you leave the toilet. Even the surrounding area. Otherwise, revert to the paragraph above.

Then clean yourself. Use your left hand to clean yourself after.

Drinks  

Bukhari :: Book 7 :: Volume 69 :: Hadith 534

Narrated Abu Qatada:

Allah’s Apostle said, “When you drink (water), do not breath in the vessel; and when you urinate, do not touch your penis with your right hand. And when you cleanse yourself after defecation, do not use your right hand.”

And also remember our lesson, Istinja’?

Since most of us have the luxury of water from tap, Alhamdulillah. Then do Istinja’. You can wipe yourself dry using tissue.

Before you leave the toilet, wash your hands.

5. Getting out of the toilet

Then leave the toilet right foot first and read the dua’ of leaving the toilet.

Summary of Manners to Entering the Toilet
1. Say the du’a
2. Enter with left foot
3. Close the door

4. Seat yourself properly

5. Flush

6. Wash yourself using left hand

7. Before leaving out wash your hands

8. Check if the toilet is clean

9. Go out right foot first

10. recite the du’a of going out.

The Story of Prophet Idris (Enoch) alaihi salam

Maryam 19: 56-57

And mention in the Book (the Qur’ân) Idris (Enoch).Verily! he was a man of truth, (and) a Prophet. (56) And We raised him to a high station. (57)

Al Anbiya’ 21: 85-86

And (remember) Isma’îl (Ishmael), and Idris (Enoch) and Dhul-Kifl (Isaiah), all were from among As-Sâbirun (the patient). (85) And We admitted them to Our Mercy. Verily, they were of the righteous (86)

Allah praised Prophet Idris and described him as Prophet, truthful and among the righteous.

After Prophet Adam alaihi salam and Sheeth (Seth), he was the first man to be sent as a prophet, peace be upon all of them.

Ibn Ishaq said, he was the first man to write with a pen.

Allah said, “And We raised him high in the heaven.”The explanation of this ayah is mentioned in both Bukhari and Muslim which is the hadith concerning teh Nigt of Journey of our Prophet sallallahu alaihi salam. the hadith says, “The prophet passed by him on the fourth heaven.”

The Book of Faith (Kitab Al-Iman)

Muslim :: Book 1 : Hadith 309

It is narrated on the authority of Anas b. Malik that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: I was brought al-Buraq Who is an animal white and long, larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule, who would place his hoof a distance equal to the range of version. I mounted it and came to the Temple (Bait Maqdis in Jerusalem), then tethered it to the ring used by the prophets. I entered the mosque and prayed two rak’ahs in it, and then came out and Gabriel brought me a vessel of wine and a vessel of milk. I chose the milk, and Gabriel said: You have chosen the natural thing. Then he took me to heaven. Gabriel then asked the (gate of heaven) to be opened and he was asked who he was. He replied: Gabriel. He was again asked: Who is with you? He (Gabriel) said: Muhammad. It was said: Has he been sent for? Gabriel replied: He has indeed been sent for. And (the door of the heaven) was opened for us and lo! we saw Adam. He welcomed me and prayed for my good. Then we ascended to the second heaven. Gabriel (peace be upon him) (asked the door of heaven to be opened), and he was asked who he was. He answered: Gabriel; and was again asked: Who is with you? He replied: Muhammad. It was said: Has he been sent for? He replied: He has indeed been sent for. The gate was opened. When I entered ‘Isa b. Maryam and Yahya b. Zakariya (peace be upon both of them), cousins from the maternal side. welcomed me and prayed for my good Then I was taken to the third heaven and Gabriel asked for the opening (of the door). He was asked: Who are you? He replied: Gabriel. He was (again) asked: Who is with you? He replied Muhammad (may peace be upon him). It was said: Has he been sent for? He replied He has indeed been sent for. (The gate) was opened for us and I saw Yusuf (peace of Allah be upon him) who had been given half of (world) beauty. He welcomed me prayed for my well-being. Then he ascended with us to the fourth heaven. Gabriel (peace be upon him) asked for the (gate) to be opened, and it was said: Who is he? He replied: Gabriel. It was (again) said: Who is with you? He said: Muhammad. It was said: Has he been sent for? He replied: He has indeed been sent for. The (gate) was opened for us, and lo! Idris was there. He welcomed me and prayed for my well-being (About him) Allah, the Exalted and the Glorious, has said:” We elevated him (Idris) to the exalted position” (Qur’an xix. 57). Then he ascended with us to the fifth heaven and Gabriel asked for the (gate) to be opened. It was said: Who is he? He replied Gabriel. It was (again) said: Who is with thee? He replied: Muhammad. It was said Has he been sent for? He replied: He has indeed been sent for. (The gate) was opened for us and then I was with Harun (Aaron-peace of Allah be upon him). He welcomed me prayed for my well-being. Then I was taken to the sixth heaven. Gabriel (peace be upon him) asked for the door to be opened. It was said: Who is he? He replied: Gabriel. It was said: Who is with thee? He replied: Muhammad. It was said: Has he been sent for? He replied: He has indeed been sent for. (The gate) was opened for us and there I was with Musa (Moses peace be upon him) He welcomed me and prayed for my well-being. Then I was taken up to the seventh heaven. Gabriel asked the (gate) to be opened. It was said: Who is he? He said: Gabriel It was said. Who is with thee? He replied: Muhammad (may peace be upon him.) It was said: Has he been sent for? He replied: He has indeed been sent for. (The gate) was opened for us and there I found Ibrahim (Abraham peace be upon him) reclining against the Bait-ul-Ma’mur and there enter into it seventy thousand angels every day, never to visit (this place) again. Then I was taken to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha whose leaves were like elephant ears and its fruit like big earthenware vessels. And when it was covered by the Command of Allah, it underwent such a change that none amongst the creation has the power to praise its beauty.

Ibn Jareer reported on the authority of Hilal ibn Yasaf who said, “Ibn Abbas asked Ka’ab in my presence, “What is the meaning of the verse,’And We raised him high in the heaven?’ And we raised him high in the heaven? “Ka’an replied, “Allah revealed to Idris, ‘I would raise for you every day the same amount of the deeds of all Adam’s children.’ Perhaps what he meant was referring to the deeds of his time only. So Idris wanted to increase his deeds.

It is said that Idris had a friend from among the angels. When this angel come to visit him, Idris said to the angel, “Allah has revealed to me such and such, so could you please speak to the angel of death so that I could increase my deeds.” The angel then carried him on his wings and went up into the heaven. When they passed by the fourth heaven, they me the angel of death, who was descending. The angel spoke to him regarding what Idris had spoken to him before.

The angel of death said, “Where is Idris?” He replied, “he is upon my back.” The angle of death said, ‘How amazing, I was sent to seize his soul and told tomeet him in the fourth heaven. I kept thinking how I could seize it in the fourth heaven when he is on the earth?” then he took his soul out. This is what s meant in the verse, “And we raised him high in the heaven.”

Subhanallah, you cannot run away when your time has come.

Reference
Stories of The Prophets Ibn kathir

The Ruku’ (Bowing)

After completing the recitation Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam would pause for a moment.

Then he (sallallahu alaihi wasalam) would raise his hands and make Takbir.

Then he (sallallahu alaihi wasalam) would make ruku’.

How did Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasalam make ruku’?

It is related that Mus’ab ibn Sa’d said, “I prayed beside my father and, placing my palms together, put my hands between my thighs. My father forbade me to do that saying, ‘We used to do that and we were forbidden to do it and told to put our hands (palms) on our knees.’ ” (Al Bukhari)

Lesson
1. To put palms on knees

Abu Humayd narrated about the salah of Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihi wasalam,
“Then he (sallallahu alaihi wasalam) bowed and kept his palms on his knees as if he was grasping them, and he stretched out his arms and held them away from his sides.” In another narration, “he spread his fingers out.” (Abu Dawood, As Salat)

Lesson
2. Grasp the knee
3. Spread the fingers out
4. Arms away from the side of the body.

Abu Mas’ud Al badri narrated: Allah’s messenger sallallahu alaihi salam said,
One’s salah is not accepted unless one straightens one’s back in Ruku’ and Sujud. (Abu Dawood, As Salat)

Lesson
5. The back is straight when making ruku’

When prophet Mohammad sallallahu alaihi wasalam make Ruku’, he would spread his back and make it level, such that if water were poured on it, the water would not run off. (At Tabbarani)

The Book of Prayers (Kitab Al-Salat)

Muslim :: Book 4 : Hadith 1005

‘A’isha reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to begin prayer with takbir (saying Allih-o-Akbar) and the recitation:” Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Universe.” When he bowed he neither kept his head up nor bent it down, but kept it between these extremes; when he raised his bead after bow- ing he did not prostrate himself till he had stood erect; when he raised his head after prostration he did not prostrate himself again till he satup. At the end of every two rak’ahs he recited the tahiyya; and he used to place his left foot flat (on the ground) and raise up the right; he prohibited the devil’s way of sitting on the heels, and he forbade people to spread out their arms like a wild beast. And he used to finish the prayer with the taslim.

Lesson
6. When bowing prophet sallahu alaihi wasalam kept his head straight with his back neither bent or up.

Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam used to be at ease in his ruku’ and ordered the one who prayed badly to be so.

Zaid bin Wahb narrated, Hudhaifah saw a person who was not performing the bowings and prostrations perfectly. he said to him, “You have not performed salah and if you should die, you would die on a religion other than that of Muhammad sallallahu alaihi waslam.” (AL Bukhari)

Noman bin Murrah narrated that Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alahi wasalam asked his companions:
What do you think of the drunkard, the debauched and the thief (that is, how great are their sins)? The companions replied, “Allah and His Messenger sallallahu alaihi wasalam know better,

The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasalam said,
“All these are mortal sins and liable to severe punishment. And the worse of theft is when one steals from his own salah.”

The companions asked: How does one do that? The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasalam replied:
“He does not fully perforr Ruku’ and Sujud in salah.” (Mu’ata Imam Malik)

Once Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam was praying, when he glanced out out of the corner of his eye at a man not settling his backbone in Ruku’ and sujud. When he finished, he said, “O assembly of Muslims! Verily the prayer is not valid of the one who does not settle his spine in Ruku’ and sujud.”

Lesson
7. Do not rush through your ruku’
8. be firm in your ruku’ and also be at ease.
9. Bow down for ruku’ until your back has reached the level and rise up without rushing.

Adzkar in Ruku’

Prophet sallalalhu alaihi waslaam would say different types of remembrance of Allah and supplication.
1. The one most of us know is “Subhana rabbiyal ‘Azim (How perfect is mu Lord, the Supreme- three times.

But sometimes Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasalam would repeat it more than that.

Once in a night prayer, he repeated it so much that his Ruku’ became nearly as long as his standing before it, in which he has recited three of the long surahs: al Baqarah, An Nisa’ and Al Imran. The prayer was full of supplication and seeking forgiveness.

2. Subhanarabbiyal ‘azimi wa bi hamdih.
How perfect is my Lord, the Supreme and Praised be He

and a few others. Perhaps we can learn them all Insya Allah.

Lesson
10. Glorify Allah as Prophet sallahu alaihi wasalam in the ruku’

What about reciting quran in Ruku’?

The Book of Prayers (Kitab Al-Salat)

Muslim :: Book 4 : Hadith 970

Ibn ‘Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) drew aside the curtain (of his apartment) and (he saw) people in rows (saying prayer) behind Aba Bakr. And he said: Nothing remains of the glad tidings of apostlehood, except good visions which a Muslim sees or someone is made to see for him. And see that I have been forbidden to recite the Qur’an in the state of bowing and prostration. So far as Ruk’u is concerned, extol in it the Great and Glorious Lord, and while prostrating yourselves be earnest in supplication, for it is fitting that your supplications should be answered.

Lesson
11. Do not recite the quran in ruku’.
Reference
1. Prayer according to he sunnah – compiler Prof Muhamamd Zulfiqar
2. The Salah – The Prophet’s prayer described – Muhamamd Nasir Al Din Al Albani

Conditions of Acceptance of Wudhu’

This is another revisit in wudhu’.

Narrated Humran, the manumitted slave of Uthman,
Uthman b. ‘Affan called for ablution water and this is how he performed the ablution. He washed his hands thrice. He then rinsed his mouth and cleaned his nose with water (three times). He then washed his face three times, then washed his right arm up to the elbow three times, then washed his left arm like that, then wiped his head; then washed his right foot up to the ankle three times, then washed his left foot like that, and then said: I saw the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) perform ablution like this ablution of mine. Then the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: He who performs ablution like this ablution of mine and then stood up (for prayer) and offered two rak’ahs of prayer without allowing his thoughts to be distracted, all his previous sins are expiated. Ibn Shihab said: Our scholars remarked: This is the most complete of the ablutions performed for prayer.

Condition

1. Niyah.
you must have the intention IN YOUR HEART that you want to perform ablution. Wudhu’ without niyah is invalid. An invalid wudhu’, will render the solah not acepted as well. Allah knows best.

Here is a link by Islam QA on when to make the intention of wudhu’.

2. Saying Bismillah
There are different opinion in whether saying Bismillah is obligatory in wudhu’ or not. Some say it is mustahab and some say it is fardh. But we will say the Bismillah anyway. Insya Allah khayr.

Here is Islam QA link on it.

Another link of fatwa collected by Islam QA concerning saying Bismillah in the toilet when we take wudhu’.

3. Closing sequence or tartib.

Meaning when we perform ablution, you must follow the order. We cannot just do any part of wudhu’ in random. It has to follow the order.

And also if we missed a part of wudhu’, we must repeat the wudhu’ all over again.

Hadith recorded by Abu Dawood from Khalid Ibn Ma’daan (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) from some of the Prophet’s (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) wives that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) saw a man praying and a small spot of his foot not washed, so he ordered him (the man) to reperform the Wudu.

Reference
1. Bulugh Maram
2. Fiqh Course – IIPH
3.Explanation of Important Lessons – Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz (Darussalam)

Al Mu’min – The Giver of Security

Al Hashr 59: 23

He is Allâh beside Whom is Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allâh! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him. (23) He is Allâh, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names[] . All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. (24)

Mu’min relates to the word Aman or security

When we say Allah al mu’min it means that Allah is the Giver of Security.

In Surah Quraysh 106: 4
ٱلَّذِىٓ أَطۡعَمَهُم مِّن جُوعٍ۬ وَءَامَنَهُم مِّنۡ خَوۡفِۭ (٤)
he Who has fed them against hunger, and has made them safe from fear.

Allah is the one who made the Quraysh safe from fear.

Man is weak in nature and thus need some other power to provide security.

Man needs food and medicine.
Protection against enemies be it humans, jinns or fierce animals.
Man are frightened of darkness, floods, storms, earthquakes, meteors and thunderstorms which could destroy him and his property.
Man cultivate land to secure food.
Establish army to protect themselves
Establish hospitals for health.
Build dams to protect from flood.

Weak countries may resort to stronger ones for security purposes which may or may not succeed to get security from those they resort to.

Many people find themselves helpless and then resort to idols for security. Or resort to methods that will delude the mind. All these cannot offer any assistance to their followers. The real Bestower of Secuirity is Allah the Lord of mankind, jinn and all that exists.

Allah is the Lord of the Alamin and the Giver of Security to His slave. He is the Creator of man and the Universe, and He is the Preserver and Guardian in Whose Remembrance hearts feel  at rest.

He is the One who is able to bestow security on you if you believe in Him and follow His Prophet. He is the One to protect you from the destruction and torture that Allah may befall the disbeliever while they are asleep and awake.

Al A’Raf 7: 97-99

Did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our Punishment by night while they are asleep? (97) Or, did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our Punishment in the forenoon while they were playing? (98) Did they then feel secure against the Plan of Allâh? None feels secure from the Plan of Allâh except the people who are the losers. (99)

When the torture of Allah falls on people, no one can protect them from this punishment.

Al Mulk 67: 16-17

Do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heaven (Allâh), will not cause the earth to sink with you, and then it should quake? (16) Or do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heaven (Allâh), will not send against you a violent whirlwind? Then you shall know how (terrible) has been My Warning. (17)

Al Aaraf 7: 96

And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwâ (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth, but they belied (the Messengers). So We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn (polytheism and crimes). (96)

Reflect upon this and ask ourselves what should we do now to heed Allah’s warning. If Allah is the one who gives security, the He is the one that we must ask Him from. The One that we obey.

However, there will come a time, if Allah wills, that there will be widespread prosperity and prevalent peace and security

There will be great blessing that time. there will be immense peace and security which Allah will honour His slaves during those days. Hatred and enmity will be removed among people. People will unite following the way of Allah.

The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasalam said,

Eesa ibn maryam, will be a just ruler and a fair leader among my ummah. he will break the cross, kill the pigs, abolish the jizyah and forsake sadaqah. People will not need to strive to earn a sheep or a camel. Hatred and enmity will be taken away. Every poisonous animal will have its venom removed, so that an infant will put his hand in a snake’s mouth and will not be harmed, and a child may hurt a lion but it will not harm him, and the wolf will be like a sheepdog with the sheep. He will fill the earth with peace just as a vessel is filled with water. there will be unity and none will be worshiped but Allah, andthere will be no more war. Authority will be taken away from Quraysh,a nd the earth will be like a silver tray. It will bring forth produce as it did at the time of Adam, a group of people will gather round one bunch of grapes and that will suffice them, and a group will gather around pomegranate, and that will suffice them. A bull will be sold for such and such money and a mare will be sold for a few dirhams.

Ibn Majjah, Ibn Khuzaymah and Al Haakim.

The quality of life at that time will be something unique in the history of mankind, when people will live in goodness, security and peace, at the time of ease and plenty. they would live the enviable life with all the blessings,

Narrated Abu Bakr al Anbaari,

Prophet Salllahu alaihi wasalam said
How good life will be after the Messah comes, when he sky will be instructed to send down rain, and the earth will be instructed to bring forth its produce, so that even if you were to sow your seeds on smooth rocks, they would grow. A man will pass by a lion and it will not harm him, and he will step on a snake and it will not harm him. there will be no hatred, no envy and no spite.”

List down in your books among the blessings that will occur during this era.

Brainstorm to why do you think they will be enjoying this wonderful blessings?

Reference
1. Perfect names of Allah – Dr Umar S al Ashqar
2. The Minor Resurrection – Umar S Al Ashqar

Haroot and Maroot

Allah mentions these two angels in the Quran

Al Baqarah 2: 102

They followed what the Shayâtin (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulaimân (Solomon). Sulaimân did not disbelieve, but the Shayâtin (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic and such things that came down at Babylon to the two (angels,) Hârût and Mârût, but neither of these two angels taught anyone (such things) till they had said, “We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us).” And from these (angels) people learn that by which they cause separation between man and his wife, but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allâh’s Leave. And they learn that which harms them and profits them not. And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter. And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their ownselves, if they but knew. (102)

________________

Who are Haroot and Maroot?

They are the two angels that Allah mentions in the Quran. He sent them to Babylon where the devils taught black magic to people. The two angels showed them even more powerful magic with warning that the magic is only a trial.

They are sent down to test human with human and thus separate who believers and who are the disbelievers.

_________________________

The current media be it movie and books glamourise magic tremendously. To learn “white magic” is perhaps the coolest thing in the world. Harry Potter and friends are good group of young people who are fighting evil. “white magic” is good and “Black magic” is voldermort, bad and evil and cannot be named.

The truth is all magic are evil. And magic is disbelieve!

That is why Allah said prophet Sulaiman alaihi salam did not disbelieve in this ayah.

If you look around when people talk about magic, you can trace that supposedly magic goes all the way to Prophet Sulaiman alaihi salam. And this is false. And Allah has confirmed that this is false! And we believe in Allah than some people who are trying to glamourise magic and raise the status of shaytan!

Allah has given prophet Sulaiman the miracle (mu’jizat) to be able to control the jinn, animals and wind. He was very much against magic and had confiscated the book of magic and kufr that some people were practising with teh aid of Shytan. He hid it under his throne.

After his death and after the death of the righteous who knew, shaytan showed the human the books of magic under Prophet Sulaiman’s throne and accused Prophet Sulaiman of practicing magic and that was why Prophet Sulaiman could have the power that he had.

And after that magic spread again under the lie that it originated from Prophet Sulayman.

Among the plots of shaytan is to separate the husband and wife and they will try their utmost best to do it.

Muslim recorded that Jabir bin `Abdullah said that the Messenger of Allah said,

(Satan erects his throne on water and sends his emissaries among the people. The closest person to him is the person who causes the most Fitnah. One of them (a devil) would come to him and would say, `I kept inciting so-and-so, until he said such and such words.’ Iblis says, `No, by Allah, you have not done much.’ Another devil would come to him and would say, `I kept inciting so-and-so, until I separated between him and his wife.’ Satan would draw him closer and embrace him, saying, `Yes, you did well.’)

Lessons

1. Haroot and Maroot are angels sent down to Babyln to test human with magic.
2. Learning magic is disbelieve.
3. protect yourself by getting closer to Allah.
4. Do your morning and evening adzkar.
5. Prophet Sulaiman alaihi salam did not practise magic.
6. media is trying hard to glamourise magic.
7. There is no such thing as white magic.
8. White magic and black magic are equally evil.
9. Do you think Harry Potter and friends are good?

__________________________________________
Some adult readings which support the lesson

The Jews abandoned the Book of Allah and practiced Magic

As-Suddi commented on,

وَلَمَّا جَآءَهُمْ رَسُولٌ مِّنْ عِندِ اللَّهِ مُصَدِّقٌ لِّمَا مَعَهُمْ

(And when there came to them a Messenger from Allah (i.e. Muhammad ) confirming what was with them), “When Muhammad came to them, they wanted to contradict and dispute with him using the Tawrah. However, the Tawrah and the Qur’an affirmed each other. So the Jews gave up on using the Torah, and took to the Book of Asaf, and the magic of Harut and Marut, which indeed did not conform to the Qur’an. Hence Allah’s statement,

كَأَنَّهُمْ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ

(As if they did not know!).”

Also, Qatadah said that Allah’s statement,

كَأَنَّهُمْ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ

(As if they did not know!) means, “They knew the truth but abandoned it, hid it and denied the fact that they even had it.”

Magic existed before Sulayman (Solomon)

As-Suddi said that Allah’s statement,

وَاتَّبَعُواْ مَا تَتْلُواْ الشَّيَـطِينُ عَلَى مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَـنَ

(They followed what the Shayatin (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulayman) means, “`During the time of Prophet Solomon.’

Beforehand, the devils used to ascend to heaven and eavesdrop on the conversations of the angels about what will occur on the earth regarding death, other incidents or unseen matters. They would convey this news to the soothsayers, and the soothsayers would in turn convey the news to the people. The people would believe what the soothsayers told them as being true.

When the soothsayers trusted the devils, the devils started to lie to them and added other words to the true news that they heard, to the extent of adding seventy false words to each true word. The people recorded these words in some books.

Soon after, the Children of Israel said that the Jinns know matters of the Unseen. When Solomon was sent as a Prophet, he collected these books in a box and buried it under his throne; any devil that dared get near the box was burned. Solomon said, `I will not hear of anyone who says that the devils know the Unseen, but I will cut off his head.’

When Solomon died and the scholars who knew the truth about Solomon perished, there came another generation. To them, the devil materialized in the shape of a human and said to some of the Children of Israel, `Should I lead you to a treasure that you will never be able to use up’ They said. `Yes.’ He said, `Dig under this throne,’ and he went with them and showed them Solomon’s throne. They said to him, `Come closer.’ He said, `No. I will wait for you here, and if you do not find the treasure then kill me. ‘ They dug and found the buried books, and Satan said to them, `Solomon only controlled the humans, devils and birds with this magic.’

Thereafter, the news that Solomon was a sorcerer spread among the people, and the Children of Israel adopted these books. When Muhammad came, they disputed with him relying on these books. Hence Allah’s statement,

وَمَا كَفَرَ سُلَيْمَـنُ وَلَـكِنَّ الشَّيْاطِينَ كَفَرُواْ

(Sulayman did not disbelieve, but the Shayatin (devils) disbelieved).

___________________

There were different opinions about Harut and Marut whether they are angels or they are men. Whether they did teach magic or otherwise.

Many among the Salaf, said that Harut and Marut were angels who came down from heaven to earth and did what they did as the Ayah stated. To conform this opinion with the fact that the angels are immune from error, we say that Allah had eternal knowledge what these angels would do, just as He had eternal knowledge that Iblis would do as he did.

________________________

Learning Magic is Kufr

Allah said,

وَمَا يُعَلِّمَانِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ حَتَّى يَقُولاَ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَةٌ فَلاَ تَكْفُرْ

(But neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, “We are for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us).)

Abu Ja`far Ar-Razi said that Ar-Rabi’ bin Anas said that Qays bin `Abbad said that Ibn `Abbas said, “When someone came to the angels to learn magic, they would discourage him and say to him, `We are only a test, so do not fall into disbelief.’ They had knowledge of what is good and evil and what constitutes belief or disbelief, and they thus knew that magic is a form of disbelief. When the person who came to learn magic still insisted on learning it, they commanded him to go to such and such place, where if he went, Satan would meet him and teach him magic. When this man would learn magic, the light (of faith) would depart him, and he would see it shining (and flying away) in the sky. He would then proclaim, `O my sorrow! Woe unto me! What should I do.”

Al-Hasan Al-Basri said that this Ayah means, “The angels were sent with magic, so that the people whom Allah willed would be tried and tested. Allah made them promise that they would not teach anyone until first proclaiming, `We are a test for you, do not fall into disbelief.”’ It was recorded by Ibn Abi Hatim. Also, Qatadah said, “Allah took their covenant to not teach anyone magic until they said, `We are a test. Therefore, do not fall in disbelief.”’

Also, As-Suddi said, “When a man would come to the two angels they would advise him, `Do not fall into disbelief. We are a test. ‘ When the man would ignore their advice, they would say, `Go to that pile of ashes and urinate on it.’ When he would urinate on the ashes, a light, meaning the light of faith, would depart from him and would shine until it entered heaven. Then something black that appeared to be smoke would descend and enter his ears and the rest of his body, and this is Allah’s anger. When he told the angels what happened, they would teach him magic. So Allah’s statement,

وَمَا يُعَلِّمَانِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ حَتَّى يَقُولاَ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَةٌ فَلاَ تَكْفُرْ

(But neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, “We are for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us).)

Sunayd said that Hajjaj said that Ibn Jurayj commented on this Ayah (2:102), “No one dares practice magic except a disbeliever. As for the Fitnah, it involves trials and freedom of choice.”The scholars who stated that learning magic is disbelief relied on this Ayah for evidence. They also mentioned the Hadith that Abu Bakr Al-Bazzar recorded from `Abdullah, which states,

«مَنْ أَتَى كَاهِنًا أَوْ سَاحِرًا فَصَدَّقَهُ بِمَا يَقُولُ فَقَدْ كَفَر بِمَا أُنْزِلَ عَلى مُحَمَّدٍصلى الله عليه وسلّم»

(Whoever came to a soothsayer or a sorcerer and believed in what he said, will have disbelieved in what Allah revealed to Muhammad .)

This Hadith has an authentic chain of narration and there are other Hadiths which support it.

Causing a Separation between the Spouses is One of the Effects of Magic

Allah said,

فَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مِنْهُمَا مَا يُفَرِّقُونَ بِهِ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَزَوْجِهِ

(And from these (angels) people learn that by which they cause separation between man and his wife,) This means, “The people learned magic from Harut and Marut and indulged in evil acts that included separating spouses, even though spouses are close to, and intimately associate with each other. This is the devil’s work.” Muslim recorded that Jabir bin `Abdullah said that the Messenger of Allah said,

«إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لَيَضَعُ عَرْشَهُ عَلَى الْمَاءِ ثُمَّ يَبْعَثُ سَرَايَاهُ فِي النَّاسِ فَأَقْرَبُهُمْ عِنْدَهُ مَنْزِلَةً أَعْظَمُهُمْ عِنْدَهُ فِتْنَةً وَيَجِيءُ أَحَدُهُمْ فَيَقُولُ: مَا زِلْتُ بِفُلَانٍ حَتَّى تَرَكْتُهُ وَهُوَ يَقُولُ كَذَا وَكَذَا، فَيَقُولُ إِبْلِيسُ: لَا وَاللهِ مَا صَنَعْتَ شَيْئًا، وَيَجِيءُ أَحَدُهُمْ فَيَقُولُ: مَا تَرَكْتُهُ حَتّى فَرَّقْتُ بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَ أَهْلِهِ، قَالَ: فَيُقرِّبُهُ وَيُدْنِيهِ وَيَلْتَزِمُهُ وَيَقُولُ: نِعْمَ أَنْت»

(Satan erects his throne on water and sends his emissaries among the people. The closest person to him is the person who causes the most Fitnah. One of them (a devil) would come to him and would say, `I kept inciting so-and-so, until he said such and such words.’ Iblis says, `No, by Allah, you have not done much.’ Another devil would come to him and would say, `I kept inciting so-and-so, until I separated between him and his wife.’ Satan would draw him closer and embrace him, saying, `Yes, you did well.’)

Separation between a man and his wife occurs here because each spouse imagines that the other spouse is ugly or ill-mannered, etc.

Source
1. Tafsir Ibn Kathir
2. Knowing the Angels (Eeman Made Easy) – Muhammad al Jibaly

Muawwidhatain

Muawwidhatain are the two surahs that seek protection which are Suratul Falaq and Suratun Nas.

The Book of the Virtues of the Noble Quran
Sahih Muslim

Uqbah bin Amir narrated that the Messenger of Allah saw said; “Some verses were revealed to me this night, that are incomparable : Surah Al Falaq and Surah Annas.”

Lesson from this hadith
These two surahs are incomparable to other surahs.

Virtues of the Surah

Imam Ahmad recorded from `Uqbah bin `Amir that he said,
“While I was leading the Messenger of Allah along one of these paths he said,
(O `Uqbah! Will you not ride)
I was afraid that this might be considered an act of disobedience. So the Messenger of Allah got down and I rode for a while. Then he rode. Then he said,
(O `Uqbah! Should I not teach you two Surahs that are of the best two Surahs that the people recite)
I said, `Of course, O Messenger of Allah.’ So he taught me to recite
(Say: “I seek refuge with the Lord of Al-Falaq.”) (113:1) and
(Say: “I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind.”) (114:1)
Then the call was given to begin the prayer and the Messenger of Allah went forward (to lead the people), and he recited them in the prayer. Afterwards he passed by me and said,
(What do you think, O `Uqayb Recite these two Surahs whenever you go to sleep and whenever you get up.)’‘

Lessons
1. The surahs are the best two surahs
2. Recite it when going to sleep.

Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat): Detailed Injunctions about Witr
Dawud :: Book 8 : Hadith 1458

Narrated Uqbah ibn Amir:
White I was travelling with the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) between al-Juhfah and al-Abwa’, a wind and intense darkness enveloped us, whereupon the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) began to seek refuge in Allah, reciting: “I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn,” and “I seek refuge in the Lord of men.”
He then said: Uqbah, use them when seeking refuge in Allah, for no one can use anything to compare with them for the purpose.
Uqbah added: I heard him reciting them when he led the people in prayer.

An Nasa’I recorded that Ibn Abis Al Juhani said that the Prophet s.a.w. said to him

O Ibn Abis! Shall I not guide you to – or inform you – of the best thing that those who seek protection use for protection?
He replied, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah!” The Prophet s.a.w said
Say “I seek refuge with the Lord of Al Falaq.” and say “I seek refuge with the Lord of Mankind.” These two surahs are the best protection.
It has been reported from Abu Said that the Messenger of Allah s.a.w. used to seek protection against the evil eyes of the Jinns and mankind. But when the Muawwidhatayn were revealed, he then used them for protection and abandon all else.

Lesson
1. These two surahs are surah to seek refuge
2. We are to seek Allah’s protection from the evil eyes of both the Jinn and Mankind.

Medicine
Bukhari :: Book 7 :: Volume 71 :: Hadith 644

Narrated ‘Aisha:
Whenever Allah’s Apostle went to bed, he used to recite Surat-al-Ikhlas, Surat-al-Falaq and Surat-an-Nas and then blow on his palms and pass them over his face and those parts of his body that his hands could reach. And when he fell ill, he used to order me to do like that for him.

Lesson
1. The manners of reading the the three quls before going to sleep
2. Someone else can do it on us when we are sick.

The Book on Salutations and Greetings (Kitab As-Salam)
Muslim :: Book 26 : Hadith 5425

Abu Sa’id reported that Gabriel came to AJlah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) and said: Muhammad, have you fallen ill? Thereupon he said: Yes. He (Gabriel) said:” In the name of Allah I exercise you from everything and safeguard you from every evil that may harm you and from the eye of a jealous one. Allah would cure you and I invoke the name of Allah for you.”
The Book on Salutations and Greetings (Kitab As-Salam)

Lesson
1. Jealousy can harm a person
2. We seek Allah’s refuge to protect us and cure us from jealousy
3. We can make ruqyah on another person as well as ourselves.

The Bewitchment of the Prophet Mohammad s.a.w
Book of Medicine
Bukhari :: Book 7 :: Volume 71 :: Hadith 661

Narrated ‘Aisha:
Magic was worked on Allah’s Apostle so that he began to imagine that he had done something although he had not. One day while he was with me, he invoked Allah and invoked for a long period and then said,
“O ‘Aisha! Do you know that Allah has instructed me regarding the matter I asked Him about?” I asked, “What is that, O Allah’s Apostle?”
He said, “Two men came to me; one of them sat near my head and the other sat near my feet. One of them asked his companion, ‘What is the disease of this man?’ The other replied, ‘He is under the effect of magic.’ The first one asked, ‘Who has worked magic on him?” The other replied, ‘Labid bin A’sam, a Jew from the tribe of Bani Zuraiq.’ The (first one asked), ‘With what has it been done?’ The other replied, ‘With a a comb and the hair stuck to it and a skin of the pollen of a male date palm tree.’ The first one asked, ‘Where is it?’ The other replied, ‘In the well of Dharwan.’

Then the Prophet went along with some of his companions to that well and looked at that and there were date palms near to it. Then he returned to me and said, ‘By Allah the water of that well was (red) like the infusion of Henna leaves and its date-palms were like the heads of devils” I said, O Allah’s Apostle! Did you take those materials out of the pollen skin?” He said, ‘No! As for me Allah has healed me and cured me and I was afraid that (by Showing that to the people) I would spread evil among them when he ordered that the well be filled up with earth, and it was filled up with earth “

Lessons.
1. Recite the Muawwidhatain often
2. Check list (revision and checking)
i. After solatul Fajr – 3 quls 3 times
ii. Morning adzkar – 3 quls 3 times
iii. After solatuz Dzuhur – 3 quls once
iv. After Solatul Asr – 3 quls once
v. Evening adzkar – 3 quls 3 times
vi. After Solatul mahrib – 3 quls 3 times
viii. After solatul Isya’ – 3 quls once
ix. Before sleeping – 3 quls 3 times blown onto palm and wipe over the body

3. Recite the Muawwidhatain to yourself when you are not well.
4. You can recite al Muawwidhatain to others when they are not well too.

Advice on what to do when you are someone is sick. I was listening to a halaqah sometime ago and the advice is not to be ashame to perform a simple ruqyah when you are visiting someone sick. Perhaps through you Allah will grant syifaaa to the person or through you Allah will guide some people. Allah Musta’an.

Read this article on making ruqyah when someone is sick.

Hadith 7 – Religion is Naseehah

On the authority of Abu Ruqayya Tameem ibn Aus (may Allah be pleased with him) the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The religion is naseehah.” The people said, “To whom?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, “To Allah and to His Book and to His Messenger and to the Leader of the Muslims and to the common folk of the Muslims.” (Recorded by Muslim.)

Naseehah is interpreted by scholars to mean sincerity. Just like the hadith, “Hajj is Arafah”, the latter part of the hadith indicates the important part that it plays in the former of the hadith.

Similarly, sincerity is an important part in religion. The word naseehah has two basic linguistic meanings:
1) To clean, purify or improve something of all unwanted elements, as in purifying honey from unwanted materials. The word to indicate purifying honey for example is “nasahtu” al asl or I purified the honey. This implies sincerity.
2) to unite or join something together that is scattered or separated, as in sewing a garment which implies giving advise to others.

__________________________

How are we to be sincere with Allah
• Belief in Him
• Reject shirk
• Reject any distortions in His attributes
• Obedience to Allah
• Striving against those who oppose Him
• Loving because of Allah
• Hating because of Allah
• Recognition of his favours
• Purity in intention in every matter
• Inviting others to good
• Being courteous to people.

Let’s reflect what it means to be sincere to Allah. Are we doing all of these? Have we been obeying Allah all the time and staying away from what Allah prohibits? How do make our intention in things we do everyday? Are the things we do are all for His sake?

_____________________________
How are we to be sincere to His Book
• Belief that the words from Allah’s Books are His words
• And the words cannot have any resemblance to man’s word
• And none can create anything similar
• Belief in what Quran contains
• Reciting it, learn it and understand it
• Obeying it

Do we take time reading and understanding and implementing Allah’s orders in His book? If not yet, put a strategy plan on how we can do it.

What are we doing now with the Quran?
How do we see ourselves relating with the quran in five years time?
What are our ambitions relating to the Quran?

_________________________________

Sincere to the Messenger
• Belief in his Message (the quran)
• Belief in all that he brought (sunnah)
• Obedience of what he ordered and prohibited
• Love and respect for him
• Adherence of his manners and morals
• Love for sahabah and his family

Are we learning his sunnah? Are we practicing what we learn?
___________________________________

To the leaders of Muslims
• Aiding them in what is right and obedience to them herein
• Cautioning them and reminding them politely
• Preventing them from being deluded in false praise
• Advising them when possible

I ask Allah that you become the leaders of the Muttaqun. Be the leaders like the four rightly guided caliphs. Be the like of Umar bin Abdul Aziz who put fear to Allah more than fulfilling their worldly desire.

_____________________________

To the Muslim People
• Guiding them toward their best interest in this world and the Hereafter and helping them to achieve it
• Covering up their faults and shortcomings
• Enjoing them in what is right aand prohibiting them from wrongs
• Respect for the elderly and mercy towards the young
• Giving good advice
• Refraining from cheating and envying them

Be sure to carry ourselves in the beautiful manners as taugth in the quran and the sunnah.
_______________________

Sincere Advice

Sincere advice is among the collective duties of Islam. It is fard kifayah.

Fard Kifayah means that if a sufficient number of qualified people perform this duty, the others are absolved. However if insufficient number do so, the entire community is held accountable.

Do you know that among the right of one muslim to another is to give advice when he asked?

Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “The rights of a Muslim over another are six.” It was asked, “What are they, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “When he meets him, he greets him; when he invites him, he responds; if he seeks his sincere adivce, he advises him; if he sneezes and praises Allah, he asks Allah to have mercy on him; if he is ill, he visits him; and when he dies, he follos him [that is, his funeral procession].” (Muslim)

As you can see, the right of your muslim counterpart is that, if he asks for advice, you must advise him. But how do you so?

The one who can dispense advice should be someone with knowledge especially more of the deen. My advice is to seek as much ilm as you can and ask Allah to give you wisdom and that He guides you always.

Reference
1. AbdurRahman.org
2, The forty hadith of Imam an Nawawi (Abridged from Arabic Sources) – Umm Muhammad

The First Murder

And (O Muhammad SAW) recite to them (the Jews) the story of the two sons of Adam (Hâbil and Qâbil — Abel and Cain)] in truth; when each offered a sacrifice (to Allâh), it was accepted from the one but not from the other. The latter said to the former: “I will surely kill you.” The former said: “Verily,  Allâh accepts only from those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious – see V.2:2).” (27) If you do stretch your hand against me to kill me, I shall never stretch my hand against you to kill you, for I fear Allâh; the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinn, and all that exists).” (28 ) Verily, I intend to let you draw my sin on yourself as well as yours, then you will be one of the dwellers of the Fire, and that is the recompense of the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong¬doers).” (29) So the Nafs (self) of the other (latter one) encouraged him and made fair¬seeming to him the murder of his brother; he murdered him and became one of the losers. (30) Then Allâh sent a crow who scratched the ground to show him to hide the dead body of his brother. He (the murderer) said: “Woe to me! Am I not even able to be as this crow and to hide the dead body of my brother?” Then he became one of those who regretted. (31)Al Maida 5: 27-31

From Ibn Kathir : Stories of the Prophets and Tafsir Ibn Kathir Al Maedah 5: 27-31

After Adam a.s. and hawwa r.a. met each other again on earth, they began their life as family. They have children and have farms and sheep to herd.

Hawa used to give birth each time to twins: a boy and a girl. And she gave birth many times. This was the beginning of human population on earth.

The rule to be married among them is to couple the boy from the first pregnancy to the girl from the second pregnancy and thus the boy from the second pregnancy to be paired with the girl from the first pregnancy.

Adam and Hawa’s first son is Qabil, twinned with a girl and second pregnancy, they had Habil twin with a girl.

(In english Qabil is called Cain and Habil, Abel.)

Adam a.s. told them that Qabil must marry Habil’s twin sister while Habil marry Qabil’s.

This made Qabil angry. He wants to marry his own twin sister. Marrying your own twin sister at that time is the same as marrying your own sister at this time. Ewwwwwww!

Qabil wants his own sister because his twin sister is more beautiful that the other.

Then there was a conflict until Allah told them to each offer a sacrifice.

Qabil is a farmer.

Habil is shepard.

Exercise

!. What does a farmer do?

2. What does a shepard do?

3. What do you think Qabil, the farmer, offer to sacrifice?

4. What about Habil?

Habil offered a fat lamb. While Qabil despite knowing that his sacrifice is for Allah, only gave a bundle of his worse crops.

Allah accepted Habil’s fat lamb. This shows that Allah favours habil and indicate that Habil must go ahead marrying Qabil’s twin sister.

Lesson learnt

What we gave for the sake of Allah must be the best that we have and with our best efforts.

Qabil became very angry and threatened to kill Habil. “I will kill you so that you do not marry my sister!” Habil responded to Qabil,

“Yet if you stretch out your hands against me to kill me, I shall not stretch oyt my hand to kill you, for I fear Allah, the Lord of the world.”

Habil was actually stronger than Qabil, but he did not try to kill Qabil nor did he defended himself.

Finally, Syaitan did get to dominate Qabil and Qabil murdered Habil. And this became the first murder committed on earth.

Animals in the Quran

Then Qabil became confused for he did not know what to do with his brothers body. That was the first dead body in the world so no knowledge of burying the dead was known.

Allah then sent down two ravens. The two birds were fighting each other until one of them died. The killer bird then dug a hole in the ground to bury the dead bird.  This thought Qabil on how he should bury his brother. Therefore it was a guidance and an inspiration from Allah to Qabil.

Then Qabil buried Habil. He then said,

“Woe to me! Was I not even able to do as this raven thus burying my brother?” He became full remorse” Al Maidah 5: 25-31

After burying Habil, Qabil regretted what he had done for he had transgress.

_____________________________

Lessons from the Story – The first Murder

1. That jealousy when it is not controlled can lead to disaster. Astaghfirullah.

In this story, Qabil’s jealousy was overwhelming him. Shaytan who is quick at identifying our weakness and can swiftly got all over us and whisper us to transgress.

2. Undoubtedly as human, we have jealousy. We seek refuge with Allah to protect us from the evil of Shaytan. Try to channel our jealous energy to something positive. It is hard and it is a struggle. But trust me the disease of jealousy can degenerate you. You will always be doubtful of other people and your heart will never be at peace.

3. Qabil’s rejection of Habil’s twin sister started because of jealousy and arrogant. Thinking he is better for his siter compared to what Allah commanded to. Can you think of a being of the same nature?

This as we know is the attribute of the cursed shaytan. Qabil wanted his beautiful sister for himself and rejected Allah’s order.

4. Be jealous for the purpose of Allah. Be jealous if that person has memorise the whole of Quran and we must try to memorise it for the sake of Allah. MAke your jealousy a healthy one and not compete unhealthily.

5. In whatever we do, we must be muttaqun. Allah only accept the deeds of the muttaqun.

Look at the examples of both Qabil’s and Habil’s sacrifice. And why Allah only pick Habil’s sacrifice. Habil has put his heart to his produce and his fear of Allah made him sincere in his ibadah. This is what we want. Can you imagine all the good deed that we do will not be accepted by Allah because we have notaqwa?

Remember we talk about having ihsan in the things we do? Do our utmost best, fear Allah and pray for Allah’s mercy on us.

6. The Quran describes a lot of stories on how animals play a role in human’s life. In the story of Habil and Qabil, Allah sent ravens as an inspiration to Qabil on how to bury the dead.

7. This story describes the evil end and the consequences of envy and arrogance.
<blockquote>Book of Blood Money

Bukhari :: Book 9 :: Volume 83 :: Hadith 6

Narrated ‘Abdullah:</blockquote>
<blockquote>The Prophet said, “No human being is killed unjustly, but a part of responsibility for the crime is laid on the first son of Adam who invented the tradition of killing (murdering) on the earth. (It is said that he was Qabil).</blockquote>

We must be aware of becoming the initiator of a bad deed  for the chains of isns will go back to us just like all murders will go back to Qabil.

Waking up from sleep

Today we are going to learn about the adab of waking up from sleep.  For now we’ll focus on actions that follows the sunnah when waking up from sleep. On the following lessons we will look on ayatul quran that Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasalam read when he wakes up.

1. Wipe your face when you wake up.

Ablutions (Wudu’)

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 4 :: Hadith 183

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas:

that he stayed overnight in the house of Maimuna the wife of the Prophet, his aunt. He added : I lay on the bed (cushion transversally) while Allah’s Apostle and his wife lay in the length-wise direction of the cushion. Allah’s Apostle slept till the middle of the night, either a bit before or a bit after it and then woke up, rubbing the traces of sleep off his face with his hands. He then, recited the last ten verses of Sura Al-Imran, got up and went to a hanging water-skin. He then Performed the ablution from it and it was a perfect ablution, and then stood up to offer the prayer. I, too, got up and did as the Prophet had done. Then I went and stood by his side. He placed his right hand on my head and caught my right ear and twisted it. He prayed two Rakat then two Rakat and two Rakat and then two Rakat and then two Rakat and then two Rakat (separately six times), and finally one Rak’a (the Witr). Then he lay down again in the bed till the Mu’adhdhin came to him where upon the Prophet got up, offered a two light Rakat prayer and went out and led the Fajr prayer

Lessons

1. Wipe your face when you wake up

2. Take note that in the hadith, it also says that he recite certain part of surah Imran. And then he made ablution

2.  Make Dua’

الْحَمْدُاللَّهِ الَّذِي أَحْيَانَا بَعْدَمَا أَمَاتَنَا وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُور

The Book Pertaining to the Remembrance of Allah, Supplication, Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness (Kitab Al-Dhikr)

Muslim :: Book 35 : Hadith 6549

Al-Bara’ reported that whenever Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) went to bed, he said:” O Allah, it is with Thine Name that I live and it is with Thine Name that I die.” And when he got up he used to say:” Praise is due to Allah, Who gave us life after our death (sleep) and unto Thee is resurrection.“

We will remember this dua’, Insya Allah.

3.  Brush Your Teeth

Ablutions (Wudu’)

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 4 :: Hadith 246

Narrated Hudhaifa:

Whenever the Prophet got up at night, he used to clean his mouth with Siwak.

It has become my habit to have a glass of water before I brush my teeth. It is not in the sunnah (at least the one I know off). But Insya Allah we should brush our teeth before taking wudhu’.

4.  Snuffing water into nose

Do you know that when you sleep shaytan likes to sleep in the upper part of your nose? Alhamdulillah, now that we know, when we take wudhu’ Insya Allah we will snuff in water properly.

Beginning of Creation

Bukhari :: Book 4 :: Volume 54 :: Hadith 516

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, “If anyone of you rouses from sleep and performs the ablution, he should wash his nose by putting water in it and then blowing it out thrice, because Satan has stayed in the upper part of his nose all the night.”

5. Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands before you take wudhu and do everything else.

The Book of Purification (Kitab Al-Taharah)

Muslim :: Book 2 : Hadith 541

Abu Huraira said: When anyone amongst you wakes up from sleep, he must not put his hand in the utensil till he has washed it three times, for he does not know where his hand was during the night.

The sunnah of waking up Insya Allah.
1. To wipe your face
2. To read the du’a of waking up
3. To recite the last ten ayahs of Al Imran
4. To wash your hands three times
5. To brush your teeth
6. To snuffle water onto your nose which is also part of wudhu’