Islam, Iman and Ihsan

Also on the authority of ‘Umar, radiyallahu ‘anhu, who said:

“While we were one day sitting with the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, there appeared before us a man dressed in extremely white clothes and with very black hair. No traces of journeying were visible on him, and none of us knew him.

He sat down close by the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, rested his knee against his thighs, and said, O Muhammad! Inform me about Islam.” Said the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, “Islam is that you should testify that there is no deity save Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, that you should perform salah (ritual prayer), pay the zakah, fast during Ramadan, and perform Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (the Ka’bah at Makkah), if you can find a way to it (or find the means for making the journey to it).” Said he (the man), “You have spoken truly.”

We were astonished at his thus questioning him and telling him that he was right, but he went on to say, “Inform me about iman (faith).” He (the Messenger of Allah) answered, “It is that you believe in Allah and His angels and His Books and His Messengers and in the Last Day, and in fate (qadar), both in its good and in its evil aspects.” He said, “You have spoken truly.”

Then he (the man) said, “Inform me about Ihsan.” He (the Messenger of Allah) answered, ” It is that you should serve Allah as though you could see Him, for though you cannot see Him yet He sees you.” He said, “Inform me about the Hour.” He (the Messenger of Allah) said, “About that the one questioned knows no more than the questioner.” So he said, “Well, inform me about the signs thereof (i.e. of its coming).” Said he, “They are that the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress, that you will see the barefooted ones, the naked, the destitute, the herdsmen of the sheep (competing with each other) in raising lofty buildings.” Thereupon the man went off.

I waited a while, and then he (the Messenger of Allah) said, “O ‘Umar, do you know who that questioner was?” I replied, “Allah and His Messenger know better.” He said, “That was Jibril. He came to teach you your religion.”"

The Book of Faith (Kitab Al-Iman)
Muslim :: Book 1 : Hadith 1

This hadith contains comprehensive description about the Deen which comprised the three concepts of

• Islam
• Iman
• Ihsan

This hadith has been called Umm as Sunnah that is the foundation of sunnah.

THE STORY

The Prophets s.a.w. were gathering (as they always do) to discuss religion matters. When the angel Gabriel approached them, they were not surprise or particularly excited for Gabriel appeared in the form of a man. So no one thought he was other than a man.

What was noted of Gabriel was his immaculate appearance. For he was a stranger, they would guess that he had been traveling. However the effects of traveling did not appear on him.

what are the general effects of traveling on us?

• looking tired
• ruffled clothes and hair
• if it’s hot, we’d probably look sweaty and tan
• looking unfamiliar with things
• looking lost.
• famish

When the “man” began to question the Prophet s.a.w., the sahabahs found strange that the “man” approve each answer as if he already had the knowledge of the matter. As the “man” is more of an examiner than an inquirer, their attention sharpened.

MUSLIM AND MU’MIN

The Prophet s.a.w described Islam here as execution of Allah’s commands.Mostly what we can see outwardly.

Iman is the correct and complete inner belief.

Both include deeds. But those who are a mu’min (true believer) is far more superior than a Muslim.

Every mu’min is a muslim but not every Muslim is a mu’min.

ISLAM AND IMAN

As we know, besides the five pillars here, Islam also includes other visible actions such as good manners, honesty, refraining from harmful activities, kindness to people and many more.

But these actions can only be done for other reason other than faith. It can merely be done because of wanting to be accepted by society. Fear of embarrassment or worldly punishment.

Allah mentioned in Surah Hujurat 49: 14-15, about the difference between Islam and Iman.

The bedouins say: “We believe.” Say: “You believe not but you only say, ‘We have surrendered (in Islâm),’ for Faith has not yet entered your hearts. But if you obey Allâh and His Messenger (SAW), He will not decrease anything in reward for your deeds. Verily, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (14) Only those are the believers who have believed in Allâh and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allâh. Those! They are the truthful. (15)

Islam or the outward submission is the minimum degree giving the rights of a Muslim. Allah will reward his deeds and intentions. Preferable to Allah is the mu’min the Muslim who has true faith.

1. Belief in Allah
that is in His existence. His perfection and absolute attributes. His superiority over all creation and that there is nothing similar to Him

2. Belief in His Angels
noble creatures created from light who have no free will but execute commands of Allah and worship Him continuously

3. belief in His Books
Allah revealed scriptures to some of His Messengers, and He revealed the Quran as the final message to mankind

4. Belief is His Messengers
That they were truthful in what they conveyed about Allah. That they were supported by miracles and that they faithfully deliver His messages to the people.

5. Belief in the last day
The day of resurrection and what was revealed concerning it.Destruction of the present universe, renewed creation, emergence from the garve, the gathering of judgment day, paradise and hellfire

6. Believe in Al Qadr
In Allah’s knowledge in all that to be ad in the fact that He has orginated and is the primary cause of all things and occurrences.

IHSAN

The third and the highest degree of the deen is “ihsan”.

Rasulullah s.a.w described ihsan as worshipping Allah as though ypu can see him which is a reminder that He sees you. Thus worship must be accompanied by the consciousness of Allah thus should lead to sincerity and correct intention.

Ihsan perfects every deed. It is an outward expression of taqwa and awareness of the Craetor’s knowledge and power.

THE HOUR

Rasulullah s.a.w. response on the question of when the Hour is shows that the knowledge is only wth Allah. This indicates to us that no one possess this knowledge regardless what they claim.

However there are signs indicating that the Hour is getting nearer. There are many signs in other hadith, but in this hadith, Rasulullah s.a.w. mentioned two.

1. The slave woman will give birth to her mistress.

2. Poor people or specifically barefooted, naked and destitute shepherds competing in the loftiness of constructions.

WHO WAS THE “MAN”

Umar who narrated this hadith, stayed after the departure of the man. rasulullah s.a.w informed that the questioner is the angel Jibraeel who came for the purpose of instructing.

SEEKING KNOWLEDGE

One of the methods of seeking knowledge is by asking questions.

The type of questions should be MEANINGFUL. Questions that will lead the questioner, the listener and the one answering to valuable knowledge and good action.

Asking good questions that will result in others to learn also. Ask good questions so we can share knowledge.

Don’t ask questions that are only meant to boast one’s knowledge or belittle the answerer.

Ibn Abbas, one of the great scholars among the sahabahs, when asked how he obtained all his knowledge, he replied, with an inquisitive tongue and a contemplating heart.

TEACHING KNOWLEDGE

Posing questions is also a good form of teaching. A teacher should answer the question even he thinks the questioner already know the answer.

In many hadith, rasulullah s.a.w. himself will ask questions before he imparts knowledge. Asking questions will prepare the mind and heart to be ready to accept knowledge. Ready to absorb and learn.

In this hadith, rasulullah s.a.w. refer to Jibril as  “the questioner” which imples full appreciation and encouragement of asking questions especially the one that will lead to knowledge.

There are many question form in the Quran as well. To serve different purposes. To provoke the mind of the reader and force one to think about what one reads.

Rasulullah s.a.w set an example in this hadith, to admit when he does not of a certain knowledge.

Al Imam Malik was asked forty questions by a man who had travelled a distant to see him, and he answered most of them by , “I don’t know and Allah knows better”. Seeing the man surprised, Imam Malik told him that when he goes back to his town, to tell the people that he met and asked al-Imam Malik questions and Imam Malik said he didn’t know the answers. Al-Imam Malik didn’t want to be accountable for giving wrong answers. Thus, if we are to become an educator or a scholar, we should have the courage to admit what we do not know. We should not give an answer which may contain incorrect information.

Lessons
1. The deen comprise of three things which are Islam, Iman and Ihsan.
2. A muslim performs the pillar of Islam. Which are the shahadah, Solat, giving zakat, fasting and performing hajj
3. The pillars are the outward actions of a Muslim.
4. It should be built by faith i.e. iman.
5. Because we believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, The Judgment day and Qadr by Allah, we want to become a better Muslim.
6. A mu’min is more superior than just a Muslim.
7. We must have ihsan that is we must serve Allah like as f we could see Him. This will increase our taqwa and awareness of our actions.
8. Asking questions is part of learning process.
9. Posing question is a good technique in teaching.
10. Angel can come in the shape of a man and be seen by people.
11. The occurrence of the Hour is not revealed to Allah’s messengers or His Angels. Thus no one will know when it will happen.
12. But Allah revealed the signs for us to be aware and prepare ourselves.

Reciting the Quran Before Sleeping

Prophet Muhammad saw would not go to sleep without reciting something form the Quran. When one recites the quran before going to sleep, he is protected from Shaytan, Insya Allah, and his dreams become truer in the meanings.

Check list of reading
1. Ayatul Kursi

Narrated by Abu Huraira:

Allah’s Apostle deputed me to keep Sadaqat (al-Fitr) of Ramadan. A comer came and started taking handfuls of the foodstuff (of the Sadaqa) (stealthily). I took hold of him and said, “By Allah, I will take you to Allah’s Apostle .” He said, “I am needy and have many dependents, and I am in great need.” I released him, and in the morning Allah’s Apostle asked me, “What did your prisoner do yesterday?” I said, “O Allah’s Apostle! The person complained of being needy and of having many dependents, so, I pitied him and let him go.” Allah’s Apostle said, “Indeed, he told you a lie and he will be coming again.” I believed that he would show up again as Allah’s Apostle had told me that he would return. So, I waited for him watchfully. When he (showed up and) started stealing handfuls of foodstuff, I caught hold of him again and said, “I will definitely take you to Allah’s Apostle. He said, “Leave me, for I am very needy and have many dependents. I promise I will not come back again.” I pitied him and let him go.

In the morning Allah’s Apostle asked me, “What did your prisoner do.” I replied, “O Allah’s Apostle! He complained of his great need and of too many dependents, so I took pity on him and set him free.” Allah’s Apostle said, “Verily, he told you a lie and he will return.” I waited for him attentively for the third time, and when he (came and) started stealing handfuls of the foodstuff, I caught hold of him and said, “I will surely take you to Allah’s Apostle as it is the third time you promise not to return, yet you break your promise and come.” He said, “(Forgive me and) I will teach you some words with which Allah will benefit you.” I asked, “What are they?” He replied, “Whenever you go to bed, recite “Ayat-al-Kursi”– ‘Allahu la ilaha illa huwa-l-Haiy-ul Qaiyum’ till you finish the whole verse. (If you do so), Allah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you and no satan will come near you till morning. ” So, I released him. In the morning, Allah’s Apostle asked, “What did your prisoner do yesterday?” I replied, “He claimed that he would teach me some words by which Allah will benefit me, so I let him go.” Allah’s Apostle asked, “What are they?” I replied, “He said to me, ‘Whenever you go to bed, recite Ayat-al-Kursi from the beginning to the end —- Allahu la ilaha illa huwa-lHaiy-ul-Qaiyum—-.’ He further said to me, ‘(If you do so), Allah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you, and no satan will come near you till morning.’ (Abu Huraira or another sub-narrator) added that they (the companions) were very keen to do good deeds. The Prophet said, “He really spoke the truth, although he is an absolute liar. Do you know whom you were talking to, these three nights, O Abu Huraira?” Abu Huraira said, “No.” He said, “It was Satan.”

Sahih Al Bukhari : Volume 3 : Book 38 : Hadith 505

2. Suratul Falaq – Al Mu’awwadhatain
3. Suratun Nas – Al Mu’awwadhatain
Both these surahs to be read three times with a dry spit on the hand one one cycle and to be wiped all over the body.

Book of 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.

4. Al Kafiroon

General Behavior (Kitab Al-Adab)
Dawud :: Book 41 : Hadith 5037

Narrated Nawfal:

The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said to Nawfal: Say , O infidels! and then sleep at its end, for it is a declaration of freedom from polytheism. (Al Albaanee ruled that it is authentic)

4. Al Mulk

5. As Sajdah

Jabir said, “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, did not sleep until he had recited, ‘Alif-Lam-Mim. The Sending-down’ (32) and ‘Blessed is the One in whose hand the kingdom is’ (67).’”
Related by Bukharee in Al Adab Al Mufrad. Al Albanee said it is authentic lighairihi

6. Recitation of the last two verses from Al Baqarah

Military Expeditions led by the Prophet (pbuh) (Al-Maghaazi)
Bukhari :: Book 5 :: Volume 59 :: Hadith 345

Narrated Abu Masud Al-Badri:

Allah’s Apostle said, “It is sufficient for one to recite the last two Verses of Surat-al-Baqara at night.”

Jabal Thawr

Story Telling Time

Jabal Al Thawr is at the south of Makkah.

It is significant in the history of Islam because it was a temporary sanctuary for Prophet Muhammmad saw and Abu bakr As Siddiq in their journey of migration from Makkah to Madinah.

The Quraysh were waiting for moments to assassinate the Prophet saw. And some young men who were ready to kill Prophet Muhammad saw were already waiting outside that night. His house was sieged. Now and then they would peek waiting for Prophet Muhammad to go out in the morning giving them the opportunity to kill him.

Allah protected Prophet Mohammad saw and he escaped them. Jibrael a.s. came to the Prophet s.a.w. and ordered him not to sleep in his bed and informed him of the plot of his people. Ali bin Abi Talib slept in his bed instead. Then prophet Muhammad s.a.w. went out and stood at his door with a handful of dust which he blew to them. Allah prevented them from seeing Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and he recited Yasin 36: 1-9

Even though Madinah was in the north of Makkah, but Prophet Muhammad saw and Abu Bakr ra took a different route than the usual track to Madinah and went down south instead. They took refuge in the cave at Jabal Thawr which is 5 miles from Makah for three days.

Abu Bakr first entered to explore the cave and be sure that it was safe, closed all holes with pieces torn off from his clothes, cleaned it and then asked the Prophet [pbuh] to step in. The Prophet [pbuh] went in and immediately laid his head in Abu Bakr’s lap and fell asleep.

Suddenly Abu Bakr’s foot was stung by a poisonous insect. It hurt so much that his tears fell on the Prophet’s face. The Prophet [pbuh] immediately applied his saliva on Abu Bakr’s foot and the pain went off on the spot. They confined themselves to this cave for three nights, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Quraish, on the other hand, were quite baffled and exasperated when the news of the escape of the two companions was confirmed. They brought ‘Ali to Al-Ka‘bah, beat him brutally and confined him there for an hour attempting desperately to make him divulge the secret of the disappearance of the two ‘fugitives’, but to no avail. They then went to see Asma’, Abu Bakr’s daughter, but here also their attempts went in vain. While at her door Abu Jahl slapped the girl so severely that her earring broke up.[Rahmat-al-lil'alameen 1/96; Ibn Hisham 1/487]

The notables of Makkah convened an emergency session to determine the future course of action and explore all areas that could help arrest the two men. They decided to block all avenues leading out of Makkah and imposed heavy armed surveillance over all potential exits. A price of 100 camels was set upon the head of each one.[Bukhari 1/554] Horsemen, infantry and tracers of tracks scoured the country. Once they even reached the mouth of the cave where the Prophet [pbuh] and Abu Bakr were hiding. When he saw the enemy at a very close distance, Abu Bakr whispered to the Prophet [pbuh]: “What, if they were to look through the crevice and detect us?” The Prophet [pbuh] in his God-inspired calm replied:

Companions of the Prophet
Bukhari :: Book 5 :: Volume 57 :: Hadith 5

Narrated Abu Bakr:

I said to the Prophet while I was in the Cave. “If any of them should look under his feet, he would see us.” He said, “O Abu Bakr! What do you think of two (persons) the third of whom is Allah?”

This is the cave which Allah referred to in surah tawbah 9:40

If ye help him not, still Allah helped him when those who disbelieve drove him forth, the second of two; when they two were in the cave, when he said unto his comrade: Grieve not. Lo! Allah is with us. Then Allah caused His peace of reassurance to descend upon him and supported him with hosts ye cannot see, and made the word of those who disbelieved the nethermost, while Allah’s Word it was that became the uppermost. Allah is Mighty, Wise. (40)

Abu bakar As Siddiq ra was worried of Prophet Muhammad’s safety. If the mushrikeens were to find them, they would cause harm to the prophet saw. But Allah protected them. Allahu Akbar!

It was really a Divine miracle, the chasers were only a few steps from the cave. For three days Muhammad [pbuh] and Abu Bakr lived in the cave and Quraish continued their frantic efforts to get hold of them. Someone called ‘Abdullah bin Uraiquit, who had as yet not embraced Islam, but was trusted by Abu Bakr, and had been hired by him as a guide, reached the cave after three nights according to a plan bringing with him Abu Bakr’s two camels. His report satisfied the noble ‘fugitives’ that the search had slackened. The opportunity to depart was come. Here Abu Bakr offered the Prophet [pbuh] the swift animal to ride on. The latter agreed provided that he would pay its price.

Among those who assisted

‘Abdullah, the son of Abu Bakr would go to see them after dusk, stay the night there, apprise them of the latest situation in Makkah, and then leave in the early morning to mix with the Makkans as usual and not to draw the least attention to his clandestine activities.

‘Amir bin Fuhairah, while in the company of other shepherds of Makkah tending his master Abu Bakr’s flock, used to stole away unobserved every evening with a few goats to the cave and furnished its inmates with a plentiful supply of milk.

Throughout Prophet Muhammad saw and Abu Bakar ra stay in the cave, it was a young girl who brought them food and water. She was Asma binti Abu Bakar As Siddeeq.

This brave young girl used to cover great distances between Makkah and Mount Thawr at night; the difficulty and isolation of the journey, the presence of watchful enemies, did not deter her. She knew that by saving the life of the Prophet saw and his companion (aso her father) will help them reach their goal of going to Madinah. She was supporting the religion of Allah, and working towards making His word supreme on earth. So, she undertook her difficult mission every day, ever alert and striving to conceal herself as she walked and climbed the mountain, until she had brought whatever supplies and news she was carrying to the Prophet saw an his companion. Then she would go back down to Makkah under cover of darkness.

She was tested severely, and proved to be as solid as rock, on the day the mushrikeen surrounded her and asked about her father. She denied knowing anything, and they placed sever pressure on her. So much so that Abu Jahl struck a blow that sent her earing flting from her ear. But this did not weaken her resolve or her detrmination to keep her secret hidden. She kept up her mission of taking food and news to the Prophet saw and his Companion, until the time came for them to leave the cave and head for Madeenah.

She had already brought them provisions for the journey, but when she checked the cloth in which they were wrapped, she found that she had nothing in which to tie it apart from her own girdle. She told her father, who told her to tear it in two and use one piece  to tie the water skin an dthe other to tie the cloth holding the food.

Hence Asma’ was known as Dhat an-Nitaqayn, she of he two girdles or she of two belts.

Main reference

1. The Sealed Nectar – Biography of the Noble prophet saw – Safi-ur-Rahman Al Mubarakpuri

2. The Ideal Muslimah – Dr Muhammad Ali al Hashimi

3. History of Madinah Munawwarah – Darussalam

Eid is Coming Insya Allah

Ramadhan is coming to an end. Alhamdulillah the children have been able to perform their fasting and have been diligently been doing other form of worshipping. The keyword here is improvement. We should be better than what we were on the last Ramadhan, Insya Allah.

We started off by reading the book “The gift of eid by Shazia Nazlee”.

And then we discussed the sunnah and the etiquette of eid together.

1. Saying Takbir.

It is mustahaab to recite the takbeer. Allah says in Surah Al Baqarah 2: 185 (interpretation of the meaning)

The month of Ramadân in which was revealed the Qur’ân, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadân i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allâh intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allâh [i.e. to say Takbîr (Allâhu-Akbar; Allâh is the Most Great) for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him. (185)

Thus Alhamdulillah we learned the true reason why we are doing the takbeer. It is to MAGNIFY ALLAH and to BE GRATEFUL TO HIM for having guided you.

The time for takbeer on Eid al-Fitr starts from the night before Eid until the imam enters to lead the Eid prayer.

Allaahu akbar,
Allaahu akbar,
laa ilaaha ill-Allaah,
wa Allaahu akbar,
Allaah akbar,
wa Lillaah il-hamd

Allaah is Most Great,
Allaah is most Great,
there is no god but Allaah,
Allaah is Most great,
Allaah is most great,
and to Allaah be praised).

Saying takbeer when coming out of one’s house to the prayer place and until the imam came out was something that was well known among the salaf (early generations).

Listen to the examples of the earlier generation concerning the takbeer
It was narrated that al-Waleed ibn Muslim said: I asked al-Awzaa’i and Maalik ibn Anas about saying Takbeer out loud on the two Eids. They said, Yes, ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar used to say it out loud on the day of al-Fitr until the imam came out (to lead the prayers).

It was narrated in a saheeh report that ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Sulami said, “They emphasized it more on the day of al-Fitr than the day of al-Adha.”. Wakee’ said, this refers to the takbeer. See Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 3/122/

Al-Daaraqutni and others narrated that on the morning of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Ibn ‘Umar would strive hard in reciting takbeer until he came to the prayer place, then he would recite takbeer until the imam came out.

Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated with a saheeh isnaad that al-Zuhri said: The people used to recite Takbeer on Eid when they came out of their houses until they came to the prayer place, and until the imam came out. When the imam came out they fell silent, and when he said takbeer they said takbeer. See Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 1/121

Men should raise their voices reciting this dhikr in the marketplaces, mosques and homes, but women should not raise their voices.

Thus we learned to day that
1. reciting takbeer is an important sunnah.
2. The timing is on the night of eid until the imam comes out for eid prayer.
3 Reciting takbeer is not to ignite sadness but to GLORIFY Allah.
4. Man should recite it with a raised voice, while women in a lower voice.

2. Doing Ghusl before going out for prayer
It is mustahab to perform ghusl

3. Eat before going out for Eid Prayer
Rasulullah s.a.w. would eat an odd number of dates before going out for prayer.

The Two Festivals (Eids)
Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 15 :: Hadith 73

Narrated Anas bin Malik,:

Allah’s Apostle s.a.w. never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of ‘Id-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas also narrated: The Prophet s.a.w. used to eat odd number of dates.

4. You should wear your best clothes

One should give care that they wear the best clothes they have. Clothes should be neat and clean. Care must be taken though that woman should not be displaying beauty at the praying place.  And perfume should not be used by them.

5. Offering Congratulations.

The etiquette during eid is also to offer congratulations. One can say

Tabaqallahhu minna wa minkum (May Allah accept our good deeds) or offering Eid Mubarak and other permissible congratulatory expression. The Malays would say, Selamat Hari Raya Maaf Zahir dan Batin.

6. Eid Prayer

The Muslims are unanimously agreed that the Eid prayer is prescribed in Islam. Some of them say that it is Sunnah, some say that it is fard kafaayah (a communal obligation) and some say that it is fard ‘ayn (an individual obligation), and that not doing it is a sin.

Even though the opinions differ, but it is clear that Eid Prayer is important for all Muslims to do. So Insya Allah we will.

The Two Festivals (Eids)
Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 15 :: Hadith 97

Narrated Um-’Atiya:

We were ordered to go out (for ‘Id) and also to take along with us the menstruating women, mature girls and virgins staying in seclusion. (Ibn ‘Aun said, “Or mature virgins staying in seclusion).” The menstruating women could present themselves at the religious gathering and invocation of Muslims but should keep away from their Musalla.

7. Going to prayer via one route and back with another

This is as per this hadith

The Two Festivals (Eids)
Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 15 :: Hadith 102

Narrated Jabir bin ‘Abdullah:

On the Day of ‘Id the Prophet s.a.w. used to return (after offering the ‘Id prayer) through a way different from that by which he went.

As explained in the islam-qa website
It was said that the reason for that was so that the two routes would testify for him on the Day of Resurrection, for the earth will speak on the Day of Resurrection and say what was done on it, both good and bad.

And it was said that it was in order to manifest the symbols of Islam on both routes, or to manifest the remembrance of Allaah (dhikr), or to annoy the hypocrites and Jews, and to scare them with the large number of people who were with him. And it was said that it was in order to attend to the people’s needs, to answer their questions, teach them, set an example and give charity to the needy, or to visit his relatives and uphold the ties of kinship.

And Allaah knows best.

Insya Allah we will try to perform all the sunnahs and etiquettes of eid. The day to glorify and thank allah for being victorious throughout the ramadhan, Insya Allah.

Eid Mubarak and May Allah accept our good deeds.

Source
1. Ruling on Eid and sunnahs of eid

2. Etiquette of Eid

The Last Ten Nights

I think we will continue this for each Ramadhan.

We reread our lapbook again. This time looking at their notes on the Laylatul Qadr. Since we are now in the midst of the last ten nights of Ramadhan. Subhanallah! Time really fast.

We also read the children’s book, “The Night of Decree – Shazia Nazlee”

We added a few more points for the laylatul Qadr section. That is the emphasis of dua’. When we last went for umrah, we brainstormed ideas on dua’s that we can make. Subhanallah! I found it helpful, when we have make a list and sectioning them into categories. This Insya Allah help us (them also) focus on the so many things that we can ask from Allah. Indeed as in the hadith

Abu Huraira: Make Dua and be assured of being answered, and know that Allah does not answer a Dua from a careless heart which is not concentrating (Tirmidhi).

Insya Allah, we want to try our best to concentrate on what we want to ask from Allah. Lest it become a mere routine. Said without meaning it.

Anyway, you can find our list of dua’s in this document. In page 12, Insya Allah.

We modified it to suit the time now and added a few more dua’s.

View this document on Scribd

May Allah guide all of us to raise our children as the Muttaqun.

Ramadhan Kareem

Alhamdulillah the children have been enjoying their fasting so far. Z who is five is the only one not fasting but refuse to eat heavier meals and only resort to toasts and biscuits. He wants to eat hevaier meals with his brother and sister.

We made a revision on our ramadhan lapbook. Indeed it is a very good quick reference for the children. We shall visit the lapbook again before the last ten days of Ramadhan, Insya Allah.

The children added a few more points verbally especially on the good deeds we can during Ramadhan.

I introduced a checklist of deeds as a reminder of what they can do during ramadhann. I included especially the sunnah acts that they have learned throughout the year. H had a longer list which includes the nawafil prayers that I am encouraging him to do.

Below is a summary of the activities
1. Fasting
2. Praying

• Fajr
• Dzuhur
• A’sr
• Maghrib
• Isya’

3. Nawafil

• Fajr
• Dzuhur
• Mahrib
• Isya’

4. Reading Quran (# pages)

5. Make dua’

• after adzan
• after prayer
• 15 minutes before iftar

6. Dzikir

• After prayers
• morning
• evening
• laillahaillahhu wahdahu lasharikalah..100x

7. Helpfulness

• Is my room clean?
• Prepare iftar
• Dust the house

Alhamdulillah. May we all be able to reap the benefits of Ramadhan in abundance.

Lapbook : Abu Bakr As Siddiq r.a.

We made a lapbook on one of the greatest sahabahs : Sayidinna Abu Bakr As Siddiq. Z, my little one sponged the blue sky of the cover and wrote (or rather copied) the title. Bless him when he had trouble writing As Siddiq and the feltpen smudged the cover.

We described who Abu Bakr AsSiddiq was and made little notes and pasted it on the lapbook. Among them are : The first man to embrace Islam, made hijrah with rasullulah saw, the first khalifah and so on. Really fun activity because we were brainstorming what we know about him.

I put up a few hadith on what Rasulullah saw said concerning Abu Bakr As Siddiq r.a..

We made small booklets of his many nicknames. And a flip chart narrating Abu Bakrs r.a. generosity and also another flip chart describing that he was so generous, he was always freeing the Muslim slaves. Most of them are old and frail and also woman slaves. This seemed strange those days for people would prefer to free strong slaves. These slaves can help the person later. So what use would an old ex slave or a woman slave be to one? But Sayidinna Abu Bakr r.a. were only doing that to please Allah. May we have the same sincerity.

Do you know that some part of Surah Al Layl was about Sayidinna Abu Bakr. Refer to Al Layl 92:5-7, 18-21. May we be able to emulate his virtues.

We also listed down some of the “big” names that Abu Bakr made daawah to. Some of them are Uthman bin Affan r.a., Talhah and Abdul Rahman bin Awf. Masya Allah!

Then we read the story of when our beloved Prophet s.a.w. was ill and nearing his death. Abu Bakr was asked to lead the other Muslims in the congregation prayer.

I also included the small portion of rasulullah s.a.w last sermon when he said, “Allah gave a choice to one of His slaves either to choose this world or what is with Him in the Hereafter. He chose the later.” And how Sayidinna Abu Bakr r.a. cried listening to this because he knew what Rasulullah meant by that. This indicates their close relationship and his deep love to the Prophet s.a.w..

I asked H to write down a bit of Abu Bakr’s words when people could not accept the death of Rasulullah s.a.w. I emphasised to them. Rasulullah s.a.w is Abu Bakr’s closest friend. Of all the people, surely he would have been the most distraught. But he was the one who calmed everyone down.

We included in brief, the challenges Abu Bakr AsSiddiq faced when he first became Khalifah. We cut up a mean looking sword at that. And we made some working files of Abu Bakr’s first few challenges.

Then we traced a leaf, scratched on a leather and carved on stone telling in brief of Abu Bakr’s project of compiling the Quran. Except that all those are still papers. Just creating a bit of drama telling them what the verses were written on before. (And I am not sure how to draw shoulder bones)

And finally I put up a map to show the countries that was conquered under the reign of Khalifah Abu Bakr r.a. Subhanallah!

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May my children learn to love the sahabahs. And the fact that they fought to instill haq back 1400 years ago,  and with Allah’s will, light still exist in this world now. Alhamdulillah. May we be guided on the straight path always.  May we be able to emulate their virtues and have faith as strong as the sahabahs radiallahuanhum.

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Main reference
1. Heroes of Islam – Prof Mahmoud Esma’il Sieny
2. Shining Stars Among the Prophet’s Companions Vol. 1 – Abdul Basit Ahmad.
3. Lecture by Sheikh Anwar Al Awlaki – Abu Bakr As Siddiq His Life and Times. You can listen it HERE.

Pillars of Prayer : Takbir Al-Ihram

Prayers consists of

• pillars
• obligatory acts
• non obligatory acts

For now we will concentrate on the pillars of prayers. If one of them is omitted, the prayer will not be accepted.

The second pillar is takbeerat al ihram

Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat)
Dawud :: Book 2 : Hadith 618

Narrated Ali ibn AbuTalib:

The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: The key of prayer is purification. The act that puts on into the inviolable state (of prayer) is the takbeer. And the act that ends the violable state is the tasleem (salutation).

This hadith is hasan saheeh. According to Sheikh al-Albani, Saheeh Ibn Majah. recorded by Tirmidhi, Abu dawood and Ibn Majah.

This is the first takbir in salah. It is called takbir Al Ihram because after its recitation many things become unlawful (haram) for the worshipping such as eating, talking, drinking etc.)

Takbir Al Ihram is a pillar of prayer meaning if we leave it, our prayers is not accepted.

Looooongg Takbir

I was taught when I was young to say the niyah of prayer in my language in the heart while reciting the takbir. Thus my takbeer became very loooonnngg and sometimes jerky. This is unnecessary fr it is not in the sunnah to say the niyah in the heart during the takbir. Rather the niyah must be thought in the heart before the prayer itself.

Where to raise your hand during takbeer

Raising your hands during takbeer is sunnah or recommended acts. Meaning if one leaves it, the prayer is still valid. However we would have missed on doing the sunnah.
1. Opposite the shoulder

Characteristics of Prayer
Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 12 :: Hadith 703

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar:

I saw that whenever Allah’s Apostle stood for the prayer, he used to raise both his hands up to the shoulders, and used to do the same on saying the Takbir for bowing and on raising his head from it and used to say, “Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida”. But he did not do that (i.e. raising his hands) in prostrations.

The Book of Prayers (Kitab Al-Salat)
Muslim :: Book 4 : Hadith 758
Salim narrated it on the authority of his father who reported:

I saw the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) raising his hands opposite the shoulders at the time of beginning the prayer and before bowing down and after coming back to the position after bowing. but he did not raise them between two prostrations.

The Book of Prayers (Kitab Al-Salat)
Muslim :: Book 4 : Hadith 759
Ibn Umar reported that

the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him), when he stood up for prayer, used to raise his hands apposite the shoulders and then recited takbir (Allah-o-Akbar), and when he was about to bow he again did like it and when he raised himself from the ruku’ (bowing posture) he again did like it, but he did not do it at the time of raising his head from prostration.

The Book of Prayers (Kitab Al-Salat)
Muslim :: Book 4 : Hadith 760
This hadith has been transmitted with the same chain of transmitters by al. Zuhri as narrated by Ibn Juraij (who) said.

When the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) stood up for prayer, he raised hands (to the height) apposite the shoulders and then recited takbir.

2. Raising the Hands to Opposite the Ears

The Book of Prayers (Kitab Al-Salat)
Muslim :: Book 4 : Hadith 762
Malik b. Huwairith reported:

The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) raised his hands opposite his ears at the time of reciting the takbir (i. e. at the time of beginning the prayer) and then again raised his hands apposite the ears at the time of bowing and when he lifted his head after bowing he said: Allah listened to him who praised Him, and did like it (raised his hands up to the ears).

The Book of Prayers (Kitab Al-Salat)
Muslim :: Book 4 : Hadith 763
This hadith has been transmitted by Qatada with the same chain of transmitters

that he saw the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) doing like this (i. e. raising his hands) till they were opposite the lobes of ears.

All of these hadith above are sahih.
1. We can raise our hand during takbir al-ihram either at the lobe of our ears or at our shoulders, Insya Allah.
2. This also apply to the takbirs before ruku’ and after ruku’. These after ruku’.

Boy at ears. Girls at shoulders?

I was also taught when I was young that for boys to raise their hands at the ears while the girls at the shoulders uring takbeer. From these ahadeeth, it is clear that one can raise their hands either at the shoulder or the ears regardless of gender. There is no difference between a man’s prayer and a woman’s. We pray as how Rasulullah saw prayed.

Lessons

1. Takbirratul Ihram is a pillar of prayer.

2. It signifies the starting of a prayer.

3. If we miss it, our prayer is not accepted.

4. Raising the handsduring takbiratul ihram is sunnah.

5. Thus if we do not raise the hands during takbiratul ihram, or prayer is still accepted. But we would have missed the reward for sunnah acts.

6. We can either raise our hands to the level of our shoulders or to our ears. Rasulullah saw did it both ways.

Exercise

1. Ahmad raised his hands at his shoulders during takbirratul ihram? Is his prayer valid?

2. Ali did not raise his hands at all during takbir. Is this ok?

3. Aminah did not say her takbir when she starts prayer. Is her prayer valid?

Main reference

1. Prayer According to the Sunnah – Compiler Prof Muhammad Zulfiqar. Darussalam

Saying the Shahadah

Say

أَشْهَدُ أَن لِا إِلَهَ إِلَّا الله وَ أَشْهَدُ أَنّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ الله

This is just to train the little Z since he got excited about the dua’ after wudhu last week.

A Muslim declares the shahadah.

Shahadah is the first pillar of Islam. Saying the shahadah and believing it makes you a Muslim.

Do you know that if someone who is not a Muslim and wants to become a Muslim, all he needs to do is first of all say the shahadah and believe it?

What are you suppose to believe?

It means that I declare that there is only one God.
He does not have any partner.
He does not have son.
I declare that Allah is the only god to be worshipped.
There is no other God for me.
I worship Allah alone

I declare that Muhammad saw is Allah’s Messenger.
He is the last of all messengers and prophets.
There is no more after him.
I follow the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad saw.

Do you know?

Do you know that the disbelievers Quraysh believe in Allah too?

But they refuse to say the shahadah?

Because even though they believe in Allah  they also believe in idols and mystics. They know that if they say the shahadah and declare that Allah is the only god worth to be worshipped and that Mohammad saw is the Messenger of Allah, they would have to forsake all rituals and traditions.

Do you know that one who just turned a Muslim and declares the shahadah and later died in that state shall enter jannah, bi iznillah?

Something to ponder

The early polytheists were called to La illaha illah Allah but refused it because they truly understood its meaning and all that it entails. The Muslims today, however, accept this word but do not truly understand it and all that it entails! (Shaikh Muhammad Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee (rahimahullaah))

May we be among those who truly understand. May Allah guide us to the straight path.

Surah Al Kafiroon 109:1-6

Say (O Muhammad (SAW) to these Mushrikûn and Kâfirûn): “O Al-Kâfirûn (disbelievers in Allâh, in His Oneness, in His Angels, in His Books, in His Messengers, in the Day of Resurrection, and in Al-Qadar)! (1) “I worship not that which you worship, (2) “Nor will you worship that which I worship. (3) “And I shall not worship that which you are worshipping. (4) “Nor will you worship that which I worship. (5) “To you be your religion, and to me my religion (Islâmic Monotheism).” (6)

Revealed in : Makkah

Superiority of this surah

1. Rasulullah s.a.w. is heard reciting suratul kafirun and suratul ikhlas during the voluntary fajr prayer

The Book of Prayers (Kitab Al-Salat)

Muslim :: Book 4 : Hadith 1575

Abu Huraira reported

that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) recited in the two (supererogatory) rak’ahs of the dawn (prayer):” Say: O unbelievers,” (Qur’an, cix.) and” Say: Allah is one” (cxii.).

2. Also in a long hadith of the following, Rasulullah s.a.w recited suratul Kafirun and Suratul Ikhlas in the two rakaahs after tawaf. (I am not putting the hadith here because it is too long.)

The Book of Pilgrimage (Kitab Al-Hajj)
Muslim :: Book 7 : Hadith 2803

3. According to Imam Ahmad, Ibn Umar saw Prophet Muhammad also reciting suratul kafirun and suratul Ikhlas in the two rakaahs voluntary prayer after maghrib.

According to Imam Ahmad (referring to Tafsir Ibn Kathir), Ibn Umar said, “I watched the Prophet s.a.w. twenty four to twenty five times recitiing in the two rakaahs before the morning  prayer and the two rakaahs after the sunset prayer on approximately ten or twenty different occasions “say Al Kafirun” and “He is Allah one”..

Summary

Rasullullah recite both the Suratul Kafirun and Suratul Ikhlas in these prayers

1. The sunnah prayer after tawaf

2. The sunnah prayer before fajr prayer

3. The sunnah prayer after maghrib prayer.

The Revelation

The Quraysh despite being the majority relative to the Muslims in Makkah during the time of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. was threatened with the growing of Prophet Muhammad’s teaching. They can see that the Muslims is growing and Muhammad s.a.w. continue to defame their idols.

In a strategy to minimise the spread of Islam, they invited Muhammad saw to worship their idol for  a year and in return they would also worship Muhammad’s God for a year.

Thus Allah revealed this surah and commanded His Messenger saw to disassociate himself from their religion completely.

I worship not that which you worship

i.e. statues and rival gods

Nor will you worship whom I worship

and He is Allah Alone. Who has no partner.

And I shall not worship that which you are worshipping. Nor will you worship whom I worship

I do not worship according to your worship, which means that I do not go along with it or follow it. I only worship Allah in the manner in which He loves and is pleased with.

Nor will you worship whom I worship

Yo do not follow the commands of Allah and His legislation in His worship. rather you have invented something out of the promptings of your own soul.

The lessons for the children here are mainly to hold strongly to the Deen. To not be easily swayed by others and sacrifice their religion. Even for a little while. Even under pretentious. More so to please others. Or are afraid the lost of job and position and glamour and friends.

Allah says ,

Some people set up equals to Allah, loving them as they should love Allah. But those who believe have greater love for Allah… (Surat al-Baqara 2:165)

Be strong in your believe, your iman, my dear children from now on. The real world has many challenges. Hold on strong to your religion for one day we will all go back to face Allah. Think about this and reflect that all in this world are really temporary.

To be your religion, and to me my religion.

This last statement does not mean it is a license for idoltary. Rather it is like a warning of them chosing their religion for they will face the consequences later.

A lesson for all of us to be aware of colluding with disbelievers to the point of living the Deen.

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I learnt  a lesson dooing this lesson with the kids. i prepared a worksheet for the children on this surah. There 11 pages altogether. I was to excited and determine to finish up to get their feedback on the workable of the worksheet. But it was tiring, at least for S.

Next time I will break up the worksheet in intervals so they will always be fresh insya Allah. May Allah make it easy for all of us.