Why are there so Many Earthquakes?

Praise be to Allaah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allaah, and upon his family, companions, and those who follow his guidance.
Allaah is the All-Wise, All-Knowing in all that He wills and decrees, and He is the All-Wise, All-Knowing in all that He legislates and commands. He creates and decrees whatever signs He wills, to frighten His slaves and remind them of their obligations and duties towards Him, and to warn them against associating anything in worship with Him, going against His commands and doing that which He has forbidden. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And We sent not the signs except to warn” [al-Israa’ 17:59]

“We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Qur’aan) is the truth. Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things?” [Fussilat 41:53]
“Say: ‘He has power to send torment on you from above or from under your feet, or to cover you with confusion in party strife, and make you to taste the violence of one another.’” [al-An’aam 6:65]
Al-Bukhaari narrated in his Saheeh from Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that when the aayah (interpretation of the meaning) “Say: ‘He has power to send torment on you from above” was revealed, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “A’oodhu bi wajhika (I seek refuge in Your Face”; “or from under your feet”, he said, “A’oodhu bi wajhika (I seek refuge in Your Face).” (Saheeh al-Bukhaari, 5/193).
(Abu’l-Shaykh al-Isbahaani narrated from Mujaahid concerning the Tafseer of this aayah, “Say: ‘He has power to send torment on you from above”: (this means) al-Sayhah (the shout or tumult), stones and strong wind; “or from under your feet”, (means) earthquakes and being swallowed up by the earth.)
Undoubtedly the earthquakes that are happening these days are among the signs which Allaah uses to frighten His slaves. All the earthquakes and other things which happen and cause harm and injury to people are because of shirk and sins, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meanings):
“And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much” [al-Shoora 42:30]
“Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allaah, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself” [al-Nisaa’ 4:79]
And Allaah said concerning the nations of the past:
“So We punished each (of them) for his sins, of them were some on whom We sent Haasib (a violent wind with shower of stones) [as on the people of Loot (Lot)], and of them were some who were overtaken by As-Saihah [torment — awful cry, (as Thamood or Shu‘ayb’s people)], and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow [as Qaaroon (Korah)], and of them were some whom We drowned [as the people of Nooh (Noah), or Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) and his people]. It was not Allaah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves” [al-‘Ankaboot 29:40]
What Muslims and others who are accountable and of sound mind must do is repent to Allaah, adhere firmly to His Religion and avoid all that He has forbidden of Shirk and sin, so that they may be safe and attain salvation from all evils in this world and the next, and so that Allaah will ward off from them all harm, and bless them with all good. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And if the people of the towns
had believed and had the Taqwaa (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).” [al-A’raaf 7:96]
And Allaah says concerning the People of the Book (interpretation of the meaning):
“And if only they had acted according to the Tawraah (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), and what has (now) been sent down to them from their Lord (the Qur’ân), they would surely, have gotten provision from above them and from underneath their feet” [al-Maa’idah 5:66].
And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our punishment by night while they were asleep? Or, did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our punishment in the forenoon while they were playing? Did they then feel secure against the Plan of Allaah? None feels secure from the Plan of Allaah except the people who are the losers.” [al-A’raaf 7:97-99]
Al-‘Allaamah Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “Allaah sometimes gives the earth permission to breathe, which is when major earthquakes happen; this makes people feel scared, so they repent, give up sins, pray to Allaah and feel regret [for their sins]. When there had been an earthquake, some of the Salaf said: your Lord is warning you. When Madeenah was struck by an earthquake, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with you) addressed the people and said: if there is another earthquake, I will not stay here with you.”
And there are many similar reportes from the Salaf.
Our response when there is an earthquake or some other sign such as an eclipse, strong winds or floods, should be to hasten to repent to Allaah and pray to Him for safety, and to remember Him much and seek His forgiveness, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said when there was an eclipse: “If you see anything like that, hasten to remember Him, call on Him and seek His forgiveness.” (Part of an agreed-upon hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari (2/30) and Muslim (2/628)).
It is also mustahabb(recommended, encouraged) to show compassion to the poor and needy, and to give charity to them, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“Show mercy, you will be shown mercy.” (Narrated by Imaam Ahmad, 2/165)
“Those who are merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Have mercy on those who are on earth, and the One Who is in heaven will show mercy to you.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood (13/285), al-Tirmidhi (6/43)).
“Whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5/75), Muslim (4/1809)).
It was reported that when there was an earthquake, ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azeez (may Allaah have mercy on him) would write to his governors telling them to give in charity.
One of the things which will help to keep people safe and sound is if the authorities impose an immediate crack-down on the foolish elements in society, forcing them to behave and applying the laws of sharee’ah to them, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“The believers, men and women, are Awliyaa’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they perform As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as-Salaah), and give the Zakaah, and obey Allaah and His Messenger. Allaah will have His Mercy on them. Surely, Allaah is All-Mighty, All-Wise” [al-Tawbah 9:71]
“Verily, Allaah will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allaah is All-Strong, All-Mighty. Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) enjoin Iqamat-as-Salaah [i.e. to perform the five compulsory congregational Salaah (prayers) (the males in mosques)], to pay the Zakaah and they enjoin Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism and all that Islam has forbidden) [i.e. they make the Qur’aan as the law of their country in all the spheres of life]. And with Allaah rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures).” [al-Hajj 22:40-41]
“And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him.” [al-Talaaq 65:2-3]
And there are many aayaat on this topic.
The Prophet ( peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever meets the need of his brother, Allaah will meet his needs.” (Agreed upon; al-Bukhaari, 3/98; Muslim, 4/1996).
And he ( peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever relieves a believer of some of the distress of this world, Allaah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection. Whoever makes things easier for one who is suffering hardship, Allaah will make things easier for him in this world and in the Hereafter. Whoever conceals a Muslim’s faults, Allaah will conceal his faults in this world and in the Hereafter. Allaah will help a person so long as he helps his brother.” (Narrated by Muslim, 4/2074). And there are many ahaadeeth on this topic.
Allaah is the One Whom we ask to reform the affairs of all the Muslims and to bless them with proper understanding of Islam and help them to adhere steadfastly to it and repent to Allaah from all their sins. We ask Him to reform all those who are in authority over the Muslims’ affairs and to support the Truth and eradicate falsehood through them, and to help them to rule the people according to the laws of sharee’ah, and to protect them and all the Muslims from misguidance and temptation and the tricks of the Shaytaan, for He is Able to do all that.
May the blessings and peace of Allaah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and companions, and those who follow them in truth until the Day of Resurrection.
Abd al-‘Azeez ibn ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him).

Sacrifices for the sake of God

Sharing is one of the most important characteristics of Islam, so much so that Muslims have a duty to share what they possess, “even if they themselves are in need.”

Even prisoners of war are no exception to this: Muslims are encouraged to give aid to captives, too: “They give food, despite their love for it, to the poor and orphans and captives.” (Qur’an, 76:8)
Eid Al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) is one of the greatest examples of solidarity in our faith. Sacrificing an animal for God is one of the observances that encourage sharing.
The performance of sacrifices is found in all the Divine faiths throughout history. Most people therefore possess at least some knowledge about this act of worship: “We have appointed a rite of sacrifice for every nation so that they may invoke God’s name over the livestock He has given them. Your God is One God so submit to Him. …” (Qur’an, 22:34)
The meaning of the word sacrifice is, “Something which is instrumental in leading to a closeness to God.” In Islamic terminology it means, “Something which draws one close to God in spiritual terms.” In other words, it means, “Killing the sacrificial animal with the intention of performing a religious observance, at a specific time and under specific conditions.” God reveals the following in a verse: “We have appointed the sacrificial animals for you as one of the sacred rites of God. There is good in them for you, so invoke God’s name over them, as they stand in rows. And then when they collapse on their sides, eat of them and feed both those who ask and those who are too shy to ask. In this way We have subjected them to you so that hopefully you will be thankful.” (Qur’an, 22:36)
The sacrifice expresses that everything, one’s life or possessions, may be given up on the path of God, as well as submission to God and being filled with gratitude toward Him. The sacrifice is a physical act of faith. It also means spending one’s material possessions on the path of God. It is a symbolic expression of the fact that believers can even give up their lives for God when necessary. The sacrifice is one of the forms of giving in Islam. It is a campaign for sharing and humanitarian aid. It is an explicit manifestation of the fact that life is not a thing of conflict, but rather, meaning is to be found in solidarity, mutual aid and blending.
The sacrifice is an instrument of plenty, not only for the people of the country concerned, but for all. Indeed, many of the animals sacrificed in Turkey are sent abroad as food aid. In this way, the religious observance of the sacrifice is also an act of worship resulting in the spreading of Islam and praising of the name of God across the whole world. It thus encourages preaching the word and raises awareness of spending on the path of God.
The sacrifice is an instrument whereby characteristics such as brotherhood, mutual aid and solidarity, which all societies need and which represent the solution to many of the problems we’ve seen of late through the world, can be preserved. Of course, the sacrifice also makes a significant contribution to social justice, and thus shows the practicability of this moral virtue and the abundance that results when it is applied.
The observance of the sacrifice means that wealthy people become used to sharing their assets with others, and purges people of parsimony and devotion to this world. It is also instrumental in the needy giving thanks to God.
The intention within the performance of the sacrifice is of the greatest importance, because the act must propel a Muslim in the direction of piety and fear of God. As our Lord reveals in His holy verses:
“Their flesh and blood does not reach God but your piety does reach Him.” (Qur’an, 22:37)
The Holy Qur’an describes the proper intention with which the animal must be sacrificed: “Say: “My prayers and my rites, my living and my dying, are for God alone, the Lord of all the worlds.” (Qur’an, 6:162)
As revealed in this verse, a believer does everything for God’s sake, and strives for His approval throughout the day. Acts of observance performed at specific times, such as fasting, the daily five prayers and the sacrifice, are instruments of joy and happiness for Muslims.
All Muslims therefore await the blessed Feast of the Sacrifice with great excitement and preparations typically begin weeks ahead. When the day of the sacrifice dawns, there is great excitement in the home. The meat of animals ritually sacrificed to the accompaniment of prayers is joyously handed out to the needy and to relatives.
The 10th, 11th and 12th days of the month of Dul Hijja are those when animals are to be sacrificed. This period extends to the sunset of the twelfth day of the month.
As with all things done to attain the approval of God, the essential thing in the observance of the sacrifice is to have the proper intention and sincerity, because our Lord reveals in the Qur’an that He will only accept the worship of those who have piety. There is also a command of expiation if one cannot perform this observance. This act of worship, which has fine results in the social and economic spheres, is a sign of dedication to God.
The alms we donate during this Feast of the Sacrifice can also, at least partially, lighten the sufferings of our refugee brothers and sisters across the world, and once again allow them to experience the joy of being one community, the peace of mind of brotherhood and the plenty of mutual solidarity. May God accept all our acts of worship!

Sufficient for us is Allah Almighty

We offer salutations to Prophet Ibrahim or Abraham (peace be upon him) in every prayer. Allah Almighty chose him, guided him and blessed him with sound wisdom.
Since his early age, Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) stood in the face of evil, debated with his people, called them to worship Allah alone and when they persisted in disbelief, he destroyed the idols that his people were worshiping.
As a consequence, when their arguments were refuted and their incapability became clear, when truth was made manifest and falsehood was defeated, they resorted to using their power and strength, and decided to throw him in the raging fire.
They were so full of hatred for him that they considered it a religious duty to put him in torment. In Tafsir Ibn Katheer it says that, “If a woman was sick, she would make a vow that if she recovered she would bring wood to burn Ibrahim.”
There was no limit to their hostility but all their aggressiveness could not make Prophet Ibrahim’s faith in Allah flinch even a tiny bit. We can’t even imagine the plight of Ibrahim. He was the only believer among the huge crowd of polytheists and even his own father was on the side of the prosecution. Ibrahim (peace be upon him) heard them when they plotted against him, he saw them when they made a hole in the ground and set it aflame, and it burned with huge sparks and immense flames yet his faith in Allah remained unshakable and his heart in full submission to His plan for him.
Ibn Abbas said: “When Prophet Ibrahim was thrown into the fire, he said: ‘HasbunAllahu wa ni’mal Wakeel — Allah (alone) is sufficient for us, and, He is the best Disposer of affairs. (Al-Bukhari)
Allah Almighty said: “Those to whom hypocrites said, ‘Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them.’ But it (merely) increased them in faith, and they said, “Sufficient for us is Allah, and (He is) the best Disposer of affairs (HasbunAllahu wa ni’mal Wakeel).” (3:173)
Words which mean Allah is sufficient for us, we don’t need anybody else but Him, He is someone we delegate our affairs to and He is the only One Who will take care of us.
A heart devoid of faith will never be able to say these words. It’s only a true believer who will understand and know without a doubt that Allah alone is the One who Bestows help and protection and the One Who Withholds, and He alone is the Remover of Harm and Affliction. When Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) uttered these words he affirmed the Power of Allah, His Love and His knowledge. He knew that Allah is Aware of his feelings and his condition. He said these powerful words as if they were a shield for him against the raging fire and he didn’t care who was against him because he had the Most powerful and Most Merciful with him. And history is aware how the response of Allah came as a swift command and He said to the raging fire: “O fire! Be you cool and safety for Ibrahim!” and there was no fire left on earth that was not extinguished.” Ibn Abbas and Abu Al-Aliyah said: “Were it not for the fact that Allah said, “..and safety,” Ibrahim would have been harmed by its coldness.”
Allahu Akbar. Allah responded to the faithful statement of Ibrahim in the best of ways and made him land into a place similar to a garden with no sign of the blazing fire and gave him victory over the ones who thought that they had power over all things. And this is only because of his strong faith and his dua filled with certainty, the effect of which made the world sit up and watch in amazement! It was the same faith and certainty in his Lord that made Ibrahim (peace be upon him) disassociate himself from his father and his people and make hijrah to someplace where he could establish the religion of Allah with his wife Sarah and his nephew Lut who had accepted faith. And Allah tells us of another similar and equally beautiful du’aa that he uttered when he left: Rabbana alaika tawakkalna wa alayka anabna wa ilaykal maser.
“Our Lord, upon You we have relied, and to You we have returned, and to You is the destination.” (Qur’an, 60:4)
Know dear believers, submitting to the will of Allah and leaving your affairs to Him provides the healing touch that is much necessary in one’s life. One has to believe in the promise of Allah when He tells us in the Qur’an: “And whoever relies upon Allah, then He is sufficient for him.” (Qur’an, 65:3)
Relying on Allah Alone, trusting Him for His Decisions for us and patiently waiting for an outcome that will always be best for us even if it is not pleasing to us, is the condition for Allah being sufficient for us! When we don’t have such a belief then Allah leaves us on our own. By putting one’s complete Trust in Allah, by leaving matters unto Him, by seeking only His grace and mercy, by accepting His decree, by submitting to His Will, a Muslim can equip oneself to face all the challenges of life. And this one single statement: ‘HasbunAllahu wa ni’mal Wakeel’ will be enough in itself to be a source of all strength, a push toward attaining our goals and a reason for ultimate success, Insha Allah!

The last Sermon of Prophet Mohammed SA

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered the Last Sermon on the Ninth Day of Dul-Hijjah 10AH (March 9, 632CE) in the Uranah valley of Mount Arafat (near Makkah)
Here is the text of the speech:

.. All praise is due to Allah, so we praise Him, and seek His pardon and we turn to Him. We seek refuge with Allah from the evils of ourselves and from the evil consequences of our deeds. Whom Allah guides aright there is none to lead him astray; and there is none to guide him aright whom Allah leads astray. I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, the One, having no partner with Him. His is the sovereignty and to Him is due all praise. He grants life and causes death and is Powerful over everything. There is no God but Allah, the One; He fulfilled His promise and granted victory to His bondsman, and He alone routed the confederates (of the enemies of Islam).
O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be among you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity.
Behold! All practice of the days of ignorance are now under my feet. The blood revenges of the days of ignorance are remitted. The first claim on blood I abolish is that of Ibn Rabiah bin Harith who was nursed in the tribe of Saad and whom the Hudhayls killed.
All interest and usurious dues accruing from the times of ignorance stand wiped out. And the first amount of interest that I remit is that which Abbas ibn Abd-Al Muttalib had to receive. Verily it is remitted entirely.
O People! Allah, the Mighty and Exalted, has ordained to every one his due share (of inheritance). Hence there is no need (of special) testament for an heir (departing from the rules laid down by the Shariah).
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Haj if you can afford to. All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim, which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words, which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur’an and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people.

What No Human Being May Know (by Adil Salahi..Arab News)

The Prophet of Islam and the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was born on Rabiul Awwal 12. His birth took place in a simple house in Makkah on a Monday in the Year of the Elephant, which corresponds to 571 C.E. Both his father, Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib, and mother, Amina bint Wahab, were well-known people. The Prophet never knew his father, who had died in the months before his birth. It was left to his grandfather to name him Muhammad.
It is incumbent upon Muslims to know the importance of this noble Prophet and to abide by the Qur’an, which was revealed to him. They should also emulate his behavior and attach importance to the call of tawhid (monotheism) with which he began his message, as shown in Allah’s direction in the Qur’an: “Say (Muhammad), I pray unto Allah only, and I ascribe to Him no partner.” (Surat Al-Jinn 72:20).
The Prophet Muhammad is the role model for every Muslim. We should follow his guidance in all things, large and small. Almighty Allah has blessed this Ummah by preserving the Sunnah and Sirah of His messenger. Despite the passage of time, both remain as though you were seeing and hearing them today. They provide a living example of the life of the Prophet. They also instill love and respect for him in the hearts of Muslims. Allah says in the Qur’an: “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah, you have a good example to follow.” (Surat Al-Ahzab: 33:21).
It is important that as Muslims face the many challenges in today’s world we seek guidance from the Holy Qur’an and follow the teachings of the Prophet. The world is passing through a very dangerous period. Wars, famine, hunger and disease are ravaging parts of the globe. Even in the so-called advanced societies, life is far from trouble-free. We find violence in schools and on the streets, depression, poverty, dysfunctional families and a host of other problems that appear to be proliferating instead of showing any signs of abating, no matter what measures are used to try to stem the tide of misery.
In the Muslim world there is also a crisis of identity. While social problems are few thanks to our strong family values, there is a growing indifference to other challenges that confront us. Intolerance is a rising menace. There are extremism, obscurantism and a growing habit of blaming others for our own ills. As a people we are not given to soul-searching or introspection. We have failed to question why we are in this position.
What have we done to alleviate our own suffering? We snivel in mortification and we wallow in self-pity, unable to muster the courage to call a spade a spade and find solutions to our problems. We don’t have to copy others. The life of the Prophet Muhammad is itself a beacon of light — a light of guidance that, if only we follow it, will lead us to safety. Those of us who are in prominent positions in society should lead by example, for it would be disastrous if we ourselves lacked true awareness and piety.
If we love the Prophet and believe in his message, then we have to follow him in everything we do. We must leave behind anything that is abominable — all that is indecent, whether in speech or in action. If an injustice is done to you, respond with a kind act by forgiving the one who wronged you. Do not take revenge; vengeance is the province of Allah. Free yourself by forgiving others and working to strengthen your relationships.
Avoid blaming or being harsh to your servants, colleagues, children, students and spouses when they do not perform their duties to the required standard. Do not hesitate to help the weak, the needy and women; and walk in their midst without arrogance or superiority. Work hard and share with other workers, even if your work is digging in the ground or removing rubble; and be happy in carrying out the tasks you are performing to show your humility. Do not use abusive or rude language, even in jest. Do not direct evil deeds at any of your brothers or sisters. Let politeness and propriety in speech be your way of life. Be merciful to people and to animals. Be unafraid to speak the truth, even if it is against you.
We must have role models. Let us seek them from people around us but never forget the one God has sent as a Messenger. Of all the prophets, there is none whose life has been as open to scrutiny as that of the Prophet Muhammad.
We owe it to ourselves to research his life and study his character, his dealings with people, his manners. That itself would be an ennobling experience — something that would enrich us and make our lives rewarding and illuminating.

Immediate Compliance With Divine Orders (by Adil Salahi..Arab News)

Taking a nap in the afternoon was the practice recommended by the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him). It appears that the Prophet had endorsed this, because scholars of Hadith have included their statements about an afternoon nap, which carry a religious dimension. These have been included by scholars of Hadith in their collections, either because of this religious dimension, or because there is some other religious point in the statement. We will comment very briefly on some such statements.
Sometimes a few men from the Quraysh would sit by Abdullah ibn Masoud’s door. When the sun has turned and the shadow began to take its shape, he would tell them to leave, saying: “What is left is for Satan.” He would tell everyone he sees sitting there to leave. As he was once doing so, he was pointed to a man who was a slave and a poet. He asked him to say something of his poetry and the man said this line: “Bid farewell to Sulayma when you are joining a campaign. Sufficient warner against sin are gray hair and Islam.” Ibn Abbas told him to stop, praising what he said as a piece of wisdom. (Related by Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad).
To explain, Ibn Abbas would tell those people to leave after the midday prayer has been offered, so that they could have some rest at home. He did not encourage them to stay and chat, because they might indulge in frivolous talk, which would please Satan. We also see how Ibn Abbas appreciated the man’s poetry. Growing gray should serve as a warner against sin, because it indicates that the person concerned has attained maturity and his activity would begin to decline. This is a first reminder that death would be approaching.
The other point of warning is embracing the Islamic faith, because it emphasizes the need to maintain the right path so as to save oneself of punishment in the hereafter. It always reminds people of the Day of Judgment when they will meet God and have all their deeds done in this present life reckoned and they will be rewarded or punished on the basis of that reckoning.
Taking an afternoon nap is very useful, particularly in hot climate, as it is refreshing and invigorating. After a short nap, one can start a fresh period of activity. While when people sit to talk for a long period after they had lunch, this may lead to some undesirable action. Hence, the statement, “what is left is for Satan,” meaning that it gives an opportunity for Satan to try to tempt people to indulge in what displeases God. If they are tired, they may have less resistance of temptation.
A nap is most beneficial in the afternoon. If it is taken toward the end of the day, it becomes counterproductive. A Hadith reported by Khuwat ibn Jubayr says: “Sleeping early in the day betrays ignorance, in the middle of the day is right, and at the end of the day is stupid.” (Related by Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad). Human experience confirms all this, as a person who spends the early part of the day asleep seems not to know what he needs to do in his day, while sleeping in the early afternoon is healthy and beneficial, but at the end of the day and before nightfall causes inactivity instead of being refreshing.
An indication of the Prophet’s companions practice is seen in the following Hadith which speaks mainly about something different, but mentions an occasion when some of the Prophet’s companions took a nap in the afternoon: “Anas, the Prophet’s companion who served him for ten years, reports: ‘At the time when wines were made forbidden, no drink was more appealing to the people of Madinah than wine made of dates mixed with unripe dates. Once I was serving some of the Prophet’s companions who gathered at Abu Talhah’s place when a man passed by and said: ‘Wine has been made forbidden.’ They neither asked when, nor suggested that they should wait until they made sure. They simply said to me: ‘Anas, spill it off.’ They then had a nap at Umm Sulaym’s until the day was a little cooler, and they washed. Umm Sulaym gave them some perfume and they went to see the Prophet where they learnt that the news they had heard was true. They never tasted wine again.” (Related by Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad).
The relevance of this Hadith to the subject we are discussing is that the Prophet’s companions had their nap after midday, when the temperature was at its highest. But then we have the main point of the Hadith, which is the readiness of the Prophet’s companions to comply with divine orders the moment they hear them. Here we find some of them relaxing with a drink of the best wine they enjoy, when a man tells them that a new injunction has been given prohibiting wines and spirits. They do not question him, or try to check, or go on drinking until they have confirmed the report. They immediately tell the young man serving them to spill all the wine over, for they have no longer any use for it. This is the proper attitude of a Muslim.
When they have had their nap and washed, their hostess, Umm Sulaym who was Abu Talahah’s wife, gives them some perfume to remove any lingering trace of the smell of wine they might have had and they proceed to see the Prophet. When the report of the prohibition of intoxicants is confirmed, they never taste it again. There can be no better attitude of such prompt compliance with divine orders.
The last Hadith we are looking at today is on a different subject. Nafi’ was a servant of Abdullah ibn Umar who was one of the best scholars among the Prophet’s companions. Nafi’ learned and reported everything from Ibn Umar. He tells us that he was once asked whether Abdullah ibn Umar used to invite people to dinner. He answered: “Once a camel of his broke his leg and we slaughtered it.” After that, he said to me: “Invite all the people of Madinah.” I said: “What shall we invite them to eat when we have no bread?” He said: “My Lord, all praise and thanks are due to You! Here we have meat and sauce. Whoever wishes to eat will eat, and whoever does not will bid us goodby and leave.” (Related by Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad).
Abdullah ibn Umar learned much from the Prophet and whatever he learned, he implemented. His attitude here is the one encouraged by the Prophet who was keen to instil in his companions the notion that they should not despise even the smallest act of kindness. If one has only some humble food to eat, he should not hesitate to invite a friend, a poor person or a neighbor to share it with him. Such kindness is rewarded by God even if some people do not appreciate it. Needless to say this applies to very poor people. Those who are not so poor, will not appreciate this unless they are true believers.

What to Say Before Going to Bed (by Adil Salahi..Arab News)

We have a large number of Hadiths telling us what the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to do and say at different times of day and night. Whatever of this relates to religion counts as a Sunnah, or a recommended practice, unless the Prophet indicates otherwise. He might say that it is obligatory, or might inform us that it is special for him and we are not required to emulate. This latter part applies only to a very small number of things, like when he occasionally used to fast two consecutive days, having only a drink of water at the end of the first day. He made it clear that we must not do that. Rather, we should have a proper meal at the end of a fasting day, whether it is obligatory or voluntary fasting.
In order to clarify the difference between what is recommended and what is not of the Prophet’s actions, we look at the following Hadith: “When the Prophet wanted to sleep, he would place his hand under his right cheek and say: ‘My Lord, protect me against Your punishment on the day You cause Your servants to be resurrected.” (Related by Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, Al-Nassaie and Al-Tirmidhi). Al-Nassaie mentions that the Prophet said this supplication three times.
This Hadith mentions an action and a supplication by the Prophet at the time when he went to bed, which is a natural thing we do everyday. Since he did not indicate that putting his hand under his right cheek was obligatory or recommended or would achieve a desirable result, it is not a Sunnah. However, if one does it with the intention of emulating the Prophet, believing that whatever the Prophet did was good, he receives a reward for his intention, but the act itself does not count as a Sunnah. The supplication, on the other hand, is a Sunnah because it is an appeal to God, and in whatever concerns man’s relation with God we should follow the Prophet’s lead. It would be obligatory only if the Prophet said so. Since he did not, it remains a Sunnah, although it is not strictly emphasized.
What we should be even more keen to do is outlined in the following Hadith where the Prophet makes his recommendation clear, encouraging his followers to observe certain things at certain times. Abdullah ibn Amr quotes the Prophet as saying: “Two practices, if maintained by a Muslim, are sure to facilitate his admission into heaven. Though easy, they are maintained only by a few.” People asked about them, and the Prophet replied: “After each prayer, a person should say Allahu akbar; al-hamdu lillah; subhan Allah, ten times each. That makes up one hundred and fifty phrases he says with his tongue, but they are counted as one thousand five hundred in the balance of good deeds.” I saw the Prophet counting them on his fingers. (The Prophet then added): “And when one goes to bed, one says the same three phrases to make up a total of one hundred times, which will be counted as one thousand in the balance. Who of you commits two thousand five hundred bad deeds in one day and one night?” People asked: “Messenger of God! How is it that a person might not maintain them?” He said: “Satan comes to him during his prayer reminding him of this and that, and he would forget to say them.” (Related by Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, Al-Nassaie, Abu Dawood, Al-Tirmidhi and Ahmad).
The Prophet’s encouragement to say these phrases (which we will presently explain) is very clear. First of all he tells us that they will get us into heaven if we maintain them and practice them regularly. Then he explains how, adding them up and multiplying their reward ten times on the basis of the rule that God rewards every good action at least ten times its worth. He then compares this abundant reward with possible bad deeds one may commit. It is totally unlikely that anyone should commit 2,500 bad deeds a day. Hence the reward he gets for such glorification of God is certain to wipe out any punishment he might incur for his bad deeds. Indeed he would be left with a balance of reward, which accumulates and ensures his admission to heaven.
The Prophet then points out what happens with most people to make them negligent of such an easy reward-earning practice. Distraction and thinking about worldly matters get the better of us so that when we finish our prayers we immediately rush to attend to our business, while a minute spent in glorifying and praising God is much better for us.
What do these phrases mean? Allahu akbar means “God is supreme.” It is an acknowledgement of His supremacy over all beings anywhere in the universe. Al-hamdu lillah is a form of thanksgiving which means “praise be to God,” while subahan Allah means “limitless is God in His glory.” Together they represent the form of glorifying God prescribed in Islam. They are the glorifications used by the angels and other creatures of God.
Since we are talking about what to say and how to glorify God at the time of going to bed, we may mention another Hadith reported by Rabeeah ibn Kaab who says: “I used to stay the night at the Prophet’s and I would give him water for his ablutions. I would hear him at some point in the night saying “May God answer a person who praises Him,” and I would hear him at another point in the night saying ‘All praise is to God the Lord of all worlds.” (Related by Muslim, Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, Abu Dawood, Al-Nassaie and Al-Tirmidhi)
Here a companion of the Prophet speaks of his experience at the time when he used to stay at the Prophet’s home. A number of the Prophet’s companions used to do that serving as bodyguards, protecting him against any danger or attack. They did this until the verse was revealed which told the Prophet that God would take care of him against anyone who sought to harm him. The Prophet then dispensed with the service of those people and told them to stay in their own homes, for he would need no protection.
The Prophet’s companion tells us here that the Prophet spent part of the night, each night, in prayers. He would wake up, perform his ablution and pray. His prayer is indicated by what his companion mentions of his hearing the Prophet say. The two sentences are used at certain points in prayer. At different times of the night he would hear him either reciting the Qur’an or indicating a movement in prayer. It is well known that night worship was obligatory to the Prophet and all Muslims in the early days of Islam. Then this requirement was relaxed and made voluntary, promising very rich reward for those who do it. The Prophet continued to perform it on most nights for the rest of his life.