Islamic Pearls

A fantastic view of Kaabah

First Khutbah

“As-salámu ‘alaikum wa rahmatul láhi wa barakátuh!”

“A-úthu billáhi minash shaytánir rajeem. Bismilláhir rahmánir raheem

Al hamdu lillahi nahmaduhu wanasta’eenahu, wanastagh-firuhu, wanatoobu ilayhi, wana’oothu Billaahi min shuroori an-fusinaa, wamin sayyi aati a’maalinaa. May- Yahdillahu fa huwal muhtad, wa may- yudlill falan tajidaa lahu waliyan murshida. Wa ash-hadu an Laa ilaaha ill-Alláh, wahdahoo laa shareeka lah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhoo warasooluh”

All Praise is due to Allah, We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our own evils and our own bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Alláh, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no god but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad, sws, is His servant, and His messenger.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem! Ya Ay-yuhal-latheena ‘aamanut taqul-laaha, haqqa tuqaatihee wala tamu tun-na, il-la wa antum Muslimoon.”

“O You who believe, – Fear Allah, as He should be feared, and die not except as Muslims.”

“Ya Ay-yuhal-latheena ‘aamanut taqul-laaha, wa qooloo qawlan sadeedaa. Yuslih-lakum a’maalakum wa yaghfir lakum thunoobakum, wamay yu-til-laaha warasoolah, faqad faaza fawzan atheemaa.”

“O You who believe, – Be aware of Allah, and speak a straightforward word. He will forgive your sins and repair your deeds. And whoever takes Allah and His Prophet as a guide, has already achieved a mighty victory.”

In the opening verse of Sura An-Nisaa’, Allah says:

“O mankind! Show reverence towards your Guardian-Lord Who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, his mate and from the two of them scattered (like seeds) countless men and women;― Be conscious of Allah, through Whom ye demand your mutual (rights) and (show reverence towards) the wombs (that bore you): for surely, Allah ever watches over you.”`

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Brother Essam gave a very inspiring khutbah this morning after the Eid Prayers. I want to sum up a few key lessons for us all to remember about the Hajj, in this short khutbah. Hajj, the Pilgrimage to Makkah, is an epic journey, a journey of a lifetime: It is also the summation of the dramatic story of our Faith. It is a journey that reminds us about our primordial human nature: Fitra, innocence, purity, about human forgetfulness that leads us to sinful and shameful deeds. But it’s also about Redemption, divine Mercy and Forgiveness. Haj teaches us about sacrifice, about loving Allah more than anyone on anything else, just like Nabi Ibrahim, alayhis salaam, did. Prophet Abraham peace and blessings on him, was ready to sacrifice his own beloved son, Ismail alayhis salaam, and earned himself the honourable title of khaleel-Allah, the Friend of Allah. Hajj takes us on a journey back through time, retelling the moral and spiritual history of humanity. We visit the Kaaba, the first place of worship, built before the first church, or temple, or synagogue. Here we find ourselves at the Baytul-Laah, the House of Allah. It is the home of Monotheism, the cradle of Tawheed, of Divine Unity. Here we walk around the geographical centre of Islam, the Kaaba, centre of our Islamic universe. Our tawaaf symbolises effort, action, in a constant, circular motion, centred round a fixed and immovable idea of Unity: Tawheed. Unity of belief, Unity of purpose, amidst a diversity of opinions and different starting points. The great plain of Arafat becomes the stage for a dramatic role-play of the very beginning and the very end: Long before time and space existed, long before the ‘big bang’ 14 billion years ago, Allah created your soul and my soul and the souls of every human being that ever was and ever will be. Then He asked them to testify according to themselves, by declaring the First Shahaadah, the First Covenant. This was in the state of metaphysical or pre-Eternal Time. When Allah addressed the assembled gathering of human Souls, he asked them:

“Alasta bi Rabbikum?” “Am I not Your Lord?”

and they all answered together in one thunderous voice,

“Balaa”

“Yes, indeed, You are! we testify to this, so that we have no excuse on the Day of Judgement to say that we were not aware of this covenant.” [Sura Ar’af 7:172]

Arafat is also a dress rehearsal for the Day of Judgement, Yawmul qiy-yaamah. In our simple ihram clothes, we cannot distinguish anyone’s wealth and social status. No one can see who’s rich and who’s poor; the president, the billionaire, the taxi driver and the farmer all look exactly alike, just like Allah sees us. Allah is only concerned with who is best in their deeds. Who is best in their moral and ethical behaviour…

We come to Jabal Rahma: the Mount of Mercy, a low hill rising above the plain of ‘Arafat. Jabal Rahma signifies the central theme of atonement, forgiveness after we’ve acknowledged our sins and pleaded for Allah’s mercy. Here we follow the Adamic role model. Here we stand not simply as Muslims or Believers. Here we stand as Bani Adam, descendants of Adam and Eve. Here is where the first human beings sought forgiveness and Allah forgave them:

Rabbana zhalamna an fusina wa il-lam tagh-fir lana wa tar hamna lana koona minal khaasireen!” [7:23]

This is the same prayer of Nabi Adam, alayhis salaam, Adam and Eve, Allah’s peace and blessings on them both:

“Our Lord! We have truly wronged our own souls, and if You do not forgive us, we will truly be among the losers!”

Nabi Adam’s epic spiritual journey began from a state of fitra, primordial innocence, purity, and went through human forgetfulness and distraction to commit Sin. But Allah also gave him the ability to recognise his mistake, to regret, to be filled with remorse and to plead for forgiveness, and finally to earn redemption. All this is graphically, vividly recalled on the Hajj. Brothers and sisters, if you have not yet undertaken this blessed journey, make your intention, your niyyat, to do so, inshAllah, ASAP, as soon as possible.

Hajj is truly a journey of a lifetime. Hajj takes us not only on a journey tracing the spiritual history of Islam, it also symbolises the journey each and every one of us must undertake, to find our own centre, in the Kaaba of our heart. What desires, what emotions and passions are circling, making tawaaf around our spiritual heart? The qalb is the locus of our personality. Let’s make sure that it is surrounded by loving thoughts of Remembrance of our most Beloved, Allah. It is only when we Remember Allah with love and gratitude that our hearts will ever find lasting peace and contentment.

“Al-latheena ‘aamanu, watat-ma-innul quloobuhum, bi dhikril-Laah. Alaa bi dhikril-Laahi tat-ma-innul quloob” [Sura al-Ra’d, 28]

“Those who Believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the Remembrance of Allah; for truly, in the Remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.”

Innalláha wa malaaikata yusallúna alan nabi. Yá ay yuhal latheena ámanu sallú alayhi wasalli mú tas leema. Allahumma salli alá Muhammad, wa ala áli Muhammad, kama salayta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali Ibrahim. Allahumma barik ala Muhammad, kama barakta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali ibrahim. Fil ála meen, innaka hameedun majeed.

Second Khutbah:

Sub’ hanallahi wal hamdu lillah, wala hawla wala quwwata illah billah yu althi yual theem

Glory to Allah! Praise to Allah! There is no power and no strength except from Allah!

My brothers and sisters,

We say we love Allah more than we love anyone or anything else. Do we really mean it? Do we really love Allah more than our families, more than our parents and children, more than our selfish egos? Where’s the evidence? If we really love someone, there’s evidence. There’s phone calls, love poems, text messages and emails. Where’s the evidence of our love for Allah? Where’s the evidence that we’re constantly seeking His smiling Face, in our prayers, in our Dhikr, and in our lifelong good works?

Prophet Abraham, Nabi Ebrahim, alayhis salaam, had a dream in which he was offering his son Ismail as a sacrifice to Allah. He told his son about the dream, and both father and son were so devoted to Allah, they both agreed and prepared to follow Allah’s will. But just as the sharpened knife was about to pierce the jugular vein, Allah spared father and son of the ultimate sacrifice, so that they passed the test of sincerity, ikhlaas.

Let us not forget the powerful message here. It’s easy to say, I love Islam, I love Allah and Prophet Muhammad sws. Talk is cheap, but where’s the evidence?. Let us show that we truly love Allah, by coming forward to help with our money, our time and our talent to serve others, to make our neighbourhood, our city and our country a better place, a safer place for everyone. This is the real proof of love for Allah. Serve His creation. Be an agent of His mercy. Do good, as Prophet Muhammad (sws) advised.

“Spread Peace, feed the poor, pray a small part of the night and you will enter Paradise.” [Hadith]

Brothers and sisters, to conclude our khutbah:

InnaAllaha, Yamuru bil adel, wal ihsaan, wa eetaa-i zil qurba; wa yanha anil fuhshaa-i, wal munkari walbaghi; ya-idzukhum lallakum tathak-karoon. (Sura 16:90),

“Surely Allah commands justice, good deeds and generosity to others and to relatives; and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, so that you may be reminded.”

Fadth kuroonee adth kurkum, wash kuroolee walaa tak furoon [2:152].

“and remember Me: I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not reject faith.”

wala thikrul-Laahi akbar, Wal-Laahu ya’lamu maa tasna’oon.” [29:45].

“and without doubt, Remembrance of Allah is the Greatest Thing in life, and Allah knows the deeds that you do.”

Ameen. Aqeemus salaah!

Courtesy: http://khutbahbank.org.uk

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala has chosen and given preference to certain days and times that are special and sacred in our religion. As many of you may know by now, the sacred month of Muharram (which begins the new Islamic year) has started today.

The Prophet of Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, “The division of time has turned to its original form which was current the day Allah created the heavens and earth. The year consists of twelve months of which four are sacred: three consecutive months, Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab which comes between Jumada and Sha’ban.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Virtues of Muharram

• It is one of the four sacred months. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala said, “Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein” (9:36)
• It is the best month to fast in after Ramadan. The Messenger sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, “The best fasting after Ramadan is the month of Allah Muharram, and the best prayer after the obligatory prayer is prayer at night.” [Muslim]
• The Messenger sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, “The best fasting after Ramadan is the month of Allah Muharram.” [Muslim] The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam called this month “the Month of Allah”. When Allah azza wa jal connects His Name to something, it shows the great status and virtue of the subject.
• This month contains the day of ‘Aashoora (the tenth of Muharram). Ibn Abbas radi Allahu anhu was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Aashoora and he said, “I do not know of any day on the Messenger of Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam fasted that was better than this day.” [Bukhari and Muslim] This day is known as the day Allah ta’ala saved Musa alayhi salaam and the Children of Isra’eel from Fir’awn.
  Fasting the Day of ‘Aashoora is an expiation of a year of sins. The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Fasting the day of Arafah I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year before it and the year after it, and fasting the day of ‘Aashoora I hope Allah will expiate thereby for the year that came before it.” [Muslim]

Mourning the Death of Hussainn ibn Ali?

Al-Hafidh ibn Katheer rahimahullah, known for his work of tafseer, states regarding this act of mourning the death of Husayn ibn Ali radi Allahu anhu,

Every Muslim should mourn the killing of al-Husayn (may Allah be pleased with him), for he is one of the leaders of the Muslims, one of the scholars of the Sahaabah, and the son of the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who was the best of his daughters. He was a devoted worshipper, and a courageous and generous man. But there is nothing good in what the Shi’ah do of expressing distress and grief, most of which may be done in order to show off. His father was better than him and he was killed, but they do not take his death as an anniversary as they do with the death of al-Husayn. His father was killed on a Friday as he was leaving the mosque after Fajr prayer, on the seventeenth of Ramadan in 40 AH. ‘Uthmaan was better than ‘Ali according to Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah, and he was killed when he was besieged in his house during the days of al-Tashreeq in Dhu’l-Hijjah of 36 AH, with his throat cut from one jugular vein to the other, but the people did not take his death as an anniversary. ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab was better than ‘Ali and ‘Uthmaan, and he was killed as he was standing in the mihraab, praying Fajr and reciting Qur’an, but the people did not take his death as an anniversary. Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq was better than him but the people did not take his death as an anniversary. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is the leader of the sons of Adam in this world and the Hereafter, and Allah took him to Him as the Prophets died before him, but no one took the dates of their deaths as anniversaries on which they do what these ignorant Raafidis do on the day that al-Husayn was killed. … The best that can be said when remembering these and similar calamities is that which ‘Ali ibn al-Husayn narrated from his grandfather the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who said: “There is no Muslim who is afflicted by a calamity and when he remembers it, even if it was in the dim and distant past, he says Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon (verily to Allah we belong and unto Him is our return), but Allah will give him a reward like that of the day when it befell him.”

Narrated by Imam Ahmad and Ibn Majaah, end quote from al-Bidaayah wa’l-Nihaayah (8/221).

Good Deeds for This Month

• Fasting. Muharram lands in winter this year, making it even more easier to fast. The Companions and the righteous predecessors rejoiced in the coming of this season. It is reported that Abu Hurayrah radi Allahu anhu said, Shall I not point you to comfortable proceeds? The people responded, “And what is that O Abu Hurayrah?” He replied, “Fasting in winter.” The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam did not fast in succession for one month other than Ramadan, so it is not recommended to fast the whole month.
• The best days to fast in Muharram is the day of ‘Aashoora and one day before it or one day after it. Imam Shafi’i and Imam Ahmad both stated, “It is mustahabb [recommended] to fast both the ninth and the tenth, because the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam fasted the tenth and intended to fast the ninth.” Shaykh Al Munajjid gives a tip on his website for us to be sure that we fasted on the correct day:

If a Muslim wants to be sure that he has fasted on the right day, he should fast two consecutive days at ‘Aashooraa’. So he should calculate when ‘Aa’shooraa’ will be if Dhu’l-Hijjah is twenty-nine days and if it is thirty days, and fast these two days. Thus he will be definite that he has fasted ‘Aashooraa’, and in this case he will have fasted either the ninth and tenth, or the tenth and eleventh, both of which are good. If he wants to be sure of fasting Taasoo’ah (the ninth of Muharram) as well, then he should fast the two days we have spoken of above and the day immediately before them as well. Then he will have fasted the ninth, tenth and eleventh, or the eighth, ninth and tenth. In either case he will have fasted the ninth and tenth for sure.

So in following this principle, you can fast December 25th, 26th and the 27th inshaAllah to be sure you fasted on ‘Aashoora with one day before it or after it.

• Fasting the “White Days”. The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, “Fasting three days of each month is fasting for a lifetime, and ‘the white days’ are the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth.” [an-Nasa'i, Saheeh] Ibn ‘Abbas radi Allahu anhu said, “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, did not fail to fast the white days either when at home or on a journey.” [an-Nasa'i] These days are the 13th, 14th and 15th of the hijri month which you can calculate according to whichever calendar for Muharram you follow inshaAllah.
• Increasing in duaa when you are fasting. “The prayer (duaa) of the fasting person will not be refused.” [Al-Bayhaqi, Saheeh]
• Qiyaamul Layl. The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said in the hadeeth, “and the best prayer after the obligatory prayer is prayer at night.” [Muslim] In this month we can complete two deeds that the Salaf encouraged in winter. Al Hasan Al Basri rahimahullah said, “The best season to a believer is the winter, its nights are long for those who wish to pray, and its days are short for those who wish to fast.”
• Protecting yourself from sins. Allah azza wa jal said about the sacred months, “so wrong not yourselves therein” (9:36) Imam Sa’di rahimahullah said in his tafseer regarding this ayah.

Allah states that He has made them a measure of time for His slaves, which they may use for worshipping Him, and thank Allah for His blessings, and they serve the interests of His slaves, so beware of wronging yourselves therein. The pronoun may also be understood as referring to the four sacred months, and this forbids them to wrong themselves in those months in particular, as well as it being forbidden to do wrong at all times, because it is more forbidden at this time, but it is worse at this time than at others.

• Increasing in good deeds in general. Read some chapters from Riyaad as-Saaliheen for ideas.

May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala accept our deeds and allow us to reap the benefits of those days and times He has selected over others.

Coutresy: http://muslimmatters.org

Al-Quran

“The Qur’an: literally, “that which is often recited.” A web of rhythm and meaning, the words of which throb through Muslim worship and which, at every point in the believer’s life , break surface, sanctifying existence with the scent of eternity.” [Abdul Wadod Shalabi in "Islam - Religion of Life"]

The Qur’an represents the fountainhead of Divine guidance for every Muslim. Its revelation to the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him), and his practical implementation of the revelation, completed God’s blessing for humanity, in providing us with a belief and value system that is valid for all times.

The Qur’an confirms the revelations given to earlier Prophets, though these might not be accessible to us, in the form they were originally revealed. The most sublime poetry in any language, and a rational message that directly appeals to the human heart, have caused this Divine book to move nations and civilizations. It will continue to guide those who turn to God with a sincere heart, for all times.

Revelation of the Holy Qur’an

Well before God’s revelation marked him as a Prophet, Mohammad(p) had rejected the religion of Arabia. This religion called on the worship of several gods, and Mohammad felt that these idols were not responsible for life or creation. Questioning the religion that he was born into, Mohammad (p) found peace in reflection, meditation, and contemplation; however, these acts of private worship did not give Mohammad the answers that he was searching for. In his late thirties Mohammad began a practice of retirement, where he would seclude himself from his family and relations and spend several days in a cave on top of a mountain two miles outside of Makkah. He continued this for many years: during the month of Ramadan, Mohammad would often spend the entire month in seclusion, for some instinct must have told him that in this holiest month he would find the answers to his questions. So, it was in his fortieth year that Mohammad (p) received the revelation from God.

While engaged in worship in a corner of the cave of Hira in the heart of the night, the orphan son of Abdullah who had never studied or attended a school, was suddenly shaken by the summons, “O Muhammad!” followed by the command to recite, this being the beginning of revelation. A wave arose from the limitless ocean of Divinity, rent the breast of the Prophet, bewildered and anxious, and filled to the brim the cup of his spirit.
Mohammad was shocked and afraid. How could there be another voice in the cave when he was all alone? Nevertheless, he replied: “I am not one of those who can read”. After his answer, he was taken up, and violently hugged and then set free: the voice repeated, “Read”. Mohammad could only give the same answer: “I am not one of those who can read”. The being repeated the same action, hugging him again. Once again it commanded him to “Read”. This time Mohammad gave a different answer: he said, “What shall I read?”, and the voice said:

“Read! In the Name of your Lord, who has created you! He created man from a clot of blood. Read, and your Lord is the Most Gracious, He who has taught by the pen, Taught man what he did not know.”
[Al-Quran: 96:1-4]

The shining of a light from the realm of the unseen covered and enveloped his being and shone forth on his fair features, giving rise to new and bright life in the darkness of the night. Then, with a painful tumult in his heart and bearing on his shoulders the heaviest responsibility conceivable, he set out for home from the cave of Hira, destined to become the teacher of all human beings and to assume the leadership of humanity on its long march forward.

What force was it that had disquieted him despite his infinite patience, made him anxious despite all his tranquil courage, and plunged his whole being into painful turmoil? Thereafter the envoy of revelation came repeatedly, reciting verses to him, profound and astounding verses that bore no resemblance from the point of view of style and content either to the words of the Prophet himself, eloquent as they were, or to the conventional prose and poetry of the age.

Although the Arabs of the Age of Ignorance knew neither how to read nor how to write and had no historians, philosophers or scholars, they were famed for the excellence of their poetry and the eloquence of their speech. The Prophet, however, had never participated before the beginning of his mission in the cultivation of the arts of poetry and eloquence.

His conduct, on the one hand, and the verses of the Quran, on the other, both testify that he made no compromises in conveying his message. He conveyed the message that he had been ordered to deliver clearly, unambiguously and in utter contradiction both with the beliefs and inclinations of the people and with his own immediate interests. He loudly proclaimed the revelation he had received to the evil and the ignorant, to a people made degenerate and corrupt by the worship of the idols they had fashioned themselves, and he informed them that their sole salvation lay in the worship of the One God.

The new factor that appeared at a particular time in the life of the Prophet and caused him to engage in unprecedented forms of activity was the wondrous phenomenon of revelation, the heavenly message which he as the most lofty and qualified of men had been chosen to receive. Before then, no preliminary effort or particular inclination had been seen on his part that might have led to the bringing about of the sudden and remarkable transformation of the world he was now about to accomplish.

The factor that had this profound effect on Muhammad, that changed that quiet and reflective man into an explosive source of revolutionary energy and enabled him to bring about such a profound transformation of humanity, from within the intense darkness of the Arabs’ Age of Ignorance, was nothing other than revelation. It was a call that penetrated the very depths of the souls of human beings that melted the marrow of their bones, and directed all their strivings to the attainment of perfection.

The command of revelation negated all the false and lying criteria which human beings had regarded as the measure of goodness and considered the sole means of evaluating human characteristics and habits, while, in fact, clothing falsehood in the garment of truth. It brought into operation new and clear criteria which showed human beings the goals to which they should strive to advance and brought about creativity in their lives. The veil of ignorance and silence was torn apart, the human beings’ energies were set to work, the power of thought within them was aroused, and their spirits were borne aloft toward the infinite summit of being.

A people who in their ignorance and lowliness would tear each apart on account of the most insignificant things and had lost all virtue, thanks to their various forms of enslavement, now became, through Islam and its great concept of monotheism – the true pillar of humanity and the breaker of idols – so elevated of spirit and so self-sacrificing that they happily abandoned both their lives and their property. The remarkable stories of self-sacrifice on the part of those early Muslims will stand eternally as examples of true nobility.

The Prophet of Islam had the vision and belief of a world leader, but he began to proclaim his Divine summons to monotheism in a relatively restricted sphere, a closed environment where tribal institutions exercised great influence and idols were counted as the most sacred and beloved of objects. It was an environment that was not in any way prepared to accept the message of Divine unity.

The heavenly teachings of Islam and the culture to which they gave rise were superior not only to the intellectual atmosphere prevailing in the idolatrous society of the Arabs but also to all the religious doctrines and cultures of that age.

The program for reforming systems of thought and culture that had become corrupt was laid down by a man who had never studied, who was unlettered, and who knew nothing of the religious books or the civilization of his age.

At first he invited his relatives to worship the Creator, and then the people of Mecca and the Arabian Peninsula. Finally he proclaimed to the entire world his mission as the last of the Prophets.

The Prophet had been born into an environment where human beings engaged in empty boasting out of their shortsightedness and tribal mentality, where privileges were based on unjust social conditions and prejudices. Now he arose and swept aside all those false privileges. He established new values and concepts with respect to labor, life and social relations, in the framework of a series of rules and ordinances, and strove to concentrate all the goals and thoughts of the human being on a program for liberating peoples from slavery, and delivering the oppressed from the tyranny of emperors and kings. Even for those who do not regard these exalted aims as having a heavenly origin will admit that they are among the most exalted and previous values observable in human history.

What is significant about the Revelation, the Message of God, is that it was an act for which the Prophet (pbuh) was ready. Meaning, that he had already forsaken the beliefs of his people and his culture. Mohammad (pbuh) had proved himself ready for prophethood through his pious actions and behavior. Among his people he had already earned the name Al-Amin, The Trustworthy. Moreover, Mohammad (pbuh) was a mature man, one who had lived the majority of his life, and could devote the next twenty-three years of that life to the service of God.

Since different verses of the Qur’an were being revealed as and when appropriate, it was not possible from the very beginning to write and preserve it in a book form. So, during the initial stage of Islam, major emphasis was laid on memory as a means of preserving the Qur’an.

When a revelation used to come in the very beginning, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would tend to repeat its words instantly so that they would be memorized well enough. Thereupon, Allah Almighty directed him through the verses of Soorah Qiyaamah that he need not repeat words in a hurry immediately as revelation came. Allah Almighty would himself endow him with a memory that he will be unable to forget the words of the revelation once its descent has been completed. So it was that the moment the Qur’anic verses would come to him, they would be committed to his memory the next moment. Thus, the blessed chest of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), was the most protected vault of the Qur’an, in which there was no chance of even some common mistake, editing or alteration. Moreover, as a matter of additional precaution, he used to recite the Qur’an before angel Jibra’eel every year during the month of Ramadhaan; and the year he left this mortal world he completed a cumulative review of Qur’anic recitation twice with Jibra’eel. (Saheeh Bukhaari with Fat’hul Baari)

Again, as it was, he would not restrict his teachings of the Sahaabah (Companions) to just the meaning of the Qur’an, but had them memorize its words as well. Then, the revered Companions were themselves so enamored with a desire to learn and remember the Qur’an that every one of them was anxious to get ahead of the other. There were women who claimed no dowry from their husbands except that they would teach the Qur’an.

Hundreds of Companions, freeing themselves from all other concerns, had devoted their whole lives for this purpose. Not only did they memorize the Qur’an but also went on repeating it within the nightly prayers. “When someone migrated from Makkah and came to Madeenah”, says Ubaadah Ibne Saamit, “the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would entrust him to one of us Ansaar so that he could teach Qur’an to the new comer.” The mosque of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was so filled with voices generated by learners and teachers of the Qur’an that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had to ask them to lower their voices so that mistakes are not made. (Manaahilul ‘Irfaan)

Thus memorisation of the Qur’an was given more emphasis in early Islam as this was the only protected and trustworthy method given the conditions of that time. The reason is that the number of people who could read or write was very limited in those days. The means of publishing books, such as printing press, etc., were not there. Therefore, in that situation, if writing was taken to be sufficient, it would have neither been possible to spread the Qur’an on an extensive scale nor to protect it reliably. In its place, Allah Almighty had blessed the people of Arabia with a memory of such dimensions that thousands of poetic lines would normally rest in the memory of one person after another. Common ordinary villagers would remember by heart their genealogies and those of their families and unbelievably enough – even those of their horses! Therefore, this power of memory was well utilized for the conservation and protection of the Qur’an and it was through it that the verses and chapters of the Qur’an reached all over in to the far corners of Arabia.

Besides having the Qur’an committed to memory, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) made special arrangements to have the Qur’an committed to writing as well. Zayd Ibne Thaabit says: “I used to write down the words of wahee for him. When wahee came to him he felt burning with heat and the drops of perspiration would start rolling down on his body like pearls. When this state would go away from him, I would present myself before him with shoulder-bone or a piece (of something else). He would go on dictating and I would go on writing. When I would be finished with writing, the shear weight of copying the Qur’an would give me the feeling that my leg is going to break and that I will never be able to walk. In any case, when I would be finished with writing, he would say: ‘Read.’ I would read it back to him if there was a shortcoming, he would have it corrected and then let it be known to people. (Majma’uz Zawaa’id with reference to Tabraani)

Thus, there existed, during the time of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), a copy of the Noble Qur’aan which he had arranged to be committed to writing under his supervision. Although, it was not there as a formally prepared book, but it certainly was there in the form of various units of available writing materials. Along with it, it was also the practice of some revered Companions that they would make copies of the Qur’anic verses and keep them for personal recollection. This practice was common since the very early period of Islam. Accordingly, much before Umar embraced Islaam, his sister and brother-in-law had in their possession verses of the Qur’aan which they had written and kept in a book form. (Seerah Ibne Hishaam)

After reading about the Revelation of the Holy Qur’an, you might find the following of interest:

• How the Holy Qur’an was preserved: Zayd Ibne Thaabit says: “I used to write down the words of wahee for him. When wahee came to him he felt burning with heat and the drops of perspiration would start rolling down on his body like pearls. When this state would go away from him, I would present myself before him with shoulder-bone or a piece (of something else). He would go on dictating and I would go on writing. When I would be finished with writing, the shear weight of copying the Qur’an would give me the feeling that my leg is going to break and that I will never be able to walk. In any case, when I would be finished with writing, he would say: ‘Read.’ I would read it back to him and if there was a shortcoming, he would have it corrected and then let it be known to people.

• The Demand of the Qur’an for a Direct Confrontation: From the very first day that the Prophet began preaching his message of monotheism, he summoned people also to a realistic vision of the world. When inviting them to faith, he addressed their wisdom and intelligence and called on them to use their eyes and their ears to perceive the truth.

• Do we deserve the Qur’an ? The student of the Qur’an will find out that, Qur’an is telling us that the messengers of Allah will lead the people from darkness into the light and that nowhere in the Qur’an does Allah tell us a story of a community misled by its messenger or given the wrong teachings by him. The student of the Qur’an will find out that, Qur’an is telling us that the messengers of Allah will lead the people from darkness into the light and that nowhere in the Qur’an does Allah tell us a story of a community misled by its messenger or given the wrong teachings by him. earth.”

Courtesy: http://www.israonweb.com

New Year Calls me to look back and assess the losses
To asses personal losses on Spiritual ground
To consider moral losses on Ethical ground
To measure blood-shed on Human ground
To evaluate corruption on Moral grounds

And repenting for all my follies by trying to correct
myself as I am very sure that I cannot escape
From the wrath of the OWNER of this earth
From the punishment of the POSSESSOR of this globe
From the accountability in front of the LORD of Universe in Here-after

It is high time for me to repent, to correct, to assess my morals
As my term of life on this globe is not yet over.

And welcome NEW YEAR with promises:
To control my irritation in time of crisis
To control my anger at the time of provocation
To control my negatives at the time of aggravation

And be upright in the times of panic and test
As I know no excuse can avail me in front of my LORD
As HE informs in HIS Book, The Holy Qur’an 75/14-15

Indeed, man knows himself very well. However he puts forward excuses…

I wish you, your family and entire humanity
A Very Happy, Prosperous, Peaceful,
Thriving, Flourishing and Comprising

HAPPY NEW YEAR

With Regards: A. Ghafoor Parekh

Religions of the world can be broadly categorized into Semitic religions and non-Semitic religions. Non-Semitic religions can be divided into Aryan religions and non-Aryan religions.

Semitic Religions
Semitic religions are religions that originated among the Semites. According to the Bible, Prophet Noah had a son called Shem. The descendents of Shem are known as Semites. Therefore, Semitic religions are the religions that originated among the Jews, Arabs, Assyrians, Phoenicians, etc. Major Semitic religions are Judaism, Christianity and Islam. All these religions are Prophetic religions that believe in Divine Guidance sent through prophets of God.

Non-Semitic Religions
The non-Semitic religions are further subdivided into Aryan and non-Aryan religions:

Aryan Religions
Aryan religions are the religions that originated among the Aryans, a powerful group of Indo-European speaking people that spread through Iran and Northern India in the first half of the second Millennium BC (2000 to 1500 BC).

The Aryan Religions are further subdivided into Vedic and non-Vedic religions. The Vedic Religion is given the misnomer of Hinduism or Brahmanism. The non-Vedic Religions are Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, etc. Almost all Aryan religions are non-Prophetic religions.

Zoroastrianism is an Aryan, non-Vedic religion, which is not associated with Hinduism. It claims to be a prophetic religion.

Non-Aryan Religions
The non-Aryan religions have diverse origins. Confucianism and Taoism are of Chinese origin while Shinotoism is of Japanese origin. Many of these non-Aryan religions do not have a concept of God. They are better referred to as ethical systems rather than as religions.
Most Authentic Definition of God in any Religion

The concept of God espoused by a religion cannot be judged by merely observing the practice of its followers. It is quite common for the followers of many religions to be ignorant of the concept of God in their scriptures. It is therefore better to analyze the concept of God in any religion by referring to its holy scriptures.

Let us understand the concept of God in major world religions by analyzing what their scriptures have to say about it.

To be continued in the next post…..taken from Concept of God in Major Religions by Dr.Zakir Naik

Asma ul Husna

This post carries all ninety-nine names of Alalh (SWT) in Arabic as well as their transliterations and meanings in English. It is envisaged that the user will recite and learn at least 3 names / attributes per day and benefit from their inspirations as well as their usage in our duas (supplications).

“Those who believe and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.” (Sura Rad 13:28)

Allah is the Name for the Creator and Sustainer of the entire creation. The Name Allah is unique in that it cannot be corrupted and written as god, or goddess and gods or goddessesses, thereby compromsing His (SWT) wahdaniyah (Oneness) which is tantamount to shirk (attributing partners to Allah – SWT). The title Allah is thus the ideal for the One Whom we revere, glorify and worship.

The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s) said, “Allah has ninety-nine names. Whoever learns, understands and recites them constantly, will enter Jannah.” (Sahih Muslim).

Allah (SWT) does not desire anything from His creation except that He (SWT) alone is worshipped. But we cannot truly worship Allah (SWT) unless we learn to know Him (SWT) and He (SWT) cannot be known except if He (SWT) is remembered. It is through al-Asma al-Husna that Allah (SWT) has made it possible for us to grasp some of His (SWT) manifestations in creation. Allah (SWT) states in the Holy Quran.

“And to Allah belongs the Beautiful Names, so call upon Him by these Names.” (Al-Araf, 7:180)
The ninety-nine Names of Allah (SWT) are in essence His (SWT) Attributes which are termed as al-Asma al-Husna (The Beautiful Names). Through these Names we come to understand the majesty and grandeur of Allah (SWT). The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s) aptly encouraged us saying “inspire yourselves with teh qualities of Allah.” This means that we ought to display, for example, mercy, compassion and forgiveness, etc. when interacting with each other and with other creatures in this world.

We should thus make it our duty to learn, understand and recite these Beautiful Names of Allah (SWT) and also call upon Allah (SWT) with His (SWT) unique Attributes when engaged in our duas (supplications)
Professor A.F.M. Ebrahim, Professor of Islamic Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Acknowledgement: The publishers are greatly indebted and wish to acknowledge Prof. A.F.M. Ebrahim who wrote the introduction (Significance lf al-Asma’ al-Husna) and provided the correct English transliteration and translations of the attributes of Allah (SWT).

Allah

1. Allah
The One Almighty Allah who alone is worthy of worship
Whoever recites Allah 1000 times daily, all doubts and uncertainties will be removed from his heart, and instead determination and faith will become inborn in him.

Al-Rahman

2. Al-Rahman
The Most Compassionate
Reciting Ya Rahmanu 100 times after each obligatory salah will protect one against heedlessness, forgetfulness and anxiety.

Al-Raheem

3. Al-Rahim
The Most Merciful
Reciting Ya Rahimu 100 times after salat al-Fajr will attract kind and friendly treatment from all creatures.

Al-Malik

4. Al-Malik
The Sovereign
Constantly reciting Ya Maliku will result in enjoying respect and dignity in the sight of others.

Al-Quddus

5. Al-Quddus
The Holy One and One who is free from all blemishes
Reciting Ya Quddusu 100 times each day will purify our hearts and relieve us from all anxiety.

Al-Salam

6. Al-Salam
The Giver of Peace or One who is immune from all distresses
Reciting Ya Salamu 160 times over a person who is ill will help in making that person recover from his/her illness.

Al-Mumin

7. Al-Mumin
The Giver of faith
Reciting Ya Mu’minu will safeguard us from the evil of the enemy.

Al-Muhaymin

8. Al-Muhaymin
The Giver of Protection
Reciting Ya Muhayminu after having performed the ablution will result in one’s inner being becoming radiant.

Al-Aziz

9. Al-Aziz
The Mighty
Reciting Ya Azizu 40 times after salat al-Far from 40 days will result in Allah(SWT) freeing us from dependance on others.

Al-Jabbar

10. Al-Jabbar
The Overpowering Lord
Whoever recites Ya Jabbaru will not be subjected to coercion, and will not be exposed to violence, severity or harshness.

Al-Mutakabbir

11. Al-Mutakabbir
The Self-Glorious
Allah (SWT) will bestow righteous children to the husbands who recite Ya Mutakabbiru before approaching their wives.

Al-Khaliq

12. Al-Khaliq
The Creator
A childless wife who wishes to have children should fast for seven days and break her fast at the proper time each day with a glass of water over which she has recited Ya Khaliqu, Ya Bari’u and Ya Musawwiru 21 times. By doing that insha’ Allah she will be able to conceive.

Al-Bari

13. Al-Bari
The One Who gives life
A childless wife who wishes to have children should fast for seven days and break her fast at the proper time each day with a glass of water over which she has recited Ya Khaliqu, Ya Bari’u and Ya Musawwiru 21 times. By doing that insha’ Allah she will be able to conceive.

Al-Musawwir

14. Al-Musawwir
The Fashioner of unique beauty
A childless wife who wishes to have children should fast for seven days and break her fast at the proper time each day with a glass of water over which she has recited Ya Khaliqu, Ya Bari’u and Ya Musawwiru 21 times. By doing that insha’ Allah she will be able to conceive.

Al-Ghaffar

15. Al-Ghaffar
The Great Forgiver
Allah (SWT) will graciously forgive the sins of the one who constantly recites Ya Ghaffaru.

Al-Qahhar

16. Al-Qahhar
The Subduer
Reciting Ya Qahharu will assist one in subduing the desires of the flesh, ridding the heart of worldly attachment and leading one to inner peace.

Al-Wahhab

17. Al-Wahhab
The Bestower of all things
If one has a particular wish or cannot make ends meet one should recite Ya Wahhabu 100 times after midnight on three or seven nights consecutively after salat al-Tahajjud and Allah-willing, his/her wish will be granted and financial difficulty will be eased.

Al-Razzaq

18. Al-Razzaq
The Sustainer and Provider
The gates of Divine providence will be opened for all who constantly recite Ya Razzaqu.

Al-Fattah

19. Al-Fattah
The Remover of difficulties and the Reliever
Recitation of Ya Fattahu brings openness of the heart and opens the way to victory.

Al-Alim

20. Al-Alim
The All Knowing
Recitation of Ya Alimu will illuminate one’s heart and many qualities of light will be reflected from within us.

Al-Qabid

21. Al-Qabid
The Withholder of Sustenance
If one recites Ya Qabidu on a morsel of food for 40 days and eat it, one will never suffer starvation.

Al-Basit

22. Al-Basit
The Extender of Sustenance
If one stretches one’s hands (like when making dua) and recites at the time of dawn 10 times Ya Basitu and then draw one’s hands over one’s face, one will not stand in need of other people.

Al-Khafid

23. Al-Khafid
The Abaser
To obtain Divine protection against the evil of an enemy, one should recite Ya Khafidu 70000 times in a religious gathering, one a day following a three-day fast.

Al-Rafey

24. Al-Rafey
The Exalter
If one recites Ya Rafey 100 times daily, Allah (SWT) will bless that person with honour, virtue and wealth.

Al-Mu’idhdh

25. Al-Mu’idhdh
The Giver of honour
Whoever recites Ya Mu’idhdhu 140 times after salat al-Isha on Mondays or Fridays will have nothing to fear.

Al-Mudhill

26. Al-Mudhill
The Humiliator
One will be safe from cruel and envious people and enjoy Allah’s (SWT) protection upon reciting Ya Mudhillu 75 times.

Al-Sami

27. Al-Sami
The All-Hearing
Allah (SWT) will take care of needs of all those who recite 100 times Ya Samiu after salat al-Zuhr on Thursdays before speaking to anyone.

Al-Basir

28. Al-Basir
The All-Seeing
One who recites Ya Basiru 100 times after performing the fard of salat al-Jumuah and before performing the sunnah rakaat, Allah (SWT) will grant that person esteem in the eyes of others.

Al-Hakam

29. Al-Hakam
The Arbiter
Allah (SWT) will reveal many mysteries to those who recite Ya Hakamu many times at night.

Al-Adl

30. Al-Adl
The Just
Parents who have disobedient children should recite Ya Adlu with one’s finger on a piece of bread and eat it on Friday night and Allah (SWT) will make their children obedient to them.

Al-Latif

31. Al-Latif
The Most Affectionate
If a poor and lonely person recites Ya Latifu 100 times after performing two rakat nafil salah, all his/her wishes will be fulfilled.

Al-Khabir

32. Al-Khabir
The All-Knowing
By constantly reciting Ya Khabiru, those who suffer from bad habits will soon find them corrected.

Al-Halim

33. Al-Halim
The Forbearing
If a farmer writes Ya Halimu on a piece of paper and buries it near the place where he has sown his seeds, no harm or misfortune will befall his crops.

Al-Azim

34. Al-Azim
The Great
People will love and respect those who constantly recite Ya Azimu.

Al-Ghafur

35. Al-Ghafur
The Forgiving
The constant recitation of Ya Ghafuru will bring relief to those who suffer from fever and migraine or who experience grief and sorrow.

Al-Shakur

36. Al-Shakur
The Highly Grateful
If one is experiencing difficulties and finds life hard and painful, one should wash one’s face with water upon which Ya Shakuru has been recited 49 times. By doing that one’s goals will be achieved.

Al-Aliyu

37. Al-Aliyu
The Most High
Whoever recites Ya Aliyu fortune’s door will be opened and/or the traveller will reach his/home safely.

Al-Kabir

38. Al-Kabir
The Most Great
Whoever recites Ya Kabiru 100 times daily will be honoured.

Al-Hafiz

39. Al-Hafiz
The Protector
Those who recite Ya Hafizu 16 times daily will be kept safe from disasters.

Al-Muqit

40. Al-Muqit
The Giver of Sustenance and Strength
The condition of badly behaved children will improve if they are made to drink water from a glass over which Ya Muqitu has been recited.

Al-Hasib

41. Al-Hasib
The Reckoner or One who suffices for everyone and everything
For protection against thieves, the evil eye, or harm from an enemy, recite Ya Hasibu 70 times daily for seven days starting on a Thursday. After every 70 times one should add words Hasbiyallahul Hisab (Sufficient is Allah, the Reckoner)

Al-Jalil

42. Al-Jalil
The Glorious or the One with an exalted position
If one writes Ya Jalilu on a piece of paper with musk and saffron and place the paper in a ceramic container and drinks the water once the writing is dissolved will be revered among people.

Al-Karim

43. Al-Karim
The Benevolent
Those who constantly recite Ya Karimu will be esteemed in this world and the life Hereafter.

Al-Raqib

44. Al-Raqib
The Caretaker
Allah’s (SWT) protection is assured to those who recite Ya Raqibu 7 times and blow upon themselves, their children, families and properties.

Al-Mujib

45. Al-Mujib
The Responder of Supplications
The Dua of those who recite Ya Mujibu will be answered.

Al-Wasey

46. Al-Wasey
The All-Embracing
Whoever finds it difficult to make ends meet should recite Ya Waseo and the gates of Divine providence will be opened for him/her.

Al-Hakim

47. Al-Hakim
The Wise
The endeavours of those who constantly recite Ya Hakimu will turn out well.

Al-Wadud

48. Al-Wadud
The Most Loving
If there is any misunderstanding between two persons, one of them should recite Ya Wadud 1000 times over some food and give it to the other person to eat.

Al-Majid

49. Al-Majid
The Most Venerable
Those who constantly recite Ya Majidu will always enjoy eminence.

Al-Baith

50. Al-Baith
The Resurrector of the Dead
Fear of Allah (SWT) will inspire those who recite Ya Baithu.

Al-Shahid

51. Al-Shahid
The Omnipresent
Parents who recite Ya Shahidu and blow over their disobedient children will result in their children paying attention to what they are told to do.

52. Al-Haqq
The Truth
If one has lost something one should recite Ya Haqqu and that thing will be found.

Al-Wakil

53. Al-Wakil
The Trustee
By constantly reciting Ya Wakilo, one comes to enjoy Allah’s (SWT) protection against the perils of water, fire or any other threat.

Al-Qawi

54. Al-Qawi
The Almighty
Reciting Ya Qawiyu will ward off harm from a superior enemy.

Al-Matin

55. Al-Matin
The Invincible
Difficult tasks will become easy for those who recite Ya Matinu.

Al-Wali

56. Al-Wali
The Protecting Friend
Those who constantly recite Ya Waliyu may hope of becoming the friends of Allah (SWT)

Al-Hamid

57. Al-Hamid
The Praiseworthy
Those who recite Ya Hamidu will earn people’s love and approval.

Al-Muhsi

58. Al-Muhsi
The Keeper of Records
Those who fear the Final Reckoning should recite Ya Muhsi 1000 times and it will become easier for them to render account on the Day of Judgement.

Al-Mubdi

59. Al-Mubdi
The Originator
If Ya Mubdi is recited over a woman who is threatening to miscarry, she will be spared the dangers of pregnancy.

Al-Muid

60. Al-Muid
The One who has the Power to Create again
If a member of one’s family goes absent, one should recite Ya Muidu and that member will safely return.

Al-Muhyi

61. Al-Muhyi
The Giver of life
For relief from a crushing burden, one should recite Ya Muhyi.

Al-Mumit

62. Al-Mumit
The Giver of Death
One can recite Ya Mumit after overcoming one’s enemy.

Al-Hayy

63. Al-Hayy
The Everlasting
Long life will be enjoyed by those who constantly recite Ya Hayyu.

Al-Qayyum

64. Al-Qayyum
The Self-Existing
Those who recite Ya Qayyumu will not lapse into heedlessness.

Al-Wajid

65. Al-Wajid
The Resourceful
Those who recite Ya Wajidu are favoured with richness of heart.

Al-Majid

66. Al-Majid
The Noble
The hearts of those who recite Ya Majidu will be enlightened.

Al-Wahid

67. Al-Wahid
The Unique
Those who constantly alone recite Ya Wahidu in a quiet place will become immune to fear and delusion.

Al-Samad

68. Al-Samad
The Eternal
Allah (SWT) will meet the needs of those who constantly recite Ya Samadu and they will find that others will need their assistance.

Al-Qadir

69. Al-Qadir
The All-Powerful
Those who recite Ya Qadiru will find all their wishes fulfilled.

Al-Muqtadir

70. Al-Muqtadir
The One with full authority
Those who recite Ya Muqtadiru will awake from heedless sleep.

Al-Muqaddim

71. Al-Muqaddim
The Promoter
No harm will befall those who recite Ya Muqaddimu.

Al-Mu’akhkhir

72. Al-Mu’akhkhir
The Postponer
The love of Allah (SWT) will take root in the heart of the one who recites Ya Mu’akhkhiru 100 times daily.

Al-Awwal

73. Al-Awwal
The First
Anyone who wishes to have children or to be united with an absent relative should recite Ya Awwalu 100 times on 40 Fridays.

Al-Akhir

74. Al-Akhir
The Last
Those who recite Ya Akhiru will live and die well.

Al-Zahir

75. Al-Zahir
The Manifest
Enlightenment will come to those who recite Ya Zahiru 15 times after performing the fard of Salat al-Jumah.

Al-Batin

76. Al-Batin
The Hidden
Those who recite Ya Batinu 3 times daily will come to know the reality of things.

Al-Wali

77. Al-Wali
The One who exercises authority over all things
Those who recite Ya Wali over their houses will dwell safely therein.

Al-Mutali

78. Al-Mutali
The Exalted
Constantly reciting Ya Mutali attracts Divine benevolence.

Al-Barr

79. Al-Barr
The Source of all goodness
Children will be safe when we recite Ya Barru and blow over them.

Al-Tawwab

80. Al-Tawwab
The Oft-Returning
Repentance will be accepted from one who constantly recites Ya Tawwabu.

Al-Muntaqim

81. Al-Muntaqim
The Avenger
Those who constantly recite Ya Muntaqimu will be victorious over their enemies.

Al-Afuw

82. Al-Afuw
The Pardoner
Those who recite Ya Afuwu will have their sins forgiven.

Al-Rauf

83. Al-Rauf
The Kind
Those who recite Ya Rauf will be blessed with good fortune.

Malik al-Mulk

84. Malik al-Mulk
King of Absolute Sovereignity
Those who recite Ya Malik al-Mulk will be mighty among the people.

Dhu al-Jalali wal-Ikram

85. Dhu al-Jalali wal-Ikram
Lord of Majesty and Generosity
Those who recite Ya Dhu al-Jalali wal-Ikram will be enriched.

Al-Muqsit

86. Al-Muqsit
The Equitable
Constantly reciting Ya Muqsitu gives protection from the mischief of the devil.

Al-Jami

87. Al-Jami
The Assembler
One who recites Ya Jamiu will find the thing that has been lost.

Al-Ghani

88. Al-Ghani
The Self-Sufficient
One who recites Ya Ghaniu will achieve contenment.

Al-Mughni

89. Al-Mughni
The Enricher
One who recites Ya Mughni 10 times on each of 10 Fridays will become independent of other people.

Al-Mani

90. Al-Mani
The Hinderer
Those who recite Ya Maniu will attain peace and harmony in their married life.

Al-Darr

91. Al-Darr
The Distresser
If Ya Daru is recited on Friday nights by those who have fallen to the bottom of the scale, they will rise to higher status.

Al-Nafi

92. Al-Nafi
The Benefactor
No injury or pain will afflict those who recite Ya Nafiu as many times as possible over a period of 4 days.

Al-Nur

93. Al-Nur
The Light
Those who recite Ya Nuru will be inwardly enlightened.

Al-Hadi

94. Al-Hadi
The Guide
Spiritual knowledge will be acquired by those who recite Ya Hadi.

Al-Badi

95. Al-Badi
The Originator
All troubles are eased for those who recite 70 times Ya Badi al-samawati wal-ard (“O Incomparable Creator of the Heavens and the Earth!”)

Al-Baqi

96. Al-Baqi
The Eternal
Those who recite Ya Baqi 100 times before sunrise each day, will enjoy immunity from disaster and will be shown mercy in the Hereafter.

Al-Warith

97. Al-Warith
The Supporter of All or One who remains alive even after everyone or everything dies
Long life will be enjoyed by those who often recite Ya Warithu.

Al-Rashid

98. Al-Rashid
The Right Guidance
Difficulties will be resolved for those who recite Ya Rashidu 1000 times between salat al-Maghrib and salat al-Isha.

Al-Sabur

99. Al-Sabur
The Most Forebearing
For relief from trouble or confusion, one should recite Ya Saburu 3000 times.

Pilgrimage in Islam was prescribed during the 9th year of the Islamic Hijra or 623 C.E. The Prophet of Islam (May Peace and Allah’s Mercy be upon him) deputed Abu Baker (May Allah be pleased with him) to lead the pilgrims to perform Haj. During the 10th year of Hijra, the Prophet (PBUH) left Medina on the 26 of Zul Qi’dah with an average of 90,000 Muslims who joined him to perform Haj. On the 9th of Zul Hijjah, the Prophet (PBUH) left Makkah to Arafat with a group of Muslims who exceeded 1,15,000. At the Mount of Mercy (Al Rahmah), the Prophet mounted his camel, and addressed the Muslims in Urnah Valley of Mount Arafat. Rabi’ah Ibn Umaiyah Ibn Khalaf was repeating after the Prophet, sentence by sentence. The haj performance to Makkah and Arafat was the only one and the last one that the Prophet (PBUH) did. The khutba was also therefore the last one that the Prophet (PBUH) delivered. For this reason, the speech that he gave was called Khutbatul Wida’ or The farewell Sermon.

Jabal Rahmah

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

After praising, and thanking Allah (Subhanahuwa Taala), the Prophet (PBUH) said:

“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen very carefully to what I am saying to you.

“There is none to worship except Allah (SWT). None is like Him or equals Him nor has He any co-sharer. He fulfilled His promise and helped His Messenger, and He alone defeated and smashed all the concerted forces of falsehood.

O Men, the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah (SWT) forbade, and to forbid that which Allah had made permissible. With Allah (SWT) the months are twelve; four of them are holy; three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumadah and Shaaban.

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.

Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right I waive is that arising from the murder of infant Rabiyah bin Al-Harith (relative of the Prophet).

Allah (SWT) has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah (SWT) has Judged that there shall be no interest, and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn Abd’ul Muttalib (the Prophet’s uncle) shall henceforth be waived…

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 a trust from Almighty Allah 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 (SWT), perform your five times daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and offer Zakat. Perform Hajj if you have the means.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab. Similarly white has no superiority over black, nor does a black has any superiority over white; [none have superiority over another] except by piety and good actions. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to other 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.

“Oh people, be mindful of those who work under you. Feed and clothe them as you feed and clothe yourselves.”

O People, no prophet or apostle will ever 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 Quran and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.

Remember, one day you will appear before Allah (SWT) and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and it may be that 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.”

Thus the beloved Prophet (PBUH) completed his Final Sermon, and upon it, near the summit of Arafat, the revelation came down:

“…This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My Grace upon you, and have chosen Islam for you as your religion…” (Quran 5:3)

Even today the Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is passed to every Muslim in every corner of the world through all possible means of communication. Muslims are reminded about it in mosques and in lectures. The meanings found in this sermon are indeed astounding, touching upon some of the most important rights Allah has over humanity, and humanity has over each other. Though the Prophet’s soul has left this world, his words are still living in our hearts.

The Holy Qur’an consists for 114 Surahs (chapters). The second chapter is the largest, while the latter chapters are smaller in size. The Qur’an has been preserved in its original form in Arabic throughout the centuries. The Arabic Text you will read here ins the same that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) more than fourteen hundred years ago.

Inimitable
It dares you to disprove it. How? It says that humans cannot write a book like this even if they pooled all heir resources together and got help also from the spirits. The Qur’an said this more that fourteen hundred years again and yet no one has been able to disprove it. Billions of books have been written, but not another one like the Qur’an.

Incorruptible
It is the only religious sacred writing that has been in circulation for such a long time and yet remains as pure as it was in the beginning. The Qur’an was kept intact. Nothing was added to it, nothing was changed in it, and nothing was taken away from it ever since its revelation was completed 1430 years ago.

Unsurpassable
The Qur’an is God’s final revelation to humankind. God revealed the Torah to Moses, the Psalms to David, the Gospel to Jesus, and finally the Qur’an to Muhammad (SAW). No other book will come from God to surpass His final revelation.

Indisputable
The Qur’an withstands the test of time and scrutiny. No one can dispute the truth of this book. It speaks about past history and turns out right. It speaks about future in prophecies and it turns out right. It mentions details of physical phenomenon which were not known to people at the time; yet later scientific discoveries prove that the Qur’an was right all along. Every other book needs to be revised to accord with modern knowledge. The Qur’an alone is never contradicted by a newly discovered.

Your roadmap for life and after life
The Qur’an is the best guidebook on how to structure your life. No other book presents such a comprehensive system involving all aspects of human life and Endeavour. The Qur’an also points out the way to secure everlasting happiness in the afterlife. It is your roadmap showing how to get to Paradise.

God’s gift of Guidance
God has not left you alone. You were made for a reason. God tells you why He made you, what He demands from you and what He has in store for you. If you operate a machine contrary to it’s manufacturer’s specification you will ruin that machine. What about you? Do you have an owner’s manual for yourself? The Qur’an is from your Maker. It is a gift for you to make sure you function for success, lest you fail to function. It is a healing from God. It satisfies the soul, and cleans that heart. It removes doubts and brings peace.

Your calling card to communicate with your Lord
Humans are social creatures. We love to communicate with other intelligent life. The Qur’an tells us how to communicate with the source of all intelligence and the source of all life, the One God. The Qur’an tells us who God is by what name we should address Him, and the way in which to communicate with Him.

Are these not seven sufficient reasons for reading the Qur’an ?

The Great Sacrifice by Prophet Ibrahim, The Great Messenger of Almighty GOD, unanimously accepted as Patriarch of Jews, Christians and Muslims occupies an esteemed status in The Last Testament, The Holy Qur’an. According to many verses, two are mentioned here.

Chapter 2 verse 124:

“…………. Almighty GOD said: O Ibrahim, I am going to make you leader (‘Imam’ ) of the mankind ………”

And in chapter 16 verse 123:

“And WE revealed to you O Mohammad (s.a.w.s) , follow the Doctrine of Ibrahim who was steadfast, true in faith, highly virtuous, aloof from all false-beliefs…”

The Great Sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, the one who submitted himself fully to his LORD, and was ever-ready to sacrifice what is asked by his CREATOR spiritually teaches us to sacrifice our lust, anger, pride, jealousy, inhuman thoughts, revenge, greed, craving, vengeance, false desires, unjust demands, bad habits only to avoid wrath of our LORD Who is The LORD of the UNIVERSE aiming at the rewards in endless final and eternal phase of our life to come.

May such sacrifices be accepted by the Almighty ALLAH along with symbolic ones so that we, our relatives and the destitute can consume and extol the Glory of our LORD, LORD of all that exist.

Narated By Al-Bara : The Prophet (pbuh) said (on the day of Id-al-Adha), “The first thing we will do on this day of ours, is to offer the (‘Id) prayer and then return to slaughter the sacrifice. Whoever does so, he acted according to our Sunna (tradition), and whoever slaughtered (the sacrifice) before the prayer, what he offered was just meat he presented to his family, and that will not be considered as Nusak (sacrifice).” (On hearing that) Abu Burda bin Niyar got up, for he had slaughtered the sacrifice before the prayer, and said, “I have got a six month old ram.” The Prophet said, ‘Slaughter it (as a sacrifice) but it will not be sufficient for any-one else (as a sacrifice after you). Al-Bara’ added: The Prophet said, “Whoever slaughtered (the sacrifice) after the prayer, he slaughtered it at the right time and followed the tradition of the Muslims.”

Sahih Bukhari – Volume 007, Book 068, Hadith Number 453.