Spreading Salaams

"And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally."

(Qur'an, An-Nisa 4:86)

Human interaction is an important facet of any society. In Islam, proper relationships are stressed at all phases of interaction and the common greeting holds a special place in Islamic manners. Allah says in the Qur'an:

"O you who believe! enter not houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and greeted those in them, that is better for you, in order that you remember." (Qur'an, An-Nur 24:27)

"....But when you enter houses, greet one another with a greeting from Allah, blessed and good...."

(Qur'an, An-Nur 24:61)

Too often, we take greetings for granted and attach minimal importance to them. In these verses, however, Allah reminds the Muslims that offering greetings and the manner of the greeting are of upmost importance. Similarly, in a Hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet stressed the importance of greetings when he defined the rights of a Muslim:
"The rights of a Muslim upon another are five: returning greetings, visiting the sick, following the funeral procession, responding to invitations and offering 'Tashmeet' for one who sneezes." (Bukhari and Muslim)
The recommended greeting of a Muslim is to say:

"assalaamu alaykum" (peace be upon you)

According to a Hadith related by Bukhari and Muslim, this form of greeting was ordained by Allah from the time of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him).
THE VIRTUES OF SALAAM
Exchanging salaam holds a high position in Islam. Not only is salaam equated with many other important deeds, but it is one of the defining criteria of belief. We observe many Hadiths pertaining to the position of exchanging salaam in Islam.
In one Hadith a man asked the Prophet about which aspect of Islam was best. The Prophet replied:
"Feeding the hungry, and saying salaam to those you know and those you don't know." (Bukhari and Muslim)
The Prophet also said:
"You will not enter paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another: 'spread salaam' (the greeting of peace) among you." (Muslim)
The Prophet Muhammad also explained another virtue of salaam in the following Hadith:
"When two Muslims meet (give salaam), and shake hands, they are forgiven their sins before they part (with each other)." (Abu Dawud)
Finally, reflect on another saying of the Prophet , when he said:
"O people! spread salaam, feed the hungry, be in touch with your kin, and pray while people are asleep (at night) you shall enter paradise peacefully." (Tirmithi)
THE GRADES OF SALAAM
There are several forms of exchanging salaam. Each has its grade which corresponds to the extent of the phrase.
There is a Hadith where Imran Ibn Hussayn (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that:
"A man came to the Prophet and said, 'assalaamu alaykum!' The Prophet returned his greeting and when the man sat down, the Prophet said: 'Ten.' Another man came and said: 'assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullah.' to which the Prophet also responded, and when the man sat down, He said 'Twenty.' Another man came and said: 'assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.' The Prophet returned his greeting, and after the man sat down, he said: 'Thirty." (Abu Dawud and Tirmithi)
The Hadith has been interpreted to mean that the minimum form of the Islamic greeting which is acceptable is "assalaamu alaykum" and one is rewarded ten good deeds for saying it. The second grade, adding "wa rahmatullah", raises the reward to twenty good deeds. The best grade of salaam is "assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatahu", and this is worth thirty good deeds.
The response to the greeting is similar in form and rewards. The least one could say is "Wa alaykum-us-salaam" and the best response is: "Wa alaykum-us-salaam wa rahmatulahi wa barakatahu".
In the time of the Prophet the Sahabah (companions of the Prophet ) would compete with each other, to see who could give salaams first.
The Prophet said:
"The best of the two persons is the one who begins with salaam." (Related by Nawawi in his book Al-Adkar)
"The Prophet was asked: 'O Messenger of Allah ! When two persons meet with each other, who should take the lead in greeting the other? He answered: 'The one who is closest to Allah." (Tirmithi)
The Prophet said:
"The person closest to Allah is the one who precedes others in greeting." (Abu Dawud)
THE ISLAMIC RULING ON SALAAM
Initiating salaams is considered 'Sunnah' or optional, returning the salaams after it is offered is considered 'wagib' or obligatory, based on the first Qur'anic ayah mentioned. Islam also encourages people to offer the first greeting as mentioned in the Hadiths mentioned previously.
The Prophet was asked about the most appropriate way to give salaams as shown in the following Hadith:
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) says that a man asked the Prophet :
"O Messenger of Allah , when any one of us meets a Muslim brother or a friend then should he bow his head (as a sign of courtesy to him)?' He said: 'No.' The man said: 'Should he embrace him?' He said: 'No.' The man then asked: 'Should he clasp his hands?' He said: 'Yes." (Tirmithi)
Unfortunately, now in our community Muslims have adopted other methods of giving salutations, and as we can see in this Hadith, The Prophet was very precise about how salaams were to be given.
We as Muslims, should remember that Prophet Muhammad is the best example for us to follow in all aspects of our life, and we should be careful not to add anything new to the Deen of Islam, for fear of implying that the Prophet Muhammad did not complete his mission.
As Allah (Most Exalted is He) says in the Qur'an:

"You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah, a beautiful pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day."

(Qur'an, Al-Ahzab 33:21)

The Messenger of Allah said:
"I have not left anything which Allah (Most Exalted is He) ordered except that I have ordered you with it, nor anything that Allah forbade you, except that I forbade you from it." (Buhaiqi)
CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH SALAAM IS DISCOURAGED
There are certain situations under which it is preferable not to offer salaam. These include; when a person is relieving himself, when one is having marital relationship, when someone is sleeping or when in the bathroom.
Offering salaam when someone is reciting the Qur'an is permissible but discouraged. The same rule applies to someone who is making du'a (supplication) or one who is praying.
EXCHANGING SALAAM WITH NON-MUSLIMS
The Prophet said:
"Do not greet the Jews and the Christians with salaam." However, if they salaam first, we may reply by saying "wa alaykum" (and upon you)." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Salutation and Meeting Non-Muslims
Amr bin Shu'aib - Tirmithi: The Messenger of Allah said: "He does not belong to us who imitates people other than us. Do not imitate the Jews or the Christians, for the Jews salutation is to make a gesture with the fingers and the Christians salutation is to make a gesture with the palms of the hands."
Ayesha - Bukhari: When some Jews came to the Messenger of Allah and said, "Assaamu 'alaikom" (Death be upon you) and he replied, "Wa 'alaikom" (and upon you), she ('A'isha) said, "Death be upon you and may Allah curse you and be angry with you." The Messenger of Allah then said, "Gently, 'A'isha, keep to kindness and avoid harshness and coarseness." She asked if she had not heard what they said, and he asked if she had not heard what he said, saying, "I replied to them, and my prayer regarding them will be answered, but theirs regarding me will not." In a version of Muslim he said, "Do not be one who uses bad languages for Allah does not like bad language or the use of it."
Surah Mujadila:8: "And when they (Non-Muslims) come to thee, they salute thee, not as Allah salutes thee (but in crooked ways)." E.g. Assaamu 'alaikom.
Abu Hurairah - Muslim: The Messenger of Allah said, "Do not salute the Jews and Christians before they salute you, and when you meet one of them on the road force him to go to the narrowest part."
Ossama bin Zaid - Bukhari and Muslim: The Messenger of Allah , passed by a company of Muslims, Mushriks and Jews and he gave them a salutation.
CONTEMPORARY SALUTATIONS OF THE NON-MUSLIMS
During the Messenger of Allah's time there were various kinds of contemporary salutations in vogue, but none of these were chosen by Allah (Most Exalted is He), for the Muslims. The superiority of the Muslims Salaam has already been mentioned previously. It was deemed apt that a paper on salutations should also include an analysis of the modern Non-Muslim salutations. In this section the etymological meaning of some of these salutations will be traced back. By doing so it is hoped that the Muslim will further realise the importance of Salaam and abandon the use of Non-Muslim salutations. The Concise Oxford Dictionary has been used so that others can easily refer to it.
"Hello"
The Oxford Dictionary has the following entries on this word:

• Hello: "Expressing surprise or informal greeting or beginning telephone conversation.(The) cry 'hello'. (Variety of Hallo.)";
• Hallo, halloa': "Calling attention or expressing surprise or informal greeting or beginning telephone conversation...(The) cry 'Hello'. (Variety of earlier Hollo.)";
• Halloo: "Inciting dogs to the chase, calling attention, or expressing surprise...The cry 'halloo'.;
• Halloo: "Cry 'halloo!' especially to dogs; urge on (dogs etc.) with shouts; shout to attract attention.";
• Holler: "(Make, express with) loud cry or noise. (Variety of Hollo.)";
• Hollo, holla: "Calling attention...cry of 'Hollo'.";
• Hollo, ho'llow "Shout; call to (hounds)."

This word originates from Old French (before 1400 A.D.). The reader will appreciate that this salutation, which is derived from a word meaning shouting at dogs!, is far from the meaning and derivation of Salaam. It is really a meaningless salutation.
Good Morning
There is no etymological entry on this word in the Concise Oxford Dictionary, but it is defined under the word good as: "(Used in forms of greeting or parting, as) good...morning, night..." In the Compact Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary we have the following entries: Good morrow, good mo'rrow. "A salutation used at meeting in the morning, equivalent to the later good morning...(God) give you good morrow...(e.g.) good morrowe to thee!; ...an idle, trivial or empty saying..."
There is no reason why a Muslim should substitute his Salaam for any other rather meaningless Non-Muslim salutation. In fact, not all mornings are necessarily good. Good morning...so what? The salutation of Salaam is not meaningless. The person saying Salaam is invoking Peace, Mercy and Allah's Blessing on the one being greeted. The equivalent of good morning in modern Arabic is "Subh Khair". It should not be used.
Goodbye
This is defined as "(Saying of) farewell (expressing good wishes on parting, ending telephone conversations etc., or figurative with reference to thing got rid of or irrevocably lost.) (Contraction of God be with you!...)
The modern expression goodbye has no meaning and it cannot be compared with Salaam. Salaam is not just a mere expression of good wishes; it is du'a. The word goodbye also implies that the person using it is rather happy to get rid of the person being saluted. This kind of feeling or expression has no place in the Islamic concept of Brotherhood. The word goodbye was originally the expression, "God be with you", and the fact that it has been changed is further evidence that the Christians have tampered with their original teachings. Now-a-days, the word goodbye has been further reduced to just bye. So they first lost the God and now even the good for their farewell.
In Islam the salutation of Salaam is used on all occasions, on meeting and for farewell. There are also other additional farewell dua's which can be used with Salaam. Examples are: "Fee Iman Allah" (May Allah keep you safe) and "Astowda Okomallah" (May Allah guard you). The term "Khuda hafiz" (God keep you safe) is used in Persian and Urdu. It will be noted that the original meaning of goodbye is very similar to these dua's.
The Conveyance of Regards
The word regards means the "Expression of friendliness in letters etc., compliments". It is used to convey expressions of friendliness from one person to another, for example, so and so sends his regards to you. This word implies the conveyance of mere expressions and it is also related with friendliness. Muslims are Brothers in Islam and not just friends. According to a Hadith the Muslims should use Salaam to convey salutations to fellow Muslims. The term regards is not suitable for use amongst Muslims.
Special Modes of Salutation
There are certain special modes of greeting used by the Non-Muslims. Amongst these is the practice of lowering oneself or bowing down in front of another human being when greeting. This is based on their belief of the inequity of human status, that the one bowing down is inferior to the one being greeted. It has nothing to do with respect. This method of greeting is un-Islamic. Firstly, bowing down in front of anybody except Allah is forbidden in Islam. Secondly, all believing human beings are equal in Islam and thus there is to be no special greeting for the so called great men of authority and position. The great in Islam are those who are nearer to Allah in piety. S. Abdul Hai (1977) writes " Islam has prescribed a simple mode of salutation for all, great and small. During the earliest times of Muslim rule, even a commoner saluted the Caliphs simply by saying, "Assalaamu 'alaykum ya Amir ul Momineen" (Peace be upon you, O Commander of the Faithful)." We should be proud of our Islamic heritage.
GREETING THE YOUNG
It is considered a part of the Sunnah for adults to offer salaam to children in order to teach them the proper greeting manners and to build their self esteem. In both Al-Bukhari and Muslim, Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet passed by some youth and he offered salaam to them. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) also reported that the Prophet , used to do this quite often.
ETIQUETTE OF SALAAM
There are several etiquette's to be followed with respect to the exchanging of salaam. The Prophet (saws), for example said:
"The person who is riding should offer salaam to the one who is walking; and the one who is walking should greet the one who is sitting; and the smaller group should greet the larger one." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Aside from the situations mentioned in the Hadith, the one who enters a house should initiate salaam to those already there. Furthermore, if one enters his home, it is preferable to offer salaam, even if there is no one at home by saying "Assalaamu alayna wa ala ibadillahi assaliheen" (i.e. peace be upon us and the righteous servants of Allah). With respect to salaam between the young and the old, the young is expected to begin the greeting.
It is also considered improper for someone to meet a group of Muslims and offer salaam only to some of them. The greeting must be for all in the group. If a group of people offer salaam to an individual at the same time, he may reply only once to all of them.
The head should never be bent as a sign of greeting. We bend our heads only to Allah. It must also be emphasized that other body gestures in any form or shape (for example, raising eyebrows, extending the arms, smiling, winking, etc.), cannot replace uttering the words of salaam.
Salaam for someone at a distance can be offered by saying the salaam and waving the hand. Waving the hand alone, however, is not considered a salaam.
Salaam is not only confined to the time of meeting only but it extends to when separating as well.
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), relates that the Prophet said:
"When one of you joins a gathering, he should greet those present; and when he leaves them he should salute them, because the first salutation is not better than the last one." (Abu Dawud and Tirmithi)
SAYINGS OF THE SAHABAH REGARDING SALAAM
Umar bin Khattab: "There are three ways of showing sincere brotherly love: give him the greeting of Salaam when you first meet him, make him comfortable, and call him by his favourite names."
Sa'id bin al-As: "I owe my sitting-companion three things: on his approach I greet him, on his arrival I make him welcome, and when he sits I make him comfortable."
CONCLUSION
There are two fundamental categories of human beings: Muslims and Non-Muslims. Any human being who chooses to submit to his Creator is called a Muslim and his way of life is Islam. A Muslim is a precious being in the sight of Allah. The Muslim gains special privileges, honour and dignity because of Islam. They are people (Muslims) who have achieved peace (Salaam) by accepting Peace (Islam). The salutation of Salaam is a special blessing of Allah for the Muslims. The first conclusion is that the Muslims should use Salaam to salute fellow Muslims because it is only befitting for them to do so.
It is below the dignity of the Muslim to use such expressions below their noble status. The Muslim should not degrade himself, by using Non-Muslim salutations; or his fellow Muslims, by saluting them with Non-Muslim salutation; and nor his Deen al-Islam, by adopting the ways of the Non-Muslims. The second conclusion is that Muslims should not use Non-Muslim salutations amongst themselves because these are unfit for them. The Muslims should not only refrain from using Non-Muslim salutations, but they should abhor such practices.
The Non-Muslim human being, a Kafir, is one who chooses to reject the message of Peace and adopt his own anti-Islamic way of life, Kufr. Such beings are in utter discord, and their life is in contradiction with any concept of peace or harmony. These people will never attain the magnanimity of the Muslims, but the contrary, ignominy.
The salutations of these people are likewise only worthy of their status, rather meaningless and unworthy of noble people. They do not deserve the peaceful salutation of Salaam because they have chosen to reject it. The third conclusion is that Non-Muslims should not be saluted with the full Salaam as they are unworthy of it. They are deprived of the blessings of Salaam as they rejected it. How can a Muslim pray, "Peace be upon you, and Allah's Mercy and Blessings" for a person who does not believe in Allah or lead his life in accordance with the teachings of Islam, for this dua to become effective for him. The salutation of Salaam cannot be used for them.
Allah says in the Qur'an:

"It is not fitting for the Prophet and those who believe, that they should pray for forgiveness for the Mushriks, even though they be of kin, after it is clear to them that they are companions of the fire."

(Qur'an, At-Taubah 9:133)

Further:

"Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and those who are with him are hard against the unbelievers, (but) full of Mercy for one another."

(Qur'an, Al-Fath 48:29)

The general conclusions are: the salutation of Salaam is for the Muslims and the Non-Muslim salutations are for the Non-Muslims.
The Muslims should not use bad language when saluting the Non-Muslims but should be polite and courteous. The wording of the Salutation for the Non-Muslim according to the Qur'an and Hadith should be noted. The ayat in the Qur'an, like all other ayats, is beautiful. The wording is, "Peace on him who is rightly Guided." Although, this is used for the Non-Muslims it is in reality, only applicable to those who are rightly guided, the Muslims. The salutation for the Non-Muslims in the Hadith is that the Muslims should say, "Wa 'anthom" or "Wa 'alaykum" when greeted by the Non-Muslims. That is, they should say, "The same to you" or "Upon you" concerning whatever that Non-Muslims have said.




References:

1. Article, Al Jumuah Mag, Salaam by R Dhafir
2. Riyadh-Us-Saleheen
3. Salaam - Salutation

MY BELOVED

        The Holy Rasulullah Muhammad (peace be upon him)

  

"And We have not sent you(Muhammad-pbuh) but as a Mercy to all of mankind."-(Holy Quran 21: 107)

"Muhammad[pbuh] is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets; and Allah has full knowledge of all things." – The Holy Quran (33:41)

 

 

MY BELOVED

a poem

(Author unknown)

There was a time in my youth,
When Islam was only a custom.
They said "say there is no diety except God,..
And pray, you'll go to Heaven."

Ah, how simple, no struggle in this,
Just a word, and simple act.
Thereafter I'm absorbed in this world again,
With my 'assured' place in Paradise intact.

But this was not to be my fate
For ALLAH chose to guide my heart.
I learnt of a man who struggled so hard
When his mission was from the start.

The story of someone who had morals,
Spoke gently, kindness he knew.
Never fearing to say what's right,
His conviction in ISLAM was true.

The touch of his hand was as soft as silk
To comfort a crying child.
To mend his clothes, or do the chores,
Never complaining, he always smiled.

His smell was always of musk,
And cleanliness he kept at his best.
Stark contrast with the heroes of today,
Who stink of beer and sweat.

He held the hands of his companions.
Unashamed to play with many children.
So modest, so humble, a perfect example,
That strangers could not recognise him.

His eyes slept little for nights were precious,
His prayers he treasured much greater.
To pray in the depths of night,
Seeking forgiveness, and nearness to his Creator.

He broke his tooth for me at Uhud,
And bled for me at Ta'if.
He cried for me, tears of concern,
Just so I could have this belief.

His enemies admired his teachings,
Uniting every religion, every clan.
Till ISLAM came to every corner of the world,
O, but indeed he was only a man.

To own a house, or build his wealth
Was not his main priority.
To establish ISLAM was more essential,
To bring us under a Higher Authority.

Don't you want him to plea for your case,
When before ALLAH-The Judge-you stand?
Don't you wish to be around his fountain,
A burning desire to drink from his hand?

So I love him more than all creation,
My Leader, my Humble Prophet.
Muhammad (pbuh) was a mercy to all mankind,
And to me, he is MY BELOVED !

The Messenger of Allah- Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] advised:

 

 "Whoever loves my Sunnah(my way), indeed he loves me and whoever loves me will be with me in Jannah." (Tirmidhi-Hadith2678)

 

Certainly, there is an excellent example for you in the Messenger of Allah, for him who looks forward to Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much." (Quran-33:21)

SAFGUARDING OUR KIDS

The Messenger of Allah[peace be upon him] has mentioned, "When the night approaches then prevent your children (from venturing outdoors) because verily Shaitaan spreads out at this time, ....." (Hadith-Sahih Bukhari).

In another narration Rasulullah[pbuh] has stated,

" Don't let your animals and children out from the time the sun sets until the first portion of darkness passes (i.e. Esha time sets in), for indeed Shaitaan sets out from the time the sun sets until the first portion of darkness passes by." (Hadith-Sahih Muslim)

Safeguarding our children from the evil elements that lurk in our environment is an incumbent duty of the parents, just as it is incumbent to safeguard them from all other evils.

The tendency today is to allow children the freedom to roam out of the house during this time, when the  Shayateen and their evil influences are at their strongest.

From the above narrations we learn that parents are duty-bound to ensure that children are given the necessary protection during this time in an Islamic environment.
 
May Allah Ta'ala protect our innocent children from all forms of evil. Aameen

 

Freedom of Expression?

 

 

With the latest in-your-face act of the Facebook, the issue is once again attracting headlines. Should Muslims react? How should they react? Where do they stand on the philosophical issue underlying all this?

In the media the issue has been framed as a clash between two camps. One camp stands for freedom of expression. The other wants to curtail it.  Needless to say the first camp is enlightened and virtuous. The other is a relic of the dark ages. The clash in other words is between a civilized and civilizing West and Islam that just refuses to be civilized.

Once you accept this framing of the whole issue, the outcome is already decided. Are you for freedom of expression or not? It is a loaded question, and just like the yes/no question, "Have you stopped beating your wife?" no matter how you answer it, you remain guilty.

Look at the typical Muslim response which begins, "We also believe in freedom of expression but…" It matters little what you say after that. It is obvious that you are trying to add exclusions and limitations to a basic moral value while the other side is asking for no such limits. It is not difficult to see which side will come out ahead.

But this predicament is a result of uncritically accepting a false statement about the nature of the clash. For the real clash is not between those who are for and those who are against a freedom. Rather it is between two different freedoms. On the one hand is the freedom to insult. On the other is freedom from insult. Whether it was the Satanic Verses of the 1980s or the Cartoons of 2005 and their endless reproduction since then, if they stand for any freedom, it is freedom to insult. Pure and simple. Muslims, on the other hand, have stood for and demanded freedom from insult. Nothing more. Nothing less.

These are certainly opposing values. You can be for one or the other. And the question does arise, which one is a better value.

To see that let us imagine a society that truly believes in the first as a cherished moral value. It celebrates freedom to insult and guards it at all costs. Every member of it enjoys this freedom and practices it regularly. In a business everyone insults everyone else. The boss is insulting the employees, the employees are insulting the bosses. The salesmen are insulting the customers. The accountants are insulting the creditors. Everyone is enjoying the great freedom to insult. The same is true of the home. The parents are always insulting the children. The children are constantly insulting the parents. The spouses are incessantly insulting each other. And in doing so they all stand on the high moral ground because freedom to insult is such a fundamental freedom on which the society is built.

Actually contrary to the claims of the pundits if the Western society was truly built on this "cherished moral value," it would have perished a long time ago --- consumed by the fires of hatred and negativity generated by this freedom. No home, no neighborhood, no village, no business, no organization and no society can survive for long if it makes freedom to insult as a cornerstone of its freedoms. Clearly most who advocate this freedom do not practice it in their daily lives. But they are making an exception in the case of Islam and Muslims. The driving force behind this is not any great moral principle but a deep rooted hatred born of ignorance.

Software professionals sometimes use a term called beature. It stands for a bug turned into a feature. A bug is a defect in the software. A feature, on the other hand, is a desirable attribute. A beature is a defect that is presented (thanks to slick marketing) as a feature. Freedom to insult is also a beature. It is the growing sickness of Islamophobia in the West which is being presented as a high moral value, packaged by the slick marketing departments as freedom of expression. 

Well, whether or not freedom to insult is a Western value, Islam has nothing to do with it. It lays emphasis on its exact opposite: the freedom from insult. It values human dignity, decency, and harmony in the society. The freedom of religion it ensures includes freedom from insults. While it does not shy away from academic discussion of its beliefs and showing the falsehood of non-Islamic beliefs, it makes sure that the discussion remains civil. In those discussions it wants to engage the intellect of its opponents; in contrast those who itch to insult their opponents are interested in satisfying their vulgar emotions. Thus while its most important battle is against false gods it asks its followers to refrain from reviling them. (Qur'an, Al-anam, 6:108). It also reminds them to stay away from harsh speech. "Allah loves not the utterance of harsh speech save by one who has been wronged." (Qur'an, Al-Nisa, 4:148). Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, who is being reviled by the scum of the world, taught Muslims to never let the low moral standards of their adversaries dictate theirs.

As a result of these teachings Muslims can never even imagine insulting any Prophet --- from Adam to Moses to Jesus to Muhammad, peace be upon them all. Even when they ruled the world, Muslims treated the religious leaders of non-Muslim also with respect – even during battles. In the Baghdad court Jewish and Christian scholars engaged in open discussions with the Muslim savants. Needless to say they had not been attracted by the freedom to insult but its exact opposite. Freedom from insult is a fundamental value that assures peace and harmony. It leads to healthy societies. And Muslims are very proud of their impeccable record here.

What is true of a home or a village is also true of the world as it has become a global village. Now, more than ever before, the world needs the harmony and tolerance that can only be assured by the freedom from insults.

By: Khalid Baig

MOTIVATIONAL

Ultimate in Self -Sacrifice

 

"No one of you is a believer until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself."

[Saying of the Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him)]

 

Many years ago, when I worked  at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Ameena who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother Abdullah, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother Abdullah carefully, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister Ameena who needed it urgently to survive..

I saw Abdullah hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it, if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the colour returning to Ameena's cheeks.

Then Abdullah's face grew pale and his smile faded. Then Abdullah looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?"

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister Ameena all of his blood in order to save her life.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet of Allah [peace be upon him] said:

 

"He who removes from a believer one of his difficulties of this world, Allah will remove one of his troubles on the Day of Resurrection"

[Hadith-Muslim]

VIRTUES OF FRIDAY(JUMMAH) PRAYER

 

Allah, the Exalted, says:

 

"Then when the (Jumu`ah) Salat is ended, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah (by working), and remember Allah much: that you may be successful.'' (Quran-62:10)

 

 

 The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:

 

"The best day on which the sun has  risen is Friday. On that day Adam was created, he was admitted to Jannah, and he was expelled therefrom.''
[HdithMuslim].

 

"If a man takes bath on Friday, (or) purifies himself as much as he can with Wudu', oils his hair, applies whatever perfume available in his house, sets forth for the mosque, does not separate two people (to make a seat for himself), performs Salat what is prescribed for him, remains silent when the Imam speaks, his (minor) sins between that Friday and the following Friday will be forgiven.''
[Hadith-Al-Bukhari].

 

 "A person who leaves 3 Friday prayers consecutively, Allah puts a seal on his heart."

 

(Hadith-Ahmad, Tirmizi, abu Dawud).

 

Gifts

 

 

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad [Peace be upon him]  is reported to have said:

"Give gifts to one another, for gifts take away malice."   ( Hadith-Mishkat)

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad [Peace be upon him]  used to accept gifts and give gifts in return.

( Hadith-Bukhari)

 

 

THE BEST

Sayyidina Muhammad (sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) told us:

1. "The best of the Muslims is he from whose hand and tongue the Muslims are safe." (Muslim)

2. "The best of people are those with the most excellent character." (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

3. "The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind." (Dāraqutni, Hasan)

4. "The best of people are those who are best in fulfilling (rights)." (Ibn Mājah, Sahīh)

5. "The best of people during fitnah is a man who takes up the reins of his horse pursuing the enemies of Allāh, causing them fear yet they make him fearful too, or a man who secludes himself in the desert fulfilling the rights of Allāh upon him." (Hākim, Sahīh)

6. "The best of mankind is my generation, then those that follow them and then those that follow them. Then there shall come a people after them who will become avaricious, who will love gluttony, and who will give witness before they are asked for it." (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

7. "The best of people are those who live longest and excel in their deeds, whereas the worst of people are those who live longest and corrupt their deeds." (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

8. "The best of women are those that please him (her husband) when he sees her, obeys him when she is commanded, and who does not secretly betray him with regards to herself and her money in that which he dislikes." (Ahmad, Sahīh)

9. "The best of women are those that please you when you see them, obey you when commanded, and who safeguard themselves and your money in your absence." (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

10. "The best of marriages are the easiest ones." (Abu Dāwūd, Sahīh)

11. "The best of your dates is the Borniyyū date; it expels disease yet does not contain any disease itself." (Hākim, Hasan)

12. "The best of your garments are those which are white; shroud your dead in them and clothe your living with them. The best of that which you apply to your eyelids is antimony causing the eyelashes to grow and sharpening the eyesight." (Ibn Hibbān, Sahīh)

13. "The best quality of your religion is scrupulousness." (Hākim, Sahīh)

14. "The best of your religion is that which is easiest." (Ahmad, Sahīh)

15. "The best of the prayer lines for men are the first rows, the worst being the final rows. The best of the prayer lines for women are the final rows and the worst are the first rows." (Muslim)

16. "The best prayers for women are those performed in the most secluded parts of their houses." (Ibn Khuzaymah, Sahīh)

17. "The best of you in Islām are those who are most excellent in character as long as you deeply understand the religion." (Ahmad, Sahīh)

18. "The best of you are the best of you in fulfilling (rights)." (Ahmad, Sahīh)

19. "The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family." (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

20. "The best of you are my generation, then those that follow them and then those that follow them. Then there shall come after them a people who will betray and be untrustworthy, will give witness even though they have not been asked to, will make vows yet will not fulfil them and obesity will appear amongst them." (Bukhāri)

21. "The best of you are those who feed others and return greetings." (Abu Ya‛lā, Hasan)

22. "The best of you is he from whom good is anticipated and safety from his evil is assured; the worst of you is he from whom nothing good is expected and one is not safe from his evil." (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

23. "The best thing mankind has been given is excellent character." (Hākim, Sahīh)

24. "The best of that which you treat yourself with is cupping." (Hākim, Sahīh)

25. "The best of journeys undertaken are to this Mosque of mine and the Ancient House." (Ahmad, Sahīh)

26. "The best of which man can leave behind for himself are three: a righteous child who supplicates for him, an ongoing charity whose reward continues to reach him and knowledge which others benefit from after him." (Ibn Hibbān, Hasan)

27. "The best Mosques for women are the most secluded parts of their houses." (Bayhaqi, Sahīh)

28. "The best of the world's women are four: Maryum bint ‛Imrān, Khadījah bint Khuwaylid, Fātimah bint Muhammad and Āsiyah the wife of Fir‛awn." (Ahmad, Sahīh)

29. "The best of days that you should perform cupping are the 17th, 19th and 21st of the month. I did not pass a single gathering of angels on the night of Isrā' except that they would say to me, 'O Muhammad, perform cupping!'" (Ahmad, Sahīh)

30. "The best day on which the Sun has risen is Friday; on it Ādam was created, on it Ādam was made to enter Paradise and on it he was expelled. The Hour will not be established except on Friday." (Muslim)

31. "Verily, the best of perfume for men is that which is strong in smell and light in colour, and the best of perfume for women is that which is strong in colour and light in smell." (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

32. "The most beloved of religions according to Allāh the Most High is the 'easy and flexible religion.'" (Ahmad, Hasan)

33. "The most beloved of deeds according to Allāh are the continuous ones, even if they are little." (Agreed upon)

34. "The most beloved of names according to Allāh are 'Abd Allah, 'Abd'l-Rahmān and Hārith." (Abu Ya‛lā, Sahīh)

35. "The most beloved of deeds according to Allāh are the prayer in its right time, then to treat the parents in an excellent manner, and then Jihād in the path of Allāh." (Agreed upon)

36. "The most beloved of deeds according to Allāh is that you die and yet your tongue is still moist from the remembrance of Allāh." (Ibn Hibbān, Hasan)

37. "The most beloved words according to Allah the Most High are four: Subhānallāh, Alhamdulillāh, Lā ilāha illallāh and Allāhu Akbar; there is no problem with which one you start with." (Muslim)

38. "The most beloved of speech according to Allāh is when the servant says, 'Subhānallāhi wa bihamdihī' (How Transcendent is Allāh and we praise him!)." (Muslim)

39. "The most beloved of speech according to Allāh the Most High is that which Allāh chose for his Angels: Subhāna Rabbī wa bihamdihī, Subhāna Rabbī wa bihamdihī, Subhāna Rabbī wa bihamdihī." (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

40. "The most beloved of people according to Allāh is he who brings most benefit, and the most beloved of deeds according to Allāh the Mighty, the Magnificent, is that you bring happiness to a fellow Muslim, or relieve him of distress, or pay off his debt or stave away hunger from him. It is more beloved to me that I walk with my brother Muslim in his time of need than I stay secluded in the mosque for a month. Whoever holds back his anger, Allāh will cover his faults and whoever suppresses his fury while being able to execute it, Allāh will fill his heart with satisfaction on the Day of Standing. Whoever walks with his brother Muslim in need until he establishes that for him, Allāh will establish his feet firmly on the day when all feet shall slip. Indeed, bad character ruins deeds just as vinegar ruins honey." (Tabarāni, Hasan)

41. "The most beloved of people to me is ‛Ā'ishah and from the men, Abu Bakr." (Agreed upon)

42. "The best of people in recitation are those who when they recite, you see that they fear Allāh." (Bayhaqi, Sahīh)

43. "The best of your leaders are those that you love and they love you, you supplicate for them and they supplicate for you. The worst of your leaders are those that you hate and they hate you, you curse them and they curse you." (Muslim)

44. "The best of you are those who are best in paying off their debts." (Tahāwi, Sahīh)

45. "The best of you are those with the longest lives and most excellent character." (Bazzār, Sahīh)

46. "The best of you are those with the longest lives and best in action." (Hākim, Sahīh)

47. "The best of you are those with the softest shoulders during prayer." (Bayhaqi, Hasan)

48. "The best of you are those who are best to their wives." (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

49. "The best of you are those who are best to their families." (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

50. "The best of you during the 'Period of Ignorance' are the best of you in Islām as long as they deeply understand the religion." (Bukhāri)

51. "The best of you are those who learn the Qur'ān and teach it." (Dārimi, Sahīh)

52. "The best of companions according to Allāh are those who are best to their companion and the best of neighbours according to Allāh are those that are best to their neighbour." (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

53. "The best of places are the Mosques and the worst of places are the markets." (Tabarāni, Hasan)

54. "The best supplication on the Day of ‛Arafah and the best thing that I and the Prophets before me ever said was, 'Lā ilāha illallāh wahdahū lā sharīka lahū, lahū'l-mulk wa lahū'l-hamd wa huwa ‛alā kulli shay'in Qadīr.'" (Tirmidhi, Hasan)

55. "The best of provision is that which suffices." (Ahmad in 'Zuhd', Hasan)

56. "The best testimony is when one gives it before he is asked to do so." (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

57. "The best of dowries are the easiest." (Hākim, Sahīh)

58. "The best of charity is that which still leaves you self-sufficient for the upper hand is better than the lower hand; start with those you are responsible for." (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

59. "The best of gatherings are those that are most open." (Abu Dāwūd, Sahīh)

60. "The most beloved deed according to Allāh is to have faith in Allāh, then to maintain the ties of kinship, and then to command to good and forbid the wrong. The most abhorrent of deeds according to Allāh is to associate partners with Him, then to cut the ties of kinship." (Abu Ya'lā, Hasan)

61. "The most beloved Jihād according to Allāh is that a word of truth be spoken to a tyrant ruler." (Tabarāni, Hasan)

62. "The most beloved word according to me is that which is most truthful." (Bukhāri)

63. "The most beloved fast according to Allāh is the fast of Dāwūd; he would fast every alternate day. The most beloved prayer according to Allāh is the prayer of Dāwūd; he would sleep half the night, stand a third and then sleep for a sixth." (Agreed upon)

64. "The most beloved dish according to Allāh is that which most hands feed from." (Ibn Hibbān, Hasan)

65. "The most beloved servant of Allāh is he who is most beneficial to his dependents." (Zawā'id al-Zuhd, Hasan)

66. "The best of earnings is that of the labourer as long as he tries his best." (Ahmad, Hasan)

67. "The best of all deeds is to have faith in Allāh alone, then Jihād and then an accepted Hajj; they surpass all other deeds like the distance between the rising and setting of the Sun." (Ahmad, Sahīh)

68. "The best of all deeds is the Prayer at its earliest time." (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

69. "The best of all deeds is the Prayer in its right time, to treat the Parents honourably and Jihād in the path of Allāh." (al-Khatīb, Sahīh)

70. "The best of all deeds is that you bring happiness to your Muslim brother, pay off his debt or feed him bread." (Ibn Adiyy, Hasan)

71. "The best of faith is patience and magnanimity." (Ahmad, Sahīh)

72. "The best of days according to Allāh is Friday." (Bayhaqi, Sahīh)

73. "The best of Jihād is that man strives against his soul and desires." (Daylami, Sahīh)

74. "The best Hajj is that with the most raised voices and flowing blood." (Tirmidhi, Hasan)

75. "The best of supplications is that of on the Day of 'Arafah, and the best thing that was said by myself and the Prophets before me was, "Lā ilāha illallāh wahdahū lā sharīka lahū." (There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah alone, He has no partners.) (Mālik, Hasan)

76. "The best of dinars are: the dinār spent by a man upon his dependents, the dinār spent by a man upon his horse in the path of Allāh and the dinār spent by a man upon his companions in the path of Allah, the Mighty, the Magnificent." (Muslim)

77. "The best word of remembrance is: Lā ilāha illallāh and the best supplication is: Al-hamdu lillāh." (Tirmidhi, Hasan)

78. "The best word of remembrance is: Lā ilāha illallāh and the best (expression of giving) thanks is: Al-hamdu lillāh." (Baghawi, Hasan)

79. "The best of hours are those deep in the latter part of the night." (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

80. "The best of all martyrs are those who fight in the front line; they do not turn their faces away until they are killed. They will be rolling around in the highest rooms of Paradise, their Lord laughing at them – when your Lord laughs at a servant, there is no accounting for him." (Ahmad, Sahīh)

81. "The best of all martyrs is he whose blood is shed and whose horse is slaughtered." (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

82. "The best of all charity is the shade of a canopy (provided) in the path of Allāh, the Mighty and Magnificent, to gift ones servant in the path of Allāh and to gift ones she-camel in the path of Allāh." (Ahmad, Hasan)

83. "The best of all charity is that which is given to the relative that harbours enmity against you." (Ahmad, Sahīh)

84. "The best of all charity is that you give it while you are healthy and desirous (of that money), hoping to become wealthy but fearing poverty. Don't delay until you are about to breathe your last and then you say, 'This is for 'so and so' and this is for 'so and so'', for indeed, it has already been written that 'so and so' would receive that." (Abu Dāwūd, Sahīh)

85. "The best of all charity is when the one with little strives to give; start with those you are responsible for." (Hākim, Sahīh)

86. "The best charity is to provide water." (Ibn Mājah, Hasan)

87. "The best prayer after the obligatory ones is the prayer in the depth of the night, and the best fast after the month of Ramadhān is the month of Allah, Muharram." (Muslim)

88. "The best prayer is the prayer of the man in his home except for the obligatory prayer." (Nasā'ī, Sahīh)

89. "The best prayer is that with the longest standing." (Muslim)

90. "The best of all prayers according to Allāh is the Friday morning prayer in congregation." (Ibn Nu'aym, Sahīh)

91. "The best fast is the fast of my brother Dāwūd; he would fast every alternate day and he would never flee (the battlefront) when the armies would meet." (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

92. "The best of all fasts after Ramadhān is in the month that you call Muharram." (Nasā'ī, Sahīh)

93. "The best of all worship is supplication." (Hākim, Sahīh)

94. "The best deed is the prayer in its right time and Jihād in the path of Allāh." (Bayhaqi, Sahīh)

95. "The best of the Qur'ān is: "Al-hamdu lillāhi Rabb'l-'Ālamīn." (Hākim, Sahīh)

96. "The best of earnings is a blessed sale and that which a man earns with his hands." (Ahmad, Sahīh)

97. "The best of the Believers is the most excellent of them in character." (Ibn Mājah, Sahīh)

98. "The best of the Believers with respect to Islām is the one from whose hand and tongue the Muslims are safe; and the best of the Believers with respect to Īmān are the most excellent of them in character; and the best of those who migrate is he who migrates from that which Allāh the Most High has prohibited; and the best of Jihād is when one strives against his soul for the sake of Allāh, the Mighty, the Magnificent." (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

99. "The best of mankind is the believer between two honourable persons." (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

100. "The best of all days in the world are the ten days (of Dhul Hijjah)." (Bazzār, Sahīh)

Do You know…

What will be the first thing that will be asked from this Ummah هلتعلمأنأولمايرفعمنأعمالهذهالأمة؟

Five Prayers الصلواتالخمس

Do You know…

Do you know what was the first prayer offered By Mohammad S.A.W هلتعلمأنأولصلاةصلاهارسولالله؟

It Was Duhr Prayer هيصلاةالظهر

Do You know…

Who will be the first one entering Jannah هلتعلمأنأولمنيقرعبابالجنة؟

He will be Prophet Mohammad S.A.W هومحمد - صلىاللهعليهوسلم

Do You know…

Who will be the first Ummah Entering Jannah هلتعلمأنأولأمةتدخلالجنة؟

It will be Ummah of Prophet Mohammad S.A.W هيأمةمحمدصلىاللهعليهوسلم

Do You know…

Who was the first one who say Azan in heavens هلتعلمأنأولمنأذنفيالسماء؟

He was Jibrail A.S جبريلعليهالسلام

Do You know…

Who first predicted the hours to be twelve هلتعلمأنأولمنقدرالساعاتالاثنىعشرة؟

It was Nooh A.S, who did this when he was on boat to find out the times for prayers نوحعليهالسلامفيالسفينةليعرفمواقيتالصلاة

Do You know…

Who was the first person who said SUBHANA RABBI AL AALA هلتعلمأنأولمنقالسبحانربيالأعلى؟

He was Israfeel A.S. هوإسرافيلعليهالسلام

Do You know…

What was the first ayah revealed from Al-Quran هلتعلمأنأولمانزلمنالقرآنالكريم؟

It was Surah Al-Alaq Ayah 1 اقرأباسمربكالذيخلق

Do You know…

Who first wrote with pen هلتعلمأنأولمنخطبالقلم؟

He was Hazrat Idrees A.S هوإدريسعليهالسلام

Do You know…

What was the last ayah revelaed from Al-Quran هلتعلمأنآخرمانزلمنالقرآنالكريم؟

It was Al-Baqara Ayah 281.. واتقوايوماًترجعونفيهإلىالله

Do You know…

What was the fist verse revealed from Torah هلتعلمأنأولمانزلمنالتوراة؟

It was Bismillah hir rahman nir raheem بسماللهالرحمنالرحيم

Do You know…

What is the most supreme Ayah in Quran هلتعلمأنأعظمآيةفيالقرآنالكريم؟

Its Ayat Al-Kursi -------Al-Baqara Ayah 255 آيةالكرسي

Do You know…

Whoever says SUBHAN ALLAHi WA BIHAMDIHI hundred 100 times,

All his sins will be forgiven even if they are as much as foam of the sea منقال ( سبحاناللهوبحمده ) مئةمرهغفرت ذنوبهولوكانتمثلزبدالبحر..

Do You know…

Whoever will say LAILLAHA ILLA ANTA SUBHANAKA INNI KUNTU MINAZ ZALIMEEN,

Whenever he is in sorrow, Allah will take away all his sorrows

Just like he saved YUNUS A.S, when he was inside the fish.

Do You know…

The Prophet said منقال ( لآإلهإلآإنتسبحانكإنيكنتمنالظالمين ) وهوفيشدهفرجالله عنه, ... كما فرج عن يونس عليه السلآم عندما قال هذه الكلمات في بطن الحوت قالعليهالصلاةوالسلامكلمتانثقيلتانفيالميزانحبيبتانإلىالرحمن

"(There are) two words which are dear to the Beneficent (Allah) and very light (easy) for the tongue (to say),

but very heavy in weight in the balance.

They are: Subhan Allah WA-bi hamdihi' and 'Subhan Allah Al-'Azim.." سبحاناللهوبحمده سبحاناللهالعظيم

Do You know…

Ibn-al Qayyaum R.A said: the things that make the body sick are:

قالابنالقيمرحمهالله أشياءتُمرضالجسم الكلامالكثير النومالكثير * والأكلالكثير *

Too much talking, Too much sleeping, Too much Eating

Do You know…

Jabir reported that the Prophet, SAW, said, 'Whoever says منقالسبحــــاناللهوبحمده.

Subhan-Allah- al-Azim WA bihamdihi (Glorified is Allah, the Great, with all praise due to Him),

will have a palm tree planted for him in paradise.'' Reported by Tirmidhi

Do You know…

Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith (May Allah be pleased with her) reported, from the Mother of the Believers:

The Prophet (PBUH) came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there. The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Are you still in the same position as I left you." I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet said, "I recited four words three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are: Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, `adada khalqihi, wa rida nafsihi, wa zinatah `arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi غرستلهبهنخلةفيالجنة. من قال سبحان الله وبحمده عدد خلقه ورضا نفسه وزنة عرشه ومداد كلماته ثلاث مرات سباق مغري إلى الجنة

The End…