Friday, February 26, 2010

Niqab: Fard' or Sunnah?


[Source: Courtesy of Islamic Media]

Hejab = [a] khimar + [b] niqab

[a] khimar = cover the head, neck and bossom
- Fard upon baligh of a woman
- No disagreement between the scholars on this matter

[b] niqab = covers the face with or without the eyes
- it is never a habit or a customary act
- minority of the scholars said it is fard (with no clear cut dalil)
- majority of the scholars said it is sunnah

What is jelbab?
- minority of the scholars defined it as covering from top to bottom
- majority of the scholars defined it as dress, as in the arabic language, it is a normal dress

References
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women, or their slaves, or male attendants who lack vigour, or children who know naught of women's nakedness. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And turn unto Allah together, O believers, in order that ye may succeed.” [Surah An-Nur: 31]

Abu Dawood narrates that `Aishah RA said: "Asmaa' the daughter of Abu Bakr RA came to see the Messenger of Allah SAW wearing a thin dress; so Allah's Messenger SAW turned away from her and said: O Asmaa', once a woman reaches the age of menstruation, no part of her body should be seen but this (he pointed to his face) and that (he pointed to his hands).

O Prophet! Say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the faithful to draw their outer garments (jilbabs) close around them; that is better that they will be recognized and not annoyed. And God is ever Forgiving, Gentle.” [Surah al-Ahzab: 59]

Aishah RA narrated in a hadeeth that women in ihram do not wear the niqab and gloves. In another hadeeth: Our beloved Prophet SAW provided the dalil that women in ihram during hajj do not wear niqab and gloves, indicating that the face is not aurat.

Afternote:
Subhan Allah, I was just enquiring from Ramzan if niqab is fard’ or sunnah and coincidentally, my cousin shared this video with me. It is very clear to me now, alhamdulilLah :)

What I like about the approach in the video is that Syeikh Shady al-Suleiman provides an overview of both schools of thought and leaves it to the Ummah to adopt what is comfortable for her. Truly, there is no compulsion in Islam.

More importantly, the Ummah is fully aware of the dire implications of labeling something that is not fard’ fard’… The key takeaway is that to speak with wisdom, we must have ilm’ and adab.

The conclusion based on personal opinion is to go with majority of the scholars (jumhur ulama’) without denying the opinions of the minority of scholars i.e. accept that some of our Muslim sisters practice wearing the niqab for the pleasure of Allah SWT.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Commemoration

“Say (O Muhammad): If you truly love Allah, then follow me, and Allah will love you and forgive you your sins” [Sural al-E-Imran: 31]


[Video courtesy of Huda TV of Sheikh Assim al-Hakeem]

A friend shared this article with me. Honestly, this is not a new problem - Some celebrate it with great devotion while some reject it with an equally great vengeance. Such differing opinions split up families, divide friendships as a result of unnecessary hurt. More importantly, it divides the Ummah. Sad isn't it?

So what is it that I'm talking about? It is Mawlid - commemorating (instead of celebrating) the birthday of our beloved Prophet SAW.

It is our prerogative to examine the facts, return to the Quran and Hadeeth about the reality regarding this. What is the history of Mawlid? If it is permissible, as mentioned by another article, what are the boundaries of Adab? If it is not persmissible, what are the justifications? Seek both perspectives fully and justly from authoritative ulama' before one speaks with wisdom about his or her position about this matter.

Read these as well and make an informed decision from there:
- Reprehensible innovations
- Abstinence from celebrations
- Yusuf al Qardhawi approves Mawlid
- Permissibility of Mawlid
- Fatwa on Celebrating Mawlid
- Commemorating Mawlid

To conclude, there is a great need to revive the Sunnah in this age of heedlessness and decadence. The birth of RasululLah SAW is a great blessing and we should express our joy by following his lifestyle perpetually.

Afternote: I appreciate the perspective of both sides. It is always with good intentions that the Ummah debate about this. It shows that we care (maslahat vs. mudarat). Personally, I'm perpetually trying to fully practice TRUE love for our beloved Prophet SAW by following closely the guidance that he brought to his Ummah. May our beloved Prophet SAW be a constant in our hearts and minds as we go about our daily deeds, insya Allah. The good comes from Allah SWT and the bad comes from me.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Sajda


The Holy Prophet SAW said, "Prayer is a cure for many diseases… Perform Ruku’ (bowing) and Sajda (prostration) properly.” [Source: Hadeeth in Ibn Maja & Hadeeth narrated by Anas bin Malik RA]

A person who does Sajda (Prostration), comes nearest to Allah SWT. The knowledge of that nearness, gives relief and in supplication, man gets at least a transient refuge from the worldly problems.

Sajda (Prostration) is unique because it is the only position in which the brain (or head) becomes lower than the heart and hence for the first time the blood gushes towards the brain with full force whereas in all other positions (even when lying) brain is above the heart when it has to work against gravity to send blood to the brain.

Due to the increased blood supply, the brain receives more nourishment and it has good effect upon memory, vision, hearing, concentration, psyche and all other cognitive abilities.

While going into Sajda and getting up from it, the back muscles contract actively and they become stronger, resulting in lesser incidences of backache. It is also uncommon that a man who offers his prayers regularly will get the usual neck myalgias or cervical spondylosis as the neck muscles particularly become very strong due to the 34 sajdas (Prostrations) offered daily in five prayers.

A man who offers his prayers regularly have more will power and can cope with the difficulties of life in a much better manner. He has less headaches, psychological problems and other defects of cognitive function and appears calm and in control.

The best blessing is the peace of mind, which a person derives by the accomplishment of his duty to Allah by fulfilling an obligation.

[Source courtesy of Dr. Muhammad Karim Beebani, Saudi Gazette]

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Kalimah "Allah"

This post was initiated due to my personal reflection of the Origins of Religion discussed previously in class. After reading this article and that article from Dr Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin, I understood his intent and where he is coming from - evaluate the maslahat against the mudarat and make an informed decision such that one preserves the true image of Islam while defending one's a'qidah.

I also understood where Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas is coming from when he discusses about kalimah Allah - in theological, epistemological and ontological sense. That Christians are not using it in the same manner as the Muslims use it (similar to what Dr Mohd Asri Zainal Abidin's comment about Trinity) because Allah SWT prescribes the kalimah exclusive for the use of Muslims all over the world.

I agree when Syeikh Abdul Halim cautioned us to be mindful and be able to distinguish the intent of the scholars and which school of thought they belong to:

"O Allah! Let us see the good as good, and bless us with following it. And show us the falsehood as falsehood, and bless us with staying away from it, with Your mercy, O Most Merciful!"

I also will heed mum's advice not to be taksub (following blindly any school of thought without question) but hold firmly to the al-Quran (wahyu Allah SWT) and Hadeeth (RasululLah's guidelines).

Truly in Islam, there is the concept of Unity that the Quran emphasises upon, commanding the Ummah not to disunite and become scattered groups:

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember Allah's favour unto you: how you were enemies and He made friendship between your hearts so that you became brothers by His grace; and (how) you were upon the brink of an abyss of fire, and He did save you from it. Thus Allah makes clear His revelations unto you, that haply you may be guided.” [Surah al e-Imran: 103]

May Allah SWT bestow us with hikmah (wisdom), protects us from the whispers of Satan and the wrath of the Hellfire, insya Allah.
Tasawwur Islam - 17 Feb 2010

Tonight's class Syeikh Abdul Halim concluded the program by talking about change, development and progress from Islam's perspective.

In the Secular Worldview, the 'goalpost' (aim) keeps shifting, so man is always in constant motion of  'becoming' (change) without ever reaching the status of 'being' (progress). This makes him feel inadequate most of the time as though the 'changes' made do not lead to 'progress'. Never ending story. Sounds familiar?

The beauty of Islam is that its Ummah has a definite clarity of purpose at the core of it (the aim remains a fixed constant so one knows where he is heading). That is the fitrah or substratum. And self-development is about making progress whether one is facing up to a challenge (and be suboor), avoid munkar (and have a strong Imaan) or enjoy ni'mah (and be syukor or grateful). More importantly, Islam prescribes the methods for one to reach the aim (and elevate one's standing in the eyes of Allah SWT), subhan Allah.

Afternote: Tasawwur Islam or Islamic Worldview is defined as Ru'yatul Islam Li al-Wujud. Wahyu Allah is the source of knowedge for Muslims and having a strong Islamic Worldview enables us to evaluate and improve our millah so that we be true to haqiqah and reject bathil, insya Allah.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

True 'Aqidah

"The most beautiful names belong to Allah, so call on Him thereby. 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." [Surah al-Araf: 180 and Surah al-Rad: 28]

Many recite Surah al-Ikhlas during their daily prayer. Many acknowledge there is one Rabb (Tawheed Uluhiyyah) but only some truly worship Allah alone (Tawheed Rububiyah). To know the true meaning of this Surah, read this tafseer

In view of this, we are compelled to not only know the Asma ul-Husna (the 99 attributes of Allah SWT) but also to acknlowledge, at a deeper level, how these attributes will instil true Tawheed Rububiyah in us:



‘Abd (from the stem "`a - ba - da,") means to submit, to worship and to obey, creatively expressed in `ibadah (worship), `ubudiyyah (pure worship and trust - a specific type and a general type), and `ubudah (ultimate perfect worship and internal unlimited submission and denial of the share of the self). [Source: Ibn `Ajeebah, `Iqadh Al-Himam fi Sharh Al-Hikan. Cairo, 1985, p.8]

Download The Belief of the Ahlul Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, a must read containing important Ilm' (knowledge) for True Muslims.

References:
- The meaning of 'abd.
- Types of 'ubudiyyah

Monday, February 15, 2010

Operationalising Islamic Sciences


I attended a seminar where Syeikh Abdul Halim spoke about Islam and Science while Dr Adi Setia provided clarity in vision about what is Islamic Science. Truly, Islam is beautiful - every creation in the ecosystem already has its proper place in the scheme of things. And Islam and Science are not separate, instead they are integrated in a consilient manner, reflecting unity (Tawheed).

So, besides ta'dib (the instilling and inculcation of adab in man), one must tafakur (contemplate) the perfect creation and miraculous workings of the ecosystems by Allah SWT (ayatulLah) to realise that scientific findings validate and strengthen the Haqq (Truth).

The next time you drink a drop of water - contemplate the water cycle, how blessings of the rain provided food a bounty for mankind, sea water produces different food supplies from water from streams, how water comes in many forms, some permissible for ablution, while some are not, think about how you use your 5 fingers to hold the glass of water and bring it to your mouth, how the water you drink flows through your throat to quench your thirst and flush out toxins from your body so that you maintain a healthy well-being, subhan Allah. May we not take for granted the countless ni'mah from Allah SWT as though they are a 'given'.

May these wahyu bring our hearts closer to the Creator, Allah SWT, insya Allah:

"... remember Allah, standing, sitting, and reclining, and consider the creation of the heavens and the earth, (and say): Our Lord! Thou createdst not this in vain. Glory be to Thee! Preserve us from the doom of Fire." [Surah al-E-Imran: 191]

"He (Allah) hath created the heavens and the earth with truth. High be He Exalted above all that they associate (with Him)." [Surah an-Nahl: 3]

"Allah, it is Who raised up the heavens without visible supports, then mounted the Throne, and compelled the sun and the moon to be of service, each runneth unto an appointed term; He ordereth the course; He detaileth the revelations, that haply ye may be certain of the meeting with your Lord." [Surah al-Rad: 2]

"Allah is He Who created the heavens and the earth, and causeth water to descend from the sky, thereby producing fruits as food for you, and maketh the ships to be of service unto you, that they may run upon the sea at His command, and hath made of service unto you the rivers; And maketh the sun and the moon, constant in their courses, to be of service unto you, and hath made of service unto you the night and the day. And He giveth you of all ye ask of Him, and if ye would count the bounty of Allah ye cannot reckon it. Lo! man is verily a wrong-doer, an ingrate." [Surah Ibrahim: 32-34]

The key message is that the core of our belief system (Islamic Worldview) must be rock-solid such that our speech, thoughts and deeds are aligned (not fragmented). Only then can we discern if prevalent theories of other Worldviews do not fit our Islamic Worldview and recommend a counter theory (that appreciates nature, not exploit it) that is aligned to the Islamic Reality (Haqq) as we engage Allah's creations in a harmonious manner (la darar wa la dirar: no harming and no reciprocating harm, muamalat alam al-tabiah: ethics of mercy)  in this physical world (al-Tabi'ah).

Afternote: BBC has a series on Islam and Science. Our da'wah is to approach Science that respects and preserves Allah's creations (Intelligent Design), whether it is biomimicry, bio-intensive agriculture, green chemistry, organic living, etc.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Labels

"Speech about people must be with knowledge and justice, not with ignorance and injustice..." - Ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimullaah)

I personally believe that mankind, by design, has a good heart. It is our fitrah. And it is out of love for one's Ummah, for the sake of Allah SWT, that a piece of advice, gentle reminder or a friendly nudge was given when one sees something 'amiss' from one's perspective. Nonetheless, the intent is always good but sometimes the approach may be unsuitable for the situation or context.

Truly, it takes hikmah (wisdom: putting things in its proper place i.e. Adab) to do da'wah. In essence, before one speaks, ensure one must be equipped with Ilm' (knowledge). Know when to speak and when to be silent. Know how to speak and to whom one should speak.

Afternote: I don't understand the 'labelling culture' of calling someone salafi or wahhabi, etc. Always bear in mind Satan's determined whispers to break the Ummah. Mum's constant reminder stays with me - that we should always see the good in people because that was how our beloved Prophet SAW treated people of all walks of life, race or religion. Indeed, his mercy and compassion for humankind was beyond compare.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Child Education in Islam

"If you are a teacher, just think of the delicate, sensitive and affectionate Prophet SAW conveying the pearls of his heart to the students of Suffa by the Masjid'un-Nabawi... If you have children then learn the affectionate conduct of the father of Fatimah, the grandfather of Hasan and Husayn... Whoever you may be and in whichever circumstance you may find yourself in, you will find in Muhammad SAW as the most perfect master and most beautiful guide at all times and places."

[Source: The Exemplar Beyond Compare: Muhammad Mustafa SAW by Osman Nuri Topbas]

Following from my post earlier on Bedtime Storytelling, I agree with Syeikh Abdul Halim on the topic of Childhood Education from the Islamic perspective or worldview.

Truly, Islam is syumul and there is clear guidance in all aspects of a Muslim's life. For example, it is stipulated that children below the age of 9, should not be 'burdened' with heavy-duty concepts or 'Ilm (knowledge) simply because they are not ready for such (they have not developed the ability and maturity to reason).

Instead, before the age of 9, Muslim parents are encouraged to constantly engage their child in conversations or play about love for mother, love for family and politeness, with the aim of instilling Adab in the child.

Download the guide on Child Education in Islam. Syeikh Abdul Halim encouraged educators or parents to also read "The educational philosophy and practice of Syed Muhammad Naguib Al-Attas: an exposition of the original concept of Islamization" by Wan Mohd. Nor Wan Daud. May we benefit from the information, insya Allah.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Tasawwur Islam - 10 Feb 2010

And there is a kind of person who would willingly give up personal interests,
seeking Allah's pleasure; and God is Most Compassionate towards His servants.
Successful indeed is the one who purifies his whole self.
Indeed the Next abode - it is truly the life!
[Surah al-Baqarah : 207, ash-Shams: 9, al-Ankabut: 64]

The Aristotelian relates 'happiness' (Eudemonia) as fulfilling all of one's potential, and that happiness is an end in itself. Western Worldview defines 'happiness' as the psychological state of satisfying one's desires. Both definitions are rejected by Islam.

In Islam, 'happiness' (sa' adah) is a a permanent state of consciousness natural to what is permanent in man and perceived by his spiritual organ of cognition which is the heart (qalb). To be enduringly happy, one must submit fully to the will of Allah SWT, requiring certainty (yaqin) in one's heart of the ultimate Truth and fulfillment of action or deed conforms with that certainty.

Truly, the definition of 'happiness' in Islam is beautiful, subhan Allah - it is peace, security and tranquility of the heart (tuman'ninah); it is knowledge (ma'rifah) and knowledge is true faith (Imaan). It is Tawheed. It is Adab. It is acknowleding one's proper relationship with the Creator accompanied by requisite action (ibadah). When all these conditions are present, we get justice ('adl).

The levels of happiness are:

1. The psychological and temporal states is attained when needs and wants are achieved by means of right conduct in accord with virtues - wisdom, temperance, courage and justice.

2. The spiritual, permanent and consciously experienced, when attained, occurs concurrently with the first, except that wants are diminished and needs are satisfied (Zuhud: diminishing of wants and desires).

3. The third level is the ultimate in the Hereafter, which is the Vision of Allah SWT.

Afternote: The 'ideal' state of happiness is attainable in Islam and has been attained by the best example, Prophet SAW who led a simple life free of material wealth but full of Adab, Imaan, Taqwa and Tawheed. Download The Early Hours to maintain the single minded desire to seek the pleasure of Allah SWT by using relevant methods and instruments in order to attain the ultimate goal, Jannah. 

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

77 Branches of Imaan

RasululLah SAW said there are over 70 things which are connected with Imaan, the highest of which is the Kalimah Shahadah and the lowest is the removal of a harmful object from the road. Modesty and hayaa is also a major part of Imaan.

Imaan means to accept in your heart (Tasdiq Bil Qalb) and bear witness verbally (Iqrarun Bil Lisaan).

When you scan through the list and read the commentaries, you will realise that Islam is indeed syumul (complete). Every good deed, even one which is 'as small as an atom' gets rewarded by Allah SWT by elevating one's Imaan to a higher point, Subhan Allah.

If you are keen to know the details, with ayat and hadeeth cited, download the book Furu' ul Imaan.

Monday, February 08, 2010

Bedtime Storytelling

I've always envisioned that one fine day in the near future, loving Muslim parents will read stories of our beloved Prophets at bedtime to their kids (instead of the Western Fairy Tales which does not add much value to the spiritual development of our young Ummah).

I believe every parent whose amanah is nurturing the Ummah of tomorrow hopes that his or her kids will grow up acknowledging the beautiful traits of Allah's Messengers from Prophet Adam AS to Prophet Muhammad SAW.

More importantly, instill those traits and values such that they strengthen their Adab, Islamic identity and Tawheed. Truly everything in the heavens and the earth belong to the Almighty Azza wa Jall, ameen.

Afternote: Parents can read the version by Ibnu Kathir and then simplify it according to the age of the kid and his or her level of curiosity and maturity. Or listen to these podcasts by Sacred Knowledge for inspiration :)

Sunday, February 07, 2010

The Opening Chapter

It is our fitrah to affirm that every word of the Surah al-Fatihah is the compulsive voice of our syahadah. I was compelled to pick up this book - The Opening Chapter of the Quran: Surah Al-Fatihah by Mawlana Abdul Kalam Azad - about the Quranic concept of God, the role of Islam not as a new religious doctrine but as the reminder of the Divine Message proclaimed by numerous Prophets in different places and at different times. 


Surah al-Fatihah is referred to as Al-Kafia (the Sufficient), Asasul-Quran (the Basis of the Quran), Sab’a al-Mathani (the Oft-repeated 7), ’Umm-ul-Quran (the Core of the Quran). If one reads this Surah and grasps its true meaning, he, with the Grace of Allah SWT, will understand the essence of the Islamic Faith which forms the subject of detailed explanation in the Quran – the human devotion to God and all that it implies presented via 7 brief phrases, each of not more than 5 words, every word crystal clear and impressive. Every word reveals the great purposes which underlie the Deen (way of life) sponsored by the Quran, Subhan Allah.

According to Bukhari and Muslims, the Islamic form of prayer is incomplete without a recitation of this Surah – When one recites it in the daily prayers, it brings to mind, everyday, the substance of his beliefs and his program of righteous living. The prayer form helps to voice the inward condition of one who, in sincerity, invokes Allah SWT. During salah, Allah SWT will reply to us:

When one recites the first ayat and pauses, Allah SWT replies:
“My servant has praised me.”

When one recites the second ayat and pauses, Allah SWT replies:
 “My servant has extolled me.”

When one recites the third ayat and pauses, Allah SWT replies:
“My servant has glorified me.” 
(On 1 occasion, Allah SWT says: “My servant has submitted to My power.”)

When one recites the fourth ayat and pauses, Allah SWT replies:
“This is between Me and My servant and My servant shall have what he has asked for.”

And when one recites ayat 5 to 7 and pauses, Allah SWT replies:
“This is for My servant and My servant shall have what he has asked for.”

[Source: Hadith Qudsi]

Afternote: From Deen Show's Library, download The Spiritual Cure.  

Saturday, February 06, 2010

Comparative Study of Religions

Following up from my earlier post on TUoR, I made a promise to myself to start learning comparative study of religions, starting with understanding the Monotheistic Faiths - Judaism, Christianity and Islam from the time of Prophet Adam AS to Prophet Muhammad SAW.

AlhamdulilLah, I found these useful links:
1. al-Huda link (with ayat from the Quran cited)
2. Link talks about the Prophet Muhammad's arrival is the Gospel (Good news) of Prophet Esa AS
3. Link talks about Prophet SAW and his relationships with the Ahlul Kitaab (People of the Book)

Also, view this link on the 'Origin of Religion' from the Western Worldview versus Islamic Worldview. I'll end this post with a collection of downloadable resources by the late Syeikh Ahmad Deedat (may Allah SWT bless the soul of this great man) via TruthWay TV, specifically about Christianity from the Islamic perspective. Here is a sneak peak on one of them (estimated duration: 2 hour video):


[Source: TruthWay TV]

May we benefit from this information as we strengthen our Islamic identity, insya Allah.

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Tasawwur Islam - 3 Feb 2010

"What is Iman? asked my reason to my heart. Whispering into the ear of my reason, my heart replied, Iman is but manners (adab)." [The Exemplar Beyond Compare: Muhammad Mustafa SAW by Osman Nuri Topbas]

In Islam, when you have Adab, like our beloved Prophet SAW, you attain progress. The term progress refers to a definite direction that is aligned to a final purpose - the Hereafter (not the illusionary 'progress' of material wealth or investing in the wordly life proposed by the Secular or Western Worldview).

Now, the Quran does not derogate the world itself; or dissuade one from contemplation and reflection of it and its wonders; rather it extols the world of creation and urges man to contemplate and reflect upon it and its wonders in order that he might be able to interpret and derive their practical and beneficial purpose:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
 
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil 'akhirati hasanatan waqina 'adhaban-nar

"Our Lord! Give unto us in the world that which is good and
in the Hereafter that which is good, and guard us from the doom of Fire."

[Surah al-Baqarah:201]

There is a difference between Ni'mah, Barakah and Hasanah:

Ni’mah means a specific blessing or bounty. It is a good situation or thing, which can be small or large, little or plentiful [Raghib al Isfahani, Mufradatul Quran].

It is only called a ni’mah when the receiver is an intelligent being. Allah SWT says we could not enumerate all of His ni’mah’s even if we tried to count them [Surah Ibraheem: 34].

When ascribed to Allah, it is also used in a general, singular sense to mean “the Divine Favor” which He has granted. It includes His signs, rewards, and beneficence that He has done to His creation.

Barakah means increase, growth and happiness. It is the establishment of divine goodness in something; from whence it exudes cannot be sensed by people, nor can it be outwardly quantified, nor is it limited by anything, but rather, something with barakah in it is called mubaarak, and has an unexplainable increase and benefit in it from Allah. Barakah is not the specific blessing (ni’mah) itself, but an increase in that given bounty. [al-Qushayri, Tafseer al Quran].

Hasanah comes from a root word which implies something pleasant and desirable to the intellect, fancies and desires, or the physical senses. It denotes every delightful ni’mah, or bounty, which a person can obtain for his body, mind and soul. Often translated as “the good” of this world and the hereafter, it also means good words or deeds (doing so beautifies one’s character and leads to a desired reward). The good of this world are Allah’s ni’mahs (bounties), and the good of the next world is His Paradise [al-Suyuti, Tafseer al Jalalayn]. 

What is hasanah in this world? Good in this world according to:
1. Ali RA is a pious wife
2. Qatadah RA is a peaceful existence and necessary livelihood
3. Hasan Basri RA is knowledge of Islam and prayer
4. Suddi RA is Lawful earnings
5. Ibn Umar RA is righteous children and goodwill of mankind
6. Jafar RA is ‘good health, honest living, knowledge of Qur’an, victory over Islam's enemies and the
    company of the pious

We live in this dunya, we have needs, and we are allowed to ask for them. So in our prayer, we ask for “hasanah” (good) in this world. Then we say, “and good in the hereafter, which means Jannah, and all the steps that lead to it. We ask for protection from the punishment of the grave. We ask that when the trumpet is blown on the Day of Judgment we are not among those who are terrified:

“Whoever brings a good deed, will have better than its worth, and they will be safe from the terror on that Day.” [Surah an-Naml: 89].

We ask that our book will be given to us in their right hand:

“Then, as for him who will be given his Record in his right hand, He surely will receive an easy reckoning, and will return to his family in joy!” [Surah al-Inshiqaq: 7-9].

We ask that when our deeds are weighed, our good deeds will be heavier than our bad deeds:

“And the weighing on that day (Day of Resurrection) will be the true (weighing). So as for those whose scale (of good deeds) will be heavy, they will be the successful.” [Surah Al-A'raaf: 8]

We ask that when we have to cross the Siraat, we cross it with ease and quickness:

"There is not one of you but will pass over it (Hell): this is with your Lord, a Decree which must be accomplished. Then We shall save those who used to fear Allah and were dutiful to Him, And We shall leave the wrong-doers therein (humbled) to their knees (in Hell).” [Surah Maryam: 71-72]

We ask to pass the Qantarah without any hardship. Abu Sa’eed al Khudree reports that the Prophet SAW said:

"When the believers cross the Hellfire, they will be stopped at a small arched bridge (Qantarah) before entering the paradise and will be given retribution for injustices between them until they become purified. (Then) they will be permitted to enter Jannah. So, by the One in whose hands is my soul, they will know their way to their homes in Jannah, better than they knews their ways to their homes in Dunya.” [Saheeh Bukhari]

Afternote: To ask to enter Jannah with ease, we should envision all these in our mind’s eye, acknowledging that there are steps to go through in the Akhirah when we make Dua. Knowledge of what we are asking for helps our dua come from the heart; when a person knows what he is asking for, he sincerely thinks about what the words include and know what a severe torment and punishment awaits those in the hellfire, nauzu billahi min zaliq.

Monday, February 01, 2010

Bedtime Ritual

Besides the usual Surah al-Fatihah, Surah al-Ikhlas, Surah an-Nas and Surah al-Falaq at bedtime, try reciting Surah al-Mulk. The way Sheikh Mishary al-Efasy recites the Surah, he could touch the depths of one's soul and make one's heart weeps, Subhan Allah:


Prophetic tradition has named this Surah as Waqiyah (means protector) and Munjiyah (sarviour). In a tradition, the Holy Prophet SAW was reported to have said:

"The Surah is the protector and saviour which will rescue and redeem one who recites it, from the torment of the grave.” [Source: Qurtubi, graded it as ‘hasan, gharib']

Sayyidina Ibn Abbas RA. reported that the Prophet SAW said:

"It is my hearts desire that Surah Al-Mulk be in every believers heart.” [Source: Tha’labi]

Sayyidina Abu Hurairah RA. reported that the Prophet SAW has said:

"Verily, there is a Surah in the book of Allah (Quran) containing thirty verses that will intercede on behalf of him who recites it until he is rescued from Hell and admitted to Paradise, and it is Surah Al-Mulk.” [Source: Qurtubi cited it from Tirmidhi]