Madani Qa’dah / Recitals of Salah

اَلۡـحَـمۡـدُ   لِـلّٰـہِ   رَبِّ    الۡـعٰـلَـمِیۡنَ   وَ   الـصَّـلٰـوۃُ    وَ  الـسَّـلَامُ   عَـلٰی   سَـیِّـدِ   الۡـمُـرۡ   سَـلِـیۡنَ   
 اَمَّـا  بَــعۡـدُ    فَـاَعُـوۡذُ   بِـا لـلّٰـہِ    مِـنَ    الـشَّـیۡـطٰنِ   الـرَّ جِیۡمِؕ    بِـسۡمِ   الـلّٰـہِ    الـرَّحۡـمٰنِ   الـرَّحِـیۡمِؕ

Lesson Number 1: Huroof Mufridat (Individual Letters)

C There are 29 Mufridat Letters i.e. Letters in the Arabic alphabets. C Pronounce the Mufridat Letters with the Arabic accent according to the rules of Tajweed and Qira`at; avoiding Urdu pronunciations, for example do not pronounce them at all as: ‘ظوئے, طوئے, خے, حے, ثے, تے, بے’. Instead pronounce them in the following way: ‘ظَا, طَا, خَا, حَا, ثَا, تَا, بَا’. C From these 29 letters, there are 7 letters that are always pronounced with a thicker voice; these letters are called ‘Musta’liyah Letters’. These 7 letters are: ‘خ, ص, ض, ط, ظ, غ  , ق’. Their combination (abbreviation) is: ‘قِـظْ ضَغْطٍ خُصَّ’. C Only 4 letters are pronounced from the lips: ب, ف, م, و. Apart from these letters, do not let the lips move whilst pronouncing any other letter. C While pronouncing these 3 letters ز, س, ص a whistle-like high-pitched sound is created, that’s why these letters are called ‘Letters of Safeeriyah’ i.e. letters producing a whistle like sound.

Tasbih-e-Ruku’

سُبْحٰنَ   رَ بِّیَ    الْعَظِيْمِ

Tasbih-e-Sajdah

سُبْحٰنَ   رَ بِّیَ    الْاَعْلٰی

Du’a-e-Masurah

(اَللّٰھُمَّ)  رَبِّ   اجۡعَلۡنِیۡ   مُقِیۡمَ   الصَّلٰو ۃِ    وَ   مِنۡ   ذُ رِّ یَّتِیۡ  ٭ۖ   رَ بَّنَا   وَ  تَـقَبَّلۡ   دُعَآءِ  ﴿۴۰﴾   رَبَّنَا اغۡفِرۡ لِیۡ   وَ   لِوَ الِدَیَّ   وَ  لِلۡمُؤۡ مِنِیۡنَ   یَوۡمَ   یَـقُوۡمُ  الۡحِسَابُ    ٪﴿۴۱﴾

Wajibaat of Salah

A blessed Hadees

Once the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم was sitting in the Masjid when a Companion came, performed Salah, and them came to the Prophetic court and gave Salam. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم replied to the Salam and then said, ‘Go and perform Salah again as your Salah has not happened.’ The Companion went and performed Salah again, and then returned. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said again, ‘Go and perform Salah again as your Salah has not happened.’ The Companion went and performed Salah again. This happened three times after which that Companion said, ‘By the One who has sent you with the truth! I do not know how to perform a better Salah than this. Please teach me!’ Upon hearing this, the Holy Prophet said, ‘When you want to stand for Salah, perform Wudu well, and then stand facing the Kaaba and say اَللہ ُاَکْبَر. Then recite whatever Quran you know, and then perform Ruku with tranquility. Then stand fully straight and then perform Sajdah with tranquility. Then sit with tranquility and then continue like this for the whole Salah.’ (Muslim, Kitab-us-Salah, pg. 168, Hadees 885-886, summarised)

Twenty-two Wajibaat of Salah

It is necessary to do these things in Salah. If any of these things are missed on purpose, the Salah will have to be repeated, and the one doing so will be sinful. If any of these things are missed mistakenly, Sajdah Sahw^[1] will become necessary. However, if a person performing Salah behind an Imam misses a Wajib, Sajdah Sahw will not be necessary on the follower. Note: The ruling of having to repeat the Salah or perform Sajdah Sahw due to missing a Wajib does not apply to every Wajib. 

 

(Taken from Laws of Salah, pages 125-127)

Note: Regardless of how many Wajibaat are missed by mistake, just one Sajdah Sahw is sufficient.

The method of Sajdah Sahw: When you sit for Qa’dah Akhirah to complete the final Rak’at of Salah, then after reciting At-Tahiyyat, perform Salam to the right side, perform Sajdah twice and sit in between them like you normally would between two Sajdahs. After this perform Qa’dah again i.e. sit and recite At-Tahiyyat, Durood Shareef and Du’a, and then perform Salaam. (Taken from Laws of Salah pg. 66)

Makruhaat of Salah

Two Ahadees

3. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, ‘What will be the condition of those people who look towards the sky during Salah? They should not do this; otherwise their eyes will be snatched away.’ (Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Azaan, vol. 1, pp. 265, Hadees 750)
4. Once the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, ‘Do not crack your knuckles during Salah!’ (Ibn Majah, Kitab-ul-Iqamah tis Salah, vol. 1, pp. 514, Hadees 965)

Twenty-two Makruhaat Tahreemah of Salah

If a Makruh Tahreemi act occurs in Salah, the Salah will have to be repeated. If someone does a Makruh Tahreemi act during Salah, he will also be sinful. In this case, repentance will also be necessary. 

Note: The ruling of having to repeat the Salah does not apply to every Makruh Tahreemi. 

 

(Taken from Laws of Salah, pg. 145-152)

The method of Witr Salah (7 Madani Pearls)

Two Ahadees 

3. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, ‘Indeed, Allah Almighty has helped you through a Salah which is better for you than red camels, and that Salah is Witr, which Allah has placed between Isha and dawn.’ (Abu Dawood, Kitab-ul-Witr, vol. 2, pp. 88, Hadees 1418)
4. In another Hadees, he said, ‘Witr is obligatory, so whoever does not perform Witr is not from us. Witr is obligatory, so whoever does not perform Witr is not from us. Witr is obligatory, so whoever does not perform Witr is not from us.’ (Abu Dawood, Kitab-ul-Witr, vol. 2, pp. 89, Hadees 1419)

 

(Taken from Laws of Salah, pg. 161)

The Beautiful Teachings of Islam

Dear Islamic brothers! We are all aware of the importance of clothing. Not only does it cover our body, but it also protects it. A person’s personality is also expressed through good clothing and his honour also increases. Clothing has a special status in almost all religions and nations of the world. In fact, there are some types of clothing that are a symbol of a person’s religion, nationality, or profession. Fundamentally, clothing is a human necessity, but as the world progresses the styles and colours of clothing is also on the increase, to the extent that the times of the day and night seem to have an effect on a person’s clothing.

It is virtue of Islam that it is close to the nature of people. Not only does Islam instruct men and women to adopt appropriate clothing in order to cover their bodies, it also promotes clean and good clothing. Alongside this, Islam also teaches us to adopt piety in our both our clothing and our character, for the betterment of our world and our Hereafter.

Allah Almighty states, (Translation of Kanz-ul-Iman:) O Descendants of Adam! Undoubtedly, We have sent down to you a garment that may conceal your parts of shame, and another for your adornment; the garment of piety (faith and good character); that is the best; this is among the signs of Allah, so that they may accept advice. 

(Part 8, Surah Al-A`raaf, Ayah 26)

The scholars say, ‘Clothing is necessary both from a worldly perspective and a religious one. In terms of religion, clothing is used to cover the private area (i.e. those parts of the body that we have been commanded to cover), because Sitr-e-Awrat (i.e. covering the parts of the body that are necessary to cover) is a condition for Salah. From a worldly perspective, clothing is used to prevent the heat and cold. This is a great favour of Allah. Allah Almighty has sent down three types of clothing; two of which are physical and one spiritual. One part is for Sitr-e-Awrat and the other is for adornment. Both of these are good (as long as they are according to Shari`ah). The spiritual clothing is faith, piety, modesty, good traits. All of these types of clothing descended from the sky, because cotton, wool, and silk are all produced through rain, and rain comes from the sky, and piety is attained through revelation (i.e. the special message that Allah Almighty grants to His Prophets) which also comes from the sky. From this we learn that clothing has only been made for human beings, which is why animals do not have clothing. Wearing enough clothing that is capable of covering the Sitr-e-Awrat is Fard, and wearing clothing of adornment (i.e. permissible and good clothing) is Mustahabb (recommended). Clothing is a great blessing of Allah and therefore when wearing clothing, we should give thanks to Allah.’ (Sirat-ul-Jinaan, vol. 3, pp. 289)

Dear Islamic brothers! Just as clothing is a blessing, shoes/slippers are also a blessing of Allah. By wearing shoes, the feet remain protected from pebbles, thorns, etc. as well from the heat and the cold. Now let’s learn some Sunnahs and etiquettes about wearing clothes and shoes:

The Sunnahs and etiquettes of wearing clothes and shoes

White clothing is better than all other clothing. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم liked white clothing. When putting clothes on recite the following Du’a; you previous and future sins will be forgiven: ’اَلْحَمْدُ للہِ الَّذِیْ کَسَانِیْ ہٰذَا وَرَزَقَنِیْہِ مِنْ غَیْرِ حَوْلٍ مِّنِّیْ وَلَا قُوَّۃٍ‘ meaning, ‘All praise is due to Allah who clothed me with this and granted it to me without my power and strength.’ When putting clothes on, start from the right, for example, put your right hand into the right sleeve and then put your left hand into the left sleeve. Similarly, put your right leg into your clothing first and then your left leg. Males should have their trousers made in such a way that they are above the ankles. When taking clothes off, start from the left, for example, take you left hand out first then your right. Put your shirt on first, then your trousers. Develop the habit of wearing an Imamah (Islamic turban) because wearing an Imamah is a very beautiful Sunnah of our Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. It is a Sunnah of the Prophet to wear Nalayn (i.e. footwear). Out of respect for the Holy Prophet, devotees of the Prophet refer to his blessed sandals as Nalayn Shareef. Put the right shoe on first, then the left shoe. When taking your shoes off, remove the left one first, then the right one. It is Sunnah to remove the shoes when sitting. Before putting your shoes on, shake them upside down so that any stones or insects fall out. If footwear that is in use is upside down, turn it the right way up, otherwise there is a danger of poverty and destitution. (Taken from Sunnatayn aur Adaab, pp. 102-105)

For Islamic sisters

It is necessary to wear at least that much clothing which covers the parts of the body that have been commanded to be covered. Women must not wear such thin or skin-tight clothes with which the parts of the body become apparent, as it is Haram for women to wear such clothes. Males must also not wear trousers or any lower garment of such thin material through which the colour of the skin is exposed. It is also Haram for males to wear such trousers or such a lower garment by which the parts that must be covered are not covered. 

Ruling: Women should not wear skin tight trousers because they expose the shape of their shins and thighs. It is better for women to wear trousers which are loose and long so that their feet are also covered. The more of the feet that can be covered the better. (Bahar-e-Shari’at, Part 16, vol. 5, pp. 417, summarised)

Ruling: It is not allowed for males to wear female clothing or for females to wear male clothing. (Jannati Zaywar, pp. 404)

Gambling

The definition of Gambling

Every game in which there is a condition that something belonging to the loser will be given to the loser is called gambling. (At-Ta’rifaat Lil-Jurjani, pp. 126)

Saying of Allah Almighty:

Translation of Kanz-ul-Iman: They ask you (O Beloved) the ruling regarding wine and gambling. Say you, that, ‘In both is great sin, and also some worldly benefit for the people, but their sin is greater than their benefit.’ (Part 2, Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 219) 

Scholars state, ‘The benefit in gambling is that at times a person gains wealth for free however the sins and discords that happen due to gambling are uncountable!’ It is stated further, ‘Bets placed over games which can be won or lost such as chess, cards, Ludo, carom, billiards, cricket etc. are all examples of gambling and are Haram. Likewise, the bets placed in cricket etc. over a match, or on each over, or on each ball are examples of gambling. Similarly, the bets placed in homes and offices over small things, for example, “If what I am saying turns out to be true, then food is on you, and if what you are saying turns out to be true, then food is on me”, are also examples of gambling. Lottery is also a form of gambling. Nowadays a specific amount is deducted when messaging mobile companies, based on which certain gifts are raffled; this is also included in gambling.’ (Sirat-ul-Jinaan, vol. 1, pp. 336-337, abridged)

Three Ahadees about gambling

3. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, ‘Whoever played Nardasheer (a gambling game invented by a Persian king called Nardsheer Ibn Tabik), it is as though he had dipped his hand into the blood and meat of a pig.’ (Muslim, Kitab-ush-Sh’ir, pp. 955, Hadees 5896) 
4. In another Hadees, the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, ‘Whoever plays Nard, and then gets up for Salah, his likeness is like the one who performs Wudu with pus and the blood of a pig, and then gets up to perform Salah.’ (Musnad Ahmad, vol. 9, pp. 50, Hadees 23199)
5. It is also narrated that the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, ‘Whoever says to his companion, ‘Come, let’s gamble!’ the person saying this should give charity.’ (Muslim, Kitab-ul-Aymaan, pp. 692, Hadees 4260) i.e. let alone gambling, even if someone invites someone else to gamble, then he should give the wealth that he wanted to gamble with or other wealth in charity so it can be a compensation for his intention. (Mirat-ul-Manajeeh, vol. 5, pp. 195) Remember, calling towards evil and sin is also evil and a sin. 

The harms of Gambling

Dear Islamic brothers! Gambling is Haram and an act that leads to Hellfire. Due to gambling, enmity forms between people. Due to gambling, a person becomes disgraced in the eyes of other people. A person who gambles gets a bad name. At times a gambler can lose his entire wealth to gambling. The life of a gambler gets destroyed. A gambler starts to avoid hard work. A gambler develops the habit of scrounging. Sometimes a gambler takes out a loan and in trying to win more money actually ends up falling into more loss. A gambler can never wish well for others because his success lies in the loss of others. A gambler becomes prepared to do the worst of acts just to get money to gamble with. A gambler can even lose his job or business. The family life of a gambler also gets destroyed. At times, a gambler despairs of life and commits suicide, thereby dying a Haraam death. 

How to get rid of the habit of gambling

Being ashamed of this Haraam act, repent sincerely in the Majestic Court of Allah Almighty and supplicate to remain steadfast on your repentance. Keep in mind the worldly and religious harms of gambling, and giving evidence of your intelligence, completely stay away from gambling. Leave the company of any friends who gamble, and adopt the company of the devotees of the Prophet who spread the call to righteousness. If you feel like gambling, give charity. Spend your money on permissible and rewardable things and gather a treasure of reward for the hereafter. Instead of being free, keep yourself busy in doing permissible and rewardable actions. 

Note: To further develop the mindset to stay away from gambling, study pages 150-157 from Maktaba-tul-Madina’s book, Backbiting: a Cancer in our Society.

Hatred

The definition of hatred 

Hatred is for a person to consider in his heart that someone else is a burden, to hold enmity and anger for him against Shari`ah, to detest him, and for this condition to remain permanently. (Ihya-ul-Uloom, vol. 3, pp. 223)

Saying of Allah Almighty 

Translation of Kanz-ul-Iman: And We have removed malice from their chests, rivers will flow beneath them, and they will say, ‘All praise is due to Allah Who guided us to this, and we would not have attained the right path if Allah had not guided us.’ 

(Part 8, Surah Al-A`raaf, Ayah 43)

Scholars state, ‘Allah will remove hatred from the hearts of the people of Paradise and they all become pure-hearted. Neither will they have any hatred regarding worldly matters in their hearts nor will they jealous of each other’s high ranks and palaces, rather they will all live in peace and harmony. From this we learn that being pure-hearted is from the attributes of the people of Paradise and it is hoped from the Grace of Allah, that whoever keeps his heart pure from hatred and jealousy in this life, Allah Almighty will make him enter amongst the pure-hearted ones (i.e. the people of Paradise) on the Day of Judgement. The hearts of all the people will be cleansed of hatred before they enter Paradise. (Sirat-ul-Jinaan, vol. 3, pp. 319, summarised)

Two Ahadees about hatred

3. The Final Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, ‘Avoid those who harbor hatred and rancor, because hatred and rancor destroy the religion. (Kanz-ul-Ummal, Part 3, vol. 2, pp. 28, Hadees 5486)
4. Once the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, ‘Indeed, tale-telling and hatred are in Hellfire. They cannot gather in the heart of any Muslim.’ (Musnad Ahmad, vol. 6, pp. 291, Hadees 18020)

Some Examples of Hatred

As soon as you think about someone, you consider them a burden and a wave of hatred rushes through your heart. If you see that person, you avoid meeting them out of hatred without any Shar`i reason. If you get any chance to harm them with the tongue, hand, or in any other way, you do not hold back. If you do meet them, you meet in an unfriendly and bad-mannered way. When you see them happy, you feel severe jealousy. Whenever you have a chance, you ruin their honour, etc.

Note: These examples are classified as sinful hatred when there is no Shar`i reason. If there is a Shar`i reason, hatred is not a sin.

The ruling on hatred

It is Haraam (and a sin) to have hatred and resentment for a Muslim without a Shar`i reason. (Fatawa Razawiyyah, vol. 6, pp. 526)

Causes of hatred 

C Anger   C Negative suspicion C Laughing and joking – The Leader of the Believers, Sayyiduna Umar Bin Abdul Aziz رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ says, ‘Fear Allah and refrain from joking, because it leads to hatred.’ (Ihya-ul-‘Uloom, vol. 3, pp. 159) C The biggest cause of sparking the fire of hatred in cutting into someone’s speech and making objections. (Ihya-ul-Uloom, vol. 2, pp. 224, summarised)

A sign of hatred

A person who has hatred in his heard for pious elders does not express humbleness in front of them. (Ihya-ul-Uloom, vol. 3, pp. 433, summarised)

Some cures to avoid hatred

Supplicate to Allah that He purifies your heart from hatred and malign. Study the virtues of swallowing anger and strive to control your anger. Do not allow negative suspicion about anyone to take root in your heart; rather, as far as possible, think good of every Muslim. Avoid alcohol and gambling completely because they intensely spark hatred and spite between people. If you see someone with an abundance of blessings, be patient, grateful, and content, and be pleased with the distribution of Allah Almighty. If you have an abundance of blessings, then instead of becoming conceited, help others and be generous. Develop the habit of giving Salam and shaking hands. If Shari`ah does not prohibit it, give gifts as this increases love. Start loving every Muslim for the pleasure of Allah. Instead of thinking various thoughts about other people, use your mind in something good. 

Note: To learn more about hatred, study pages 552-570 from Maktaba-tul-Madina’s book Ihya-ul-Uloom, volume 3. 

Humbleness

The definition of Humbleness

Being gentle to people based on their natures and their rank and status, and considering oneself to be inferior is called humbleness. (Taken from Fayd-ul-Qadeer, vol. 1, pp. 599, under Hadees 925)

An Ayah of the Quran about humbleness

Translation of Kanz-ul-Iman: Indeed, the Muslim men and the Muslim women, and the believing men and the believing women, and the obedient men and the obedient women, and the truthful men and the truthful women, and the patient men and the patient women, and the humble men and the humble women, and the charitable men and the charitable women, and the fasting men and the fasting women, and the men who guard their chastity and the women who guard their chastity, and the men who abundantly remember Allah and the women who abundantly remember Allah; for all of them, Allah has kept prepared forgiveness and enormous reward. 

(Part 22, Surah Al-Ahzab, Ayah 35)

Scholars state, ‘For women who are with men in Islam, faith, obedience, truthfulness in words and deeds, patient, humbleness, charity, fasting, protecting their chastity, and remembering Allah in abundance, Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward for them as a recompense for their good deeds.’ (Sirat-ul-Jinaan, vol. 1, pp. 245)

Hadees about humbleness

The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, ‘Whoever is humble for the sake of Allah, Allah elevates him.’ (Muslim, Kitaab-ul-Birri was-Silah, pp. 1071, Hadees 6592)

Some Madani Pearls for developing the habit of humbleness

Study the virtues of humbleness and the statements of the pious predecessors; you will gain the mindset and the enthusiasm to adopt humbleness. An obstacle to humbleness is arrogance, so cure arrogance, and protect yourself from the signs of arrogance. Refrain from singing your own praises, because staying humble is hard for someone who does this. If someone praises you, take account of your lower self and focus on rectifying yourself. Consider every Muslim as superior to yourself and give them respect. If someone points out your mistake, accept it and thank them. Looking at the good traits of others, try to become good yourself too and develop the habit of learning from others. (Najaat dilanay walay A’maal ki Ma’lumaat, 84-89)

Note: To learn more about humbleness, study pages 81-89 from Maktaba-tul-Madina’s book ‘Najaat dilanay walay A’maal ki Ma’lumaat’.

 

 

The favours of Allah

Dear Islamic brothers! Our Almighty Lord Allah has bestowed such immense favour on us in that He did not just create us, but He also granted us everything we require to stay alive. 

Take air for example. Humans, and indeed animals, are hugely dependent on this blessing to stay alive. If there was no air, all humans, animals, birds, and insects on the earth would die. Air is as important for humans and animals as water is for fish, because if there was no air, the natural heat of the bodies of animals and humans would make their hearts stop, causing them to die. It is due to the winds that clouds move from one place to the other and, by the command of Allah, water reaches wherever it is needed to irrigate fields. If this didn’t happen, fruit, vegetables, grains and other essential things wouldn’t be able to grow. It is due to the winds that boats sail from one place to another on the surface of the water taking necessary supplies with them. In this way, people across the world receive essential items. When the wind blows, it removes dirt and bad smell from the ground. If the wind didn’t blow, people would become ill due to the dirt and bad smell and would die. Dust flies up when the wind blows and this makes fruit trees in gardens stronger. This dust covers mountains which makes the mountains capable of being used for farming as well. It is due to the winds that movement is formed in the seas and the seas emit ambergris, other expensive jewels, and many other things that are beneficial for humans. Due to the blowing of the wind, rain disperses and falls as droplets. If it was not for the wind, rain would gather and fall at once causing a lot of financial and physical damage. Then this rain that falls in the form of droplets gathers to form rivers and continues to fulfil the needs of people well. It is also a great blessing that air which is so important is completely free and so widespread that no human or animal in the world is deprived of it. Sometimes there is humidity when rain doesn’t fall and the wind stops; there are even many wisdoms in this because if it rained continuously then the earth and everything on it would be destroyed, and if it was always humid with no wind and rain, our bodies, fields, springs, rivers etc. would all dry out, causing all living things to die. Therefore, it is for our betterment that sometimes the winds blow and sometimes they stop. At times, the wind and the rain it brings causes great loss. This happens to wake human beings up from the sleep of heedlessness, and to make them obedient and grateful to their Lord. (Taken from Majmu’ Rasa’il Imam Ghazali, Al-Hikmat Fi-Makhluqatillah, pp. 16-17) 

Allah Almighty states: (Translation of Kanz-ul-Iman:) And amongst His signs is that He sends winds; giving glad tidings, and because that He may make you taste His mercy, and because that the ship may sail by His command, and because you may seek His Benevolence, and because you may give thanks. 

(Part 21, Surah Ar-Rum, Ayah 46)

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب            صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

The greatness of my Prophet

The uncle of the Holy Prophet, Abu Talib said, ‘Once I was with my nephew (i.e. the Holy Prophet) in a place called Zul Majaz when suddenly I felt thirsty. I said to [the Holy Prophet] Muhammad Mustafa صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, ‘O my nephew! I am thirsty.’ I did not say this because my nephew had water; rather I only said this to express my problem. Upon hearing my statement, He got down from his riding animal immediately and said, ‘O uncle! Are you thirsty?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ Hearing this, [the Prophet] Muhammad struck the ground with his blessed heel from the blessings of which water suddenly sprang forth from that place! Then he said to me, ‘O uncle! Drink the water.’ Then I drank that water.’ (Tareekh Dimashq, vol. 66, pp. 308)

ہے خشک و تَر پہ قبضہ جس کا وہ شاہِ جہاں یہ ہے

یہی ہے بادشاہ بَر کا یہی سُلطاں سمندر کا

بجھے گی شربتِ دیدار ہی سے تشنگی اپنی

تمہاری دید کا پیاسا ہوں یوں پیا سا ہوں کوثر کا

زباں پر جَم گئے کانٹے ہے سارا حلق خشک اپنا

شہیدِ کربلا کا صدقہ دو اِک جام کوثر کا

کمی کچھ بھی خزانے میں تمہارے ہو نہیں سکتی

تمہیں حق نے عطا فرمادیا جب چشمہ کوثر کا

(Samaan-e-Bakhshish, 50-52)

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب            صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Fundamental Islamic beliefs about angels

Angels are a creation of Allah. Allah Almighty created them from light. They can come in any form they wish. Angels are infallible (i.e. they cannot sin) i.e. it is not possible for them to disobey Allah in any way. Angels only do that which they are commanded. 

Angels do various tasks: 

3. Conveying the message of Allah to Prophets
4. Making rain fall
5. Making winds blow
6. Conveying provision
7. Forming the appearance of child in the mother’s womb
8. Protecting human beings from enemies
9. Attending pious gatherings of Muslims
10. Writing the book of deeds
11. Many angels present themselves in the blessed court of the Holy Prophet 
12. Presenting the Salat and Salam of the Muslims to the Holy Prophet 
13. Asking questions to the deceased
14. Removing the soul human beings thus giving them death 
15. Giving punishment 
16. Blowing the horn on the Day of Judgement 

Angels are neither male nor female. Believing that angels have existed since forever or that it is angels that create everything is disbelief. Allah knows the exact number of the angels and by the bestowal of Allah, His Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم knows.  

Four angels are very famous and have a higher rank than the rest:

3. Sayyiduna Jibraeel عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام
4. Sayyiduna Mikaeel عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام
5. Sayyiduna Israfeel عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام
6. Sayyiduna Izraeel عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام

 

Even the slightest disrespect of an angel is disbelief. Likewise, rejecting the existence of angels or saying that angels are just ‘the power of goodness’ and nothing else is disbelief. (Taken from Bahar-e-Shari’at, vol. 1, pp. 90-95)

Note: Whoever says clear words of Kufr no longer remains a Muslim. Remember: We cannot make the decision about someone becoming a disbeliever as this is the task of scholars. If someone says something against the angels, we should ask Dar-ul-Ifta Ahl-e-Sunnat about it. 

Some Fundamental Islamic beliefs about Jinns

Jinns are a creation of Allah. Allah Almighty created them from fire. Some Jinns have been given the power to take any form. Jinns live for a very long time. Jinns that cause trouble are called Shaytan. Like humans, Jinns have intellects, souls, and bodies. They have children and lineages. Like us, Jinns eat, drink, live, and die. There are Muslim Jinns and non-Muslim Jinns. Most Jinns are non-Muslim. From the Muslim Jinns, some are good and some are bad, but the number of bad is higher. Rejecting the existence of Jinns or saying that Jinns and Shaytan are nothing but ‘the power of evil’ is disbelief. (Taken from Bahar-e-Shari’at, vol. 1, pp. 96-97)

What happens after death?

There is another realm between the world and the Hereafter called Barzakh. After death, humans and Jinns remain in Barzakh until the Day of Judgement. Some are at peace in Barzakh and some are in pain. There can be no increase or decrease in whatever lifespan has been destined for a person. When the time of a person’s life ends, Allah’s angels come to take out the soul. Whoever’s soul is removed sees angels all around him. A Muslim is surrounded by angels of mercy at that time and a non-Muslim is surrounded by angels of punishment. At the time of death, it becomes clear to every person that Islam is the truth; therefore, if someone accepts Islam at that point it will not be accepted from him, because he was commanded to accept Islam during his lifetime and now that chance has finished. Even after death, the soul remains connected to the body. Just as our soul feels the comfort or pain experienced by the body in this world, the soul also feels the comfort or pain experienced by the body after death. After death, the souls of Muslim reside in various places, for example, the grave, the well of Zamzam (located near the Kaaba in Makkah), between the sky and the earth, from the first sky to the seventh, above the skies, in chandeliers underneath the Arsh (which is above the skies), and in the extremely lofty buildings of Paradise. Similarly, the souls of non-Muslims also reside in different places, for example, in the grave, in a gutter in Yemen, from the first earth to the seventh, and from the seventh earth to a valley of Hell. The person in the grave sees, hears and recognises those who come to his grave. Believing in reincarnation i.e. that after death, the soul comes out and enters another person or animal, is disbelief. The deceased speaks but his speech is heard by all creation except humans and Jinns. The grave presses the deceased. If the deceased is a Muslim, the grave presses him like a mother embraces her child with love. If the deceased is a non-Muslim, the grave squeezes him so hard that his ribs intertwine with each other. When the deceased is buried in the grave, two angels enter the grave, ripping through the ground with their teeth which are many yards long. Their appearances are very frightening. They have black and blue eyes which are the size of cauldrons. Fire is blazing in their eyes. The colour of their bodies is also black and they have hair all over their bodies. One of them is called Munkar and the other is called Nakeer. They shake the deceased to get him up and ask him three questions in a harsh tone: (1) Who is your Lord? (2) What is your religion? (3) (they show him a form and ask) What did you used to say about this person? If the deceased was a pious Muslim, he will give the following answers: (1) My Lord is Allah. (2) My religion is Islam. (3) This is the Holy Prophet. Then the Muslim will be given various blessings in accordance with his deeds, and he spends his time until the Day of Judgement in peace. However, if the deceased was a non-Muslim, he replies to each question saying, ‘Alas! I don’t know anything! I would just say whatever I heard others saying. Then various punishments will begin and the deceased is continuously subjected to many difficulties. Gaining blessings in the grave or being punished in the grave is a reality. However, a person dies, whether by burning, drowning, being eaten by an animal, he will have to answer the above-mentioned questions in any case, after which blessings or punishments begin for him. The earth does not consume the bodies of Prophets, Awliya, Islamic scholars, Hafiz of the Quran, martyrs, those who always refrain from disobeying Allah, and those who recite Durood Sharif in abundance. Whoever says the following about the Prophets, ‘They have died and mixed with the soil’ is misguided and faithless. (Taken from Bahar-e-Shari’at, vol. 1 pp. 98-115)