True understanding of hajj

By Bilal Mohammed

The Hajj of Jahiliyya was (1) a cultural ritual, and (2) a business venture. What is it today?

The people treated their gods like family relics and lucky charms. These gods did not have a real, substantive presence in their lives. The Ka’ba was the epicentre of Jahiliyya – it housed the idols, it was surrounded by naked followers, and it was where petty business was conducted.

Satan does not have the power to create; only the power to corrupt. Instead of building his own temple, he subverted the holiest temple, flipping its true purpose onto its head. Satanism is to reverse good and evil, and reorder everything backwards.

The epicentre of the human being is the qalb. If the qalb is filled with the idols of this world, then it too needs to be purified and returned to its proper function – monotheism.

A true understanding of Hajj requires a true understanding of tawhid and islam. Hajj recounts the desperation of Hagar, and how her reliance on God led to her rescue. Just as the zamzam came in a dry, arid, hostile place, the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and the revelation sprung in the land of emptiness and ignorance to deliver the people from the edge of a pit of fire (3:103). Just as Abraham sought to sacrifice his only son for God’s glory, we have to make sacrifices for God: traveling to this hot and distant land (often, in the past, on barefoot), shaving our head, shedding our riches, wearing shrouds, sacrificing our wealth and our animals. The appetitive, lower self is sacrificed on Hajj, and you are born again. A sacrifice of life is what is needed to enter into a covenant with Allah – that is why it is called a “qurban”.

But how many of us have treated Islam as family heritage? How many of us use God only when it is convenient? How many of us will only do good when there is material benefit being sought? How many of us are people of ritual, but no substance? Or “substance”, but no ritual?

If Hajj is about sacrifice, how many of us are willing to “sacrifice” a few days in a 5-star hotel, but not sacrifice anything of substance for the glory of God?

When it was time for Husayn b. `Ali (Radhiyallahu anhu), the master of the youth of Paradise, to depart to Kufa, he changed his niyya of Hajj to a niyya of `Umra. He called the people of Mecca and Medina to join him, but they did not. Why would he leave during the season of Hajj? Because he needed to go and actualize the principle of Hajj, whilst the people were more attached to its ritual. And that’s exactly what he did, till he himself was slaughtered.

To make a mockery of this important pillar is a sin. Today, God has barred the people from visiting His House. Once we regain our sincerity, perhaps He will let us back in. But without sincerity, the One who can lock the heart of man can lock the heart of Earth. Once we make hijra from Jahiliyya completely, our return to Mecca – our glorious “reconquest” – can happen again.

Exemplary Ethics of the Prophet صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَم towards Animals

By Jamiatul Ulama Gauteng

He Was Kind Even Towards Animals

YOU WILL GUARD THEM

He was on his way to the biggest victory of his life that lasted sixty-three years. He was leading an army that had ten thousand soldiers and was about to enter Makkah which was both his home and native land.

While he was marching at the foremost of His army, He saw a female dog that had just given birth and her babies. He called His friend; Suraka the son of Juayl and ordered him:

“You will stand in front of the mum and her babies. Guard and protect them from being crushed until the whole army pass by.”

The mother and her babies were not disturbed but the army of the conquest that had ten thousand soldiers had changed its direction.

THE ANIMAL WHICH IS UNABLE TO SPEAK

One day while he was walking, he saw a lean camel whose belly had shrunk to its back. He became sad and turned to its owner:

“Fear Allah while tending this animal which is unable to speak!” (2)

IN FRONT OF ITS EYES

His cousin Abdullah, the son of Abbas narrated. One day, we were going somewhere with the Apostle of Allah (PBUH). Someone tied a sheep for slaughtering and was sharpening his knife in front of its eyes. Hz. Muhammad (PBUH) called that person:

“Have you intended to kill it again and again?”

NO ONE CAN TOUCH YOU

He was sitting with his friends. A camel came to him by sprinting and stopped. It seemed as if she was searching for a shelter. After a short time, its owners, who pursued her, arrived.

They said “O Apostle of Allah! This camel belongs to us. We have been searching it for three days. After all, we have found it near you.”

The camel was standing at the back of the Prophet Muhammad. He spoke without releasing its bridle:

“But your camel has been complaining about you so much.”

Her amazed owners asked:

“O Apostle of Allah, What is she saying?”

“She has been raised by you; she has carried goods for years; she has given you many babies and then you have tried to slaughter her by aiming to eat her meat.”

“Yes, O Apostle of Allah, You have said exactly what happened.”

Thereupon, the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) bought the camel by paying a hundred silver coins and turned to the camel:

“O camel, go now. You are free for the sake of Allah and now no one can touch you.”

THE MANY HEALTH BENEFITS OF FISH GELATINE

By Mujlisul Ulama

Fish Gelatine is a unique alternative to traditional mammalian  gelatine. It is available  in South Africa for the first time. (Note: All mammalian gelatine  is Haraam – The Majlis). 

Fish Gelatine is much more widely accepted, is the most superior gelatine available today and is quickly gaining popularity around the world as the ideal alternative to traditional mammalian gelatine, especially in terms of safety, health, nutritional value and functionality. The superior grade of fish gelatine produced by our manufacturers is high in demand.

Here are 11 incredible benefits of gelatine (Supported by Science):

1. JOINTS & LIGAMENTS – Heals joints, repairs ligaments and damaged tissues, relief from chronic bone pain were reported in as little as 7 days of taking fish gelatine!
2. HAIR, NAIL & TEETH HEALTH – Spin-off benefits include shiny, healthy hair & nails. Prevents hair loss and strengthens nails & teeth
3. GUT HEALTH & DIGESTIVE AID –  Gelatine has the ability to heal a leaky gut syndrome and maintains a healthy gut barrier
4. LIVER HEALTH – Impacts detox and liver function
5. HEART & BRAIN HEALTH – One of the best ways to lower homocysteine’s effect on the body is to consume more gelatin.
6. SKIN / ANTI-AGING & CELLULITE – Replaces collagen loss. Tightens skin, reduces & prevents wrinkles
7. PREVENTS & REVERSES ARTHRITIS  & GOUT – Just 10 grams of gelatine daily is enough for optimal health
8. WEIGHT LOSS- Supports weight management and just 10 grams daily leaves you full!
9. BONE STRENGTH – Supports bone formation & improves calcium absorption.
10. BODYBUILDING – Gelatine provides glycine and proline, bodybuilders have also been consuming gelatin for decades to help improve joint health and reduce inflammation
11. BOOSTS METABOLISM & IMMUNE HEALTH – The Glutamine found in gelatine helps build a strong, stable immune system

Fish Gelatine – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

QUESTION: What are the directions and dosage of fish gelatine?
Dosage: For optimal health, take 2 teaspoons daily (preferably before meals) Directions: Step 1: Soak the fish gelatine in a little cold water for at least 2 minutes (the longer the better), it is convenient to soak it overnight and take it on an empty stomach in the morning.

Step 2: Dissolve in hot liquid (tea, coffee, cereal, soup or even plain hot water). Stir and drink immediately.

QUESTION: Does Gelatine & Collagen have the same health benefits?
Answer: Yes! When it comes to the health benefits of gelatin and collagen, they are identical! Both have the exact same Amino Acid profile (The essential component that makes the gelatine & collagen so good for your health). The word “Collagen” is everywhere in the news, plastered all over and is all the hype. It is being promoted as the new superfood and fountain of youth. Many don’t realise that Gelatine is actually the ORIGINAL Collagen!

QUESTION: Can this be used as both a health supplement and as an ingredient in recipes that call for gelatine?
Yes! It can be used in both applications. Gelatine is in fact much more versatile than the pricey collagen powders on the market, apart from being a superfood and health supplement, gelatine is used in dessert making, candy making and even for hair lamination, face masks and crafts, unlike collagen which can only be used as a health supplement as it has been processed further to remove the original function of “gelling”. Another pro is that Gelatine is actually much much more reasonably priced, making it more feasible and affordable to include in your daily diet.

QUESTION: If gelatine is the original collagen, why are collagen supplements all the hype and so much more expensive than gelatine?
The promotion of “Collagen” instead of Gelatine has been funded by industry, for the simple fact that promoting the basic pantry ingredient Gelatine (which provides the exact same results), would be of little interest (in terms of profit) to the industry and world health and cosmetic companies.

QUESTION: Does it taste or smell fishy?
No, our fish gelatine is completely odourless, tasteless and unflavoured and is absolutely pleasant to consume.

QUESTION: Where is the Fish Gelatine manufactured?
We source exclusively from our HSC Halal / OU Kosher certified plant in China and independently test each batch locally at our labs in Cape Town.

QUESTION: Is it made from wild or farm-raised fish?
The raw material is made from the highest quality of fish, 100% halal and kosher Cichlid Tilapian. Farm raised in purified water, non GMO, kosher supervised. These are fully traceable.
We do not use wild caught fish as Marine collagen made from wild-caught fish can be contaminated with heavy metals since wild fish are exposed to high levels of mercury making it unsuitable especially in the health market.
Furthermore, the Cichlid Tilapian fish species proved to be the best to produce Gelatine because of its high protein content and being a warm water fish, it was the best selection.

QUESTION: Does it have any side effects?
No, fish gelatine has no side effects and is 100% safe to take even if you’re on other medications or chronic medications.

QUESTION: I’m allergic to fish and seafood, can I still consume the fish derived gelatine?
Yes! Fortunately one can safely consume the fish gelatine even if they are allergic to fish/seafood. The reason for this is because of the complex process it goes through to become gelatine. Nevertheless, as with anything, if one experiences any discomfort or negative effects, discontinue use. So far, there has not been a single documented report on any sort of negative effects from taking gelatine.

QUESTION: Is it safe for kids and during pregnancy?

Yes, fish gelatine is safe during pregnancy, lactation and is suitable for children of all ages.

QUESTION: Can I still take the gelatine if I have a chronic condition such as diabetes, cholesterol or a heart condition and on medication?
Yes! You can safely consume the gelatine. In fact, gelatine has been scientifically proven to be beneficial to those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, autoimmune diseases, etc. Gelatine has no contraindications.
Fish gelatine maintains heart health, strengthens the gut and lowers inflammation.

QUESTION: Which gelatine is most effective for health? Fish or Beef/Bovine Gelatine?
Fish gelatine is made up of Collagen Type I (which makes up 70% of the collagen in our bodies).  It is the best type of gelatine for skin, hair, nail and joint health.
Furthermore, for collagen to be absorbed quickly and effectively, molecular weight matters and while bovine- and other mammalian-derived gelatine can be effective, a 2015 study found that fish gelatine enters the bloodstream more rapidly and is absorbed up to one-and-a-half times more efficiently because of it’s low molecular weight.

QUESTION: How long will it take to work?

Some have noticed results in as little as 7 days, others may need to take it for at least 6 weeks before experiencing results. Consistency is the key.

QUESTION: It really worked! Do I now need to include it in my daily diet for life?
You don’t need to but it will be extremely beneficial for people 35 and older, remember with age, the body produces less collagen. The structural integrity of the skin declines. Wrinkles form, and joint cartilage weakens. Women experience a dramatic reduction in collagen synthesis after menopause. By the age of 60 years, a considerable decline in collagen production is normal. So, by adding gelatine to your daily diet, it will improve the skin’s appearance and joint functions naturally. So if you’re 40 or older, consider taking it as part of your daily diet for optimal wellness.

TESTIMONIALS
What others have to say about our Fish Skin Gelatin

Mum is 71 years old and has been suffering from arthritis of the hands, back and knee. She could barely walk, was in a lot of pain and was unable to be on her feet for very long. She used to hold onto the walls for support while walking. On the 6th Feb 2020, mum started taking the Fish Gelatine, six weeks later we noticed a huge improvement! She can now walk, be on her feet for much longer periods during the day and is not in severe pain anymore! She is thrilled and will continue having the Fish Gelatine!
NASEEMA, CAPE TOWN

Over the past 20 years my husband has been suffering with joint pain, swelling, gout, old sports injuries. We’ve been through years of anti-inflammatories, tried a gazillion natural supplements, lotions and potions. We were beginning to lose all hope until recently, I stumbled upon the benefits of gelatine, I then discovered Fish Gelatine right here in South Africa! I went online and purchased it immediately. It has been only 5 days since Adrian has started taking the gelatine and this in itself is a magic miracle! His ankle bone is usually the size of a golf ball and is right down to normal. His feet from aching all the time to no pain! The product speaks for itself and is pure and painless to take. It is fantastic to see and feel it working almost immediately!
MICHELLE, HILLCREST

I take just 1 teaspoon of the Fish Gelatine in hot cereal every morning. It’s really helping my knees and shoulder joints. I don’t have so much pain as before!
TASNEEM BADAT, ROBERTSHAM

I have been suffering with Piriformis Syndrome, a condition in which the piriformis muscle (located in the buttock region) spasms and causes buttock pain. The piriformis muscle also caused irritation to the nearby sciatic nerve, causing pain, numbness and tingling along the back of the leg and into the foot (similar to sciatic pain). Just a week of taking the Fish Gelatine and I feel an easing up of these spasms and tendon discomfort. The spin off benefits for skin, hair and nails are the cherry on the top. Best investment, my husband and I will continue to take it every morning for the rest of our lives. I highly recommend you get some to see and feel the benefits for yourselves!
MICH VAN VUUREN, KZN

My dad is 59 years old and has been suffering from arthritis of the knee, wrist pain in both hands, he has tried various ointments, etc, everything gave temporary relief. I introduced him to the amazing Fish Gelatine and he’s never looked back. I quote “all those nagging aches and pains have gone.” He’s had amazing results and fast relief.
A SEEDAT, DURBAN

The fish gelatine worked as an excellent alternative to bovine gelatine in my marshmallows. My customer circle widened and I got better reviews in terms of texture and taste! Thank you, using your ingredient in my products has opened a new portal for me.
KAREN, JOHANNESBURG

It’s the best gelatine I’ve ever used in all my years of confectionery and dessert making. It worked wonders and enhanced the taste and texture of my desserts. Everything I made using your fish gelatine turned out superb! Thank you so much!
ZAAKIRAH MOOLA RASLOUW

ON THE ASTOUNDING VIRTUES OF THE DAY OF `ARAFAT

by Shaykh Muhammad Shareef bin Farid

Tomorrow, Thursday [July 30, 2020] will be the 9th of Dhu’l-Hijja, known as “the Day of `Arafat”. It is the Day when all the pilgrims sit, stand, kneel and recline on the Mount of Mercy; calling upon Allah, sealing the Qur’an, doing remembrance of Allah and making supplications for forgiveness, mercy and well-being.

Some scholars refer to the Day of `Arafat as “a dress rehearsal for the Day of Judgment” and assert that all the pilgrims should act and behave as if they were standing for the Day of Reckoning.

The Qur’an, Sunna and the unanimous agreement of the Ijma` (consensus) uphold the superiority of the Day of `Arafat over all days. This is for many reasons, but mainly because it was the Day on which the religion of Islam was completed and perfected as Allah ta`ala says in Surat al-Ma’ida:

﴿ ﺍﻟْﻴَﻮْﻡَ ﺃَﻛْﻤَﻠْﺖُ ﻟَﻜُﻢْ ﺩِﻳﻨَﻜُﻢْ ﻭَﺃَﺗْﻤَﻤْﺖُ ﻋَﻠَﻴْﻜُﻢْ ﻧِﻌْﻤَﺘِﻲ ﻭَﺭَﺿِﻴﺖُ ﻟَﻜُﻢُ ﺍﻹِﺳْﻼَﻡَ ﺩِﻳﻨﺎً﴾

‘This day have I perfected your religion for you and have completed My favor upon you and have chosen Islam as a religion for you.’

The scholars are agreed that this verse was revealed on Friday during the Day of `Arafat during the khutba of the Farewell Pilgrimage of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. No other verse of a legal nature dealing with the obligations or prohibitions were revealed to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, after this verse.

Sultan Muhammad Bello said in his Nuur’l-Fajr:

‘As far as the day of `Arafat is concerned, it has many merits. Among them is that it is the day of the completion of the religion, further, Allah has sworn by this day in His Book.

Some of the people of Qur’anic exegesis (al-mufaasireen) have said: ‘The day of `Arafat is ‘the even’ which Allah swears by in His Book, and that ‘the odd’ refers to the day of sacrifice (an-nahr), when Allah ta`ala says:

﴿ ﻭَﺍﻟْﻔَﺠْﺮِ * ﻭَﻟَﻴَﺎﻝٍ ﻋَﺸْﺮٍ * ﻭَﺍﻟﺸَّﻔْﻊِ ﻭَﺍﻟْﻮِﺗْﺮِ ﴾

‘By the dawn, by the ten nights, by the even and the odd.’

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace narrated this in the tradition of Jaabir, which was related by Imam Ahmad and an-Nisai’ in his tafseer. It is said that the day of `Arafat is ‘the witness’ (shaahid), which Allah ta`ala swears by in His Book, when He says:

﴿ ﻭَﺷَﺎﻫِﺪٍ ﻭَﻣَﺸْﻬُﻮﺩٍ ﴾

‘By the witness and the witnessed.’

It has been related in the al-Musnad on the authority of Abu Hurayra that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him and grant him peace:

(( ﺍﻟﺸَّﺎﻫِﺪُ ﻳَﻮْﻡُ ﻋَﺮَﻓَﺔَ ﻭَﺍﻟﻤَﺸْﻬُﻮﺩُ ﻳَﻮْﻡُ ﺍﻟْﺠُﻤْﻌَﺔِ ))

‘The witness is the day of `Arafat and the witnessed is the day of jum`a.’

It has been narrated that it is the best of the days, based upon what was related by Ibn Habaan in his Sahih from a tradition of Jaabir from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace who said:

(( ﺃَﻓْﻀَﻞُ ﺍﻷَﻳَّﺎﻡِ ﻳَﻮْﻡُ ﻋَﺮَﻓَﺔَ ))

‘The best of the days is the day of `Arafat.’

This was the opinion of a large group among the scholars. However, there are some who say that the best day is the day of sacrifice (an-nahr). It has been narrated on the authority of Anas ibn Malik that it used to be said:

‘The day of `Arafat is equal to ten thousand days, meaning in merit. It is the day of the great pilgrimage (al-hajj al-akbar) with the majority of the learned people. Fasting during this day is atonement for sixty years. It is the day of forgiveness and redemption from the Fire.’

It has been related by Muslim on the authority of A`isha, may Allah be pleased with her that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace said:

(( ﻣَﺎ ﻣِﻦْ ﻳَﻮْﻡٍ ﺃَﻛْﺜَﺮَ ﻣِﻦْ ﺃَﻥْ ﻳُﻌْﺘِﻖَ ﺍﻟﻠَّﻪُ ﻓِﻴﻪِ ﻋَﺒْﺪﺍً ﻣِﻦَ ﺍﻟﻨَّﺎﺭِ ﻣِﻦْ ﻳَﻮْﻡِ ﻋَﺮَﻓَﺔَ ﻭَﺇِﻧَّﻪُ ﻟَﻴَﺪْﻧُﻮ ﺛُﻢَّ ﻳُﺒَﺎﻫِﻰ ﺑِﻬِﻢُ ﺍﻟْﻤَﻼَﺋِﻜَﺔَ ﻓَﻴَﻘُﻮﻝُ ﻣَﺎ ﺃَﺭَﺍﺩَ ﻫَﺆُﻻَﺀِ ))

‘There is no day that Allah frees more servants from the Fire than during the day of `Arafat. On it He draws near to them and boast about them with His Angels and says: ‘What is it that they desire?’

It has been related on the authority of Abu Umar that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him and grant him peace:

(( ﺇِﺫَﺍ ﻛَﺎﻥَ ﻳَﻮْﻡُ ﻋَﺮَﻓَﺔَ ﻟَﻢْ ﻳَﺒْﻖَ ﺃَﺣَﺪٌ ﻓِﻲ ﻗَﻠْﺒِﻪِ ﻣِﺜْﻘَﺎﻝَ ﺫَﺭَّﺓٍ ﻣِﻦ ﺇِﻳْﻤَﺎﻥٍ ﺇَﻟَّﺎ ﻏُﻔِﺮَ ﻟَﻪُ ))

‘When the day of Arafat comes, there does not remain anyone who possesses an atoms weight of faith in his heart except that he is forgiven.’

It was said to him: ‘Is this forgiveness just for a specific person or for the people in general?’ He, may Allah bless him and grant him peace said:

(( ﺑَﻞْ ﻟِﻠﻨَّﺎﺱِ ﻋَﺎﻣَﺔً ))

‘Rather, it is for the people in general.’ Abdu ibn Humayd related this prophetic tradition.

For whoever yearns to be freed from the Fire and yearns for the forgiveness of Allah and closeness to him, then he should seek to safeguard those causative factors that necessitate one being freed and attaining forgiveness. Among these causative factors is fasting during this day.

It has been related in the Saheeh of Muslim on the authority of Abu Qatada that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace said:

(( ﺻِﻴَﺎﻡُ ﻳَﻮْﻡِ ﻋَﺮَﻓَﺔَ ﺃَﺣْﺘَﺴِﺐُ ﻋَﻠَﻰ ﺍﻟﻠَّﻪِ ﺃَﻥْ ﻳُﻜَﻔِّﺮَ ﺍﻟﺴَّﻨَﺔَ ﺍﻟَّﺘِﻰ ﻗَﺒْﻠَﻪُ ﻭَﺍﻟﺴَّﻨَﺔَ ﺍﻟَّﺘِﻰ ﺑَﻌْﺪَﻩُ ))

‘Fasting during the day of `Arafat one should expect atonement for the year before and the year after.’

It has been related by Abu Bakr ibn Abu Shayba and Abu Ya`ala al-Musali in a sound chain of authority that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace said:

(( ﻣَﻦ ﺻَﺎﻡَ ﻳَﻮْﻡَ ﻋَﺮَﻓَﺔَ ﻏُﻔِﺮَ ﻟَﻪُ ﺳِﻨَﺘَﻴْﻦِ ﻣُﺘَﺘَﺎﺑِﻌَﻴْﻦِ ))

‘Whoever fast on the day of `Arafat will be forgiven for the following two years.’

It has been related by Abu Mansuur ad-Daylami with his chain of authority from Ibn Mas`ud, may Allah be pleased with him that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace said:

(( ﺻَﻮْﻡُ ﻳَﻮْﻡِ ﻋَﺮَﻓَﺔَ ﻛَﺼَﻮْﻡِ ﺳِﺘِﻴﻦَ ﺳِﻨَّﺔٍ ))

‘Fasting on the day of `Arafat is like fasting sixty years.’

Among the causative factors that necessitate one being freed and attaining forgiveness is safeguarding the limbs from prohibitions during that day.

It has been narrated by Imam Ahmad in his Musnad on the authority of Ibn Abass that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace said during the day of `Arafat:

(( ﻓِﻲ ﻳَﻮْﻡِ ﻋَﺮَﻓَﺔَ ﻫَﺬَﺍ ﻳَﻮْﻡٌ ﻣَﻦ ﻣَﻠَﻚَ ﻓِﻴﻪِ ﺳَﻤْﻌَﻪُ ﻭَﺑَﺼَﺮَﻩُ ﻭَﻟِﺴَﺎﻧَﻪُ ﻏُﻔِﺮَ ﻟَﻪُ ))

‘This day of `Arafat is a day that whoever controls his hearing, his eyes and his tongue will be forgiven.’ The author of the al-Firdaws has also related this.

Among the causative factors that necessitate one being freed and attaining forgiveness is to increase in bearing witness to the Divine Unity (shahaadat at-tawheed).

It has been related by at-Tirmidhi on the authority of Abdallah ibn Umar that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace said:

(( ﺧَﻴْﺮُ ﺍﻟﺪُّﻋَﺎﺀِ ﺩُﻋَﺎﺀُ ﻳَﻮْﻡِ ﻋَﺮَﻓَﺔَ ﻭَﺧَﻴْﺮُ ﻣَﺎ ﻗُﻠْﺖُ ﺃَﻧَﺎ ﻭَﺍﻟﻨَّﺒِﻴُّﻮﻥَ ﻣِﻦْ ﻗَﺒْﻠِﻰ ﻻَ ﺇِﻟَﻪَ ﺇِﻻَّ ﺍﻟﻠَّﻪُ ﻭَﺣْﺪَﻩُ ﻻَ ﺷَﺮِﻳﻚَ ﻟَﻪُ ﻟَﻪُ ﺍﻟْﻤُﻠْﻚُ ﻭَﻟَﻪُ ﺍﻟْﺤَﻤْﺪُ ﻭَﻫُﻮَ ﻋَﻠَﻰ ﻛُﻞِّ ﺷَﻰْﺀٍ ﻗَﺪِﻳﺮٌ ))

‘The best supplication among the supplications of the day of `Arafat and the best of what I have said and the Prophets before me have said is there is no deity except Allah, the One who has no partner. To Him belongs the kingdom and to Him is the praise, and He has power over all things.’

Among the causative factors that necessitate one being freed and attaining forgiveness is freeing slaves if possible or increasing in the word of Divine Unity, which in itself, equals the freeing of slaves as it has been well established in the sound prophetic tradition:

(( ﻣَﻦ ﻗَﺎﻟَﻬَﺎ ﻣﺎﺋَﺔ ﻣَﺮَّﺓ ﻛَﺎﻧَﺖْ ﻟَﻪُ ﻋَﺪْﻝَ ﻋَﺸَﺮَ ﺭِﻗَﺎﺏٍ ))

‘Whoever says it one hundred times it is equal to freeing ten slaves.’

Among the causative factors that necessitate one being freed and attaining forgiveness is performing much supplications by seeking forgiveness.

It has been related by Ibn Abi ad-Dunya in his chain of authority to Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah ennoble his face who said:

‘There is no day on earth that Allah frees more people from the Hell Fires. There is no day that He frees more people from the Fire than on the day of `Arafat. Therefore increase in the saying of:

ﺍﻟﻠَّﻬُﻢَّ ﺍﻋْﺘِﻖْ ﺭَﻗْﺒَﺘِﻲ ﻣِﻦَ ﺍﻟﻨَّﺎﺭِ ﻭَﺍﻭْﺳِﻌِﻲ ﻟِﻲ ﻣِﻦَ ﺍﻟﺮِّﺯْﻕِ ﺍﻟْﺤَﻼﻝِ ﻭَﺃَﺻْﺮِﻑْ ﻋَﻨِّﻲ ﻓِﺴْﻘَﺔَ ﺍﻟْﺠِﻦِّ ﻭَﺍﻹِﻧْﺲِ

ALLAHUMMA `ATIQ RAQBATEE MINA ‘N-NAARI WA AWSI`EE LEE MINA ‘R-RIZQI ‘L-HALAALI WA ASRIF ANNEE FISQATA ‘L-JINN WA’L-INSI

‘O Allah free my body from the Fire, expand for me from permissible wealth and ward off from me the corruption of the Jinn and mankind.’ This is a universal supplication for the day of `Arafat.

The secret of this supplication is that it delineates that the first ten days and nights of the Dhu’l-Hijjah, including the day of `Arafat are times in which Allah liberates people from the Hell, by bringing non-Muslims into the fold of Islam.

It is a time in which Allah expands the lawful wealth for His creatures. It is a time in which Allah ta`ala assists His servants against their enemies among men and djinn. It is a time of spiritual warfare, when Allah ta`ala unravels the magic of magician, expose the schemes of enemies and destroys those who hate the honor of Islam.

It is because of this the servants of Allah have to be acutely alert in their supplications, fasting and superogatory, because it is a time of spiritual war.

One should also take caution from committing sins and being persistent in major sins, which prevent one from attaining Allah’s forgiveness and being freed from the Fire. As it has been narrated in the sound traditions of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. One should also take caution during these days from having sexual intercourse with women.

The Knower of Allah, Abd’l-Wahaab as-Sha`rani in his al-Wisaaya:

‘Be cautious against having sexual intercourse during the ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah up until half of the month, as well as the tenth of al-Muharram and during the last ten nights of Ramadan. These are the times that are exclusive for the acceptance of supplications (bi istijaabati ‘d-da`awaat) and performance of obligations (fi`ili ‘t-taa`aati).

However, in that cautioning one should not rely upon the ideas of the philosophers, who say that having sexual intercourse during the above-mentioned days causes leprosy in children, blindness and the like. Rather, you should rely upon what has reached you from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace in prohibiting that. It has been narrated in a tradition of an-Nisai’, however the prohibition is not specific for the ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah over other days.’

The bottom line is that these sacred days of the Dhu’l-Hijjah are days and nights in which we should all close the doors of the sensate world and open the windows to the Hereafter. It is a time of purifying the heart of all things besides Allah.

It is a time of resorting back to Him and repenting of all the sins we have committed against our own souls in disobeying Him, as well as the sins we have committed against Allah’s servants and creatures. The ihraam should be the inner state of every man and women, be they running between Safa and Marwa or running between their jobs and the market places of this world.

Allah is a Witness for what I say, and success is with Him alone!

HOLY HAJJ

The Ka’bah holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims. The Qur’aan mentions: Remember when We (Allah) made the House (Ka’bah) a place where people come back often. Ibn Katheer rahimahullah states that the pull of the Ka’bah is so powerful that a Muslim’s heart and soul yearns to be there.

If a person has not seen the Ka’bah, he desires to; if a person goes once or many times, he does not feel satisfied; he yearns to go back. When a returning Haaji is asked: What do you wish for? They reply: We want to go back to the Ka’bah.

SPECIAL DUA

It is due to the Dua of Ebrahim alaihis salaam: O Allah! Make some people’s hearts turn towards them (my wife and child that I’ve left by the Ka’bah). Ibn Abbas radhiallahu anhuma mentions that if Ebrahim alaihis salaam made the Dua asking for all people’s hearts to incline towards them, then Jews, Christians and other non-Muslims would have joined the Muslims in flocking to the Ka’bah.

FIRST PLACE 

The piece of earth on which the Ka’bah stands was the first to emerge from the water from which the earth was created from. This piece of earth was created 2,000 years before anything else of the earth was created.

The Ka’bah goes back to the beginning of time: either the Angels or Aadam alaihis salaam first built it. It was rebuilt by Ebrahim alaihis salaam about 5,000 years ago.

The Ka’bah is the physical centre o f the earth . Amazingly, the four corners of the Ka’bah point approximately towards the four cardinal directions of North, South, East and West. Hajre Aswad’s corner points East, Rukn Yamani points South, Rukn Shaami points West and Rukn Iraqi points North.

TREMENDOUS TALK 

Allah chose the Hajj to complete His Message to mankind. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam performed only one Hajj, this in his last year of his life. Over 100,000 Sahaaba came to join in this Hajj.

It was here that he delivered what must surely rank as one of the most powerful and revolutionary discourses in world history. It was here also that Allah revealed the verse indicating the perfection and completion of Islam. In Makkah, Muslims link up with the legacy of the Prophets of the past who lived, walked and are even buried there.

‘HUMANITY’ BEFORE ISLAM?

Question:  After a certain souk organised by a community, the following  sentiments were expressed by some who attended (attached). In the last few lines the person mentioned the statement: ‘Humanity before religiosity’. Viewing this to be a statement of kufr, the Ulama were sought for response. A Mufti responded as follows:

‘We declare it as a futile utterance. The statement is based on the person’s misunderstanding that humanity is something separate from religion, whereas in actual fact we know that religion has taught us humanity.  And Allah Ta’ala knows best’.

The question is that although we may say that the person has misunderstood, but in his understanding he has understood something to be before Deen.

Am I being extreme and unaccommodating or is this statement a futile utterance and should be ignored as the Mufti says? Also  what about those who read such a statement?

Answer (By Mujlisul Ulama):

The statement: “Humanity before religiosity”, is kufr. It clearly means that ‘humanity’ whatever the chap means by it – has preference and priority over Islam.

The Mufti’s interpretation is not valid. If indeed the person has understood that humanity is something separate from religion, i.e. from Islam, then it confirms the person’s kufr because he has placed ‘humanity’ before and above Islam.

Nothing is before Islam. Any attitude which is given preference to Islam is kufr.

Those who agree with the statement are also guilty of kufr.

The clear implication is that Islam is devoid of ‘humanity’, hence the need to place it before Islamic demands, namely, Taqwa and Taa-at, which the fellow described with the term ‘religiosity’. In the context of Muslim understanding, ‘religiosity’ is Islam. Adherence to the tenets of islam is ‘religiosity’ which in the conception of the miscreant must be assigned a secondary role. It should not have prior importance. This is pure and indurate kufr with which the miscreant’s heart is corrupted.

The mufti’s brain is not operating smoothly. He has failed to take into consideration the circumstances and the scenario in which the statement was made. It was not a statement blurted out on the spur of the moment without application of the mind. The statement was disgorged by a faasiq who appears to have an aversion for the Sunnah, hence he derided the Deen with his shaitaani statement. It was a calculated insinuation against the Deen.

The term ‘religiosity’ in the context is not open to interpretation, especially such interpretation which accommodates a zindeeq. To safeguard the masses from kufr, even great Auliya who were paragons of Taqwa and the Haqq, were branded as ‘kaafir’ despite the Mufti being aware that the man was a great Wali. Hadhrat Ibn Arabi (Rahmatullah alayh) and Hadhrat Mansur Hallaj (Rahmatullah alayh) are just two examples of great Auliya who were branded ‘kaafir’ by other great Ulama and Auliya. This was necessitated by the imperative importance of safeguarding the masses from such statements of these Auliya which are beyond the scope of valid interpretation.

When a man drunk the left-over water of an Englishman, Hadhrat Shaikh Abdul Azeez Dehlawi (Rahmatullah alayh) ordered him to renew his Kalimah as well as his Nikah, despite being fully aware that the man had not committed kufr by drinking the water.

The local mufti to whom you have referred has failed to apply his mind constructively. He has read somewhere that according to Imaam Abu Hanifah (Rahmatullah alayh), if a statement has 99 possibilities of kufr and one possibility of Imaan, then it should be interpreted in favour of Imaan, and the person should not be branded a kaafir. While this is a fact, this mufti’s vision has failed to traverse beyond the parameters of his nose. He needs to brighten his brains with Taqwa. Only then will he be able to better understand the application of the principles of the Shariah.

In the context of the zindeeq’s utterance, ‘religiosity’ means nothing other than Islam. Thus the shaitaan was saying: Humanity is before Islam. And, ‘humanity’ in the context refers to some kuffaar concept. Islamic humanity is subservient to the Shariah. Advise the mufti sahib to place a halt on his intrusion into Shar’i affairs of this nature so that ignorant and unwary members of the community are not misguided by stupid interpretations which are the effects of mis-application of the brain.

THE CONCEPT OF ORIGINAL SIN

Original sin, in Christian doctrine, the condition or state of sin into which each human being is born; also, the origin (i.e., the cause, or source) of this state. Traditionally, the origin has been ascribed to the sin of the first man, Adam, who disobeyed God in eating the forbidden fruit (of knowledge of good and evil) and, in consequence, transmitted his sin and guilt by heredity to his descendants.

The concept of original sin is completely foreign to Judaism and Eastern Christianity, having achieved acceptance in only the Western Church.

The concept of original sin simply does not exist in Islam, and never has. For the Christian readers, the question is not whether the concept of original sin exists in present day, but whether it existed during the period of Christian origins. Specifically, did Jesus teach it?

Apparently not. Whoever dreamt up the concept, it certainly wasn’t Jesus, for he reportedly taught, “Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).

We may well wonder how “for of such” could be “the kingdom of heaven” if the unbaptized are hell‑bound. Children are either born with original sin or are bound for the kingdom of heaven. The church can’t have it both ways. Ezekiel 18:20 records, “The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son.”

“The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.”

Deuteronomy 24:16 repeats the point. The objection may be raised that this is Old Testament, but it’s not older than Adam! If original sin dated from Adam and Eve, one wouldn’t find it disavowed in any scripture of any age!

Islam teaches that each person is born in a state of spiritual purity, but upbringing and the allure of worldly pleasures may corrupt us. Nonetheless, sins are not inherited and, for that matter, not even Adam and Eve will be punished for their sins, for God has forgiven them. And how can humankind inherit something that no longer exists?

No, Islamically speaking, all of us will be judged according to our deeds, for “man can have nothing but what he strives for” (Qur’an 53:38–39), and “Who receives guidance, receives it for his own benefit: who goes astray does so to his own loss: no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another…” (Qur’an 17:15).

Each person will bear responsibility for his or her actions, but no infant goes to hell for being unbaptized and burdened with sin as a birthright – or should we say a birth wrong?

 

The Recommendation for the Imam to Lean on a Sword During the Khutbah of Jumu`ah in the Countries Conquered by Force

By Umar Rumi

Collecting a few resources and references as some idiots (spanning from coward weakos to pseudo-literalist wahhabis) are calling this a bid`ah.

1.

رَوَاهُ أَبُو دَاوُدَ عَنِ الْحَكَمِ بْنِ حَزْنٍ: قَال: وَفَدْتُ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَشَهِدْنَا مَعَهُ الْجُمُعَةَ، فَقَامَ مُتَوَكِّئًا عَلَى سَيْفٍ أَوْ قَوْسٍ أَوْ عَصَا مُخْتَصِرًا

حديث الحكم بن حزن أخرجه أبو داود (1 / 659 – ط عزت عبيد دعاس) وحسنه ابن حجر في التلخيص (2 / 65 – شركة الطباعة الفنية)

Narrated al-Hakam bin Hazn (Radhiyallahu Anhu):
(…) We attended the Friday prayer with the Prophet (ﷺ) and he (ﷺ) stood leaning on a sword or a bow or a staff. [Reported by Abu Dawud].

Source: أبو داود

2.

“ويتقلد الخطيب السيف في كل بلدة فتحت بالسيف كذا في شرح الطحاوي”

“The (Imam) Khatib shall hold the sword in his hands in every town which was conquered by sword as stated in (Isbijabi’s) Sharh on (Mukhtasar) at-Tahawi”.

Source: Fatawa-e-Alamgiri (Fatawa-e-Hindiyya)

3.

Source: ‏ “درر الحكام شرح غرر الأحكام” لملا خسرو رحمه الله

4.

 (و) إذا قام يكون (السيف بيساره متكئا عليه في كل بلدة فتحت عنوة) ليريهم أنها فتحت بالسيف فإذا رجعتم عن الإسلام فذلك باق بأيدي المسلمين يقاتلونكم به حتى ترجعوا إلى الإسلام (و) يخطب (بدونه) أي: السيف (في) كل (بلدة فتحت صلحاً) ومدينة الرسول فتحت بالقرآن([2]) فيخطب فيها بلا سيف ومكة فتحت بالسيف.

Source: “نور الإيضاح مع مراقي الفلاح“

Source 2: (not an endorsement of the person tweeting this)

5.

Shaykh سيف الله mentions:

The Imâm and exegete al-Qurtubî even reports the consensus (ijmâ`) of scholars on this subject, namely, that the khatîb preaches by leaning on a sword or a staff:

والإجماع منعقد على أن الخطيب يخطب متوكّئاً على سيف أو عصا

We have very old words on this subject such as that of jurist Abû al-Hassan al-Rastaghfanî al-Samarqandî al-Hanafî (d.345h), who was among the companions of Abû Mansûr al-Mâturîdî:

كل بلدة فتحت عنوة بالسيف يخطب الخاطب على منبرها بالسيف، ليريهم أنها فتحت بالسيف، فإذا رجعتم عن الإسلام فذلك باق في أيدي المسلمين نقاتلكم به حتى ترجعوا إلى الإسلام، وكل بلدة أسلم أهلها طوعاً يخطبون بلا سيف، ومدينة الرسول صلى الله عليه وسلم فتحت بالقرآن فيخطب بلا سيف، ومكة فتحت بالسيف فيخطب مع السيف.

6.

What is the reason for the Imam to hold the staff at the time of the Khutbah of Jumuah?

Q. What is the reason for the Imam to hold the staff at the time of the Khutbah of Jumuah?

A. It is a preferred act (Mustahab) for the Imaam/Khateeb to hold a staff (Asaa) with his left hand whilst delivering the Khutbah of Jumuah.

The scholars of Jurisprudence (Fuqahaa) have written that if the Muslims conquer a city by the sword, the Imaam should hold a sword whilst delivering the Khutbah, signifying the authority of the Muslims.

However, if the Muslims do not conquer a city by the sword but through the efforts of propagating Islam or there is a truce/agreement in place, then the Imaam may hold a staff whilst delivering the Khutbah. (Shaami 2/163/Fatawaa Darul Uloom Zakariyya 2/706)

Note: The above will be preferred (Mustahab) provided that it is not considered obligatory, compulsory or an emphasized Sunnah act.

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

Source: http://themufti.com/2019/06/20/what-is-the-reason-for-the-imam-to-hold-the-staff-at-the-time-of-the-khutbah-of-jumuah/ –https://jamiat.org.za/holding-the-staff-during-the-jumuah-khutbah/

 

Mention of Cars and Bikes in the Hadith

Abdullaah ibn Amr ibn al-’Aas (Radhiyallahu Anhu) reported that  Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has said that: “In the last  ages of my nation there will be men who ride on means that resemble saddles (’Mayasir’).  They will alight at the doors of the mosques.” [Narrated by Hakim in Al-Mustadrak]

‘Mayasir’ was a very costly and fine silk which the rich men used in those days to cover the saddles of their horses. This hadith means that these saddles which men will ride on at the end of times are not real saddles which are placed on the back of horses, they only resemble saddles.

Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) in all probability is referring to those vehicles which have been invented in this era, i.e., cars and bikes. Because they have comfortable, soft, and tender seats  like saddles in earlier days. And people use these cars and bikes to go to mosques.

At earlier time camels and horses were used as means of transport. No one could have imagined of mechanical vehicles e.g motorcycles, motor cars, etc

Also in earlier days, people were not used to riding camels or horses to go praying to mosques. As villages were very small, so people used to walk to mosques.

Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that people will travel on something having comfortable big seats. i.e. they won’t be riding on beasts and people would alight from them on doors of mosques.

It is a prophecy which we witness every day

---

when cars and bikes gather in front of the mosques…Subhanallah!

PROPHET DANIYAL (عليه السلام): THE CALLER TO ISLAM

By Jamiatul Ulama Gauteng

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

600 years before the birth of the Prophet Isa (عليه السلام), the king of Babylon destroyed the land of Israel. Some men, women and children were even taken as soldiers, and one of the child slaves was DANIYAL (عليه السلام).

The king of Babylon ordered his people to make a grand statue of himself. The people begun worshipping the idol of the king. However, DANIYAL (عليه السلام) never did.

The king of Babylon captured 2 hungry lions and threw DANIYAL near them in order to kill him because he never worshipped his idol. However, the lions did not even touch him because it was Allah تعالى’s command and miracle. Everyone was shocked to see lions doing nothing to DANIYAL (عليه السلام).

Whenever DANIYAL (عليه السلام) would be hungry, Aramaya (عليه السلام) would make food for him from Jerusalem and carry to Babylon, because it was a command by Allah تعالى.

DANIYAL (عليه السلام) remained as the king of Persia, according to some narrations.

One day, the king of Babylon saw a terrible dream that his statue was being destroyed by rocks. He requested the people to interpret his dream. DANIYAL (عليه السلام) interpreted his dream and said that if he did not become a good king; his kingdom would be destroyed.

The king later become a good person but he did not worship Allah تعالى.

After the death of the king, his son became the new king, however he was a bad and unjust king.

One day, Allah تعالى sent warning signs on the walls of the city and no one could understand what it meant. However, DANIYAL (عليه السلام) read them and said that the new king’s time was getting over because he would be soon attacked by the Persian king.

As expected, the Persian king took over the city of Babylon. However, to everyone’s surprise the Persian king was really good and he freed the people of Palestine to go to the land of Palestine according to some narrations. But Allah تعالى knows the best.

The Persian king even helped the people of Israel to build their temples and homes.

DANIYAL (عليه السلام) continued his job of continuing the call to Islam in Babylon and follow Islam.

At the age of 90, Prophet DANIYAL (عليه السلام) passed away.

During the time of the king Khalifah Uman (ra), Muslims won over the land of Iraq and found Prophet DANIYAL (عليه السلام)’s dead body with some written scripts. The people then dug 13 random graves and put in one of them those graves the dead body of the Prophet so that no one could find them.

Stories of the Prophets – Ibn Kathir

Islamic Guidance