Tag Archive | "Prophet Muhammad"

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The Prophet’s Birth

Posted on 13 February 2012 by Tea Server



The Year of his Noble Birth:

According to the most correct opinion of the scholars, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (SAWS) was born in the city of Makkah in the year of the Elephant (in the year 570 or 571CE), in the month of Rabee’ul-Awwal.

The Day of his Birth:

There is an agreement amongst the Scholars that the Prophet (SAWS) was born on a Monday, since he (SAWS) was asked about fasting on a Monday, and he said: “On that day I was born and on that day Revelation descended upon me.” (Related by Muslim and Ahmad)

However, as regards the exact date of his birth, then the scholars have differed about this. Dispite the common belief amongs people that he (SAWS) was born on the 12th of Rabee’ul-Awwal, yet the only substantiated fact regarding this date is that it is his (SAWS) death date .

Imaam an-Nawawee (d.676H) – rahimahullaah- said: “There is on agreement that he was born on Monday in the month of Rabee’ul-Awwal. There is a difference of opinion whether this day was the 2nd, 8th, 10th or 12th day of the month – and these are the four most well-known opinions concerning this.” 3

Events at the Time of his Birth:

Certain miraculous events are reported to have occurred at the time that the Prophet (SAWS) was born. However, most of them are not authentically related, rather they are da’eef (weak) or mawdoo’ (fabricated) and therefore cannot be relied upon as decisive proof; such as the narration which relates that some of the galleries of Kisraa’s (the Persian King’s) palace broke-up and collapsed, that the sacred-fire of the Magians died-out and that some of the churches on Lake Saawah (in Syria) collapsed and sank down. (Related by adh-Dhahabee who said: munkar ghareeb (rejected))

However, it is authentically related that the Prophet (SAWS) said. “I am a result of the supplication of my father Ibraaheem and the glad-tidings brought by ‘Eesaa ‘alayhimus salaam. And my mother – when she bore me – saw that a light shone out from her, which lit up the palaces in Syria … ” (Related by al-Haakim and Ibn Katheer said: “Its isnaad is good and strong.)

Celebrating the Day of his Birth:

Imaam al-Fakihaani (d.734H) – rahimahullaah -said: “Celebrating his birthday has no basis in the Book (Qur’an) nor the Sunnah, nor is this action recorded from any one of the scholars of this Ummah; those who are taken as examples to be followed and who cling to the narrations. Rather it is a bid’ah (innovotion), which was introduced by the Battaaloon (a deviated sect from the Faatimids).

As regards to the origins of this newly-invented celebration, then some of the research scholars have stated that the first person to innovate this practice was ‘Umar ibn Muhammad al-Mulaa in the city of Mawsil in Iraaq, during the fourth century, as is mentioned by the Imaam Abu Shaamah (d.665H).

He was followed in this by the likes of Abul-Khattaab ‘Umar ibn Dihyaa: “who was employed in the west, then travelled to Syria, then he travelled to the city of Irbil in ‘Iraaq, during the fourth century, where he found its king Mudhaffarud-Deen ibn Zaynud-Deen showing a keen interest in the Milaad (birthday) of the Prophet (SAWS). So he composed a book for him called at-Tanweer fi Mawlidis-Siraajil-Muneer; so he recited this to the king who then rewarded him with one thousand deenaars.”

Imaam Maalik (d.179H) – rahimahullaah – said: ‘Whosoever introduces into Islaam an innovation, and holds it to be something good, has indeed alleged that Muhammad (SAWS) has betrayed his message. Read the saying of Allaah – the Most Blessed, the Most High: “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you and I have chosen for you Islaam as your religion.” [Soorah al-Maa'idah 5:3]. So that which was not part of the religion at that time, cannot be part of the religion today. And the last part of this Ummah cannot be rectified, except by that which rectified its first part.”

Thus, had the practice of celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (SAWS) been something praiseworthy then: “the Salaf (the Pious Predecessors) – may Allaah be pleased with them all – would have instituted it. For they were the ones having a greater love and honour for Allaah’s Messenger (SAWS) and a greater zeal for doing good.

Indeed, the most perfect expression of love and honour for him is by following him, obeying him, carrying out his commands, upholding and reviving his Sunnah (guidance and example) – both inwardly and outwardly – and in spreading his message and striving in this, with the heart, the hand and the tongue. Such was the path of the Companions and those who followed them in goodness (i.e. beliefs and actions).”

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Funeral Rites in Islam: Everyone Shall Taste Death

Posted on 12 February 2012 by Tea Server



In this still sparkling, bright 21st century many of us have forgotten about death. It is a scary stranger. One we do not dare think about for fear that it will creep up behind us and whisk us away from the only life we know. In the past however, death was an ever present friend. People were born and died at home, surrounded by family or friends, death was accepted as an inevitable part of life. Death has become a stranger confined to cold hospital mortuaries and quiet, manicured funeral homes. The rights of the dying and the dead are no longer of paramount concern.

Death will come for each and every one of us. Prophet Muhammad,peace be upon him, said, “Always remember the destroyer of pleasures – death”.[1] The religion of Islam has not forgotten death, nor has it forsaken the rights of the dying. Islam provides us with a complete set of instructions for the one who is dying, those who are present at the time of death and those responsible for burying the deceased individual.

“Everyone shall taste death.” (Quran 3:185)
How those facing death should behave
Death is inevitable however there are certain things that a believer can do to prepare for his departure to life everlasting.

The first is to remain patient in the face of an event over which we have no control, and those suffering illness or injury should refrain from accusing or cursing God for his or her misfortunes. There are many authentic sayings and traditions from Prophet Muhammad that explain how and why illness and injury expiate sins and evil deeds. On this web site you will find articles that go into great detail about the benefits of patience and accepting the will of God[2].

“How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is also good for him.”

When faced with any degree of pain and suffering it is generally not permitted to complain and whine about God’s decree. However, Islam tells us that it is permissible to cry directly to God and lay before Him all our fears, pain and suffering. Prophet Jacob cried out to God when he feared the loss of both his beloved sons, Joseph and Benjamin.

“I only complain of my grief and sorrow to God.” (Quran 12:86)

Knowing that it is God alone who has control over our lives means that a believer is able to hover between the states of fear and hope. Fearful, due to the nature and number of sins he has acquired but hopeful that God will forgive them all and provide shelter from everything that he dreads. A believer facing death must put his trust in God, knowing that God’s decree is without a doubt the best, most just decision.

Before death overtakes him a believer must also make sure that his affairs are in order. He must write his will and try to settle any debts. Prophet Muhammad commented on both these issues. It is the duty of a Muslim who has anything to bequeath, not to let two nights pass without writing a will about it.[3]
A believer’s soul remains in suspense until all his debts are paid off.[4]
How the one dealing with a dying person should behave?

The sick person should be gently reminded that even sickness or injury is a blessing from God. It is expiation from past negligence or error and it is a source of great reward for one who trusts God and bears the ordeal with patience. When visiting a sick or dying person a believer should pray and make supplications. According to the Prophet’s beloved wife Aisha, whenever he visited a sick person he would pray using the following words.

Lord of mankind, remove the affliction from this patient for you alone are the healer, none can be healed unless healed by you: heal him so completely that the affliction is removed completely.[5] If a believer visits a non Muslim patient in addition to praying for his recovery he should seek help from God and invite the patient to accept Islam.

One of the most important things to remember about a sick or injured believer is that the angels gather around him. The words spoken at the bedside should be gentle , kind words of full of supplications because the angels gathered there respond ameen to all that is uttered. The patient should also be asked what he desires and the believer must do his best to deliver it. Perhaps it is food or drink, to send a message or to see a particular family member or friend.

When death becomes inevitable

A dying person sees what we do not see. He may drift in and out of consciousness. He may become very weak, hearing, but unable to reply. This is known as the death struggle and it is full of agonies we cannot imagine. When Aisha spoke about Prophet Muhammad’s death she said, “At the time of his death, he (Prophet Muhammad) dipped his hand in a water container and wiped it across his face saying, ‘There is no god but God, death is full of agonies’.”

There are a number of things that can be done to ease a dying person’s mind and help him to cope with the agonies. If it will not cause any discomfort he should lie facing the qibla, either on his right side or back. He can be prompted, very gently without any insistence to say the words, there is no god but God. If possible these should be his last words before dying. A dying person should never be left alone and wetting his lips or putting a few drops of water in his mouth may ease his suffering somewhat.

There are a number of practices connected to death and dying that have no basis in Islam. The practice of reading chapter Yaseen of the Quran is commonplace in some areas however reciting any part of the Quran will usually soothe a dying person. So too will any words of remembrance of God or supplications. There is no Islamic tradition or teaching requiring the Quran to be put under the head of a dying Muslim, nor is it necessary for menstruating women or those who have not showered after sex to leave the room..

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Prophet Muhammad: A Man of Character

Posted on 09 February 2012 by Tea Server



Now that we know we must love the Prophet what true love is, and what the signs of love are, we must begin to actually build this love.

The longest lasting love is a love of someone’s perfection in noble inner qualities. So we will now begin to go through snapshots of the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).


For forty years prior to the revelation, the Prophet Muhammad was indisputably known to be of sound morals. Amongst his tribe he was known as “As-Sadeeq Al-Ameen,” meaning the honest and trustworthy one. The fact that he was given this name can mean one of two things:

1. Either his honesty and trustworthy nature surpassed all others, or

2. At the time, it was rare to find someone who was honest and trustworthy; therefore his nature was unique and treasured as such.


There are many instances in the seerah (Prophetic biography) that illustrate the moral soundness of the Prophet Muhammad. One of these stories exemplifies the strength of the trust people had in him. It happened near the beginning of his prophethood. He summoned the people of Quraysh to the foot of a mountain and called out to them, saying: “Would you believe me if I told you an enemy host was waiting behind this hill to attack you?” Everyone, including those who would soon become his enemies, agreed that they would believe him.

Although we may have heard this story many times, it may be difficult to grasp the true significance of that moment; an entire tribe agreed that they would prepare for a battle with an enemy they had not seen, using their precious time, and risking their resources – based on the words of one man. Allahu Akbar! (God is great)

It is said that the people had so much faith in Prophet Muhammad that they would advise one another to seek his services when needed. They would say: “If you want to entrust your wealth for safeguarding, entrust it to this trustworthy, honest man, for he will never touch it. If you look for someone who never tells a lie and never breaks his word, go directly to Muhammad, because whatever he says is true.”


The best way to feel this point is to take a moment and imagine someone who you trust one hundred percent, someone you know would never hurt you, someone who would never betray your trust. When they speak, you know that their words contained no lies; you find comfort in their presence. Most likely, this imagining will cause you to yearn for someone of this nature.


Now take a moment and change that yearning for a nameless individual, to yearning for the Prophet because this description is exactly what he was like.


May God cause us to be of those who yearn to be in the presence of the Prophet Mohammed and truly make him beloved to our hearts.


A Man of Ultimate Consideration


Even at a young age, the Prophet Muhammad showed amazing consideration to those around him. Despite the lack of a steady father figure and the many trials he endured in his youth, the Prophet continued to persevere and serve those who were around him.


After the death of his grandfather, he was sent to live with his Uncle, Abu Talib. Abu Talib had many children but he always treated the Prophet Muhammad as his own and did not deprive him of what he needed. He was known to be a generous man and would always feed the pilgrims when they would come to make pilgrimage.


Because of his intense generosity, Abu Talib was poor and struggled to keep his family fed. At the young age of thirteen, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) decided that he never wanted to be a burden on the shoulders of his uncle and wanted to fend for himself. In a time where being a shepherd was seen to be lowly and unrewarding, the young Prophet sacrificed his own image and became a shepherd, receiving the lowest pay possible.


He did whatever he could to make sure that his uncle did not have to struggle to keep him fed and carried his own weight around the house. He stayed patient and rose in ranks in the work force until he became a successful business man by the age of twenty-five. It is at this time, in a highly chauvinistic society, that Lady Khadijah hired him to work for her. Just as his ego did not prevent him from a lowly job when he needed it, again his ego did not prevent him from working for a successful woman, whom he would eventually marry.


When Prophet Muhammad did finally marry Khadijah, he did not forget the generosity of his uncle. It was not enough for him that he had carried his own weight when living with his uncle, he also wanted to give back. The Prophet returned to Abu Talib and made a noble and dignified request. He asked for one of the children of Abu Talib so that he could raise him and care for him, just as his uncle had once done for him. Abu Talib agreed and gave him Ali, who would later be a great torch bearer of Islam.


At an age where many young men are only thinking about themselves, the Prophet was already catching every opportunity to make the lives of others easier. Had he not returned to foster one of his cousins, Abu Talib would not have been hurt. Abu Talib did not expect such a gesture; rather, it came from the pure unselfish heart of the Prophet. He was truly a man of consideration, asking for nothing in return.

A Man of Mercy


Today, often times a “religious” person is seen to be someone who is rough and rigid, spouting do’s and don’ts without thinking twice about the emotions of the person being scolded. The Prophet, however, was the farthest from any such description. He was a man who was enveloped in mercy, who cared for the weak, encouraged the women, and stood up for anyone in need.


God describes the character of the Prophet in the Quran when He says:
{So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].} (Al-Imran 3: 159)


The Prophet did not only have mercy towards the men of his society at a time when women were treated very harshly, he was also busy working against this to replace it with mercy and compassion.


The men at the time of Prophet Muhammad were privileged with the opportunity to constantly be in his company, learning and growing with him. The women wanted to have such an opportunity, and being the leader that he was, the women did not feel any shyness or fear in requesting this from him. Upon request, the Prophet set aside a special time just for the women so that he could answer their questions and help them with what they needed.


There is a narration in which the Prophet was sitting amongst the women and they were talking loudly to him. Omar came into the room and the women completely changed their demeanor. Seeing this, the Prophet did not get angry, nor offended, nor even jealous–rather, he laughed. Omar asked the Prophet why he laughed at their behavior and he replied that he was amazed at how the women hid the instant they heard Omar’s voice! This angered Omar and he questioned the women, asking how they should fear him yet not the Prophet? Their response exemplifies the mercy that Prophet had towards these women; they responded confidently that in comparison, Omar was hot-tempered, while the Prophet was the epitome of mercy.


The Prophet’s mercy was vast and inclusive. He spread it far and wide to the point that even animals could find refuge in his kindness. Of the many instances that are breathtakingly vibrant with the clemency of the Prophet is that of the helpless bird. ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud was traveling with the Prophet and a few other men. One of the men took an egg from the bird’s nest. Out of despair, the bird came and flapped its wings at the Prophet, and he took immediate notice to her sad state. He turned to his
companions and asked them who had made this poor bird miserable. Upon finding out that her egg had been taken, he ordered the man to return the egg to her as a sign of mercy and compassion. At a time when many humans were not being shown kindness, the Prophet mastered kindness to mankind and was already encouraging kindness and rights for animals.
Today, we look to the lives of the companions and read their stories. Many times, it is hard to comprehend how they had so much energy and drive to do all the things that they did. Their energy stemmed from pure Divine love which was not built through harsh reprimands or robotic movements—rather, this love was built by being in the presence of the Prophet seeing his amazing mercy and knowing that if he, the creation of God, could exhibit such mercy, then what of his Creator?

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Virtues of the Prophet between glorifying and example setting مناقب النبي (ص) بين التعظيم والتعليم

Posted on 08 February 2012 by Tea Server



It would be wrong to look on to the rank of the Prophet through his ideal virtues seeking merely to glorify him in pursuit of his intercession-as it is known among the common people- thus forgetting the purpose for which the Prophet was sent, which is the purification of mankind from the blemishes of infidelity, the inward and the outward. This is not accomplished except by assuming the prophet as an example, not in the sense of attaining the same rank of perfection as the prophet, but by acting like him as far as possible.

إن من الخطأ بمكان ، أن ننظر الى منزلة النبي الاعظم من خلال مناقبه المثلى ، لاجل التعظيم المجرد طلبا : للشفاعة ، او قضاء الحاجة – كما هو متعارف بين العامة – ناسين الهدف الذي من اجله بعث النبي الاكرم (ص) ، الا وهو تخليص البشرية من كل شوائب الشرك : جليّها وخفيّها .. ولا يتحقق ذلك الا من خلال اتخاذ النبي (ص) اسوة وقدوة ، لا بمعنى الوصول الى نفس مدارج النبي من الكمال ، وانما التشبه به قدر الامكان.

What substantiates the possibility of following the prophet’s example to a certain degree are the interesting expressions in Allah’s saying: {You have had a good example in Allah’s Messenger for whomsoever hopes for Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah oft}, because the verse has the expression “Have had” which implies stability and continuity, and the address is for all, as in the word “you”. The verse stipulated, for the ability to follow the example, the belief in Allah without which man could not move, and without motion he would not feel the necessity to follow the example of the symbols of that motion. The verse also stipulates the necessity of the belief in the Last Day without which man will lose the motives for motion, desiring the reward and fearing the punishment.

إن ما يؤكد قابلية النبي (ص) للتأسي به بدرجة من الدرجات ، هي التعابير الملفتة في قوله تعالى : { لقد كان لكم في رسول الله اسوة حسنة لمن كان يرجو الله واليوم الآخر وذكر الله كثير } ، ففيها التعبير بـ ( كان) الدال على الثبات والاستمرار ، والخطاب للجميع بعبارة ( لكم ) .. واشترطت القدرة على التأسي ، بضرورة الايمان بالله تعالى الذي لولاه ، لما تحرك العبد ، ولولا الحركة لما رأى ضرورة للتأسي برموز تلك الحركة .. وكذلك بضرورة الايمان باليوم الاخر الذي لولاه ، لفقد العبد مشوقات الحركة : طمعا في الأجر ، وخوفا من العقاب.

Striking natural changes coincided with the birth of the Prophet, like the cracking of Khisrau’s arch, the nullifying of the sorcerer’s work and the drying of Lake Sawa. All to announce the realization of a new era in the history of mankind, for it is the second striking stage after the creation of Adam. It was also marked by the movement of Satan’s men to change the path. For it was related that Satan’s men had asked him: “ What is it that frightened you o our master?” He said: “ woe unto you, the skies and the earth have changed as of tonight. Then he dipped into the earth roaming it until he reached the Kabba and addressed archangel Gabriel saying: “do I have a share in him?” Gabriel replied: “No”. Then Satan said: “In his followers, then?” Gabriel said: “Yes”. Then Satan said: “ I am satisfied”. The practical lesson from this is that; The more intense the motivation of guidance gets, the more fierce the enemies of the guided men get.

زامنت ولادة النبي (ص) تغييرات طبيعية ملفتة من : انفصام طاق كسرى ، وابطال سحر السحرة ، وجفاف بحيرة ساوة ، لتبشر بتحقق عصر جديد في تاريخ البشرية .. فهي المرحلة الثانية الملفتة بعد خلقة آدم (ع) كما زامنها ايضا تحرك الابالسة لتغيير المسيرة .. فقد ورد أن الابالسة قالوا للشيطان : ما الذي افزعك يا سيدنا؟.. فقال لهم : ويلكم !.. لقد انكرت السماء والارض منذ الليلة ، ثم انغمس في الدنيا فجالها حتى انتهى الى الحرم ، وخاطب جبرائيل قائلا : هل لي فيه نصيب؟.. قال: لا .. قال ففي امته؟.. قال: نعم ، فقال رضيت .. والدرس العملي من ذلك : انه كلما اشتدت موجبات الهداية ، كلما ازداد تكالب الاعداء على السائر في طريق الهدى.

‘Alee (P.B.U.H), the spiritual brother of the prophet (who also brought him up) described the prophet by saying: “Allah has associated with him since he was weaned, His greatest angel who was entering him upon the course of noble characteristics”. Thus, if Allah wanted to do good to a servant of His, He would rectify him by inspiration or association of an angel with him. What then keeps a man from asking his God to direct him by the directing angels, to protect him in his boisterous course of life from deviation and taking the sides of Satans?

يصف علي (ع) أخاه وهو ربيب المصطفى ، قائلا : ( ولقد قرن الله به من لدن أن كان فطيما ، اعظم ملك من ملائكته ، يسلك به طريق المكارم ) .. وهكذا فإن الله تعالى اذا اراد بعبد خيرا ، سدده الهاما، أو إقرانا بملك.. فما المانع من أن يطلب العبد من ربه ، أن يسدده بملائكة التسديد ، ليحفظونه في دورة حياته الصاخبة ، من موجبات الانحرافات ، والارتماء في احضان الشياطين؟

The Qur’an has ascribed to the prophet qualities not ascribed to anyone of the great prophets, by saying that he is: {Upon a mighty morality}. It is not important that a man keeps these qualities when he is alone with himself, rather what is important is that he practices them when he is confronted with contradicting social elements. It was related that a youth came to the prophet and said: “ Do you permit me to fornicate?” The prophet’s companions chided him and spoke rudely with him, but the Prophet wanted to uproot the corruption from the depth of his being when he returned him to his original nature by saying: “Do you like to see your mother or sister fornicated with?” He replied: “No”. Then the Prophet said: “All people are like that!” Then he placed his blessed hand on the youth’s chest and said: “ O Allah, forgive his misdeed, purify his heart and guard his private parts (against committing fornication). Which one of us then has such forbearance to contain perverted behaviour?

إن القرآن الكريم وصف النبي (ص) بما لم يصف به احدا من الانبياء العظام ، وهو انه على خلق عظيم .. وليس المهم أن يمتلك الانسان هذه الصفة في خلوته مع نفسه ، وانما المهم أن يكون كذلك في خضم المواجهة مع العناصر الاجتماعية المنافرة .. فقد ورد انه جاء شاب الى النبي (ص) فقال : أتأذن لي بالزنا ؟.. فنهره الاصحاب واغلظوا عليه ، ولكن نبي الرحمة (ص) اراد أن يجتث جذور الفساد من اعماق وجوده ، عندما ارجعه الى فطرته قائلا له: اتحب أن يزنى بأمك او اختك…. فقال لا .. فقال (ص) : كل الناس كذلك!.. ثم وضع يده المباركة على صدره قائلا: اللهم اغفر ذنبه ، وطهر قلبه ، وحصن فرجه!.. فأي منا له مثل سعة الصدر هذه ، في استيعاب الحركات المنحرفة؟!..

The Prophet’s miracle was not restricted to the splitting of the moon and the movement of the inanimate body but it extended beyond that to splitting the hearts and moving the thoughts. When a nation unique amongst nations in practicing the most despicable act of burying female infants (the most beloved of our blood), turns to be: {The best nation ever brought forth to men}, the likes of the angel-bathed Handhala and Qutada the son of Nu’man who witnessed the battle of Badr and one of his eyes was gouged out in the battle of Uhud when he came to the prophet and said: “I was recently married to a good looking woman and we love each other and I hate her to see me in this form”. Then the Prophet put it back into its place saying: “O Allah, cover him with your grace.”

لم تنحصر معجزة النبي الاكرم (ص) في فلق القمر وحركة الجماد ، وانما تعدت الى فلق القلوب ، وحركة الافكار.. واذا بأمة تنفرد بين الامم بأرذل خصلة ( الا وهي وأد البنت وهي من احب فلذات اكبادنا) لتتحول الى خير امة اخرجت للناس ، امثال : حنظلة غسيل الملائكة ، وقتادة بن النعمان الذي شهد بدرا ، وفقئت عينه يوم احد فجاء الى رسول الله (ص) فقال: ان لي امرأة جميلة ، احبها وتحبني ، واني جديد عرس ، فاكره أن تراني بهذه الهيئة .. فأخذها النبي (ص) ووضعها في مكانها قائلا: اللهم اكسه الجمال !..

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Prophet with People

Posted on 07 February 2012 by Tea Server



“By the grace of Allah, you are gentle towards the people; if you had been stern and harsh-hearted, they would have dispersed from round about you” The noble Qur’an, A’al-Umran(3):159

Even with all of his concerns and obligations, Muhammad (s.a.a.w.) never became unmindful of his people. He had a special place in his heart for each one of them and he was known among them for his soft-spokenness, his generosity, his tolerance, and his friendliness.

He would joke with his companions, sit and talk with them, play with their children and sit them on his knee. He would respond to the call of the free man or the slave, or the young girl or the poor. He would visit the sick on the opposite end of the city and he would attend their funerals. He would accept the people’s apologies and their excuses, and he was the most humble among them.

Abdullah ibn Al-Haritha narrated:
“I have never seen anyone who smiled more continuously than the Messenger of Allah (s.a.a.w.)” (Narrated by Al-Tirmathi)

Usamah ibn Zayd narrated:
“The daughter of the Prophet (s.a.a.w.) sent (a messenger) to the Prophet (s.a.a.w.) requesting him to come as her child was dying. However, the Prophet (s.a.a.w.) returned the messenger and told him to convey his greeting to her and say: “Whatever Allah takes is for Him and whatever He gives is for Him. Everything with Him has a limited fixed term (in this world) and so she should be patient and hope for Allah’s reward.” 

She again sent for him, swearing that he should come. The Prophet (s.a.a.w.) stood up, and so did Sa’id ibn Ubadah, Mu’ath ibn Jabal, Ubay ibn Ka’ab , Zayd ibn Thabit and some other men. [When he arrived,] the child was brought to Allah’s Apostle (s.a.a.w.), his chest heaving. On that the eyes of the Prophet (s.a.a.w.) began shedding tears. Sa’d said, “O Allah’s Apostle! What is this?” He replied, “It is mercy which Allah has lodged in the hearts of His slaves, and Allah is merciful only to those of His slaves who are merciful (to others).” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

Ibne Malik narrated that
“the Prophet (s.a.a.w.) used to mix with us (the children) to the extent that he would say to a younger brother of mine, ‘O abu-Umayr! What did the Nughayr (a kind of bird) do?’ ” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

Abu Dawood narrated that the Messenger of Allah would say:
“Let none of you transmit to me [evil news] about my companions, for I like to meet with you with a pure heart”

Ibn Masood narrated that Muhammad (s.a.a.w.) said to a group he sent to teach and advise:
“Be lenient and do not make [this religion] difficult. Bring glad tidings and do not repel”

AbuMalik al-Ash’ari said:
“The Messenger of Allah (s.a.a.w.) said: ‘Cleanliness is half of faith, and [saying] ‘Praise be to God’ fills the scale, and [saying] ‘Glory be to God’ and ‘Praise be to God’ fill up what is between the heavens and the earth, and prayer is a light, and charity is proof [of one's faith], and patience is a brightness, and the Qur’an is a proof for or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, some setting themselves free and others destroying themselves.’ ” (Narrated by Muslim)

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Justice of the Prophet

Posted on 07 February 2012 by Tea Server



Justice of the Prophet (s.a.a.w.)

The Prophet (pbuh) asked people to be just and kind. As the supreme judge and arbiter, as the leader of men, as generalissimo [head commander and chief] of a rising power, as a reformer and apostle, he had always to deal with men and their affairs. He had often to deal with mutually inimical and warring tribes when showing justice to one carried the danger of antagonizing the other, and yet he never deviated from the path of justice. In administering justice, he made no distinction between believers and nonbelievers, friends and foes, high and low. From numerous instances reported in the traditions, a few are given below.

Sakhar, a chief of a tribe, had helped Muhammad (pbuh) greatly in the siege of Taif, for which he was naturally obliged to him. Soon after, two charges were brought against Sakhar: one by Mughira of illegal confinement of his (Mughira’s) aunt and the other by Banu Salim of forcible occupation of his spring by Sakhar. In both cases, he decided against Sakhar and made him undo the wrong. [Abu Dawud]

Abdullah Bin Sahal, a companion, was deputized to collect rent from Jews of Khaibar. His cousin Mahisa accompanied him but, on reaching Khaibar, they had separated. Abdullah was waylaid and done to death. Mahisa reported this tragedy to the Prophet (pbuh) but as there were no eye-witnesses to identify the guilty, he did not say anything to the Jews and paid the blood-money out of the state revenues. [Sahih Bukhari]

A woman of the Makhzoom family with good connections was found guilty of theft. For the prestige of the Quraish, some prominent people including Asmaa Bin Zaid interceded to save her from punishment. The Prophet (pbuh) refused to condone the crime and expressed displeasure saying,

“Many a community ruined itself in the past as they only punished the poor and ignored the offences of the exalted. By Allah, if Muhammad’s (My) daughter Fatima would have committed theft, her hand would have been severed.”[Sahih Bukhari]
The Jews, in spite of their hostility to the Prophet (pbuh), were so impressed by his impartiality and sense of justice that they used to bring their cases to him, and he decided them according to Jewish law. [Abu Dawud]

Once, while he was distributing the spoils of war, people flocked around him and one man almost fell upon him. He pushed the men with a stick causing a slight abrasion. He was so sorry about this that he told the man that he could have his revenge, but the man said, “O messenger of Allah, I forgive you.” [Abu Dawud]

In his fatal illness, the Prophet (pbuh) proclaimed in a concourse assembled at his house that if he owed anything to anyone the person concerned could claim it; if he had ever hurt anyone’s person, honour or property, he could have his price while he was yet in this world. A hush fell on the crowd. One man came forward to claim a few dirhams which were paid at once. [Ibn Hisham]

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Muhammad (s.a.a.w.) as a Witness

Posted on 07 February 2012 by Tea Server



Allah T’ala sent the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.a.w.) as شَاهِدً
Allah T’ala says in the Holy Quran:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ شَاهِدًا وَمُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا

O Prophet, We have sent you as a witness, a bearer of good news and a warner. (33:45)

The meaning of the Prophet’s being a “witness” is very vast. It includes three kinds of evidence:

(1) Verbal evidence, i.e. the Prophet should bear out the truth of the realities and principles on which Allah’s Religion is based and tell the world plainly that they are the truth and all that is opposed to them is falsehood. He should rise to proclaim without hesitation and fear the Being of Allah and His Unity, the existence of the angels, the corning down of Revelation, the occurrence of life-after-death, the Hell and Heaven, all are realities, even if they appear strange to the world, and the people mock the one presenting them, or call him a madman. 

Likewise, the Prophet should openly present before the people the concepts, values, principles and rules pertaining to morality and civilization and social life that God has revealed to him, and reject as wrong all the concepts and ways which are prevalent and are opposed to them, even if the whole world rejects them as wrong and violates them in practice. Similarly, the Prophet should proclaim as lawful what is lawful in Allah’s Law even if the whole world regards it as unlawful, and should proclaim as unlawful whatever is unlawful in Allah’s Law even if the world regards it as lawful and pure.

(2) Practical evidence: That is, the Prophet in his own life should practically demonstrate all that he has been commissioned to present before the world. His life should be free from every shade of that which he calls evil, and his own character should clearly reflect that which he calls good; he should be the foremost in carrying out what he regards as obligatory, and most cautious in refraining from what he calls sinful. 

He should exert his utmost to enforce the code of life which he calls Divine. His own character and conduct should bear out how sincere and truthful he is in his invitation; and his own self should be such a model of his teaching that anyone who sees him should know what kind of a man he wants to produce by the Faith to which he invites the world, what kind of a character he wants to instil in him and what system of life he wants to be established through him in the world.

(3) Evidence in the Hereafter That is, when the Court of Allah is established in the Hereafter, the Prophet should give evidence to prove that he had conveyed to the people the whole message, without making any alteration or change in it, that had been entrusted to him, and that he had shown no slackness in making the truth manifest before them, by word and by deed. On the basis of this evidence it will be determined what reward the believers deserve and what punishment the disbelievers deserve From this one can have an idea of how great a responsibility had Allah placed upon the Holy Prophet by raising him to the position of a “witness”, and how great should be the personality worthy of that high position. Evidently, there has been no slackness whatever on the part of the Holy Prophet in the matter of giving evidence with regard to the Faith, verbally as well as practically.

That is why in the Hereafter he will be able to testify that he had made the Truth plain to the people, and that is how Allah’s argument will be established against them; otherwise, if, God forbid, there had been any slackness on the pan of the Prophet in providing evidence, he could neither be a witness against them in the Hereafter nor could any case be established against the deniers of the truth. Some people have tried to give a different interpretation to the word witness”. They say that the Holy Prophet in the Hereafter will bear witness to the acts and deeds of the people. From this they conclude that the Holy Prophet is watching and witnessing the acts of all the people; otherwise he could not bear the witness. But according to the Qur’an this interpretation is absolutely wrong. The Qur’an tells us that Allah has arranged a different system for recording the acts of the people. 

For this purpose His angels are preparing the conduct-book of every person. (See in this connection Surah Qaf: 17-18, and Al-Kahf: 49). After this He will make the people’s own limbs also to bear witness against them. (Ya Sin: 65, Ha Mim As-Sajdah: 20-21). As for the Prophets, they are not to testify to the acts of the people, but to give evidence to prove that they had conveyed the Truth to the people. The Qur’an clearly says:
“On the Day when Allah will assemble aII the Messengers, He will ask: ‘What was the response you received?’ They will answer, `We have no knowledge: You alone havc the full knowledge of all that is hidden’.” (AI-Ma`idah: 109)

In the same connection, the Quran says about the Prophet Jesus that when he will be questioned about the deviation of the Christians, he will say: “I was a witness to their conduct as long as I remained among them, but after You recalled me. You watched over them.” (AI-Ma’idah: 117)

These verses clearly show that the Prophets will not be witnesses in regard to the acts of the people. As to what they will bear witness to the Qur’an gives an equally clear answer:

“O Muslims, We have made you a community of the ‘Golden Mean’ so that you may be witnesses in regard to mankind and the Messenger may be a witness in regard to you.” (AI-Baqarah: 143)

“(O Muhammad, warn them of) the Day when We shall call a witness from among every community to testify against it. And We shall call you to testify against these people.” (An-Nahl: 89)

This shows that on the Day of Resurrection the Holy Prophet’s evident in its nature will not be any different from the evidence for bearing which the Holy Prophet’s community and the witnesses in regard to every other community will be summoned. Evidently, if it be an evidence in regard to the acts, then the omnipresence of all of them also becomes necessary. And if these witnesses will be called to give evidence to confirm that the Creator’s message had reached His creation, inevitably the Holy Prophet also will be called upon to give a similar evidence.

The same is supported by the Hadith which Bukhari. Muslim, Tirmidhi. Ibn Majah, lmam Ahmad and others have related on the authority of ‘Abdullah bin ‘Mas’ud, ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas, Abu ad-Darda’, Anas bin Malik and many other Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all), whose common theme is this: ‘The Holy Prophet on the Day of Resurrection will sec some of his Companions bing brought, but instead of coming to him they will either be going or being pushed to the other side. 

Thereupon the Holy Prophet will say: ‘O Allah, they are my Companions!’ Allah will say: ‘You do not know what misdeeds they committed after you’.” This theme has been reported by numerous Companions and with so many chains of authorities that there remains no doubt about its authenticity. 

This proves that the Holy Prophet is not at aII a witness to each individual of his community and to each of his acts. As for the hadith which says that the acts of the people of his Ummah are presented before him, it does not in any way contradict this, because its purport is that Allah keeps him informed of the affairs of his Ummah, which does not mean that the Holy Prophet is actually witnessing the acts of every person.

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Kindness to Animals

Posted on 07 February 2012 by Tea Server



The Prophet (pbuh) not only preached to the people to show kindness to each other but also to all living souls. He forbade the practice of cutting tails and manes of horses, of branding animals at any soft spot, and of keeping horses saddled unnecessarily. [Sahih Muslim] If he saw any animal over-loaded or Milad he would pull up the owner and say,

“Fear Allah in your treatment of animals.” [Abu Dawood]

A companion came to him with the young ones of a bird in his sheet and said that the mother bird had hovered over them all along. He was directed to replace her offspring in the same bush (Mishkat, Abu Dawood)

During a journey, somebody picked up some birds eggs. The bird’s painful note and fluttering attracted the attention of the Prophet (pbuh), who asked the man to replace the eggs. [Sahih Bukhari]

As his army marched towards Makkah to conquer it, they passed a female dog with puppies. The Prophet (pbuh) not only gave orders that they should not be disturbed, but posted a man to see that this was done.

He stated, “Verily, there is heavenly reward for every act of kindness done to a living animal.”

Muhammad (pbuh) also used to command mercy for all animals such that they are fed well, watered well, not forced to carry too heavy a burden, and not tortured or maimed for one’s enjoyment.

AbuHurayrah said:
“The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, ‘While a man was walking on a road he became very thirsty. He found a well, went into it, drank, and came out. [Upon exiting he met] a dog panting and eating the dirt out of thirst. The man said: ‘This dog has become stricken with the same degree of thirst which had stricken me.’ He went down into the well and filled his shoe and then held it in his mouth until he climbed out and gave the dog water to drink. Allah thanked him (for his good deed) and forgave him.’ They said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, are we rewarded for taking care of beasts?’ He said, ‘There is a reward [for you] in every creature with a moist liver.’”(Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, and Malik)

AbuHurayrah said:
“Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: ‘A woman was punished because of a cat. She neither provided it with food nor drink, nor set it free so that it might eat the insects of the earth.’ ” (Narrated by Muslim and Al-Bukhari).

Sahl ibn Amr said:
“The Messenger of Allah passed by a camel who’s stomach quite touched it’s back (from lack of food). Upon seeing this he said: ‘Fear God in these unspeaking animals! Ride them [while they are] in good health, and eat them [while they are] in good health’ ” (Narrated by Abu-Dawood)

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Forgiveness by the Prophet

Posted on 07 February 2012 by Tea Server



A Jewess came to Allah’s Messenger (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) with poisoned mutton and he took of what had been brought to him. (When the effect of his poison were felt by him) he called for her and asked her about that, whereupon she said: I had determined to kill you. Thereupon he said: Allah will never give you the power to do it. He (the narrator) said that they (the Companions of the Holy Prophet) said: Should we not kill her? Thereupon he said: No. He said: I felt (the effects of this poison) on the uvula of Allah’s Messenger. (Sahih Muslim)

It has been narrated on the authority of Hadrat Anas Ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that eighty persons from the inhabitants of Makka swooped down upon Allah’s Messenger (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) from the mountain of Tan’im. They were armed and wanted to attack the Holy Prophet (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) and his Companions unawares. He (the Holy Prophet) captured them but spared their lives. So, Allah (The Glorified and the Exalted) revealed the verse:

“And It is He Who restrained your hands from them and their hands from you in the valley of Makkah after He had given you a victory over them.” (48:24)
(Sahih Muslim)

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Description of the Prophet

Posted on 07 February 2012 by Tea Server



In order to understand the message of Islam, it is first necessary to acquaint ourselves with the prophet of Islam. You cannot, as the popular saying goes, separate the message from the messenger. It is therefore only natural to wish to study the life of Muhammad (pbuh), his manners and his morals, and to see how Islam manifested itself in his person as a living example for all Muslims till the end of time.

Abu Hurairah described him as follows:
“He was of medium build, closer to being tall. His skin was extremely white, his beard was black, his mouth was pleasant, his eyebrows were long, and his shoulders were wide”

Ibne Malik said:
“I never touched silk or any soft fabric equal to the softness of his palm, and I never smelled a scent more pleasing than his.”

Hind ibn Abi Hala (the son of Muhammad’s wife Kadijah) described Muhammad (pbuh) as follows:
“The Messenger of Allah was of consecutive sorrows, continuous thought, never finding rest, long in silence. He did not speak without cause. He spoke with his full mouth (was not arrogant), and spoke concisely. His speech was just, with neither excess nor deficiency. He was not pompous, nor denigrating. He exalted all blessings no matter how small and never belittled a single one. He would never praise his food nor criticize it. He was never angered by matters of this life nor that which was associated with it. However, if justice was transgressed nothing could stand up to his anger until justice was established. He never became angry for his own self nor sought retribution for himself. If he gestured, he did so with his whole palm. If he was amazed, he overturned it. If he spoke, he struck with his right palm the inside of his left thumb. If he became angry he turned away, and when he was happy he lowered his gaze. The majority of his laughter was [restricted to] smiling.”

Ali ibn abi Talib described Muhammad (pbuh) as follows:
“He was not vulgar nor did he condone vulgarity, and he was not one to shout in the market place. He did not reward evil with evil, rather, he would forgive and overlook. He never in his life struck anything with his hand except when he was fighting in the name of Allah. He never struck a servant nor a woman, and I never saw him taking revenge for an injustice dealt him, except if the prohibitions of Allah were transgressed. For if the prohibitions of Allah were transgressed he was among the strongest of them in anger. He was never given a choice between two matters but he chose the simplest of the two. If he entered into his home he was a man like any other; cleaning his own garment, milking his own goat, and serving himself.

He would guard his tongue from that which did not concern him. He would attract them (the people) and not repel them. He would ennoble the noble of the people and charge them with their affairs. He was wary of the people and guarded himself against them but without depriving them a warm smile or fitting conduct. He would inquire after his companions and would ask the people about their affairs. He would encourage that which was good and strengthen it, and he would discourage that which was evil and undermine it. He was balanced and consistent. He would never be neglectful that they would not learn neglect and grow indifferent. He had a provision for every occasion and he never fell short of justice nor exceeded it. The closest people to him were the best among them, and the best among them in his eyes were the most comprehensive in advice. The highest of them in stature with him was the best among them in looking after the people and assisting them. He would not rise nor sit down without praise [to God]. If he visited a gathering he would sit wherever the group ended (and not at their head) and he encouraged the same. He would give all those sitting with him their just due [to the extent that] they would each feel that none was more important to him than them. If someone were to sit with him or come in search of a favor he would be patient with them until they (the guest) would be the one to leave. Whoever came to him with a request was never turned away except with that which they had asked for or with a kind word. His cheerfulness and good manners encompassed them all such that he became a father to them and they all became equal in rights. His gatherings were those of knowledge, humbleness, patience, and integrity. In them there would be no raising of voices nor transgressions of prohibitions. They would not expose one-another’s errors, but would be equal, encouraging each-other in the fear of God. In them, they would respect their elders, be merciful to their children, give preference to those in need, and protect the stranger.”

He continues: “He was continually smiling, gentle in manners, soft in nature. He was not severe, harsh-hearted, loud, abusive, or miserly. He would disregard that which he disliked, and no one ever despaired of him. He never responded to disparagement or evil words. He forbade upon himself three things: Argument, arrogance, and that which did not concern him. And he relieved the people of three: He would not degrade any among them or abuse them, he would not search after their honor or private matters, and he would not speak except in matters which he hoped to be rewarded for. When he spoke his attendees would lower their heads as if birds had alighted upon them. Once he finished they would speak. They would not vie with one-another in his presence to speak, but when one would talk in his presence the rest would listen until he finished. Speech in his presence was that of the first among them. He would laugh with them, and wonder with them. He had patience with the strangers when they were gruff in speech and requests, to a degree that his companions would fetch them to him. He would say: ‘If you see someone in need, fetch him to me.’ He would not accept praise except from those who were balanced and not excessive. He would not interject into someone’s speech unless they transgressed, in which case he would either rebuke them or else leave.
He was the most generous of heart, truthful of tongue, softest in disposition, and noble in relationship. He who first set eyes upon him feared him, but he who associated with him loved him. Those who described him would say: ‘I have never seen before or after him anyone similar to him, peace be upon him’ “

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Real Happiness and Inner Peace

Posted on 07 February 2012 by Tea Server



Real happiness and peace can be found in submitting to the commands of the Creator and the Sustainer of this world. God has said in the Quran:

“Truly, in remembering God do hearts find rest.” (Quran 13:28)

On the other hand, the one who turns away from the Quran will have a life of hardship in this world. God has said:

“But whoever turns away from the Quran,[1] he will have a hard life, and We will raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment.” (Quran 20:124)

This may explain why some people commit suicide while they enjoy the material comfort money can buy. For example, look at Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam), formerly a famous pop singer who used to earn sometimes more than $150,000 a night. After he converted to Islam, he found true happiness and peace, which he had not found in material success

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The Message of Islam for All

Posted on 07 February 2012 by Tea Server



In or about the year 570 the child who would be named Muhammad and who would become the Prophet of one of the world’s great religions, Islam, was born into a family belonging to a clan of Quraysh, the ruling tribe of Mecca, a city in the Hijaz region of northwestern Arabia.

Originally the site of the Ka’bah, a shrine of ancient origins, Mecca had with the decline of southern Arabia (see Chapter l ) become an important center of sixth-century trade with such powers as the Sassanians, Byzantines, and Ethiopians. As a result the city was dominated by powerful merchant families among whom the men of Quraysh were preeminent.

Muhammad’s father, ‘Abd Allah ibn’Abd al-Muttalib, died before the boy was born; his mother, Aminah, died when he was six. The orphan was consigned to the care of his grandfather, the head of the clan of Hashim. After the death of his grandfather, Muhammad was raised by his uncle, Abu Talib. As was customary, Muhammad as a child was sent to live for a year or two with a Bedouin family. This custom, followed until recently by noble families of Mecca, Medina, Tayif, and other towns of the Hijaz, had important implications for Muhammad. In addition to enduring the hardships of desert life, he acquired a taste for the rich language so loved by the Arabs, whose speech was their proudest art, and learned the patience and forbearance of the herdsmen, whose life of solitude he first shared and then came to understand and appreciate.

About the year 590, Muhammad, then in his twenties, entered the service of a widow named Khadijah as a merchant actively engaged with trading caravans to the north. Sometime later Muhammad married Khadijah, by whom he had two sons – who did not survive – and four daughters.

During this period of his life Muhammad traveled widely. Then, in his forties he began to retire to meditate in a cave on Mount Hira outside of Mecca, where the first of the great events of Islam took place. One day, as he sat in the cave, he heard a voice, later identified as that of the Angel Gabriel, which ordered him to:

Recite: In the name of thy Lord who created, Created man from a clot of blood.

Three times Muhammad pleaded his inability to do so, but each time the command was repeated. Finally, Muhammad recited the words of what are now the first five verses of the 96th surah or chapter of the Quran – words which proclaim God the Creator of man and the Source of all knowledge.

At first Muhammad divulged his experience only to his wife and his immediate circle. But as more revelations enjoined him to proclaim the oneness of God universally, his following grew, at first among the poor and the slaves, but later also among the most prominent men of Mecca. The revelations he received at this time and those he did so later are all incorporated in the Quran, the Scripture of Islam.

Photo: The sun rises over Jabal al-Rahmah, the Mount of Mercy, where Muhammad in his farewell sermon told the assembled Muslims, “I have delivered God’s message to you and left you with a clear command: the Book of God and the practice of His Prophet. If you hold fast to this you will never go astray.”

Not everyone accepted God’s message transmitted through Muhammad. Even in his own clan there were those who rejected his teachings, and many merchants actively opposed the message. The opposition, however, merely served to sharpen Muhammad’s sense of mission and his understanding of exactly how Islam differed from paganism. The belief in the unity of God was paramount in Islam; from this all else followed. The verses of the Quran stress God’s uniqueness, warn those who deny it of impending punishment, and proclaim His unbounded compassion to those who submit to His will. They affirm the Last Judgment, when God, the Judge, will weigh in the balance the faith and works of each man, rewarding the faithful and punishing the transgressor. Because the Quran rejected polytheism and emphasized man’s moral responsibility, in powerful images, it presented a grave challenge to the worldly Meccans.

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God’s Sole Right to Worship

Posted on 07 February 2012 by Tea Server



“O mankind, worship your Lord who has created you and those before you, that you may become righteous. He Who has made the earth a resting-place for you and the sky a canopy, and has sent down water from the sky and thereby brought forth fruits for your sustenance. Do not, then, claim that there is any power that could rival God, when you know.” (Quran 2:21-22)

In these verses is the first commandment mentioned in the Quran, God proves the illogicality of worshipping others besides or instead of Him. He addresses humanity as a whole to direct all acts of worship to Him alone. He announces to them that He is their Lord, Sustainer, and Creator. Human beings did not appear out of nowhere, but rather God is the One who brought them into being out of nothingness. After their creation, God did not leave them on their own, rather He took care of them when they were in the womb of their mothers, and God has been caring for them throughout their life by providing for them various sources of sustenance. He created things in this life in such a way that they would be of benefit and comfort for people. Therefore, it is the Sole right of God – who created us and those who came before us – that He be worshipped, for it is He and none else who provided us these things.

Everything apart from God, such as humans, angels, and spirits, are created by God. Thus, creation should not be adored and worshipped as God. No created being owns or controls anything in the universe and, therefore, can neither harm nor benefit without God’s permission. God asks us rhetorically, how can we worship other beings besides Him while we know deep inside that God has no equal or rival? Due to this, God, and none other, has the sole right to command and He, and none else, deserves our strict obedience. He deserves to be singled out in all acts of worship, without association of any partners.

But so often we see worship being reduced to dry, empty rituals. God informs us in this verse that the goal of worship is to achieve Taqwa. In most Quran translations, Taqwa is translated as fear, piety, or righteousness. Perhaps a more accurate translation is ‘God-consciousness’ or ‘God-awareness.’ Taqwa is to be aware of God’s presence at all times and to put a shield between oneself and God’s displeasure by doing what is right. God does not benefit and is not in need of our worship, rather worship, as all His other commandments, is of benefit to our own selves. When a person worships God, they are reminded about Him, and in turn reminded of the purpose of their life, and they themselves will be discouraged from committing vein and evil deeds. These reminders lead to Taqwa or God-consciousness. If a person achieves this state of being, they do or say nothing except that they keep in mind the true reality of that deed, whether it is pleasing to his Lord or incurs His anger.

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Salvation from Hellfire

Posted on 07 February 2012 by Tea Server



God has said in the Quran:

“Those who have disbelieved and died in disbelief, the earth full of gold would not be accepted from any of them if one offered it as a ransom. They will have a painful punishment, and they will have no helpers.” (Quran 3:91)

So, this life is our only chance to win Paradise and to escape from Hellfire, because if someone dies in disbelief, he will not have another chance to come back to this world to believe. As God has said in the Quran about what is going to happen for the unbelievers on the Day of Judgment:

“If you could but see when they are set before the Fire (Hell) and say, “Would that we might return (to the world)! Then we would not reject the verses of our Lord, but we would be of the believers!” (Quran 6:27)

But no one will have this second opportunity.

The Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said: “The happiest man in the world of those doomed to the Fire (Hell) on the Day of Judgment will be dipped in the Fire once. Then he will be asked, ‘Son of Adam, did you ever see any good? Did you ever experience any blessing?’ So he will say, ‘No, by God, O Lord!’”

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