Commentary ~ Islam and the Future of Money: The Gold Dinar and Silver Dirham

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Allah will destroy Riba (usury) and will give increase for Sadaqat (deeds of charity, alms, etc.) And Allah likes not the disbelievers, sinners.” [Al-Quran 2:276]

Abū Bakr ibn Abi Maryam reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah say: “A time is certainly coming over mankind in which there will be nothing (left) that will be of use (or benefit) save a Dinār (i.e., a gold coin) and a Dirham (i.e., a silver coin).” (Musnad, Ahmad)

[This prophecy clearly anticipates the eventual collapse of the fraudulent monetary system now functioning around the world.]

Audio: http://www.salaattime.com/downloads/hossein/dinar.mp3

Video: http://www.salaattime.com/downloads/hossein/dinar.flv

E-book: http://www.salaattime.com/downloads/ebooks/dinarbook.pdf

Very interesting lecture from 2007 about Riba (interest), facts about the current economic collapse (before the collapse actually started in September 2008), gold being illegal as a form of currency and other facts about Islam and money.

Hadith ~ Six days of Shawwal

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abu-Ayyoob: ‘The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “He that observes fasting in Ramadhan then he follows it with six days of Shawwal, this is equal to the fasting of the whole life.” (At-Termizi)

*Note: This fasting is not obligatory. The scholars say that it is permissible to observe fasting that month either consecutively or separately.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapiter 211, Page 819, Number 687

Ayaat 1-5 ~ Al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Listen to Recitation

1. Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’ân) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree)

2. And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr is?

3. The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allâh in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).

4. Therein descend the angels and the Rûh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] by Allâh’s Permission with all Decrees,

5. Peace! (All that night, there is Peace and Goodness from Allâh to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.

Sura 97. Al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)

Hadith ~ A deed that will admit me into Paradise

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abu-Huraira (May Allah be satisfied with him): ‘A nomad came to the Prophet (SAWS) and said: “Tell me of a deed that will admit me into Paradise.” The Prophet (SAWS) said: “Worship Allah, and worship none along with Him, offer the (five) prescribed compulsory prayers perfectly, pay the compulsory zakat and fast in the month of Ramadhan.” The nomad said: “By Him in Whose Hands my soul (life) is I will not do more than this.” When he (the nomad) left, the Prophet (SAWS) said: “Whoever wants to see a man from the rightful dwellers of Paradise, then he may look at this man.”‘ (Bukhari)

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapiter 200, Page 788, Number 651

Ayaat 255 (Ayaat-ul-Kursi) ~ Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Listen to Recitation

Lecture about Ayaat-ul-Kursi (61Mb)

255. Allâh! Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber, nor sleep overtake Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter . And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursî extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. [This Verse 2:255 is called Ayaat-ul-Kursî.]

Sura 2. Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

Commentary ~ The Fasting and the Furious

Audio lecture, The Fasting and The Furious, by Muhammad Alshareef has been added here:

http://www.salaattime.com/alshareef.html

Lecture gives tips and advice to maximise the reward during the month of Ramadan.

Hadith ~ Devils and the rebels from the jinn are tied down

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abu-Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): ‘The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “When it is the first night of Ramadhan, the devils and the rebels from the jinn are tied down; the gates of the Fire are closed and no gate of them is opened but the gates of Paradise are opened and no gate of them is closed. And a caller calls: “O you who intends to do good, go ahead. O you who intend to do evil, abstain. And for Allah, there are people acquitted from the Fire every night.’” (At-Termizi)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapiter 201, Page 803, Number 662

Hadith ~ Whoever observes fasting

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abu-Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): “Allah’s Messenger (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “Whoever observes fasting during the month of Ramadhan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s Rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven.’” (Bukhari)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapiter 201, Page 802, Number 660

Ayaat 183-187 ~ Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Listen to Recitation

183. O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious – see V.2:2).

184. [Observing Saum (fasts)] for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskîn (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know.

185. The month of Ramadân in which was revealed the Qur’ân, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadân i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allâh intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allâh for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.

186. And when My slaves ask you concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near. I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.

187. It is made lawful for you to have sexual relations with your wives on the night of As-Saum (the fasts). They are Lîbas [i.e. body cover, or screen, or Sakan, (i.e. you enjoy the pleasure of living with her - as in Verse 7:189) Tafsir At-Tabarî], for you and you are the same for them. Allâh knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He turned to you (accepted your repentance) and forgave you. So now have sexual relations with them and seek that which Allâh has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your Saum (fast) till the nightfall. And do not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while you are in I’tikâf (i.e. confining oneself in a mosque for prayers and invocations leaving the worldly activities) in the mosques. These are the limits (set) by Allâh, so approach them not. Thus does Allâh make clear His Ayât (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, revelations, verses, laws, legal and illegal things, Allâh’s set limits, orders, etc.) to mankind that they may become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious – see V.2:2).

Sura 2. Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

Ayaat 36-39 ~ Ash-Shurah (The Consultation)

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

36. So whatever you have been given is but a passing enjoyment for this worldly life, but that which is with Allâh (Paradise) is better and more lasting for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism) and put their trust in their Lord (concerning all of their affairs).

37. And those who avoid the greater sins, and Al-Fawâhish (illegal sexual intercourse, etc.), and when they are angry, they forgive

38. And those who answer the Call of their Lord [i.e. to believe that He is the only One Lord (Allâh), and to worship none but Him Alone], and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation, and who spend of what We have bestowed on them;

39. And those who, when an oppressive wrong is done to them, they take revenge.

Sura 42. Ash-Shurah (The Consultation)

Commentary ~ Leave something for the sake of Allah

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Some of the scholars of tafseer say that if you look at the Mahajirouns, the ones who emigrated from Mecca to Medina; later on every one of them became a leader of a state or an emir of an army. So Allah gave them a better status in this world then what they had in Mecca. That is in this world; in the hereafter the reward is even greater.

The scholars also say that: “Whoever leaves something for the sake of Allah, Allah will give that person something better.”

Ayaat 137-142 ~ Surah Al-Imran (The Family of Imran)

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Listen to Recitation

137. Many similar ways (and mishaps of life) were faced by nations (believers and disbelievers) that have passed away before you (as you have faced in the battle of Uhud), so travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who disbelieved (in the Oneness of Allah, and disobeyed Him and His Messengers).

138. This (the Qur’an) is a plain statement for mankind, a guidance and instruction to those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious – see V.2:2).

139. So do not become weak (against your enemy), nor be sad, and you will be superior (in victory) if you are indeed (true) believers.

140. If a wound (and killing) has touched you, be sure a similar wound (and killing) has touched the others. And so are the days (good and not so good), We give to men by turns, that Allah may test those who believe, and that He may take martyrs from among you. And Allah likes not the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers).

141. And that Allah may test (or purify) the believers (from sins) and destroy the disbelievers.

142. Do you think that you will enter Paradise before Allah tests those of you who fought (in His Cause) and (also) tests those who are As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.)?

Sura 3. Surah Al-Imran (The Family of Imran)

Commentary ~ Magnanimity

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Ar-Rabi’atur-Raiy said, “Magnanimity consists of six characteristics: 3 as regards to when one is at home, and 3 as regards to when one is on a journey. As for when one is on a journey – spending from one’s provisions, good manners, and pleasantry with one’s companions. As for when one is at home – recitation of the Quran, adhering to the mosques, and chastity of one’s private parts. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “There are two kinds of magnanimity: the outward kind and the inward kind. The outward kind is maintaining a good appearance, and the inward kind is chastity.”

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 140

Hadith ~ Do not seek to be a ruler

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abdul-Rahman ibn Samorah (May Allah be satisfied with him); ‘The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “O Abdul-Rahman ibn Samorah! Do not seek to be a ruler, because if you are given authority on asking for it, then you will be held responsible for it; but if you are given it without asking for it, then you will be helped in it (by Allah). And whenever you take an oath to do something and later you find that something else is better than what you intended; then do the best action and make expiation for your oath.” (Bukhari).

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapiter 292, Page 1114, Number 971

Ayaat 99-110 ~ As-Saffaat (Those Arranged in Ranks)

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Listen to Recitation

99. And he said (after his rescue from the fire): “Verily, I am going to my Lord. He will guide me!”

100. “My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous.”

101. So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy.

102. And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: “O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offer you in sacrifice to Allâh), so look what you think!” He said: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Inshâ’ Allâh (if Allâh will), you shall find me of As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.).”

103. Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allâh), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering);

104. And We called out to him: “O Abraham!

105. You have fulfilled the dream (vision)!” Verily! Thus do We reward the Muhsinûn (good-doers – see V.2:112).

106. Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial

107. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. ßÈÔ – a ram);

108. And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times.

109. Salâmun (peace) be upon Ibrâhim (Abraham)!”

110. Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsinûn (good-doers – see V.2:112).

Sura 37. As-Saffaat (Those Arranged in Ranks)

Hadith ~ Prophet Muhammad’s (saws) Last Sermon

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

[This sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul-Hijjah 10 A.H. in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat' in Mecca.]

After praising and thanking Allah the Prophet (saws) said:

“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn ‘Abd’al Muttalib [the Prophet's uncle] be waived.

Every right arising out of homicide in pre-islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that i waive is that arising from the murder of Rabiah ibn al Harithibn.

O People, the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calender in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to forbid that which Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Shaban.

Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope of that he will be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste. O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white – except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belogs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware: do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur’an and my Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed Your message to Your people.”

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection

Source: http://www.islamicity.com/mosque/lastserm.HTM

Hadith ~ Ten first days of Dhoul-Hijjah / Day of Arafat

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

According to Ibn Abbas (ASH), the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “There are no days when the actions are the most loved by Allah then these days (meaning the first ten days of Dhoul-Hijja)”. They said: O Messenger of Allah! Not even jihad in the service of Allah? “He said:” Not even jihad in the service of Allah unless it is a man who came offering his life and his money and didn’t return with either. ” (Narrated by Al Bukhari)

Abu Qatada (ASH) said: “We asked the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) on the fasting of the day of Arafat. He said: “It absolves the sins of the past year and current year.” (Narrated by Moslem)

*: This year the 1st day of Dhoul-Hijjah is Sunday 07 November 2010, insha Allah.
*: This year the 9th day of Dhoul-Hijjah, the day of Arafat, is Monday 15 November 2010, insha Allah.

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
ASH: May Allah be satisfied with him

Riyad as-Salihin (The gardens of the virtous)
of the Imam Mohieddine Annawawi 631 – 676
Translation and commentary by Dr Salaheddine Keshrid (Tunisia)
Editor: Dar Al-Gharb Al-Islami
Hadith 1: Chapiter 111, Page 367, No 1247
Hadith 2: Chapiter 111, Page 367, No 1248

Hadith ~ Reward for what they used to do

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abu-Huraira (May Allah be satisfied with him): ‘Allah’s Messenger (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “Allah (the Exalted) said”: I have prepared for my pious servants such things as no eye had ever seen, no ear has ever heard of, and nobody has ever imagined of, all that is reserved.” Abu-Huraira added: ‘If you wish to confirm this, you can read Allah’s statement:

No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do. (Quran 32.17)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapiter 344, Page 1238, Number 1098

Ayaat 8-12 ~ Az-Zumar (The Groups)

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Listen to Recitation

8. And when some hurt touches man, he cries to his Lord (Allâh Alone), turning to Him in repentance, but when He bestows a favour upon him from Himself, he forgets that for which he cried for before, and he sets up rivals to Allâh, in order to mislead others from His Path. Say: “Take pleasure in your disbelief for a while: surely, you are (one) of the dwellers of the Fire!”

9. Is one who is obedient to Allâh, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: “Are those who know equal to those who know not?” It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allâh’s Signs and Verses).

10. Say: “O My slaves who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism), be afraid of your Lord (Allâh) and keep your duty to Him. Good is (the reward) for those who do good in this world, and Allâh’s earth is spacious (so if you cannot worship Allâh at a place, then go to another)! Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without reckoning.”

11. Say: “Verily, I am commanded to worship Allâh (Alone) by obeying Him and doing religious deeds sincerely for Allâh’s sake only and not to show off, and not to set up rivals with Him in worship;

12. “And I am commanded (this) in order that I may be the first of those who submit themselves to Allâh (in Islâm) as Muslims.”

Sura 39. Az-Zumar (The Groups)

Commentary ~ Allah was indeed Pleased with Their Deed!

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

A man went to the Prophet (SAWS) and said, “O Messenger of Allah! Indeed I am extremely hungry.” The Prophet (SAWS) sent a message to one of his wives, asking, “Do you have any food with you?” She said, “No, by the One Who has sent you with the truth, all I have with me is water!” He then sent messages to all of his wives, asking the same question, and the answer of each one of them was, “No, by the One Who has sent you the truth, all we have with us is water.” Allah’s Messenger (SAWS) said to his Companions: “Who will be a host tonight, may Allah have mercy on him?” A man from the Helpers (the Ansar) called Abu Talhah (may Allah be pleased with him) stood and said, “I, O Messenger of Allah.”

He went to his house and asked his wife, “Do you have any food with you?” She said, “All I have with me is a little bit of food for our children.” He said, “Give excuses to them, and try to make them go to sleep! And when our guest comes, make him think we are also eating as he puts his hand forward to eat. Then go to the lamp and pretend that you are fixing it, but instead put it out. And give him the impression that we are eating, so that our guest eats and fills himself.”

She did what her husband asked her to do: she made her children sleep hungry, she placed the food before the guest, she stood to turn the lamp off – but she was giving the impression of simply adjusting the lamp. Then she sat with her husband and with the guest for the meal. They sat idle as the guest ate.

On the following day, he went to Allah’s Messenger (SAWS), who said to him: “Tonight Allah laughed, or wondered at your action.” And then the following Verse was revealed:

“And give them preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that.” (Quran 59:9)

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 108

Hadith ~ Pure hypocrite

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr (May Allah be satisfied with him) ‘The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “Whoever has the following four (characteristics) will be a pure hypocrite and whoever has one of the following four characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy unless he gives it up. Whenever he is entrusted, he betrays (proves dishonest). Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie. Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous. And whenever he quarrels, he behaves in a very imprudent, evil and insulting manner.” (Bukhari).

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapiter 257, Page 1026, Number 884

Ayaat 1-11 ~ Ad-Duha (The Forenoon – After Sunrise)

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Listen to Recitation

1. By the forenoon (after sun-rise);

2. And by the night when it is still (or darkens);

3. Your Lord (O Muhammad ()) has neither forsaken you nor hated you.

4. And indeed the Hereafter is better for you than the present (life of this world).

5. And verily, your Lord will give you (all i.e. good) so that you shall be well-pleased.

6. Did He not find you (O Muhammad ()) an orphan and gave you a refuge?

7. And He found you unaware (of the Qur’ân, its legal laws, and Prophethood, etc.) and guided you?

8. And He found you poor, and made you rich (selfsufficient with selfcontentment, etc.)?

9. Therefore, treat not the orphan with oppression,

10. And repulse not the beggar;

11. And proclaim the Grace of your Lord (i.e. the Prophethood and all other Graces).

Sura 93. Ad-Duha (The Forenoon – After Sunrise)

Commentary ~ Do not attach Your Heart to Other than Allah

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Imam Ibn Taimiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Anyone whose heart is attached to the creation, hoping for someone from the creation to help him or provide for him or guide him, then his heart submits to them and to the degree that his heart submits to them he becomes their slave. This holds true, even if he is outwardly a ruler or a guardian over those whom he treats as masters. The wise one looks at realities and not at appearances. So if a man’s heart is attached to his wife, even though that is permissible, his heart remains a prisoner to her, and she may rule over him as she pleases – though outwardly he is her master and her husband. In reality, he is her prisoner and her slave, especially if she knows how much he is in need of her and how much he is in love with her and how much he feels that she cannot be replaced by anyone else. At that point, she rules over him as the tyrant master rules over his subjugated slave, who cannot escape or go free. Indeed for the heart to be taken as a prisoner is a much greater matter than for the body to be taken as a slave or prisoner. Even a body that is a slave can have in it a serene and peaceful and happy heart. As for the heart that is slave to other than Allah (the Exalted), then that is true humiliation, imprisonment and slavery.

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 195

Hadith ~ Worldly distress

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abu-Huraira (May Allah be satisfied with him): ‘The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “He that relieved his brother from a worldly distress Allah will relieve him from distress in the Hereafter, he that veiled a defect of a Muslim Allah will veil him in life and in the Hereafter, and he that eased (the state of) an insolvent (brother) Allah would ease (his state) in life and in the Hereafter. Allah will support him that supports his brother. He that took a way searching for knowledge Allah will facilitate a way to Paradise for him. There is no group of people who sit in a mosque reciting Allah’s Book and studying it among themselves except that tranquility will descend on them, mercy will overshadow them, and the Angels will encircle them. And he whose deed caused him to lag behind his affinity will not bring him forward.”

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (1)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapiter 29, Page 294, Number 151

Ayaat 1-19 ~ Al-A’la (The Most High)

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Listen to Recitation

1. Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High,

2. Who has created (everything), and then proportioned it;

3. And Who has measured (preordainments for each and everything even to be blessed or wretched); then guided (i.e. showed mankind the right as well as wrong paths, and guided the animals to pasture);

4. And Who brings out the pasturage,

5. And then makes it dark stubble.

6. We shall make you to recite (the Qur’ân), so you (O Muhammad ()) shall not forget (it),

7. Except what Allâh, may will, He knows what is apparent and what is hidden.

8. And We shall make easy for you (O Muhammad ()) the easy way (i.e. the doing of righteous deeds).

9. Therefore remind (men) in case the reminder profits (them).

10. The reminder will be received by him who fears (Allâh),

11. But it will be avoided by the wretched,

12. Who will enter the great Fire and made to taste its burning,

13. Wherein he will neither die (to be in rest) nor live (a good living).

14. Indeed whosoever purifies himself (by avoiding polytheism and accepting Islâmic Monotheism) shall achieve success,

15. And remembers (glorifies) the Name of his Lord (worships none but Allâh), and prays (five compulsory prayers and Nawâfil additional prayers).

16. Nay, you prefer the life of this world;

17. Although the Hereafter is better and more lasting.

18. Verily! This is in the former Scriptures,

19. The Scriptures of Ibrâhim (Abraham) and Mûsa (Moses).

Sura 87. Al-A’la (The Most High)

Commentary ~ Our Pious Predecessors and Their Dutifulness to Their Parents

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Muhammad bin Sirin related that the price of a date-palm tree was as high as 1000 dirhams during the period of ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan (may Allah be pleased with him). Once during that period, Usamah went to a date-palm tree that belonged to him, pierced it, and took out its palm pirth. Then he went and gave it to his mother to eat. People said to him, “What made you do this when you know that the price of a date-palm tree has reached 1000 dirhams?” He said, “My mother asked me for it (for the palm pirth), and she has never asked me for anything that I was able to give her except that I gave it to her.”

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 172

Hadith ~ Observe the rights of the way

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abu-Sa-eed Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him); ‘The Prophet (SAWS) said: “Avoid sitting on the roads (path ways). The people said: “There is no feasible alternative to it. We chat and discuss our affairs during it.’ The Prophet (SAWS) said: “As long as there is no escape from it so, observe the rights of the way.’ They asked; ‘What are the rights of the way?’ He said: “They are lowering of your gazes (avoiding gazing at people lustfully or mockingly), refraining from harming people, returning greetings, enjoining what is just and forbidding what is unjust.” (Bukhari)

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapiter 270, Page 1056, Number 912

Ayaat 1-7 ~ Al-Fatiha

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Listen to Recitation

1. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

2. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds:

3. Most Gracious, Most Merciful;

4. Master of the Day of Judgment.

5. Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.

6. Show us the straight way,

7. The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) Is not wrath. And who go not astray.

Sura 1. Al-Fatiha

Hadith ~ Whoever observes fasting

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abu-Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): “Allah’s Messenger (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “Whoever observes fasting during the month of Ramadhan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s Rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven.’” (Bukhari)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapiter 201, Page 802, Number 660

Ayaat 2-4 ~ Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War)

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Listen to Recitation

2. The believers are only those who, when Allâh is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Qur’ân) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone);

3. Who perform As-Salât (Iqâmat­as­Salât) and spend out of that We have provided them.

4. It is they who are the believers in truth. For them are grades of dignity with their Lord, and Forgiveness and a generous provision (Paradise).

Sura 8. Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War)