Huzoor Ki Shan by Saqib Raza

Not visiting the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) - A sign of great deprivation

The Holy Quran and the Hadith order one and all to pay their respects to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Doing so has been encouraged and staying away from this has been declared to be a sign of the hypocrites. It is given in the Holy Quran:

And when it is said to them: ‘Come so that Allah’s Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) may seek forgiveness for you,’ these (hypocrites) jerk their heads aside (insolently) and you see them keeping away (from your presence) in arrogance.  Surah Munafiqun (63:05)

Also, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has declared that the person who does not visit the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) in spite of being able to do so has committed an excess against Him.  As given in this Hadith:

Translation: It has been related from the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) that He said:  The person who does not visit me in spite of being able to do so has committed as excess against me.  This Hadith has been narrated by Ibn Farhoon in his Manasik and by Imam Ghazali (May Allah shower His mercy on him) in Ihya Ul Uloom.  (Al Mawahib Al Ladunniya Ma’a Sharh Zurqani, Vol. 12, Pg. No. 180)

There is a similar Hadith in Jame’ Ul Ahadith Wal Maraseel, Jame’ Ul Kabeer and Kanz Ul Ummal:

Translation: The person who performs Haj of the House of Allah and does not visit me has been discourteous to me. (Jame’ Ul Ahadith Wal Maraseel, Hadith No. 21997; Jame’ Ul Kabeer, Hadith No. 4728; Kanz Ul Ummal, Hadith No. 12368)

Reward for 2 accepted Haj for those who visit the grave of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

There is a Hadith:

Translation: Whoever performs Haj, then comes to My mosque to visit me, for him (or her) the reward of 2 accepted Hajj is written.  (Sunan Dailami, Jame’ Ul Ahadith Wal Maraseel, Hadith No. 21996; Jame’ Ul Kabeer, Hadith No. 4727; Kanz Ul Ummal, 12370)

The Blessings of the Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

Once more a period of divine blessing has dawned upon us, bringing with it its zephyrs of divine mercy and opportunity. For truly, it is not that one sacred season of devotion ends, except that another opportunity for attaining Allah’s forgiveness, bounty, and self-purification begins. In these cycles of sacred times, we find the heavenly gift of a renewed chance to replenish our souls and seek Allah’s reward and proximity.

Among the reports transmitted regarding the sanctity of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, the following has been related on the authority of Hadrat Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (Radi Allahu Anhu) that the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “There are no days in which actions are superior than in these days.” It was asked, “Not even fighting for the sake of Allah?” He replied, “Not even fighting for the sake of Allah, except that a person sets out with his life and his wealth and returns with neither.”
[Musnad al-Imam Ahmad,Vol. 1, Page 346]

The call for Hajj and its reasons

On orders from the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), the announcement for Hajj was made that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is going for Hajj this year.  With this announcement, the Companions also resolved to go for Hajj along with the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  There were various reasons to make this special announcement:

One of the reasons was that the majority of the Companions should see the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) performing the different rites and articles of Hajj and learn the correct method of performing Hajj.  For this reason, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) ordered all the mothers of the believers (the blessed wives of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) travel along with Him.

Another reason was that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) wanted to give some advice to the Ummah while wishing them farewell.

In the months of the Hajj, Muslims started arriving in large numbers to Madina, so that they could have the privilege of performing Hajj along with the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and to benefit from His blessed company.

At the end of Dhul Qa'ada, on a Thursday, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) bathed and wore aTahband and a chador.  He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) then offered Salaat Ul Zuhr in Masjid Nabawi and started for Makkah from Madina.  Six miles from Madina, at Dhul Hulaifa, the Meeqat for the people of Madina, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) wore Ihraam, offered 2 Raka’at of Salaat, recited the Talbiya with the intention of Hajj Qiran, then mounted Qaswa, the she-camel and recited Talbiya in a loud voice.

He offered the Salaat Ul Fajr of 4th Dhul Hijjah at Dhi Tuwa, then took a bath and entered Makkah and entered the Masjid Haraam at the time of Salaat Ul Chaasht.  When the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) came before Hajjr Aswad, He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) placed His blessed hands on it and kissed and performed the circumambulation (Tawaaf) of the Ka’aba after it.  In the first 3 rounds, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) performed Raml and in the remaining 4 rounds performed the Tawaaf without Raml. 

Sometimes, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) kissed the Hajjr Aswad with His blessed lips, sometimes the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi w sallam) performed Istelaam, i.e. kissed it with a gesture of His blessed hands, sometimes with a gesture of His blessed stick.  After the Tawaf, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) performed 2 Raka’at of Salaat.  Then again performed Istelaam of the Heavenly Black Stone (Hajr Al Aswad) and started for Safa.  He then performed the Sae’e of Safa and Marwah.  As this Hajj was Hajj Qiran and the animals for slaughter were along with Him, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) did not open His Ihram after Umrah.

Part8 "How to Taste the True Beauty of Salah"

A Little Shake-Up

We now come to “Maaliki Yaumi-Deen” (Master of the Day of Judgment!)…Why does Allah choose the word “Maalik” (Master, Lord, sovereign)? This is because any authority or power that was granted to creation in this life will be neutralized completely then! All dominion and power will now belong to the real King!

In fact, no one can even utter a word or intercede for anyone else until He permits it. There are two recitations for this word: Maaliki (from ownership) and 

 Maliki 

(from the sovereignty of a king) Two meanings to demonstrate Allah’s sole and absolute control and authority on that dreaded day: 

When the sky is cleft asunder... When the sun is folded up... When the 

stars dim and fall... When the mountains vanish.. When the oceans boil 

over... When the earth is pounded... When the beasts are herded... When 

 the graves are overturned... (see 81; 82; 84; 89)

When man will flee from his own brother, and from his mother and his 

father, and from his spouse and his children... (80:34). 

On that day you will see it, every nursing mother will forget the child she 

was nursing, and every pregnant woman will drop her load, and it will 

seem to you that all mankind is drunk- although they will not be drunk, 

 but the punishment of Allah is severe!(22:2)

On that day, the heavens will be rolled up like written scrolls! (See 

21:104) ...And the heavens will be rolled up in His right hand...(39:67)

And the trumpet will be sounded and all that are in the heavens and the 

earth will fall senseless… (39:68)

 Who is left? The angel of the trumpet. o Allah takes his soul. Who is left? No one. And Our Lord calls, “To 

 Whom does the dominion belong today?!”

No answer. “To Whom does 

 the dominion belong today?!”

No answer. “To Whom does the

dominion belong today?!” Dead silence. Allah finally answers Himself and declares,

“To Allah, The One, The Overpowering!” (40:16)

Then a second (trumpet) is sounded, when, behold, they will stand and 

look on.. (39:68)

And the earth will shine bright with the light of its Lord! (39:69)

And your Lord stands revealed, and His angels, rank upon rank! And 

Hell, on that day, is brought face to face.. (89:22)

And the sun draws near above the heads, on a day the length of which will be 50,000 years! How can we be saved from the horrors of that day?? The answer, coming up next.

In the meantime, let’s call upon these real images with “ Maaliki Yaumi-Deen”. As you recite it in your prayer, pause upon it for a while. These words should not fall upon deaf ears and closed hearts, for a true Muslim’s heart always oscillates between hope and fear. Hope for Allah’s mercy and fear of Allah’s displeasure and punishment.

Excellence of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah

Allah has expressed the superiority and excellence of the first 10 nights of Dhul Hijjah by swearing by them in these verses of Surah Fajr:

By the Nights twice five; Surah Fajr (89:2)

The clarification about which nights are meant by these is mentioned in the exegesis of the Holy Quran and the Hadith.  There is a Hadith:

Translation: Hadhrat Jabir (May Allah be well pleased with him) narrates from the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) that He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  The 10 nights mentioned here are the 10 nights of Dhul HIjjah, Witr means 9th Dhul Hijjah, the day of ‘Arafaat and the word “..” means 10th Dhul Hijjah, the day of sacrifice.  (Musnad Imam Ahmad Bin Hambal, Hadith No. 14885)

There is a Hadith in Jame’ Tirmidhi about the worship of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah:

Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) and he narrates from the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) that He said: The worship of the first 10 nights of Dhul Hijjah is more liked by Allah than the worship of other days. 1 fast in this month has the reward of fasting for the whole year and worship of 1 night in Dhul Hijjah has the reward of standing up in worship for the whole year.  (Jame’ Tirmidhi, Vol. 1, Pg No. 158, Hadith No: 763)

There is a Hadith in Sahih Bukhari:

Translation: Hadhrat Abdullah Bin ‘Abbas (May Allah be well pleased with them) narrates from the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) that He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  There is no good deed which is superior to the deeds done in these days.  The Companions asked:  What about Jihad?  The answer was:  Not even Jihad except the person who strives in the path of Allah endangering his life and property and does not return with anything.  (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 926)

There is a Hadith in Shu‘abul Iman:

Translation: Hadhrat Harun Bin Moosa says:  I heard Hadhrat Hasan (May Allah be well pleased with him) narrating on the authority of Hadhrat Anas Bin Malik (May Allah be well pleased with him):  Every single day of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah is equal to 1000 days in reward and the day of ‘Arafah is equal to 10,000 days.  (Shu‘abul Iman, Hadith No. 3607)

Ghouse Azam Hadhrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani (May Allah be well pleased with him) has recorded a Hadith in “Al Ghunya Li Talibi Tareeqil Haqqi”:

Translation: Whoever sends a night in worship among the first 10 nights of Dhul Hijjah will get the reward of performing Haj that year and the reward of performing ‘Umrah for the whole year and whoever fasts for a day in it has as if performed worship of Allah for the whole year.  (Al Ghunya Li Talibi Tareeqil Haqqi, Vol. 2, Pg No. 25)

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:

Translation: When the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah start, perform worship of Allah, as these are the days, which Allah has granted superiority and has made its nights sacred like its days.  (Al Ghunya Li Talibi Tareeqil Haqqi, Vol. 2, Pg No. 25)

Some special acts of worship for these 10 days

In these blessed days Haj is performed and those who are performing Haj are in a state of Ihraam.  Thus, to develop some kind of resemblance to them, it is commendable not to cut their hair or trim their nails those people who are performing Qurbani.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has prohibited us from doing so.  There is a Hadith in Sahih Muslim:

Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat ‘Umar bin Muslim bin’Ammaar (May Allah be well pleased with him), he says:  I heard Hadhrat Sa‘eed bin Musayyib (May Allah be well pleased with him) say:  I  heard the mother of the believers Hadhrat Umm Salma (May Allah be well pleased with her) say that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: The person who has an animal for slaughtering, on seeing the moon of Dhul Hijjah, should neither remove/cut hair nor cut nails until he performs the Qurbani (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 5236)

From the Fajr of 9th Dhul Hijjah to the ‘Asr of 13th Dhul Hijjah, after every Salaat, every Muslim man and woman should perform Takbeer Tashreeq as well.  As given in Fatawa A’alamgiri, Vol. 1, Pg. No. 152.

To say the Takbeer Tashreeq once is Compulsory (Wajib) and saying it thrice has more excellence.  The Takbeer Tashreeq is this:

Transliteration: Allaahu Akbar Allaahu Akbar Laa Ilaaha Illallaahu Wallaahu Akbar Wa Lillaahil Hamd.

Muslims should also fast in the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah.  At the very least, one should fast on 9th Dhul Hijjah at least, which is recommended by the Sunnah and has much excellence.

Thus, there is a Hadith in Sahih Muslim:

Translation: Fasting 3 days of every (Islamic) month, fasting in one Ramadhan after the last one has reward of fasting for the whole life.  By fasting on the day of ‘Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah), I have hopes that Allah will forgive the sins of the year prior to it and the year following it.  I have hopes that by fasting on the 10th of Muharram, Allah will forgive the sins of the year gone by.  (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2803)

Those whose wealth reaches the prescribed limits should compulsorily perform the sacrifice of an animal.

HAJJ (THE HOLY PILGRIMAGE)

"HAJJ" (THE HOLY PILGRIMAGE)

Q.1: What is Hajj?
A. The literal meaning of "Hajj" is to intend or plan for, and according to Shar'ee terminology it means to halt at 'Arafaat (the vast expense near Makkah where major Hajj rite is performed on 9th Zilhij after having adopted "Ehraam"(unstitched cloths) and to perform circumambulation of "Ka'bah" (the House of Allah). Performance of some rites, ceremonies and worships at various sacred sites in Makkah also come under Hajj.
A particular time is fixed for the observance and performance of these rites and worships. If done on time, the Hajj is valid otherwise not.

Q.2: When was Hajj made compulsory and how many times it is due in whole life?
A. Hajj was declared compulsory in 9 A.H. It is an absolutely mandatory obligation. Whoever denies its obligatory nature is out of Islamic fold. Hajj is compulsory only once in a lifetime.

Q.3: What is the significance of Hajj in Islaam?
A. The importance and significance of Hajj (the holy pilgrimage) can be guaged from the facts that:
1. It is the fifth pillar of Islam.
2. It erases the past sins of the pilgrim.
3. It is a "Jehaad" (holy crusade, supreme effort) of the weak and women.
4. It removes poverty as the blacksmith's furnace separates dross from iron.
5. The reward of Hajj (accepted by Allah Almighty) is nothing but paradise.
6. Allah Almighty forgives "Haaji" (the pilgrim) and those too for whom he prays.
7. Haaji will intercede for four hundred of his family members on the Day of Judgement.
8. "Haajis" (the pilgrims) are delegates, guests of Allah.
Allah summoned them and they presented themselves to His service. They supplicated Him and He granted them.
9. There is peace for Haaji in this world and absolution in the hereafter.
10. The one who leaves his home for Hajj and dies in the way will keep gaining the reward of every year's Hajj till the Doomsday. He will not be made to account for his doings on the Judgement Day and will be entered into heavens without reckoning.
11. Haaji (whether he performs Hajj or 'Umrah [lesser Hajj]) is in the security of Allah. If he dies in the process, he will be entered into paradise and if returns home after completion of Hajj or 'Umrah as the case may be then he will carry with him forgiveness and divine favours.
In addition to these above-mentioned significances and excellences, the Hajj:
12. is the best means to strengthen religious communication and coordination among the Mulsims of the whole world hailing from different countries with their separate nationality, race, language and colour and to collect them on a single plateform thereby making them rally round the banner of "Kalimah Tauheed" (the Code of Oneness of Allah) which is the pivot of Islaam.
13. The simple unstitched white clothing which Prophet Adam wore, is proposed for Haajis so that the Muslims who all believe in One Allah, one Messenger, one Book and one Ka'bah look alike sans any social ranking and status thereby to demonstrate outward religious harmony and cohesion too.
14. It envisages projection of the glory and truthfulness of Islaam besides earning believers the benefits and gains of the air, land and sea travels.
15. It also embraces the aims and objectives which kings and rulers achieve by holding grand courts, an association or organisation achieve by holding annual meetings and chanmber of commerce achieve by holding international fairs.
16. Hajj also satisfies the inquisition of anthropologists, archeologits, geologits, historians and geographers.
17. Most of Hajj's sites are either prominent symbols of Allah or have attachement with the Messengers and Prophets which refresh the memory of the sacred traditions and remind of the events of Divine blessings and mercy attached with these signs.
In short, the Divine Law which the Holy Prophet brought with him is so comprehensive and practical that it covers all temporal and spiritual affairs. Its each and every word abounds with wisdom and reasons which is evident from the fact that the worldly and spiritual benefits and objctives of Islamic commands and worships are before the whole world and will continue coming to the fore untill the Doomsday.
There is in a Hadees (Prophetic saying) that the one who performs Hajj for the sake of Allah avoiding carnal desires and sins, becomes as free from sins as on the day when his mother gave birth to him. Briefly, the Haaji embarks on a new phase of his life which carries temporal as well as spiritual gains and successes. So Hajj is not only a pillar of Islamic faith but it also influences every aspect and sector of moral, social, economic, political and national life of the Muslims besides being a towering symbol of the position they enjoy in the comity of nations.

Q.4: What are the moral benefits of Hajj? 
A. The Muslims who gather round the "Baitul Laah" (the House of Allah) reaching there from the four corners of the earth facing and braving the toils of journey and vagaries of the seasons meet with and become aware of one another's condition and problems. This grand assembly not only infuses in them a spirit of joint cooperation and unity but also characterises them as the members of one nation, one race and one family. The Haaji is required to be the quintessence of virtue, peace, self-control and self-sacrifice during the Hajj days. He must eschew querrelling with and troubling others and even killing a louse (if it happens to find its way on one's person or Ehraam) and ant. Even games of the land are unlawful for him. The Holy Qur-aan says: "Falaa Rafasa walaa Fusooqa walaa jidalaa Fil-Hajj" (there should be no expression of carnal desires before women nor any sin nor querrelling with anyone during Hajj days). How explicit and clear-cut this command is that there should be no expression of carnal desires directly or metaphorically. In the state of "Ehraam" lawful hobbies like games of the land are forbidden let alone sins and disobedience. Argument, altercation and scuffle that generally take place on such occasions are also forbidden even rebuking one's own servant. This standard of inward and outward purification set by Islaam for worship is so lofty that it has not only impressed and won over the hearts of the believers but also the disbelievers.

16 Qualities That Allah Loves

1) Patience:
“And Allah loves as-Sâbirun (the patient).” (Surah Imran 3:146)

2) Justice and Dealing with Equity:
“O ye who believe! Be steadfast witnesses for Allah in equity, and let not hatred of any people seduce you that ye deal not justly. Deal justly, that is nearer to your duty. Observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is informed of what ye do.” (Surah Maeda 5:8)
"For Allah loves those who are fair (and just)."
[Surah Al Hujurat 49:9]

3) Putting Trust in Allah:
“Certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).” (Surah Imran 3:159)

4) Kindness:
Ayesha (رضي الله عنها) narrated: The Messenger of Allah ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said: “Allah loves kindness in all matters.” (Bukhari)

5) Repentance:
“Truly, Allah loves those who turn unto him in repentance.” (Surah Baqarah 2:222)

6) Piety:
“Verily, then Allah loves those who are al-Muttaqun (the pious).” (Surah Imran 3:76)

"For Allah loves the righteous (the pious)." [Surah Al Tawbah 9:4]
Reported by Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas (رضي الله عنه :): Messenger of Allah ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ) said, "Allah loves a slave who is pious, free of all wants and the unnoticed.''

7) Good-doing:
“Truly, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers).” (Surah Baqarah 2:195)

8) Purification:
“And Allah loves those who make themselves clean and pure.” (Surah Tawbah 9:108)

9) Humility of the Rich:
Sa’d Ibn Abi Waqqas (رضي الله عنه ) said: Allah’s Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ) said: “Allah loves the believer who is pious and rich, but does not show off.” (Muslim)

10) Magnanimity:
Al-Hakim narrated: The Messenger of Allah ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ) said: “ Allah is All-Generous and He loves generosity in sale, purchase and judgment.”

11) Virtuosity:
The Messenger of Allah ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ)said: “Allah loves the believer who is poor but virtuous enough to refrain from begging though he has many children.” (Muslim and Ahmed)

12) Love for the Sake of Allah:
Al-Tabarâni, Ibn Ya’lâ, Ibn Hibban and Al-Hakim narrated: Allah’s Messenger
( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said: “If two individuals love each other for the sake of Allah, the stronger in love to his brother will be more loved by Allah.”

13) Continuous Performance of Righteous Deeds:
Allah’s Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said: “The best loved deeds to Allah are the ones that are continuous even if they are not very many.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

14) Sabr (Patience):
"And Allah Loves those who are firm and steadfast (As-Sabirin (the patient))." [Surah Ali 'Imran 3:146]

15)  Praying Salaah on time:
“The thing that Allah loves most is when his people pray salaah on time.” (Hadith- Bukhari)

16) Good Manners and Conduct:
Al-Tirmidhi narrated: Allah’s Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said: “The best loved by me and the nearest to me on the seats on the Day of Resurrection are those who have the best manners and conduct amongst you, who are intimate, are on good terms with others and are humble, and the most hated by me and who will be on the furthest seats from me are those who are talkative and arrogant.”

Love of Allah is the basis of worship that should be directed to Him alone. Any other love should be for his sake too. The real love of Allah is to do whatever He ordained and to abandon whatever He forbade, in addition to Following Rasulullah ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ)’s Sunnah. Whoever obeys someone or something other than Allah and His Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ), or follows any saying other than theirs, or fears other than Allah or seeks the pleasure of other than Allah, or puts his trust in other than Him, does not love Allah, nor does he love His Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ). Muslims should also love one another and wish the best for one another. Allah’s Messenger ( صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said: “One will not be a true believer unless he loves for his brother what be loves for himself.” (Bukhari)

GOOD HEALTH IS A BLESSING TO MAN

Good health, is a great blessing of Almighty Allah to man. The only time that a person realises the importance of his health is when he becomes ill even temporarily, and his good health is taken away from him by Allah. There is no doubt that good health is something that
every individual wishes and prays for, yet we take no heed in caring for our selves and our health. We tend to neglect the importance of living healthy lives, and only decide to rectify our way of life after illness strikes, bringing us down.

Those of us who have been blessed with good health seldom thank Almighty Allah for this blessing which he has bestowed upon us. We should appreciate our good health and continuously thank the Almighty for this gift that he has blessed us with. The Prophet of Islam reminded us concerning the importance of taking care of our health. He said, “There are two such blessings of the Almighty which people do not really value (realise its value) one is good health and the other is abundance of wealth.”

We should make it a habit that when praying for good health, we should also pray for protection from deadly illnesses. The Prophet of Islam would often say the following prayer, “O Almighty Allah! I ask of You to protect me from leprosy, leucoderma, insanity and all other deadly illnesses.”

We should always value the good things that Allah has given us before they are taken away from us. The wise have said that only a blind man knows the feeling of not being able to see, a man with no legs knows the true value of not having legs to walk on and only a person with severe breathing problems knows the true value of every breath he inhales and exhales. The Prophet of Islam said, Value five things before five:

(1) Your youth before your old age

(2) Your Good health before illness

(3) Your abundance of wealth before your poverty

(4) Your spare time before your occupied time

(5) The value of your life, before your death

One of the ways of protecting your health is to take the necessary precautions to avoid certain illnesses. We need to adhere to simple yet important things in our daily lives, like what we eat, our general hygiene and exercising our bodies. By adhering to simple rules of hygiene, one can protect- ones self from numerous germs and bacteria. The Prophet of Islam said, “Always cover your water, seal the mouths of water bottles, for illness and bad, enters water that has been left uncovered.”

The great scholars of religion and Islamic medicine have stated that the stomach is the mother of all illnesses. The stomach is a very huge vessel which holds everything that we eat and drink. One should however make sure that one does not over eat, as over eating causes the stomach to become upset and this, is the root of numerous illnesses of the body. When eating, one should try and realise that there should be three portions to the stomach:

1. One portion for food

2. One portion for water

3. One portion for air

If one keeps this in mind, then the problem of over eating can be eradicated. The other important issue concerning meals and good health is to avoid going straight to bed after having ones supper. One should try to walk at least forty brisk paces before going to bed as this helps with digestion and allows one to have a good night’s sleep, and as we all know that a good night’s sleep allows one to rise in morning feeling both healthy in body and mind. Let us all try to take care of our good health and appreciate it whilst we can.

The Problems of Finding a Marriage Partner (Billion Dollars Question???)

Finding a marriage partner can be stressful work at the best of times, but struggling to find the perfect 'Mr. Right' appears to be an elusive commodity. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half" [Shu‘ab al-Iman]. Moreover Islam advocates that since celibacy is not recommended marriage is encouraged and highly recommended. “Nikah (marriage) is my Sunnah. He who shuns my Sunnah is not of me” [al-Sahih, Muslim]. Indeed marriage is considered the fundamental cornerstone of society, the building blocks from which communities will build safe and cohesive societies. 

However finding that perfect partner has become a difficult struggle- one that many sisters in particular are facing. There are scores of sisters who are practicing conscious Muslims, adhere to the basic tenets of the faith, dress according to the Shariah and are looking for a life partner that will match their outlook on life. A partner that considers Islam as his identity, practices his faith in his actions, his

inner and outer self-reflecting these qualities as well as having the trappings of solid finances and reasonably decent to look at. (A sense of humor, kindness and compassion hoped for too!) Yet they are unable to find 'Mr. Right'. Although there are several reasons for this phenomenon, this article will discuss one aspect of this problem faced by many Muslim women. This is not an exhaustive discussion on the subject, rather focusing on one issue pertaining to it.

As mentioned earlier, there are a great deal of sisters who would make a perfect wife yet her suitors are not forthcoming. Having talked to many of these women who are actively looking for a husband, there is certainly not a shortage of eligible Muslim bachelors. Rather, those that have had many suitors say their own lack of 'beauty' was a highly probable cause for 'rejection' by the male party and its many

elements. No matter the manner of the meeting - the excruciatingly painful interview by a potential mother-in-law upraising herself of the vital bodily statistics of the sister or of a more subtle nature - meeting a potential candidate through a third party; the general consensus appears that appearances play a major factor in the decision making process, particularly amongst those from the Indo-Pak Subcontinent. The fairer, slimmer and prettier the sister the more likely she is to obtain a suitor. The darker, plumper and unconventional looking sister will get very less or virtually no offers. Indeed there are many sisters who are articulate, well-educated and practicing yet are turned downed consistently, causing disillusionment and pain. The mass media has become one of the main sources of popular culture in modern society. It not only entertains but also transfers stereotypes, beliefs and values of that society which are reproduced within the existing order of social life. It is a sad fact that its obsession with beauty and weight has infiltrated down to our Muslim societies governing our choices. Moreover although many of us will deny overt racism, covert racism exists in many forms, portrayed by a lack of cross cultural marriages. Indeed the increase in whitening creams, facial bleaches is testament to the fact that many women feel a huge pressure to conform to traditional norms of beauty. Not all of course do so for marital purposes yet the trend is still there.

So who is to blame? Although I am sure there are many brothers who will argue they are not so shallow and will consider factors other than attractiveness when selecting a marriage partner, they appear to be in the minority. It would also be naive to solely blame brothers for this and it is not the purpose of this article to have a good 'rant' against them. Although some brothers do need to re-asses their criteria for a marital partner, family pressure plays a pivotal role. More importantly

some of us sisters are part of the problem. We make up those families who perpetuate these values. Often, when we are helping parents search for suitable partners for the male members of our family we too look at material factors - is the sister tall enough, fair enough and pretty enough to qualify consideration? We will sit down and analyze photographs in detail, pointing out particular features and 

discussing in length the pros and cons of her face. In short how many of us try to persuade our parents and relatives to follow the advice of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when he stated: "A man marries a woman for four reasons: for her property, for her rank, for her beauty, and for her religion (and character). So marry the one who is best in the religion and character and prosper" [al-Sahih, al-Bukhari].

Although the first three reasons have not been ruled out of consideration, a sisters commitment to the deen and character are given precedence. If she fears Allah Almighty and does her best to be the best possible person at all times, when problems arise she will look to the Qur'an and Sunnah for a resolution and be less inclined to be swayed purely by emotion. She will also be aware of her duties as a

wife and mother, her responsibilities to the family and extended family and how to cope when problems arise. Piety and taqwa have been stressed manifold times. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stated: "If Allah grants a Muslim a righteous wife, this helps him preserve half of his religion (faith). He should, therefore, fear Allah as regards the other half." [al-Mustadrak ‘ala al-Sahihain] He further stated: "Four things bring one joy: a righteous wife, a spacious house, a pious neighbor and a comfortable riding animal." [al-Sahih, Ibn Hibban] Take for instance the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his wife, Sayyidina Khadjia (rad). It is well documented that she was not only 15 years his senior but a widow with children from her previous marriage; an astute businesswoman with character and strength. The entire life of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), from his birth to his demise serves as a lesson for us all, even in this day and age. 

A message perhaps to brothers that youth, beauty and a slim figure should not take precedence over character and personality. That we should step away from the stereotypes of the media and look beyond physical attributes and delve deeper to see what defines the personality of the sister.Does she love Islam and posses taqwa? Is she aware of her accountability to Allah Almighty in the hereafter? These are fundamental factors that influence behavior. Often, no matter how perfect a couple may appear on paper, every marriage can go through a bad patch - where disagreements and heartache occur. However a sister who truly believes that her every act will be made to account, every word spoken made to be justified, will often be the one who will make the first step to reconcile and compromise, even if she believes she was in the right and her partner was wrong. A sister who is aware of her nafs, and the battle that rages between the soul and the ego will try and placate the soul through compassion and understanding as opposed to anger and rage. 

So brothers, it is important to remember when the chips are down, especially during uncertain economic conditions, will your wife still demand her Swarovski studded abaya and matching clutch bag or remember Sayyidina Khadija's (rad) sacrifices when the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his family were banished in the valley of Bani Shayba.Despite being forced to endure hunger, extreme poverty and other hardships she still supported her husband both financially and emotionally.

If you are both blessed with children will she allow them to sit endlessly playing with their Wi-Fi games while she surfs e-bay whilst gossiping with her friends? Or will she remind them again and again to do their wudu, pray their salat, doge the rush hour traffic and take them to the best mosque with the best tajweed classes

and then tuck them up at night re-telling them stories of Imam Hassan and Hussain's (rz) playful antics with the Holy Propjet (peace and blessings be upon him). When your mother comes to stay and fuss over your food and clothes, commenting that your shirts do not appear to be ironed to her perfection, will your wife huff and puff wishing the big bad wolf come and blow your mother away - or worse do it herself? Or will she grit her teeth, smile pleasantly with patience whilst serving tea, samosa's and baklava whilst being watched over with eagle eyes, remembering like a mantra that paradise lies at the mothers feet.

Remember brothers, when you marry, you are in it for the long haul. It is a lifelong commitment, full of hard work and compromise with good times and tough times. What is important though, with the right partner, that struggle can turn out beautifully. Choosing a sister who understands her responsibilities as a wife, partner and lifelong friend - one who strives to be the best Muslim in this life surely outweighs more material considerations of outer beauty. As the Holy Prophet

(peace and blessings be upon him) stated: "The whole world is pleasure, and the best pleasure of the world is the righteous woman.” [al-Sahih, Muslim]