MORE WOMEN IN HELL THAN MEN ???

It was narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that women will form the majority of the people of Hell. It was narrated from ‘Imraan ibn Husayn that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I looked into Paradise and I saw that the majority of its people were the poor. And I looked into Hell and I saw that the majority of its people are women.”

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3241; Muslim, 2737)

It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I was shown Hell and I have never seen anything more terrifying than it. And I saw that the majority of its people are women.” They said, “Why, O Messenger of Allaah?” He said, “Because of their ingratitude (kufr).” It was said, “Are they ungrateful to Allaah?” He said, “They are ungrateful to their companions (husbands) and ungrateful for good treatment. If you are kind to one of them for a lifetime then she sees one (undesirable) thing in you, she will say, ‘I have never had anything good from you.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1052)

“The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) went out to the Musalla on the day of Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Fitr. He passed by the women and said, ‘O women! Give charity, for I have seen that you form the majority of the people of Hell.’ They asked, ‘Why is that, O Messenger of Allaah?’  He replied, ‘You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religious commitment than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you.’ The women asked, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, what is deficient in our intelligence and religious commitment?’ He said, ‘Is not the testimony of two women equal to the testimony of one man?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Is it not true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?’ The women said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘This is the deficiency in her religious commitment.’” 

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 304) 

It was narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said: “I attended Eid prayers with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). He started with the prayer before the khutbah, with no adhaan or iqaamah. Then he stood up, leaning on Bilaal, speaking of fear of Allaah (taqwa) and urging us to obey Him. He preached to the people and reminded them. Then he went over to the women and preached to them and reminded them. Then he said, ‘Give in charity, for you are the majority of the fuel of Hell. A woman with dark cheeks stood up in the midst of the women and said, ‘Why is that, O Messenger of Allaah?’ He said, ‘Because you complain too much and are ungrateful to your husbands.’ Then they started to give their jewellery in charity, throwing their earrings and rings into Bilaal’s cloak.”

(Narrated by Muslim, 885)

Our believing sisters who learn of this hadeeth should behave like those Sahaabiyaat who, when they learned of this, did good deeds which would be the means, by Allaah’s leave, of keeping them far away from being included in that majority of the inhabitants of Hell. 

So our advice to the sisters is to strive to adhere to the rituals and obligatory duties of Islam, especially prayer, and to keep away from that which Allaah has forbidden, especially shirk in its many forms which are widespread among women, such as seeking one's needs from someone other than Allaah, going to practitioners of witchcraft and fortune-tellers, etc.

 We ask Allaah to keep us and all our brothers and sisters far away from the Fire and the words and deeds that bring one close to it.Ameen!!!

Ruling on women riding bicycles (¯`♥´¯) "*.¸.*´ ¸.❉´¯) ¸.☆´¯) (¸❉´ (¸.♥´´¯`•.¸¸.❉ ...☆• ☆ ❉ ☆• ☆ ...┊┊┊ ┊┊♥ ┊♥ ♥

The woman is required to cover all of her body in front of non-mahram men with clothes that are loose and will not show the size of her limbs and are not see-through.

The basic principle is that it is permissible for a woman to ride animals, just as women used to ride camels and so on at the time of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). al-Bukhaari (5365) and Muslim (2527) narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “The best women who ride camels are the women of Quraysh.”

In al-Bukhaari and elsewhere it says: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) cursed men who imitate women and women who imitate men. In al-Tabaraani it says: A woman passed by the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) carrying a bow and he said: May Allah curse women who imitate men and men who imitate women.

If a woman rides a bicycle in front of men there is the possibility that she may become uncovered and part of her body may appear or the shape of her body may appear when she moves and air flows around her. For this reason it is not permissible for her to do that except in the case of necessity or urgent need, on condition that she wear clothes that cover her, with pants and socks underneath.

We asked Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) a previous question, which was as follows:

Is it permissible for a Muslim woman living in a kaafir country to ride a bicycle or motorbike wearing complete hijab? 

He replied: I do not think this is allowed, because she may be caught up with pursued. End quote.

Dr. Ahmad al-Hajji al-Kurdi [an expert in al-Mawsoo‘ah al-Fiqhiyyah and a member of the Ifta Committee in Kuwait] was asked: 

What is the ruling on women riding bicycles in European countries in order to get to school or work or to the supermarket? 

He replied:

There is no reason why a woman should not ride a motorbike or a bicycle if she is where men cannot see her, so long as she adheres to complete shar‘i hijab that covers her body and she is careful to avoid showing any part of her ‘awrah when getting on and off. 

But with regard to her riding it in a place where men can see her, I do not think that this is permissible except in the case of urgent need, because usually when a woman rides it, part of what she has covered appears or the clothes become tight and show the shape of her body. And because she may fall from it and uncover what she has covered, or there are other reservations.

Moreover, among the conditions of a woman’s hijab in front of non-mahram men is that it should cover all of the ‘awrah; it should be thick and not see-through;, it should be loose and should not show the shape; and it should be of a dull colour that does not attract attention; it should not have any adornment or pattern; and it should not be intended as an adornment, rather it should be worn in order to cover. 

The best that I have seen in that regard is what is called the jilbaab, but I do not say it is obligatory for anyone.

And Allah knows best.

“This world is the prison of the believer and the paradise of the kaafir.”

The believer knows that this world is only temporary, that its luxuries are few, and that whatever pleasures exist here are always imperfect. If it causes a little laughter, it gives many reasons to weep; if it gives a little, it withholds far more. 

The believer is only detained here, as the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “This world is the prison of the believer and the paradise of the kaafir.”

This world is also fatigue, pain, misery and suffering, so the believer feels relief when he departs from it. Abu Qutaadah ibn Rib’i al-Ansaari used to say that a funeral passed the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he said:

“He is now relieved, and people feel relieved of him.” The people asked, “O Messenger of Allaah, how can he be relieved and people feel relieved of him?” He said, “The believing slave (who dies) is relieved of the fatigue and pain of this world and has gone to the mercy of Allaah; when the rebellious slave dies, people, land, trees and animals are relieved of him.”

For the believer, death brings a respite from the distress, worries and pain of this life, as is stated in the hadeeth: 

“When the believer is about to die, the angels of mercy bring white silk and say, ‘Come out content, with the pleasure of Allaah upon you, to the mercy of Allaah and sweet fragrance and a Lord who is not angry.’ So (the soul) comes out like the best fragrance of musk and the angels hand it to one another until they bring it to the gate of heaven. 

They say, ‘How good is this fragrance that has come from the earth.’ They bring it to the souls of the believers, and they rejoice over it much more than you do when one who has been absent returns. 

They ask him, ‘What did So-and-so do? What did So-and-so do?’ then (the angels) say, ‘Leave him alone, for he was suffering the distress of the world.’ When he asks, ‘Did not So-and-so come to you?’ they say: ‘He was taken to his home in the Pit (i.e., Hell).’

When the kaafir is about to die, angels of punishment bring sackcloth and say, ‘Come out discontent, with the wrath of Allaah upon you, to the punishment of Allaah.’ So (the soul) comes out like the worst stench of rotten meat, and they take it to the gate of the earth. They say, ‘How foul is this stench,’ until they bring it to the souls of the kuffaar.”

This understanding of the reality of this world makes it easier for the believer to bear afflictions, pains, distress and anxiety, because he knows that they are an inevitable part of the nature of this life.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Remember frequently the one who will destroy all your pleasures: death, for there is no-one who remembers death when in straitened circumstances, but his situation will become easier, and there is no-one who remembers death during times of ease, but his circumstances will become straitened.”

 

When one is worried about what may happen in the future, the following du’aa’ is very beneficial. Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say: 

“Allaahumma aslih li deeni alladhi huwa ‘ismat amri wa aslih li dunyaaya allati fihaa ma’aashi wa aslih li aakhirati allati fihaa ma’aadi w’aj’al al-hayaata ziyaadatan li fi kulli khayri w’aj’al al-mawta raahatan li min kulli sharr 

(O Allaah, make me adhere properly to my religion, on which all my affairs depend; make this world good for me in which is my livelihood; make my Hereafter good for me, in which is my ultimate destiny; make my life increase in every good thing and make my death a respite from every evil).”

Taken from the Book Islam's Treatment for Anxiety and Worry
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

BABY SHOWERS

With regards to baby showers, this is whereby when the mother is 7 or 8 months pregnant she invites sisters to get together and they buy clothes for the newborn and have a meal together.The basic principle with regard to such traditions is that they are permissible, unless they are matters for which the kuffaar and mushrikeen are known.

Shaykh al-Islam (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

Actions may be acts of worship or customs and traditions. The basic principle with regard to acts of worship is that none are legitimate except that which Allah has prescribed. The basic principle with regard to customs and traditions is that none of them are forbidden except that which Allah has forbidden. End quote. 

Majmoo‘ al-Fataawa, 4/196

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

The basic principle with regard to every action except acts of worship is that it is permissible because Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“…while He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except under compulsion of necessity …”

[al-An‘aam 6:119].

WOMEN , PRAY ON TIME !!!

Five times a day, Muslims stop whatever they are doing - like sleeping, shopping, working, or watching TV – to pray. SubhanAllah! Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: the Sunnah indicates that it is better for a woman to pray at home, no matter where she is, whether she is in Makkah or elsewhere. 

When you go for shopping , always bring with you a praying carpet or mat. Co z u don't know maybe shopping will make you late more, well i myself loves roaming around the Malls.Beautiful, and inviting showrooms^_^! There are some malls with masjids and sections for women too.But if u are on wudu,and masjid is far from where u are,then don't hesitate to furnish your carpet on the corner and start your prayer, and see what's the result after you're done. It's a great feeling and quite a relief coz you made it,Alhamdulillah!!! May Allah Subhana Wa Taala Accepts our prayers and Worship! Ameen.

Allah Subhana Wa Taala said:

[al-Nisa’ 4:103]

“Verily, As‑Salaah (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours”

“Men whom neither trade nor sale (business) diverts from the remembrance of Allaah (with heart and tongue) nor from performing As‑Salaah (Iqaamat‑as‑Salaah) nor from giving the Zakaah. They fear a Day when hearts and eyes will be overturned (out of the horror of the torment of the Day of Resurrection).

That Allaah may reward them according to the best of their deeds, and add even more for them out of His Grace. And Allaah provides without measure to whom He wills”

[al-Noor 24:37-38]

PRAY IN IT'S TIME, DON'T BE NEGLIGENT !!!

“Then, there has succeeded them a posterity who have given up As‑Salaah (the prayers) [i.e. made their Salaah (prayers) to be lost, either by not offering them or by not offering them perfectly or by not offering them in their proper fixed times] and have followed lusts. So they will be thrown in Hell”

[Maryam 19:59]

Islam has told us the times of the prayers, as described in the hadeeth which was narrated by Muslim (217) from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr (may Allaah be pleased with him) from the Prophet who said: “The time of Zuhr is so long as the time for ‘Asr has not begun, and the time for ‘Asr is so long as the sun has not begun to turn yellow, and the time for Maghrib is so long as the afterglow has not faded, and the time for ‘Isha’ is until midnight, and the time for Fajr is so long as the sun has not yet risen.”

It is not permissible for you to delay ‘Isha’ until half an hour before Fajr, because the time for ‘Isha’ is up to midnight, as it says in the hadeeth. If you want to work out when midnight is, then calculate the time from sunset until dawn, and half way between the two is the end of the time for ‘Isha’ (this is midnight). If the sun sets at five o’clock and the adhan for Fajr is given at five o’clock, then midnight (or half way through the night) is eleven o’clock at night.

So you must organize your time at work in a way that will not interfere with your performing the prayers on time and work out an agreement on a suitable solution with the administration, even if that causes you some difficulty, such as working extra hours, for example. Note that the benefits of increased faith in your heart that you will get as a result of praying on time will compensate for any difficulties you encounter, and that hardship will turn to joy – in sha Allaah – because you will be putting up with it for the sake of Allaah and seeking His pleasure.

It is not permissible for a Muslim man or woman to delay an obligatory prayer beyond the proper time, rather every accountable Muslim man and woman is obliged to perform the prayers on time as much as they can.

Work is not an excuse for delaying prayer, neither is impurity on clothes or clothes being dirty. None of these are acceptable excuses.

Sometimes, shopping takes all your time ^_^ and prayer time will go on it's prescribe time to the extent of another prayer time comes. So, pray your prayers on it's prescribe time wherever you are !!!

It is better to hasten to perform the prayers when the time for them begins, because of the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari (496) and Muslim (122) from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: I asked the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Which deed is most beloved to Allaah?” He said: “Prayer offered on time.” He said, “Then what?” He said, “Honouring one’s parents.” He said: “Then what?” He said, “Jihad for the sake of Allaah.” 

And Allaah knows best.

♥♥♥ My Best Du'a for All ♥♥♥

 

Du’a is important because it is a sign of one’s Eman. We are a servant of Allah  Subhana Wa Taala and so Du’a humbles us by asking Him for anything we want and showing our true dependence on Him The Almighty for everything. Du’a is so important that is even said to be the brain of ibada! One of the beautiful and best parts of making Du’a is that you can never make enough or ask for “too much”.


If you were to continually ask a good friend for favors over and over again, while not giving much in return, surely, that friend would eventually become fed up with you. On the contrary, Almighty Allah wants us to continually ask Him The Almighty  for our needs both in this life and the Hereafter. Unlike this friend who would be annoyed at your constant asking, Almighty Allah would become furious if you did not ask Him for your needs! Du’a also is a sign on one’s Eman, brings us closer to Almighty Allah , is a sign of humility, repels Allah (Subhana wa taala)’s anger, a cure for all diseases, a sign of wisdom, a beloved act by Allah (Subhana wa taala) and has a guaranteed reward. But can you imagine a being becoming angered at you for not asking Him for anything?! Now you can, because Allah Subhana Wa Taala wants you to ask, and ask for more.

And how many times has this happened to you: you want something really, really bad, and pray for it like crazy. 

You pray for it as much as you can, and then what happens? 

Your Du’a doesn’t get accepted. 

Why? 

It may be due to 3 big things:

1.) Our sins our blocking your Du’as (after all, in a hadith related by Ahmad ibn Hanbal, a man asked the Prophet Alayhi salatu wa salam “I’d like my prayers to be responded.” And he Alayhi salatu wa salam responded “If you avoid forbidden actions, your prayers will be responded.”_

2.) We ask for something Haram

3.) We don’t follow the etiquette and Sunnahs of asking Almighty Allah.

Just as there are the etiquettes at the dinner table, there are etiquettes for making Du’a. Let’s look at some of these Sunnahs and etiquette to making Du’a properly (and also how not to make them), when are the best times to make them, how does Almighty Allah responds to our Du’as, and an action item to implement this plan.

Some of the best timings to make Du’a in which it is most likely to be answered are at the end of an obligatory Salah, after breaking one’s fast, in the last one third of the night, between adhan and iqamah, during an hour on Friday, between Asr and Maghrib on Friday, when it is raining, in sujood, during laylat al Qadr, when supplicating for one’s child, when traveling, when the Du’a is for another brother or sister who is not present, Du’a for the sick and more. 

Are you still whining about when your Du’a will be answered?

Insha’Allah let us all be thankful for everything and continually make Du’a, if not increase our Du’a and live righteously in order for our Du’a to be answered.

Allah Subhana Wa Taala is, after all, Al-Wahhab (The Bestower) and Ar-Razzaq (The Provider). But sometimes we forget to ask Him The Almighty, or don’t ask enough!

Know that you never lose by making Du’a. Because Allah Subhana Wa Taala  answers each Du’a that we make. 

Allah always has three replies to our Du’a. 

It's either

1) ‘Yes’

2) ‘Yes, but not now’

3) ‘I have a better plan for you’ (Either in this life or the Hereafter)

ALLAHU ALAM !

There’s never a ‘NO’, so we should just have faith and keep praying. Always remember that the person who makes Du’a is never in a state of loss.

After Salah, stay where you are (hey, the angels pray for you as long as you are sitting in the place where you prayed until you either move or break your wudu!) 

and Ask for EVERYTHING! What do you have to lose!? 

If He Subhana Wa Taala  grants it to you, then great, if not, then that’s still great because He Subhana Wa Taala will replace that wish with something better (either in this life or in the next).

ALLAH KNOWS BEST !!!

Simple Ways of Ablution ( Wudu )

What to say before performing ablution ::::::::

"بِسْمِ اللهِ".Bismillaahi In the Name of Allah

Reference: Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, and Ahmad. See also Al-Albani, 'Irwa'ul-Ghain 1/122.

1. Make sure the place is clean, and make Niyyah (Intention) that you are making Wudu' for Salaat and begin by saying. "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah). Wash both hands up to the wrist three times, making sure that water has reached between the fingers.

2. Put a handful of water into your mouth and rinse it thoroughly three times.

 3. Clean your nose by sniffing water into it and extract the water you just sniffed (be careful not to sniff the water all the way), repeat the step 3 times.

4. Wash your face three times from right ear to left ear and from forehead to throat.

5. Wash your right arm and then your left arm thoroughly, this time up to elbow three times.

6. Move the wet fingers and palms (touching gently) over your head from the top of forehead all the way to the back of the head, and back (back of the head to the forehead). Only one time and not three.

 

7. Pass the wet tips of your index fingers into the grooves and holes of both ears and also pass the wet thumbs behind the ears (three times).

8. Finally, wash both feet to the ankles (preferably to the knees) starting with the right foot, making sure that water has reached between the toes and back of the feet.

What to say upon completing Ablution:

It’s preferable to say after leaving the bathroom,

1. "أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ".

  "Ash-hadu an la ilaha illal lahu wa ash-hadu anna Muammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluh."

I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.

Reference: Muslim 1/209.

2.  "اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِنَ التَّوَّابِينَ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنَ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ".

Allaahummaj'alnee minat-tawwaabeena waj'alnee minal-mutatahhireen.

O Allah, make me among those who turn to You in repentance, and make me among those who are purified.

Reference: At-Tirmithi 1/78. See also Al-Albani, Sahih At- Tirmithi 1/18

3.  "سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ".

 Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bihamdika, 'ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta, 'astaghfiruka wa 'atoobu 'ilayk.

Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise; I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.

Reference: An-Nasa'i, 'Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah, p. 173. See also Al-Albani, 'Irwa'ul-Ghalil 1/135 and 2/94.

Pearls of Prophet (Backbiting)

The scholars agreed that it is haraam to talk behind a person’s back for no legitimate purpose. Most of them stated that this is a major sin and that it varies in degree, some kinds being worse than others. The one who backbites about a scholar is not like one who backbites about an ignorant person. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“… neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful”

[al-Hujuraat 49:12]

Gheebah (backbiting, gossip) means that a person mentions the faults of his Muslim brother in his absence, which he would not like if he heard about it, when there is no need to mention them. 

Gheebah (backbiting, gossip) means that you mention something about your Muslim brother which he does not like, such as his faults. This is haraam, no matter by what means it happens or whatever form it takes. It is haraam according to the consensus of the Muslim scholars. Criticizing people, if the aim is to expose their faults, is gheebah and is among the “evil uttered in public” that Allaah does not like [cf. Al-Nisaa’ 4:148].

When I say “mentions the faults of his brother”, this excludes cases when the other person says something to praise or commend him. 

if someone makes mistakes, her sister/brother, inbox her/him for advises and corrections and not to talk about her/him and make funny things out of that. Beware this is Gheebah !!! 

In Saheeh Muslim it is narrated from al-‘Alaa’ ibn ‘Abd al-Rahmaan from his father from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do you know what gheebah is?” They said, “Allaah and His Messenger know best.” He said, “That you say something about your brother that he dislikes.” He was asked, “What if what I say about my brother is true?” He said, “If what you say is true then you have gossiped about him, and if it is not true then you have slandered him.”

Abu Dawood narrated in his Sunan via Nawfal ibn Masaahiq from Sa’eed ibn Zayd that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The most prevalent kind of usury (riba) is going to lengths in talking unjustly against a Muslim’s honour.” 

And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Your blood, your wealth and your honour are sacred among you, as sacred as this day of yours in this month of yours in this land of yours. Let those who are present convey it to those who are absent; perhaps he will convey it to one who has more understanding than he does.”

(Agreed upon, from the hadeeth of Abu Bakrah). 

One of the worse types of gheebah and one which is most emphatically forbidden it to look down upon a Muslim and do one’s utmost to insult him, show disrespect towards him and cast aspersions upon his honour. This is a blameworthy characteristic and a serious malady; it is one of the major sins and the one who does this is subject to the warning and a severe punishment.

Shaykh Sulaymaan ibn Naasir al-‘Alwaani/IslamQa.Com

If it is an unpleasant story and there information that could identify the people involved, then it is not backbiting; but if it will provoke trouble or lead to bad consequences, then mentioning it is haraam for that reason, even if it is not backbiting. 

Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas :

Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Baaz, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Razaaq ‘Afeefi, Shaykh ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Ghadyaan.

Gossip is a major sin, and undoubtedly all Muslims know this, and they know the punishment that Allaah will inflict on the one who gossips. The seriousness of this sin is due to two reasons: 

1-    It has to do with people’s rights, so it is more serious because it involves wrongdoing against people. 

2-    It is an easy sin that most people commit, except those on whom Allaah has mercy. People usually regard easy things as insignificant although they are serious before Allaah. 

With regard to expiation for gossiping, it is essential to note a few important points: 

Firstly: In a number of fatwas on our site we have pointed out that expiation for gossip includes praying for forgiveness for the one you gossiped about, and making du’aa’ for him, and praising him in his absence. We hope that the reader will look at these fatwas and read the words of the scholars.

Secondly: Stating that praying for forgiveness is the expiation for gossip does not mean that it is sufficient. The basic principle is that sins cannot be erased except by sincere repentance which is accompanied by giving up the sin, regretting it, resolving not to go back to it and being sincere at heart in one’s dealings with the Creator, may He be glorified. Then there is the hope if one repents in this manner, Allaah will forgive him his sins and pardon his errors.

With regard to people’s rights and transgressions against people, they can only be expiated if the people affected pardon him and forgive him. The evidence for that is in the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), who said: “Whoever has wronged his brother with regard to his honour or something, let him ask him for forgiveness before the time when there will be neither dinar nor dirham, and if he has any good deeds it will be taken from him in proportion to the wrong he did, and if he does not have any good deeds (hasanaat), some of the other person's evil deeds (sayi’aat) will be taken and given to him to bear.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (2449). 

Because the scholars among the righteous salaf and fuqaha’ thought that seeking people’s forgiveness for gossip might lead – in some cases – to greater evils such as grudges or breaking of ties, and people might feel resentment and grudges to an extent that is known only to Allaah, most of the scholars granted concessions allowing one not to seek forgiveness (from the victim), and they hoped that it would be sufficient to pray for forgiveness for the victim of gossip and say du’aa’ for him and praise him in his absence.

Then after all that, does the questioner think that praying for forgiveness in general terms – “O Allaah, forgive the believing men and women” – is sufficient to expiate for the sin of gossiping?! 

We say that when we hope that Allaah will accept du’aa’ and prayers for forgiveness as an expiation for bad deeds, it is essential to be sincere towards Allaah in this du’aa’, to seek out means of drawing close to Allaah, and to repeat it in times and places where du’aa’s are answered, and pray for all goodness and blessing in this world and in the Hereafter. Undoubtedly such a du’aa’ requires us to specify the person for whom we are praying, either mentioning him by name or describing him, by saying: O Allaah, forgive me and the one whom I have gossiped about and wronged; O Allaah, pardon us and him, and whatever else you can say in your du’aa’. 

As for praying in general terms, it does not seem to be sufficient to achieve what you are hoping for from Allaah. Just as you gossiped about him by mentioning his name or describing him, and you singled him out for harm, so too you should pray specifically for him and ask for forgiveness for him, so that the bad deeds will be replaced by good.

And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.

Tips to a Better Marriage

Bismillah Arahman Arraheem

"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts). Verily in that are Signs for those who reflect" 
(Al-Qur'an 30: 21).

I have listed some rules that may benefit those seeking an Islamic marriage, as well as, those who are already married. I do not pretend to be an expert of any kind.MashaAllaah, I have learned what I know and experienced. I muddled my way through much of my 22 years of marriage, and consider myself a graduate from the 'school of hard knocks' ^_^. Alhamdulillah!!!

The rules are:

1. Be conscious of your physical appearance. No one was more conscious of this than the Prophet Alayhi salatu wa salam. His Sulmah reflects keen attention to personal hygiene and good grooming. He kept himself strong and
muscular. Most likely the first aspect of you that attracted your mate was your appearance, so don't think that simply because you are married the task is over. You can't hide a weight problem under Thawbs' (dress) and long Khimars' (veils). Your mate knows. Be aware that you live in a society that places a high premium on physical appearance. It flaunts the shapely female and her muscular counterpart. Temptations that beckon non-Muslims beckon Muslims as
well. Don 't allow your mate to get side-tracked by the likes of a 'Raquel Welch or an Arnold Schwarzenegger'. Jog, join a gym, roller skate, swim and stay in shape. Insha' Allah, you will be more vibrant, more radiant, and more attractive to your mate.

 2. Be a companion to your mate. Try to show enthusiasm for your spouse's interests and hobbies. It is well-known that the Prophet Alayhi salatu wa salam would run races with 'Ayesha Radhi allahu Anha. By all means try to involve your mate in your
interests.

 3. Be active in Islamic community life. This will strengthen your
commitment to Islam while providing you wish a wholesome social
outlet. Encourage your spouse to engage in activities that promote Islam. Have dinners at your home for Muslims as well as non-Muslims, and don't neglect your relatives. These activities will indirectly enhance the quality of your marriage through widening your circle of
activity and contacts.

4. Admit your mistakes and have a forgiving, generous attitude when your mate errs. This country is a difficult place to live in. Most Muslims fall short of the Islamic ideal. Contradictions abound. Be quick to admit your shortcomings and work to amend them. Be understanding when your mate does not live up to the Islamic ideal and gently try to motivate him or her in the right direction.

5. Have a sense of humour. Be able to chuckle at life's minor
aggravations.


6. . Be modest when around members of the opposite sex. Do not try to test your spouse's affection by feigning interest in another. This will only cause dissension and bad feelings.

7. Share household duties. Brothers, take note. This is especially  important these days when women work outside the home. The Prophet Alayhi salatu wa salam always helped his wives around the house and even mended his own clothes. Who knows? You might find you actually like preparing the
evening meal or taking care of junior so your wife can have the afternoon off. The Messenger of Allah Alayhi salatu wa salam said, "The most perfect of the believers in faith is the best of them in moral excellence, and the best of you are the kindest of you to their wives" (at-Tirmidhi).

8. Surprise each other with gifts. Treat her to an evening out alone, away from the children. There are no words to describe the lift this can give to a marriage.

9. Communicate your feelings to one another, good and bad. Tell him how handsome he looks. Where there is disagreement, have an open discussion. Don ' t collect red stamps. Nip it in the bud .

10. Live within your means. Stay away from credit cards if you can.Sisters, take note. Don't envy the possessions of your friends, and belittle your husband because he can't provide them for you. Muslim couples will do well to stay away from ostentatious living. The Prophet Alayhi salatu wa salam did not live this way, neither should you.

11.  Respect your mate's need for privacy. A quiet time to oneself, either at home or away from home, each day can make a disagreeable person agreeable.

12. Don 't share personal problems with others. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but if you must discuss personal problems, make sure it is with a person in whom you have the utmost confidence. If you have a learned Muslim brother or sister in your community, seek him or her out first.

13. Be sensitive to your mate's moods. If you want to share a personal achievement, don't do it when your spouse is 'down in the dumps '. Wait for the proper time.

You may be saying to yourself, "This is easier said than done." Well, you're right. A successful marriage doesn't just happen. It's not simply a matter of luck or finding the right person. It takes hard work and determination. It means being
selfless and making mistakes. It means having vengeance on your mind  but forgiveness in your heart. But, then, its perfection is "half of faith".


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Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the
comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead
righteous. Qur'an 25:74

"The whole world is an asset and the best asset is a good
wife" (Muslim)

"And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates
from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquillity
with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts). Verily in that are Signs for those who reflect" (30: 21).

Ants - Beautiful Creation of Allah

Bismillah Arrahman Arraheem 
 
Allah, The Creator and Lord of the Universe
This particular insect has been selected as a title (Aayat) of a Surah No.27 “The Ants” in the Noble Qur’an. Briefly, it discusses the advent of Hadhrat Sulayman (Alayhis salaam), with his hosts of Jinn, men and birds and they marched in arranged groups till they reached the Valley of Ants. Said one Ant “Oh you Ants! Get back into your dwellings, lest Sulayman and his hosts crush you unintentionally”. The Hadith and sayings of the companions are numerous relating to the Ant. 

Hadhrat Ibn Abbas (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that the Prophet (Alayhi salatu wa salam) said, “Do not kill four of these creatures viz.
1.] ant,
2.] bee,
3.] sparrows (wood-pecker),
4.] and any pigeon”. 

Hadhrat Abdur Rahman Ibn Abdullah (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that The Prophet (Alayhi salatu wa salam) descended at a certain place - (house) and attended to the call of nature. Incidentally a man kindled a fire in a heap of ants, (either the house was built on a tree or on the ground). The Prophet (Alayhi salatu wa salam) seeing this, exclaimed “Who did this? Extinguish it!! Extinguish it!” Abu Hurayrah (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports that a certain Prophet from the many Prophets (Alayhis salaam) rested under the shade of a tree. An ant bit him. So the Prophet stood up to avenge for the bite. He spotted a large group of ants and killed them. A call was voiced to Him, “Was it not only one ant that bit you?”

Abu Hurayrah (Radhiallaahu Anhu) reports, I heard the Prophet (Alayhi salatu wa salam) saying, A certain Prophet from the many Prophets (Alayhis salaam) was resting under the shade of a tree. An ant bit him. He instructed his belongings to be removed from there and immediately ordered the heap of Ants to be burnt. Allah Ta’ala revealed to him “Was it not only Ant that hurt you and you have ordered a full nation of ants to be destroyed who are engaged in the invocation of Allah Taala? Was it not one ant?”

Hassam Dastawani says that the ants and small ants during the season of summer bring love and prosperity to us but during the season of winter we fear they will dissipate our hoards. 

Abu Bakr Najee reports that Hazrat Sulayman (Alayhis salaam) came out seeking water. Incidentally he spotted an ant with its bottom downwards and struggling with its legs up in the air upwards and saying, “Oh Allah we are one of your own creation, we are not independent of our thirst. Either you refreshen us and feed us or either kill us and destroy us.”

“ When they reached the Valley of the Ants, an Ant exclaimed, ‘O Ants! Enter your dwellings lest Sulaymaan and his armies crush you without noticing it.” (Naml : 1 8) 

Life Style of Ants 

In recent times, research has shown us several facts about the lifestyle of ants, which were not known earlier to mankind. Research has shown that the animals or insects whose lifestyle is closest in resemblance of the lifestyle of human beings are the ants. This can be seen from the following findings regarding ants:

1.] The ants bury their dead in a manner similar to the humans.
 
2.] They have a sophisticated system of division of labour.
 
3.] Once in a while they meet among themselves to have a ‘chat’.
 
4.] They have an advanced method of communication among themselves.


5.] They hold regular markets wherein they exchange goods.
 
6.] They store grains for long periods in winter and if the grain begins to bud, they cut the roots, If the grains stored by them get wet due to rains, they take these grains out into the sunlight to dry, and once these are dry, they take them back inside. Consider the following Qur’anic verses:

At length, when they came to a (lowly) valley of ants, one of the ants said: ‘Oye ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you (Under foot) without knowing it.” (Al-Qur’an 27:17-18)

In the past, the so called ‘rationalist’ would have probably laughed and mocked at the Qur’an, taking it to be a fairy tale book in which ants talk to each other and communicate sophisticated messages!

C.P. Haskins in “The Ants and Her World” writes: “In fact ants are little chemical factories continuously producing an array of substance called pheromones, that serves the ant language. Through these pheromones the ants convey messages ranging from location of food to the presence of danger”!!!.