Turning the Tables Over

It is common nowadays that the media call Muslims with labels such as fundamentalists, extremists and terrorists and many Muslims start apologising. Well, actually a different approach is needed.

The meaning of fundamentalist is "someone who follows the basics of something". Therefore, to be a good English speaker you need to follow the fundamentals (basics) of the English language and someone who follows that is a fundamentalist. Similarly, being an Islamic fundamentalist means that you are following the basics of Islam and there's no harm in doing that so no need to apologise for being a fundamentalist.

As for extremists, every Muslim should be an extremist. Islam teaches peace and love so a Muslim should be extremely kind, extremely merciful and so on. Furthermore, no one should stop you from being such an extremist.

A terrorist is someone for who terrorizes someone. For example, when a robber sees a policeman, he is terrorized and therefore, the policeman is a terrorist for the robber. Similarly, a Muslim should also be a terrorist for anyone who does something bad such as stealing.

And if every Muslim is a fundamentalist, extremist and a terrorist, the whole world will become peaceful and very few crimes would be taking place and that is exactly what we want.

Using Sahih Ahadith to find the method of Salat

Please Read the Following Article First:

Taqlid - Is It Permissible?

The primary source of Islamic law is the Holy Quran and the Sahih Ahadith. If a problem arises which is not mentioned in these sources, ijma (consensus) and qiyas (analogy) are to be used. The Quran says in Surah ale-Imran, Chapter 3, Verse no. 32:

Obey Allah and Obey the Messenger so that you may obtain mercy.

In the case of the method of salat, we, therefore, have to analyse how the Prophet (S) offered it. He (S) said in Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 1, Book of Adhan (Book 11), Hadith 604:

Narrated By Malik:
We came to the Prophet and stayed with him for twenty days and nights. We were all young and of about the same age. The Prophet was very kind and merciful. When he realized our longing for our families, he asked about our homes and the people there and we told him. Then he asked us to go back to our families and stay with them and teach them (the religion) and to order them to do good things. He also mentioned some other things which I have (remembered or) forgotten. The Prophet then added, "Pray as you have seen me praying and when it is the time for the prayer one of you should pronounce the Adhan and the oldest of you should lead the prayer.

From this again we come to know that we should analyse the method of prayer of the Prophet (S). Here are some ahadith concerning some actions in salat from Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 1, Book of Characteristics of Prayer (Book 12).

702
Narrated Salim bin Abdullah
My father said, "Allah's Apostle used to raise both his hands up to the level of his shoulders when opening the prayer; and on saying the Takbir for bowing. And on raising his head from bowing he used to do the same and then say 'Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida, Rabbana walaka-l-hamd.' And he did not do that (i.e. raising his hands) in prostrations."
703
Narrated Abdullah bin Umar
I saw that whenever Allah's Apostle stood for the prayer, he used to raise both his hands up to the shoulders, and used to do the same on saying the Takbir for bowing and on raising his head from it and used to say, "Sami a-l-lahu Liman hamida". But he did not do that (i.e. raising his hands) in prostrations.

707
Narrated Sahl bin Sad
The people were ordered to place the right hand on the left forearm in the prayer. Abu Hazim said, "I knew that the order was from the Prophet."

711
Narrated Abu Huraira
Allah's Apostle used to keep silent between the Takbir and the recitation of Qur'an and that interval of silence used to be a short one. I said to the Prophet "May my parents be sacrificed for you! What do you say in the pause between Takbir and recitation?" The Prophet said, "I say, 'Allahumma, ba'id baini wa baina khatayaya kama ba'adta baina-l-mashriqi wa-l-maghrib. Allahumma, naqqim min khatayaya kama yunaqqa-ththawbu-l-abyadu mina-ddanas. Allahumma, ighsil khatayaya bil-ma'i wa-th-thalji wal-barad (O Allah! Set me apart from my sins (faults) as the East and West are set apart from each other and clean me from sins as a white garment is cleaned of dirt (after thorough washing). O Allah! Wash off my sins with water, snow and hail.)"

713
Narrated Abu Mamar
We asked Khabbab whether Allah's Apostle used to recite (the Qur'an) in the Zuhr and the 'Asr prayers. He replied in the affirmative. We said, "How did you come to know about it?" He said, "By the movement of his beard."

723
Narrated Ubada bin As Samit
Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever does not recite Al-Fatiha in his prayer, his prayer is invalid."

747
Narrated Abu Huraira
The Prophet said, "Say 'Amin' when the Imam says it and if the Amin of any one of you coincides with that of the angels then all his past sins will be forgiven." Ibn Shihab said, "Allah's Apostle used to say 'Amin.' "

760
Narrated Aisha
The Prophet used to say in his bowing and prostrations, "Subhanaka-Allahumma Rabbana wa-bihamdika Allahumma-ighfirli. (I honor Allah from all what (unsuitable things) is ascribed to Him. O Allah Our Lord! And all the praises are for You. O Allah! Forgive me)."

767
Narrated Aiyub
Abu Qilaba said, "Malik bin Huwairith used to demonstrate to us the prayer of the Prophet at times other than that of the compulsory prayers. So (once) he stood up for prayer and performed a perfect Qiyam (standing and reciting from the Holy Qur'an) and then bowed and performed bowing perfectly; then he raised his head and stood straight for a while." Abu Qilaba added, "Malik bin Huwairith in that demonstration prayed like this Sheikh of ours, Abu Yazid." Abu Yazid used to sit (for a while) on raising his head from the second prostration before getting up.
786
Narrated Malik bin Huwairith Al Laithi
I saw the Prophet praying and in the odd Rakat, he used to sit for a moment before getting up.


773
Narrated Ibn Abbas
The Prophet was ordered (by Allah) to prostrate on seven parts and not to tuck up the clothes or hair (while praying). Those parts are: the forehead (along with the tip of nose), both hands, both knees, and (toes of) both feet.
785
Narrated Anas bin Malik
The Prophet said, "Be straight in the prostrations and none of you should put his forearms on the ground (in the prostration) like a dog."

Concentrating on and in Salat

One of the most important pillars is salat which is obligatory on every Muslim as the Prophet (S) says in Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 1, Book of Salat (Book 2), Hadith 7:

Narrated By Ibn 'Umar: Allah's Apostle said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles): 1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Apostle. 2. To offer the prayers dutifully and perfectly. 3. To pay Zakat. (i.e. obligatory charity) 4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca) 5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.

A similar message is given in Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 1, Book of Salat (Book 2), Hadith 24 and Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 1, Book of Salat (Book 2), Hadith 47 and in many other places.


However, most of the Muslims who offer salat offer it in a very disrespectful manner. They go to a mosque or stay in their homes and start saying their prayers. Many don't even know what they are reciting and infact they are thinking of everything other than what they should be.

The easiest way to ensure that you focus on your salat is to know the meaning of what you usually recite and while reciting it, make sure you ponder over it.

The translation of what most people usually recite is as follows.

Allah u Akbar
Allah is the greatest

Subhanaka Allah humma wa bihamdika, wa tabaraka ismuka, wa ta'ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuk.
Praise and glory be to you O Allah. Blessed be Your Name, exalted be Your Majesty and Glory. There is no God but You

Audu bi Allah i mina ashaitan i errajeem
I seek Allah's shelter from Satan, the condemned

Bismillah i rrahman i erraheem
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

Al humdo lil-lahi rab-bil al ala-meen. Arrahman i rraheem.
Maliki yaum i eddeen. Iyyaka nabudu wa iyyaka nasta een. Ihdinas sirata almustaqeem.
Siratal lazhina anamta alaihim, ghairil maghdubi alaihim, wa la adhdhaal leen.
Praise be to Allah, The Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds; Most Gracious, Most Merciful; Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship,
and Thine aid we seek. Show us the straight way, the way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, Those whose (portion) is not wrath, And who go not astray

For the translation of other Surahs, click here.

Subhana rabbiya al azeem
Glorified is my Lord, the Great

Samiallah u liman hamidah
Allah listens to those who praise (Him)

Rabbana wa lakal hamd
All praise is to our Lord

Subhana rubbiyal a'ala
Glory to Allah, the Exalted.

Attahiyat u lil Allah i wa assalawat u wa attaiyibat.
Assalam u a'laika aiyoha annabiyyu wa rahmat u Allah i wa barakatuh.
Assalam u a'laina wa a'la ebadi e llahi essaliheen.
Ashehadu alla ilaha illa Allah u wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasooluh.
All our oral, physical and monetary ways of worship are only for Allah. Peace, mercy and blessing of Allah be on you, O Prophet.
May peace be upon us and on the devout slaves of Allah. I testify that there is no God but Allah and I testify that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.

Assalam u a'laikum wa rahmatu Allah.
Peace and mercy of Allah be on you.


In case of any mistake in translating, please inform me along with the suggested translation.

The Main Problem with Democracy

The problem is that the people decide the laws whereas laws given by Allah and his messenger, Prophet (S), should be followed. The government is in fact giving authority to people to substitute most commands of Allah with their own inferior laws. They are then following themselves instead of following Allah which means that they are actually doing shirk in ibadah (worship/obedience).

Discussion Forum

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Common Questions and Misconceptions among Muslims

Many of the Muslims are confused by the question that if Allah knows what we will do why then does he need to send us in this world if we don't have a will.
In fact, we do have a will. Let me give you an example. Before an exam, a teacher guesses that this boy is going to fail and this one will come first in the class. Now when the result comes, the guess made by the teacher proved to be correct but the boy who failed cannot say that I failed because the teacher said it. Similarly, Allah has infinite knowledge so what we call His guesses they are not really guesses because Allah's so called guesses are perfect. Allah knows what we will do but we are in fact doing it of our free will.
If Allah had directly sent us to Heaven or Hell, the ones entering Heaven would be happy but the ones who would enter Hell would protest saying that we might have gone to the right path so now that Allah has sent us here, we won't be able to say anything against Allah's decision on the Day of Resurrection. Take the above case. If the teacher gave the results without taking the exams, the students who would get less marks would protest.

The misconception that Muslims have is that they think that since Allah is so kind and merciful, He will forgive everyone. Allah is more loving than a mother and since a mother cannot bear to see his child in pain, Allah , also, will not be able to bear His creations in pain.
Well, let me give you an example. You make two robots. One of them works as you want it to while the other does not. Will you keep both of you or throw the useless one away? Of course, unless you don't collect junk you'll throw it away. Similarly, those people who obey Allah's commands will be rewarded by being sent to Heaven while the ones who do not obey Allah (God) will be useless and will be sent to Hell.

Another misconception is that Muslims think that whatever we do in this world does not matter because Prophet Muhammad (S) will intercede on their behalf and persuade Allah to accept them into Heaven.
You should know that Allah will only allow intercession of whom He wills (i.e. his faithful servants who obey Him) as Allah says in the Holy Quran in Surah al-Baqarah, Chapter no. 2, Verse no. 255:

Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth?

Womens Rights in Islam

Womens Rights in Islam

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Islam Religion women in islam womens rights

Concept of God in Major Religions

Concept of God in Major Religions

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Why Muslims should not wish a "Merry Christmas"

The main reason for this is that the Christians believe that on the 25th of December, God gave birth to Jesus (AS). However, Islam teaches us in Surah al-Ikhlas, Surah 112, Verse 3 that Allah has neither parents nor children. Furthermore, Muslims believe that Isa (Jesus) (AS) is only a messenger of Allah who was born as a miracle from Allah. Therefore, if we wish someone a "Merry Christmas", we are indirectly accepting that God gave birth to a son as you would not be wishing someone if you know that that day is not special for him or you.

SO BEWARE!

Questions for Tanzeem-e-Islami

There are some things that I don't understand about Tanzeem-e-Islami.

THE QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED! THEREFORE, I HAVE REMOVED THEM TO AVOID CONFUSION!

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Read the Quran

Eid Wishes

Eid Mubarak to all viewers! May Allah bless us all!

A Gap in Posting

Please take note that I will not be posting for a while due to my exams which are supposed to start at 12th December and finish at 24th December. However, I have scheduled a post and Inshallah will start posting again after the end of my exams.

The Proper Pronunciation of the Arabic Letter ض (Zhoaid/Dhoaid)

It is important to know that there are two major dialects in which the Holy Quran is read. These dialects are

• Hijazi
• Panipatti

Hijazi is the dialect which is used mainly in the Middle East (e.g. Saudi Arabia) and Panipatti is mainly used in the Indian subcontinent (i.e. Pakistan, India).
According to the Hijazi dialect, the letter "ض" should be pronounced in such a way that the sound is a bit similar to "dh". However, the panipatti dialect says that this letter should be prononounced in a way that the sound is similar to "zh".
I recommend the Hijazi dialect because it is followed by the Arabs and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was an Arab.

Accurate Prayer Timings

Here's a website which displays all the prayer timings of almost every city in the world. To visit it, please click here.

The Ayatollah of Comedy

Well! Here is a Muslim comedian by the name of Azhar Usman. Please do comment.

Benefits of Tahajjud

Allah, the Exalted, says:

"And in some parts of the night (also) perform the Salat (prayer) with it (i.e., recite the Qur'an in the prayer) as an additional prayer (Tahajjud optional prayer - Nawafil) for you (O Muhammad (PBUH)). It may be that your Rubb will raise you to Maqam Mahmud (a station of praise and glory, i.e., the honour of intercession on the Day of Resurrection).'' (17:79)

"Their sides forsake their beds...'' (32:16)

"They used to sleep but little by night [invoking their Rubb (Allah) and praying, with fear and hope].'' (51:17)

1160. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) kept standing (in prayer) so long that the skin of his feet would crack. I asked him: "Why do you do this, while you have been forgiven of your former and latter sins?'' He said, "Should I not be a grateful slave of Allah?'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith has already been mentioned. It is reproduced here to illustrate the practice of the Prophet (PBUH) in respect of Qiyam-ul-Lail. It tells us that:

1. The Nafl Salat should be performed with full concentration and peace of mind.

2. The more one is endowed with gifts from Allah, the greater gratitude and worship one should express for them to Allah.

3. The best time for showing one's humility before Allah and for worship is the later period of night.

1161. `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) visited me and Fatimah (May Allah be pleased with her) one night and said, "Do you not observe prayer (at night)?'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith tells us that one should also awaken others at night for prayer so that they also avail the benefits of performing prayer at this particular time.

1162. Salim bin `Abdullah bin `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with them) reported, on the authority of his father, that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "What an excellent man `Abdullah is! If only he could perform optional prayers at night.'' Salim said that after this, (his father) `Abdullah slept very little at night. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith points out the excellence of `Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) as well as the merits of Qiyam-ul-Lail. It also tells us that it is permissible to praise someone in his presence if one is sure that he will not become proud due to that praise. Another aspect of this Hadith is that it induces one to wish for others' welfare and happiness.

1163. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to me, "Do not be like so-and-so O `Abdullah! He used to pray during the night, then stopped the practice.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1164. `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Mention was made before the Prophet (PBUH) of a man who slept throughout the night till morning. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) remarked, "He is a man in whose ears Satan urinated.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith holds inducement for Qiyam-ul-Lail and highlights its merits. It also urges one to perpetuate his good actions, follow the practice of the righteous and avoid the way of those who are negligent or become negligent in the performance of virtuous deeds. Urination of Satan in a person's ear or ears can be literally true (although we cannot perceive it) because if a person does not seek the protection of Allah against Satan, then Satan joins him in food and other activities, as is evident from other Ahadith. Therefore, urination of Satan is also possible. Some people think it is a metaphor to the effect that he who does not get up at night for prayer and goes on enjoying his sleep, Satan `closes' his ears until he does not hear the remembrance of Allah. Some others consider it a metaphor for the contempt and insult of Satan. In either case, we learn from this Hadith that missing the Qiyam-ul-Lail is disliked because it provides Satan an opportunity to create mischief, and he succeeds in creating obstructions in the worship and obedience of Allah.

1165. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "When any one of you sleeps, Satan ties three knots at the back of his neck. He recites this incantation at every knot: `You have a long night, so sleep.' If he awakes and remembers Allah, one knot is loosened. If he performs Wudu', the (second) knot is loosened; and if he performs prayer, (all) knots are loosened. He begins his morning in a happy and refreshed mood; otherwise, he gets up in bad spirits and sluggish state.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: "Tying knots'' can be literal, the way magicians do it in their magical exercises. With this practice Satan tries to withhold people from the worship of Allah. Some people are of the opinion that it is a metaphor for sleepiness/dozing. In any case, Satan does his level best to withhold a person from the worship of Allah. Satan experiences frustration if someone gets up at night for prayer; he also experiences happiness if he manages to keep someone asleep until dawn.

1166. `Abdullah bin Salam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "O people, promote the greetings, feed (the poor and needy) and perform Salat when others are asleep so that you will enter Jannah safely.'' [At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: This Hadith has glad tidings for those who enthusiastically do all the good works mentioned in this Hadith. "Enter Jannah in peace'' here means that they will enter Jannah without suffering any punishment in Hell.

1167. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The best month for observing Saum (fasting) after Ramadan is Muharram, and the best Salat after the prescribed Salat is Salat at night.'' [Muslim].

Commentary: The month of Muharram is related to Allah which makes its eminence clear. It shows that in the optional Saum (fasting) the most meritorious are those which are observed in this month. After the obligatory Salat, the most meritorious is the optional Salat performed at night.

1170. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to leave off observing Saum (fasting) during a month until we thought that he would not observe Saum at all during it; and (sometimes) he would observe Saum till we began to think that he would not omit any day of that month. If one wished to see him performing Salat during the night, he could do that; and if one wished to see him sleeping at night, he could do that.

[Al-Bukhari].

Commentary: What this Hadith tells us is that whether it was optional Saum (fasting) or optional Salat (Nawafil) of the night, that is to say Qiyam-ul-Lail, the Prophet (PBUH) did not have a permanent routine for it. Sometimes it so happened that almost the month passed but he did not observe fasting and then a few days before the end of the month he would start fasting. Sometimes, he would fast day after day continuously, and it would appear as if he would continue fasts for the whole month, but he would then suddenly terminate fasts. Similar was the case of Tahajjud. Sometimes, he would perform Tahajjud prayer in the first portion of the night, sometimes in the second, and sometimes in its later portion. Thus, he was found sleeping and performing Salat in every part of the night.

1171. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to perform eleven Rak`ah (of Tahajjud) prayers at night. He (PBUH) would prostrate so long as one of you might recite fifty Ayat (of the Qur'an). Thereafter, he would perform two Rak`ah before Fajr prayers and would lie down on his right side till the Mu'adhdhin would come and inform him about the time of (Fajr) prayer. [Al-Bukhari].

Commentary: This Hadith tells us that it was a practice of the Prophet (PBUH) to sleep on his right side after performing two Sunnah of Fajr prayer. It also tells us that he used to make long prostrations in Tahajjud prayer, because one gets closer to Allah in a state of prostration. This Hadith also stresses on utmost concentration in Salat as it is highly pleasing to Allah and there is a greater possibility of acceptance of prayer which is made in a state of prostration.

1172. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) did not observe more than eleven Rak`ah (of Tahajjud prayers), be in Ramadan or any other month. First of all he would perform four Rak`ah. Ask not about their excellence and their length. He (PBUH) would then perform four more Rak`ah; and do not ask about their excellence and their length. Then he would perform three Rak`ah (Witr prayer). (`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) added) I submitted: "O Messenger of Allah! Do you sleep before performing the Witr prayer?'' He (PBUH) said, "O `Aishah! My eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:

1."My heart does not sleep'' signifies that "usually I am not so overwhelmed by sleep that I miss the Salat''. Some people give a different interpretation of this by saying that his Wudu' remained intact as his heart was awake. This is one of the attributes of the Prophet (PBUH). This Hadith stresses on performing Salat with full decorum and concentration because this is the way the Prophet (PBUH) did it. The real beauty of Salat lies in performing it in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and with full peace of mind.

2. If one is confident of getting up in the later part of the night, one can perform Witr after Tahajjud prayer; but if one is not sure of getting up at the time of Tahajjud then it is better to perform Witr after `Isha' prayer.

1173. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) would sleep during the early part of night and stand in Salat during the latter part. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith tells us about the ordinary routine of the Prophet (PBUH). Ordinarily, he would go to sleep in the first part of the night and perform Tahajjud prayer in the later portion, which is the best time for it. But, as already mentioned in the preceding Ahadith, he sometimes also performed it in the early as well as middle hours of the night.

1174. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: One night I joined the Prophet (PBUH) in his (optional) Salat. He (PBUH) prolonged the Qiyam (standing) so much that I made up my mind to commit an act of wrong. He was questioned: "What did you intend to do?'' He replied: "I intended to sit down and stop following him (in Salat).'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: We learn from this Hadith that:

1. Qiyam-ul-Lail (Tahajjud prayer) must be fairly long and every constituent of it should be performed with full peace of mind.

2. It is permissible to perform Nafl Salat in congregation.

3. In case an Imam inordinately lengthens a Salat, it is permissible for his followers to detach themselves from the congregation. But Ibn Mas`ud has regarded his intention to do so as bad, and for this reason its justification becomes doubtful. Since the Imam has been exhorted to take care of his followers in Salat, this apparently furnishes justification for the detachment.

1175. Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I performed Salat with the Prophet (PBUH) one night, and he started reciting Surat Al-Baqarah. I thought that he would go in Ruku` (bowing posture in Salat) at the end of one hundred Ayat, but he continued (reciting); and I thought that he would perhaps recite (this Surah) in the whole Rak`ah (prayer), but he continued the recitation; I thought he would perhaps bow on completing (this Surah). He (PBUH) then started reciting Surat An-Nisa' which he followed with Surat Al-Imran. He recited leisurely. When he recited an Ayah which mentioned the tasbeeh, he would say Subhan Allah and when he recited the Ayah which tells how the Rubb is to be asked, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would then ask from Him; and when he (PBUH) recited an Ayah asking one to seek Protection Allah, he would seek Protection of Allah. Then he bowed and said, "Subhana Rabbiyal-Azim (My Rubb the Great is free from imperfection)''; his bowing lasted about the same length of time as his standing, (and then on returning to the standing posture after Ruku`) he would say, "Sami' Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana lakal-hamd (Allah listens to him who praises Him. Praise be to You, Our Rubb!),'' and he would then stand about the same length of time as he had spent in bowing. He would then prostrate himself and say, "Subhana Rabbiyal-A`la (My Rubb the Supreme is free from imperfection),'' and his prostration lasted nearly the same length of time as his standing (Qiyam). [Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith has already been mentioned. In his commentary on Sahih Muslim, Imam An-Nawawi has interpreted the words (occuring in this Hadith) as "I thought he would perhaps recite in the whole Rak`ah.'' Here Rak`ah means complete Salat (two Rak`ah). This interpretation is necessary for the reason that in its absence, the meanings of the next sentence go wrong. Due to this reason, we have kept these meanings in view in our translation. In any case, it furnishes justification for the desirability of long Qiyam (standing in Salat), the desirability of congregation in Nafl Salat, and the maintenance of the correct sequence in the recitation of the Surah of the Qur'an in prayers, which is not accepted by many people.

1176. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked: "Which Salat is the best?'' He replied, '' The best Salat is that in which Qiyam (the duration of standing) is longer.'' [Muslim].

Commentary: We learn from this Hadith that of all the articles of Salat (Ruku`, Sujud, etc.), it is best to lengthen the Qiyam because the greater the Qiyam is, the longer the recitation of the Qur'an will be. Since the recitation of the Qur'an is the best form of remembrance of Allah, the lengthening of the Qiyam is also most meritorious.

1177. `Abdullah bin `Amr (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The Salat which is dearest to Allah is that of (Prophet) Dawud; and As-Saum (the fasting) which is dearest to Allah is that of (Prophet) Dawud. He used to sleep half the night, get up to perform Salat for one-third of it, then sleep through the remaining one-sixth of it; and he used to observe Saum on alternative days.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: Since Islam has strictly forbidden self-affliction to the extent that it has forbidden hardship even in worship, compulsory awakening for Salat at midnight and observing Saum (fasting) for the whole month (except of the month of Ramadan) is disapproved. The model set by the Prophet (PBUH) is the ideal pattern of moderation in this respect. In this Hadith the fasting and the prayer of Prophet Dawud have been regarded most pleasing to Allah, because their conduct had a moderation which is enjoined by Islam.

1178. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, "Every night there is a special time during which whatever a Muslim asks Allah of any good relating to this life or the Hereafter, it will be granted to him; and this moment comes every night.'' [Muslim].

Commentary: Like the special moment in Jumu`ah, the time when this special moment occurs every night is not determined. But it is generally in the late hours of the night because that is the best time for worship. As in the case of Lailat-ul-Qadr the wisdom of keeping it secret lies in the inducement to search it by means of worship and prayer, praise and remembrance of Allah.

1179. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "When one of you gets up at night to perform (Tahajjud) prayer, let him start Salat with two short Rak`ah.'' [Muslim].

1180. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) stood for Salat at night, he would start his prayer with two brief Rak`ah. [Muslim].

Commentary: These two Ahadith point out the desirability of performing two brief Rak`ah before one embarks on Tahajjud prayers, as this was the practice of the Prophet (PBUH). The wisdom behind this is to drive away laziness and pave the way for the nocturnal prayers in a proper manner. Allah knows better.

1181. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: If the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) missed his night (Tahajjud) Salat because of indisposition or the like, he would perform twelve Rak`ah during the day. [Muslim].

1182. `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "If anyone falls asleep and therefore fails to observe his Hizb (share) or part of it, if he observes it between the Fajr and the Zuhr prayers, it will be recorded for him as though he had observed it during the night.'' [Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith has already been mentioned. The word "Hizb'' literally means "share'' and "turn''. Here it means that (daily round of recitation) which a person determines for himself, such as prayer or recitation of the Qur'an. For instance, if a person decides that he will perform eight Rak`ah in Tahajjud, recite one Juz` (part) of the Qur'an everyday, remember Allah in such and such form for so many times etc., etc. And then he makes every possible effort to put into practice his decision, but if casually he is unable to fulfill his routine, he should do it afterwards. This action of his will be credited to his account by Allah as if he completed it at the appointed time. This Hadith furnishes justification for the performance of optional righteous acts even after their due time.

1183. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "May Allah show mercy to a man who gets up during the night and performs Salat, awakens his wife to pray and if she refuses, he sprinkles water on her face (to make her get up). May Allah show mercy to a woman who gets up during the night and performs Salat, awakens her husband for the same purpose; and if he refuses, she sprinkles water on his face.'' [Abu Dawud].

Commentary: This Hadith tells us about the conduct of pious husbands and wives. Its outstanding feature mentioned here is that they help each other in acts of virtue and obedience of Allah.

1184. Abu Sa`id and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "When a man awakens his wife during the night and they both perform two Rak`ah Salat together, they are recorded among the men and women who celebrate remembrance of Allah.'' [Abu Dawud].

Commentary: This Hadith points out the excellence of performing Tahajjud prayers with one's wife. Those who do so will be recorded as (the men and the women who remember Allah much, with their hearts and tongues). For such people, as the Verse concludes [Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e., Jannah)]. (33:35)

1185. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "When one of you dozes off while performing Salat, he should lie down till his drowsiness has gone away from him. When one of you performs Salat while dozing, he may abuse himself instead of seeking pardon (as a result of drowsiness).'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1186. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "When anyone of you stands up for Salat at night and finds it difficult to recite the Qur'an accurately and he is unaware of what he is reciting, he should go back to sleep.'' [Muslim].

Commentary: Since peace of mind and concentration are essential for performing Salat, it should be performed when one is fresh and free from tiredness and drowsiness. This is the reason Muslims have been prohibited through these two Ahadith from performing Salat when they are overwhelmed by sleep. In such conditions one cannot make proper expression of one's humility before Allah, which is the essence of Salat. Therefore, in such conditions one should first have some sleep because only then one will get real pleasure from the recitation of the Qur'an, prayer and praise of Allah, and will be in a position to beseech Him earnestly for pardoning one's sins.

Descriptions of Rakahs of Salat (Prayers)

Descriptions of the Rakahs of Fajr, ZHuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha Prayers:
Fajr:
Before fard: 2 sunnah (mokadah)
2 fard
Qasr: remains same
Zhuhr:
4 sunnah (mokadah) before fard
4 fard
2 sunnah (mokadah), 2 nafls after fard
Qasr: 2 fard (can be joined with Asr to make 4)
Asr:
4 sunnah (ghair mokadah) before fard
4 fard
Qasr: 2 fard (can be joined with Asr to make 4)
Maghrib:
3 fard
2 sunnah (mokadah) and 2 nafls after fard
Qasr: 3 fard
Isha:
4 sunnah (mokadah) before fard
4 fard
2 sunnah (mokadah), 2 nafls, three witr (wajib), 2 nafls after fard
Qasr: 4 fard and 3 witr after fard

A Question for Hizb-ut-Tahrir

There's one thing that I don't understand about the method of Hizb-ut-Tahrir and that is the strikes and protests that they are doing! Can anyone please explain it to me and prove it through the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (S)?

THE ULTIMATE MUHAMMAD AL-LUHAIDAN VIDEO | Ali-'Imran 166-195

~ SURAT ALI-'IMRAAN WARNING YOU MAY CRY! WOW! INCREDIBLE! ~

WOW!WOW!WOW!WOW!WOW! Allahu Akbar! Emotional Recitation!!! !الله اكبر! تلاوة عظيمه

Texas Dawah Convention Dec. 2007

Here's what some American Muslims think about Dawahworks. What do you think?

"QURAN IS WRONG!" says the Jew

This Jewish guy here thinks that the Quran is wrong. What do you think? Is he wrong or the Quran???

Views about Hijab

Well! Here are two completely different views about Hijab. You might want to see these videos.

A Funny Way to Find out about Islam (Remaning Parts)

Here are the other two parts of the video that I previously posted. Hope you enjoy. Please do not forget to comment.

A Funny Way to Find out about Islam

Well! Here's a video. It might seem long to you but you won't regret it when you've seen it. You might be laughing your head off but please be kind enough to leave some comment on this post. For more, stay tuned.

Update: The other two parts (1, 3) have been posted in the next post.

Terrorism – Is Suicide Justified in Islam?

What would you do if someone kicks you out of your house, murders the rest of your family and illegally captures your land?

Terrorism is the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion." There is no internationally agreed definition of terrorism. Most common definitions of terrorism include only those acts which are intended to create fear (terror), are perpetrated for an ideological goal (as opposed to a lone attack), and deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants. Some definitions also include acts of unlawful violence and war. A common opinion about terrorist groups, especially after the 'Global War on Terror' began after 9/11/2001, is that the majority of terrorist attacks are due to Islamic-extremists or radical religious groups. The 2001 attack of the World Trade Center and the hijacking of four passenger jets are a very well known and a well documented example of Islamic terrorism in recent memory.

(To read more on the definitions of terrorism, please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrorism)

This was the definition of terrorism according to Wikipedia. As the for the incident of 9-11, I would say that the World Trade Center was imploded as many documentaries such as Loose Change and Fahrenheit 9-11 prove.

Taking the first sentence of the content taken from Wikipedia, the person who is doing the actions in the question asked by me at the beginning of this post will be called one who practices terrorism, i.e. a terrorist. Coincidentally, this is not what the so-called “Islamic terrorists” are doing but is exactly what the Americans are doing in areas where they are fighting, mostly in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are kicking the people out of their homes, murdering families and illegally capturing their lands and doing what they say “helping the world to get rid of terrorism”.

If you were in the place of a person who was treated like that, what would you do? Try to take revenge if it means sacrificing your life, right? Well, that is what most of the “Islamic terrorists” are doing. They are trying to seek revenge. What the close minds of many people think is that they cannot rebuild their lives. If you were in their position, I’m sure that 97% of the people would have the same thinking. However, coming back to the point, most of these people, which also includes many of the rich ones, they can do nothing to pay the real terrorist back. However, many of them think that they can take revenge by killing the families of these people. Many also know that it has to be done in such a way that they do not get caught because then they will either be executed or made to remain in captivity. So what these people do is that they practice suicide bombing. They kill themselves as well as others. Since they think that they cannot rebuild their lives, they also think that there’s no purpose for them to live for.

The above paragraph can be accepted as a reason for most of the suicide bombings. In Pakistan, many people living in Bajaur District and Waziristan Areas whose families have been murdered are seeking revenge from the government because in fact the government is ordering the army.

Coming to the Islamic view, Islam, in no way, recommends the killing of people except by law. The Islamic principle in this case is as follows.

Killing one man is like killing the whole humanity except by law.

Regarding the fact of killing innocent people, the Prophet (S) himself used to order the people before a war not to hurt women, old people, children and anyone who does not resist them. However, many scholars have passed fatwa allowing suicide. However, it has many conditions. These conditions are that the man cannot do anything other than suicide to defend himself. The losses are less as compared to the benefits of committing suicide and so on. I will try to post such a fatwa inshallah.

As Dr. Zakir Naik gave an example in one of the question-answer session that was held. If a person comes to kill the Prophet Muhammad (S) and you and the Prophet (S) are together. The man shoots the bullet. What would you do? Of course, come in between the man and the Prophet (S) and get shot. If not, then you will not be considered a Momin because according to a Hadith of the Prophet (S), a true Momin is one who loves the Prophet (S) more than himself. However, some people might object to this example because they might say that the trigger must be pulled by the person who is being murdered. Well, in that case, if a person comes to kill the Prophet (S) and you are alone with him and the person says that if you kill yourself then I will disband my intention of killing the Prophet (S). In that case what would you do? Shoot yourself. The reason is the same as the one above. You are committing suicide!

In this view, I’m sure many people would agree that suicide must be allowed in Islam. However, it should be noted that it should only be done in extreme cases, where there’s no other way.

Politics in Islam - The Khilafah/Caliphate (Updated Thrice)

Since Islam is a deen, it covers all aspects of life including the political aspect. Here is an overview of the Islamic political system.
The word khilafah has been taken from the Arabic root word Khalifa meaning to follow or to succeed. When the Prophet Muhammad (S) died, Hadhrat Abu Bakr became the leader of the Muslims. He was called KhalifatulRasulullah. Even though, Hadhrat Umar (RA) assumed the title of Ameer-ul-Momineen, the title of Khalifa was also retained and in time the Muslims adopted this title, Khalifa, for their leader.
The first four khalifas were called the rightly guided khalifa, or caliphs. During their reign, Islam was fully enforced on their people. However, soon after these four khalifas, the khilafat changed into monarchy but the name of the post remained unchanged.
By the first world war, the khalifa had shifted his headquarters to Turkey. In the first world war, Turkey fought against the British and was badly defeated. Even though the British had decided to abolish the seat of caliphate, they could not do this because the nationalist party under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk abolished it and took control.
The khilafah, in reality, is a system given by Allah. Since this system has been made by Allah, it cannot contain any flaw. This system was followed by the four rightly guided caliphs. According to this sytem, the sovereignty belongs to Allah and the Islamic Shariah or Islamic law is enforced. This law is the law given in the Quran, Ahadith, decided by ijma or consensus and qiyas or analogy.
The current system in the world, capitalism, has taken its foundations from the system of khilafat. However, since people tried to change it, it lost many of its advantages. Here's an example to prove this. If a person has a specific recipe to make a cake and he modifies it, the cake will either become better or worse. However, it is for time to prove what it has become. Similarly, time has proven that while the Muslims were using the system of khilafat, they remained the superpowers for centuries. However, no other country has remained a superpower for that long because no other country has used the system of khilafat.
It is the duty of every Muslim on the face of the earth to strive for the establishment of khlifat.

***** Inshallah, I'll write a new article on the methodology soon.