Monday, August 31, 2009

The Inner Secrets of Fasting (Part 1)

An article explaining how to attain the virtuous rewards of Ramadaan and how to be free from acts which negate the rewards.

Know, that in the fast (Sawm) is a special quality that is not found in anything else. And that is its close connection to Allaah, such that He says:

‘‘The Fast (Sawm) is for Me and I will reward it.’’ [2]

This connection is enough to show the high status of fasting. Similarly, the Ka’bah is highly dignified due to its close connection to Him, as occurs in His statement:

‘‘And sanctify My House.’’ [3]

Indeed, the fast is only virtuous due to two significant concepts:

THE FIRST: It is a secret and hidden action, thus, no one from the creation is able to see it Therefore riyaa‘ (showing off) cannot enter into it.

THE SECOND: It is a means of subjugating the enemies of Allaah. This is because the road that the enemies (of Allaah) embark upon (in order to misguide the Son of Aadam) is that of desires. And eating and drinking strengthens the desires. There are many reports that indicate the merits of fasting, and they are well known. (Part 2 Coming Soon..)

Footnotes
[1] This article is taken from the book Mukhtasar Minhaajul-Qaasideen (p. 38-41) of the illustrious scholar and righteous Imaam, Ibn Qudaamah al-Maqdisee (d.529H). This article was translated by Isma'eel Ibn al-Arkaan and edited by Abu Khaliyl. There were also slight adaptions made to it, such as the exclusion of a couple of statements.

[2] Related by al-Bukhaaree (4/118) and Muslim (no. 1151).

[3] Sooratul-Hajj: 26

Source: Troid

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Siyaam (Fasting)

Guidelines concerning fasting, glad tidings of its vast rewards and information on Ramadaan.

"O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may attain piety" [Sooratul Baqarah 2:183]

The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Every good deed of the son of Aadam will be multiplied. He will receive ten-fold to seven-hundred-fold reward for a good deed. Allaah the Glorious and Majestic has said 'but fasting is exceptional, for it is done for Me and I will give reward for it, since one abandons his passion and food for My sake. There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts, joy when he breaks it and joy when he meets his Lord; and the breath (of an observer of fast) is sweeter to Allaah than the fragrance of musk." [Related by al-Bukhaaree (4/118) and Muslim (no. 1153), from Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree and the above wording is by Muslim]

Ibn Abee Laylaa said: "The Companions of Muhammad (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) narrated to us that Ramadhaan was sent upon them and it was difficult for them. So those who did not fast fed a poor person for each missed day and this was an allowance for them, but it was abrogated by:

"...and if you fast, it is better for you." [Sooratul Baqarah 2:184]
So they were ordered to fast." [Related by al-Bukhaaree in mu'allaq (suspended) form, see Fathul Baaree (8/81). It was connected by Imaam al-Bayhaqee in his Sunan (4/200) and Abu Daawood (no. 507)] Imaam Ibn Qudaamah al-Maqdisee said: "Know that in the fast (sawm) is a special quality not found in anything else." [Mukhtasar Minhaajul Qaasideen (p. 38)]

Source: Troid



Sunday, August 23, 2009

Ramadhaan: A Month of Mercy

A lectured delivered in Bradford at the Albaseerah Centre by our brother Uwais at-Taweel. With references from the Quraan and Sunnah our brother describes the benefits of this blessed month and mercy of Allaah Subhanahu wa'ta Aalah for the believers.



Source: http://www.albaseerah.com & http://video.albaseerah.com

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Breathtaking Qur'an Recitation every 3 days during Ramadhaan!



We are pleased to announce that during Ramadhan, we'll be adding rare, beautiful Qur'an recitation every 3 days insha'Allah. All recitation will be available for both stream and download at Albaseerah.com.

Source: http://www.albaseerah.com

Importance Of The Quraan in Ramadhaan

An excellent lecture in explanation of the importance of Ramadaan and the Quraan. The khateeb mentions its importance and its status and the virtues of reading and memorising it.

Play Audio


Source: Salafi Audio

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Announcement of Ramadhaan 2009/1430 AH


Albaseerah.com has been advised via sources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, that the official High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia has made an announcement with regards to the commencement of Ramadhaan. Due to there being no sighting of the cresent moon, 30 days of Sha'baan will be completed and the first day of fasting in Ramadhaan will be on Saturday the 22nd of August insha'Allaah.

Narrated by Ibn Umar (radiallaahu'anhu)
I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "When you see the crescent (of Ramadan), start fasting, and when you see the crescent (of Shawwal), stop fasting; and if the sky is overcast (and you can't see It) then regard the crescent (month) of Ramadan (as of 30 days)". Reported in Bhukari Hadeeth No. 1786

The first tarawee prays will commence after Isha salah tomorrow, Friday the 21st of August insha'Allaah

Narrated by Abu Huraira(radiallaahu'anhu):
Allah's Apostle said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained." Reported in Bhukari Hadeeth No. 1785
Source: Saudi Press Agency (Arabic Only Page Link)




Wednesday, August 19, 2009

NEW DAWAH PROJECT: ISLAMIC INFORMATION PACKS Available NOW at the Salafi Bookstore Bradford!



Have you ever wanted to invite or teach a friend about Islam but not sure what to give them? Why not give an Albaseerah Islamic Information Pack? The pack’s content has been carefully selected to provide a simple overview of Islam whether the audience is Muslim or Non-Muslim. Even though the retail price of the packs value at over £10, they are being offered for only 99p with the intent that the pure religion of Allah is spread. Please aid this cause by buying a pack and giving it to your friend, relative or colleague.

If anyone wants to help fund the continuation of this project please contact 01274 395007 or email info@albaseerah.com.

Please note: The information packs vary in content depending on whether it is for Muslims or Non-Muslims

Islamic Information Packs For NON-MUSLIMS Includes
  • FREE English translation of Qur’aan
  • FREE Book: A Brief Guide to Islaam
  • FREE CD: ‘Islam, the Religion of Truth’
  • FREE Albaseerah Bookmark

Leaflets
  • The Corruption of Terrorism & Suicide Bombings
  • Mankind’s Greatest Need
  • Seven Fundamental Questions Regarding Islaam
  • Women in Islaam (separating fact from fiction)
  • Think for Yourself (Evolution)
  • The Man: Muhammad (salallaahu 'alaihi wasallam)


Islamic Information Packs For MUSLIMS Includes
  • FREE English Translation of Qur’aan
  • FREE Book: 'What a Muslim should Believe'
  • FREE CD: ‘Islam, the Religion of Truth’
  • FREE Albaseerah Bookmark
  • FREE Latest Copy of the Ark Newsletter

Leaflets
  • Mankind’s Greatest Need
  • Shirk: The Ultimate Crime
  • The State of the Ummah: Causes of Weakness & Means for Revival
  • Common Doubts Regarding Muhammad (salallaahu 'alaihiwasallam)
  • Magic: Explained in Light of the Qur'an and Sunnah
  • Islaam: Between Extremism & Neglect
  • Islamic Funerals: An Authentic Step by Step Guide
  • The Veiling of the Muslim Woman & It's Conditions
  • The Corruption of Terrorism & Suicide Bombings
Update: 21/08/2009: Due to OVERWHELMING DEMAND, we are at present unable to distribute dawah packs outside of the Salafi Bookstore in Bradford, United Kingdom as we do not have enough packs to fulfill international requests.

We will insha'Allaah notify all as and when we can distribute these packs both nationally and internationally via http://www.albaseerah.com.


Source: http://www.albseerah.com

Supplications Upon Breaking the Fast & Responding to the Mu'aththin

Question:

Is there any supplication reported from the Prophet sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and the Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, at the time of breaking the fast? Should the fasting person repeat what the Mu’aththin says, or continue breaking his fast?

Answer:

The supplication at the time of fasting is most likely to be answered, because it is at the end of an act of worship, and in most cases, a human self is at its weakest point just before he breaks his fast. The weaker a person is physically, and the more tender-hearted, the greater is his feeling of repentance and humility towards Allaah, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

The supplication which is reported from the Prophet sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is:

اللهم لك صمت و على رزقك أفطرت

(Allaahumma Laka Sumtu Wa ‘Ala Rizqika Aftartu.)

“Oh, Allaah! For Your sake I have fasted and with Your sustenance I have broken my fast.”[1]

When he broke his fast, the Prophet sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said:

ذهب الظمأُ، وابتلت الروق و ثبت الأجر إن شاء الله

(Thahabath-Thama’u Wabtallatil-‘Urooqu Wa Thabatal-Ajru In Sha’ Allaah.)

“Thirst has gone, the arteries are moist, and the reward is sure, if Allaah wills.”[2]

Although there may be some weakness in these two Ahadith, some of the Scholars have declared them to be Hasan; and in anycase, if you supplicated using these words or any others words that came to your heart when breaking your fast, then it is most likely to be answered.

As for answering the Mu’aththin when a person is breaking his fast, it is lawful, because of the saying of the Prophet sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

إذا سمعتم المؤذن فقولوا مثل ما يقول

“If you hear the Mu’aththin, then say what he says.” [3]

applys to all situations, except those which there is some evidence to show otherwise.

______________________

[1] Reported by Abu Dawud in the Book of Fasting.

[2] Reported by Abu Dawud in the Book of Fasting, in the Chapter: What to Say When Breaking the Fast (2357).

[3] Reported by al-Bukhari in the Book of Athaan, in the Chapter: What is Said When the Caller is Heard (611); and by Muslim in the Book of Prayer, in the Chapter: the Recommendation of Saying What the Mu’aththinSays (384).

Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-`Uthaymeen
Fatawa Arkaanul-Islaam, DARUSSALAM, Vol.2, p.670

Source: Fatwa Islaam

Monday, August 17, 2009

Virtues of Ramadaan - Do Not Ignore Them!

In Arabic & English
An excellent lecture highlighting the great virtues of worship and Ramadaan by Shaykh Falaah Ismaa'eel Al-Mundiakaar. The Shaykh mentions some tremendous benefits of Ibaadah in this blessed month. Translated into English.


Play Audio Part 1


Play Audio Part 2


Source: Salafi Audio

Friday, August 14, 2009

The Slave of the Most Merciful

A lecture delivered by our brother Abdulillah Lahmaami at the Albaseerah Centre in Bradford. The lecture is entitled "The Slave of the Most Merciful" and covers some very beneficial points from a sermon delivered by Shaykh Saleh Suhaimi (hafidullaah) in the city of Madeenah at Masjid Quba this year (2009/1430H).



Source: http://www.albaseerah.com & http://video.albaseerah.com

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

THE AFTERLIFE SERIES - New Audio Box Set AVAILABLE NOW!

The Afterlife: An inevitable journey we will all embark upon. This unique series of lectures gives an explicit insight into the events that will take place after death.The series includes detailed discussions on topics such as The Questioning in the Grave, The Judgement and Descriptions of Paradise and Hell. Rarely has the topic been covered in such vivid detail making this series invaluable for every seeker of knowledge.



Available Now at the Salafi Bookstore Bradford & also at the 12 National Conference at the Salafi Bookstore Birmingham.

Lectures Included:-
  • The Only Certainty in Life, DEATH Speaker: Abu Iyaad Amjad Rafiq (2 CD)
  • The Ultimate Exam: Questioning in the Grave Speaker: Abu Khadeejah (1 CD)
  • The Judgement Speaker: Abdulilah Lahmamee (2 CD)
  • The Final Destination Part 1: Descriptions of Paradise Speaker: Abu Hakeem (1 CD)
  • The Final Destination Part 2: Descriptions of Hell Speaker: Abu Idrees Mohammed (1 CD)
  • PLUS FREE BONUS MP3 CD The Slaves of Ar-Rahmaan by Shaykh Saalih Suhaimi, Read by Abdulilah Lahmamee (1 MP3 CD)

Location: Salafi Bookstore

Address: 147 Lumb Lane, Bradford, BD8 7SP

Tel: 01274 395007

Source: http://www.albaseerah.com

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Ramadaan: A Month of Mercy, Lesson at the ALBASEERAH CENTRE



RAMADAAN - A Month of Mercy: Lesson delivered by brother Uwais at-Taweel

(Separate Seating for Brothers and Sisters ALL WELCOME)

DATE IS NOW CONFIRMED! LESSON WILL BE ON TUESDAY 11th AUGUST 2009 @ 7:30 PM

Location: The Albaseerah Centre (Next to the Salafi Bookstore)

Address: 6-12 Green Lane (Off Lumb Lane), Bradford, BD8 7SP

Tel: 01274 395007

MAC/LINUX/WINDOWS users can access this over the web via Paltalk Express (Requires Flash & Java) and access our room directly by clicking here!

Direct URL to our Paltalk Room: http://paltalk.albaseerah.com

Windows users who have the Paltalk client already installed need to go to the following room within Paltalk: Religion & Spirituality/Islam/The Albaseerah Centre LIVE


Source: http://www.albaseerah.com

LIVE BROADCAST: Islam in America Conference 2009

Alhamdulillaah, the Islam in America conference is a go! The conference itinerary has been updated, along with the speakers' bios.

MAC/LINUX/WINDOWS users can access this over the web via Paltalk Express (Requires Flash & Java) .

The entire conference will be broadcast live on Paltalk inshaa` Allaah - in the 'Live Sunnah Publishing' room.

Updated Itinerary

Download Printable PDF Itinerary

NOTE: TIMES DISPLAYED IN ITINERARY ARE US EAST COAST & NOT UK GMT SO CHECK FOR YOUR REGIONAL VARIATIONS!

Source: Islam in America Blog



Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Ikhlaas (Sincerity) and Riyaa (Showing off)

These are some narrations brought by the Shaykh `Abdul-Malik ar-Ramadaanee (hafidhahullaah) in his excellent book "Sittu Durar":

It has been stated in definition of Ikhlaas, "Ikhlaas is when the servants internal and external actions are the same (i.e. are in agreement with each other). And Riyaa is when the external actions are better than the internal actions (of the heart). And truthfulness in one's sincerity is when the internal is better (developed) than the external. (Refer to Madaarij us-Saalikeen for this definition 2/91).

Bilaal bin Sa'd (rahimahullaah) said, "Do not be a wali (friend) of Allaah outwardly, yet an enemy to him internally" (Ahmad in az-Zuhd, Abu Nu'aym in al-Hilyah).

It has been stated, "Ikhlaas is that you do not request anyone to witness your action except Allaah, and that you do not seek anyone to reward you (for it) except Him".

Salamah bin Dinar said, "Hide your good deeds (from the people) just like you hide your evil deeds". (Abu Nu'aym, Bayhaqee) And in a narration in al-Bayhaqee, "Hide your good deed like you hide your evil deed, and do not be amazed with your own action, for you do not know whether you are happy or wretched (in the Hereafter)"

It has been stated in definition of Ikhlaas, "It is to single out Allaah, free from all imperfection, in one's intention (qasd) in one's obedience (to Him)."

Hammaad bin Zaid said, "I used to walk with Ayyoob (as-Sakhtiyanee) and he would take me through different routes. I would be surprised at how he would guide himself through them, fleeing from (being seen by) the people who might say, "This is Ayyoob"."

He also said, "Ayyoob used to take me via a route that was the longest and I would say "But this one is closer", He would reply, "I fear from (passing by these) gatherings". When he would pass by them and give salutations, they would reply to him with more than what he had greeted them, compared to others. So he would say, "O Allaah, you know that I did not desire this! O Allaah, you know that I did not desire this." (Ibn Sa'd, al-Fasawee)

Abu Zur'ah bin Abi Amr said, "ad-Dahhak bin Qays came out and made the prayer for rain with the people, but they were not granted rain, and nor did they see any clouds come. ad-Dahhaak said, "Where is Yazeed bin al-Aswad?" (And in a narration, "But nobody answered him!". He then said again, "Where is Yazeed bin al-Aswad al-Jurashee?" And I was resolute about him that if he was to hear my words he would get up.) Then he said, "Here I am". So he (ad-Dahhaak) said,"Stand and intercede with Allaah Azza wa Jall on our behalf, that he should grant us rain". So he stood up, made his face point in the direction of his feet, and made his head sink into his shoulders (out of humility). He then said, "O Allaah, these servants of yours sought intercession through me from you. So he had not called upon Allaah, three times, except that the people were granted rain in such abundance that they almost drowned on account of it. Then Yazeed said, "O Allah, this one made a show of me (i.e. ad-Dahhaak, by asking him and calling him out), so grant me freedom from this (fame)." Then he did not live except for the next Jumuah and then he passed away.

Source: Salafi Talk
Posted by: Abu Iyaad Amjad Rafiq

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

The Order for Perfumed Women to Return to Their Homes and Bathe and the Ruling on Their Prayer...

The imaam, Aboo Daawood {d.275) collected in his Sunan (#4174) that Aboo Hurayrah encountered a woman who was wearing perfume, and the tail of her garment was dusty. He said, "O servant of al-Jabbaar! Have you come from the masjid?" She said, "Yes." He said, "And you have perfumed yourself for that purpose (i.e. praying in the masjid)?" She said, "Yes." He then said, "I heard my beloved Abul-Qaasim (may Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) saying:

"The prayer of a woman who wears perfume to go to the masjid is not accepted until she returns and takes a bath, like the bath of janaabah (after sexual intercourse, i.e. a full bath)."

Understanding the Hadeeth:

[1] The hadeeth was also collected by Ahmad, Ibn Maajah and others, with a weak chain because of 'Aasim ibn 'Ubaydillaah. However, it is strengthened by another chain found in Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah (1682). The latter chain is also weak, however they strengthen each other and thus the hadeeth is considered authentic, classified as: hasan lighayrihi[1]. Ibn Khuzaymah considered the hadeeth to be authentic. Al-Albaanee authenticated it in as-Saheehah (1031).

[2] The statement, "like the bath of janaabah" specifies that the intention is not to just remove the perfume from the place it was applied, but rather a full bath must be taken.

[3] Some people may misunderstand the hadeeth to be specific to women who go the masjid for prayer, however this is clearly not the case. The mention of the masjid is not restrictive in this hadeeth, and the ruling applies to women going out anywhere. Since the masjid is a place where the men have been encouraged to dress well for and wear perfume, then it is not disliked for the smell of the perfume to be in the masjid. So the problem with women wearing perfume to the masjid is the distraction they would create and the potential fitnah that would ensue. This is the 'illah (reason) for the prohibition. Thus, if this is the ruling for being around the best people, the people who pray in the masjids, the people whom Allaah has praised in His Book as being those who truly believe in Him and that they are men who are not distracted by trade, then how much more does the prohibition apply to the most evil places, the gathering sites of the wicked (fujjaar), the most despised places on earth to Allaah...!! So it as if he was using the masjid as an example of the best case scenario, where one would never imagine someone acting upon his desires and chasing after a woman... so then if it is not allowed to wear perfume in such a place, then what about the places where illicit behavior is very common!

This general application of the hadeeth seems to be what Aboo Daawood understood when he gathered the hadeeth in his Sunan and entitled the chapter: "The Chapter of What has Been Reported About Women Wearing Perfume Outside"

[4] A similar hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim (#444) forbids women from attending 'Eshaa' Prayer in the masjid if they have been affected by bakhoor (burned fragrances, like incense). It is also to be understood in light of point #3.

[5] The hadeeth shows that the Companions used to enjoin the good and forbid the evil with women who were not in their family.

[6] The hadeeth also shows the practical implementation of tathab-but (being certain before acting), since Aboo Hurayrah asked the woman, "And you have perfumed yourself...?" Notice that he did not assume that the scent was hers without asking.

And Allaah knows best.


Footnotes:

[1] For more understanding of hadeeth terminology, see the 'Hadeeth Sciences' Summer Course - http://www.troid.org/store/product.php?productid=17894&cat=0&page=6

Compiled and translated by Moosaa ibn John Richardso

Source: Troid

Monday, August 3, 2009

Ibn al-Qayyim on Futile, Rejected Actions, Stormy Wind and Ashes and the Fuel of the Hellfire

The parable of those who disbelieve in their Lord is that their works are as ashes, on which the wind blows furiously on a stormy day, they shall not be able to get aught of what they have earned. That is the straying, far away (from the Right Path). (Ibrahim 14:18)

Allaah the Exalted has made resemblance between the actions of the Kuffar, concerning their futility, and lack of any benefit from them, and between ashes on which a severe wind blows on a stormy day.

So He, the Sublime, made resemblance between their nullified actions that go away in falsehood just like the scattered dust, due to their not being (based) upon a foundation of Imaan and Ihsaan, and due to their being for other than [the sake] of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and upon other than His command (i.e. upon other than the Sunnah) - and between the ashes which the strong wind blows into the sky. So a person is not able to do anything with it during the time in which he is need of it (i.e. his actions on the Day of Judgement). And for this reason He said, "they shall not be able to get aught of what they have earned", they are not able (to attain anything) on the Day of Judgement from whatever they have earned of their actions. Hence, they do not see it having any effect in reward, and nor any benefit from it. For Allaah does not accept anything of action unless what is sincerely for His Face, and in agreement with His legislation.

And actions are of four types: One which is accepted and three that are rejected.

The accepted [action] is "al-khaalis as-sawaab" (pure and correct). Al-khaalis, is that it is for the sake of Allaah (alone) and not other than Him. And as-sawaab is that it is from that which Allaah has legislated upon the tongue of His Messenger.

And the three rejection [types of action] are whatever oppose this.

And in resembling these [rejected types of action] with ashes, there is a great profound secret. And this is due to the resemblance between their actions and between ashes in fuelling, igniting the fire (i.e. making it scorch). Hence, the actions which are [done] for other than Allaah, and are done upon other than His intent (i.e. the way they have been requested, upon His legislation), then they are the food of the Fire (to be destroyed by it), and it is by way of them that the Fire will roast its inhabitants. And Allaah, the Sublime will bring about (more) fire and punishment from their false actions (within the Fire), just as He brings about bliss and pleasure for the people of actions that agree with His command and prohibition and which are purely for His sake alone. Hence, the Fire will effect their actions until it turns them to ashes. Hence, they, and their actions, and what they worship besides Allaah, are the fuel of the Fire.


Translated from Tafseer al-Qayyim pp.326-327, (compiled by Muhammad Uways Nadwee, originally from I'laam al-Muwaqqi'een 1/204-205) for www.salafitalk.net

Source: Salafitalk.net
Posted by: Abu Iyaad Amjad Rafiq



Saturday, August 1, 2009

Islam in America Conference 2009!



UPDATED 01/08/2009

Last week, two of the conference organizers appeared on local radio, 1480 AM WGVU, to promote the Islam in America conference. Below are some clips from the hour long interview

Play Audio








Islam in America Conference 2009!! | Grand Rapids MI, USA
August 7-9, 2009CE

Confirmed Speakers:
Maalik Adam
Kashiff Khan
Abu Ri'aayah Abdur-Razzaaq


TOPICS:
  • The 9/11 Attacks and Global Terrorism
  • Evolution or Intelligent Design: What is the Islamic Perspective
  • Does Islam Restrict Individual Freedoms and Human Rights?
  • Is Islam Oppressive to Women?
  • Islam in a Secular Humanist Society
  • Does Islam Need to be Reformed to be Compatible with Modern Times?
  • Scientific Facts in the Qur'an and Prophetic Traditions
  • Recent Controversies Surrounding the Prophet Muhammad
  • Islam's Position on Environmentalism and Animal Rights

WHERE:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Grand Rapids Airport
5401 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546 | Suites: $69.00 per night | Call: 616-940-8100 | Use code: “Islam in America Seminar”

WHEN: Friday August 7th – Sunday August 9th

For more information:
Admin@SunnahPublishing.net | 616.516.5621

For more information and to be kept update with the details of this conference please visit the official site for this conference: http://islaminamerica.wordpress.com/

Source: Islam In America
Related Links: Sunnah Publishing, Sunnah Audio