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Available to download in PDF Format, the New Albaseerah Knowledge Base will be regularly updated with articles and translations from the Scholars of Ahlus Sunnah.

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Source: Albaseerah.com

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A False testimony of Faith (hypocrisy and the shahadah)

The likeness [of the munâfiq] is as the likeness of one who kindled a fire; then, when it lighted all around him, Allâh took away their light and left them in darkness. So they could not see. They are deaf, dumb and blind, so they return not [to the Right Path]. (Quran 2:17)

Qatâdah – Allâh’s mercy be upon him – said:

This is the likeness Allâh has given of the Hypocrite (munâfiq); he says lâ ilâha illallâh and with it marries into the Muslims, inherits from the Muslims, fights alongside the Muslims, and protects his blood and wealth. But when death comes, [the testimony of faith] has no basis in his heart, and no reality in his actions, so the munâfiq is stripped of it at death and left in darkness and blindness wondering therein, just as he was blind about the right of Allâh and obedience to Him in his worldly life and deaf to the truth.

Al-Tabarî, Al-Tafsîr.

Source: Sayings of the Salaf

Follow Sayings of the Salaf on Twitter an stay up to date with their site: http://www.twitter.com/Salaf

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The ALL NEW Salafi Audio Website is now LIVE!

Each lecture is only 50 Pence (UK), that's less than a US Dollar and less than a Euro! And if you want us to rip it to CD for you and post it to your home, just choose the CD option and we'll post it out to you.  Just purchase a starting credit of only 2 UK Pounds - and that will entitle you to download 4 audios. Thereafter all you need to do is top-up your AUDIO CREDIT as and when you need it.

Visit Salafi Audio Now!

Source: Salafi Audio

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Allaah Has Combined All of Medicine (at-Tibb) in One Verse of the Qur'aan

All praise is due to Allaah and may the prayers and salutations be upon His Messenger, to proceed:

Allaah the Most High said, "...And eat and drink and be not excessive (therein)..." (al-A'raaf 7:31)

Ibn Katheer commented upon this verse:

One of the Salaf said: Allaah has combined the entirety of medicine (at-tibb) in half a verse, "And eat and drink and be not excessive..."

Al-Qurtubi commented upon this verse, after mentioning that excessive eating is makrooh (disliked), he mentions the benefits of eating little:

... In eating little there are many benefits. From them that a man becomes of sounder body, of better memory, purer in understanding, (requiring) less sleep, and lighter in (his) soul...

Then he mentioned the harms of eating excessively:

... and in eating much there is the overstuffing of the stomach and putrefaction of undigested food, and from this the variety of diseases are produced, and thus he requires treatment more than what the one who eats little requires. Some of the physicians said, "The greatest treatment (dawaa') is (appropriate) estimation of food." And the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) has explained this meaning sufficiently and completely which does away with the speech of the physicians, so he said, "The son of Aadam does not fill a container worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Aadam to take enough morsels of food to keep his back straight (keep him able-bodied). And if it is necessary, then a third for his food, a third for his drink, and a third for his breath."...

Then a little later al-Qurtubi says:

And it is mentioned that (the caliph) ar-Rasheed used to have a shrewd Christian physician who said to Alee bin Hasan, "There is not in your Book (the Qur'aan) anything of the knowledge of medicine, and knowledge of is of two types, knowledge of the religions and knowledge of the bodies." So he said to him, "Allaah has combined all of medicine in half a verse in our Book." So he said, "What is it?" He said, "The saying of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic: And eat and drink and be not excessive."...

And Imaam ad-Dhahabi in his book "at-Tibb an-Nabawi" (p. 34-35) says:

The Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The son of Aadam does not fill a container worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Aadam to take enough morsels of food to keep his back straight (keep him able-bodied). And if it is necessary, then a third for his food, a third for his drink, and a third for his breath." This was reported by an-Nasaa'ee and at-Tirmidhee, who said, "Hasan Saheeh" ... and this is one from the aspects of preserving health.

Alee bin Hasan said:

"And Allah, the Sublime and Exalted has combined the whole of medicine in (just) half a verse, so He, the Most High said, "And eat and drink and be not excessive..."

And you can refer to an earlier article on the same subject, from the words of Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, as well as this article from the speech of Ibn al-Qayyim.

Source: Healthy Muslim

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Lesson this Friday at the Albaseerah Centre

Lesson on Friday
"Sufficiencyin Creed. The Guide to the Straight Path" Of Imaam Ibn Qudaamahal-Maqdisee [d.620H] With explanations of Shaikh Saalih al-Fawzaan,Shaikh Saalih bin 'Abdul-'Azeez Aalis-Shaikh and Shaikh Uthaimeen Readby Abu Iyaad Amjad Rafiq @ 7:30pm, Friday 25th September 2009

(Separate Seating for Brothers and Sisters ALL WELCOME)

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

Address: 147 Lumb Lane, Bradford, BD8 7SP

Tel: 01274 395007

E-mail: info@albaseerah.com

Source: http://www.albaseerah.com

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Announcement of Eid ul-Fitr 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 day of Eid ul-Fitr which will be on Sunday the 20th of September 2009.

The details for Eid Prayers in Bradford are as follows:-

Date/Time: 

Sunday 20/09/2009  at 9:00am sharp

Location:

LISTER PARK (Basketball Courts),  BRADFORD 9.

Please view the link below for directions to Lister Park. On North Park Road, on the side of Lister Park, proceed until you see the basketball courts.

CLICK HERE to view directions from THE ALBASEERAH CENTRE to LISTER PARK

Important: Please remember to bring your own matts to put on the ground!

Please bring yourselves, your families and friends. All enquiries please contact 01274 395007 or email info@albaseerah.com

Reminder:

Aboo Sa'eed al-Khudree said: "The Messenger of Allah on the days of `Eid-ul-Fitr and `Adhaa, used to go out to the musallaa and the first thing that he would begin with was the prayer..." Reported by al-Bukhari (957), Muslim (889), and an-Nasaa'ee (3/187)

The renowned scholar ibn Haajee al-Maalikee said:

"The past Sunnah with regards to the 'Eid prayer is that it should be performed at the musallaa. This is because the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was salam) said: 'Prayer in my masjid is a thousand times better than prayer anywhere else except the Masjid-al-Haram.' (Bukhari & Muslim) Despite this great excellence he (sallallahu alayhi was salam) went out (to the musallaa) and left his masjid." (al-Madkhal (2/283)

Imaam ibn Qudaamah al-Maqdasee (al-Mughnee (2/229-230) said:

"The sunnah is to pray the 'Eid prayer at a musallaa. 'Alee (may Allaah be pleased with him) ordered this and al-Awzaa'ee and the people of ra'y preferred this opinion. It is also the opinion of ibn Mundhir."

The Prophet (salallaahu 'alayhi wassallam) said:

"Let the free women, the virgins, and the menstruating women go out to attend the 'Eed prayer, and witness the goodness and the supplications of the believers. As for the   mentruating women, they should stay away from [praying on] the musallaa." - Bukhaaree

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Final Days Of Ramadhaan & The Eid Day

A khutbah delivered a few days before the end of Ramadaan. A clarification of the intent of Ramadaan and the how a true believer should behave. Also an informative guide to the days leading up to Eid, such as the paying of Zakaatul-Fitr, the Eid prayer and its rulings, the attitude of a Muslim, the dress code and the glorification of Allaah.

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Source: Salafi Audio

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Saying Ameen in the Qunoot

In the Hadeeth from Ibn Abbas (RadhiAllaahu anhu) who said that the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) made Qunoot for a month continuously in the Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and morning prayer and at the end of every prayer after he said ‘Sami Allaahu liman hamida’ in the last Rakat o that prayer, he would make Dua’ against the tribes of Bani Sulaym and those tribes of Dhakwaan and Usayatah who lived with Bani Sulaym, and those behind the Messenger would say Ameen.’

[Collected by Abu Daawood in his ‘Sunnan’ no. 1443 in ‘the chapter of al-Qunoot in the Prayer’ and Shaykh Albani declared the hadeeth to be Hasan and he brings a research for the hadeeth in ‘Irwaa al-Ghaleel’ (2/163)]

Additional evidence

Ibn al-Mundhir said in ‘al-Awsat’ (5/216) that Imam Malik used to say:

The Imam should make Qunoot from the middle of Ramadan and curse the Kuffar and those behind him should say Ameen.’ [‘al-Mudouwanah’ (1/103]

Imam Ahmad said:

‘The Imam makes Dua’ and those behind him say Ameen’ [‘Mas’ail Ahmad li Abee Daawood p.67, Ishaaq also said this, as was mentioned by al-Marwaazi in ‘Qayam al-Layl’ 303]

Shaykh Uthaymeen said:

‘If we say that there is a Qunoot in the five daily prayers, then if the Qunoot is in a prayer that is read aloud, in this case it is known that the Qunoot is read out aloud, and if it is in a silent prayer then it is still read out aloud, as is established in the Sunnah: namely that the Messenger (sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) used to read the Qunoot and the people used to say Ameen behind him, and it would not have been possible to say Ameen except if he was reading it ou aloud.

This establishes the fact that the Sunnah is to read the Qunoot aloud even if it is in the silent prayers.’ [‘Sharh al-Mumtaa’ (4/47)]

Compiled & translated By Abbas Abu Yahya

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Clarifying the Distinction Between the Wasiyyah (Will) and the Irth (Inheritance)

From the Book of Allaah:

“After (the distribution of) a wasiyyah that was intended, or a debt” [1]

In this verse, Allaah lays down the legislation for how irth is to be distributed. Then, He legislates that the irth is to be distributed after any wasiyyahs or debts. In the next aayah as well, Allaah repeats this distinction three more times.

From the Sunnah of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam):

“Verily Allaah has given every person his true rights, so there can be no wasiyyah for a waarith (one who receives irth), and the child is for the (owner of the) bed, and the fornicator gets the stone (ie. nothing)…” [2]

Here the Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) forbids the one who receives irth from also receiving a wasiyyah. So obviously they are two separate things with different rulings.

What exactly is a wasiyyah then?

Muhammad ibn Ahmad Al-Hafeed (d.595), the author of Bidaayatul-Mujtahid, said:

“The wasiyyah, in a nutshell, is a man giving a gift from his wealth to another or a group of people after his death, or that he frees his slave, whether he mentions the word ‘wasiyyah’ specifically or not.” [3]

So the wasiyyah is that which is given to someone according to the wishes of the deceased. It can be expressed verbally or in writing, and then it is witnessed. In the West, it is similar to when a man writes someone in his will to receive his house, car, or a sum of money.

We have been prohibited from taking the irth of the kuffaar, according to the hadeeth:

“The Muslim may not take the irth of the kaafir, nor may the kaafir take the irth of the Muslim.” [4]

Does this prohibition also include the wasiyyah as well? Let us look to some of the statements of the scholars.

The statements of the scholars concerning a Muslim’s wasiyyah to a kaafir

With regards to a Muslim giving a wasiyyah to a kaafir, then the scholars have unanimously agreed that it is permissible. Ibn ‘Abdil-Barr said:

“There is no differing among the scholars, that I know of, over the permissibility of a Muslim giving a wasiyyah to his kaafir relative, since they do not inherit from him. And Safiyyah bint Huyay gave a wasiyyah to her Jewish brother.” [5]

Ibn Qudaamah Al-Maqdisee (d.620) said:

“The permissibility of a Muslim giving a wasiyyah to a thimmee has been reported from Shurayh, Ash-Sha’bee, Ath-Thawree, Ash-Shaafi’ee, Ishaaq, and the Hanafees. I do not know anyone who differed with them.” [6]

Al-Maardeenee (d.912) said:

“It (the wasiyyah) is allowed to be given to the poor people of a specific area, or a band of them, and to a thimmee, a young child, or an insane person by agreement of the scholars.” [7]

The statements of the scholars concerning the kaafir’s wasiyyah to a Muslim

The scholars have also agreed that a Muslim may accept the wasiyyah of a kaafir. Ibn Al-Munthir (d.318) said, relating a consensus:

“All of the people of knowledge that we take from have agreed that the wasiyyah of a thimmee (a Jew or a Christian living under Islaamic rule) is permissible, so long as the thing given itself is permissible to possess.” [8]

Muhammad ibn Ahmad Al-Hafeed (d.595), the author of Bidaayatul-Mujtahid, said:

“And the wasiyyah of a kaafir is permissible to take according to them (the imaams), so long as the wasiyyah is not something haraam in itself.” [9]

Ibn Qudaamah Al-Maqdasee said:

“So when it is permissible for a Muslim to give a wasiyyah to a thimmee, then a thimmee’s wasiyyah to a Muslim, or to another thimmee, has even more right.” [10]

Muhammad ibn Saalih Al-‘Uthaymeen (d.1421) said:

“If someone asks, ‘How can one’s parents not be considered waariths?’ The answer: That is possible, like when the mother or father has a different religion, then they do not take any irth, rather they can be given a wasiyyah.” [11]

In Conclusion

If one of Fulaan the Muslim’s kaafir relatives dies, and he/she left for Fulaan a sum of money or some kind of property or wealth, having specified it for Fulaan, either in writing or by speech or gesture, and, as a result, that wealth is then offered to Fulaan, then it is permissible for Fulaan to accept it, and it is from Allaah’s halaal provisions for him. And Allaah is Al-Muwaf-fiq.

The next question that we need to have answered in this thread is:

What if the kaafir relative specifies Fulaan to receive more than one-third of his/her wealth? The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) forbade us from giving someone more than one-third of our wealth as a wasiyyah. The scholars have two positions with regards to the one who left a wasiyyah of more than one-third:

1) Only up to one-third may be given, and the rest is to be distributed as irth.

2) The entire wasiyyah can be given only with the consent of all the inheritors. If they do not agree, then only up to one-third is given and the rest is distributed to the inheritors.

So then does this apply to the kaafirs? Do we restrict them to one-third as well? If Fulaan’s kaafir relative leaves everything as a wasiyyah for him, can he take it? May Allaah assist us in finding answers from the people of knowledge for these important questions!

FOOTNOTES

[1] Soorah An-Nisaa’ 4:11

[2] Saheeh Sunan At-Tirmithee (2120)

[3] Bidaayatul-Mujtahid (4/180)

[4] Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim

[5] At-Tamheed (13/239)

[6] Al-Mughnee (8/512)

[7] Irshaad Al-Faaridh (p.275)

[8] Al-Ijmaa’ (p.275)

[9] Bidaayatul-Mujtahid (4/173)

[10] Al-Mughnee (8/512)

[11] Tafseer Soorah Al-Baqarah (2/309)

Originally posted on http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=10&Topic=1545 - added to troid.org at author's request.

Source: Troid

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The ruling on whoever only fasts and prays during Ramadhan

Question:

If a person is active in fasting and praying only during Ramadhan, but he leaves off the prayer as Ramadhan ends, does he have a fast?

Answer:

The prayer is a pillar from the pillars of Islam, and it is the most emphasized pillar after the two Testimonies of Faith. It is from the mandatory duties upon the individuals, and whoever abandons it while rejecting its obligation or due to laxity or laziness, then he has disbelieved .In reference to those who fast Ramadhan and they only pray during Ramadhan, then this is an attempt to deceive Allah. What wicked people these are who do not know Allah except during Ramadhan. Thus, their fast is not acceptable while they are abandoning the prayer outside of Ramadhan.

Permanent Committee for Research and Verdicts
Fatawa Islamiyah Page no, 247 Vol: 2

Source: Fatwa Islaam

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The Inner Secrets of Fasting (Part 5)

Characteristics of the more Specific Fasts:

Know that the one who has been given intellect, knows the objective behind fasting. Therefore, he burdens himself to the extent that he will not be unable to do that which is more beneficial than it. Ibn Mas’ood would fast very little and it is reported that he used to say: ‘‘When I fast, I grow weak in my prayer. And I prefer the prayer over the (optional) fast.’’ Some of the Companions would weaken in their recitation of the Qur‘aan when fasting. Thus, they would exceed in breaking their fast (i.e.. by observing less optional fasts), until they were able to balance their recitation. Every individual is knowledgeable of his condition and of what will rectify it.

This concludes this 5-Part Series of Articles, Previous Parts of this Article:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Source: Troid

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The Inner Secrets of Fasting (Part 4)

Recommended Fasts:

As for the recommended fasts, then know that preference for fasting is established in certain virtuous days. Some of these virtuous days happen every year, such as fasting the first six days of Shawwaal after Ramadhaan, fasting the day of ’Arafah, the day of ’Ashooraa, and the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram. Some of them occur every month, such as the first part of the month, the middle part of it, and the last part of it. So whoever fasts the first part of it, the middle part of it and the last part of it, then he has done well. Some fasts occur every week, and they are every Monday and Thursday. The most virtuous of the recommended fasts is the fast of Daawood. He would fast one day and break his fast the next day. This achieves the following three objectives, the soul is given its share on the day the fast is broken. And on the day of fasting, it completes its share in full. The day of eating is the day of giving thanks and the day of fasting is the day of having patience. And Faith (eemaan) is divided into two halves- that of thankfulness and that of patience. [7] It is the most difficult struggle for the soul. This is because every time the soul gets accustomed to a certain condition, it transfers itself that. As for fasting every day, then it has been reported by Muslim, from the hadeeth of Aboo Qataadah that ’Umar (radiyallaahu ’anhu) asked the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): What is the case if one were to fast everyday? So he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘‘He did not fast nor did he break his fast or, he did not fast and he did not break his fast.’’ [8] This is concerning the one who fasts continuously, even during the days in which fasting is forbidden.


Footnotes
[7] {Editors note: This statement is based upon an unauthentic Hadeeth, which has been reported by al-Kharaa‘itee and ad-Daylamee. One of its narrators was graded ‘‘abandoned’’ by an-Nisaa‘ee and adh-Dhahabee. Al-Manawee and al-Albaanee approved of its grading. See ad-Da’eefah (no. 625).

[8] Related by Muslim

Source: Troid

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Dar Al Iman Masjid Appeal (London UK)

Request From Dar Al Iman to all our beloved brothers at all the Salafi Centres in the UK

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh,

Dar Al Iman is a salafiorganisation in North West London and by the Praise of Allaah we have been running for about 6 years.

We have been and still are in a desperate need of a place in order to promote and propagate the Quran and Sunnah upon the understanding of the Salaf-us-Salih.

Currently we do not have a salafi masjid in our locality and therefore the dawah to the straight path is very limited. However the Ahl-ul-Bidah and the Hizbeyeen are fast establishing masjids, centres and schools throughout London so as to propagate their evil falsehood amongst the muslim communities.

Dear respected brothers and sisters, after many years of striving; we are now Alhamdulillah in a position to purchase a property in Harrow (NW London). This property will initially be used as a masjid conducting the 5 daily prayers as well as the Jumah prayer. Many other activities will also insha'Allah be carried out. Some of which are: regular Quran and Arabic lessons as well as Islamic lectures at all levels, lessons with our respected scholars, a nursery for children, workshops for the youth and counselling.


Up until now, it has been very difficult to find a suitable D1 (public use) property in a good location. This has primarily been due to the following reasons:-

(1) D1 (public use) properties are rare and difficult to find.

(2) Although we have managed to find a few, they have been very expensive, (approx. a million pounds).

(3) This area (Harrow) is generally expensive in comparison to other areas with in London.

And now, walhamdulillah an excellentopportunity has arisen for us. We have managed to find a good property (D1) costing only 375,000 pounds. This property is: in excellent condition, spacious, consists of about 10 good-sized rooms, there is no need for renovation work or any planning permission from the local council. Furthermore, the building can be effective and put into use immediately.

We are in a desperate need for this sum of money and are therefore reaching out to all our salafi brothers and sisters. We especially urge organisations that know and realize the importance of establishing salafi masjids and centres to promote, propagate and spread this blessed manhaj.

So, we write this letter requesting from all our salafi brothers and sisters to give us a quick responsewith one or both of the following 2 options:

(1) Donation (of any amount)
(2) Loan (of any amount)

Please Note: An immediate response is required (by Monday 07/09/09). This is due to the agent requesting proof to show that we have sufficient funds to purchase this property. Please also bear in mind that other people have also made offers to this agent for the purchase of this property.

Please also ask others who may be able to help in this noble cause in this blessed month of Ramadan.

May Allaah azza wa jalla reward you greatly for all your efforts, help, time and consideration.


Contact Details

Abu Sarah (Monis): 07949433305

Abu Ilyaas (Awais): 07876146843

Dar Al-Iman (UK)
Website: www.daraliman.co.uk
E-mail: info@daraliman.co.uk
Tel: +(44)7949 433305

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The Inner Secrets of Fasting (Part 3)

An Explanation of the Inner Secrets of Fasting and its Characteristics:

There are three levels of fasting, the general fast, the specific fast and the more specific fast. As for the general fast, then it is the refraining of ones stomach and their private parts from fulfilling their desires. The specific fast is the refraining of ones gaze, tongue, hands, feet, hearing and eyes, as well as the rest of his body parts from committing sinful acts. As for the more specific fast, then it is the heart’s abstention from its yearning after the worldly affairs and the thoughts which distance one away from Allaah, as well as its (the heart’s) abstention. From all the things that Allaah has placed on the same level. [5] From the characteristics of the specific fast is that one lowers his gaze and safeguards his tongue from the repulsive speech that is forbidden, disliked, or which has no benefit, as well as controlling the rest of his body parts. . In a hadeeth by al-Bukhaaree: ‘‘Whosoever does not abandon false speech and the acting upon it, Allaah is not in need off his food and drink.’’ [6]

Another characteristic of the specific fast is that one does not overfill himself with food during the night. Instead, he eats in due measure, for indeed, the son of Aadam does not fill a vessel more evil than his stomach. If he were to eat his fill during the first part of the night, he would not make good use of himself for the remainder of the night. In the same way, if he eats to his fill for suhoor, he does make good use of himself until the afternoon. This is because excessive eating breads laziness and lethargy therefore, the objective of fasting disappears due to one's excessiveness in eating, for what is indeed intended by the fast, is that one savours the taste of hunger and becomes an abandoner of desires.

Footnotes
[5] (Editors note: Additional comment is required here, The levels mentioned are levels of abstinence. The first of these three levels entails the abstinence which is fulfilled, the fast is considered complete in view of the one having met the legislated requirements [i.e. It does not have to be repeated or made up, the servant has indeed fasted.] The remaining levels deal with the value of the Fast. If the second is level is not met, the fast will be of less value to the servant, than if it were met and likewise for the third. Thus it is said that intentional eating and intercourse render the fast null and void, whereas committing other unlawful acts such, likes speaking falsely, placing the unlawful look to the opposite sex. And so on will constitute a sin of one degree or another, but not nullify the fast.

[6] Related by al-Bukhaaree (4/99)

Source: Troid

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Ibn al-Qayyim: Dates Are A Nourishing Fruit

Dates are available in abundance throughout the Islamic world, and historically have been a main ingredient in many peoples' diets. So it is not surprising that Ibn al-Qayyim, the great scholar, mentioned the many health benefits of dates in his work "The Prophetic Medicine". He described the benefits of eating dates at their different stages of ripeness, from unripe, fresh (ripe), and dried.

Dried dates (tamr)

Ibn al-Qayyim said that dried dates were one of the most nourishing of fruits for the body, and could strengthen the liver and clear a sore throat. He also said that they were especially beneficial when eaten with pine kernels. He mentioned that for those not used to eating dates - like those who lived in cold countries, they could cause negative effects like headache, obstructions, and harm the teeth, but eating them with almond or poppy could reduce these effects.

Ibn al-Qayyim classed dried dates as a fruit, food, medicine, drink.

Fresh dates (rutab)

Ibn al-Qayyim said that fresh dates were nourishing and enriching for the body, and he mentioned the Prohetic Hadith that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) used to break his fast with some fresh dates, before he prayed; if there were none, then with dried dates (tamarat). If there were none of these then he would take a drink of water. [Ibn Hanbal, Musnad III. 164]

Unfertilized Unripe dates (busr)

Ibn al-Qayyim said that the best of the unripe dates were sweet, and some of the benefits he mentioned were for the gums, mouth, and the stomach. However, he said that excessive consumption of these dates and of balah, could cause intestinal obstructions.

Fertilized Unripe dates (balah)

Ibn al-Qayyim said that these dates had fewer nutrients than ripe dates and were unhealthy for the lungs and chest, but some had some benefits for the mouth, gums and stomach. He said that eating fresh and ripe dates together was beneficial as the effects balanced each other.

'Ajwa dates (pressed dates)

The Messenger (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) said, "Ajwa dates are from paradise." [Tirmidhee (2068)].

Ibn al-Qayyim said that the 'Ajwa date referred to here is the one found in Madina, and it is "a noble kind, compact, firm of body, strong, among the softeset, best and most delicious of dates."

He also mentioned the following Prophetic Ahadith about 'Ajwa dates:

The Messenger (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) said, "Whoever has seven Ajwa dates every morning he will not be harmed on that day by poison or magic." [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5445) (5768) (5769) (5779)].

Referring to eating seven Ajwa dates, the Messenger (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) said, "He will not be harmed by anything until he reaches the evening." [Saheeh Muslim (2047)].

Date Facts

Dates are a good source of fiber, and naturally occurring sugars like glucose, fructose and sucrose.

Dates are also one of the best natural sources of potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral needed to maintain muscle contractions, including the vital heart muscle, and to maintain a healthy nervous system and to balance the body's metabolism. Since potassium is not stored in the body, and much is lost in perspiration, it must be continually replenished.

According to researchers at the University of Scranton in Scranton Pennsylvania, dates have the highest concentration of polyphenols (a group of chemicals with antioxidant properties) among dried fruits.

Dates also contain a variety of B-complex vitamins - thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). These vitamins have a variety of functions that help maintain a healthy body - to metabolize carbohydrates and maintain blood glucose levels, fatty acids for energy, and they help make hemoglobin, the red and white blood cells.

Tips on Eating Dates

• Fresh dates should be firm and springy, and should have a fresh smell, not sour. They can be kept in the refrigerator in plastic bags, for several weeks.

• Dried dates should be firm, but not hard. Dried dates will keep for up to a year, refrigerated.

• The nicotinic acid (niacin) content in dates makes them an excellent cure for intestinal disturbances.

• Since dates get digested very easily, they can be used for supplying quick energy.

Source: Healthy Muslim

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The Inner Secrets of Fasting (Part 2)

The Recommended Acts of Fasting:

The pre-dawn meal (suhoor) and delaying in taking it are preferable, as well as hastening to break the fast and doing so with dates. Generosity in giving is also recommended during Ramadhaan, as well as doing good deeds and increasing in charity. This is in accordance with the way of the Messenger of Allaah. It is also recommended to study the Qur‘aan and perform I‘tikaaf (seclusion for worship) during Ramadhaan, especially in its last ten days, as well as increasing upon the exertion (towards doing good deeds) in it. In the two Saheehs, ’Aa‘ishah said: ‘‘When the last ten days (of Ramadhaan) would come, the Prophet would tighten his waist wrapper (izaar)’’ [4] The scholars have mentioned two views concerning the meaning of ‘tighten his wrapper (izaar)’ The first is that it means the turning away from women. The second is that it is an expression denoting his eagerness and diligence in doing good deed. They also say that the reason for: the last ten days of Ramadhaan was due to his seeking of the Night of al-Qadr (Laylatul-Qadr).

Footnotes
[4] Related by al-Bukhaaree (4/322) and Muslim (no. 1147).

Source: Troid

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