Miswak

The miswak is a twig from the salvadora persica tree, and is also known by the words arak, peelu and siwak. It is used to clean the teeth, and holds an important place in Islam. The reason for this is that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), along with all the other prophets, used it regularly, and strongly advised his followers to do the same. Here we present some of the evidence for this, the benefits of using miswak, and how to do so.

Evidence from Hadith

There are many statements from the Prohpet (pbuh) which make it clear that the miswak is of great benefit; nobody contests them. He said, “Had I not feared hardship for my Community, I would have ordered them to brush their teeth for every prayer.” [Bukhari and Muslim],

and “Brushing one’s teeth cleans the mouth and pleases the Lord.” [Bukhari].

One of the reasons for the miswak’s high status in Islam is the importance given to hygiene generally; according the Prophet (pbuh), “Cleanliness is half of faith.” [Muslim].

Scientific Evidence
Research shows that the bark of the miswak contains an antibiotic which suppresses the growth of a bacteria and the formation of plaque in the mouth. Regular use also reduces plaque, gingivitis, and the growth of carcinogenic bacteria. Miswak naturally contains fluoride, astringents, resins (which protect enamel) and abrasives.
A 2003 study comparing the use of miswak with ordinary toothbrushes concluded that the results clearly were in favour of the users who had been using the miswak.
The World Health Organisation recommends the use of the miswak.

Use of the Miswak
The miswak is a hard twig, and must be prepared before use. About 2cm of bark at one end should be cut away using a knife, to expose the fibres beneath. This exposed section then needs to be chewed, to soften the fibres enough for brushing. When the fibres become worn and the taste diminishes, they should be cut off and a new ‘head’ cut. Store it upright.

Before using the miswak, make a short du’a (supplication). It is better to learn this in Arabic, but in English it is “O Allah, purify my mouth, enlighten my heart, purify my body, and make my body unlawful to the Fire.” The miswak should be held in such a manner that the small finger and thumb are below the miswak and the remaining fingers are on its upper side. When brushing, brush each area three times, or any odd number of times greater than three.
Brush horizontally to avoid damage to the gums.
Using the miswak is beneficial at any time, but there are specific times at which its use has been recommended. Before entering one’s house, before and after going on a journey, on Fridays, before reciting Qur’an, before sleeping and after waking up, when experiencing hunger or thirst and before entering any good gathering. Do not use it in the bathroom, or when lying down.

Hudaifah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah woke up, he would rub his teeth with miswak. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Hadhrat Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: We used to prepare for the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) a miswak and the water for making wudu. Whenever Allah wished to awaken him from sleep at night, he would brush his teeth with miswak, make wudu, and perform Salat. [Muslim]

Shuraih bin Hani (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked Aishah: “What was the first thing the Prophet (pbuh) would do when he entered his house?” She replied: “He would use miswak.” [Muslim]

Islamic scholars suggest that when using miswak, a person should start on the right of the mouth, and use a side-to-side motion rather than up-and-down, as the latter may harm the gums. It is also said that a person should not use the miswak in front of others or in public, because this is impolite. It should be washed after use, to get rid of any dirt that may be on it. Hadhrat Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Prophet (pbuh) used to use miswak, then he would give it to me to wash it. I would use it first, then wash it and give it back to him.” (Reported by Abu Dawood). T

he Prophet’s method of holding the miswak, according to what Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Masood has narrated, is as follows: “Place the small finger of the right hand below the miswak. Place the thumb below the head of the miswak.
The remaining three fingers will be placed above.”

 

Honey

Honey is a sweet and sticky fluid produced by honey bees from the nectar of flowers and plants. Its colour, flavour, thickness and aroma vary depending on the flower or plant from which the bees gather the nectar. Bees ingest the nectar they collect into their ‘honey stomach’, the nectar is regurgitated and dehydrated repeatedly until it reaches the desired quality at which stage it is placed by the honey bee into a honeycomb cell where it gradually converts into honey.

Evidence from Qur’aan and Sunnah
In the Qur’aan, Allah informs us about the honey of honey bees, that their honey varies in colour and that it is a healing for mankind. He the Most High said: “There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for men. Verily, in yhis is indeed a sign for people who think. [16:69]

He, the Most High, also mentions honey in the Qur’aan as one of the foods of paradise: “The description of Paradise which the Muttaqûn (pious) have been promised is that In it are rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine delicious to those who drink; and rivers of clarified honey (clear and pure)...” [47:15]

Honey has also been mentioned in the authentic Sunnah. It is reported that the Prophet (upon be salah and salah) said: “Cure is in three (things): a drink of honey, a slash of the knife used in Hijaamah and branding (cauterizing) by fire. And I prohibit my nation from cauterizing.” [Bukhaaree 5356]

In another hadeeth, it states: “Upon you is the two cures: the honey and the Qur’aan” [Ibn Maajah 3452, Shaykh al-Albani graded this hadeeth weak and said that it is authentic saying of Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood]

Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree narrated, “A man came to the Messenger (upon be salah and salam) and said, ‘My brother has pain in his stomach’, so the Messenger (upon be salah and salam) said, ‘give him honey to drink.’ The man came back and said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! It only increased his illness!’ So the Messenger (upon be salah and salam) said, ‘Give him honey to drink.’ The man came back and said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! It only increased his illness!’ The Messenger of Allaah (upon him be salah and salam) said ‘Allaah spoke the truth and your brother’s belly has lied. Go and give him honey to drink.’ He
went and gave him honey and was cured.” [Bukhaaree (5684), Muslim (2217)].

Medical uses
Honey has been used throughout centuries by many nations. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, Assyrians and Romans used it in healing and as food. It is a natural antiseptic which prevents infection and is an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. Its properties make it far superior than most of the antibiotics prescribed today. Honey is a food, a drink, a sweet, a remedy a type of refreshment and an ointment and that there is no substance that is more beneficial. Since the medical uses of honey are many for the purpose of brevity we will only mention some of the maladies it is most commonly used for.

Actions while Praying

Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 22 :: Hadith 289

Narrated Kuraib Maula Ibn Abbas:
'Abdullah bin Abbas said that he had passed a night in the house of Maimuna the mother of the faithful believers , who was his aunt. He said, "I slept across the bed, and Allah's Apostle along with his wife slept lengthwise. Allah's Apostle slept till mid-night or slightly before or after it. Then Allah's Apostle woke up, sat, and removed the traces of sleep by rubbing his hands over his face. Then he recited the last ten verses of Surat-Al Imran (2). Then he went towards a hanging leather water-container and performed a perfect ablution and then stood up for prayer." 'Abdullah bin Abbas added, "I got up and did the same as Allah's Apostle had done and then went and stood by his side. Allah's Apostle then put his right hand over my head and caught my right ear and twisted it. He offered two Rakat, then two Rakat, then two Rakat, then two Rakat, then two Rakat, then two Rakat and then offered one Raka Witr. Then he lay down till the Muadh-dhin came and then he prayed two light Rakat and went out and offered the early morning (Fajr) prayer."

Zaitoon (Olive) is Cure for Seventy Diseases

English Translation:

Surah At-Tin
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

By the fig and the olive, (1) By Mount Sinai, (2) And by this land made safe; (3) Surely We created man of the best stature (4) Then we reduced him to the lowest of the low, (5) Save those who believe and do good works, and theirs is a reward unfailing. (6) So who henceforth will give the lie to thee about the judgment? (7) Is not Allah the most conclusive of all judges? (8)

Olives

More Evidence from Qur’aan and Sunnah:
The olive has been mentioned many times in the Qur’aan,it is one of the blessed foods of this world. From among the ayaat that mention the olive are the following:

"And it is He who produces Gardens trellised and untrellised, and datepalms, and crops of different shape and taste (its fruits and its seeds) and olives, and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in taste). eat of their fruit when they ripen, but pay the due thereof (its Zakât, according to Allâh's orders 1/10th or 1/20th) on the Day of its harvest, and waste not by extravagance . Verily, He likes not Al-Musrifûn (those who waste by extravagance)" [6:141]

"And a tree (olive) that springs forth from Mount Sinai, that grows oil, and (it is a) relish for the eaters." [23:20]

"Allâh is the light of the heavens and the earth. the parable of his light is as (if there were) a niche and within it a lamp, the lamp is In glass, the glass as it were a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east (i.e. neither it gets sun-rays Only In the morning) nor of the west (i.e. nor it gets sun-rays Only In the afternoon, but it is exposed to the sun All Day long), whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself), though no Fire touched it..." [24:35]

The olive has also been mentioned in the authentic Sunnah:

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, who said: that the Prophet (upon him be salah and salam) said: “Eat the olive and anoint (yourselves) with it, for indeed it is from a blessed tree.” Recorded by Tirmidhi 1853 and Ahmed 497/3.

This hadeeth has also been recorded by Haakim hadeeth #122/4 and Ibn Maajah hadeeth #3319 from Umar with slightly different wording.

Parts used
All parts of the olive tree are used, its bark, its leaves, its fruit and its oil.

Constituents
Olive leaves contain:
• secoiridoides (oleuropein in particular) which reduce blood pressure
• triterpenes
• Flavanoids

Olive oil contains;
• Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids
• Vitamin E


 A small description about olives:
The olive tree is a plant that grows to about 10 meters with a grey twisted trunk. It has spear shaped leaves which are greyish green on top and silvery white on the bottom. Its white flowers grow in clusters, and its fruit (the olive) is oval shaped containing only one stone. The olive begins as a green fruit and ripens to black.


Medical uses:
Ibnu Qayyim said that olive is hot and wet in the first degree and that the quality of its oil depends on the tree that it is produced from, such that oil from unripe olives are cold and dry, while black olives produce hot and wet oil.

He mentioned that olive oil is useful against poisons, loosens the bowel, ejects worms and strengthens the gums.

From amongst the other benefits of this blessed tree he mentioned was that olive oil mixed with salty water is useful against blisters resulting from a fire burn; and the olive leaves are useful against erysipelas (skin disease characterised by infection of the skin and underlying tissue), eczema, sores and urticaria (hives – elevated patches and severe itching caused by allergic reaction). Also all the types of olive oil soften the skin and slow down the aging process.

Studies carried out by Egyptian researchers in 2002 found that olive can lower blood pressure. The olive leaves are used to reduce blood pressure, dilate coronary blood vessels, lower blood sugar levels and regulate the heart beat. Spanish studies carried out in 1992 indicated that oleuropeoside lowered blood sugar levels in ‘in vitro’ models of diabetes thus it can be used in less serious non insulin dependent diabetes.


 Applications
The olive plant can be used in more ways than one, its oil should be used liberally in cooking, and as an ointment for the skin. Some other ways to use it are as follows
1. for build up of wax in the ear place 3 to 4 drops in the ear morning and evening for a few days until the wax softens and can be removed easily.
2. For type 2 Diabetes and High Blood pressure boil about 20 dried leaves in 300ml of water, boil for 30 seconds and infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 cups a day during meals .
3. To prevent gallstones take 50ml of olive oil between meals.
4. To reduce the pain of already existing gallstones take 50-150ml of olive oil.

* The olive has no known side effects.

Cures

Hazrath Abu Hurairah (t) narrates that the Prophet (Pbuh) stated, “ Eat the olive oil and apply it (locally), since there is cure for seventy diseases in it, one of them is Leprosy.” (Abu Naim)

Hazrat Zaid Bin Arqam narrates “ We have been directed by the Prophet (Pbuh) that we should treat the Pleurisy with Qust-e-Behri (Qust Sheerin) and olive oil.” (Tirmizi, sanadeAhmed, Ibn Maja)

Olive oil has a place in Govt Pharmacopoca of USA and Britain (British Pharmacopoca). Both of these countries have given prime importance to olive oil for the treatment of various ailments and have fixed standard parameters to evaluate its purity.

It contains Palmatic Acid, Oleic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Steanic Acid, Myristic Acid and Glycerides. It is not dissolved in water but in Alcohol, Ether, Chloroform and Liquid Paraffin.

The adulterant very often used in the olive are of the seeds of Tea Plant, Arachis oil in the market samples of olive oil. Sometimes Machine Gun oil and refined Mobile oil are also found.

Olive oil is extracted from the ripened fruits. The unripe and over ripe fruits contain less amount of the oil. The fruits are processed three times. Successively, the first round oil is the best in quality, golden in colour, with a light fragrance and known as virgin oil. Some varieties of olive oil remained unchanged in its effectiveness for years together. It contains therapeutic potential even if it is a thousand years old. Despite the prime importance and holiness given by Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) no work has been done to find out its efficacy for the ailments other than the Haemorrhoids, Anal fissure, Skin diseases, pleurisy and leprosy, which are already described by the Prophet (Pbuh) , whereas the Prophet (Pbuh) himself says us that it contains cure for seventy diseases.

According to Ibn Al-Qayyim the red coloured oil is better than blackish one. It is an exhilarant, glows up the facial complexion, provides prevention against poisons, regulates the digestive process, expels the intestinal parasites, makes the hair lustrous and minimises the ageing problems. The massage of olive oil with common salt over the gums is a remedy for several diseases of gums and teeth. The local application of olive oil or the water extracted from the crushed olive oil leaves is effective on boils, rashes and itching. The chronic ulcers and boils, which show difficult healing condition, are healed up with the use of olive oil locally.

According to Zahbi it strengthens the hairs and body, hence could be used as a good tonic in old age problems and to delay the ageing process. It is also useful in sexual weakness. Combination of normal saline with olive oil is highly effective in burns cases.

The decotion of olive leaves in water is effective against mouth and lips ulcers and allergic dermatitis also. The concentrated aquous extract of olive leaves and fruits is very effective against dental cavities and application of this solution shows very good effects on Leukoplaquea in mouth. This solution is applied with vinegar on Alopecia, grows the hair and removes the Alopecia. It is also stated that the local application of this extract removes the scars of small pox and boils. The powder of seeds mixed with butter is effective in brittle nails. The pickles prepared from olive fruits is a good appetizer and removes constipation. The smashed leaves are applied locally to check excessive perspiration. The water extracted from the leaves with honey is used as Ear drops and effective in various Ear ailments. The oil procured by burning of olive wood is effective against all fungal infection viz, Ringworm, T.versicolor etc. in addition to Eczema, Psoriasis, Dandruff and Alopecia. The local application of olive oil on scalp is highly effective against dandruff. It grows the hairs and checks, the loss of hair. The application of olive oil in eyes relieves the inflammation.

The massage of olive oil over the body tones up the muscles and organs, it relieves muscular pains. Some physicians also advocate the massage of olive oil for epilepsy. It relieves the Sciatic and arthritis. The ointment prepared from olive oil are very good healing agents. It heals the sinus and fistula very quickly. 25ml of olive oil mixed with 250ml of barley water, if taken internally, is highly effective against chronic constipation. It is good Diuretic, hence is used in Ascites. It also removes the kidney stones.

A conventional regimen is also available comprising of olive oil and other herbal drugs having potential against the Gall bladder stones. It is stated that this regimen dissolves and expels the Gall bladder stone.

In view of the researchs carried out in USA and England, it is concluded that it is a good nourishing diet during the ailments of kidney, where nitrogen containing food/proteins in take is contra indicated. Since, the Prophet (Pbuh) stated that it is a good remedy for Anal fissure, hence for the same complaint patients were advised to take two spoonful of olive oil at bedtime and an ointment was applied on fissure locally at retiring and in morning, prepared from 8 spoonfuls of olive oil and 2 spoonfuls of ground henna leaves. This showed very good effects against the problem. It is a good tonic for hair and maintains the lustre. Its combination with other prescribed drugs of Tibb-al-Nabwi is a good remedy for Psoriasis and Eczema. The impressions of several doctors practising in middle east and North Africa reveal that no case was detected of Gastro Intestinal Carcinoma, among those who were used to consuming olive oil. Japanese doctors also endorse this fact and have the opinion that olive oil prevents the incidence of Carcinoma in G.I.T.

The Prophet (Pbuh) stated that it is a good remedy for intestinal inflammations. Therefore it was used in the cases of G.I.T ulcers and found very much effective. It is also observed that no remedy equates the benefits of olive oil in hyper acidity and gas troubles.

The Prophet (Pbuh) recommended the use of olive oil in Pleurisy. Keeping this in view olive oil was administered in various diseases of Respiratory tract and it was observed that the regular users of olive oil were least affected with common cold and coryzha and pneumonia.

The clinical experiences of well qualified and highly established doctors in the profession who take a keen insight in Prophet’s medicine reveal that olive oil is a good supportive treatment in Tubercular infection of either sites. According to a narration of Kahlid Bin Saad in Ibn Maja, one spoonful of Kalonji was pulverised and mixed with 12 spoonful of olive oil. This suggestion was dropped into the nostrils morning and evening for the cases of chronic cold and epistaxis. The results were found highly positive. 

MashAllah

Since March this year, a small team of dedicated individuals have been working hard to raise funds for various charitable causes, and have come on leaps and bounds thanks to their community-based approach to giving.
And the Flea 4 Charity initiative has gained serious attention over recent weeks for its efforts in providing aid for labourers during Ramadan and, more recently, for raising funds for the food crisis in Somalia and its neighbouring African countries.

"Every two months, we decide on a cause to support, and sell donated, unwanted items at flea markets to raise funds," said Luz Villamil, co-founder of Flea 4 Charity. "Our first cause was over March and April, when we supported people affected by the Libyan revolution. Over those two months, we were able to raise over Dh10,000."

"For the second two months, we wanted to do something locally, so we decided to form a Ramadan initiative where we'd raise money for labour camp iftars. For that we were able to raise Dh15,000."

The Flea 4 Charity team organise collection drives every month, allowing anyone to donate any unwanted items, from clothes to electronics. These are then sold at the Dubai Flea Market days, which are held once a month at Safa Park, with all of the proceeds going towards charity. At the last market day, Flea 4 Charity managed to raise over Dh18,000, which will be donated to the Red Crescent charity to help with aid for East Africa.

"We did not expect so many to donate," said Villamil. "It was amazing. I think Dubai is a very, very charitable place. We’ve been so blessed with the help that we’ve received over here. People are always willing to give and in a place like Dubai, quite a few people have a lot to give."

Villamil and her team are currently accepting any unwanted items, and will be holding collection drives until the nineteenth of August. These items will then be sold at the next flea market day on the 20th. Again, the money raised from this market day will go towards the Red Crescent to help those suffering from famine in Somalia.

"With the East Africa crisis, we all felt compelled to do something. So we're holding bi-weekly charity sales for this cause, because the aid is so urgently needed," said Villamil.

Importance of Tajweed in Qur’an recitation

Listening to the Qur’an being recited correctly is enough to soften even the hardest of hearts and Muslims and non-Muslims alike find it a deeply moving experience even if they do not understand what is being said. We feel this even more in Ramadan when we are in the Taraweeh prayers and we can really feel the difference if we go to a Masjid where the Tajweed rules of Qur’an recitation are not being observed as they should. Every single Muslim has to recite Qur’an in Salah but many of us do not realise that reciting the Qur’an correctly, observing the rules of recitation is not an advanced science for expert reciters alone, rather it is an obligation upon each and every one of us whenever we recite the Qur’an.

What is Tajweed
The word Tajweed linguistically means ‘proficiency’ or ‘doing something well’. It comes from the same root letters as the word ‘Jayyid’ in Arabic (meaning ‘good’): Jeem, Waw and Daal. When applied to the Qur’an, it means giving every letter of the Qur’an its rights and dues of characteristics when we recite the Qur’an and observing the rules that apply to those letters in different situations. We give the letters their rights by observing the essential characteristics of each letter that never leave it. And we give them their dues by observing the characteristics of each letter that are present in them some of the time and not present at other times.

The Qur’an was revealed with Tajweed rules applied to it. In other words, when the angel Jibreel (alaihis salaam) recited the words of Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) he recited them in a certain way and he showed the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) the ways in which it was permissible to recite the Qur’an. So it is upon us to observe those rules so that we recite it in the way it was revealed.

At the time of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) there was no need for people to study Tajweed because they talked with what is now known as Tajweed so it was natural for them. When the Arabs started mixing with the non-Arabs as Islam spread, mistakes in Qur’an recitation started appearing, so the scholars had to record the rules. Now, because the everyday Arabic that Arabs speak has changed so much from the Classical Arabic with which the Qur’an was revealed, even Arabs have to study Tajweed.

The purpose of Tajweed
The Qur’an is the word of Allah, and its every syllable is from Allah. Its recitation must be taken very seriously. The purpose of the Science of Tajweed in essence is to make the reciter proficient in reciting the Qur’an, observing the correct pronunciation of every letter with the rulings and characteristics which apply to each letter, without any exaggeration or deficiency. And so through this the reciter can recite the Qur’an upon the way of the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) who received it from Jibreel who received it from Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aala) in the Classical Arabic dialect that it came down in.

Arabic letters each have a Makhraj – an exit or articulation point – in the mouth or throat from which they originate and they also each have Sifaat – attributes, or characteristics – particular to them. Knowing the Makhraj and Sifaat of each letter is an important part of Tajweed. Sometimes two letters have very similar exits which makes mixing them up easy. So if a person does not know the attributes of each letter there is a danger that he will change the meaning of the words in Qur’an recitation. Observing the rules of Tajweed in reciting protects the reciter from making mistakes in reciting the Qur’an.

The ruling of reading with Tajweed
Muhammad bin Al-Jazaree the great Qur’an and Hadith scholar of the 9th Century (Hijri) says in his famous poem[1] detailing the rules of Tajweed:
“And applying Tajweed is an issue of absolute necessity,
Whoever doesn’t apply Tajweed to the Qur’an, then a sinner is he.”
So he regarded it as an obligation and he regarded leaving it as a sin. And the majority of scholars agree that applying the Tajweed rules of Qur’an are an individual obligation (Fard ‘Ayn) upon every Muslim who has memorised part of or all of the Qur’an. That is because the Qur’an was revealed with the Tajweed rules applied to it and the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) recited it back to Jibreel in that way and the Companions of the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) read it in that way, so it is an established Sunnah.

And of the proofs that the scholars bring to show the obligation of Tajweed is that Allah says in the Qur’an, the meaning of which is:
‘And recite the Qur’an (aloud) in a (slow and melodious) style (tarteela)’ (Surah Muzzammil, aayah 4)

Ali ibn Abi Talib (radiallahu ‘anhu) said in the explanation of this aayah: “at-Tarteel is Tajweed of the letters and knowing where to stop (correctly)”.[2]
And of the proofs also is that Allah says in the Qur’an, the meaning of which is:

‘Those who We have given the Book to, give it its right in recitation ( recite it as it should be recited)’ (Surah al-Baqarah, aayah 121)
And of the rights of reciting correctly is reciting it the way it was revealed.
There are various ahadith also showing us the importance of Tajweed. Umm Salamah was asked about the recitation of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and she described it as a recitation ‘clearly-distinguished letter by letter’.[3]

Sa’eed bin Mansoor relates in his Sunan[4] that a man was reciting the Qur’an to Abdullah bin Mas’ood and he recited “Innamas sadaqaatu lil fuqara-i wal masaakeen”, so Ibn mas’ood said: “This was not how the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) recited it to me!” So the man asked,
“How did he read it to you oh Aba Abdir-Rahman?” So he said
“Lil Fuqaraaaa-i wal masaakeen”, he elongated the word Fuqaraa and the knowledge of the different lengths of elongation (mudood) is also from the rules of Tajweed.

The scholars have divided the types of mistakes one might fall into when reciting the Qur’an into two types:
1.Clear mistakes and
2.Unobvious (hidden) mistakes.

The Clear Mistakes must be avoided by all and to avoid them one must know the rules of Tajweed. If a person falls into the Clear Mistakes, this is considered a sin and Ibn Taymiyyah even regarded it undesirable for a Student of Knowledge (i.e. someone who knows Tajweed) to pray behind a person who makes Clear Mistakes in their Salaah[5]. As for the Unobvious mistakes, then the ruling on them is lighter and the recitation of a person falling into this type of mistake is regarded as lacking in completeness and prayer behind such a person is sound.

The box above shows what type of mistakes fall under each category. As you can see, almost all areas of Tajweed are required to be applied by all Muslims.

Reciting the Qur’an melodiously
The Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) used to recite the Qur’an in slow, measured, rhythmic tones as Allah had instructed him, not hurriedly, but rather “he would recite a surah in such slow rhythmic tones that it would be longer than it would seem possible.”[6] He would stop at the end of each aayah[7]. He commanded people to recite in a beautiful voice in a pleasant melodious tone. He said “Beautify the Qur’an with your voices [for a fine voice increases the Qur’an in beauty]”[8] and he said “He who does not recite the Qur’an in a pleasant tone is not of us.”[9]

Unfortunately all to often we find people reciting the Qur’an quickly and without changing their tone and without any feeling. We should put all our efforts into reciting the Qur’an with as much feeling as we can! Have you ever prayed behind an Imam who read with feeling? Well the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said “Truly the one who has one of the finest voices among the people for reciting the Qur’an is the one whom you think fears Allah when you hear him recite.”[10] And once when the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) complimented Abu Moosaa al-Ash’ari on the beauty of his recitation, Abu Moosaa said “Had I known you were there, I would have made my voice more pleasant and emotional for you.”[11]

Let us remember, that the Qur’an is the word of Allah. In it we find exhortations, warnings, glad-tidings, parables, stories of the past, commands and prohibitions. Aayaat to make us think, reflect, cry, fear, hope, love, fall down in prostration! How can we recite all of this without feeling!? When we recite an aayah of Qur’an we should imagine that we are trying to feel and convey the full message behind that aayah. Perhaps some of us don’t feel confident. I believe that this lack of confidence comes partly from not knowing the rules of Tajweed correctly and so fearing that we will make mistakes and partly from not understanding the meaning of what we are reciting. So let us work hard to remove these two obstacles by learning Tajweed and working towards learning Arabic.

Helpful Tips towards learning Tajweed °
You must find a Qur’an teacher who has studied Tajweed to listen to your recitation and correct you. Tajweed cannot merely be learnt from books, because the movements of your mouth as well as the sounds are important and only a teacher can correct you and make sure you are applying the rules correctly. Sometimes local Mosques will run classes. Qur’an recitation is a science which was passed down generation by generation through teachers not just books, with a direct line to the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam).
° Find a book containing the rules of Tajweed and learn each rule little by little, applying it as you go along with the help of your teacher. There are many concise Arabic books and in English there are some books as well as tapes to help. Look for books with some drawings showing you how to pronounce each letter.

° Listen to Qur’an tapes of reciters who recite very clearly, at a medium or slow speed (like Sheikh Hudhaify or Sheikh Muhammad Hosary) and try and notice them applying the different rules of Tajweed. Repeat after them while trying to apply the rules you’ve learnt. Try to copy their tone and melody as well and see how it changes as the meaning of what they’re reciting changes.


° Tajweed Poem: If you know Arabic you could memorise Ibn al-Jazaree’s poem which contains all the rules of Tajweed. You can get the poem on tape sung as a nasheed in Arab countries. You might find memorising the rules easy in this way.

° Try and apply the rules you learn to the Surahs you have already memorised and don’t become lazy about reciting correctly. You might have to revise the surahs by looking back at them.

° Practice and repetition will make perfect insha Allah:


Clear mistakes
Mistakes in words which are clear and inconspicuous, whether they change the meaning or not. Mistakes related to correct pronunciation. Scholars, and the ordinary Muslims should avoid these.
Examples of clear mistakes:
• Changing one letter into another, or a short vowel (harakah) into another, (changing Fathah into Damma or the letter Qaaf into Kaaf, etc)
• Not observing the elongations (Mudood) at all. Reciting them quickly.
• Not observing the rules with which to pronounce letters when they are next to each other (like not merging certain letters that should be merged and not clearly pronouncing those which should be clearly pronounced etc.)
•Making light letters sound heavy and heavy letters sound light
• Stopping or starting at an incorrect place so that the meaning is spoilt.
Unobvious mistakes
Mistakes which are associated with perfecting the pronunciation.
Known only by those who are experts in this field or study it in depth. Ordinary Muslims may not know these.
Examples of Unobvious mistakes:
• Not being totally exact with the elongation of letters: (Making the Madd shorter or longer by a 1/2 or even 1/4 degree etc.)
• Not observing the attributes of each letter perfectly: (Slightly rolling the Raa’, or exaggerating the ‘N’ sound in Noon etc.)

Rubbing hands and feet with dust (Tayammum)

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 7 :: Hadith 330


Narrated 'Aisha:
(the wife of the Prophet) We set out with Allahs Apostle on one of his journeys till we reached Al-Baida' or Dhatul-Jaish, a necklace of mine was broken (and lost). Allah's Apostle stayed there to search for it, and so did the people along with him. There was no water at that place, so the people went to Abu- Bakr As-Siddiq and said, "Don't you see what 'Aisha has done? She has made Allah's Apostle and the people stay where there is no water and they have no water with them." Abu Bakr came while Allah's Apostle was sleeping with his head on my thigh, He said, to me: "You have detained Allah's Apostle and the people where there is no water and they have no water with them.
So he admonished me and said what Allah wished him to say and hit me on my flank with his hand. Nothing prevented me from moving (because of pain) but the position of Allah's Apostle on my thigh. Allah's Apostle got up when dawn broke and there was no water. So Allah revealed the Divine Verses of Tayammum. So they all performed Tayammum. Usaid bin Hudair said, "O the family of Abu Bakr! This is not the first blessing of yours." Then the camel on which I was riding was caused to move from its place and the necklace was found beneath it.

Ghusl

What makes Ghusl Fard?

On five occasions the Ghusl is Fard.
1) Release of sperm with pleasure. If jumped from a higher place or lifted heavier stuff which caused sperm to discharge, Ghusl is not wajib but will break the Wazoo.
2) Wet dream with semen discharge.
3) Sexual Intercourse (Even with intention or without intention)
4) Haiz (monthly period for women)
5) Nafaas ( The release of blood after a woman gives birth)
Fards in Ghusl.
There are three fards in Ghusl.
1) To wash mouth with water as it should reach all the parts internally. From lips to the base of throat. If not fasting gargle. If there is any thing stuck in between teeth such as a piece of meat, paan, beetle nut; it should be removed before Ghusl or the Ghusl will not be completed.
2) To wash inside of nose with water. Water should be pulled hard enough all the way to the soft part of the base of nose. If there is any dry phlegm (hard ratoobat) inside the nose it must be cleaned and if a the nose is pierced water should be forced into the hole or the Ghusl will not be completed.
3) To wash the body once from head till the bottom of feet. The water must pour over body. Every strand (hair) and skin of the body must get wet. Even if a single strand or a small portion of skin is not washed the Ghusl will not be completed.
Sunnats in Ghusl.
1) To perform a ghusl in the sunnat, we must first wash both of our hands and privates parts even if they may be clean, then if there any najasat (impurity) on our body, we must wash it away.
2) We must perform a complete ablution.
3) While washing our face we must intend to perform a ghusl.
4) If water will not accumulate under our feet; we must wash our feet, too.
5) We must pour water on our entire body three times. When you do this, we must pour it on our head three times first, then on our right shoulder three times and then on the left shoulder three times. Each time the part on which we pour water must become completely wet. We must also rub it gently, during the first pouring.
6) In a ghusl, it is permissible to pour the water on the limb so as to make it flow onto another limb, which, in this case, will be cleaned, too. For in a ghusl the whole body is counted as a one limb. If in performing an ablution the water poured on one limb moistens another limb, the second limb will not be considered to have been washed.
7) When a ghusl is completed it is makruh (things which our Prophet did not like) to perform an ablution. But it will become necessary to perform an ablution again if it is broken while making a ghusl.

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 4 :: Hadith 137

Narrated Abu Huraira:Allah's Apostle said, "The prayer of a person who does ,Hadath (passes, urine, stool or wind) is not accepted till he performs (repeats) the ablution." A person from Hadaramout asked Abu Huraira, "What is 'Hadath'?" Abu Huraira replied, " 'Hadath' means the passing of wind from the anus."

Prayers (Salat)

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 8 :: Hadith 345


Narrated Abu Dhar:
Allah's Apostle said, "While I was at Mecca the roof of my house was opened and Gabriel descended, opened my chest, and washed it with Zam-zam water. Then he brought a golden tray full of wisdom and faith and having poured its contents into my chest, he closed it. Then he took my hand and ascended with me to the nearest heaven, when I reached the nearest heaven, Gabriel said to the gatekeeper of the heaven, 'Open (the gate).' The gatekeeper asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel answered: 'Gabriel.' He asked, 'Is there anyone with you?' Gabriel replied, 'Yes, Muhammad I is with me.' He asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel said, 'Yes.' So the gate was opened and we went over the nearest heaven and there we saw a man sitting with some people on his right and some on his left. When he looked towards his right, he laughed and when he looked toward his left he wept. Then he said, 'Welcome! O pious Prophet and pious son.' I asked Gabriel, 'Who is he?' He replied, 'He is Adam and the people on his right and left are the souls of his offspring. Those on his right are the people of Paradise and those on his left are the people of Hell and when he looks towards his right he laughs and when he looks towards his left he weeps.'
Then he ascended with me till he reached the second heaven and he (Gabriel) said to its gatekeeper, 'Open (the gate).' The gatekeeper said to him the same as the gatekeeper of the first heaven had said and he opened the gate. Anas said: "Abu Dhar added that the Prophet met Adam, Idris, Moses, Jesus and Abraham, he (Abu Dhar) did not mention on which heaven they were but he mentioned that he (the Prophet ) met Adarn on the nearest heaven and Abraham on the sixth heaven. Anas said, "When Gabriel along with the Prophet passed by Idris, the latter said, 'Welcome! O pious Prophet and pious brother.' The Prophet asked, 'Who is he?' Gabriel replied, 'He is Idris." The Prophet added, "I passed by Moses and he said, 'Welcome! O pious Prophet and pious brother.' I asked Gabriel, 'Who is he?' Gabriel replied, 'He is Moses.' Then I passed by Jesus and he said, 'Welcome! O pious brother and pious Prophet.' I asked, 'Who is he?' Gabriel replied, 'He is Jesus.
Then I passed by Abraham and he said, 'Welcome! O pious Prophet and pious son.' I asked Gabriel, 'Who is he?' Gabriel replied, 'He is Abraham. The Prophet added, 'Then Gabriel ascended with me to a place where I heard the creaking of the pens." Ibn Hazm and Anas bin Malik said: The Prophet said, "Then Allah enjoined fifty prayers on my followers when I returned with this order of Allah, I passed by Moses who asked me, 'What has Allah enjoined on your followers?' I replied, 'He has enjoined fifty prayers on them.' Moses said, 'Go back to your Lord (and appeal for reduction) for your followers will not be able to bear it.' (So I went back to Allah and requested for reduction) and He reduced it to half. When I passed by Moses again and informed him about it, he said, 'Go back to your Lord as your followers will not be able to bear it.' So I returned to Allah and requested for further reduction and half of it was reduced. I again passed by Moses and he said to me: 'Return to your Lord, for your followers will not be able to bear it. So I returned to Allah and He said, 'These are five prayers and they are all (equal to) fifty (in reward) for My Word does not change.' I returned to Moses and he told me to go back once again. I replied, 'Now I feel shy of asking my Lord again.' Then Gabriel took me till we '' reached Sidrat-il-Muntaha (Lote tree of; the utmost boundry) which was shrouded in colors, indescribable. Then I was admitted into Paradise where I found small (tents or) walls (made) of pearls and its earth was of musk."

Posted by OFR

Knowledge

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 3 :: Hadith 56

Narrated Abu Huraira:

While the Prophet was saying something in a gathering, a Bedouin came and asked him, "When would the Hour (Doomsday) take place?" Allah's Apostle continued his talk, so some people said that Allah's Apostle had heard the question, but did not like what that Bedouin had asked. Some of them said that Alllah's Apostle had not heard it. When the Prophet finished his speech, he said, "Where is the questioner, who enquired about the Hour (Doomsday)?" The Bedouin said, "I am here, O Allah's Apostle ." Then the Prophet said, "When honesty is lost, then wait for the Hour (Doomsday)." The Bedouin said, "How will that be lost?" The Prophet said, "When the power or authority comes in the hands of unfit persons, then wait for the Hour (Doomsday.)"

Belief

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 2 :: Hadith 7

Narrated 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 (compulsory congregational) 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.

STORY OF A MAN...‏

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته 

"Invite all to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching;
And consult with them in ways that are best and most gracious." (Al Qur'an, 16:125)

The Messenger of "Allah" Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: two favours (of Allah) from many people... health and fursat (free time)

This is a true story with pictures.

It is a story of a person from Bahrain named Ibrahim Nasser. He has been paralyzed completely since birth and can only move his head and fingers. Even his breathing is done with the help of instruments.

It was the wish of this young man to meet sheik Nabeel Al-Awdi. So Ibrahim's father spoke the sheik on the phone in order to arrange a visit to Ibrahim.

 This is sheik Nabeel at the airport.

  Ibrahim was very happy to see sheik Nabeel open the door to his room. We can only see his happiness from his expression as he is unable to speak

The moment sheik Nabeel entered Ibrahim's room

And this is Ibrahim's expression on meeting sheik Nabeel

Notice the breathing instrument around Ibrahim's neck.. he is unable to even breath normally.

And a kiss on the for head for Ibrahim

Ibrahim with his father, uncle and sheik Nabeel

 

Thus sheik Nabeel and Ibrahim started talking about da'wa on the internet and the striving it requires.
They also exchanged some stories

And during their conversation sheik Nabeel asked Ibrahim a question. A question that made Ibrahim weep... and tears rolled down Ibrahim's cheek.

Ibrahim couldn't help but weep when he remembered some painful memories

Here sheik Nabeel wipes the tears from Ibrahim's face

Do you know what question it was that made Ibrahim weep?

The sheik asked: Oh Ibrahim.. if Allah had given you health.. what would you have done?

And thus Ibrahim wept bitterly and he made the sheik, his father, his uncle and everyone in the room weep.. even the camera man wept

And his answer was: By Allah i would have performed my salaa (prayer) in the masjid (mosque) with joy.. i would have used the favor of health in everything that would please Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala

 Dear brothers and sisters Allah has favored us with agility and health

But often we miss praying Salah (prayer) in the Masjid!!! We look for excuses for missing the prayer.

And we sit for hours in front of the computer or TV.

 

LET US ALL FROM NOW ON NOT MISS OUR PRAYERS IN THE MASJID INSHALLAH



>OFR<

 

A Brief History Of Bibi Fatima (A.S)

A Brief History Of Bibi Fatima (a.s)’s life:

Birth:
Bibi Fatimah Zehra [SA] the only daughter of the Holy Prophet Mohammed [PBUH] of Islam, was born in Mecca on 20th jumada ‘th-thaniyah 18 B.H.
The good and noble lady Khadijah and the Apostle Of Allah bestowed all their natural love, care and devotion on their lovable and only child Fatimah, who in her turn was extremely fond of her parents.

Character:
The Princess of the House of the Prophet, was very intelligent,
accomplished and cheerful. Her sermons, poems and sayings serve,
as an index to her strength of character and nobility of mind.
Her virtues gained her the title “Our Lady of Light”. She was tall,
slender and endowed with great beauty, which caused her to be called
” az-Zahra’ ” (the Lady of Light). She was called az-Zahra’
also because her light used to shine among those in heaven.

Marriage:
After arriving in Medina , she was married to Hazrat Ali A.S,
in the first year after Hijrah,
She gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Her children, Hasan, Husayn, Zaynab and Umm Kulthum are well-known for their piety, goodness and generosity. Their strength of character and actions changed the course of history.
The Holy Prophet [PBUH] said, “Fatimah AS is a piece of my heart”.
He would go out to receive his daughter whenever she came from
her husband’s house. Every morning on his way to the Mosque,
he would pass by Fatimah’s house and say, “as-Salamu ‘alaykum ya ahli
bayti ‘n-nubuwwah wa ma’dani ‘r-risalah” (peace be on you O the
Household of Prophethood and the Source of Messengership).

The Best Woman:
Fatimah is famous and acknowledged as the “Sayyidatu nisa’i ‘l-’alamin”
(Leader of all the women of the world for all times) because
the Prophethood of Muhammad would not have been everlasting
without her. The Prophet is the perfect example for men,
but could not be so for women. For all the verses revealed in
the Holy Qur’an for women, Fatimah is the perfect model, who
translated every verse into action. In her lifetime, she was a
complete woman,being Daughter, Wife and Mother at the same time.
As a daughter, she loved her parents so much, that she won their
love and regard to such an extent that the Holy Prophet used to rise,
whenever she came near him. As a wife, she was very devoted.
she never asked Hazrat ‘Ali (A.S) for anything in her whole life.
As a mother, she cared for and brought up wonderful children;
they have left their marks on the face of the world, which time will not be able to eraze.

>OFR<

SURAH IKHLAAS

Once a man was walking and he read this written on a wall:

'Qull huwa Allah hu ahad,
Allah hu samad,
Lam yalid WA lam youlad,
Wa lam yakoun lahu koufwan ahad'

So he sat and read it, while he was reading it a man was watching him and
Came to him and said 'Do you know that you have got at least 470 hasana's
(Blessings) just for reading this!
The person who wrote this on the wall also got 470 hasana's;
Even I got 470 hasana's just for writing this mail;
Even you got (who is reading this mail) 470 hasana's.

When there is only a single star left in the sky.
At that very moment, the path of forgiveness will close.
The writing in the Quran will vanish.
The sun will lower itself with the earth.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, 'Whoever delivers this news to someone else,
I will on the Day of Judgement make for him a place in Jannat.'
 

>OFR<

Honey

Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah

As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri (Radi-Allahu 'anhu):

A man came to the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) and said, "My

brother has some abdominal trouble." The Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa

Sallam) said to him "Let him drink honey." The man came for the second time

and the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said to him, "Let him drink

honey." He came for the third time and the Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa

Sallam) said, "Let him drink honey." He returned again and said, "I have

done that." The Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) then said, "Allah

has said the truth, but your brother's abdomen has told a lie. Let him

drink honey." So he made him drink honey and he was cured.

Bukhari Vol. 7 : No. 588

~NK~

Daily Hadith

As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu

Medicine - 5th Sha'aban 1432 (6th July 2011)

Narrated Rubai bint Mu'adh bin Afra (Radi-Allahu 'anha):

We used to go for Military expeditions along with Allah's Apostle
(Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) and provide the people with water, serve
them and bring the dead and the wounded back to Medina.

Bukhari Vol. 7 : No. 583

Daily Hadiths

Should I not inform you about the best of your deeds, and the purest in the sight of Your Master (i.e. Allah), and that which will elevate you to the highest of ranks, and that which is better for you than the spending of gold and silver in charity, and that which is better for you than if you were to meet your enemies and strike their necks and they strike yours? (The Sahaabah y replied, ‘Yes, indeed’. Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said,) The Zikr of Allah. (Tirmizi)

Daily Hadiths

THE GREATEST IGNORANCE IS NOT TO BE AWARE OF YOUR OWN IGNORANCE.

HAZRAT ALI (RA) SAID "A VERY HIGHLY LEARNED PERSON IS JAHIL IF HE CALLS HIMSELF AN AALIM AND NOT A STUDENT"

Daily Hadiths

"Say (to men, O Muhammad!), 'If you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love
you and forgive your sins." (3.31)

Daily Hadiths

(May he be disgraced! May he be disgraced! May he be disgraced!) ‘Who, O Messenger of Allah?’ asked the Sahaabah [radhiallaahu anhum]. Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] replied, ‘The person who finds one or both of his parents in old age, yet fails to enter Jannah (by not serving them).’ (Sahih Muslim)

Daily Hadiths

Your Soul/Nafs is worth JANNAT, do not sell it on low price than JANNAT.
Hazrat Ali(R.A)

Daily Hadiths

Rajab marks the beginning of the spiritual season of every believer ending with the end of the fasting month of Ramadan with the Eid Al Fitr. These three months are unmatched in their importance. Praise be to the Almighty and thanks to Him for granting us yet another opportunity to cleanse ourselves of our sins and oversights.