Marriage in Islam

source : http://simplyislam.blogspot.com/2006/01/marriage-in-islam-introduction.html

Marriage in the dictionary is explained as the name given to when a man and a woman "formally unite for the purpose of living together". In Islam, it is an act which is given great importance both from a religious view point and a social viewpoint.

The subject of marriage is vast and contains many topics; these topics include:

01. If one chooses not to marry or is unable to get married.
02. When to get married.
03. Love marriages, arranged marriages and force marriages.
04. How to choose a suitable spouse.
05. How to get married.
06. Leading a happy, married life.
07. Rights & responsibilities of the husband.
08. Rights & responsibilities of the wife.
09. Etiquettes involved in a married life.
10. Upbringing of children.
11. Responsibilities towards one's children.
12. Marrying more than one wife (*new*)

Marriage is an act which completes and encompasses the many teachings of Islam. It has been thus narrated in a Hadeeth that when a person marries, he has complete half of his religion and so he should fear Allah regarding the remaining half.

Shame, modesty, moral and social values and control of self desire are just a few of the many teachings of Islam. Furthermore, these are just a few of the many worships that a person can complete by performing the ritual of marriage. Through marriage a person can be saved from many shameless and immoral sins and through marriage he has is more able to control his desire. Therefore, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) has said:

"O young men! Whoever is able to marry should marry,
for that will help him to lower his gaze and guard his modesty."

[Saheeh al-Bukhari]

The creation of mankind has been made such that man requires a spouse to complete all that a man requires. Whilst Adam (Alayhis Salaam) was in Jannah he felt a particular loneliness and in response to this loneliness Allah Ta'ala created Hawa (Alayhas Salaam) as a companion for him. This clearly shows that Allah chose women to act as a companion for man and so that they can remove that loneliness and live in harmony. Allah has created our spouses from a part of us. It is a bond that is created by Allah Himself so that we can find peace and tranquillity within our spouses.

Allah has stated in Surah al-Rum:

"And among His signs is that He has created for you mates from among yourselves,
that you may dwell in tranquillity with them;
and He has put love and mercy between you.
Verily in that are signs for those who reflect."

[Surah al-Rum - 30:21]

In conclusion, it is simple to deduce that marriage is a form of worship as well as a social necessity. We have been asked to increase the Ummah (followers) and the only permissible way in Islam is through Marriage.

Marriage is a strong oath that takes place between the man and women in this world, but its blessings and contract continues even in Jannah.

Marriage is the way of our beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), and whosoever goes against this practice has been reprimanded.

Hadhrat Anas ibn Malik narrates:

A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet asking how the Prophet worshipped (Allah), and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said:
"Where are we from the Prophet as his past and future sins have been forgiven."
Then one of them said: "I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever."
The other said: "I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast."
The third said: "I will keep away from the women and will not marry forever."
Allah's Apostle came to them and said,
"Are you the same people who said so-and-so?
By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you;
yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women.
So he who does not follow my tradition in religion, is not from me (from my followers)."

[Saheeh al-Bukhari]

Therefore, Islamically, we are all encouraged to get married and not turn away from the ways of our beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Salaam).

It should be remembered that this duty of marriage is for both men and women. Just as men complete half their religion through this act, it is also the same for women.

Insha Allah, other topics will be discussed soon. If there are any other topics under the topic of Nikaah/Marriage that you would like to be discussed please leave a comment.

honesty in Islam

source : http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/1669/

When honesty is lost, then wait for the Hour (the Day of Judgment).  These are the words of Prophet Muhammad.  They paint a picture of the time leading up to the Day of Judgement, when righteous people will be sorrowful due to the lack of honesty around them.  In the 21^st century, we live in a world where honesty is valued and yet shunned at the same time.  We expect people to be honest in their dealings with us yet we watch and applaud television shows and movies that promote and encourage lying and deceitfulness.

Without thinking, we teach our children that dishonesty is acceptable.  When we expect our children to tell the caller on the telephone we are not home, this is a lesson in deceit.  When we refuse invitations and pretend we are busy, this is lying.  We admonish our children for lying, yet the reality is we have been their teachers.  Whether we tell lies, or whether we allow our children to live in a world surrounded by deceit, the lesson is learned and the honesty begins to disappear from the hearts of the next generation.

Honesty incorporates the concepts of truthfulness and reliability and it resides in all human thought, words, actions and relationships.  It is more than just accuracy; it is more than just truthfulness, it denotes integrity or moral soundness.  Islam commands truthfulness and forbids lying.  God commands that a Muslim be honest.

“O you who believe!  Fear God, and be with those who are true (in word and deeds).” (Quran 9:119)

Ibn Katheer, the renowned Quran scholar, explained the meaning of this verse.  He said, “Being truthful and adhering to truthfulness, means you will be among the people of the truth and be saved from calamity and that it will make a way out for you from your problems”.

A true believer, one who is truly submitted to God, has many characteristics by which he can be identified.  The most obvious of these noble characteristics are honesty of character and truthfulness of speech.  Prophet Mohammad was a perfect example of honesty.  Even before his Prophethood, he had earned the titles of Al Amin (the trustworthy one) and As Sadiq (the truthful).

Al Amin, the Prophet Muhammad once gathered all the people of Mecca and asked them, “O people of Mecca!  If I say that an army is advancing on you from behind the mountains, will you believe me?”  All said in one voice,“Yes, because we have never heard you telling a lie.”  All the people, without exception, swore to his truthfulness and honesty because he had lived an unblemished and extremely pious life among them for forty years.

Abu Sufyan described his honesty.  When Prophet Muhammad sent a letter to the Emperor of Byzantium inviting him to Islam, the Emperor, Heraclius sent for the Meccan trader, Abu Sufyan.  Even though he was, at that time, a dire enemy of Islam, he spoke the truth about Prophet Mohammad when he said, “He neither tells lies nor betrays others, he bids people to worship God Alone and orders us to observe prayer, honesty and abstinence”.[1]

This honesty, an essential ingredient of the Muslim character, includes being truthful towards God by worshipping Him sincerely; being truthful to oneself, by adhering to God’s laws; and being truthful with others by speaking the truth and being honest in all dealings, such as buying, selling and marriage.  There should be no deceiving, cheating, falsifying or withholding of information, thus a person should be the same on the inside as he is on the outside. 

Prophet Muhammad warned us of the dangers inherent in dishonesty, and the benefits of living in an honest way.  He said:

“Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise.  In addition, a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person.  Falsehood leads to wickedness and evil-doing, and wickedness leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before God, as a liar”. (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

A true Islamic society is based upon honesty and justice, and is intolerant of dishonesty in all its various forms.  Honesty in all business transactions is emphasised and the Prophet Muhammad exhorts Muslims to be scrupulously honest in all their dealings.  Abdullah ibn Omar was once described as the “brother of the night.”  He would stand at night performing prayer, weeping, seeking God’s forgiveness and reading Quran.  One day, he was sitting among some close friends and he read the following verses:

“Woe unto those who give short measure, those who, when they are to receive their due from people, demand that it be given in full but when they have to measure or weigh whatever they owe to others, give less than what is due.  Do they not know that they are bound to be raised from the dead (and called to account) on an awesome Day, the Day when all men shall stand before the Sustainer of all the worlds?” (Quran 83:1-6)

Abdullah wept until he was faint and kept repeating the words “the day when all men shall stand before the Sustainer of all the worlds.”  He was amongst the most honest and trustworthy men, but being reminded of the punishment for those who are deceitful filled him with fear.

A Muslim seeking to please God and follow the path of righteousness should be aware of the dangers of deceit and dishonesty.  However, equally he should know that God is all Merciful and all Loving, willing to forgive even the gravest sins for those who strive for His sake.  Honesty is very important in the life of a believer. 

“Honesty descended from the Heavens and settled in the roots of the hearts of men (faithful believers), and then the Quran was revealed and the people read the Quran, (and learnt it from it) and also learnt from the sayings and traditions.  Both the Quran and the traditions strengthened their honesty. (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

This is from among the many sayings of Prophet Muhammad, many of which forbade deceit and enjoined honesty.  For those who wish to be among the truthful, Prophet Muhammad has left us with these words of guidance, “Let he who believes in God and the Last Day either speak good or keep silent”. (Saheeh Muslim)

Be careful in speech is a key safety

source : http://www.al-islam.org/ethical-discourses-vol1/32.htm

عَنْ نَافِعِ عَنْ ابْن عُمَرَ، قَالَ، قَالَ رَسُولُ اللٌّهِ : رَحِمَ عَبْداً تَكَلَّمَ فَغَنِمَ، أَوْ سَكَتَ فَسَلِمَ. إِنَّ اللِّسانَ أَمْلَكُ شَيْءٍ لِلإِنْسَانَ، أَلاَ وَ إِنَّ كَلاَمَ الْعَبْدِ كُلَّهُ عَلَيْهِ، إِلاَّ ذِكْرُ اللٌّهِ تَعَالـى، اَوْ أَمْرٌ بِمَعْرُوف، أَوْ نَهْى عَنْ مُنْكَر، أَوْ إِصْلاَحٌ بَيْنَ الْمُؤْمِنينَ. فَقَال لَهُ مُعَاذُ بْنُ جَبَل: يَا رَسُولَ اللٌّهِ، اَنُؤَاخِذُ بِمَا نَتَكَلَّمُ؟ فَقَالَ: وَ هَلْ يَكُبُّ النَّاسَ عَلى مَنَاخِرِهِمْ فِي النَّارِ، إِلاَّ حَصَائِدُ أَلْسِنَتِهِمْ، فَمَنْ أَرَادَ السَّلاَمَةَ، فَلْيَحْفَظْ مَا جَرى بِهِ لِسَانُهُ

It has been narrated from Nafi' from b. 'Umar that he said, the Messenger of Allah (S) said, “May (Allah) have mercy on that servant who gains benefit when he speaks, or one who is protected through maintaining silence. Surely the tongue is the thing which wields the most authority over a person. Be aware that everything that servant speaks is against him, except for the remembrance of Allah, the High, or the commanding of others to that which is right or preventing them from that which is evil, or setting the affair right between two believers.” 

One of the companions named Ma'adh b. Jabal said, “O' Messenger of Allah!  Will we be held accountable for that which we speak?”  The Prophet replied, “Is there anything else except an active tongue of a person that will lead him into the hell fire?  So then whoever seeks safety (from the fire), then let him protect that which comes out from his tongue.”[106]

In this tradition, the Prophet (S) alluded to some issues regarding the tongue[107] and has stated that, “May Allah's mercy be upon that servant whom people can benefit from his speech and who observes silence in order to stay safe and protected.”  In this part of the tradition, there are two important issues which we must mention:

1. More than anything else which is within the body of a person, it is the tongue which rules and controls one. The peculiarities that exist and which are limited to that person who has a tongue can not be seen in any other body part nor in any other creation.

a.       The tongue is always at the disposal of the person. Sometimes the following similitude is given that, “For a person to speak is like drinking water.”  Even still, if a person wants to drink water we see that there are some prerequisites which must be fulfilled and carried out, however in order to speak there are no prerequisites.

b.       The dangers of the tongue cannot be compared to the dangers of any other body part, and the major sins which can be committed by the tongue number apout twenty or thirty![108]

c.       The despicability of the sins of the tongue are not very detested in the sight of the people and when this occurs, then the danger and hazard of performing them also increase. If - may Allah (SwT) protect us - a person performs adultery then he has definitely done a very bad act in the sight of the people. However if he was to backbite another person - then as it is mentioned in the traditions, this is actually worse than adultery and even worse than drinking alcohol and its punishment is much more severe!  Normally, in the beliefs of other people, the despicability of the act of backbiting is something minor, or it may not even be considered as something bad at all!

The Prophet (S) then continued his speech and said that, “Everything that a person says is against him, except for three types of speech” and this limit or threshold is a true and factual threshold and there is no room to say that this is a symbolic gesture on behalf of the Prophet (S). These three things include: the remembrance of Allah; Amr bil Ma'ruf and Nahl 'Anil Munkar; and making amends between two believers.

We must make sure that all of that which we speak in this world are limited to these three issues and if we fall out of this boundary, then we will definitely incur loss.

In relation to this tradition, there is an interesting interpretation which should spiritually move some people. We see that after this speech of the Prophet (S), Ma'ad b. Jabal said, “O' Messenger of Allah!  Is speaking also something that a person will have to be accountable for!?”  The Prophet (S) replied, to him, “Is there anything else except for the remuneration of the tongue that a person will be thrown face first into the hell fire?”

Thus, it is clear that the sins for which a person will be thrown into the hell fire - face first - are not related to the sins performed by the chest, feet or hands - rather it is that which he has earned through his tongue.

It may be that such a punishment has been prescribed since when a person is thrown into the hell fire due to the sins he has committed, he will be thrown into the fire by that thing which led him to commit the sins. Since it is the tongue by which he committed sins, thus, he will be thrown into the hell fire face first. Thus, the first thing to be burnt by the fire is his tongue - and it is this same tongue that lit the fires (of hatred and sin in the world) and it is this organ through which one (innocently) accused people and annoyed others.

Thus, every morning when we wake up from our sleep, we must ask Allah (SwT) to protect us from the evils of the tongue. In addition, when we are ready to go to bed to sleep at night, we must ask forgiveness from Allah (SwT) for the sins which we committed in the day and definitely the tongue of a person puts one into a great difficulty.[109] !

 

Notes:

[106] Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 74, pg. 187

[107] The tongue is the most important instrument for communication between people and for the conveyance of information and data from one nation and generation to another. If this instrument of communication did not exist, then humanity would never have been able to reach the levels which they have arrived at today, nor would they have been able to progress to the great levels of knowledge, intelligence, material gains and spiritual greatness which they are currently in.

The tongue itself is an amazing part of the body of mankind which also carries a very heavy responsibility with it. In addition to helping and assisting a person in swallowing his food, it also plays an important role in the chewing of food. Continuously while one is eating morsels of food, the teeth are hammering down and pushing the food around the mouth and this act is so skillfully performed that the tongue is saved and protected from being crushed by the teeth, whereas we see that it is continuously alongside and flanking the teeth!

Sometime - very rarely - it can be seen that when chewing food, the tongue too gets bitten by the teeth and at this time we scream out in pain! 

Thus if the tongue did not possess the dexterity that it has, one can just imagine what would have happened to it!  In addition, after one has finished eating food, the tongue actually rubs and wipes the teeth clean of any remaining food which happens to be on them.

More important than all of this - it is through the tongue that we are able to speak and it is by way of the fast, yet controlled movement which is continuously happening that the tongue is able to carry out all of these tasks.

It is interesting to note that Allah (SwT) has placed something so easy to make use of at the disposal of mankind for the task of speaking and verbal communication and this instrument is within reach of everyone. In addition, this body part never feels tired or exhausted, nor does it ask for anything to continue its work with.

Even more amazing than all of this is the talent to speak which has been infused within a human being and has been granted to him to use. Thus, a person is able put together countless sentences in different forms to explain his wonderful and various points of knowledge. What is even more important than all of this is the ability to make up various words and this point can clearly be seen if we study the thousands of languages which exist in the world today. Truthfully:

أَلْعَظَمَةُ لِلٌّهِ الْوَاحِدِ الْقَهَّارِ.

“The Greatness belongs to Allah (alone) the One, the All-Powerful.” (Tafsir-e-Namuna, vol. 28, pg. 17)

[108] In the book, “Life under the Shadow of Ethical Morals” pp. 87-90, Ayatullah al-`U¨ma Makarim Shirazi writes that, “The late Fai¤ Kashani, in his book Mahajjatul Baydha fi Tahdhibul Ahya, and Ghazali in his work, Ihyaul `Ulumud Din have presented a very detailed discussion under the topic of the “Sins of the Tongue.”  Ghazali has mentioned twenty types of sins that can take place by this body part, in the following order:

1. Speaking on those issues which a person has no business involving himself in;

2. Speaking too much and idle talk;

3. Speaking on vain issues such as a description of a gathering in which alcohol, gambling and adultery take place;

4. Arguing and quarrelling (picking apart a discussion and arguing with others to find faults with them such as making others feel worthless or boasting about one's self);

5. Disputes, quarrelling and arguing;

6. Making up things while speaking;

7. Speaking bad things or using foul language;

8. Cursing others;

9. Ghina (forbidden singing) and reading poems which contain no truth;

10. Excessive joking;

11. Mocking and making fun of others;

12. Spreading secrets about others;

13. Making false promises;

14. Lying;

15. Backbiting;

16. Spreading talk from one person to another;

17. Hypocrisy in one's speech (two-tongued);

18. Excessively praising others;

19. Being negligent of the specifics of an issue and speaking what one knows with mistakes in his words, which can result in another person being side-lined in issues of life;

20. The common people asking difficult questions in relation to the theological beliefs which are outside the scope and necessity for a person to understand such issues;

It goes without saying that the problems and troubles of the tongue are not limited to these issues which Ghazali has mentioned and that which he has conveyed is just a portion of some of the important sins that the tongue can perform. For example, the below acts are also some of the troubles of the tongue that he failed to mention:

1. False accusations;

2. False testimony;

3. Self praise;

4. Spreading evil, corruption or unfounded information and lies - even if a person does so with the supposition that such things are true;

5. Speaking while in a tage of anger;

6. Being forceful through one's speech with repeated questions (such as that which Bani Isra’il used to do - and others);

7. Hurting others through one's speech;

8. Humiliating someone who has not done anything to warrant this treatment;

9. Denial of the favours of Allah (SwT) through one's speech;

10. Spreading wrong information or encouraging others to perform sins;

In addition, the sins of the tongue are not even limited to these and thus from this discussion, we can see the importance of the tongue.

[109] In the words of Mawlawi:

10 Names of Heaven in Islam

source : http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/index.php?page=showfatwa&Option=FatwaId&Id=83960

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

Here are some of the names of Jannah (Paradise).
1) al-Husna; Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {For those who have done good is the best (reward, i.e. Paradise)} [10:26].

2) Dar us-Salam: Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {For them will be the home of peace (Paradise) with their Lord. And He will be their Walî (Helper and Protector) because of what they used to do.} [6:127].

3) Jannat Adn: Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {Allâh has promised to the believers - men and women, - Gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein forever, and beautiful mansions in Gardens of 'Adn (Eden Paradise)…..} [9:72].

4) Jannat al-Nayeem: Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {Verily, those who believe [in the Oneness of Allâh along with the six articles of Faith, i.e. to believe in Allâh, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, Day of Resurrection, and Al-Qadar (Divine Preordainments) - Islâmic Monotheism], and do deeds of righteousness, their Lord will guide them through their Faith; under them will flow rivers in the Gardens of delight (Paradise). }[10:9].

5) Dar al-Muttaqeen: Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {…And excellent indeed will be the home (i.e. Paradise) of the Muttaqûn.} [16:30].

6) Jannat al-Firdous: Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {"Verily! Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous deeds, shall have the Gardens of Al-Firdaus (the Paradise) for their entertainment.} [18:107].

7) Jannat al-Khuld: Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {Say: (O Muhammad SAW) "Is that (torment) better or the Paradise of Eternity promised to the Muttaqûn (pious and righteous persons?" It will be theirs as a reward and as a final destination.} [25:15].

8) al-Ghurfah: Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {Those will be rewarded with the highest place (in Paradise) because of their patience. Therein they shall be met with greetings and the word of peace and respect.} [25:75].

9) Dar al-Muqamah: Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {Who, out of His Grace, has lodged us in a home that will last forever; there, toil will touch us not, nor weariness will touch us."} [35:35].

10) Dar al-Qarrar; Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {"O my people! Truly, this life of the world is nothing but a (quick passing) enjoyment, and verily, the Hereafter that is the home that will remain forever."} [40:39].

'Nada' is not among the names of Jannah (Paradise).
Allah knows best.

Virtue of salah/Prayer

source : http://islamicstudent.net/virtuesSalah.htm

1. Removal of sins and raising of ranks
1. Narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Shall I not tell you something by means of which Allah erases sins and raises people in status?" They said: Yes, O Messenger of Allah. He said: "Doing wudoo' properly at times when it is difficult to do so, taking many steps to the mosque, and waiting for prayer after prayer. That is Ar-Ribaat." (Muslim, 251)
2. Praying 12 rakahs a day will build a house in jannah every day for each day that it is done
1. It was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever prays twelve rakahs during the night and day, a house will be built for him in Paradise: four beforeZuhr and two after, two rak’ahs after Maghrib, two rakahs after isha  and two rakahs before Fajr prayer.” (al-Tirmidhi, no. 380; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 6362)
3. Hellfire will be made haram for one who prays four rakah before and after Zuhr
1. Narrated from Umm Habeebah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever prays four (rakahs) before Zuhr and four after it, the Fire will not touch him.” (Al-Nasaa’i (1817) and al-Tirmidhi (428); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i)
4. Praying Ishraaq after praying in congregation in masjid and doing dhikr will give reward of doing umrah and hajj
1. Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever prays Fajr in congregation then sits remembering Allah until the sun rises, then prays two rakahs (known as Ishraaq), will have a reward like that of Hajj and ‘Umrah.” He said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “In full, in full, in full.” (al-Jumu’ah 535; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 480)
5. Praying janazah prayer and then waiting until the person is buried will be given reward of two qiraat
1. Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever attends the funeral until the prayer has been offered will have one qiraat (of reward) and whoever attends until the deceased has been buried will have two qiraats.” It was said, “What are the two qiraats?” He said: “Like two great mountains.” (al-Bukhaari, 1325; Muslim, 945)
6. Praying fajr will put a person under the protection of Allah
1. Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever prays Fajr is under the protection of Allah, so do not fall short with regard to the rights of Allah, for anyone who does that, Allah will seize him and will throw him on his face into the Fire of Hell.” (Muslim (657))
7. Reciting Ayatul Kursi after every obligatory (fardh) salah allows one to enter jannah
1. Abu Umaamah said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever recites Aayat al-Kursiy immediately after each prescribed prayer, there will be nothing standing between him and his entering Paradise except death.” (Ibn Hibbaan in his Saheeh; al-Nasaa’i in al-Yawm wa’l-Laylah; al-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer; classed as saheeh by Ibn Hibbaan inKitaab al-Salaah and by al-Mundhiri, Ibn ‘Abd al-Haadi and Ibn Katheer)
8. Praying isha in the masjid is equal in reward to praying half the night and praying fajr along with it is equal in reward to praying the whole night
1. ‘Uthmaan (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: “Whoever prays isha in congregation, it is as if he spent half the night in prayer, and whoever prays fajr in congregation, it is as if he spent the whole night in prayer.” (Muslim, 656)
9. Praying in Masjidul Haraam (in Mecca) is better than 100,000 prayers anywhere else
1. Narrated that Jaabir said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘One prayer offered in al-Masjid al-Haraam is better than one hundred thousand prayers offered elsewhere.’ (Ahmad (14284) and Ibn Maajah (1406); Al-Haafiz said: the men of its isnaad are thiqaat (trustworthy). It was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 1129)
10.  Waiting for the prayer is rewarded as like being in prayer
1. Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When he enters the mosque, he is in a state of prayer so long as the prayer is what is keeping him there, and the angels send blessings on any one of you so long as he remains in the place where he prayed, saying, ‘O Allah, forgive him, O Allah, have mercy on him…’” (al-Bukhaari (477) and Muslim (649))
11. Being present for opening takbeer of prayer in congregation for forty days will keep a person safe from the Fire and hypocrisy
1. Anas ibn Maalik said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever prays for forty days with the congregation, always being present for the first takbeer, it will be written that he will be safe from two things: he will be safe from the Fire and safe from hypocrisy.” (al-Tirmidhi, 241; Classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 200)
12. Making adhkaar (remembrance, tasbih, etc.) while sitting at the place of prayer after it causes angels to pray for the person until he gets up or breaks his wudu
1. Narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The angels send blessings upon one of you so long as he is in his prayer-place where he offered his prayer, so long as he does not break his wudu; they say: ‘O Allah forgive him, O Allah have mercy on him.’” (Al-Bukhaari (445) and Muslim (649))
13. Praying two rakah of duha is sufficient enough for giving thanks of 360 joints of body to Allah
1. Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "In a human (body) there are 360 joints and man must make a charity for each one." The people said: "Who can do that, O Messenger of Allah?" He responded: "One may cover the mucus that one finds in the mosque or remove something harmful from the road. If one could not do that, he could pray two rak'at of duha and that will be sufficient for him."(Ahmad and Abu Dawud)
2. Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Charity is required from every part of your body daily. Every saying of 'Glory be to Allah (subhan Allah)' is charity. Every saying of 'Praise be to Allah' is charity. Every saying of 'There is no God but Allah (La ilaha illal Allah)' is charity. Every saying of 'Allah is the Greatest (alhamdulillah)' is charity. Ordering the good is charity. Eradicating the evil is charity. And what suffices for that (as a charity) are the two rak'at of duha." (Ahmad, Muslim, and Abu Dawud)
14.  And others…

Health Benefits of salah

source : http://www.nairaland.com/474021/medical-benefits-salah-prayer

Salam Alaikum

This is a very good article ! 

Let us share the contents to our friends and families


There are several medical benefits of Salat (Namaz):- of offering Salah and as every Muslim knows that the best part of Salah is the sujood, that is the prostration.

No wonder the Quran has mentioned the word sujood, prostration no less than 90 times in the glorious Quran. Where [do] you do sujood in the Salah? Normally when you [stand] erect, blood does flow into the brain but it is not sufficient for a healthy brain. During Salah when you [go into] sujood extra blood flows into the brain, which is very important for [a] healthy brain. When you do sujood, this extra blood supply to the skin on the face [helps] prevent diseases such as chilblain etc.

When you do sujood there is drainage of sinuses and there are fewer chances that a person will have sinusitis, that is inflammation of the sinus, this drainage of module sinus, of the frontal sinus, and a person has less chances of having inflammation of the sinus, that is sinusitis.

There are various benefits. [For example], when a person does sujood even the bronchitis's, the secretion of the bronchitis, they get drained, there are less chances of having bronchitis.

When a person breathes normally only two thirds of the capacity of the lung is exhaled out, the remaining one third remain in the lung as a residual air, now when you do sujood the abdominal visra, they press against the diaphragm and the diaphragm presses against the lower part of the lungs, the lower lobes, and when you breath during sujood even this one third residual air is aired out and that's very important for a healthy lung. There are less chances of having diseases of the lungs.

When you do sujood, there is increased venes return there is less chance of having hernia, etc. Due to posture in sujood there is less chances of having hemorrhoid, that is piles.

In a salah we stand up and we sit down, do qayam, rukuh, sujood and when we stand up from same position the weight is localized on the bottom of the feet and the calve muscle and the thigh muscle are activated and they increase the blood supply to the lower part of the body, which is very important. Further we do various postures like standing erect, bowing down, prostrating, the vertebra column takes various postures and there are less chances of having disease of the vertebrae, of the spine.

There are medical benefits [and] you can give a talk only on this topic. But we Muslims, we offer Salah to thank Allah (SWT), to praise Him. These are just side dishes. They are like dessert. You know it may attract a person who is a non-Muslim, towards Salah but our main meal, our main biryani, our main course is to thank Allah (SWT) and to obey the commandments of Allah and the Prophet. That is the reason we offer Salah.


Why 5 times daily salat:-

As I mentioned in the earlier episode that Salah is a sort of programming towards righteousness, that we are programmed towards righteousness. And the requirement [is] that it should be repeated [a] minimum [of] 5 times a day. For example for a very healthy body, a doctor will tell you, you require [a] minimum [of] 3 meals a day. Similarly for a spiritual soul, a person is required to offer Salah 5 times a day. And the requirement is, [that] there are chances that because of the evil in the society around us, we may get de-programmed. So if we are kept on being re-programmed, there are more chances that you will remain [steadfast on the] Sirat al mustaqeem, on the straight path. Therefore it is compulsory that every Muslim should offer Salah [a] minimum [of] 5 times a day.

Doesn't Salat disturb my job productivity. If you know the rules of management, [you will know] that a person cannot work continuously for hours together. If a person comes to office at 9 o'clock in the morning and sits till 6 o'clock in the evening, continuously for 9 hours, in fact he will be less productive. That is the reason that there are some short breaks given in between. So a person can get re-created, you know we have recreation. Similarly Salah is a sort of recreation. It rejuvenates you. If someone tells me that I am losing time, I am less productive, because I waste 15 minutes having lunch break, I would say that he is not a logical person because only if he has meals regularly, can he do more work. Similarly if a person offers Salah at intervals, I do agree he may have to work for a few minutes but when he stops and he comes back to work he works with a much better frame of mind and productivity overall will be much better. So for a logical person and a modern person he has to agree that there should be breaks so that a person can get recreated and Salah is the best form of rejuvenating your mind.

By Dr Zakir Naik

Story of The Shaikh And A Pigeon

source : http://www.abc.se/~m9783/sis_e.html

A friend of mine told me this story: When I was young I had a shaikh, one of the greatest human beings I have ever known. I had met him quite by accident. He lived in a small shack in a poor neighborhood. I had to deliver some medicine for my father's pharmacy. Once inside this man's quarters I realized I was in the presence of someone quite unusual. For one thing, he possessed the relics of several great shaikhs of different orders. 

The day I met him he was having a conversation with two other young men about my own age. Their names were Metin and Refik. After hearing their conversation I began to lose interest in the things that had occupied me. I wanted only to attend these conversations. The three of us were learning so much that we wished that more and more people could also hear these conversations.

We begged our sheikh to allow the size of our circle to increase. One day we were attending the prayers at a great mosque. It was the feast of Ashura, the twelfth of Muharram. We were just leaving the mosque when our teacher paused on the steps because he noticed that a pigeon had just dropped dead from the sky. He picked up the poor bird, which was totally lifeless, held it tenderly in his hands, breated a long Huuuuuuu...and the bird came back to life and flew off into the sky. Well, this act did not go unnoticed and before long there were many people intersted in our shaikh. Many of them asked to attend his conversations and our circle grew.

It was not long before we found that we had very little time with our beloved shaikh. He was too busy to see us, attending to the needs of so many people. Then one day, while doing the night prayer after our zhikr, our shaikh let out a loud and smelly fart. People were astounded that this holy man could do such a thing. In a short period of time most of them had lost their faith in him and our circle returned to nearly the size it had been originally. One night when just the three of us were sitting together, our shaikh remarked: "You see my sons, those who come because of a pigeon, leave because of a fart!"

From a book catalog put out by the brs. and srs. at the Threshold Society (www.sufism.org)...taken from Kabir Helminski's "The Knowing Heart"