"And O believers, all of you, repent to Allaah in order that you may be successful." (The Qur'an: An-Noor
)
Repentance means turning back from disobeying Allah to obeying Him. It is an obliagation on every believer to repent as we can see from the verse (ayah) from the Qur'an:
"O you who believe! Turn to Allaah in sincere repentance!" [Surah At-Tahreem: 8]
Why should we repent?
. .
All humans are subject to making mistakes. Some mistakes we aren't even aware we made them. It is to our advantage to repent so that we may be saved from Allah's punishment. We all want success of some kind. The most desirable success is to obtain entrance into the highest level of the heaven. Allah has given us clear guidlines to success, one of which is:
"And O believers, all of you, repent to Allaah in order that you may be successful." (The Qur'an: An-Noor 31)
Are some sins too much or too many?
.Allah the Most Merciful, forgives sins no matter how big or how many they are, through sincere repentance.
Allah says:
"And those who do not supplicate to another god with Allah, nor do they kill a person that Allah has made forbidden (to kill) except with just cause, nor do they commit fornication. And whoever does this shall receive the punishment. The torment will be doubled for him on the Day of Resurrection and he will abide therein in disgrace. Except those who repent and believe and do righteous deeds, for those, Alah will change their sins into good deeds. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Surah Al-Furqaan: 68-70]
Conditions of repenting
. Sincere repentance must meet certain conditions in order to be acccepted:
The person repenting must do it only for the sake of Allah, seeking His reward and salvation from His punishment.
The person repenting must be sorry and sad for the sin he committed. He should wish that he had never done it.
The person repenting should stop doing the sin immediately, or hasten to do whatever obligation he had abandoned, whichever is the case.
If the sin was against another person, he should free himself from it, seeking forgiveness from that person.
The person repenting must not go back to doing that sin again.
Best time to repent?
The door to repentance is open at all times of the day and night.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Verily, Allah extends His hand out at night in order to accept the repentance of the sinner by day. And He extends His hand during the day in order to accept the repentance of the sinner by night, until (the day) when the sun will rise from its west." [Reported by Muslim]
The Master of Invocations for Forgiveness.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The master of invocations for forgiveness is that the servant says:
Allaahumma anta Rabbee, laa ilaaha illaa anta, khalaqtanee, wa ana 'abduka, wa ana `alaa `ahdika wa wa`dika mastata`tu, a`oothu bika min sharri ma sana`tu, aboo'u laka bini`matika 'alayya, wa aboo'u bithambee, faghfirlee fa'innahu laa yaghfiru-th-thunooba illaa anta.
(O Allah! You are my Lord, there is none worthy of worship but You. You created me, and I am your slave, and I will stick to my covenant and promise [of faith and sincere obedience] to You as much as I am able to. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done, I acknowledge to You your bounties upon me, and I acknowledge to You my sin. So forgive me, as none forgives sins except You. )
Whoever says this as he enters upon evening then dies that night, he would enter Paradise; and if one says this as he enters upon morning then dies that day, he would enter Paradise". [Al-Bukhari]
Monday, April 30, 2012
Love in Islam
In Islam, the concept of love is one of the most important concepts. This fact manifests itself in Islamic philosophy, theology, mysticism and ethics; indeed, in some aspects, it plays the crucial role. For example, in defining the Islamic point of view on the relation between God and Universe in general, and between God and Mankind in particular, love has the most significant and profound place. Love is so central in Islam that it is seep as "the firmest handhold of faith" and "faith (Iman) is nothing but love for the sake of God and hate for the sake of God".
Ibn Abbas reported that Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "The strongest faith is to be sincere for the sake of Allah, to hate for the sake of Allah (Tabarra), to love for the sake of Allah (Tawalla), and to discard for the sake of Allah."
There is a tendency among some people to think that there should be no hate at all. These people assume that excellence and nobility of character and "being sociable" consist of having all men one's friends. Certainly Islam recommends Muslims to love people and optimize compassionate and sincere relationship with them, even if they do not believe in Islam or in God. However, it is not feasible for a person who has principles in his life and has devoted his life to realize sacred values to be indifferent to evil and oppressive deeds of wrongdoers and make friendship with everybody. Such a person certainly will have some enemies, whether he likes it or not. There are always good people in the society and bad people. Good and bad are two opposite poles. Attraction towards the good is not possible without repulsion from the bad.
When two human beings attract each other and their hearts wish for them to be friends and companions with one another, we should look for a reason for that. The reason is nothing other than similarity and resemblance. Unless there is a similarity between these two persons, they cannot attract one another and move towards friendship with each other, as saying goes, Birds of same feather flock together.
Maulana Rumi in his Mathnavi mentions fine story that illustrate this fact.
The story relates to a wise man that saw a Raven who had formed affection for a Stork. They perched together and flew together! The wise man could not understand how two birds of two different species that had no similarity either in shape or in colour with each other could be friends. He went close and discovered that both of them had only one leg.
The same idea is emphasized by Imams of the Household (Ahlul Bayt) of Prophet Muhammad (saw). For example, Fudayl ibn Yasar, a disciple, asked Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (as) whether love and hatred derive from faith (Iman). Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (as) replied: "Is faith anything but love and hate?"
It is also narrated that Imam al-Baqir (as), stated that: Religion (Deen) is love and love is religion.
As these statements and traditions indicate, love plays an important and significant role. Hence it deserves our close attention in order that we may discover the real meaning of the concept of love in Islam.
First of all, some questions come to the mind. What is the kind of love that has been emphasized by Islam? Who is the object of this special kind of love? Why should the believers have this kind of love and what purpose does it serve?
Love in Islam can be broadly categorized into: Love for God, love for Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his Household (Ahlul Bayt), and love for the faithful.
Ibn Abbas reported that Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "The strongest faith is to be sincere for the sake of Allah, to hate for the sake of Allah (Tabarra), to love for the sake of Allah (Tawalla), and to discard for the sake of Allah."
There is a tendency among some people to think that there should be no hate at all. These people assume that excellence and nobility of character and "being sociable" consist of having all men one's friends. Certainly Islam recommends Muslims to love people and optimize compassionate and sincere relationship with them, even if they do not believe in Islam or in God. However, it is not feasible for a person who has principles in his life and has devoted his life to realize sacred values to be indifferent to evil and oppressive deeds of wrongdoers and make friendship with everybody. Such a person certainly will have some enemies, whether he likes it or not. There are always good people in the society and bad people. Good and bad are two opposite poles. Attraction towards the good is not possible without repulsion from the bad.
When two human beings attract each other and their hearts wish for them to be friends and companions with one another, we should look for a reason for that. The reason is nothing other than similarity and resemblance. Unless there is a similarity between these two persons, they cannot attract one another and move towards friendship with each other, as saying goes, Birds of same feather flock together.
Maulana Rumi in his Mathnavi mentions fine story that illustrate this fact.
The story relates to a wise man that saw a Raven who had formed affection for a Stork. They perched together and flew together! The wise man could not understand how two birds of two different species that had no similarity either in shape or in colour with each other could be friends. He went close and discovered that both of them had only one leg.
The same idea is emphasized by Imams of the Household (Ahlul Bayt) of Prophet Muhammad (saw). For example, Fudayl ibn Yasar, a disciple, asked Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (as) whether love and hatred derive from faith (Iman). Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (as) replied: "Is faith anything but love and hate?"
It is also narrated that Imam al-Baqir (as), stated that: Religion (Deen) is love and love is religion.
As these statements and traditions indicate, love plays an important and significant role. Hence it deserves our close attention in order that we may discover the real meaning of the concept of love in Islam.
First of all, some questions come to the mind. What is the kind of love that has been emphasized by Islam? Who is the object of this special kind of love? Why should the believers have this kind of love and what purpose does it serve?
Love in Islam can be broadly categorized into: Love for God, love for Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his Household (Ahlul Bayt), and love for the faithful.
Story of love
Once a Muslim young man loved a Christian girl, they wanted to get married but her parents would not accept because he was a Muslim! It was a big dilemma for them! But they both loved each other sincerely and thought nothing should separate them.
One day, the Muslim man got very ill and was dying, he was on the death bed. A friend of his was beside him, he told him: Say Shahadah, say La Ilaha Illa llah Muhammadun Rasulullah, but the Muslim man didn’t say it, he cried and told his friend: I’m afraid that if I die as Muslim I will not find my beloved in the hereafter!! So I want to become Christian hopefully I will meet her in the hereafter!! And he became Christian!! He came out of Islam, he became a murtad! And right after he went out of Islam he died! So he died as a non-Muslim.
The girl that he used to love came asking about her lover, she found his friend, she asked him: Have you seen that person (her lover)? He sadly told her that he died! But he did not tell her that he went out of Islam (Apostated). She was very sad and cried, and said: I fear not to meet him in the hereafter, So I bear witness that there’s no God except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah! She embraced Islam! Later on she died, and died as a Muslim and her lover had died as a non-Muslim, she won Paradise and lost him, and he lost her and lost paradise and got hellfire.
Subhanallah, the wisdom behind this story is for one to remain steadfast onto Islam and keep the intention in the heart that I will live all my life on Islam and to stay patient over the hardships and calamities, and Allah will reward tremendously. We ask Allah to keep us stead fast to Islam, wal Hamdulillah.
Helping others
Ibn Abbas narrated, Once I was in a state of itikaaf in the Prophet's Mosque (Medina). A certain person came to me and sat down. I said to him, 'O so and so, you look sad'. He said, 'Yes of course, o fraternal brother of the Prophet. So-and-so has his due on me, and by the one who lies in eternal peace in the grave (i.e. Prophet Muhammad), I am not able to pay the debt' I said, 'Should I not talk to him about your debt?' He said, 'You can do so if you like' There upon I put my shoes on and went out of the mosque. The person asked him, 'Have you forgotten the state you were in (i.e. itikaaf)?' I replied, 'Not at all, but I have heard rom the one who lies in eternal peace in the grave [saying this his eyes became filled with tears], said:
"One who moves to fulfill any need of his brother, and makes effort for it, will find it better than itikaaf of ten years; and one who performs itikaaf for one day for the pleasure of Allah, he will create a distance of three ditches between him and the hell - and each ditch has a width which lies between East and West, or between the heaven and earth.
By the blessings of Allah, we are approaching another Ramadan. For most of us, we feel a little taste of hunger during this month only. But there are billions for whom it is a matter of daily life. Let us get immense rewards by helping our needy brothers and sisters around the world during this month of generosity.
"One who moves to fulfill any need of his brother, and makes effort for it, will find it better than itikaaf of ten years; and one who performs itikaaf for one day for the pleasure of Allah, he will create a distance of three ditches between him and the hell - and each ditch has a width which lies between East and West, or between the heaven and earth.
By the blessings of Allah, we are approaching another Ramadan. For most of us, we feel a little taste of hunger during this month only. But there are billions for whom it is a matter of daily life. Let us get immense rewards by helping our needy brothers and sisters around the world during this month of generosity.
Major signs of yawmil Qiyyama
Auf bin Malik (R.A.) says: I came to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) while he was in his skin tent during the Tabuk expedition. He said to me, "Count six things before the advent of Qiyamah:
My death
The conquest of Jerusalem
Mass deaths amongst you people, just as when sheep die in large
numbers during an epidemic
Abundance of wealth to such an extent that if a person were to be
given a hundred Dinars he will still not be satisfied
General anarchy and bloodshed, that no Arab household will be spared
from it
Then a life of peace as a result of a peace agreement between you and the Banil Asfaar (Romans) which they will break and attack you with a force consisting of eighty flags and under each flag will be an army of twelve thousand men."
(Bukhari).
Signs Before the Major Signs (i.e. before the emergence of Imam Mahdi)
Christain Rule Will be dominant
ANOMALOUS INCIDENTS WILL OCCUR
Occurrence of red winds, disfiguration of faces (man to pig), and people being swallowed into the ground.
GENOCIDE
A man from Abu Sufyaan's progeny massacres descendents of Nabi (S.A.W) and rules over Syria and Egypt.
WAR
A major war between Muslims and Christians: Half the Christian army will sign a peace treaty with the Muslim army, while the second half of the Christian army remains the common enemy.
ISTANBUL CONQUERED BY CHRISTIANS
The enemy half of the Christian army conquers Constantinople (Istanbul), Turkey.
ISTANBUL RECONQUERED JOINTLY BY MUSLIM AND CHRISTIANS
The Muslims and the good half of the Christian army conquer Constantinople together, against the enemy Christians. Thereafter, a Christian will say the victory was due to the cross, and the Muslim will say it was due to Islam. A battle between both sides will ensue, and the Muslim Ruler will be martyred.
SYRIA CONQUERED BY CHRISTIANS
The two Christian armies reunite, conquering Syria.
CHRISTIAN DOMINATION
Christians dominate the world up to Khaiber (near Madinah), and they will pursue Muslims with 80 flags, with 12,000 men under each flag.
MUSLIMS AWAIT IMAM MAHDI
TOTAL ECLIPSE
A total eclipse of the sun and moon will occur in Ramadhan, prior to Imam Mahdi's emergence.
The Major Signs:
IMAM MAHDI EMERGES
At age 40, Imam Mahdi appears in Makkah, then flees to Madinah.
MUSLIM ARMY MARCHES
The army of Mansoor from Khurasaan will head towards Makkah to aid Imam Mahdi. They will win many battles on the way. No force will be able to stop them. They will carry black flags.
SUFYAANI ARMY SWALLOWED BY THE EARTH.
The Sufyaani army (an Anti-Muslim force) from Syria singles out Imam Mahdi for execution. On the way to Makkah, they get swallowed into the ground. A second Sufyaani army is created with 960,000 men (of 80 nations).
CONFRONTATION IN SYRIA
Imam Mahdi and the Muslim army go to Syria to confront the Christians. The Christians, before the battle, will ask Muslims for the return of their prisoners-of-war. The Muslims will refuse. The battle will begin. One-third of Imam Mahdi's army will flee (their repentance will not be accepted), one-third will be martyred, and one-third will gain victory over the Christians.
MUSLIM ARMY UNDER IMAM MAHDI CONQUERS PALESTINE
JIHAAD ON INDIA
A jamaat of Muslims wages Jihaad on India and be successful.
SYRIA UNDER MUSLIM RULE
Imam Mahdi returns to Syria and establishes Muslim rule over the lands he passes.
ANIMOSTIY RIFE AMONGST THE PEOPLE
At this time, Muslims will be weak and there will be very few pious people.
3 RUMORS OF EMERGENCE OF DAJJAL... 3 YEARS OF DROUGHT
Before the emergence of Dajjal there will be three years of drought. The first year, the skies will retain 1/3 of its water, the second year 2/3, and all of its water the third year.
DAJJAL APPEARS
Dajjal appears. His followers, the Yahudis, will number 70,000 and will wear expensive silk attire and carry double edged swords.
HADHRAT ISA (A.S.) (JESUS) APPEARS
Hadhrat Isa (A.S.)descends during the lifetime of Imam Mahdi.
DAJJAL KILLED AT THE GATE OF HUDD
Hadhrat Isa (A.S.) kills Dajjal at the Gate of Hudd, near an Israeli airport, in the valley of "Ifiq." The final war between the Yahudi's will ensue, and the Muslims be victorious.
TOTAL PEACE
With the death of Dajjal, all wars will end. Jihad will be stopped; peace, harmony, and tranquility will be on earth. The earth will produce abundant crops and fruit. The people will follow Islam.
HADHRAT ISA RECEIVES REVELATION
The revelation tells that the Yajooj and Majooj will soon be released and the believers should be taken to Mt. Toor (Sinai).
YAJOOJ AND MAJOOJ ("Gog and Magog") RELEASED
The Yajooj and Majooj surge forth in large numbers. They destroy everything in their path in their effort to conquer the world. They will be released in two groups.
YAJOOJ AND MAJOOJ REACH JERUSALEM
When they reach Mount Khamrin in Jerusalem, they will proclaim to have conquered the world. Then the will shoot arrows into the sky to conquer the heavens. The arrows will return blood stained.
HARDHSHIPS ON MOUNT TOOR
Scarcity of provisions and hardships will afflict the Muslims. Hadhrat Isa (A.S.) and the Muslims will pray for the removal of the calamity.
YAJOOJ AND MAJOOJ KILLED BY INFECTIONS
Their prayers were answered and the Yajooj and Majooj develop boil infections, causing them to burst simultaneously as a result.
EARTH FULL OF STENCH OF CORPSES
Hadhrat Isa (A.S.) and his companions pray again and huge birds are sent to pick up the Yajooj and Majooj corpses and dispose of them in Nahbal (according to Tirmidhi), the ocean or elsewhere.
PEACE ON EARTH
It will rain for forty days and the earth will be cleansed. Muslims will burn the bows and arrow of Yajooj and Majooj for 7 years. Life will be peaceful while Hadhrat Isa (A.S.) is alive. The earth will be bountiful. Hadhrat Isa will live 19 years after marriage.
HADHRAT ISA PASSES AWAY AND BURIED NEXT TO MUHAMMED (S.A.W.)
OTHER LEADERS FOLLOW AFTER HADHRAT ISA (A.S.)
Jahjaan from Qahtaan, from a tribe in Yemen, will rule as the next Khalifa. Muquad, from a tribe of Banu Tamim will also be a deputy. SOCIETY SLOWLY DECAYS AND KUFR SETS IN
The Final Signs of Qiyaamah:
1 THE CAVING IN OF THE GROUND
The ground will cave in: one in the east, one in the west, and one in Hejaz, Saudi Arabia.
2 THE FORTY DAY SMOKE/FOG
Fog or smoke will cover the skies for forty days. The non-believers will fall unconscious, while Muslims will be ill (develop colds). The skies will then clear up.
3 THE NIGHT OF THREE NIGHTS
A night three nights long will follow the fog. It will occur in the month of Dhul-Hajj after Eid al-Adha, and cause much restlessness among the people.
4 THE RISING OF THE SUN IN THE WEST
After the night of three nights, the following morning the sun will rise in the west. People's repentance will not be accepted after this incident.
5 THE BEAST FROM THE EARTH APPEARS
One day later, the Beast from the earth will miraculously emerge from Mount Safaa in Makkah, causing a split in the ground. The beast will be able to talk to people and mark the faces of people, making the believers' faces glitter, and the non-believers' faces darkened.
6 THE BREEZE FROM THE SOUTH
A breeze from the south causes sores in the armpits of Muslims, which they will die of as a result.
7 DESTRUCTION OF THE KA'BAH
The Ka'bah will be destroyed by non-Muslim African group. Kufr will be rampant. Hajj will be discontinued. The Qur'an will be lifted from the heart of the people, 30 years after the ruler Muquad's death.
8 FINAL SIGN OF QIYAMAH: FIRE IN YEMEN
The fire will follow people to Syria, after which it will stop.
COMMENCEMENT OF QIYAMAH
Some years after the fire, Qiyamah begins with the Soor (trumpet) being blown. The year is not known to any person. Qiyamah will come upon the worst of creation
My death
The conquest of Jerusalem
Mass deaths amongst you people, just as when sheep die in large
numbers during an epidemic
Abundance of wealth to such an extent that if a person were to be
given a hundred Dinars he will still not be satisfied
General anarchy and bloodshed, that no Arab household will be spared
from it
Then a life of peace as a result of a peace agreement between you and the Banil Asfaar (Romans) which they will break and attack you with a force consisting of eighty flags and under each flag will be an army of twelve thousand men."
(Bukhari).
Signs Before the Major Signs (i.e. before the emergence of Imam Mahdi)
Christain Rule Will be dominant
ANOMALOUS INCIDENTS WILL OCCUR
Occurrence of red winds, disfiguration of faces (man to pig), and people being swallowed into the ground.
GENOCIDE
A man from Abu Sufyaan's progeny massacres descendents of Nabi (S.A.W) and rules over Syria and Egypt.
WAR
A major war between Muslims and Christians: Half the Christian army will sign a peace treaty with the Muslim army, while the second half of the Christian army remains the common enemy.
ISTANBUL CONQUERED BY CHRISTIANS
The enemy half of the Christian army conquers Constantinople (Istanbul), Turkey.
ISTANBUL RECONQUERED JOINTLY BY MUSLIM AND CHRISTIANS
The Muslims and the good half of the Christian army conquer Constantinople together, against the enemy Christians. Thereafter, a Christian will say the victory was due to the cross, and the Muslim will say it was due to Islam. A battle between both sides will ensue, and the Muslim Ruler will be martyred.
SYRIA CONQUERED BY CHRISTIANS
The two Christian armies reunite, conquering Syria.
CHRISTIAN DOMINATION
Christians dominate the world up to Khaiber (near Madinah), and they will pursue Muslims with 80 flags, with 12,000 men under each flag.
MUSLIMS AWAIT IMAM MAHDI
TOTAL ECLIPSE
A total eclipse of the sun and moon will occur in Ramadhan, prior to Imam Mahdi's emergence.
The Major Signs:
IMAM MAHDI EMERGES
At age 40, Imam Mahdi appears in Makkah, then flees to Madinah.
MUSLIM ARMY MARCHES
The army of Mansoor from Khurasaan will head towards Makkah to aid Imam Mahdi. They will win many battles on the way. No force will be able to stop them. They will carry black flags.
SUFYAANI ARMY SWALLOWED BY THE EARTH.
The Sufyaani army (an Anti-Muslim force) from Syria singles out Imam Mahdi for execution. On the way to Makkah, they get swallowed into the ground. A second Sufyaani army is created with 960,000 men (of 80 nations).
CONFRONTATION IN SYRIA
Imam Mahdi and the Muslim army go to Syria to confront the Christians. The Christians, before the battle, will ask Muslims for the return of their prisoners-of-war. The Muslims will refuse. The battle will begin. One-third of Imam Mahdi's army will flee (their repentance will not be accepted), one-third will be martyred, and one-third will gain victory over the Christians.
MUSLIM ARMY UNDER IMAM MAHDI CONQUERS PALESTINE
JIHAAD ON INDIA
A jamaat of Muslims wages Jihaad on India and be successful.
SYRIA UNDER MUSLIM RULE
Imam Mahdi returns to Syria and establishes Muslim rule over the lands he passes.
ANIMOSTIY RIFE AMONGST THE PEOPLE
At this time, Muslims will be weak and there will be very few pious people.
3 RUMORS OF EMERGENCE OF DAJJAL... 3 YEARS OF DROUGHT
Before the emergence of Dajjal there will be three years of drought. The first year, the skies will retain 1/3 of its water, the second year 2/3, and all of its water the third year.
DAJJAL APPEARS
Dajjal appears. His followers, the Yahudis, will number 70,000 and will wear expensive silk attire and carry double edged swords.
HADHRAT ISA (A.S.) (JESUS) APPEARS
Hadhrat Isa (A.S.)descends during the lifetime of Imam Mahdi.
DAJJAL KILLED AT THE GATE OF HUDD
Hadhrat Isa (A.S.) kills Dajjal at the Gate of Hudd, near an Israeli airport, in the valley of "Ifiq." The final war between the Yahudi's will ensue, and the Muslims be victorious.
TOTAL PEACE
With the death of Dajjal, all wars will end. Jihad will be stopped; peace, harmony, and tranquility will be on earth. The earth will produce abundant crops and fruit. The people will follow Islam.
HADHRAT ISA RECEIVES REVELATION
The revelation tells that the Yajooj and Majooj will soon be released and the believers should be taken to Mt. Toor (Sinai).
YAJOOJ AND MAJOOJ ("Gog and Magog") RELEASED
The Yajooj and Majooj surge forth in large numbers. They destroy everything in their path in their effort to conquer the world. They will be released in two groups.
YAJOOJ AND MAJOOJ REACH JERUSALEM
When they reach Mount Khamrin in Jerusalem, they will proclaim to have conquered the world. Then the will shoot arrows into the sky to conquer the heavens. The arrows will return blood stained.
HARDHSHIPS ON MOUNT TOOR
Scarcity of provisions and hardships will afflict the Muslims. Hadhrat Isa (A.S.) and the Muslims will pray for the removal of the calamity.
YAJOOJ AND MAJOOJ KILLED BY INFECTIONS
Their prayers were answered and the Yajooj and Majooj develop boil infections, causing them to burst simultaneously as a result.
EARTH FULL OF STENCH OF CORPSES
Hadhrat Isa (A.S.) and his companions pray again and huge birds are sent to pick up the Yajooj and Majooj corpses and dispose of them in Nahbal (according to Tirmidhi), the ocean or elsewhere.
PEACE ON EARTH
It will rain for forty days and the earth will be cleansed. Muslims will burn the bows and arrow of Yajooj and Majooj for 7 years. Life will be peaceful while Hadhrat Isa (A.S.) is alive. The earth will be bountiful. Hadhrat Isa will live 19 years after marriage.
HADHRAT ISA PASSES AWAY AND BURIED NEXT TO MUHAMMED (S.A.W.)
OTHER LEADERS FOLLOW AFTER HADHRAT ISA (A.S.)
Jahjaan from Qahtaan, from a tribe in Yemen, will rule as the next Khalifa. Muquad, from a tribe of Banu Tamim will also be a deputy. SOCIETY SLOWLY DECAYS AND KUFR SETS IN
The Final Signs of Qiyaamah:
1 THE CAVING IN OF THE GROUND
The ground will cave in: one in the east, one in the west, and one in Hejaz, Saudi Arabia.
2 THE FORTY DAY SMOKE/FOG
Fog or smoke will cover the skies for forty days. The non-believers will fall unconscious, while Muslims will be ill (develop colds). The skies will then clear up.
3 THE NIGHT OF THREE NIGHTS
A night three nights long will follow the fog. It will occur in the month of Dhul-Hajj after Eid al-Adha, and cause much restlessness among the people.
4 THE RISING OF THE SUN IN THE WEST
After the night of three nights, the following morning the sun will rise in the west. People's repentance will not be accepted after this incident.
5 THE BEAST FROM THE EARTH APPEARS
One day later, the Beast from the earth will miraculously emerge from Mount Safaa in Makkah, causing a split in the ground. The beast will be able to talk to people and mark the faces of people, making the believers' faces glitter, and the non-believers' faces darkened.
6 THE BREEZE FROM THE SOUTH
A breeze from the south causes sores in the armpits of Muslims, which they will die of as a result.
7 DESTRUCTION OF THE KA'BAH
The Ka'bah will be destroyed by non-Muslim African group. Kufr will be rampant. Hajj will be discontinued. The Qur'an will be lifted from the heart of the people, 30 years after the ruler Muquad's death.
8 FINAL SIGN OF QIYAMAH: FIRE IN YEMEN
The fire will follow people to Syria, after which it will stop.
COMMENCEMENT OF QIYAMAH
Some years after the fire, Qiyamah begins with the Soor (trumpet) being blown. The year is not known to any person. Qiyamah will come upon the worst of creation
Minor signs of yawmil Qiyyama
Qiyamah will come when...
Hadhrat Abu Musa Ash'ari (R.A.) narrates that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhii Wassallam) said, "Qiyamah will come...
When it will be regarded as a shame to act on Quranic injunctions.
When untrustworthy people will be regarded as trustworthy and the trustworthy will be regarded as untrustworthy.
When it will be hot in winter.
When the length of days is stretched, i.e. a journey of a few days is covered in a matter of hours.
When orators and lecturers lie openly.
When people dispute over petty issues.
When women with children come displeased on account of them bearing offspring, and barren women remain happy on account of having no responsibility of offspring.
When oppression, jealousy, and greed become the order of the day.
When people blatantly follow their passions and whims.
When lies prevail over the truth.
When violence, bloodshed and anarchy become common.
When immorality overtakes shamelessness and is perpetrated publicly.
When legislation matters pertaining to Deen is handed over to the worst elements of the Ummat, and if people accept them and are satisfied with their findings, then such persons will not smell the fragrance of Jannat.
When the offspring become a cause of grief and anger (for their parents).
The following is part of a lengthy Hadith narrated by Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Mas'ood (R.A.) when he inquired from Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) about the Signs of Qiyamah.
Music and musical instruments will be found in every home.
People will indulge in homosexuality.
There will be an abundance of illegitimate children.
There will be an abundance of critics, tale-carriers, back- biters and taunters in society.
People will establish ties with strangers and sever relations with their near and dear ones.
Hypocrites will be in control of the affairs of the community and evil, immoral people will be at the helm of business establishments.
The Masjid will be decorated, but the hearts of the people will be devoid of guidance.
The courtyards of Masjids will be built beautifully and high mimbars (pulpits) will be erected.
Gangsters and evil people will prevail.
Various wines will be consumed excessively.
Auf bin Malik (R.A.) says: I came to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) while he was in his skin tent during the Tabuk expedition. He said to me, "Count six things before the advent of Qiyamah:
1 My death
2 The conquest of Jerusalem
3 Mass deaths amongst you people, just as when sheep die in large numbers during an epidemic
4 Abundance of wealth to such an extent that if a person were to be given a hundred Dinars he will still not be satisfied
5 General anarchy and bloodshed, that no Arab household will be spared from it
6 Then a life of peace as a result of a peace agreement between you and the Banil Asfaar
(Romans) which they will break and attack you with a force consisting of eighty flags and under each flag will be an army of twelve thousand men." (Hadith: Sahih Bukhari).
IRAQ and SYRIA
Abu Nadhrah says: "We were sitting in the company of Jabir bin Abdullah (R.A.) when he said: 'Soon the people of IRAQ will neither receive any food (grain) nor any money.'" We asked, "Why would such a thing happen?" He replied, "Because of the non-Arabs." (i.e they will prevent food from going into Iraq, in the form of "sanctions" to this day.) He then said: "Soon the people of Shaam (SYRIA) will neither receive any money nor grain." We asked as to why this would happen. He replied: "Because of the Romans (christians)."
CONCEITED PEOPLE:
Hadhrat Abbas (R.A) narrates that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) has said, "Islam will spread far and wide, across the seas. Horses will cross the land and seas in the cause of Jihaad. Then a time will come wherein a group of people will emerge which recites the Quraan. They will claim,
'We have recited the Quraan and is there anyone who understands the Quraan better than us? There is NO ONE more proficient than us in the study of the Quraan.'
Then Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) asked the Sahaba, "Do you see any good in their claims?" The Sahaba replied, "No". Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) said, "But these conceited claimants will be from my Ummah and will be the fuel of the Fire."
The miser and the angel of death
A miser had accumulated, by effort, trade and lending, three hunderd thousand dinars. He had lands and buildings, and all kinds of wealth. He then decided that he would spend a year in enjoyment, living comfortably, and then decide as what his future should be.
But, almost as soon as he had stopped amassing money the Angel of Death appeared before him, to take his life away.
The miser tried, by every argument which he could muster, to dissuade the Angel, who seemed, however, adament. Then the man said: "Grant me but three more days and I will give you one-third of my possessions."
The angel refused, and pulled again at the miser's life, tugging to take it away.
Then the man said:
"If you only allow me two more days on earth, I will give you two hundred thousand dinars from my store."
But the Angel would not listen to him. And the Angel even refused to give the man a solitary extra day for all his three hundred thousand pieces.
The the miser said:
"Please, then, give me just time enough to write one little thing down."
This time the Angel allowed him this single concession, and the man wrote, with his own blood:
"Man, make use of your life. I could not buy one hour for three hundred thousand dinars. Make sure that you realize the value of your time."
Source: Obtained from the book "The Way of the Sufi" by Idries Shah.
Saying good words
Bismillah
As Salaamu 'alaykum and peace to all,
What Did Your Words Do Today? Inspirational Story about Saying Good Words
That day I found this interesting Irish proverb that said,
Little said is easy mended; nothing said needs no mending
Of course!
Isn't it true?
The more we are able to control our tongue, the less 'hot spots' we put ourselves into.
Which means, the less explaining we need to do to others of why we said the things we said, you agree?
And this proverb, immediately spark my memory of a very famous saying of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) when he said,
"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak a good word or remain silent....." [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Al Muslim]
SubhanAllah, isn't that an amazing advice?
So simple, yet the impact if I am able to execute would be fantastic, don't you think?
And I asked myself- how do I plan to follow his (saw) advice?
I believe that each time I want to open my mouth and say something, I should definitely must pause for a bit, and ask myself these questions...
'Is this thing I want to say a good thing, or other wise? Is it backbiting? Or is it slander? Is it the truth or false? How sure am I of the 'facts' and 'information' that I want to spill out and share with others? Is there any benefit to what I am about to say, or pure crap?!'
Wow, that sure are a lot of questions to ask before I can talk, right?
But you know something, my friends?
If, and only if, we can do that and take care of our words, Allah has promised us something wonderful.
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): "O you who believe! Fear Allah and speak a word that is right. He will set right for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great achievement."� [Surah Al-Ahzab: 70-71]
SubhanAllah!
Fantastic, isn't it?
By taking care and guarding our words, Allah has promised us that He will set right for us our deeds, and forgive our sins, my brothers and sisters!
Do I want Allah to set right my deeds?
Of course I do!
Do I want Allah to forgive me of my sins?
Absolutely!
What do you think, my friends?
Do you think you want them too?
So, let us set today's target as to pause for a second, and evaluate our thoughts before spilling them out, agree?
Lets!
As Salaamu 'alaykum and peace to all,
What Did Your Words Do Today? Inspirational Story about Saying Good Words
That day I found this interesting Irish proverb that said,
Little said is easy mended; nothing said needs no mending
Of course!
Isn't it true?
The more we are able to control our tongue, the less 'hot spots' we put ourselves into.
Which means, the less explaining we need to do to others of why we said the things we said, you agree?
And this proverb, immediately spark my memory of a very famous saying of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) when he said,
"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak a good word or remain silent....." [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Al Muslim]
SubhanAllah, isn't that an amazing advice?
So simple, yet the impact if I am able to execute would be fantastic, don't you think?
And I asked myself- how do I plan to follow his (saw) advice?
I believe that each time I want to open my mouth and say something, I should definitely must pause for a bit, and ask myself these questions...
'Is this thing I want to say a good thing, or other wise? Is it backbiting? Or is it slander? Is it the truth or false? How sure am I of the 'facts' and 'information' that I want to spill out and share with others? Is there any benefit to what I am about to say, or pure crap?!'
Wow, that sure are a lot of questions to ask before I can talk, right?
But you know something, my friends?
If, and only if, we can do that and take care of our words, Allah has promised us something wonderful.
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): "O you who believe! Fear Allah and speak a word that is right. He will set right for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great achievement."� [Surah Al-Ahzab: 70-71]
SubhanAllah!
Fantastic, isn't it?
By taking care and guarding our words, Allah has promised us that He will set right for us our deeds, and forgive our sins, my brothers and sisters!
Do I want Allah to set right my deeds?
Of course I do!
Do I want Allah to forgive me of my sins?
Absolutely!
What do you think, my friends?
Do you think you want them too?
So, let us set today's target as to pause for a second, and evaluate our thoughts before spilling them out, agree?
Lets!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)