THE IMPORTANCE OF TIME IN ISLAM

There are among those who believe in the popular saying as "Time is Gold." Time in Islam is more than Gold or any precious material thing in this world. Of all religions, only Islam guides mankind not only to the importance of time but also how to value it. Allah the Almighty and His Messenger, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), very clearly tell us the value of time, why we must not waste it and how we can make use of our time wisely to increase our Eeman (Faith) and thus attain success, especially eternal success in the life hereafter.
The following are some of the most important duties demanded of Muslims:

1. Ensuring benefiting from time
2. Utilizing leisure time
3. Racing for good deeds
4. Learning from the passage of time
5. Seeking the superior times
6. Planning and organizing time
7. Fulfillment of time commitments
8. Necessary awareness of time wasters

Both the Qur'an and the Sunnah enjoin Muslims to be conscious of time. We are reminded that life in this world is nothing but temporary. We never know when death has been appointed for us. We must value time for the satisfaction of Allah the Almighty. For our guidance and success, we must never waste time nor abuse it.
Ibn Abbas narrated that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said:
"There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good." (Bukhari 8/421)
Indeed, we displease Allah the Most High when we abuse time. We must remember that time must be spent to fulfill our very purpose in life that is to worship Allah all throughout our lives. Allah makes this very clear in the Qur'an when He says:
I have only created Jinns and Men, that they may serve Me. No Sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they should feed Me. For Allah is He Who gives (all) Sustenance, Lord of Power, Steadfast (for ever). Qur'an (51:56-58)
But celebrate the praises of thy Lord, and be of those who prostrate themselves in adoration. And serve thy Lord until there come unto thee the Hour that is certain (i.e., death). Qur'an (15:98-99)
Everything we do in accordance with the Qur'an and the Sunnah is an act of worship. Such worship must be done sincerely for the pleasure of Allah alone. We should make use of our time (which includes our "free time") in doing beneficial things especially those that will make us closer to Allah and earn His Mercy.
We have to make use of our time wisely by knowing more of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. We must have correct knowledge of what Allah and His Messenger Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) have commanded us to do and at the same time to refrain from what they have forbidden us. This is imperative so that we earn Allah's pleasure and reward. Allah the Exalted makes it very clear, when he says:
O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the messenger, and make not vain your deeds! Qur'an (47:33)
Corollary to the above divine commandment, we must ask ourselves: Have we been obeying Allah and His Messenger? To what extent have we used our time learning the Qur'an and the Sunnah in order to have correct Eeman (Faith), to do righteous deeds, to enjoin the Truth or do Da'wah, and be patient and constant? As time passes by, are we sure we are devoting our time for the sincere worship and pleasure of Allah the Most High? Are we taking guidance from the following very enlightening Ayat (Qur'anic verses)?
By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), Verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy. Qur'an (103:1-3)
In line with the above Qur'anic injunction, we have to discipline ourselves by giving value to the importance of time. We must be prompt in doing good deeds, which will increase our faith and subsequently enable us to gain Allah's pleasure and mercy.
Islam encourages Muslims to care for time, to utilize it wisely and not to waste it and to benefit from it. Besides, it holds them responsible for their time.
We have to remember that on the Day of Judgment we shall be asked how we spent our lives, wealth and knowledge. In other words, we will be questioned on how we spent everything that Allah has given us as implied in the following Hadith:
Narrated Abdullah Bin Mas`ud Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said:
"A man shall be asked concerning five things on the day of resurrection: concerning his life, how he spent it; concerning his youth, how he grew old; concerning his wealth, whence he acquired it, and in what way he spent it; and what was it that he did with the knowledge that he had."
The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), used to call on Muslims to take the initiative to do good deeds before any obstacles arise. For instance, he said, "Lose no time to do good deeds before you are caught up by one of seven calamities awaiting you: a starvation which may impair your wisdom; a prosperity which may mislead you; an ailment which may damage your health; an old age which may harm your senses; a sudden death; the Dajjal (Antichrist); or Doomsday, which is indeed the hardest and most bitter." (at-Tirmidhi, al-Baihaqi)
The above Hadith urges Muslims to take the initiative, and not to delay good deeds; man's life is not free from impediments, such as those calamities, which can prevent him from accomplishing what could have been done earlier. Wise are those who grab available opportunities before being handicapped by obstacles.
If we are to evaluate ourselves objectively, have we been spending our time wisely for the pleasure of Allah the Almighty? Have we been spending our lives based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah? Have we been practicing Muslims? How many of us are Muminoon (Faithful Muslims) and/or Mutaqqoon (God Fearing Muslims)? How much knowledge of the Qur'an and the Sunnah do we know? Do we practice what we learn and impart the same to others or at least share them to our families and kin? Have we ever enjoined to others what is right and forbid what is wrong?
To be successful, we have to manage our time wisely by making plans for virtuous deeds that please Allah the Almighty. We must spend time learning Islam based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah.

Opportunity is something which is quick to vanish and late to return. Imam Hassan Al-Mujtaba (AS)

Another Year Passes By and Time Marches On
O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and let every soul look to what (provision) He has sent forth for the morrow. Yea, fear Allah: for Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do. Qur'an (59:18)
Another year has passed; minutes move into hours => into days => into weeks => into months => into years - seemingly faster than ever; yet every moment is a precious component of life and every moment counts.
Time - Use it, do not abuse it
Our attitude towards time indicates our attitude towards the value of the capital of life. If we want to purchase something, we require financial capital; and if we want to do something in life, we require the capital of life, time. That is why the Qur'an exhorts us to value the time we have before life is up. Qur'an (63:10)
Realize that...

• Time is the measure of life, time is an amaanah (trust), time is a gift from the Creator and its proper use will determine our outcome for eternity.
• We are born in time, live in time and die in time; time is the ambit within which we operate. What we do with time is what we do with our lives.
• Each one must realize that every moment that passes by is an opportunity gone, used or abused; never to return. Soon time will be up and we'll have to leave this physical world and give account for our lives.
• The more we remind ourselves of the responsibility of the present the better we get at living the moment and the better we live the present moment the better the consequence for the future.

Our attitude towards the future influences our mind-set towards the rest of life. Being positive about life ahead is among life's greatest motivators. Hope is the best attitude one can harbor towards the future; this realistic expectation that something good or better could/will happen if only we continue doing the best we can. Remember that today well-lived makes yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Wise are the words of the one who said ... "I expect to pass through this world but once; any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
"O Allah! Make life a means for every dimension of goodness." [Prayer of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)]
The Characteristics of Time
We are to bear in mind that time has certain characteristics, among of which are the following:

1. Time passes quickly.
2. Time that passes can never return, nor can it be compensated for, for time is irretrievable.
3. Time is the most precious thing that man possesses.

Muslim's Duty towards Time:
Having all this great value and importance, time is to be duly appreciated and managed. In Islam there is no room for slogans like the so-called "killing time", for in Islam time is really valuable. In fact, wasting time is much more dangerous than squandering property, because unlike property, time cannot be compensated. Free time is a blessing that is overlooked, and not wholly appreciated by many people.
This indicates that it's very important for a Muslim to try his utmost to husband his time and make the best use of it in beneficial things. A Muslim may use portion of his time in making invocations and supplications, celebrating the praises of Allah. The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), used to supplicate: "O Allah! I seek refuge in You from sorrow and distress, and I seek refuge in You from disability and laziness."
A Muslim should learn how to organize his time, and make a realistic plan for his worldly and religious duties, without any of them overlapping the other. That is to say that one should know how to arrange his priorities: the most important and the most urgent comes first, and carried out according to schedule. Organizing time also includes leaving a place for relaxation and entertainment, for 'all work and no play make Jack a dull boy.'
One of the methods of managing his time properly is for a Muslim to get up early and sleep early, for early hours always yield great blessings. Starting his day with prayer and the supplication of the morning brings the Muslim Allah's grace. A Muslim should always bear in mind that every time has its own task that suits it. Doing tasks in their due times brings about peace of mind and comfort.
Finally, we would like to cite the following Hadith of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), quoting from the Book of Ibrahim, peace be upon him: "A sane person, unless he is mindless, should have four hours: an hour to invoke to his Lord, an hour to count his own deeds, an hour to contemplate about the creation of Allah and an hour to satisfy his worldly needs."
Verily, time is very important for our success both in this temporary world and the eternal world to come. If we waste time, if we abuse it, then we waste and abuse our lives. In the Life Hereafter we will be among the losers, who will suffer the torments in the Hell Fire, if Allah the Almighty will not forgive us. Therefore, if we really give value to our lives then, we must give due value to the importance of time.

In general, sensible people know the importance of time.

Imagine there is a bank which credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day, allow you to keep no cash balance, and every evening cancels whatever part of the amount you had failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course! Well, everyone has such a bank. Its name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against the "tomorrow". You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success! The clock is running. Make the most of today. To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who has failed a grade. To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who has given birth to a pre-mature baby. To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper. To realize the value of ONE DAY, ask a daily wage laborer who has kids to feed. To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet. To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who has missed the train. To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who has avoided an accident. To realize the value of ONE MILLI-SECOND, ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics. Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time ... and remember that time waits for no one. . . Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, today is a gift, that's why it's called the present!

DEATH: A BEAUTIFUL GIFT FOR A BELIEVER

"To Allah (Almighty God) we belong, and to Him is our return." (Holy Qur'an 2:156) Multitudes of men have walked on the surface of this Earth. They all belonged to different nations and cultures. A few of them made history for which they were remembered, whereas others were never to be mentioned again. Although each one was personally different from another - their habits, thinking and tastes differed - they all had two things in common, first, they were all delivered from their mothers womb (birth) and second, they all tasted death. Who claims he has lived a thousand years? "The Sun travels to an appointed place. This is the decree of the Mighty, the All-Knowing." (Holy Qur'an 36:38) Almighty God blesses us with all His gifts. The Sun gives us light during the day to help us see and it helps our crops grow so that we can eat. But the Sun also teaches us other things. Almighty God causes the day to die with its setting and allows the night to take over, which is a time for rest. In this way, He may be showing us that all of us will eventually have to die just like the day. And when the Sun rises in the morning again after our period of rest, it is as if Almighty God is telling us that we too will be raised to life after we have died. These are all signs of Almighty God to teach us to take care of our life. One thing that we must remember is that death is inevitable, and everything except the Almighty God of course, will perish. Signs of death can be seen all around us. At funerals we see people who were once walking among us being buried in their graves. In the fall we see the leaves turn from green to yellow and fall one at a time, and in the winter we see trees, lifeless. In this way, all things in this world will wither away and die. According to an old fable, a man made an unusual agreement with Hazrat Izraeel (pbuh) - the angel of death. He told Izraeel (pbuh) that he would be willing to accompany him (as though he had a choice) only if Izraeel (pbuh) would send him a notice well in advance. The agreement was made. Weeks became months and the months into years. One bitterly cold night, as the man sat alone thinking of his success in life, Izraeel (pbuh) tapped on his shoulder. "You are here too soon" the man cried out. "You sent no messenger. I thought we had an agreement!" Izraeel (pbuh) whispered "Notice your hair, once it was full and black, now it has streaks of silver in it! Observe your face in the mirror and see the wrinkles. Yes! I have sent many messages through the years! I have kept my part. I am sorry that you are not ready for me but the order of Almighty God cannot be averted!" Hence, hair color turning gray from black or wrinkles on the face are also the signs of nearing death, and the Almighty God is the only one who can bring the dead back to life. Surely all men die, and just surely Almighty God give them life with His ability, and judges them on their deeds and actions. We know Almighty God is the Creator and can recreate us, because if one can do something he has the ability to do it again. For instance, if your teacher asks you to draw a picture on the blackboard and color it. Then if after you have drawn it with beautiful colors, the teacher asks you to rub it out and do it again, could you repeat the same drawing again? Of course you would be able to repeat the picture. It is what you created and are capable of doing again. From this example, we can understand Almighty God is able to give life to the dead because it is He Who created us in the beginning. Almighty God can surely give life to the dead. He judges them on their deeds. On Resurrection Day He will re-create the dead for judgment, and then allow the doer of good to enter paradise but cast the evil-doer into hell. Hatred towards death and love of the world is the outcome of an ignorant person's mind, who thinks that the happiness of this world is his prosperity and good fortune. The world beset with numerous troubles and anxieties is about to end in misery and does not enjoy eternity, perpetuity and sincerity. A poet has referred to this in the following words - "Do not give your heart to this world, for its example is of an unfaithful bride who has never loved you, even for a night." Imam Ali (pbuh) says: "If man will see how speedily his death is coming toward him he will abhor ambitions and will give up admiring the world." It is of utmost importance that man should hold death dear and consider it an opportunity of meeting with his Almighty, and not hate it and consider it as evil, but should take lessons from it. He should ask forgiveness from Almighty for his sins and tame the rebellious self (Nafs). When the call of his Lord comes, he should welcome it with open arms accepting it to be a blessing from Almighty. He should be contented with the decree (Qadr) of Almighty. He should also rejoice that shortly he would be taken to the presence of Ahlul Bait [Household of Prophet] (pbut) and meet his deceased companions and other believer brothers. He should also not be disheartened by the delay in death but should consider it as an opportunity afforded by Almighty to him to repent. This delay would give him a chance to gather provisions useful for his journey to the other world, for the journey is tiresome and full of dangerous valleys and difficult paths. In fact a believer always remembers death, since his or her main goal is to reach the Almighty God. Hazrat Qasim (pbuh), the son of Imam Hasan Al-Mujtaba (pbuh), when asked concerning death at Karbala, answered: "death to me is sweeter than honey." Therefore true believers, those who are sincerely devoted to the Almighty God, anticipate death since to them it signifies the long-awaited meeting with their creator. During imprisonment, Imam Ali An-Naqi, Al-Hadi (pbuh) had a grave dug up ready by the side of his prayer mat. Some visitors expressed concern or surprise. The Imam explained, "In order to remember my end I keep the grave before my eyes." Before a believer approaches the final moment of his/her life and death overtakes him, it is necessary that he wakes up from the state of negligence and prepares for the final everlasting place. This way he will be able to avoid bewilderment and the fear of the so-called untimely death. At the time of leaving this world, as attested to by the Holy Qur'an, a person will be in one of two states - either he will be of the Companions of the Right, or the Companions of the Left (Refer Holy Qur'an 56:7-56). If he is counted amongst the Companions of the Right, he will be in a good, final state, but if he is one of the Companions of the Left, he will be of those who have suffered a great loss. For more details on Death: An Islamic Perspective, Death in Islam, Death and Islam, Death in Holy Qur'an, Death: A Beautiful Gift For A Believer, Preparation for Death and etc., please download free EBook below.

The Karbala: Story of sacrifice to save humanity from extinction

Moharram, the first month of Islamic Calendar, brings along with it a feeling of great sadness and sorrow in the heart of every Muslim. It is a month in which we commemorate Imam Hussain's (pbuh) victory in martyrdom, a victory which has permanently preserved the true Islam till the Day of Judgment. Almighty God has called this a "Momentous Sacrifice" i.e. "Zibhin Aazeem" in Holy Quran, chapter As-Saffat (37:107). We are all forever indebted to Imam Hussain (pbuh) for his great sacrifice. Let us join together and commemorate this loss and learn from the example of Imam Hussain (pbuh). Do you know, what is the Tragedy of Karbala? The Tragedy of Karbala is about one man, Hussain, who stood against oppression and sacrificed his life and the lives of his companions, his loved ones, his family, his children, including his 6-month-old baby, in the fight against injustice. No man's death in the history of mankind has been commemorated for as long as 14 centuries, year after year, in the same way as Hussain's death. The message of Hussain at the battle Karbala is universal and applies to every day and age. Come and find out more about this great man and this great tragedy in history. more...

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): A mercy to all creation

The personality of Muhummed, it is most difficult to get into the whole truth of it. Only a glimpse of it I can catch. What a dramatic succession of picturesque scenes. There is Muhummed, the Prophet, there is Muhummed, the General; Muhummed, the King; Muhummed, the Warrior; Muhummed, the Businessman; Muhummed, the Preacher; Muhummed, the Philosopher; Muhummed, the Statesman; Muhummed, the Orator; Muhummed, the Reformer; Muhummed, the Refuge of Orphans; Muhummed, the Protector of slaves; Muhummed, the Emancipator of women; Muhummed, the Judge; Muhummed, the Saint. And in all these magnificent roles, in all these departments of human activities, he is alike a hero. Orphanhood is the extreme of helplessness and his life upon this earth began with it. Kingship is the height of the material power and his life ended with it. From an orphan boy to a persecuted refugee and then to an overlord, spiritual as well as temporal, of a whole nation and Arbiter of its destinies, with all its trials and temptations, with all its vicissitudes and changes, its lights and shades, its up and downs, its terror and splendor, he has stood the fire of the world and came out unscathed to serve as a model in every face of life. His achievements are not limited to one aspect of life, but cover the whole field of human conditions. more...

The life of the Holy prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم‎

Rights of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) on his followers (Rights of Rasoolullah)

All Muslims of the world, no matter what their sects are, hold in common that Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) was the last Prophet (Seal of the Prophets), and in fact, Muslims believe in divine prophecy having ended with him, just as they believe in the Oneness of Allah (Tauheed). Allah (SWT) says: "Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things." (Noble Qur'an, 33:40) Rights of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) are the most important, after the rights of Allah (SWT). There is no human who has more rights than Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). Allah (SWT) says: "Surely We have sent you (O Muhammad) as a witness and as a bearer of good news and as a warner, That you may believe in Allah and His Messenger and may aid him and revere him; and (that) you may declare His glory, morning and evening." (Noble Qur'an, 48:8-9) "And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) but to all the men as a bearer of good news and as a warner, but most men do not know." (Noble Qur'an, 34:28) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) has many rights. Respect and appreciation for him should be practised in the best manner. Respecting Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) includes respect of and adherence to his Sunnah (Ahlul Bayt). Due rights should be given to Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) without exaggeration. When one reads how the sincere companions (Sahabah) used to love and respect Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), one knows the importance of this matter. When Quraish sent Orwa ibn Masud to negotiate with Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) in Hudaybiyah area, he was greatly impressed by how the companions treated Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). He said, "I have visited the kings of Persia, Rome and Abyssinia, but I have not seen any leader more revered and respected by his people than Muhammad. If he ordered them to do anything, they do it without delay. If he performs Wudu (washing up for prayer) they all seek the remainder of the water he used. They never look at him in the eye, out of respect." This is how Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) was treated by his sincere companions. He was Allah's Last Messenger who possessed great qualities and the best of conduct ever. Allah (SWT) says: "Certainly you have in the Messenger of Allah an excellent exemplar for him who hopes in Allah and the latter day and remembers Allah much." (Noble Qur'an, 33:21) "And most surely you conform (yourself) to sublime morality." (Noble Qur'an, 68:4) Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) is the finest example of a perfect man in every sense of the term. He was a paragon of virtue and is the best exemplar for the human race. The Almighty Allah (SWT) distinguished him from all and sundry by instilling in his sublime personality such fine qualities as modesty, truthfulness, kindness, patience, loyalty, honesty, courage, bravery, generosity, magnanimity, wisdom and the like. By studying his lofty character and the amazingly simple life he (saw) led with his household, companions, wives and others. We are able to learn valuable lessons from his conduct and accordingly mould our own life-style. Our society could never be an Islamic one unless we sincerely tread the footsteps of Almighty Allah's final Messenger to mankind, Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), heed his sayings, observe his glorious actions and attitudes, and most important of all follow them, as the faithful among his sincere companions (Sahabah) followed and believed as shown in the following story: One day Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) while entering the city of Madinah, saw a Jewish Man, just few steps ahead of him, taking his very good breed of Horse towards market to sell. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) liked the Horse. So he negotiated with the Jewish Man and bought it at an agreed price. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) did not have money on him at the time so he asked the Jewish Man to follow him up to his house and he would pay him his due. The Jewish Man agreed. As they were going, another man approached and asked the Jewish Man if he was selling his Horse and for how much. He said that he had already sold the Horse to Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) for such and such amount. This man offered him better price and he agreed to sell the Horse to him. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said to the Jewish Man that since he had already sold the Horse to him, it was wrong to break the agreement just like that. The Jewish Man denied making any agreement. Whilst all this was going on, the passers by stopped and wondered as to what was going on. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) explained exactly what happened. Companions asked: O Messenger of Allah (SWT), do you have any witnesses to support your claim? Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) replied: No. We have no witnesses as there was no one present when the agreement was made. Companions said: Sorry, we don't think we can help you. How can we be sure who is telling the truth and who is lying? In the meanwhile, a very close and sincere companion of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), Huzaima ibn Sabit (ra) happened to pass by and saw Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) surrounded by the people. On inquiring about it, came to know what happened. Huzaima ibn Sabit (ra) said: Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) is telling the truth and the Jewish Man is lying. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) asked: But you were not present when the agreement was made. So how can you judge without being there? Huzaima ibn Sabit (ra) replied: O Messenger of Almighty Allah (SWT), you said that there is God and we believed you, even though we haven't seen Him. You told us that Noble Qur'an was the word of Almighty Allah (SWT) and we believed you. You told us about Angels, Heaven and Hell and we believed you, even though we haven't seen all these things. Then how is it possible that you would lie about such petty thing? The moral of the story is that there were some companions who walked, sat and ate with Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), but did not grasp his inner personality and at the same time there were also some other companions of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) who understood him physically as well as spiritually. Hence we should also follow our Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) with complete belief as Huzaima ibn Sabit (ra) but not as other companions. The rights of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) include believing him in matters of religion and the past, present and future happenings he told us about. Adherence and submission to his orders are some of his rights. When a Muslim believes in Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and wants to follow his religion, he must do so believing that Holy Prophet Muhammad's (saw) way is the best way. Believing in Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) includes the affirmation that his religion is the best religion. Allah (SWT) has confirmed all these rights in the following verses of Noble Qur'an, what translated means: "Say (O Muhammad to mankind): If you love Allah then you follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Say: "Obey Allah and His Messenger": But if they turn back, Allah loveth not those who reject Faith." (Noble Qur'an, 3:31-32) "But no, by your Lord, they can have no (real) faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission." (Noble Qur'an, 4:65) "Whoever obeys the Messenger, he indeed obeys Allah, and whoever turns back, so We have not sent you as a keeper over them." (Noble Qur'an, 4:80) "And let those beware who go against his order lest a trial afflict them or there befall them a painful chastisement." (Noble Qur'an, 24:63) "It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger to have any option about their decision: If any one disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path." (Noble Qur'an, 33:36)

Some of the rights of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) are as follows

1. We Muslims believe in what Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said and practised. "O People, I leave among you two precious and weighty trusts, one being the Book of Allah and the other my Progeny (Ahlul Bayt). These two legacies will never be separated from each other, and if you lay firm hold of them you will never go astray." (Hadith-E-Saqlain) Because whatever Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said is from Allah (SWT): "Nor does he speak out of desire. It is naught but revelation that is revealed." (Noble Qur'an, 53:3-4) 2. We Muslims obey Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) in what has been commanded and forsake what he has forbidden or discouraged. "And whatsoever the messenger giveth you, take it. And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain (from it)." (Noble Qur'an, 59:7) On the authority of Abu Sa'id bin al-Mu'alla it is reported in Sahih Bukhari that while he was praying in mosque, Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) called him. He did not, however, instantly respond. When he finished the prayer, he approached him, pleading that he was praying. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) told him: Do you not know that Allah (SWT) has directed: "O you who believe! Answer Allah and (His) Messenger when he calls you." (Noble Qur'an, 8:24) Hanzalah was a young man who had not yet completed twenty four years of his age. The night preceding the day on which the battle of Uhud took place was his wedding night. When he heard the call to Jihad he was perplexed. He found no alternative but to seek permission from Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) to spend that night in Madinah and reach the battlefield on the following day (Noble Qur'an 24:62). Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) granted him permission for one night to consummate the nuptial rites. In the morning he reached the battlefield even before taking ceremonial bath lest he might be late in answering Holy Prophet Muhammad's (saw) call. In the same state Hanzalah joined the army, fought bravely and attained martyrdom. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "I have seen that the angels were washing Hanzalah." That is why he is called 'Ghasilul Malaikah' (i.e. one who was washed by the angels). The above reports about two Companions that Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) directed them to discontinue the prayer for answering his call, and about Hanzalah who joined his call for Jihad without any delay, prove that Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) is to be obeyed unconditionally. It is clear from the above-quoted Qur'anic verse and Hadith reports that Holy Prophet Muhammad's (saw) call should be answered instantly. 3. We Muslims worship Allah (SWT) according to the Shar'iah of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), not by whims and Bid'ah (innovations). 4. We Muslims judge ourselves by the Shar'iah of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), and not by any other law. 5. We Muslims love Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) more than our parents, Children, all of mankind, indeed our very selves. Therefore, love for Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) should be more than one's love for himself, his children, family, worldly possessions and everything. Obedience to Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) is obligatory. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) has stressed the importance of obeying and following his Sunnah (Ahlul Bayt) with his saying: "None of you will reach belief till I become dearer to him than his children, parents and all humans." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "There is no obedience to any creation in which the disobedience of the Creator is involved." Say: "Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds: No partner hath He: this am I commanded, and I am the first of those who bow to His will." (Noble Qur'an, 6:162-163)

WADU

HOW TO MAKE WUDU---The Physical Requirements/Actions for making wudu

I personally find it hard to learn from diagrams like this one so here are couple of how-to videos and then the written step by step instructions.:

How to make wudu video #1:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpHcw9uvU6E

How to make wudu video #2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaKb2zX1QBs&feature=related

1.) Make Niyaat (intention) to preform wudu

When you go to the place to make wudu (any place with clean water) [a post will be given later on how a Muslimah may make a public wudu and the link to it will be inserted here---for now this post is about the basics and we will assume our muslimah has a private place like a woman's washroom to make wudu in] you should make the intention to preform wudu. The intention should be silent and it has no strict wording. An example of such an intention would be "I am now going to purify myself for salat and do so in the name of Allah."

2.) Say "Bismillah" silently to yourself

Out of respect for Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala the name of God is not mentioned in a bathroom/washroom. After this is done, it is remmended strongly to not engage in any other purpose but making wudu especially if one is offering salat immediately after. "Bismillah" means "in the name of Allah"

3.) Rinse your mouth by drawing water from your cupped right hand. This is done three times.

4.) Rinse the nostrils of your nose by drawing water from your cupped right hand and using your left hand to pinch the nose and wipe it when expelling the water from the nasal passage. This is done three times.

5.) Wash your face from the hairline to the chin and ear to ear (both hands used). This is done three times.

6.) Wash your arms---Starting with your right arm wash with your left hand from the finger-tip to the elbow of that right arm. This is done three times. Then, starting with your left arm wash from the finger-tip to the elbow with the right hand. This is also done three times.

7.) Wipe your wet hands over your hair starting at the hairline moving to the back of the head then (with the hands remaining through the hair) bring the hands in the hair back to the hairline and as you do so, wipe the back and the inside of the ears with the forefinger and the thumb.

8.) Wash both feet---starting with the right foot clean from the tips of the toes to the ankle. Be especially careful to get the heels because Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) saw a man who did not wash his heel. Thereupon he remarked: Woe to those who will be dragged by their heels to the Hell-Fire. (Sahih Muslim 356). This is done three times, and then a finger is used to clean between the toes (this is done only once per foot). Then do likewise with the left foot.

10.) Repeat the shahada in sincerity and respect---To finish the wudu one must repeat their shahada by saying "There is no God but God and Mohammed is His servant and His Messenger". If you remain in the bathroom/washroom you may say this silently in your head or you can leave that space and say aloud: "ash-hadu alla ilaha ill-allah wahdahu la shareeka lahu wa ash-hadu anna sayyidana muhammadan `abduhu wa rasooluh" and it is recommended that you recite this three times because Umar Ibn Al-Khattab narrates: "If anyone amongst you performs the ablution and completes it well and then says, "I testify there is no god but Allah and that Muhammed is the servant of Allah and His Messenger", then the eight gates of Paradise will be open to him and he may enter from whichever one of them he chooses." (Sahih Muslim, [Eng. Trans. Vol. 1 #451])

*11.) Optional recitation of a sunnah dua. You may skip this step right now in order to learn how to pray as quickly as possible but it is recommended to recite this du'a after making wudu: "O Allah, count me among one of those who seek forgiveness and who keep themselves pure!"

HOW DO WE GET THE STEPS FOR WUDU?

We get the steps for wudu from the sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed salla Allahu alaihi wa-sallam: narration by Imam Muslim on the authority of Humran (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: "'Uthnan Ibn 'Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) called for ablution water and this is how he performed ablution He washed his hands thrice. He then rinsed his mouth and cleansed his nose with water [three times]. He then washed his face three times;then washed his right arm up to the elbow three times, then washed his left like that, then wiped his head; then washed his right foot up to the ankle three times, then washed his left foot like that, and then said: I saw the Messenger of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala said: "He who performs ablution like this ablution of mine and then stood up [for prayer] and offered two rak'ahs of prayer without allowing his thoughts to be distracted, all his previous sins are expiated." (Sahih Muslim, [Eng. Trans. vol. 1 #436]).

If you are not certain whether of not you have made wudu, err on the side of not making it again, because there is an authentic hadith that says (this is the only thing missing in this post---I will post it ASAP or maybe Aalia can add it in)

More reading: http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=3&ID=4192&CATE=342

http://www.searchtruth.com/dua/index.php?dua=9

http://www.islamawareness.net/Wudu/sahih_bukhari.html

DUA

Islam Prayer Steps

Islam

Islam is a monotheistic religion based on revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century, which were later recorded in the Qur'an (Koran), Islam's sacred text. The faith spread rapidly and today Islam is the second largest religion in the world. The Arabic word islam means "submission," reflecting the religion's central tenet of submitting to the will of God. Islamic practices are defined by the Five Pillars of Islam: faith, prayer, fasting, pilgrimage and alms. Follow a link below to learn more about Islam.

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