Haya’: Part One

The Definition of Haya’

Haya’ comes from hayat (life). It is that which keeps you ethically and spiritually alive. Just like a body gets its value from being alive, the spirit, soul, character and person gets their value from having haya’. Haya’ covers a large number of concepts which are to be taken together: amongst them are self respect, modesty, bashfulness, and scruple, etc.

Words that encompass aspects of haya’: shame, humility, self-respect, honor, bashfulness, shyness

The reality of haya’ is that it is that trait which motivates you to do what is good. That same trait discourages you from doing anything shameful. It is the one quality that make Muslims stand out.

The Prophet’s Statements on Haya’

- The Prophet (s) said, “Faith (Belief) consists of more than sixty branches (i.e. parts). And Haya’ is a part of faith.” (Bukhari)

- The Prophet (s) passed by a man who was admonishing his brother regarding Haya’ and was saying, “You are very shy, and I am afraid that might harm you.” On that, Allah’s Apostle said, “Leave him, for Haya’ is (a part) of Faith.” (Bukhari)

- Prophet (s) said: “Haya does not bring anything except good.” (Bukhari)

The Relationship Between Iman and Haya’

What does haya’ have to do with iman?

• Your conviction determines how you see things and how you react to things
• Whatever you have faith in will produce haya’ in relation to that thing
• The stronger your belief in Allah, you realize you’re always in the presence of Allah subhaanhu wa ta’ala. The connection is there and thus that triggers haya’
• The more haya’ you have and exercise the stronger your iman becomes
• Haya’ will encourage the things that strengthen your iman and discourage things that weaken your iman
• They increase each other all the way until you reach a level that Allah is pleased with you (i.e. no limit)

The Prophet (s) said, “Iman and Haya’ are like twins, they go hand in hand .” (Hakim)

Various types of haya’ that we should have:

2 types (in terms of origin):

1. Innate, natural haya’ that we’re all born with(from your fitrah)
   • This type of haya’ comes from Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala; you can see it in nature and in animals. An example would be if you say “bad dog!” the dog will whimper – this is a reflection of it’s natural haya’ (shame).
2. Acquired haya’ (from your belief system, environment, etc.)
   • This is your code of ethics, and comes primarily from your culture and environment. If a person cultivates it, it will make him the best person he could be. If a person’s natural haya’ is destroyed, then it will be difficult for them to get this type of haya’.

Note: You can never have excessive haya’ – it has no limit.

Al-haya’u la ya’ti illa bi khayr.

Haya’ will not bring anything except good.

- the Prophet (s) | Sahih al-Bukhari

—

Al-haya’u khayrun kulluh.

All of haya’ is good.

- the Prophet (s) | Sahih al-Muslim

Areas to Excercise Haya’

There are three areas in which to exercise haya’:

• with Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala
• with people
  • some scholars also say with the Angels
• with yourself

Our Relationship with Allah

Yastakhfuna min an-nasi wa ma yastakhfuna min Allahi wa hu ma`ahum.

The hypocrites are those that hide their sins with people but not in front of Allah. (4:108)

This ayah, of course, applies to all those who are dishonest and hypocritical; they act one way in front of people and another way in front of Allah. May Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala protect us from hypocrisy. Ameen!

‘Alam ya’lam bi anna Allah yara.

Does he not know that Allah sees? (96:14)

Are we not aware that Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala sees? Do we not realize how insignificant and weak we are in the sight of Allah? When a person loses their respect of Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala and does not revere Him, they they will do whatever they want.

Ma lakum la tarjuna lil Lahi waqra.

What is [the matter] with you that you do not attribute to Allah [due] grandeur? (71:13)

—

Inna Allah kana ‘alaykum raqiba.

Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you. (4:1)

Why can’t we fear and respect Allah subahanhu wa ta`ala as much as we fear and respect the FBI? Do we not know that Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala has placed angels recording who comes to jumu`ah? Or that the angels are writing everything we do?

Be shy with Allah as you should be. – Muhammad (s)

The Prophet (s) told the Sahaba: “Have haya’ of Allah as you should.” They replied, “We do. We even made a nasheed about it.” The Prophet (s) said, “That is not true haya’. Rather, true haya’ is:

• Preserving your head and what it contains;
  • This includes your mind, your senses, your thoughts, emotions, and your heart.
  • Wala taqfu ma laysa laka bihiAAilmun inna assamAAa walbasara walfu-adakullu ola-ika kana AAanhu mas-oola. “And follow not that of which you have no knowledge. Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those you will be questioned. (17:36)
• Preserving your belly and that which it carries;
  • This includes what people consume of food, drink, money and that which is connected to it (lust, desires).
  • Be modest, moderate and balanced.
• Remembering death and what comes after it;
• Preparing for the Akhirah (Hereafter).
  • Fa man kana yarju liqaa’ rabi f al ya`mal `amalan saliha. “Say, “I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord – let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.” (18:110)

The hadith does not say “prevent” rather “preserve” – this means do things properly, not avoid them all together.

The Best Strategy

The best strategy, no matter how much you have sinned, is always to run back to Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala. When Adam and Hawa  ate from the tree lost their privileges, Adam (as) knew he had sinned against Allah. Adam started running away and Allah asked him, “Adam are you running away from me?” A firaran minni, la haya’an mink. No matter how ashamed you are of Allah, you can’t run or hide from Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala.

The Story from Ibn Kathir

Ubayy bin Ka`b said, “Adam was a tall man, about the height of a palm tree, and he had thick hair on his head. When he committed the error that he committed, his private part appeared to him while before, he did not see it. So he started running in fright through Paradise, but a tree in Paradise took him by the head. He said to it, `Release me,’ but it said, `No, I will not release you.’ So his Lord called him, `O Adam! Do you run away from Me?’ He said, `O Lord! I felt ashamed before You.’”

How to Increase Our Haya’ with Allah

• Learn about Him
  • Everything we do and have is from Allah.
  • Sometimes we don’t even like to talk about Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala!! How do we even forget about Allah?
  • Sometimes we think that we can forget about Allah so that He will forget about us, but that will not happen.
  • Haya’ will lead us to ihsan (worshipping Allah as if we see Him) because we will constantly think of Him.

• Remember Him continuously – dhikr;
• Read His Message – the Qur’an;
• Pray Qiyam al-Layl (the supererogatory night prayer).
  • This is a private connection with Allah.
  • When you get up from sleep, just get up and remember Allah and just think about Allah. Say la ilaha illa Allah, don’t think about anything else, your exams, your friends, your phone
  • If this was the day I was going to go back to Allah, how would I would want to go back to Him?
  • If this is the first day that you’ve EVER had to do anything, how would you spend it? What things would you start doing for the sake of Allah?

Whosoever remembers Allah and it brings them to tears, that eye that sheds tears will never be punished.

Exercising Haya’

Ask: What shows me that I really have haya’ of Allah?

• If you really like someone, you will always think what will he/she think before you say or do. Do you do that with Allah?
• Watching your behavior when you’re alone!
  • The Prophet (saws) was asked about people being naked and the Prophet (saws) said avoid exposing yourselves in front each other. What about when you’re alone? Allah has a greater right for you to have haya’ in front of Him.
    • When you get too comfortable with yourself you won’t maintain your haya’.
    • Prophet (s) was advising the sahabah (his companions, may Allah be pleased with them all) to conserve water. One the sahabah asked the Prophet (s) about conserving water in times of abundance. The Prophet (saws) said conserve even if you are at a flowing river. It is all about the attitude – be shy and cautious.
    • Don’t be undressed or in a compromised position longer than you need to!
    • Abu Bakr (ra) would cover his face when would relieve himself because he would remember that Allah is watching.
    • Uthman (ra) would never took a shower standing upright.
      • We get really comfortable, we admire ourselves, we do crazy things in front of the mirror…some people even in front of their roommate!
    • Some of the sahabah never looked at their own private parts out of haya’.
    • Fudayl ibn `iyath said, “I have met a generation of people too ashamed of Allah to sleep the whole night.” We’re talking about qiyam here.

Try to do anything that will raise your haya’. Hold yourself more accountable, raise your standards with Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala.

Yahya ibn Mu`ath said, “Who ever obeys Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala out of haya’, Allah will have haya’ of punishing him on the Day of Judgment.”

Inna Allahu hayyiun Kareem. Allah is so generous and so gracious, He will be too shy to punish or reject that individual too ashamed to do a sin EVEN if He will forgive you. And if you do it, your haya’ will let you know that He will forgive you no matter the sin (except associating partners with Him – shirk).

There are people that lose their haya’ with Allah subahanhu wa ta`ala and Allah covers it up for them. When someone’s haya’ is TOTALLY lost, then they’re willing to expose their own sins

Assignment: Go through your phonebook, your texts, your emails, your facebook, etc. Look at all the things only Allah knows about….the files that you have saved up on your laptop or computer or phone. How many of those would you be very comfortable sharing with ________(individual that you respect the most)? Delete the ones that you would not share. Then write down how you felt afterwards.

Haya’: Part Two

Review – The Definition of Haya’

What does Haya’ mean?

• Shame
• Self-respect
• Honor

In Urdu, the word for haya’ is sharam.

Having Haya’ With Allah

Istahiyi min Allahi ta’ala kama tastahyi min rajulin salihin min qawmik.

“Have haya’ from Allah as you would have haya’ from a religious person you know.” – the Prophet (s)

Allah subahanhu wa ta’ala (exalted is He) knows what is hidden, so we need to have the most haya’ with Him. How do you develop haya’ with Allah?

• Learn about Allah: Why aren’t we as excited to know Allah as the people in the past? Why was the Prophet (s) the most attached to Allah? Because he knew Him the most.
• Read and study the Qur’an, the words of Allah.
• Perform qiyam (supergatory night prayers). This will cause resistance to haram (unlawful) things. It is a way to redeem yourself with Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala after sinning.
• Do dhikr (remembering Allah with your heart and tongue) This should compensate for prayer if you cannot pray!
• Remembering death and the hereafter.
• Be with those that remind you of Allah.
• Reading the inspiring stories of the Prophet (s) and other righteous people.

How to Avoid Sin

A man would sin; al-Husayn ibn ‘Ali counseled him, if you wish to continue, then do these five things:

1. Do not eat from the sustenance of Allah
   • The man responded he cannot.
2. Escape the Kingdom of Allah
   • The man responded he cannot.
3. Commit sins where Allah cannot see you
   • The man responded he cannot.
4. When the Angel of Death comes, escape death
   • The man responded he cannot.
5. If you are sentenced to hellfire on the Day of Judgment, refuse to go there
   • The man said thank you, that is enough! Allah will never see me sinning against Him.

Kamal El-Mekki was speaking to someone about really connecting with Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. So she says, “I’m convinced.” He asks her to take her shahadah. She says, “I’m not ready, I want to take my time.” He says, “That’s fine, I don’t want to pressure you. But until you make your decision just make sure you don’t die. Don’t drink and drive, fasten your seatbelt, because you’ll have no excuse once you die!”

Yahya ibn Mu’ath said to his students that if you really want to develop haya’ from Allah then develop haya’ when you do something good. When someone is always nice to you, humble and respectful – you let it go if they ever wrong you. “If you have haya’ with Allah when you do something (you’re humble and realize His role), Allah will forgive you and look over when you sin.”

Haya’ With the Angels

The second type of haya’ is that which is with the Angels. There are angels with us always, recording what we do.

Wa inna ‘alaykum lahafithin, kiraman katibin.

And indeed, [appointed] over you are keepers, Noble and recording. (Quran, 82: 10-11)

We are always “tapped” by the angels. Or do they think that We hear not their secrets and their private conversations? Yes, [We do], and Our messengers are with them recording. (Qur’an, 43:80) Be shy of the angels, never do things or be an environment that would hurt the angels or bother them. Angels are commanded by Allah to wait before they write down the evil things humans do, so that we are given a chance to repent. So keep in mind, even when you go to the restroom, that the angels are with you. Avoid things like bad smells, or crass language, or sexually illicit activity.

Inna al-malaikata tata’atha min man yata’atha minha bani adam.

The Prophet (s) said, “He who eats onion and garlic and leek, should not approach our mosque for the angels are harmed by the same things as the children of Adam.” (Muslim)

Myths when dealing with the Angels and Shaytan:

• Angels do not wait outside when you go to the bathroom.
• Do not worry about leaving the Qur’an open – if Shaytan reads it, that is good for him.
• Spaces between salah are not filled with Shaytan, but they can be used by Shaytan to sow seeds of discord or distrust.

Haya’ With People

There are three types of haya’:

1. Sincere Haya’: Those who have haya’ naturally, and have haya’ in public as well as private; this is authentic, sincere haya’. This is the best type of haya’.
2. Haya’ Deficiency: Those who have selective haya’ – haya’ in public, with certain people, but they do not have this haya’ in private.
3. No Haya’: There are those who don’t care and will act in any way in front of people – they do not have haya’ at all. Your natural, instinctive haya’ was killed. It is better to have haya’ in front of certain people and work towards haya’ with everyone, then to have no haya’ at all.

The Role of Culture

A lot of the variation of haya’ is because of the culture you are raised in. Culture either nurtures haya’ or destroys it. An example of this is the story of a brother who was raising his children in America. He walked into see his daughter sitting in a position he did not feel comfortable with – she was eight years old. Afterward, he asked his wife and kids to spend sometime overseas to study and gain some of the culture. When he visited them a year later she was sitting in the same position – but when he entered the room, she adjusted the way she was sitting. Some things must be picked up from the culture.  Shaykh Faqih could never imagine lying on his side when his father walks in; he would have to sit-up and change his position.

We need to adjust our level of haya’ and recognize what is needed and what is not. The worse of people are those who broadcast their sins, who have no shame in front of people or in front of Allah.

Areas in Which Haya’ Should be Excercised

In Marriage

Between a husband and a wife, there is little haya’ because they know each other so well. But in private, you are supposed to still maintain a minimum level of haya’. You also do not share your personal relationship with others.

Gender Relations

This is for people who are not married or related through blood; a level of haya’ is meant to be exercised between them. Some of the gender relations you will never understand until you are married. There is a level of haya’ that you won’t be able to connect to until you are married or you grow more mature. Once you get married you will see the wisdom of Islam. There was a sister that said she didn’t have a problem talking to guys, even married ones, and then she got married. One year after she got married she got bothered with sisters that talked to her husband. She would see things that she would say or do being done with her husband and she couldn’t believe it.

Personal Beauty

Haya’ is also being content with who Allah made you AND how He made you. If you are beautiful, you should not be shamed of your beauty but you should humble because it is a blessing from Allah. Sh. Faqih: “I personally think everyone is beautiful. Since the beginning of creation, there has been no one like you. Something that is unique must be beautiful.” When you look into the mirror, make the du’a':

Allahumma anta Hassanta khalqi fa-hassin khuluqi, waharrim wajhi ‘al-an-naar. Alhamdulilahil-lathi sawwa khalqi fa’adalah, wakarrama suurata wajhi fa’ahsanaha, waja’alna minal-Muslimeen.

O Allah! You made my physical constitution good so make my disposition good too and keep my face safe from the hellfire. Praise be to Allah Who fashioned and made me proportionate, and honored my face and made me of the Muslims. [at-Tabarani]

When anyone of us dies, we won’t refer to your body except as the body of so and so.

What is Not Haya’?

There is a type of haya’ that is not really haya’ – is it negative, it comes from shyness. This haya’ is the type of haya’ that prevents you from doing what is right or from seeking knowledge. This can be cowardice, riyaa’ (showing off), lack of confidence, ignorance or low self-esteem. When it is the truth, you should not shy from it, you should learn about it and share it.

Inna Allaha la yastahyi min al-Haqq.

“Allah does not have haya’ from the truth.” (33:53)

Exploiting Haya’

Do not take advantage of another person’s haya’. Someone who has haya’ will be sensitive and considerate of others, and will be shy of making fun of others. An example of this is when you compliment something of another and they offer it to you out of haya’, you should not take it. If you obtain something using the sword of haya’, it is haram.

Haya’ vs. Being Firm?

Haya’ does not mean weakness. The Prophet (s) was not weak, but he had haya’. An example of this is the Battle of Uhud, where the majority of Companions wanted to do something, and the Prophet (s) disagreed but went with the shura (general consensus). Afterwards, some of the companions were worried that they pressured the Prophet (s), but he (s) said:

Fa ‘itha ‘azmata fa tawakal ‘ala Allah.

If you make a decision, have reliance and faith in Allah.

The Prophet (s) taught the companions to be self-dependent and not rely on other people. If someone would drop his siwak, or his horsewhip, they would get down and get it themselves.

Question & Answer

How do we break the barrier of the culture aspect of ‘ayb* with our parents?

We should identify what is truly ‘ayb or not. For example, if parents say “Oh, you are talking to some boy, that’s ‘ayb.” When the Prophet (s) was in a dark area with his wife, two companions saw him talking to her. He (s) hastened after them to clarify that he was speaking to his wife – they replied, we would never assume anything of you! But in Islam we should always clarify; if there is room for doubt, Shaytan will try to whisper and cause conflict.

One time, Shaykh Faqih ran into a brother and in his car he had a six-pack. The brother waited for the Shaykh outside of the market and explained that the six-pack was non-alcoholic beer that was prescribed to him by his doctor to help with a bowel problem.  The Shaykh loved this because the man respected him, and the man followed the sunnah (tradition of the Prophet (s))!  As Muslims, we should not do anything suspicious. We should avoid shady things, in order not to put doubt in the other people’s minds and hearts. Shaytan is always the third. If you are in a suspicious situation, you should always explain it. You have to earn trust and respect.

*`Ayb means something that is shameful or inappropriate.

Can we have friends of the opposite gender?

The believing men and the believing women are awliya’ of each other. Wali (which is singular of awliya’) means protector, guardian, custodian, friend, steward. Steven Covey talks about how we are stewards of each other. If we violate something or do something wrong, we are putting each other at risk. Examples of this are drinking and driving or running a red light.  Be respectful of each other – you are brothers and sisters. Be protective and considerate of each other. Do not be overly considerate and nice (i.e. “you look cute today!”) Do not cross the line and share intimate feelings or become too friendly. How would you want your husband to talk to you if he was not married to you? How would you behave in front of your spouse with the opposite gender?

How do we learn about how to act in haya’ in front of each other?

We must inculcate an environment of haya’; we need to discuss what is haya’ and how to develop it. We must be a functioning unit, with decent relationships, that respects its boundaries. Make sure you will never have regrets. NO FLIRTING! Anything that you would accept from your spouse but that you would not expect him/her to do to someone else, that is something you should not expect from someone else.

If excessive haya’ is never bad, what if someone takes advantage of it?

Let it go, unless they are doing it viciously. Then address it. Deal with them on their mental level (khudi ‘ala ‘addi ‘alu).

What about different boundaries for gender relations? Some people do not think complimenting the opposite gender is wrong.

In American culture complimenting the opposite gender is flirting, so how is that acceptable? At one of the national conferences, Shaykh Faqih and Imam Zaid Shakir were with an auntie, a guy and girl in an elevator. The auntie says to Shaykh Faqih what you said about the Qur’an was so beautiful! The girl turns to the boy and says, nice shoes. He laughs and respond, yes I got them from this place.  They started flirting with each other in front of Imam Zaid and the Shaykh! This is an example of why converts get turned off by the behavior of Muslims at these conferences

Islam?

What is this Islam that I talk about so much? Here’s a quick run-down of our basic beliefs – you’re always welcome to become a Muslim yourself! 

Let me know if you have any questions. Some of what you read may be completely different from what you see on TV, or hear from friends – you’re getting it from the source. From a real Muslim.

Islam, the religion of over 1.2 billion in the world, provides humankind with a unified view about the purpose of our creation and existence, our ultimate destiny and our place among other creatures. It is a way of life that is in complete conformance with nature, and with reason, logic and science.

The Arabic word,‘Islam’, means voluntary surrender to the will of Allah and obedience to His commands.‘ Allah’ is the Arabic word that Muslims use for God. A person who freely and consciously accepts the Islamic way of life and sincerely practices it is called a ‘Muslim’.

Oneness of God (Tawhid)
This is the most important Islamic belief. It implies that everything in existence originates from the one and only Creator, who is also the Sustainer and the sole Source of Guidance. This belief should govern all aspects of human life. Recognition of this fundamental truth results in a unified view of existence that rejects any divisions of life into the religious and the secular. Allah is the sole source of Power and Authority and therefore entitled to worship and obedience from mankind. There is no scope for any partnership with the Creator. Tawhid teaches man that Allah is not born, nor is anyone born of Him. He has no son or daughter. Human beings, like the rest of creation, are His subjects.

Prophethood (Risalah) or Messengership 
Since the creation of the first human, Allah has revealed His guidance to mankind by sending prophets, who all called to the belief of One God. The prophets who received books from Allah are called messengers. Whenever the teachings of a prophet were distorted by people Allah sent another prophet to bring human beings back to the Straight Path. The chain of Risalah began with Adam, included Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Lot, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and Jesus, and ended with Muhammad (peace be upon them all), as the final messenger of Allah to all of mankind.

The revealed books from Allah are: the Torah (Tawrah), the Psalms (Zabur), the Gospel (Injeel) and the Qur’an. The Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)1, as the final book of Guidance. Among all these books, it is only the Qur’an that remains unchanged, in its original revealed form.

Life After Death (Akhirah)
This belief has a profound impact on the life of a believer by making them accountable to Allah. On the Day of Judgment we will be judged according to how we lived our lives. One who obeys and worships Allah will be rewarded with a permanent place of happiness and bliss in Paradise; One who does not do so will be sent to Hell, a place of punishment and suffering.

Five Pillars Of Islam
Acting correctly and sincerely on the five pillars transforms a Muslim’s life into one that is in harmony with nature and thus in conformity with the will of the Creator.It inspires one to work towards the establishment of justice, equality and righteousness in society, and the eradication of injustice, falsehood and evil.

1. Testimony (Shahadah), the first of the five basic foundations, is the declaration,knowingly and voluntarily, of: La ilaha illal lahu Muhammadur rasulul lah. “There is no god except Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”.This declaration is the basis of all actions in Islam, and the other basic duties follow this affirmation.

2. Compulsory Prayer (Salah) is offered five times a day. It is a practical demonstration of faith, and keeps a believer in touch with their Creator.The Salah develops in a believer the qualities of self-discipline, steadfastness and obedience to the Truth, leading one to be patient, honest and truthful in the affairs of their life.

3. Charity (Zakah) is a compulsory payment from a Muslim’s annual savings. It can only be spent on helping the poor, the needy, and the oppressed, and for the general upliftment of society. Zakah is one of the fundamental principles of Islamic economy, which ensures an equitable society where everyone has a right to contribute and share.

4. Fasting (Sawm) is the annual obligatory fasting during each day of the month of Ramadan – the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. One must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sex, from dawn to sunset. Sawm develops a believer’s moral and spiritual standard and keeps them away from selfishness, greed, extravagance and other vices. Sawm is an annual training program that increases a Muslim’s determination to fulfill their obligation to the Almighty Lord.

5. Pilgrimage (Hajj) is an annual event, obligatory on those Muslims who can afford to undertake it, at least once in their lifetime. It is a pilgrimage (journey) to the “House of Allah” (Al-Ka’bah) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. Hajj symbolizes the unity of humankind; Muslims from every race and nationality assemble together in equality and fraternity to worship their Lord.

The Qur’an
The Qur’an is the final Book of guidance from Allah, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through the angel Gabriel (Jibra’il). Every word of the Qur’an is the word of Allah. The Qur’an is unrivaled in its recording and preservation. Unlike other scriptures that were corrupted with human interpolations and omissions, the Qur’an has remained unchanged, even to a letter, for over 1400 years. The Qur’an is the last and final revelation to mankind and covers all aspects of human life, and its relation to the life after death.

The Hadith
The Hadith is the collection of sayings, actions and silent approvals of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It explains the Qur’an, and how to practice it. The Hadith were recorded meticulously by the Prophet’s companions.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)
Muhammad (pbuh), the final messenger of Allah,was born in Mecca, Arabia, in the year 571 CE. He received the first revelation from Allah at the age of forty. The people of Mecca at that time used to worship idols. The Prophet (pbuh) invited them to Islam. Some of them accepted and became Muslims, while others rebuked him and turned against him. In the 13th year of his Prophethood, Muhammad (pbuh) migrated from Mecca to Madinah.

The Prophet (pbuh) organized the early Muslims and preached the message of Allah with patience and profound wisdom. Eventually Islam was established in the whole of Arabia and was set to make a tremendous contribution to the history and civilization of the world. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) died in 632 CE at the age of 63. He left behind the Qur’an and his Sunnah (way) as the source of guidance for all generations to come.

Marriage and Family Life
Marriage is the basis of family life in Islam. It is a solemn yet simple contract between a consenting man and a consenting woman. Islam does not allow the free mixing of men and women; nor does it allow sex before marriage. Extra-marital sex is severely punishable. No discrimination is made on the basis of sex. Husband and wife are equal partners of the family and play their part in their respective fields.

Diet
Muslims are encouraged to eat what is good for them. Islamic law requires an animal to be slaughtered while invoking the name of Allah. All varieties of alcoholic drinks are prohibited. Pork and blood are also forbidden.

Dress
Muslims must cover their bodies properly and decently. When it comes to dressing-up, simplicity and modesty are encouraged. No particular dress is recommended, however, men must cover their body from navel to the knees.Women must cover their whole body except the face and hands.Any dress that is suggestive, transparent, skin-tight or half-naked may send wrong signals to others; signals that are contrary to Islam’s teachings. Pure silk and gold are not allowed for men.

Social Manners
Islam teaches decency, humility and good manners. Keeping promises, truthfulness, justice, fair play, helping the poor and needy, respect for parents, teachers and elders, love for children and good relations with neighbors and relatives are the most valued virtues of a Muslim. Islam condemns enmity, back-biting, slander, blasphemy, ridicule, use of offensive names, suspicion and arrogance.

1. (p) here stands for “peace be upon him”

A VERY easy method to complete the Quran

A VERY easy method to complete the Quran

One of the first good habits we want to develop this blessed month is reciting Quran on a daily basis, hopefully, completing it at least once during the course of the month. Here's a simple way of doing just that:

There are 600 pages in the Quran, right? Ok, If you divide 600 by 30 days,
what do you get? That's 20 pages a day. Hmm.. not too bad.
So, if you read 20 pages a day, you'll complete the Quran in 30 days,
cool. Think 20 pages a day is a lot, ok, no problem. How many prayers
do we have per day? 5, correct? yup. Ok, 20 pages divided by 5 equals?? 4!

So, if you can read ONLY 4 pages of Quran after ever salat, you'd complete the Quran in 30 days!!!

Now, imagine if you can read a bit more than 4 pages after each salat...(you do the maths )

Practical life of Muslimah: .....

Practical life of Muslimah: .....

1. The Patient:
The women who remains patient in all circumstances and never whines moans and complains when some trouble or affliction hits her, She Turn to Allah for help.

2. The Protector:
The women who Protect her husband wealth and her chastity when he is away from home„When he returns, she does not burden him with the day’s problem,but listen attentively to his need and does her best to take his tiredness away.

3. The Lover:
The women who adore her husband and craves for his children to the extent that whenever her husband glances at her du’aa pour’s for her from the bottom of his heart.

4. The Do-Gooder:
The women who has an excellent reputation in society for being kind,caring and courteous to all, She is good with her neighbors, relatives and never backbite or display jealousy.

5. The Content:
The women who never Cast her eyes at material things and is content with ever little her husbands gives her, She is thankful to him for every morsel that he feed her, every clothe that he gifts her including the roof over hear head, She makes her gratefulness known to him in words and actions, and thus soothes her husband’s heart.

6. The Pious:
The women who spend much of her day in dikhr (Zikar) ,tilaawat-e Qur’an (Qur'an recitation) and Salah (Prayer) and her nights is praying tahajjud and crying to Allah for forgiveness, She encourage her husband to give da’wah in his spare time.

7. The Sweet Smiler:
The women who smiles excessively especially when her husband is at home, She always talk gently that it seems that pearls are dripping from her mouth, She never raises her voices while talking to her husband, If her husband is angry with her for some reason and shout her, she does not answer him back but maintains as dignified silence, When he has calm down, she offers him cool water and apologizes to him even if she wasn’t at fault.

HOW TO THANK PEOPLE IN ISLAM ?

HOW TO THANK PEOPLE IN ISLAM ? [ ►Must Share it !]
The correct way to thank someone is to say ...
[✔] JAZAKALLAH KHAIR

And it's wrong to say ..
[✘] ' JAZAKALLAH ' alone.

Because, "JazakAllah" can may either mean "may Allah reward you" or punish you, while "JazakAllah Khair" means ... "may Allah reward you with the Best / Good",


JAZAKALLAHU KHEIR DEPENDING ON SITUATION :

MASCULINE: JazakAllahu Khair
FEMININE : Jazakillah Khair(notice this is not the same as the masculine word)
PLURAL : Jazakumullahu Khair


HOW TO REPLY TO THOSE WHO SAYS JAZAKALLAHU KHAIR TO YOU ?

► Wa Antum fa Jazakumullahu khairan meaning [ And you too, May Allah reward you with Khayr ].


(Usayd ibn Hadayr (sahabi) says: I said: O Messenger of Allah جزاك الله خيرا [Jazaakallhu Khayran], The Prophet(pbuh) said: وَأَنْتُمْ فَجَزَاكُمُ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا [Wa Antum Fa Jazakumullahu khayran] And you too, May Allah reward to with Khayr].)

7 Ways to Improve Your Ways to Improve Your Relationship With The Qur’an insha’Allah :

7 Ways to Improve Your Ways to Improve Your Relationship With The Qur’an insha’Allah :


“وَقَالَ الرَّسُولُ يَا رَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِي اتَّخَذُوا هَٰذَا الْقُرْآنَ مَهْجُورًا”

“O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur’an as a thing (abandoned)” [Surah 25: 30]


ARE you one of those people who rarely touch the Qur’an? Or do you read daily, but don’t find it is having the impact on you that it should? Whatever the case may be, these are some simple tips that can help you connect with the Qur’an.

1. Before You touch it, Check Your Heart

The key to really benefiting from the Qur’an is to check your heart first, before you even touch Allah’s Book. Ask yourself, honestly, why you are reading it. Is it to just get some information and to let it drift away from you later? Remember that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was described by his wife as a “walking Qur’an”: in other words, he didn’t just read and recite the Qur’an, he lived it.

2. Do Your Wudu (Ablution)

Doing your Wudu is good physical and mental preparation to remind you that you’re not reading just another book. You are about to interact with God, so being clean should be a priority when communicating with Him.

3. Read Qur’an at Least 5 minutes everyday

Too often, we think we should read Qur’an for at least one whole hour. If you aren’t in the habit of reading regularly, this is too much. Start off with just five minutes daily. If you took care of step one, (God willing), you will notice that those five minutes will become 10, then half an hour, then an hour, and maybe even more Insha Allah!

4. Make sure you understand what you’ve read

Five minutes of reading the Qur’an in Arabic is good, but you need to understand what you’re reading. Make sure you have a good translation of the Qur’an in the language you understand best. Always try to read the translation of what you’ve read that day.

5. Remember, The Qur’an is more interactive than a CD

In an age of “interactive” CD-Roms and computer programs, a number of people think books are passive and boring. But the Qur’an is not like that. Remember that when you read the Qur’an, you are interacting with Allah. He is talking to you, so pay attention.

6. Don’t just read; listen too

There are now many audio cassettes and CDs of the Qur’an, a number of them with translations as well. This is great to put on your walkman or your car’s CD or stereo as you drive to and from work. Use this in addition to your daily Qur’an reading, not as a replacement for it.

7. Make Du’a (Supplication)

Ask Allah to guide you when you read the Qur’an. Your aim is to sincerely, for the love of Allah, interact with Him by reading, understanding and applying His blessed words. Making Dua to Allah for help and guidance will be your best tool for doing this Insha Allah!