The Beauty and Mercy in the Crying Eye....

Sometimes in order to help He makes us cry.
Happy the eye that sheds tears for His sake.
Fortunate the heart that burns for His sake.
Laughter always follows tears.
Blessed are those who understand.
Life blossoms wherever water flows.
Where tears are shed divine mercy is shown.

-Rumi, "Mathnawi"

Remember Allah for Allah to Remember You

Allah says, "I am with My servant when he remembers Me and his lips move in My service."

- Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Abu Hurairah

This Religion is Easy....

This religion is easy.
Do not make it a rigor, or you shall be overcome.
Be steadfast, seek the closeness of Allah, grow in virtue, and implore His appeasement day and night.

- Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abu Hurairah

Colin Powell on Religion in the U.S.

"...He's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, what if he is (i.e. a Muslim)? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America," Powell said. "Is there something wrong with some 7-year-old Muslim-American kid believing that he or she could be president?"

- Former U.S. Sec. of State Colin Powell, responding to a question about Barack Obama's religion

Love is Selfless Not Selfish

Title Love is Selfless Not Selfish Question Two married felt true love for each other. Over the years their love flourished as pure as it can be -- without any physical or sexual desires - a real soulmate love. Although you can come with all different opinions about how bad this is, the two are so much in love that they believed in the Akhirah (the Hereafter) so strongly that they can envision being there together. Both of them pray to Allah to make them be together in the Hereafter. However during one meeting they somehow did commit zina (fornication) and now they are in repentance. Now they don't have sexual desires, but then no one would believe this kind of love existed. Anyway, they think the only way out (which they tried to avoid in the first place in order not to destroy the two homes etc..) is to get divorced and then marry each other, because they just can not stop talking to or seeing each other, but they do not want to continue this life. Can each get divorce or khula` (wife's request for divorce) from their spouses and get married? They did not inform their spouses about the bad part, which happened all of sudden but the spouses from both parties know they these two love each other. The option of not talking is not there as most likely it will cause them to die for sure or be like the living dead. Question -, is the path explained valid, and how can one repent with what happened? Please do not reply with a typical judgment as the matter is very, very complicated, we need your guidance not a fatwa please.. Date 08/Oct/2008 Name of Counsellor

Answer

In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful.

May He bestow His peace and blessings on His messenger, Muhammad, his family, Companions, and all of those who follow them sincerely.

As salamu `alaykum,
Dear brother, thank you for writing to us with your question. It is a bit difficult to make out the situation as you explain it, but I will try my best to answer the question as best I can given my level of understanding as to what you are asking.

It is always important, in this type of forum, that we ask questions with sincerity and openness, and not try to qualify our questions with, “well, I’m interested in what you have to say as long as long as it’s not A,B or C.” You mentioned in your question that you do not want us to answer you in a judgmental way, that you want us to provide you with ‘guidance.’ The way you pose your question indicates that you are looking for a particular response, or, more bluntly, that you would like us to ‘endorse’ your actions due to their ‘complexity’ and because of the intensity of emotions experienced between the two parties involved. Well, unfortunately, we cannot provide ‘guidance’ in such a manner. We must be honest and tell you what we think based on our knowledge and experience, as well as our understanding of the situation as you have explained it.

That’s all we have to go on.
Quite frankly, some of the things you say in your question make little sense. For example, you say that the two parties have no sexual desires for one another, but did commit adultery, and then after they committed adultery, they again had no sexual feelings for one another. This makes no sense. The whole point of the Islamic teaching of people of opposite sexes keeping safe distance from one another, both physically and socially, is to avoid this very thing – temptation. This is not a mere cultural practice, but rather a practical method for keeping our human temptations and desires in check.

It’s called preventive medicine. Many so-called intelligent people like to say that this is ridiculous, that grown men and women are mature enough to have social relations with one another without it necessarily turning into sexual relations. If so, why are there so many extra-marital affairs going on in the world, leading to divorces, domestic violence, broken homes and the like? How many such affairs start at places like the office, where so-called ‘harmless’ social contact can so easily blossom into a full-blown extra-marital love affair? Does Allah not know us better than we know ourselves? We think we are so smart, yet the facts and numbers are proof that we are not.

The situation you are in now is a difficult one. As you have requested, I will not give you a fatwa because I am not qualified to do so, however, your question – can these two people now both request divorce due to their love affair with one another – requires a fatwa of some sort. You are asking a question that is related to legal matters, i.e. can they legitimately ask for divorce given the circumstances. That particular question I cannot answer. As such, it is difficult for me to answer your question, other than to say that regardless of how much these two people love each other, the bottom line is that their love for one another appears greater than their love for Allah, as they have already committed adultery yet insist on moving forward with the illicit relationship. That’s not being judgmental, that’s the simple fact of the situation.

Reality is reality. You say that the two are afraid to destroy their respective homes, but based on what they have done already it seems as though that’s going to happen regardless. Especially since the two insist that their desperate love for one another must continue. Their homes are already in trouble, brother, first by being involved in this kind of relationship and secondly by committing adultery. Unless something dramatic is done quickly, I fear that further damage to the homes will ensue.

True love is not destructive, brother. True love is selfless, it’s sacrifice for the other - it’s wanting the best for another. It’s a state where individual desires disappear and one’s life becomes a vehicle for service of the other. There is no more wanting for ourselves, only for others for the sake of God. Thus the adage, “If you love somebody, set them free….” That is true love and it is only love of God that can bring us that love. Love is not “I gotta have this person at all costs and no matter who and what I destroy in the process…” Love is, “I want whatever is best for this person, regardless of what I GET out of it!” And whatever is best for another includes their life in this world and the life to come. There is no true love, however, that destroys homes and souls by committing capital crimes in God’s eyes. That is not true love.

The first thing I think that needs to be done before any action should be taken is sincere tawbah/repentance for what has taken place between these two people. Only with sincere repentance and then asking Allah for guidance can there be any honest attempt to resolve the situation in a way that is healthy. Otherwise, these two people will be merely following their nafs/desires’ wishes, causing more destruction in their wake. Right now, I sense that these two people are blinded by their love/lust for one another and are not capable of making clear judgments as to what is best. They need to, though, before they do any more harm to their families and themselves.

If they are sincere, as you say, in their desire to be together in the Akhirah, then they have to come to their senses now in this life and realize that the path they are on is certainly not going to bring them together in the Akhirah in any desirable state. They need to realize this and put their lives and their actions in perspective. Their prayers to be together in the life to come will be answered, in sha-Allah, if they are able to control themselves and act within the bounds of God’s laws and guidance. Only by doing so will they realize their dreams of being together in the life to come.

How Hard it is to be Human!

Angels were created without lust and evil, the worst obstacles of humankind.
Those who, despite their evil nature, remain pious excel angels in rank.

Enthused by their purity angels denounced the human race, so God chose three angels to go to the earth and reform its inhabitants.
One angel, espying the corruption, begged God to let him return.
The other two, in their earthly form, gave in to lust and fell from grace.
Thus God revealed to the other angels the superiority of the devout.

-Al-Hujwiri, “The Kashf al-Mahjub”

Real Faith

Real faith is having complete trust in God.
It is the belief in the wisdom which comes from the Unseen.
Such certainty can only be attained through the knowledge that emerges with divine help.

-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"

The Formula for Paradise...

Worship the Merciful, feed the hungry, and spread peace.
You shall then enter Paradise in peace.

-Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as reported by Abd’Allah bin Amr

Fear and Hope: Two Pillars of Faith

Fear and hope are two pillars of faith.
By practicing either one of them a person will not fall into error,
because both fear and hope lead to union.
Those who fear devote themselves to God through fear of separation from Him,
and those who hope worship in hope of realizing the ultimate union.

-Al-Razi, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"

Best Time to Make Du’a

Life is all about belief in the unseen, the unseen that is more powerful than all the riches of this world. “Oh Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful, grant me a peaceful life in this world and the other.” A du'a - the only means of pleading with our Lord. Du’a or supplication brings us closer to Allah, helps us remember Him and proves our faith in Him. It is important to ask through Du’a at all times of need in our life. There are certain times when du'a is more likely to be accepted by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) as mentioned by the Prophet (PBUH). These times are as follows:

1. The Last Third Of The Night

Abu Hurairah (Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SalAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)) descends to the lowermost heaven and says; “Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi]

Amr ibn Absah narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘The closest any worshipper can be to His Lord is during the last part of the night, so if you can be amongst those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.’ [At-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa’i, al-Hakim - Sahih]

2. Late at night

When people are sleeping and busy with worldly pleasures Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) gives the believers an opportunity, or an answer hour if they can fight sleep and invoke Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) for whatever they need.

The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘There is at night an hour, no Muslim happens to be asking Allah any matter of this world or the Hereafter, except that he will be given it, and this (occurs) every night.’ [Muslim #757]

3. Between Adhan and Iqamah

Anas (Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘A supplication made between the Adhan and Iqama is not rejected.’ [Ahmad, abu Dawud #521, at-Tirmidhi #212, Sahih al-Jami #3408, an-Nasai and Ibn Hibban graded it sahih (sound)]

4. An Hour on Friday

Narrated Abu Hurairah (Rali Allahu Anhu ): Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) talked about Friday and said:
‘There is an hour on Friday and if a Muslim gets it while offering Salat (prayer) and asks something from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), then Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) will definitely meet his demand.’ And he the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) pointed out shortness of that particular time with his hands. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Some have said that this hour is from the time the Imam (prayer’s leader) enters the mosque on Friday’s prayer until the prayer is over (ie between the two khutbahs), whereas others have said that it is the last hour of the day (ie after the Asr prayer until the Maghrib prayer).

(Note: when we say an hour here we do not mean the hour everyone knows (60 minutes) but an unspecified period of time because the time counters which we use today came after the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) had died.

5. While Drinking Zamzam Water

Jaber (Rali Allahu Anhu ) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Zamzam water is for what it is drunk for.’ [Ahmad 3: 357 and Ibn Majah #3062]

This means that when you drink Zamzam water you may ask Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) for anything you like to gain or benefit from this water such as healing from illness.... etc.

6. While Prostrating

Abu Hurairah (Rali Allahu Anhu ) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam), said:
‘The nearest a slave can be to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) much in it. [Muslim, abu Dawud, an-Nasa’i and others, Sahih al-Jami #1175]

When a Muslim is in his Salat (prayer) he is facing Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and when he prostrates he is the nearest he can be to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) so it is best to invoke Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) at this time. It is said that while in prostration, one should not ask for worldly needs (ie a nice car, a new job, etc), but for the Hereafter.

7. When Waking Up at Night

Narrated Ubada Bin As-Samit that Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Whoever wakes up at night and says La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shrika lahu lahulmulku, wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ala kulli shai’in qadir. Alhamdu lillahi, wa subhanallahi wa la ilaha illallahu, wallah akbir, wa la hawla wala quwata illa billah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) He is the only one who has no partners. His is the kingdom and all the praises are for Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) All the glories are for Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) And none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) is the most Great and there is neither might nor power except with Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and then says, Allahumma ighfir li (O Allah! Forgive me) or invokes Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), he will be responded to and if he makes ablution and performs Salat (prayer), his Salat (prayer) will be accepted. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

8. At The End Of The Obligatory Salat

Narrated Abu Omamah (Rali Allahu Anhu ): that Allah’s Messenger (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) was asked, O Messenger of Allah, which supplication is heard (by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), he said the end of the night and at the end of the obligatory Salat (prayer) [at-Tirmidhi] This time is after saying ‘At-tahyat’ , and before making Tasleem (finishing prayer)

9. The Night Of ‘Qadr’ (Decree)

This night is the greatest night of the year. This is the night which the almighty Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) said about it, “The night of Al-Qadar (Decree) is better than a thousand months.” [Surah al-Qadr, 97: 3]

The Night of Decree is one of the odd nights of the last ten nights of the blessed month of Ramadan. The angels descend down to the earth, and the earth is overwhelmed with peace and serenity until the break of dawn and when the doors of Paradise are opened, the worshipper is encouraged to turn to Allah to ask for his needs for this world and the Hereafter.

10. During The Rain

Narrated Sahel Ibn Sa’ad (Rali Allahu Anhu ): that the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Two will not be rejected, Supplication when the Adhan (call of prayer) is being called, and at the time of the rain’. [Al-Hakim 2: 114, and Abu Dawud #2540, ibn Majah]

‘Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’ [Reported by Imam al-Shafi’ in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]

The time of the rain is a time of mercy from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) so, one should take advantage of this time when Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) is having mercy on His slaves.

11. At the Adhan

‘Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’ [Reported by Imam al-Shafi’ in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]

In another hadith; ‘When the prayer is called, the doors of the skies are opened, and the du’a is answered’ [al-Tayalisi in his Musnad #2106, al-Sahihah #1413]

12. The One Who Is Suffering Injustice and Oppression

The Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said to Mua'ad Ibn Jabal (Rali Allahu Anhu ), 'Beware of the supplication of the unjustly treated, because there is no shelter or veil between it (the supplication of the one who is suffering injustice) and Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala)'
(Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) declared,
'Three men whose du'a is never rejected (by Allah) are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed" (Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan)

In another hadith; The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) declared: 'Three du'as are surely answered: The du'a of the oppressed, the du'a of the traveller, and the du'a of the father/mother (upon their child)'

The One who is suffering injustice is heard by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) when he invokes Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) to retain his rights from the unjust one or oppressor. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) has sworn to help the one who is suffering from injustice sooner or later as the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said.

13. The Traveller

The Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said; Three supplications will not be rejected by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveller. (al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih)

During travel supplication is heard by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) if the trip is for a good reason, but if the trip is for a bad intention or to perform illegal things (making sins) this will not apply to it.

14. The Parent's Supplication for their Child

The Messenger of Allah (SalAllahu alayhi wasalam) said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveller. [al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]

15. Dua after praising Allah and giving salat on the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wasalam) in the tashahhud at the end of salat.

Narrated Faddalah ibn Ubayd (Rali Allahu Anhu ): that the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said:
'When anyone of you makes du'a, let him start by glorifying his Lord and praising Him, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam), then let him pray for whatever he wants' [abu Dawud #1481, at-Tirmidhi #3477]

In another hadith; Baqiy ibn Mukhallid (Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated that that the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'Every du'a is not responded to until one sends blessings upon the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam)' [al-Bayhaqi]

In another hadith; Umar (Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said:
'Du'a is detained between the heavens and the earth and no part of it is taken up until you send blessings upon your Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam)' [at-Tirmidhi #486]
After a person has finished his tashahhud and before saying the 'salam', supplication at this time is one likely to be responded to. Ibn Mas'ud narrates: I was once praying, and the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam), Abu Bakr and Umar (were all present). When I sat down (in the final tashahhud), I praised Allah, then sent salams on the Prophet, then started praying for myself. At this, the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said:
'Ask, and you shall be given it! Ask, and you shall be given it!' (at-Tirmidhi #593 - hasan, Mishkat al-Misbah #931)

16. The dua of a Muslim for his absent brother or sister Muslim stemming from the heart.

The prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'There is no believing servant who supplicates for his brother in his absence where the angels do not say, 'the same be for you'' [Muslim]

17. Dua on the Day of Arafat

The Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafat'. [at-Tirmidhi and Malik]

The day of Arafat is the essence and pinnacle of Hajj. On this great and momentous day, millions of worshippers gather together on one plain, from every corner of the world, with only one purpose in mind - to response to the call of their Creator. During this auspicious day, Allah does not refuse the requests of His worshippers.

18. Dua during the month of Ramadan

Ramadan is month full of many blessings, thus the du'a of Ramadan is a blessed one. This can be inferred from the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) saying: 'When Ramadan comes, the Doors of Mercy (another narration says Paradise ) are opened, and the doors of Hell are closed, and the Sahitans are locked up'

Thus, it is clear that du'a during Ramadan has a greater chance of being accepted, as the Gates of Paradise and Mercy is opened. [Sahih al-Bukhari #1899, Muslim #1079 and others]

19. Dua when the Armies meet

When the Muslim is facing the enemy in battle, at this critical period, the du'a of a worshipper is accepted.
Sahl bn Sa'd(Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated the the Prophet Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said:
'Two dua's are never rejected, or rarely rejected: the du'a during the call for prayer, and the du'a during the calamity when the two armies attack each other' [abu Dawud #2540, ibn Majah, al-Hakim]

In another narration: 'Seek the response to your du'as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls' [Reported by Imam al-Shafi' in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]

20. When Muslims gather for the purpose of invoking and remembering Allah (Dhikrullah)

The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: If a group of people sit together remembering Allah, the angels will circle them, mercy will shroud them, peace will descend onto them and Allah will remember them among those with Him. [Muslim]

21. First Ten days of Dhul-Hijjah

The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said:
'There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than during these ten days' [Sahih al-Bukhai #969 and others]

22. At Midnight

Abu Umamah (Rali Allahu Anhu) said, the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) was questioned; 'Which du'a is heard (by Allah)?' He answered, 'At midnight and at the end of every obligatory prayer.' [At-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

23. Dua of people after the death of a person

In a long hadith, Umm Salamah (Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said, when Abu Salamah had just passed away, and had closed his eyes,
'Do not ask for yourselves anything but good, for the angels will say 'Ameen' to all that you ask for. O Allah, forgive Abu Salamah, and raise his ranks among those who are guided.' [Muslim, abu Dawud, Ahmad]

24. Dua of the one fasting until he breaks his fast

The Messenger of Allah (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveller. [al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]

25. Dua of the one fasting at the time of breaking fast

The prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) declared, 'Three men whose du'a is never rejected by Allah are: when a fasting person breaks fast (in another narration, the fasting person until he breaks his fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.' [Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

26. Dua of a just Ruler

The prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) declared, 'Three men whose du'a is never rejected by Allah are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.' [Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

27. Du'a of a son or daughter obedient to his or her parents

It is well known in the story narrated in hadith of three men who were trapped by a huge stone in a cave. One of them who was kind to kids and parents asked Allah to remove the stone, and his du'a was answered. [Sahih al-Bukhari 3:36 #472]

28. Dua immediately after wudu

Umar ibn Al-Khattab (Rali Allahu Anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'There is not one of you that makes wudu, and does it perfectly, then says: I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. He is Alone, having no partners. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger', except that the eight gates of Paradise are opened for him, and he can enter into it through whichever one He pleases'
[Muslim #234, abu Dawud #162, Ahmad, an-Nasa'i]
Saying what has been mentioned in the hadith that is directly related to it (ablution)

29. Dua after stoning the Jamarat at Hajj

The stoning of the small Shaitan (jamrat sugra), or the middle Shaitan (jamrat wusta) pillars during Hajj. It is narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) would stone the small Jamarah (one of the three pillars that is stoned in the last days of Hajj), then face the qiblah, raise his hands, and make du'a for a long time. He would then stone the middle Jamarah and do the same. When he stoned the large Jamarah, he would depart without making any du'a.
[Sahih al-Bukhari #1753 and others]

30. At the Crowing of a Rooster

Abu Hurairah (Rali Allahu Anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'When you hear a rooster crowing, then ask Allah for His bounties, for it has seen an angel, and when you hear a donkey braying, then seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, for it has seen a Shaitan' [Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad, Sahih al-Jami #611]

31. Du'a made inside the Ka'bah

The Ka'bah is a sanctuary that has no comparison in the entire world. The du'a of one who prays inside the hijr is considered as being made inside the ka'bah, as it is part of the house (Baitullah). [This is the semicircle to the right of the Ka'bah if you face the door, opposite to the Yemeni corner and the Black stone wall.]

Usamah ibn Zayd narrated, 'When the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) entered the House (Ka'bah), and he made du'a in all of its corners [Muslim 2: 968 and others]

32. Du'a on the mount of Safa or Marwah during Umrah or Hajj
It is narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) would make long du'as at Safa and Marwah. [Muslim #1218 and others]

33. While reciting Surah al-Fatihah

The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said that Allah the Exalted had said: ' I have divided the prayer into two halves between me and my servant, and my servant will receive what he asks for. When the servant says: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe, Allah the Most High says: My servant has praised Me. And when he (the servant) says: The Most Compassionate, the Merciful, and Allah the Most High says: My servant has lauded Me. When he (the servant) says: Master of the Day of Judgment, He remarks: My servant has glorified me, and sometimes He will say: My servant entrusted (his affairs) to Me. When he (the worshipper) says: Thee do we worship and of Thee do we ask help, He (Allah) says: This is between me and my servant, and my servant will receive what he asks for. Then, when he (the worshipper) says: Guide us to the straight path, the path of those to whom Thou hast been Gracious - not of those who have incurred Thy displeasure, nor of those who have gone astray, He (Allah) says: This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. [Muslim 4: 395]

34. Saying 'Ameen' during prayer

After finishing the recitation of Al-Fatihah, the saying of 'Ameen' in congregation.
The Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'When the Imam says 'Ameen', then recite it behind him (as well), because whoever's Ameen coincides with the Ameen of the angels will have all of his sins forgiven.' [Sahih al-Bukhari #780, Muslim #410 and others]

35. While visiting the sick, and dua made by the sick

Umm Salamah narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu alayhi wasalam) said:
'When you visit the sick, or the dead then say good, because the angels say 'Ameen' to whatever you say. [Muslim #2126]

Ali (Radhi Allahu Anhu ) reported that the Prophet (SalAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
'When a Muslim visits his sick Muslim brother in the morning, seventy thousand angels make dua for his forgiveness till the evening. And when he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels make dua for his forgiveness till the morning, and he will be granted a garden for it in Jannah.' [At-Tirmidhi, abu Dawud]

- Author unknown

Inspirational Story

Inspirational story

A young man had been to Wednesday Night Class of Quranic Studies. The Mualim had shared about listening to Allah and obeying Allah through intuition. The young man couldn't help but wonder, 'Does Allah still speak to people through intuition?' After Lessons, he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how Allah had led them in different ways and that at the end you'll know it was Allah(SWT) Who has directed you.

It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray, 'Allah...If you still speak to people, speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey.' As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and said out loud, 'Allah is that you?' He didn't get a reply and started on toward home. But again, the thought, buy a gallon of milk came into his head. 'Okay, Allah, in case that is you, I will buy the milk.' It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home. As he passed Seventh Street , he again felt the urge, 'Turn Down that street.' This is crazy he thought, and drove on past the intersection. Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street .. At the next intersection, he turned back and headed down Seventh. Half jokingly, he said out loud, 'Okay, Allah, I will.'

He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in a semi-commercial area of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed. Again, he sensed something, 'Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street.' The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat. 'Allah, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid.' Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk.

Finally, he opened the door, 'Okay Allah (SWT), if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something, but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here.' He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, 'Who is it? What do you want?' Then the door opened before the young man could get away. The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. 'What is it?' The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, 'Here, I brought this to you.'

The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway. Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face. The man began speaking and half crying, 'We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking Allah (SWT) to show me how to get some milk.' His wife in the kitchen yelled out, 'I ask him to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?'

The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face. He knew that Allah (SWT) still answers prayers."

If you put your whole trust in Allah, as you ought, He most certainly will satisfy your needs, as He satisfies those of the birds. They come out hungry in the morning, but return full to their nests." (Tirmidhi)"

What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of human beings, to feed the hungry, to help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, and to remove the sufferings of the injured." (Bukhari)

Moral: Allah swt always waits for us. He is ready to forgive us and answer our prayers. However it is us who need to get closer to Him. He is always there for us and waiting for us to ask for anything, yet we choose to do things on our own. Remember that He is the Creator and the Rabb of the universe and is willing to help you in your time of need. I believe it is time that we finally open our hearts and mind and submit ourselves to His will. This is a reminder to myself and to everyone else.

"O Rubb, grant me Your love, grant me that I love those who love You; grant me, that I might do the deeds that win Your love. Make Your love dearer to me than the love of myself, my family and wealth." (Tirmidhi)

Ameen.

Purity Does Not Lie in Rituals....

Since man is made of clay, he can never be completely pure.
Since clay is basically foul, how can humans escape their basic nature?
Purity does not lie in rituals, nor can human nature be changed by effort.
Those who love God and remain conscious only of their Beloved attain purity.

-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"

Your Lord Will be Unjust to No One...

The record of your deeds will be given to each of you.
And those of you who are sinners, will be horrified at what you read.
You will scream, and say: ‘I can hardly believe it! This book leaves out nothing; every action, both great and small, has been noted down.’
Yes, you will find an account of all that you have done.
Your Lord will be unjust to no one.

- Qur'an, Al-Kahf, Surah 18:49

How Forgiving is Allah....

A man went back to transgressing after he had sincerely asked forgiveness of God and swore never to sin again.

"How will God forgive me this time?" he asked in despair.

A heavenly voice responded, "You obeyed Me and I made amends for you, then you abandoned Me and I indulged you, and now that you returned to Me I shall receive you."

-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"

Many of the questions we get on Islamic cyber counseling have to do with this issue -- can Allah really be THAT forgiving? From what I have learned and experienced the key to fogiveness of course is sincere repentance. If we are truly sincere in our tawbah, then yes, Allah is that forgiving and more so, regardless of how many times we slip....

The Secrets of Prayer....

Prayer is that which enables the soul to realize its divinity.
Through prayer human beings worship absolute truth, and seek an eternal reward.
Prayer is the foundation-stone of religion; and religion is the means by which the soul is purified of all that pollutes it.
Prayer is the worship of the first cause of all things, the supreme ruler of all the world, the source of all strength.
Prayer is the adoration of the one whose being is necessary.

-Ibn Sina, “Kitab al-Najat”

A Checklist for Ramadhan

1. Ask Allah to enable you to reach Ramadan and to get the most out of it as the Salaf (early generation of pious people) used to do.

2. Intend to fast every day with Iman and pure intention seeking the reward from Allah alone. The Prophet peace be upon him said, "Whoever fasts in Ramadan with Iman and seeking reward (from Allah) his past sins will be forgiven". (Bukhari)

3. Read the whole Qur'an at least once as the Prophet peace be upon him did.

4. Have Suhoor as the Prophet peace be upon him said, "Have Suhoor because it is blessed".

5. Make Du'a during the fast because the Prophet peace be upon him said that three people's supplication is not rejected one of them is the fasting person. Ask for the good of this life and the next for yourself, your family and Muslims in general.

6. Make Dua before opening the fast. The Prophet peace be upon him said, "The fasting person has a supplication that is answered when he opens his fast".

7. Give Sadaqah and be good to people. The Prophet peace be upon him was the most generous of people and he was most generous in Ramadan.

8. Avoid anything that diminishes the fast such as, lying, backbiting, cheating, getting angry. The Prophet peace be upon him said "Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his (fasting) leaving his food and drink." [Bukhari]

9. Do not eat too much after Iftar.

10. Ask for forgiveness since this is the month Allah frees people from the fire.

11. Pray At-Tarawih. If you pray in the Masjid complete the Salah with the Imam. If you pray at home prolong the Salah as long as you can. The Prophet peace be upon him said, "Whoever prays during Ramadan with Iman and seeking reward (from Allah) his past sins will be forgiven".

12. Feed the poor and invite others for Iftar. The Prophet peace be upon him said, "Whoever gives Iftar to someone fasting he will have the same reward without decreasing the reward of the person fasting".

13. Try harder the last ten nights especially the odd nights. The prophet would strive in Ramadan more than he would in any other month and more so in the last ten days.

14. Say this Dua in the nights that Laitul-Qadr is likely to fall on: Allhumma innaka afuwun tuhibbul-afwa fa'fu anni (O Allah you are Forgiving and love forgiveness so forgive me).

15. Ask Allah to accept all your good actions during this month."Oh you who believe, what is the matter with you that when you are asked to march forward in the cause of Allah you cling heavily to the earth. Are you pleased with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter but little is the enjoyment of the life of this world as compared with the Hereafter." -Al Quran 9.3

Stand Up in Prayer at Night...

Listen, stand up in prayer during the night*,
for you are a candle,
and at night a candle stands and burns.

*Qur'an: Surah Al-Muzzamil (The Enwrapped One), 73:20

-Rumi, Mathnawi [IV, 1456]

The Month of Mercy has Arrived...

Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

-Qur'an, Al-Baqara, 2:185

How Just is the World...

I never saw anyone as just as the world.
As long as you pursue the world it will pursue you,
but when you turn away from it and seek God,
it will leave you alone and its glamour shall no longer fascinate you.

-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"

God is Incomparable....

In order to think about God, you may compare him with other beings;
but remember that he is incomparable.
In this way you will live in the house of truth.

-Ibn Arabi, “Fusus al-hikam”