Darul Uloom Deoband

Darul Uloom Deoband is an Islamic institution located in India in the town of Deoband. Its simplicity and hard work has resulted in spreading knowledge to all corners of the globe.

It was founded in 1866 by Maulana Muhammad Qasim Nanotwi (RH). The other prominent founding scholar was Moulana Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi (RH). Maulana Muhammad Qasim Nanotwi (RH) established the Darul Uloom Seminary in the town of Deoband to preserve the Islamic culture and teach the children and youth Islamic knowledge. The foundation of Darul Uloom Deoband was laid down in 1283 A.H (21 May 1866 C.E.) beneath a pomegranate tree. Maulana Muhammad Qasim Nanotwi (RH) stated that he was inspired to do this through a dream in which Prophet Muhammad (SAW) spoke to him.  Darul Uloom Deoband specialises in an eight year Aalim course. The majority of Aalim in England will find that there Sanad traces back to the Ulamma –e-Deoband.

Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (RA)

Hadhrat Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (RH) was born in 1248 AH (1852 AD) in the village of Nanota (Saharanpur district) and passed away at a young age of 49 in 1297 AH (1901 AD). The name of Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (RH) seems older than his life due to his prominence. In reality, this is the Barakah that Allah Ta’ala had granted him due to the life he lived. Hardhat Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (RH) title was Hujjatul Islam (the proof of Islam). He is a descendant of Sayyidina Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (RA). He was very bright, courageous and intelligent from childhood. He would always outshine his peers in all subjects. When Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (RH) was growing up he saw a dream in which he was standing on top of the Ka`ba and many streams were flowing out of him. He narrated this dream to his teacher, Maulana Mamlook Ali (RH), who remarked that streams of knowledge shall flow out of you benefiting the masses. 
Moulana Qasim Nanotwi (RA) finished the Quran at a very young age. Once he saw a dream that he was sitting above the Kabah Shareef and facing towards Baghdad. There was a stream flowing from there, which touched his feet. The interpretation of the dream was that Hanafi knowledge would spread through Maulana Qasim Nanotwi (RH). Maulana Qasim (RH) possessed only one pair of clothes throughout his life and a lungi; when the pair of clothes got dirty he’d take it off and wear the lungi, wash and dry it and then put it back on. 
Once a group of people who were against Maulana Qasim (RH) planned to mock him. They asked him to perform the Janaazah Salaah of a boy. They told the boy to lie down in a shroud and pretend to be dead, after the Salaah, they would give him a signal and he would get up. The Maulana was aware of their plan due to his connection with Allah, so he refused to perform it. Again they asked him and again he declined. Finally he agreed. After the Salaah was complete the people signaled to the boy to get up but he would not do so. Maulana Qasim (RH) then said, "He will not wake up until the Day of Judgement."
The moral of the story is not to be disrespectful towards the friends of Allah. If you cannot respect them then keep your distance, there is no need to make insulting comments or broadcast your opinion, this is not what Islam teaches. 

The moral of the story is to not disrespect and hold enmity against the friends of Allah and if you cannot respect them, then keep your distance from them.

"And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the Earth easily, and when the ignorant addresses them (harshly), they respond with (words of) peace." (25:63)

Moulana Rashid AhmedGangohi (RA)

Moulana Rashid Ahmed Gangohi (RA) was born on the 10^th May 1829/1826 and he passed away on the 11^th August 1903. His age was 76/79. He was educated by Moulana Hajji Imdaduallah Muhajir Makki (RA). He is from among the descendants of Hadhrat Abu Ayyub Ansari (RA). When Nabi Kareem (SAW) made Hijrah, Hadhrat Abu Ayyub Ansari (RA) hosted him. It is important to mention that Hadhrat Moulana (RA) lost his father at a very young and tender age of seven. Moulana (RA) was actually raised as an orphan. The maternal uncles of Moulana Rashid Ahmed Gangohi (RA) nurtured him and took great care of him and were known to be great Ulamas. Hadhrat Moulana Rashid Ahmed Gangohi (RA) memorized the Quran in approximately one year and in the following year, he performed Taraweeh. It would be surprising to know that apart from Hadhrat Moulana (RA) being a very powerful Aalim, and a person who reached the heights of spirituality, he was also a doctor. Hardhat Moulana passed away in Gangoh in 1905 at a very blessed time on a Friday after the Jummah Azaan.

Moulana Husain Ahmed Madni (RA)

After graduating from the Darul Uloom Deoband, he migrated to Madina with his family. He began teaching Arabic grammar, Usul Al-Fiqh, Usul al-hadith, and other Kitaabs. He spent 18 years teaching these various Islamic literatures in Madinah in front of Nabi Kareem (SAW)'s Rawdhah Mubarak. He was then appointed as a head teacher and "Shaikhul Hadith" of Darul Uloom Deoband. He fulfilled this position for approximately 28/33 years. He was for wearing his kafan on his head as a turban by many people. When Sheikh (RA) was arrested for the Indian subcontinent's struggle for independence, he gave this response, "The most that you can do to me is hang me, shoot me  or martyr me as I have brought my shroud on my shoulder as I am fully prepared for my death."

In regards to the Muslims he mentioned, "If you do not know what we are then let me tell you we are the essence of Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) and the strength of Imam Malik (RA), we are the steadfastness of Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal (RA); the purity of heart of Hardhat Mujaddid Al-Thani (RA); the insight of Hadhrat Shah Waliullah Muhaddith Dehlawi (RA), and we are the heirs of those people who have died and sacrificed to bring us our religion. So you may be able to take our lives but you will never be able to take our Islam from our hearts." 
After this speech they let Sheikh (RA) go as they didn't know what to say to him.

May Allah grant us all the tawfeeq to follow in the footsteps of the Ulamma e- Deoband. May Allah grant them all Jannatul Firdaus and fill their qabr with Noor. May Allah grant the knowledge they have taught people as a means of Sadaqah Jaariyah until the Day of Qiyaamah.

Ameen.

Events

Annual Youth Conference

Challenge

Ignorance is not bliss...

Ask of your Lord..

Seerah Bayaan

"Here I am"

All night, a man called “Allah”

Until his lips were bleeding.
Then the Devil said, “Hey ! Mr Gullible !
How come you’ve been calling all night and never once heard Allah say, “Here, I am” ?
You call out so earnestly and, in reply, what ?
I’ll tell you what. Nothing !

The man suddenly felt empty and abandoned. 
Depressed, he threw himself on the ground and fell into a deep sleep.
In a dream, he met Abraham, who asked,
“Why are you regretting praising Allah ?”

The man said, “I called and called, 
But Allah never replied, “Here I am.”
Abraham explained, “Allah has said,
“Your calling my name is My reply.
Your longing for Me is My message to you.
All your attempts to reach Me
Are in reality My attempts to reach you.
Your fear and love are a noose to catch Me.
In the silence surrounding every call of “Allah”
Waits a thousand replies of “Here I am.”
- Molana Jalaluddin Rumi (RH) - 

Update

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, Most Merciful,

Just a quick update, I have a habit of collecting stories, quotes and images which I find inspirational or moving or just because they're beautiful..
So I have decided to dedicate a page for them so that I you can view them too!!

http://jameahalaqah.blogspot.co.uk/p/soul-food.html

If you have a picture that you want me to upload then leave a comment :)

Wasalaam

Here's a sneak peak..

Surah Yaseen & its virtues

It is commonly known that Surah Yaseen is the “heart” of the Quran.

Why is this?

In our bodies, the heart is considered to be the most important organ. It supplies the entire body with blood to keep us functioning. Without the heart, the body cannot live. It is to emphasise the great importance of Surah Yaseen that it is called the “heart” of the Quran.

Therefore, reading Surah Yaseen comes with many benefits which true believers must not miss out on.

Surah Yaseen is a Makkan surah, revealed during the time the Messenger of Allah (SAW) lived in Makkah.

The Makkan Surahs focus upon three main aspects of Imaan (faith):

• Tawhid (the Oneness of Allaah)

• Risalah (that he is a messenger sent by Allah to guide all of creation and he receives divine revelation)

• The reality of the al-Aakhirah and what will be encountered therein.

Surah Ya-Sin’s (36) placement within the mus-haf, it follows Saba (34) and Faatir (35) which are also Makkan Surahs. Saba and Faatir are also Makkan Surahs so there focus is to discuss Tawhid, Risalah, and Al-Aakhirah.

Ya-Sin continues with these themes, but it takes a different tone. It starts by focusing more heavily on the Prophethood of Muhammad (SAW). Faatir did discuss the Prophethood and the importance of believing in the Messenger of Allah (SAW), but mainly focuses on Tawhid. Surah Ya-Sin places a heavy emphasis on the Prophethood of Muhammad (SAW).

There are many Ahaadith which talk about the benefits of reading Surah Yaseen. In today’s Halqah, we shall take a look at several hadith which mention the benefits of reading Surah Yaseen.

What are some of the benefits of reading Surah Yaseen?

1. Reading Surah Yaseen at the beginning of the day causes Allah to fulfil all your needs for that day.

Hadhrat ‘Ataa’ bin Abi Ribaah (RA) says that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is reported to have said, “ Whoever reads Surah Yaseen in the beginning of the day, all his needs for that day are fulfilled.”

2. Reading Surah Yaseen is equivalent to reading the whole Quran 10 times.

“Everything has a heart and the heart of the Glorious Quran is Surah Yaseen. Whoever reads Surah Yaseen, Allah records for them a reward equal to that of reading the whole Quran 10 times.” [Maqal, Tirmidhi 2812/A &Dhahabi]

3. Reading Surah Yaseen and memorising Surah Yaseen invokes the blessings of Allah.

It is said that Allah recited Surah Yaseen and Surah Taha 1000 years before the creation of Heaven and Earth, and upon hearing this, the angels said, “Blessing is for the Ummah unto whom the Quran will be sent down; blessing is for the hearts that will memorise it, and blessing is for the tongues that will recite it.”

4. Reading Surah Yaseen invokes the mercy of Allah to forgive your sins.

“Whoever reads Surah Yaseen for the pleasure of Allah alone, all his earlier sins are forgiven. Therefore make a practice of reading this Surah over your dead.”

Read Surah Yaseen at every beginning of the day and every end of the day to have your prayers answered. Make sure you read it with knowledge and understanding. If you do not know Arabic, read a trusted translation of the Surah.

5. Reading Surah Yaseen benefits the reader in this life as well as in the Hereafter.

According to one hadith, Surah Yaseen is named in the Torah as “Mun’imah” i.e. Giver of Good Things. This is because it contains benefits of the reader both in this world and the next. It removes from them the afflictions of this worlds and the next. Surah Yaseen also takes away the dread of the next life. [Hashiya (footnote) of Tafsir Jalalalayn, pg 368].

6. Reading Surah Yaseen exalts the status of the believers both in this world and the next.

Surah Yaseen is also known as “Raafi’ahKhaafidhah” i.e. that which exalts the status of the believers and degrades the unbelievers. According to a Riwayat (narration), Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “My heart desires that Surah Yaseen should be present in the heart of everyone of my ummah.” So memorise Surah Yaseen to reap its benefits.

Imam Ghazali (RH) has said,

"Soundness of faith rests on acknowledging resurrection and judgment."

Since Surah Yaseen talks about both resurrection and judgement in a detailed manner, it contains so many virtues.

7. Reading Surah Yaseen causes you to die as a Shaheed.

According to one hadith, if anyone recites Surah Yaseen every night and then dies, they die as a Shaheed (martyr).

8. Reading Surah Yaseen wipes out sins, alleviates hunger and guides the lost.

“Whoever reads Surah Yaseen is forgiven; whoever reads it in hunger is satisfied; whoever reads it having lost their way, finds their way; whoever reads it on losing an animal, finds it. When one reads it apprehending that their food will run short, that food becomes sufficient. If one reads it beside a person who is in the throes of death, these are made easy for them. If anyone reads it on a woman experiencing difficulty in child-birth, her delivery becomes easy.”

Imam Tibi explained in his commentary on Mishkat al-Masabih that Surah Yaseen was called ‘the Heart of the Quran "because of what it contains of overwhelming proofs, decisive signs, subtle spiritual meanings, eloquent admonition, and stern warning."

9. Reading Surah Yaseen abolishes fear from your heart.

Maqri (RH) said, “If Surah Yaseen is read by one who fears the ruler or an enemy, one gets rid of this fear.”

10. Reading Surah Yaseen makes your dua’s to be answered.

According to one hadith, if somebody reads Surah Yaseen and Surah Was-Saaffaat on Friday and begs Allah something, their prayer is granted.

11. Read Surah Yaseen in the night for all your sins to be forgiven.

The Prophet said, ‘Whoever recited Surah Yasin in the night seeking Allah’s pleasure, Allah would forgive him’ [Ibn Hibban, Darimi 3283/A, Abu Yala, Tabarani, Baihaqi& Ibn Mardawaih]

Imam Malik (RH)

Abu Abdullah Malik ibn Anas ibn Malik ibn Abi Aamir 

Imam Malik (RH) was born in the year 93 AH. His family was originally from the al-Ashabi tribe of Yeme, but his grandfather Abu Amir relocated the family to Madinah after converting to Islam in 623 CE. Both his father and grandfather had studied religious sciences under the Companions of the Prophet (SAW), who still lived in Madinah so young Malik was raised in an environment that was based on Islamic scholarship, learning from his father and uncle.

Living in Madina gave Imam Malik access to some of the most learned minds of early Islam. 
He memorized the Quran in his youth and learnt the recitation.  For the purpose of his study, he sought out over 300 Tabi’een- those who saw the Ashaab of Prophet (SAW), and acquired from them the knowledge of the Ahaadeeth and Sunnah.

Imam Malik’s Character    

Besides being one of the greatest scholars of fiqh in history, Imam Malik was an incredibly humble and meticulous Muslim. Out of respect for the Prophet (SAW) and his words, he would refuse to narrate a hadith while walking. Instead, when asked about a hadith, he would stop, sit down, and give the hadith the attention it deserved.

The Imam always made Wudhu or Ghusl, wore fresh clean clothes and applied perfume before conducting lessons in Ahaadeeth.  

He would also refuse to ride any animal in the city of Madinah, seeing it as mysterious that he would ride on the same dust that Muhammad (SAW) feet walked on. This type of extra respect for Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is not compulsory according to Islamic law, but simply a sign of the emphasis Imam Malik (RH) placed on the importance of Muhammad (SAW).

Imam Malik’s characteristics

-Imam Malik was very cautious in procuring Fatwa. Procure

-Imam Malik was very active within the conduct of Sunnah

-Imam Malik hated Bidaah 

-Matters of belief (Aqaaid) were very religiously followed by way of Qur’an and Sunnah.

- Although during Imam Malik’ s era there were many sects that arose, yet Imam Malik (RH) refrained from enjoining with these.

- When the Holy Prophet (SAW) was mentioned, the colour of Imam Malik’s (RH) face would change.  

Imam Malik’s death:

During the last few years of his life, Imam Malik (RH) preferred to remain alone. He never even used to attend the Jamaa’ at Friday prayer and used to say that not everyone can openly explain themselves. On Monday 14th of Rabi-ul-Awwal 179 AH, Imam Malik (RH) passed away.      

Imam Shafi’ee

Abu Abdulillah Muhammad bin Idrees ash Shafi'ee

Imam Shafi’ee (RH) was born in the year 150 AH which was the year the Great Imam Abu Hanifah had passed away in. He was born in Gaza in Palestine.Imam Shafi'ee belonged to the Qurayshi Clan of Banu Mutallib, the sister clan of the Banu Hashim (to which the Prophet (SAW) belonged.

At the age of two, the Imam's father passed away in Syria so his mother decided to move to Makkah. The maternal family of Imam Shafi'ee (RH) were from Yemen and there were more members of the family in Makkah where his mother believed he would be better taken care of. He had a very good memory and memorised the whole Quran by the age of seven. He then began to study Fiqh and memorised the most popular book of Fiqh at the time; Imam Malik (RH)'s Muwatta', by the age of ten. 

Imam Shafi'ee (RH) then moved to Madinah to acquire further knowledge, as was the tradition at the time. His mother could not afford paper, so he would write his lessons on bones. In Madinah he was taught by the famous Imam Malik ibn Anas (RH).

He was an accomplished archer, a poet, and some accounts call him the most eloquent of his time. Some accounts claim that there were a group of Bedouins who would come and sit only to listen to him, not for the sake of learning, but just to listen to the Imam's eloquent use of language.

One of his companions, Ibn Hisham, noted that “I never heard him [Imam Shafi'i (RH)] use anything other than a word which, carefully considered, one would not find a better word in the entire Arabic language.”

Distinctive characteristics of Imam Shafi'ee (RH)

-He keenly practiced upon attributes that were praised within Ahaadeeth and Qur’an, and was a flawless exemplary character.                                   

-Independence and generosity: Imam Shafi’ee (R.A) restrained himself from the rest of the world; he was independent, generous, broad-minded and very understanding.                                                                                              

-Intelligence and eloquence: Abu Ubayd has related that, "I have never seen anyone as knowledgeable and talented as Shafi’ee (R.A), and no-one as perfect as him."

Description and appearance    

-Handsome: Muzani has narrated, "I have never seen anyone as handsome as Imam Shafi’ee (R.A). The complexion of his cheeks was fair, and when he used to stroke his beard it was never more than a handful.

- He liked scent. Whichever pillar he used to lean against whilst teaching, the fragrance would linger onto the pillar." 

Having studied both schools of fiqh, as well as having a vast knowledge of authentic hadith, Imam al-Shafi’ee sought to introduce a clear methodology for fiqh – known as usul al-fiqh. It was meant to provide a reasonable way to derive Islamic law. In it, Imam al-Shafi’ee outlines four main sources from which Islamic law can be derived:

1. The Quran

2. The Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad   

3. Consensus (agreement) among the Muslim community

4. Qiyas           

His Death:
The Imam became very sick at the end of his life and passed away in Egypt on Thursday night after Isha Prayer after performing Maghrib Prayer on the last day of Rajab. He was buried in Cairo, Egypt on Friday in the year 204 A.H. (819/820 A.D.) 

May Allah be pleased with him. Ameen.     

PLEASE SHARE!! 

Reflection...

Rabia Basriyyah (RH)

Name: Rabi'a al-Adawiyyah al-Qaysiyya

Date of birth: Betweeen 95 and 99 Hijri

Place of birth: Basra, Iraq

Rabia Basri is a role model for all Muslim women. Despite Rabia not leaving any written work herself, her earlier life has been compiled by Farid al-Din Attar.

Born in 95 A.H. in Basra in a poor but respected family, she was the fourth daughter of her father. She was born in a dark night. The family was so poor that there was no oil in the lamp even to light it. Her sister asked her father to get some oil from the neighbour’s house, but he said he would never ask anyone for any help except Allah.

When he slept with a heavy heart, he dreamed that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came to him and said, “Don't grieve, your newborn daughter is a favourite of the Lord and will lead many Muslims to the right path. You should approach the Amir of Basra and present him a letter with a message that every night he is wont to offer 100 daroods to me and on Friday nights 400. But this Friday he did not offer daroods, so tell him that as a penalty he must give you 400 dinars.”

Rabia’s father got up and went straight to the Amir. The Amir was delighted on receiving the message. He distributed 1,000 dinars to the poor and joyously gave 400 to Rabia's father. The Amir then asked Rabia’s father to come to him whenever he needed anything as it was an honour for him to help somebody liked by Allah.

After the death of her father, Basra was hit by famine. Rabia got separated from her sisters and left alone. She was with a caravan that was attacked by robbers. The chief of the robbers took Rabia as captive and sold her as a slave. Rabia’s new master used to make her do hard work.

One day while she was going out, a man chased her. She ran to save herself but fell down and broke her arm. Thereupon, she prayed to Allah, “I am a poor orphan and a slave. Now my hand is broken. But I do not mind these things if Thou be pleased with me...”

Rabia used to spend the whole night in prayer after finishing her household work. She used to fast regularly. Once when her master woke up in the middle of the night he was attracted by Rabia's prayer:

“My Lord! You know well that my desire is to carry out Your commandments and to serve You with all my heart. O Light of my eyes. If I were free I would spend the whole day and night in prayers. But what should I do when You have made me slave of a human being?”

The master felt that it was sacrilegious to keep her as a slave. He freed her and offered her the choice of staying with him or leaving. She told him she wanted to carry on her worship in solitude. She went to the desert and devoted herself to worship. Her mentor was Hassan Basri.

She devoted herself to prayers. Later she set out for Haj. Rabia reached Makkah and there she met Ibrahim Adham who also performed Haj that year.

Throughout her life, her love of God, poverty and self-denial remained her constant companions. She spent all night in prayer and contemplation. As her fame grew she had many disciples. Though she had many offers of marriage, and even one from the Amir of Basra, she refused them as she had no time in her life for anything other than the Love of Allah.

Once when asked why she did not marry she replied:

“If you free me from having to worry about three things, I will marry. First of all, at the moment of death, shall my faith be sufficient to bring me to salvation? Second, will the Book of my deeds be given to me in my left or right hand? Third, on that hour when a party of people are called forth on the left hand to Hell, and another group from the right hand are summoned to Heaven, which company will I belong to? And further when I am interrogated in the grave by the two angels, shall I be able to answer their questions?”

Once Malik Bin Dinaar visited Rabia Basri. He found in her home a partly broken pitcher which she used for ablution and drinking water, a very old straw-mat on which she slept and a brick which she used as a pillow. He said to her, “I have many affluent friends. Shall I ask them to bring some items for you?”

Rabia Basri said, “O Malik! Is my Provider, your Provider and the Provider of the wealthy, not the same?” Malik said, “Yes.” Rabia then said, “Has He forgotten about the needs of the poor on account of their poverty, while he remembers the needs of the wealthy?” Malik said, “It is not so.” Rabia then said, “When He never forgets anyone, why should we remind Him? He has wished this condition for me and I am pleased with it, because it is, His pleasure.”

Rabia has taught us that repentance is a gift from Allah because no one can repent unless Almighty Allah allows him to do so.

Ibn Al-Jawzi relates that at the time of her death, she called Abda Bint Abi Showal and told her that no one be informed of her death and that she be shrouded only in her old robe for burial. When her last hour came, leading sheikhs gathered around her, but she told them to “Go out and leave place for the Angels.” They all went out and closed the door. While they were waiting outside, they heard from inside a voice reciting: “O soul at rest and peace! Return to your Lord...” For a long while thereafter there was silence. When they went inside, they found that she had passed away.

The Book of Assistance

In the name of Allah, the most Gracious Most Merciful

Asalaamu Alaykum

Recently, I started reading this book..and somehow stumbled across a PDF version..

I really do recommend it..

It is called the Book of Assistance by Imam Abdullah bin Alalwi al Haddad.

The book deals with certain aspects of Sufism and how to develop a flawless connection with Allah. The chapters are quite short so it is ideal for those with busy schedules.

http://sunnahmuakada.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/the-book-of-assistance1.pdf

Update

In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful.
Asalaamu Alaykum wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakaatuh

I apologise to all students who have been scouring the blog in search of notes and have left empty handed.

The past few weeks have indeed been quite hectic..

Fear not, I will (Insha'Allah) have the notes posted as soon as possible..

WATCH THIS SPACE! 
I pray that everyone's exams went well but more so that we all pass the Imtihaan of the Hereafter with even greater success. Ameen. 

Dua ma Khaas yaad. 

The video is a must watch for all..please spare some time to listen to what the Shaykh has to say, I guarantee that there is a lesson in it for all of us..

Miswaak and it's virtues

Ahadith pertaining to the use of Miswaak:

The Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said:

“Had I not feared it being difficult on my Ummah I would have ordered them to make miswaak (i.e. I would have made it compulsory.)” (Bukhari 7240)

'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said,

"The Miswaak (tooth-stick) cleanses and purifies the mouth and pleases the Rabb.”

 Abu Ayyub (RA) narrates that Rasulullah (SAW) said:

“Four things are amongst the practices of the Ambiyaa —circumcision, application of perfume, Miswaak and marriage'." (AHMAD AND TIRMIZI)

How to use a Miswaak:

The method of using the miswaak is one should use it horizontally. If a miswaak is not available then a person is permitted to use his finger but should not make this a habit.

A miswaak should be held in such a manner that the small finger and thumb is below the miswaak and the remaining fingers on its upper side.

The following duaa should also be recited at the time of using the Miswaak:

“Allahuma Tahir fame wa nawir Qalbee  wa tahir badanee wa haraama jasadee Alan naar.”
Translation: "O Allah, Purify my mouth: Enlighten my heart: Purify my body; And make my body unlawful to the Fire."
(BUNAYAH)

As mentioned earlier, if a Miswaak is not available then a person may use his/her finger instead, however a person should make the intention that the finger is being used as a substitute and InshaAllah the reward will be written.     

Benefits of Miswaak:

Miswaak has many benefits. The smallest benefit is it removes illness and the greatest benefit is it reminds one of Shahada at the time of death. The best miswaak is that of the Arak and then that of the olive.

1. Miswaak strengthens the gums and prevents tooth decay.
2. Miswaak assists in eliminating toothaches and prevents further increase of decay which has already set in.
3. Miswaak creates a fragrance in the mouth.
4. Miswaak is a cure for illness.
5. Miswaak eliminates bad odours and improves the sense of taste.
6. Miswaak sharpens the memory.
7. Miswaak is a cure for headaches.
8. Miswaak creates noor (lusture) on the face of the one who continually uses it.
9. Miswaak causes the teeth to glow.
10. Miswaak strengthens the eyesight.
11. Miswaak assists in digestion.
12. Miswaak clears the voice.
13. The greatest benefit of using miswaak is gaining the pleasure of Allah.
14.  The reward of Salaah (Prayers) is multiplied 70 times if Miswaak was used before it.

Occasions when Prophet (SAW) used a miswaak;

MISWAAK UPON ENTERING HOME

Shuraih (RA) narrates that he asked Aisha (R): 'What was the first thing Rasulullah (SAW) did upon entering the house?'

Aisha (RA) replied:  'Rasulullah (SAW) would use the Miswaak'."

(MUSLIM)

MISWAAK BEFORE AND AFTER MEALS

Abu Hurairah (RA) said:

"I have used the Miswaak before sleeping, after rising, before eating and after eating, ever since I heard the Nabi (SAW) advising so'."

(AHMAD)

MISWAAK BEFORE RECITING THE HOLY QUR'AAN

Hadhrat Ali (RA) said:

'Verily, your mouths are the pathways of the Qur'aan (i.e. you recite with your mouth), therefore cleanse your mouth with the Miswaak thoroughly'."

(IBN MAJAH)

MISWAAK WHEN FASTING

Aamir Bin Rabiyah (RA) narrates:

'I have seen Rasulullah (SAW) using the Miswaak many a time while fasting'."

(IBN MAJAH)

All the previous Ahadith of our Nabi (SAW) and the statements of the learned jurists of Islam point clearly to the tremendous importance of the Miswaak in Islam. However, despite its elevated status, significance and importance, this noble practice is neglected and generally discarded by present day Muslims.

Nabi (SAW) said:

"He who holds on firmly to my Sunnah at a time when my Ummah are (grovelling) in corruption will receive a reward of a hundred martyrs."

And, indeed the MISWAAK IS A GREAT SUNNAH.

Hajj

Praise be to Allah who has created Time and has made some times better than others, some months and days and nights better than others, when rewards are multiplied many times, as a mercy towards His slaves. Most of us are aware of the blessings of the nights of Ramadhaan, especially the last 10 nights. Similarly, the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, which is the last month of the Islamic calendar, is equally packed with blessings.

By specifying such special days Allah has provided Muslims with numerous opportunities throughout the year to renew our faith and to encourage us more towards acts of goodness, and make us more eager to worship Him. Now we have another such opportunity.

The following will highlight some of the things we can do regarding these days so that we can make the most out of these days and gain Allah’s reward Inshaallah.

1. Prayer

It’s highly recommended that one should be punctual in performing the fardh acts at their prescribed times e.g. salah. Being conscious of fardh acts at their prescribed times is what brings us closer to Allah.

2. Dhikr

 It is recommended that one should make a habit of making dhikr on a daily basis and increase in the dhikr during these 10 days. One should increase in reciting tahlil (la ilaha illallah), takbir (allahu akbar), and tahmid (Alhamdulillah).

3. Fasting

The 9^th of Dhul Hijjah is the day of Arafah. It is the day when pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafah to pray. On this day, the Muslims who do not witness the annual Hajj should spend the day fasting in preparation for the 3 days festivity of Eid ul Adha – the celebration marking the end of the Hajj and commemorating Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s) willingness to sacrifice his son Hazrat Ismail (a.s).

One of the virtues of fasting on the day of Arafah is that it absolves the sins of 2 years; the previous year and the coming year.   

4. Avoid cutting hair or nails

Anyone who plans to perform qurbani (sacrifice) is prohibited to cut the hair or nails from the 1^st of Dhul Hijjah until the qurbani is performed. 

Purpose of Halaqah

Hadhrat Abu Darda (RA) narrates that he heard the Prophet (SAW) say:

“A person who starts his journey to acquire knowledge, Allah eases his path to Paradise and the angels express their appreciation on his account by spreading their wings, and all the creatures that are in the Heavens and on the Earth, including the fish in the water, ask for forgiveness for an Aalim (learned person).”

“A learned person is superior to a worshipper as the full moon is to the stars. The learned are heirs of the Prophets (AS) and the Prophets (AS) do not leave any inheritance in the shape of dirhams and dinaars (wealth) but they do leave their knowledge as inheritance. As such a person, who acquires knowledge, acquires a huge fortune.” (Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi)

The reason why we have Halaqah is so that we can put into action what we have learnt in Madrassah and learn other things such as Ahadith, Asma al Husna and duas.

The Etiquettes of Halaqah:

-          Make the intention to act upon what you learn

-          Say Salaam

-          Sit on 2 knees – It is a sign of respect – when revelation was brought down to our Prophet (SAW), Hadhrat Jibraeel (AS) sat like this

-          Ensure your hair is covered – The Angels of Mercy do not enter a room where a woman’s hair is uncovered

-          Sit in a circle – Our Prophet (SAW) used to do this and by sitting in a circle you are able to see, listen and gain knowledge from each other

-          Share your Ilm (knowledge) with others

-          Sit quietly and if in doubt ask

-          Come with whudu

-          Do not laugh at anyone’s mistakes

-          Do not lean

-          If the Prophet (SAW)’s name is mentioned, pray Durood

-          Pray the dua after Halaqah is finished

There are 3 times/places when duas are most accepted:

Near the Prophet (SAW)’s grave

In the month of Ramadhan

In a group where Allah’s name is mentioned

-          Ask questions  - this allows others to learn from you also!