Teentalk

The end of a journey...

Their story...

You know that

They don't know

Your story.

Your tears,

Your smiles.

They are simply

Outside

Looking in.

You should know that

You don't know

Their story.

You don't know

Their tears,

Their smiles.

You are simply

Outside

Looking in.


Credit goes to original author.

A friendly reminder...

Asalaamu Alaykum,

HALAQAH EXAM WILL (INSHA'ALLAH) TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY 2nd JUNE 2015)

Cick HERE for all the notes for this years Halaqah.
 If there are any which are missing then please let me or any other teacher know and it shall insha'Allah be sorted.


As always, if there are any queries or errors then please leave a comment.
I pray that Allah grants you all success in your upcoming exams and make your studies a means of guidance in this world and salvation in the next. Ameen.
Please remember me in your Duas.

Surah Kafiroon

"Say Oh Disbelievers."
The Kuffar had insulted the Messenger SAW by saying, 'Batara
Muhammadun' (Muhammad is cut off in lineage). Allah SWT gave the Messenger SAW permission to respond to them directly by saying, 'Oh Kafiroon' (Oh Disbelievers). The insult they hurled at Him was Atbar and the word they hurled back at them is Kafir.
- Their insult had no reality, because it just isn't true. It's in fact the opposite - his mention will be made until the Day of Judgement. In reality, the Messenger SAW is the opposite of Atbar. On the other hand, the insult stated by Allah fits them perfectly.
- When they criticised the Prophet SAW it had no basis because the Prophet SAW is the most perfect of characters. However Allah SWT's criticism uses an attribute that's tied to an action. So it's not a bad word for them but actually represents a a crime that which they are guilty of.


"I do not worship that which you worship."
The word 'Abd is a combination of worship and slavery. The Kuffars refused to worship Allah and to be His Slaves. To refuse to pray Salaat is refusing to worship but refusing to obey parents, give charity to the poor, assist the orphans are all examples of refusing to be slaves. The Arabs worshipped idols and were slaves of their Nafs (ego). They would not care whether their actions went against the Law of Allah, they would still do them. In this Ayah, Prophet SAW is refuting both of these, He says, "I do not (and will not) worship that which you worship." And also I will not be enslaved to my Nafs. Worship such as Salaat is time-constricted whereas being the slave of Allah is a full time job! Our problem is that sometimes we worship Allah but we don't act like His slave. A true 'Abd is both.

Ibaadah
اِطَاعَتْ Obedience to Allah SWT. You may obey the creation as long as it does not go against the orders of Allah SWT. If you have to choose between Allah and the Creation, you must choose Allah and He is our Master.
حُبٌ اَلله Love for Allah which overrides our love for anything else. Those who believe are intense in their love for Allah. We love others too but they all come under of Allah. We are to love the Messenger SAW after Allah.
تَوَكُلْ Trust in Allah an integral part of our beliefs. What Allah's plan is, is the best for me and there is wisdom behind His plans  even though it may not seem so at the moment. A lot of times we may think 'Why me?' but we must realise that having full trust is imperative to our faith.
اِخْلاص Sincerity, this is where a person renders their acts of worship solely for Allah's pleasure. Do not mix your intentions, do things for Allah only; not for the pleasure of people. We should never worship to show off to others because that makes our deeds useless and no reward is gained. Sometimes we do something good for another person and they don't even show gratitude and we can get annoyed, but we should always remember that Allah has watched you do that good deed and your reward is with Him. We should not look for appreciation from others.
Being a slave of Allah means that no contract is drawn and there is no discussion about it. Allah SWT has mentioned in the Quran,

"Oh you who have believed, Enter into Islam completely (and perfectly) and do not follow in the footsteps of Shaytaan, Indeed he is your open enemy." [2:208]

As slaves of Allah, there is no contract or discussion, we must obey what Allah has ordered us and in return we will gain His Pleasure and a pleasant life in the Hereafter. This is what makes you a slave of Allah; that you obey Allah's commands without asking questions. But the Kuffar used to say that they do Allah's Ibaadah but didn't want to accept His conditions. These conditions have come from Allah to Rasul SAW and we must accept them as Allah, as Allah has said and Prophet SAW has shown, without any alterations.

The Kuffar at the time, outnumbered the Believers and also had political power and social status. So they felt that they had position and strength and that the Messenger SAW lacked in this. They felt that this allowed them to pressurise the Messenger SAW and so offered Him a compromise; we will accept your religion for a year and you accept our religion for a year. Or we will give you some wealth and you leave us alone. The Kuffar came with two compromises and this is why this Ayah is mentioned twice.

"For you is your religion and for me is my religion"
This Ayah is probably one of the most misunderstood Ayah's of all time. It is often mistranslated and with this brings confusion. The word لَكُمْ implies exclusivity, what is actually being said is, "Your religion, your way of life is only for you. It is and will never be for me. And similarly for وَ لِىَ دِينِ my religion is only for me when it comes to you. In other words, there is never going to be any exchange, that time has passed. It is a very finalising Ayah in the sense that after a decade of Da'wah, the Messenger SAW is saying that your Deen must go in order for Me to complete My mission. And what is that? 

To purify the religion of Ibrahim AS by reclaiming the House of Allah for the purpose it was built for. And that can't be done with the idols there. In order for the Deen of Allah to be complete, their Deen has to go!

NOTE: Credits for the above goes to the Bayyinah student who transcribed the lecture notes for the Tafseer of this Surah by Ustaadh Nouman Ali Khan. The link for the lecture and notes can be found below: http://www.nakcollection.com/surah-kafirun.html 

May Allah increase the 'Ilm of all the students who study there and bless their Ustaadhs abundantly for their efforts. Ameen. 

Surah al-Nasr

Shaane Nuzool (Reason for revelation)
It has been mentioned in the books of Tafseer that this Surah was one of the last Surahs to be revealed completely. Ibn Umar RA narrates that this Surah was revealed during the Farewell Pilgrimage. Ibn Abbas RA mentioned that when this Surah was revealed, the Messenger SAW had been informed of his passing and that His time to leave the world had arrived. [Musnad Ahmad, Ibn Jarrir, Ibn Mundhir, Ibn Marduyah]

Lessons to be learnt from this Surah
The first message to be conveyed in this Surah is the victory of Islam. The majority of Ulama (scholars) say that 'Fatah' refers to the conquest of Makkah. It also refers to the arrival of many ambassadors from various other regions who came in order to spend time in the company of the Messenger SAW. They had heard about the message of the Prophet SAW and wanted to accept Islam. They would take their Shahaadah at the hands of the Messenger SAW and would return and then their entire tribe would accept Islam. In the space of a decade, people had gone from mocking  the message of Islam to arriving from far and wide to accept it en masse. 

The Conquest of Makkah was the first victory which did not occur through bloodshed or violence. The Muslims were so humble in their success that the only 'celebration' they carried out was words of Praise to the Almighty, thanking Him for His Assistance. 

"And if you are Grateful, then I will increase you in Bounties"
Surah Ibrahim: 7

وَرَأيْتَ اْلنّاَسَ means 'And You will see'. This phrase is directed to the Messenger SAW and refers to the gift of being able to see people gathering in large numbers to accept Islam. Before this, He SAW would get very worried that people may not accept Islam. 

The second message of this Surah is the instructions of Tasbih (Remembrance of Allah), Hamd (Praise of Allah) and Istighfaar (Seeking forgiveness). After the Conquest of Makkah, the Muslims purified the Ka'bah (House of Allah) of the idols and so Allah SWT instructs the Believers to purify their hearts through His Remembrance and Praise. 
It is a reminder that if one does not thank Allah for the blessings He bestows upon us, be it a victory over our enemies, or for the sustenance He provides us with, then Allah can easily take these Ne'mat (blessings) away. Not showing appreciation can lead to arrogance developing in the heart and to counter this a person should remember Allah often through seeking forgiveness, asking for His assistance and praising Him. 

May the Almighty Allah give us the ability to praise Him, turn towards Him for help and keep us steadfast on His Deen. Ameen. 

Surah Ikhlaas

Shaane Nuzool (Reason for revelation)
Imam Ahmad RH has reported from Ubayy bin Ka'ab RA that the idolaters of Makkah said to the Messenger SAW, "Oh Muhammad! Tell us the lineage of your Lord."
Another narration mentions that the Makkans asked if Allah SWT was made of gold or silver. 
As a result, Allah SWT revealed this Surah. 

It has been mentioned in Sahih Bukhari that 'Aisha RA said: 
"The Prophet SAW sent a man as the commander of a war expedition and he used to lead his comrades in prayer with recitation (of the Quran). He would complete his recitation with the recitation of 'Say: He is Allah, One'. So when they returned they mentioned this to the Prophet SAW saying, "Ask him why he does this."
The Commander replied, "Because it is the description of Ar-Rahmaan and I love to recite it. So the Prophet SAW said, "Inform him that Allah the Most High loves him." [Book of Tauhid]

Lessons to learn from this Surah
The word أَحَدٌ refers to the concept of Tauhid (Oneness of Allah). Allah SWT created all humans with the knowledge of Himself, therefore every being knows that there is a higher Being known as Allah. The notion of a Creator is pre-programmed within us. Just think, whenever a person becomes distressed, what is their immediate reaction?

Most often, a person will look towards the sky. It is just a reflex action. 
Even renowned atheist Richard Dawkins once when being interviewed, hesitated and instead responded with 'Oh God!' when asked to name the full title of On the origin of Species, the 'Bible' of Atheists.[1]

Man's purpose of life is to establish and maintain a connection with their Lord. By eliminating the idea of the 'Self' a person realises that there is a deeper meaning to life. The greatest accomplishment for a person is that they attain the pleasure of Allah SWT.  

A person who is hungry but finds no food will consume junk in order to appease their appetite; similarly a person who does not keep himself steadfast in the remembrance of Allah will find an alternative to occupy their minds, and this is often a futile and time-consuming activity. 

In the past, that object of worship used to be another God, such as idols or fire. Nowadays however, the focus is much different. Some people become fixated on their appearance and have this need to always look their best. It must be noted that although there is no harm in dressing well, it must not get to a stage where a person is obsessed with their looks and will go to extreme lengths to achieve 'perfection'. 

With other people, their objective in life is to make as much money as possible, they are not satisfied until the next wage slip has arrived. They won't be able to talk about anything else besides work and unfortunately, if something goes wrong they become suicidal. 
With others, it is their children. However those who make their objective Allah will do everything for His Sake and will find that their other responsibilities are also made easy. 

It is easy to say that Allah is the One but does our lifestyle reflect this?

May Allah make us from the people who proclaim His Oneness and allow us to make this a part of our lives. Ameen. 

---

[1] https://goo.gl/QdnrKa 

Surah Falaq

This Surah along with Surah Naas combine to make the Muawidhatain (the Surahs in which refuge from Allah is sought). 

Shaane Nuzool (Reason for revelation)
All Messengers are either from the progeny of Ismail AS or Ishaaq AS. The Prophets who are from the children of Ishaaq AS include Dawud AS, Sulaiman AS, Musa AS etc and are commonly know as the Bani Israeel and are usually followers of the Jewish faith. When the arrival of a final Messenger was written in the Jewish scriptures, the Jews expected him to be from the family of Yaqub AS, but that was not to be and Muhammad SAW was born into the family of Ismail AS.
The Jews of Madinah out of resentment, performed sorcery on the Messenger SAW. As a result, these two Surats were revealed and through them Allah SWT taught the Messenger SAW (and by extension the Ummah)  to seek protection by reciting them. 

This Surah mentions the different kinds of harms we need to be protected from. To explain, Imam Nawawi RH has suggested that a human think of himself as a plant being safeguarded by a gardener.  
"Say, I seek refuge in the Lord of the Daybreak." 
Tafseer-e-Uthmani mentions that we seek refuge in the Lord who removes from us the darkness of the night and replaces it with the light of day. The darkness has been sought protection from because this is usually where anything immoral or corrupt occurs. Hadhrat Shah Saab RH has mentioned that this Ayah refers to all types of darkness whether it is apparent or hidden."
An point which should be noted is that whenever Darkness is mentioned in the Quran it is done so in the plural form (ظلمات). In contrast whenever the concept of Light is discussed it is done so in singular form (النور). Mufasireen have mentioned that this is because there are many pathways to Darkness (a synonym for being led astray) but there is only ONE route towards the Light, in other words Salvation, and this is through gaining the Pleasure of Allah. 




"From the evil of that which He created."
The plant needs protection from other creatures which want to feed from it. Now these animals are not direct enemies of the plant, they are merely doing what is in their nature. The gardener will put up a fence around the garden to prevent any animals entering his garden and chewing the plants. Likewise with humans, there are things in the world which can cause damage not because evil is within them but because that is their nature. For example, a volcano or a shark is not evil but when it erupts causes catastrophic damage or when aggravated a shark will bite and even kill. To reiterate, this is simply because they are acting in accordance with their nature. So we learn that Allah has created things with the potential to harm and from this too we must seek protection. 


And from the evil of darkness when it settles."
To ensure that the plant grows well, the gardener must place it in a place where it is exposed to the sun and where it can be rained upon. As these are the most important elements for a plant's growth, there must not be any obstructions blocking them. 'Ghasaq' and 'Waqab' are barriers of darkness which prevent a person from accessing that which they usually would in the light of day. Like the farmer who wants that there are no blockages or obstacles in his plant's path, Allah wishes this for us also. 

"And from the evil of the blowers in knots." 
Another issue which the plant may encounter is too much water or sun. Too much rain drowns the plant and too much sun will dry it out. So the problem is with being overwhelmed from an external source. Likewise with a person who has been affected with sorcery they feel suffocated within themselves. 
The tying of knots refers to those sorcerers who chant on hair or rope and then seal this incantation by blowing upon it and tying a knot. This is what was done to the blessed hair of the Messenger SAW. 

"And from the evil of the envious person when he envies."
The final but probably most dangerous attack is from the one who wishes to intentionally harm it. Unlike the elements discussed earlier, this threat actually poses a danger because of his intentions. The gardener works hard to protect his garden from numerous dangers. Similarly Allah SWT wants to protect us from the threats endangering our Imaan (and life) but more importantly He wants us to seek protection in Him. This Surah mentions the physical harms which can afflict a person and Surah Naas discusses the spiritual harms which can affect a person. Therefore combined as the Muawidhatain these Surahs provide total protection from external and internal sources of harm. 

So, who is on our side? 
After reading about the many things which can harm us we must understand that the sources of darkness and evil are many but the source of Light and Guidance is only One; Allah SWT!
We must the counsel offered by the Quran seriously and use it to change our attitude and behaviour. We have nothing to worry about if we have Allah on our side and this will only happen when we read the Quran with an open mind, ready to accept what is written within and with a yearning to make a change within our lives. 

May the Almighty grant us the ability to utilise our time to make changes to our lives so that on the Day of Judgement when there will be no shade except for the Shade of His Throne, when oppression will be a Darkness, we are fortunate enough to take protection under His Gaze. Ameen. 

Surah Naas

Introduction
Surah Falaq and Surah Naas combine to make the Muawidhatain (the Surahs in which refuge from Allah is sought). Imam Baihaqi RH states that these two Surahs were revealed together because similar themes run in them and they discuss similar matters and their reason for revelation is also common. 
Imam 'Ayni RH, Imam Imam Bai'haqi RH, Hafiz ibn Hajr RH and Ibn Sa'd RH state that these Surahs were revealed when the Jews of Madinah did magic on the Prophet SAW and as a result He SAW became ill. This has lead to Sufyaan bin U'yainah RH as describing these Surahs as Madani. 


Shaane Nuzool (Reason for revelation)
As mentioned earlier, this Surah was revealed because of the threat of attack faced by the Prophet SAW. Initially the Surah was revealed in Makkah when the opposition by the Kufaar became intense, thereafter the second time when the opposition arose from the Munafiqeen (hypocrites) and Jews. After this, there was an incident where magic done on the Messenger SAW. Jibraeel AS came down and instructed Him to seek protection through the recitation of these Ayaat. 

Lessons to learn from this Surah

Allah has taught us to seek refuge in Him and Him alone. He is the Lord of man and from Him do we seek protection especially from the Waswasa (whispers) of Shaytaan. Shaytaan whispers instructions to man, persuading them to do evil actions actions (such as lying, stealing, backbiting and quarelling with others) and convincing them to refrain from noble ones (such as praying Salaah on time, giving charity). It must be noted that Shaytaan himself does not make us do these things, he merely whispers to you and it is our Nafs (ego) which leads to the actions themselves. So we seek protection in Allah SWT to not only safeguard us from the whispers of Shaytaan but also from the persuasion of our Nafs to carry these actions out. 

If we think about the worst of Creation Shaytaan would take the Number 1 spot, thereafter the position would belong to Fira'un. This is because despite the abundance of wealth and power bestowed upon him by Allah SWT, he professed himself as a Lord and commanded that his people worship him. (May Allah protect us!)

In this Surah, Allah SWT refers to Himself using three titles; 
َربِ النَاسِ - Master of the people. 
مَلِكِ النَاسِ - King of the people.  
إِلَهِ النَاسِ - God of the people. 

However due to his arrogance, Fira'un referred to himself using similar titles; 
أَنَاْ رَبُكُمُ الأعْلى - I am your Lord, Most Exalted. [79:42] 
أَلَيسَ لىِ مُلْكُ مِصْرَ - Does the Kingdom of Egypt not belong to me? [43:51]
مَا عَلِمْتُ لَكُمْ مِّنْ إلهٍ غَيْرِيِ - I do not know of any other God for you besides me. [28:38]

This shows what the whispers of Shaytaan can do to a person; it makes him forget that he was created from dust and to it will he return. However due to arrogance and an uncontrollable ego, Fira'un became blind to his true status and it was only when he was drowning and saw the reality of Death that he sought Allah's protection. 
Let it not be that we get to such a late stage for us to realise our position. 

One of the most powerful lessons we can take from this Surah is that arrogance is what lead Shaytaan astray and he is determined to do the same for as many people as he possibly can by turning their desires into their Ilaah. Despite acknowledging the Lordship of Allah he wishes to make people forget this and lead us to the Hellfire. Reading this Surah and Surah Falaq will (with the permission of Allah SWT) protect us from Shaytaan's Waswasa (whispers). 

Remember, Shaytaan only refused to perform one Sajdah and Allah SWT made him the open enemy of man, how many Sujood through our arrogance do we fail to perform?

Surah Waqi'ah & Sajdah

Surah Waqi'ah
Ibn Kathir RH narrates a story on the authority of Ibn Asakir from Abu Zabyah that when 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud RA was on his deathbed, Uthmaan RA came to visit him and the following converstion took place. 

Uthman RA: "What are you suffering from?"
Ibn Mas'ud RA: "From my sins."
Uthman RA: "Do you desire anything?"
Ibn Mas'ud RA: "Yes, Allah's Mercy."
Uthman RA: "Shall I call a Doctor for you?"
Ibn Mas'ud RA: "It is the Doctor who has enabled me to become ill."
Uthman RA: "May I send you an allowance from the Bayt ul Maal (public treasury)?"
Ibn Mas'ud RA: "I have no need for it."
Uthman RA: "Accept it please. You are leaving behind daughters. It will help them."
Ibn Mas'ud RA: "You are worried about my daughters, that they do not suffer from poverty. I have no such worry,, because I have instructed them to recite Surah al-Waqi'ah every night. I have heard the Messenger SAW say, 'Whoever recites Surah al-Waqi'ah every night will never suffer from poverty."

Hadhrat Abu Bakr RA said, "Oh Messenger of Allah SAW, You are becoming grey!"
The Messenger SAW replied, "Surah Hud, Surah Waqi'ah, Surah Mursalaat, Surah Naba' and Surah Shams have made me grey." [Tirmidhi] 

The Day of Qiyamah
Surah Waqi'ah contains many warnings for Muslims about the Day of Resurrection. It is impossible to mention all of them so we shall discuss a few of the important points.  













Ibn Kathir RH has stated that on the Day of Judgement there will be three categories of people present. 
1. There will be those on the right, who were created from the right side of Adam AS and they will  be given their book of deeds in their right hand. They will be gathered on the right side of the Arsh of Allah and they will be the residents of Paradise.
2. The group on the left who were created from the left rib of Adam AS and they will be given their book of deeds in their left hand. They will be gathered on the left side of the Arsh of Allah and they will be the residents of the Hellfire.
3. The third group of people will be gathered in front of the Arsh of Allah and they will be those who are closest to Allah. They are the Prophets, the Awliyah, Martyrs and the Righteous. 

It is narrated from Aisha RA that the Prophet SAW asked the Sahaabah RA, "Do you know who will be under the shade of Allah's Arsh on the Day of Qiyamah?" 
They RA replied, "Allah and His Messenger SAW know best."
The Prophet SAW replied, "It is those people who, when they are called towards the Haq (truth), they accept it, and when someone asks them to fulfil a Haq (right) they do so and they deal justly with other people, just as they would deal with themselves."

Surah Sajdah 
Hadhrat Jaabir RA narrates that the Prophet SAW would not sleep until he had recited Surah Sajdah and Surah Mulk. [Tirmidhi] 

Hadhrat Khalid bin Ma'dan RA said, 
"Recite the Deliverer, which is Surah Sajdah for I have heard of a man who had committed many sins and used to recite this and nothing else. When he passed away it spread it's wings over him and said, "Oh My Lord, forgive him, for he used to recite me often.
So the Lord Most High made it an intercessor for him and said, "Record for him a good deed and raise him a degree in place of every sin."
Hadhrat Khalid RA also said, "It will dispute on behalf of the one who recites it when he is in his grave saying, "Oh Allah, if I am part of the Book, make me an intercessor for him. But if I am not part of the Book, then erase me."
The Surah will intercede on his behalf and will protect him from the punishment of the grave. He said the same about Surah Mulk. 
Hadhrat Khalid RA followed the Sunnah of the Messenger SAW by not sleeping until he recited these. [Daarimee] 

Sincerity...

Khalid bin Waleed RA

Name- Khalid bin Walid al Mugheerah RA

Father- Al Walid (Chief of the Bani Makhzum - one of the noblest clans of the Quraish)

Mother- Lubaba al-Sughra bint Al-Harith

Siblings- 5 brothers and 2 sisters

Birth- Makkah - 592

Death- Emesa (modern day Homs, Syria) - 642

Khalid bin Walid RA was a courageous Sahabah amidst the Muslims and his skills and abilities allowed him to accomplish many great things. His faith, prime values, firm foundations and commitment to Islam enabled him to fulfil many rights and it has been said 'no man sacrificed more than Khalid bin Walid RA for what they believed in.'

Family

Khalid bin Waleed RA came from one of the noblest tribes of the Quraish, Bani Makhzum. His father Walid bin Mugheerah was the leader of the clan and was well known around Arabia. His father was  the biggest enemy of Islam even though Allah SWT had bestowed him with so much wealth, beauty, and leadership that he was known as Rayhaan al Quraish (flower of the Quraish) and Waheed al Qaum (The Unique), however, he was deprived of the greatest of all bounties; Islam. No man was more intelligent than him and it was he who coined the term ‘Liar’ for the Prophet SAW. This was when the Quraish gathered and discussed how to stop the Prophet SAW from preaching monotheism. They offered a few suggestions; poet, magician etc but all of these were refuted and hence came forth the accusation of liar. (Na’oozu Billah)

The hate for Islam that Waleed bin Mugheerah had for Islam can be demonstrarted in the fact that he even offered his own son Ammarah to Abu Talib in return for the Prophet SAW. Abu Talib was shocked by this offer and he replied, “You give me your son to feed and bring up while you want mine so you can kill him. By Allah, this shall not be.”

Khalid bin Waleed RA had 5 brothers and 2 sisters, his brother Waleed, after being captured at the Battle of Badr, became a Muslim.

Childhood

Khalid RA whilst still a child was taught how to ride. It was a mark of the Bani Makhzum tribe to be a perfect rider and he soon acquired mastery over the art of horsemanship. He also learnt the skills of combat and with it the various other weapons such as the spear, lance, bow, and sword. He also learnt to fight on horseback and on foot. While he became skilful in the use of all weapons, the ones for which he appeared to have had a natural gift was the sword for mounted and dismounted dueling. He was so talented that it has been reported that he could ride with a sword in each hand and use his feet to control his horse.

Adulthood

Khalid RA grew into a man and attained a great height at above 6 ft. His shoulders widened his chest expanded and the muscles lean on his body. His beard appeared full and thick on his face too. With this fine physique and forceful personality and tactical skills he soon became known as a popular and much admired figure in Makkah. He had married and had children and was occasionally known as Abu Sulaiman.

Battles

Battle of Uhud

When Uhud commenced the man who was responsible for defeat of the Muslims was Khalid bin Waleed. The Prophet SAW commanded 50 Sahabah to stand at the mountain of Uhud and instructed that under no circumcisions should they descend from their position even if they were to see birds pecking on our heads. This was because the mountain was a passage onto the battlefield and a strategic position occupied by the Muslims.  On three occasions Khalid tried to attack but the archers repelled. Slowly the Muslim began to gain the upper hand and many Quraish fled the battlefield. The Muslim archers then fell into dispute as to if they should leave. 40 decided to leave and it was then that Khalid got his opportunity.

Amr Ibn Aas RA described Khalid as ‘A friend of death, a master of warfare as well as having the dash of a lion and patience of a cat.’

On that day he showed the patience of a cat as he waited for the perfect opportunity and then attacked the 10 Sahabah from the back and like the dash of a lion he had got the upper hand.

Battle of Khandaq

The time for another battle had come upon the Muslims, this time it was the Battle of Khandaq (trenches), so called because trenches were dug around Madinah to prevent the enemy entering the city. Khalid’s duty once again was to kill the Prophet SAW. Khalid had orchestrated the movement of the Mushrik cavalry so well that the Muslims had no rest. Only two people were able to cross the trench and one was Khalid. He unrelentingly attacked the Muslims and it took 200 Sahabah to fight him off. Because of Khalid bin Walid Allah revealed the Salat al Khauf where the Sahabah were permitted to pray Salaat on the battlefield due to the relentless attack of the enemy.

Entering Islam

A year later, the Prophet SAW came to Hudaibiya. Once entering the first person He SAW asked for was Khalid RA.  Khalid’s brother replied that ‘Khalid has left Makkah saying that if Khalid is in Makkah and Muhammad is in Makkah then Muhammad would not return alive.

To this the Prophet SAW replied, “Has an intelligent man like Khalid not understood that there is only One Allah and that I am His Messenger SAW?”

Waleed RA thereafter wrote to Khalid and informed him about his conversation with the Messenger SAW. These words despite being conveyed in letter form permeated the words of Khalid RA so deeply that what was the most hated thing to him suddenly became the most beloved.

This is a living example of the Prophet SAW’s words,

“The heart of a believer is in the hands of Allah.”

That very night, accompanied by Uthman bin Talha and Amr ibn al Aas,  Khalid took his armour, weapons and horse and set out for Madinah. The three seekers entered Madinah and after being warmly welcomed by the Messenger SAW, accepted Islam. Khalid RA at the age of 43, the prime of his life, took the Shahaadah and became a noble companion of the Prophet SAW. He would often visit the Messenger SAW and listen intently for hours to His words of wisdom and virtue.

After Islam

After entering Islam, Khalid RA used his tactics and military experience to assist the Muslim armies. He took part in the battle of Mutah and after the three Ameers had been martyred, became the commander and by using his intelligence to confuse the Romans, lead the Muslims to victory.

The Prophet SAW upon hearing of the martyrdom of the three Sahaabahs made Dua for their entry into Jannat and mentioned that now that Khalid RA was the commander, the sword of Allah had been unsheathed. This was the battle in which Khalid was bestowed with his title ‘Saifullah’ – The sword of Allah. It had only been three months since Khalid RA had accepted Islam and in this period he had gone from a staunch enemy of Islam to the ‘Sword of Allah’!

Once Khalid RA became injured, the Prophet SAW took his saliva and applied it onto the wound and it at once healed.

During the Fatah (Conquest) of Makkah, it was the duty of Khalid RA to destroy the idols.

After the demise of the Prophet SAW

After the death of Muhammad SAW, many powerful Arab tribes broke away in open revolt against the rule of Medina.  Abu Bakr RA sent his armies to counter the rebels and apostates. Khalid was one of Abu Bakr RA’s main advisors and an architect of the strategic planning in many wars, especially the Battle of Rida. Khalid RA took part in the battle of Yarmouk and in that battle the Byzantine States became opened up for the Ummah due to Allan's mercy. He was the military commander who lead the victories for Muslims. After this Damascus, Syria, Palestine and Jordan all became part of the Muslim States under Khalid bin Walid RA. Yarmouk was almost like a culmination and almost seems as though for the past 23 years or so Allah was preparing him for Yarmouk slowly but surely. After Hadhrat Umar RA became the Khalifah, Khalid RA was replaced by Abu Ubaidah RA as the chief of the army.

Death

In the last four years of his life, Khalid RA due to his numerous injuries could not go into the battlefield. He dubbed that year ‘The year of the Women’ due to his inability to fight. However despite this, Khalid RA did not waste any time; he would recite Quran from after Fajr until Zohr, then after praying Salaat continue reciting until Asar and so forth. He would cry continuously out of the fear of Allah.

When he was on his deathbed, a friend came to visit him, Khalid RA lifted the sheet which was covering his body and said, “I have fought so many battles but look at me, I am here dying on my bed.” His friend replied, “Don’t you understand that the day the Prophet SAW honoured you with the title of ‘the Sword of Allah’ it was impossible for you to die in the battlefield, for if you were to die on the battlefield it would mean that the Sword of Allah could be broken by an infidel and this could never be!”

His friend also reports that ‘Not a single hand span of his body was left without scars or wounds’.

The only possessions left by Khalid RA were his sword and horse which he bequeathed for Umar RA. When Umar RA saw these he began to cry saying, “No man would be able to fulfil the rights of thw sword and horse like the way Khalid RA did.”

Voting

Three Electoral Commitments
Every Muslim Should Make

By Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

Taken from: http://idauk.org/publications/elections.html 

Like the rest of the country, the UK’s Muslim community is gearing up to vote on May 22nd. The political parties have been campaigning in earnest for some time, outlining their policies and stressing their commitments to the nation. During the days preceding polling day, Britain’s Muslims should be asking themselves what commitments they have made when it comes to casting their votes.

Here follows a summary of a speech delivered by Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh, containing valuable advice for the Muslim voter.

The Secret of Success

Allāh ta‘ālā has placed the desire for progress, and the spirit of mutual competitiveness that accompanies it, into the very nature of man. It is natural for individuals and communities to strive to better themselves and achieve progress. As Muslims, we should open the pages of history and discover and adopt those factors which make a nation prosperous, as long as they fall within the bounds of the Sharī‘ah, so that we too can reap the Dīnī and worldly benefits of progress.

Our study should commence with trying to ascertain the secret behind the success of the noble Sahābah radhiyallāhu ‘anhum, for they are ideal role models of a community that attracted success in its every endeavour. A thoughtful investigation will reveal three prominent qualities which can be attributed to their success. In this election season, every Muslim, no matter what his/her preferred party, should commit him/herself to observing these three principles in order to secure success and achievement, both on a personal and a communal level.

The First Commitment - Taqwā

The Sahābah radhiyallāhu ‘anhum hated all disobedience to Allāh ta‘ālā, they neither had a habit of sinning nor were they fond of any sins. Abstention from sins is the essence of taqwā, and through it Allāh ta‘ālā has promised relief from every difficulty.

In dealing with the election issue, we must not say or do anything that displeases Allāhta‘ālā. Of all the sins to beware of, backbiting and slander are major sins which are a particular threat at such times. One inclined towards a particular party should not backbite or slander a supporter of another party, for in doing so the requirements of taqwā will be compromised; and Divine assistance and blessings can not be expected in the absence of taqwā.

The Second Commitment - Ikhlās

Every decision taken by the Sahābah radhiyallāhu ‘anhum was for the Pleasure of Allāhta‘ālā, keeping in mind the life hereafter and the good of the community. They would be ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of Allāh ta‘ālā. Whether standing for election, supporting a party or voting, a Muslim must be pure in his intentions. This intention should be to elect the candidate who will best serve the Muslim community in common and humanity in general. If a Muslim has sincerity then his vote will go to the right candidate, for he will consider that he is voting to please Allāh ta‘ālā and therefore he will expend his energies in finding out who the best candidate is.

The Third Commitment - Unity

Unity is a key factor for the success of any nation; a truly united community can withstand any competition. Individuals should have the courtesy of mutual respect despite their political rivalries. Sadly, the Muslim community is a divided one. Every individual has the right to his own opinion and his own preference, within Shar‘ī boundaries, but our mutual differences transform into malice and enmity towards each other. Not even our masājid are free from our feuding. We can only hang our heads in shame when matters reach ahead and TV and press reports announce that political wrangling amongst Muslims has spilled over into fights outside a masjid after Friday prayers.

We go to the extremes; if we like something in a particular person, we praise him to the extreme, whereas if we disagree with someone on one issue, we become blind to all the good qualities he possesses. Our dealings are but a faint shadow of the Islāmic concept of brotherhood our beloved Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam taught. True brotherhood demands that whatever our political stripe, we should be able to sit at a table and sacrifice our political allegiances for the sake of Allāh ta‘ālā and agree to support the candidate who is best for the Muslims in common and the country in general. We should be willing to marginalize our differences in order to progress in a common direction.

In fact, if the Muslims of a particular constituency were to unite on a single platform and form a committee, responsible for recommending the best candidate to Muslim voters, every party would turn to the committee and seriously consider its demands on behalf of the Muslim community. They would realise the importance of securing the Muslim vote. All that is needed to achieve unity is a little sacrifice and the willingness to swallow one’s pride. May Allāh ta‘ālā grant us all the longing to strive for taqwā, ikhlās and unity. Āmīn.

Using Your Vote

1. The vote is very important. It is a means of electing the person most beneficial for the community and our country.
2. Voting is a big responsibility. Not voting or voting incorrectly will bring power to the wrong person.
3. The best candidate deserves our vote.
4. We should become politically aware.
5. We should read every party’s manifesto.
6. We should study party policies via the internet, radio, newspapers and knowledgeable people in our communities, who possess political acumen.
7. We should find out which party offers us the best in all spheres of life; education, housing, health, social issues, international policy etc. Deciding on a party by just looking at one issue does not constitute farsightedness.
8. We should think rationally, not make judgements based on emotions.
9. Finally, we should make du‘aa to Allāh ta‘ālā, asking Him to enable us to make the right choice and that may He grant success to those who will serve the country and its citizens without any prejudice or wrong

Basics of Belief

Course Description:

Three basic beliefs will be discussed in this course: Belief in Allah, Belief in Prophethood of our Beloved Messenger s.a.w, and Freewill and Predestination. The concept of Prophecy will be explored by reading and discussing some chapters from Qadhi Ayyaz’s book al-Shifa. 
 

The concept of destiny will also be explored. If Allah Ta’ala already knows everything and has written it down, how are we free to act? And if we are not free to act, why should we be punished for our sins?
 

Why should we even strive or make an effort when Allah Ta’ala has already written down our fates?
 

Why is there evil in the world?

To sign up please use the link below:

http://www.zaynabacademyonline.org/upcoming-courses/basics-of-belief/

Online Recordings are available for those who find timings inconvenient.

The FIQH of MENSTRUATION

Places can be reserved using the link below: 
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fiqh-of-mensuration-by-ustadha-umm-huzayfah-zamzam-academy-blackburn-25-april-2015-tickets-16430274393

CRISIS OF ISIS – PART 1 – WHAT MAKES A CALIPHATE?

When the Ottoman Empire disbanded in 1924 it marked a pivotal point in History. The Islamic Caliphate had come to an end, and the Islamic world was left without a single leader (Khalifah) to provide security, peace and the creation of a just society. Yet, the Muslim world was further divided by the Sykes-Picot border lines, created during the First World War. These borders did exactly what they were supposed to do – keep the Muslim world divided – and so they did.

The Caliphate is an embodiment of the Shari’ah in maintaining a just society. The Shari’ah contrary to how it is perceived by the West is a law of divine origin, which is cited by scholars as embodying ideas such as: freedom of religion, protection of life, protection of property, the right to an education, a just and fair legal system to name but a few. Just by this very understanding the Caliphate governing by the Shari’ah would establish what is known as the notion of utopia. Plato in his Republic attempted to pen down one of the earliest known ideas of utopia and this was followed centuries later by Thomas Moore who would go on to write an entire book called Utopia followed by Francis Bacon in his New Atlantis. The Caliph under the Shari’ah law would govern by God’s law in a just manner that wouldn’t allow for man’s desire to get the better of him. And so every wish of the Caliph would need to be agreed to by the Shari’ah.

One of the first Muslim scholars to pen down the doctrines surrounding the systematics encompassing the Caliphate system was al-Mawardi, al-Mawardi in his Ahkam Al-Sultaniya (The Ordinance of Government) argues that: “Men are naturally driven by desire to ignore the promises of the hereafter for the sake of immediate pleasure”, hence why al-Mawardi points towards the importance of having a ruler. Similarly Thomas Hobbes writes: “without rulers, men would exist in a state of utter chaos and unmitigated savagery”.

Imam al-Mawardi calls for certain qualities that must be present in a Caliph in order to qualify him as someone eligible for this position:

1. Must have qualities of Adalah (Justice)
2. Must have knowledge (‘ilm) and must be able to reason independently (Mujtahid)
3. He must be physically fit and able (Kifaya)
4. He must possess sound hearing, sight and speech
5. Must be courageous and fearless (Najda)
6. Must be from the tribe of Quraysh

These are the requirements for a potential Caliph as expounded by the illustrious scholars, yet in order for a potential Caliph to gain power and control there are a further four ways he can establish a Caliphate:

1. Those mentioned directly or indirectly in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
   1. Abu Bakr al-Siddique
   2. Imam Mahdi
   3. Isa (Jesus)
2. The Previous Caliph assigns another individual to lead.
   1. Example, Umar who inherited from Abu Bakr
3. A group of influential people known as the Ahlul Halli Wal ‘Aqd must consult (shura) and give the pledge of allegiance (bay’ah) in order to put the caliph in power.
   1. The people of the Ahlul Halli Wal ‘Aqd must fulfil three criteria:
      1. Must be people of Adalah (They must be people who uphold justice)
      2. Must be knowledgeable of the criteria pertaining to the requirements of becoming a Caliph

• They must be individuals who have a public voice

1. Imam Ahmad in his Minhaj al-Sunna writes: “The Imam is the one whom all the Muslims are agreed on to call him the Imam”
2. Abu Bakr was elected through a shura and then the bay’ah was given to him.
3. Uthman ibn ‘Affaan became caliph after Umar delegated the decision to ashura of 6 senior sahabah
4. Ali was elected the same way

The purpose of the Ahlul Halli wal ‘Aqd are to represent the majority of the Ummah, according to al-Ghazzali in his Mustazhiri even if this be a single person, however, note that al-Ghazali makes it quite clear that if it is a single person then this single person must represent the multitude of people. This view was also shared by al-Mawardi.

4. The Caliphate can be taken by force (Ghalaba/Taghalub)

Based on these four criteria, the caliphate established by Abu Bakr al-Bagdhadi does not fit into criteria 1 as his name is not mentioned in the Kitab and Sunnah so that leaves three more. He doesn’t fit into the second category either as the Ottoman Empire was disbanded in 1924 so he never succeeded anyone. So it is either category three or four. It cannot be criteria 3 for the majority of the Muslims are against ISIS, the Ulama have responded in the negative.

Category three requires the Bay’ah of the ahlul Halli Wal ‘Aqd (Influential people), now these people are supposed to represent the majority of the Muslim ummah’s sentiment. However, Abu Bakr Bagdhadi’s Ahlul Halli Wal ‘Aqd are not reprehensive of the majority of the ummah and this is quite clear. In the UK alone senior Imams from both the Sunni and Shia sect united to create a 4 minute video denouncing ISIS as illegitimate. There was also a Fatawa response to ISIS by the great Mauritanian scholar Sheikh Abdullah Bin Bayyah denouncing the acts of ISIS as in great opposition to the true values of Islam. So, the rumoured people of influence that gave Bay’ah to al-Bagdhadi who are they?

The Bay’ah (pledge of allegiance) of the Ahlul Halli Wal ‘Aqd is required first before the creation not the other way round as was the case with ISIS. To claim that they represent Islam and are now the leaders of the Muslim Ummah and therefore requiring the Bayah Taa’ah (allegiance of obedience) as wajib on all of us is clearly fallacious. No such thing is required as the Bay’ah In’iqaad of their ahlul halli wal ‘aqd is considered invalid by the majority of the scholars who represent the majority of the people.

Therefore, based simply on this al-Bagdhadi’s state (dawla) is not one that is holistic in the sense of Dawla Islamiyya (Islamic State) which represents all the Muslims; but is merely a state based not on religious grounds but political. It has no claim to the concept of Caliphate as known by the Jurists. It is merely a political ploy perhaps in response to western foreign policy, or perhaps simply following orders by those above.

“When he is empowered, he sets out to do violence in the land, destroying crops and livestock. But God does not love violence” (Qur’an, 2:205).

Has not ISIS destroyed more than crops and livestock, even men, women and children? These very individuals many of which are young who are trigger hungry love the very thing Allah dislikes.

A statement of the Caliph ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, may God be pleased with him, from his last sermon follows:

“Whoever pledges allegiance to someone not appointed by the consultative process of the believers, neither he nor the one to whom he pledged allegiance are to be followed, out of fear of foolishly exposing themselves to being killed with them.”

As for the last and final criteria well this still requires an oath of allegiance by the people, it is simply not the case that once power is taken that it is thereby evident the Caliphate is created and remains and no one can challenge it. Even within this there are certain requirements that needs to be filled.

From an Islamic point of view according to the Shari’ah the Caliphate that ISIS have established is effectively illegitimate. For which holder of truth and justice would ask young girls to join the caliphate and to leave their homes against their parents’ wishes?Source: https://faithrehearsed.wordpress.com/2015/04/05/crisis-of-isis-part-1-what-makes-a-caliphate/