The Result of Arrogance (not following Sunnah)

The Result of Arrogance

Here is an incident from the prophetic time so that Muslims may take a warning from it and save themselves, because one has often to face the same situation that is mentioned herein. The incident reported by Harrat Salmah bin Akwa' is that a man was eating with his left hand in the Holy Prophet's presence. The Holy Prophet asked him to eat with his right hand but he said that he did not have the strength to do so. At this the Holy Prophet said: "May you not have the strength!" One can understand that it was nothing but arrogance that had prevented him from eating with his right hand. But then the result of this curse was that he could never lift his right hand up to his mouth again! That person could certainly eat with his right hand but it was merely due to his arrogance that he said that he could not eat with it and hence Allah Almighty made it such that he could never lift it again.

Once it so happened that I myself (The story teller) told a man: "You partake your food on the table but the Sunnah practice is to sit on the floor for dining." He promptly replied: "I cannot sit down; it is difficult for me to sit down." Although not more than three or four years had passed since he had come over (to the U.K.), the pride and arrogance of having made a few pennies prevented him from acting on this sunnah; there was no other reason but this.

If a man commits a sin inadvertently or misses a sunnah, but considers himself before Allah and His Apostle a sinner and a guilty person, it is strongly hoped that Allah Almighty will pardon him. But to act against the Holy Prophet's methods and then to explain away one's actions according to one's own whims and wishes and make lame excuses. And to not to act upon the prophetic Sunnah through arrogance, on the contrary to think lightly of them, not only draws Allah's punishment in the Hereafter, but in this world also very soon. The first target of the divine scourge which is struck first is his arrogance and riches, power, beauty etc. the causes of arrogance which prevented him from acting upon the Sunnah and the Shari'ah.

Imam Mahdi

The Coming of Imaam Mahdi is one of the signs of Qiyamah (Day of Resurrection) as is the belief of the Ahlus-Sunnah and he has yet to appear.

Abdullah ibn Mas'ood May Allah be pleased with him has reported that the Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him said, "The world will not pass away before the Arabs are ruled by a man (referring to Mahdi) of my family whose name will be the same as mine." (Abu Dawood)

However, many people in the past falsely claimed to be Imaam Mahdi. One of these false claimants was Mohd-bin-Tomart, a tyrant who spread corruption and even buried some of his companions because they didn't believe that he was the Mahdi described by the Ahadith of Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him. Some believe it was Mohd-bin-al Askari who disappeared at the age of 5 and went into hiding and has been hiding for 10 centuries. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (The Cursed) was also one of those who claimed to be the Mahdi as well as many other people. Besides those mentioned there were many others who claimed the office of Mahdi, the most recent being somebody from Manchester who claimed the position for himself.

It should be noted that none of the above or anybody else who claimed to be the Mahdi in the past fulfilled the conditions laid down by the Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him.

A list of some of the signs which will precede Imaam Mahdi and some that describe him have been gathered in this book so that we Muslims are not misled to believe in somebody claiming to be the Mahdi who in reality is a blatant liar.

Signs That Will Precede Him

1) A General Sign
There are many signs that will precede him; a general and very important sign is that he will come at a time when there is great confusion, intense disputes and violent death. When people are afflicted by disturbances and fear. Calamities will fall upon the people, so much so that a man shall not find shelter to shelter him from oppression. There will be many battles and fitnaas before his appearance. Every time a fitnaa has come to an end, another will start, spread and intensify. The people will be troubled to such extent that they will long for death. It is then that Imaam Mahdi will be sent.

Abu Saeed al-Khudri may Allah be pleased with him has reported that the Messenger of Allah Peace and blessings be upon him said: ''He will be sent at a time of intense disputes and differences among people and earthquakes.'' (Ahmad)

2) Note. The Double Eclipse In Ramadan statement quoted from Darequtni is NOT verified, indeed it's authenticity is questionable. It is NOT to be considered as authentic Hadith.

3) The Battle in Mina
Before Imaam Mahdi emerges an inter-tribal fight will take place. In the same year Haji's will be looted and a battle will erupt in Mina in which many people will be killed.

Amr-bin-Shuaib reported from his grandfather that the Messenger of Allah Peace and blessings be upon him said, ''In Dhul-Qada (Islamic month) the tribes will fight, Hajis will be looted and there will be a battle in Mina in which many people will be slain and blood will flow until it runs over the Jamara-tul-aqba. Their companions (referring to Imaam Mahdi) will flee to a point between the Corner and the Maqaam and will be forced to accept people's allegiance.'' (Al-Fitan Nuaim-b-Hammad)

4) The Euphrates Will Disclose Mountain of Gold
The final hour will not come until the river Euphrates (which flows through Syria and Iraq and finally opens in the Gulf) will disclose a mountain of gold over which people will fight and die. It should be noted that this is a sign, which will precede Imaam Mahdi only according to some Ulama. Abu Huraira may Allah be pleased with him reported that the Messenger of Allah Peace and blessings be upon him said, ''The hour shall not occur until the Euphrates will disclose a mountain of gold over which people will fight . Ninety- nine out of which hundred shall be killed and every one of them will say' Perchance I shall be the one to succeed.'' (Muslim)

In another narration we have been told that whoever is present at the time when the Euphrates discloses a mountain of gold should not take the gold.

5) Emergence of the Suffyani
The Suffyani (a descendant of Abu Sufyan) will emerge before Imam Mahdi from the depths of Damascus. According to some weak narration his name will be Urwa bin Muhammed and his Kuniya 'Abu-Utba'. The Ahadith regarding the Suffyani specify that he is a tyrant who will spread corruption and mischief on the earth before Imam Mahdi. He will be such a tyrant that he will kill the children and rip open the bellies of women. When he hears about the Mahdi, he will send an army to seize and kill him. However the Earth will swallow this army before it even reaches Imam Mahdi.

Abu Huraira may Allah be pleased with him has narrated that the Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him said, ''A man will emerge from the depth of Damascus. He will be called Suffyani. Most of those who follow him will be from the tribe of Kalb. He will kill by ripping the stomachs of women and even kill the children. A man from my family will appear in Haram, the news of his advent will reach the Suffyani and he will send forth one of his armies. He (referring to Imam Mahdi) will defeat them. They will then travel with whoever remains until they come to a desert and they will be swallowed . None will be saved except the one who had informed the others about them.'' (Mustadarak)

6) The Emergence of Haris-Al-Harrath and Mansur
Hazrat Ali may Allah be pleased with him reported that the Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him said, ''There will be a man from Transoxania who will be called Harith-Harrath and a man called Mansur will be at his vanguard. He will give abode to the family of Mohammad (referring to Imam Mahdi) just as the Quraish gave abode to the Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him." (Mishkat)

7) An army will perish in Baidah
Once he has appeared an army that has come to fight him will perish in Baidah (a flat piece of land next to Madinah facing the direction of Makkah).

Umm Salama radiallahu anha reported that the Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him said ''There shall be differences and intense dispute at the time of the death of a Khalifh. Then a man from the inhabitants of Madinah (referring to Imam Mahdi) will come out of the flee to Makkah (so that he does not get caught in the dispute and is not made the Khalifh). Some Makkans will come to him and take him out though he will be unwilling. They will then make him accept their Bayat between the Black Stone and the place of Ibrahim Peace and blessings be upon him. An army will then be sent to fight him from Syria , however it will perish in Baidah, between Makkah and Madinah. When the people see and hear about this event ,the awliya (God fearing people) of Syria and Iraq will make Bayat with him.'' (Abu Dawood)

8) A star with a luminous tail will rise from the east before his emergence. (Al-Iza'ah).

9) A voice in Ramadhan will awaken sleeps and alarm those that are awake (Ibid)

10) The emergence of al-A'hraj al-Kindi, Abqa and Ashab before Imam Mahdi (Ibid)

11) The earth will swallow a village near Damascus (Ibid)

12) An army with black banners will come from the East (Ibid)

There are many other signs which will precede Imam Mahdi. For more information refer to the relevant Books

The Signs of Imaam Mahdi

1) He will be from the progeny of the Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him and descendent of Fatimah (radiallahu anha). Umme Salama (radiallahu anha) reported: I heard the Prophet of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) saying, "The Mahdi will appear from my progeny, from the descendants of Fatimah." (Abu Daud)

2) His name will be Muhammad or Ahmad and his father's name will be Abdullah. Ibn Mas'ood (radiallahu anh) reported that the Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him said, "If there remains in the world but a day, the mighty Allah will greatly prolong that day till he will send there in a man from me or from the members of my house. His name will be similar to my name and his father's name to my father's name." (Abu Daud)

3) He will resemble the Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him in character. Hadrat Ali (radiallahu anh) once looked at his son and remarked, "This son of mine is Saiyid who was named by the Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him and soon from his loins will come forth a man by the name of your Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him and who will resemble him in conduct but not in appearance." (Abu Daud)

4) He will have a shiny forehead and a high bridge nose. Abu Saeed radiallahu anh reported that the Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him said, "The Mahdi will appear from me, shining of forehead, long of nose." (Abu Daud)

5) Once Hadrat Ali radiallahu anh was asked regarding his description. He replied, "He is a well built youth of average height and a handsome face, his hair reaches his shoulders and the light of his face is contrasted by the darkness of his hair and beard." (Al-Isha'ah)

6) He will be slow of speech (a slight stutter) and when he is delayed, he will strike his left thigh with his right hand." (Al-Isha'ah)

7) He will appear from the east. Thawban (R.A) reported that the Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him said, "Three men will be killed at the place where your treasure is. Each of them will be the son of a Khalifah but none of them will get hold of the treasure. Then the black banners will come out of the east, and they will slaughter you in a way that has never been seen before. If you see him give him your allegiance, even if you have to crawl over ice, because he is the Khalifah of Allah, the Mahdi." (Ibn Majah)

Only some of the signs that will precede Imaam Mahdi and of the Mahdi himself have been gathered in this book. The true Mahdi, the one referred to in the Ahadith of Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him as one of the signs of Qiyamah, is the one in whom the pre-mentioned signs are found.

His Emergence and the People's Bayat

After the death of a Khalifah there shall be intense dispute and difference of opinion in whom should become the next Khalifh. Fearing he may get caught up in the dispute and made the Khalifah, Imaam Mahdi will flee from Madinah to Makkah. However, to his surprise on reaching Makkah, some Makkans will bring him out of his house against his will and take him to Masjid Haraam and 313 as has been mentioned in the hadith reported by Imam Hakim in Al-Mustadrak will force him to accept their Bayat between the Rukn (corner of the Ka'aba containing the black stone) and the place of Ibrahim. The news of his allegiance will quickly spread and thus an army from Syria will be sent to fight him. However no harm will come to Imaam Mahdi nor his followers who will be supported by Allah. The earth will swallow up this army before it can get near to the Imaam in a place called Baidah (a flat piece of land between Makkah and Madinah). After seeing and hearing about this extraordinary event and sign, the Awliya (pious saints) of Syria and Iraq will come to Imaam Mahdi and swear allegiance to him between the black stone and the Maqam (the place of Ibrahim which is near the Ka'aba). (The above content can be found in the Hadith of Umme Salama/Abu Daud)

The First Battle

His first battle will be against the tribe of Kalb. A short period after the eminent saints of Syria and Iraq have sworn allegiance; a man from the Quraish will rise whose maternal uncle's belong to the Kalb tribe and he will send an army to fight Imaam Mahdi. However this army will be overcome and defeated. This will be his first victory.

The Great War

(The author of al-Isha'ah has mentioned that this battle will take place in Imam Mahdi's time).
Imam Mahdi will have to fight many battles, the most important and difficult being the battle against the Christians in which a large number of Muslims will be martyred.

Yusayr bin Jabir said, "A red sandstorm erupted in the city of Kufah. Afterwards, a man came shouting and repeating the same words, 'O Abdullah bin Mas'ud! The hour has come.' He (Yusayr) then said that he sat up after he was leaning (on his side) and said, ''The hour will not arrive until no inheritance will be divided and no war possessions will bring about satisfaction.' 'He pointed with his hands towards Ash-Sham saying, ''An enemy will gather its forces against the followers of Islam.'' I said, ''Do you mean Ar-Rum?" He said ''Yes.'' Then, during this war, fierce fighting will occur. Muslim will ask for a volunteer expedition that will vie to die or return victorious. They will fight until the night separates them. Both sides will return to their camps not yet victorious and the expedition will perish.

Muslims will then (in the third day) ask for volunteer expedition that will vie to die or return victorious. They will fight until the night separates them. Both sides will return to their camp not yet victorious and the expedition will perish. In the fourth day, the rest of the Muslim forces will turn against them (the disbelieves) and Allah will defeat them (the disbelieves). They will suffer casualties never heard of before or he said, ''Never seen before, even birds flying near them will not pass without falling down dead.

Afterwards, sons of the same fathers (from the Muslim side), who were near a hundred, will count the survivors and will find out only one of them survived. Therefore, what war possession will bring satisfaction and what inheritance will be divided? While they are doing this they will hear of an even bigger calamity; That is, a man will scream amongst them that the Dajjal has appeared among their families which they left behind. They will discard what they have in their hands and proceed. They will send ten horsemen as an expedition force.

The Messenger of Allah Peace and blessings be upon him said, ''I know their names and their fathers name and the colours of their horses. They will be the best horsemen on the face of Earth,'' or (he said) ''(They) Will be amongst the best horsemen on the face of Earth.'' (Muslim)

The cause of this great battle will be the Christians. The Christians and Muslims as allies will conquer a third enemy. However, the Christians will act treacherously as they will claim the victory on the strength of their religion, thus the Muslims will be driven to arms and will fight them.

Dhu Makhbar said, ''I heard the Apostle of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) say, ''You will make a secure peace with the Byzantines, then you will fight an enemy behind you, and you will be victorious, take the boot, and be safe you will the return and alight in a meadow with mounds and one of the Christians will raise the cross and say, 'The cross has conquered'. One of the Muslims will become angry and smash it, and the Byzantines will act treacherously and prepare for battle.''

Conquest of Constantinople

The great war between the Christians and Muslims will result in the Muslims conquering Constantinople (which is modern day Istanbul) without army by the sheer force of Takbeer (Allahu Akbar).

Abu Hurairah reports that the Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him said, ''Have you heard of a town of which a part is in the sea?''
''Yes'' said they. He said: 'The last hour shall not occur till 70,000 of the children of Isaac shall attack it. When they come to it, they (Muslims) will not fight with arms, nor throw arrows. They will only say: There is no god but Allah, Allah is the greatest, and then on of its sides will fall down. They will recite for the second time : there is no god but Allah, Allah is the greatest, and then another of its side will fall down. After that they will say it for the third time: there is no god but Allah and Allah is the greatest, and then it will be opened for them and they will enter and acquire booty. While they will be dividing the booty, a proclaimer will come to them and proclaim: 'Verily Dajjal has come out. 'Then they will leave everything and return.' (Muslim)

It should be noted that the conquests will take place a very short period. Abdullah-ibn-Busr has reported that the Messenger of Allah Peace and blessings be upon him has said: 'Between the Great War and the conquest of the city (Constantinople) there will be six years, and the Dajjal shall appear in the seventh year,' (abided)

Blessings at the time of Imam Mahdi

Once again the Quran and Sunnah will govern the people, this time by the rightly guided Khalifh, Imam Mahdi. Islam will gain an upper hand and will be firmly established in the land. The oppression, tyranny, and darkness that prevailed all over the globe will be replaced with justice, peace and equity. The smile, which was long forgotten, will be restored on the Muslim faces and the inhabitants of the Heaven and Earth will be pleased with him. Everybody will be happy to the extent that even birds an wild animals will rejoice in his rule. Heaven will end rain profusely, livestock will be in abundance, land will become fertile, the earth will become green and sprout with abundant fruit ad vegetation.
(The above content has been taken from various hadith, which can be found in Abu-Daud and from the hadith narrated by Abu-Saeed al-Khudri in Musnad Ahmad.)

Due to the booty gained from the various conquest everyone will have so much wealth that an eyebrow will not even be raised at somebody else's wealth. Callers will proclaim in the street, ''Is anybody in need of anything?'' Nobody will respond except one person. In the latter part of Abu-Saeed al-Khudri's hadith it is mentioned ''A caller will call 'Who is in need of wealth?' Only one person will stand (and response to the call and say I am in need of wealth) he will be told to go to the treasurer and tell him that the Mahdi orders you to give some wealth. 'Gather and take it', he will be told. (He will begin to put it in his lap, when he realized that nobody else has come and he was the only one) he will regret it and say 'I was the greediest from among the Ummah of Muhammed Peace and blessings be upon him. The narrator says, he will return it but it will not be accepted and it will be said to him that we do not accept what we have given. (Ahmad)

Abu-Saeed al-Khudri radiallahu anh has also reported that the Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him said regarding Mahdi; that a man will come to him and say, 'Give me, give me' Then he will spread his cloth and put in it as much as he can carry.

His Reign as a Khalifah

There are different narration's regarding his reign as a Khalifh. Some traditions indicate that is reign will be seven years like the hadith of Umm Salama radiallahu anha in Abu Dawood, ''He will remain seven years, then die, and Muslims will pray over him.'' (Abu Dawood)

Other traditions indicate that his reign will last seven, eight or nine years like the Hadith of Abu Saeed radiallahu anh in Mustadrak.

Due to different traditions the period of Imaam Mahdi's reign is disputed. Many Scholars have taken seven years to be the period of his reign due to the fact that the Ahadith which indicate seven years are the most authentic. Other Scholars like Shah Rafiud-din, after careful analysis have concluded that the first seven years if his reign will pass without worry, he will spend the eight preparing to fight the Dajjal (anti-christ) and spend the ninth with Prophet Isa (Jesus)Peace be upon him He will thereafter die, Prophet 'Isa (Jesus) Peace be upon him will read his funeral prayer and bury him.

Return Of Prophet Isa (Jesus)

Brief History of Prophet 'Isa (Jesus - Peace be upon him)

Due to the fact that the Jews had become deaf and blind to the words of God and deviated from the teachings of Musa (Moses - Peace be upon him) and the right path, Allah honoured Jesus Peace be upon him with Prophethood and sent him as a messenger to the children of Israel.

Bearing all hardships Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him spent all day and night conveying the message of Allah. Unfortunately, in spite of his tremendous effort the children of Israel did not respond and accept the message. Seeing that the poor and weak were becoming inclined towards him and fearing they would lose their leadership the Jews secretly tried to kill him. However Allah saved Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him from their wicked scheme and gave him greater dignity by raising him alive to the heavens.

Allah says in the Quran, "They did not kill him and nor did they crucify him but the resemblance of him (Jesus Peace be upon him) was put over another man and those who differ there in, are in doubt. They have no certain knowledge. They are following nothing but conjecture for surely they did not kill him but Allah raised him up to him." (Surah Nisa)

Allah says in the Quran "When Allah says, Jesus; I will take thee to me and I will purify thee of the unbelievers." (Surah A'li-Imran)

These verses clearly prove that the Jews did not kill Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him and that he was raised alive to the heavens. It is due to verses like those mentioned above and many authentic Ahadith we Muslims believe that Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him is alive in heaven at this moment in time. We further believe due to the following verses and authentic Ahadith that Prophet JesusPeace be upon him will return before Qiyamah and his return is a major sign of Qiyamah.

Allah says in the Quran, "And he (son of Mary) shall be a known sign for (the coming of) the hour." (Surah Zukhruf)

Ibn Abbas radiallahu anhuma has said that the meaning of this verse is that Prophet Jesus's Peace be upon him descent before Qiyamah is a sign of Qiyamah. (Ibne Abbas/ Musnad)

Allah says, "There is not a single section of the people of the book that will certainly believe in Jesus before his death and on the Day of Resurrection he will be a witness against them." (Surah Nisa) This verse clearly indicates that before the demise of Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him everyone from the people of the book will believe in him. The Jews will disappear as Jews after his demise but at the present the Jews are very much there. The conclusion is clear that the Prophet Jesus Peace be upon himhas not died; if so all the Jews would have become believers, which they have not. He will return before Qiyamah and it is then that all the people of the book will believe in him.

Jabir (radiallahu anh) reported that the Messenger of Allah salallahu 'alayhi wasallam said, "A party of my followers will not cease to fight for victory until the Day of Resurrection. Then Jesus, son of Mary, will come down. Their Imaam will say, "Come and lead our prayer" He will reply, "Some of you are rulers over others on account of divine honour upon these people." (Muslim)

Abu Huraira (radiallahu anh) reported that the Messenger of Allah Peace and blessings be upon him said, "By the one whose hands my life is in, surely the son of Maryam (Peace upon her) will descend amongst you as a just ruler. He will destroy the cross, kill the swine and abolish the tax." (Bukhari)

Hadrat Hudaifah ibn Osaid reported: The Holy Prophet Peace and blessings be upon him suddenly came to us while we were talking. He asked, "What are you talking about?" They replied "We were talking about the last hour." The Prophet (salallahu 'alayhi wasallam) said, "It will never come until you see ten signs before it," He then mentioned the Smoke, the Dajjal, the Beast, the Rising of the Sun in its place of setting, the Descent of Jesus son of Mary and Yajuj and Ma'juj. (Muslim)

Prophet Jesus's (Peace be upon him) Tasks

Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him will have three main tasks, when he descends on the Earth for the second time:

1) The first and most important will be that he will destroy the Dajjal.

2) Protect the Muslims from the barbarous tribes of Yajuj and Majuj by taking them to Mount Tur and then Praying for their (Yajuj and Majuj's) destruction.

3) Reign as a Khalif according to the Quran and Sunnah and elevate Islam.

Prophet Jesus's (Peace be upon him) descent and the killing of Masih ad-Dajjal

The Dajjal (anti-christ) having failed to enter the holy city of Madinah will proceed to Syria gathering his forces on the way.

Imaam Mahdi will have arranged the Muslim army and will be on the verge of leading the Muslims in the morning prayer (Abu Umamah / Ibn Majah) when Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him will descend to the white Minaret (Nawwas-b-Samaan/Muslim) in the east of Damascus, wearing two garments died with saffron, placing his hands on the wings of two angels.

All those that are present will recognise him, as he will look exactly like the how the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) described Jesus (peace be upon him). Resembling the Sahabi Urwa bin Masood (Abu- Huraira/ Muslim) the colour of his skin will be reddish white (Ibn Abbas/ Bukhari), he will be well built and his hair will be soft and reach his ears. When he lowers his head, beads of perspiration will fall from it and when he raises his head, beads like pearls will scatter from it. (Nawwas-b-Samaan/Muslim).

Every Kaafir (disbeliever) who smells his sweet breath will die and his breath will reach as far as he can see. On seeing prophet Jesus Peace be upon him, Imaam Mahdi will take a couple of steps backwards so Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him can lead the prayer however Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him will place his hands on the Imaam's shoulder and will say, ''Go forward and lead the prayer as the Iqamah was made for you'' thus Imaam Mahdi will lead the prayer. (Abu Umamah/ Ibne-Majah).

After the prayer Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him will say, ''Open the gate.'' The gate will be opened and the Dajjal will be waiting behind it accompanied by an army of 70,000 Jews, each armed with a sword and shield. The Dajjal on seeing Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him among the Muslims will begin to dissolve like salt in water and will begin to flee.

Prophet JesusPeace be upon him will say to him, ''You will remain alive until I strike you with my spear.'' He will catch up with him at the Eastern gate of Ludd (Ludd is a mountain in Syria. Some say that it is a village in Jerusalem, and some say that it is a village in Palestine) and then Prophet JesusPeace be upon him will kill him with a small spear.

The Muslims will thereafter defeat and wipe out Dajjal's army. The Jews will not be able to hide behind anything on that day. Every time they try to hide behind a stone, a wall, a tree (except a boxthorn tree), or animal. Allah will make these things speak and they will say, ''O servant of Allah there is a Jew hiding behind me. come kill him.''

The Wisdom in the Descension of Prophet Jesus (Peace be upon him)

The Ulama of the Ahlus Sunnah w'al-Jama'ah have given many different reasons in the returning of Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him to this world or the second time. A few are listed below:

1) The Jews believe that they had killed Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him, Allah will send him before the end of time to prove that they had not killed him and that he is alive. It is he who will kill the Jews and their leader Dajjal. (Fathul - Bari)

2) Some Ulama have said that Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him found many virtues of the followers of Prophet Muhammad Peace and blessings be upon him in the bible and thus he prayed to Allah to make him amongst the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad Peace and blessings be upon him. Allah answered his prayer and he will return for the second time as one of the followers of Prophet Muhammad Peace and blessings be upon him. (Ibn-Kathir)

3) It is the Law of Allah that anything that is created from the Earth has to be buried in the Earth and not the Heavens. Thus he will return to the Earth for the second time, kill the Dajjal, live for a period of time and then he will die a natural death and will be buried with the Prophet Muhammad Peace and blessings be upon him. (Ashratus-Sa'ah).

Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) and the Ya'juj Ma'juj (Gog Megog)

A short period after Prophet Jesus Peace be upon himhas killed the Dajjal, the two mighty tribes of Yajuj and Ma'juj will appear, causing murder, pillage and devastation wherever they go. The emergence of Ya'juj and Ma'juj is also another major sign of Qiyamah. Through the invocation of Prophet JesusPeace be upon him they will be destroyed. (Nawwas-b-Samaan-Muslim).

More detail regarding them follows in the next sign.

Prophet Jesus (Peace be upon him) as a Ruler

The Prophet Muhammad Peace and blessings be upon him said, "By him whose hands my life is in, surely the son of Maryam will come down amongst you as a just ruler. He will break the cross, kill the pigs, and abolish the tax. Wealth will be in such abundance that none will care about it and a single prostration in a Prayer will be better than the world and all that is in it." (Abu Huraira/Bukhari, Muslim)

The above hadith clearly indicates that when Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him returns to the world for the second time he will not reign as a Prophet nor will he bring a new Shariah or Deen, as Islam is the last religion, the Quran is the last book to be revealed and our Prophet Muhammad Peace and blessings be upon him is the last Prophet. There is no Prophet to come after him and the Quran has made this fact very clear.

Allah says in the Qur'an, "Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) is not the father of any of you but is the Messenger of Allah and the last of the Prophets." (Surah-Al-Ahzaab)

When Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him returns for the second time he will reign as a Khalif and not a Prophet, follow the Qur'an and Sunnah and rule according to it. He will break the cross the Christians worship (indicating that he will bring Christianity to an end), elevate and spread Islam through out the world.

He will also kill the pig which the Christians consider Halaal (lawful) to eat (and use) and abolish the Jizya (tax). In Prophet Jesus's (Peace be upon him) reign they will not pay this tax because he will not accept anything but Islam for the non believers and they will all believe in him. The Qur'an says, "There is not a single section of the people of the book (Jews and Christians) but will believe in him and on the Day of Resurrection he will be a witness against them." (Surah-An-Nisa)

Secondly there will be an abundance in wealth, so much so that it will flow like water and there will not remain anybody who could be given this money, thus this tax will be abolished.

Blessings at the time of Prophet Jesus (Peace be upon him)

All types of spiritual and worldly blessings will descend on Earth in his time. Wealth will flow like water, everyone will be independent and have surplus wealth and property to the extent that nobody will be in the need of Zakat and Sadaqa thus receiving of Zakat and Sadaqa will be discarded.

All hearts will be free from misery, envy, malice, and jealousy. Each harmful animal will be made harmless. Camels will graze with the lions and the cheetahs with cattle. A little girl will chase a lion and make it run away from her like children chasing a puppy and this lion will not harm her.

Venom will be taken out from all venomous animals, a little boy will put his hand in a snake's mouth, but it will not harm him. The Jackal will live with the sheep and protect them as if it were a sheep dog. Peace, harmony and tranquillity will prevail in the world.

People will be in complete agreement, wars will cease, the earth will be filled with peace like a silver basin and it will sprout with vegetation like at the time of Prophet Adam Peace be upon him. The fertility of the land will increase to the extent that if a seed is planted in a rock, it will sprout. 700 mudd of wheat will sprout without ploughing the land. The earth will produce so much fruit that a large group of people will sit to eat a bunch of grapes or a pomegranate and they will be satisfied and use it's peel as an umbrella. There will also be blessing in milk. The milk of a single she camel will be sufficient to satisfy the hunger of a large group of people. A cow will produce what is sufficient for a tribe of people, and a sheep will produce milk, which is sufficient for a family of people. Horses will be cheap as they will be never ridden in war and bulls will be expensive, as they will be needed to plough the land.

Life will be very pleasant and enjoyable after his descension and the Muslims will live in comfort in his reign as a Khalifh. (Nawwas-b-Sarnaan-Muslim/Abu Umamah-Ibne Majah)

Marriage

Many Ahadith specify that after his descension he will get married and have children and remain on the earth for a period of 19 years after his marriage. (Al-Fitan Nuaim bin Hammad).

Death

Prophet Jesus Peace be upon him after his return to the Earth for a second time will live for a period of time (some scholars have mentioned 40 years in the light of a hadith which can be found in Abu Daud) and thereafter will die a natural death. The Muslims will perform his Janaza (funeral prayers) and according to the hadith narrated by Abdullah bin Amr in Mishkat he will be buried next to the Holy Prophet Muhammad Peace and blessings be upon him.

Excellence and Gems of Wisdom by Hasnain al-Kareemain Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma'een

Allah with Whose Name we begin, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful.
All Praise is due to Almighty Allah, Durood and Salam upon our Master,
Our Leader Muhammad, upon his Exalted Family and Blessed Companions entire!!

Dear Readers! Today, I present to you few glimpses on the prominence of Sayyiduna al-Imam Hasan and Sayyiduna Imam al-Hussain (leaders of the youth in Paradise) from the authentic book on the Karbala by the Noble Imam and Teacher of the Sacred Knowledge, Mawlana Sha Hasan Raza Khan – the brother of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan – Alaihimur Rahmah wa al Ridwan. The book is called Aaina-e-Qiyamamat (The mirror unto the day of Reckoning). If there any errors, kindly point them out to me so that I can correct them and these should be taken as my errors and not that of the esteemed and Noble Scholar. Also, few Gems of Wisdom by the Great Imams and the two swords of the heavens compiled by Shaykh Abd al-Hadi al-Qadiri Hafidhahullahu Ta’ala!!

The prominence of Imam Hasan ibn Ali and Imam Hussain ibn Ali – Allah’s pleasure be upon them all.

1. It is reported that once, Imam Hasan approached the Holy Prophet - blessings and peace be upon him - and climbed on his shoulders. A person, (who was present) remarked, “O blessed son! What a nice steed you have”. In reply, the Holy Prophet declared, “And how nice a rider (too).” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Manaqib, Manaqib Abi Muhammad al-Hasan – Hadith no. 3809, Vol 5, Page 432].

2. Once, when the Holy Prophet - blessings and peace be upon him - was in ritual prostration Imam Hasan wrapped himself on the blessed back of the Holy Prophet - blessings and peace be upon him. Due to this, the Holy Prophet - blessings and peace be upon him - lengthened the ritual prostration so that he (Hasan) would not fall when the Prophet raised his head. [Musnad Abu Ya'la, Musnad Anas bin Malik, Hadith no. 3415, Vol 3, Page 21].

3. The Prophet - blessings and peace be upon him - declared: “these two sons of mine are the leaders of the youth in Paradise.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Manaqib, Manaqib Abi Muhammad al-Hasan, Hadith no. 3793, Vol. 5, Page 426].

4. The Holy Prophet - blessings and peace be upon him - has also stated that, “Their friends are my friends, their enemies are my enemies.” [Sunan ibn Maja, kitab al-Sunna, Fadl al Hasan wa al Husain, Hadith no. 143, Vol. 1, Page 96].

5. He has also stated that, “these two are the swords of the heavens.” He has also stated that, “Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain. May Allah keep him as a friend who keeps Hussain as his friend. Hussain is a grandchild from among grandchildren.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith no. 3800, Vol. 5, Page 429].

6. It is stated that once, the Holy Prophet - blessings and peace be upon him - placed Imam Hussain on his right thigh and and his own son, Sayyiduna Ibrahim on his left thigh. Jibra’il appeared to him and said, “Allah will not keep them both with the Prophet, choose one of them.” The Holy Prophet - blessings and peace be upon him - could not bear being separated from Imam Hussain and three days later, Sayyiduna Ibrahim passed on to the Divine Lord. After this incident, whenever Imam Hussain came in front of him , he used to kiss him and say, ‘Welcome to the one for whom I have sacrificed my own son’” [Tarikh al-Baghdad, Vol. 2, Page 200].

7. He has also declared that, “They are my sons and the sons of my daughter. O Allah! I have kept them in my friendship; You also keep them in Your friendship and keep him as Your friend who keeps them as his friends.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Manaqib, Hadith no. 3794, Vol. 5, Page 427].

8. He advised his blessed daughter, “Bring me both my sons.” He used to then smell them and then hug them to his chest. [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Manaqib, Hadith no. 3797, Vol. 5, Page 428].


Gems of Wisdom by Hasnain al-Kareemain Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma'een Sayyiduna Imam al-Hasan Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho: • Good manners and disposition are ten:1.    Truth in Speech
2.    Strongly opposing falsehood
3.    Charity
4.    To repay favours
5.    Kindness of kith and kin
6.    Protect your neighbour
7.    Right enjoined upon you on all creation
8.    Entertaining guests
9.    Etiquette and
10.    The most important is Shame and modesty.
• The best characteristic regarded amongst the wise is wisdom of Taqwah (fear of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala) and the worst characteristic is bad behaviour and bad manners.
• Those who extend a hand of friendship towards you then become friends with them you will be regarded as just.
• Your age continues to increase while your life span decreases therefore assist somebody while you can with anything you have.
• Momin is he who provides for himself in the hereafter while a Kafir (rejecter of Faith) is he who is busy in providing for himself the comforts of the World.


Sayyiduna Imam al-Hussain Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho:
• Dishonoured is he, who is a Miser.
• If you wish to become a leader then make action and movement, toil and labour your business.
• You are seeing the different types of business dealings shows that the World is changing its colours (becoming more fickle), turning its face away, emptying itself of good, but we still have a little time, a contemptible life is left, danger and fearfulness has enclosed, Alas with regret, can’t you see that justice and truth have been placed behind, falsehood is being practised openly, whosoever hand you grab to rescue he does not want to be rescued towards the everlasting and Almighty creator, nor does he wish to fulfil his duties to his Eternal Lord. I prefer martyrdom, instead of living a life under these oppressors for such a life is also a crime.
• The World has changed colours and it has been deprived of good, Is there nobody that would stop the oppressor from oppression, The time has come for the Mo’min to come forth and to sacrifice everything for the sake of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala.
• Do not fear that which you do not understand, not cannot attain.
• Do not keep high hopes for any remuneration for work which is more than necessary.
• If you know the results of a job will be difficult, then do not take its responsibilities upon your shoulders.
• The highest status amongst the forgiving is of that person who has all the power to avenge himself yet he adopts to forgive.
• All the people whom I loved have departed from this World and I am left amongst those whom I don’t like.
• The best use of wealth is to modestly and honourably resolve it.

Significance of Muharram & day of Ashura from Authentic references

QUESTION;
What is the relationship of the Day-of-Ashoora (10th Muharram) to the historic events in Karbala?

THE MONTH OF MUHARRAM Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar Hijrah Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which the Holy Quran says, "The number of the months according to Allah is twelve months (mentioned) in the Book of Allah on the day in which He created heavens and the earth. Among these (twelve months) there are four sanctified". These four months, according to the authentic traditions are the months of Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. All the commentators of the Holy Quran are unanimous on this point, because the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) in his sermon on the occasion of his last Hajj, has declared: One year consists of twelve months, of which four are sanctified months, three of them are in sequence; Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab. The specific mention of these four months does not mean that any other month has no sanctity, because the month of Ramadhan is admittedly the most sanctified month in the year. But these four months were specifically termed as sanctified months for the simple reason that their sanctity was accepted even by the pagans of Makkah. In fact, every month, out of the twelve, is originally equal to the other, and there is no inherent sanctity which may be able which may be attributed to one of them in comparison to the other months. When Allah Almighty chooses a particular time for His special blessings, the same acquires sanctity out of His grace. Thus, the sanctity of these four months was recognized right from the days of Sayyidina Ibrahim (Alayhis salaam). Since the Pagans of Makkah attributed themselves to Sayyidina Ibrahim (Alayhis salaam) they observed the sanctity of these four months and despite their frequent tribal battles, they held it unlawful to fight in these months. In the Shariah of our Noble Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) the sanctity of these months was upheld and the Holy Quran referred to them as the "sanctified months".
The month of Muharram has certain other characteristics peculiar to it which are specified below.
1. Fasting during the month The Noble Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has said: 'The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadhan are those of the month of Muharram." Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet, the one who fasts in these days out of his own will and choice is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty. The Hadith cited above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are most rewardable ones among the Nafl fasts i.e. the fasts one observes out of his own choice without being obligatory on him. The Hadith does not mean that the award promised for fasts of Muharram can be achieved only by fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit. Therefore, one should avail of this opportunity as much as he can.
2. The day of 'Ashurah' Although the month of Muharram is a sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named 'Ashurah'. According to the Holy Companion Ibn 'Abbas (Radhiallaahu Бnhu). The Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), when migrated to Madinah, found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa (Moses) (Alayhis salaam) and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, "We are more closely related to Musa (Alayhis salaam) than you" and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of 'Ashura'. (Abu Dawood) It is also reported in a number of authentic traditions that in the beginning, fasting on the day of 'Ashura' was obligatory for the Muslims. It was later that the fasts of Ramadhan were made obligatory and the fast on the day of 'Ashura' was made optional. Sayyidina 'Aisha (Radhiallaahu Бnha) has said: "When the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) came to Madinah, he fasted on the day of 'Ashura' and directed the people to fast it. But when the fasts of Ramadhan were made obligatory, the obligation of fasting was confined to Ramadhan and the obligatory nature of the fast of 'Ashura' was abandoned. Whoever so desires should fast on it and any other who so likes can avoid fasting on it." (Sunan Abu Dawud) However, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) used to fast on the day of 'Ashura' even after the fasting in Ramadhan was made obligatory. Abdullah ibn Musa (Radhiallaahu Бnhu) reports that the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) preferred the fast of 'Ashura' on the fasts of other days and preferred the fasts of Ramadhaan on the fast of 'Ashura'. (Bukhari and Muslim) In short, it is established through a number of authentic Hadiths that fasting on the day of 'Ashura' is Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and makes one entitled to a great reward. According to another Hadith, it is more advisable that the fast of 'Ashura' should either be prefixed or suffixed by another fast. It means that one should fast two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th of it. The reason of this additional fast as mentioned by the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is that the Jews used to fast on the day of 'Ashura alone, and the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) wanted to distinguish the Muslim way of fasting from that of Jews. Therefore, he advised the Muslims to add another fast to that of 'Ashura'. Some traditions signify another feature of the day of 'Ashura. According to these traditions one should be more generous to his family by providing more food to them on this day as compared to other days. These traditions are not very authentic according to the science of Hadith. Yet, some Scholars like Baihaqi and Ibn Hibban have accepted them as reliable. What is mentioned above is all that is supported through authentic sources about Ashura.

However, there are some legends and misconceptions with regard to 'Ashura' that have managed to find their way into the minds of the ignorant, but have no support of authentic Islamic sources, some very common of them are these: - This is the day in which Adam (Alayhis salaam) was created. - This is the day in which Ibrahim was born. - This is the day in which Allah accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Adam (Alayhis salaam) - This is the day on which the Qiyaamah (doomsday) will take place. - Whoever takes bath in the day of 'Ashura' will never get ill. All these and other similar whims and fancies are totally baseless and the traditions referred to in this respect are not worthy of any credit. Some people take it as Sunnah to prepare a particular type of meal in the day of 'Ashura'. This practice, too, has no basis in the authentic Islamic sources. Some other people attribute the sanctity of 'Ashura' to the martyrdom of Sayyidina Husain (Radhiallaahu Бnhu) during his battle with the Syrian army. No doubt, the martyrdom of Sayyidina Husain (Radhiallaahu Бnhu) is one of the most tragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of 'Ashura' cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of 'Ashura' was established during the days of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) much earlier than the birth of Sayyidna Husain (Radhiallaahu Бnhu). On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Sayyidna Husain (Radhiallaahu Бnhu) that his martyrdom took place on the day of 'Ashura'.

Another misconception about the month of Muharram is that it is an evil or unlucky month, for Sayyidna Husain was killed in it. It is for this misconception that people avoid holding marriage ceremonies in the month of Muharram. This is again a baseless concept which is contrary to the express teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. Such superstitions have been totally negated by the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). If the death of an eminent person in a particular day renders that day unlucky for all times to come, one can hardly find a day, free from this bad luck, out of 360 days of the whole year, because each and every day has a history of the demise of some eminent person. The Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) have made us free from such superstitious beliefs, and they should deserve no attention.

Another wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mourning ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain (Radhiallaahu Бnhu). As mentioned earlier, the event of Karbala is one of the most tragic events of our history, but the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of jahiliyyah (ignorance) used to mourn over their deceased through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) stopped the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying "Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji'oon". A number of authentic Ahaadith are available on the subject. To quote only one of them: "He is not from our group who slaps his checks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah". (Sahih Bukhari) All the authentic jurists are unanimous on the point that the mourning of this type is absolutely impermissible. Even Sayyidna Husain (Radhiallaahu Бnhu) at shortly before his demise, had advised his beloved sister Sayyidah Zainab (Radhiallaahu Бnha) at not to mourn over his death in this manner. He said, "My dear sister, I swear upon you that you, in case I die, shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face, nor curse anyone for me or pray for your death". (Al-Kamil, ibn Kathir vol. 4 pg. 24) It is evident from this advice of Sayyidna Husain, (Radhiallaahu Бnhu) that this type of mourning is condemned even by the blessed person for the memory of whom these mourning ceremonies are held. Every Muslim should avoid this practice and abide by the teachings of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and his beloved grand child Sayyidna Husain (Radhiallaahu Бnhu).

Mufti Taqi Uthmaani

Muharram & Ashura- Innovations & wrong practices

QUESTION:

In this month off muharrum in india there is a practice where thy keep some hand shapes and finger shaped thing which will be kept for 10 days starting from day one, on 10th day those shapes will be taken out in a procession and later drowned in well/Pond. This practice has gained much respect and the disbelever of this, according to people will face bad consequences. The hand shape structure here called by the name is "Panjas.". Now my question is how to explain to the people  that this types of shriks are not allowed in Islam. Do this practice has some base in the history related to "KARBBALA"& HAZRATH IMAM HUSAIN' S ASSASINATION

ANSWER:

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatoh

We compliment you on your zeal to eradicate innovations and preserve Islam in its pristine form. May Allah reward you for your efforts. (Ameen)

A) The practice referred to in your question has no basis in Shariah. However, since this practice has gained much respect in your country you need to exercise extreme precaution when explaining the impermissibility to the people. You have to gradually prepare the people to accept it with diplomacy. This practice is carried out due to ignorance. Therefore, people should first be exhorted to attain correct Islamic knowledge. The strongest weapon against ignorance is knowledge. The Ulama should also get involved by delivering lectures and distributing pamphlets on the correct history of Karbala. They should clarify that the sacredness of Muharram goes back to Musa (A.S). It was co-incidental that Hazrat Husain (R.A) was martyred on this day. If there was any day to mourn, it would have been the day of the demise of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Ulama should also explain Muharram from an Islamic perspective. They should elucidate on the rewards of fasting in this month. Another important aspect to be stressed upon is the importance of sunnah and the harms of bidah. Note the following Ahadith

عن عائشة رضى الله عنها قالت قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم من احدث في امرنا هذا ما ليس منه فهو رد(متفق عليه)

(Whoever introduces any foreign action in our (religion) it would be rejected)(Bukhari 3/222 Darul fikr, Muslim 242 Darul marifah) 

وشر الامور محدثاتها وكل بدعة ضلالة(رواه مسلم والنسأي وابو داود)

(The worst actions are those that are innovated, and every innovation is astray) 

These are effective ways of getting the people to recognize the prohibition and wrongs of their actions.

B) We could not find any basis for this practice in the books available to us.

And Allah knows best

Wassalam

Ml. Ismail Moosa,
Student Darul Iftaa

Checked and Approved by:

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In'aamiyyah

Wrong belief about Muharram & Safar

QUESTION:

Is there anything said against performing Nikah in Muharram, with emphasis in the time of safar? Does safar has any implications or impediments on marriage? jazakAllah Khair.

ANSWER:
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

There is absolutely nothing wrong in marrying in the month of Muharram or in Safr or any time of the year. It was a belief of the time of Jaahiliyyah (pre-Islamic era) that the month of Safr was a bad luck month. Rasulullah corrected this wrong belief and said there is (no bad luck) in Safr.

And Allah knows the best
Wassalam

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In'aamiyyah

Fasting on 10th & 11th of Muharram & other nafil fasts

QUESTION:
I would like to know all the navafil fasting which is practiced by our Prophet Mohamed (SAW) & which ones are the most superior among them?
ANSWER:

There are various fasts that Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) kept besides the fast of Ramadhan. The Sahaaba (Radhiallaahu Anhum) mention that, at times, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) would fast so much that we thought he would not stop and at times he (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) did vice versa. (Sahih Bukhari Hadith1141, 1972).

The Fuqaha (jurists) have classified them into 2 types; a) Sunnat and b) Mustahabb (preferable). The fast of the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram has been classified as a Sunnah fast. (Durrul Mukhtar vol.2 pg.374; Maraaqiul Falaah pg.350). by fasting on the 10th, one year’s minor sins are forgiven. (Sahih Bukhari Hadith2000-2007; Sahih Muslim Hadith2838).

The following are those classified as Mustahabb (meritorious): 1. Every Monday and Thursday. (Maraaqiul Falaah pg.350; Aalamgiri vol.1 pg.201). Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) chose to fast these days because the deeds of the Ummah are presented to Allah Ta’ala on these 2 days. (Sahih Muslim; Sunan al-Tirmidhi Hadith745, 747; Sahih ibn Khuzaymah Hadith2116-2120)

2. 13th, 14th and 15th of every month which are known as Ayyaamul beedh. (Maraaqiul Falaah pg.350; Darrul Mukhtaar vol.2 pg.375; Aalamgiri vol.1 pg.201). One who observes these fasts every month will be rewarded as if he fasted his entire lifetime. (Musnad Ahmad vol.5 pg.140, 252; Sunan al-Tirmidhi Hadith762; Sahih ibn Khuzaymah Hadith2128). However, the 13th of the month of Dhul-Hijjah is excluded. (Imdaadul Fataawa)

3. Any three days of each month. (Shaami vol.2 pg.375; Tahtaawi alaa Maraaqil falah pg.350; Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith1981; Sahih Muslim Hadith2736, 2739; Sunan Abu Dawud; Sunan al-Tirmidhi Hadith742; Sahih ibn Khuzaymah Hadith2126). The reward of this fast is same as the previous, and in fact this one could be incorporated in the Ayyaamul beedh. (Shaami; Sahih ibn Khuzaymah vol.3 pg.303)

4. The 9th of Dhul-Hijjah which is the day of Arafaat. However, the Haaji who is in Arafaat is excluded, because he may be weakened through the fast. If this is not the case, then the Haaji may also keep this fast. (Durrul Mukhtaar vol.2 pg.375). Some Ulama have classified this as a Sunnah fast just like the 10th of Muharram. (Shaami vol.2 pg.375). By fasting on this day, 2 years minor sins will be forgiven. (Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith1988; Sahih Muslim Hadith2738-2739; Musnad Ahmad; Sunan Abu Dawud; Sahih ibn Khuzaymah Hadith2099, 2101)

5. Any 6 days of Shawwal (month after Ramadhaan). (Maraaqiul falaah pg.350; Aalamgiri vol.1 pg.201). The one who observes these fasts together with the fast of Ramadhaan, will receive the reward of fasting for the entire year. (Sahih Muslim Hadith2750; Musnad Ahmad; Sunan al-Tirmidhi Hadith759; Sunan Abu Dawud; Sahih ibn Hibbaan Hadith3634; Sahih ibn Khuzaymah Hadith2114)

6. On Fridays. (Shaami vol.2 pg.375; Maraaqiul falaah pg.350; Aalamgiri vol.1 pg.201). However, it is better to fast a day before it or after it as well. (Ibid; Shamaail al-Tirmidhi pg.288; Sahih ibn Khuzaymah Hadith1229; Sahih Muslim Hadith2678; al-Targheeb vol.2 pg.126)

7. Saturday and Sunday (together). (Shaami vol.2 pg.375-376 refer Musnad Ahmad vol.6 pg.323; Mustadrak al-Haakim; Sahih ibn Khuzaymah vol.3 pg.318 Hadith2167; Sahih ibn Hibbaan Hadith3616)

8. As much as possible in the first half of the month of Sha’baan with no specification on condition that one is confident that this will not weaken him for the fast of Ramadhaan. (Aalamgiri vol.1 pg.201 refer Sahih Bukhari Hadith1969; Sahih Muslim Hadith175, 176, 1156; Musnad Ahmad vol.6 pg.165; Sahih ibn Khuzaymah vol.3 pg.282-283; Sahih ibn Hibbaan Hadith3591)

9. Any or all of the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah. (Aalamgiri vol.1 pg.201). The fast of each of these days is equal to the fast of one year. (Shu’ubul Imaan Hadith3758; Majma-uz-zawaaid vol.4 pg.20; Sunan al-Tirmidhi Hadith758) 10. As much as possible, in the month of Muharram. The best fast after Ramadhaan is the fast of Muharram (Sahih Muslim Hadith2748) and for each fast one will receive the reward of fasting for 30 days. (Tabrani; al-Targheeb vol.2 pg.114) These are most of the fasts that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), either observed himself or encouraged others to observe. Besides these, the Fuqahaa have stated that it is virtuous for one to fast as much as possible (if he has the strength to do so), for the fact that fasting is an act f worship in itself, hence, the more one does, the better. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said that the most beloved fasts to Allah is the fast of Daawood (alayhis salaam), he would fast every alternate day. (Sahih Bukhari Hadith1131; Sahih Muslim Hadith2731-2732). One should also bear in mind that it is forbidden to fast on the days of both Eids as well as the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. (Sahih Bukhari Hadith1990; Sahih Muslim Hadith2666-2672; Sahih ibn Khuzaymah Hadith2100; Shaami vol.2 pg.375)

and Allah Ta'ala Knows the Best.

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

A while ago, my Dad met a stranger – Interesting Story with a Moral

A while ago, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on.
As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey. But the stranger…he was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies.
If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry. The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn’t seem to mind.
Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.)
Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home… Not from us, our friends or any visitors. Our longtime visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush. My Dad didn’t permit the liberal use of alcohol. But the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly and pipes distinguished.
He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing.
I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked… And NEVER asked to leave.
More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if you could walk into my parents’ den today, you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures. Categorically, he destroyed all the moral values, ethics, love, time for each other and other good qualities we had in our family…..whilst adding some unnoticeable quantity of positive stuff also, which any way we would have had even without him……
His name?…. .. .
.
.
We just call him ‘TV.’
He has a wife now….We call her ‘Computer.’
Their first child is “Cell Phone”.
Second child “I Pod”

It is fair to kill a dacoit

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
A man came to the

Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)
and asked,

"O Messenger of Allah! (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)
What shall I do if someone comes to me with
the intention of taking away my property?''
He (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied,
"Do not hand over it to him.''
The man asked, "What shall I do if he fights me?''
The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said,
"Then fight him.''
"What will be my position in the Hereafter if he has killed me?''
The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied,
"In that case you are a martyr.''
The man asked: "What if I killed him?''
The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied,
"He will be in the Hell-fire.''
[Muslim].

Importance of Reciting Qura'an

ASSLAM ALAIKUM WA RAHMATULLAH HI WA BARKATA HU

When a man dies and his relatives are busy in funeral, there stands an extremely handsome man by his head. When the dead body is shrouded, that man gets in between the shroud and the chest of the deceased. When after the burial, the people return home, 2 angels, Munkar and Nakeer (names of two special Angels), come in the grave and try to separate this handsome man so that they may be able to interrogate the dead man in privacy about his faith. But the handsome man says, "He is my companion, he is my friend. I will not leave him alone in any case. If you are appointed for interrogation, do your job. I cannot leave him until I get him admitted into Paradise". Thereafter he turns to his dead companion and says, "I am the Qura'an, which you used to read, sometimes in a loud voice and sometimes in a low voice. Do not worry.

After the interrogation of Munkar and Naker, you will have no grief. When the interrogation is over, the handsome man arranges for him from al_Mala'ul A'laa (the angels in Heaven) a silk bedding filled with musk.

May Allah bestow this favour on all of us. AMEEN AMEEN
Rasulullah (Sallalloho alaihe wasallam) said, "On the Day of Judgement, before Allah, no other intercessor will have a greater status than the Qura'an, neither a Prophet nor an angel."

Please keep forwarding this "Hadith" to all ...because the Prophet (PBUH) said
"Pass on knowledge from me even if it is only one verse"

Meat of Qurbani (sacrificed animal)

QUESTION:

Can we distribute the meat of the sacrificed animal of Eid-ul-Adha to the non-believers?

ANSWER:

In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Yes, you may distribute the meat of the sacrifice of Eid-ul-Adha to non-Muslims, as long as its not given as compensation for services provided by them.[i] [ii] [iii]

And Allāh knows best.

Ml. Sohail Bengali
Chicago, IL (USA)

Concurred by:

Muftī Abrar Mirza
Chicago, IL (USA)

Under the Supervision of Muftī Ebrahim Desai (South Africa)

ويهب منها ما شاء للغني والفقير والمسلم والذمي ، كذا في الغياثية [i]

الفتاوى الهندية، كتاب الأضحية، باب بيان محل إقامة الواجب: ٥/ ٣٧١، دار الكتب العلمية

 فتاوى محمودية كتاب الأضحية، ٤/ ٣٠٩ كتب خانة مظهري  [ii]

 آب كي مسائل أور أن كا حل، ٤/ ٢٠٩، مكتبة لدهيانوي [iii]

Fatwa - Ambulance Coverage

QUESTION:

We live in Australia and wanted to find out if ambulance coverage is allowed or is it like any other type of insurance? If I get ambulance coverage for my family it will cost about $170 per year and without coverage for a single trip in an ambulance up to $1000. Without coverage, a helicopter ambulance could cost up to $10 000. Sometimes an ambulance is called without our consent by the doctor and we receive the bill. Would my intention at the time of getting ambulance coverage make a difference in it being permissible or not? Like if I intend to give the fee of the ambulance coverage as a gift and the service they offer as an exchange of that gift?

ANSWER:

In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

In principle, the ambulance coverage is similar to any other type of insurance. A person pays a monthly or yearly premium, in this case $170 per year. In lieu of this payment, a person will receive a payout to cover the cost of his ambulance fees, if and when the need occurs. These types of transactions contain elements of  riba (usury), gharar (uncertainty), and qimar (gambling) which are all corruptive factors in Shar’i transactions. The element of riba takes place when the company pays the client an amount greater than the amount of the premium paid by the client. The element of gharar takes place because it is uncertain whether the client will ever receive any form of compensation for his payment. If certain conditions set out in the policy are not met, the client will have lost all of his money and not receive any form of exchange for his payments. The element of qimar takes place because the payout of the policy will only take place if a contingency or an unforeseen event takes place which has been conditioned in the contract. This is similar to lotteries and other forms of gambling where the payout will only take place if certain unforeseen conditions are met, such as drawing the exact numbers of a lottery ticket.

In regards to your intention at the time of acquiring the ambulance insurance, it will not render the transaction permissible. The Shariah considers the overall effect of transactions as opposed to the individual words (or intentions) used. Had this not been the case, even interest would be made permissible by intending to give banks a gift in exchange for them returning the gift of a higher amount.

And Allāh knows best.

Muftī Yusuf Ibn Yaqub
Washington, DC (USA)

Concurred by:

Muftī Abrar Mirza

Chicago, IL (USA)

Under the Supervision of Muftī Ebrahim Desai (South Africa)