Articles




50


Q20: When did the Isrā’ (Night Journey) along with the Mi‘rāj (Ascension Journey) take place?


Answer: It took place when the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was fifty years old. In this journey the five prayers were prescribed.


The Isrā’: It was a journey from the Sacred Mosque to the Aqsa Mosque.


The Mi‘rāj: It was ascension from the Aqsa Mosque to the heaven, then to the Sidrat al-Muntaha (the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary).


Q21: How did the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) call people to Allah outside of Makkah?


Answer: He called the people of Tā’if to Islam and presented himself to people in their gathering seasons, until the Ansār (the Supporters) from among the people of Madīnah came and pledged allegiance to support him.


Q22: How long did the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) stay in Makkah preaching?


Answer: He stayed there for thirteen years.


Q23: To where did the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) emigrate?


Answer: He emigrated from Makkah to Madīnah.


Q24: How long did he stay in Madīnah?


Answer: Ten years.


51


Q25: What were the Islamic legislations that were prescribed when he was in Madīnah?


Answer: Zakah, fasting, Hajj, Jihad, the Adhān (call to prayer) besides other Islamic legislations that were prescribed when he was in Madīnah.


Q26: What are his most important battles?


Answer: -The Battle of Badr


- The Battle of ’Uhud


- The Battle of the Ahzāb (the confederates)


- The Battle of the Conquest of Makkah


Q27: What is the last thing revealed of the Qur’an?


Answer: The verse where Allah Almighty says: {And fear the Day when you will be brought back to Allah. Then every soul will be rewarded in full for what it has earned, and none will be wronged.} [Surat al-Baqarah: 281]


Q28: When did the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) die? How old was he?


Answer: He died in Rabī‘ al-Awwal, in the eleventh year of Hijrah. He was sixty-three years old.


Q29: Who were the wives of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)?


Answer: 1. Khadījah bint Khuwaylid (may Allah be pleased with her)


52


2. Sawdah bint Zam‘ah (may Allah be pleased with her)


3. ‘Ā’ishah bint Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her)


4. Hafsah bint ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with her)


5. Zaynab bint Khuzaymah (may Allah be pleased with her)


6. Umm Salamah Hind bint Abu Umayyah (may Allah be pleased with her)


7. Umm Habībah Ramlah bint Abu Sufyān (may Allah be pleased with her)


8. Juwayriyah bint al-Hārith (may Allah be pleased with her)


9. Maymūnah bint al-Hārith (may Allah be pleased with her)


10. Safiyyah bint Huyayy (may Allah be pleased with her)


11. Zaynab bint Jahsh (may Allah be pleased with her)


Q30: Who are the Prophet's sons and daughters?


Answer: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) had three sons, who are:


- Al-Qāsim, after whom he was nicknamed as "Abu al-Qāsim"


- ‘Abdullah


- Ibrāhim


He had four daughters, who are:


- Fātimah


- Ruqayyah


- Umm Kulthūm


- Zaynab


53


He had all of his children from Kahdījah (may Allah be pleased with her), except Ibrāhim. All of them died before him, except Fātimah who died six months after his death.


Q31: Mention some of the physical characteristics of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).


Answer: He was of average height, not too short and not too tall. He had a white complexion, which was slightly reddish. He had a thick beard, big eyes, and a wide mouth. His hair was extremely black, his shoulders were broad, his smell was pleasant, in addition to other beautiful characteristics.


Q31: Upon what did the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) leave his Ummah?


Answer: He left his Ummah upon the clear path, whose night is as clear as its day and no one will deviate from it except one who is doomed. He has guided his Ummah to all goodness and has warned them against all evil.


*******


54


The Tafsīr Section


Q1: Recite Surat al-Fātihah and explain it.


Answer: Surat al-Fātihah and its Interpretation


{Bismillāhir Rahmānir Rahīm (In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful) Al-hamdullāhi Rabbil ‘Ālamīn (All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds), Ar-Rahmānir Rahīm (the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful), Māliki yawmid-dīn (Master of the Day of Judgment). Iyyāka na‘budu wa iyyāka nasta‘īn (You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help). Ihdinās sirātal mustaqīm (Guide us to the straight path), Sirātal ladhīna an‘amta ‘alayhim, ghayril maghdūbi ‘alayhim walād-dāllīn (the path of those whom You have blessed; not of those who incurred Your Wrath, or of those who went astray).} [Surat al-Fātihah: 1-7]


Interpretation


Surat al-Fātihah (the Opening) was given this name because it is the surah with which the Noble Qur’an begins.


1. {Bismillāhir Rahmānir Rahīm}: In the name of Allah I start reciting the Qur’an, seeking His help and seeking blessing by mentioning His name.


{Allah}: The One Who is truly worthy of worship, and none is given that name except the Almighty Lord.


{Ar-Rahmān}: The One Whose extensive mercy encompasses everything.


{Ar-Rahīm}: The One Who shows mercy to the believers.


55


2. {Al-hamdullāhi Rabbil ‘Ālamīn}: All kinds of praise and perfection belong to Allah alone.


3. {Ar-Rahmānir Rahīm}: The One Whose extensive mercy encompasses everything, and the One Who bestows mercy upon the believers.


4. {Māliki yawmid-dīn}: It refers to the Day of Judgment.


5. {Iyyāka na‘budu wa iyyāka nasta‘īn}: We worship You alone and we seek help from You alone.


6. {Ihdinās sirātal mustaqīm}: It refers to guidance to Islam and the Sunnah.


7. {Sirātal ladhīna an‘amta ‘alayhim, ghayril maghdūbi ‘alayhim walād-dāllīn}: The path of the righteous slaves of Allah from the prophets and their followers, which is different from the path of the Christians and the Jews.


- It is Sunnah to say: "Āmīn" (Answer our supplication!) after reciting Surat al-Fātihah.


Q2: Recite and explain Surat az-Zalzalah.


Answer: Surat az-Zalzalah and its Interpretation


In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful


{When the earth is shaken with a mighty quake, and the earth throws out its burdens, and man says, “What is the matter with it?” On that Day it will recount all its news because your Lord has inspired it [to do so]. On that Day, all people will come forward in separate groups to be shown their deeds. So whoever does an


56


atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.} [Surat az-Zalzalah: 1-8]


Interpretation


1. {Idhā zulzilat al-ardu zilzālahā}: When the earth is severely shaken on the Day of Judgment.


2. {Wa akhrajat al-ardu athqālahā}: And when the earth brings out what is inside it of the dead and other things.


3. {Wa qāl al-insānu mā lahā}: And man says confusedly: "Why is the earth moving and shaking like that?!"


4. {Yawma’idhin tuhaddithu akhbārahā}: On that great Day, the earth will speak of what goodness and evil had been done on it.


5. {Bi’anna rabbaka awhā lahā}: Because Allah informed it and commanded it to do so.


6. {Yawma’idhin yasduru an-nāsu ashtātan liyuraw a‘mālahum}: On that great Day, when the earth is shaken, people will come in groups for Reckoning and they will be shown their worldly deeds.


7. {Faman ya‘mal mithqāla dharratin khayran yarah}: Whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it in front of him.


8. {Waman y‘amal mithqāla dharratin sharran yarah}: And whoever does its weight of evil will see it in front of him.


Q3: Recite and explain Surat al-‘Ādiyāt.


Answer: Surat al-Ādiyāt and its Interpretation


In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful


57


{By the galloping, panting horses, striking sparks of fire [with their hooves], launching raids at dawn, stirring up thereby clouds of dust, plunging thereby into the midst of the enemy, indeed, man is very ungrateful to his Lord – and he himself is a witness to that – and he is truly extreme in his love of wealth. Does he not know that the contents of graves will be overturned, and the secrets of the hearts will be brought to light? Indeed, their Lord is All-Aware of them on that Day.} [Surat al-‘Ādiyāt: 1-11]


Interpretation:


1. {Wal‘ādiyāti dabha}: Allah swears by the horses that run so fast that the sound of their breathing is heard.


2. {Falmūriyāti qad-ha}: He also swears by the horses that strike sparks of fire with their hooves when strongly coming in contact with the rocks.


3. {Falmughīrāti subha}: He swears by the horses that attack the enemies in the morning.


4. {Fa’atharna bihi naq‘a}: So, they stir up dust by their running.


5. {Fawasatna bihi jam‘a}: Plunging with their riders into the midst of a group of the enemies.


6. {Inna al-insāna li rabbihi lakanūd}: Indeed, man withholds the goodness that his Lord commands him to give out.


7. {Wa innahu ‘alā dhālika lashahīd}: He himself is a witness to his own withholding of goodness, and he cannot deny it because it is so clear.


8. {Wa innahu lihubbi al-khayri lashadīd}: Due to his extreme love for money, he greedily withholds it.


58


9. {Afalā ya‘lamu idhā b‘uthira mā filqubūr}: Does this man, who is deceived by the worldly life, not know that when Allah brings out the dead from the graves and out of the earth for reckoning and recompense that things will not be the way he fancied?!


10. {Wa hussila mā fī as-sudūr}: What is in the hearts of intentions, beliefs, and others will be shown and brought to light.


11. {Inna rabbahum bihim yawma’idhin lakhabīr}: Indeed, their Lord is All-Aware of them on that Day, and nothing of His slaves' affairs will be hidden from Him and He shall recompense them for it.


Q4: Recite and explain Surat al-Qāri‘ah.


Answer: Surat al-Qāri‘ah and its Interpretation


In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful


{The Striking Calamity! What is the Striking Calamity? How do you know what the Striking Calamity is? On that Day people will be like scattered moths, and the mountains will be like carded wool. Then the one whose scales of good deeds are heavy, will have a pleasant life. But the one whose scales of good deeds are light; his abode will be the abyss. And how do you know what it is? It is a Blazing Fire.} [Surat al-Qāri‘ah: 1-11]


Interpretation


1. {Al-Qāri‘ah}: The Hour that strikes people’s hearts because of it being extremely terrifying.


2. {Mal qāri‘ah}: What is this Hour that strikes people’s hearts because of it being extremely terrifying?!


59


3. {Wa mā adrāka mal qāri‘ah}: How do you know - O Messenger - what this Hour is that strikes people’s hearts because of it being extremely terrifying? It is the Day of Judgment.


4. {Yawma yakūnun nāsu kal farāshil mabthūth}: The day it strikes people’s hearts, they will be like the moths scattered here and there.


5. {Wa takūnul jibālu kal ‘ihnil manfūsh}: The mountains will be like carded wool, fluffed up.


6. {Fa’ammā man thaqulat mawāzīnuh}: The one whose good deeds outweigh his bad deeds.


7. {Fahuwa fī ‘īshatir rādiyah}: He will enjoy a pleasant life in Paradise.


8. {Wa ammā man khaffat mawāzīnuh}: The one whose bad deeds outweigh his good deeds.


9. {Fa’ummuhu hāwiyah}: His abode and dwelling will be Hellfire.


10. {Wa mā adrāka mā hiyah}: How do you know - O Messenger - what it is?


11. {Nārun hāmiyah}: It is a blazing fire.


Q5: Recite and explain Surat at-Takāthur.


Answer: Surat at-Takāthur and its Interpretation


In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful


{Competition for worldly gains distracts you [from Allah], until you come to your graves. No indeed! You will come to know. Again no! You will come to know. No indeed! If only you knew for certain. You will surely see the Blazing Fire, Again, you will see it


60


with absolute certainty. Then on that Day you will surely be asked about your worldly pleasures.} [Surat at-Takāthur: 1-8]


Interpretation


1. {Alhākumut takāthur}: O people, boasting about your wealth and children distracted you from obeying Allah.


2. {Hatta zurtumul maqābir}: Until you die and enter your graves.


3. {Kalla sawfa ta‘lamūn}: You should not have been distracted by boasting, and you will come to realize the consequence of that distraction.


4. {Thumma kalla sawfa ta‘lamūn}: Then, you will come to realize its consequence.


5. {Kalla law ta‘lamūna ‘ilmal yaqīn}: Truly, if you had known for certain that you will be resurrected to Allah Who will recompense you for your deeds, you would not have been distracted by boasting about wealth and children.


6. {Latara wunnal jahīm}: By Allah, you will surely see Hellfire on the Day of Judgment.


7. {Thumma latara wunnaha ‘aynal yaqīn}: Again, you will see it with absolute certainty.


8. {Thumma latus’alunna yauma’idhin ‘anin na‘īm}: Then, on that Day Allah will ask you about the blessings that He bestowed upon you including health, wealth, and others.


Q6: Recite and explain Surat al-‘Asr.


Answer: Surat al-‘Asr and its Interpreation


In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful


61


{By the time, man is in utter loss, except those who believe and do righteous deeds, and exhort one another to the truth and exhort one another to patience.} [Surat al-‘Asr: 1-3]


Interpretation


1. {Wal ‘asr}: Allah Almighty swears by time.


2. {Innal insāna lafī khusr}: All mankind are in utter loss.


3. {Illal ladhīna āmanū wa ‘amilus sālihāti wa tawāsaw bil-haqqi wa tawāsaw bis-sabr}: The only survivors of that loss are those who believe and perform righteous deeds and at the same time call to the truth and endure it with patience.


Q7: Recite and explain Surat al-Humuzah.


Answer: Surat al-Humazah and its Interpretaion


In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful


{Woe to every backbiter and slanderer, who amasses wealth and counts it over and again, thinking that his wealth will make him live forever. No indeed! He will surely be cast into the Crushing Fire, and how do you know what the Crushing Fire is? It is the kindled Fire of Allah, which reaches the hearts. It will be closed down upon them, locked with towering columns.} [Surat al-Humazah: 1-9]


Interpretation


1. {Wailul likulli humazatil lumazah}: Woe and severe torment to everyone who frequently backbites and slanders people.


62


2. {Alladhī jama‘a mālaw wa ‘addadah}: The one who is interested in nothing but accumulating and counting money.


3. {Yahsabu anna mālahu akhladah}: He thinks that the money he has amassed will save him from death and keep him live forever.


4. {Kallā layumbadhanna fil hutamah}: Things will not be the way this ignorant person has fancied. Indeed, he will be cast in Hellfire and will be crushed therein by its severity.


5. {Wa mā adrāka mal-hutamah}: How do you know - O Messenger - what this Fire is that crushes everything thrown therein?


6. {Nārullāhil mūqadah}: It is the kindled Fire of Allah.


7. {Allatī tattali‘u ‘alal af’idah}: That penetrates people’s bodies reaching their hearts.


8. {Innahā ‘alayhim mu’sadah}: It is closed down upon those tormented therein.


9. {Fī ‘amadim mumaddadah}: It is locked with long and extended columns so that they are not able to come out.


Q8: Recite and explain Surat al-Fīl.


Answer: Surat al-Fīl and its Interpretation


In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful


{Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the people of the Elephant? Did He not turn their scheme into a total loss? He sent against them swarms of birds, pelting them with stones of baked clay, leaving them like chewed up and trampled chaff.} [Surat al-Fīl: 1-5]


63


Interpretation


1. {Alam tara kayfa fa‘ala rabbuka bi ashābil fīl}: Have you not known - O Messenger - what your Lord did to Abrahah and his companions, the people of the Elephant, when they wanted to demolish the Ka‘bah?


2. {Alam yaj‘al kaydahum fī tadlīl}: Allah turned their evil scheme to demolish it into a total loss; thus, they did not attain what they had wished for, namely turning people away from the Ka‘bah and destroying it.


3. {Wa arsala ‘alayhim tayran abābīl}: He sent against them swarms of birds.


4. {Tarmīhim bihijāratim min sijjīl}: Pelting them with stones of baked clay.


5. {Faja‘alahum ka‘asfim m’akūl}: Allah made them like leaves that are eaten and trodden by animals.


Q9: Recite and explain Surat Quraysh.


Answer: Surat Quraysh and its Interpretation


In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful


{For the accustomed security of Quraysh, secure in their winter and summer journeys. Let them worship the Lord of this [Sacred] House, Who fed them against hunger and made them secure against fear.} [Surat Quraysh: 1-4]


Interpretation


64


{Li’īlāfi quraysh}: It is referring to the winter and summer journeys that they were familiar with.


2. {Īlāfihim rihlatash shitā’i wassayf}: They were secure in their winter journey to Yemen and in their summer journey to the Levant.


3. {Faly‘abudū rabba hādhal-bayt}: Let them worship Allah, the Lord of this Sacred House, alone. He is the One Who facilitated that journey for them; so, let them not associate any partners with Him.


4. {Alladhī at‘amahum min jū‘iw wa āmanahum min khawf}: Who fed them against hunger and made them secure against fear by making the Arabs revering Al-Haram (the Sacred Precinct) and its people.


Q10: Recite and explain Surat al-Mā‘ūn.


Answer: Surat al-Mā‘ūn and its Interpretation


In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful


{Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? Such is the one who repulses the orphan harshly and does not urge others to feed the needy. So woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayer; those who only show off, and withhold even the small kindnesses.} [Surat al-Mā‘ūn: 1-7]


Interpretation


1. {Ara’aytal ladhī yukadhibu biddīn}: Did you know the one who denies recompense on the Day of Judgment?


2. {Fadhālikal ladhī yadu‘ul-yatīm}: Such is the one who repulses the orphan harshly.


65


3. {Wa la yahuddu ‘alā ta‘āmil miskīn}: He does not urge himself or others to feed the poor.


4. {Fawaylul lil musallīn}: Woe and torment to those who pray.


5. {Alladhīna hum ‘an salātihim sāhūn}: Those who are heedless of their prayer until its prescribed time is gone.


6. {Alladhīna hum yurā’ūn}: Those who only show off by praying and doing good deeds, and who do not dedicate them with sincerity to Allah.


7. {Wa yamna‘ūnal mā‘ūn}: And they withhold anything that could be of help to others no matter how small it is.


Q11: Recite and explain Surat al-Kawthar.


Answer: Surat al-Kawthar and its Interpretation


In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful


{We have surely given you [O Prophet] Al-Kawthar [abundance], so pray and sacrifice to your Lord alone. Indeed, the one who hates you is truly cut off [from all goodness].} [Surat al-Kawthar: 1-3]


Interpretation


1. {Innā a‘taynākal kawthar}: We have given you, O Messenger, abundant goodness that includes the Kawthar River in Paradise.


2. {Fasalli li rabbika wanhar}: So, be thankful to Allah for this blessing by praying and sacrificing to Him alone, contrary to what the polytheists do when they seek closeness to their idols by offering sacrifices to them.


3. {Inna shāni’aka huwal abtar}: The one who hates you is, indeed, the one who is cut off from all goodness, the one who is forgotten, and the one who is ill spoken of whenever mentioned.


66


Q12: Recite and explain Surat al-Kāfirūn.


Answer: Surat al-Kāfirūn and its Interpretation


In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful


{Say, “O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship, nor do you worship what I worship. Never will I worship what you worship, nor will you ever worship what I worship. You have your religion and I have my religion.} [Surat al-Kāfirūn: 1-6]


Interpretation


1. {Qul yā ayyuhal kāfirūn}: Say - O Messenger - : O you who disbelieve in Allah.


2. {Lā a‘budu mā t‘abudūn}: I do not, and I shall not worship the idols that you worship.


3. {Wa lā antum ‘ābidūna mā a‘bud}: Nor do you worship what I worship, namely, Allah alone.


4. {Wa lā ana ‘ābidum mā ‘abattum}: And never will I worship the idols that you worship.


5. {Wa lā antum ‘ābidūna mā a‘bud}: Nor will you ever worship what I worship, namely, Allah alone.


6. {Lakum dīnukum wa liya dīn}: You have your own religion that you invented, and I have my religion that Allah revealed to me.


Q13: Recite and explain Surat an-Nasr.


Answer: Surat an-Nasr and its Interpretation


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


67


{When there comes Allah’s help and the conquest, and you see people entering Allah’s religion in multitudes, then glorify the praise of your Lord, and ask His forgiveness. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of Repentance.} [Surat an-Nasr: 1-3]


Interpretation


1. {Idha jā’a nasrullāhi walfat-h}: When Allah grants victory and strength to your religion - O Messenger - and when the Conquest of Makkah takes place.


2. {Wa ra’aytan nāsa yadkhulūna fī dīnillāhi afwāja}: And you see people embracing Islam one delegation after the other.


3. {Fasabbih bihamdi rabbika wastaghfirh, innahū kāna tawwāba}: You should know, then, that this is a sign that your mission is about to end. Thus, glorify the praise of your Lord, out of gratitude for His blessing of the victory and conquest, and seek His forgiveness, for indeed, He accepts the repentance of His slaves and forgives them.


Q14: Recite and explain Surat al-Masad.


Answer: Surat al-Masad and its Interpretation


In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful


{May the hands of Abu Lahab perish, and may he perish! Neither his wealth nor his worldly gains will avail him. He will burn in a Flaming Fire, and so will his wife, the carrier of firewood, around her neck will be a rope of palm fiber.} [Surat al-Masad: 1-5]


Interpretation


68


1. {Tabbat yadā abī Lahabiw wa tabb}: May perish the hands of the Prophet’s uncle, Abu Lahab ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib, just as his deeds perished because he used to abuse the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him}.


2. {Mā aghna ‘anhu māluhu wa mā kasab}: Were his wealth and children of any use to him? They could neither save him from torment nor bring him mercy.


3. {Sayaslā nāran dhāta lahab}: On the Day of Judgment, he will be admitted into Hellfire where he will suffer from its heat.


4. {Wamra’atuhu hammālatal hatab}: His wife, Umm Jamīl, who used to hurt the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) by throwing thorns on his way, will also be admitted to Hellfire.


5. {Fī jīdihā hablum mim masad}: She will be driven to Hellfire by a tight rope around her neck.


Q15: Recite and explain Surat al-Ikhlās.


Answer: Surat al-Ikhlās and its Interpretation


In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful


{Say: “He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is He begotten, and there is none comparable to Him.”} [Surat al-Ikhlās: 1-4]


Interpretation


69


1. {Qul huwallāhu ahad}: Say - O Messenger -: He is Allah; there is no god worthy of worship but Him.


2. {Allāhus samad}: It means that all the needs of His creation are raised to Him.


3. {Lam yalid wa lam yūlad}: Allah Almighty neither has a child nor does He have a father.


4. {Wa lam yakul lahu kufuwan ahad}: None of His creation is like Him.


Q16: Recite and explain Surat al-Falaq.


Answer: Surat al-Falaq and its Interpretation


In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful


{Say, “I seek refuge with the Lord of the daybreak, from the harm of all what He has created; from the harm of night’s darkness when it spreads around, from the harm of the sorceresses who blow on knots, and from the harm of the envier when he envies.} [Surat al-Falaq: 1-5]


Interpretation


1. {Qul a‘ūdhu bi rabbil-falaq}: Say - O Messenger -: I resort to and seek refuge with the Lord of the morning.


2. {Min sharri mā khalaq}: From the evil of the harmful creatures.


3. {Wa min sharri ghāsiqin idhā waqab}: And I seek refuge with Allah from the evils of what appear at night like animals and thieves.


4. {Wa min sharrin naffāthāti fil ‘uqad}: And I seek refuge with Allah from the evil of the sorceresses who blow on knots.


70


5. {Wa min sharri hāsidin idhā hasad}: And from the evil of the one who hates and envies people for the blessings that Allah bestowed on them, as he wishes that they would no longer enjoy such blessings and wishes that harm be inflicted on them.


Q17: Recite and explain Surat an-Nās.


Answer: Surat an-Nās and its Interpretation


In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful


{Say, “I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind, the Sovereign of mankind, the God of mankind, from the harm of the lurking whisperer, who whispers into the hearts of mankind, from among jinn and mankind.”} [Surat an-Nās: 1-6]


Interpretation


1. {Qul a‘ūdhu birabbin nās}: Say - O Messenger -: I seek protection and refuge with the Lord of mankind.


2. {Malikin nās}: He manages their affairs as He wills, and He is their only Owner.


3. {Ilāhin nās}: Their true God, and there is no god other than Him worthy of their worship.


4. {Min sharril waswāsil khannās}: From the evil of the devil, who whispers to people.


5. {Alladhī yuwaswisu fī sudūrin nās}: Who whispers into the hearts of mankind.


6. {Minal jinnati wannās}: It means that the whisperer could be from mankind or from the jinn.


*******


71


Hadīth Section


First Hadīth


Q1: Complete the following Hadīth: "Verily, the reward of deeds depends on the intentions...", and mention some of its benefits.


Answer: The Commander of the Believers, Abu Hafs ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb ( may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he heard the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "Verily, the reward of deeds depends on the intentions, and each person will be rewarded according to what he intended. So, he whose migration is for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, then his migration is for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, and he whose migration is to achieve some worldly gain or to take some woman in marriage, then his migration is for that for which he migrated." [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]


Benefits of the Hadīth


1. Every deed requires an intention, such as prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, etc.


2. The intention must be dedicated with full sincerity to Allah Almighty.


Second Hadīth


Q2: Complete the following Hadīth: "Whoever introduces in this matter of ours ..." and mention some of its benefits.


Answer: The Mother of the Believers, Umm ‘Abdullah ‘Ā’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever introduces in this matter of ours


72


(the religion) something that does not belong to it, it will be rejected." [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]


Benefits of the Hadīth


1. Prohibition of introducing new things in religion


2. Actions based upon religious innovations are rejected


Third Hadīth


Q3: Complete the following Hadīth: "While we were one day sitting with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)..." and mention some of its benefits.


Answer: ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "While we were one day sitting with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him), there appeared before us a man dressed in extremely white clothes and with very black hair. No traces of traveling were visible on him, and none of us knew him. He sat down close to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) resting his knees against the knees of the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and placing his palms over his thighs, and said: 'O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.' The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) replied: 'Islam is to testify that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger, to perform prayer, give Zakah, fast Ramadān, and perform Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (the Ka‘bah), if you have the means to perform it.' He said: 'You have spoken the truth.' We were surprised at his questioning him and then declaring that he spoke the truth. He said: 'Tell me about Imān (faith).' He (the Prophet) answered: 'It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His messengers, the Last Day, and in destiny with its good and evil aspects.' He said: 'You


73


have spoken the truth.' Then he (the man) said: 'Tell me about Ihsān (excellence).' He (the Prophet) answered: 'It is to worship Allah as though you could see Him, for if you cannot see Him, He indeed sees you.' He said: 'Tell me about the Hour.' He (the Prophet) said: 'The one questioned knows no more than the questioner.' So he said: 'Well, tell me about its signs.' He said: 'When the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress, and to see the barefooted, the naked, and the destitute shepherds (competing with one another in) making lofty buildings.' Thereupon the man went off. He (the Prophet) waited a while and then he said: 'O ‘Umar, do you know who that questioner was?' I replied: 'Allah and His Messenger know best.' He said: 'That was Jibrīl (Gabriel). He came to teach you your religion.'" [Narrated by Muslim]


Benefits of the Hadīth


1. Mentioning the five pillars of Islam, which are:


- Testifying that there is no god, but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah


- Establishing the prayer


- Giving Zakah


- Fasting Ramadān


- Performing Hajj to the Sacred House of Allah


2. Mentioning the pillars of Imān, which are:


- Believing in Allah


- Believing in His angels


- Believing in His Books


- Believing in His messengers


74


- Believing in the Last Day


- Believing in destiny with its good and evil aspects


3. Mentioning the pillar of Ihsān, which is only one pillar, and that is to worship Allah as if you see Him, for if you cannot see Him, He indeed sees you.


4. None knows the timing of the Hour except Allah Almighty.


Fourth Hadīth


Q4: Complete the following Hadīth: "The believers who have the most perfect faith..." and mention some of its benefits.


Answer: Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The believers who have the most perfect faith are those who have the best morals." [Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, who judged it as Hasan Sahīh (sound authentic)]


Benefits of the Hadīth


1. Encouraging good morals


2. The perfection of morals is part of the perfection of faith


3. Imān (faith) increases and decreases


Fifth Hadīth


75


Q5: Complete the following Hadīth: "Whoever swears by other than Allah..." and mention some of its benefits.


Answer: Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever swears by other than Allah, has indeed committed an act of disbelief or polytheism." [Narrated by At-Tirmidhi]


Benefits of the Hadīth


- Swearing by other than Allah Almighty is impermissible


- Swearing by other than Allah Almighty is an act of minor Shirk (polytheism)


Sixth Hadīth


Q6: Complete the following Hadīth: "None of you truly believes until I am dearer to him..." and mention some of its benefits.


Answer: Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "None of you truly believes until I am dearer to him than his father, his children, and all people." [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]


Benefits of the Hadīth


- We should love the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) more than all people.


- This is part of perfect Imān (faith).


Seventh Hadīth


76


Q7: Complete the following Hadīth: "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother..." and mention some of its benefits.


Answer: Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]


Benefits of the Hadīth


1. A believer should love for the believers what he loves for himself of goodness.


2. This is part of perfect faith.


Eighth Hadīth


Q8: Complete the following Hadīth: "By the One in whose Hand my soul is..." and mention some of its benefits.


Answer: Abu Sa‘īd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "By the One in whose Hand my soul is, it is equivalent to one third of the Qur’an." [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri]


Benefits of the Hadīth


1. Merit of Surat al-Ikhlās


2. It is equivalent to one third of the Qur’an


Ninth Hadīth


77


Q9: Complete the following Hadīth: "There is no might and no strength except in Allah..." and mention some of its benefits.


Answer: Abu Mūsa (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "La hawla wala quwwata illa billāh (there is no might and no strength except in Allah) is one of the treasures of Paradise." [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]


Benefits of the Hadīth


1. The merit of these words, which is one of the treasures of Paradise


2. Renunciation of one’s power and strength and reliance on Allah Almighty alone


Tenth Hadīth


Q10: Complete the following Hadīth: "Verily, there is a piece of flesh in the body...", and mention some of its benefits.


Answer: An-Nu‘mān ibn Bashīr (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that he heard the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) say: "Verily, there is a piece of flesh in the body; if it is upright then the entire body will be upright, and if it is corrupt then the entire body will be corrupt. Verily, it is the heart." [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]


Benefits of the Hadīth


1. Uprightness of the heart ensures one's apparent and hidden uprightness.


78


2. Paying attention to the uprightness of the heart because a human's uprightness is dependent upon it.


Eleventh Hadīth


Q11: Complete the following Hadīth: "One whose last words are: La ilāha illallāh...", and mention some of its benefits.


Answer: Mu‘ādh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "One whose last words are: 'La ilāha illallāh (there is no god but Allah)' will enter Paradise." [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd]


Benefits of the Hadīth


1. The merit of "La ilāha illallāh" (there is no god but Allah) and how it is a cause for admitting one into Paradise


2. The privilege of the one whose last words are: "La ilāha illallāh" (there is no god but Allah)


Twelfth Hadīth


Q12: Complete the following Hadīth: "A believer is neither a slanderer nor an invoker of curse...", and mention some of its benefits.


Answer: ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ūd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "A believer is neither a slanderer or an invoker of curse, nor is he indecent or foulmouthed." [Narrated by At-Tirmidhi]


Benefits of the Hadīth


1. Prohibition of all false and foul speech


79


2. Description of the believer's speech


Thirteenth Hadīth


Q13: Complete the following Hadīth: "It is from the best Muslim character...", and mention some of its benefits.


Answer: Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "It is from the best Muslim character to leave that which is not of one's concern." [Narrated by At-Tirmidhi and others]


Benefits of the Hadīth


1. One should not interfere with others' religious or worldly affairs.


2. Not interfering with others' affairs is part of one's perfect Islam.


Fourteenth Hadīth


Q14: Complete the following Hadīth: "Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah...", and mention some of its benefits.


Answer: ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ūd reported that the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah will be credited with a good deed, and the good deed receives a ten-fold reward. I am not saying that Alif-Lām-Mīm is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lām is a letter and Mīm is a letter." [Narrated by At-Tirmidhi]


Benefits of the Hadīth


1. Merit of reciting the Qur’an


2. One is given rewards for every single letter he recites


*******


80


Islamic Etiquettes Section


Courtesy with Allah Almighty


Q1: How should one show courtesy to Allah Almighty?


Answer: One should show courtesy to Allah Almighty by 1. Magnifying Him


2. Worshiping Him alone without associating partners with Him


3. Obeying Him


4. Refraining from disobeying Him


5. Showing gratitude to Him and praising Him for His countless favors and blessings


6. Showing patience with what He decrees


Courtesy with the Messenger of Allah


Q2: How should one show courtesy to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him)?


Answer: One should show courtesy to him by 1. Following him and taking him as a role model


2. Obeying him


3. Refraining from disobeying him


4. Believing him in what he reported


5. Not introducing new things by adding to his Sunnah


81


6. Loving him more than oneself and all people


7. Revering and supporting him and his Sunnah


Q3: How should one show courtesy to one's parents?


Answer: One should show courtesy to one's parents by 1. Obeying them in whatever does not involve a sin


2. Serving them


3. Helping them


4. Fulfilling their needs


5. Supplicating for them


6. Speaking politely with them, as it is impermissible to say even "Uff", which is the slightest word expressing annoyance.


7. Smiling at them and refraining from frowning at them


8. Not raising one's voice when talking to them, listening to them without any interruption, and not calling them by their names; rather, one should say "dad" and "mom"


9. Seeking permission before entering when they are in their room


10. Kissing their heads and hands


Etiquettes of Maintaining Kinship Ties


Q4: How should one maintain kinship ties?


Answer: One should maintain kinship ties by 1. Visiting relatives like brothers, sisters, paternal uncles and aunts, maternal uncles and aunts, etc.


82


2. Showing kindness to them in words and deeds and offering them help


3. Calling them and checking on them


Etiquettes of Brotherhood in Islam


Q5: How should one act with one's brothers and friends?


Answer: 1. Loving good people and taking them as friends


2. Avoiding the company of evil people


3. Greeting and shaking hands with one's brothers


4. Visiting them when they are sick and supplicating to Allah to cure them


5. Saying: "Yarhamukallāh" (May Allah have mercy upon you) to the one who sneezes


6. Accepting their invitation to visit them


7. Offering advice to them


8. Supporting them when wronged and preventing them from committing oppression


9. Loving for them what one loves for oneself


10. Offering them help when needed


11. Refraining from harming them with words or deeds


12. Keeping their secrets


13. Refraining from insulting, backbiting, despising, envying, spying on, or cheating them


83


Etiquettes of Neighbors


Q6: What are the etiquettes of neighbors?


Answer: 1. Showing kindness to one's neighbor in words and deeds and offering help when needed


2. Congratulating them on happy occasions like Eid, marriage, etc.


3. Visiting them when they are sick and consoling them when being afflicted


4. Offering them as much as possible of the food that one cooks


5. Refraining from harming them with words or deeds


6. Not disturbing them with loud voices, not spying on them, but being patient with them


Hospitality Etiquettes


Q7: What are the etiquettes that the host and the guest must follow?


Answer: 1. Accepting the host's invitation


2. Seeking permission and arranging an appointment when visiting someone


3. Seeking permission before entering


4. Not staying for too long during a visit


5. Lowering the gaze from the host's family


6. Welcoming the guest and receiving him with cheerfulness and friendly words


7. Seating the guest in the best place


84


8. Honoring the guest by offering him food and drink


Sickness Etiquettes


Q8: What are the etiquettes of sickness and visiting the sick?


Answer: 1. Putting the right hand on the place where the pain is felt and saying: "Bismillāh" (in the name of Allah) three times, followed by saying: "A‘ūdhu bi‘izatillāhi wa qudratihi min sharri ma ajidu wa uhādhir" (I seek refuge in the light and power of Allah against what I find and fear) - seven times.


2. Being content and patient with what Allah has decreed


3. Hastening to visit the patient, supplicating for him, and not staying for too long with him


4. Making Ruqyah (healing method by the Qur’an and Sunnah) for the sick without him asking for it.


5. Advising him to be patient and to adhere to supplication, prayer, and ritual purity as much as he can.


6. Supplicating for the patient by saying: "As’alullāh al-‘azhīm rabb al-‘arsh al-‘azhīm ay yashfeek" (I ask Allah the Magnificent, the Lord of the magnificent Throne to cure you) - seven times.


Etiquettes of Seeking Knowledge


Q9: Mention the etiquettes of seeking knowledge.


Answer: 1. Dedicating the intention to Allah Almighty with full sincerity


2. Acting upon the knowledge that one has learnt


85


3. Respecting and revering the teacher in his presence and absence


4. Sitting politely in his presence


5. Listening to him attentively without interrupting him


6. Posing questions politely


7. Refraining from calling him by his name


Assembly Etiquettes


Q10: What are the assembly etiquettes?


Answer: 1. Greeting people in the assembly


2. Sitting in the first empty place available without asking for anyone's seat or sitting between two people, except with their permission


3. Making room for others to sit


4. Not interrupting others' speech


5. Seeking permission and greeting people before leaving


6. Saying the assembly expiation supplication when the assembly is over. It reads: "Subhānak allāhumma wa bihamdik, ash-hadu allā ilāha illā ant, astaghfiruka wa atūbu ilayk" (Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise. There is no god but You. I seek Your forgiveness and I repent to You).


Sleeping Etiquettes


Q11: Mention the sleeping etiquettes.


Answer: 1. Sleeping early


2. Sleeping in a state of ritual purity


3. Not sleeping on the belly


86


4. Sleeping on the right side while putting the right hand under the right cheek


5. Dusting off the bed


6. Reciting the bedtime supplications, which are: Āyat al-Kursi, Surat al-Ikhlās, Surat al-Falaq, and Surat an-Nās, three times, saying: "Bismik allāhumma amūtu wa ahyā" (in Your name, O Allah, I die, and I live)


7. Waking up to pray Fajr


8. Saying upon waking up the following: "Alhamdulillāhi alladhī ahyānā ba‘damā amātanā wa ilayhi an-nushūr" (Praise be to Allah Who gave us life after having taken it from us and to Him is the resurrection)


Eating Etiquettes


Q12: What are the eating etiquettes?


Answer:


1. Intending by eating and drinking to be strong enough to obey Allah Almighty


2. Washing hands before eating


3. Saying: "Bismillāh" (in the name of Allah), eating with the right hand and from what is near to one, not from the middle of the plate or from what is in front of others


4. In case of forgetting to say "Bismillāh" before eating, one should say: "Bismillāh awwaluhu wa ākhiruh" (in the name of Allah, in the beginning and in the end)


5. Being content with the food that is available and not criticizing it, i.e., one should eat it if he likes it, or leave it if he does not like it


87


6. Eating few mouthfuls and refraining from overeating


7. Not blowing in the food or drink and waiting until it cools down


8. Eating together with one's family or guests


9. Not starting to eat before the elders


10. Mentioning Allah's name before drinking, and drinking while sitting down and drinking in three sips


11. Praising Allah after eating


Dressing Etiquettes


Q13: What are the etiquettes of dressing?


Answer: 1. Starting to put on the garment with the right hand and praising Allah


2. Refraining from lengthening the garment beneath the heels


3. Boys should not wear girls' clothes and vice versa


4. Not imitating the disbelievers and the evildoers in the way they dress


5. Mentioning Allah's name when getting undressed


6. Starting with the right when wearing shoes and with the left when taking them off


Riding Etiquettes


14: Mention the riding etiquettes.


Answer: 1. Saying: "Bismillāh, alhamdulillāh" (in the name of Allah, praise be to Allah) {Glory be to Him Who has subjected this for us, for we could not have done it by ourselves. It is to our Lord that we will surely return.} [Surat az-Zukhruf: 13, 14]


88


2. In case of passing by a Muslim, greet him with peace


Etiquettes of the Road


Q15: Mention the etiquettes of the road.


Answer: 1. Walking in a moderate and humble manner and on the right side of the road


2. Greeting those whom one meets on his way with the greeting of peace


3. Lowering the gaze and not harming anyone


4. Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil


5. Removing whatever is harmful from the way


Etiquettes of Entering and Leaving the House


Q16: Mention the etiquettes of entering and leaving the house.


Answer: 1. Coming out of the house with the left foot while saying: "Bismillāh, tawakkaltu ‘alallāh, la hawla wala quwwata illa billāh, allāhumma innī a‘ūdhu bika an adilla aw udall, aw azilla awa uzall, aw azhlim aw uzhlam, aw ajhal aw yujhal ‘alayy" (In the name of Allah, I rely on Allah and there is no might or strength save in Allah. O Allah, I seek refuge with You from misleading or being misled, from tripping or being tripped, from oppressing or being oppressed, from acting ignorantly or being treated with ignorance).


2. Entering the house with the right foot, saying: "Bismillāhi walajna, wa bismillāhi kharajna, wa ‘ala rabbinā tawakkalna" (In the name of Allah we enter, and in the name of Allah we leave, and on our Lord we rely).


89


3. Using the Siwāk (tooth-cleaning twig) then greeting the people in the house.


Toilet Etiquettes


Q17: Mention the toilet etiquettes.


Answer: 1. Entering with the left foot


2. Saying the following before entering: "Bismillāh, allāhumma innī a‘ūdhu bika min al-khubth wa al-khabā’ith" (In the name of Allah, O Allah, I seek refuge with You from the male and female devils)


3. Not carrying that which has Allah's name on it


4. Screening from others while relieving oneself


5. Refraining from speaking in the toilet


6. Refraining from facing the Qiblah or turning one's back to it while urinating or defecating


7. Using the left hand, not the right hand, in removing impurities


8. Refraining from relieving oneself on people's way or in their shade


9. Washing the hands after relieving oneself


10. Coming out of the toilet with the left foot while saying: "Ghufrānak" (Your forgiveness, O Lord)


Mosque Etiquettes


Q18: Mention the etiquettes of the mosque.


Answer: 1. Entering the mosque with the right foot while saying: "Bismillāh, allāhummaftah lī abwāba rahmatik" (In the name of Allah, O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy)


90


2. Not sitting down before offering two Rak‘ahs (unit of prayer)


3. Not passing in front of praying people, not seeking lost objects or selling and buying in mosques


4. Coming out of the mosque with the left foot while saying: "Allāhumma innī as’aluka min fadlik" (O Allah, I ask You for Your favor)


Greeting Etiquettes


Q19: Mention the greeting etiquettes.


Answer: 1. On meeting a Muslim, one should start by greeting him with peace saying: "Assalāmu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuh" (may the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you). It must be the greeting of peace and signaling with the hand alone is not enough.


2. Greeting others while having a smile on the face


3. Shaking hands with the right hand


4. When greeted by someone, one should return the greeting with a better or similar one.


5. On meeting a disbeliever, one should not start greeting him. If he is greeted, then he returns it with its like.


7. The young should greet the old, the riding should greet the walking, the walking should greet the sitting, and the few should greet the bigger group


Seeking Permission Etiquettes


Q20: Mention the etiquettes of seeking permission.


Answer: 1. Seeking permission before entering a place


91


2. Seeking permission three times and no more, after which one should leave


3. Knocking the door gently and standing away from the door, i.e., on its right or left


4. Not entering the room of one's parents or anyone else before seeking permission, especially before dawn, during the siesta at noon, and after the ‘Ishā’ prayer


5. It is permissible to enter public places, like the hospital or store, without seeking permission


Animal Welfare Etiquettes


Q21: Mention the etiquettes of animal welfare.


Answer: 1. Providing the animal with food and drink


2. Showing mercy to the animal and not burdening it with what it cannot bear


3. Refraining from torturing or abusing the animal in any way


Sports Etiquettes


Q22: Mention the sports etiquettes.


Answer: 1. Intending by practicing sports to be strong enough to obey Allah and please Him


2. Not playing sports when prayer time is due


3. Boys should not play sports with girls


4. Wearing sports clothes that cover the ‘Awrah (body parts that must be covered)


92


5. Avoiding forbidden sports like those which involve hitting the face or uncovering the ‘Awrah


Joking Etiquettes


Q23: Mention some of the etiquettes of joking.


Answer: 1. Being truthful and not lying when joking


2. Joking should be free of mockery, ridicule, harm, and intimidation


3. Refraining from frequent joking


Sneezing Etiquettes


Q24: Mention the etiquettes of sneezing.


Answer: 1. Putting the hand, garment, or handkerchief on the mouth when sneezing


2. Praising Allah after sneezing by saying: "Alhamdulillāh" (praise be to Allah)


3. The sneezer's brother or companion should say to him: "Yarhamukallāh" (may Allah have mercy on you),


whereupon the sneezer should reply by saying: "Yahdīkumullāh wa yuslih bālakum" (may Allah guide you and improve your condition)


Yawning Etiquettes


Q25: What are the etiquettes of yawning?


Answer: 1. Trying to suppress the yawning


2. Not raising the voice while yawning


3. Putting the hand on the mouth


93


Etiquettes of Reciting the Noble Qur’an


Q26: Mention the etiquettes of reciting the Qur’an.


Answer: 1. Reciting while being in a state of ritual purity after performing ablution


2. Sitting politely and with dignity


3. Seeking refuge with Allah from the devil at the beginning of recitation


4. Pondering the recitation


*******


94


Morals Section


Q1: Mention the merit of good morals?


Answer: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The most perfect believer in his faith is the one who has the most excellent morals." [Narrated by At-Tirmidhi and Ahmad]


Q2: Why should we adhere to the Islamic morals?


Answer: We should adhere to the Islamic morals because: 1. It leads to Allah's love


2. It leads to people's love


3. It is the heaviest thing on the Scale


4. It leads to multiplying the reward


5. It is a sign of perfect faith


Q3: From where should we derive morals?


Answer: From the Noble Qur’an, as Allah Almighty says: {Indeed, this Qur’an guides to what is most upright.} [Surat al-Isrā’: 9]


And from the Prophetic Sunnah as the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Verily, I was sent to make perfect righteous morals." [Narrated by Ahmad]


Q4: What is the quality of Ihsān (benevolence) and its examples?


Answer: Ihsān means being constantly heedful of Allah and acting kindly and benevolently towards all creatures.


95


The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Verily, Allah has enjoined kindness upon all things." [Narrated by Muslim]


Examples of Ihsān include:


. Benevolence in worshiping Allah Almighty by dedicating the worship with full sincerity to Him


. Benevolence towards parents in words and deeds


. Benevolence towards kindred and relatives


. Benevolence towards neighbors


. Benevolence towards the orphans and the needy


. Benevolence towards the one who offended you


. Benevolence in speech


. Benevolence in arguments


. Benevolence towards animals


Q5: What is the opposite of Ihsān?


Answer: The opposite of Ihsān is Isā’ah (offence)


Examples of offence include: . Insincerity in worshiping Allah Almighty


. Undutifulness to one's parents


. Severing kinship ties


. Bad neighborliness


. Unkindness towards the poor and the needy, in addition to other evil words and deeds


96


Q6: What are the types and examples of integrity?


Answer:


1. Integrity in preserving the rights of Allah Almighty


Examples include Integrity in performing acts of worship like the prayer, Zakah, fasting, Hajj, etc.


2. Integrity in preserving others' rights


Examples include preserving: . People's honor


. Their properties


. Their lives


. Their secret affairs and everything that one is entrusted with


Allah Almighty says concerning the qualities of those who are successful: {And those who are faithful to their trusts and pledges.} [Surat al-Mu’minūn: 8]


Q7: What is the opposite of integrity?


Answer: The opposite of integrity is betrayal, which means wasting the rights of Allah Almighty and those of people.


The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "There are three signs of a hypocrite" and he mentioned among them: "... and if he is entrusted, he betrays the trust". [Agreed upon]


Q8: What is the truthfulness?


Answer: Truthfulness means saying what conforms with the reality or what is true.


Examples include:


97


. Truthfulness in talking with people


. Truthfulness in making a promise


. Truthfulness in every word and deed


The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Adhere to truthfulness, for truthfulness leads to righteousness and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man will keep speaking the truth until he becomes of the most truthful." [Agreed upon]


Q9: What is the opposite of truthfulness?


Answer: Lying is the opposite of truthfulness and it means not telling the truth. Examples include lying to people, not keeping promises, and false testimony.


The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Lying leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to Hellfire. A man will keep telling lies until he is recorded with Allah as an utter liar." [Agreed upon]


The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) also said: "There are three signs of a hypocrite", and he mentioned among them: "When he speaks he lies, and when he makes a promise he breaks it". [Agreed upon]


Q10: Mention the types of patience?


Answer: . Patience in obeying Allah Almighty


. Patience in refraining from sins


. Patience in dealing with the harsh divine decrees, and praising Allah in all states


Allah Almighty says: {And Allah loves those who are patient.} [Surat Āl ‘Imrān: 146]


98


Moreover, the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "How wonderful the affair of the believer is! Indeed, all of his affairs are good for him. This is for no one but the believer. If something good happens to him, he is grateful to Allah, which is good for him. And if something bad happens to him, he stays patient, which is good for him." [Narrated by Muslim]


Q11: What is the opposite of patience?


Answer: Impatience is the opposite of patience, and it means showing impatience in obeying Allah and in refraining from sins. It also means expressing discontent at the divine decree with words or deeds.


Examples include:


. Wishing for death


. Slapping the cheeks


. Tearing the clothes


. Disheveling the hair


. Invoking death upon oneself


The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The greater the tribulation is, the greater the reward will be. When Allah loves people, He tests them. So, whoever is content, for him is pleasure; and whoever is discontent, for him is displeasure." [Narrated by At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Mājah]


Q12: What is the trait of cooperation.


Answer: It is cooperation between people in truth and goodness.


Examples of cooperation include:


. Cooperation in restoring rights


99


. Cooperation in preventing oppression


. Cooperation in fulfilling the needs of the people and the needy


. Cooperation in all goodness


. Non-Cooperation in sin, harm, and transgression


Allah Almighty says: {Cooperate with one another in goodness and righteousness, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression. And fear Allah, for Allah is severe in punishment.} [Surat al-Mā’idah: 2]


The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The relationship of the believer with another believer is like (the bricks of) a building, each strengthens the other." [Agreed upon]


The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) also said: "A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim; he does not wrong him, and he does not hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfills the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; and whoever relieves a Muslim of a burden, Allah will relieve him of a burden from the burdens of the Day of Judgment; and whoever covers (the faults of) a Muslim, Allah will cover (his faults) on the Day of Judgment." [Agreed upon]


Q13: What are the types of Hayā’ (modesty)?


Answer: 1. Modesty towards Allah by not disobeying Him


2. Modesty towards people by refraining from foul and indecent speech and from uncovering the ‘Awrah


The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Faith has over seventy branches – or over sixty branches – the best of which is saying: There is no god but Allah; and the least of which is the removal of



Recent Posts

CHRISTIANS ARE ALWAYS ...

CHRISTIANS ARE ALWAYS CONSPIRING TO OVERTHROW THE SUPREME GOD OF THE UNIVERSE FROM THE THRONE AND INSTALL JESUS CHRIST

WHY MUSLIMS REJECT TH ...

WHY MUSLIMS REJECT THE BIBLE AS SCRIPTURE

HISTORICAL ORIGIN OF ...

HISTORICAL ORIGIN OF CHRISTMAS THAT WILL SHOCK YOU

The bible prohibits t ...

The bible prohibits the celebration and decorating a Christmas tree