Easy guide for new muslims 2

[فداء الرسول]

Easy guide for new muslims 2

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

المستوى الثاني من سلسلة منهجية تعليم المسلم الجديد اصول الدين

level 2-new muslims


Etiquette of the Ritual Bath (Ghusl)
Belief in Allah
Belief in Prophets
Belief in Angels
Belief in the Day of Judgment
Belief in Divine Decree (part 2 of 2)
Shirk, the Opposite of Tawheed
Sunan al-Fitrah
Manners of Relieving Oneself
Dietary Laws in Islam
Surah Al-Fatiha
Re questions the new Muslims
1-Keeping Good Company
Where Is Allah2
Love of God and How to achieve it
4 Love of God and How to achieve it



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Etiquette of the Ritual Bath (Ghusl)

Introduction

For many people, the main purposes of bathing are to remove dirt and odors and slough off dead skin cells - basically, to maintain good hygiene. In addition, people bathe to feel clean, smell fresh, and revitalize or relax. Good hygiene helps promote health and prevents disease.

Islam is a comprehensive way of life and teaches us how to maintain and improve hygiene. Bathing etiquette is raised to the level of worship, and good hygiene is tied to spiritual purity. A new Muslim should learn the simple rules of bathing to maintain physical and spiritual cleanliness. Ghusl is the Arabic word for washing, specifically washing the entire body with water in a prescribed manner. Sometimes it is also called the ‘ritual bath’ or ‘major ablution’ to distinguish it from ‘minor ablution’ (wudoo’). When one seeks to purify themselves from major state of impurity, they should bathe keeping this intention in heart

Water as a purifying element is not unique to Islam, but is common to Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Shintoism, and others. In Judaism, water was traditionally used in the mikvah (Jewish bath) and in rituals of conversion. Also, the ritual bath (ghusl) should not be confused with Baptism, a ritual performed for admission into some Christian churches whose forms and rituals vary, such as by immersion in water or bathing the head, starting from the forehead. In contrast, the ritual bath (ghusl) is not associated with the removal of an inherited sin.

In this lesson, we will learn how and when to perform the ritual bath. We will also discuss the aspects of the ritual bath specific to Muslim women.



[COLOR="rgb(153, 50, 204)"]How is the Ritual Bath Performed?

It is sufficient in the ritual bath that a person wash all his body completely,[1] but the correct manner and order of performing the ritual bath, as did the Prophet, may Allah praise him, is as follows:

(1) the person must intend in their heart to purify themselves in a prescribed manner for Allah’s sake. The intention is a simple matter that changes regular bathing into an act of worship pleasing to Allah.

(2) say ‘Bismillah’ [meaning: (I begin) in the name of Allah]

(3) wash both hands three times.

(4) then wash the genitals with the left hand.

(5) make ablution (wudoo’) like the one made for prayer.

· wash the hands three times.

· rinse the mouth and nose.

· then wash the face three times.

· followed by washing the right hand and arm up to and including the elbow three times.

· then the left hand and arm likewise.

· wipe the entire head and ears (inside and out).

The Prophet, may Allah praise him, used to delay washing his feet until the end of his ritual bath. You may wash them now or delay till the end. Wash the right foot first.

(6) rub water through one’s hair three times, letting the water reach down to the roots of the hair.

(6) pour water over the entire body, beginning with the right side, then the left, washing under the armpits, inside the ears, inside the navel, between the toes and whatever part of the body that can be easily reached.[2]

When Does the Ritual Bath Become Required?
[/COLOR]
Without bathing, certain acts of worship cannot be performed. Negligence in these cases is sinful. The following situations require a Muslim to bathe and perform the ritual bath.

1. The emission of semen or orgasmic fluid.

If the discharge of semen or orgasmic fluid is accompanied by feelings of desire, the ritual bath is required. The ritual bath is not required if they are emitted unintentionally with no feelings of desire.

The ritual bath must be performed if the emission of sperm or orgasmic fluid:

(a) is due to stimulation while awake (like sexual intercourse and masturbation) resulting in ejaculation of semen or orgasmic fluid.[3]

(b) happens while one is asleep (like wet-dreams[4]). In other words, if one does not feel that they experienced a nocturnal emission but happens to find him or herself wet upon awakening, they must perform the ritual bath.

The ritual bath is not required in the following cases:

(a) If semen or orgasmic fluid is emitted unintentionally without stimulation with no feelings of desire, such as due to illness or cold weather.

(b) If they feel they had a nocturnal emission but find no traces, then they need not perform the ritual bath.



2. Penetration.[5]

If the penis enters the vagina, the ritual bath becomes obligatory on both spouses whether there is ejaculation or not and whether a condom is used or not. Mere rubbing or outward touching of genitals does not make the ritual bath necessary.

3. Menstruation and post-natal bleeding.

A woman must perform the ritual bath after her period ends, known by the white discharge generally recognized by women. She should also perform the ritual bath after post-natal bleeding following delivery. The ritual bath is required in both cases before she can resume the daily prayers (salah), fasting, and conjugal relations with her husband.[6]

4. Death.

The body of a deceased Muslim of either gender must be given the ritual bath (ghusl[7]), unless he or she died of wounds suffered in Jihad [8] (struggle or war in Allah’s cause)

5. On entering Islam.

Some scholars maintain that the ritual bath (ghusl) is required of a new Muslim on entering Islam[9], in order to purify oneself from the major state of impurity. Thus one should perform it to be on the safe side.

In subsequent lessons, you will learn more about other times when bathing is legislated, not in the obligatory sense rather encouraged.


Footnotes:
[1] Umm Salama reported that the Messenger of Allah told her that after sexual intercourse: ‘It is enough for you to throw three handfuls of water on your head and then pour water over yourself, and you shall be purified.’ (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
[2] This account is based on a report from the Prophet’s wife, ‘Aishah: “When the Prophet, may Allah praise him, took his bath after sexual intercourse, he would begin by washing his hands. Then he would pour water from his right hand to his left and wash his sexual organs, make the ablution for prayer, take some water and put his fingers to the roots of his hair to the extent that he sees that the skin is wet, then pour water over his head three times and then over the rest of his body.” (Related by Saheeh Al-Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim)
[3] Messenger of Allah said, “Water (washing) is needed after ejaculation of sperm.” (Saheeh Muslim). Also, it is impermissible for a Muslim to resort to masturbation to satisfy sexual desires.
[4] A nocturnal emission is an ejaculation of semen experienced by males during sleep. It is also called a “wet dream”. Nocturnal emissions are most common during teenage and early adult years, and are the result of accumulated semen production. However, nocturnal emissions may happen any time after puberty, not just adolescence and early adulthood. They may or may not be accompanied by dreams. Some males will wake during the ejaculation, while others will sleep through the event.
[5] The Prophet said: “If one part enters the other part, then ghusl becomes obligatory.” (Musnad, Saheeh Muslim)
[6] Allah says in the Qur’an, “Do not approach them until they become pure. And when they have purified themselves, go to them as Allah has prescribed for you.” (2.222) Also, the Messenger of Allah told a female companion, “Do not pray during your period. After it has ended, perform the ritual bath and pray.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)
[7] When Zainab, the daughter of the Prophet died, he said: “Wash her with water three or five times, or as many times as you see fit” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
[8] In an authentic hadeeth, Jabir ibn Abdullah said that the Prophet ordered the martyrs of Uhud to be shrouded, and buried, in pairs ‘with their blood on their bodies - and they were neither washed nor did he offer a funeral prayer for them.’ (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
[9] This is based on the Prophet commanding Abu Talha, a new Muslim, to perform ghusl on entering Islam (Ahmad).[/COLOR]

للمزيد من مواضيعي

 

الموضوع الأصلي : Easy guide for new muslims 2     -||-     المصدر : مُنتَدَيَاتُ كَلِمَةٍ سَوَاءِ الدَّعَويِّة     -||-     الكاتب : فداء الرسول

[فداء الرسول]

Belief in Angels

Reality of Angels

Angels are not ‘good forces of nature’, hologram images, or illusions. Neither are angels like a fat cherubic baby with a halo on its head as often depicted in Christian illustrations. They are real, created but are generally hidden from our senses. They have no divine qualities and are not God’s associates running different districts of the universe. Also, they are not objects to be worshipped or prayed to as they do not intercede for us at our request, nor do they deliver our prayers to God. They all submit to God and carry out His commands. There are no fallen angels; they are not divided into ‘good’ and ‘evil’ angels. Human beings do not become angels after death.

Angels were created from light before human beings. The angels are beautiful beings with wings as described in the Quran.

Angels form different hierarchies and orders in the sense they are of different size, status, and merit. The best were those present at the battle of Badr who fought between the Prophet and the Meccan pagans.

They are of great size. The greatest of them is Gabriel. Our Prophet actually saw him in his original form. He had six hundred wings and blocked the horizon. Jewels, pearls, and rubies fell from his wings, in a form only Allah knows about . Also, the attendants of God’s Throne are among the greatest angels. They love the believers and beseech Allah to forgive them their sins. They carry the Throne of Allah, about whom the Prophet said:

“I have been given permission to speak about one of the angels of Allah that carry the Throne. The distance between his ear-lobes and his shoulders is equivalent to a seven-hundred-year journey.” (Abu Daud)

They do not eat or drink. When Abraham placed a calf in front of the visiting angels who brought him the good news of a son, they refused to eat:

“He said, ‘Will you not eat?’ (When they did not eat), he conceived a fear of them. They said: ‘Fear not,’ and they gave him glad tidings of a son endowed with knowledge.” (Quran 51:26-28)

The angels do not get bored or tired of remembering and worshipping Allah:

“They exalt [Him] night and day [and] do not slacken.” (Quran 21:20)

The Number of Angels

How many angels there are? Only Allah knows. Al-Bayt al-Ma’moor is a sacred house in the heavens above the Ka’bah, the black cubical sacred house in Mecca. Every day seventy thousand angels visit it and leave, never returning to it again, another group coming after them.[1]

The Messenger of Allah said:

“Hell will be brought forth that day by means of seventy thousand ropes, each of which will be pulled by seventy thousand angels.” (Saheeh Muslim)

The Names of Angels

We are required to believe in the names of the angels that have been mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah. They include:

Gabriel (Jibreel in Arabic), Michael (Mikaa’eel), Israfeel, Malik - the gatekeeper of Hell, Munkar and Nakeer, and Haarut and Maarut and others.

The names Raphael and Azra’eel are not furnished in Islamic texts. Of the above, only Gabriel and Michael are mentioned in the Bible.

Angelic Abilities

The angels have great powers given to them by Allah.

They have the ability to take on different forms other than their own. At the moment of Jesus’ conception, Allah sent Gabriel to Mary in the form of a man, as Allah says in the Quran:

“…Then We sent to her Our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects.” (Quran 19:17)

Angels also came to Abraham in human form, and he did not know that they were angels until they told him so. Similarly, angels came to Lot to deliver him from danger in the form of young men with beautiful faces. Gabriel used to come to Prophet Muhammad in different forms. Sometimes he would appear in the form of one of his handsome disciples, and sometimes in the form of a Bedouin.

Angels have the ability to take human forms in some circumstances involving common people, such as the ones who came to the man who killed a hundred people and those who came to the blind, the bald and the leper.

The greatest speed known to man today is the speed of light; the angels are able to travel much faster than this. Hardly had an enquirer completed putting a question to the Prophet, but Gabriel would bring the answer from Allah.

Gabriel is God’s messenger to mankind. He would convey the revelation from Allah to His Messengers. Allah says:

“Say, ‘Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel – it is [none but] he who has brought the Qur’an down upon your heart, [O Muhammad], by permission of Allah, confirming that which was before it and as guidance and good tidings for the believers.’” (Quran 2:97)

Tasks of the Angels

Some angels are put in charge of executing God’s law in the physical world. Michael is responsible for rain, directing it wherever Allah wishes. He has helpers, who do what he tells them, by the command of his Lord; they direct the winds and clouds, as Allah wills. Another is responsible for blowing the Trumpet, which will be blown by Israafeel at the onset of the Day of Judgment. Others are responsible for taking souls out of the bodies at the time of death: these are the Angel of Death and his helpers. Allah says:

“Say: ‘the Angel of Death put in charge of you, will (duly) take your souls, then shall you be brought back to your Lord.’” (Quran 32:11)

Then there are personal guardian angels, responsible for protecting the believer throughout his life, when he stays home or travels, when he is asleep or awake. These are the “angels in succession” concerning whom Allah says:

“For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the Command of Allah.” (Quran 13:10-11)

Others are responsible for recording the deeds of man, good and bad. These are the “honorable scribes” (kiraaman kaatibeen).

Munkar and Nakeer are responsible for testing people in the grave.

Among them are keepers of Paradise and the nineteen ‘guards’ of Hell whose leader is ‘Malik.’

There are also angels responsible for breathing the soul into the fetus and writing down its provisions, life-span, actions, and whether it will be wretched or happy.

Some angels are roamers, traveling around the world in search of gatherings where God is remembered. There are also angels constituting God’s heavenly army, standing in rows, who never get tired or sit down, and others who bow or prostrate, and never raise their heads, always worshipping Allah.

As we learn from above, the angels are a grandiose creation of God, varying in numbers, roles, and abilities. God is in no need of these creatures, but having knowledge and belief in them adds to the awe that one feels towards God, in that He is able to create as He wishes, for indeed the magnificence of His creation is a proof of the magnificence of the Creator.




Footnotes:
[1] Saheeh Al-Bukhari

[فداء الرسول]

Belief in the Day of Judgment


Simply stated, there will be a Day when God will resurrect and gather the first and the last of His creation and judge everyone justly. People will enter their final abode, Hell or Paradise.

(A) Belief In Events Of The Grave

Muslims believe that after a person dies, the second, intermediate phase of life begins. Many events will take place in this new “world.”

One of the first events is the “trial” of the grave - everyone will be questioned by angels about their religion, prophet, and Lord.

Second, a Muslim should also believe in the punishment and the bliss of the grave. Basically a Muslim must believe in the details of the events that will take place in the grave as they have come in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

(B) Events Of The Day Of Judgment

After the duration of this earth is over, Allah will command a great angel named Israfeel to blow the Trumpet. At the first blowing, all the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth will fall unconscious, except those spared by God. The earth will be flattened and the mountains turned into dust.

The skies will rain for forty days, people will be resurrected into their original bodies from their graves, thereby entering the third and final phase of life.

Israfeel will blow the Trumpet for the second time upon which people will rise up from their graves, alive. The disbelievers and the hypocrites will be caught by surprise and regret, whereas the believers will find it exactly as they were told.

The angels will drive all human beings naked, uncircumcised, and bare-footed to the Great Plain of Gathering called Hashr. The first one to be dressed on that Day will be Abraham. At the Great Plain of Gathering, a re-created sun will shine close to their heads, and they will sweat according to their deeds. Some people will be sheltered under the shade of God’s Magnificent Throne.

When the conditions will become unbearable, people will request God to allow the Prophets and the Messengers to intercede on their behalf to save them from distress. All prophets will excuse themselves, until Prophet Muhammad will be allowed to intercede and thus Judgment will begin.

The Balances

The balances will be set and the deeds of men will be weighed. These balances will be real. God will give the deeds of His creatures a material existence with weight. Good deeds will be placed in one pan and the evil deeds will be placed in the other, as Allah has informed in the Qur’an.

The Records

Disclosure of the Records of the deeds performed in this life will follow. The person who will receive his record in his right hand will have an easy reckoning. He will happily go back to his family. However, the person who will receive his record in his left hand would wish he were dead as he will be thrown into the Fire. He will be full of regrets as will wish that he were not handed his Record or that he had not known it.

Then Allah will judge His creation. They will be reminded and informed of their good and evil deeds. The faithful will acknowledge their sins and be forgiven. The disbelievers will have no good deeds to declare because an unbeliever is rewarded for his good deeds in this life. Some scholars are of the opinion that the punishment of an unbeliever may be reduced in lieu of his good deeds, except the punishment of the great sin of disbelief.

The Prophet’s Pond

Every prophet will have a pond, but the Pond of our Prophet will be the largest, sweetest, and with the largest number of visitors. Its water will be sweeter than honey and whiter than milk; its utensils will be as numerous as the stars; and anyone who quenches his thirst once from it will never thirst again.

The Siraat

The Siraat is a real bridge that will be established over Hell extending between Paradise and the Fire. Anyone who is steadfast on God’s religion in this life will find it easy to pass it. It will be thinner than a hair and sharper than a sword! People will pass over it as fast as the blinking of an eye, lightening, wind, fast moving horses, running camels, or at a normal walking pace. Some will barely crawl over it. They will be grabbed by iron hooks and thrust into the Fire. The one who crosses the Siraat will get into Paradise.

Those who cross it will be assembled at a place between Paradise and Hell. They will get their mutual debts settled and then allowed to enter Paradise.

(C) Intercession Granted To The Prophets & The Righteous

Allah has clearly explained proper intercession:

a) He has to allow it, and

b) It will be allowed only to those He will be pleased with.

Types of Intercession

Three forms of intercession are special for the Prophet:

1) The Prophet will make the first intercession, called the Greatest Intercession, at the Great Plain of Gathering to get the Judgment started.

2) The second will be to gain permission for the people of Paradise to enter it.

3) He will be allowed to intercede on behalf of some pagans to get their punishment reduced in Hell.

4) The last type of intercession will be for those who deserve to be in Hell. The Prophet will share this intercession with other Prophets and some pious believers. This intercession will be for:

(i) those who will never enter Hell although they deserved it, and

(ii) those who will enter Hell, but will be taken out of it.

Finally, the Most Merciful Lord will take some people out of Hell Fire by His infinite Bounty.

After everyone has entered Paradise, there will still be some place left in it. Allah will create a special creation and enter them into Paradise.

(D) Paradise & Hell

Both are real, exist presently, and will continue to exist forever. The bliss of the people of Paradise shall never end and the punishment of unbelievers condemned to Hell shall never cease.

Paradise will have everything a person will desire. All wishes will be met. Palaces, servants, riches, streams of milk and honey, pleasant fragrances, soothing voices, pure partners for intimacy; a person will never get bored or have enough! The greatest bliss will be to see their Lord of which the unbelievers will be deprived.

Hell will be a place of punishment for unbelievers and purification for sinful believers. It will have many different types of torture and punishment: burning by fire, boiling water to drink, scalding food to eat, chains, and choking columns of fire. For unbelievers it will never end as they will stay in it forever. Sinful believers sent to it will be eventually taken out of Hell by one of intercessions mentioned above.

[فداء الرسول]

Belief in Divine Decree (part 2 of 2)


(3) Allah’s Will Passes, and His Ability is Perfect

Whatever Allah wills comes to pass, and whatever Allah does not will does not happen. Nothing occurs in the heavens or on the earth without the Will of Allah. Hence, whatever is in the universe occurs by the Will of Allah, be it a divine act or actions of the creation:

“Had He so willed, he would indeed have guided you all.” (Quran 6:149)

If we were to say that something occurs in existence without Allah willing it, that would mean that things can occur without the Will of Allah, and that would be a shortcoming in Allah’s power and will. Rather, everything that occurs can only be if Allah wills it. If He did not will it to occur, it could have never come into being.

Likewise the actions of the creation occur by the Will of Allah:

“And you do not will except that Allah wills – Lord of the worlds.” (Quran 81:29)

No one can do anything except if Allah wills it to be, had He willed that they do not take place, they would not have occurred.

(4) Allah Created Everything

“He has created everything, and has measured it exactly according to its own measurement.”

“For it is He who creates everything and determines its nature in accordance with (His own) design.” (Quran 25:2)

This includes our characteristics and our deeds.

The human beings are created by Allah and so are the actions and statements that result from them. This is because the actions and the statements of a person are his characteristics; if the person is a creation, then so are his characteristics a creation of Allah.

“While Allah has created you and what you do.” (Quran 37:96)

We are given the physical ability and a choice. Our abilities like intelligence and memory differ just like our characteristics like height, weight, and color. Also, we are given a will and have a choice.

If one of them does not exist, the act would not be performed. The One who has created the choice and the ability is Allah, the Creator of the cause and the effect. Since Allah has created both, the ability and the choice in us, hence the acts that we perform are also created by Allah.

Human Freedom of Will

Islamic belief in the divine decree (Qadr), every human act both in material and spiritual life is predestined, keeps human liberty intact without denying divine interference in human affairs. It does not undermine the principle of man’s moral freedom and responsibility. Man is not a helpless creature borne along by destiny. It is incorrect to believe the action of fate is blind, arbitrary, and relentless.

All is known, but freedom is also granted.

Man is responsible for his acts. Lethargic nations and individuals indolent to ordinary affairs of life are to blame themselves, not Allah. Man is bound to obey the moral law; and he will receive merited punishment or reward as he violates or observes that law. However, if such is so, man must have it in his power to break or keep the law. Allah would not hold us responsible for something unless we were capable of doing it:

“Allah does not burden any human being with more than he is well able to bear.” (Quran 2:285)

“So keep your duty to Allah and fear Allah as much as you can.” (Quran 65:16)

Everyone knows the difference between being compelled to do something and being free; having the choice of doing it, between a gun put to one’s head and being free in making decisions.

Some people mistakenly imagine the divine decree of each individual’s future life is so rigorously predetermined in all its details by Allah that his own volitions or desires have no power to alter the course of events. It defeats common sense to reject faith or commit a sin even before knowing whether or not it was destined! Everyone has the ability to choose between righteousness and evil, so how can a person willfully choose the road to perdition and use the divine decree (Qadr) as an excuse? It is more appropriate to walk on the blessed path and attribute it to one’s destiny. Allah knows from eternity with infallible certainty who will be saved and doomed, while Allah has this infallible foreknowledge, we, on our part, cannot have an absolutely certain assurance as to how we will end. The Prophet, may Allah praise him, spoke the truth when he said:

“Seek what is beneficial to you, and ask Allah for help. Do not lose hope, and if something were to afflict you, do not say ‘If I had done so and so’, because saying ‘If’ opens the doors for the devil.”

“If he is from the successful ones, then the deeds of the successful ones are made easy for him.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)

[فداء الرسول]

Shirk, the Opposite of Tawheed

The Arabic word shirk is the opposite of tawheed, Allah’s oneness, and is more inclusive than polytheism and idolatry. It means associating Allah with other deities. Shirk is to associate others with Allah in certain aspects designated as unique to Him and exclusively His in the Quran and Sunnah.

There is no issue upon which Islam is so strict as the one of monotheism (tawheed). Associating partners with God (Shirk) is the deadliest sin, the greatest violation with which the Lord of the heavens and the earth may be defied. Death in the state of shirk permanently severs a person from divine grace:

“Surely Allah forgives not that a partner be set with Him (i.e. the sin of shirk), and forgives all besides that to whom he pleases.” (Quran 4:48)

Shirk has many forms, some of which will be discussed below.

The Greater Shirk

Acts which fall under this category of shirk are regarded as unforgivable. Allah will not forgive them unless one repents.

“Verily, Allah does not forgive shirk, but He forgives other than that to whom He pleases”

This category contradicts the very purpose of creation, as expressed in Allah’s statement:

“I have not created jinn or mankind except to worship Me Alone.” (Quran 51:56)

In this category of shirk, acts of worship are directed to beings other than Allah or alongside Him, as is their rewards. Allah gives an example of this type in the Quran, in His saying:

“So when they ride in the ships, they call upon Allah, being sincerely obedient to Him, but when he brings them safe to the land, lo, they commit shirk with Him.” (Quran 29:65)

The Quran stresses in many verses that Allah does not share His powers with any partner. It warns those who believe their idols will intercede for them that they, together with the idols, will become fuel for Hellfire on the Day of Judgment.

The greater shirk includes invoking or supplicating to a false deity, prophet, angel, saint, idol, or anything besides Allah. Christians pray to a man who they believe to share divinity with Allah, the Prophet of Allah Jesus, may Allah praise him. Catholics direct certain types of worship to saints, angels, and Mary, which they regard as “veneration”. All these things are regarded as shirk.

It is also considered shirk to pray to Prophet Muhammad, may Allah praise him, or to graves of holy men.

Believing in the legislation of others, whether governments or religious leaders in opposition to the clear teachings of Islam is also a major form of shirk, as Allah says:

“They (referring to Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their Lords besides Allah.” (Quran 9:31)

They took them as lords besides Allah not by directly praying to them, but by willfully accepting their changing the lawful into prohibited and the forbidden into lawful in Allah’s religion. They gave them the authority that only Allah has - to legislate in divine law.

Another form of major shirk is giving any creation a portion of divine love reserved for Allah.

“And of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah). They love them as they love Allah. But those who believe love Allah (more than anything else).” (Quran 2:195)

Lesser Forms of Shirk

Swearing by other than Allah and carrying out religious acts for worldly gain, like showing off or to win favors are two of the lesser forms of shirk. Allah’s Messenger said:

“The thing I fear for you the most is ‘lesser shirk.’ The companions asked ‘Oh! Messenger of Allah, what is “lesser shirk?” He replied showing off, for surely Allah will say on the Day of Resurrection when people are receiving their rewards, ‘Go to those for whom you were showing off in the material world and see if you can find any reward from them.’” (Ahmad, at-Tabarani, al-Baihaqi)

Once, the Prophet, may Allah praise him, announced:

“O people, beware of hidden shirk! The people asked, ‘O messenger of Allah, what is hidden shirk?’ He replied, ‘When a man gets up to pray and strives to beautify his prayer because people are looking at him; that is hidden shirk.’” (Ibn Khuzaymah)

Showing off (riyaa in Arabic) is the practice of performing any of the various forms of worship in order to be seen and praised by people. Doing religious acts to impress people destroys the spiritual benefits of righteous deeds and incurs sin on the person. Sometimes, even the most pious are not spared of it because it is so hidden and the motivating force behind it is so ingrained. Getting rid of it involves that one concentrate upon the fact that they are performing the worship for Allah’s pleasure alone, and not the pleasure of people.

A Muslim must take great care to ensure intentions begin pure and remain pure whenever righteous deeds are being done. In order to ensure this, the saying of Allah’s name is enjoined in Islam before all acts of importance. A series of informal prayers (du’as) have also been prescribed by the Prophet before and after all natural habits to turn them into acts of worship and develop awareness of Allah.

Everyday Examples of Shirk

Astrology and Horoscopes

Predicting the future by means of comparing the positions of stars and constellations, in conjunction with the time of year that a person was born is a type of Shirk. Only Allah knows the future, so it is impossible to predict future events by studying the stars. This is a form of shirk because belief in astrology credits astrologers with knowledge of the future, as well as the fact that they ascribe certain powers to created objects – stars – that neither Allah nor science has assigned.

Fortune-Telling

Reading palms, looking into a crystal ball, and other forms used to foretell the future are forms of shirk for the same reasons given above.

The Number 13

A common example of shirk is belief that the number thirteen is an unlucky number, especially in the West, where it is not uncommon for tall buildings not to have a thirteenth floor. It is shirk because it assigns the ability to bring bad fortune to a mere number!

Lucky or Unlucky Creatures

It has been a common custom for certain animals or objects to be associated with good or bad luck for many centuries in many parts of the world. For example, black cats, magpies, rabbits' feet, and horseshoes are thought to bring good luck. All of these examples are shirk because the ability to bring good or bad luck is assigned to Allah’s creation.

All Muslims should avoid all forms of shirk, and the only way one can be sure to do so is if they study its different forms and understand well the concept of Tawheed. Shirk is the gravest of sins in Islam, more severe than other grave sins such as murder and adultery, for it vies with the sole right of Allah to worship. Thus, it is worthy that Muslims do their best to avoid shirk and become eligible to enter the Gardens of Paradise.

[فداء الرسول]

Sunan al-Fitrah

Allah has chosen certain practices for His Prophets; Muslims are to follow these as well, they are known as Sunan al-Fitrah, or the Muslim's cleanliness obligations. Basically they comprise natural hygiene. They are:
1. Trimming the moustache. The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said:
'Differ from the polytheists, grow the beards and trim the moustache.' (Bukhari & Muslim)
2. Growing beards. This is incumbent upon every male Muslim. The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said:
'Grow the beards and trim the moustache.' (Bukhari).
Allah warns those who disobey His Messenger, saying:
(Let those who disobey his command beware lest they are subjected to a Fitnah or a painful torment.) (24:63).
3. The use of Siwak (tooth-stick). The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said:
'Had it not been for the fact that I would overburden my Ummah (nation) I would have ordered them to use the Siwak, as I ordered them to perform Wudhu.' (Silsilah as-Saheehah)
4. Sniffing water, which is a procedural step of Wudhu.
5. Clipping fingernails and toenails.
6. Washing the knuckles.
7 and 8. Removing hair from the armpits and pubic area (by plucking, shaving or cutting).
9. Istinja, which is the cleaning of the two exits with water.
10. The narrator of the Hadeeth said: 'I forget what the tenth
was, unless it is rinsing the mouth during Wudhu.'
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said:
Five acts are from the Fitrah:
1. Shaving off pubic hair.
2. Circumcision
3. Trimming the moustache.
4. Clipping fingernails and toenails.
5. Plucking or shaving off armpit hair.
Question: I have noticed that some people in the Masjid let their nails grow long and they are filled with dirt. Is this befitting for a Muslim? Is their Wudhu valid? Is there a specified time limit for cutting the nails, or for doing other things that are Sunan al-Fitrah (specific Sunnah connected to the natural disposition of man)?
Answer: Praise be to Allah. The nails must be cut at least once every forty days, because the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) specified a time limit within which people should cut their nails, shave their pubic hair, pluck their armpit hair and trim their moustaches, and not leave it for more than forty days.
This is affirmed authentically. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), who was the servant of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) said: "He set a time for us to trim our moustaches, cut our nails, pluck our armpit hair and shave our pubic hair; we were not to leave that for more than forty days." (Muslim). It was also narrated by Imam Ahmad (11823) and by alNasaa'I (14) with the wording:
"The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) set a time limit for us, we were not to neglect our nails and moustaches, and shaving the pubic hair and plucking the armpit hair beyond forty days."
Both men and women must pay attention to this matter and not leave the nails, moustache, pubic hair or armpit hair for more than forty days.
Wudhu is valid and is not affected by whatever dirt is under the fingernails, because it is a small amount and may be looked over. (Bin Baz).

[فداء الرسول]

اداب الخلاء
Manners of Relieving Oneself

Something as mundane as relieving oneself is tied to a Muslim’s sense of cleanliness and modesty. There is nothing odd or strange about it, as Islam literally is all encompassing, something that evokes a pleasant surprise in some people. Even in the time of the Prophet, there was a polytheist who exclaimed with astonishment to Salman, the Persian, “Your Prophet has taught you everything, even how to defecate!” Salman responded, ‘“Yes, he forbade us to face the direction of Mecca when urinating or defecating…”[1]

In this lesson we will detail the manners of relieving oneself, something apparently minor, but implies much about personal hygiene and religious observance.

(A) Supplications before Relieving Oneself

There are certain supplications one should recite when entering or leaving the place one relieves oneself, whether it be in a bathroom or in nature.

(a) One should say “Bismillaah” (I begin with the Name of Allah) before entering, because the Messenger of Allah said:

“The eyes of the jinn are blocked from seeing the nakedness of the sons of Adam when one of them says before entering the place for relieving oneself, ‘Bismillaah.’” (Al-Tirmidhi)

(b) Allah-humma innee a’oodhu bika min al-khubuthi wa’l-kha-baa’ith.

“O Allah, I seek refuge with You from male and female devils.” (Abu Daud, Al-Tirmidhi)

Enter with your left foot.

(B) Inside the Toilet

Facing the Qibla

Out of respect a Muslim should not face the qiblah[2] when urinating or defecating. The Messenger of Allah said:

“When any one of you sits down to answer the call of nature, he should not face the qiblah or turn his back towards it.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Concealment

We must conceal ourselves from the sight of others when answering the call of nature. The Messenger of Allah preferred to go behind a rise on the ground or a garden of date palms.[3] If a person is in the open and cannot find anything to conceal him when he needs to answer the call of nature, he should move away from public sight. One of the Companions described how he was with the Prophet on a journey, and when the Prophet felt the need to answer the call of nature, he went far away.[4]

When outdoors, one should not uncover their private parts until they squat close to the ground, as it is more concealing.[5] Indoors, first make sure you have closed the door and are out of sight.

(C) Relieving Oneself

Squatting

Outdoors, it is best to answer the call of nature sitting. It is better to adopt a posture that is more concealing, one which will cause no splash-back on yourself or your clothes. If there is a need and a person does not fear splash-back, it is permissible to urinate standing up.

Splash-Back

One must take great care to avoid the splash-back of urine, both on themselves and their clothes. If urine or stool soils some part of body or clothes, those areas must also be washed, and the impurity must be totally removed from them. The Messenger of Allah passed by two graves, and said:

“Indeed they are being punished, but for something which seemed trivial to them: this one used not to guard himself from urine, and the other used to walk about spreading malicious gossip.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Prohibited Places

Islam forbids urinating in places where people might pass by, or seek shade therein, such a park, because it is something disturbing to people. The Prophet said, “Fear the two things that bring curses.” They asked, “What are the two things that bring curses, O Messenger of Allah?” He said:

“When a person relieves himself in the road where people walk or in the place where they seek shade.” (Abu Daud)

Also, it is forbidden to urinate in stagnant water, as it was forbidden by the Messenger of Allah.[6] It obviously makes the water impure and will disturb those who use it.

Conversation

Don’t say, ‘As-Salamu ‘Alaikum’ to a person who is answering the call of nature, or reply with ‘Wa-’Alaikum us-Salam’ while relieving yourself, out of respect for God’s name. Al-Salaam is one of Allah’s beautiful Names.

A man passed by the Prophet while he was urinating, and greeted him with Salam. The Messenger of Allah said to him:

“If you see me in this state, do not greet me, because if you do, I will not respond.” (Ibn Majah)

It is disliked to speak while relieving oneself unnecessarily.

Urinals

Urinals should be avoided for four reasons. First, there is no privacy. Private parts are exposed, which is indecent and forbidden. Second, it is almost impossible to avoid splash-back. Third, there is no toilet paper. Fourth, people sometimes talk while urinating, an activity better left outside the toilet!

(D) Cleaning Method

(a) Using the Left Hand

The Prophet’s wife Hafsah reported that he used to use his right hand for eating, drinking, making wudoo, getting dressed, and giving and taking things; and that he used to use his left hand for other things.[7]

One should not touch the penis with the right hand when urinating, because the Prophet said:

“When any one of you urinates, he should not hold his penis in his right hand or clean it with his right hand.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

It is not allowed to wipe oneself with the right hand when cleaning stool or urine; the left hand should be used for this purpose, because the Prophet said:

“When any one of you wipes himself, he should not use his right hand.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

(b) Material

Toilet paper or water can be used. It is preferable to use both. Be careful to remove all impurities after answering the call of nature, because the Prophet warned against being careless in cleaning oneself after urinating:

“Most of the punishment of the grave will be because of urine.” (Ibn Majah)

(c) Any impurity should be washed or wiped thrice or more, and it is better that it be an odd number, according to whatever is needed to clean it, because the Prophet said:

“When anyone of you cleans himself do so an odd number.” (Ahmad)

A word on washing hands

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one in four food-borne illnesses, among many other diseases, is caused by unwashed or inadequately washed hands. Not only is it an easy thing to do, but hand washing is considered the number one way to prevent the spread of infection. If health officials urge it, how much more should Muslims pay attention to it? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health, good hand washing requires three key elements: soap, running water, and friction. Actively rub your hands and fingers together with soap, producing a lather that covers all surfaces of your hands (including your fingers and under your fingernails), for at least ten to fifteen seconds. Follow that with a thorough rinse under running water. Pay attention to rings and long fingernails, both of which trap bacteria and dirt. To avoid recontamination of your hands, wash the faucet with water or a clean paper towel before turning it off. Better yet, one should not use the contaminated hand to turn it on in the first place. Then dry your hands with an air-dryer or new disposable towel.

(E) Supplication on Leaving the Toilet

When leaving the toilet, exit with right foot, and say:

Ghufraanak. “I seek Your forgiveness.” (Abu Daud, Al-Tirmidhi)


Footnotes:
[1] Al-Tirmidhi
[2] The direction of formal prayer and the Kabah, the House of Allah.
[3] Saheeh Muslim
[4] Al-Tirmidhi
[5] “When the Prophet wanted to answer the call of nature, he would not lift his garment until he had squatted close to the ground.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
[6] Saheeh Muslim
[7] Musnad.

[فداء الرسول]

اداب الاكل
Dietary Laws in Islam


The Quran and Sunnah have provided a number of guidelines for what is allowed for Muslims to eat and what is not, and thus, Muslim dietary practice is directly related to divine obedience. Practicing Muslims obey Allah by following these guidelines, and thus they are rewarded for this, as following the guidelines of the religion is considered worship.

Permitted food and drinks are called halal, while those forbidden are termed haram in Arabic. Since ‘you are what you eat’, Islam permits food deemed wholesome for the body and the soul and forbids what is detrimental to them, as the Quran declares:

“…all pure things are lawful to you.” (Quran 4:5)

Mainstream Christianity claims no dietary laws to speak of, whereas Judaism has numerous and rigorous dietary laws. In Hinduism, food is one of the principal indices of social status, as food observances help to define caste ranking. Islamic dietary laws, on the other hand, bond the community of faithful in one whole, and in their rigor they lie somewhere in between Judaism and Christianity.

In this lesson we will familiarize ourselves with basic rules of Islamic dietary law.

The Good and Permissible

Generally, every food and drink is permissible unless it is prohibited by Allah or His Messenger, may Allah praise him. What is halal is much more than what has been made haram, and thus discussion is often limited to what is haram. All vegetables, fruits, lentils and grains are permissible, and nothing has been explicitly forbidden in the Quran in their regards.

As for meat, all seafood has been made permissible, as are common meats like beef, chicken, and lamb. There is such a large variety of foods made permissible in Islam that it would be impossible to mention them all in this article. Thus, as is customarily done, we will mention the restrictions placed upon diet by Islam.

Prohibited Foods

1. Prohibition of Carrion

Allah says in the Quran:

‘Indeed, what He has forbidden to you is the flesh of dead animals…’ (Quran 2:173)

The first prohibited food is the flesh of “dead animals,” that is, the animal which dies of natural causes, without being slaughtered or hunted. There are many health hazards in carrion, details of which can be found here.

But Allah has created other beings in such a way that they are able to benefit from carrion as a source of sustenance.. An exception to this rule is sea-food. The Prophet, may Allah praise him, said of the sea:

‘Its water is pure and its dead are halal (to eat).’ (Musnad)

This maybe due to the preserving factor of salt coupled with the fact that it is next to impossible to catch live fish and “slaughter” them. It may be also due to the physiology of fish itself.

2. Prohibition of Flowing Blood[1]

The second prohibition relates to flowing or liquid blood which cannot be used as food or drink. It’s rare to find recipes using blood anyway!

3. Pork[2]

The third prohibited food is pork, that is, the flesh of swine. All pork products like sausage, pepperoni, salami, chops, ribs, lard, bacon, and ham are forbidden.

4. Animal Dedicated to Anyone Other Than Allah[3]

The fourth prohibition refers to animals[4] which are dedicated to anyone other than Allah, that is to say, those which are slaughtered with the invocation of a name other than the name of Allah, such as idols, celestial objects, prophets or saints. When slaughtering an animal, the Arab polytheists would invoke the names of their idols. In this case, the reason for the prohibition is entirely related to faith: to safeguard the belief in Allah, to purify worship, and to oppose shirk in matters of food consumption. Indeed it is Allah who created man and subjected the animals to him and permitted him to take its life for food on the condition that His name be pronounced at the time of slaughter. Pronouncing the name of Allah while slaughtering the animal is an announcement that one is taking the life of this creature by the permission of its Creator, while if one invokes any other name, he has forfeited this permission and must be denied the use of its flesh.

5. Slaughtering with means which does not properly allow the exit of Blood[5]

Allah in the Quran mentions various forms of this category:

- Strangulation: An animal which has been strangled, for example, by a rope around its neck, or suffocated is forbidden.

- Beaten to Death[6]

- A Fallen Animal[7]: An animal which dies as a result of a fall from a high place, or by falling into a gully or ravine.

- Gored[8]: An animal which dies as a result of being gored by the horns of another animal.

- Partly Eaten by Other Animals[9]:An animal partly consumed by wild beasts and dies as a result.

6. Other Animals

The Quran says concerning the Messenger of Allah:

“...(he) makes lawful to them what is good and makes unlawful what is foul...” (Quran 7:157)

In addition to the terrestrial animals prohibited by the Quran, the Prophet, may Allah praise him, also forbade the eating of any carnivorous animals with canine teeth, and any bird with talons.[10] Carnivorous animals denote those which prey on others and devour them by tearing them apart, e.g., the lion, leopard, wolf, and the like; birds with talons such as the hawk, eagle, and the falcon.

Animals Slaughtered by Jews and Christians

Islam emphasizes that animals must be slaughtered in a prescribed manner.[11] While Islam takes an uncompromising attitude towards meat slaughtered by polytheists, it is lenient in the case of meat of Jews and Christians, for they also have been ordered to slaughter in the name of God in their revelations.[12] Consequently, Islam permits meats slaughtered by them:

“…and the food of those who were given the Scripture is lawful for you.” (Quran 5:6)

Necessity Dictates Exceptions

“...He has explained to you what He has made haram for you, except that to which you are compelled...” (Quran 6:119)

In Islamic law, necessity is deemed to exist when one fears death or great harm. If one finds nothing else to eat except that which is prohibited, and the person fears death, he may apply this rule. One should, however, stay within the limits and eat only enough to keep him alive.

Vegetarianism and Other Diets

Many meats are halal, but a Muslim does not have to eat meat, it’s not part of faith! A Muslim can be vegetarian by choice. There are many foods which a Muslim can choose to eat from, and one should not feel that they must eat things they do not desire. The Prophet, may Allah praise him, himself preferred not to eat onions or garlic, nor desert-lizard, a type of meat some ate in his time. One should not think, however, that there is something ethically wrong with eating meat, or else they would in a sense be legislating ethics, which is a right of Allah alone.

Alcohol and other Mind Altering Drugs

The Arabs before Islam were fond of wine and drinking. Love of wine is reflected and seen in their language, which has nearly one hundred names for it, and in their poetry, which celebrates the praises of wine, goblets, and drinking parties.

To eradicate the evil of drinking from society, Allah prohibited it in measured stages. First, He made it clear to them that the harm of drinking wine is greater than its benefit. Next, He told them not to come close to salah while intoxicated; and finally, He revealed the verse that completely forbade alcohol.[13]

The response of the Muslims when the verse of prohibition was revealed was remarkable. People were drinking, with partly-filled cups in their hands. As soon as they heard someone shouting the verse to announce its prohibition, they poured the remaining drinks upon the ground and broke their fermentation pots.

The Prophet, may Allah praise him, declared all intoxicants to be completely forbidden:

“Everything which alters the mind is [like] alcohol, and every type of alcohol is haram.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opium, and the like are definitely included in the prohibited category of alcohol and therefore are haram.

Islam forbids all intoxicants, regardless of the amount consumed. This is why the Prophet, may Allah praise him, said:

“Whatever intoxicates if consumed in a large amount, a small amount of it is haram.” (Abu Daud, Al-Tirmidhi)

A final word… adjusting diet is perhaps one of the major lifestyle changes a new Muslim has to go through after entering the fold of Islam. Many before you have done it, it’s an adjustment you will be able to make as well with some self-discipline and help from Allah. Lastly, it is perhaps safest to find halal meat stores in your area to buy meat from.


Footnotes:
[1] ‘…and blood…’ (Quran 2:173)
[2] ‘…and the flesh of swine…’ (Quran 2:173)
[3] ‘…and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah.’ (Quran 2:173)
[4] And by analogy, anything edible or non-edible.
[5] ‘Forbidden to you are the flesh of dead animals and blood and the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to any other than Allah, and that which has been killed by strangling…’ (Quran 5:3)
[6] ‘…or by beating…’ (Quran 5:3)
[7] ‘…or by falling…’ (Quran 5:3)
[8] ‘…or by being gored…’ (Quran 5:3)
[9] ‘…and that which has been (partly) eaten by a wild beast…’ (Quran 5:3)
[10] Saheeh Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim
[11] Details of Islamic manner of slaughter is out of the scope of this lesson.
[12] "Blessed art Thou . . . who sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning slaughtering." SHEḤIṬAH, Wilhelm Bacher, Julius H. Greenstone. The Jewish Encyclopedia. (SHEل¸¤Iل¹¬AH - JewishEncyclopedia.com)
[13] Quran 5:90.

[فداء الرسول]

حفظ (الفاتحة – الناس – الفلق – الإخلاص )


Surah Al-Fatiha

Surah al-Fatiha is the first surah of the Quran and is recited in each prayer as the Prophet, may Allah praise him, declared, “There is no salah (valid) without the opening chapter of the Book.”[1] On accepting Islam, a person should first memorize the Fatiha to be able to perform the prescribed prayers. Its meaning should be learnt and contemplated every time we offer salah.

Text, Transliteration, Translation, and Explanation

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِِ

1. Bismillahir rahmaanir raheem

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

The Quran begins with the proper, unique, and personal name of God – Allah. ‘I begin with the name of Allah’ means a Muslim begins his recitation seeking the help of Allah. Allah is the God of mankind who alone deserves worship. No one else can take the name ‘Allah.’ Allah is the Most Gracious (ar-Rahman) Lord whose mercy extends to all creation. He is also especially Merciful (ar-Raheem) to the faithful.

الْحَمْدُ للّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

2. Alhamdu lillahi rabbil Aalameen

(All) praise is (due) to Allah, Lord of the worlds

Allah deserves to be praised for the perfection of His qualities, material gifts, and spiritual blessings. Therefore, people should praise Him for everything He has given them. He alone deserves it. He is the Lord of the worlds, meaning He made everything that exists, maintaining it at every moment. He is the Lord who nourishes the believers with faith and good works.

الرَّحْمـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

3. Ar rahmaanir raheem

The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful,

‘Most Gracious’ (Al-Rahman) and ‘Merciful’ (ar-Raheem) are two of the many names of Allah.

مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ

4. Maliki yawmid deen

Sovereign of the Day of Recompense.

Allah alone is the Master of the Day of Judgment, the Day when human beings will be rewarded for their deeds. Reciting this verse in every rak’ah of payer constantly reminds a Muslim of the coming Judgment, and encourages him to do good and stay away from sins.

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

5. Iyyaka naabudu wa-iyyaka nasta-een

It is You Alone we worship and You Alone we ask for help.

We only submit to You in worship and seek only Your help in everything we do. Everything is in Your hands. The verse tells us that a Muslim is not allowed to direct any act of worship, like prayer and asking for supernatural, help to anyone other than Allah. The verse connects the heart with Allah and purifies it of pride and the desire to show-off.

اهدِنَــــا الصِّرَاطَ المُستَقِيمَ

6. Ih dinas siratal mustaqeem

Guide us to the straight path

Guide us and show us the straight path and make it easy for us. Make us firm on it till we meet You. The ‘Straight Path’ is Islam, the clear road leading to divine pleasure and Heaven shown by Muhammad, God’s last and final prophet. A slave of Allah cannot be happy and prosperous except by following it.

صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنعَمتَ عَلَيهِمْ غَيرِ المَغضُوبِ عَلَيهِمْ وَلاَ الضَّالِّينَ

7. Siratal latheena an Amta Alayhim ghayril maghdoobi alayhim walad daalleen

The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked (Your) anger or of those who are astray.

The path followed by those who were blessed – the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous. They are the guided. Do not let us follow the path of two. First, those who earned divine anger because they knew the truth but did not act on it, and that is the example of the Jews and whoever is like them. Second, do not let us follow the path of those who lost their way and were not guided, and that is the example of the Christians and their like. This is a prayer from a Muslim to purify his heart of stubbornness, ignorance, and misguidance. The verse also shows Islam is God’s greatest blessing. Those who know the way and walk on it are guided and, after the prophets they were, without doubt, the companions of Prophet Muhammad. It is recommended to say ‘Ameen’ after reciting Fatiha in the prayer. ‘Ameen’ means ‘O Allah, please accept.’


Footnotes:
[1] Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim

[فداء الرسول]

Simple Explanation of Three Short Surahs of Quran

Surah Al-Ikhlaas

This short surah is equivalent in virtue to one third of the Quran, and is ideal to memorize for reciting in the salah. It is also recommended to say it after every prayer and before going to sleep at night.

Text, Transliteration, Translation, and Explanation

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ

1. Qul huwallahu ahad

Say, “He is Allah, (who is) One.

Say, O Prophet, He is Allah, the only Lord, the only one Who deserves worship, and the only One who possesses Names and Attributes of beauty and perfection. No one shares with Him in these matters.

اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ

2. Allahus samad

Allah, the Eternal Refuge.

Allah alone is sought in times of need. Allah alone is the desire of the hearts. On Him all creation depends. This dependence is not reciprocal, however; He does not depend on His creatures.

لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ

3. Lam yalid walam yoolad

He neither begets nor is born,

He has no son or daughter, father or mother, or companion.

وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

4. Walam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad

Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”

Nothing in creation resembles Allah in any of His names, attributes, or actions.

Surah Al-Falaq

Surah al-Falaq is the second last chapter of the Quran. Both this surah and Surah an-Naas are man’s best protection against evil. It is also good to frequently recite them in salah. It is also recommended to say them after each obligatory prayer and before going to sleep at night.

Text, Transliteration, Translation, and Explanation

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ

1. Qul aaoothu bi rabbil falaq

Say, “I seek refuge in the Lord of daybreak

Say – O Prophet – I take the protection of the Lord of dawn.

مِن شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ

2. Min sharri ma khalaq

From the evil of that which He created

From the evil of every created being and its harm.

وَمِن شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ

3. Wa min sharri ghaasiqin itha waqab

And from the evil of darkness when it settles

And from the evil of deep darkness when it settles and the creatures of the night.

وَمِن شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ

4. Wa min sharrin naffathati fil uqad

And from the evil of the blowers in knots

From the evil of sorceresses who blow on knots to cast spells.

وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ

5. Wa min sharri haasidin itha hasad

And from the evil of an envier when he envies.”

And from the evil of the envious when he envies people for Allah’s gifts, wishing they be taken away, and desiring to hurt people.

Surah Al-Naas

Read introduction to Surah al-Falaq.

Text, Transliteration, Translation, and Explanation

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ

1. Qul aaoothu birabbin naas

Say, “I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind,

Say – O Prophet – I take the protection of the Lord of mankind from other people, who alone is capable of repelling their evil suggestions.

مَلِكِ النَّاسِ

2. Malikin naas

The Sovereign of mankind.

The King of mankind who is not in need of man, but man is in need of Him – He is in control of all human affairs.

إِلَهِ النَّاسِ

3. Ilaahin naas

The God of mankind,

The God of mankind, beside whom there is no deity, no god, and no object fit to be worshipped.

مِن شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ

4. Min sharril waswasil khannas

From the evil of the retreating whisperer

From the evil of the sneaky devil who whispers temptation in moments of heedlessness and goes in hiding when Allah is remembered.

الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ

5. Allathee yuwaswisu fee sudoorin naas

Who whispers [evil] into the breasts of mankind

Those who spread evil and sow doubts in the hearts of men.

مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَ النَّاسِ

6. Minal jinnati wan naas

From among the jinn and mankind.”

From the devils among humans and the evil spirits among jinn.