There are eight angels who bear the Arsh of Allah, which is the greatest of all the creatures. It encompasses the heavens and the earth, and Allah is above it. There are also angels who are appointed for mountains, others for rain, for land produce, for clouds and thunder. There are the keepers of Jannah, and the keepers of Jahannam( Hell.). Beside those,there are many angels whose duties and number only Allah knows.
A Muslim must love all angels without distinction because all of them are obedient slaves of Allah. He who hates one of them hates all. After all, the angles love the believers and pray for their welfare. Then Allah says:
It is He Who mentions you in the Supreme angelic sphere, and His angels pray for you so that He delivers you from darkness into light, and He is Merciful to the Believers.( Holy Qur'an. 33:43)
The Guards of Madinah
The Dajjal, or the False Messiah, will traverse all over the world save two places; Makkah and Madinah. Tameem ad-Dari, who met ad-Dajjal, said that the latter told him:
I am the False Messiah. I am just about to be released, and will go forth to enter every town within forty nights, except Makkah and Taibah ( Madinah) both of which I am barred from; whenever I want to enter one of them an angel receives me with a sword in his hand driving me away from it. There are angels who guard every entrance of these two cities.( Muslim,Abu Dawood & at-Tirmidthee)
Friday 17 December, 2010
Thursday 16 December, 2010
Other Angel's
There are other angels ho pray for the believers to be guided on the right path, and for those who attend the congregational Salah in masjid ( mosques ) and for those who stand in the first line in such Salah.
Attending Circles of Dthikr
( Dthikr, glorifying Allah by reciting all formulas of His praise: reading, reciting Qur'anic ayaat, and expressing gratitude to Him, and supplicating Him with obedience and eagerness.)
The Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention, said:
There are angels of Allah who roam the earth seeking dthikr circles. When they find one, in which people are remembering Allah, they call each other, 'Come. Here is what you are looking for!' The Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention mention, said, ' They surround the attendants with their wings on top of each other, until they reach the lowest heaven ( signifying their large number).
( Saheeh al-Bukhari & Saheeh Muslim)
There are also angels who record the names of those who attend Jum'ah Salah . The stand,according to the authentic hadeeth, on each door of the masjid, recording the names according to the time of attendants' arrival. Once the Iman sits down they fold up their records, That is, they do not take names after that.
( This does not mean that those who enter a mosque after the Iman stands on the pulpit are deprived of the reward for attending the Jum'ah Salat, rather, they would not be given the reward of those who arrived before them. Allah knows best.)
Attending Circles of Dthikr
( Dthikr, glorifying Allah by reciting all formulas of His praise: reading, reciting Qur'anic ayaat, and expressing gratitude to Him, and supplicating Him with obedience and eagerness.)
The Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention, said:
There are angels of Allah who roam the earth seeking dthikr circles. When they find one, in which people are remembering Allah, they call each other, 'Come. Here is what you are looking for!' The Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention mention, said, ' They surround the attendants with their wings on top of each other, until they reach the lowest heaven ( signifying their large number).
( Saheeh al-Bukhari & Saheeh Muslim)
There are also angels who record the names of those who attend Jum'ah Salah . The stand,according to the authentic hadeeth, on each door of the masjid, recording the names according to the time of attendants' arrival. Once the Iman sits down they fold up their records, That is, they do not take names after that.
( This does not mean that those who enter a mosque after the Iman stands on the pulpit are deprived of the reward for attending the Jum'ah Salat, rather, they would not be given the reward of those who arrived before them. Allah knows best.)
Friday 10 December, 2010
Islam - The Solution for Humanity
IMPLEMENT IT YOU WILL FIND A SOLUTION
1. POLYGAMY
Question:
Why is a man allowed to have more than one wife in Islam? i.e. why is
polygamy allowed in Islam?
Answer:
1. Definition of Polygamy
Polygamy means a system of marriage whereby one person has more than one
spouse. Polygamy can be of two types. One is polygyny where a man marries
more than one woman, and the other is polyandry, where a woman marries
more than one man. In Islam, limited polygyny is permitted; whereas polyandry
is completely prohibited.
Now coming to the original question, why is a man allowed to have more than
one wife?
2. The Qur'an is the only religious scripture in the world that says,
“marry only one”.
The Qur'an is the only religious book, on the face of this earth, that contains the phrase ‘marry only one. There is no other religious book that instructs men to have only one wife. In none of the other religious scriptures, whether it be the Vedas, the Ramayan, the Mahabharat, the Geeta, the Talmud or the Bible does one find a restriction on the number of wives. According to these scriptures one can marry as many as one wishes. It was only later, that the Hindu priests and the Christian Church restricted the number of wives to one.
Many Hindu religious personalities, according to their scriptures, had multiple
wives. King Dashrat, the father of Rama, had more than one wife. Krishna had
several wives.
In earlier times, Christian men were permitted as many wives as they wished,
since the Bible puts no restriction on the number of wives. It was only a few
centuries ago that the Church restricted the number of wives to one.
Polygyny is permitted in Judaism. According to Talmudic law, Abraham had
three wives, and Solomon had hundreds of wives. The practice of polygyny
continued till Rabbi Gershom ben Yehudah (960 C.E to 1030 C.E) issued an
edict against it. The Jewish Sephardic communities living in Muslim countries
continued the practice till as late as 1950, until an Act of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel extended the ban on marrying more than one wife.
(*Interesting Note:- As per the 1975 census of India Hindus are more
polygynous than Muslims. The report of the ‘Committee of The Status of
Woman in Islam, published in 1975 mentions on page numbers 66 and 67 that
the percentage of polygamous marriages between the years 1951 and 1961was 5.06% among the Hindus and only 4.31% among the Muslims. According
to Indian law only Muslim men are permitted to have more than one wife. It is
illegal for any non-Muslim in India to have more than one wife. Despite it being
illegal, Hindus have more multiple wives as compared to Muslims. Earlier, there
was no restriction even on Hindu men with respect to the number of wives
allowed. It was only in 1954, when the Hindu Marriage Act was passed that it
became illegal for a Hindu to have more than one wife. At present it is the Indian Law that restricts a Hindu man from having more than one wife and not the Hindu scriptures.)
Let us now analyse why Islam allows a man to have more than one wife.
3. Qur'an permits limited polygyny
As I mentioned earlier, Quran is the only religious book on the face of the earth that says ‘marry only one’. The context of this phrase is the following verse from Surah Nisa of the Glorious Qur'an:
“Marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if ye fear that
ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one.”
[Al-Qur'an 4:3]
Before the Qur'an was revealed, there was no upper limit for polygyny and
many men had scores of wives, some even hundreds. Islam put an upper limit
of four wives. Islam gives a man permission to marry two, three or four women,
only on the condition that he deals justly with them.
In the same chapter i.e. Surah Nisa verse 129 says:
“Ye are never able to be fair and just as between women....”
[Al-Qur’an 4:129]
Therefore polygyny is not a rule but an exception. Many people are under the
misconception that it is compulsory for a Muslim man to have more than one wife.
Broadly, Islam has five categories of Do’s and Don’ts:
(i) ‘Fard’ i.e. compulsory or obligatory
(ii) ‘Mustahab’ i.e. recommended or encouraged
(iii) ‘Mubah’ i.e. permissible or allowed
(iv) ‘Makruh’ i.e. not recommended or discouraged
(v) ‘Haraam’ i.e. prohibited or forbidden
Polygyny falls in the middle category of things that are permissible. It cannot be said that a Muslim who has two, three or four wives is a better Muslim as
compared to a Muslim who has only one wife.
4. Average life span of females is more than that of males
By nature males and females are born in approximately the same ratio. A
female child has more immunity than a male child. A female child can fight the
germs and diseases better than the male child. For this reason, during the
pediatric age itself there are more deaths among males as compared to the
females.
During wars, there are more men killed as compared to women. More men die
due to accidents and diseases than women. The average life span of females
is more than that of males, and at any given time one finds more widows in the
world than widowers.
5. India has more male population than female due to female
foeticide and infanticide
India is one of the few countries, along with the other neighbouring countries, in which the female population is less than the male population. The reason lies in the high rate of female infanticide in India, and the fact that more than one million female foetuses are aborted every year in this country, after they are identified as females. If this evil practice is stopped, then India too will have more females as compared to males
6. World female population is more than male population
In the USA, women outnumber men by 7.8 million. New York alone has one
million more females as compared to the number of males, and of the male
population of New York one-third are gays i.e sodomites. The U.S.A as a whole
has more than twenty-five million gays. This means that these people do not
wish to marry women. Great Britain has four million more females as compared
to males. Germany has five million more females as compared to males. Russia
has nine million more females than males. God alone knows how many million
more females there are in the whole world as compared to males.
7. Restricting each and every man to have only one wife is not
practical
Even if every man got married to one woman, there would still be more than
thirty million females in U.S.A who would not be able to get husbands
(considering that America has twenty five million gays). There would be more
than four million females in Great Britain, 5 million females in Germany and nine million females in Russia alone who would not be able to find a husband.
Suppose my sister happens to be one of the unmarried women living in USA, or
suppose your sister happens to be one of the unmarried women in USA. The
only two options remaining for her are that she either marries a man who
already has a wife or becomes 'public property'. There is no other option. All
those who are modest will opt for the first.
Most women would not like to share their husband with other women. But in
Islam when the situation deems it really neccessary Muslim women in due faith
could bear a small personal loss to prevent a greater loss of letting other Muslim sisters becoming 'public properties'.
8. Marring a married man preferable to becoming 'public property'
In Western society, it is common for a man to have mistresses and/or multiple
extra-marital affairs, in which case, the woman leads a disgraceful, unprotected
life. The same society, however, cannot accept a man having more than one
wife, in which women retain their honourable, dignified position in society and
lead a protected life.
Thus the only two options before a woman who cannot find a husband is to
marry a married man or to become 'public property'. Islam prefers giving
women the honourable position by permitting the first option and disallowing the second.
There are several other reasons, why Islam has permitted limited polygyny, but
it is mainly to protect the modesty of women.
1. POLYGAMY
Question:
Why is a man allowed to have more than one wife in Islam? i.e. why is
polygamy allowed in Islam?
Answer:
1. Definition of Polygamy
Polygamy means a system of marriage whereby one person has more than one
spouse. Polygamy can be of two types. One is polygyny where a man marries
more than one woman, and the other is polyandry, where a woman marries
more than one man. In Islam, limited polygyny is permitted; whereas polyandry
is completely prohibited.
Now coming to the original question, why is a man allowed to have more than
one wife?
2. The Qur'an is the only religious scripture in the world that says,
“marry only one”.
The Qur'an is the only religious book, on the face of this earth, that contains the phrase ‘marry only one. There is no other religious book that instructs men to have only one wife. In none of the other religious scriptures, whether it be the Vedas, the Ramayan, the Mahabharat, the Geeta, the Talmud or the Bible does one find a restriction on the number of wives. According to these scriptures one can marry as many as one wishes. It was only later, that the Hindu priests and the Christian Church restricted the number of wives to one.
Many Hindu religious personalities, according to their scriptures, had multiple
wives. King Dashrat, the father of Rama, had more than one wife. Krishna had
several wives.
In earlier times, Christian men were permitted as many wives as they wished,
since the Bible puts no restriction on the number of wives. It was only a few
centuries ago that the Church restricted the number of wives to one.
Polygyny is permitted in Judaism. According to Talmudic law, Abraham had
three wives, and Solomon had hundreds of wives. The practice of polygyny
continued till Rabbi Gershom ben Yehudah (960 C.E to 1030 C.E) issued an
edict against it. The Jewish Sephardic communities living in Muslim countries
continued the practice till as late as 1950, until an Act of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel extended the ban on marrying more than one wife.
(*Interesting Note:- As per the 1975 census of India Hindus are more
polygynous than Muslims. The report of the ‘Committee of The Status of
Woman in Islam, published in 1975 mentions on page numbers 66 and 67 that
the percentage of polygamous marriages between the years 1951 and 1961was 5.06% among the Hindus and only 4.31% among the Muslims. According
to Indian law only Muslim men are permitted to have more than one wife. It is
illegal for any non-Muslim in India to have more than one wife. Despite it being
illegal, Hindus have more multiple wives as compared to Muslims. Earlier, there
was no restriction even on Hindu men with respect to the number of wives
allowed. It was only in 1954, when the Hindu Marriage Act was passed that it
became illegal for a Hindu to have more than one wife. At present it is the Indian Law that restricts a Hindu man from having more than one wife and not the Hindu scriptures.)
Let us now analyse why Islam allows a man to have more than one wife.
3. Qur'an permits limited polygyny
As I mentioned earlier, Quran is the only religious book on the face of the earth that says ‘marry only one’. The context of this phrase is the following verse from Surah Nisa of the Glorious Qur'an:
“Marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if ye fear that
ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one.”
[Al-Qur'an 4:3]
Before the Qur'an was revealed, there was no upper limit for polygyny and
many men had scores of wives, some even hundreds. Islam put an upper limit
of four wives. Islam gives a man permission to marry two, three or four women,
only on the condition that he deals justly with them.
In the same chapter i.e. Surah Nisa verse 129 says:
“Ye are never able to be fair and just as between women....”
[Al-Qur’an 4:129]
Therefore polygyny is not a rule but an exception. Many people are under the
misconception that it is compulsory for a Muslim man to have more than one wife.
Broadly, Islam has five categories of Do’s and Don’ts:
(i) ‘Fard’ i.e. compulsory or obligatory
(ii) ‘Mustahab’ i.e. recommended or encouraged
(iii) ‘Mubah’ i.e. permissible or allowed
(iv) ‘Makruh’ i.e. not recommended or discouraged
(v) ‘Haraam’ i.e. prohibited or forbidden
Polygyny falls in the middle category of things that are permissible. It cannot be said that a Muslim who has two, three or four wives is a better Muslim as
compared to a Muslim who has only one wife.
4. Average life span of females is more than that of males
By nature males and females are born in approximately the same ratio. A
female child has more immunity than a male child. A female child can fight the
germs and diseases better than the male child. For this reason, during the
pediatric age itself there are more deaths among males as compared to the
females.
During wars, there are more men killed as compared to women. More men die
due to accidents and diseases than women. The average life span of females
is more than that of males, and at any given time one finds more widows in the
world than widowers.
5. India has more male population than female due to female
foeticide and infanticide
India is one of the few countries, along with the other neighbouring countries, in which the female population is less than the male population. The reason lies in the high rate of female infanticide in India, and the fact that more than one million female foetuses are aborted every year in this country, after they are identified as females. If this evil practice is stopped, then India too will have more females as compared to males
6. World female population is more than male population
In the USA, women outnumber men by 7.8 million. New York alone has one
million more females as compared to the number of males, and of the male
population of New York one-third are gays i.e sodomites. The U.S.A as a whole
has more than twenty-five million gays. This means that these people do not
wish to marry women. Great Britain has four million more females as compared
to males. Germany has five million more females as compared to males. Russia
has nine million more females than males. God alone knows how many million
more females there are in the whole world as compared to males.
7. Restricting each and every man to have only one wife is not
practical
Even if every man got married to one woman, there would still be more than
thirty million females in U.S.A who would not be able to get husbands
(considering that America has twenty five million gays). There would be more
than four million females in Great Britain, 5 million females in Germany and nine million females in Russia alone who would not be able to find a husband.
Suppose my sister happens to be one of the unmarried women living in USA, or
suppose your sister happens to be one of the unmarried women in USA. The
only two options remaining for her are that she either marries a man who
already has a wife or becomes 'public property'. There is no other option. All
those who are modest will opt for the first.
Most women would not like to share their husband with other women. But in
Islam when the situation deems it really neccessary Muslim women in due faith
could bear a small personal loss to prevent a greater loss of letting other Muslim sisters becoming 'public properties'.
8. Marring a married man preferable to becoming 'public property'
In Western society, it is common for a man to have mistresses and/or multiple
extra-marital affairs, in which case, the woman leads a disgraceful, unprotected
life. The same society, however, cannot accept a man having more than one
wife, in which women retain their honourable, dignified position in society and
lead a protected life.
Thus the only two options before a woman who cannot find a husband is to
marry a married man or to become 'public property'. Islam prefers giving
women the honourable position by permitting the first option and disallowing the second.
There are several other reasons, why Islam has permitted limited polygyny, but
it is mainly to protect the modesty of women.
Death's and Grave's Angels ( Continuation )
As far as the infidel is concerned, the Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention, said, 'When an infidel is about to leave this world and enter the next world, black faced angels descend from heaven bringing him rough cloth and sit by his side ( they are as many as the sight can reach). The Angel of Death, may Allah exalt his mention, sits by his head and says, 'O wicked soul ! Come out to suffer the wrath of Allah.' The Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention, said, ' The soul will disperse into his body, ( The soul disperses in the body for fear of death and promised torment ) such that the Angel of Death pulls it out just like a skewer is pulled out of wet yarn of wool. Once he pulls it out, the angels do not leave it in his hand for a flicker of an eye, and place it in that cloth. It emits horrible odor like that of the most decayed carcass found on earth.
"They than take it up to heavens, where no group of angels that they pass by but ask, 'Who is the wicked soul?' They will say, 'He is so & so.' They call him by the ugliest of names with which he used to be called in this world. When they reach the lowest heaven and ask for the gates to be opened for him, no gate will be opened for him.
Then the Messenger of Allah, may Allah exalt his mention, recited the following ayah:" The gates of heaven will not be opened for them, nor will they enter Jannah until a camel goes through a needle's eye."( Qur'an. 7:40). Allah will say, 'Place his record in Sijjeen, the lowest earth. It will be roughly thrown into it.
Then the Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention, recited: "And he who ascribes a partner to Allah will be as though he has fallen off from the sky, and birds snatch him up; or as though the wind blows him to a remote place." ( Qur'an 22:31 ).
Soon after that his soul rejoins his body, whereupon two angels come to him, make him sit down, and ask him, 'Who is your Rubb?' He says,'Ah,ah, I do not know.'They ask him, 'What is your Deen?' He says, Ah, ah, I do not know.' They ask him,'Who was that man who was sent to you?' He says, 'Ah, ah, I do not know.'
Allah will say, 'My slave has lied. Give him bedding from Fire, and open up for him a window to the Fire.' No sooner than wind blows heat on him from Hell-Fire, and his grave tightens to the point of squeezing him to force his ribs intertwine. Then an ugly man wearing filthy clothes with repulsive odor comes into his grave and says, 'Grieve by what will sadden you. This is your promised day.' He ask him, 'Who are you? Your face foretells evil news.' He says, 'Iam your wicked deeds.' Thereupon, he says, 'O my Rubb! Let not the Final Hour take place."( Iman Ahmad )
"They than take it up to heavens, where no group of angels that they pass by but ask, 'Who is the wicked soul?' They will say, 'He is so & so.' They call him by the ugliest of names with which he used to be called in this world. When they reach the lowest heaven and ask for the gates to be opened for him, no gate will be opened for him.
Then the Messenger of Allah, may Allah exalt his mention, recited the following ayah:" The gates of heaven will not be opened for them, nor will they enter Jannah until a camel goes through a needle's eye."( Qur'an. 7:40). Allah will say, 'Place his record in Sijjeen, the lowest earth. It will be roughly thrown into it.
Then the Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention, recited: "And he who ascribes a partner to Allah will be as though he has fallen off from the sky, and birds snatch him up; or as though the wind blows him to a remote place." ( Qur'an 22:31 ).
Soon after that his soul rejoins his body, whereupon two angels come to him, make him sit down, and ask him, 'Who is your Rubb?' He says,'Ah,ah, I do not know.'They ask him, 'What is your Deen?' He says, Ah, ah, I do not know.' They ask him,'Who was that man who was sent to you?' He says, 'Ah, ah, I do not know.'
Allah will say, 'My slave has lied. Give him bedding from Fire, and open up for him a window to the Fire.' No sooner than wind blows heat on him from Hell-Fire, and his grave tightens to the point of squeezing him to force his ribs intertwine. Then an ugly man wearing filthy clothes with repulsive odor comes into his grave and says, 'Grieve by what will sadden you. This is your promised day.' He ask him, 'Who are you? Your face foretells evil news.' He says, 'Iam your wicked deeds.' Thereupon, he says, 'O my Rubb! Let not the Final Hour take place."( Iman Ahmad )
Monday 6 December, 2010
Death's and Grave's Angels
Allah has assigned the Angel of Death, along with other assistants to take the souls ( Soul and life are used interchangeably throughout the book unless otherwise specified.) of men when their life span ends.
Say, 'The Angel of Death who is charged with terminating your lives.( Quran- 32:11. The Angel of Death terminates man's life when he collects his soul. )
The Angel of Death pulls out the soul of the unbeliever harshly and roughly, and the believer's soul gently, ( Refer to the ayaat surah 3:93 & 6:50 ) and they give the latter glad tidings upon his death. ( Refer to this in surah 41:30)
The are two angels, Munkar and Nakeer, who question the dead in the grave; they torture the infidels in it. The Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention, described man's condition at the point of death saying:
When a believer is about to leave this world and enter the next, white faced angels descend from the heavens to attend him.Their faces are like the sun. They bring along with them shrouds and perfumes from Jannah, and sit by his side. They are as many as the sight can reach. The Angel of Death, may Allah exalt his mention, sits by his head and says, 'O good soul, come out to enjoy the forgiveness and pleasure of Allah.
'The Prophet may Allah exalt his mention, went on to say, "The soul comes out rolling down like a drop of water rolling out of a pitcher. When he holds it, the angels do not leave it in his hand for a flicker of an eye. They take it, place it in that shroud, and perfume it. It then emits a fragrance like the best musk that can be found on earth." He said, "They then take it up to heavens,where no group of angels that they pass by but ask, 'Who is this good soul?' They say so & so, the son of so and so, calling him by the best of names that he used to be called in this world.Then they go up to the lowest heaven and ask permission to enter it; and its gate will be opened for them. Angels who are nearest to the next Heaven will accompany him to see him ascent to the upper Heaven, until they finally take the soul up to the seventh Heaven.
Then Allah, Azza wa Jall ( Extolled be His Glory) says, 'Place the record of My slave in the highest rank, but take him back to earth; for from it I created them, and into it I will turn them, and from it I will bring them forth again.'
The Messenger of Allah, may Allah exalt his mention, said: 'When the soul is taken back to join its body, two angels will enter his grave, make him sit down, and ask him, 'Who is your Rubb?' He says, 'My Rubb is Allah.' 'What is your Deen. 'And, 'Who was that man who was sent to you?' He says, 'The Messenger of Allah, may Allah exalt his mention.' Finally, they will ask him, 'How do you know?' 'I read the Book of Allah, believed in it, and believed it', he answers. Allah will say, 'My slave has told the truth. Give him bedding from Jannah, put on him a fragment from Jannah, and open up for him a window to Jannah.' The Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention, went on , 'through which a breeze wafts at him fragrance from Jannah. His grave expands as far as his sight can reach.' He further said, 'Then a handsome man beautifully dressed, and perfumed comes to him and says, 'Rejoice in what awaits you. This is your promised day.' He asks him, 'Who are you? Your face foretells nothing but good news.' He says, 'I am your good deeds.' At that point, he says, 'O my Rubb! Let the Final Hour come to pass so that I may return to my family and property.'
Say, 'The Angel of Death who is charged with terminating your lives.( Quran- 32:11. The Angel of Death terminates man's life when he collects his soul. )
The Angel of Death pulls out the soul of the unbeliever harshly and roughly, and the believer's soul gently, ( Refer to the ayaat surah 3:93 & 6:50 ) and they give the latter glad tidings upon his death. ( Refer to this in surah 41:30)
The are two angels, Munkar and Nakeer, who question the dead in the grave; they torture the infidels in it. The Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention, described man's condition at the point of death saying:
When a believer is about to leave this world and enter the next, white faced angels descend from the heavens to attend him.Their faces are like the sun. They bring along with them shrouds and perfumes from Jannah, and sit by his side. They are as many as the sight can reach. The Angel of Death, may Allah exalt his mention, sits by his head and says, 'O good soul, come out to enjoy the forgiveness and pleasure of Allah.
'The Prophet may Allah exalt his mention, went on to say, "The soul comes out rolling down like a drop of water rolling out of a pitcher. When he holds it, the angels do not leave it in his hand for a flicker of an eye. They take it, place it in that shroud, and perfume it. It then emits a fragrance like the best musk that can be found on earth." He said, "They then take it up to heavens,where no group of angels that they pass by but ask, 'Who is this good soul?' They say so & so, the son of so and so, calling him by the best of names that he used to be called in this world.Then they go up to the lowest heaven and ask permission to enter it; and its gate will be opened for them. Angels who are nearest to the next Heaven will accompany him to see him ascent to the upper Heaven, until they finally take the soul up to the seventh Heaven.
Then Allah, Azza wa Jall ( Extolled be His Glory) says, 'Place the record of My slave in the highest rank, but take him back to earth; for from it I created them, and into it I will turn them, and from it I will bring them forth again.'
The Messenger of Allah, may Allah exalt his mention, said: 'When the soul is taken back to join its body, two angels will enter his grave, make him sit down, and ask him, 'Who is your Rubb?' He says, 'My Rubb is Allah.' 'What is your Deen. 'And, 'Who was that man who was sent to you?' He says, 'The Messenger of Allah, may Allah exalt his mention.' Finally, they will ask him, 'How do you know?' 'I read the Book of Allah, believed in it, and believed it', he answers. Allah will say, 'My slave has told the truth. Give him bedding from Jannah, put on him a fragment from Jannah, and open up for him a window to Jannah.' The Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention, went on , 'through which a breeze wafts at him fragrance from Jannah. His grave expands as far as his sight can reach.' He further said, 'Then a handsome man beautifully dressed, and perfumed comes to him and says, 'Rejoice in what awaits you. This is your promised day.' He asks him, 'Who are you? Your face foretells nothing but good news.' He says, 'I am your good deeds.' At that point, he says, 'O my Rubb! Let the Final Hour come to pass so that I may return to my family and property.'
Friday 3 December, 2010
Angels' Duties
Registering the fetus' future :
Abu Dthar, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah exalt his mention,saying : Allah, the Exalted, sends an angel to enter the a woman's womb 120days after an ovum is lodged in it to fashion it. He creates its hearing, sight, skin, flesh and bones. Then the angel says, 'O my Rubb! Male or Female?' Allah then dictates the angel to write down whatever He wills.' ( Sahih Muslim )
In another version, the Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention, said: "Allah sends an angel to breathe the life into the fetus, and dictates him four decrees: the fetus' provision, life term, accomplishments and fate; as to whether he is going to be miserable or prosperous." All of which are recorded during the fetal stage.
Guarding Man :
Allah says: There are angels that protect man from behind and in front of him from the accidents by the leave of Allah.( Qur'an - 13:11)
Ibn Abbas, the Interpreter of the Qur'an, explained this ayah saying that the angels referred to in this ayah are those appointed by Allah to guard man and protect from accidents that he may encounter.
However, when an accident, which Allah has foreordained to befall man, the angelic guards abandon him at that point so that the accident takes place.(Ibn Katheer, Tafseer al-Qur'an al-Adtheem.Surat ar-Ra'd)
Delivering Divine Revelation :
Allah says in the Qur'an that Jibreel is the angelic Messenger between Allah and His human Messengers. Allah describes Jibreel as 'Trustworthy Spirit'. There are other angels through whom He communicates with His Messengers and other humans.
Assisting Believers :
There are also angels whom Allah sends down to fight along with the believers in battles against the infidels. Others are assigned to enjoin people to do good deeds, as there are devils to entice them to do evil deeds.
Recording Man's Deeds :
There are angels who record man's deeds, actions, and utterances. Allah says:
Whatever man utters the two recording angels, one on his tight side and the other on his left side, record it.(Qur'an- 50:17,18)
The angels on man's right side writes down his good deeds, while the one on his left side writes down his evil deeds.
Testing Man :
There are, yet angels who are sent down to earth to test people, by giving then good things to see how grateful to Allah they would be, or by teaching then evil things such as the two angels, Haroot and Maroot who tested people by teaching them sorcery. Allah says: And they did not teach a person before warning him, 'We teach sorcery as a test, therefore, do not disbelieve by learning it.'( Qur'an- 2:102)
Abu Dthar, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah exalt his mention,saying : Allah, the Exalted, sends an angel to enter the a woman's womb 120days after an ovum is lodged in it to fashion it. He creates its hearing, sight, skin, flesh and bones. Then the angel says, 'O my Rubb! Male or Female?' Allah then dictates the angel to write down whatever He wills.' ( Sahih Muslim )
In another version, the Prophet, may Allah exalt his mention, said: "Allah sends an angel to breathe the life into the fetus, and dictates him four decrees: the fetus' provision, life term, accomplishments and fate; as to whether he is going to be miserable or prosperous." All of which are recorded during the fetal stage.
Guarding Man :
Allah says: There are angels that protect man from behind and in front of him from the accidents by the leave of Allah.( Qur'an - 13:11)
Ibn Abbas, the Interpreter of the Qur'an, explained this ayah saying that the angels referred to in this ayah are those appointed by Allah to guard man and protect from accidents that he may encounter.
However, when an accident, which Allah has foreordained to befall man, the angelic guards abandon him at that point so that the accident takes place.(Ibn Katheer, Tafseer al-Qur'an al-Adtheem.Surat ar-Ra'd)
Delivering Divine Revelation :
Allah says in the Qur'an that Jibreel is the angelic Messenger between Allah and His human Messengers. Allah describes Jibreel as 'Trustworthy Spirit'. There are other angels through whom He communicates with His Messengers and other humans.
Assisting Believers :
There are also angels whom Allah sends down to fight along with the believers in battles against the infidels. Others are assigned to enjoin people to do good deeds, as there are devils to entice them to do evil deeds.
Recording Man's Deeds :
There are angels who record man's deeds, actions, and utterances. Allah says:
Whatever man utters the two recording angels, one on his tight side and the other on his left side, record it.(Qur'an- 50:17,18)
The angels on man's right side writes down his good deeds, while the one on his left side writes down his evil deeds.
Testing Man :
There are, yet angels who are sent down to earth to test people, by giving then good things to see how grateful to Allah they would be, or by teaching then evil things such as the two angels, Haroot and Maroot who tested people by teaching them sorcery. Allah says: And they did not teach a person before warning him, 'We teach sorcery as a test, therefore, do not disbelieve by learning it.'( Qur'an- 2:102)
Thursday 25 November, 2010
Angels names and their functions
Angels have names, but only few of them are mentioned by name in the Qur'an. Allah says:
Say, 'He who is an enemy to Jibreel( then let it be known) that it is He Who sent him down on your heart with the leave of Allah verifying what was revealed prior to it, and as guidance and glad tidings to the believers. He who is an enemy to Allah, His angels, His Messengers, Jibreel and Michael,ten ( let it be known) that Allah is an enemy to the infidels.( Qur'an- 2:97,89)
Allah describes the angels that are appointed on Hell-Fire saying:
O you who believe! Guard yourselves and your families from the Fire whose fuel is men and stones, upon which are appointed angels,harsh and stern, who do not disobey Allah in what He commands them and they do as they are commanded. ( Qur'an -66:6)
The Bearers of the Throne
Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah exalt his mentio,said:
I am permitted to describe one of the Bearers of the Throne: the distance between his earlobe and his shoulders takes a bird 700 years to cross.'( Abu Dawood, The Book of Sunnah)
On the other hand , there is a strong relationship between man and angels; they attend him during his formation in his mother's womb, and guard him after his birth.
They brought man revelation from Allah, guard him,record his deeds,and finally they take out his soul at death.
Jibreel is the trustworthy angel whom Allah entrusted with the Divine messages that He revealed to His Messengers. He was the Spirit that Allah sent to Maryam. Allah says:'And We sent her Our Spirit." Abdullah b.Mas'ood said:
The Messenger of Allah, may Allah exalt his mention, saw Jibreel in his real size with 600 wings; each one of them blocked the horizon.(Hadith -Imam Ahmed)
He also said: I saw Jibreel descending from heaven; his enormous size blocked the space between the heaven and the earth ( Hadith -At-Trimidthi)
Allah describes Jibreel saying:He is a noble, powerful Messenger whom Allah has a granted a high rank. He is obeyed there ( in the Heavens ) and he is trustworthy ( Quran-81:19-21)
Israfeel, is the angels who will blow the horn the first time to mark the end of life in this world,and will blow it again for Resurrection.
Malik, is the Keeper of Hell. Hell's inmates will call on him to ask Allah to put an end to their misery. Allah says: "And they called, 'O Malik! Let your Rubb terminate our life. He said 'You will remain therein forever".
Ridhwan, is the Keeper of Jannah. The prophet, may Allah exalt his mention, mentioned his named in various hadeeth.
Munkar & Nakeer, the two angels who interroagte the dead in the grave.
Malak al-Mawt, the Angel of Death, who collect human's souls at their point of death.
Haroot & Maroot, the two angels whom Allah sent down to earth to test people by teaching them sorcery as referred to in Surat al-Baqarah ayah 103.
Raqeeb & Ateed. The two angels who keep man's company throughout his life. Allah says: The two Recording Angels write down the man's deeds; one sits on his right, and the other on his left. He does not utter a word but Raqeeb & Ateed are there to record it.( Qur'an - 50:18,19)
It is clearly stated in the Qur'an that angels die just as men and jinn do. Allah says:
And the horn will be blown, and all that are in the heavens and the earth will be shocked to death' save those whom Allah exempts. Then it will be blown again, and behold! They are standing looking on. ( Qur'an- 39:68 )
Say, 'He who is an enemy to Jibreel( then let it be known) that it is He Who sent him down on your heart with the leave of Allah verifying what was revealed prior to it, and as guidance and glad tidings to the believers. He who is an enemy to Allah, His angels, His Messengers, Jibreel and Michael,ten ( let it be known) that Allah is an enemy to the infidels.( Qur'an- 2:97,89)
Allah describes the angels that are appointed on Hell-Fire saying:
O you who believe! Guard yourselves and your families from the Fire whose fuel is men and stones, upon which are appointed angels,harsh and stern, who do not disobey Allah in what He commands them and they do as they are commanded. ( Qur'an -66:6)
The Bearers of the Throne
Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah exalt his mentio,said:
I am permitted to describe one of the Bearers of the Throne: the distance between his earlobe and his shoulders takes a bird 700 years to cross.'( Abu Dawood, The Book of Sunnah)
On the other hand , there is a strong relationship between man and angels; they attend him during his formation in his mother's womb, and guard him after his birth.
They brought man revelation from Allah, guard him,record his deeds,and finally they take out his soul at death.
Jibreel is the trustworthy angel whom Allah entrusted with the Divine messages that He revealed to His Messengers. He was the Spirit that Allah sent to Maryam. Allah says:'And We sent her Our Spirit." Abdullah b.Mas'ood said:
The Messenger of Allah, may Allah exalt his mention, saw Jibreel in his real size with 600 wings; each one of them blocked the horizon.(Hadith -Imam Ahmed)
He also said: I saw Jibreel descending from heaven; his enormous size blocked the space between the heaven and the earth ( Hadith -At-Trimidthi)
Allah describes Jibreel saying:He is a noble, powerful Messenger whom Allah has a granted a high rank. He is obeyed there ( in the Heavens ) and he is trustworthy ( Quran-81:19-21)
Israfeel, is the angels who will blow the horn the first time to mark the end of life in this world,and will blow it again for Resurrection.
Malik, is the Keeper of Hell. Hell's inmates will call on him to ask Allah to put an end to their misery. Allah says: "And they called, 'O Malik! Let your Rubb terminate our life. He said 'You will remain therein forever".
Ridhwan, is the Keeper of Jannah. The prophet, may Allah exalt his mention, mentioned his named in various hadeeth.
Munkar & Nakeer, the two angels who interroagte the dead in the grave.
Malak al-Mawt, the Angel of Death, who collect human's souls at their point of death.
Haroot & Maroot, the two angels whom Allah sent down to earth to test people by teaching them sorcery as referred to in Surat al-Baqarah ayah 103.
Raqeeb & Ateed. The two angels who keep man's company throughout his life. Allah says: The two Recording Angels write down the man's deeds; one sits on his right, and the other on his left. He does not utter a word but Raqeeb & Ateed are there to record it.( Qur'an - 50:18,19)
It is clearly stated in the Qur'an that angels die just as men and jinn do. Allah says:
And the horn will be blown, and all that are in the heavens and the earth will be shocked to death' save those whom Allah exempts. Then it will be blown again, and behold! They are standing looking on. ( Qur'an- 39:68 )
Their numbers ( Angels )
They are too many that only Allah knows their numbers. Allah says: "No one knows the troops of your Rubb except He." Just to give an idea, there is a place in the seventh heaven called, 'al-Bait al-Ma'moor'(The Continuously Occupied House) about which the Prophet,may Allah exalt his mention, said: "Seventy thousand angels enter it enter it every day and never have the chance to re-enter it again"( Hadith : Sahih Al Bukhari & Muslim )
He also said: "Hell, on the Day of Resurrection will be dragged forth having 70,000 reigns and every reign will be held by 70,000 angels"( Hadith :Sahih Muslim ). This means that 4,900,000,000 angels will be dragging Hell forward. You can also imagine their large numbers when you consider the fact that every human has one angel to handle the drop of semen from which man develops,two to record his deeds,a group of them to guard him as well as the Qareen, or the companion who keeps his company to guide him to the right course.
He also said: "Hell, on the Day of Resurrection will be dragged forth having 70,000 reigns and every reign will be held by 70,000 angels"( Hadith :Sahih Muslim ). This means that 4,900,000,000 angels will be dragging Hell forward. You can also imagine their large numbers when you consider the fact that every human has one angel to handle the drop of semen from which man develops,two to record his deeds,a group of them to guard him as well as the Qareen, or the companion who keeps his company to guide him to the right course.
Wednesday 24 November, 2010
Believe in His Angels ( Second article of Faith )
Belief in the Angels
To believe in the existence of the angels who are bodies of light who inhabit the heavens. The Prophet mat Allah exalt his mention,said:
There is no space of a hand span in the heaven but is occupied by an angel who is either bowing or prostrating ( Hadith : Ibn Majah & others )
A'ishah,may Allah be pleased with both she and her father, reported that the prophet,may Allah exalt his mention,said:
Angels are created from light,and jinn are created from fire,and Adam created as described to you ( Hadith : Sahih Muslim )
They are honorable slaves of Allah who execute their duties perfectly without objection and celebrate His praise day and night without slackening. They are neither male or female, nor do they eat or drimk. They worship Allah continously and celebrate His praise day and night without boredom or exhaustion. They descend to earth during the Night of Honor and to execute certain chores, such as fighting with the believers
To believe in the existence of the angels who are bodies of light who inhabit the heavens. The Prophet mat Allah exalt his mention,said:
There is no space of a hand span in the heaven but is occupied by an angel who is either bowing or prostrating ( Hadith : Ibn Majah & others )
A'ishah,may Allah be pleased with both she and her father, reported that the prophet,may Allah exalt his mention,said:
Angels are created from light,and jinn are created from fire,and Adam created as described to you ( Hadith : Sahih Muslim )
They are honorable slaves of Allah who execute their duties perfectly without objection and celebrate His praise day and night without slackening. They are neither male or female, nor do they eat or drimk. They worship Allah continously and celebrate His praise day and night without boredom or exhaustion. They descend to earth during the Night of Honor and to execute certain chores, such as fighting with the believers
Sunday 21 November, 2010
Tauhid (Islamic monotheism )
Tauhid means to believe in Oneness of Allah.
Tauhid has three aspects :
A. Oneness of the the Lordship of Allah ; Tauhid-ar-Rububiyyah: To believe that there is only one Lord for all the universe,Who is the Creator,Organizer,Planner,Sustainer,and the Giver of security,etc., and that is Allah.
B. Oneness of the Worship of Allah; Tauhid-al-Uluhiyyah: To believe that none has the right to be worshipped ( e.g. praying,invoking,asking for help from the unseen,swearing,offering sacrifice,giving charity,fasting,pilgrimage ) but Allah.
C. Oneness of the Names and the Qualities of Allah: Tauhid-al-Asma'was-Sifat: To believe that :
1. We must not name or qualify Allah except with what He or His Messenger may Allah exalt his mention,has named or qualified Him;
2. None can be named or qualified with the Names or Qualifications of Allah; e.g Al-Karim;
3. We must believe in all the qualities of Allah which Allah has stated in His Book ( The Qur'an ) or mentioned through His Messenger may Allah exalt his mention, without changing their meaning or ignoring them completely or twisting the meanings or likening th(giving resemblance ) to any of the created things e.g Allah is present over His Throne as mentioned in the Qur'an ( V.20:5) :-
"The Most Gracious ( Allah ) rose over ( Istawa ) the (Mighty) Throne ( in a manner that suits His Majesty )," over the seventh heaven; and He comes down over the first ( nearest ) heaven to us on the day of 'Arafah ( Hajj,i.e the 9th of Dhul-Hijja ),and also during the last third part of the night as mentioned by the Prophet may Allah exalt his mention, but He is with us by His Knowledge,not by His Personal-Self (bi-Dhatihi)
(It is not as some people think that Allah is present everywhere-here,there ans even inside the breasts of men).
Tauhid has three aspects :
A. Oneness of the the Lordship of Allah ; Tauhid-ar-Rububiyyah: To believe that there is only one Lord for all the universe,Who is the Creator,Organizer,Planner,Sustainer,and the Giver of security,etc., and that is Allah.
B. Oneness of the Worship of Allah; Tauhid-al-Uluhiyyah: To believe that none has the right to be worshipped ( e.g. praying,invoking,asking for help from the unseen,swearing,offering sacrifice,giving charity,fasting,pilgrimage ) but Allah.
C. Oneness of the Names and the Qualities of Allah: Tauhid-al-Asma'was-Sifat: To believe that :
1. We must not name or qualify Allah except with what He or His Messenger may Allah exalt his mention,has named or qualified Him;
2. None can be named or qualified with the Names or Qualifications of Allah; e.g Al-Karim;
3. We must believe in all the qualities of Allah which Allah has stated in His Book ( The Qur'an ) or mentioned through His Messenger may Allah exalt his mention, without changing their meaning or ignoring them completely or twisting the meanings or likening th(giving resemblance ) to any of the created things e.g Allah is present over His Throne as mentioned in the Qur'an ( V.20:5) :-
"The Most Gracious ( Allah ) rose over ( Istawa ) the (Mighty) Throne ( in a manner that suits His Majesty )," over the seventh heaven; and He comes down over the first ( nearest ) heaven to us on the day of 'Arafah ( Hajj,i.e the 9th of Dhul-Hijja ),and also during the last third part of the night as mentioned by the Prophet may Allah exalt his mention, but He is with us by His Knowledge,not by His Personal-Self (bi-Dhatihi)
(It is not as some people think that Allah is present everywhere-here,there ans even inside the breasts of men).
Thursday 4 November, 2010
Believe in Allah ( First article of Faith )
Who is Allah ?
Allah is the proper name, which applies to the true God Who exists necessarily by Himself, Who is named with all the excellent Divine names and qualified by all attributes of perfection. Allah is One and Unique. He has neither a wife, nor a son nor a partner, nor an equal. He is the sole creator and the Rubb of the universe
Some prefer th translate the Arabic term, ' Rubb' into 'Lord'. Beside the fact that the latter is a Biblical term referring to the alleged lordship of the slave of Allah, Prophet Eesa (Jesus) may Allah exalt his mention, the word 'lord' which is limited to 'master, 'chief', 'proprietor', or 'ruler', can never convey the conclusive signification of the term 'Rubb' means, the One Who gives life and causes death, the Creator, the Fashioner, the Provider, the One upon Whom all creatures depend for their means of subsistence.
Allah is the proper name, which applies to the true God Who exists necessarily by Himself, Who is named with all the excellent Divine names and qualified by all attributes of perfection. Allah is One and Unique. He has neither a wife, nor a son nor a partner, nor an equal. He is the sole creator and the Rubb of the universe
Some prefer th translate the Arabic term, ' Rubb' into 'Lord'. Beside the fact that the latter is a Biblical term referring to the alleged lordship of the slave of Allah, Prophet Eesa (Jesus) may Allah exalt his mention, the word 'lord' which is limited to 'master, 'chief', 'proprietor', or 'ruler', can never convey the conclusive signification of the term 'Rubb' means, the One Who gives life and causes death, the Creator, the Fashioner, the Provider, the One upon Whom all creatures depend for their means of subsistence.
Thursday 14 October, 2010
Monday 4 October, 2010
Sunday 3 October, 2010
The Articles of Faith
There are six articles of faith, that a Muslim must uphold without any doubt in order to belong to the people of Jannah or the Heavenly Gardens. He must believe in :
1- Allah
2- His Angels
3- His Scriptures
4- His Messengers
5- The Last Day
6- The Qadha' & Qadar
1- Allah
2- His Angels
3- His Scriptures
4- His Messengers
5- The Last Day
6- The Qadha' & Qadar
Wednesday 29 September, 2010
3.Ihsan
'Ihsan, means worshipping Allah, as though one sees Him; that is, a Muslim must be conscious of Allah and should know that He sees him wherever he may be. This is the best and highest level a Muslim can reach.
Consequently, we may say, not every Muslim is Mu'min ( a believer) Not every believer is Muhsin ( who has reached the level of Ihsan)
Consequently, we may say, not every Muslim is Mu'min ( a believer) Not every believer is Muhsin ( who has reached the level of Ihsan)
Monday 27 September, 2010
2. Eeman
'Eeman is the second level of deen, which consists of six articles that is to believe in Allah, and to believe in His angels, His Books, His Messengers, and to believe in the Final Day, and in believe in the Qadha & Qadar and in its good and bad consequences.'
* Al-Qadha' signifies a general decree of Allah, as that every living being shall die; whereas al-Qadar signifies a particular decree of Allah, or the execution of the Qadha', as that certain person shall die at particular time and place.
The Qadar is foreordaining things by Allah before their occurrence, and recording them in the Preserved Tablet.
* Al-Qadha' signifies a general decree of Allah, as that every living being shall die; whereas al-Qadar signifies a particular decree of Allah, or the execution of the Qadha', as that certain person shall die at particular time and place.
The Qadar is foreordaining things by Allah before their occurrence, and recording them in the Preserved Tablet.
Friday 24 September, 2010
Wednesday 22 September, 2010
1.Islam
What is Islam.
' Islam is to testify that there is no true god except Allah, and Muhammad ( peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah, perform the Salah ( Prayers ), give the Zakat ( Annual charity), observe Fasting of Ramadhan,and perform the Hajj if you can afford it '.
' Islam is to testify that there is no true god except Allah, and Muhammad ( peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah, perform the Salah ( Prayers ), give the Zakat ( Annual charity), observe Fasting of Ramadhan,and perform the Hajj if you can afford it '.
Tuesday 21 September, 2010
The Levels of Deen
The Arabic term ' Deen' is usually translated into 'religion'. 'Religion' in Western terminology as opposed to the term, 'Deen' in Islamic terminology means a way of spending an hour or so on Sundays to listen to a sermon in a church.The word 'Deen', commonly refers to Islam as a whole way of life. It is all in one- theological dogma, acts of worship,political practice,and a detailed code of conduct, including the hygiene or etiquette. Hence, it is preferable to refer to Islam as 'Deen' instead of religion.
First Pillar of Islam is Shahada ( Confession of a Muslim)
"La ila ha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah "( "There is no true god except Allah,and Muhammad (pbuh) is His Messenger")
(pbuh) = Peace be upon him.
(pbuh) = Peace be upon him.
Monday 20 September, 2010
Learn some arabic terms with meaning
- "In sha Allah" means 'if Allah so wills'
- "Subhan Allah" means Allah is free from every imperfection
- "Alhamdu lillah" means All the praises, and thanks be to Allah
I begin with the Name of Allah
I seek protection with Allah against satan the accursed, I begin with the Name of Allah,the Most Gracious,Most Merciful
Islamic Greetings
Assalamualaikum wa rahmathullahi wa barkathahu ( May Peace,Mercy & Blessings of Allah on all of u)
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