Tawheed in the Light of Covid-19

Dr al-Dubayan on Covid-19 and Tawheed (Oneness of Allah) Dr. Mozammel Haque

Islam have been in this world from the very beginning of this universe which Allah Subhanahu wa Taala created and sent prophets with Revealed Books for the Guidance of Mankind. The Message throughout history and centuries is Tawheed, i.e. There is no god but Allah; HE is the ONLY One to be worshipped. This is known as Tawheed, which is the heart and soul of all revealed religions. It started from the beginning down to the last and final Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all).

In order to understand Tawheed, we have to understand the different meanings of Tawheed. We must remember that Tawheed is the Message of all the Prophets (peace and blessings upon them all). Tawheed is the word of Liberation. It is the word of liberation of heart and soul. Prophet, the deliverer of the Message, liberates man from anybody and establishes connection with Allah Subhanahu wa Taala directly. Tawheed is the word of liberating anybody from any belonging. As part of the Tawheed you know nothing is happening without the Will of Allah; nothing is happening without HIS Control and HIS Domination on everything in our life and our destiny. Tawheed and this crisis: Coronavirus. There is wisdom behind this Covid-19. The other meaning which must be remembered during this time of crisis Allah is the ONLY One who can lift this crisis and Who can save us. We worship ONE God – Allah as ONE God. Only Allah can solve our problem. Allah accepts only pure, clear thing just for HIM with that intention. Another meaning of Tawheed is: there is no mediator between Allah and you. obody. Allah also said life has all the difficulties and sufferings.

Lecture on Covid-19 and Tawheed by Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan Via Zoom London Central Mosque Trusts & The Islamic Cultural Centre, London organised a Lecture on Tawheed in the Light of Covid-19 via Zoom Session on Saturday, 25 July, 2020. Speaking on Covid-19 and Tawheed , Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan, Director General of the London Central Mosque Trust & the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, said, “The message of Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala, the Prophet, the deliverer of the Message liberates from all other connections or any other source as god as Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala and only with Allah directly. It liberates you from anybody which is standing between you and Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala and the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Wa Sallam is the deliverer of the message. He delivers the message to establish our connection with Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. This meaning we should always have in everything in our life, in our ritual and in our Ibadah and in our Iman.” Tawheed is the word of Liberation “For example, when we go to pray we remember that we pray for Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. This comes from the Tawheed. Because we believe Allah is One and He is the Only One to be worshipped and He deserves that. And we remember this meaning when we pray; Tawheed is there. When Ramadan comes then we fast; we fast only for Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. That means Tawheed is there. When we give Zakat, when we go to Makkah for Hajj, Insha Allah all of us who are listening, when you go there, you go there just for the sake of Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala,” mentioned Dr al-Dubayan. Oneness of Allah is the Dominant meaning in the whole of Islam The ICC Chief also said, “Tawheed (Oneness of Allah) itself believing in Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala is the dominant meaning in the whole of Islam. Without it, Islam lost the basis of the belief and it’s the thing that Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala accepts from everybody on the Day of Judgement. When somebody does not have the Tawheed then everything he is doing actually useless. Tawheed is not there. That’s why this meaning is very important. Tawheed is the word of liberation – of your heart and soul. When you have a problem you go to Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala; you only rely in your life on Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. As a part of Tawheed you know that nothing is going to happen or nothing is happening without the Will of Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. Nothing is happening without His Control and His Domination on everything in your life and your destiny again.” There is wisdom behind this Covid-19 Dr. al-Dubayan mentioned, “Of course, what is happening now, that is Covid-19 or coronavirus.

This thing, of course, as Muslims, we believe with the Will of Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. What Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala wants from this, remember them in the light of Tawheed. May be Allah want us to wake up about something that we are doing in our life; they are wrong; we are practising. May be Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala want to have flashback to His Path. May be Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala want to punish some people, may be Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala want to re-write some people’s life again from the beginning. I know many of us lost some friends or some members of their families - May Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala have mercy on them.” Tawheed and this crisis – Allah is the Only One Who can lift this crisis – who can save us Dr. al-Dubayan also maintained, “There is wisdom behind this. This is how we see this relation between Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala in the light of Tawheed. The real Mumin – the one who believes and understands Islam in the right way - he/she will do his/her best to protect himself/herself and the society and at the same time he/she will never lose hope of Allah; he/she will believe Allah is doing the best. Allah is sending us in a way that he/she HE wants us to go there for a reason; may be the reason is clear; may be the reason arises later on but the trust that we have on Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala will never – whatever happens – we will never lose; that is one of the meaning of Tawheed and this crisis – that is Allah is the Only One who can lift this crisis, who can save us. And we go back to HIM, we try to increase and make our relation with HIM better through practising, through good deeds, through worship and try to do our best and may be this is one of the reasons that good people will try to be better and bad people will try to be good and this is one of the reasons we see Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala how much He has power works in the world and how much He is powerful Himself that He shows us and that we see around us through this crisis, through this pandemic, through this disease everywhere in the world.” We Worship One God – Allah as ONE GOD Dr. Al-Dubayan also said, “At the same time this is also one of the meanings of Tawheed.

Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala wants us not to be seen individually – separate from each other – we try to help each other, again for the sake of Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala because we believe we worship ONE God – Allah as ONE God. Then all the world is one society, we try to help everybody, as a Message of Tawheed you are spreading to everybody; you try to help everybody – Muslims or non-Muslims – we try to convey the message peacefully to the people; we try to show the kindness of Islam; the kindness of Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala wants to represent to do. You do it every day many times through these difficult days then people like and people will realize how much you are connected with them; how much you are trying to help and Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala sees that in your intentions. Secondly, He sees in your actions, in your deeds and that will help to be more clear and even to be more accepted and even to be more forgiven by Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala.” Tawheed is the Message of All the Prophets Speaking about the continuity of the Message of Tawheed throughout the centuries and throughout all the Prophets, Dr al-Dubayan mentioned, “Tawheed (ONENESS of Allah) is also the message of all the prophets – all Prophets Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala sent them to mankind to deliver this message. Tawheed is also the basic. All of them came with one word – There is no god except Allah and HE is the Only One Who deserves to be worshipped – God – Allah –worship HIM Alone. All the Prophets – Noah, Abraham, Issac, Joseph, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad – peace be upon all of them. They came to deliver the same message but in every time we will find messenger who is coming for people and may be we will find sometimes some differences among or between some religions or among religions, in rituals, even some instructions, some teachings – but the Tawheed is the same, never been changed; because it is the basic.” “You will find this Tawheed in the message of Noah; you will find this in the message of Abraham; you will find this with all of them. All the prophets and messengers down from the beginning, down till you reach the last one who is Prophet Muhammad peace be upon all of them. They delivered the same message but sometimes with some teachings, relative may be food, what to eat, marriage, how to worship but the basic, the Tawheed, actually remains the same, permanent, unchangeable,” explained Dr. al-Dubayan. Tawheed is the word of liberating anyone person from any belonging Explaining another meaning of Tawheed, Dr. al-Dubayan said, “One of the meanings of Tawheed - and this is really very important – Tawheed is the word of liberating any person from any belonging except Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala in the world, in his life, and looking at his life till the end of Akhirah; that means practically how we can implement this in our life; that means when we face a problem we go first to Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala; no problem, if other people can help me, if anybody if my friends some people, my family can help me; that’s why with this help that I got from other people I still have in my heart it is with Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala.” Only Allah Can solve our problem “When I have a problem, that is Only Allah can solve it for me; nobody can do anything; then any other practice or ritual or like some people; some people sometimes they go to certain areas in the world; they think if you go there, you will be closer, you will be accepted. No.

Go directly to Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala and as we know Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala does not consider how much money we have; how many people we have; from which country or race - we came. No. Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala looks at our hearts; Allah sees the hearts, Rasullullah Sallullahu Alaiye Wa Sallam said in the Hadith Allah sees the hearts, the actions; that’s why, based on this one if you do anything with the intention, not purely for Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala; because of the Tawheed, it will not be accepted,” mentioned the ICC chief. Allah Accepts Only Pure thing Just for HIM with intention Dr. al-Dubayan mentioned, “Sadaqa or giving to any people; or if you are doing something like show or propaganda for himself or advertisement for his company, not for Allah, it will not be accepted. Allah accepts only the pure thing, that is clear thing, just for Him with the intention and when you do this, you will see His blessings; you will see how His investment you are doing in your life with Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. How that will be reflected in your work - you will see His grace and blessings. Sometimes you will see blessings in your health; sometimes you will see His blessings in money; sometimes you will see His blessings in your children; sometimes you will see His blessings in your wealth. There are some blessings in your life, you don’t know; don’t pay attention. Nobody. Nobody can say to you, you will never be forgiven because the forgiveness is in His hands.

Nobody can say to you, well, this will not be accepted.” Nobody No mediator between you and Allah Speaking about mediator between you and Allah and nobody can say you will not be forgiven, Dr al-Dubayan said, “If people do something in social media, in the TV, No. If they did this for themselves, Alhamdo lillah another blessing. Allah wants to be seen. My intention from the beginning is for the sake of Allah and not for anybody. This is the message of Tawheed. This is the message of Liberation of your mind from mediator between you and Allah and nobody can play the role of mediator; nobody can hold his hand the key of forgiveness from Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. Nobody. Nobody can say to you that you will never be forgiven, because forgiven is in His hands. Nobody can say to you, well, this will not be accepted, this person will go to paradise and the other person will go to Hell. Nobody. Nobody can decide. This is only in the hands of Allah. This is only in the Hands of Allah. All you need to do in your life is to do your best to follow the teachings and at the same time to have real intentions, pure intentions in your heart and doing this for the sake of Allah and not for anybody else, not for any award from anybody and not to be thanked by other people.” “Those people who have this real meaning of Tawheed in their hearts you will see that during the difficult days like these days and those people who have this meaning very weak in their hearts they will collapse. That’s why we read, for example, some biographies of some old scholars and the compatriots of the prophet peace be upon him or/and with the Prophet Sallallahu wa Sallam peace be upon him himself; we see in their biographies how much they were tested in their life; how many difficulties they faced in their life, a lot. And they passed through these occasions, they were so patient, they never lose their iman, they never be weak actually; why? How come this thing happened? because the meaning of Tawheed is very dear, bright as a sun in their hearts; they don’t lose it. And when this meaning is very weak in their hearts you can understand all the difficulties in your life,” explained Dr. al-Dubayan. Life has all the difficulties and sufferings The ICC Director General said, “Life has all the difficulties and if you have everything, and everything is available for you, you still have some difficulties in life. Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala said we have created mankind in caved, caved means sufferings; there is a kind of sufferings in life. Very few are healthy, may be, you have a problem of your health; you are wealthy, may be whatever; There will be problems in your life in a way or another; sufferings is always there.” “That means you have to have the meanings of Tawheed always alive and very clear in your hearts. Those who have it you will find them firm and really stable during the difficult days.

Those who have this very weak in their hearts they will collapse. We heard now, for example, some people committed suicide during these days of corona; why these people did this? Because they are actually at home; doing nothing, many of them lost their jobs, may be I know it is difficult for everybody. But our hope must always be there. May Allah forgive everybody and help everybody during this crisis time,” mentioned Dr. al-Dubayan. Dr. al-Dubayan also mentioned, “This meaning of this will prevent us from such a thing to ourselves because there must be a benefit; there must be a meaning from Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. We just wait and if you wait and if you are patient, Allah will reward you for your patience. Patience would be rewarded for that. At the same time one day Sun will rise, of course, to this world again without this problem we are having today and we still have a great meaning of the Tawheed; strong meaning of Tawheed – firm and stable and so deep in our hearts controlling everything in our life. This is the meaning of Tawheed and also it is established or it established a direct connection with Allah. You do not need anybody in the middle. This is very important, “May be, you ask somebody who is a good person to make dua for you; but dua does not mean this person is between you and Allah. Nobody is between you and Allah. Even the Prophet peace be upon him who delivered the message passed away, we read the Sunnah, we read the Qur’an but when we come to pray and when we make dua; we go directly to Allah, we do not go to the Prophet Sallallahu Wa Sallama with all the respect and the privilege and darood and salam going to Makkah,” said ICC Chief. Our Direction Goes to Allah, Not to anything else Speaking about Makkah and the Ka’abah itself, Dr al-Dubayan said, “Makkah is the House. Makkah itself – That Ka’abah itself; may be some non-Muslims with the hearing Muslim saying that Ka’abah is the House of Allah – they think that the Muslim believes Allah is there physically. This is not the meaning of Tawheed. If anybody who is not Muslim, who is with us now and who is following this lecture must correct this. We believe this House is honoured by Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala but the Ka’abah itself throughout the history was rebuilt and our directions go to Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala, not to anybody else. HE is the Creator; HE is the One Who has control of our Destiny; HE is the One Who has Plan us; HE is the One Who can forgive our sins; HE is the One Who controls this life and Hereafter. And this is the meaning of Tawheed, which has taken from the first pillar of Islam.”

The Month of Muharram: Its Importance and Significance Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Islamic Calendar is based on the Lunar Calendar consisting of 354-355 days annually and is 10-11 days shorter than the Solar Calendar. The Lunar month is based on the time it takes the moon to complete a single orbit around the earth and it is just over 29 and half days. There are many advantages to the Lunar Calendar. For example, the various dates in the Islamic Calendar such as Ramadan and Hajj rotate every year and are not fixed like the Solar year. People, therefore, will perform acts of worship in various climatic conditions and in different length of hours in submission to the Will of Allah where human imagination plays no part. Origin of the Hijri Calendar The Islamic Calendar was first introduced by the close companion of the Prophet (peace be upon him), the second Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) in 16 AH/637 AD. During his leadership of the Muslim community in approximately, 637 AD, he consulted with his advisors in order to come to a decision regarding the various dating systems used at that time. It was agreed that the appropriate reference point for the Islamic Calendar was the Hijrah, since it was an important turning point for the Muslim community. The event of Hijrah, the migration of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 AD was chosen to begin the Islamic Calendar because it was the first major sacrifice made by the whole Muslim Ummah for the preservation of Islam in its formative period. After the emigration to Madinah (formerly known as Yathrib), the Muslims were able to organise and establish the first real Muslim community, the real Islamic state with social, political, and economic independence. Muharram the First Month of the Islamic Calendar Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Calendar. There are twelve months in the Islamic Calendar. As the Qur'an says: Lo! The number of the months with Allāh is twelve months by Allāh’s Ordinance in the day that He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred: that is the right religion. So wrong not yourselves in them...(Al-Qur'an - 9:36) "It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory, and the moon to be a light of beauty, and measured out stages for it, that you might know the number of years and the count of time. Allah did not create this except in truth and righteousness. And He explains His signs in detail, for those who understand" (10:5). In his final sermon before his death, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, among other things, "With Allah the months are twelve; four of them are holy; three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumaada and Sha'ban." The four sacred months (al-Asshhur al-Hurum) are Rajab, Dhul Qa‘dah, Dhul Hijjah and Muharram. Out of the four sacred months, Muharram has been blessed with certain specific virtues. The companions were also consulted on which month should mark the beginning of the year, Caliph Umar al-Khattab and Uthman ibn Affaan (May Allah be pleased with them), chose Al-Muharram due to it being a sacred month and because it follows the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is when the Muslims perform Hajj – or the pilgrimage, which was the last pillar of Islam that Allah enjoined upon the Muslims. Al-Muharram also follows the month in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) pledged allegiance to the Ansar (his Madinain supporters) to emigrate to Madinah and this pledge of Allegiance was one of the introductory acts of emigration. Due to all these reasons, Al-Muharram was deemed the most suitable month to begin the Islamic Calendar. Muharram the first month of the Islamic Calendar, were considered sacred. Muharram is so called because it was unlawful to fight during this month; the word is derived from the word “haram” meaning forbidden. The month of Muharram is also of great religious significance to Muslims the world over. It is held to be the most sacred of all the months, excluding Ramadan. The word “Muharram” is often considered synonymous with “Ashura”, the tenth day of the month of Muharram. Fasting in the month of Muharram Fasting is advocated in the month of Muharram. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram.” Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to a great reward by Allah the Almighty. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadhan is the fasting of Allah's month of Muharram." (Muslim) In another Hadeeth, Ibn Abbas reports: "that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) said: "The one that keeps a fast in the month of Muharram will receive the reward of thirty fasts for each fast (in this sacred month)." (Tabraani) Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, the one who fasts in these days out of his own will and choice is entitled to a great reward by Almighty Allah. The Hadith citied above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are the most rewardable among the Nafl fasts i.e. the fasts one observes out of his own choice without being obligatory on him. 10th day of Muharram (Aashora) Although the month of Muharram is a sacred month as a whole, the 10th of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named “Ashurah”. It is one of the most important and blessed days of Allah in the Islamic Calendar. Some ulama (Scholars) are of the opinion that before the fasts of Ramadan, the fast of the day of Ashura was compulsory upon the Ummah. This is stated in a Hadith reported by A'ishah that the beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered the observance of the fast of Ashura. However, when the fast of Ramadan became compulsory, then whosoever wished, kept this fast and whosoever desired did not observe the fast. (Bukhari) Ibn Abbas reported, “I did not see Rasulullah sallallahu 'alayhi wassallam anxiously await the fast of any day, which he gave preference to over other days, but this day, the day of Ashura.” (Bukhari) It is also said by scholars that since the beginning of this world, Ashura day has been a very important day. On this day great signs of Allah’s power and glory have appeared in the world. On this day many Prophets were born and they were instituted to the office of prophecy. On this day, Prophets, Saints and Sincere servants of Allah were blessed with miracles and spiritual powers.

On Ashura Day the following have taken place: 1. Repentance of Prophet Adam (Allah’s blessing be upon him) was accepted by Allah 2. The ship of Prophet Nuh (Noah) (Allah’s blessing be upon him) came to rest on a mountain called Al-Judi. 3. Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (Allah’s blessings be upon him) was born on this day. 4. He got the title Khalil-ullah (friend of Allah) on this day. 5. The fire in which Prophet Ibrahim (Allah’s blessings be upon him) was thrown by the king Namrud become cool and means of safety for Prophet Ibrahim, by the order of Allah. 6. Allah delivered Prophet Ayub (Job) (Allah’s blessings be upon him) from distress and he was restored to prosperity. 7. By the Grace of Allah, Prophet Yunas (Jonah) (Allah’s blessings be upon him), after being swallowed by a huge fish (whale) for forty days, was casted out on the shore. 8. Prophet Mussa (Moses) (Allah’s blessings be upon him) got victory over Pharaoh. 9. Prophet Suleman (Solomon) (Allah’s blessings be upon him) was made a king to rule over mankind, Jins, Animals and the air. 10. Prophet Idris (Enoch) (Allah’s blessings be upon him) and Prophet Issa (Jesus) (Allah’s blessings be upon him) were lifted up alive. 11. Imam Hussain (Allah be pleased with him), the grandson of our beloved Prophet, got martyred at Karbala in Iraq. 12. The day of resurrection and judgement will take place on this day (Ashura) (Ghunia-Al-Talibeen & Tafseer-e-Sawi)

The practice of fasting on Ashura was known even in the days of Jajiliyyah, before the Prophet's mission. It was reported that A'ishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: “The people of Jahiliyyah used to fast on that day.” It is also reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast on Ashura in Makkah, before he migrated to Madinah. Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting Allah's month of Muharram.'” (Reported by Muslim, 1982) Fasting on the day of Ashura (10th Muharram) According to the Holy companion, Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him), when the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam) migrated to Madinah, he found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa Alayhis Salaam and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously, and the Pharaoh was drowned in its water. On hearing this from the Jews, the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam said, “We are more closely related to Musa than you.” So the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam directed the Muslims to fast on the day of Ashura. (Abu Dawood) According to another Hadith, it is more advisable that the fast of Ashura should be either preceded or succeeded by an additional fast. It means that one should fast two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th . The reason of this additional fast as mentioned by the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam was that the Jews used to fast on the day of Ashura alone, and the Holy Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam wanted to distinguish the Islamic-way of fasting from that of the Jews. Therefore, he advised Muslims to add another fast to the day of Ashura. Let us observe this great day according to the way of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and refrain from all innovations which deprive us of the blessings from Allāh the Almighty. May Allāh guide us all upon the Straight Path and save us from every act which brings His Displeasure. Āmeen. Published First in November 2013 The Muslim Weekly, London & EuroBangla, London And The Muslim World, Pakistan, in January 2014

Arafat Sermon From Masjid al-Nimrah in Arafat During Covid-19

The followings are the summarized Arafat Sermon – Khutbah delivered from the Masjid al-Nimrah, Arafah, on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah – Arafah Day. The Arafah Sermon was delivered by Sheikh Muhammad ibn Hassan Ali-Sheikh, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars and Head of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Complex for Hadiths. Summarized Khutbah at Arafah Only Worship Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. There is no one worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger. Our Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu wa Sallam said he is the seal of the Prophets. Rasullullah Sallallahu wa Sallam conveyed the message of Allah. He affirmed the message with other Prophets’ of God. Perfection of Deen On the Arafah Day Allah Subhanahu wa Taala made the announcement of the Perfection of your Deen and showed all His best favours on you. And this Perfection of Deen is to worship only Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and Allah only. This is the Deen of five pillars. The five pillars of Islam comprise: correct beliefs about Allah, His Angels, His Books and His Messengers and the Last Day as well as the correct belief about Allah’s preordainment, its results are perceived to be good or bad. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala said to mankind that We have sent among you a Messenger who is of your own. He read the Qur’an, reciting to you our evidences, purifying you and teaching you the Qur’an and the Sunnah and teaching you what you have no knowledge of. Therefore, make mention of Me, if you do so I will make mention of you; be grateful to Me and do not be ungrateful of My favours.

Perseverance through hardships Therefore, O Believers, seek help from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala by way of patience, perseverance and prayers. Allah is certainly with those who patiently persevere. Thus, after that, Allah Subhanahu wa Taala mentioned the blessings of sending His Messenger. Allah instructed us to mention Him, be grateful to Him and persevere for Him. Another component of Taqwa is persevering through difficulties one faces which may cause him pain. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala said that those who remains patience, remains steadfast at the time of extreme poverty and illnesses, people who have these qualities they are the ones who have been true to Allah and they are the ones who observe Taqwa. Allah will test with fear, hunger My dear audience, life in this world does not free of difficulty. And this is why Allah Subhanahu wa Taala instructed us to persevere and We shall certainly test you with instances of fear and hunger as well as loss of wealth, lives and fruits. However, Messenger of Allah, you are to convey glad tidings to those who patiently persevere they are the people who, when afflicted with adversaries. “say, “We all most certainly belong to Allah alone and to Him alone we will all most certainly return.”

They are the ones whom their Lord will commend and grant mercy, and they are the ones who are soundly guided. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala also said, as for those who persevere, we shall most certainly reward them according to the best deeds they had performed. Allah’s Preordainment and Decree How could a servant of Allah not persevere if he has sound belief about Allah’s preordainment and decree? He unwaveringly believes that anything which befell him would not have missed him; in that even if everyone throughout the entire Earth gather together to avert what Allah decreed to happen to him, they would remain unable. As it has been explained in the Qur’an that anything which happened on earth is predestined and is written and preserved in Tablet in the Book of Allah and that is very easy for Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. All these afflictions and crisis and pandemic we suffer, this only re-enforces our belief and trust in Allah, in the Creator, in the Sustainer of the world. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala said that don’t you see that Allah has put at your service all the things which are in Heaven and Earth. Don’t you see the whole Universe is serving the humanity on turns turning towards Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and all good or bad experiences if you have, they all makers return to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. And whatever is afflicted on earth it is just to give us the taste of some results of some of our actions and one has to repent as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says men and women, believers and non-believers - all are put through trials and tribulations for them to pay heed to and ponder on this situations around us. Only the Jannah the final abode on the Day of Judgement will be the place where there are no worries, no hardships, anything to worry and there not to be afraid as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has written. As it is also informed this in the Qur’an Allah Subhanahu wa Taala said do try with good and bad times and it is re-enforced and reasserted in the Qur’an that after every hardship there is ease, indeed after every hardship there is ease. In another place also Allah said that after hardship there is ease. Allah wants to facilitate for you, make it easy for you, He does not want to put you under stress.

Our Shariah has given enough guidance how to do on this earth in terms of economics, financial activities earning the livelihood, doing businesses and doing hard work to sustain life. And Allah has given all good guidance about fulfilling the promises; about fulfilling the covenants and settling dues and debts and everything which we agree upon in our day to day life, in our livelihood and business transactions. And in terms of expenditure and earnings, apart from earning, Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has also guided us the middle path in expenditures - Allah has warned us – don’t take each other’s properties illegitimate means. And all Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has ordered us to keep record of all the transactions and remake witnesses and fulfil your covenants and promises. Islam prescribed guidance/directives The blessed teachings of Islam have prescribed a number of guidance/directives to ease those outcomes; for instance, Allah has prescribed directives in dealing with adversaries of an economic and financial nature so as to bring a dignified livelihood for people at large. Islamic teachings encourage earnings for more productivity for work and support commerce. According to Islamic teachings trade is permissible – they only prohibit things such as usury, deception and dishonesty in transactions. Islamic teachings prescribe public and private property to protect it that agreements to be honoured and the stipulated terms to be fulfilled.

Commercial Islamic teachings give order for commercial cooperation and exchange. They prescribe settling debts as well as documenting liabilities and obligations. They warned extravagant. They obligate giving charity to the needy and they encourage charity during times of adversity and stress. Allah, the Most Exalted, has said people of Iman you must fulfil all your obligations and responsibilities toward others. Trade Allah further said there is no extravagant and misery when you spend; rather they are moderate between these two extremes. Allah also said Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury. Allah the Most Exalted has further said people of Imaan you must not take property of others or you have no right to do so. However, you may take or use a property of others when there is trade between mutual consent. Allah further said about selling and buying. It is recommended to have witnesses so as to preclude possibility of any mischief or dispute happenings. Allah has also said you must be fair when buying or selling, by giving others the full measure and weight which they are entitled. In addition Allah has said about Jannah, it has been prepared for the people of Taqwa. Among their priorities, they care both during prosperity and hardships. Communities Islam has also prescribed directives for protecting communities as well as resolving social and psychological issues. Islam teachings prescribed upholding ties of kinship and raising children properly. They foster harmony, togetherness and social solidarity. They gave each spouse right; they must be fulfilled by the other and they protect the rights of any human being, was it man, woman, child, elderly, young able-bodied or one special needs. Islam teachings promote giving consideration to the feelings of others; supporting them during their time of hardships, observing same conduct and using wholesome words while speaking. . Parents Islam encourages the promotion of love, harmony and cooperation among people. Allah, the Most Exalted, said Allah Alone has commanded all of you to worship none besides Him and HE has commanded each of you to treat both of your parents well. If one with you or both of your parents reached old age, you must not let either of them hear slightest word – woh – which expresses irritation in any way and not treat either of them harshly; rather be gentleman speak to both of them kindly and honourably; remain humble out of your compassion towards both of them and say: Allah bring mercy to both of my parents, since they mercifully and patiently brought raising me when I was young and weak. Husband-Wife relationship Even husband and wife relationship has been ordered to be based on love, kindness and the fulfilment of their rights. Allah said: ensure that your life with your wife is based on kindness, love and fulfilment of their rights. If you dislike something about them for any mundane reason you must bear them patiently because it may well be that you may dislike something when in fact Allah brings about much goodness about it. Uphold Justice Allah also said indeed Allah commands all of you to uphold justice, worship with best way and deal with the services in the best manner and give relatives what are due to them. HE also forbids you from lousy senses and transgression. He admonishes you and reminds you of the consequences so that you would be mindful of HIS Directives. In addition, Allah said fulfil the rights of relatives by treating them well and upholding the ties of kinship, give to the needy and wayfarers and travellers. Do not spend your wealth extravagantly or use anything which is tantamount to disobeying Allah. Osama bin Sharif, may Allah be pleased on him, said: I witness The Messenger of Allah peace and blessings be upon him, giving sermon to the Farewell Hajj where he was saying give to your mother, to your father, to your sister, to your brother and then those who are next to nearness to you. Other issues for which Islam prescribed various directives include those pertaining to governance and security. Islam prescribed measures which ensure safety and stability of people and their lands and which enable people to perform all of their tasks and duties. Islam Prohibits Spreading Corruption anywhere Islam teachings protect people’s rights, preserve their life and safeguard their properties. They prohibit transgression against others who are sending arms to them. They also prohibit people instigating problem, supplying terrorism and spreading corruption anywhere in the world. They encourage staying clear any path leading to strife. Islam enjoins justice bringing about greatest overall good and achieving accord between people and tried for rectification. Allah the Most Exalted said adhere to the Qur’an and the Sunnah and you must not divide amongst yourselves. Allah also said those who have Iman and do not mix their Iman with the injustice or worshipping others besides Allah, they are the ones who are soundly guided. Allah also said indeed, Allah commanded you to fulfil all the trust, giving them to those who deserve them and to be fair with when you judge between people. Allah Hears all and Sees all. O People of Iman, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those on authority among you. If you have a dispute about something, refer back to Allah and the Messenger if you truly have iman in Allah and the Last Day. Seeking solution is better than disputing or acting based on other opinion and it will produce best outcome. Allah further said don’t be unjust towards others concerning their belongings and do not cause corruption upon the earth after it is set on order; abiding this order is best for you if you accept the Truth from Allah. You must not sit along every path threatening people, hindering people who believe in Allah; following His path and seeking to make Allah’s path appropriate. Reconcile fighting between two groups Allah further said if fighting ever takes place between two groups among the people of iman then you are to reconcile between those two groups. Allah also said people of iman are to be nothing besides brothers to each other. In addition, The Prophet peace be upon him said during his Farewell Hajj – blood, property and honour are certainly the most inviolable to one another, just as the inviolability of the days of yours, the month of yours and the lands of yours. After I have gone, you must not go back rejecting Islam once again striking next to each other. Obey the authority Islamic teachings instructed to obey the authority when he said to worship your Lord, pray your five daily prayers, fast in the month of Ramadan and obey the leaders when he gives you instructions. If you do those things you would be admitted to Jannah which Allah has prepared. In addition to the proceedings, there are directives of Islam prescribing measures. Islamic teachings seek to ensure peoples health and physical well being and that include directives to maintain cleanliness of oneself and to keep the environment clean. Protect communities against epidemic Islamic directives permit wholesome food and prohibit harmful ones. In addition, Islamic teachings prescribe measures to protect communities against spread of epidemics. Allah the Most Exalted said people of Iman when you want to perform prayers but you are in a state of impurity, you must perform wadu by washing your faces, washing your forearms up to and including elbows, passing your hands over your head and washing your feet up to and including your angles. If you are in a state of major impurity, you must first perform ghasl by washing your body entirety. Allah further said purify your garments. Allah also told Prophet Ibrahim has said when I am ill it is Allah who cures me. Allah described Prophet Muhammad saying he will permit wholesome things for them and prohibit them from all that is detestable. Furthermore, the Prophet, May Allah grant recommendations and protections, said, servants of Allah seek cure from illness, since there is no illness which are not curable. Furthermore, the Prophet, Sallallahu wa Sallam, also said: free from a person of leprosy as you are free from a lion as well as do not put one who is ill with one who is healthy. The Prophet Sallallahu wa Sallam further said: if there is a pandemic in any land, then if you are inside in don’t go out of it and if you are outside of it, then don’t go inside.” Based on this Hadith which prohibits travelling from one occasion to another during when there is highly contagious diseases spreading the decision was made by the King of Saudi Arabia to limit the number of people perform Hajj this year and only have it consists of individuals from nationality who are already within the nation’s borders. This allows Hajj still to perform was taking all necessary measures for protecting peoples health and maintaining social distancing. Precaution has been put in place to protect life against damage that the pandemic can cause and also safeguarding human life by Allah’s permission. Deep gratitude is also extended to all Muslims for their positive response to comply with the nation’s precaution regulation that is implemented in Makkah and Madinah to protect peoples from the potential effects of the current pandemic. We pray that Allah rewards the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman ibn Abdulaziz as well as his Crown Prince Mohamed ibn Salman and all the individuals of the nation’s leadership under their leadership and guidance, Allah continuing pardoning, continuing forgiving and the Almighty who overpowers all else. He decrees events of many types so that the righteous may be distinguished from the impious. He bestows much goodness and innumerable blessings upon His servants though there may be some occasions when difficulties occur based on Allah’s wisdom and in order to bring about major advantages to people. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah. HE is completely Unique. HE regulates all matters that occur throughout every night and day. I further testify that Muhammad is Allah’s worshipping servant and chosen Messenger. The Lord of all Creation described him as the Mercy for Mankind and indeed has come as a Messenger amongst yourselves. He is concerned about you and he is kind and merciful to the people of Iman, those who believe and perform rightful deeds. May Allah bestow His blessing to His Messenger as well as to His Messenger’s family, his righteous companions and his followers who set the greatest of precedents and extended goodness and spreading the truth. Dear Muslims I remind all of you as well as myself to observe Taqwa of Allah and fulfilment of His Commands and avoiding His Prohibitions. Observing Taqwa is the instruction that Allah has given to all former and later generations. Allah was perfect in every ways said We most certainly commanded to people of Scriptures prior to you as well as you yourselves. So observer Taqwa of Allah. Ackwledgement: [Courtesy: Manarat al-Haramain, Government of Saudi Arabia And Islam Channel UK]

Arafat Sermon from Masjid al-Nimrah

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Arafat Sermon of 1441 Hijri Hajj Arafat Sermon From Masjid al-Nimrah in Arafat During Covid-19 Dr Mozammel Haque The followings are the summarized Arafat Sermon – Khutbah delivered from the Masjid al-Nimrah, Arafah, on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah – Arafah Day. The Arafah Sermon was delivered by Sheikh Muhammad ibn Hassan Ali-Sheikh, Member of the Council of Senior Scholars and Head of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Complex for Hadiths. Summarized Khutbah at Arafah Only Worship Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. There is no one worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger. Our Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu wa Sallam said he is the seal of the Prophets. Rasullullah Sallallahu wa Sallam conveyed the message of Allah. He affirmed the message with other Prophets’ of God. Perfection of Deen On the Arafah Day Allah Subhanahu wa Taala made the announcement of the Perfection of your Deen and showed all His best favours on you. And this Perfection of Deen is to worship only Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and Allah only. This is the Deen of five pillars. The five pillars of Islam comprise: correct beliefs about Allah, His Angels, His Books and His Messengers and the Last Day as well as the correct belief about Allah’s preordainment, its results are perceived to be good or bad. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala said to mankind that We have sent among you a Messenger who is of your own. He read the Qur’an, reciting to you our evidences, purifying you and teaching you the Qur’an and the Sunnah and teaching you what you have no knowledge of. Therefore, make mention of Me, if you do so I will make mention of you; be grateful to Me and do not be ungrateful of My favours. Perseverance through hardships Therefore, O Believers, seek help from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala by way of patience, perseverance and prayers. Allah is certainly with those who patiently persevere. Thus, after that, Allah Subhanahu wa Taala mentioned the blessings of sending His Messenger. Allah instructed us to mention Him, be grateful to Him and persevere for Him. Another component of Taqwa is persevering through difficulties one faces which may cause him pain. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala said that those who remains patience, remains steadfast at the time of extreme poverty and illnesses, people who have these qualities they are the ones who have been true to Allah and they are the ones who observe Taqwa. Allah will test with fear, hunger My dear audience, life in this world does not free of difficulty. And this is why Allah Subhanahu wa Taala instructed us to persevere and We shall certainly test you with instances of fear and hunger as well as loss of wealth, lives and fruits. However, Messenger of Allah, you are to convey glad tidings to those who patiently persevere they are the people who, when afflicted with adversaries. “say, “We all most certainly belong to Allah alone and to Him alone we will all most certainly return.” They are the ones whom their Lord will commend and grant mercy, and they are the ones who are soundly guided. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala also said, as for those who persevere, we shall most certainly reward them according to the best deeds they had performed. Allah’s Preordainment and Decree How could a servant of Allah not persevere if he has sound belief about Allah’s preordainment and decree? He unwaveringly believes that anything which befell him would not have missed him; in that even if everyone throughout the entire Earth gather together to avert what Allah decreed to happen to him, they would remain unable. As it has been explained in the Qur’an that anything which happened on earth is predestined and is written and preserved in Tablet in the Book of Allah and that is very easy for Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. All these afflictions and crisis and pandemic we suffer, this only re-enforces our belief and trust in Allah, in the Creator, in the Sustainer of the world. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala said that don’t you see that Allah has put at your service all the things which are in Heaven and Earth. Don’t you see the whole Universe is serving the humanity on turns turning towards Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and all good or bad experiences if you have, they all makers return to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. And whatever is afflicted on earth it is just to give us the taste of some results of some of our actions and one has to repent as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says men and women, believers and non-believers - all are put through trials and tribulations for them to pay heed to and ponder on this situations around us. Only the Jannah the final abode on the Day of Judgement will be the place where there are no worries, no hardships, anything to worry and there not to be afraid as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has written. As it is also informed this in the Qur’an Allah Subhanahu wa Taala said do try with good and bad times and it is re-enforced and reasserted in the Qur’an that after every hardship there is ease, indeed after every hardship there is ease. In another place also Allah said that after hardship there is ease. Allah wants to facilitate for you, make it easy for you, He does not want to put you under stress. Our Shariah has given enough guidance how to do on this earth in terms of economics, financial activities earning the livelihood, doing businesses and doing hard work to sustain life. And Allah has given all good guidance about fulfilling the promises; about fulfilling the covenants and settling dues and debts and everything which we agree upon in our day to day life, in our livelihood and business transactions. And in terms of expenditure and earnings, apart from earning, Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has also guided us the middle path in expenditures - Allah has warned us – don’t take each other’s properties illegitimate means. And all Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has ordered us to keep record of all the transactions and remake witnesses and fulfil your covenants and promises. Islam prescribed guidance/directives The blessed teachings of Islam have prescribed a number of guidance/directives to ease those outcomes; for instance, Allah has prescribed directives in dealing with adversaries of an economic and financial nature so as to bring a dignified livelihood for people at large. Islamic teachings encourage earnings for more productivity for work and support commerce. According to Islamic teachings trade is permissible – they only prohibit things such as usury, deception and dishonesty in transactions. Islamic teachings prescribe public and private property to protect it that agreements to be honoured and the stipulated terms to be fulfilled. Commercial Islamic teachings give order for commercial cooperation and exchange. They prescribe settling debts as well as documenting liabilities and obligations. They warned extravagant. They obligate giving charity to the needy and they encourage charity during times of adversity and stress. Allah, the Most Exalted, has said people of Iman you must fulfil all your obligations and responsibilities toward others. Trade Allah further said there is no extravagant and misery when you spend; rather they are moderate between these two extremes. Allah also said Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury. Allah the Most Exalted has further said people of Imaan you must not take property of others or you have no right to do so. However, you may take or use a property of others when there is trade between mutual consent. Allah further said about selling and buying. It is recommended to have witnesses so as to preclude possibility of any mischief or dispute happenings. Allah has also said you must be fair when buying or selling, by giving others the full measure and weight which they are entitled. In addition Allah has said about Jannah, it has been prepared for the people of Taqwa. Among their priorities, they care both during prosperity and hardships. Communities Islam has also prescribed directives for protecting communities as well as resolving social and psychological issues. Islam teachings prescribed upholding ties of kinship and raising children properly. They foster harmony, togetherness and social solidarity. They gave each spouse right; they must be fulfilled by the other and they protect the rights of any human being, was it man, woman, child, elderly, young able-bodied or one special needs. Islam teachings promote giving consideration to the feelings of others; supporting them during their time of hardships, observing same conduct and using wholesome words while speaking. . Parents Islam encourages the promotion of love, harmony and cooperation among people. Allah, the Most Exalted, said Allah Alone has commanded all of you to worship none besides Him and HE has commanded each of you to treat both of your parents well. If one with you or both of your parents reached old age, you must not let either of them hear slightest word – woh – which expresses irritation in any way and not treat either of them harshly; rather be gentleman speak to both of them kindly and honourably; remain humble out of your compassion towards both of them and say: Allah bring mercy to both of my parents, since they mercifully and patiently brought raising me when I was young and weak. Husband-Wife relationship Even husband and wife relationship has been ordered to be based on love, kindness and the fulfilment of their rights. Allah said: ensure that your life with your wife is based on kindness, love and fulfilment of their rights. If you dislike something about them for any mundane reason you must bear them patiently because it may well be that you may dislike something when in fact Allah brings about much goodness about it. Uphold Justice Allah also said indeed Allah commands all of you to uphold justice, worship with best way and deal with the services in the best manner and give relatives what are due to them. HE also forbids you from lousy senses and transgression. He admonishes you and reminds you of the consequences so that you would be mindful of HIS Directives. In addition, Allah said fulfil the rights of relatives by treating them well and upholding the ties of kinship, give to the needy and wayfarers and travellers. Do not spend your wealth extravagantly or use anything which is tantamount to disobeying Allah. Osama bin Sharif, may Allah be pleased on him, said: I witness The Messenger of Allah peace and blessings be upon him, giving sermon to the Farewell Hajj where he was saying give to your mother, to your father, to your sister, to your brother and then those who are next to nearness to you. Other issues for which Islam prescribed various directives include those pertaining to governance and security. Islam prescribed measures which ensure safety and stability of people and their lands and which enable people to perform all of their tasks and duties. Islam Prohibits Spreading Corruption anywhere Islam teachings protect people’s rights, preserve their life and safeguard their properties. They prohibit transgression against others who are sending arms to them. They also prohibit people instigating problem, supplying terrorism and spreading corruption anywhere in the world. They encourage staying clear any path leading to strife. Islam enjoins justice bringing about greatest overall good and achieving accord between people and tried for rectification. Allah the Most Exalted said adhere to the Qur’an and the Sunnah and you must not divide amongst yourselves. Allah also said those who have Iman and do not mix their Iman with the injustice or worshipping others besides Allah, they are the ones who are soundly guided. Allah also said indeed, Allah commanded you to fulfil all the trust, giving them to those who deserve them and to be fair with when you judge between people. Allah Hears all and Sees all. O People of Iman, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those on authority among you. If you have a dispute about something, refer back to Allah and the Messenger if you truly have iman in Allah and the Last Day. Seeking solution is better than disputing or acting based on other opinion and it will produce best outcome. Allah further said don’t be unjust towards others concerning their belongings and do not cause corruption upon the earth after it is set on order; abiding this order is best for you if you accept the Truth from Allah. You must not sit along every path threatening people, hindering people who believe in Allah; following His path and seeking to make Allah’s path appropriate. Reconcile fighting between two groups Allah further said if fighting ever takes place between two groups among the people of iman then you are to reconcile between those two groups. Allah also said people of iman are to be nothing besides brothers to each other. In addition, The Prophet peace be upon him said during his Farewell Hajj – blood, property and honour are certainly the most inviolable to one another, just as the inviolability of the days of yours, the month of yours and the lands of yours. After I have gone, you must not go back rejecting Islam once again striking next to each other. Obey the authority Islamic teachings instructed to obey the authority when he said to worship your Lord, pray your five daily prayers, fast in the month of Ramadan and obey the leaders when he gives you instructions. If you do those things you would be admitted to Jannah which Allah has prepared. In addition to the proceedings, there are directives of Islam prescribing measures. Islamic teachings seek to ensure peoples health and physical well being and that include directives to maintain cleanliness of oneself and to keep the environment clean. Protect communities against epidemic Islamic directives permit wholesome food and prohibit harmful ones. In addition, Islamic teachings prescribe measures to protect communities against spread of epidemics. Allah the Most Exalted said people of Iman when you want to perform prayers but you are in a state of impurity, you must perform wadu by washing your faces, washing your forearms up to and including elbows, passing your hands over your head and washing your feet up to and including your angles. If you are in a state of major impurity, you must first perform ghasl by washing your body entirety. Allah further said purify your garments. Allah also told Prophet Ibrahim has said when I am ill it is Allah who cures me. Allah described Prophet Muhammad saying he will permit wholesome things for them and prohibit them from all that is detestable. Furthermore, the Prophet, May Allah grant recommendations and protections, said, servants of Allah seek cure from illness, since there is no illness which are not curable. Furthermore, the Prophet, Sallallahu wa Sallam, also said: free from a person of leprosy as you are free from a lion as well as do not put one who is ill with one who is healthy. The Prophet Sallallahu wa Sallam further said: if there is a pandemic in any land, then if you are inside in don’t go out of it and if you are outside of it, then don’t go inside.” Based on this Hadith which prohibits travelling from one occasion to another during when there is highly contagious diseases spreading the decision was made by the King of Saudi Arabia to limit the number of people perform Hajj this year and only have it consists of individuals from nationality who are already within the nation’s borders. This allows Hajj still to perform was taking all necessary measures for protecting peoples health and maintaining social distancing. Precaution has been put in place to protect life against damage that the pandemic can cause and also safeguarding human life by Allah’s permission. Deep gratitude is also extended to all Muslims for their positive response to comply with the nation’s precaution regulation that is implemented in Makkah and Madinah to protect peoples from the potential effects of the current pandemic. We pray that Allah rewards the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman ibn Abdulaziz as well as his Crown Prince Mohamed ibn Salman and all the individuals of the nation’s leadership under their leadership and guidance, Allah continuing pardoning, continuing forgiving and the Almighty who overpowers all else. He decrees events of many types so that the righteous may be distinguished from the impious. He bestows much goodness and innumerable blessings upon His servants though there may be some occasions when difficulties occur based on Allah’s wisdom and in order to bring about major advantages to people. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah. HE is completely Unique. HE regulates all matters that occur throughout every night and day. I further testify that Muhammad is Allah’s worshipping servant and chosen Messenger. The Lord of all Creation described him as the Mercy for Mankind and indeed has come as a Messenger amongst yourselves. He is concerned about you and he is kind and merciful to the people of Iman, those who believe and perform rightful deeds. May Allah bestow His blessing to His Messenger as well as to His Messenger’s family, his righteous companions and his followers who set the greatest of precedents and extended goodness and spreading the truth. Dear Muslims I remind all of you as well as myself to observe Taqwa of Allah and fulfilment of His Commands and avoiding His Prohibitions. Observing Taqwa is the instruction that Allah has given to all former and later generations. Allah was perfect in every ways said We most certainly commanded to people of Scriptures prior to you as well as you yourselves. So observer Taqwa of Allah. Ackwledgement: [Courtesy: Manarat al-Haramain, Government of Saudi Arabia And Islam Channel UK]

The First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

The Importance and Significance of the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

 Dr. Mozammel Haque

Every year Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has given hundreds and thousands of rewards or the door of blessings and rewards open for HIS slaves and worshippers – especially on two occasions – the last ten days of Ramadan along with the blessed Night of Power (Lailatul Qadr) immediately followed by a happy day for the worshippers – Eid-ul-Fitr. Similarly, instead of last ten days, this time the first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah is the blessed days – full of blessings and rewards from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala along with Arafah Day (9th of Dhul Hijjah) followed by a happy day – Eid-ul-Adha.

                                  

Eid-ul-Adha is always followed after the Arafah day, the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. This year the first day of the month of Dhul Hijjah starts from Wednesday, the 22nd of July, 2020. The High Judiciary Council of Saudi Arabia announced Eid-ul-Adha on Friday, the 31st of July 2020. Ist of Dhul Hijjah, 22nd of July 2020; 9th of Dhul Hijjah (the Arafah Day) on 30th of July, 2020 and 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Eid-ul-Adha) on 31st of July 2020. The first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah is very important, precious and rewarding. According to Prophet Sallallahu wa Sallam: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days (Bukhari). The people asked: “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah; Except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing.” (Bukhari). 

So what can we do in the best 10 days of the year? Fast on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah. Increase in the praise and glorification of Allah The Prophet Sallallahu wa Sallam said: “..so during this time recite a great deal of Tahlil (La Ilaha Illa Allah) (Ahmad), Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and Tahmid (Alhamdu Lillah) (Ahmad) Fasting specifically on the day of Arafah. These ten days include Yawm Arafah (The Day of Arafah). The fasting on this day will expiate for the sins of two years. (Muslim) Abu Qatada Al-Ansari RA narrated “The Messenger of Allah peace be upon him was asked about fasting on the day of Arafah (9th of Dhul Hijjah). (Muslim) He replied: “Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for the preceding year and the following year.” Offer a sacrifice. The Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu wa Sallam.” said: When you see the new moon of Dhul Hijjah, if any of you wants to offer a sacrifice, then he should stop cutting hair and nails until he has offered his sacrifice . (Muslim) Give charity even if it’s a little bit each day since good deeds on these ten days are more beloved to Allah. 

For my readers, I have summarized briefly the Khutbah of the Haramain – Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi – delivered on last Friday, the 3rd of Dhul Hijjah, 22nd of July 2020 and telecast by Islam Channel UK (Courtsey Islam Channel UK) 

Friday Khutbah from Masjid al-Haram on 3rd of Dhul Hijjah 

By Imam Sheikh Dr. Maher Al-Muaiqly 

While speaking on Hajj, Imam Sheikh Dr Maher said, “Let us contemplate on Hajj. Hajj is one of the important pillars of Islam. It is very important in the life of Muslims who can afford to travel to Hajj; but because of the pandemic and health and other considerations Hajj has been limited this year. The utmost priority of religion is to provide safety for the human being for health and peacefulness. So we are thankful to the Government of Saudi Arabia for whatever guidelines they have issued to perform Hajj this year. Those who are allowed to do Hajj this year, may Allah Subhanahu wa Taala give them reward and they will perform the Hajj. Those who intended to come for Hajj they could not come because of the pandemic external reasons, external factors; May Allah Subhanahu wa Taala reward them – full reward for all their intentions.”

                                                

Speaking on the day of Arafah, Imam Sheikh Dr Maher mentioned, “On the day of Arafah, on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah when we fast our Prophet Sallallahu wa Sallam has given us a glad tiding. He said, this fast on the Arafah day will wipe out sins of two years – the past year and the future year. So during these ten days of Dhul Hijjah Muslims can virtually enjoy an excellent reward of normal activities like Zikr Allah, Taqbeer, Tahlil, Tasweeh and Sadaqah and all the good deeds. For this they have acquired very very high rewards than anything else – even Jihad is not regarded highest deed in these ten days. 

The Imam continued, “So let us pause for those who cannot perform Hajj this year intend to do and looking forward to do Hajj and other Islamic pillars. There are other activities even normal activities become very very highly rewardable during these ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Rasullullah Sallallahu wa Sallam said, “No action has higher reward than these ten days – good deeds – even Jihad. Jihad except if somebody has gone for Jihad himself and with mal and they sacrifice everything for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. Apart from that the normal activities of Zikr Allah, Taqbeer, Tahlil, Tasweeh, Sadaqah and fasting becomes highly rewarded during these ten days.” 

While concluding his Khutbah, Imam Sheikh Dr. Maher said, “Let us go into these activities. Let us send peace and blessings to Prophet Muhammad. O Allah send peace and blessings on Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings on Ibrahim alais salam, O Allah send peace and blessings to all Khulafah-e-Rashideen…..” 

Friday Khutbah at Masjid al-Nabawi on 3rd of Dhul-Hijjah 

By Shaikh Abdul Muhsin Al-Qasim 

The imam of Masjid al-Nabawi Shaikh Abdul Muhsin Al-Qasim started with sending peace and blessings on Prophet Muhammad Sallallau wa Sallam. And then said, “I bear witness no one is worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad Sallallahu wa Sallam is His Last Messenger. O Muslims, religion of Islam is a great religion and its basis is to acquire all the goodness and dispel all the dangerous or displeasable things. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has blessed this country with Haramain – the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah.” 

Speaking on Hajj, the Imam Shaikh Abdul Muhsin said, “The month of Dhul Hijjah has special rewards attached to it. In his Farewell Hajj Sermon, Prophet Muhammad Sallallhu wa Sallam has declared that the time has been reset like Allah Subhanahu wa Taala did the day He created this Heaven and Earth. All the confusion about calendars should be shaded and now it is the month of Dhul Hijjah. Rasullullah Sallallahu wa Sallam urged that we should be thankful to Allah and we should exploit whatever we have got – our youth before old age; our health before we get sick; and our life before we Are dead and our prosperity before we become poor.” 

                                                    

Imam Shaikh Dr Abdul Muhsin said, “Allah says I swear by the dawn and the ten nights and these ten nights, according to most of the Mufassirin of the Qur’an, is that these are the ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Our Prophet Sallallahu wa Sallam has been reported to say that the best days of the world are the ten days of Hajj. Normal actions such as prayer, Sadaqah and Zikr Allah, and fasting acquire extraordinary rewards, may be on these ten days even outside activities becomes less important. Our Prophet Sallallahu wa Sallam has been reported by Abdullah ibn Abbas said that good actions during these ten days have extraordinary rewards than in any other days eeven Jihad during these ten days have inferior rewards except someone who has lost his position, that means he has obtained sahadah, during these ten days . Allah Subhanahu wa Taala likes to repeat Takbeer, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar la illaha illaha and subhanallah and many other. 

Speaking about the good deeds, Imam Dr Al-Qasim mentioned, “Sahabah, the companions of the Prophet Sallallahu wa Sallam used to mark these days by indulging themselves in good deeds of Zikr Allah, fasting, Sadaqah and Takbeerat, Zikr Allah, the mention of Allah’s name and this is the purpose of Hajj even. And these ten days if you mention and glorified the name of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala this is more liked than any other good deed. These ten days are the cup of the lists of good deeds and the people who explained the Hadiths like Imam Nabawi who says that doing Zikr Allah and the normal Ibadat becomes extraordinary rewards and the 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the best of them.” 

The Imam Shaikh Dr Abdul Muhsin also spoke about repeating Takbeerat. He said, “And the best thing we can do is reciting the Qur’an and all the other times repeat Takbeer – Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La Ilaha Illalla Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar wa Lillahil Hamd. Sahabah used to do it during these days in public places and roads and in other gatherings in Masjid and outside Masjid. And generally, we also practice nowadays that from 9th till the Asr of the 13th we do Takbeer at the end of each prayer. So before these days from 1st of Dhul Hijjah you can still do in our personal life and in our private life.” 

Imam Shaikh Dr Abdul Muhsin also mentioned about Taubah repentence. He said, “Apart from the recitation of the Qur’an, Zikr Allah, we should do the Taubah, repentence and regret for all our wrong doings and misdeeds and seek forgiveness from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala . Allah urges in the Qur’an that all Muslims repent to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and our Prophet Sallallahu wa Sallam used to seek forgiveness from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala  at least 100 times every day. Ashtaqfirullah Ashtaqfirullah at least 100 times every day. Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu wa Sallam has been reported to say that the best day of someone is the day when someone repentence like Ubayy ibn Ka'b was given this is the best day that you have been given the acceptance of your Taubah.” 

Imam Shaikh Dr al-Qasim also mentioned, “The importance of these ten days are – because the highest pillar of Islam – Hajj - is during these ten days. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says those who can afford and those who can come to Hajj, they are obliged to do that. And on the day of Arafah Allah frees greatest number of people from the fire of Jahannum. “10th of Dhul Hijjaj – Qurbani day - is the best day to do many multiple activities locally and Hajj time and globally as a Qurbani. Rasullullah Sallallahu wa Sallam has said that the cup of these ten days is the 10 Dhul Hijjah – Eid day and do Qurbani and the next day the people will be moving after Hajj.” 

Imam Shaikh Abdul Muhsin also mentioned about the Mina days. He said, “During the Mina days 10,11 and 12 Dhul Hijjah Zikr Allah, Takbeer, Tahlil and the Tasbeeh are the highest rewarding activities but these days fasting is prohibited and these are the feasting days from Allah Subhanahu waTaala. It is a global invitation for feasting during 10, 11, 12 and 13 of Dhul Hijjah. And during these 10 to 13 days rhe best thing one can do is to do Qurbani sacrifice animals by buying the best animals they can do and this is the best rewardable activity and there are no other activity which can supersede the sacrifice and Qurbani because Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says Allah does not get from you any flesh or blood or meat. What reaches Allah Allah Subhanahu wa Taala or what is acceptable is this devotion of your hearts, the intentions and your Taqwa, your piety towards Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and your devotion. Rasullullah Sallallahu wa Sallam used to choose his Qurbani among the best of Qurbanis one can do.” 

While concluding his Khutbah, Imam Shaikh Abdul Muhsin made dua, supplication and salam. He said, “During these ten special days of Dhul Hijjah, whenever we are indulging to mention the name of Allah, May Allah Subhanahu wa Taala accept our Zikr, accept our deeds and rewards us abundantly.”

The Importance of the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah By Dr Mozammel Haque