[on skype] Session 3 (2013) Lecture 51 - 1 (March 19, 2013) 1

Muslim population in the world- around 2 billion

Hajj
About 3 million Muslims from around the world, and more than 11,000 Americans make the pilgrimage each year.

Maa shaa Allah

http://www.cdc.gov/features/hajj/ CDC: centers for disease control and prevention

Over flooding with people day and night (Ma shaa Allah)

Masjid Nabwi gets over crowded with the people ma shaa Allah.. So much so that people pray Salah in an open area.

All this is very encouraging but what worrisome is why despite of increasing number of Muslims and such a huge number of pilgrims Ummat-e-Muslimah is unable to bring the Muslims out of disgrace and crises.

Why????
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That is so because Allah will never change a grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in themselves. And verily, Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.
Al-Quran 8:53 (Al-Anfal)

This Ayah means that Allah never takes back His blessings from any nation until and unless the people of that nation go wrong. If so happens Allah then takes away the blessings that He had bestowed upon the nation.
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Allah affirms His perfect justice and fairness in His decisions, for He decided that He will not change a bounty that He has granted someone, except on account of an evil that they committed. Allah said in another Ayah,

Verily, Allah will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves.
Al-Quran 13:11 (Al-Rad)

(Tafseer ibn katheer)

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HADEETH:

Ibn Abi Hatim narrated that Ibrahim said, "Allah revealed to a Prophet from among the Children of Israel, `Say to your nation: every people of a village or a house who used to obey Allah but changed their behavior to disobeying Him, then He will take away from them what they like and exchange it for what they dislike.'' Ibrahim next said that this statement has proof in Allah's Book , (Tafseer ibn Kaseer)

Verily, Allah will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves.
Al-Quran 13:11 (Al-Rad)
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Example from Quran:

O Children of Israel! Remember My favor which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over the `Aalamin (nations).

Al-Quran 2:47 (Al-Baqarah)

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If Allah puts you high up He can put you down too.

And they were covered with humiliation and misery, and they drew on themselves the wrath of Allah. That was because they used to disbelieve in the Ayat (proofs, evidence) of Allah and killed the Prophets wrongfully. That was because they disobeyed and used to transgress the bounds (in their disobedience to Allah, i.e. commit crimes and sins.)

Al-Quran 2:61 (Al-Baqarah)

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Qom-e- Saba
Allah made Qom-e-saba very prosperous but Allah tells here that if youll go disobedient He could take all the prosperity back and punish you hard. (They started worshipping sun)

(16.But they turned away, so We sent against them flood released from the dam, and We converted their two gardens into gardens producing bitter bad fruit, and Athl, and some few lote trees.) (17. Like this We requited them because they were ungrateful disbelievers. And never do We requite in such a way except those who are ungrateful (disbelievers).)
Al-Quran 34:15-17 (sorah-e-Saba)

Allah SWT clarifies very explicitly that Allah punishes only those nations who go unthankful and not those who are unlike them.
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And all that We relate to you of the news of the Messengers is in order that We may make strong and firm your heart thereby. And in this has come to you the truth, as well as an admonition and a reminder for the believers.

Al-Quran 11:120 (Al-Hood)

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HADEETH:

Ummat-e-Muslima for sure will follow those who came before them inch by inch, step by step
It was narrated from Abu Saeed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (sallaAllaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you hand span by hand span, cubit by cubit, to the extent that if they entered the hole of a lizard, you will enter it too. We said: O Messenger of Allaah, (do you mean) the Jews and the Christians? He said: Who else?
Muslim Book 34, # 6448
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Are you and me also contributing in making the Muslim ummah face the current situation in the world???????????????
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The fact is:

Individuals are the ones who are responsible for the good or bad destiny of the nation
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HOW ARE WE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE NATION GOING GOOD OR BAD

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How are we contributing in making the nation good or bad

Constituting the society by being a part of it

By making ones under our influence good or bad individuals (ex. Children, spouse)
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Bad Muslims/ Parents

Bad Nation

Bad children/ Individuals

Bad Societies

Bad Families
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HADEES: Narrated 'Abdullah: Allah's messanger (pbuh) said, "Everyone of you is a guardian and is responsible for his charges. The ruler who has authority over people, is a guardian and is responsible for them, a man is a guardian of his family and is responsible for them; a woman is a guardian of her husband's house and children and is responsible for them; a slave ('Abu) is a guardian of his master's property and is responsible for it; so all of you are guardians and are responsible for your charges.
Sahih Bukhari,Volume 3, Book 46, Number 730

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IF YOU WANT TO BRING CHANGE IN YOUR SOCIETY NATION

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BRING CHANGE IN YOUR CHILDREN . . . . AND TO BRING CHANGE IN YOUR CHILDREN.

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CHANGE YOURSELF

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CHANGE YOURSELF
Child (highest likelyhood to become what you are) Children learn to do whatever they see their parents doing. Examples: Doing Shirk (at mazaraat, believing in Bad omens...) Salah, Zakah, Fasting Dressing style Not respecting others rights, Backbiting, lying, cheating, being insensitive to others problems, being bad with the spouse.
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Where lies the problem

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IGNORANCE

And there are among them (Jews) `Ummyyun (unlettered) people, who know not the Book, but they trust upon Amani (false desires) and they but guess.
Al-Quran 2:78 (Al-Baqarah)

Tafseer Ahsan ul Biyyan

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Meaning,

Same is what (Ummat-e-Muslimah) is doing today. We have false ideas about Allahs book. We interpret matters of Deen according to our own desires and interpretation.

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These concepts actually are the resultant of ones own way of perceiving things. . . . . . For example:
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Matters of Shirk
Ignorant people believe that some people for example their peer (alive or dead) will save them from all harms in both the worlds so they submit to them.

(106. "And do not invoke besides Allah what will not benefit you nor harm you. For if you did, you would certainly be one of the wrongdoers.'') (107. And if Allah touches you with harm, there is none who can lift it but He. And if He intends good for you, then none can repel His favor which He causes to reach whom He wills among His servants. And He is the Pardoning, the Merciful.) Al-Quran 10:106-107 (Yunus)
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Matter of Hijab
A person from a conservative environment says women should always keep dupatta (covering) on their heads even in their home while the modern society called it rubbish and even say there is no such thing as Hijab for women. Majority believe that if woman wants to do hijab all she needs is to cover the hairs. The concepts are made according to the wishes or are the effects of their immediate social environment. This is all because of the lack of Quranic knowledge. Quran tells us clearly for men and women the guidelines for this issue mainly in surah-e- noor, ayah 30 and 31and surah e Ahzab, ayah 59.
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Matters of inheritance
People write their wills according to their own wishes. While the laws of inheritance are very clearly mentioned in surah-eNisa, ayah 7 and 11-14.

Al-Quran 4:7 (Al-Nisa) Al-Quran 4:11-14 (Al-Nisa)

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How to overcome the ignorance

. . . . . . .
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By acquiring knowledge

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Now One has acquired the knowledge

but
. . . . yet there is a thing even important than that
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SUBMISSION TO ALLAH SUBHANAO WA TALA Iblees was a great aalim... had the knowledge but did not submit . . Result

Cursed/Hellfire
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No matter how much knowledge one has. Submission is must to obtain Allahs pleasure.

We hear, and we obey

Al-Quran 2:285 (Al-Baqarah)

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Yes! whoever Submits his face (submits himself entirely) to Allah and he is the doer of good (to others) he has his reward from his Lord, and there is no fear for him nor shall he grieve.
Al-Quran 2:112 (Al-Baqarah)

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Now One is carrying out what Allah has ordered him to do

but
. . . . yet there is a thing even important than that.
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PURITY IN INTENTIONS

Say: "Verily, I am commanded to worship Allah, making religion sincerely (purely)for Him.''
Al-Quran 39:11 (Az-Zamar)

Say: "Allah Alone I worship by doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only.''
Al-Quran 39:14 (Az-Zamar)
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Sometimes we do ibadaah which is prescribed to us but dont care for certain important factors which are must to be taken care of to have the ibadaat accepted.

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Salah
HADEETH:

Something, which is more fearful for you than Dajjal, is secret polytheism, i.e. man stands up to pray, prolongs his pray because somebody is watching him.
(Ibn Majah) MM1-421-134
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HADEETH
In al-Musnad (27742), it is narrated that Mahmoud ibn Labeed said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: The thing that I fear most for you is minor shirk. They said: O Messenger of Allaah, what is minor shirk? He said: Showing off, for Allaah will say on the Day when people are recompensed for their actions: Go to those for whom you were showing off with your deeds in the world, and see what reward you find with them.
Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 951.

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Hajj
And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, for those who are able to undertake the journey.
Al-Quran 3:97 (Aal-e-Imran)

Hajj must be done only because of the reason that Allah has ordered us to do it in order to please Allah subhanao wa tala. It should not be done: To impress people. To add the label of Haji in their names. Under pressure that everybody around you has done the Hajj. Due to any reason other than carrying out Allahs order to gain His pleasure.
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Zakah
Analyze: We have to be honest with ourselves here.
We give Zakah but sometime other interests also occupy the place in mind For example: Giving the zakah to bosss servant to get in his good books. To show off.
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Charity
Analyze: Be honest.
Are you making others know of your charity with a desire somewhere inside your heart to be praised and appreciated by them.

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Salah/Fast/charity
HADEETH

Reference: Dr. Israr Ahmads article

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HADEETH-E- QUDSI On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Allah (glorified and exalted be He) said: I am so self-sufficient that I am in no need of having an associate. Thus he who does an action for someone else's sake as well as Mine will have that action renounced (rejected) by Me to him whom he associated with Me.
It was related by Muslim (also by Ibn Majah).

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And recite to them the story of the two sons of Adam in truth; when each offered a sacrifice, it was accepted from the one but not from the other. The latter said to the former: "I will surely, kill you.'' The former said: "Verily, Allah accepts only from those who have Taqwa.
Al-Quran 5:27 (Al-Maidah)
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Acquiring knowledge Submission to Allah Purity in intention

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When knowledge is very superficial.

Knowledge

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Ibadaat are done because of culture and culture is considered as ibadaat.

Culture
Submission to Allah

give examples

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Example of ibadah being done because of culture: People do sacrifice of an animal on Eid ul Adha as a part of culture and to show to people.

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Examples of culture being considered as Ibadaat:

1.processions (juloos) in Rabi ul awwal and Muharram 2.Placing chadar with Ayaat on graves of pious people in mazaraat

3. As soon as the religious speech starts (e.g., Khutbah Nikah in weddings) women cover their heads and take it off as soon as its over. No concern is seen for the Allahs commands regarding hijab (and to hide the zeenat) in presence of Non-mehrum but this above mentioned practice is done religiously. (knowledge is there but submission is missing)
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HADEETH
A part of a hadeeth narrated by Abdullah ibn Masood regarding prophets and the allegiance of thier companions who strictly followed their prophets that:

.... .
Muslim

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Purity in intentions is lost and worldly reasons take its place (To have good impression on people, to be called pious.)

Purity in intentions

Worldly reasons

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When this happens one of the outcomes seen in the societies is..

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Indulging Into Rituals

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RITUALS

Prescribed
Very important to follow

Innovations
Must be thrown away

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Practices Concerning Rituals

Ritualism
adhering to rituals

Ritualization to
make innovative rituals

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RITUALISM
To adhere more towards the physical execution of a worship Prescibed rituals (how to pray salah, do Arkan-eHajj etc.) are very important to follow but the acts of Ibadaah must not be just the execution of the Rituals, there should be the spirit of ibadah alive in it to obtain its samaraat (Fruits, benefits)

It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is Taqwa from you that reaches Him.
Al-Quran 22:37 (Al-Hajj)
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In order to know whether our ibadaat have the spirit of ibadah alive in it or are they merely the rituals . . .
We must analyze our acts of Ibadaah to see whether we are getting the samaraat (friuts) of it or not.
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Salah

Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book, and perform the Salah. Verily, the Salah keeps (one) away from Al-Fahsha' (immoral sins) and Al-Munkar (evil deeds) and the remembering (praising) of Allah is greater indeed. And Allah knows what you do.)
Al-Quran 29:45 (Ankaboot)
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 ) Footsteps of Shaytan

O you who believe! Follow not the Khutuwat of Shaytan (footsteps of Shaytan). And whosoever follows the footsteps of Shaytan, then, verily, he commands Al-Fahsha (immorality) and Al-Munkar (the evil deeds).
Al-Quran 24:21 (Noor)

See if your salah is preventing you from the sinful acts.

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Examples of immoral deeds:

To see Movies with vulgar scenes To Listen to Indecent songs Fashion trends: Sleeveless shirts, no dupattas or dupattas in neck , see through fabric for dress. See thru sleeves.

Getting close to non mehrum person

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If a person is engaged in these kind of activities than it would mean that Shaytan is getting successful influencing him/her. . . . . . But how is it possible when one is praying salah as Salah keeps you away from AlFahsha' (immoral sins) and Al-Munkar (evil deeds)
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Lets dive in the Quran to find the answer:

Allah says: perform Salah for My remembrance.

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Allah said to Musa(AS) in the land of Tuwa.

Verily, I am Allah! There is no God but Me, so worship Me, and perform Salah for My remembrance.
Al-Quran 20:14 (Ta HA)
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[36. And whosoever turns away from the remembrance of the Rahman, We appoint for him Shaytan to be a Qarin (a companion) to him]. [37. And most surely they turn them away from the path, and they think that they are rightly guided].
Al-Quran 43:36 (Zukhruf)

If salah is not fulfilling the requirement of remembrance of Allah and is merely a Ritual, Shaytan may easily get successful influencing the person. (Though Praying salah is must and better than leaving it altogether its acceptance or rejection is in Allahs hand Allah knows best).

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When you pray salah try to feel what sajda means. Its the TOTAL SUBMISSION
If you are asked to put your face on earth for somebody would you agree except in a situation that you have eliminated your self worthiness completely and has submit yourself fully to him. This is achieved when there is a relationship of Master and slave (Rabb and Abd). Which also means you can not say no to any of your Masters command. .. So how can you go against your lord and do Al-Fahsha' (immoral sins) and Al-Munkar (evil deeds).

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O you who believe! Bow down, and prostrate yourselves, and worship your Lord and do good that you may be successful.
Al-Quran 22:77 (Al-Hajj)

This is Ayat-e-sajda
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Fast
HADEETH:

Narrated by Abu Huraira The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: He who does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah does not need his refraining from eating and drinking.
[Saheeh Muslim (# 2486)], Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 31, Number 127
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HADEETH:

: ( )
- :925
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Many people fast but forget fulfilling what is required while fasting according to this above mentioned hadeeth. They just provide themselves with the mere satisfaction of fulfilling the ritual.

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Hajj
No change in a person even after doing Hajj.
Examples:
Doesnt pray obligatory salah 5 times a day on time Doesnt stop lying, backbiting, showing off, cheating, deceiving., breaking relation ships with relatives, destroying others relationships etc.
Reh

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RITUALIZATION

(To make ritual of) Or

Ceremonization
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Many types of actions have been incorporated into the rituals.

Want a child / need a job:
Invite and make these many people read this ayah this many times and make them eat these many dates and your desire will come true.

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A piece of information fom Yasir Qadhis lecture which is very important to know so that we become aware of fabrication in ahadeeth. We must make a rule that what we find evidence of in Quran and sunnah we should follow otherwise keep ourselves away from it.

Also important is not to undermine the sahih ahadeeth assuming everything we hear would be fabricated. Do little research first, do not get judgmental.

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 A friend of mine was telling me about the Bismillah ceremony that how ignorant the mother of a child was.... she didnt even know what you must make the child recite in the ceremony of bismillah . She made her recite something else other than surah Alaq.

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 Imam Zamin

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 Example of touching the rice to do sadaqah ceremony when leaving for the journey
Sadaqa keeps calamities away from you but it only requires your intention not the ritual. We have a great tendency to give physical form to our intentions (to ritualize) in order to soothe our psyche or to satisfy societys mind sets while our beautiful deen liberates our minds from unnecessary burdens. Allah wishes to lighten (the burden) for you; and human was created weak.
Al-Quran 4:28 (Anl-Nisa)
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Ritual of carrying the Quran on Brides head at the time of Rukhsati

This is done to bring blessings while the Ayaat of Quran are being disobeyed right beneath the Quran itself. Isnt it sooooo disrespectful. (may Allah forgive and guide us all)
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Arsi Mushaf

When seeing for the first time, the groom is made to see the face of the bride in a mirror so that there wouldnt be any evil effect on the bride which may be caused by looking directly. The holy Quran is . placed along with the mirror for seeking divine blessing for both. Arsi means a mirror and Mushaf means the Holy Quran.

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HADEETh:

The Messenger of Allah said, Whoever performs a deed that does not conform with our matter (religion), then it will be rejected.

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RIGHTEOUSNESS

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RIGHTEOUS DEEDS IS SHOWN BY REPEATED EMPHASIS GIVEN TO IT IN NUMEROUS QURANIC AYAAT

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Al-Quran 103 (Al-Asr)

(1.By Al-`Asr (by the time).) (2. Verily, human is in loss.) (3. Except those who believe and do righteous deeds, and recommend one another to the truth, and recommend one another to patience.
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Those who believe, and do righteous good deeds, surely, We shall expiate from them their evil deeds and We shall indeed reward them according to the best of that which they used to do.

Al-Quran 29:7 (Al-Ankaboot)

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Your Lord knows best what is in your souls. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him in repentance.
Al-Quran 17:25 (Bani-Israail)

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And those who believe and do righteous good deeds, We shall admit them to the Gardens under which rivers flow (i.e. in Paradise) to dwell therein forever. Allah's promise is the truth; and whose words can be truer than those of Allah

Al-Quran 4:122 (An-Nisa)

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And for those who believe and do righteous deeds, surely, We shall admit them among the righteous.

Al-Quran 29:9 (Al-Ankaboot)

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.and He protects (befriends ) the righteous.

Al-Quran 7:196 (Al-Araf)

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And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a believer, such will enter Paradise and not the least injustice, even to the size of a Naqir (the speck on a dateseed), will be done to them.
Al-Quran 4:124 (An-Nisa)

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And give glad tidings to those who believe and do righteous good deeds, that for them will be Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise).

Al-Quran 2:25 (Al-Baqarah)

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And those who believe and do righteous good deeds, they are dwellers of Paradise, they will dwell therein forever.

Al-Quran 2:82 (Al-Baqarah)

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So much emphasize on Righteous deeds . . . . What they actually are?

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One Extreme
In the eyes of some people all one needs to be righteous is to adhere to the rituals that Allah has prescribed. They do lot of umeras, multiple Hajj, never skip salah and fast and are always seen with a tasbeeh in hand doing Azkar. BUT are very visibly lacking in Huquq-ul- ibaad (hurt peoples feelings, do not help needy, cut off relations with relatives, backbite, are bad as spouse, are very unpleasant towards relatives in laws (saas bahu etc.).

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Another Extreme
There is also another extreme. Some people say that the real neki (righteousness) is: Not to cheat anyone, not to lie, to keep up the promises, help others, open welfare organizations, to do work for the welfare of orphans and needy, so on and so forth. In their view the rituals of Salah, Fast, Hajj etc. are for ones own self. To them its ok if one doesnt carry out these. This is again an imbalance.

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Who is going to decide what the real righteousness is????

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What are we blessed with to seek guidance through.?

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Quran
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What Allah tells us in Quran about the True Righteousness?

Al-Quran 2:177 (Al-Baqarah)

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Interpretation of the meaning: It is not the righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East and the West, but the righteousness is this that one should believe in Allah and the last day and the angels and the Book and the prophets, and give away wealth, in spite of love for it (or out of love for Him), to the kinsfolk (relatives), to the orphans, and to Al-Masakin (the poor), and to the wayfarer (traveler), and to those who ask, and to set servants free (to set slaves free), establish As-Salah (IqamAs-Salah), and give the Zakah, and who fulfill their covenant (contract, Promise) when they make it, and who are patient in extreme poverty and ailment (or in distress and affliction) and at the time of fighting (during the battles or conflicts). Such are the people of the truth and they are Al-Muttaqun (the pious).
Al-Quran 2:177 (Al-Baqarah)
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This Ayah contains many great wisdoms, encompassing rulings and correct beliefs. As for the explanation of this Ayah, Allah first commanded the believers to face Bayt Al-Maqdis, and then to face the Ka`bah during the prayer. This change was difficult for some of the People of the Book, and even for some Muslims. Then Allah sent revelation which clarified the wisdom behind this command, that is, obedience to Allah, adhering to His commands, facing wherever He commands facing, and implementing whatever He legislates, that is the objective. This is Birr, Taqwa and complete faith. Facing the east or the west does not necessitate righteousness or obedience, unless it is legislated by Allah. (Tafseer ibn kaseer)
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This statement means, the best act is to adhere to Allah's commands. Hence, wherever He commands us to face, we should face. Also, since obedience requires implementing Allah's commands, if He commands us every day to face different places, we are His servants and under His disposal, and we face whatever He orders us to face. (Tafseer ibn kaseer)

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Imam Al-Bukhari reported that Al-Bara' bin `Azib narrated: "Allah's Messenger offered his prayers facing Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) for sixteen or seventeen months, but he wished that he could pray facing the Ka`bah (at Makkah). The first prayer which he offered (facing the Ka`bah) was the `Asr (Afternoon) prayer in the company of some people. Then one of those who had offered that prayer with him, went out and passed by some people in a mosque who were in the bowing position (in Ruku`) during their prayers (facing Jerusalem). He addressed them saying, `By Allah, I bear witness that I have offered prayer with the Prophet facing Makkah (Ka`bah).' Hearing that, those people immediately changed their direction towards the House (Ka`bah) while still as they were (i.e., in the same bowing position). (tafseer ibn Katheer)
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Point to Ponder upon

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And We made the Qiblah which you used to face, only to distinguish those who followed the Messenger (Muhammad ) from those who would turn on their heels (i.e., disobey the Messenger). Indeed it was great (heavy, difficult) except for those whom Allah guided. And Allah would never make your faith (prayers) to be lost (i.e., your prayers offered towards Jerusalem). Truly, Allah is full of kindness, the Most Merciful towards mankind.) Al-Quran 2:143 (Al-Baqarah)

Allah tested Muslims to show who are stuck with the rituals and who are the ones who truly adheres to Allahs commands (by following Rasool Allah (SAW) and implementing whatever He legislates (changing the Qibla in this case).

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LESSON 1:
In regards with prescribed rituals: To follow the prescribed rituals is must but While doing the prescribed ibadaat (rituals) in a prescribed manner never forget that the Ritual (though very important to follow) is just the means to show Allah the obedience in implementing His command.

The

actual spirit lies in His obedience not the ritual.

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How to test yourself to see whether you are a person of RITUALISM OR RIGHTEOUNESS
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Example 1:
The actual spirit of ibadaah lies in Allahs obedience not the ritual. It is therefore that if a person is sick and is not able to pray salah in a prescribed fashion he/she is allowed to pray differently (in sitting or laying position as his/her conditions permits) . The obedience requires offering of the salah in a manner that is different but allowed depending upon ones situation. But adherence to the regular ritual makes lot of people agree on leaving Salah rather than praying in a fashion different what they are used to of.

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and (Allah) has not laid upon you in religion any hardship.
Al-Quran 22:77 (Al-Hajj) HADEETH:

Imran ibn Hussain says: "I had piles [hemorrhoids], so I asked the Prophet (saws) about the prayer and he (saws) said: 'Offer the salah while standing and if you cannot do so, pray while sitting, and if you can't do that, then make salah while lying on your side."' (Related by Bukhari) An-Nasa'i relates the same hadeeth with the following addition: "And if you cannot offer salah while lying on your side, then do it while lying on your back. Then the Messenger of Allah recited the following verse of the Quran: Allah does not burden a soul, save with what it can bear (2:286)."

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Example 2:
When a lady goes to Hajj and the date of her periods falls in the same time frame, she goes all the way to disagree with what Allah has decided for her and going against Allahs decision she takes pills (with all the possible adverse effects) to stop her menses to do the Hajj the way it is prescribed for normal circumstances. She is not ready to accept the alternative way and flexibility she has been given with Allahs mercy to do the Hajj and insists over altering Allahs natural mechanism of the body. Here Ritualism overcomes the submission to Allahs will.
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Example 3:

Allah the Most Merciful has given us the relaxation to shorten the Salah while traveling. Many Muslims are not ready to accept Allahs mercy and do not shorten their prayers . WHY???? Just because they are more adhered to what they are more used to of disregarding the sunnah.

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And when you travel in the land, there is no sin on you if you shorten the Salah if you fear that the disbelievers may put you in trial, verily, the disbelievers are ever unto you open enemies.
Al-Quran 4:101 (An-Nisa), Hadeeth

Yla bin Umayyah said: I asked Umar bin Al-Khattab (RA), Do you see that people are shortening the prayers? This, despite the fact that Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, said: if you fear that those who disbelieve will put you in trial (4:101). And this fear has now gone in our days. Umar Farooq (RA) replied, I also wondered about what you are wondering, and I mentioned this to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and he said: (This is a) charity that Allah has given to you, so accept His charity.
(Hadith No. 1199, Book of The Travellers Prayers, Sunan Abu Dawud, Vol. 2; Hadith No. 1573 (686), Book of The Travellers Prayers & Shortening Thereof, Sahih Muslim, Vol. 2).

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Example 4:
People prefer leaving Salah over doing Tayammam and praying salah (in permissible circumstances) just because they want to do Wudu which they are used to of and then pray. If there is no water available or in the presence of any other ailment prohibiting wudu they just choose to leave the salah altogether disregarding Allahs command of doing Tayammam and praying salah.

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Ayah about Tayammam

O you who believe! When you stand (intend) to offer the Salah (the prayer), then wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to the ankles. If you are in a state of Janaba, purify yourselves (bathe your whole body). But if you are ill or on a journey or any of you comes from the Gha'it (toilet) or you have touched women and you find no water, then perform Tayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your faces and hands. Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you, and to complete His Favor to you that you may be thankful.

Al-Quran 5:6 (Al-Maidah), also see 4:43

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Its the piety (Taqwa) that reaches Allah

Allah said about the animal sacrifices:

It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is Taqwa from you that reaches Him.
Al-Quran 22:37 (Al-Hajj)

Its not the ritual by itself thats of any benefit to you but its your obedience to Allah and your Niyyah that makes a difference.
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And We made the Qiblah which you used to face, only to distinguish those who followed the Messenger (Muhammad ) from those who would turn on their heels (i.e., disobey the Messenger). Indeed it was great (heavy, difficult) except for those whom Allah guided. And Allah would never make your faith (prayers) to be lost (i.e., your prayers offered towards Jerusalem). Truly, Allah is full of kindness, the Most Merciful towards mankind.) Al-Quran 2:143 (Al-Baqarah)

Allah tested Muslims to show who are stuck with the rituals and who are the ones who truly adheres to Allahs commands (by following Rasool Allah (SAW) and implement whatever He legislates (changing the Qibla in this case).

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LESSON 2:
In regards with innovative rituals: Muslim is required to obey Allah. If you were in ignorance and today you come to know about any of your act that its not in accordance with Allahs religion. You must reject it.

HADEETH:

The Messenger of Allah said, Whoever performs a deed that does not conform with our matter (religion), then it will be rejected.

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Examples:
Soem and chaliswan Putting black thread on infants wrist. Imam zamin when leaving for a travel for safety. Looking back on the house where you visited (long distance) three times while leaving, believing that this will ensure your return. Halwa on shab-e-barat

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Allah, tells us about Al-birr (Righteousness) (what we must not get confused with.) Allah then tells us what AL-BIRR, the righteousness actually is:

Al-Quran 2:177 (Al-Baqarah)

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Part 1

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East and the West, but righteousness is this that one should believe in Allah and the last day and the angels and the Book and the prophets
Al-Quran 2:177 (Al-Baqarah)

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Eeman is the first step towards going on the way of righteousness

You take exams in school and college and do your best because you know for sure that this will determine your results (success or failure) which will make you get promoted to the next level. You can not do good if you think that there will be no such thing as result.

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[45. And seek help in patience and As-Salat (the prayer) and truly, it is extremely heavy and hard except for AlKhashi`in.(humble ones)] [46 (They are those) who are certain that they are going to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are going to return.]
Al-Quran 2:45 (Al-Baqarah)

If you are not certain about the day when the results will be out (Day of judgement) it will be too difficult for you to pray salah
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Part 2

but the righteousness is this that . . . .and give away wealth, in spite of love for it (or out of love for Him), to the kinsfolk (relatives), to the orphans, and to Al-Masakin (the poor), and to the wayfarer (traveler), and to those who ask, and to set servants free (to set slaves free), establish AsSalah (IqamAs-Salah), and give the Zakah, and who fulfill their covenant (contract, Promise) when they make it.
Al-Quran 2:177 (Al-Baqarah)
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Allah's statement: and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, refers to those who give money away while desiring it and loving it. (Tafseer ibn Katheer)

HADEETH: It is recorded in the Sahihayn that Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet said: The best charity is when you give it away while still healthy and thrifty, hoping to get rich and fearing poverty.
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There is more that Allah mentions about Al-birr (The Righteousness)

By no means shall you attain Birr (piety, righteousness) unless you spend of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well.
Al-Quran 3:92 (Aal-e-Imran)
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Allah tells us about the characteristics of the righteous persons

Allah said: And they give food, inspite of their love for it, to the Miskin (the poor), the orphan, and the captive (saying): "We feed you seeking Allah's Face only. We wish for no reward, nor thanks from you.'')
Al-Quran 76:8, 9 (Ad-Dahar)

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HADEETH:

Imam Ahmad reported that Anas bin Malik said, "Abu Talhah had more property than any other among the Ansar in Al-Madinah, and the most beloved of his property to him was Bayruha' garden, which was in front of the (Messenger's) Masjid. Sometimes, Allah's Messenger used to go to the garden and drink its fresh water.'' Anas added, "When these verses were revealed, (By no means shall you attain Al-Birr unless You spend of that which you love,) 3:92 (Aal-e-Imran)
Abu Talhah said, `O Allah's Messenger! Allah says, (By no means shall you attain Al-Birr unless You spend of that which you love,) 3:92 (Aal-e-Imran) No doubt, Bayruha' garden is the most beloved of all my property to me. So I want to give it in charity in Allah's cause, and I expect its reward and compensation from Allah. O Allah's Messenger! Spend it where Allah makes you think is feasible. ' On that, Allah's Messenger said, (Well-done! It is profitable property, it is profitable property. I have heard what you have said, and I think it would be proper if you gave it to your kith and kin.) Abu Talhah said, `I will do so, O Allah's Messenger.' Then Abu Talhah distributed that garden among his relatives and cousins. Recorded in Two Sahihs Tafseer ibn katheer
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HADEETH:

Recorded in two sahihs is : `Umar said, "O Messenger of Allah! I never gained possession of a piece of property more precious to me than my share in Khaybar. Therefore, what do you command me to do with it'' The Prophet said, (Retain the land to give its fruits in Allah's cause.)
Tafseer ibn katheer

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Analyze:
Many ways are there to evaluate ourselves to see where we stand in this test but one simple example would be to see what we tend to give in donations . . . The good items or The rejected ones
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Allah says:

O you who believe! Spend of the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it, (though) you would not accept it except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Rich (free of all needs), and worthy of all praise.)
Al-Quran 2:267 (Al-Baqarah)
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Shaytan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha' (immoral/evil deeds) whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself and bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower.

Al-Quran 2:267 (Al-Baqarah)

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Allah's statement:
...and (they) give them preference over themselves even though they were in need of that. Al-Quran (59:9)
This refers to a higher category and status (Ansar), as the people mentioned here give away what they need, while those mentioned in the previous Ayaat 8-9 of Surah Dahar(76) give away what they covet (desire but not necessarily need that). Allah said: And they give food, inspite of their love for it, to the Miskin (the poor), the orphan, and the captive (saying): "We feed you seeking Allah's Face only. We wish for no reward, nor thanks from you. 76:8-9

We must incorporate these feature in ourselves to attain righteousness

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Allah says that the righteousness is of thosewho fulfill their covenant (contract, Promise) when they make it. 2:177
Examples:

Hiring a servant for a term is a contract Doing a job for a term is a contract. Renting a house for a term is a contract

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Part 3

but the righteousness is this that . . . ..and who are patient in extreme poverty and ailment (or in distress and affliction) and at the time of fighting (during the battles or conflicts). Such are the people of the truth and they are AlMuttaqun (the pious).
Al-Quran 2:177 (Al-Baqarah)
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Moral of the Ayaat

We must achieve the real righteousness to seek pleasure of Allah subhanao wa taala instead of just getting indulge into Rituals. One can be a mufti, a hafiz, an Aabid (worshiper) or a scholar but not necessarily a Righteous person without getting the essence of righteousness.

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May Allah forgive us all , our parents, relative and friends for our mistakes.

"There is no God but You, Glorified be You! Truly, I have been of the Zalimin wrongdoers.''
Al-Quran 21:87 (Al-Anbiya)

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