Hadith: Balance in Life and Worship

In our youth, there's always an added sense of enthusiasm in whatever we do. So when a Muslim brother in his youth gives much time in learning the Deen and the ways of The Prophet (S) and the Sahaba (R), he becomes prepared to strive for the cause of Deen and go through any amount of hardship. The spirit of Islam drives away their sleep, they stay up each night in Salat, many fast regularly and keep themselves involved in Deeni works all day. Many young muslim brothers become so much enthusiastic that they lose all sorts of interest in worldly matters like studies, jobs, business, family affairs etc. But it's the Sunnah of The Beloved Prophet (S) to maintain a fine balance between all these things, not to abandon them totally. This can be clearly understood from a beautiful hadith from the Sahih Bukhari:

Anas ibn Malik Radiyallahu Anhu narrates that a group of three (men) came to the house of the wives of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam asking about the worship of Allah by Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. So when they were informed, it seemed less (than their expectation). They said: Where are we, compared to Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam when Allah has forgiven his past and future sins. So one of them said: As for me, I will offer Salat throughout the night forever, and another said: I will fast forever and I will not break my fast. And another said: I will forsake woman, never to marry. Then Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam came to them and said: Are you the ones who have said such and such? Behold. By Allah! Indeed I am the one who fears Allah most amongst you, and the most pious amongst you. Yet (is spite of that) I fast, and break fast, and offer Salat and I sleep (at night) and I marry women, so whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not from me! (Bukhari)

Which is The Right Path?

Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat: The majority of Muslims who adhere to the Holy Prophet (S) and that of His Blessed Companions (R).

The Holy Prophet (S) said,

"My Community will split into seventy-three sects. All of them will be in the fire except one group. They asked: Who are they, O Messenger of Allah? He said: Those that follow my way and that of my companions." (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, al-Darimi)

The Muslim world is now divided into numerous sects or divisions, as predicted in the above mentioned Hadith. But success belongs only to them, who follow the ways of the Prophet Muhammad (S) and His Companions (R). Now, commonly the question arises that almost each and every sect claim that they are the true followers of The Prophet (S) and the Sahaabis (R), and the other sects are not. So under these circumstances, how can we identify which group is following the Right Path? Which one is the only sect which will be saved from the fire? The following Hadiths show us that it is the group or congregation consisting of the majority of Muslims.

1. The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Allah will never allow my Ummah to unite upon misguidance and incorrect beliefs. Allah's mercy, blessings and protection are with the largest group of Muslims. And he who deviates from this largest group of Muslims will be thrown into Hell." (Tirmizi)

2. The Holy Prophet (S) said: "He who deviates from the largest group of Muslims, even as much as a hand span, has himself cut off his connection with Islam". (Abu Dawud)

3. The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Follow the way of the largest group of Muslims! For, he who deviates from this group will be thrown into Hell!" (Ibn Majah)

4. The Holy Prophet (S) said: "In the period prior to the Day of Judgement, false and deceitful groups will emerge. They will say things to you, which neither you nor your forefathers will have ever heard before. Stay away from these deceitful people and do not let them come near you! Do not be misguided by them and do not let them cause strife amongst you!" (Sahih Muslim)

It is also mentioned in the Hadiths that the majority of the Muslims will not agree on a wrong conception:

1. "My Community shall never agree upon misguidance, therefore, if you see divergences, you must follow the greater mass or larger group." (Ibn Majah)

2. "You have to follow the Congregation for verily Allah will not make the largest group of Muhammad's Community agree on error." (Ibn Abi Shayba)

3. "Verily Allah will not make my Community agree on error." (Tirmidhi)

In the current time of deviation and misguidance among Muslims, The Blessed words of The Beloved Prophet (S) show us the Right Path, so that we may save ourselves from being diverted away from the Path to Jannat. These diversions and sects are all conspiracies of Satan, who is always looking to guide us away from Heaven. But Allah Subhanu wa Ta'ala has given us exact directions so that we may not get lost on the way. May Allah keep us among the Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat and may we not stray away from the Right Path. Ameen.

An Eye-Opening Poem

I received this poem on my profile a long time ago. To me it seemed like a real eye-opening poem. I don't know who the author of this poem is, if anybody knows, please drop a comment.

I wonder……………………

If Prophet Muhammad visited you
Just for a day or two,
If he came unexpectedly,
I wonder what you would do?
Oh I know you would give your nicest room,
To such an honored guest,
And you would serve him your very best.

You would be the very best,
Cause you’re glad to have him there,
That serving him in your home
Would be a joy without compare.

But…when you see him coming,
Would you meet him at the door
With your arms outstretched in welcome,
To your visitor?

Or…would you have to change your clothes
before you let him in?
Or hide some magazines and put
The Qur’an where they had been?

Would you still watch those movies,
Or your T.V. set?
Or would you switch it off,
Before he gets upset.

Would you turn off the radio,
And hope he had not heard?
And wish that you did not utter
your last loud hasty word?

Would you hide your worldly music,
And instead take out Hadith books?
Could you let him walk right in,
Or would you rush about?

And I wonder…if the Prophet (saw) spent, a day or two with you,
Would you go on doing the things you always do?
Would you go right on and say the things You always say?
Would life for you continue
As it does from day to day?

Would your family conversations,
Keep up their usual pace?
And would you find it hard each meal,
To say a table grace?

Would you keep up each and every prayer?
Without putting on a frown?
And would you always jump up early,
For Fajr at dawn?

Would you sing the songs you always sing?
And read the book you read?
And let him know the things on which,
Your mind and spirit feed?

Would you take the Prophet with you,
Everywhere you plan to go?
Or, would you maybe change your plans,
Just for a day or so?

Would you be glad to have him meet,
Your very closest friends?
Or, would you hope they stay away,
Until his visit ends?

Would you be glad to have him stay,
Forever on and on?
Or would you sigh with great relief,
When he at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know,
The things that you would do.
If Prophet Muhammad came,
To spend some time with you

Obedience to the Prophet (S) - According to The Holy Quran

For the guidance of all mankind until doomsday, The Almighty Allah has given us The Holy Quran. He has chosen Islam as the lifestyle for mankind, and as a living example of the Islamic life, He has sent the Last Prophet Muhammad (S). We as Muslims believe in this and yet many of us have a wrong conception that following the orders of The Holy Quran is compulsory and following the ways of Muhammad (S) is optional is Islam and a totally separate thing. Well, this conception can only be the result of lack of knowledge about The Holy Quran. Because The Quran itself orders mankind to follow the Last Prophet (S).

In the character of Muhammad (S), Allah Subhanu Wata’ala has poured down all the properties of a perfect human being, a role model which should be followed by every person If he wants peace in this life and the next. In The Holy Quran, Allah says:

“There is indeed a good model for you in the Messenger of Allah – for the one who has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah profusely.”

– Chapter 33- Surah Al-Ahzab:21.

According to the most accepted explanation (tafsir), Maariful Quran, this verse was initially revealed in context of the battle of Ahzab, to remind the hypocrites that they should have followed the example of the Holy Prophet (S) who stood firm in the battle, but by the unique style of The Holy Quran, the direction is given in generic terms to lay down a universal rule that Muslims should follow the ways of their Prophet (S) in all aspects of life.

Elsewhere in The Quran, The Almighty Allah describes the personality of Muhammad (S) as one who always wants only the good for mankind, and wants to save us from all sufferings:

“Surely, there has come to you a Messenger from amongst you, hard on whom is your suffering, for the good of you he craves and for believers he is kind, merciful.”

– Chapter 9 – Surah At-Tauba: 128.

So it is clear that Prophet Muhammad (S) is the role model for mankind.

Now, the following verses explain more clearly, that it is in fact not an option, but an order from Allah to follow Muhammad (S), to do what He tells us, to keep way from what He forbids. Allah Ta’ala says in The Quran :

“Say (O Prophet): “if you do love Allah, follow me; Allah shall love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful.”

Say:”Obey Allah and the Messenger.” Then, should they turn back, Allah does not love the disbelievers.”

- Chapter 3 – Surah Al-Imran: 31, 32.

In the explanation of the above verses, it is stated in Tafsir Maariful Quran : “...In other words, if a person living in the world of today claims that he loves his Creator and Master, then, he must test it on the touch-stone of his obedience to the Messenger, that is, match it against the frequency and quality of where and how he has been following him. Once this is done, the genuine and the fake of it will be exposed right there. How much true a person turns out to be in his claim will be visible from how much he makes it a point to follow the noble Prophet (S), using the guidance brought by him as the guiding force in his life. The same test will show that the weaker a person is in his claim, so equally weak he shall be in his obedience to the Prophet (S).”

In another verse of The Holy Quran, The Almighty Creator states:

“Whoever obeys the Messenger obeys Allah and whoever turns away, then, We did not send you to stand guard over them.”

–Chapter 4 – Surah An-Nisaa: 80.

The meaning of the above verse is as clear as it gets, that following the Prophet (S) and obeying his commands is actually the same as obeying the commands of Allah. Again, turning to Maariful Quran for the explanation: “Here, the obedience to the Prophet (S) has been equated with the obedience to Allah. From this it follows that whoever disobeys the Prophet (S), invariably disobeys the command of Allah. Since, obedience to Allah is obligatory, even rationally – so, obedience to the Prophet (S) also turns out to be equally obligatory. “

In the light of the above stated verses from The Quran and the explanations, there needs to be no further proof for the fact that, it is indeed the command of Allah that we follow the Sunnah of the Messenger (S) of Allah. Our Creator knows best what is best for us, and He has sent the Last Prophet Muhammad (S) as the role model for the entire mankind. So it is nowhere else but in the ways of the Prophet (S) that we can find true success. Henceforth we shall try to renew our efforts to adopt The Sunnah in every aspect of our life. May Allah keep us in the Straight Path. Ameen.

Beautiful Advices

Hazrat Abu Zar (Radhiallahu anhu) related that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) had said to him, "I advise you to fear Allah, as this is the root of all virtues; remain engaged in the recitation of Holy Qur'an and in Zikr of Almighty Allah, which will earn you an appreciation in the Heavens and serve you as a light in this world; keep silent for most of the time, so that you speak nothing but good, as this will keep the devil away from you and make it easy for you to perform your religious duties; abstain also from too much laughing, for laughing weakens the heart and deprives the face of its spiritual glow (radiance); always take part in Jihad as this is the sign of piety for my Ummah; like the poor and keep their company; compare your lot with persons lower than you, and never look up to those higher than you, otherwise you will forget the bounties of Almighty Allah and become ungrateful to Him; try to retain ties with your relatives though they may try to break them; do not hesitate to speak out the truth, though it may be bitter for others; always obey Almighty Allah in spite of adverse criticism; find fault with your own self, and never with others; do not criticize others for the shortcomings that you suffer from. O! Abuzar (Radhiallahu anhu), there is no wisdom better than farsightedness, abstinence from the unlawful is the best act of piety, and good manners constitute true nobility."

(From Fazail-e-A'mal)

Take a look around

Bloodshed has been going on in this world since the beginning, but what's this?All the recent massacres have been going on in the name of Islam? The religion nominated by Allah for the human race, established in return of the sacrifices made by our Prophet Muhammad (S) and His companions.All these terrorism going on in the name of this religion?Worldwide misconceptions about Islam are increasing.People of the world, even Muslims themselves are misunderstanding Islam.Why?Because Muslims are moving away from Deen.We are not doing what we are supposed to do.Muslims are not living the life they are meant to live.
The light of Islam spread across the globe within a very short time.Why? Because of the beautiful character of the muslims.Bewildered by the beautiful behavior of Muhammad(S), the Sahabis(R) and the Awlias, thousands of people dedicated themselves to Islam.
From time to time Nabis and Rasools came to the world to remind the people about their creator.The series of Nabuwat started from Adam(A) and ended with Muhammad(S).Now the duty of spreading Allah's words is upon us, the Ummate Muhammadi.
In the Holy Quran, Allah has emphasized on the importance of calling people towards Allah, commanding people to good deeds and preventing them from forbidden things:

'And whose words can be better than his, who calls (people) towards Allah, and performs good deeds, and says "I am one of those who submit to Allah!" '
'O Muslims! You are the best of peoples, who have been selected for the guidance of mankind; you enjoin them to do good deeds, and prevent them form forbidden things; and you have firm faith in Allah' (Surah Aal-e-Imran:110)

In a lot of other places in The Holy Quran Allah The Almighty has emphasized on the work of spreading Islam and guiding the people in the right path.We are the best ummah, and in Surah Aal-e Imran:110 Allah explains why.It is only because we are the Ummate Muhammadi and our duty is to guide people in Allah's direction.
Muhammad(S) and the Sahabas dedicated their lives guiding people in the righteous path.Muhammad (S) has ordered us to perform this duty again and again.
It is reported by Abu Said Khudri (R) that the Holy Prophet (S) said:

"whoever sees a forbidden thing being done, he should prevent it by the use of his hands; and if he has no capability for this action then he should prevent it with his tongue; and if he cannot do this even, then he should at least consider it a vice in his heart, and this is a very low level of one's Faith."

Hazrat Aishah (R) says: "once the Holy Prophet(S) entered the house and I guessed from his face that something of great importance had occurred. He did not talk to anyone, and after making Wudhu he entered the mosque. I stood behind the wall to hear what he said. He sat at the pulpit and after praising Allah, he said, "O Muslims! Allah has commanded you to call people to good deeds, and prevent them from committing sins; otherwise a time will come when you will pray to Him; but He will not listen to you; you will ask your needs of Him, but He will not grant them; you will demand His help against your enemies, but He will not help you." After saying this, he came down from the pulpit."
Many Hadiths have been reported inspiring Muslims to call people to good deeds and prevent them from forbidden things.

Now let's take a look around us.Sins are being performed all around us.People are disobeying Allah 24/7.Yet what are we doing to stop it? It is the duty of the Muslims to prevent people from forbidden things, but are we performing our duty?In these circumstances, the humiliation and punishment for Muslims is unavoidable.Hazrat Jareer bin Abdullah (R) says "I heard the Messenger of Allah (S) saying: "When a sin is committed before an individual or a group and they do not prevent it, in spite of having the capability, then Allah inflicts a severe punishment on them before their death." " (Targhib)
This Hadith alone is enough to explain the current situation of Muslims around the world.
So there should be no doubt at all, that the Muslims position in the world can only be improved by following The Quran and the Sunnah. It is impossible to achieve success by following ways that are contradictory to the Holy Quran and Sunnah.
So now the Muslims of the world should try to understand the true Islam, we should try to perform the duty of guiding people in Allah's path, the duty that has been bestowed upon us by the allmighty Allah.Only then the world could be a better place to live in.