THE PRESERVATION OF PHARAOH'S BODY

Pharaoh regarded himself as a deity and responded with slanders and threats to Prophet Musa's (as) calls for him to believe in Allah. This arrogant attitude lasted until he was faced with the threat of death through drowning. The Qur'an relates that Pharaoh immediately turned to belief when faced with Allah's punishment:
We brought the tribe of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh and his troops pursued them out of tyranny and enmity. Then, when he was on the point of drowning, he [Pharaoh] said: "I believe that there is no god but Him in Whom the tribe of Israel believes. I am one of the Muslims." (Qur'an, 10:90)
However, this last-minute conversion was not accepted, for it was not sincere. According to the Qur'an, Allah exclaimed:
"What, now! When previously you rebelled and were one of the corrupters? Today we will preserve your body so you can be a Sign for people who come after you. Surely many people are heedless of Our Signs." (Qur'an, 10:91-92)
The information that Pharaoh's corpse would serve as a sign for later generations may be regarded as an indication that his body would not decay. On display in the Royal Mummies Chamber of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a mummified body believed to be that of this tyrant. In all likelihood, Pharaoh's body floated to shore after being drowned, was found and mummified by the Egyptians, and then carried to a previously prepared burial chamber

Who is so called Mohamed Bin Abdul Wahhaab?

Sheikh-ul-Islam, Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhab, was born in 1115 H. in the city of Uyainah, seventy kilometers northwest of Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He belonged to a highly respectable and scholarly family; his father Sheikh Abdul­-Wahhab bin Sulaiman, characterized by his profound scholarship and righteousness, inherited an exalted status from his ancestor Sheikh Sulaiman bin Ali, the chief of the scholars and well versed in teaching, writing and giving verdict.

Sheikh-ul-Islam Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhab -A renowned Reviver and a great Reformer
His Birth and Lineage
Sheikh-ul-Islam, Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhab, was born in 1115 H. in the city of Uyainah, seventy kilometers northwest of Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He belonged to a highly respectable and scholarly family; his father Sheikh Abdul­-Wahhab bin Sulaiman, characterized by his profound scholarship and righteousness, inherited an exalted status from his ancestor Sheikh Sulaiman bin Ali, the chief of the scholars and well versed in teaching, writing and giving verdict.
Education
Sheikh-ul-Islam acquired his primary education from his esteemed father at his native place and was nurtured under his guidance. He was intelligent enough to memorize the Qur'an by heart at the very tender age of ten only. He read the books on Tafseer (exegesis), Hadith and Fiqh. From the very outset, he was greatly interested in studying the works of early scholars, particularly those of Sheikh-­ul-Islam Ibn Taimiyah and his noble disciple Allamah Ibn Qaiyim. He went through all those books and well grasped the contents.
On attaining the age of maturity, he set out to perform Hajj at Makkah and derived benefits from the scholars there. He then proceeded to Al-Madinah, met the learned ones there, and adopted the studentship of two renowned erudite, Sheikh Abdullah bin Ibrahim bin Sa'id Najdi and Sheikh Muhammad Hayat Sindhi for a long period. Out of the curiosity for higher education, he took also the journey to Iraq and Basrah and got himself benefited there.
Condition of Najd
In those days, the people of Najd were badly indulged in polytheistic deeds and un-Islamic practices. They were completely overwhelmed with polytheism. The graves, trees, stones, caves, evil spirits and insane persons were regarded as deities. The baseless stories and tales were ascribed to them to manifest their excellence. The worldly Ulama too had misguided them for the fulfillment of their materialistic lust. The soothsayers and magicians were having their influence over the society.

None could dare challenge their holds on the commoners. Same condition was prevailing in both Makkah and Al-Madinah also. Yemen was also in the same line. Polytheism, erection of structures on the graves, seeking refuge and assistance of the dead, saints and jinns were the common religious features.
Mission of Da'wah
Having studied this pitiable condition of the nation, Sheikh was highly moved. More pitiable was the situation that no one was ready to take trouble to guide the people to the Right Path. It is obvious that to take this task meant to challenge those evildoers who had) their provisions through these practices. It meant to make oneself prepared to face every torture and atrocities from these selfish misguiders and their followers. But Sheikh resolved to make every effort to fight against the circumstances up to the extent of Jihad.

Sheikh started his mission. He invited the people to the Tauhid (Islamic Monotheism) and guided them to the Qur'an and Sunnah. He urged upon Ulama to strictly follow the Qur'an and Sunnah and derive the issues directly from them. He forcibly contradicted the blind following of any scholar of the Ummah in preference to the Qur'an and Hadith.

Sheikh was a man of courage and enthusiasm. He started his preaching, made correspondence with religious scholars inviting them to lend helping hands in eradication of the prevailing absurdities and defilements in religious matters.

A number of scholars from Makkah, Al-Madinah and Yemen accepted his invitation, and supported him. But apart from them, there were also such ignorant and selfish scholars who criticized him and kept themselves aloof.

The so-called learned ones rose against Sheikh as they were being affected by his Da’wah in terms of their worldly gains. Even then he took journey to different places to convey his message to the people given to error. Traveling through Zabir, Ahsa, Huraimala, he reached Uyainah.

Arrival at Uyainah
That was the period when the ruler of Uyainah was Uthman bin Hamd bin Ma'mar. He welcomed Sheikh gladly, and assured him every help in his mission of Islamic Da'wah. Sheikh devoted himself to this great work of reformation for the sake of Allah. He gained the popularity far and wide. People started resorting to him in large numbers. He became engaged in their guidance and teachings.

Sheikh, however, continued his struggle to free the environment from all the defilements and pollutions. There were numerous tombs, graves, caves, trees..etc, which were worshipped by the Muslims. With the help of Amir Uthman bin Ma'mar, most of them were extirpated by Sheikh. He became engaged in purifying the people from polytheistic and heretic rituals in Uyainah and its surroundings.

In the mean time, a woman came to him for her purification from the sin of committing adultery. Investigations- were made as to whether she was mentally sound or not and also that whether she had chose for the punishment under some pressure or voluntarily. When it was confirmed that she was doing that voluntarily out of repentance, Sheikh ordered for the Rajm (to kill by throwing stones-punishment for adultery). Owing to these events ­dismantling of tombs, self-surrendering of the woman for punishment and migration of the people to Uyainah to seek guidance from the Sheikh-the reputation of Sheikh spread far and wide.

Exit from Uyainah and Entrance to Dar'iyah
When the ruler of Al-Ahsa and its surroundings, Sulaiman bin Urai'ar came to know about the popularity of Sheikh among the people, he became afraid of the growing strength of the Sheikh and resolved to crush him at the very outset, lest he should overthrow him from his power. So he threatened Amir Uthman, with whom Sheikh was living, and asked him to kill the Sheikh. Amir Uthman was not in a position to withstand Sulaiman, hence he became panicky. Apprehending that if he disobeyed his order, he would punish him and overpower him, he made Sheikh acquainted with the whole situation and submitted him to migrate to any other place. And Sheikh migrated from Uyainah to Dar'iyah.

The people of Dar'iyah knew the Sheikh very well and they were also aware of his mission. When the ruler of Dar'iyah Amir Muhammad bin Saud came to know about the arrival of the Sheikh in his territory, he was much pleased and visited him at his place. Muhammad bin Saud belonged to a pious family and himself was a practical Muslim. He exchanged his views with Sheikh and was rejoiced to know that his mission aimed to revive Qur'an and Sunnah and the Islamic teachings in its original form; he desired to promote firm belief in the Oneness of Allah and true guidance of Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him)
Pledge to propagate the teaching of Islam
Sheikh described before him the accounts of the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) and his Companions as to how did they strive for the cause of Allah, enduring all the difficulties and making their best efforts with all the sacrifices. Sheikh persuaded the Amir also to the same and assured him of Allah's pleasure in the Hereafter, and His favour and victory in this world. Ibn Saud, being convinced by the Sheikh, agreed with him and promised his full support to him and to his mission, provided when Allah would bless him with victory, he would not leave him. Sheikh also gave his words to this effect, and thus Ibn Saud gave Sheikh his pledge to propagate the teachings of Islam (esp. Tauhid, the Oneness of Allah), mobilize Muslims for Jihad (fighting for the cause of Allah), emphasize adherence to the Sunnah of Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) , enjoin the good deeds and forbid the evils. Sheikh invoked Allah to be his Guide and bless him to be firm in his determination, and to give him every success in this life and the Hereafter.
Dar'iyah, the Centre of Da'wah
At this time Sheikh found himself in a peaceful environment, most suitable for his work of Da'wah. He seized the golden opportunity and started to educate the masses. People of Dar'iyah and its surroundings resorted to him for the lessons in Islam. Amir Muhammad bin Saud presented himself before the Sheikh as one of his students of Islam along with the members of his family. Dar'iyah was crowded with the people visiting for learning. Sheikh started teaching, preaching and inviting people to Allah. He undertook the task of delivering lectures on different branches of knowledge namely, Tauhid (Islamic Monotheism), exposition of Qur'an and Sunnah, knowledge of Fiqh and (May Allah be pleased with him) language etc.

Thus Dar'iyah turned into a centre of learning and Da'wah, and people started migrating to it in a large number.

The concourse of people and far-reaching effect of his mission made him far-famed which rendered his enemies into jealous. They started false propaganda against the Sheikh and even blamed him of blasphemy, and branded him a Zindiq and sorcerer. Sheikh was a man of courage. He did not care for these blames and continued his mission with full enthusiasm. He even debated his opponents in the best manner and in a polite way. This attitude proved very effective and rendered his opponents to be his supporters.

Sheikh, along with his work of Da'wah, planned for Jihad against overwhelming polytheism and heretic ideas and practices, and invited people of all ranks to join in this mission. Delegates from every comer of the Arab Peninsula visited Dar'iyah to pledge their support to Sheikh and to take lesson of true monotheism of Islam. Then they would return back to their areas to teach the same to their people and educate them.

The ruler of Uyainah and the elites took journey to pay visit and requested him to turn back to Uyainah. But Sheikh rejected the proposal. They also pledged to fight for the cause of Islam till their last. Sheikh also sent his disciples to the different regions and countries to preach the teachings of Islam based only on Qur'an and authentic Ahadith of the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him)
Correspondence with Rulers
Sheikh drew the attention of the rulers and the scholars of each region towards the polytheism and heresy in which the people were indulged, and invited them for their eradication. For the purpose, he stepped into correspondence. He wrote letters to the rulers, elites and scholars of Najd, Riyadh, Kharj, towns of the southern region, Qaseem, Hayel, Washm, Sudair etc. He also wrote to the outstanding Ulama of Ahsa, Makkah and Al-Madinah. Outside the Arab Peninsula, he made correspondence to the learned figures of Syria, Iraq, India, and Yemen as well. He maintained his communication with them, explained them the aims and objects of his mission, substantiated the points with Qur'an and Sunnah and invited their attention towards the eradication of absurd and heretical beliefs and practices in the masses.

Sheikh's mission spread far and wide. A large number of scholars and other people throughout India, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, etc. got influenced and attracted towards his Da'wah. They also stood up in their own regions, with a great zeal and enthusiasm, to invite the people towards Allah and to the pure and basic teachings of Qur'an and Sunnah, free from all heresies and misinterpretations.
Death
Sheikh dedicated his whole life for this Da'wah and Jihad with his utmost sincerity and with the help of Muhammad bin Saud and his son Abdul-Aziz, the rulers of Dar'iyah. He breathed his last on the last day of the month of Dhul-Q'adah in 1206 H (1792 A.C).
Impact of Da'wah
As a result of the continued Da'wah, vigorous struggle and Jihad in the way of Allah for a long period of about fifty years from 1158 H to 1206 H. A complete victory over the entire Najd was gained. People abandoned worshipping graves, tombs, shrines, trees etc. and all the more they deserted all of them and practiced the pure faith of Islam. Blind following of the forefathers, ancestors and traditions in vogue was abandoned; and Shari 'ah was revived and established. Obligatory duties were being observed in the light of Qur'an and Sunnah.

A framework for enjoining good deeds and forbidding bad ones was instituted. Mosques began to be visited by people in abundance for performing Salat.

Peace and tranquility prevailed everywhere, in towns as well as in villages. People became safe even in deserts and on lonely ways. The ignorant and notorious bedouins moulded their conduct. The preachers and preceptors were sent to every comer to teach and educate the common people.

Thus a thorough revival of the complete religion came into existence.

After the expiry of Sheikh, his sons, grandsons, disciples and supporters continued the work of Da'wah and Jihad in the way of Allah. Among his sons, the most ardent in these activities were: Sheikh Imam Abdullah bin Muhammad, Sheikh Husain bin Muhammad, Sheikh Ali bin Muhammad and Sheikh Ibrahim bin Muhammad; and among his grandsons were: Sheikh Abdur­Rahman bin Hasan, Sheikh Ali bin Husain, Sheikh Sulaiman bin Abdullah. Apart from them, a large group of his disciples including Sheikh Hamd bin Nasir, scholars from Dar'iyah and others remained continuously engaged in inviting people towards Allah's true religion by writing and publishing books, fighting for the cause of Allah and making correspondence in this regard.
Some of his works
Despite the fact that Sheikh-ul-lslam Muhammad bin Abdul­Wahhab was a reformer and a man of Da 'wah, he still engaged in writing also. His some famous works are as follows:

1. Kitab At-Tawhid

2. Kitab AI-Kabaair

3. Kashf Ash-Shubhat

4. Mukhtasar Seerat Ar-Rasool

5. Masail Al-Jahiliyah

6. Usool Al-Iman

7. Fadail Al-Qur'an

8. Fadail Al-Islam

9. Majmu' Al-Ahadith

10. Mukhtasar Al-Insaf wa Ash-Sharh Al-Kabeer

11. Al-Usool Ath- Thalatha

12. Aadab Al-Mashi ila As-Salat

And others.

Young Maldivian Brothers Please Be Productive

All praise is due to Allaah, the Lord of the first and last, the Sustainer of the heavens and earth. May Allaah exalt the mention of Prophet Muhammad, who was sent as a mercy to all mankind, his family and companions. Have you ever seen a man whose back has become hunched, his hair gray, his steps heavy and his teeth lost? He has difficulty in praying, fasting, eating and drinking He was once a young man like you. He lived the life of young men. He walked, played and entertained himself as young men do. He thought that the days of young age will be long and the strength of youth will last forever.
Today, after he has become old and weak, afflicted with many ailments, he cries over his past. He cries over the time he wasted in vain play and worthless actions. He cries over the strength which has departed him and wishes to regain it so that he would utilize it in the obedience of Allaah. But it is too late. Every new day calls upon the son of Aadam saying, ‘O son of Aadam! I am a new day, and will be a witness to what you do, so take advantage of me, because once I leave I will never come back until the day of Resurrection’.

This man continues to live a life of sorrow and regret. He does not have the power to worship Allaah due to his weakness and age… he wants to pray, but finds it difficult, he wishes to fast, but cannot. Sickness has exhausted him, pain has overwhelmed him and that is why he cries in regret.

Beware of the Hope to Live Long

Dear young man! You may say, 'Why will I wait until I reach this level of weakness? I will repent before that, perhaps at the age of forty or shortly after, which is the age during which men enjoy the best of their health and strength. By then, I will have enjoyed my youth and so, will worship Allaah after that; Allaah is All-Forgiving and All-Merciful, He forgives His slave when he repents, even if he has reached fifty or sixty years of age. As long as the soul of the slave has not reached his throat, Allaah will forgive him.'

Dear brother! In order to show how feeble this plan is, I would like to ask you a question: who has guaranteed you life until thirty or forty years of age? Who can guarantee that you will live until tomorrow? In fact, who can guarantee that you will stand up from where you are now? Do you not know that death strikes suddenly, and that it attacks youth just as it hits the aged?

Did you not see how many young men have died? Did any of them get the chance to repent, or were their deaths delayed until they repented? Did they benefit in their graves from the time that they wasted in sinning? Did they reach the age you want to reach before you repent? Why then do you take the risk and hope to live long enough to repent?

Why do you delay repentance and remain heedless when you know that death comes unexpectedly, “And turn to Allaah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you may succeed.” (An-Noor: 31). The False for hope to live a long life is a form of heedlessness, and it is one of the major dilemmas, because if it was not for this false hope, negligence would not have taken place initially, and it is the reason people commit sins and delay repentance.

An Incompetent Youth

Dear youth! What guarantee do you have that when you do reach forty, you will still enjoy your strength and ability to worship Allaah in the best manner, as you claim? Is it not possible for a twenty or a thirty-year-old young man to be afflicted with diseases, which can incapacitate him and confine him to bed for the rest of his life?

Dear brother! Renew your repentance, perhaps this will save you from punishment, and beware of sinning, because the one who challenges Allaah will fall into destruction.


The Consequence of Delaying

Dear brother! There is another matter which you are unaware of, and that is that delaying does not have a limit. A person may continue to delay repentance until he reaches his grave. If he reaches thirty he would say, I will repent tomorrow, and when he passes forty, he would still postpone his repentance. Every day which passes by makes him grow further away from Allaah, and away from repentance and the way leading to it. Only the determined person repents immediately and shuns sinning.

Dear youth! Beware of delaying and relying heavily and unduly on the forgiveness of Allaah. Indeed Allaah is All-Forgiving, but He is also severe and painful in punishment, “Indeed, the assault (i.e. vengeance) of your Lord is severe.” (Al-Burooj: 12), and also “And thus is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes the cities while they are committing wrong. Indeed, His seizure is painful and severe.” (Hood: 102).
There are usually three reasons behind being relaxed and feeling secure from the wrath of Allaah,

First, being overwhelmed by the immediate joys and pleasures of this world and so a person is blinded by them.

Second, delaying repentance, for if people think, then they would be careful and would not delay it.

Third, having hope in the mercy of Allaah and forgetting that Allaah is also severe in punishment.

A Youth Who Grows Up in Obedience

Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Seven people will be under the shade of (the throne of) Allaah on the Day when there will be no shade but His, … a man who grew up in the obedience of Allaah”.
Dear youth! Do you not want Allaah to protect you with His shade?
Do you not want to receive your record with your right hand and say with joy as Allaah says which means, “So as for he who has given his record in his right hand, he will say, 'Here, read my record! Indeed, I was certain that I would be meeting my account.'” (Al-Haaqqah: 19-20)?
Do you not want to meet the Prophets and Messengers in Paradise?
Do you not want to enjoy the virgins of Paradise?
Do you not want to enjoy looking at the Face of Allaah as says which means, “(Some) faces, that Day, will be radiant, looking at their Lord.” (Al-Qiyaamah: 22-23)?
Do you not want to enjoy pleasure that will last forever?

If you want all that we mentioned, then get ready, think about your destiny and where you are heading, and do not forget that life is short and fleeting.


A Prophetic Advice

Our Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, while advising a man, as narrated by Ibn ’Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, “Take advantage of five things before five other things occur; your youth before you become old, your health before you become sick, your wealth before you become poor, your spare time before you become busy, and your life before death” (Al-Haakim & Al-Bayhaqi).

The Way Islaam Deals with Desires

Dear brother! It is a mistake to think that Islaam absolutely forbids and deprives us from fulfilling our desires and enjoying life, or that it prohibits fun. This is not true. Islaam has allowed fun but it has set certain boundaries for enjoyment to prevent man from becoming enslaved by his desires. Among the many things which Islaam has allowed, and even encouraged within these boundaries, are,

1. Marriage: Islaam has encouraged marriage and made it a means to control desires and a way for love and compassion to develop between the husband and wife, as Allaah says which means “And from His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.” (Ar-Room: 21). Due to the intensity of sexual desire at youth, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam gave them a special advice saying, “O youths! Whoever amongst you has the requirements of marriage, should marry; as it is more effective in lowering the gaze and in curbing lust.” (Al-Bukhaari & Muslim).

There are many benefits to marrying,

• It is a fulfillment of the command of Allaah and following the way of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
• It establishes love, harmony and compassion between spouses.
• It prevents mixing between lineages.
• It preserves chastity and controls desires.
• It increases and strengthens the Muslim population.
• It protects the community against corruption.
• It protects against sexually transmitted diseases, which spread through illicit sexual activities; such prohibited relations can also cause enmity, famine and adversities.

2. Eating and drinking: Allaah permitted us to eat and drink anything which is permissible provided that it is not ill-gotten, other than during the daytime in the month of Ramadhaan and without extravagance. Allaah says what means, "Eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allaah) likes not those who waste by extravagance." (Al-A'raaf: 31).

3. Joking and laughter: The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to laugh and joke, but used only true statements to entertain. Islaam does not allow lying or making fun of others for joy and entertainment. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Woe to the one who lies while talking, in order to make people laugh; woe to him; woe to him.” (Ahmad & At-Tirmithi).

4. Traveling and visitations: This is another allowed matter, on the condition that it does not include sinning, like mixing between men and women, smoking, listening to music and immoral conversations, etc.

5. Sports and exercise: A strong believer is more beloved to Allaah than a weak believer. ‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, ‘Teach your children swimming, archery and horseback riding’. Youth should have good intentions when learning these things, like Jihaad for the sake of Allaah, self-defense and protecting himself, his religion, honor and wealth.


Be productive

Dear youth! We have talked for long enough, so why don’t we start acting? I admit that it is difficult at first, but remember the saying of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, “There are two bounties which people do not give their due thanks (do not utilize properly): health and spare time” (Al-Bukhaari). It is as if you are being addressed by this, because you are in the age of strength and health, and have a lot of time to utilize, so why don’t you take advantage of this time by using it to do what brings you closer to Allaah and benefits you in the Hereafter?


‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, ‘I hate to see man not utilizing his time in something useful for his life in this world or the life in the Hereafter’.

Ibn Shaybaan, may Allaah have mercy on him, said, ‘He who preserves his time and, does not waste it in what displeases Allaah; Allaah will preserve for him his religion and worldly affairs’.

Finally

Dear youth! Remember the following:

• Your life is a capital you posses, so do not waste it in unbeneficial things.
• Be selective in the company you keep and do not befriend evil people.
• Guard your prayers, because they are your rescuers. And do not sleep through the dawn prayer.
• Perform Wudhoo’ even when you find it hard to do so, attend the congregational prayer and spend time in the mosque waiting for the next prayer.
• Rush to the mosque as soon as you hear the call for prayer.
• Fast optional voluntary fasts, as they are a protection for you in your youth.
• Get yourself used to spending in charity because relieves it you from many hardships.
• Rush to perform Hajj. And remember that performing one ‘Umrah after another is an expiation of the minor sins between them.
• Recite a portion from the Qur’aan daily.
• Exaggerate in remembrance and supplication to Allaah, because Allaah loves those who remember Him and supplicate to Him.
• Read the biography of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and his companions to take from their qualities.
• Attend sessions of knowledge, because seeking knowledge is an obligation.
• Be humble because arrogant people will not be admitted in Paradise.
• Obey your parents, because rebellious people will not enter Paradise.
• Avoid music and singing, because their love and the love of the Qur’aan can never be combined in one heart. So choose for yourself.
• Lower your gaze, as it is the action of the pious.

May Allah Bless You

Asst Police Commissioner dismissed bec of wearing a Jubbaa!

No comments pls!

Inthizaaruga Waiting

Islamic Affairs Minister dumbfounded by Maumoon’s words

Former President Maumoon does not seem to have anything on the horizon, but counterattacks against his comments on the media during the last week. Latest rebuff comes from Dr. Abdul Majeed Abdul Baari, Minister of Islamic Affairs, who has said that he is dumbfounded by former President Maumoon’s comments that the Islamic Affairs Minister and his senior aides had criticized President Nasheed for his failure to protect the Islamic faith of the country
Islamic Affairs Minister also said that the religious scholars under President Nasheed’s administration yields more power and authority than they had even dreamt of in Maumoon’s reign.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Minister implied that it is not Maumoon’s spirit of upholding Islamic faith in the country which had spared President Maumoon from his senior religious officials criticizing him, but his tight control over his scholars. Dr. Majeed also said that even when there were better scholars than Maumoon in his government, they had been not allowed to speak their minds. Dr. Majeed, who also had first-hand experience for working under previous administration, also said that Maumoon had asked to dissolve the radio/TV show itself, if any scholar had said anything which President Maumoon disapproved in those shows.

Unlike the previous administration, Dr. Majeed said that Ministers are given freedom to speak and act on their conscience and that the President Nasheed accepts the advice being offered by his ministers.

“President Nasheed does not dictate his Ministers. Now we are free to act as how we see fit. He does not ask us to do anything on a certain way, and if we find anything going wrong that’s being corrected when we ask him to do so. I think that’s quite different from how it used to be in Maumoon’s reign. Back then Maumoon used knows everything on Islam that he wouldn’t even listen to other scholars who might disagree with him. If a scholar becomes too critical he will be sidelined” he said.

Speaking further he said “Sheikh Mohamed Rasheed Ibrahim once said that the women have to cover their entire body except palm and face in a TV programme. Maumoon ordered to stop that programme because apparently Maumoon interpreted Sheikh’s comments as an insult to Maumoon’s family. The next day Sheikh Rasheed asked me if he had said anything wrong and I said he hasn’t. That’s how it used to be back then. But now President Nasheed had given a mandate and flexibility to implement it. And above all, unlike Maumoon, President Nasheed does not use Islam as a political weapon” Dr. Majeed said.

Dr. Majeed is a graduate of Medina University and a PHD holder in Quranic Sciences. He had also served as a Director at the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs and as the Rector of the Faculty of Quran, under President Maumoon’s government.

Article from Miadhu Daily

Moving the finger during Tashahhud

I've seen people move their finger up and down during tashahud. Is this Sunna?.
Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

It is proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to point with his index finger and move it during the tashahhud when praying.

The scholars differed concerning that and there are several points of view.

1 – The Hanafis say that the finger should be raised when saying “Laa (no)” in the phrase “Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allaah (I bear witness that there is no god except Allaah)” and it should be lowered when saying, “ill-Allaah (except Allaah).”

2 – The Shaafa’is say that it should be raised when saying “ill-Allaah.”

3 – The Maalikis say that it should be moved right and left until one finishes the prayer.

4 – The Hanbalis say that one should point with the finger when saying the name of Allaah, without moving it.

Shaykh al-Albaani (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: There is no basis for any of these definitions and manners in the Sunnah. The closest of them to the correct view is the Hanbali view, were it not that they limited raising the finger to when saying the name of Allaah.

Tamaam al-Minnah, p. 223.

Secondly:

With regard to the evidence concerning this issue:

(a) It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-Zubayr said: When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sat during the prayer, he would place his left foot between his thigh and calf, and tuck his right foot underneath him, and place his left hand on his left knee, and place his right hand on his right thigh, and point with his finger.

Narrated by Muslim, 579.

In al-Nasaa’i (1270) and Abu Dawood (989) it says: “He used to point with his finger when making du’aa’ but he did not move it.”

This addition – “but he did not move it” – was classed as da’eef by Ibn al-Qayyim in Zaad al-Ma’aad, 1/238. It was also classed as da’eef by al-Albaani in Tamaam al-Minnah, p. 218.

(b) It was narrated that Waa’il ibn Hajar said: I said: I will certainly watch how the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prays. So I watched him and he stood up and said takbeer (“Allaahu akbar”), and raised his hands until they were level with his ears. Then he placed his right hand on his left hand, wrist and lower forearm. When he wanted to bow, he raised his hands likewise, and put his hands on his knees, and when he raised his head he raised his hands likewise. Then he prostrated and put his hands level with his ears, then he sat with his left foot tucked underneath him and put his left hand on his left thigh and knee, and he put the edge of his right elbow on his right thigh. Then he held two of his fingers and made a circle, then he raised his forefinger and moved it, making du’aa’ with it.

Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 889; classed as saheeh by Ibn Khuzaymah, 1/354; Ibn Maajah, 5/170; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 367.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen quoted this hadeeth – “moving it, making du’aa’ with it” – as evidence that moving the forefinger during the tashahhud should be done with every phrase of the du’aa’. He said in al-Sharh al-Mumti’:

The Sunnah indicates that he should point with it when making du’aa’, because the wording of the hadeeth is “moving it, making du’aa’ with it”. So every time you make du’aa’, move your finger thus indicating the exalted nature of the One to Whom you are addressing your du’aa’s. So we say:

“Al-salaamu ‘alayka ayyuha’l-Nabiyyu (peace be upon you, O Prophet)” – you should point your finger because this salaam is a kind of du’aa’. “Al-salaamu ‘alayna (peace be upon us)” – you should point your finger. “Allaahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad (O Allaah, send blessings upon Muhammad)” – you should point your finger. “Allaahumma baarik ‘ala Muhammad) O Allaah, send blessings upon Muhammad)” – you should point your finger. ‘A’oodhu Billaahi min ‘adhaab jahannam (I seek refuge with Allaah from the torment of Hell)” – you should point your finger. “Wa min ‘adhaab al-qabr (and from the torment of the grave)” – you should point your finger. “Wa min fitnat il-mahya wa’l-mamaat (and from the trials of life and death)” – you should point your finger. “Wa min fitnat il-maseeh il-dajjaal (and from the tribulation of the Dajjaal) – you should point your finger. Every time you make du’aa’ you should point your finger, indicating the greatness of the One to Whom you are making du’aa’. This is closer to the Sunnah. End quote.

Thirdly:

It is Sunnah when pointing to look at your finger.

Al-Nawawi said:

The Sunnah is not to let your gaze go beyond the pointing finger. There is a saheeh hadeeth concerning this in Sunan Abi Dawood. You should point in the direction of the qiblah and intend when pointing to affirm the Oneness of Allaah and exclusive devotion to Him.

Sharh Muslim, 5/81.

The hadeeth to which al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) referred is the hadeeth of ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-Zubayr quoted above. The version narrated by Abu Dawood is (989): “And he should not let his gaze go beyond his pointing finger.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.

Fourthly:

It is Sunnah to point with it towards the qiblah.

It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar that he saw a man moving pebbles with his hand whilst he was praying. When he finished, ‘Abd-Allaah said to him: “Do not move pebbles whilst you are praying, for that comes from the Shaytaan. Rather do what the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to do. He put his right hand on his thigh and pointed with the finger that is next to the thumb towards the qiblah, and he fixed his gaze on it.” Then he said: “This is what I saw the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) doing.” Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 1160; Ibn Khuzaymah, 1/355; Ibn Hibbaan, 5/273. classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.

Fifthly:

Bending the finger slightly when pointing was mentioned in the hadeeth of Numayr al-Khuzaa’i, narrated by A u Dawood, 991, and al-Nasaa’i, 1275.

But this is a da’eef (weak) hadeeth.

See Tamaam al-Minnah by al-Albaani p. 222.

And Allaah knows best.


Islam Q&A

“Atta-hiyyatu lillahi was-salawatu wat-tayyibatu as-salamu’alaika ayyuh-an-Nabbiyu wa rahmat-ullahi wa barakatuhu, As-salamu ‘alai-na wa ‘ala’Ibadullahi-is-Salihin.
Ash-hadu an-la-Ilaha ill-Allah Wa ash hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluh.”

“Our salutations, our prayers and all pure things are for Allah. Salutation to you O Prophet and Mercy and Blessing of Allah. Peace be on us and on all pious servants of Allah. I testify that there is no god save Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is the servant and messenger of Allah”.

How to be a Good Wife?

HERE ARE THE TIPS ON 'HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL WIFE'
1. USE YOUR 'FITNAH' (BEAUTY AND OVERTURES OF ALLUREMENT) TO WIN THE HEART OF YOUR HUSBAND.
All women have the ornaments that Allah blessed them with. Use the beauty Allah - Azza wa Jal - has bestowed you with to win the heart of your husband.
2. WHEN YOUR HUSBAND COMES HOME, GREET HIM WITH A WONDERFUL GREETING.
Imagine your husband coming home to a clean house, an exquisitely dressed wife, a dinner prepared with care, children clean and sweet smelling, a clean bedroom - what would this do to his love for you? Now imagine what the opposite does to him.
3. REVIEW THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HOOR AL-AYN AND TRY TO IMITATE THEM
The Qur'an and Sunnah describe the women in Jannah with certain characteristics. Such as the silk they wear, their large dark eyes, their singing to their husband, etc. Try it, wear silk for your husband, put Kohl in your eyes to 'enlarge' them, and sing to your husband.
4. ALWAYS WEAR JEWELLERY AND DRESS UP IN THE HOUSE.
From the early years, little girls have adorned themselves with earrings and bracelets and worn pretty dresses - as described in the Qur'an. As a wife, continue to use the jewellery that you have and the pretty dresses for your husband.
5. JOKE AND PLAY GAMES WITH YOUR HUSBAND.
A mans secret: they seek women who are light-hearted and have a sense of humour. As Rasul Allah - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam - told Jabir to marry someone who would make him laugh and he would make her laugh.
6. THANK YOUR HUSBAND CONSTANTLY FOR THE NICE THINGS HE DOES. THEN THANK HIM AGAIN.
This is one of the most important techniques, as the opposite is a characteristic of the women of hellfire.
7. AN ARGUMENT IS A FIRE IN THE HOUSE. EXTINGUISH IT WITH A SIMPLE 'I'M SORRY' EVEN IF IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT.
When you fight back, you are only adding wood to the fire. Watch how sweetly an argument will end when you just say sincerely, "Look, I'm sorry. Let's be friends."
8. ALWAYS SEEK TO PLEASE YOUR HUSBAND, FOR HE IS YOUR KEY TO JANNAH.
Rasul Allah - sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam - taught us that any women who dies in a state where her husband is pleased with her, shall enter Jannah. So .. please him.
9. LISTEN AND OBEY!
Obeying your husband is Fard! Your husband is the Ameer of the household. Give him that right and respect.
10. MAKE DUA TO ALLAH TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIP SUCCESSFUL.
All good things are from Allah. Never forget to ask Allah ta'ala for the blessing of having a successful marriage that begins in this Dunya and continues on - by the Mercy of Allah ta'ala - into Jannah.

Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab – a reformer concerning whom many malicious lies have been told

Why is so much of what is said about Shaykh al-Islam Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab so hostile, and why are his followers called Wahhabis?.
Praise be to Allaah.

You should note that one of the ways in which Allaah deals with His chosen slaves is to test them according to the level of their faith, to show who is sincere and who is not. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Alif-Laam-Meem.

[These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’aan, and none but Allaah (Alone) knows their meanings.]

2. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: ‘We believe,’ and will not be tested.

3. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allaah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allaah knows all that before putting them to test)”

[al-‘Ankaboot 29:1-3]

Those who are most severely tested are the Prophets, then the next best and the next best, as it says in the saheeh hadeeth of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

If you study the seerah (biography) of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), you will see that he went through severe tests; he was even accused of being a liar, a sorcerer and a madman; garbage and filth were thrown on his back; he was expelled from Makkah; and his feet bled in al-Taa’if. This was the situation of all the Prophets who were rejected before him (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

Shaykh al-Islam Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab (may Allaah have mercy on him) suffered the same as other sincere scholars and daa’iyahs, but in the end the message of truth that he brought prevailed. How could it be otherwise? How could the light of truth be extinguished? Think about this man and how Allaah helped him to sow the seeds of Tawheed throughout the Arabian Peninsula and put an end to all kinds of shirk. If this indicates anything, it indicates that he was sincere in his call and made sacrifices for that cause as far as we can tell, and of course his efforts were supported and helped by Allaah.

But the enemies of this call have spared no effort to make false accusations concerning it. They claimed – falsely – that the Shaykh claimed to be a prophet, and that he did not respect the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) properly, and that he condemned all the ummah as kaafirs… and other fabrications and lies that were told about him. Anyone who examines these claims will realize for sure that they are all lies and fabrications. The books of the Shaykh which are widely circulated bear the greatest witness to that, and his followers who answered his call never mentioned anything to that effect. If the matter were as they claim, his followers would have conveyed the same ideas, otherwise they would have been disloyal to him. If you want to know more details about this and to clarify the matter, you should read the book Da’aawa al-Manaawi’een li Da’wah al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab by Dr ‘Abd al-‘Azeez al-‘Abd al-Lateef, which will answer all your questions, if Allaah wills.

With regard to calling his followers Wahhaabis, this is just another in a long series of fabrications made up by the enemies of his call, to divert people away from the call of truth and to place a barrier between his call and the people so that the call will not reach them. If you study the story of how al-Tufayl ibn ‘Amr al-Dawsi (may Allaah be pleased with him) became Muslim, you will see the parallels with what happened in the case of Imam Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab.

Ibn Hishaam narrated in his Seerah (1/394) that al-Tufayl set out towards Makkah, but Quraysh intercepted him at the gates of the city and warned him against listening to Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). They made him think that he was a sorcerer who could cause division between man and wife… they kept on at him until he took some cotton and put it in his ears. Then when he saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), he thought to himself that he would take out the cotton and listen to him, and if what he said was true then he would accept it from him, and if he what he said was false and abhorrent, he would reject it. When he listened to him, all he could do was become Muslim on the spot.

Yes, he became Muslim after putting cotton in his ears. Those who oppose the call of Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab fabricated lies the same way Quraysh did. Quraysh understood full well that the call of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had the power to reach people’s hearts and minds, so they exaggerated in their lies about the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in an attempt to stop the truth reaching people. Similarly we see that those who speak against Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab and his followers repeat the same lies that were told against the original call.

You should – if you follow the truth – not pay any attention to these lies and fabrications. You should look for the truth of the matter by reading the books of Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhaab, for his books are the greatest proof that these people are lying, praise be to Allaah.

There is another subtle point that should be noted, which is that the Shaykh’s name was Muhammad, the attributive of which is Muhammadi. The word Wahhabi is the attributive derived from al-Wahhaab (the Bestower), who is Allaah, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower [al-Wahhaab]”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:8]

As al-Zajjaaj said in Ishtiqaaq Asma’-Allaah, p. 126, al-Wahhaab “is the One Who gives a great deal. This form (fa’’aal) in Arabic is indicative of something that is done to a great extent. Allaah is al-Wahhaab (the Bestower) Who gives to His slaves one after another.”

Undoubtedly the path of al-Wahhaab is the path of truth in which there is no crookedness or fabrication, and His party is the one that will prevail. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And whosoever takes Allaah, His Messenger, and those who have believed, as Protectors, then the party of Allaah will be the victorious”

[al-Maa’idah 5:56]

“They are the party of Allaah. Verily, it is the party of Allaah that will be the successful”

[al-Mujaadilah 58:22]

Long ago they accused al-Shaafa’i of being a Raafidi (Shi’ah) and he refuted them by saying:

“If being a Raafidi means loving the family of Muhammad, then let the two races (of mankind and the jinn) bear witness that I am a Raafidi.”

We refute the claims of those who accuse us of being Wahhabis by quoting the words of Shaykh Mullah ‘Imraan who was a Shi’i but Allaah guided him to the Sunnah. He said:

“If the follower of Ahmad [the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)] is a Wahhaabi, then I affirm that I am a Wahhaabi

I reject the association of any other with Allaah, for I have no Lord except the Unique, the Bestower (al-Wahhaab)

Those who were called by the Prophet accused him of being a sorcerer and a liar.”

(See: Manhaaj al-Firqat al-Naajiyah by Shaykh Muhammad Jameel Zayno, p. 142-143.
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A

DOES ISLAM PROMOTE VIOLENCE?

Question:
Doesn’t Islam promote violence, bloodshed and brutality since the Qur’an says that Muslims should kill the kuffar where ever they find them?

Answer:
A few selected verses from the Qur’an are often misquoted to perpetuate the myth that Islam promotes violence, and exhorts its followers to kill those outside the pale of Islam.
1. Verse from Surah Taubah
The following verse from Surah Taubah is very often quoted by critics of Islam, to show that Islam promotes violence, bloodshed and brutality:
"Kill the mushriqeen (pagans, polytheists, kuffar) where ever you find them."
[Al-Qur’an 9:5]
2. Context of verse is during battlefield
Critics of Islam actually quote this verse out of context. In order to understand the context, we need to read from verse 1 of this surah. It says that there was a peace treaty between the Muslims and the Mushriqs (pagans) of Makkah. This treaty was violated by the Mushriqs of Makkah. A period of four months was given to the Mushriqs of Makkah to make amends. Otherwise war would be declared against them. Verse 5 of Surah Taubah says:
"But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is oft-forgiving, Most merciful."
[Al-Qur’an 9:5]
This verse is quoted during a battle.
3. Example of war between America and Vietnam
We know that America was once at war with Vietnam. Suppose the President of America or the General of the American Army told the American soldiers during the war: "Wherever you find the Vietnamese, kill them". Today if I say that the American President said, "Wherever you find Vietnamese, kill them" without giving the context, I will make him sound like a butcher. But if I quote him in context, that he said it during a war, it will sound very logical, as he was trying to boost the morale of the American soldiers during the war.
4. Verse 9:5 quoted to boost morale of Muslims during battle
Similarly in Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 5 the Qur’an says, "Kill the Mushriqs where ever you find them", during a battle to boost the morale of the Muslim soldiers. What the Qur’an is telling Muslim soldiers is, don’t be afraid during battle; wherever you find the enemies kill them.
5. Shourie jumps from verse 5 to verse 7
Arun Shourie is one of the staunchest critics of Islam in India. He quotes the same verse, Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 5 in his book ‘The World of Fatwahs’, on page 572. After quoting verse 5 he jumps to verse 7 of Surah Taubah. Any sensible person will realise that he has skipped verse 6.
6. Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 6 gives the answer
Surah Taubah chapter 9 verse 6 gives the answer to the allegation that Islam promotes violence, brutality and bloodshed. It says:
"If one amongst the pagans ask thee for asylum,grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure that is because they are men without knowledge."
[Al-Qur’an 9:6]
The Qur’an not only says that a Mushriq seeking asylum during the battle should be granted refuge, but also that he should be escorted to a secure place. In the present international scenario, even a kind, peace-loving army General, during a battle, may let the enemy soldiers go free, if they want peace. But which army General will ever tell his soldiers, that if the enemy soldiers want peace during a battle, don’t just let them go free, but also escort them to a place of security?
This is exactly what Allah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur’an to promote peace in the world.
Reference: Dr Zakir Naik Most Common Questions Asked by Non Muslims and Muslims who have some knowledge of Islam