Virtues of Zam Zam Water

The water of Zam-Zam has countless of virtues and it is extremely pure and clean. It is the most blessed and purest of all waters on earth.

Allama Taahir Karwi, writes in this regard:

  1. The inception of this well was owing to Hadhrat Ismaeel (alaihimus salaam) and his mother Hadhrat Haajira (R.A).
  2. Its coming into existence was owing to the intervention of Hadhrat Jibraeel (alaihis salaam).
  3. Its position is upon the most blessed place on earth, i.e. near the Kaaba Shareef and within the Haram.
  4. This well is surrounded by three such sacred places, viz. Hajre Aswad, Safa and Marwah which grants it virtue (over all other wells).’
  5. This is such blessed water, from which Prophets, Pious and Allaah-fearing people have drank.
  6. This such a pure water, with which, Hadhrat Jibraeel (alaihis salaam) bathed the pure heart of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam).
  7. This water also has this virtue that Rahmatul lil ‘ Aalameen, Muhammad Mustafa (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), twice rinsed his blessed mouth in the bucket of its well, thereby granting it the virtue of having the effect of his Mubarak mouth.
  8. The world over, this is such a blessed water, that it has been praised by the most Truthful of all the truthful people (sallallahu alaihi wasallam).
  9. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) requested this water from Makkah Mukarramah, whilst he was stationed in Madinah Munawwarah.
Narrations, Incidents and Ahaadith on Zam- Zam
  1. It is reported from Hadhrat Jaabir (radhiayallahu anhu) that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaihi wasallarn) said: “That person who has completed seven Tawaafs of the Kaaba Shareef, then he performs 2 Rakaats Salaat behind the Maqaam-e-Ebrahim, and he has a drink of the water of Zam-Zam, all his sins will be forgiven.” (Tafseer Waahidi]
  2. Nabi Kareem (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: “The water of Zam- Zam has a cure for all ailments. ” [Dailami]
  3. Hadhrat Abdullaah lbn Abbaas (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Nabi(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: “The water of Zam-Zam is the best water on the surface of the earth.”
  4. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: “The stomach of a believer is satiated with the water of Zam-Zam, and the stomach of a Munaafiq is not satiated.” It is as though this is a sign of hypocrisy.
  5. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: “For whatever object Zam-Zam is drunk, that object will definitely be fulfilled. If one drinks it with the purpose of being cured, then Allaah Ta’ala will grant cure for the drinker, or if one drinks it for his thirst to be removed then Allaah Ta’ala will remove his thirst. Because it is the well of Jibraeel (alaihi salaam), and with it Allaah Ta’ala quenched the thirst of Hadhrat Ismaeel (alaihi salaam).
  6. Once Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) came to the well of Zam-Zam. A bucket was taken out for him. Rasullullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) drank from it, and he rinsed his mouth therein. It is reported in another narration that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) washed his blessed face therein and rinsed his mouth. It is reported that Hadhrat Abbaas (radhiayallahu anhu) took out the bucket for Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam).
  7. It is reported from Hadhrat Abdullaah Ibn Abbaas(radhiyallaahu anhu) that Rasulullah(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: “Fever is from the fire of Jahannam, hence cool it off with the water of Zam-Zam. “
  8. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: “Gazing upon five things is also an lbaadat,- The Qur’aan Majeed, Kaaba Shareef, one’s parents, the face of an Aalim and Zam-Zam. To look upon Zam-Zam, one’s sins are forgiven.”
  9. Hadhrat Ali (radhiayallahu anhu) reports that amongst all the cities, two cities are the best. Makkah Mukarramah, and that city, wherein Hadhrat Aadam (alaihis salaam) came down. Two cities are the worst; ‘Ahqaaf’ and ‘Hazre Maut’. The best well is that of Zam-Zam and the worst is ‘Barhowt’, wherein the bodies of the Kuffaar were thrown.
  10. It is reported from Ibn Jareej that the best water on earth is the water of Zam-Zam, and the worst water is the water of the well of Barhowt, which is situated in the valley of Hazre Maut.
  11. It is reported frorn Hadhrat Abdullaah Ibn Abbaas (radhiyallahu anhu): “Perform Salaat in the place of the chosen ones and drink from the drink of the pious.” He was asked; “What is the Prayer- place of the chosen ones?” He replied: “Below the Mezaab-e- Rahmat (below the water out-let in the Harem).” He was asked about the drink of the pious, to which he replied; ‘The water of Zam-Zam.”
  12. Abdul Aziz bin Rawaad says that there was once a pious shepherd, who drank from Zam-Zam whenever thirst overcame him. He would derive therefrom the taste, pleasure and effects of milk. When he took from the water of Zam-Zam for wudhu for Salaat, then he would get the effects of water.
  13. Sheikh-ul-islaam Siraajud Deen Balqini (rahmatullahi alaih) mentions that the water of Zam-Zam is even more virtuous than the water of Kauther, because the blessed heart of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was washed in this water, and it is not possible that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) heart be washed except with the best of waters.
  14. It is reported in one narration that the person in whose stomach enters the water of  Zam-Zam, will never enter jahannum, because the Fire and Zam-Zam can never be in one and the same place.
  15. It is reported from Hadhrat Abdullaah Bin Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) that the water in the well of Zam-Zam which comes from the direction of Hajre Aswad is actually a spring from Jannat.
  16. Sayyidinah Abu Zarr Ghifaari (radhiyallahu anhu) reports the incident of his acceptance of Islaam, when he came to Makkah, thus: “When I heard of the announcement of Nabuwwat of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), then I went to Makkah, and enquired about him(sallallahu alaihi wasallam). The people attacked me, with the result I fell down unconscious. When I regained consciousness, I ran to the Kaaba Shareef and hid behind the Ghilaaf. At times during the night I saw Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) making Tawaaf of the Kaaba, and I even made Salaam to him. Once, Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) asked me when I had come here. I replied that it has been thirty days since my arriving there. He asked me who was supplying me with food; I replied that besides the water of Zam-Zam, I had no other source of nourishment. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) replied that surely this was blessed and it was the best food of all foods.”
  17. Hadhrat Rabaah reports from Hadhrat Aswad: “He mentions that once such a stage passed him while in Makkah that for three days he had no food. He spent his time at the well of Zam-Zam, drinking therefrom. He says that he derived the pleasure and effects of milk from this water “
  18. Mufti Abu Bakr Umar Ma’roof Shaneeni, who was frorn amongst the top Ulama of Yemen, states that a person was afflicted with a serious illness. His illness took a bad turn. He went to a doctor, who turned hirn away due to the very serious nature of the illness, and said that this person had no rnore than three days to live. When the patient heard this, it was as tough the earth beneath him had opened up. He turned away thoroughly dejected. Allaah Ta’ala placed this thought in his mind that why should he not drink from the water of Zam-Zam, because Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said that it was a water which had Shifaa (cure). With this intention he left Yemen and arrived in Makkah. He drank Zam-Zam water to his fill. He felt that something was breaking in his stomach. Immediately he left the Haram and went to relieve himself. He had a bout of diarrhea. He went and drank Zam-Zam water for a second time and again had a bout of diarrhea. He stayed for a few days in Makkah. After Allaah Ta’ala had granted him cure, he returned to his home country and presented himself before the doctor. The doctor was surprised and asked him if he was the very same person who had the certain disease. He replied in the affirmative. The doctor asked him what medicine he had used. He indicated that he had been cured through the Barkat of the water of Zam- Zam.
  19. In the same way a blind person drank from the water of Zam-Zam and put some on his eyes. Allaah Ta’ala granted his sight.
  20. Allama Zahni states in ‘Tabqaat’ that when Sheikh Khatieb Saghdaadi went for Haj, then he drank thrice from the well of Zam-Zam, and he asked Allaah Ta’ala for three of his needs. Allaah Ta’ala fulfilled all three of his needs through the Barkat of Zam-Zam.
  21. Allama Taajudeen Subki (rahmatullahi alaih) writes in ‘Tabqaat’:  “Allama Muhammad Bin Ishaq Bin Khuzaima was asked: ‘Where did you attain such heights in knowledge?’ he replied that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said that for whatever purpose the water of Zam-Zam is drunk, that will be fulfilled. Hence, he says, he drank it with the du’aa of acquiring knowledge, and Allaah Ta’ala fulfilled his desire. “
  22. Sheikhul lslaam Ibn Hajar (rahmatullahi alaih) states that when he was still a student of Hadith when he drank Zam-Zam and made du’aa that Allaah Ta’ala make him an excellent Haafiz of Hadith like Allama Zahri. He says that 20 years later he made Hajj, and he felt that Allaah Ta’ala had granted him progress in his knowledge. He says that he made a du’aa then, that Allaah Ta’ala grant him higher stages in rank. He said that he had hope Allah Ta’ala will surely fulfill that duaa.

Source: History & Virtues of Zam Zam

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.com

Virtues of Performing Hajj

Hazrat Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(Sallallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said: “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall remain from it as free from sin as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.’
Hazrat Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said: “Verily there shall be no reward for a righteous pilgrimage except Jannah
Hazrat Ayesha(radhiyallahu anha) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafaat. And on that day Allah draws near to the earth and by way of exhibiting His pride remarks to the Angels: “What is the desire of these servants of mine.”
“Hazrat Talhaa(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: “Apart from the day of the battle of Badr there is no day on which the Shaytaan is seen more humiliated, more rejected. More depressed and more infuriated, than on the day of Arafaat, and indeed all that is only because of beholding the abundance of descending mercy (on that day) and Allah’s forgiveness of the great sins of the servants“. (Mishkaat)
Hazrat Ibn Shimaastah(radhiyallahu anhu) reports we were present around Hazrat Amr Ibn al-Aas(radhiyallahu anhu) before he passed away. He cried for a long time and then related the story of his embracing Islam. He said: “When Allah caused Islam to enter my heart, I came to Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and said: ‘O messenger of Allah, put forth your hand that I may swear allegiance. ‘When Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) stretched forth his hand, I withheld mine. Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) inquired: “What troubles you ‘O Amr?” I said: I went to make a condition that Allah shall forgive my previous sins”. Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) replied: ‘O Amr, do you then not know that Islam washes away all sins committed in disbelief, and that the Hijrat (migration) washes away all sins committed before Hajj?”
Hazrat Sahl bins Sa’ad(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: “When a Muslim shouts Labbaik, then verily every stone, tree and all the ground to his right and to his left recites the same, and this continues till that cry reaches the end of the earth“.
Hazrat Abu Moosa(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “The Hajji shall intercede on behalf of four hundred families or he said four hundred people from his family, and verily does he return from Hajj (sinless) as on the day his mother gave birth to him.”
Hazrat Ibn Umar(radhiyallahu anhu) report that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “When you meet a Hajji (on his way home) then greet him, shake hands with him and ask him to beg forgiveness of Allah on your behalf before he enters his home, for his prayer for forgiveness is accepted since he is forgiven by Allah for his sins.”
Hazrat Buraidah (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “The expenses incurred during Hajj is like that incurred in Jihaad; rewarded seven hundred times.”
Hazrat Jaabir(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “A Hajji never becomes poor and destitute.”
Hazrat Aayesha (radhiyallahu anha) reports that she once sought permission from Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) to go for Jihaad. Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: “You Jihaad is Hajj.”
Hazrat Ibn Abbaas(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “Whoever desires to perform Hajj, should hasten towards performing it.”
Hazrat Abu Hurairah(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: “Whoever sets forth in a journey to perform Hajj and passes away on route, for him shall be written the reward of a Haaji until the day of Qiyaamah; and whoever sets forth to perform Umrah and passes away on route, for him shall be written the reward of a Mu’tamir until Qiyaamah; and whoever sets forth on a journey to fight in the way of Allah and passes away on route, for him shall be written the reward of a Mujaahid until the day of Qiyaamah.”
Hazrat Ibn Abbaas(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that a Sahabiyah (a Muslim lady who saw Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) once said to Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam): “O Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam), the obligation of Hajj has come at a time now when my father is a very old and weakly man. He is unable to remain seated on a camel (or horse). Can I then proceed to perform Hajj on his behalf?”
Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: “Yes, you can.”
Another Sahabi(radhiyallahu anhu) also came with a similar request: “O Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam), my sister made vow that she would perform Hajj. Now she has passed away. What should we do?”
Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: “Should she have passed away while she owed someone something, would you have settled that debt?”
The man replied: “Yes indeed.”
Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said: “This is a debt due to Allah. Settle it.” (Mishkaat)
Hazrat Jaabir(radhiyallahu anhu) reports: “Verily Allah causes three people to enter into Paradise through one Hajj; The deceased, (on whose behalf this Hajj is being performed) the Haaji performing it and he (the heir or others) who makes possible its performance (by financial aid).”
Source: Virtues of Haj

Virtues of Madinah – pt2

 

Madinah

Narrated Zaid bin Thabit(radhiyallahu anhu): When the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) went out for (the battle of) Uhud, some of his companions (hypocrites) returned (home). A party of the believers remarked that they would kill those (hypocrites) who had returned, but another party said that they would not kill them. So, this Divine Inspiration was revealed: “Then what is the matter with you that you are divided into two parties concerning the hypocrites.” (4.88) The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “Madinah expels the bad persons from it, as fire expels the impurities of iron.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Anas(radhiyallahu anhu): The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “O Allah! Bestow on Madinah twice the blessings You bestowed on Makkah.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Anas(radhiyallahu anhu): Whenever the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) returned from a journey and observed the walls of Madinah, he would make his mount go fast, and if he was on an animal (i.e. a horse), he would make it gallop because of his love for Madinah. (Bukhari)

Narrated Anas(radhiyallahu anhu): (The people of) Bani Salama intended to shift near the mosque (of the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam)) but Allah’s Apostle disliked to see Madinah vacated and said, “O the people of Bani Salama! Don’t you think that you will be rewarded for your footsteps which you take towards the mosque?” So, they stayed at their old places. (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu): The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “There is a garden from the gardens of Paradise between my house and my pulpit, and my pulpit is on my Pool of water (Al-Kauthar).” (Bukhari)

Narrated ‘Aisha(radhiyallahu anha): When Allah’s Apostle reached Madinah, Abu Bakr and Bilal became ill. When Abu Bakr’s fever got worse, he would recite (this poetic verse): “Everybody is staying alive with his People, yet Death is nearer to him than His shoe laces.” And Bilal, when his fever deserted him, would recite: “Would that I could stay overnight in A valley wherein I would be Surrounded by Idhkhir and Jalil (kinds of good-smelling grass). Would that one day I could Drink the water of the Majanna, and Would that (The two mountains) Shama and Tafil would appear to me!”

The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “O Allah! Curse Shaiba bin Rabi’a and ‘Utba bin Rabi’a and Umaiya bin Khalaf as they turned us out of our land to the land of epidemics.” Allah’s Apostle then said, “O Allah! Make us love Madinah as we love Makkah or even more than that. O Allah! Give blessings in our Sa and our Mudd (measures symbolizing food) and make the climate of Madinah suitable for us, and divert its fever towards Aljuhfa.” Aisha added: When we reached Madinah, it was the most unhealthy of Allah’s lands, and the valley of Bathan (the valley of Madinah) used to flow with impure colored water. (Bukhari)

Narrated Zaid bin Aslam from his father: Umar(radhiyallahu anhu) said, O Allah! Grant me martyrdom in Your cause, and let my death be in the city of Your Apostle.” (Bukhari)

Ibn Umar(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “Whoever has the means to die in Madinah, let him die there for I shall intercede on behalf of everyone who dies there.” (Bukhari)

Hazrat Abu Hurairah(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said: ” O Allah ! Grant fertility to the fruits of Madinah and to our measures. Ibrahim was Your servant and friend. I am also Your servant and Prophet. He(Ibrahim(alaiyis salaam) had prayed to You for fertility for Makkah, but I pray to You for the fertility of Madinah and twice more than him.” (Muslim)

The Prophet’s Masjid in Madinah

Anas(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “Whoever performs forty salaah in my Masjid, not missing one salaah in the Masjid, for him is granted exemption from the fire of Jahannam, and exemption and he shall remain free of hypocrisy.” (Ahmad, Tabraani)

Hazrat Anas(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said that the reward of salaah in his masjid and in that of Masjid-e-Aqsa, is of fifty thousand salaahs, but the reward of salaah in the Ka’ba, is equal to hundred thousand salaahs. (Ibn Majah)

Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said that his masjid is unique, the foundation of which has been laid on piety. (Muslim)

Masjid-e-Quba
Hazrat Usaid bin Huzair(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that the merit of salaah in the Masjid of Quba is equal to performing one Umrah. (Tirmizi)

Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that every Saturday Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) would go to Masjid-e-Quba, sometimes walking and sometimes by conveyance, and he would perform two raka’at of salaah there.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Mount Uhud
Hazrat Anas bin Malik(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said that the mountain of Uhud loved him and he loved it. (Muslim).
Courtesy: www.everymuslim.com

Introduction and Virtues of Hajj

by Shaykh Abdur Raheem

Press play above to start the talk

Virtues of Madinah – pt1

Narrated Anas(radhiyallahu anhu): The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “Madinah is a sanctuary from that place to that. Its trees should not be cut and no heresy should be innovated nor any sin should be committed in it, and whoever innovates in it an heresy or commits sins (bad deeds), then he will incur the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Anas(radhiyallahu anhu): The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) came to Madinah and ordered a masjid to be built and said, “O Bani Najjar! Suggest to me the price (of your land).” They said, “We do not want its price except from Allah” (i.e. they wished for a reward from Allah for giving up their land freely). So, the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) ordered the graves of the pagans to be dug out and the land to be levelled, and the date-palm trees to be cut down. The cut date-palms were fixed in the direction of the Qibla of the (Grand) masjid. (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Huraira (radhiyallahu anhu): The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “I have made Madinah a sanctuary between its two (Harrat) mountains.” The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) went to the tribe of Bani Haritha and said (to them), “I see that you have gone out of the sanctuary,” but looking around, he added, “No, you are inside the sanctuary.” (Bukhari)

Narrated ‘Ali(radhiyallahu anhu): We have nothing except the Book of Allah and this written paper from the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) (where-in is written:) Madinah is a sanctuary from the ‘Air Mountain to such and such a place, and whoever innovates in it an heresy or commits a sin, or gives shelter to such an innovator in it will incur the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people, none of his compulsory or optional good deeds of worship will be accepted. And the asylum (of protection) granted by any Muslim is to be secured (respected) by all the other Muslims; and whoever betrays a Muslim in this respect incurs the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people, and none of his compulsory or optional good deeds of worship will be accepted, and whoever (freed slave) befriends (take as masters) other than his manumitters without their permission incurs the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people, and none of his compulsory or optional good deeds of worship will be accepted. (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Huraira (radhiyallahu anhu): Allah’s Apostle said, “I was ordered to migrate to a town which will swallow (conquer) other towns and is called Yathrib and that is Madinah, and it turns out (bad) persons as a furnace removes the impurities of iron.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Humaid(radhiyallahu anhu): We came with the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) from Tabuk, and when we reached near Madinah, the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “This is Tabah (meaning the good one).” (Bukhari)

Jaabir bin Samurah (radhiyallahu anhu) says; “I heard Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) say: ‘ Verily Allah named Madinah, Taabah(meaning the good one) or Tayyibah(the pure).”

Sa’ad (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasulullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “I declare haraam that area between the rocky lands on both sides of Madinah, that it’s vegetation be not cut down nor that animals be hunted within it’s area.” Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) also said: ” For the believer, Madinah is the best place. If only they could understand it’s virtue fully, they would never leave it, and whoever departs from Madinah, having become disenchanted with it, Allah will send someone better to replace him. And whoever bears patiently the ordeals of Madinah, for him shall I be an intercessor(or witness) on the Day of Qiyaamah.” (Muslim)

Narrated Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu): If I saw deers grazing in Madinah, I would not chase them, for Allah’s Apostle said, “(Madinah) is a sanctuary between its two mountains.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu): I heard Allah’s Apostle(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) saying, “The people will leave Madinah in spite of the best state it will have, and none except the wild birds and the beasts of prey will live in it, and the last persons who will die will be two shepherds from the tribe of Muzaina, who will be driving their sheep towards Madinah, but will find nobody in it, and when they reach the valley of Thaniyat-al-Wada’, they will fall down on their faces dead.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Zuhair(radhiyallahu anhu): I heard Allah’s Apostle(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) saying, “Yemen will be conquered and some people will migrate (from Madinah) and will urge their families, and those who will obey them to migrate (to Yemen) although Madinah will be better for them; if they but knew. Sham will also be conquered and some people will migrate (from Madinah) and will urge their families and those who will obey them, to migrate (to Sham) although Madinah will be better for them; if they but knew. ‘Iraq will be conquered and some people will migrate (from Madinah) and will urge their families and those who will obey them to migrate (to ‘Iraq) although Madinah will be better for them; if they but knew.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu): Allah’s Apostle(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “Verily, Belief returns and goes back to Madinah as a snake returns and goes back to its hole (when in danger).” (Bukhari)

Narrated Sad (radhiyallahu anhu): I heard the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) saying, “None plots against the people of Madinah but that he will be dissolved (destroyed) like the salt is dissolved in water.”

Narrated Usama(radhiyallahu anhu): Once the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) stood at the top of a castle amongst the castles (or the high buildings) of Madinah and said, “Do you see what I see? (No doubt) I see the spots where afflictions will take place among your houses (and these afflictions will be) as numerous as the spots where rain-drops fall.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Bakra(radhiyallahu anhu): The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “The terror caused by Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal will not enter Madinah and at that time Madinah will have seven gates and there will be two angels at each gate guarding them.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu): Allah’s Apostle(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “There are angels guarding the entrances (or roads) of Madinah, neither plague nor Ad-Dajjal will be able to enter it.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Anas bin Malik(radhiyallahu anhu): The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “There will be no town which Ad-Dajjal will not enter except Makkah and Madinah, and there will be no entrance (road) (of both Makkah and Madinah) but the angels will be standing in rows guarding it against him, and then Madinah will shake with its inhabitants thrice (i.e. three earth-quakes will take place) and Allah will expel all the nonbelievers and the hypocrites from it.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri(radhiyallahu anhu): Allah’s Apostle(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) told us a long narrative about Ad-Dajjal, and among the many things he mentioned, was his saying, “Ad-Dajjal will come and it will be forbidden for him to pass through the entrances of Madinah. He will land in some of the salty barren areas (outside) Madinah; on that day the best man or one of the best men will come up to him and say, ‘I testify that you are the same Dajjal whose description was given to us by Allah’s Apostle .’ Ad-Dajjal will say to the people, ‘If I kill this man and bring him back to life again, will you doubt my claim?’ They will say, ‘No.’ Then Ad-Dajjal will kill that man and bring him back to life. That man will say, ‘Now I know your reality better than before.’ Ad-Dajjal will say, ‘I want to kill him but I cannot.’ ” (Bukhari)

Narrated Jabir(radhiyallahu anhu): A bedouin came to the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and gave a pledge of allegiance for embracing Islam. The next day he came with fever and said (to the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) ), “Please cancel my pledge (of embracing Islam and of emigrating to Madinah).” The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) refused (that request) three times and said, “Madinah is like a furnace, it expels out the impurities (bad persons) and selects the good ones and makes them perfect.” (Bukhari)
Courtesy: www.everymuslim.com

Virtues of Makkah – pt1

Virtues of Makkah

  1. While departing from Makkah, Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) halted on a plateau, faced the Qibla and said: “By Allah! You are the most beloved portion of Allah’s earth to me, and verily you are the most beloved portion of the earth to Allah too. Verily you are the best, spot on the face of the earth. And the most beloved to Allah. If your people did not expel me, I would not have departed from you.” (Al-Muatta)
  2. Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) stated in a Hadith- “The best and the most beloved city on the face of this earth to Allah is Makkah.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
  3. Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) stated: “The earth was rolled out from Makkah. Allah stretched (the earth) from underneath it. Thus it is called the mother of all cities.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
  4. “The first mountain that was placed on the earth was Abu Qubais.” (Ibn Abi Shiba, Ibn Abi Hatim and Dailmi from Ibn Abbas.) (Abu Qubais is the name of a mountain near Makkah.)
  5. “The angels were the first beings to circumambulate around the sacred house, two thousand years before Allah created Adam.” (Ibn Abi Duniya from Anas lbn Abi Shiba from lbn Abass/ Shafi from Ka-ab Alqirti)
  6. “Around the Ka’bah lies the graves of three hundred prophets.” (Sahih Muslim / Bayhaqi)
  7. “There is no city on earth to which all the prophets, the angels, the holy messengers and all the pious servants of Allah, who reside in the heavens and on earth, including the jinn, flocked to, except Makkah.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
  8. “There is no city on earth through which Allah multiplies one good deed by a hundred thousand except Makkah.” (Sahih Bukhari , lbn Hibban)
  9. “Whosoever offers a salat therein, then that salat is enhanced a hundred thousand fold over.” (Sahih Muslim / Sunan Nisai)
    “Whosoever gives one dirham therein in charity, Allah writes for him the reward of having spent a hundred thousand dirhams in charity.” (Ibn Abi Zubair in the Jamul Latif from Sunan Tirmizi)
  10. “Anyone who completes the recitation of the full Qur’an once therein, Allah records for him the reward of a hundred thousand recitations.” (Baihaqi , lbn Majah)
  11. “Whosoever glorifies Allah once therein, for him is recorded the rewards of having glorified Allah a hundred thousand times elsewhere. Every good deed which a servant enacts in the haram is equivalent to a hundred thousand deeds enacted elsewhere.” (Sunan Nasai)
  12. “Each pious deed performed therein is multiplied a hundred thousand fold.” (Sunan Abu Dawud)
  13. “It is not known of any other city from which Allah will, on the day of Qiyamah, resurrect as many Ambiya, Allah-fearing souls, pious people, truthful ones, martyrs, religious people, Ulama, jurists, sages, ascetics, devotees, pilgrims, chosen ones and mystics, both males and females as Makkah. Verily they will be resurrected in a state wherein they will be safe from Allah’s punishment.” (Sahih Bukhari , Sahih Muslim)
  14. Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) stated: “The best, purest, holiest and closest spot to Allah, is the place between the Marwah and the Maqam.” (Sahih Bukhari , Sunan Ibn Majah)
  15. Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) stated: “The space between the Ruknul Yamani and the Hajre Aswad is a garden from the gardens of Jannah.” (Sahih Muslim, Sunan Tirmizi)
  16. Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) stated: “A person who passed away while performing the hajj or umrah will not be questioned (in the qabr) nor will any reckoning be taken from him (on the day of Qiyamah). He will be told: “Enter Jannah in peace with those who have attained salvation.” (Bayhaqi)
  17. Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) stated:”Anyone who observes the fasts of the month of Ramadan in Makkah, Allah records for him the reward of a hundred thousand months of fasting in any other city.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
  18. “The salat offered in Musjid-ul-Haram is increased by a hundred thousand salaah. For verily one obtains one hundred and fifty million (150 000 000) rewards for a salaah offered therein.” (Sahih Bukhari , Sahih Muslim)
  19. “Anyone who falls ill in Makkah for one day, Allah renders his body and his flesh haram (forbidden) from the fire of Jahannam.” (Sahih Bukhari)
  20. Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) stated: “Anyone who falls ill in Makkah for one day, Allah records for that person the rewards of having done good deeds equivalent to sixty years worship in any other place.” (Muatta)
  21. “Anyone who endures the heat of Makkah with patience for an hour of the day, Allah will distance that person from the fire of Jahannam by a distance of a journey of five hundred years and bring him closer to Jannah by a distance of a journey of two hundred years. Indeed Makkah and Madinah eject any impurities within them like flames eject rust from iron. Understand carefully! Difficulties and calamities abounded in Makkah right from its inception. Great stages are realised by enduring these difficulties.” (Sahih Muslim)
  22. “Anyone who endures any difficulty experienced in Makkah (with patience), I will intercede and bear witness for him on the day of Qiyamat.” (Sunan ibn Majah)
  23. “The best valley on the face of this earth is the valley of lbrahim (alaihis salaam).” (Sahih Bukhari, Sunan Tirmizi)
  24. “The best well on the face of this earth is the well of Zamzam.” (Sahih Muslim)
  25. “For verily, anyone who touches the Hajre Aswad is cleansed of his sins just as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Musnad lmam Ahmad)
  26. “There is no city in the world in which one finds an object, which when touched by any human being, cleanses him of his sins and leaves him in the same state as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him, except Makkah.” (Muatta)
  27. “There is no city on the face of this earth in which a person offers a salah in accordance with a command which Allah issued to his Nabi Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam except Makkah.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
  28. “Anyone who offers salah behind the Maqam has attained safety.” (Sahih Bukhari, Sunan Nisai)
  29. “The most beloved spot to Allah is the area between the Maqam-e-lbrahim and the Multazam.” (Sunan Tirmizi , Abu Dawud)

Source: Al Islaah publications

Worldly Deception

Observe how the life of this world deceives those around you. It lures them into the traps of vanity, wealth, and fame, and exalts them above others. This splendor blinds them, and they are lost forever in illusion. But then in one instant, life deals the blow of death, and all is gone, and with the Beguiler it stands laughing at their sad end. So overcome your egos that you may be saved from the snares that devoured kings and paupers alike.

(Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jillani)

Looking for happiness?

Looking for happiness?

Say what you want, the most content people in the world are those who have the best link with their Maker.

Mufti Ismail Menk

Best Character

‘Amr ibn Shu’ayb reported from his grandfather that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,
“Shall I tell you about who among you I love the most and the one who will be seated closest to me on the Day of Rising?”
The people were silent, so he repeated that two or three times.
Then the people said,
“Yes, Messenger of Allah.”
He said,
“The one among you with the best character.”

Al-Adab al-Mufrad Al-Bukhari

Surviving at University

by a Muslim Brother

There were beer mats everywhere. The whole corridor was covered in an intriguing pattern of small cardboard squares called Carlsberg. There were eight rooms in the corridor but only one kitchen, one toilet and one shower. I had expected the place to be a bit more lively but my friend explained to me that it was always quiet on Friday and Saturday nights. ‘They invite me along with them as well,’ he said with a sigh, ‘but all I can do is laugh and politely decline.’

Welcome to the world of the university campus, the place where a significant number of Muslim students will spend at least the first year of their university life. Away from home and away from family and friends, the three years on average spent by most students pursuing a degree is a crucial time for the development or deterioration of one’s Imaan. All students whether they choose to remain at home or stay elsewhere experience the onslaught of ‘Fresher’s Week’ before they even begin their studies. Fresher’s Week is supposedly a week full of events designed to allow those beginning their university career to acquaint themselves with their new surroundings as well as with their fellow students. In reality Fresher’s Week is a hedonistic 7 days which the pubs and nightclubs utilise to attract their prospective clientele for the following year. Flyers and posters advertising nightclubs, bank loans, mobile phones and a whole host of other organisations, societies and clubs bombard students during these first few days. Even though the Islamic Societies of most universities make a determined effort to attract Muslim students away from such temptation, it is sad to say that for many Muslims the Islamic Society stall is last on their list of places to visit. Fresher’s Week is a severe trial and only those come through unscathed that have a strong bond and connection with Allah S.

When I initially applied to university I remember being told at college that university was a place of experimentation, of experience and of widening one’s views of the world. For a Muslim this experience can be extremely difficult as many of the activities used for this social experimentation are either makrooh or haram and illegal. Social experimentation and finding the ‘real you’ seem to be prime goals for many students. For Muslims, university can be quite a lonely time as many of the events and functions organised by their peers involve activities which are albeit legal under the laws of this country but illegal i.e. haram from an Islamic perspective. Promiscuous relationships, ‘pub crawls’ (whereby a number of pubs are visited in one outing) and a whole host of other unbelievable activities are the order of the day. And all this is practiced by those who the rest of society deems as being ‘the leaders of tomorrow’.

I remember my disgust when I initially visited my university at the lack of scope in the lecturer’s jokes. Alcohol and the price of alcohol were the only two topics discussed. It was quite a disturbing experience to be the only sombre person in a room full of 400 laughing 18 year olds. It was not that I did not understand the jokes, it was the fact that drinking and in reality alcoholism were deemed to be an acceptable part of the student lifestyle regardless of a person’s belief. In my opinion, this is the crux of the difficulty for Muslims studying at university; the question of maintaining and retaining a distinct Muslim identity. This is the point where many of us fail as we try to reconcile our faith with the demands and pressures of the environment surrounding us. Do you pray Zuhr Salaah during your lunch hour or do you make it Qadha and attend that lunchtime optional seminar which might look good on your CV? It is in such matters that students should turn to the ‘Ulamaa in order to find out how to reconcile these differences.

And it is during these times that one realises the true advantages of having a spiritual mentor. Having a spiritual mentor or Shaykh to which one can turn to for guidance and encouragement can make all the difference when confronted with a dilemma.

However, many students are unable to do this, mainly because of the fact that the only contact they had with the ‘Ulamaa was during their pre-teens when attending the evening maktab. No contact or relationship was maintained with the ‘Ulamaa and in many cases with the Deen of Islam after these initial few years. But, alhamdulillah there are still a significant number of students who do maintain contact, right until and after the time they enter university. Their knowledge and zeal for Islam can prove to be a boon for others searching for the truth – and there are many searching for and returning to the truth. The number of sudent reverts and Muslims whose interest in Islam is reignited while attending university and the existence of student Islamic Societies bears testimony to this.

Islamic Societies are voluntary organisations run by students to cater for the needs of Muslims who may be attending the university or living in its vicinity. They typically provide a prayer room with wudhoo facilities in most cases, and organise a variety of Da’wah and educational events. Partly funded by money from the university’s student union and partly by private donations, Islamic Societies bring together Muslims from around the world. In my first Jumu’ah prayer at university I was met with a scene which made me reminisce of how the times of the Prophet s must have been. The Imam was an African, the mu’azzin an Arab, and the remaining rows a mixture of Muslims from almost every other country in the world.

This diversity however, can prove to have a weakness in the sense that it can provide an ideal cover for deviant sects bent on spoiling the Imaan as well as ideology of Muslims. Many students are unaware of these sects and are highly impressed by the seemingly knowledgeable and sincere words of their protagonists. Once again the lack of knowledge regarding our authentic scholars and their achievements causes quite a majority of us to feel inferior when faced with such people.

Another point which surprised me very much was the little effort that was being made on the Muslims at the University. It seemed like Da’wah was to be practised on non-Muslims only. I attended one of the meetings held to discuss the organisation of the Islamic Awareness Week at the university. Even though I half expected the meeting to be mixed I had not anticipated what I saw. Many of the sisters wore scarves, but the way they and many of the brothers as well, were dressed, left little to the imagination. However most of these sisters were extremely sincere and it soon became obvious that they played a key role in the running of Islamic events at the university. On asking one of the brothers why this was the case he replied that most Muslim male students did not bother volunteering and consequently this void was filled by the sisters. In my opinion this was an extremely dangerous situation as many of the events that were being organised involved the free mixing of males and females albeit with a good intention. This is another point where most of us fail due to our lack of knowledge and correct guidance. We presume we are doing something acceptable in the Sharee’ah based upon what little knowledge we may have of the Sharee’ah ourselves.

The brother whom I quoted at the beginning of the article was a clean shaven youngster when he started university. He has since kept a beard. I asked him the reason for this and he replied, ‘I was looking for Muslims and I thought let me look for someone with a beard. The thought suddenly hit me that I myself do not have a beard, would anyone recognise me as a Muslim?’ There are many brothers and sisters who dress in full Islamic clothing when attending university and it can be honestly said that there is probably no greater form of giving Da’wah to both Muslims and non-Muslims than this; the full adoption of Islam. As many of us know Allah S has commanded us to enter into Islam totally. This is what I think is needed for the regeneration of the student community. Rather than trying to unify with university culture Muslims need to be unique, unique both internally in manners and character and externally in dress and appearance, and be proud of this uniqueness. Simplicity coupled with the adoption of the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah and the ways of the Companions y, under the guidance of the ‘Ulamaa, the experts in the field, seems to be the only way to achieve this uniqueness and in reality restore our confidence. Reliable organisations such as the Islamic Da’wah Academy and many others are already taking part in this regeneration by holding meetings with student leaders and trying to address their specific needs. More interaction such as this is needed at both school and college/university level.

For me university has proved to be quite a revealing experience in the sense that it has made me appreciate how little many non-Muslims and, in some unfortunate cases, Muslims themselves know about Islam. For a significant number of non-Muslim students the only contact they have had with Muslims is via the TV or the newspapers i.e. they have never met a Muslim before. We, as Muslim students need to be trained and given the opportunity to learn how to practice and propagate Islam adequately and to deal with situations which we may have not encountered before in our lives. Only recourse to the ‘Ulamaa and the masha’ikh can help to solve such dilemmas.

We need to take the opportunity to adopt the company of the pious, especially the ‘Ulamaa and take part in reliable religious movements so that we gain the true understanding of Islam. Only then will we become true individuals, independent and free from the shackles of a non-Islamic culture. And only then will we be able to, in the words of the Sahabi Rib’ee Ibne mir t, work towards delivering mankind from ‘the slavery of man into the slavery of the Lord of man, and from the narrowness of this world to the vastness of the Hereafter.’

May Allah S give the writer first and then the readers the ability and the inclination to practice what has been written. May Allah S help all students whether studying in religious or secular institutes to achieve their goals and cause all of us to attain His pleasure and live and die as true Muslims upon Islam. Ameen.

Source: Islamic Da’wah Academy

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