#Lessons of hajj

[verydonutstarlight]

Garib, bansari sain vaishya bani, shabd sunaya raag. Bahuri Kamali putri, jug jug tyaag vairag.

In her subsequent life, Rabi was reborn as a singer named Bansuri, devoted to religious hymns. She even offered her severed head during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. Following this, her third life was marked by a sinful existence as a prostitute. Her next birth was as Kamali, the daughter of Sheikhtaki, who passed away at the young age of thirteen. The Supreme God, Kabir Ji, miraculously brought her back to life from her grave. He lovingly raised her as his daughter, initiated her into the path of true spiritual devotion, and ultimately granted her liberation.

[bipolarman2022]

**Title: "The Transformation of Miguel"**

**Chapter 1: A Chance Encounter**

Miguel, a young Spaniard from a well-to-do family, had spent his life pursuing knowledge in the cloisters of academia. He had always been curious, seeking answers in books of philosophy and theology, but lately, nothing seemed to satisfy his thirst for understanding. The life he led, filled with Western studies and family traditions, felt incomplete to him, lacking the spiritual depth he yearned for within.

One day, while walking through the bustling streets of Córdoba, Miguel came across a bazaar full of colors and sounds he had never experienced before. There, among the stalls of spices and fabrics, he saw a sign that read: “Classes on the Quran and Islamic Philosophy.” Intrigued by the idea of learning about a culture and religion so foreign to his life, Miguel decided to attend one of these classes, driven by his insatiable curiosity.

**Chapter 2: The Arab Teacher**

The class was held in a small madrasa located in a quiet alley. Upon entering, Miguel was greeted by Ahmed, an Arab teacher with an imposing presence and an air of deep wisdom. Ahmed was known throughout Córdoba not only for his vast knowledge of the Quran but also for his ability to convey the essence of Islam with patience and clarity.

Miguel, with his expression of wonder and naivety, began attending the daily lessons. At first, he didn’t understand much about the Quranic verses or the Muslim customs that Ahmed taught with such passion. But little by little, Ahmed’s enthusiasm and devotion began to awaken in Miguel a genuine interest in understanding Islam beyond its stereotypes.

**Chapter 3: The First Steps in Islam**

Miguel was fascinated by the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom contained in its words. He marveled at how Ahmed explained the importance of inner peace, submission to Allah’s will, and brotherhood among believers. The teacher taught him about the Five Pillars of Islam: Shahada (the profession of faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). Each lesson drew him deeper into a state of awe and respect for this new way of life.

Miguel, naive in many aspects of Muslim life, would ask questions that seemed obvious to Ahmed. But the teacher, with infinite patience, always answered, not with mockery but with a sincere desire to share his faith. Gradually, Miguel began to participate in prayers, fast during Ramadan, and learn Quranic verses in Arabic, something he never would have imagined doing before.

**Chapter 4: The Growing Fascination**

As the months passed, Miguel felt increasingly drawn to Ahmed, not just because of his wisdom but also for his charisma and deep sense of inner peace. Ahmed spoke to him about the ways of the Prophet Muhammad, explaining how Islam was not just a religion but a way of life that embraced justice, compassion, and equality. Miguel felt he had finally found something that filled the void in his heart.

Ahmed also noticed something special in Miguel. He saw not just a student eager for knowledge but someone with the potential to be a great defender of the faith. He taught Miguel to recite the Quran, interpret its meanings, and live according to the principles of Islam. Each lesson was an open door to a new world, full of meaning and purpose.

**Chapter 5: A New Path**

One day, after an intense study session, Miguel approached Ahmed with a decision he had been contemplating for weeks. "I want to convert to Islam," he declared with determination. "I want to follow the path of Allah and be like you, someone who lives with purpose and inner peace."

Ahmed smiled with a mix of pride and affection. He knew that Miguel was ready to take this important step. He took him to the mosque, where Miguel recited the Shahada with tears in his eyes, surrounded by his new teacher and his new brothers in faith.

**Chapter 6: Leaving Everything Behind**

Miguel, now known as Jamal, decided to leave behind his previous life, his old beliefs, and his family, who never understood his fascination with Islam. He left everything for this new life, for his new brothers, and above all, for Ahmed, who had become more than a teacher to him. Ahmed was now his mentor, his spiritual guide, and the reflection of everything Jamal wanted to be.

Every day, Jamal learned more about Muslim customs. He helped those in need, participated in philosophical debates at the madrasa, and dedicated himself to memorizing the Quran. His transformation was complete; he was no longer the naive young man who had first entered the bazaar in Córdoba but a man with a mission: to live fully in Islam.

**Epilogue: A Devoted Disciple**

Jamal's story became a legend in Córdoba, an example of how faith and devotion can transform even the most skeptical of hearts. Under Ahmed's guidance, Jamal not only found a new purpose but also became a teacher in his own right, teaching others about the beauty of Islam, always with the memory of his own transformation in his heart.

And so, Ahmed's library remained a beacon of light and wisdom in Córdoba, a place where seekers of knowledge, regardless of their origin, could find the path to true peace and understanding.

[queermuslimarchives]

Waria

The waria community is an indigenous trans group that has held a centuries-old position in Indonesian society. In South Sulawesi, Warias are traditionally recognised as a social group, have been integral to Indonesian society for far longer than homosexuals.

The term "waria" is a combination of the Indonesian words "wanita" (woman) and "pria" (man). Waria are male who identify as women and express their gender identity through their mannerisms, clothing, and appearance. While some identify fully as women, others may not. Not all warias undergo sex reassignment surgery, but many choose to have breast implants and undergo hormone therapy.

The majority of warias are Muslim. Many pray at mosques and do hajj in male clothing due to strict gender norms. In 2008, Pondok Pesantren Waria al-Fatah, an Islamic boarding school, was established to offer safe spaces for prayer, Quranic lessons, and gatherings. Unfortunately, the madrasa was forced to close down after receiving threats from Islamists. Warias frequently face harassment from hardline Islamic groups, who exploit increasing sectarian tensions in the region to promote their interpretations of Sharia law.

[questionsonislam]

How would you answer the claim that Islam is complicated but that Christianity is very easy?

- First of all, we should say that this missionary should first solve the nonsensical issue of the creed of trinity (son-father-holy spirit), which is the basis of the religion of Christianity and convince us of it. After that, he can speak about the religion of Islam.

- It is accepted that “there are many deeds of worship and they all have rules” but is said that it is complicated since there are rules. However, any sane person knows that there is a system and order in a place where there are rules and principles. Where there is a system and order, there is no confusion but a regular mechanism, transparency and clear information.

Complication is in question only related to the issues that remain ambiguous and whose details are not explained. A sane person will never use the word “complicated” to express the fact that deeds of worship such as prayer, fasting, zakah and hajj are explained in details.  

- The claim “there are so many details about a fiqh subject in Islam and there are even different views. People have difficulty in following them; they get confused; they cannot be sure they are doing things correctly” in the questionis not true. People’s different interpretation exist in all religions. The fiqh differences in the four madhhabs of Ahl as-Sunnah in Islam do not confuse the followers of that madhhab; they do not have difficulty in worshipping according to that madhhab either.  

To speak about this issue “is not like playing the flute from a distance”. The witnessing of those who do it is essential. Christians shed so much blood for centuries due to the deep conflicts about the Bibles, which are the religious resources of Christians, in religious wars. It is not possible to compare this religion, whose origin was changed, with Islam.

As Badiuzzaman Said Nursi expresses, apart from one occasion (the Incident of Jamal, Siffin), no religious/internal war took place in Islam. We will quote his statement here so that the missionary will learn his lesson:

“Thirdly: To compare Islam with Christianity is a false comparison and wrong. For when it was bigoted in its religion, Europe was not civilized; it became civilized on giving up its bigotry. Furthermore, religion caused three hundred years of war between them. And since it was the means of despotic tyrantscrushing the common people, the poor, and thinkers who were in their power, they all felt a temporary disgust at religion.”

“However, in Islam, history testifies that apart from one occasion, religion has not been the cause of internal war. Also, whenever the people of Islam have adhered in earnest to their religion, they have advanced proportionately, achieving significant progress. Witness to this is the greatest master of Europe, the Islamic state of Andalusia. But whenever the Islamic community has been slack in religion, it has sunk into wretchedness, and declined.”

- It should not be forgotten that nobody – even that missionary – can show that a Muslim cleric or scholar exited the religion of Islam and became a Jew or Christian based on reasoning and definite evidence throughout history. However, the number of people – including their clerics and scholars – in history and today is quite high. The following determination of Badiuzzaman Said Nursi regarding the issue is remarkable:

“History presents no evidence from the Era of Bliss up to the present day for any Muslims having preferred another religion to Islam and embraced another religion on the strength of reason. There are some Muslims who exit the religion of Islam but it is a different issue. Imitating them is unimportant.”   

“However, as a result of reasoned argument and definite proofs, the followers of other religions have embraced Islam in groups. If we were to display through our actions the perfections of the moral qualities of Islam and the truths of belief, the followers of other religions would enter Islam in groups.”

- The claim “those rules are open-ended” expressed for the rules of Islamic deeds of worship in the question is a lie consisting of slyness and misty ignorance.

- The claim “you can exit the religion if you do not follow these rules” is a big lie like the previous one.  

Anybody who knows the religion of Islam knows very well that the most distinguished principle of Ahl as-Sunnah creed is as follows: “A believer does not exit the religion of Islam due to any sin no matter how big it is unless he denies (the principles of belief).” (see al-Fiqhul-Akbar, 1/43)

- In the question, the deeds of worship left to people’s will and deeds like doing favors are compared to the deeds of worship ordered by Allah in Islam and the following statement is included: “...it does not have deeds of worship like zakah and prayer but you can read the Bible if you want to worship; there is no zakah, but if you want to help some people, you can help.”

That statement of the missionary is like confessing the truth; he expresses the truth unwillingly:

In the question, zakah, which is a compulsory duty Islam assigns to the rich as a humanitarian duty is compared to “optional” charities in Christianity. In fact, helping the poor in the human community, where there are always rich and poor people, is a very important thing and it cannot be optional. It is necessary to render a certain amount of financial help obligatory. It is a necessity of being a human.  

The following is stated: “There is no deed of worship similar to prayer but a person can read the Bible if he wants...”

However, the greatest purpose of religions is to worship Allah after belief. This duty of worshipping is determined by divine revelation and it cannot be left to the conscience of people.

Besides, the writers of the Bible are certain people. How can one worship by reading a book that is not divine revelation. In fact, as it is stated in the Quran, the worship of prayer with ruku’ and sajdah exists in the original religion of Hz. Isa (Jesus.

- The claim “grow a beard of this or that length; follow such and such rules when you worship; otherwise you will exit the religion...” is a baseless slander that is a product of ignorance.

As we have stated above, according to the creed of Ahl as-Sunnah in Islam, nobody exits the religion of Islam because he does not worship or because he commits a sin.

Besides, according to an important part of the Islamic scholars, it is sunnah to grow a beard. Abandoning a sunnah is not regarded as unbelief; it is not even regarded as a sin.

What is more, none of those who regard growing a beard wajib has claimed that“a person who does not grow a beard exits the religion.”

May Allah include us among those who know the last religion and the last prophet, Muhammad (pbuh) truly and who attain the honor of following the religion of Islam! Amin!

[writerfarzanatutul]

To All the Muslim Women

In today's world, we see a rising trend among many women, including Muslim women, who seek education and career opportunities driven by fear:

What if my husband dies?

What if my husband abuses me?

What if he cheats on me?

While these fears may stem from real societal issues, centering one's entire purpose of education and career on such "what ifs" is problematic from an Islamic perspective. Tawakkul, or placing our complete trust in Allah, is an essential part of our faith. Muslims are encouraged to plan and strive for the best, but at the same time, we must believe that everything is ultimately in Allah's control.

The story of Hajar (alaihi as-salam) is an excellent example of this level of trust. When Prophet Ibrahim (alaihi as-salam) left her in the barren desert of Makkah with her infant son Isma’il, she asked him, "Has Allah commanded you to do this?" When he affirmed, she did not question or complain but instead said, “Then Allah will not abandon us.” She placed her trust entirely in Allah, despite the harshness of her situation.

Allah recounts how, through Hajar's steadfast faith and patience, her efforts in seeking water for her child were not only rewarded but immortalized. Her running between the hills of Safa and Marwa became an essential ritual of Hajj and Umrah, known as Sa’i.

"فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا" "For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease." Quran 94:5-6

This powerful story teaches us that no trial is meaningless, and our struggles are seen by Allah, who is Al-Latif (The Subtle, The Kind). When we endure trials with patience and trust in Him, He not only alleviates our difficulties but elevates us, as He did with Hajar.

Hajar (alaihi as-salam) was not a prophet but a regular person like you and me. Yet, through her Tawakkul, Allah honored her immensely. Allah mentions in the Qur'an that those who are patient and trust Him will be greatly rewarded:

"وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مَخْرَجًا. وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ" "And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect." Quran 65:2-3

This verse reminds us that our provision and our safety do not come from our efforts alone, nor from our spouses or jobs. Rather, they come from Allah, who can provide from sources we never imagined. So, while it is good to be educated and seek lawful work, we should remember that our sustenance and protection are not in the hands of anyone but Allah.

Now, let us consider the flip side of the "what ifs" that often drive people into a false sense of security through worldly means.

What if you get a high-paying job but meet a toxic or corrupt work environment?

What if, God forbid, you get into an accident and are unable to work?

What if you face severe health challenges and are unable to continue?

These scenarios remind us that life is uncertain, and no amount of planning can shield us from Allah's decree. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “If you were to place your trust in Allah truly, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds; they go out in the morning hungry and return full.” (Tirmidhi)

The lesson is clear: We must strive, but ultimately place our reliance on Allah, not our means, education, or jobs. As Allah says:

"إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الرَّزَّاقُ ذُو الْقُوَّةِ الْمَتِينُ" "Indeed, it is Allah who is the [continual] Provider, the firm possessor of strength." Quran 51:58

Yes, planning for our future is wise, but it should not be driven by fear of hypothetical situations, nor should it be rooted in distrust of Allah's plan. The most important step is to shift our intention (niyyah). Our pursuit of education or career should be for the sake of pleasing Allah, benefiting society, and fulfilling our roles as Muslims, not out of anxiety over possible future difficulties.

May Allah strengthen our hearts, increase our trust in Him, and grant us the strength to face life's challenges with faith.

[lightup0nlight]

When we think of Hajj, the Prophet that comes to mind is Ibrahim alayhi as-salaam, who left behind some of the greatest legacy and lessons we all benefit til today. One of those incredible life lessons was his lack of need of people’s validation.

🌺 ❛𝗔𝗻𝗱 [𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿] 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 [𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗻] 𝗜𝘀𝗺𝗮’𝗶𝗹 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 [𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗮’𝗯𝗮𝗵, 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴]: 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗯𝗯, 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁 [𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲] 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘂𝘀. 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗹𝘆, 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗹-𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗿, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗹-𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿.❜ 【𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗵 𝗮𝗹-𝗕𝗮𝗾𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗵 𝟮:𝟭𝟮𝟳】

Prophet Ibrahim was so purely motivated by Allah’s Command that he never needed validation from anyone.

He didn’t need to see the numbers of people coming to the Ka’bah afterwards. Didn’t need someone patting him on the back.

His heart was pure — qalbun saleem.

And this is something that we need to check for ourselves. Riyaa (showing off), which is basically doing deeds for the sight of people rather than the Sight of Allah, is a spiritual disease. The opposite of riyaa is ikhlaas. And a person can start transitioning from ikhlaas to riyaa when he starts seeking people’s approval for actions that he did for Allah:

— that ‘maa shaa Allah, good job!’ — that ‘like’ on social media

So now when he starts doing good deeds, the first thing he’s conscious of is: “Who’s watching me, and who’s going to tell me I’m doing a good job.” Instead of: “Allah is watching me, and I’m hoping for His Reward.”

From the seerah of Prophet Ibrahim is that we learn to cut all these things off from the roots.

Remember that Allah’s Reward is infinitely greater, His acceptance of good deeds is infinitely more honourable, and qalbun saleem paves our way to His Jannah, bi idhnillah.

Your sister in Deen, Aida Msr ©

[aiwithhamza]

Empowering Lives Through Islamic Education: The Modern Path to Knowledge

Raising children with Islamic values in today’s fast-changing world can be both challenging and rewarding. With the constant influence of technology, social media, and modern culture, it’s important to nurture your child’s faith and moral compass from a young age. This guide will help you understand how to raise your children with strong Islamic values while balancing the challenges of modern society.

Start with the Foundation: Love for Allah and the Prophet (PBUH) The first and most important step in raising children with Islamic values is instilling love for Allah and His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Teach your child about Allah’s mercy, love, and guidance. Share stories of the Prophet’s kindness, compassion, and wisdom to help your child see him as a role model. When children feel a connection to Allah and the Prophet, they are more likely to follow Islamic principles with sincerity.

Teach the Basics of Islam Early On Start introducing your children to the basic pillars of Islam from a young age:

Salah (prayer): Teach them how to perform prayer, its importance, and how it brings them closer to Allah. Sawm (fasting): Encourage them to understand the meaning of fasting and its purpose during Ramadan. Zakat (charity): Instill the value of giving and empathy for others. Hajj: Teach them about the pilgrimage and its significance in Islam. Introducing these values early ensures they become second nature as the child grows.

Be a Role Model Children learn more from what they see than what they are told. Be the example of Islamic values you want your child to follow. Regularly practice Salah, make dua, and exhibit patience and gratitude. By seeing you live according to Islamic teachings, they will understand the importance of faith in everyday life. Remember, children are always watching and absorbing how you handle challenges, interact with others, and maintain your connection with Allah.

Encourage Kindness and Respect Islam emphasizes kindness, respect, and empathy toward others. Teach your child to be kind, not just to family and friends, but also to strangers and the less fortunate. Encourage them to use respectful language, show gratitude, and be helpful in the home. Remind them that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best of you are those who have the best manners and character.”

Limit Harmful Influences and Set Boundaries In today’s digital age, children are constantly exposed to information and entertainment that may conflict with Islamic values. Monitor their internet usage, TV shows, and video games to ensure they are not exposed to harmful content. Set clear boundaries on screen time and encourage positive, Islamic alternatives like watching educational Islamic videos, reading Quranic stories, or participating in Islamic youth groups.

Make Islamic Learning Fun and Engaging To help your child love learning about Islam, make it fun and interactive. Use colorful books, Islamic games, and engaging activities that teach Quranic stories, Hadiths, and lessons from the Seerah (life of the Prophet). You can also attend Islamic classes or events together to make learning a shared experience. This helps keep their interest alive and makes them proud of their faith.

Instill Gratitude and Contentment (Shukr) Teach your children the value of gratitude (Shukr) by regularly practicing it in your home. Encourage them to thank Allah for the blessings they have, no matter how big or small. Show them that contentment and appreciation for what they have are key aspects of a happy life in Islam. This will help them avoid greed and materialism, which are often glorified in modern culture.

Encourage Charity and Helping Others (Sadaqah) One of the greatest Islamic values you can teach your child is the importance of charity and helping those in need. Encourage them to give regularly, even if it’s a small amount, and involve them in charitable activities. This helps foster empathy and a sense of responsibility toward the Ummah (Muslim community) and humanity as a whole.

Teach Accountability and Responsibility Islam teaches us to be accountable for our actions. Help your child understand that their choices have consequences, both in this world and the Hereafter. Give them responsibilities appropriate for their age, such as chores or helping siblings. When they make mistakes, use it as a teaching moment rather than punishment. Encourage them to seek forgiveness from Allah and learn from their errors.

Create an Islamic Environment at Home Your home should be a place where Islamic values are practiced and cherished. Surround your children with reminders of their faith through Quranic recitations, Islamic artwork, and family prayers. Have regular discussions about Islam, share Islamic stories, and celebrate Islamic holidays together. An Islamic environment reinforces the values you teach and creates a sense of pride in their Muslim identity.

Conclusion: Raising Children with Islamic Values in Today’s World Raising children with strong Islamic values in today’s world may seem challenging, but with the right strategies and consistent effort, it is not only possible but rewarding. By focusing on teaching love for Allah, being a positive role model, and fostering kindness, gratitude, and responsibility, you can help your child grow into a well-rounded Muslim who balances their faith with modern life.

Remember, no matter how busy life gets, your efforts in instilling Islamic values in your children will have a lasting impact on their character, behavior, and relationship with Allah. Stay patient, make dua, and trust in Allah’s guidance throughout this beautiful journey of parenthood.

[lifeofresulullah]

The Life of The Prophet Muhammad(pbuh):  Farewell Hajj and the Death of the Prophet (pbuh)

The Army of Usama

It was the 11th year of the Migration, the month of Safar 26, Monday.

It was one day before the Messenger of Allah became ill. Despite this, he was busy with taking measures and attempting to do necessary things for the development of Islam.

The Byzantine Empire was still a big danger for the Islamic state. The Byzantine had not been defeated completely and they had not learned a lesson. Therefore, the Prophet gave great importance to the issue.  

On Monday, he told his Companions to get ready for the expedition. The target was clear: Fighting the Byzantines. The Muslims who heard the order of the Prophet went to their houses at once to make preparations.

The next day, on Saturday, the Messenger of Allah summoned Usama b. Zayd. He gave Usama the following order:

“I have appointed you as the commander of the army that is being prepared. Act fast and attack the people that martyred your father. If Allah gives you victory, do not stay there long; return.”

The Prophet Becomes Ill

One day after giving this order, the Prophet became ill suddenly but he did not give up preparing the army. One day later, on Thursday, the Prophet gave the standard to Usama with his own hands though he was ill.  

He said, 

“O Usama! Fight in the way of Allah on behalf of Allah and fight those who deny Allah.” Then, he addressed the Muslims, “Do not break your promise! Do not kill small children and women. Do not desire to confront the enemy because you cannot know what will happen. You might suffer a misfortune because of them. 

Pray as follows: 

‘O Allah! Help us; eliminate our enemies; save us from their harm!’” Then, he said, “Do not forget that Paradise is under the flashes of the swords.”

After giving the standard to Burayda b. Husayb, Usama set up the headquarters of the army in Juruf as the Prophet ordered. The Muslims who finished their preparations went there.

Some Words

Usama was busy preparing his army. The Muslims were trying to finish their preparations. There were many notables of the Companions like Hazrat Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Sa’d b. Abi Waqqas, Ubayda b. Jarrah in the army. Usama, who was not even twenty years old yet, was appointed as the commander of that army.

This situation caused many nasty sentences like the following to be uttered:  “A young man who is not twenty yet is appointed as the commander and many notables of the Companions were put under his command. How can this be possible?”

Ayyash b. Abi Rabia said “How can this young man be appointed as the leader of the first muhajirs?”

There were a lot of words and rumors as if Usama had not been appointed by the Messenger of Allah.

Hazrat Umar heard what people were talking about. He gave the necessary answers to those people and went to the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) to tell him about the situation.

The Prophet was lying in bed due to the illness he was suffering. As soon as he heard about the situation, he became very angry. He stood up with his head wrapped and went to the mosque with the help of his Companions. He ascended to the pulpit. 

After praising and thanking Allah, he said, 

“O people! I have heard that you talk and criticize because I appointed Usama as the commander.”

He added:

“You seem to be opposing my appointing Usama as the commander. You did the same thing when I appointed his father as a commander. By Allah, Usama’s father showed that he deserved to be a commander; similarly, Usama deserves to be the commander. I loved his father very much; Usama is one of the people that I love. He has the properties that will do all kinds of good deeds. Expect good deeds from him. Since Usama is one of the best ones of you, he deserves to be the commander.”

After this address, the Prophet descended from the pulpit and went to his house. The Muslims that would join the Islamic army visited him and said goodbye. The Prophet said to them, “Do not postpone sending Usama.”

His nanny, Usama’s mother, went to the Prophet’s house and said, 

“O Messenger of Allah! Will you let Usama stay in the headquarters for a while?” 

The Prophet said the same thing: 

“Do not neglect to send Usama. Send him.”

Upon this definite order, the Muslims went to the headquarters.

[ahlulbaytnetworks]

*Lessons Learned from the Tragedy of Karbala*

As I listened to the majlis reciter recount the tragic events of Karbala, a thought flashed in my mind that I couldn't ignore. Why did Karbala happen? Weren't the killers of Imam Husain (a.s.) "so-called" Muslims? Didn't they follow the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)? Didn't they pray, fast, go for Hajj, and give zakat?

Surprisingly, the answer to all these questions is "Yes." Yes, they were Muslims, followers of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), and they did perform prayers, fast, go for Hajj, and give zakat.

*Then why did they kill Imam Husain (a.s.)???*

To answer this, I want to quote a phrase from the first sermon of Imam Ali (a.s.) in Nahjul Balagha, where he mentions:

> "The beginning of religion is His Recognition."

{Nahjul Balagha; Sermon No. 1}

In another tradition from Imam Raza (a.s.), we find:

> "The beginning of the worship of Allah is His recognition…"

{Uyoon al-Akhbar al-Raza; Vol. 1; Pg. 150}

From these ahadith, it becomes clear that recognizing Allah is the first step to entering His religion and worshiping Him.

Had the killers of Imam Husain (a.s.) recognized Allah (s.w.t.), they would never have committed such a heinous crime against the family of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.).

*So, did they not recognize Allah (s.w.t.)?*

Indeed, they did not. Had they recognized Allah (s.w.t.), they would have recognized His Prophet (s.a.w.a.), and consequently, the Imam of their time, Imam Husain (a.s.).

*Why, despite being Muslims, didn't they recognize Allah (s.w.t.)?*

Because they didn't take their religion from the Thaqalayn, *"The Two Precious Things"* – the Holy Quran and the Holy Ahlul Bait (a.s.). Not taking religion from the Thaqalayn can lead a person astray, even to the extent of becoming a killer of the Divine Proof.

*The lesson I learned from this is that we must strive to learn our religion from the right sources.* We should dedicate time to understanding it and passing it on to our children.

May Allah (s.w.t.) grant us the strength to adhere to the Thaqalayn and take our religion from them.

With that in mind, let's pray together: O Lord of Husain (a.s.), for the sake of Husain (a.s.), make Husain (a.s.) happy with the reappearance of Hujjah (a.t.f.s)! Ameen.

[cinnamonmustard]

That chapter in the autobiography of Malcolm X where he goes for hajj and he’s so floored by the cross racial beauty of Islam and how the arabs he meets treat him and where he talks about the lessons he brings back to America…. Fuckkkkkk

[verydonutstarlight]

लगभग 55-60 वर्ष की राबी ने हज जाने का निश्चय किया। रास्ते में एक प्यासी कुतिया दिखी। कुएं पर रस्सी-बाल्टी नहीं थी। राबी ने दयावश अपने केशों से रस्सी बनाकर और कपड़े भिगोकर कुतिया को पानी पिलाया। तभी तीन मंजिल दूर मक्का की मस्जिद उड़कर कुएं के पास आ गई। राबी आश्चर्य से उसमें प्रवेश कर गई।

[187days]

Day Forty-Eight

The quarter ended today! That went by really fast!

As a thank-you, our admins bought coffee and breakfast treats, which was nice. I started the day by grabbing some from the main office. Then I went about cleaning my classroom, making photocopies, grading work as it came in, all of that.

When my first Global Studies students arrived, I took attendance and got them ready to finish the video about that hajj they'd started watching yesterday, but then Mrs. R came over to cover for me while I went to a meeting.

The meeting was heavy, but mercifully short.

I returned to my classroom before the bell, and did my best to shake it off. By that time, my students had finished the video and moved on to an assignment about how Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have impacted different aspects of culture. That went incredibly well in all four sections of the class, and it's especially fun because one of the questions in the assignment uses a picture of my older brother (showing terrible manners while deployed to Iraq because he didn't know any better). Students always like that.

In APGOV, we discussed the Bill of Rights because the SCOTUS cases they're learning about in this unit are all related to civil liberties. Initially, students did have many questions, but the more we discussed, the more they asked, which was cool. When we got into looking at specific cases, I started off by introducing them to Tinker v. Des Moines with a couple video clips from PBS and the ACLU. Then I had them read the Oyez explainer about that case and six other cases: Engel v. Vitale, Wisconsin v. Yoder, Schenck v. United States, Gideon v. Wainwright, New York Times Company v. United States, and Mcdonald v. Chicago. More lessons involving those next week.

I went bounding through the halls at 2:40 to get my cacophonous friends because we'd made plans for celebratory pizza and stuff since we all survived a quarter. Some of the newbies joined us, but not Mr. C, so he and I will have words on Monday. This job is way easier if you have back-up, and if you have fun together, rather than working too late at your desk and then going home.

[shaykhsiyadalhanbali]

🕋 Tawheed (Pure Monotheism) and Its Role in Hajj and Eid al-Adha

🎯 Theme:

Tawheed — the oneness of Allah — is the foundation of Islam, and both Hajj and Eid al-Adha revolve around affirming, living, and celebrating this central pillar.

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🕌 What is Tawheed?

Tawheed is to believe and affirm that Allah is One, without partners in His Lordship (Rubūbiyyah), Worship (ʿIbādah), and Names and Attributes (Asmā’ wa Ṣifāt).

> “Say: He is Allah, the One.”

(Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:1)

✅ Every act of worship is rooted in this core belief.

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📌 Tawheed in Hajj: A Journey of Pure Monotheism

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1. Hajj Is Built Entirely on Tawheed

> The core chant of Hajj:

"Labbayka Allāhumma Labbayk, Labbayka Lā Sharīka Laka Labbayk…"

“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. There is no partner with You…”

This talbiyah rejects shirk and affirms Allah’s oneness.

Every ritual in Hajj — Tawaf, Sa’i, Arafah, Ramy al-Jamarat — reflects submission to one God, not culture or ego.

> "And [mention] when We designated for Abraham the site of the House, [saying], ‘Do not associate anything with Me…’"

(Surah Al-Hajj 22:26)

✅ Lesson: Hajj trains the heart to say "yes" only to Allah, and "no" to all false gods — desires, idols, wealth, status.

---

2. Kaʿbah: The Symbol of Unity in Tawheed

Built by Ibrahim and Isma’il (AS) solely for Allah’s worship.

Muslims from every nation face it not as an idol, but as a direction for worship of the one true God.

> "And We made the House a place of return for the people and a place of security..."

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:125)

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3. Throwing Stones (Ramy al-Jamarāt): Rejecting Shirk

Symbolizes rejecting Shayṭān and his calls to shirk and disobedience.

Reflects Ibrahim’s resistance to Shayṭān when he tried to stop the sacrifice.

✅ Lesson: Hajj reenacts our daily struggle to keep tawheed pure in our hearts.

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📌 Tawheed in Eid al-Adha: Celebrating Sincere Devotion

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1. The Story of Ibrahim (AS): A Champion of Tawheed

Rejected idol worship and false gods, even from his own family.

Was willing to sacrifice his beloved son purely for Allah.

> "Indeed, Ibrahim was a nation [unto himself], devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Him."

(Surah An-Nahl 16:120)

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2. The Sacrifice (Udhiyah): A Symbol of Submission

The animal isn’t the goal — sincere intention and obedience to Allah alone is.

> “It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but your piety...”

(Surah Al-Hajj 22:37)

✅ Tawheed teaches us: Even our deepest attachments must be second to Allah.

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3. Takbeer During Eid: Declaring Allah’s Greatness Alone

> "Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Lā ilāha illa-Allāh…"

Eid is filled with reminders of Allah’s greatness — not our own.

Every "Allahu Akbar" is a rejection of false deities: ego, fame, wealth.

> “That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah…”

(Surah Al-Hajj 22:28)

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💡 Key Lessons: Tawheed in Our Lives Today

1. Worship Allah alone — in prayer, du‘a, reliance, fear, and love.

2. Avoid subtle shirk — showing off, trusting created things more than the Creator.

3. Teach our families and children the meaning and value of pure tawheed.

4. Sacrifice our ego, pride, desires, and sins for the sake of pleasing Allah alone.

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🤲 Closing Reminder: The First Call and the Final Question

> “And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid Taghut (false gods).’”

(Surah An-Nahl 16:36)

> “If you are asked in the grave: ‘Who is your Lord?’ — may you be able to answer: Allah!”

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📘 Suggested Reflection Activity:

Ask yourself this Eid:

> “What am I still holding onto that competes with my love and obedience to Allah?”

[usmanschool]

The Spirit of Hajj & Qurbani | Lessons from the Life of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) Discover the true meaning behind Hajj and Qurbani! In this enlightening session, renowned scholar Muzammil Hussain Ansari (Principal, Campus 38 - Usman Public School System) beautifully explores the journey of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) and the deep spiritual lessons that form the essence of Hajj and Sacrifice. Date: Thursday, 5th June 2025 Time: 12:00 Noon Live on Facebook & YouTube

A must-watch for students, parents, educators, and anyone seeking to strengthen their understanding of Islamic values.

Hajj2025 #Qurbani #IbrahimAS #UsmanPublicSchoolSystem #IslamicTalk #Spirituality #UPSSLive

[abdulrahimkhan]

The Sunnah of Travel: What the Prophet ﷺ Taught Us About Journeys

Travel for Muslims is not just movement- it's a mirror of intention, an opportunity to witness the creation of Allah (SWT) and a means of following the Sunnah.

And what is Sunnah? The beautiful way of life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — including his actions, words, and approvals is known as the Sunnah.

In the life of our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), even journeys were an act of worship and a moment to remember Allah (SWT). Today, whether we travel for Hajj, Umrah, work, or leisure, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) remain a timeless and powerful guide.

In this blog, we have explored the Sunnah of travel through authentic hadith and practical advice from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). May these Sunnahs inspire every Muslim to travel with mindfulness and barakah.

Why Travel Matters In Islam

Travel has always played a vital role in Islamic history, From the Hijrah to the journeys of Da'wah (Act of inviting someone to Islam), knowledge and trade. Travel is viewed not merely as a necessity, but as a form of ibadah and a path to spiritual growth.

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

"Travelling is a torment because it deprives a traveller of his food, drink and sleep. So when one of you has accomplished his purpose of journey, let him return home quickly."

             -[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

This hadith reflects the hardship involved in travel, while also emphasising the importance of returning home quickly once the goal is complete; a deeply prophetic etiquette that still applies today.

So, how did the Prophet ﷺ approach travel, and what timeless lessons can we follow today?

1. Start with the Right Intention (Niyyah)

Setting your intention before travel not only makes the journey more fulfilling but also brings you closer to Allah (SWT). As with all actions in Islam, Niyyah (Intention) is everything.

“Actions are judged by intentions, and everyone will be rewarded according to what they intended.”

-[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Whether you are planning for Hajj, Umrah, business, studies or vaction, one should set a clear niyyah before the journey. This will transform your journey into an act of worship. The journey should be strictly done with halal earnings, and for beneficial reasons or in seeking knowledge.

Reciting the Travel Du'a

One of the travel Sunnahs you should follow is reciting Du'a before starting your journey. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us a beautiful dua for travel that Muslims should recite today:

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. Subhanal-ladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin. Wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun.”

-(Sahih Muslim)

Translation:

“"Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. Glory to Him Who has made this (means of transport) subservient to us, and we would not have been able to do so ourselves. And to our Lord we shall return.”

This reminds us that no matter how advanced our travel means, it is Allah (SWT) who enables our movement. This keeps the heart humble, safe from arrogance or forgetfulness.

3. Travel in a Group When Possible

You should always try to travel in a group as our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasised companionship during journeys.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"If people knew what I know about being alone, no rider would travel at night by himself.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 2998) 

This proves that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) forbade a man to travel alone and he also encouraged the appointment of a leader among any group of travellers:

“When three persons set out on a journey, they should appoint one of them as their leader.”

(Abu Dawud 2608)

All these hadith guide us to the importance of unity and collective responsibility. So next time when you are on a family road trip or group tour, assign roles and communicate properly, this will make your travel smooth and also aligned with the Sunnah.

4. Leave Behind a Will and Settle Debts

Travel reminds us of life's uncertainties and Islam teaches us to be financially and spiritually prepared before embarking. Whether you're embarking on a long or short journey, take time to reflect, understand your responsibilities, and ensure nothing important is left undone

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) strongly advised settling debts before any journey:

"It is not permissible for any Muslim who has something to will to stay for two nights without having his last will and testament written and kept ready with him."

-(Sahih al-Bukhari 2738)

5. Shortening Prayers (Qasr) – A Merciful Sunnah

We know that our Almighty Creator, Allah (SWT), is Al-Ghafoor — the One who completely forgives our sins and faults. Islam also eases the burdens of travel with divine flexibility and mercy. One example is the concession to shorten prayers during a journey.

“And when you (Muslims) travel in the land, there is no sin on you if you shorten As-Salah (the prayer)” [al-Nisa 4:101]

Travellers may shorten Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha to two rak‘at when travelling and combine Dhuhr with Asr and Maghrib with Isha when needed.

Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

“We went out with the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) from Madinah to Makkah, and he offered his prayers with two Rak`ahs every time until we returned to Madinah.”

-(Al-Bukhari, 1081 and Muslim, 724) 

7. Returning Home with Joy and Gratitude

The Sunnah doesn’t end when the journey does — returning home with joy and gratitude is also part of the prophetic way. Every traveller should return to their homes with joy, thankfulness, and remembrance of Allah(SWT) for a safe return.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) loved to return to Madinah and he would recite takbir and express joy at reuniting with his family.

“When he returned from a journey and saw the walls of Madinah, he would speed up his camel.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari 1804)

Modern Muslims can follow this Sunnah by returning home with gifts, sharing knowledge and stories of benefit.

Conclusion:

Every journey we take is an opportunity to live and perform the Sunnah. Whether we’re performing Umrah, attending a business meeting abroad, or exploring a new country, Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave us guidance that remains timeless, rich in wisdom and deeply relevant to the journeys.

[lightup0nlight]

When we think of Hajj, the Prophet that comes to mind is Ibrahim ‘alayhis-salaam, Khalilullah, who left behind some of the greatest legacies and lessons that we all benefit until today. And one of those incredible life lessons was his lack of need from seeking people’s validation.

🌺 ❛And [remember] when Ibrahim and [his son] Isma’il were raising the foundations of the House [the Ka'bah, while saying]: Our Rabb, accept [this service] from us. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.❜ 【Surah al-Baqarah 2:127】

Prophet Ibrahim was so motivated by Allah’s Command, that he never needed validation from anyone.

He didn’t need to see the numbers of people coming to the Ka’bah after he built its foundation.

He didn’t need someone patting him on the back, and said: “Maa shaa Allah, what you did was amazing!”

His heart was pure — qalbun saleem.

And this is something that we have to check for ourselves. Riyaa’ (showing off), which is basically doing deeds for the sight of people rather than the Sight of Allah, is a spiritual disease. The opposite of riyaa’ is ikhlaas. And a person can start transitioning from ikhlaas to riyaa’ when he starts seeking people's approval for actions that he did for Allah:

— that pat on the back — that ‘maa shaa Allah, good job!’ — that 'like' on social media.

So now when he starts doing good deeds, the first thing he's conscious of is: “Who’s watching me, and who’s going to tell me I’m doing a good job.” Instead of: “Allah is watching me, and I’m hoping for His Reward.”

But from the seerah of Prophet Ibrahim is that we learn to cut all these things off from the roots.

Allah’s Reward is infinitely greater. His acceptance of good deeds is infinitely more honourable. And qalbun saleem paves our way to His Jannah.

May Allah make the desire for His rida our primary desire, and keep our deeds sincerely for His sake.

Your sister in Deen, Aida Msr ©