Want to have a good death? Live a good life! - Shaykh Uthaymeen

O mankind, have Taqwa of Allah the Exalted and prepare for the meeting with your Lord, with the preparation of the righteous. Verily the state of man is as his Lord the Exalted said:

(يَا أَيُّهَا الْأِنْسَانُ إِنَّكَ كَادِحٌ إِلَى رَبِّكَ كَدْحاً فَمُلاقِيهِ) (الانشقاق:6)

O man! Verily, you are returning towards your Lord with your deeds and actions (good or bad), a sure returning, so you will meet Him. (Soorah Al Inshiqaq 84:6)

O Muslims, verily the person does not know where he will die. And he does not know when he will die. As Allah the Exalted said:

(وَمَا تَدْرِي نَفْسٌ مَاذَا تَكْسِبُ غَداً وَمَا تَدْرِي نَفْسٌ بِأَيِّ أَرْضٍ تَمُوتُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ)(لقمان: من الآية34)

No person knows what he will earn tomorrow, and no person knows in what land he will die. Verily, Allah is All-Knower, All-Aware (of things). (Soorah Luqman 31: 34)

If we don’t know what we will earn tomorrow while this is from our actions, then surely we do not know when we will die as this is from the actions of Allah the Exalted. Since we do not know in what land we will die, despite the fact that the person travels to the land by choice, and since we do not know when we will die, therefore the place of death is unknown and the time of death is unknown. We ask Allah to grant us and you and good ending.

It is not importance when the person will die or where the person will die. It is not important that he dies in Mecca or in Medina or another place from the lands of Allah. It is not important that he dies on Friday, or Monday or any other day of the week. The only thing which is important is in what condition the person will die. This is what is important. In what condition will the person die? Will you die upon Imaan (faith), sincerity, and Tawheed? We ask Allah to grant this to all of us. Or will you die upon doubt, shirk, kufr and obstinacy and ingratitude? This is what is important; this is what is important, O Muslims. But whoever wants to die upon good then let him do good. For surely Allah the Exalted is too Generous and too Kind to abandon His slave during the time of difficulty if he used to know and acknowledge Allah in times of ease.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلمsaid:

تَعَرَّفْ إلَى اللَّهِ فِي الرَّخَاءِ يَعْرِفُك فِي الشِّدَّةِ

Know and acknowledge Allah in times of ease and prosperity, and He will know you in times of difficulty.

What is more difficult than the person’s life coming to an end, what is more difficult than the person leaving this world?! Thus if the person knew and acknowledged his Lord during times of ease, by obedience to Him and drawing near to Him with worship of Him and constantly remembering Him, then surely Allah the Exalted will know him during his time of difficulty. May Allah grant us and you that. The only thing that matters is in what condition the person will die.

لحظة الموت وحياة القبر

الشيخ محمد بن صالح العثيمين

Translated by Rasheed ibn Estes Barbee
http://mtws.posthaven.com/want-to-have-a-good-death-live-a-good-life

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INTERVIEW: HOW ACCEPTING ISLAM HAS CHANGED ME

It has been ages since I last updated the blog and with the pre-Ramadhan preparations, I had hardly any time. Anyway, here it is- an interview we had with a revert to Islam on how she found Islam, how her life has changed afterwards, her love for the Niqab and some words of wisdom for Muslimahs in general. Jazakallah khair Ukhty for your time and effort for this interview. May Allah reward you for it!

May Allah make everyone reading this benefit from it, In sha Allah!

How did you find Islam?

Alhamdulillah, Allah subhana wa ta'ala guided me to the right way.
I grew up while my parents never said that there is no god – but also not that there is a god – my fitra wasn't that broken. I always knew that there is a Creator, "God" who knows everything and hears the dua. I prayed to Him, but never was in a religion.
At school we could decide between religions and ethics and I always was interested in religion. Since I was around 14, I started to search for God- in religion.
When I finished my school exams, I was 21 years old and Islam was like my favorite religion with no contradictions but I didn't want to convert to any religion just because I liked it. I wanted to KNOW that I choose the only one religion, which is from God.
One day I was very sad and cried because so many things happened and I wanted to thank God for being there for me but how? I prayed to him like the muslims do with the head on the ground – which I later found out. And then Islam really came into my heart and Allah subhana wa ta'ala gave me signs alhamdulillah.

How difficult was it for you to adjust to being a new muslim?

Actually it wasn't difficult for me, because I didn't had that pressure that many converts have to make everything right and to have to know and to do everything.
I started reading the Quran and the sunnah of our beloved Prophet salalahu alaihi wa salam, and I prayed somehow.
I didn't want to go to lessons in a masjid (after school I moved to Hamburg where many masjids are) because I didn't want to learn something wrong - wanted to know the basics before. After half a year, I get to know some muslims and I went to lessons in 3 different masjids.

What were your greatest challenges after accepting Islam?

I loved the Hijab and I knew that I wanted to wear it some day. When I learned that it is my duty to cover, I did so.
I also haven't got any problems with my family or friends.
What was tough for me was to stop dancing and listening to music. I danced since I was 9 years old and had gigs and so on – and in Hamburg I danced newstyle – my "trainer" was a famous dancer there. But I stopped dancing and some months later I was very proud that I erased every music from my laptop. It was hard – but I was proud to do so for my Rabb.

How do you feel you have changed now?

I'm not hyperactive anymore…. I always had to do sports (next to dancing) to be balanced, but after accepting Islam I calm down – my parents also saw that.
I don't have bad friends anymore – actually it was the first time in my life I really could trust people… my lovely sisters in Islam.
And most importantly – I found Allah and that made me happy and alhamdulillah I changed myself in a better way while following His commands and the example of our beloved Prophet, sallalahu alaihi wa salam.


Tell us about what inspired you to start wearing the Niqab?

I prayed to Allah ta'ala to give me a good spouse and I married alhamdulillah. He travels from time to time fisabilillah and one day I accompanied him. In this time, we tried to practice as much sunnah as we can and I also wore the niqab….. and I fell in love with it.
As non-muslim guys and old men looked at me - when I wore hijab many "brothers" came to me (on the street!) and wanted to marry me or something like that, when I wore the abaya and khimar it was far better – but the non-muslims stared at me.
When I started wearing the niqab it didn't matter who looked, because they can't see me and I felt free the first time. I didn't feel exposed.
For 2 years I wore the Niqab when I went to Friday prayers or to meet sisters to remember Allah ta´ala – and alhamdulillah last year I decided to wear it always.

How do you deal with people who are not supportive of the Niqab?

Well it doesn't bother me if they are non-muslims, but if muslims say something against the niqab I'm always confused… they speak without knowledge about something so special – I mean do they know that they also insult our mothers in Islam?

Well that just shows that they are actually displeased with their own effort for Allah.
May Allah ta´ala give us understanding of His deen and guide us all to Jennah. Amin.

So to answer your question, if the person has a little bit understanding and knowledge I will explain – but mostly I just ignore those words.


A lot of Muslim women struggle to wear the Niqab. Any advice for them?

Yes! In this case (and every other struggle fisabilillah also) Say Alhamdulillah! Because this struggle means Jihad for Allah.
I met women from India and Qatar and they say, that our reward for wearing Niqab in Europe is much more greater! Alhamdulillah.
And to make it easier there is one very successful way: to read everyday Hadith and Quran to strengthen your Iman.
So it becomes easier because you always know you do it for Allah ta'ala and you remind yourself that this life is short and our struggle will be requited.

Words of advice for Muslimahs who don't wear the Hijab?

Please sisters read more about death and live in the grave and hereafter. Just think about what He gives you daily. We are healthy, we live in a peaceful country where we can practice our deen, we've got to eat, we have everything subhanAllah. He takes care of us every second and listens to our problems and hears the duas….. but what do we do?
To wear the hijab is our duty, no matter what everyone else around us thinks – we should worry about what HE thinks.
And we could die in this second – who knows how long our lives will be? And how do you want to stand in front of your Rabb? Your creator? He knows what is in our hearts, and how embarrassing would it be when He looks at you – both knowing that you ignored Him because a handful people who don't really care about you. Our friends are those, who remind us to remember HIM <3

Your favourite verse from the Quran?

SubhanAllah…… that's not easy….. I love reciting Ayatul Kursy because it's a protection against evil and the Shaytan runs away. He annoys me – so I annoy him as well ;)

How do you feel your life has changed after accepting Islam?

Well….. I feel pure, free, balanced, complete… and my life now makes sense… no matter what happens I know it comes from Allah ta'ala and I will be rewarded according to how I react.

***

Note: If you would like to be interviewed for our blog, leave us an email on niqablovers@gmail.com and we'll get back to you, In Sha Allah. Sisters only.

source : Niqabi Nuances

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The Effect of Shyness upon Finding a Good Husband Oh Muslim Sister! – Rasheed Barbee

The Effect of Shyness upon Finding a Good Husband
Oh Muslim Sister!
Translated and compiled by Rasheed Barbee
http://mtws.posterous.com

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

All praises belong to Allah may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon his family, companions and those who follow his guidance.

In an effort to find a suitable spouse some of our Muslim sisters often resort to impermissible, demeaning methods such as free-mixing with men via the internet, chat rooms, marriage websites, social networks, sending pictures and the like.

Unfortunately some of our sisters have been deceived into believing this to be the more effective technique for obtaining a spouse, removing from themselves the veil of shyness, modesty and dignity.

Oh my sister in Islam! Trust in Allah and follow the blessed methodology of Islam when choosing a mate.

Shaykh Salih Fawzan explains how Allah rewards the shy and modest woman with a good husband.
The Shaykh said…

Allah the Exalted said concerning the story of Musa, عليهالصلاةوالسلام: وَلَمَّاوَرَدَمَاءَمَدْيَنَوَجَدَعَلَيْهِأُمَّةًمِنْالنَّاسِيَسْقُونَوَوَجَدَمِنْدُونِهِمْامْرَأتَيْنِتَذُودَانِقَالَمَاخَطْبُكمَاقَالَتَالانَسْقِيحَتَّىيُصْدِرَالرِّعَاءُوَأَبُونَاشَيْخٌكَبِيرٌ* فَسَقَىلَهُمَا

And when he arrived at the watering (place) in Madyan, he found there a group of men watering (their flocks), and besides them he found two women who were keeping back (their flocks). He said: “What is the matter with you?” They said: “We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take back (their flocks): and our father is a very old man.”

Until the statement of the Exalted:

فَجَاءَتْهُإِحْدَاهُمَاتَمْشِيعَلَىاسْتِحْيَاءٍقَالَتْإِنَّأَبِييَدْعُوكَلِيَجْزِيَكَأَجْرَمَاسَقَيْتَلَنَا

Afterwards one of the women came (back) to him, walking upon bashfulness. She said: “My father invites you that he may reward you for having watered (our flocks) for us.”
(Chapter 28: 23-25)

So the bashfulness of these two women prevented them from crowding with the men at the watering hole, rather they waited until a shepherd appeared until they were able to water their flock without crowding with the men.

And when their father sent one of them to Musa to request him to meet with their father; she came to Musa عليهالصلاةوالسلام, upon bashfulness.

The result was that Allah the Exalted chose her as a spouse for His Messenger, the one He spoke to directly, Musa عليهالصلاةوالسلام. This was the result of her holding firm to shyness and bashfulness and being far away from mixing with men.

As Allah the Exalted said:

الطَّيِّبَاتُلِلطَّيِّبِينَوَالطَّيِّبُونَلِلطَّيِّبَاتِ
“Women of purity are for men of purity, and men of purity are for women of purity”. (Chapter 24:26)

This story appears in the Noble Quran to be taken by the believing women as a righteous example until the Day of Judgment.

Translated and compiled by Rasheed Barbee
The speech of Shaykh Fawzan was extracted from the following article
http://www.alfawzan.ws/node/2310

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The Ruling on Masturbation – Imaam Muhammad Naasiruddeen Al-Albaanee

Al-Asaalah Magazine (Issue #3)

Al-Ibaanah.com

[56] Question: What is the ruling on masturbation?

Answer: We have no doubts regarding the forbiddance of such a practice. And this is due to two reasons, the first of which is the saying of Allaah, the Most High, concerning the description of the believers: 

“Successful indeed are the believers. Those who offer their prayer with full submissiveness. And those who turn away from false and vain talk. And those who pay the Zakaah. And those who guard their chastity – Except with their wives or (slaves) that their right hands possess, for (in that) they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.” [Surah Al-Mu’minoon: 1-8] 

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee used this ayah as proof for the forbiddance of masturbating. This is since, in this ayah, Allaah has placed two ways for the true believers to fulfill their desires – either by marrying free women or by enjoying the slave women and female war captives. Then He says: ”But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors” meaning: Whoever desires a way by which to transmit his desires, apart from these two ways of marriage and taking female war captives, then he is a transgressor and a wrongdoer. 

As for the second reason, then it has been medically established that there are unhealthy consequences for the one who does such an act, and that there are harms to the health caused by this practice, especially for those who constantly engage in it day and night. It is reported on the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) that he said: ”Do not harm and do not be harmed.” Thus it is not permissible for a Muslim to engage in anything that will cause harm to himself or to others.

There is one more thing that must be mentioned and it is that those who engage themselves in this practice fall under the statement of Allaah: 

“Will you exchange that which is lower for that which is better?” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 61] 

Also there has been reported on the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) that which further confirms this forbiddance and it is his saying: 

“O you group of young men! Whoever amongst you is able to marry then let him marry, for indeed it is the best means for lowering one’s gaze and the best way to protect one’s private parts. And whosoever is not able, then let him fast, for indeed it will be a shield for him.” 

source : Abdurrahman.org

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Woman Covering her Feet when Going Out – Shaykh Muhammad Al-Imaam & Shaykh Muhammad ‘Akoor

The Shaykh Muhammad Al-Imaam Mentioned within his book: Battle of the Hijaab (Translated and published by MTWS Publications):

It is a must that the clothing of the woman be a covering for all of her body. On the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, who said: Allaah’s Messenger said: “Whoever drags his garment out of ostentation then Allaah will not look at him.” Umm Salamah said: “O Messenger of Allaah! How should the women do with their trails (of their garments)?” He said: “Lower it a hand span.” She said: “Then their feet will be exposed.” He said: “Lower it an arms-length and do not do more than that.”[1]

The Hadeeth is clear that it is obligatory upon the woman to cover her feet when she goes out amongst strange men. The scholars have extracted from it that the obligation to cover the face take more precedence. This is because showing the face is a temptation greater than the temptation of showing the feet.[2]

Footnotes:

[1] Reported by An-Nasaa’ee Hadeeth number 5336 It has also come in the Hadeeth of Umm Salamah in An-Nasaa’ee Hadeeth number 5337

[2] Translator’s note: Foot fetishism, foot worship, or podophilia is a pronounced sexual interest in feet or shoes. It is the most common form of sexual preference for otherwise non-sexual objects or body parts. For a foot fetishist, points of attraction include the shape and size of a foot, toes, toenails, jewelry, treatments (i.e. pedicure), state of dress, odor, and sensory interaction. (Segan’s Medical Dictionary)

–

Shaykh Muhammad ‘Akoor via Whatsapp

Question: Our, Shaykh; many women exit their homes without covering their feet. This is a Fitnah, specifically in America wherein many men have foot fetishes. Meaning, to look at the foot of a woman creates lust within them. So what is the ruling of a woman uncovering her feet outside of her home in front of strange men?

Answer: In front of strange men, all of the woman is ‘Awrah. It is obligatory upon her to cover the entirety of her body; including the hands and the feet, in order to be safe from Fitnah and sin.

Question: May Allaah bless you, so what is the description of this? Meaning, how does she cover her feet, or with what does she cover her feet?

Answer: (She is to wear) socks on the feet and gloves on the hands. By way of this, the covering of the extremities of her body is completed.

Translated by Raha ibn Donald Battshttp://mtws.posthaven.com

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MY LIFE: THE BEAUTY AND FREEDOM OF BEING A MUSLIMAH

Being a Muslim woman, or a Muslimah as is known in Arabic, is a blessing God has gifted me without even having asked for it. I know that some people might have mixed ideas about who a Muslim woman really is and I would really like to explain myself and hopefully clear some misconceptions along the way too.

Muslimah literally means “a person who submits to the Will of God”. It might seem like a very ordinary definition for some, but for me, being a Muslimah, the definition runs very deep and it is something I preciously hold on to. I know there is a lot of talk in the media about Muslim women being oppressed, limited and subjugated, but if you really want to know exactly who a Muslimah is, you have to get it answered from a Muslim woman herself.

Being a Muslim, I have a purpose in life, and that is to obey my God. No matter what happens in life, obedience to Allah is my first priority. Everything else is secondary. Some people might say that this thought alone is depressing, but trust me, it’s only when we have a true purpose in life and realize the truth, that everything in life falls into place. I know, according to what the media portrays, a lot of you might wonder that being a Muslim woman is a tedious task, but let me tell you, it isn’t. As a Muslimah, I have my own rights and no- Islam does not deprive us of any rights. One extremely amazing lesson from the Quran is that both, the word “man” and “woman” have appeared in the Quran 23 times. We have equal rights, but our duties and responsibilities are different.

A glimpse into the life of a Muslimah

I’m afraid I don’t have much to elaborate on my daily life as a Muslim woman. Every day is a struggle to come closer to God, and with each passing day, I realize how blessed I am to be a woman of Islam. I pray 5 times a day, recite the Quran and learn more about what I can related to Islam. In short, every day is an opportunity to gain the Pleasure of my God.

I know that some of you might shake your head at this point and say what a dull life I’ve got. Yes, there might not be anything too flashy about it, but I’m grateful for it. I find my peace in my 5-times daily prayers, immeasurable solace in reading the Quran, security in observing my Hijab and Niqab, happiness in my family, freedom is obeying Allah and trust in Allah. Above all, I have been blessed with the gift of being a woman of Islam and I really couldn’t have asked for anything better! As a Muslim, part of my belief is the life in the Hereafter, after death. This life is transient, and it is only a test while the life in the Hereafter is what I strive every day for.

“The abode of the Hereafter-that is truly Life if they only knew” (Al Quran 29:64)

I suppose this article is pointless if I don’t talk about the Hijab or Niqab. Modesty is the best adornment of a woman. The Hijab is an obligation on every Muslim woman, and it is an expression of our love and obedience to Allah. We wear the Hijab because Islam teaches us that women are precious and our beauty is something we only reveal to the people that matter in our life. With the popularity of nudity and semi-nudity of women running rampant today, observing the Hijab is an honour because it preserves my modesty, upholds my dignity and gives me far more freedom than you could ever imagine.

Freedom is something that most people believe Muslim women are deprived of, but for me, true freedom is only attained by obeying Allah. Obedience to God has never oppressed or limited me. It has only set me free.

To sum it all up, Muslim women are given beautiful rights in Islam and our position is spoken highly of in Islam. As a mother, paradise lies beneath her feet. As a daughter, she opens up the doors of paradise for her parents. As a wife, she completes the religion of her husband.

This is who a Muslimah is. This is who I am.



Link to the original article published on ReligioMag: http://religiomag.com/be-my-guest-the-freedom-of-a-muslimah/

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INTERVIEW: THE LIFE & FREEDOM OF A NIQABI

Assalamu 'Alaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakatuh!

It's been really amazing to have had the opportunity to interview so many Muslimahs, and Subhanallah, it's all so enlightening. Personally, I've learned so much through all the interviews (and still learning in fact- there's another interview to follow soon, In sha Allah).

So, here's an amazing interview. Do read it and may Allah help all those who are reading to benefit, In sha Allah!

Tell us a little bit about yourself

My name is Kareema Badawi. I am 18, African American/Egyptian, born and raised in Washington, DC. I attend a community college and work in a library in the children's section. I am studying early childhood education with plans to either own my own daycare or teach children somewhere in the world.

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