Sayyeduna Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu

My beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam’s beloved devotees, this month is extremely significant in terms of its relation with many Prophets Alaihimus Salaam as well as the immense rewards gained by worshipping in this month. This month is also related to a very prominent personality who the Muslim world knows as Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu. It was in this month that Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu endured extreme trials and tribulations with unmatched patience. His family was destroyed right in front of him, which he witnessed without a single word of complaint until finally he laid down his own life in the Path of Allah.

Thus it becomes essential for us to remember Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu, and to offer rewards, in every possible manner, to him and all those blessed souls who sacrificed everything in the Path of Allah. This would be just one way of showing our appreciation towards them. It is also vital to understand the reason, motive and objective behind the great sacrifice of the grandson of Rasoolallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and his family.

We will list some of the virtues of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu as mentioned in the traditions and will support them with incidents from his blessed life, in order to gain guidance as a means to achieve success in this world and the Hereafter.

Glad Tidings from the Leader of Both Worlds [Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam]

Hazrat Ummul Fadhl RadiyAllahu Anha, (the aunt of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam), narrates that she went to the court of RasoolAllah and said that during the night she had seen a dreadful dream. RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam enquired as to what it was, upon which she replied that it was very severe (therefore feared mentioning it). When RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam insisted the second time, she said that she saw a part of RasoolAllah’s blessed body falling away from his body falling on her lap. Upon this RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said that she had seen a nice dream and it meant that Allah Ta’ala will bestow his daughter Fatima Zehra RadiyAllaha Anha with a son who will be placed in Ummul Fadhl’s lap. Accordingly, Hazrat Fatima RadiyAllahu Anha gave birth to Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu and he was given to Ummul Fadhl. [Mishkat Sharif, page 572]

Blessed Birth

Just as the prophecy of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam has stated, Hazrat Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu was born in the month of Sha’baan-ul-Muazzam in 4 Hijri. There is some difference of opinion regarding the exact date of birth; it was 3rd, 4th or 5th of Sha’baan. RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam was extremely happy on hearing the news of Imam Hussain’s birth. He took the baby in his arms and gave the Adhaan in his right ear and Iqaamah in his left, and also gave his blessed tongue in his mouth to suck. On the seventh day, he sacrificed two sheep for the Aqeeqah and named his grandson as Hussain.

The Blessed Name and Family Lineage

His name was Hussain and kunniyat (nickname or pet-name) was Abu-Abdullah (father of Abdullah). Sibtey Rasool, Raihanae Rasool, Qurrat-ul-Ain, Sayyid and Tayyib are his titles. His family lineage goes as Hussain son of Ali son of Abi Talib son of Abdul Muttalib son of Hashim son of Abde Munaf Qarashi Hashmi.

Blessed Appearance

Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu was so beautiful that the Noor (light) from his blessed face would illuminate the surroundings. His blessed appearance had a unique resemblance with that of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. It is stated in a narration by Hazrat Ali RaduyAllahu Anhu that Imam Hasan RadiyAllahu Anhu was identical with RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam from head to chest and Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu was alike from chest to the feet.

Childhood

Hazrat Abu Hurairah RadiyAllahu Anhu narrates that once they were with walking with RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam when he heard Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain crying. Upon enquiring the reason, Hazrat Fatima RadiyAllahu Anha replied that they are crying due to thirst. RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam asked all those present if they had any water but none had any. He then asked Hazrat Fatima to give one of the children to him:

He took the child and cuddled him and gave his blessed tongue into the child’s mouth. The child sucked it till he was satisfied and stopped crying. He then did the same with the other child till he too was satisfied and stopped crying. [Zikr e Jameel, Ibne Asakar, Tibrani]

Riding on the Shoulders of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam

Hazrat Osama bin Zaid RadiyAllahu Anhu narrates that one night I visited RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and saw him carrying something on his back which I could not recognise. When I finished my task I enquired, ‘What are you carrying Ya RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam?’ RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam moved the cover and I saw that he was carrying Imam Hasan and Hussain. He then said, ‘O Allah! These two are my sons and the sons of my daughter. O Allah! I love them and love those who love them.’ [Tirmidhi, Mishkat]

Choose Between Son and Grandson

Once RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam was carrying Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu on his right shoulder and his son Hazrat Ibrahim RadiyAllahu Anhu on his left. Just then Hazrat Jibraeel Alaihis Salam arrived and requested, ‘Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala will not let both these children live with you and He wants to recall one of them. You can chose whom you want to keep.’ RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam replied, ‘If Hussain passes away then I will be hurt as well as Fatima and Ali [RadiyAllahu Anhuma] but if Ibrahim dies, then only I will suffer the most. And so I will prefer Hussain to live.’ Three days after this incident occurred, Hazrat Ibrahim RadiyAllahu Anhu passed away. After that whenever Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu came to RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, he used to kiss his forehead and say, ‘Welcome O Hussain! I have sacrificed my son upon you.’ [Shawahidun Nabuwwat]

RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam Interrupted His Speech

Hazrat Buraidah RadiyAllahu Anhu narrates that RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam was once delivering a sermon when Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain arrived walking playfully, both wearing red shirts. RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam came down the pulpit and held them in his hand making them sit near him. He then said, ‘Indeed Allah has said the truth that ‘your wealth and your children are means of testing you.’ When I saw these two children walking in an unbalanced manner, I could not hold myself and interrupted my speech to support them.’

Support of Hazrat Jibraeel Alaihissalam

One day Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain started to wrestle. RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam was watching and saying, ‘Hasan, hold Hussain.’ Upon hearing this Hazrat Fatima RadiyAllahu Anha said, ‘Ya RasoolAllah! You are helping Hasan when Hussain is younger.’ RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam replied, ‘Jibraeel is helping Hussain.’ [Shawahidun Nabuwwat]

A villager once came to RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and gifted him a baby deer. After a short while Imam Hasan arrived upon which RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam gave the baby deer to him. When Imam Hussain saw the baby deer he enquired, ‘O brother! Where did you get that from?’ ‘Our grandfather gave it to me’ replied Imam Hasan. Imam Hussain quickly ran to RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and demanded a baby deer. RasoolAllah tried to console him but Imam Hussain would not listen and was close to tears. Just then a deer arrived and said, ‘a villager presented one of my babies to you and now according to the command from Allah, I have come to present my second baby for Hussain as he was asking for it.’ [Raudhtus Shuhda]

Clothes from Jannah

It is narrated that on the night of Eid, Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain came to their mother and said, ‘Tomorrow is Eid and all the children in Madinah will be dressed up in new clothes. Will the grandchildren of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam not wear new clothes?’ Hazrat Fatima RadiyAllahu Anha was filled with emotions upon hearing the requests from her children and she promised them that they would wear new clothes. Hazrat Fatima, the leader of the women of Paradise prayed Salaah, and then raised her hands to the Lord of the Worlds and requested, ‘O Allah! I have promised my children and now I leave it up to You to fulfil my promise.’

Just then she heard a knock on the door. Hazrat Fatima enquired, ‘Who is it?’ ‘The tailor of the family of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam has brought some new clothes for his children’ replied the voice from outside. Sayyidah Fatima dressed the children in them the next morning. When RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam arrived he asked, ‘Do you know where the clothes were from and who brought them?’ ‘O Father! I don’t know, please tell me’ replied Hazrat Fatima. RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said, ‘That was Jibraeel who got the clothes from Jannah upon the order from Allah Ta’ala.’ [Raudhtus Shuhda]

Who Will Decide?

Hazrat Allama Nusqi Rehmatullahe Alaih narrates that once Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain each wrote something on two separate slates. Each one claimed that his handwriting was better. To get the verdict they went to their father Hazrat Ali RadiyAllahu Anhu. Hazrat Ali who made major decisions in his life could not decide on this as he did not want to hurt either of them, and so he directed them towards their mother. They went to Hazrat Fatima RadiyAllahu Anha, who upon seeing the situation, felt the same as their father and directed them to RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, the greatest and most exalted decision maker in the world, did not want to decide in favour of one of them either, and in turn hurt the feelings of the other. So he said that the decision will be made by Hazrat Jibraeel Alaihis Salaam. Hazrat Jibraeel soon arrived and said, ‘The decision will be made by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala and for that I have brought an apple from Jannah on His instruction. I will now throw this in the air and whichever slate it falls on will be the winner. When the apple was thrown in the air, it split into two halves and one half fell on one slate and the other half on the other, thus deciding that both handwritings were equally good.’ [Nuzhatul Majalis]

Protection By An Angel

One day Hazrat Fatima RadiyAllahu Anha came to RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam in a very distressed state. Upon seeing this RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam enquired as to the reason. Hazrat Fatima replied that she could not find both her children. Just then Hazrat Jibraeel arrived and informed RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam that the children were sleeping at a certain place and that an Angel was protecting them.
When RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam reached the place, he saw an Angel who had spread one of his wings below the children whilst covering them with the other wing. RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam then took one on each shoulder and started to walk. On the way he met Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique RadiyAllahu Anhu who requested RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam to give one of the children to him. RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam smiled and replied, ‘Look, their ride is so exalted and so are the riders.’ Upon reaching the Masjid, RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam announced to the companions present there, ‘Shall I show you the people who are best amongst the creations?’ The companions responded, ‘Surely, inform us Ya RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam.’

RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam declared, ‘The maternal grandparents of these children.’ The companions testified. He then continued, ‘I am their maternal grandfather and Khadijah is their maternal grandmother, we are the best. Then their parents are best and they are Ali and Fatima RadiyAllahu Anhuma. Then their uncle and aunt are the best. Their uncle is Hazrat Ja’far and the aunt is Umme Haani [RadiyAllahu Anhuma]. Then their maternal aunts and maternal uncles are the best. The maternal aunts are Hazrat Umme Kulsoom, Hazrat Ruqaiyyah and Hazrat Zainab [RadiyAllahu Anhum] and their maternal uncles are Hazrat Abdullah Tayyib wa Taahir, Hazrat Qasim and Hazrat Ibrahim [RadiyAllahu Anhum]. [Nuzhatul Majalis]

 

Intelligence of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu

One day Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu had a guest. After the meal the guest asked for something to drink, upon which Imam Hussain enquired as to what drink he would like? The guest indicated that he wanted a drink which if not available is more precious than ones life and when one does have it, it is of no value. Imam Hussain told his companions that the guest is referring to water.  Those present were astonished with his intelligence. [Istiqamat, Dec 1979 issue]

Did Not Decline His Wish

Imam Hussain once requested a camel from RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam when he was in the Masjid. Upon hearing the request, RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam went on his hands and knees and rode Imam Hussain on his back. Imam Hussain further commented that the camels generally have reins and my camel does seem to have one. RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam gave his blessed hair in his hands. Imam Hussain further went to say that the camels of Madinah seem to speak. On this wish, RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam started to make noise like that of camels. [Istiqamat, Dec 1979 issue]

Sustenance Is On Its Way

A very poor man came to Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu and pleaded, ‘O beloved of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, I am a destitute and have nothing to feed myself or my children, so please give me some of your dinner. Imam Hussain reassuringly said, ‘Please sit down and wait, my sustenance is on its way.’ Soon after a man arrived and handed over five bags, each bag containing some thousand dinars to Imam Hussain and said, ‘This is from Hazrat Ameer Mu’awiyah RadiyAllahu Anhu and he has apologised that he sent you so little. He said to use this for now and more would arrive soon.’ Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu presented all the five bags to the poor man and apologised saying, ‘Please excuse me for making you wait for this long. This is all I have for now; hope it will be enough for you. We are the people of trials and we have abandoned our desires and forsaken our pleasures.’

Exalted Status of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu

My beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam’s beloved devotees, the virtues and merits of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu are highlighted in many narrations, here we mention just a few in order for us to understand his high rank in the court of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala and His Beloved Rasool Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam.

Hussain is from Me

Hazrat Ya’la bin Murrah RadiyAllahu Anhu reports that RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said;

‘Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain.’
[Tirmidhi Sharif]

This means that RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu are extremely close to each other as if they are one. The remembrance of Imam Hussain is the remembrance of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, the friendship of Imam Hussain is the friendship of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and the enmity of Imam Hussain is the animosity of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam.

In one more tradition Hazrat Abu Hurairah RadiyAllahu Anhu narrated that RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said about Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain, ‘whosoever loves these two loves me and whosoever has enmity with them does so with me.’ [Madarijun Nubuwwah]

The Most Beloved

Hazrat Anas RadiyAllahu Anhu says:

‘RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam was asked about who was most beloved to him in his family? He answered ‘Hasan and Hussain.’ He used to ask Hazrat Fatima, ‘bring my two sons to me.’ He would then call them close and cuddle them.’ [Tirmidhi, Mishkat]

The Beloved in the Heavens

Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar RadiyAllahu Anhuma was sat near the Ka’aba when he saw Imam Hussain coming. Upon seeing Imam Hussain he remarked:

‘On this day, he is the most beloved amongst the dwellers of the earth to the inhabitants of the skies.’
[Khutbaat e Muharram]

Please Grant Something

Hazrat Fatima RadiyAllahu Anha once brought Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain to RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and requested, ‘Please bestow them with something.’ RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam generously declared:

‘For Hasan is my awe and leadership, and for Hussain is my courage and generosity.’ [Khutbaat e Muharram]

The Leaders of Paradise

Hazrat Huzaifa RadiyAllahu Anhu once asked permission of his mother to visit RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam to appeal to him to pray for their forgiveness. Hazrat Huzaifa says, ‘I came to RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and prayed Maghrib behind him. After that RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam engaged himself in voluntary prayers until it was time for Isha. Then we prayed Isha after which RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam started to walk back from the Masjid. When he heard me, he said, ‘Is that Huzaifa?’ I replied, ‘Yes.’ ‘What brings you here? May Allah forgive you and your mother…

Indeed this was an angel who has never visited the earth before. He requested permission of Allah Ta’ala to visit me and convey his salutations and give me the glad tidings that Fatima is the leader of the women of Paradise and Hasan and Hussain are the leaders of the youth of Paradise.’ [Mishkat]

Hazrat Abu Sa’eed Khudri RadiyAllahu Anhu reports that RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said, ‘Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain are the leaders of all the youth of Paradise.’ [Tirmidhi]

Sweet Scented

Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar RadiyAllahu Anhuma narrates that RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said:

‘Hasan and Hussain are ‘Raihaan’ for me in this world. (Raihaan is a sweet-scented plant) [Tirmidhi, Mishkat]

Martyrdom Was Well-Known

The martyrdom of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu was well known since his childhood. His blessed parents and many companions knew that one day he would be sacrificed and receive the highest degree of martyrdom.
The wife of Hazrat Abbas, Hazrat Ummul Fadhl RadiyAllahu Anhum says, ‘One day I visited RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. I saw Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu sitting in his blessed lap and noticed the constant flow of tears from the eyes of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. I pleaded, May my parents be sacrificed upon you Ya RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, what is the matter?’ He replied:

‘Jibraeel came to me and informed that one day my Ummah will kill this son of mine.’ Ummul Fadhl enquired, ‘will they kill Imam Hussain?’ RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam confirmed, ‘Yes, and Jibraeel even gave me the sand of the field where he will be martyred.’ [Mishkat]

Hazrat Anas RadiyAllahu Anhu reports that the Angel of rain asked permission of Allah Ta’ala to pay his respects to RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam. When he arrived he saw Imam Hussain sat in the lap of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam who was cuddling and kissing him. The Angel enquired, ‘Hussain is most dear to you? Your Ummah will one day kill him. If you wish I can show you the field where he will be sacrificed.’ The Angel then got some sand from the field which Ummul Mu’mineen Hazrat Umme Salma RadiyAllahu Anha set aside in a safe place. In one narration it states that RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam handed over the sand to Hazrat Umme Salma RadiyAllahu Anha and prophesised, ‘O Umme Salma, when this sand turns into blood then be certain that my son Hussain has been martyred.’ Hazrat Umme Salma says, ‘I stored the sand in a bottle and saw that on the day Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu was martyred, it turned to blood.’

Hazrat Sha’bi reports that at the time of the war of Siffin, he and Hazrat Ali RadiyAllahu Anhu passed through the plains of Karbala. At the banks of river Euphrates, Hazrat Ali stopped and enquired as to the name of the place. People said that it was called Karbala. As soon as he heard the word ‘Karbala’, a river of tears began to flow from his eyes which drenched the area around him. Then he said, ‘Once I came to RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and saw tears in his eyes. I enquired the reason for it and he replied, ‘Jibraeel just came to me and informed me…:

My son Hussain will be martyred at the banks of river Euphrates at a place called Karbala and he even showed me the sand from there.’ [Khutbaat e Muharram]

My beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam’s beloved devotees, it is clear from the above narrations that RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam prophesised the martyrdom of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu right from his childhood. Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Fatima RadiyAllahu Anhum along with other members of family and companions knew that Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu would one day be killed and even knew where. But none of them prayed or requested RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam to pray for Imam Hussain to be protected from this calamity. This is because they were aware that Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu would be tested and it was more appropriate to pray for steadfastness in trials, rather than to be spared from it.

How to Welcome Muharram-ul-Haram ?

My beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam’s beloved devotees, it is a general tradition that an eminent and renowned personality is always welcomed with eagerness and enthusiasm. The sacred months, especially Muharram-ul-Haram, should also be welcomed in the same way. On the sighting of the moon of Muharram, we should recite the following prayer in order for the whole year to pass through peacefully.

O Allah! You are Eternal and Everlasting, this is the new year and in this I pray to You for protection against Satan and his associates. I also seek Your help in fighting against my desires and to engage myself in acts of worship that will bring me closer to You. I seek Your help O Merciful One.

The reward of praying this supplication is that the devils say, ‘Alas! We have lost hope in misguiding him.’ And two angels are appointed on the recitor who protect and safeguard him throughout the year.

 

Two Rak’at Salaah

On the 1st of Muharram pray two rak’ats with Surah Ikhlas three times after Surah Fatiha in each rak’at. Then pray this dua:

The author of Jawahir, Aini reports that whosoever prays the Salah mentioned above followed by the dua, then two angels are appointed for his protection and the devil will have no influence over him.

So Which Are Those Four Months?

So Which Are Those Four Months?

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique RadiyAllahu Anhu narrates that on the day of sacrifice, that is the 10th of Zill-Hajj, Rasoolallah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam gave a sermon in which he stated that after a complete cycle, the world has come to its original position, just as it was on the day the lands and skies were made. The year is made of twelve months, of which four are sacred. Three are consecutive, Zil-Qa’dah, Zil-Hajj and Muharram-ul-Haram and the fourth is Rajab-ul-Murajjab, which falls between Jamadis-Sani and Sha’ban-ul-Muazzam. [Tafseer-e-Mazhari, Tafseer-e-Roohul Bayan]

 

Why are these months sacred?

The reason for the sacredness of these months is that in them, the rewards for good deeds are increased; in the same way the punishment of sins is also multiplied. Thus, in these months, we need to make extra efforts to do more good deeds and stay away from all sorts of sins.

Muharram-ul-Haram is an elevated month for various reasons, but most believers, due to their negligence on the importance of this month, are deprived of its blessings.  Therefore, in this book, we explain the significance of this month and outline a way on how to spend it in order for the reader to act accordingly and become worthy of gaining the immense blessings and rewards hidden in this month.

Even though we use the solar (Christian) calendar for our day to day business, our worship depends on the lunar calendar. May it be Fasting, Hajj or the fulfilment of Zakaah, or ‘Iddat’ of a woman whose husbands dies, in all cases the lunar month should be taken into consideration. It is interesting to note that because the number of days in a lunar month is not consistent, the period of worship does not fall in a particular season. Sometimes we may have long fast of summer and Hajj could fall in winter and vice versa, thus giving us the benefit of worshipping our Lord in all seasons.

Thus it is Farze Kifayah to witness the moon of each month, which means that it is obligatory for at least some members of a city or town to witness the moon. And strict guidelines of Shariah should be followed in this matter as new measures are adopted by communities and nations which completely contradict the rules of Shariah. People are keen to celebrate Eid on the same day throughout the world, this is of course desirable, but the laws of Shariah should not be compromised to achieve this.

Now let us learn the names of the twelve Islamic months and also teach our children.

1. Muharram
2. Safar
3. Rabi ul Awwal
4. Rabi ul Aakhir
5. Jamadil Awwal
6. Jamadil Aakhir
7. Rajab
8. Sha’baan
9. Ramadhan
10. Shawwal
11. Zil Qa’dah
12. Zil Hajj

At this point it would be worthy to note as to why and when our Hijri calendar began. It was a custom of the Arabs that they would name the year according to any important incident which took place that year. For example, the year in which Makkah was attacked by Abrahaa who came to destroy the Holy Ka’bah, is called Aam ul Feel, meaning the year of Feel (Feel are the birds sent by Allah Ta’lah to destroy Abrahaa and his army). The year in which Hazrat Khadija RadiyAllahu Anha and Janab Abu Taalib died is remembered as Aam ul Huzn (the year of mourning). But there was no number or name to each year which of course caused a lot of confusion.

In his era, the second Caliph, Hazrat Umar Farooq e Aazam RadiyAllahu Anhu received a letter in which the month was mentioned but not the year. This caused him to call a meeting with the other companions so that this confusion could be ended for ever and so that Islamic history could be preserved correctly. They decided that the year should start with an important event. Hazrat Ali RadiyAllahu Anhu advised that the most important even in the lifetime of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam was his ‘hijrah’ that is migration from Makkah to Madinah. They all unanimously agreed that the Islalmic year should start from the day of migration. But there was a glitch. The first month should be Muharram and the migration did not take place in that month. But Hazrat Usman Gani RadiyAllahu Anhu came up with a simple solution to leave Muharram as the first month and backdate the beginning of the Hijri year to the day of migraton. Thus the Hijri calendar came into effect on 20th Jamadil Aakhir 21 Hijri corresponding to 9th July 638 AD.

This shows how important the life of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam was in the eyes of the companions and also the significance of establishing an Islamic system, even though a calendar did exist in those days, they established an Islamic calendar.

Now let us see how we can make our new year different and better than the past years. Here we come up with a plan, which if we follow and stick to, will be beneficial to us in both the worlds.

Establish Salaah. Pray five times every day without fail. Remember, the last act of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu was prostration.

Reserve some time each day for the recitation of the Holy Qur’an. And it is also advisable to try and read the translation ‘Kanzul Imaan’ which is available in most languages.

Whatever occupation you are in, do your job with sincerity and honesty. Keep your dealings free of lies, deception and keep up with your promises.

Do not waste your time. Time is very precious for a Mu’min. If you do have spare time then read Islamic books.

Always keep good company. Try to be with the learned and the righteous.

Always speak the truth and keep miles away from lies.

Always be good to others. Do not hurt anyone with your words or action. Always display the best of character.

Do not indulge in ‘haram’ in order to make more money. Remember, your sustenance is pre-destined.

Try to help others but do not be dependant on others.

Never use any form of intoxicants.

Give enough time to your children and take personal responsibility and interest in their guidance and upbringing. Apart from worldly knowledge make sure they are also well versed in Islamic knowledge.

Always be well-mannered, especially in front of your children because they will pick up your habits. You should be their role models and best of friends so that they do not look elsewhere.

Respect your parents. In no circumstances should you hurt them with your words or behaviour.

Basically, obey Allah and His Beloved Rasool Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and follow all the principles of Islam as much as you know.

Let is all make a resolution to make the upcoming year the one which can change our lives forever, for the better. We will now learn how to welcome the New Year.

History behind the Islamic calendar

All praise to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala that once again we are entering a new year. Every New Year starts with splendour and brings with it new hopes, new happiness and new resolutions. But by the end of it, we feel that we have achieved nothing. We need to learn from the past years to make our future years more fruitful. In this book we will look at some practical ways of attaining this. But first we shall understand the concept of months and years in Islam.

As we follow the lunar calendar, let us learn the significance of the motion of the moon and how it affects us. Allah Ta’ala states in the Holy Qur’an:

It is He Who created the sun radiating and the moon shining and appointed positions for it, for you to know the number of the years, and the account; Allah has not created it except with the truth; He explains the verses in detail for the people of knowledge. [Surah Yunus]

They ask you, (O dear Prophet Mohammed – Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam), regarding the crescents (moon); say, “They are indicators of time for mankind and for Hajj (the pilgrimage)

In the above verses it is indicated that the movement of the moon helps us establish the system of time, years and also its account.

My beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam’s beloved devotees! Qu’ran is the complete code of conduct, which guides us in every aspect of our life. We need to organise our time in such a way that we can do our day to day business, worship and also have enough rest. These days we divide our time according to hours and minutes but in the olden days there were no clocks and no such concept of time. Then how did people in those days manage their time and schedule? The answer lies in the Holy Qur’an where Allah Ta’ala has guided us that the rotation and revolution of the sun and the moon is not only the source of energy and light but it also helps to determine the time for Hajj and other purposes. Even the modern concept of time that we use today is based on the movement of the sun and the moon.

Unfortunately there are people who try to paint Islam as a backward religion. They boast about their developments in science and technology, but they need to see how Allah Ta’ala, more than fourteen centuries ago, outlined the purpose of the sun and moon and highlighted the concept of time.  And in the same way, Qur’an has provided the base for all the research and developments that we see today.

After reading briefly about the moon and its significance, it would be beneficial to look at the system of months in Islam. The twelve months that we know of is not the invention of any scientist but it is from Allah Ta’ala and it has been continuing since the day Allah created the heavens and the lands. Allah Ta’ala states,

‘Indeed the number of months before Allah is twelve – in the Book of Allah – since the day He created the heavens and the earth, of which four are sacred; this the straight religion; so do not wrong yourselves in those months; and constantly fight against the polytheists as they constantly fight against you; and know well that Allah is with the pious.’ [Taubah 9:36]

Zikre Shahadat

Zikre Shahadat

By: Ustaad e Zaman Brother of Alaa Hazrat,
Allama Hasan Raza Barelvi Rehmatullah Alaih

Bag e jannat kay hai behrE mudhakhanE Ahle Bait
Tum ko muzda, naar ka AE dusHmanaNE Ahle Bait

Kis zabaaN sE ho bayanE izz-o-shaane Ahle Bait
Madha goye Mustafa hai madha khanE Ahle Bait

UnkE ghar may be ijazat jibrA’eel atE nahI
Qadr wala jaantE hai qadr-o-shaanE Ahle Bait

Razm ka maidaN bana hai jalwaa gahE husn-o-ishq
Karbala mE ho raha hai imtEhaane Ahle Bait

Kis shaqi kI hai huKumat yeh kya andHER HAI
Din daharE lut raha hai karwanE Ahle Bait

Khushk ho jaa khaak ho kar khaak mE milja furaat
Khaak tujh par dekh to sookhi zabanE Ahle Bait

Fatima kE ladlE ka aAkhri deedaar hai
Hashr ka huNgama burpa hai miyaNE Ahle Bait

Ghar lutana jaan dena koi tujh say seekh jaye
Jaan e alam ho fidaa AE khandanE Ahle Bait

Sar shahidaane muhabbat kay hai nayzo pur buland
Aur unchi ki khuda nE qadr o shaan e Ahle Bait

Ahle Bait e paak say gustakHiyaN baybaqiyaN
“lanatUllah hi alaikum” dusHmananE Ahle Bait

Be adab Gustakh firqe ko suna dE Ae ‘hasan’
Yoon kaha kartE haiN SUNNI dastanE Ahle Bait.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

RAZA-E-HAQ ME JO MUSHQE GAZAND RAHTE HAI
SHIKASHT ME BHI WAHI FATAH MAND RAHTE HAI

Huwa jo zaibe ilm kaho utha sar shabbir
Jo sar buland hain wohi sar buland rahte hai

A NEW YEAR MESSAGE….

 

A NEW YEAR MESSAGE….
                                                                                                                                   

As Salaamualaikum and a happy Islamic new year! 

Just a quick message of wishful duas and blessings from Us for the new Islamic

month… Muharram Sharif May Allah Almighty bring the new year as a Blessing,

Rehmah, Success, Good health, Prosperity and most importantly Good Imaan

for us…May we learn, appreciate and try to follow what past Muslim Ummah

has done to preserve and spread Islam to reach us as it is today…especially the

event of Karb-balah (which was in this month) where Imam Hussain Radiyallahu

Anhu proved to all Muslims (upto the day of judgement) how much sacrifice we

may need to give of our wealth, family and everything we have to fight

against all odds to preserve Islam so that it is spread correctly to the future

generations. …may Allah give us the ability, capability and strength to

propagate at least what we know; so that we too can follow the Sunnah of the

Prophet ( Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam ) and Sahabah-e-Ikram (Radiyallahu Anhum )

and all the past Muslim Ummah who have helped to spread Islam to us…Ameen.

May the coming year be a chance for us as an Ummah to unite and be strong

like we were at the Sahabah’s time and try to understand that any difficulty or

happiness we get is all from Allah, we should thank Him for the best Blessing

that He has bestowed upon us (even though we are not deserving) which is

that he has made us in the ummah of the Greatest Creation, Greatest Prophet

and Greatest Leader-Prophet Mohamed ( Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam ) and

whatever happens we should fight against all odds to keep this faith strong not

only for us but to make sure that the future generations of Muslims receive a

decent and pure understanding of Islam through us.

Take care and remember us and all the Muslim Ummah in your duas’.

The Gatherings of Muharram

To organise gatherings in Muharram especially on the occasion of Aashura to remember Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu and his sacrifice is recommended and rewarding as long as the narrations mentioned are authentic.

Aa’la Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan RadiyAllahu states, ‘When the remembrance of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu is kept free of unauthentic and fabricated narrations, it is indeed rewarding as is mentioned in a narration:

’Mercy descends when the pious are remembered.’

Hazrat Allama Amjad Ali Aazmi Rehmatullah Alaih states, ‘to hold gatherings to remember Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu in Muharram is permissible as long as the traditions and stories mentioned are correct. These kind of stories teaches us patience and to submit ourselves to the Will of Allah. It also inspires us to be steadfast on the principles of Islam under all circumstances. We should also remember the companions of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and their glorious history in order to distinguish our gatherings from that of the Shias.’

 

The Niyaz (Offerings) of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu

Hazrat Sa’ad bin Obadah RadiyAllahu Anhu narrates that he came to RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam and enquired, ‘Ya RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, my mother has passed away. Which charity is best for her?’ RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam replied, ‘Water.’’ Thus Hazrat Sa’ad RadiyAllahu Anhu dug a well for the people and announced that this well is for my mother. (The reward of this goes to my mother.) [Ashatul Lam’aat]

It is clear from the above narration that the well was for the mother of Sa’ad. This means the reward of the good deed goes to the mother of Sa’ad and the well is attributed to her. Thus it is clear that any good deed presented to the deceased can be attributed to him. So when we say that this ‘niyaz’ is for Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu or this food is for Imam Hussain means that the reward goes to Imam Hussain. This kind of food does not become unlawful in any way as is a misconception with some minorities as we see that the water from the well for Hazrat Sa’ad’s mother was drank by the people of Madinah. 

Some people also question the general custom of Muslims to make ‘Khichda’ on this day. It is reported the arc of Nooh Alaihis Salaam rested at the Mount of Joody after the mighty flood on the day of Aashura. Hazrat Nooh Alaihis Salaam mixed all the seven type of grains and cereals in a large pot and cooked it, this dish was later called Khichda. Thus it is reported that to make Khichda on this day is a sunnah of Nuh Alaihis Salaam. Moreover Hazrat Khwaja Nizamuddin Awliya RadiyAllahu Anhu narrates that whosoever mixes seven types of grain on this day will get a reward for each grain and will have a sin forgiven. [Tafseer e Roohul Bayan]

 

Acts to be Avoided in Muharram

Where there are many desirable practices in the masses regarding Muharram and Aashura, there are some acts which are disliked and have no basis in Islam. It is a duty of every Muslim to know these acts and stay away from them.

 ‘Taziyadari’ is one such practice which was widely practiced in the Indian subcontinent which had evolved from the Shias. In this a replica of the mausoleum of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu is erected and people surround it as a mark of respect and pray. All sorts of offerings are made at the site, like flowers, money, food, etc.

Another such ritual initiated by the Shias is the extensive mourning, which is prohibited in Islam in the first place. Men, women and children gather to mourn the deaths of Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu and the Ahle Bait. They hit their chests, pull their hairs and cry collectively. Some even go to the extent of hitting themselves with chains and swords which often results in injuries and bleeding. Islam strictly prohibits all these acts. If mourning was allowed then the death of RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam would be more worthy of it.

Aa’la Hazrat states, ’Taziya is prohibited; it has no root in Islam. And whatever happens around it is also unlawful. The food presented there, though it does not become Haram, eating it would support the custom and hence should be avoided. Music and dance is Haram.’ [Fatawa Razvia]

What is Aashura?

My beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam’s beloved devotees. The root word for Aashura is Ashr meaning ten. There are a few reasons why this day is called Aashura.

1. This is the tenth day of Muharram thus called Aashura.
2. Ten days are given superiority and this is the tenth day.
3. On this day, Allah Ta’ala blessed ten Prophets with His chosen bounties.

Significant Incidents of the Day of Aashura

My beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam’s beloved devotees. There are several prominent incidents which took place on the day of Aashura which have made their place in the glorious history. Here we list a few:

1. On this day Allah Ta’ala, according to the meaning most suited to Him, descended on the Arsh.
2. It rained for the first time.
3. Mercy was revealed for first time.
4. Adam Alaihis Salaam’s repentance was accepted.
5. Allah Ta’ala elevated Idris Alaihis Salaam towards the heavens.
6. Hazrat Nooh Alaihis Salaam’s ark rested at the mountain of Joodi.
7. Hazrat Ibrahim Alaihis Salaam was born.
8. Hazrat Ibrahim Alaihis Salaam was made His ‘Khaleel’ by Allah.
9. Hazrat Ibrahim Alaihis Salaam was released safe from the fire of Namrood.
10. Hazrat Daud Alaihis Salaam’s repentance was accepted.
11. Hazrat Sulaiman Alaihis Salaam recovered his kingdom.
12. Hazrat Ayub Alaihis Salaam was relieved of his illness.
13. Hazrat Musa Alaihis Salaam was born.
14. Hazrat Musa Alaihis Salaam was victorious over the magicians.
15. Hazrat Musa Alaihis Salaam successfully crossed the river and Firaun was drowned.
16. Hazrat Yunus Alaihis Salaam was born.
17. Hazrat Yunus Alaihis Salaam was freed from the belly of the giant fish.
18. Hazrat Yaqub Alaihis Salaam regained his eyesight.
19. Hazrat Yusuf Alaihis Salaam was freed from the well and also from confinement.
20. Hazrat Isa Alaihis Salaam was born.
21. Hazrat Isa Alaihis Salaam was raised to the skies.
22. RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam was married to Ummul Mu’mineen Hazrat Khadijatul Kubra RadiyAllahu Anha.
23.  Imam Hussain RadiyAllahu Anhu attained martyrdom.
24. The Day of Judgement will take place.

Aashura During the Days of Ignorance

My beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam’s beloved devotees. When RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam saw the Jews fasting on the day of Aashura, he enquired as to the reason for it and they replied that this was the day when as Musa Alaihis Salaam was victorious over Firaun, who drowned along with his followers. So out of respect and as mark of celebration, we fast on this day.

Worship on the Night Before Aashura

Hazrat Ali RadiyAllahu Anhu narrates that RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said, ‘Whosoever revives the night before Aashura with his worship, Allah will make him live as long as He wishes.’

Bathing on Aashura

RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said, ‘Whoever takes a bath (performs Ghusl) on the day of Aashura will be saved from all illnesses except death.’

Good Deeds on Aashura

RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam says, ‘Whosoever applies surma made of stones on the day of Aashura, will have his eyes protected. Whosoever visits sick on this day will get reward of visiting all the sick of the world. And whosoever gives a drink to a needy person will get the reward of doing all the good deeds in the world.’

Compassion Towards an Orphan

Allah’s beloved Rasool Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam has said, ‘Whosoever strokes the head of an orphan with his hands (loves him and attends to his needs) on the day of Aashura, then for every hair, Allah will raise the status of that person in Jannah. [Ghunyatut Taalibeen]

Voluntary Prayers of Aashura

 

RadiyAllahu Anhu Abu Hurairah reports that one should pray four rak’ats on the day of Aashura, in each rak’at after Surah Fatiha pray Surah Zilzal, Surah Kaafiroon and Surah Ikhlaas once and after Salaam, pray Durood Sharif 70 times.

In another narration it is stated whoever prays four rak’ats on the day of Aashura in a manner that after each rak’at pray Surah Ikhlas fifty times after Surah Fatiha then his sins of the previous fifty years as well as the fifty future years will be forgiven. [Ghunyatut Taalibeen]

 

Dua e Aashura

The following dua is to be prayed on the day of Aashura.

Then pray seven times,

The Fasts of Aashura

My beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam’s beloved devotees. There are various ways to worship Allah and each one brings us closer to the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala and becomes a means of our sins being forgiven. Fasting on the day of Aashura is also one such kind of worship.

The Sunnat of the Prophets

To fast on the day of Aashura is not only the Sunnat of our beloved Rasool Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, but also of the previous Prophets. It is reported in a narration that RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam said:

‘Fast on the day of Aashura as this is the day when previous Prophets also fasted.’ [Jame Sageer]

Sins Forgiven

RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam has said:

‘Fast on the day of Aashura as I am certain that Allah forgives the sins of the previous year.’ [Mishkat]

Hazrat Abu Qatadah RadiyAllahu Anhu narrates:

RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam was asked about the fast of Aashura, he replied that this is compensation for the sins of the previous year.’ [Muslim Sharif]

The Best….

Hazrat Abu Hurairah RadiyAllahu Anhu narrates that RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam has said:

‘The best fasts after the Fasts of Ramadhan are the fasts of Aashura and the best Salaah after the Fardh Salaah is that of Tahajjud.’ [Muslim Sharif]

Four Qualities

Hazrat Hafsa RadiyAllahu Anha narrates:

RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam never missed four acts; the fast of Aashura, the fasts of the first nine days of ZilHajj, fasts on the 13th, 14th and 15th of each Islamic month and the two rak’ats before Fajr.’ [Mishkat Sharif]

Fasts of the 9th of Muharram

Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas RadiyAllahu Anhuma narrates:

‘When RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam himself fasted on the day of Aashura and also instructed his Companions to do the same, the companions enquired, ‘Ya RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, this is the day when the Jews and Christian fast.’ RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam replied, ‘If I am alive next year then I will surely fast on the 9th of Muharram as well. (To distinguish between us and the non believers)

Hazrat Abu Hurairah RadiyAllahu Anhu narrates that RasoolAllah Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam has said:

‘The fast of 10th Muharram was made obligatory on the Bani Israel, so you too fast on this day, and if you generously spend on your family on this day then Allah will be generous to you all year. Whoever Fasts on this day, it will compensate for the sins of forty years, and whoever engages in worship on the night of Aashura and Fasts during the day will not face torment at the time of death. [Ghunyatut Taalibeen]

Hussaini Groom By Ilyas Attar Qadri

اَلْحَمْدُ ﷲ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ ط وَالصَّلاَةُ وَالسَّلاَمُ عَلٰى سَيِّدِ الْمُرْسَلِيْنْ ط اَمَّابَعْدُ! فَاَعُوْذُ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطٰنِ الرَّجِيْمْ ط بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْم ْط   (Translated By: Majlis-e-Tarajim of Dawat-e-Islami)   This speech was performed by Ameer-e-AhleSunnat  دامت برکاتهم العاليه in the 3 day Sindh Ijtima of Dawat-e-Islami (1420ah). It has been presented with necessary changes – Maktaba-tul-madina   Hussaini Groom   No matter how lazy Satan makes you feel, read this booklet in its entirety. In’shaa-Allah عَزَّوَجَل you will feel a Madani transformation within yourself.   Sheikh Muhammad bin Sulaimaan Jazuli رَحْمَةُ الله عَلَيْه says that I was once on a journey. At one place it was time to offer salaah. There was a well there but no rope or bucket to pull the water out. I was still thinking about this problem when a girl on top of a house looked and asked, “What are you looking for?” I replied, “I am looking for a bucket and some rope.” She asked my name, and I told her. She said, “Oh, so it is you who is spoken about a lot but your condition is such that you can’t even pull water from a well.” After saying this, she spat in the well. As soon as she did this, water started rising in the well and started flowing out. Muhammad bin Sulaimaan Jazuli رَحْمَةُ الله عَلَيْه performed his wudu and offered his salaah and then asked the girl, “Tell me truthfully, how you achieved this marvel?” She replied, “I recite Durood Shareef and with its blessing, this marvel happened.” He رَحْمَةُ الله عَلَيْه says that I was so impressed by that girl that I promised I will write a book all about Durood Shareef. (sa’aada-tud-darain, P159) Therefore, he رَحْمَةُ الله عَلَيْه wrote a book all about Durood Shareef which is famously known as ‘Dalail-ul-Khairaat’.   صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبيْبْ   صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلٰى مُحَمَّد    During the last few days, we remembered the great martyrs of Karbala. I will now tell you a painful story of a Hussaini groom. Allama Moulana Sayyid Muhammad Naeem-ud-Deen Muraadabaadi رَحْمَةُ الله عَلَيْه narrates in his book ‘Sawanih-e-Karbala’,   Hussaini groom   Sayyiduna Wahb رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ ibn’e Abdullah Kalbi was a good natured youngster from the tribe of Bani Kalb. Just after 7 days of his  رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ marriage his mother رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا came to him. His mother was a widow and her only prize and possession was her son. She رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا embraced her son and started crying. Sayyiduna Wahb رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ in confusion asked his mother, “Dear mother! Why are you upset? I don’t remember ever upsetting you during my lifetime and neither can I ever think of doing that in the future. It is compulsory for me to obey your orders and In’shaa-Allah عَزَّوَجَل until the day I die I will be your obedient. Dear mother! What is worrying you and what has made you cry? My dear mother! I am willing to sacrifice my life on your order. Please don’t be upset.” On hearing this, his mother let out a scream and started crying even more and said, “My son, you are the light of my eyes, you are the peace of my heart, you are the only flower in my garden. Through sweat and tears I have fed you, I cannot bear a single moment without you and my heart becomes distressed in your absence. My dear son! Today on the ground of Karbala, the grandson of the Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْه وَاٰله وَسَلَّم , the beloved of Sayyiduna Ali رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, the light of the eyes of Sayyidatuna Fatima رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا is getting crushed under oppression and cruelty. My Beloved! Is it possible for you to sacrifice your life at their feet? I would spit on this world if we are still alive and the beloved grandson of the Holy prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْه وَاٰله وَسَلَّم is mercilessly martyred. If you remember the love that I gave to you when you were growing up, if you have not forgotten then my dear son! Sacrifice yourself for Hussain رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ.” The Hussaini groom Sayyiduna Wahb رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ said, “My Dear Mother! It is my good fortune if I can sacrifice my life for Hussain رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ and I am prepared to do so. I need permission for a short while though so that I can go see that woman who has given up everything in this world for me and does not look at any other man except me. I am worried about her and if she wishes, I will give her permission to spend her life how ever she wants.” The mother said, “My Dear Son! Women are of unsound mentality, you might become trapped in her words and might let this opportunity leave your hands.” The Hussaini groom Sayyiduna Wahb رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ said, “My Dear Mother!  My love for Imam Hussain رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ is so tight in my heart that no-one can open that knot of love and no-one can wash that love away.” After saying this, he رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ went to his wife and said, “The grandson of the Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْه وَاٰله وَسَلَّم, son of Fatima رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهَا and blooming flower from the garden of Sayyiduna Ali رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ is in difficulty in the grounds of Karbala. Traitors have got them trapped.” On hearing this, his bride let out a heart trembling sigh and said, “Oh crown of my head! How upsetting it is that I can’t participate with you in this battle. Shariah does not allow women to come to the battlefield in order to fight. Unfortunately, I am deprived of this blessing and I can’t sacrifice myself for Imam Hussain رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ . Subhan-Allah عَزَّوَجَل, you have made the intention of Heaven and Heavenly women will be waiting for you. Just do one thing for me. When you are in Heaven and are presented with the blessings of Heaven and the Heavenly women are around you, please keep me by your side.” The Hussaini groom رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ took his wife and mother and presented him in the court of Imam Hussain رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ. The bride said, “Oh son of The Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْه وَاٰله وَسَلَّم, as soon as a martyr falls from his horse, he falls into the lap of heavenly women and every wish is fulfilled in Heaven. He (meaning Sayyiduna Wahb رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ) wishes to sacrifice himself for you and I have no other relatives who will take care of me. I just have one wish and it is that I don’t be separated from my groom on the Day of Judgement. In this world I wish that you keep me as one of your slave girls so that I can serve your female family members رَضِيَ اﷲُعَنْهُن.” After hearing all this, Sayyiduna Wahb رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ said, “Oh Imam Hussain  رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, if through the intercession of the Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْه وَاٰله وَسَلَّم I am granted Heaven, I will request the Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْه وَاٰله وَسَلَّم to keep my bride with me because I have made her a promise.” After saying this, Sayyiduna Wahb رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ requested permission from Imam Hussain رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ and went into the battlefield. On seeing this, the enemy became frightful as to who this young man this, riding on a horse all by himself with a spear in his hand and calling out in a loud voice, امِيْرُالْحُسَيْنُ وَ نِعْمَ الْامِيْر لَهُ لَمْعَةٌ کَا لسِّرَاجِ الْمُنِيْر   Meaning Imaam Hussain رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ is the leader and he is a good leader. His character and personality is like a bright candle.   Sayyiduna Wahb رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ went forward with full speed and whoever came in his way was beheaded. Around him, a pile of heads was created. The bodies of the enemy could be seen writhing in pain and agony and covered in blood. After a while he changed the direction of his horse and headed towards his mother. He رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ came to his mother and said, “My dear mother! Are you happy with me now?” He went to his bride who was crying and told her to be patient.  As soon as he had said this, a voice was heard from the battlefield calling out   هَلْ مِنْ مُّبَارِز؟ meaning is there anyone to fight? Sayyiduna Wahb رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ mounted his horse and headed towards the battlefield for the second time. The new bride is watching her husband leave as tears fall from her eyes. The Hussaini Groom reached the battlefield within moments and saw that the enemy in the field was the famous warrior and expert rider Hakam bin Tufail who was an experienced fighter in the battlefield. With pride he leapt off his horse. With one attack, Sayyiduna Wahb رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ lifted him with his spear and threw him onto the ground and because of the impact of him hitting the ground, his bones got crushed. There was uproar in both armies and the enemy lost the will power to fight.  Sayyiduna Wahb رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ rode straight into the heart of the enemy. Whichever enemy came in his way was lifted on his spear and smashed onto the ground. So many enemies were killed using the spear that the spear broke into pieces. As soon as it broke into pieces, he رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ took out his sword and beheaded any enemy in the way. When the enemies became fed up of what Sayyiduna Wahb رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ was doing, the enemy leader Amr bin Sa’ad gave the order that all the soldiers should attack at once and from all around. This order of the leader was followed and all the enemies attacked at once. Sayyiduna Wahb رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ was so badly injured by this cowardly attack that he fell to the ground and the black hearted enemy cut of his blessed head and threw it towards the army of Imam Hussain رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ. The mother of Sayyiduna Wahb رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ picked up the head of her son and rubbed it on her face and said, “Oh son, my brave son, your mother is happy with you now.” The mother then put the head into the lap of the bride. The bride kissed the head and in that very instance her soul left her body and she joined her Hussaini groom.   اَسکَنَکُمَا الله ُ فَرَادِيْسَ الجِنَانِ وَاَغرَقَکُم فِي بِحَارِ الرَّحمَة  وَ الرِّضوَانِ   (meaning may Allah عَزَّوَجَل grant you a place in the gardens of Firdous and immerse you in mercy and the river of Ridwaan)   (mulakhkhas az: Sawanih Karbala, P118-123, Shabir brothers Markaz-ul-Auliya Lahore) My Dear Islamic Brothers! You saw the enthusiasm the AhleBait عليهم الرضوان had and how the Hussaini groom who was married since 17 days only, went into the battlefield and faced the enemy and became entitled to Heaven by being martyred. The mother and wife of the Hussaini groom are also entitled too much praise. Look at how the mother and the wife supported the Hussaini groom and saw him get martyred in the feet of Imaam Hussain رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ. May Allah عَزَّوَجَل give even one drop of this enthusiasm to our mothers and sisters so that they can also present their children for the sake of Islam, make them act upon the sunnah and make them travel in the Madani Qafilas.  سنتیں سیکھنے قافلے میں چلو       لوٹنے رحمتیں قافلے میں چلو ہونگی حل مشکلیں قافلے میں چلو      دورہوں آفتیں قافلے میں چلو Three brave brothers   Allama Abul Farrij Jozi رَحْمَةُ الله عَلَيْه copies the following incident in Oyunul-Hikayaat: Three young Syrian brothers left with the Islamic army to participate in a holy war. They rode separately, not with the army and did not attack until the enemy attacked first. Once, a big roman army attacked the Muslims. Many Muslims were martyred and many were taken as prisoners. The three brothers said to each other, “The Muslims are facing a big problem. It is necessary for us that we don’t think about our lives. We should go into the battlefield.” They went into the battlefield and said to the remaining Muslims, “Stay behind us and let us fight them. If Allah عَزَّوَجَل wills, we will be enough for you.” After saying this, the three brothers started fighting with the roman army and forced them to retreat. The roman king (who was watching the bravery of the three brothers) said to one of his generals, “Whoever arrests one of those three will become my most trusted person and commander-in-chief.” When the roman army heard this, they no longer cared about their lives and eventually captured the three brothers alive without injuring them. Once they were captured, the roman king said, “There is no greater war treasure (booty) than these three.” After saying this, the king ordered the roman army to leave and took the three brothers with him to his kingdom. When they got there, he told the three brothers to become Christian and said, “If you become Christian, I will have my daughters marry you and later on you will become rulers.” The three brothers remained steadfast in their Imaan and refused this offer of the king. The three brothers called out to the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْه وَاٰله وَسَلَّم and pleaded. The king asked the people present as to what the brothers were saying and the people replied, “They are calling their prophet.” The king said to the brothers, “If you don’t listen to what I say, I will order three big pots to be brought and filled will hot oil. I will throw you each into a pot.” He then ordered three big pots to be brought and ordered that the oil inside the pot be heated for three days. Everyday, the king brought the brothers to the pots and repeated his request again that become Christian and I will have my daughters marry you and you will rule. This offer was refused every time. After three days, the oldest brother was called and this request was repeated to him. The king threatened that if you do not accept my offer I will throw you into the oil but still the brother refused. In anger, the king ordered the brother to be thrown into the oil. As soon as the brother was thrown into the boiling oil, his flesh melted and his bones rose to the surface. The king did the same thing to the second brother and threw him into the boiling oil. When the king saw the steadfastness of the brothers in such a difficult time, he started saying to himself, “I have never seen anyone braver than these Muslims. What have I done?” After saying this, he called the younger brother and started making excuses but the youngest brother didn’t fall into the trap of the king. After seeing all this, a person present said, “Oh king! If I can trap him, what reward will I get?” The king replied, “I will make you the commander-in-chief of my army.” That person agreed. The king asked, “How will you trap him?” The person replied, “Oh king! You know that the people of Arabia are very interested in women and nearly every roman knows that my daughter is the most beautiful in all of Rome. Give this youngster to me and I will make him meet my daughter alone. My daughter will be able to trap him.” The king gave that person forty days and handed the youngster over to him. That person took the youngster to his daughter and told her the situation. The girl agreed to act upon what her father said. That youngster started staying with that girl but during the day he fasted and during the night he busied himself with praying nawafil. The time limit that the king gave was nearly up so he asked the father about the situation of the youngster. He came and asked his daughter and she said, “I am unsuccessful in trapping him. He doesn’t even pay attention to me. A reason for this could be that two of his brothers were killed in this city and he keeps on thinking about them. Get an extension from the king and send us to another city.” The father went and told this king the situation. The king extended the time limit and ordered the girl and the youngster to be taken to another city. That youngster still did exactly the same and fasted during the day and remained busy in worship during the night. When there were only three days until the time limit ended, the girl went to the youngster and said, “I want to enter into you religion” and she became a Muslim. They then made a plan to escape. The girl took two horses from the stable and they both headed towards the Muslim ruled lands. One night, they heard the sound of horses behind them. The girl thought that the Christian soldiers had been following them and had caught up. The girl said to that youngster, “Pray to that Allah عَزَّوَجَل who I have brought faith onto that He saves us from our enemy.” The youngster turned around and was shocked to see that his two brothers, who were martyred, were sitting on the horses surrounded by a group of angels. The youngster gave them salaam and asked of their condition. They both said, “With one dive we entered Janna-tul-Firdous and Allah عَزَّوَجَل has sent us to you.” After saying this, they went. The youngster took the girl and went to Syria where he married her. This incident of the three brothers became very famous in Syria and poems were written for them. One verse from a poem is:   سَيُعْطِي الصَّادِقينَ بِفَضْلِ صِدْقٍ  نَجَاةً فِي الْحَياةِ وَ فِي الْمَمَاتِ   (Translation: With the blessing of truth, Allah عَزَّوَجَل will very soon free the truthful in this world and during death.)  (Oyunul-Hikayaat, P197-198, Dar-ul-Kutubul Ilimiya Beirut)   May Allah عَزَّوَجَل shower his mercy upon them and forgive us for their sake.     صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبيْب   صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلٰى مُحَمَّد    My Dear Islamic Brothers! Did you see how the three brothers remained steadfast in their Imaan? They not only claimed to love the Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْه وَاٰله وَسَلَّم. They were sincere lovers of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْه وَاٰله وَسَلَّم. Two brothers were martyred and thus became entitled to the blessings of Janna-tul-Firdous and the third didn’t even look at the beauty of Rome but instead indulged himself in the worship of Allah عَزَّوَجَل and the one who came as a predator became the prey! From this incident we also find out that in the time of difficulty, to seek help from the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْه وَاٰله وَسَلَّم is the method of the AhleHaq (people of the truth) . یا رسول اللہ کے نعرے سے ہم کو پیار ہے ان شاء اللہ دو جہاں میں اپنا بیڑا پار ہے      صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبيْب!   صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالىٰ عَلىٰ مُحَمَّد Three brave brothers   Allama Abul Farrij Jozi رَحْمَةُ الله عَلَيْه copies the following incident in Oyunul-Hikayaat: Three young Syrian brothers left with the Islamic army to participate in a holy war. They rode separately, not with the army and did not attack until the enemy attacked first. Once, a big roman army attacked the Muslims. Many Muslims were martyred and many were taken as prisoners. The three brothers said to each other, “The Muslims are facing a big problem. It is necessary for us that we don’t think about our lives. We should go into the battlefield.” They went into the battlefield and said to the remaining Muslims, “Stay behind us and let us fight them. If Allah عَزَّوَجَل wills, we will be enough for you.” After saying this, the three brothers started fighting with the roman army and forced them to retreat. The roman king (who was watching the bravery of the three brothers) said to one of his generals, “Whoever arrests one of those three will become my most trusted person and commander-in-chief.” When the roman army heard this, they no longer cared about their lives and eventually captured the three brothers alive without injuring them. Once they were captured, the roman king said, “There is no greater war treasure (booty) than these three.” After saying this, the king ordered the roman army to leave and took the three brothers with him to his kingdom. When they got there, he told the three brothers to become Christian and said, “If you become Christian, I will have my daughters marry you and later on you will become rulers.” The three brothers remained steadfast in their Imaan and refused this offer of the king. The three brothers called out to the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْه وَاٰله وَسَلَّم and pleaded. The king asked the people present as to what the brothers were saying and the people replied, “They are calling their prophet.” The king said to the brothers, “If you don’t listen to what I say, I will order three big pots to be brought and filled will hot oil. I will throw you each into a pot.” He then ordered three big pots to be brought and ordered that the oil inside the pot be heated for three days. Everyday, the king brought the brothers to the pots and repeated his request again that become Christian and I will have my daughters marry you and you will rule. This offer was refused every time. After three days, the oldest brother was called and this request was repeated to him. The king threatened that if you do not accept my offer I will throw you into the oil but still the brother refused. In anger, the king ordered the brother to be thrown into the oil. As soon as the brother was thrown into the boiling oil, his flesh melted and his bones rose to the surface. The king did the same thing to the second brother and threw him into the boiling oil. When the king saw the steadfastness of the brothers in such a difficult time, he started saying to himself, “I have never seen anyone braver than these Muslims. What have I done?” After saying this, he called the younger brother and started making excuses but the youngest brother didn’t fall into the trap of the king. After seeing all this, a person present said, “Oh king! If I can trap him, what reward will I get?” The king replied, “I will make you the commander-in-chief of my army.” That person agreed. The king asked, “How will you trap him?” The person replied, “Oh king! You know that the people of Arabia are very interested in women and nearly every roman knows that my daughter is the most beautiful in all of Rome. Give this youngster to me and I will make him meet my daughter alone. My daughter will be able to trap him.” The king gave that person forty days and handed the youngster over to him. That person took the youngster to his daughter and told her the situation. The girl agreed to act upon what her father said. That youngster started staying with that girl but during the day he fasted and during the night he busied himself with praying nawafil. The time limit that the king gave was nearly up so he asked the father about the situation of the youngster. He came and asked his daughter and she said, “I am unsuccessful in trapping him. He doesn’t even pay attention to me. A reason for this could be that two of his brothers were killed in this city and he keeps on thinking about them. Get an extension from the king and send us to another city.” The father went and told this king the situation. The king extended the time limit and ordered the girl and the youngster to be taken to another city. That youngster still did exactly the same and fasted during the day and remained busy in worship during the night. When there were only three days until the time limit ended, the girl went to the youngster and said, “I want to enter into you religion” and she became a Muslim. They then made a plan to escape. The girl took two horses from the stable and they both headed towards the Muslim ruled lands. One night, they heard the sound of horses behind them. The girl thought that the Christian soldiers had been following them and had caught up. The girl said to that youngster, “Pray to that Allah عَزَّوَجَل who I have brought faith onto that He saves us from our enemy.” The youngster turned around and was shocked to see that his two brothers, who were martyred, were sitting on the horses surrounded by a group of angels. The youngster gave them salaam and asked of their condition. They both said, “With one dive we entered Janna-tul-Firdous and Allah عَزَّوَجَل has sent us to you.” After saying this, they went. The youngster took the girl and went to Syria where he married her. This incident of the three brothers became very famous in Syria and poems were written for them. One verse from a poem is:   سَيُعْطِي الصَّادِقينَ بِفَضْلِ صِدْقٍ  نَجَاةً فِي الْحَياةِ وَ فِي الْمَمَاتِ   (Translation: With the blessing of truth, Allah عَزَّوَجَل will very soon free the truthful in this world and during death.)  (Oyunul-Hikayaat, P197-198, Dar-ul-Kutubul Ilimiya Beirut)   May Allah عَزَّوَجَل shower his mercy upon them and forgive us for their sake.     صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبيْب   صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلٰى مُحَمَّد    My Dear Islamic Brothers! Did you see how the three brothers remained steadfast in their Imaan? They not only claimed to love the Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْه وَاٰله وَسَلَّم. They were sincere lovers of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْه وَاٰله وَسَلَّم. Two brothers were martyred and thus became entitled to the blessings of Janna-tul-Firdous and the third didn’t even look at the beauty of Rome but instead indulged himself in the worship of Allah عَزَّوَجَل and the one who came as a predator became the prey! From this incident we also find out that in the time of difficulty, to seek help from the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْه وَاٰله وَسَلَّم is the method of the AhleHaq (people of the truth) . یا رسول اللہ کے نعرے سے ہم کو پیار ہے ان شاء اللہ دو جہاں میں اپنا بیڑا پار ہے      صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبيْب!   صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالىٰ عَلىٰ مُحَمَّد

Zakah And knowing its importance

Zakah And knowing its importance

To whom Zakah can be given? (Masaarif)

The recipients of Zakah according to the Qur’aan are as follows

“Zakah (contributions of cash money, merchandise, animals etc.) are for the poor and the needy; and those who collect them; for those whose hearts are to be reconciled; and to free the captives and the debtors; and for the cause of Allah Ta’aala; and for the wayfarer; A duty ordained by Allah Ta’aala. Allah Ta’aala is Knowing, Wise.” (Surah Taubah:60)

FUQA’RAA – People who are poor and who possess more than their basic needs but do not possess wealth equal to Nisaab.

MASAAKEEN – People who are destitute and extremely needy to the extent that they are forced to beg for their daily food ration.

AL AAMILEEN – Those persons who are appointed by an Islamic Head of State or Government to collect Zakah. It is not necessary that this be a needy person.

MU ALLAFATUL QULOOB – Those persons that have recently accepted Islam and are in need of basic necessities who would benefit from encouragement by the Muslims which would help to strengthen their faith of Islam.

AR RIQAAB – Those slaves that are permitted to work for remuneration and have an agreement from their masters to purchase their freedom on payment of fixed amounts.

AL GHAARIMEEN – Those persons that have a debt and do not possess any other wealth or goods with which they could repay that which they owe. It is conditional that this debt was not created for any un-Islamic or sinful purpose.

FEE SABEELILLAH – Those persons that have to carry out a Fardh deed which has become obligatory on them and subsequently (due to loss of wealth) are unable to comptete that Fardh.

Important: A common misunderstanding about the term Fee Sabeelillah has misled many to believe that this includes all types of charitable deeds. The Commentaries of the Qur’aan and Ahaadith of Rasulullah do not support this view.

IBN US SABEEL – Those persons who are musaafirs (travellers in view of Shariat) and during the course of their journey do not possess basic necessities, though they are well to do at home. They could be given Zakah in order to fulfill travel needs to return home.

IMPORTANT. All the above mentioned recipients excluding AI Aamileen must be those who do not possess the Nisaab.

1. It is not Jaa’iz (not permissible) in the Shariat to give Zakah to a person who owns merchandise or wealth in excess of his needs to the value of Nisaab nor is it Jaa’iz for such a person to accept Zakah.

2. A person that does not own an amount equal to the value of Nisaab is known as Faqir. This person could be given Zakah and it is permissible for him to accept Zakah.

3. A person owns wealth which in value exceeds the amount of Nisaab, but this wealth is not intended for business nor does he require it for his daily needs. Such a person is regarded as well to do and should not be given Zakah.

4. The books of a scholar or tools of a tradesman are among his necessities irrespective of their value. Besides these if he does not own wealth equal to Nisaab he could be given Zakah.

5. When giving Zakah, Sadaqah etc. one’s poor and needy relatives should be given preference. To avoid embarassing them it should be given to them without saying that it is Zakah or Sadaqah.

6. There is great sawaab in giving Zakah to poor persons who are striving in the way of the Deen or those who are engaged in religious knowledge, or to religious institutions where poor or needy students are being cared for. Care should be taken that only such institutions are given Zakah where it is used according to the Shariah.

7. A child of a wealthy father cannot be given Zakah. When such a child becomes mature in age and does not own wealth to the value of Nisaab, he may then be given Zakah.

8. Zakah CAN BE GIVEN TO :-
a brother, sister, nephew, neice (brothers and sisters children), uncle, aunt (both paternal and maternal), step-grandfather, step-grandmother, father-in-law, mother-in-law PROVIDED THEY DO NOT POSSESS NISAAB.

Zakat cannot be given to:

1. Banu Haashim. The Banu Hashim are all the children of Sayyadatina Faatima tuz zohra radiallaho anha  and all members of Rasulullah sallalaho alayhe wassallams family and wives.

2. parents, grandfather etc. In the same manner one’s children and grandchildren cannot be given Zakah, a husband and wife cannot give Zakah to each other.

3. Zakah contributions cannot be given to such institutions or organisations who do not give the rightful recipients (Masaarif) possession of Zakah, but instead use Zakah funds for construction, investment or salaries.

4. Zakah cannot be given to non-Muslims. The same ruling applies to Waajib Sadaqah i.e. Sadaqatut Fit’r, Kaffaarah, Ush’r and Naz’r. Nafl Sadaqah could be given to non-Muslims.

5. If one cannot determine whether the recipient is needy or not, then it is better to make certain before giving him Zakah. If Zakah is given without inquiry and subsequently it is known that the recipient is wealthy the Zakah is not valid. It has to be given again.

6. Zakah will not be fulfilled by purchasing books for an institution, or land purchased for public utility and made Wakf.

7. Zakah cannot be used for the Kaf’n of a deceased person who has no heirs because at that time he/she cannot become the owner.

8. A dead person’s debt cannot be paid from Zakah.

When Zakah is Farz on a creditor

A person is obliged to give Zakah on money or valuable owing to him, whether it be a loan or a business debt. This applies only if the debtor acknowledges that he owes the amount or promises to pay it or if on the contrary he refutes the claim, and there are witnesses or documentary proof to support such claim which it could be recovered through a judiciary.
Loans are basically of three types:-

1. Qawi (secure loan)

a. If cash, gold or silver has been given as a loan or when merchandise has been sold on terms and the payment is received after a year or two; and the value of the amount owing is that of Nisaab, then this is called a Qawi loan, and therefore, Zakah for those years prior to payment wiil be Farz.
b. In the case where this loan is repaid in instalments, if the repayment received equals to one fifth (200) of the Nisaab, Zakah of this one fifth becomes Fardh. If several years have passed, then Zakah must be given for all the past years. Zakah of the past years has to be calculated annually in units, each unit being twenty percent of the Nisaab. Government bonds are of this category and Zakah has to be paid on recovery of this loan as described above.

c. If any such loan is not equal to Nisaab then Zakah witl not be Farz; but if this loan together with other excess wealth w hich is in ones possession when combined becomes equal to Nisaab, then Zakah will be Farz on the combined total of both amounts.

2. Mutawassit (insufficiently secure loan)

a. If a loan is not cash, gold, silver or merchandise (as mentioned in 1. (a) above) but is personal effects sold (old clothes, house-hold items etc.) or is a property which was sold and the value of it is that of Nisaab, then it is called a Mutawassit loan. Thus Zakah for those year prinr to payment will not be Farz.
b. If this loan is equal to or in excess of Nisaab and is fully recovered after several years then Zakah on that amount is not Farz for all the past years. However, if anyone in such an instance gave Zakah, then such an act is rewarded by Allah Ta’aala.

c. In a case where the repayment is made in instalments, then Zakah will only be Farz if the repayment is equal to Nisaab and is retained for a full Islamic year.

d. If the instalment received is less than Nisaab, but one is in possession of other wealth on which Zakah is due (i.e. Nisaab on which a year has elapsed), then this instalment must be added to the wealth, and Zakah must be given on the total. It is not necessary for a year to pass over this instalment that is received.

3. Dhaeef (Insecure loan)

a. If money owing to one is not in lieu of cash, gold, silver, merchandise or personal effects or property which is sold but is due to outstanding inheritance, bequests, Meh’r (dowry) salary etc. then it is called a Dha’eef loan.
b. Zakah will become Farz when these monies are received and they are equal to or in excess of Nisaab, and further, they are retained for a full Islamic year. There is no Zakah for the years that have passed before receiving these amounts.

c. There is no Zakah on Provident and Pension funds. Zakah must only be paid on these amounts after they are received from such funds provided the amount is equal to or in excess of the Nisaab and is retained for a full Islamic year.

NOTE: Some Ulama have categorized these funds as Qawi or Mutawassit loans, and thus Zakah becomes obligatory on the contributions for the past year as well. It is therefore advisable that as a precautionary measure Zakah should be paid for the past years on these as well.

Zakah on merchandise

1. Articles that are purchased for resale are referred to as merchandise. The Nisaab for Zakah on merchandise is the same as that for cash i.e. if the value of the articles is equivalent to the value of 87.48 grams of gold (7.5 tolas = 1350 grains = 2.8125 troy. ounces) or 612.36 grams of silver (52 5 tolas = 9450 grains = 19,6875 troy ounces) or more, that it will be Fardh to give Zakah at the rate of 2.% or one fortieth.

2. Zakah is Farz on the following items when drawing up a balance (calculating) sheet:-

a. Stock in trade;
b. Goods in transit; (which have been paid for)
c. Cash on hand;
d. Outstanding cash and loans; when  repaid and if they are equal to Nisaab.
e. Cash at bank;
f. Savings account;
g. Fixed deposits;
h. Sundry outstanding; (when repaid and if they are equal to Nisaab)
i. Claims; (acknowledged)
j. Other savings – household balance; sundry cash.

3. All these must be added as one amount, and after subtracting the creditors amount and/or any other liabilities, the balance which is the profit must be added to the capital. Zakah must then be given on this combined figure.

4. Zakah should be g)ven on the capital that exists at the end of the lunar year, which includes the profit, e.g. at the beginning pf the year the capital is R2000-00. When the year ends a profit of R500-00 is shown. Zakah must be given on R2500-00.

5. If a bad debt is recovered and it is equal to or exceeds the Nisaab, then Zakah on all the past years must be given.

6. If one has various different types of merchandise then the total value of all the goods should be calculated. If it is equal or exceeds the value of Nisaab then it a be necessary to give Zakah.

7. If at the beginning of the year one has t full Nisaab and during the year the amount decreases and by the end of the year possession of the full Nisaab is regained then it will be Waajib to give Zakah on this amount.

8. If one mixes Halaal and Haraam merchandis and the amount is equal to or exceeds the Nisaab at the end of the year then it will be necessary to give Zakah.

9. It is customary to write the price paid for the merchandise at stock figures. Zakah should not be calculated on these stock figures. For Zakah purposes current purchase value of the merchandise should be calculated.

10. If a few persons are partners in a company and if any one share of the partners is equal to or exceeds Nisaab then it will be necessary for that partner to give Zakah.

11. Stock for Zakah purposes must be calculated according to the Islamic (lunar) year.

12. Zakah is Farz at the ruling price on shares held in a company at the end of every Islamic year. As machinery, land, fixtures and fittings, furniture, buildings etc. are exempt from Zakah, one is allowed to subtract these from the total assets. This could be obtained from the company’s annual report, for example, if one has shares worth R100-00 and the machinery, land etc. are worth 5% of the total assets of the company, then deduct R5-00 for machinery, land, fixtures and fittings, furniture and buildings (the exempted Zakah items) thereafter deduct the liabilities of the company proportionately to the percentage of shares held, and the Zakah must be calculated on the balance.

13. When Zakah is given on a capital amount once and thereafter if this same amount remains with the owner till the following year then Zakah will be due again. Zakah will be Farz repeatedly after every Islamic year has elapsed.

Decrease in wealth by the end of the Islamic year

1. If Zakah on wealth has not been given at the end of the Islamic year, and all that wealth either gets lost or stolen, then such wealth is exempted from Zakah. If one deliberately gives away or destroys his wealth then Zakah still remains Waajib.

2. If after a full Islamic year has elapsed, and incidentally without the niyyat of Zakah, one gives away all his wealth to charity, then that amount of wealth is exempted from Zakah. In a case where he only gives away; part of that wealth, then Zakah will be due on the remainder if it is equal to Nisaab.

NOTE: A person is obliged to pay Zakah on R10 000, namely the sum of R250. He sets aside this amount with a view to paying his Zakah. The sum of R250 is thereafter lost or stolen in which event the Zakah obligation is not discharged. If the Zakah payer dies after setting aside the sum of R250, it will constitute part of his estate to be transmissible to his heirs.