99 Name's of ALLAH (GOD)

The word Allah (الله) is the Arabic term for God, or in other words, the Arabic God. In Islam, Allah is the main word for God. Muslims use 99 Names of God to describe God, but Allah is the most common of these and means all of them. When a Muslim says Allah, all of the other names of God are thought of as part of it. Muslims also believe that this word tells about God's being a single entity and as being without wrong or defect and of God having no partner.
In Arabic, the name is composed of four letters, ا ل ل ه (or Alif Lam Lam Ha) which when brought together make الله. Most Arab Christians believe that Allah is made up of three devine beings; the Father, Son and Spirit, that together they make up God.
"Allah" is often used by Muslims, when they're praying. Muslims have a faith in one God, one person who made everything, one judge and only one person who has power over all things.

List of names

Below is the list of the 99 Names of God according al-Walid ibn Muslim.

#	Arabic	Transliteration	Translation (can vary based on context)	Qur'anic usage
1	الرحمان	Ar-Rahmān	The Compassionate, The Beneficent, The Gracious	Beginning of every chapter except one, and in numerous other places. Name frequently used in Surah 55, Ar-Rahman.
2	الرحيم	Ar-Rahim	The Merciful	Beginning of every chapter except one, and in numerous other places
3	الملك	Al-Malik	The King, The Master, The Sovereign Lord	59:23, 20:114
4	القدوس	Al-Quddus	The Holy, The Pure, The Perfect	59:23, 62:1
5	السلام	As-Salām	The Peace and Blessing, The Source of Peace and Safety,	59:23
6	المؤمن	Al-Mu'min	The Guarantor, The Affirming,	59:23
7	المهيمن	Al-Muhaymin	The Guardian, The Protector	59:23
8	العزيز	Al-Aziz]]	The Almighty, The Sufficient, The Honorable	3:6, 4:158, 9:40, 48:7, 59:23
9	الجبار	Al-Jabbar	The Irresistible, The Compeller, The Lofty,	59:23
10	المتكبر	Al-Mutakabbir	The Highest, The Greatest	59:23
11	الخالق	Al-Khāliq	The Creator	6:102, 13:16, 39:62, 40:62, 59:24
12	البارئ	Al-Bāri'	The Rightful	59:24
13	المصور	Al-Musawwir	The Evolver, The Fashioner of Forms	59:24
14	الغفار	Al-Ghaffār	The Forgiving	20:82, 38:66, 39:5, 40:42, 71:10
15	القهار	Al-Qahhār	The Subduer	13:16, 14:48, 38:65, 39:4, 40:16
16	الوهاب	Al-Wahhāb	The Bestower	3:8, 38:9, 38:35
17	الرزاق	Ar-Razzāq	The Provider	51:58
18	الفتاح	Al-Fattāh	The Opener, The Victory Giver	34:26
19	العليم	Al-'Alīm	The All Knowing, The Omniscient	2:158, 3:92, 4:35, 24:41, 33:40
20	القابض	Al-Qābid	The Restrainer, The Straightener	2:245
21	الباسط	Al-Bāsit	The Extender / Expander	2:245
22	الخافض	Al-Khāfid	The Abaser	95:5
23	الرافع	Ar-Rāfi'	The Exalter	58:11, 6:83
24	المعز	Al-Mu'izz	The Giver of Honour	3:26
25	المذل	Al-Mu'dhell	The Giver of Dishonour	3:26
26	السميع	As-Samī	The All Hearing	2:127, 2:256, 8:17, 49:1
27	البصير	Al-Basīr	The All Seeing	4:58, 17:1, 42:11, 42:27
28	الحكم	Al-Hakam	The Judge, The Arbitrator	22:69
29	العدل	Al-`Adl	The Utterly Just	6:115
30	اللطيف	Al-Latīf	The Gentle, The Subtly Kind	6:103, 22:63, 31:16, 33:34
31	الخبير	Al-Khabīr	The All Aware	6:18, 17:30, 49:13, 59:18
32	الحليم	Al-Halīm	The Forbearing, The Indulgent	2:235, 17:44, 22:59, 35:41
33	العظيم	Al-'Azīm	The Magnificent	2:255, 42:4, 56:96
34	الغفور	Al-Ghafūr	The All Forgiving	2:173, 8:69, 16:110, 41:32
35	الشكور	Ash-Shakūr	The Grateful	35:30, 35:34, 42:23, 64:17
36	العلي	Al-'Aliyy	The Sublime	4:34, 31:30, 42:4, 42:51
37	الكبير	Al-Kabīr	The Great	13:9, 22:62, 31:30
38	الحفيظ	Al-Hafīz	The Preserver	11:57, 34:21, 42:6
39	المقيت	Al-Muqīt	The Nourisher	4:85
40	الحسيب	Al-Hasīb	The Bringer of Judgment	4:6, 4:86, 33:39
41	الجليل	Al-Jalīl	The Majestic	55:27, 39:14, 7:143
42	الكريم	Al-Karīm	The Bountiful, The Generous	27:40, 82:6
43	الرقيب	Ar-Raqīb	The Watchful	4:1, 5:117
44	المجيب	Al-Mujīb	The Responsive, The Answer	11:61
45	الواسع	Al-Wāsi'	The Vast, The All-Embracing, The Omnipresent	2:268, 3:73, 5:54
46	الحكيم	Al-Hakīm	The Wise	31:27, 46:2, 57:1, 66:2
47	الودود	Al-Wadūd	The Loving	11:90, 85:14
48	المجيد	Al-Majīd	The Glorious	11:73
49	الباعث	Al-Bā'ith	The Ressurecter	22:7
50	الشهيد	Ash-Shahīd	The Witness	4:166, 22:17, 41:53, 48:28
51	الحق	Al-Haqq	The Truth, The Real	6:62, 22:6, 23:116, 24:25
52	الوكيل	Al-Wakīl	The Trustee, The Dependable	3:173, 4:171, 28:28, 73:9
53	القوى	Al-Qawwiyy	The Strong	22:40, 22:74, 42:19, 57:25
54	المتين	Al-Matīn	The Firm, The Steadfast	51:58
55	الولى	Al-Waliyy	The Friend, Patron and Helper	4:45, 7:196, 42:28, 45:19
56	الحميد	Al-Hamīd	The All Praiseworthy	14:8, 31:12, 31:26, 41:42
57	المحصى	Al-Muhsi	The Accounter, The Numberer of All	72:28, 78:29, 82:10-12
58	المبدئ	Al-Mubdi'	The Originator, Producer and Initiator of All	10:34, 27:64, 29:19, 85:13
59	المعيد	Al-Mu'īd	The Restorer, The Reinstater Who Brings Back All	10:34, 27:64, 29:19, 85:13
60	المحيى	Al-Muhyi	The Giver of Life	7:158, 15:23, 30:50, 57:2
61	المميت	Al-Mumīt	The Destroyer, The Bringer of Death	3:156, 7:158, 15:23, 57:2
62	الحي	Al-Hayy	The Living	2:255, 3:2, 25:58, 40:65
63	القيوم	Al-Qayyūm	The Subsisting	2:255, 3:2, 20:111
64	الواجد	Al-Wājid	The Perceiver, The Finder, The Unfailing	38:44
65	الماجد	Al-Mājid	The Illustrious, The Magnificent	85:15, 11:73,
66	الواحد	Al-Wāhid	The Unity, The Indivisible	2:163, 5:73, 9:31, 18:110
67	الاحد	Al-'Ahad	The One, The Unique	112:1
68	الصمد	As-Samad	The Eternal, The Absolute, The Self-Sufficient	112:2
69	القادر	Al-Qādir	The Omnipotent, The All Able	6:65, 36:81, 46:33, 75:40
70	المقتدر	Al-Muqtadir	The Determiner, The Dominant	18:45, 54:42, 54:55
71	المقدم	Al-Muqaddim	The Expediter, He Who Brings Forward	16:61, 17:34,
72	المؤخر	Al-Mu'akhkhir	The Delayer, He Who Puts Far Away	71:4
73	الأول	Al-'Awwal	The First (Alpha)	57:3
74	الأخر	Al-'Akhir	The Last (Omega)	57:3
75	الظاهر	Az-Zāhir	The Manifest, The Evident, The Outer	57:3
76	الباطن	Al-Bātin	The Hidden, The Unmanifest, The Inner	57:3
77	الوالي	Al-Wāli	The Patron	13:11, 22:7
78	المتعالي	Al-Mutā'ali	The Exalted	13:9
79	البر	Al-Barr	The Good	52:28
80	التواب	At-Tawwāb	The Ever Returning, Ever Relenting	2:128, 4:64, 49:12, 110:3
81	المنتقم	Al-Muntaqim	The Avenger	32:22, 43:41, 44:16
82	العفو	Al-Afuww	The Pardoner, The Effacer	4:99, 4:149, 22:60
83	الرؤوف	Ar-Ra'ūf	The Kind, The Pitying	3:30, 9:117, 57:9, 59:10
84	مالك الملك	Mālik-ul-Mulk	The Owner of all Sovereignty	3:26
85	ذو الجلال والإكرام	Dhū-l-Jalāli wa-l-'ikrām	The Lord of Majesty and Generosity	55:27, 55:78
86	المقسط	Al-Muqsiţ	The Equitable, The Requiter	7:29, 3:18
87	الجامع	Al-Jāmi	The Gatherer, The Unifier	3:9
88	الغني	Al-Ghaniyy	The Rich, The Independent	3:97, 39:7, 47:38, 57:24
89	المغني	Al-Mughni	The Enricher, The Emancipator	9:28
90	المانع	Al-Māni'	The Withholder, The Shielder, the Defender	67:21
91	الضار	Ad-Dārr	The Distressor, The Harmer, The Afflictor	6:17
92	النافع	An-Nāfi	The Propitious, The Benefactor, The Source of Good	30:37
93	النور	An-Nūr	The Light	24:35
94	الهادي	Al-Hādi	The Guide, The Way	22:54
95	البديع	Al-Badī	The Incomparable, The Originator	2:117, 6:101
96	الباقي	Al-Bāqi	The Immutable, The Infinite, The Everlasting	55:27
97	الوارث	Al-Wārith	The Heir, The Inheritor of All	15:23
98	الرشيد	Ar-Rashīd	The Teacher	2:256
99	الصبور	As-Sabur	The Timeless, The Patient	2:153, 3:200, 103:3

Verily, After Hardship Comes Ease

At a time in which the Muslims are beset with trials from every periphery, it is a time when Muslims should continue being Muslims, only better Muslims.

I would say to my dear brothers and sisters in Islam “don’t be Sad”; if you are on the true religion – believing in One God and all the Messengers sent to mankind, then don’t be sad.

Allah says in Quran

“…Bear with patience whatever befalls you….” (Qur’an 31:17) and “Be not sad, surely Allah is with us.” (Qur’an 9:40)

Our Prophet (pbuh) said:

“Verily, if Allah loves a people, He makes them go through trials. Whoever is satisfied, for him is contentment, and whoever is angry upon him is wrath.” [Tirmidhi]

Being sad is not encouraged in Islam

“So do not become weak, nor be sad…” (Qur’an 3:139)

“And grieve not over them, and be not distressed because of what they plot.” (Qur’an 16:127)

Sadness prevents one from action instead of compelling one towards it. The heart does not benefit through grief. The most beloved thing to the devil is to hinder the worshipper in the path of Allah. The Muslim must repel sadness and fight in any way that is permissible in Islam.

Allah is sufficient for us

“Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs. So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the owner of Great Bounty.” (Qur’an 3:173-174)

“And put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed…” (Qur’an 5:23)

“O you who believe! Seek help in patience and the prayer…” (Qur’an 2:153)

By leaving your affairs to Allah, by depending on Him, by trusting in His promise, by being pleased with His decree, by thinking favourably of Him, and by waiting patiently for His help, you reap some of the greater fruits of faith. When you incorporate these qualities, you will be at peace concerning the future, because you will depend on your Lord for everything. As a result, you will find care, help, protection and victory.

Pre-ordainment

“No calamity befalls on earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees – before We bring it into existence.” (Qur’an 57:22)

The pen has dried, and the pages have been lifted: all events shall come to pass have already been written. Whatever has befallen you was not meant to escape you, and whatever has escaped you was not meant to befall you: if this belief were to be firmly ingrained in your heart, then all hardships and difficulty would become ease and comfort.

The Prophet (pbuh) said,

“Whoever Allah wishes good for, He inflicts him (with hardship).” [Bukhari]

For those who are afflicted with disaster, glad tidings await them: so remain patient and happy with your Lord.

“He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned.” (Qur’an 21:23)

Verily, with hardship, there is relief

“Verily, with hardship there is relief” (Qur’an 94:6)

“Perhaps Allah may bring victory or a decision according to His Will.” (Qur’an 5:52)

Prophet Ibrahim (‘alayhissalam) did not feel its heat because of the help he received from Allah.

“We (Allah) said : O’ fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibrahim.” (Qur’an 21:69)

The sea would not drown Prophet Moses (‘alayhissalaam) because he uttered in confident, strong and truthful manner:

“Nay verily! With me is my Lord, He will guide me.” (Qur’an 26:62)

And the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhu):

“..Be mindful of Allah, you will find Him before you. Get to know Allah in prosperity and He will know you in adversity… And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship.” [Tirmidhi]

Accept life as it is

If you read the Qur’an you will see that all the Prophets went through trials and tribulations. Life is a test so let us learn from the best examples of our Prophets.

“Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty, ailments and were shaken.” (Qur’an 2:214)

We should know that if we are pleased with our Lord, He will be pleased with us. And if you are pleased with your Lord no matter what the situation is, then you will find that you have earned your Lord’s pleasure. On the other hand, there are hypocrites whom Allah rejects their deeds. They are displeased with what Allah sends down and they hate seeking His pleasure; thus their deeds are performed in vain.

Your recompense is with Allah

When Allah, the Exalted takes something away from you, He compensates it with something better, but only if you are patient and seek His reward.

Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said,

“Whoever loses a loved one from the people of this world and then seeks recompense with his Lord, will be compensated with Paradise.”

Those who are in this world and are close to Allah will be raised in the highest of heaven:

“Peace be upon you, because you peresevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!” (Qur’an 13:24)

Truly, the life of this world is short and its treasures are few. O’ afflicted ones, if you are patient you lose nothing; and though you may not perceive it, you are profiting.

Extract honey but do not break the hive

“Repel (the evil) with one which is better, then verily! He, between whom and you there was enmity (will become) as though he was a close friend.” (Qur’an 41:34)

“….and harm them not. And put your trust in Allah.” (Qur’an 33:48)

Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said,

“Verily, Allah ordered me to keep relations with those that cut off, forgive the ones who does an injustice with me, and to give to those who withhold from me.”

“Those who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allah loves the good-doers.” (Qur’an 3-134)

Remembrance of Allah

“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Qur’an 13:28)

“Therefore remember Me and I will remember you…” (Qur’an 2:152)

We should not be surprised when we hear that people who remember Allah are at peace. What is truly surprising is how the negligent and unmindful survive without remembering Him.

Allah says in the Qur’an,

“They are dead, lifeless and they know not when they will be raised up.” (Qur’an 16: 21)

Truly, He is near when supplicated: He hears when he is called and He answers when He is invoked, so humble yourself before Him and ask of Him sincerely. Repeat His beautiful names, and mention Him alone as worthy of worship. Mention His praises, supplicate to Him: you will find then – by the will of Allah – happiness, peace and illumination.

“So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the excellent reward of the Hereafter.” (Qur’an 3:148)

Loving Allah, knowing Him, remembering Him, seeking peace in Him, singling Him out for complete love, fear, hope and dependence – these qualities when combined in a person, constitute a sort of heaven on earth. These are qualities that bring peace to those who love Allah, a sort of peace that has no comparison in this world.

It is important that a special relationship exists in the heart between the slave and his Lord, a relationship that allows the slave to feel so close to his Lord that he requires no other. Thus, he finds company when he is alone, and he tastes the sweetness of remembering Him and supplicating to Him. Allah’s slave will continually face hardship and difficulty until he dies, but if he has a special relationship with his Lord, all of the hardships of life will become easy for him.

The prayer….the prayer – we must return to our mosques

“O’ you who believe! Seek help in patience and the Prayer.” (Qur’an 2:153)

By earnestly performing the five daily prayers, we achieve the greatest of blessings: cleared off our sins and increase in rank with our Lord. Prayer is a potent remedy for our sickness, for it instills our faith in our souls.

As for those that keep away from the mosque and away from prayer, for them is unhappiness, wretchedness and an embittered life.

“For them is destruction and Allah will make their deeds vain.” (Qur’an 47:8)

Take a moment to reflect

O whose mind has wandered in grief, O’ you whose eyes are loaded with tears; relax and know that your Creator aids, and that His mercy will bring you peace. And know that your reward is secure with He Who doesn’t disappoint the one who seeks to please Him. Be at peace, for after poverty comes joyous meeting, and after sleeplessness comes sound rest. O you who are oppressed in the lands, who suffer from hunger, pain, sickness and poverty, rejoice in the knowledge that you will soon be satisfied with food and that you will be happy and in good health.

Let us make these supplications, their purpose being to eliminate hardship, anxiety and grief:

“There is no worthy of worship except Allah, the Ever Forbearing, the Most Great. There is none worthy of worship except Allah, the Lord of the Tremendous Throne. There is none worthy of worship One Who sustains and protects all that exists, there is none worthy of worship except You, and by Your Mercy do we seek Your aid.”

“So be patient, with a good patience…” (Qur’an 70:5)

References:
The Noble Qur’an (Muhsin Khan/Muhammad Hilali Translation)
Don’t Be Sad – Shaykh ‘Aaidh Al-Qarni

فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا
إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا
فَإِذَا فَرَغْتَ فَانصَبْ
وَإِلَى رَبِّكَ فَارْغَبْ
“Verily, along with every hardship is relief, verily, along with hardship is relief. So when you have finished (your occupation), devote yourself for Allah’s worship. And to your Lord (Alone) turn (all your) intentions and hopes.” [TMQ 94:5-8]

Hijab is not a piece of cloth on your head.

Hijab is not a piece of cloth on your head.

Assalam Alaykum,

I Hope InshahAllah this note will help sisters to understand the true meaning of “HIJAB“.

Just because some of the sisters have their head covered, they think that the requirement of Hijaab is fulfilled. They don’t realize that wearing a Hijaab requires much more than just covering your head.

Actually, if you think about it, Hijaab is the way you talk…..the way you walk….the very way you carry yourself. In fact, Hijaab is an attitude in itself. Its a whole way of life.

Allaah says:

“And say to the believing women to lower their gazes, and to guard their private parts, and not to display their beauty (zeenah) except what is apparent of it, and to extend their headcoverings (khimars) to cover their bosoms (jaybs), and not to display their beauty except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers, or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their womenfolk, or what their right hands rule (slaves), or the followers from the men who do not feel sexual desire, or the small children to whom the nakedness of women is not apparent, and not to strike their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments. And turn in repentance to Allah together, O you believers, in order that you are successful.” (Surat-un-Nur: 31).

some sister says

Well, my head is covered. What more do you want?

If you look carefully at the ayah, it clearly states that the head covers (khumur) should be drawn over the neck slits (juyoob). Khumur is the plural of the Arabic word “khimar” which means a headcover. Juyoob is the plural of the Arabic word “jaiyb” ,which refers to the neck slit (of the dress).

Yet, some sisters just cover their head with something, and think they are fulfilling the rights of Hijaab, although part of their hair or body is showing, or their whole neck and chest area are exposed. Actually, that was the way of the women of Jahilliyah.

Al-Qurtubi said: “Women in those days used to cover their heads with the khimar, throwing its ends upon their backs. This left the neck and the upper part of the chest bare, along with the ears. Then Allah commanded them to cover those parts with the khimar.”

So secure the scarf well around your face, covering your neck/chest area, and keep those half sleeves and capri pants for your Mahrams

Sorry.…tight jeans and short shirt just don’t cut it

You can’t wear tight jeans and a short shirt with a piece of cloth on your head and think this is Hijaab. Nor can you wear anything else that is tight, describing the shape of the body in any way, even if it is long. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“In later (generations) of my ummah there will be women who will be dressed but naked. On top of their heads (what looks) like camel humps. They will not enter into paradise or (even) get a smell of it.” (Muslim)

If it is see-through, its NOT Hijaab

You CANNOT use chiffon or other see through material to cover your hair and body. Everything should be covered and the color of the skin underneath should not be visible.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) once received a thick garment as a gift. He gave it to Osamah b. Zayd, who in turn gave it to his wife. When asked by the Prophet why he did not wear it, Osamah indicated that he gave it to his wife. The Prophet then said to Osamah “ask her to use a “gholalah” under it (the garment) for I fear that it (the garment) may describe the size of her bones.” (Ahmad, Abi-Dawood)

(The word gholalah in Arabic means a thick fabric worn under the dress to prevent it from describing the shape of the body).

The Hijaab shouldn’t attract attention

The dress should not be such that it attracts men’s attention to the woman’s beauty. Allaah clearly states “not to display their beauty (zeenah).” Yet, Subhaan Allaah, some Hijaabi sisters are dressed in such a way that they attract more attention to themselves than they would if they didn’t wear Hijaab!! How could such zeenah be concealed if the dress is designed in a way that it attracts men’s eyes to the woman? It beats the purpose of Hijaab.

Allaah tells us:

“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance…” [al-Ahzaab:32]

What about make-up and perfume???

Wearing make up is also part of the zeenah that Allaah orders us NOT to display. So if your head and body are appropriately covered yet you are wearing bright red lipstick or dark eyeliner such that people confuse between you and a raccoon….uh sorry, that’s not Hijaab. And keep those nice fragrances for the home, between you and your husband. That’s part of Hijaab too, even if you are going to the Masjid.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“Any woman who puts on perfume and passes by people so that they can smell her fragrance, is an adulteress.” (al-Nasaa’i, Tirmidhi: hasan by Albaani)

Tinkling Jewelry and Jingling bracelets

‘Loud’ and tinkling anything, be it jewelry, bracelets, clip-clopping shoes, little bells on clothes, you name it, if it jingles or makes noise, it is against the principles of Hijaab, because it attracts attention to the one wearing it.

That is what is meant when Allaah orders us in the above verse…

“not to strike their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments.”

No laughing, joking, or hanging out with non-Mahrams

Some sisters assume that since they are properly covered, its okay for them to sit around and talk, laugh, joke, etc. with the men, but that’s not right, even if he is ‘the Shaikh’. Allaah says:

“. . . then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner.” [al-Ahzaab:32]

So talk to them when there is a specific need, and in a manner that is not necessarily rude, yet it is polite but firm.

Staring at the brothers or ‘checking them out’ is NOT Hijaab

Allaah orders us to “lower your gaze” in the above verse. Why? Because a single ‘look’ can say more than a thousand words. So, even if you are properly covered, keep those eyes down, conduct yourself with ‘Hayaa’, and avoid ‘fitnah’

‘Chatting’ on the internet/phone is not part of Hijaab, either

There is no such thing as “we’re just friends”. Talking to non-Mahrams is wrong even if it is through the internet or telephone. There are too many stories of illegal relationships, fornications, broken homes, extra-marital affairs and runaway brides to even mention. That is why in Islam anything that leads to haraam is also haraam. Allaah says:

“Do not (even) come close to fornication, for it is an indecency, and its way is evil.” (Surah Israa:32)

Be careful, even in the way you walk

Remember, you are not a runway model displaying the latest fashion. Walk with modesty and hayaa and you will be respected. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“There are two types of the people of Hell that I have not seen yet….women who are clothed yet naked, walking with an enticing gait…..” (Muslim).

Don’t shake hands with non-Mahrams. Its part of Hijaab

It is not permissible to shake hands with a non-Mahram, because the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“For one of you to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle is better for him than to touch a woman who is not permissible for him.” (at-Tabaraani saheeh by al-Albaani).

And no, it is not rude to refuse to shake hands with non-Muslims. Simply politely explain that its part of your religion and they are very understanding.

Stay away from the men’s areas

I see many sisters entering the Masjid from the men’s entrance, or standing idle in the hallways or where there is a chance of unnecessary mixing with the brothers. What for?

Don’t we have a separate entrance for ourselves? Why do you think Allaah ordained the Hijaab in the first place? To avoid fitnah, by reducing temptation and separating the genders.

“The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said to the women on his way out of the mosque when he saw men and women mixing together on their way home: ‘Give way (i.e., walk to the sides) as it is not appropriate for you to walk in the middle the road.’ Thereafter, women would walk so close to the wall that their dresses would get caught on it.” (Abu Dawood)

Hijaab is also to conceal your sister

Although some sisters wear the Hijaab themselves, they forget that they cannot talk about another sister and her beauty in front of their own husbands, brothers, etc. Remember, part of your Hijaab is to cover your sisters ‘awrah’ as well.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“No woman should mix with a woman and describe her to her husband so that it is as if he can see her.” (Muslim)

May Allah guide sisters,and protect them from all kind of evils.

Ameen.

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A Soul’s Burden :: Special Islamic Reminders

A Soul’s Burden

Trials and tribulations are a part of life. We do not like them; we do not like to go through them; but eventually we accept them. Even if we pray, fast, pay our zakat and do all different forms of ibadat we still get tested. Sadness sometimes fills our hearts. We could be the best of practicing Muslims, yet poor and unable to put food on our table. We could be rich yet lonely, or young yet unhealthy.

It is in these instances that shaytan starts toying with our head. We look at what others have, especially the non-Muslims, and our core gets rattled. The shaytan ignites a fire that gets our blood boiling, hopelessness and frustration set in, and we ask “Oh Allah, why me?! Why am I being punished?”

Psychologists tell us that human beings go through five stages of emotion when struck with a calamity. Understanding the different stages of grief minimizes the first four stages (which are denial, anger, bargaining and depression) and gets us to the final stage – which is acceptance. I went through these stages on many different occasions, as I am sure you have.

I am not a psychologist nor am I trying to refute the works of psychology, but I would nonetheless like to offer a different view, a Qur’anic view, on how to deal with life’s trials.

Though we do not have a say in when we are born nor in when we die, life has a clear beginning and a clear end. What is sometimes unclear is the journey between the two points. For Muslims, however, the journey could not be any clearer. Allah says in Surat Adh-Dhariyat:

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ

“And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)” (Qur’an, 51:56).

Now think back to the first paragraph of this article. You might think to yourself, “I pray five times a day, I fast during Ramadan and pay my zakat, yet I have an ill child, or still can’t find a job, or this stressor or that.” You begin to wonder why you are going through this and why you are being “punished.” Before you know it, shaytan takes the helm and you are on a slippery slope of anger and denial.

Before falling down that slope, one must take a deep breath and ponder the following question: is it punishment or is it a manifestation of what Allah has told us in Surat Al-Ankabut:

أَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ أَنْ يُتْرَكُوا أَنْ يَقُولُوا آمَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ

“Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: “We believe,” and will not be tested?” (Qur’an, 29:2)

Allah tells us that through this journey we call life we will be tested. In Surat Al-Baqarah, He says:

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنْفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ

“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits…” (Qur’an, 2:155)

Tribulations are a part of life but that doesn’t make them easy. We still grieve — but how could we not? We are, after all, a very emotional creation. So how does one cope with adversity? There are many ayat in the Qur’an that talk about different mechanisms of coping such as patience, faith, prayer and acceptance. But what I find the most profound and the most comforting is what Allah says in Surat Al-Baqarah:

لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear…” (Qur’an,2:286).

If you stand back and take a look at the whole picture, you will realize that what you have when faced by a tragedy is a choice. Will you go through the stages of grief, denying Allah’s destiny and the wisdom of His plan for you? Or will you realize that what you are going through is something you know you can handle? Whatever trial comes your way is something that Allah has planned and which He has guaranteed you can handle. This ayah is comforting because I, as a faithful mu’min who believes in Allah and His wisdom, know deep in my heart that although the sadness is cumbersome it will not be overwhelming; that although the times might be tough, I am tougher; and that whatever comes my way will go away; and that eventually I will face my Lord whom, I hope, will be pleased with me as I am pleased with Him.

So when you go through a difficult situation, be it the inevitable death of a loved one or the loss of a job or just a flat tire on the side of the highway, take a deep breath and say:

قُلْ لَنْ يُصِيبَنَا إِلَّا مَا كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَنَا

“Say: ‘Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allâh has ordained for us…’” (9:51).

By
Nomad78