Morality in Islam

 

One of the most important aspects of a Muslim's life is to have high moral standards. Since the beginning of Islam, Prophet Muhammad  was mainly concerned with teaching and disciplining Muslims to have the best manners and personal characteristics. His personal life and behaviour were reflective of his teachings, which were revealed to him by Allah. In the Noble Quran, Allah describes Prophet Muhammad  saying (what means): “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” [Quran, 68:4]

The Prophet's high standard of manners made him a model for all Muslims to follow. The Prophet  used to emphasise how important good manners are for Muslims. He  has said: “The best of you is the best among you in conduct.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In another authentic narration, the Prophet  mentioned that: “The heaviest thing to be placed in the balance of a believing slave on the Day of Judgement will be good behaviour. And Allah hates the one who uses bad language.” [Al-Bayhaqi]

Someone once asked the Prophet  what deed would lead a man to paradise, and he  answered: “Piety and good conduct.”

In other narrations the Prophet  made distinctions among Muslims based on their behaviour; the Prophet  said: “The most perfect man in his faith, among the believers, is the one whose behaviour is the most excellent; and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives.” [Ahmad]

He even clarified that people will be on different levels in Paradise based on their good manners saying: “The dearest and nearest among you to me on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who is the best in conduct…” [Ibn An-Najjaar]

Now we shall talk about ethics in Islam, and how it is different from other ethical systems today.

Unlike other systems, the ethical system in Islam derives from a divine source. This divine source is the revelation from Allah. Therefore, this system cannot be changed, or manipulated to fit our desires. It applies regardless of time or place. This system has not been changed for thousands of years, it cannot be changed today, and it will never change until the Day of Judgement. No one has the authority to change or alter this system, even if the whole world wants to do so. What was considered good morals in the past will remain as good morals throughout time.

What was considered as bad morals in the past will also remain so forever, even if society accepts it as a norm. The system of ethics is not affected by cultural norms, because Allah is the One who determines what is acceptable and what is not.

The Noble Quran is very detailed and clearly mentions the significance of good manners, just like it mentions the importance of belief, worship, and all our daily affairs.

The Noble Quran mentions several good acts of morality repeatedly, for example:

• Dealing with one’s parents in the best manner
• Being nice to one’s relatives and neighbors
• Taking care of orphans and the poor
• Being honest
• Being sincere in all of one’s intentions
• Fulfilling one’s promises
• Treating all people fairly

The Noble Quran goes as far as to teach us the way that we should walk. Allah Says (what means): “And, be moderate in your walking…” [Quran: 31:19] Allah also Says (what means): “And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in modesty, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.” [Quran, 25:63]

The Noble Quran even tells us the proper etiquette of visiting one another. Allah Says (what means):  “O you who have believed! Do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and greet their inhabitants. That is best for you; perhaps you will be reminded [i.e., advised].” [Quran, 24:27]

The Quran also teaches us the way we should behave in a gathering, Allah Says (what means):  “O you who have believed! When you are told: 'Space yourselves' in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you…” [Quran, 58:11]

If we were to actually practice the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad  we would find that there are many lessons to learn when eating, drinking, dressing, sleeping, travelling, greeting, taking permission, even sneezing, yawning and other seemingly trivial acts.

Unlike other ethical systems, Islam's moral system is a very detailed and complete package. Islam addresses every aspect of human life, no matter how minor. It is a complete package - it does not lack anything that needs to be completed nor does it have any defects that need to be amended.

The Islamic religion guides our morals that deal with the individual, the community, and Muslims and non-Muslims alike. It also guides us on how to deal with rulers and how to honor and respect scholars. Islam even directs us on how to act during times of peace and war.

It goes as far as guiding us on the treatment of animals. Prophet Muhammad  said: “Fear Allah when you treat the animals: take care of them, keep them in good health whether you ride on them or are raising them for their meat.” [Ahmad]

In another narration, Prophet, Muhammad  said: “…when you slaughter an animal, make your slaughter in the best manner. Let one of you sharpen his knife and give ease to the animal (in order to reduce the pain).” [Muslim]

The Companions once asked the Prophet  “Do we earn reward if we treat animals in a good manner? He answered: “Yes, surely you earn rewards whenever you treat any living being in a good manner.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

No other ethical system can match Islam's one. Only Allah, with His great wisdom, could have made such a system that teaches humans how to deal with every aspect of their lives. This is because Islam is not a man made system; it is the religion of Allah. He made it complete and integrated. No man has, can or ever will come up with a system that is so perfect. If you want a successful and happy life, then simply apply Islam to it, and you will have wonderful results.  - islamweb.net

Do We Need Another Season of Hajj?

 

YES, we definitely need a Hajj season this year!

By WE, I am referring to humanity; I am not talking about those who are going to Hajj, or even Muslims! The whole body of mankind is in need of this blessed gathering. You don’t believe me? Well let us take a look at the following scenes:

Scene 1: Angels questioning us

The first scene takes place before our creation. It is a discussion between the Creator and the Angels, all about us:

{And remember when your Lord said to the Angels: “I am going to place a vicegerent on earth”.

They said: “Will you place upon it those who cause corruption in it and shed blood, while we glorify You with praises and sanctify You?”

Allah said: “Indeed, I know that which you do not know} (Al-Baqarah 2:30)

Scene 2: Blood shedding on YouTube

Do you think the Angels were right? That mankind will cause corruption and bloodshed on earth? Of course yes! Massacres are taking place everywhere in our world in different forms and shapes. In Syria, we got used – and even desensitized – to YouTube videos showing dead bodies of people who were tortured to death.

Wars between tribes in various African countries are not uncommon.

In the western hemisphere, killing can take a more “civilized” fashion. The killer needs only to push a button to launch a missile from an unmanned airplane and kill a whole family in Afghanistan or Pakistan!

Scene 3: hunger and poverty

While scene 2 is a direct manifestation of the Angel’s expectations from human beings, scene 3 represents slow killing of poor communities through starvation and lack of water, medicine, and essentials of life.

This greed reminds me of the hadith of our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):

“He does not truly believe in me, the one who sleeps with his stomach full while he is aware that he has a hungry neighbor.” (At-Tabarani and Al-Hakim)

Scene 4: Racism, discrimination, and social classes

In the 21st century, and despite all the technological and social development that we have accomplished, we still suffer from this disease. People are still being judged based on their skin color, their car or house, their foreign passport or their country of residence.

Scene 5: Individualistic society

In the age of the I-phone, the MY-space, and the YOU-tube, the selfishness and the high ego of individuals is growing indefinitely. Imagine the six billion humans on the face of earth, each of them yelling and screaming: Me, Me, Me!! What kind of chaotic world we are living in? What would be the nature of the world that our kids will live in?!

Scene 6: Hajj!

Did the first five scenes trouble you?

Well, they should! `Umar ibn Khattab used to say:

‘He who did not taste the bitterness of the period of Al-Jaheleyyah (the period of ignorance) does not appreciate the sweetness of Islam.’

So we really won’t appreciate the Hajj impact before we examine the ugly status that humanity has reached!

In Hajj, people from all across the world, from the richest countries and from the poorest neighborhoods, come together to attend this blessed convention.

The Qur’an wonderfully describes how people will answer the call of Prophet Ibrahim, all within their financial and social capabilities:

{And announce to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage); They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every deep and distant pass.} (Al-Hajj 22:27)

These people will leave behind their business suits, their foreign passport and their six-digit (or zero digit) bank account numbers. They will leave their three-lettered titles (CEO’s, MBA’s, and/or Ph.D.’s) and stand next to the humblest person on the face of earth.

Pilgrims pray together, wear the same outfit, run between Safa and Marwah together, and stand in line to drink from the blessed Zamzam water.

They all remember the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim when he slaughtered a sheep; they emulate his example by slaughtering a sheep and donating it.

This actually is one of the few Sunan (rituals) of Hajj that people who are not part of the Hajj season can participate in.

This gathering of 3 million humans goes with minimal fights, clashes, and arguments, despite the huge diversity of the people involved. This is all due to the following rule that was set by the One who invited them:

{Hajj is to be made during well-known months, so whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein, then he should not have sexual relations with his wife, nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj…} (Al-Baqarah 2:197)

Unfortunately, I do not claim at all that the beauty of scene 6 can deplete or overcome the bitterness of the previous scenes. But what I am positive about is that these three million attendees can serve as a role model for peace. They can be a demonstration for brotherhood. They prove that human beings can humble themselves and put their differences aside.

At this critical stage in the life of our Umma, we ask Allah to make us – through the Hajj season – a role model for peace, brotherhood, and love between humans. This is – in fact – one item on our to-do list as Muslims:

{And thus we have made you a justly balanced nation, so that you be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger be a witness over you…} (Al-Baqarah 2: 143)

As a practical take-home message after reading this article, please share these ideas with your non-Muslim colleague, friend, or classmate.

Let’s take the initiative and show the positive side of Muslims that is represented in Hajj, despite all other pictures that are portrayed for us in the media.

About Dr. Mohannad Hakeem

Mohannad Hakeem, Ph.D. Research Engineer - Engine Controls Research and Innovation Center Ford Motor Company

-aboutislam.net

What Is Hajj and Why Muslims Perform Hajj

 

Hajj is a spiritual journey like no other. Every year during the month of Dhul Hijjah, we hear or see live pictures of the millions of pilgrims flocking to Mecca, Mina, and Muzdalifah to perform this sacred pilgrimage.

Last year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, 60,000 pilgrims performed Hajj and 2022 is expected to bring a much larger turnout.

Allah (SWT) has made Hajj compulsory, just like Salat, Sawm and Zakat. Every able Muslim who has the finances available (after taking care of all family obligations), is required to embark on this journey once in their life. And since it is the command of Allah (SWT), the Creator of us all, it is the duty of every Muslim to make sure they perform Hajj while they can.

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. These pillars make up the core of the Islamic beliefs. These include to believe in Allah (SWT) and His Messenger, to perform Salat, to fast during Ramadan, to pay Zakat, and to embark on Hajj; these five things define a Muslim. Every Muslim needs to get this right in order to be identified as a person of the Islamic Faith.

Prophet Muhammad performed Hajj and as it is written that we should perform the task as He did, people embark on Hajj to obtain the blessings of Allah (SWT) and to follow in His footsteps.

Hajj serves not just as a spiritual journey but also as a means of seeking forgiveness for the mistakes of the past as well. Muslims who embark on Hajj also get their sins forgiven by Allah, The Merciful.

What is Dhul Hijjah?

Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month in the Islamic calendar. It’s the holiest of all the months and both the Hajj and Eid ul-Adha occur in Dhul Hijjah.  

When is Dhul Hijjah?

Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar year, the dates in which the months fall vary from year to year. This year, Dhul Hijjah is set to begin Thursday 30 June and end on Friday 29 July; however, this will depend on the sighting of the moon and is subject to change.

What is the importance of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?

During the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims are provided with the opportunity to repent and bring themselves closer to Allah (SWT). It’s impossible to combine acts of worship such as this at any other time of year, as Allah (SWT) attaches great importance to the initial 10 days, allowing one to attain Dhul Hijjah Dua. Similarly, Dhul Hijjah fasting is common and cutting nails during Dhul Hijjah is also avoided.

Donate Your Qurbani to any Muslim Organisation this Dhul Hijjah

May Allah (SWT) accept their Hajj and the Qurbani sacrifice of all Muslims around the world. Any Muslim Organisation involved in Qurbani would assist you to en route and those already in Mecca, a safe, swift, and memorable Hajj pilgrimage. - muslimaid.org

The History of the Noble Quran

 

The Quran is the backbone of Islam. On this Sacred Book of Allah depends the Islamic call, state, society and the civilisation of the Muslim world. It is the last Divine revelation, which was sent down to Prophet Muhammad  the last and final of all Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention. His  task was to convey the message of worshipping the One God, Allah, without ascribing any partners to Him. The Noble Quran, which is the source of guidance and mercy to mankind, is divided into one hundred and fourteen (114) Soorahs (chapters) of varying lengths. Ninety-three chapters were revealed in Makkah, while the remaining twenty-one were revealed in Madeenah.

The first revelation that the Prophet  received was Soorat Al-'Alaq, which was in Makkah where Soorat An-Najm was to later became the first to be recited openly to the people. In Madeenah, Soorat Al-Mutaffifeen was the first one revealed after the Hijrah (migration). The Prophet  had to move to Madeenah to save his own life and the lives of his followers, upon the command of Allah.

The last verse sent down to the Prophet  was the saying of Allah which means: {…This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion...} [Quran 5:3]

Some chapters in the Quran focus on the call to Islam as guidance for humanity. They focus upon monotheism and the fight against polytheism and idolatry. Thus, stress is laid on all that is related to faith. In other chapters, attention is given to legislation, acts of worship, relationships among people and the laws that regulate matters within the Muslim community, government, and family.

A number of chapters inform about Resurrection, the Hereafter and the unseen; others relate the stories of various prophets and their calls to their people to return to Allah. We see how the previous nations were severely punished when they disobeyed Allah and denied the messages of previous prophets, may Allah exalt their mention.

In addition, several chapters focus on the story of creation and the development of human life. In fact, Makkan revelations made the Muslims' faith in Allah firmly established. On the other hand, Madeenan revelations were meant to translate the faith into action and give details of the Divine Law.

Allah will forever preserve the Quran against all attempts to destroy or corrupt it. Being guarded by Allah, it will always remain pure. There does not exist a single copy with any variation from the recognised text.

All attempt of alteration has resulted in failure.

Upon the command of the Prophet  his  Companions  would write down what was revealed of the Noble Quran. They used, for this purpose, palm branches stripped of leaves, parchments, shoulder bones, stone tablets, etc. About forty people were involved in this task. Among them was Zayd Ibn Thabit  who showed his work to the Prophet . Thus, the Quran was correctly arranged during the Prophet’s  life, but it was not yet compiled into one book. In the meantime, most of the Prophet’s  Companions  memorised the Quran.

When Abu Bakr  became Caliph after the Prophet  died, a large number of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, were killed during the War of Apostasy. 'Umar Ibn Al-Khattab  went to the Caliph and discussed the idea of compiling the Quran into one volume. He was disturbed, as most of those who memorised it had died. Then, Abu Bakr  called for Zayd, Ibn Thabit  and commissioned him to collect the Quran into one book, which became known as the ‘Mus-haf.’

After Zayd Ibn Thabit  accomplished this great task and organized the Quran into one book, he submitted the precious collection to Abu Bakr  who kept it in his possession until the end of his life. During the caliphate of ‘Umar  it was kept with his daughter Hafsah  who was also a wife of the Prophet .

During the Caliphate of ‘Uthman  Islam reached many countries, and readers began to recite the Quran in different ways (dialects). ‘Uthman  then had various copies made and sent them out to the different Muslim lands, lest these dialects would cause alterations to the Quran, and kept the original copy with Hafsah . Thus, the Quran remained preserved and the Caliph was very much pleased with his achievement.

Today, every copy of the Quran conforms with the standard copy of ‘Uthman . In fact, Muslims over the ages excelled in producing the best manuscripts of the Noble Quran in the most wonderful handwriting. With the introduction of printing, more and more editions of the Noble Quran became available all over the world. - islamweb.net

THE STORY OF JESUS IN BRIEF

 

In relating the story of Jesus, the Quran describes how Mary, the mother of Jesus, was approached by an angel from God, bringing her tidings she had never imagined: that she will give birth to a son, a Messiah, who will be of the righteous and will be a prophet of God, calling the Children of Israel (the Israelites) to the straight path of God.

“(And mention) when the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed God gives you good tidings of a word  from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary – distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near (to God).  He will speak to the people in the cradle and in maturity and will be of the righteous.” (Quran 3:45-46)

Naturally, for Mary, this news was both strange and seemingly impossible.

“She said, ‘My Lord, how will I have a child when no man has touched me?’  (The angel) said, “Such is God; He creates what He wills.  When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.  And He will teach him writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel.” (Quran 3:47-48)

The very nature of Jesus is so special, that God compares the uniqueness of His creation to that of the first man and prophet, Adam.

“Indeed, the example of Jesus to God is like that of Adam.  He created him from dust; then He said to him, ‘Be,’ and he was.” (Quran 3:59)

Jesus and His Miracles

Jesus became one of the greatest prophets of God, and was sent to the Children of Israel in order to confirm the teachings of his predecessor, the Prophet Moses.  His birth was a miracle, and, like all prophets of God, he was granted several miracles.  He approached his people, telling them:

“And (make him) a messenger to the Children of Israel, (who will say), ‘Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord’ in that I design for you from the clay (that which is) like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of God.  And I cure the blind (from birth) and the leper, and I give life to the dead – by permission of God.  And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses.  Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers.  And (I have come) confirming what was before me of the Torah and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you.  And I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear God and obey me.  Indeed, God is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him.  That is the straight path.” (Quran 3:49-51)

Jesus’s Followers

The Quran continues the story of Jesus by relating several incidents of his life and his disciples.

“But when Jesus felt (persistence in) disbelief from them, he said, ‘Who are my supporters for (the cause of) God?’  The disciples said,” We are supporters for God.  We have believed in God and testify that we are Muslims (submitting to Him.)  Our Lord, we have believed in what You revealed and have followed the messenger (i.e., Jesus), so register us among the witnesses (to truth).” (Quran 3:52-53)

In another incident, after which an entire surah (chapter) of the Quran is named, the disciples of Jesus asked him for another miracle.

“(And remember) when the disciples said, ‘O Jesus, Son of Mary, can your Lord send down to us a table (spread with food) from the heaven?’ (Jesus) said, ‘Fear God, if you should be believers.’  They said, ‘We wish to eat from it and let our hearts be reassured and know that you have been truthful to us and be among its witnesses.’  Said Jesus, the son of Mary, ‘O God, our Lord, send down to us a table (spread with food) from the heaven to be for us a festival for the first of us and the last of us and a sign from You.  And provide for us, and You are the best of providers.’” (Quran 5:112-114)

God sent them the table they had asked for, but not without a warning.

“God said, ‘Indeed, I will sent it down to you, but whoever disbelieves afterwards from among you – then indeed will I punish him with a punishment by which I have not punished anyone among the worlds.’” (Quran 5:115)

The End of the Story?

The story of Jesus never really ends in the Quran, as we are told that Jesus was not killed, but that rather, God raised His beloved prophet up to Him.

“(Mention) when God said, ‘O Jesus, indeed I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify (i.e., free) you from those who disbelieve and make those who follow you (in submission to God alone) superior to those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection.  Then to Me is your return, and I will judge between you concerning that in which you used to differ.  And as for those who disbelieved, I will punish them with a severe punishment in this world and the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers.’  But as for those who believed and did righteous deeds, He will give them in full their rewards, and God does not like the wrongdoers.” (Quran 3:55-57)

The Quran also points out that Jesus was neither killed nor crucified.  Speaking of the Children of Israel, God faults their accusations against Mary as well as their claim that they killed Jesus.

“And (We cursed them) for their disbelief and their saying against Mary a great slander.  And (for) their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of God.’  And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but (another) was made to resemble him to them.  And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it.  They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption.  And they did not kill him, for certain.  Rather, God raised him to Himself.  And ever is God Exalted in Might and Wise.” (Quran 4:156-158)

The Quran confirms that Jesus was raised up by God, and the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, reassured us that Jesus will be sent down to earth once again before the Day of Judgment.  In a saying of Prophet Muhammad,  narrated by Abu Hurairah, the Prophet said:

“By the One in Whose hand is my self, definitely the son of Maryam will soon descend among you as a just judge, and he will break the cross, kill the pig, and abolish the jizyah (tribute), and wealth will be so abundant that no one will accept it, until a single prostration will be better than the world and everything in it.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

-islamreligion.com

What You’ll Never Find in Paradise

 

The reality of Paradise is something which people will never be able to understand until they actually enter it, but God has shown us glimpses of it in the Quran.

He has described it as a place essentially different to the life of this world, both in the very nature and purpose of life, as well as the types of delights which people will enjoy therein.

The Quran tells people about Paradise which God offers to them, describing its great blessings, and proclaiming its beauties to everyone. It informs people that Paradise is one of two ways of life prepared for them in the Hereafter, and that every good thing will be theirs in Paradise to a degree that surpasses our present ability to imagine.

It also shows that Paradise is a place where all blessings have been created perfectly and where people will be offered everything their souls and hearts will desire, and that people will be far removed from want and need, anxiety or sadness, sorrow and regret.

Every kind of beauty and blessing exists in Paradise and will be revealed with a perfection never seen or known before. God has prepared such blessings there as a gift, and these will be offered only to people with whom He is pleased.

But what is the nature of these delights in Paradise, and how will it be different from the delights of this world? We will try to highlight a few of these differences.

Pure Delight without Pain and Suffering

While people in this world experience some delight, they also face much toil and suffering. If one was to scrutinize the life which they live, they would find that the amount of hardship they face is much more than the ease and comfort.

As for the life of the Hereafter, there will be neither hardship nor suffering in it, and people will live therein in pure joy and delight. All the causes of sorrow, pain and suffering which people experience in this life will be absent in the Hereafter. Let’s take a look at some of these causes.

Wealth

When one thinks of success in this life, they usually conjure the image of big houses, fine jewelry and clothing, and expensive cars; financial stability is seen to be the key to a happy life. To most people, success is inseparably related to wealth, even though this is the furthest from the truth.

How many times have we seen the wealthiest of people living such miserable lives, that it sometimes even leads them to commit suicide! Wealth is something which humans in their very nature desire at any cost, and this desire has been created for a great and wise purpose.

When this desire is not satiated, it causes some extent of grief in a person. For this reason, God has promised the inhabitants of Paradise that they will have all that they imagined as far as wealth and belongings are concerned, both for those who were extremely poor, experiencing even hunger and thirst, to those well-to-do but who desired even more. God gives us a glimpse of this when he says:

{… there will be there all that the souls could desire, all that the eyes could delight in …} (Quran 43:71)

{Eat and drink at ease for that which you have sent forth (good deeds) in days past!} (Quran 69:24)

{… They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade. They will recline therein on raised thrones. How good [is] the recompense! How beautiful a couch [is there] to recline on!} (Quran 18:31)

Disease and Death

Another cause of pain and suffering in this life is the death of a loved one or disease, which are both non-existent in Paradise. None will feel any sickness or pain in Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad said about the people of Paradise:

“They will never fall ill, blow their noses or spit.” (Al-Bukhari)

None will die in Paradise. All shall live eternally enjoying the pleasures therein. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that a caller will call out in Paradise when people enter it:

“Indeed may you be healthy and never be sick again, may you live and never die again, may you be young and never grow feeble again, may you enjoy, and never feel sorrow and regret again.” (Muslim)

Social Relationships

As for the remorse felt due to a rift in personal relationships, people will never hear any evil or hurting comments or speech in Paradise. They will only hear good words and words of peace. God says:

{They will not hear therein ill speech or commission of sin. But only the saying of: Peace! Peace!} (Quran 56:25-26)

There will be no enmity between people nor ill-feelings:

{And We shall remove from their breasts any (mutual) hatred or sense of injury (which they had, if at all, in the life of this world)…} (Quran 7:43)

The Prophet said:

“There will be no hatred or resentment among them, their hearts will be as one, and they will glorify God, morning and evening.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

People will have the best of companions in the Hereafter, who were also the best people in the world:

{And whoever obeys God and the Messenger — those will be with the ones upon whom God has bestowed favor — of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions!} (Quran 4:69)

The hearts of the people of Paradise will be pure, their speech will be good, their deeds righteous. There will be no hurtful, upsetting, offensive or provocative talk there, for Paradise is free of all worthless words and deeds. If we were to discuss all the causes for anguish in this life, we would surely find its absence or opposite to be true in Paradise.

Source: islamreligion.com

When Prophet Muhammad Was Denied Access to Makkah

What Are the Sacred Months?

Dhul-Qidah is the eleventh month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four Sacred Months referred to in the following verse:

{Indeed, the number of months ordained by Allah is twelve—in Allah’s Record since the day He created the heavens and the earth—of which four are sacred. That is the Right Way. So do not wrong one another during these months. And together fight the polytheists as they fight against you together. And know that Allah is with those mindful ‘of Him’.} (At-Tawbah 9:36)

The other three sacred months are Dhul-Hijjah, Muhaarram and Rajab.

The name of Dhul-Qidah indicates in Arabic giving up fighting and traveling in preparation for the Hajj season.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also said about them, 

“The division of time has turned to its original form which was current when Allah created the Heavens and the Earth. The year is of twelve months, out of which four months are sacred. Three are in succession: Dhul-Qidah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and (the fourth is) Rajab of (the tribe of) Mudar which comes between Jumada Thani and Shaban.” (Al-Bukhari)

Sin, oppression and wrongdoing are more heinous in these sacred months than in other months.

Dhul-Qidah: The Month of Treaty of Hudaybiyyah

One important historical event that occurred during the month of Dhul-Qidah is the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. Al-Hudaybiyyah was a place outside of Mecca.

In this video, Joe Bradford answers the following questions:

1- When did the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah occur?

2- Why did Quraish send an emissary to negotiate with the Prophet(peace be upon him)?

3- Why did the Prophet send Uthman ibn Affan to Makkah?

4- Why did Quraish held Uthman for so long?

5- What are the terms of the Treaty of Al-Hudaybiyyah?

6- What is Bay`at al-Rudwan (Pledge of God’s Pleasure or the Pledge of the Tree)?

7- What did Allah reveal concerning this bay`ah?

8- How was the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah a victory for the Muslims?

9- What do we learn from the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah?

Source: JoeBradford