Will I Be With My Late Husband In the Afterlife?

 

May Allah increase your reward and grant you patience and may He grant him the highest level of Paradise inshaAllah.

In Islam, we do not have any narration stating that the soul of a loved one knows and sees what they are doing.

However, souls could meet each other in dreams and in the Hereafter. So inshaAllah we ask Allah that you will be with your husband in Paradise.

A Woman Will Be With Her Husband in Paradise

If a woman marries more than one man in this world she will be with her last husband in Paradise. This is the preponderant opinion of Muslim scholars.

The evidence for this is the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who said:

Any woman who marries again after the death of her first husband will be with her last husband. (Imam Tabrani and Ibn Asakir)

Hudaifah (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

Since a wife will be for her last husband so Allah made it forbidden to the wives of the Prophet to marry after his death.

Some other scholars believe that she will choose the husband from among those she likes the most. Then she will choose the best one who used to treat her most honorably.

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim was inclined to this opinion by the hadith of Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) in which she asked Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

O! Prophet of Allah, a woman marries twice in this world, for whom she will be in Hereafter life after their death? The Prophet said: “She will be for the one who had the best character. Then he said: “O! Umm Salamah the good character takes both the goodness of this life and that of the Hereafter”. (Daruqutni)

After death, the soul transitions to the grave (al-Barzakh), then to the Day of Judgment, and finally to the hereafter.

We know very little about the soul, especially concerning the time period between our death and the hereafter.

Meeting The Souls of the Dead in Dreams

As for a meeting of souls of the dead with those of the living in a dream, there is proof that it is true.

Perception and the true state of affairs constitute the most reliable witnesses to the fact that souls of the dead meet those of the living just as the living souls meet one other.

Allah says what means:

It is Allah Who takes away the souls at the time of their death, and those that die not during their sleep. He keeps those (souls) for which He has ordained death and sends the rest for a term appointed. Verily, in this are signs for a people who think deeply. (Quran 39:42).

Abu Abdullah Ibn Mandah reported from Said Ibn Jubair that Ibn Abbas, while commenting on the above-mentioned verse, said:

It has come to my knowledge that the souls of the living and those of the dead meet one another in a dream, and they ask one another. Then, Allah holds the souls of the dead and sets free those of the living to their bodies.

Ibn Abu Hatim in his Tafsir (commentary on Quran) reported from Abdullah Ibn Sulayman from al-Suddi who said:

Allah’s Statement (and those that die not in their sleep) means that He takes away their souls during sleep to meet the souls of the dead. And both parties consult and know one another. Then, the living soul returns to its body, and that of the dead one is put under control till the Day of Judgment. (Page 20)

In another quotation Ibn al-Qayyim said:

Meeting between the souls of the living and those of the dead indicates that the living one sees the dead one in a dream and asks him about some news. Then, the dead one informs the living one of some unknown news to the latter. And maybe it becomes true.

They Share Information

In a dream, perhaps the dead person may inform the living one of the latter’s actions that no one else knows about.

Also the dead could learn about the news of the living people and what happens to them whether or not the living is a member of their family.

This could be by the soul of the dead asking those who died after him or her.

They would answer according to what they know about the circumstances of the people they were asked about.

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said in a long Hadith regarding when the soul of the believer is taken away from their body:

… Then they (the Angels) take him to the souls of the dead believers -i.e. those who died before him/her.  I (ensure you that) they will be happier with this newly arrived soul than one of you when meeting his beloved one after a trip.  They (start) asking him/her: “What happened to such and such person…?”  Then they would say: ‘Leave him, he is still involved in the sorrows of the worldly life”.  They would ask: “Has he not come to you? They would reply: “He was taken to his abyss, the Hellfire.” (Al-Nasaa’i and Al-Haakim)

Souls Meet After Death in Paradise

So souls do meet after death provided that they are both destined to the same place; either Paradise or Hellfire, may Allah grant us Paradise and protect us from the Hellfire.

Generally speaking, the life of al-Barzakh is a matter of the unseen (al-Ghaib), and we have to believe that what is recorded in the Quran and Sunnah is sufficient as proof.

And Allah knows best.

- aboutislam.net

About Maen Khalifa

Maen has many years of experience in dawah work. He formerly worked as the Ask About Islam Editor and a consultant.

5 Simple Ways to Teach Your Kids Kindness

 

Teaching children to be kind in today’s world, where they see violence everywhere, makes it more important to instill kindness from a young age.

Whoever is kind, Allah will be kind to him; therefore be kind to man on the earth. He who is in heaven will show mercy on you. ~

(Abu Daud: Tirmidhi)

A smile is one of the simplest forms of being kind. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) smiled often, and it is a Sunnah for us to smile, which spreads happiness.

The Qur’an teaches us to be kind to people who are around us. It really doesn’t take much to be kind.

Once you do it with a sincere heart and seek the pleasure of Allah, an act of kindness (al Ma’un) can turn into a reward to be counted on the Day of Judgment.

“Never belittle any good deed. Even your meeting with your brother (Muslim) with a cheerful face”. ~ [Muslim]

Parents

Children learn by example, so be kind and reflect what you want to see in your child.

Teach your child that kindness can be found in the smallest of acts, such as saying something nice to someone.

Giving salaam is a good example of doing something nice for someone.

Another example, depending on age, is washing or helping to wash dad’s car or helping mother in the kitchen.

As children grow, they will learn to appreciate and understand the sacrifice, nurturing, and care that parents give.

As they understand Islam more, it reinforces their obligation to be kind, respectful, compassionate, and patient.

“And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents.” ~ Al Qur’an

Mercy 

Mercy, defined as the willingness to forgive and not punish, is seen as an important virtue by every Muslim.

It is one of the virtues synonymous with being kind. It is an attribute that is commanded in every situation and action and comes from the heart.

Children are often in situations where they can be merciful. An example is sharing. Instead of playing alone with a toy that other siblings want to play with, they can share, and everyone gets to enjoy the toy. This demonstrates being merciful at a basic level.

“He who does not show mercy to others, will not be shown mercy.” ~  [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Kindness With Animals

Throughout our lifetimes, our children come into contact with animals, be they in the wild or as house pets.

The way they interact with animals is important, and we should always teach them that it counts for something.

A simple act of kindness is throwing bread for the birds to eat. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) encouraged those around him to show respect and dignity to all animals as they are regarded as part of the creation.

Also, on the Day of Judgment, ill-treated animals will testify against whoever abused them.

So, teach your children to be kind to animals, whether they are in their care or not, and encourage others to do the same.

“Whoever is kind to the creatures of God, is kind to himself.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Gratitude 

Gratitude is said to be a quality of being thankful, and in Islam, it is said to be the purpose of our creation.

Teaching children that a simple ‘thank you’ takes no time but impacts over a lifetime is a very important yet simple act of kindness.

A straight-forward example is to give thanks when receiving something, and with older children, to remember others in their prayers.

Gratitude can strengthen their Imaan as they learn to perform acts of kindness with a sincere heart to seek the pleasure of Allah.

“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.” ~ Al Qu’ran

Generosity

Generosity comes in all forms. Children can learn how to be generous through their interactions with other children by simply helping them.

A child is generous by helping his sibling find something. Depending on their age, they can be generous with their money, donating to charities and good causes.

But, generosity doesn’t only mean helping someone financially; children can donate their old clothes and old toys to those in need.

The quality of being generous is held in such high esteem that it is part of the five pillars of Islam in the form of zakat or charity.

“And whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allah’s cause), He will replace it.” ~ Al-Qur’an

By teaching your children the power of intention, they will put a little more kindness in the world.

With a sincere heart and for the sake of Allah (SWT), you both will reap the rewards.

Kindness is an action of the heart. It lies in our words and deeds, so spread some kindness to those around you.

“And do good. Truly, Allah loves the good-doers.” ~ Al-Qur’an

- aboutislam.net

About Nadia Ali

Nadia Ali is a freelance writer who was born in London, UK but now lives in the Caribbean. Her work has been published both online and in print. Her published credits include AboutIslam, Sisters Magazine, Aziza Magazine and Muslim Girl Magazine.

Month of Shawwal and Prophet Joseph (AS)

 

The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr ends the month of Ramadan and begins the month of Shawwal with a strong message. Every year, Ramadan proves to us that we can increase our acts of worship for one straight month, even though the time for eating and sleeping has been reduced. Shawwal brings us a new month and a message that builds on our Ramadan performance: “Do good deeds in perpetuity.”

That message is illustrated in the Prophet Muhammad’s words:

Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a year. (Muslim)

Even though Ramadan is over, the Prophet Muhammad encouraged us to continue the act of fasting. The reward of those six days with Ramadan grants the fasting person the reward of fasting for a full year. The signal is clear. Good deeds should continue all year round.

The Prophet Joseph’s life is a fantastic example of doing good works in perpetuity and the pleasant results it produces. God encourages us to explore his biography and benefit from the valuable lessons in his life.

Certainly there were signs in Joseph and his brothers for those who ask. (Quran 12:7)

When we study the many challenges he faced in his life, we become riveted on one message: do good deeds in perpetuity. This article will examine the encounters he had with his stepbrothers.

His Stepbrothers

Prophet Joseph’s stepbrothers were envious of him and plotted to get rid of him. They could not stand their father’s immense love for him. With an initial plan for murder, the stepbrothers eventually settled on jettisoning him without taking his life. They decided to abandon him in a well and hoped he would ultimately be picked up by a caravan and taken far away.

Said a speaker among them, “Do not kill Joseph but throw him into the bottom of the well; some travelers will pick him up.” (Quran 12:10)

The stepbrothers did not expect, however, that Prophet Joseph would be picked up and sold off to a royal court.

Over the years, Prophet Joseph proved himself as trustworthy and skillful to the King. The King took advantage of his competences and appointed him as a Minister in the land. Prophet Joseph was in charge of storehouses of food and its ration. He had assumed authority and was able to travel wherever he wished:

And thus We established Joseph in the land to settle therein wherever he willed. (Quran 12:56)

Social Grace

With the Quranic facts that we have about his life, we can safely assume that it would not have been difficult for Prophet Joseph to locate his father, the Prophet Jacob, where his stepbrothers lived, and exact retribution for the crime the stepbrothers committed against him.

Prophet Jacob was a known figure at the time, and the royal court could have ascertained his whereabouts with ease. Amazingly, though, the Prophet Joseph did not pursue his brothers. Instead, he left the matter to God.

And since he chose not to be revengeful, God took care of his affairs. God brought his brothers to him at his court one day, seeking ration.

Read: Basic Social Manners – What Would Muhammad Do?

During their visit, the King’s measuring cup went missing. Prophet Joseph’s younger brother was being accused, and the stepbrothers were ready to believe the accusation. They also disparaged Joseph in the process, not knowing that they were speaking to Prophet Joseph.

They said, ‘If he steals – a brother of his has stolen before.’ But Joseph kept it within himself and did not reveal it to them. (Quran 12:77)

What kind of response could we expect someone to give in this situation if they were in Joseph’s place? The stepbrothers had almost gotten Joseph killed in his youth, and many years later they were still vilifying him. Despite that, the Prophet Joseph dealt with them gracefully.

He said, ‘Do you know what you did with Joseph and his brother when you were ignorant?’ (Quran 12:89)

He gave them an excuse for their behavior toward him: ignorance. He also gave them an opportunity to explain themselves. This was a fantastic display of social grace.

Read: 5 Tips for Turning Good Deeds into Lifelong Habits

The brothers suspected that they were speaking to Joseph.

They said, ‘Are you indeed Joseph?’ He said ‘I am Joseph, and this is my brother. God has certainly favored us. Indeed, if one fears God and is patient, surely God does not cause the reward of those who do good to go amiss.’ (Quran 12:90)

In this conversation, Prophet Joseph disclosed the secret to continuous good works: have certainty that “God does not cause the reward of those who do good to go amiss.” That reward certainty fuels perpetuity.

God elevated the status of Prophet Joseph from a servant at a royal court to a Minister of the land who was later able to reunite with his family honorably.

Then he raised his parents to the throne, and they all fell in prostration to Joseph, who then said, ‘O my dear father! This is the interpretation of my old dream. My Lord has made it come true. He was indeed good to me when He freed me from prison and brought you all from the desert after Satan had ignited a rivalry between my siblings and me. Indeed my Lord is subtle in fulfilling what He wills. Surely He is the All-Knowing, All-Wise.’ (Quran 12:100)

Results of Perpetual Good

Doing good works in perpetuity may go unnoticed by humankind, but God sees every ounce of it.

An atom’s weight in the heavens or the earth is not hidden from Him nor anything smaller or larger than that, but is in a perfect Record. (Quran 34:3)

Because of Joseph’s good works, God taught him valuable skills:

And when he reached maturity, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. This is how We reward the good-doers. (Quran 12:22)

Those skills, especially the ability to interpret dreams, got him the Ministry position in the kingdom. Perpetual good works only produce positive results in our lives.

The message of Shawwal is one of celebration. We celebrate the ability God gave us to fast, to be charitable, to be generous, to be hospitable, to forgive others, and to do many other good works.

The celebration, however, is not done on the last day of Ramadan, but in Shawwal because the outpour of good works should continue throughout the year.

The continuity of genuine good practices will ensure that our challenges will end well. All of Prophet Joseph’s challenges concluded well. It is for this reason God called his life story “the best of stories.”

- aboutislam.net

About Shakiel Humayun

Shakiel Humayun, a dad, a husband, and an entrepreneur, was born and raised in New York City. He graduated from Baruch College with a BBA in Business Administration. He then completed postgraduate studies at the Umm-ul-Qura University in Makkah al-Mukarramah receiving an Associate’s Degree in Arabic and Islamic Studies with honors. He continued his studies at the College of Shariah at Umm-ul-Qura University. During his stay in Makkah, he had the opportunity to benefit from many scholars.He firmly believes in the importance of a strong community and as a result his non-profit endeavors include founding the Foundation for Knowledge and Development,Wellspring Elementary, the Hatebusters, and Masjid ‘Eesa ibn Maryam. He currently blogs at shakielhumayun.com.

What Will Our Time In The Grave Be Like?

 

Regarding this verse (They will say: “Woe to us! Who has raised us up from our place of sleep? [Quran 36:52]), Ibn Kathir says:

This does not contradict the fact that they will be punished in their graves, because in comparison to what is to come afterwards, that will seem like a nap. Ubayy ibn Ka`b (may Allah be pleased with him), Mujahid, Al-Hasan, and Qatadah said, “They will sleep before the Resurrection.” Qatadah said, “That will be between the two trumpet blasts, they will say, ‘Who has raised us up from our place of sleep?’ When they say that, the believers will respond (as the ayah mentions). This was the view of more than one of the Salaf (early generation).”

It’s important to note that Ibn Kathir has not mentioned the word “peaceful” in his interpretation of this ayah. 

Sleep is the Brother of Death

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him-PBUH) has been quoted in many hadiths that inform us about what is in store for people in their graves.

Prophet Muhammad mentioned that “sleep is the brother of death.”

This is an excellent way of looking at what we will experience in our graves.

Sleep may be restful and peaceful or it may be frightening and tormenting, as in a nightmare.

The grave we reside in after death will be similar.

Our Grave, Our Choices

It is understood among the scholars that the grave will either be a pleasant experience or it may be a frightening one, depending on our beliefs and deeds in this life. 

There are minor rewards in the grave in that, for the believer, it will be spacious and well lit.

Our deeds in this life will appear to us in the form of a kind companion who will keep us company until the Day of Judgment.

We will be shown our place in Paradise, in sha’ Allah (God Willing), through an opening in the side of the grave.

For those who were not believers or those who led a sinful life, their deeds will appear to them in the form of an ugly and mean companion who beats and torments them until the Day of Judgment.

The grave will be dark and constricting, and the punishments will be minor compared to what is waiting for them in the Hellfire, their place in which will be shown to them through an opening in their grave. 

Prepare Your Resting Place Before the Day Of Judgment

The real rewards and punishments will be reserved for Hellfire and Paradise.

The Day of Judgment is a fixed point in time in the future, the exact date of which is known only to Allah.

Those who have gone to their graves before us are presently waiting in their graves for that Day.

The grave is really a resting place, either comfortable or not, until that time.

We can seek Allah’s help by following the Prophet’s (PBUH) example.

He informed his followers that they can make dua (supplications) just before finishing their prayers by saying: 

O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the Hellfire, and from the torment of the grave, and from the trials of life and death and from the trials of the Dajjal (False Messiah). 

And Allah knows best.

- aboutislam.net

About Waleed Najmeddine

Waleed Ahmed Najmeddine is a Canadian born Muslim and public school administrator. He is an active member of the Muslim community and enjoys educating Muslims and non-Muslims about Islam. He currently holds a Master of Education degree in leadership and school improvement.

Are Shawwal Six Days and White Days The Same?

 

The white days do exist in every lunar month; such days occur when the moon appears all the night; hence the name relates to the appearance of moon all the night and the sun all the day; they include the 13^th, the 14^th, and the 15^th days of every lunar month. (So they are 3 days, not six as common).

It is also said that they are given this name because Almighty Allah granted Adam forgiveness and whitened his Book of Deeds (purged it of sins) during these days. It has also been reported that when Adam came down to earth, his skin became black and thus Almighty Allah commanded him to fast these days.

When he finished the first day of fasting one third of his skin became white and by the lapse of the third day, his body became totally white. However, this narration is known to be incorrect and falsified.

Anyhow, Islam makes it recommended for Muslims to fast these three days. Ibn Abbas is quoted as saying: “The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was of the habit of fasting the white days while resident or on journey.”

Hafsah is also reported as having said: “There are four things the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) never abandoned; fasting the day of Ashura, the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, three days of every month and the two rakahs of Duha.” (Ahmad)

Az-Zurqani said:

“The wisdom behind these three days is that they fall in the middle of the month and the lunar eclipse most likely occurs during them. Once this occurs, there will be great reward for the person, for in such a case he will be fasting and performing many other acts of worship. This is regarding the known 3 days that are recommended for fasting.

With regard to the six days of the month of Shawwal, these days cannot be called white days. In addition, it is merely recommended, and not obligatory, to spend these days in fasting. It is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “ He who fasts the month of Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, will be rewarded as if fasting for the whole year.” ( Muslim)

It is also allowable for any Muslim who has to make up for missed days of Ramadan to have two intentions; one for making up for the days he/she missed and the other for fasting the six days of Shawwal.

However, if he made the two types of fasting in separate days, this will be better. Based on this, it is permitted for a person who finds it more difficult to make up for the missed days of Ramadan and fast the six days to have two intentions for both acts and perform them in the same number of days. He can also intend making up for the missed days and later perform the Sunnah fast for six days.

Allah Almighty knows best.

- aboutislam.net

How to Achieve Inner Peace Permanently?

 

Allah (Azza wajal) describes in the ayah that I recited before [quoting Quran in Arabic]. Right? It’s a beautiful answer. Allah (Azza wajal) is saying which of the two sides deserves peace more?

In other words, there is such a thing as people finding peace once in a while in other than Islam. But who deserves consistent, constant, lifelong peace?

These are people who truly came to believe and did not violate the rights of their faith by doing bad things, by doing the wrong thing.

Now, I tell you, Buddhists can tell you that they sit and some of them can sit for like for hours in meditation in one position and don’t move. And you look at them: ah, this guy is really peaceful. He’s really like, he’s calmed down. And he finds a lot of peace in it.

And people do yoga and find peace in that too, right? And people sit in a sauna and find peace. Some people listen to classical music and they find peace. So, if you want to talk about somebody finding peace, they say, I find peace in different things.

Somebody likes to sit at the beach and just look at the ocean waves, and they find peace. But that is just the calmness of emotions, temporarily. What we’re talking about when we say peace is actually number one [Arabic]: it’s the opposite of fear.

Your concerns, your grievances, your negative emotions aren’t just taken away for a little while. You have a constant source of putting those things in perspective. For a lot of practices of peace, you know what people do?

They like to forget their reality. It’s very important to know in other than faith, other than Allah, people like to forget their reality. So, a lot of people find peace when they get drunk. You know why? Because when they’re drunk, they can’t think. So, they forget about their problems.

A lot of people find peace when they take drugs. Because when they take drugs, their mind is gone. So, they don’t have to worry about their problems. A lot of people find peace only by playing video games or watching movies.

Because when they’re playing the video game and watching the movie, they’re not thinking about their own life. So, it’s happy time. So, as soon as it ends, they’re like oh, I don’t want to face reality again, put the next movie on and I’ll put the next one on and put this video game on.

And they keep, you know, cycling these things because their own reality they can’t face. The difference with us is our faith, iman, if you really have it, you don’t have to run from reality. You can face reality and still be at peace.

You see all other options, all other avenues of finding peace, they want you to get away from life, you know? And what do people do when they want to find peace, they take a vacation. They go away from everything. They know there’s hardly a vacation.

What do we do when we need to find peace? We go into jumah. We go towards people and pray to Allah together. That’s what we do, right? So, we face reality and this is the beauty of our faith. Some peace you will find but nothing like Allah will give you inside of this deen. - aboutislam.net

Can You Combine Shawwal Fasting and Missed Days?

 

There are two rulings on having two intentions in Shawwal fasting. According to a number of scholars and jurists, you can have the double intention of making up for the lost days as well as seeking the extra rewards for observing the recommended Shawwal fasting.

However, this view is not shared by others; they are of the view that one should first make up for the missed fasts, then, if the month of Shawwal still remains, observe the recommended fasts.

Allah Almighty knows best.

Source: www.askthescholar.com

About Sheikh Ahmad Kutty

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty is a Senior Lecturer and an Islamic Scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada