Can Women Perform Itikaf at Home?

 

According to the majority of scholars, itikaf is a sunnah (a deed recommended by the Prophet) that can be performed any time throughout the year, yet it is more desirable during the last 10 days of Ramadan. However, if a Muslim vows to perform i`tikaf, he or she is obliged to fulfill that vow.

Some scholars hold the view that it is permissible to perform itikaf for a short period of time, even one or two hours, with the intention of getting closer to Almighty Allah.

The Malikis, Shafi`is, and Hanbalis are of the view that it is not permissible for a woman to perform i`tikaf in her own musalla (Prayer room) at home. They cite Allah’s saying, “And touch them not, but be at your devotions in the mosques [i.e. while being in the state of i`tikaf]. ” (Al-Baqarah 2:187).

They also refer to the incident where Abdullah Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) was asked about a woman who vowed to perform itikaf in her own musalla at home. He then (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “This is a bid`ah [innovation in religion], and the most odious act in the sight of Allah is introducing innovations [to the religion]. Hence, there is no itikaf except in the mosque, where the (five) Prayers are performed.”

The musalla at home cannot be regarded as a mosque, whether in reality or when a Shar`i ruling is established. Moreover, if this act was permissible, the Mothers of the Believers (i.e., the Prophet’s wives) would have performed it even once.

On the other hand, the Hanafis hold the opinion that it is permissible for women to perform itikaf in their own musalla at home. They opine that the place of itikaf for women is that preferred by them when they perform their daily Prayers, because, unlike men’s Prayer, women’s Prayer at home is better than their Prayer in the mosque.

Accordingly, the place of itikaf for women should be their own musalla at home. Abu Hanifah and Ath-Thawri stated, “She [i.e., a woman] can perform itikaf in her own musalla at home. It is better for her to do so, as her Prayer at home is better than [her Prayer] in the mosque.”

Also, it was narrated that Abu Hanifah said that it is not acceptable for a woman to perform i`tikaf in the mosque, where congregational Prayers are held, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) abandoned the itikaf in the mosque when he saw the tents of his wives pitched inside the mosque; he then said to them, “Is it righteousness that you intended by doing so?“

In addition, as a woman’s own musalla at home is the most preferred place for her to offer Prayers; hence, her place of itikaf [(which is the musalla]) is like the mosque for men where men are to perform itikaf.

Accordingly, we see that women can perform itikaf in the mosque, as the mosque is the best place for devotion to worship and remembrance of Allah — unlike the house, which does not have the spiritual atmosphere of the mosque. However, if a woman’s husband does not want her to perform itikaf in the mosque or she has young children to take care of, she is allowed to perform itikaf in her own musalla at home.

According to some scholars, such a woman’s itikaf at home can be intermittent; that is, she can come out of her musalla and move in her house or go out if she needs to do so.

Finally, if a woman has a sincere desire to please Almighty Allah, she should know that the reward of fulfilling the rights and needs of her husband and children can be equal to, and even greater than, that of itikaf. That is the grace of Almighty Allah, which He bestows on whom He wills, and Allah is the Enricher and All Aware.

Allah Almighty knows best.

- aboutislam.net

About R. A. Mleeh

Professor of Islamic Studies at Kolej Universiti Insaniah

Ramadan’s Night Prayers, Why Two Times?

 

Tahajjud (the optional late-night prayers) is derived from the Arabic root “hajada” meaning: he was wakeful in the night.

In the silent, dark, and tranquil hours of the night; we seek liberation from the burdens of daily hectic life and focus solely on worship and praise of Allah. And we can offer our Tahajjud prayers with calm and serenity.

It is a time for pause and quiet reflection during some uniquely serene moments.

The timing of Tahajjud prayers offers an exceptionally spiritual atmosphere and purity of thought in preparation for the day to begin.

It also enhances the concentrating ability of the memory components of the brain and helps us to place the forthcoming duties of the day into their respective compartments by reversing pending improper intentions, if any.

Closer to Allah

We will need the intimacy, that closeness to Allah in order to express our innermost thoughts, feelings, desires, and fears … indeed our whole life history.

The rising by night for Tahajjud prayers is more affirmative and most suitable for understanding and strengthening one’s faith. It also helps framing and formulating the wordings of prayer and praise.

Tahajjud kindles the divine flame within us to receive true illumination in the darkness of the night.

It opens the window to the heart for light to enter its dark crevices where problems are waiting to be solved.

Just as a person is mirrored clearly in the calm and still waters of a lake, so the mind is reflected in the supplicating words of Tahajjud prayers.

Tahajjud prayers ignite the divine spark that lies dormant within us.

It makes us a shining example and a beacon to instill brightness in the lives of those persons we encounter who are still at the beginning of their journey to Allah.

We may not be aware of this particular influence of ours in the lives of others whom we meet, which has already been laid down in Allah’s plan and wisdom.

Prayers are performed in mosques, where the union and awareness of the unique bond of faith give us many lessons. This helps us seek tranquility together and draw lessons for social reconciliation.

Love for Allah grows with time, being a slow process.

We pray for forgiveness in the early hours before dawn.

We observe that angels and men of knowledge are linked together, according to what the Quran says.

The best time for Tahajjud is to delay it to the last third portion of the night, according to Sunnah.

A Scientific Perspective

Psychologists assume that the repair of the body takes place during stage 3 and 4 of deep sleep (dreamless sleep). During these stages, memory and learning molecules are also re-synthesized in the hippo-campus of the brain.

Hence, we can formulate our wordings of petition and others much better during this period.

Every night, when the last third of it remains, Allah, our Sustainer, the Blessed, the Superior, descends to the lowest heaven saying: ‘Is there anyone to ask Me so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone to invoke Me so that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?’ (Narrated by Muslim.)

According to the Quran, Tahajjud prayers will raise us to a higher status of faith.

Those who wake up to pray and call on their Sustainer, in fear and hope, would be rewarded.

From stage 4 of deep sleep, we pass on to stage 5, known as Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. This is when dreaming occurs. There are 4 or 5 such periods in every night of restful sleep.

The dreams of early morning, say before Tahajjud prayers, are remembered more vividly. They have more accurate details and actions of the main figures, than those dreams of earlier in the night.

This is because memory molecules are synthesized during stages of deep sleep, which precedes the REM sleep when dreaming occurs.

Moreover, the Morning Prayer around 5 A.M. would add a further quota of beneficial effects of this extra physical and spiritual exercise.

Benefits of Tahajjud

We look forward to each day with optimism and enthusiasm, and to prepare in advance in the morning the list of good deeds we are planning to do during the day.

During Tahajjud prayers, we can formulate our supplications. This assists in molding our personality and daily schedule, beginning in the early morning.

When we wake up, our first port of call should be the prayer, followed by priorities in our agenda.

Prayer contributes to our tranquility and peace of mind. However, even the largest ships meet with turbulent waters, and we, as human beings, are liable to come across trials and tribulations that we have been destined for.

Although Man has achieved phenomenal success in science and technology, he cannot solve problems of moral nature, violence, discrimination, and many other daily situations, locally and world-wide.

Why Make Duaa?

If Allah needs no praise because He is above all praise and if He needs no petition because He knows our needs better than we do ourselves, and if His bounties are open without asking, to the righteous and the sinner alike, then why should we pray at all and make duaa?

In the Quran, Allah advises us to make duaa and He promises to respond. This is for our own spiritual growth and fulfillment, consolation, success in this life and in the Hereafter. It is also for a perfected personality with strong will power – all of these through His grace and guidance.

Offering duaa is a constant reminder to us that we are not alone in this world but feel a divine presence.

When prayers are followed by meaningful action and service to mankind, we upgrade ourselves. We go from being better Muslims to a much higher status and we ascend faster through al-siraat-al-mustaqeem (the correct path of truth) towards Allah, our eventual goal!

-aboutislam.net

About Ebrahim Kazim

Dr. Ebrahim Kazim is a medical doctor living in Trinidad and Tobago. Together with his wife he established an Islamic academy in Trinidad in 1985.

Breaking Free from Masturbation in the Age of Fitnah

 

First of all, let me start by saying you Are Not Weak — Not At All! You are fighting a battle, waging a war against what can be described as an existential threat, or, in another words, you are in a “psychological Jihad” which the holy Qur’an allude to:

“Indeed, successful is the one who purifies their soul” (Quran 91:9)

So, take a deep breath. The fact that you feel pain about what you are going through; the fact that you want to stop; the fact that you worry about Allah and the state of the Ummah… all this already shows something beautiful in your heart. A heart that still cares about pleasing its Creator is a heart that is alive.

Secondly, let me say this clearly: You are not alone in this struggle. Many young Muslims today are living in a time where temptations are everywhere—on screens, in conversations, in social media, and even in the thoughts that constantly bombard the mind. This generation faces a level of exposure that previous generations could hardly imagine. So if you feel overwhelmed, it does not mean you are weak. It means you are human.

Your struggle is not a sign of failure. It is a sign of faith. A person who has no faith does not cry over sin. A person whose heart is empty does not feel guilty. But when you feel the urge and still try to resist it, when you feel regret after falling, when you turn back to Allah again and again—this is the life of a believer who is fighting for their soul. And that is a true sign of “strength” as explained by the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, as he made us understand that the one who struggles against his own desires is truly strong; he says in the hadith:

“The strong person is not the one who overpowers others, but the one who controls himself when angry.”

Commenting on this hadith, the scholars explain that this strength includes controlling one’s desires and impulses.

And Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) also said:

“Paradise is surrounded by hardships, and Hellfire is surrounded by desires.” (Sahih Muslim)

Why does Islam warn us about masturbation?

This is because Islam protects the heart, the mind, and the future. Sexual desire is not evil—it is a powerful gift placed in us. But like fire, when it is placed in the right place, it warms a home, but when it is uncontrolled, it can burn the whole house. Islam channels this powerful desire into something honorable, that is: marriage, love, responsibility, and family. Outside of that, the same desire can slowly weaken discipline, increase addiction to fantasy, and make it harder to lower the gaze and control the self.

So the goal is not to shame you. The goal is to protect you. This generation is a test — but also an opportunity for immense reward. Think about it: resisting temptation when temptation is everywhere is incredibly valuable in the sight of Allah. The one who struggles in darkness but still tries to stay pure is extremely beloved. Every time you lower your gaze; every time you close something inappropriate; every time you fight your thoughts; every time you stand up again after falling. All those moments are not small in Allah’s scale of measurement; they are actually acts of Ibaadah. As Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) even advised young people who struggle with strong desires:

“O young men, whoever among you can marry, let him marry… and whoever cannot, then let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

So do not let Shaytan turn your struggle into despair. One of the biggest tricks of Shaytan is not the sin itself. It is convincing you that you have become a hopeless person because of the sin. But Allah’s mercy is greater than your mistakes. The door back to Him has never closed for anyone who sincerely wants to return. The Prophet (peace be upon him) talked about this in an extremely beautiful way in one of his hadiths:

“All the children of Adam commit sins, and the best of those who sin are those who repent.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)

What Then is the Remedy?

Change does not happen overnight. It happens through small victories. Start with simple steps:

•Protect what you watch and listen to.

• Stay busy with beneficial activities.

• Exercise and use your physical energy.

• Strengthen your connection with prayer.

• Surround yourself with good company.

• Reduce isolation and idle time.

Most importantly, keep talking to Allah. Even if you fall a hundred times, stand up a hundred and one times. Your tears are not wasted. The tears of someone who fears disappointing Allah are precious. They are signs of sincerity. One day, the same struggle that makes you cry today might be the reason Allah raises your rank tomorrow. And remember this: You are not defined by your urges. You are not defined by your mistakes. You are defined by your effort to return to Allah. - aboutislam.net

What is “Taqwa” and How Can I Develop It?

 

There are several definitions of taqwa, including this definition by Dr. Jamal Badawi:

Some of the common English translations of the word taqwa are “piety” and “heed” or “God-fearing.” Each of these translations gives only a partial understanding of this word’s true meaning because it is an attitude that combines many feelings, such as fear of God, heeding, and above all being God-conscious.

But How Can I Develop Taqwa?

Acquiring taqwa is a process that takes time, and grows with the increase of faith in the heart of a believer until they become convinced that Allah is aware of everything they do and each word they say.

In the famous hadith of Jibreel when he asked Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) about Islam, iman, and ihsan, the Prophet responded about Ihsan, saying it is ‘to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you can’t see Him you know that He sees you. That is the highest level of faith.’

There are several ways to gain taqwa, through fear and love, including the following:

Remember Allah Often

In order to fear Allah, a Muslim needs to remember death and remember the Hereafter.

This is one of the fruits of reading the Quran often, as reflecting on its verses and chapters with the many reminders of the Hereafter help the heart increase in taqwa.

Mention Allah often, as the remembrance of Allah increases the heart in God-consciousness.

Learn More About Allah

Also gaining more knowledge about the Names and Attributes of Allah helps a Muslim remember how dependent we are on His Mercy and Forgiveness.

Repent Often

Always repenting to Allah, as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised his companions, saying that he repents to Allah at least seventy times each day.

Fast Often

One of the fruits of fasting the month of Ramadan is to increase in taqwa, and fasting is not only limited to Ramadan, but optional sunnah fasting can also be done the rest of the year to get closer to Allah and increase in taqwa.

Make dua that God increases you in taqwa.

Do as many other good deeds as you can, especially those which Allah loves.

More Tips and Steps to Increase Taqwa:

1- Be alert to whatever may divert you from Allah.

2- Be alert to the carnal pleasures that may lead to the realm of the forbidden.

3- Ascribe all material and spiritual accomplishments to Allah.

4- Never consider yourself higher or better than anyone else.

5- Long for Allah’s pleasure and satisfaction in all affairs.

6- Renew the fountains of your iman by studying and reflecting on Allah’s creation.

7- Remember death, and live with the conscious knowledge that it may happen at any time.

And Allah knows best.

- aboutislam.net

Does Semen Leaking Invalidate Fasting?

 

Scholars have stated that if semen comes out during the day after having had intercourse at night, that does not invalidate the fast.

We read in al-Jawharah al-Nayyirah (1/138), which is a Hanafi book:

“If a person who is having intercourse fears that dawn will come so he withdraws, then he emits semen after dawn, that does not break his fast.”

And we read in Hashiyat al-Dusuqi (1/523), which is a Maaliki book:

“If a person has intercourse at night and his semen is emitted after dawn, it seems that he does not have to do anything, as is also the case for one who puts on kohl at night then it reaches his throat during the day.”

Al-Nawawi, whose madhhab was Shafa`i, said in al-Majmu` (6/348):

If a person has intercourse before dawn then he withdraws when dawn comes or straight after it comes, then ejaculates, that does not invalidate his fast, because it came as the result of permissible intimacy, so he does not have to do anything. The same applies if a man’s hand is cut off in a case of hadd punishment and he dies as a result (i.e., no one is responsible for his death).

If a person has intercourse then does ghusl, then some semen comes out of him after doing ghusl, he does not have to do ghusl again, because the reason for that is one reason, so there is no need to do two ghusls. Rather he has to do ghusl if he ejaculates again as the result of renewed desire.

Allah Almighty knows best.

Source: www.islamqa.info

Does Swallowing Mucus Break Fast?

 

In fact, scholars have different views on whether or not swallowing mucus breaks the fast. But, the opinion that says it doesn’t break the fast seems to be the most correct.

In this context, Sheikh Ibn Uthaymin says,

Phlegm and mucus that do not reach the mouth do not break the fast. This is the only opinion expressed on the matter in the (Hanbali) school of law.

If the phlegm and mucous reach the mouth and then the person swallows it back down, there is disagreement among the scholars regarding whether it breaks the fast or not:

One opinion is that it does break the fast. Scholars who hold this view compare swallowing phlegm and mucus to eating and drinking.

The other opinion is that it does not break the fast. Scholars who hold this view regard phlegm and mucus to be comparable to saliva. Even if a person gathers saliva in his mouth and swallows it, this will not break his fast.

In a case where the scholars are divided in their opinions, then the matter must be referred back to the Quran and Sunnah. Since we are in doubt about whether swallowing phlegm and mucus invalidates the fast, we must consider that the default assumption in Islamic Law in the absence of other evidence is that it does not do so.

Based on this default assumption, we would say that swallowing phlegm and mucus does not break the fast.

Allah Almighty knows best.

- aboutislam.net

About Dr. Wael Shehab

Dr. Wael Shehab has a PhD in Islamic Studies from Al-Azhar University. He is currently the Imam of the Downtown Toronto Masjid in Canada.

Healing Power of Prayer Beads

 

Yahya related to me from Malik that Ziyad ibn Abi Ziyad quoted Abu’d-Darda as saying, “Shall I not tell you the best of your deeds, and those that give you the highest rank, and those that are the purest with your King, and are better for you than giving gold and silver, and better for you than meeting your enemy and striking their necks?“

They said, “Of course.” He said, “Remembrance (dhikr) of Allah, the Almighty” (Hadith Bukhari Book 15:7.24).

Towards this goal many Muslims carry a sibhah, or prayer beads. Traditionally, prayer beads are used to keep track of how many times one has recited Subhan Allah, Alhamdulliah and Allahu Akbar. The most popular way is using them after the obligatory prayer to recite the dhikr [remembrance of] Allah:

Narrated Abu Ma’bad: (the freed slave of Ibn ‘Abbas) Ibn ‘Abbas told me, “In the lifetime of the Prophet it was the custom to celebrate Allah’s praises aloud after the compulsory congregational prayers.” Ibn ‘Abbas further said, “When I heard the Dhikr, I would learn that the compulsory congregational prayer had ended” (Bukhari Vol.1: Book 12: 802).

However, although the dhikr of Allah has been recited from the time of the Prophet, the sibhah as we now know it today has not been recorded as being in existence at that time.

Some accounts of history show that Muslims adopted the sibhah from India in the 2nd Islamic century and through them, in 1214, that the Christians adopted the idea and started using the rosary (Gulik).

Even though, methods of assistance have always been employed in religious devotion even before the sibhah.

Tradition states that before the sibhah, stones were sometimes used to recite. Other religions used knotted cords or woven shawls to keep track of recitations.

Modern technology, however, has added a new dimension to prayer beads when electronic sibhah were invented. Many people even prefer not to use a sibhah at all.

Even though, using a sibhah is not only helpful in keeping track of remembrances, but can be healing as well, depending on which wood or stone has been used to make the beads.

At the Islamic Shopping Network many kinds of prayer beads are available from Turquoise and Tiger Eye stone to Sandalwood and Rosewood beads.

A search of other sites reveals a number of sites dedicated to making custom stone beads for all religions. A search of the local markets of the Middle East reveal an even larger selection of sibhah.

And just as using beads for prayer is a long-standing tradition, so is healing with beads. Throughout history cultures have used gemstones and wood for healing.

Dr. Robert Frost, a physician in Basel, Switzerland, recently studied the scientific properties of these gems and woods and created a method of testing woods and gemstones that reveals their healing properties in scientific terms (Frost).

Reducing Pain

In his clinical work, Dr. Frost discovered that using the correct gemstone or wood could reduce pain, prevent allergic reactions, improve coordination and even increase muscle strength.

To give some examples; Tiger-eye is traditionally used to enhance understanding and strengthen belief. It is healing to the stomach area and is often used to assist with problems of the kidney, pancreas, liver, small intestine or stomach. It has also been found to have a calming effect on people who hold it.

Turquoise keeps the feeling of unconditional love in one’s heart and helps one feel more connected with Allah. It also assists in the digestion of proteins and thus aids digestion.

Turquoise also helps draw out negative feelings such as envy or anger from a person. It assists in healing ailments of the thyroid, throat, ears, neck and respiratory system. It can also help to combat allergies or heart problems.

Beads of amber can help lift the heaviness of burdens, amethyst can be spiritually uplifting or heal the stomach or liver, and black onyx helps one to change bad habits. There are many books and websites that speak about the healing power of gems.

Beware in your search, as some sites are mystical and foreboding. But there are an equal number of scientific books and websites that offer information on gems to the general public.

The healing power of wooden prayer beads is often in their scent, which is released and revived with usage. The scent of rosewood is traditionally used for nervous tension, frigidity, and headaches.

It also assists the immune system, helps to fight viruses and regenerate cells. It is good for jet lag and skin inflammations and has the ability to relax a person without making them drowsy.

Beads made of sandalwood emit a scent that has been used for healing since the time of the prophet. Sandalwood is an antidepressant, antiseptic, insecticidal, and sedative wood.

It can assist in the healing of cells and is used to assist the immune system in any healing process or to prevent illness.

In the Tafseer of Ibn Juzayy, it is said that the Prophet Mohammad said in a message from Allah, “I am in my slaves opinion of Me and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I remember him in Myself.”

For this reason and the reason of easy transport, prayer beads are a popular gift from one Muslim to another. With a little more thought, this gift can be physically uplifting as well as spiritually.

- aboutislam.net

References:

• Gottleib, Bill. “New Choices in Natural Healing.” Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press.1995.
• Gulick, Robert Jr. “Muhammad the Educator.” Lahore: Institute of Islamic Cultures. 1953. p.61.
• Frost, Robert. “Gems and Woods.” Robertfrost.net. 2001.
• Hadith Bukhari
• Tafseer Ibn Juzayy
• Woodward, Valerie Ann. “The Fragrant Mind.” Novato, California: New World Library. 1996.