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.

The Concept Of Sin And Atonement In Islam

 

Human Weakness and Allah’s Mercy

First and foremost, Allah has said in the Quran that humans have within them weaknesses. It is out of this trait of ours that we humans end up committing sins. Even the best of humans to walk the earth had made errors. Then what about simple laymen?

We may make mistakes left and right, openly and silently. Sister your concern and worry show us that you have much goodness inside of you. Keep seeking Allah and give it your best. It is by God’s infinite mercy that He pardons us over and again. Allah loves His slaves who commit wrong and then turn back to Him. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if you did not commit sin Allah would do away with you and bring people who would commit sin then pray for forgiveness.”

Narrated by Muslim, 2749.

Allah’s forgiveness is vast. At the end of the tunnel, there is still a flicker of hope for a believer, and nothing can extinguish it. Don’t lose confidence in God’s mercy. Anas narrated that Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said:

“All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent often.”

Related by At -Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah.

Concept of Sin

Many religions have different aspects and thoughts about sin and forgiveness. Such as in Christianity. The Concept that every Christian is born into sin makes it difficult for that certain individual to do good and be a positive person. From early childhood, Christians believe that they are sinners and that Prophet Jesus died on the cross to compensate for their sins.

Islam, on the contrary, teaches mankind that every individual shall carry their own burden. Which means that all of humanity will be judged upon their own deeds. God is just and it is out of His Justice and Mercy that every single individual will be judged upon his/her own deeds. This concept will help an individual take ownership of his/her actions. A person will have to work hard towards his own salvation.

Having said that, Allah has stressed the importance of staying away from sins.  Evil doings such as killing, being disrespectful towards one’s parents, and above all taking partners with Allah are among major sins. One must stay clear of this evil at all times. Allah says,

“if you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden from committing, We will forgive and wipe away from you your [lesser] sins and make you enter a noble entrance Paradise.” (Quran 4:31)

Infinite Forgiveness

Have you ever observed how the moon passes through 28 different phases? Have you noticed the way it waxes and wanes? If you pay particular attention to the new moon stage, the moon disappears and you cannot even see a speck of it. However, is it really gone? No- it’s still there but is hard to see with the naked eye.

Allah is teaching us that nothing in life is constant. Faith will never stay constant. It wavers from time to time. At times one has a very strong faith and sometimes our desires get the best of us. Hence, sister, there is no need to feel guilt or even grieve when you make that sin, then stop everything and make a u-turn towards Allah.

On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah say: Allah the Almighty said:

O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it.

It was related by at-Tirmidhi (also by Ahmad ibn Hanbal). Its chain of authorities is sound.

Seeking Pardon

As a parent or a person who has subordinates, when that subordinate or child under your care errors, and comes to ask your pardon, don’t you forgive him/her? Most likely, you will forgive a sincere apology.

Allah is our Creator and His love for us, His creation, is ten folds of a mother’s love. How can you not turn to Him? How can you despair of His mercy? Never, don’t let go. Allah is there to accept all your mistakes and forgive you. On the condition of your sincerity.

There are three conditions for repentance a person must meet. A fourth condition steps in when the sin committed is in regards to another human being. Firstly, when you realize it’s a sin, give it up.

Second, a person must feel remorse within the heart. Third is to make a genuine promise to Allah that he will not repeat the sin.

Fourth, to repay the other person. For instance, if you stole money, then you shall return it back, if you spoke ill of him you should ask pardon from the person.

Acceptance of Repentance

When these conditions are fulfilled by the person who is repenting, then there is hope that his repentance will be accepted, by Allah’s leave. After that, he should not worry about whispers suggesting that his repentance is not accepted. That doubt is from the Shaytaan and is contrary to what Allah and His Messenger have told us. Which is that repentance is accepted if it is sincere.

“Will they not turn with repentance to Allah and ask His forgiveness? For Allah is Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful” (Quran 5:74)

As long as you seek the truth with sincerity Allah will guide and protect you. Don’t let the whispers of shaytan hinder you from the correct path.

Life is a struggle for a believer. Somewhere on the path you will fall and have to pick yourself up. You will break down so have the courage to put yourself together. This is the test of a believer. Allah says,

“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Saabiroon (the patient).” (Quran 2:155)

And Allah knows best.

- aboutislam.net

About Umm Muadh

Umm Muadh is a student at AOU university studying Islamic studies and currently resides in Texas, USA with her husband and four beautiful children!

Why No Water While Fasting?

 

Fasting is a topic that fascinates many who are not Muslim.

It is also one of the questions most often on the minds of those who are new to Islam, because they have not fasted before and they don’t know what to expect.

I remember the first time I fasted during Ramadan. Actually, I wasn’t Muslim at the time, but I fasted with my pupils in school.

It was the least thing I thought I could do to show my solidarity and support for them.

Little did I know that the following year, I would be Muslim myself, fasting as a Muslim during Ramadan during the hours of daylight.

What did it feel like to fast for the first time?

Well, in fact, you hit the nail on the head by asking about water, because I found that it was not the lack of food that was a problem, but the desire for something to drink.

Muslims read in the Quran what means:

{And we send down water from the sky according to (due) measure, and We cause it to soak in the soil; and We certainly are able to drain it off (with ease). With it We grow for you gardens of date-palms and vines; in them have you abundant fruits: and of them you eat (and have enjoyment)} (Al-Mu’minun 23:18-19)

Water is just one of the many gifts we take for granted in this life. Just think how many times we have recourse to water during the day. 

One of the effects of fasting during Ramadan is that it brings all of these things into focus, helping us to remember all the many blessings we receive and take for granted, such as food and water, and the love of the people who are dear to us.

In Ramadan, we give thanks for these things. We can even thank Allah Almighty for the rain, which is so often a nuisance to us, yet which during those fasting days of Ramadan, would be most welcome to trickle down our faces. 

We also remember all of those in this world who do not have the good fortune that we have of being able to drink or eat whenever we wish.

There are many people who will not end the days of Ramadan with a special meal of celebration, but will go hungry because they have neither food nor drink.

All of this, though, is just a prelude to telling you about why Muslims fast. They don’t do it to feel good, or to soar to great heights of spirituality, or for any other reason than the fact that Allah Almighty has commanded them to do so.

It is one of the five “pillars” of Islam, which are required of all Muslims.

These five pillars help us to live as Muslims.

We read in the Quran:

{Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, and also clear signs for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting.} (Al-Baqarah 2:185)

By the way, despite what anyone may claim, Islam is eminently sensible and practical.

It is also very reasonable, so you will see that fasting is for those who are at their homes.

In other words, those who are travelling are not required to fast.

So what, then, is the fast about?

Why do Muslims fast at all? Again, we have recourse to the Quran:

{O You who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn self-restraint.} (Al-Baqarah 2:183)

Pleasing Allah

Muslims fast because Allah has commanded them to do so. Why else would anyone choose to do such a thing?

They fast to please Allah.

In fasting, they give up not only food and drink. In fact, the fast is total. Between the hours of daylight, Muslim men and women refrain from food, drink, and sexual relations with their spouse.

They also refrain from such things as smoking, bad language, and even bad thoughts.

What use would it be to fast all day if a person was thinking ill about others?

The only thing he would gain by doing this, according to our Prophet, is that at the end of the day he would be hungry and thirsty.

So, yes, water is included in the fast. For some it is easy. For others (like myself) this is the most difficult part of the fast.

The lack of water means that towards the end of the day, about one or two hours before it is time to break the fast, I tend to get a headache or feel drowsy.

However, knowing that we do this for Allah and by doing so we please Him, is enough for any Muslim to carry on the fast willingly.

When we consider the terrible sufferings which have just been undergone by our brothers and sisters in countries under attack and in apartheid as we see in Gaza, who have not only lost their homes and their own limbs, but also their children and family members, it is nothing to go without water for a few hours.

When we see how heroically they endured this suffering, giving thanks to Allah even while the bombs were falling around them, it encourages all Muslims to do this small thing in giving up food and water for Allah’s sake.

When the day’s fast is over, all Muslims will join with their family and friends, to break the fast and to give thanks for the gift of food and water, which we so often take from the hand of Allah without even a thought.

It feels good to have fasted during the days of Ramadan, most importantly because it has reminded us that we have been called to be Muslim and that we have carried out this fast for Allah’s sake.

- aboutislam.net

About Idris Tawfiq

Idris Tawfiq was a British writer, public speaker and consultant.He became a Muslim around 15 years ago.For many years, he was head of religious education in different schools in the United Kingdom.Before embracing Islam, he was a Roman Catholic priest.He passed away in peace in the UK in February 2016 after a period of illness.May Allah (SWT) have mercy on him, and accept his good deeds. Ameen.