What Are the Forbidden Times for Prayer?

 

It is forbidden to pray after the Morning prayer until the sunrise and from the sunrise until the sun has completely risen to the length of a spear above the horizon, and when the sun is at its meridian until it moves sightly to the west, and after the Afternoon prayer until the sun sets.

Abu Sa`id reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There is no prayer after the Morning prayer until the sun rises.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

`Amr ibn `Abbas related that he said, “O Prophet of Allah, inform me about the prayers.” He said, “Pray the Morning prayer and then abstain from prayer until sunrise and the sun has completely risen, for it rises between the horns of Satan. That is when the unbelievers prostrate to it. Then pray, as your prayer will be witnessed and attended to until the shadow of a spear becomes less than its length. At that time stop praying, for at that time the hell-fire is fed with fuel. When the shade comes, you may pray, for your prayer will be witnessed and attended (to by angels) until you pray the afternoon prayer. Then abstain from praying until the sun sets, for its sets between the horns of Satan, and that is when the unbelievers make prostrations to it.” (Ahmad and Muslim)

Said `Uqbah ibn `Amr, “There are three times during which the Prophet prohibited us from praying or burying our deceased: sunrise until the sun has risen (some distance), when the sun is at its meridian, and when the sun is setting until it has completely set.” (Related by “the group,” except for al-Bukhari)

Almighty Allah knows best.

- aboutislam.net

The First Tears of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

A child by the age of six years old, his father is dead. He never saw his father, he has no siblings, no uncles or aunties directly from his father. And the only encounter he sees of death is his own mother, the one whom he is attached to.

The closest person you can have is your mother, and the first encounter of death that you see is your own mother’s before your eyes in the middle of nowhere, and she is the only one you have to look after you.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was in that position. He saw his mother turned to Barakah and her tears were flowing, her agony of pain was increasing, and she is saying to Barakah:

You are now his mother.

And the Prophet was looking at Barakah, she’s crying; he’s looking at his mother, his mother is crying, she is dying…

The Prophet, at six-year-old, does not know what’s happening, and then he realizes that his mother starts to take her last breath. Her eyes are open looking up into the sky, and she’s no longer communicating with the Prophet (peace be upon him).

He’s calling her saying:

“Ya Ummah! (O mother)”, and she’s not responding.

The mother who always responded to the Prophet (peace be upon him) anytime he ever needed her. Now she’s no longer responding to the Prophet. Her eyes are looking up into the sky.

What should he do?

He sees Barakah crying, and he sees his mother dead, he understands that something has gone wrong.

So the first thing he does was he jumps on to his mother, he holds on to her neck, and he starts to cry immensely on her chest (peace be upon him). He wouldn’t let go of her.

And then Barakah holds the Prophet, and he says to her:

You are now my mother after my own mother.

In other words, he’s trying to call out to her saying:

Oh Barakah, you are my mother, please look after me my mother is gone. I only have you, please be my mother!

The Prophet, at six years old, had to encounter this.

And we look at ourselves and we think we go through so much pain and struggles as if no one else is going through what we are going.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), our messenger, the most beloved to Allah is in his first tears at the age of six years old. Children of six years old in our days are playing, they’re happy, they are mocking around, they don’t know what’s going on.

But the Prophet at the age of six, an orphan, had to encounter this first encounter. How heavy would it be on a six-year-old to encounter this, but this was the first of this extreme compassion that the Prophet had to learn.

For after that, every time he saw an orphan, or a person who had lost his mother or parents, he was the first to understand their pain. He understood their pain more than what they understood.

And that was the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Allah Was Preparing Him

Allah had prepared the Prophet for the most important type of social interaction and social care, which is the care of parents and the pain of loss of family. That made him the best leader on earth to be able to connect with the people, the poor, the orphans, and those who have lost things in life.

- aboutislam.net

About Bilal Assad

Bilal Assad was born in Williamstown, Melbourne, Australia. He started his Islamic studies at a very early age and acquired his Shariah knowledge in Lebanon; and continued tertiary education in Bio-Medical Science in Australia. Bilal has been offering his service to the community for many years and has been working with the Islamic Society of Victoria for over ten years.

Surah Quraish: What True Thanksgiving Entails

 

Surah Quraish was revealed in Makkah. For many scholars, this surah seems to be an extension of surah Al-Feel (The Elephant). Both are very similar in terms of tone as well as  subject matter.

However, Surah Quraish is independent from surah Al-Feel; there were nine other surahs revealed between the two surahs.

Arabic text and translation of the meaning of Surah Quraish (Quran 106)

Listen to recitation of Surah ِQuraish by Sheikh Mahmud Khalil Al-Husari, Egypt

The overall theme of the Surah

Though most of the Arabian Peninsula was witnessing poor security conditions, the blessedness of Makkah’s Sacred House guaranteed security, peace and flourishing businesses to the Quraishites who lived near it.

This was the result of the dua’a of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) when he had to leave his wife and son, Lady Hajar and Prophet Isma`il in that barren valley per Allah’s Command. He prayed,

{Lord, make this a land of security and make provisions of fruits for those of its people who believe in Allah and the Last Day} (Al-Baqarah 2:126)

Regarding the other Arabs who did not live near the Sacred House, the Qur’an says,

{Have they not seen that We have made it a secure sanctuary, while men are being snatched away from all around them} (Al-`Ankabut 29:67)

This shows to what extent the Quraishites enjoyed Allah’s blessings and favors unlike the other residents of the Arabian Peninsula.

Given this, the Quraishites established two great routes for their commercial caravans, to Yemen (in the south) in winter and to the Levant (in the north) in summer.

In Surah Quraish, Allah reminds the Quraishites of the grace He bestowed upon the land; safety, growing businesses, and the respect others gave them for living in Allah’s sanctuary. He reminds the Quraishites so that they might be ashamed of associating others with Him in worship.

What do we get from this?

Some people may say, “This surah was for the Quraishites who denounced monotheism and worshiped idols made of wood and stone but still enjoyed the blessings and favors of Allah. How does Surah Quraish relate to us in here and now?”

To those I say, it’s not only the Quraishites who enjoyed Allah’s blessings but every single human being has enjoyed the various divine favors and blessings of Allah, the Creator of the whole universe and all creatures.

{For, should you try to count Allah’s blessings, you could never compute them!} (An-Nahl 16:18)

All bounties and grace are from Him, Glory be His. We should all be grateful and thankful to Allah for such favors.

But what does it really mean to be thankful?

Being thankful to Allah means that one should worship Him alone and be obedient to Him and submit his will to Him at all times and in all circumstances.

True thanksgiving means that one should feel and appreciate these favors of Allah and not use them in a way that contradicts Islamic values and principles.

True thankfulness entails using Allah’s favors to share His guidance with others, to advocate justice, to defend the oppressed and to promote the truth.

Being thankful means that one should walk the talk and live in harmony and peace with others regardless of their faith, background, or color.

It also means that one should not use these favors to inflict any unjustified harm upon any other being, be it human, animal, plant, or even inanimate.

Being thankful means that one should emulate Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) who was sent as a mercy to the worlds. Thus, one should show mercy to all, Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

A great hadith to reflect on

Finally, consider the following hadith, which sheds light on some of the bounties of Allah, many of which, we are completely oblivious to. You’ll see that it’s not only the Quraishites who enjoyed Allah’s blessings and bounties but all of us.

`Ubaidullah ibn Mihsan Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

Messenger of Allah (Peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“Whosoever begins the day feeling secure in his property, healthy in his body and has his food for the day, it is as if he owned the entire world” [At- Tirmidhi].

So when Allah grants you health, the freedom to move around and travel in safety all the while providing sufficient provisions for you and your family, this is so abundant! The most abundance anyone could ever have in this lifetime.

Therefore, we should start our day with being thankful and grateful to Him, Glory be His. We should use these bounties and favors in a way that shows obedience, glorification and remembrance of Him. And never forget Him or His graces!

- aboutislam.net

About Dr. Ali Al-Halawani

Dr. Ali Al-Halawani is Assistant Professor of Linguistics and Translation Studies. He is an author, translator, and writer based in Canada. To date, Al-Halawani authored over 400 original articles on Islam and Muslims, most of which can be accessed on www.aboutislam.net and other famous websites. He has recently started to self-publish his articles and new books, which are available on Amazon and Kindle. You can reach him at alihalawani72@hotmail.com.

Health Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep

 On the importance of sleep and its role in ensuring sound health, as part of His creation agenda, Allah, the Almighty, informs us in the Qur’an:

“And We made your sleep [a means for] rest. And We made the night as clothing. And We made the day for livelihood” (Surat An-Naba’ 78:9-10-11).

When we have been awake for a long period of time, sleep/wake homeostasis tells us that a need for sleep is accumulating and that it is time to sleep.

It also helps us maintain enough sleep throughout the night to make up for the hours of being awake.

In the video above from TedEd in 2015, Dr. Shai Marcu defends early sleeping, showing how sleep restructures your brain in a way that’s crucial for how our memory works. - aboutislam.net

Must I Read Quran in Arabic to Receive Rewards?

 

First, as for the reward, the answer is no, the reward is not the same.

But let me explain: reading the Quran in Arabic has the reward of one hasanat for each letter read, where one hasanat is the reward for a good deed.

As an authentic hadith in At-Tirmidhee says:

Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a letter.

Double The Reward!

Reading the Quran in Arabic, when Arabic is not the reader’s first language, has double the reward!

Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, relates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

Certainly the one who recites the Quran beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that reward. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

So my brother in Islam, don’t let Satan give you any excuse like “I am not an ‘Arab,” or “It’s not my language.”

This hadith is a firm proof against such whisperings. Dedicate yourself to the Quran, whether you are an Arab or not!

The excuses have been eliminated and the path cleared for you to embrace the Quran. And inshaAllah you will find a teacher or a study circle to help you.

Read The Quran in Your Own Language, Too!

Reading the Quran in English (or in the reader’s own language) is obviously beneficial in understanding the translation and meaning of the Arabic.

This is something every Muslim is required to do.

Each Muslim should have read and understood all of the Quran before they die. Then, we will have no excuse that ‘we didn’t know’ when we are questioned on the Day of Judgment.

The Only True Quran is the Arabic Quran

The Quran is only the Quran in Arabic, therefore, care must be taken that one has a good translation or access to a scholar.

A translation is only man’s attempt to explain the Word of Allah. It is not sufficient to read and make one’s own interpretation.

Neither should the Quran be quoted in translation unless the translation has been checked with the Arabic. This is to avoid any unintentional mistakes, misinformation and distortion.

Don’t Just Read: Reflect On The Deep Meanings

Indeed to reflect on Allah’s verses is a form of worship (dhikr) that will draw one close to Allah Most High.

This reflection is not a reckless and wandering one, rather it includes a study of the classical tafseer of the verses under study, as this would fulfill Ibnul-Qayyim’s great advice:

“Such as reflecting over a book which a person has memorized and he expounds it so that he may understand what its author intends by it.”

Indeed the Book of Allah is not a book like other books, it is the timeless Speech of Allah, not something created. It is the study guide for life and death and what comes after.

It deserves very careful study, much more than anyone else’s speech.

We should know what the Prophet (peace be upon him) said and how he interpreted it.

We must also understand how his immediate followers interpreted the Quran, as he taught them directly.

Otherwise, we may allow the contamination over the ages to cloud or confuse our understanding and cause us to understand some things not intended by Allah Most High, and therefore go astray, thinking we are worshiping Allah.

- aboutislam.net

About Daud Matthews

Daud Matthews was born in 1938, he embraced Islam in 1970, and got married in Pakistan in 1973. Matthews studied physics and subsequently achieved Chartered Engineer, Fellow of both the British Computer Society and the Institute of Management.He was working initially in physics research labs, he then moved to computer management in 1971. He lived and worked in Saudi Arabia from 1974 to 1997 first with the University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran,and then with King Saud University in Riyadh. He's been involved in da'wah since 1986.

How to Smile Like Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

 

Islam is more than a religion; it is an entire way of life.

It teaches us how to behave from morning until night and it even tells us the best position to sleep in.

To some that might sound like 24 hours a day of rules and regulations but the truth is that Islam is such a natural way of life the rules become as easy as breathing.

One thing that is as easy as breathing is smiling. That little curve of the mouth and wrinkling of the eyes that makes not only you but those around you feel good. A smile lightens the load and frees the spirit.

Try it!

See don’t you feel lighter and happier?

The Prophet’s Smile

Prophet Muhammad smiled, often and with real joy. In fact he smiled so regularly that his smile and kind demeanor are mentioned time and time again in anecdotes and stories from his traditions.

Abdullah ibn Harith said:

“I never came across a person who smiled as much as Prophet Muhammad. Prophet Muhammad regarded smiling to a brother as an act of charity.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Jarir ibn Abdullah said:

“The Messenger of God never refused me permission to see him since I embraced Islam and never looked at me except with a smile (on his face).” (Muslim)

When one of Prophet Muhammad’s companions was asked if he sat with the Prophet he replied:

“Yes, very often.  He (the Prophet) used to sit at the place where he observed the morning or dawn prayer till the sun rose or when it had risen; he would stand, and they (his Companions) would talk about matters (pertaining to the days) of ignorance, and they would laugh (on these matters) while (the Prophet) only smiled.” (Muslim)

One of the companions of Prophet Muhammad talks about his relationship with the Prophet when he (the companion) was a young boy. Anas said:

“The Messenger of God was one of the best men in character. One day he sent me to do something, and I said: I swear by God that I will not go. But in my heart I felt that I should go to do what the Messenger of God had commanded me; so I went out and came upon boys playing in the street. All of a sudden the Messenger of God, who had come from behind, caught me by the back of the neck, and when I looked at him he was laughing.” (Abu Dawud)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had a kind and gentle nature. His beloved wife Aisha described his character as the Quran, meaning that Prophet Muhammad lived by the teachings of the Quran. Thus the behavior and personality of Prophet Muhammad are the best examples for us to follow in our own lives. A companion who spent more than 10 years with Prophet Muhammad said:

“Throughout my stay with him I never heard an indecent word from his lips and never found him rude to anyone. He spoke very politely. He was kind to everyone”.

The Prophet’s natural disposition led him to smile and laugh along with the people around him.

The Positive Effects of Smiling

Consequently, if Prophet Muhammad smiled, it must innately be something good for both ourselves and the people around us. Islam was designed by the Creator to be the perfect way of life for humankind thus sometimes the smallest of things can have a big impact. A smile is one of those things. Therefore not surprisingly smiling has many positive effects.

Smiling is viewed across cultures as a sign of friendliness and it is a natural response that shares our happiness with others. Smiling lowers the heart rate and temporarily reduces blood pressure. It reduces stress by releasing endorphins that naturally diminish stress hormones simultaneously putting you in a better mood. Endorphins also lessen pain.

Smiling and laughter therefore are useful aids in health care. Still in the area of health, smiling boosts the immune system by relaxing the body and allowing the immune system to react more quickly and effectively to invaders.

Smiling has also been shown to increase productivity. It also makes us look younger and according to at least one study smiling aids longevity possibly extending our lives up to seven years. All this and smiling is contagious, therefore as you are gaining all these benefits you are spreading them around to all those who see you smiling and smile back.

Prophet Muhammad was often described as kind and generous and his generosity included smiling at those around him. We know from scientific evidence just how powerful a smile can be. In the early days of Islam there were no articles or books to read.

The companions emulated their dear friend and Prophet knowing that his way of acting on every matter was the way approved of by God. Did they realize just how beneficial smiling was, almost certainly not, but I am sure happiness washed over them and improved their health and demeanor every time Prophet Muhammad smiled at them.

The Prophet’s Care & Humor

Prophet Muhammad helped the needy and the poor and went to the houses of the sick to enquire after their health and whenever he met or passed by anyone he said “Assalamo Alaikum” with a smile upon his face.

Before we all go out with renewed vigor for smiling and laughing with friends and family there are just a few small points to remember. Islam is the middle way, we are a nation that should be known for our moderation, thus laughing and joking relentlessly is not the best way to behave.

Remember that although Prophet Muhammad laughed and joked with his family and companions even giving them friendly nicknames he always behaved sensibly with fine moral principles. He never joked in a way that hurt someone’s feelings or joked about things that were not true.  In fact he was heard to say:

“Woe to the one who speaks and lies in order to make people laugh; woe to him, woe to him.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Smile – it is worth more than you know.

Source: Islam Religion

About Aisha Stacey

Aisha Stacey is the mother of three adult children. She embraced Islam in 2002 and spent the next five years in Doha, Qatar studying Islam and working at the Fanar Cultural Centre. In 2006 Aisha returned to university for a second time and completed at Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Certificate in Writing. Aisha is also a published writer in both internet and print media and in 2009 -10 she was the Queensland editor at a national Australian Islamic newspaper ~ Crescent Times.

Holy Spirit in Islam

 

According to the Quran, the “Holy Spirit” (Ar-Ruh al-Qudus) is Jibreel (peace be upon him).

The ‘Hopy Spirit’ in the Quran

The “Holy Spirit” (Ar-Ruh al-Qudus) is Jibreel (peace be upon him). Shaykh al-Shanqeeti said: “The words of Allah (interpretation of the meaning), ‘and (We) supported him with Ar-Ruh al-Qudus’ (al-Baqarah 2:87) refer to Jibreel according to the most sound view. This is indicated by the words (interpretation of the meaning): ‘Which the trustworthy Rooh has brought down’ (al-Shu’ara’ 26:193) and ‘then We sent to her our Rooh’ (Maryam 19:17).”

Ibn Abi Hatim narrated from Ahmad ibn Sinan… Abu’l-Za’ra’ told us: ‘Abd-Allah said: Ar-Ruh al-Qudus (“the Holy Spirit”) is Jibreel, then he said: something similar was narrated from Muhammad ibn Ka’b al-Qurazi, Qutadah, ‘Atiyah al-‘Awfi, al-Saddi and al-Rabi’ ibn Anas.

The ‘Holy Spirit’ in the Sunnah

This view is supported by the above and by the report narrated by the two Shaykhs (al-Bukhaari and Muslim) with their isnads from Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn ‘Awf, that he heard Hasan ibn Thabit al-Ansari asking Abu Hurayrah to bear witness, “I ask you by Allah, did you hear the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say, ‘O Hasan, respond on behalf of the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, support him with Ar-Ruh al-Qudus’?” Abu Hurayrah said, “Yes.” (Al-Tafsir al-Masbur by Dr. Hikmat Basheer, 1/192-193)

Ibn Taymiyyah said:

“The majority of scholars said that this refers to Jibreel (peace be upon him), and that Allah called him al-Ruh al-Amin, Ar-Ruh al-Qudus and Jibreel.” (Daqa’iq al-Tafsir, part 1, p. 310)

He wrote an entire chapter on that and said:

“Chapter on the meaning of Ar-Ruh al-Qudus:

Allah said:

“O ‘Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)! Remember My Favour to you and to your mother when I supported you with Rooh ul Qudus (Jibreel (Gabriel))…” (Al-Maa’idah 5:110)

Allah supported the Messiah (peace be upon him) with Ar-Ruh al-Qudus as He mentions in this aayah. In al-Baqarah Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And We gave ‘Eesa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), clear signs and supported him with Rooh-ul-Qudus (Jibreel (Gabriel).) (Al-Baqarah 2:87)

“Those Messengers! We preferred some of them to others; to some of them Allâh spoke (directly); others He raised to degrees (of honour); and to ‘Eesa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), We gave clear proofs and evidences, and supported him with Ruh al-Qudus (Jibreel (Gabriel))” (Al-Baqarah 2:253)

This is not limited only to the Messiah; others were also supported in this way. The scholars mentioned that Dawud said, “Do not stop supporting me with Ar-Ruh al-Qudus.” And our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to Hasan ibn Thabit, “O Allah, support him with Ar-Ruh al-Qudus.” According to another report: “Ar-Ruh al-Qudus will be with you so long as you are defending His Prophet.” Both versions are narrated in al-Sahih.

The ‘Holy Spirit’ in Christianity

According to the Christians, the “Holy Spirit” dwelt in the Disciples, and according to them the “Holy Spirit” is something experienced by all of the Prophets. But Allah says in al-Nahl:

“Say (O Muhammad) Rooh ul Qudus (Jibreel (Gabriel)) has brought it (the Quran) down from your Lord with truth, that it may make firm and strengthen (the Faith of) those who believe, and as a guidance and glad tidings to those who have submitted (to Allah as Muslims).” (An-Nahl 16:102)

“Which the trustworthy Rooh (Jibreel (Gabriel)) has brought down upon your heart (O Muhammad).” (Al-Shu’ara’ 26:193)

“Whoever is an enemy to Jibreel (Gabriel) (let him die in his fury), for indeed he has brought it (this Qur’aan) down to your heart.” (Al-Baqarah 2:97)

So it is clear that Ar-Ruh al-Qudus here refers to Jibreel… No one suggests that Ar-Ruh al-Qudus means the life of Allah; nor is this indicated by the wording and this phrase is never used in that sense.” (Daqaa’iq al-Tafseer, part 2, p. 92)

Almighty Allah knows best.

Source: Islam Q&A.

The Four Stories of Surah Al Kahf

We need to very aware of Surah Al Kahf, as it’s very important to know this story. Part of the main features of the Surah is that it talks about four interesting and inspiring stories. This video brings to you a brief summary of these four stories. - aboutislam.net

The Psychology of Modesty (Watch)

The psychology of Islamic modesty and self-respect are important aspects of Islamic character.

This episode explores the concepts of modesty from the spiritual, and legal aspects with Sheikah Muslema Purmul.

It also discusses the implemented aspects of modest fashion with women from the industry of beauty and fashion, Suzanne Akkad and Sumiyyah Abdur-Rasheed. - aboutislam.net

THE SIGNS OF GOD

God wants guidance for humankind, and to show the right path He sent books and revelations.  For example, He sent the "Suhof" to Abraham, the Torah to Moses, the Psalms to David and the Gospel to Jesus, the son of Mary; and finally, He sent the Quran to Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon them all.  Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, is the last of God’s Prophet sent to all people till the end of the world.  Prophet Muhammad said, "Every Prophet was sent to his nation exclusively, but I was sent to all humankind."[1]

The Quran is God’s word and no other book in this world is as important to read.  "This (the Quran) is nothing but evidence from your Lord, and a guidance and a mercy for a people who believe." (Quran 7:203).  The Quran mentions that humankind will be shown "signs" that lead to Him.  In fact, the translated word "signs" is of such great importance in the Quran that it is mentioned over 150 times, and in every instant it is referring to God’s signs.  God equipped humankind with intellect so that we may reflect, analyze, conclude, and then act on His signs.  In addition to our given intellect, every human being is born with a pure and natural inclination that God is our Lord and that He is One.

The following are some of the types of signs mentioned in the Quran:

1)The human conscience

God says that He will show us clear signs in ourselves and that He will come in between us and our hearts.

"We (God) will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it [Islamic Monotheism] is the truth…" (Quran 41:53)

"O you who have believed, respond to God and to the Messenger [Muhammad] when he calls you to that which gives you life.  And know that God intervenes between a man and his heart and that to Him you will be gathered." (Quran 8:24)

How might God come in between a human and his heart? For example, if one is on the verge of engaging in a harmful act or a major sin there will be an extremely heavy and guilty feeling in that person’s heart.  Such a feeling is actually a warning that doing that sin will anger God. 

2)Certain occurrences

A black cat passing by a house or a magpie landing in one’s garden do not mean anything, and cats and magpies are simply creatures that go about their lives as they wish to; they do not bring good or bad luck.  Superstition is nothing but a deceptive feeling; in reality it does not exist.  However, some events/occurrences do mean something, such as mentioned in the Quran after Cain, the son of Adam, murdered his brother Abel.  "Then God sent a crow digging [a grave] in the ground [for a dead crow], in order to show him how to bury the corpse of his brother.  He (the murderer) said: ‘Woe to me! Have I even failed to be like this crow and bury the corpse of my brother?’ So he became regretful." (Quran 5:31) Cain understood that it was not a coincidence that as the body of his murdered brother lay in front of him a crow appeared and started digging the earth underneath its feet. 

Likewise, when the Pharaoh ignored Prophet Moses’s call to God and refused to release the Israelites, God sent to the Pharaoh and his people signs (in total there were 9 signs).  These signs included locusts that almost totally wiped out all crops in the area, lice, frogs in unprecedented numbers, and continuously bleeding noses; and instead of referring these to God as signs to believe in God and release the Israelites, the Pharaoh got superstitious and said they were done by Moses, the "magician".  "So We (God) sent upon them the flood and locusts and lice and frogs and blood as distinct signs, but they were arrogant and were a criminal people" (Quran 7: 133)

3)Destroyed people and civilizations

At the time of Prophet Muhammad it was well known that there were previous civilizations that God destroyed (after they disbelieved in their sent Prophets) through "mother nature." Such civilizations included the people of Aad, Thamud and Lot.  "And We (God) have already destroyed what surrounds you of [those] cities, and We have diversified the signs that perhaps they might return [from disbelief]." (Quran 46:27). 

The ruins of such civilizations were at the time of Prophet Muhammad still visible and preserved for passersby.  After the destruction of the Pharaoh at the time of Prophet Moses, it was God’s will that entire civilizations (that denied their sent Prophet’s message) would not be destroyed in this life; instead they would be judged in the next life.  Still, one does not have to look far to see signs of retribution such as the destroyed city of Pompeii, a city that was renowned for its open sin and sodomy.  "So We (God) seized each [people] for their sin: against some of them We sent a storm of stones, some were overtaken by a [mighty] blast, some We caused the earth to swallow, and some We drowned. It was not God who wronged them, but they wronged themselves." (Quran 29:40)  

One should be fully aware that earthquakes, volcanos, hurricanes, droughts and other acts of nature are not coincidences, however, acts of God that happen as punishment to people who disbelieve and/or are in overwhelming sin (and do not repent) are also clear signs for people to believe in Him and respond to His call.  "And disasters will continue to afflict the disbelievers or strike close to their homes for their misdeeds, until the promise of God comes to pass.  Indeed, God never fails in His promise." (Quran 13:31) On the contrary, had all humankind believed in God and all His Prophets perhaps there would be no natural disasters, instead more blessings would have come in the form of suitable rainfall, fruits, vegetables and crops.  "And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared God, We (God), would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth."  (Quran 7:96)

4)Nature

What is present on earth in the form of forests, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, oceans, and diverse plant and animal species is truly something remarkable. It is not the dolphin that equips itself with the most advanced and efficient sonar system on earth, nor is it the eagle that equips itself with eyesight four or five times stronger than that of humans – they both are the works of the Creator Who perfected everything He made. Looking at His creation is one way to know how remarkable and capable the Creator is.

God shows us signs in the animals He created to serve us. Horses, mules, and donkeys are for humankind to ride on to faraway places that otherwise would have taken longer to reach on foot. Cows, sheep, and goats produce milk, and we use their hides and wool for clothing, and we slaughter them for meat; while chickens lay millions of eggs daily – all of these are signs so that we may acknowledge God’s blessings on us and be thankful to Him. "And indeed, for you in grazing livestock is a lesson. We (God) give you drink from what is in their bellies – between digested food and blood – pure milk, pleasant to drink. And from the fruits of the palm trees and grapevines you derive intoxicants and wholesome provision. Indeed in this is a sign for those who understand." (Quran 16:66-67)

Looking up to the sky above us; the earth’s atmosphere was made with a unique protective layer. The sun gives us light that makes life possible, its tilted axis gives us four seasons so that we may enjoy different climates. The stars, comets, and everything that we can see in space are for us to gaze at, admire their beauty, acknowledge that God created the universe, and acknowledge that it surely must have been created for a purpose. In fact, everything in our universe was made for us. "Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the ships which sail through the sea with that which benefits people, and what God has sent down from the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every [kind of] moving creature, and [His] directing of the winds and the cloudscontrolled between the heavens and the earth – [in all of this] are surely signs for people of understanding." (Quran 2:164)   

Diversity of humans, opposite genders, and everything good in life are also all signs of God’s ability to do anything and of His kindness. "And of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought. And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge." (Quran 30:21-22)

Not only is rainfall a blessing and water the source of all life, but the frequent mention of rainfall in the Quran is for a much grander purpose. "And it is He who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy (rain) until, when they have carried heavy rainclouds, We drive them to a dead land and We send down rain therein and bring forth every type of fruit. Similarly, We will bring the dead to life, so perhaps you will be mindful." (Quran 7:57) "And of His signs is that you see the earth barren, but when We send down upon it rain, it quivers and grows. Indeed, He who gives it life is the Giver of Life to the dead. Indeed! He is Able to do all things." (Quran 41:39) After it rains one should remember that God (through the known biological and chemical processes) turns a dead seed into living vegetation. This should make one acknowledge that similar to how God makes a dead seed come to life He will on the Day of Judgment bring back to life and resurrect all of humankind for judgement.  Knowing this should lead one to prepare for that unprecedented Day by doing what pleases God and avoiding what angers Him.

Hence God shows humankind signs that if followed lead to true guidance to Him; a guidance that is brighter than the sun. This guidance is Islam. "And if they submit [in Islam], they are rightly guided; but if they turn away – then upon you is only to deliver [the message]. And God is Seeing of [His] servants." (Quran 3:20) "This day I (God) have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion." (Quran 5:3) As for people who deny God’s signs, the signs will be evidence used against them on the Day of Judgment. Whoever responds to God’s signs and follows His path will be rewarded with the ultimate eternal bliss, Paradise, and whoever denies God’s signs will be punished with the ultimate eternal misery, Hellfire. - islamreligion.com

FOOTNOTES:

[1]Saheeh Al-Bukhari

Why is Honesty So Rare Nowadays?

“When honesty is lost, then wait for the Hour (the Day of Judgment)’’ (Al-Bukhari)

These are the noble words of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

They paint a picture of the time leading up to the Day of Judgment, when righteous people will be sorrowful due to the lack of honesty around them.

In the 21^st century, we live in a world where honesty is still valued and yet shunned at the same time. We expect people to be honest in their dealings and transactions with us yet we watch and applaud television shows and movies that promote and encourage lying and deceitfulness in our society.

With our negligence, we teach our children that dishonesty is acceptable. When we expect our children to tell the caller on the telephone we are not home, this is a lesson in deceit for the leaders of tomorrow. When we refuse invitations and pretend we are busy, this is lying.

We admonish our children for lying, yet the reality is we have been their teachers. Whether we tell lies, or we allow our children to live in a world surrounded by deceit, the lesson is learned and the honesty begins to disappear from the hearts of the next generation.

Furthermore, honesty incorporates the concepts of truthfulness and reliability and it resides in all human thought, words, actions and relationships.  It is more than just accuracy; it is more than just truthfulness, it denotes integrity or moral soundness. Islam commands truthfulness and forbids lying. God commands that a Muslim be honest.

O you who believe!  Fear God, and be with those who are true (in word and deeds). (9:119)

Ibn Kathir, the renowned Quran scholar, explained the meaning of this verse. He said:

“Being truthful and adhering to truthfulness, means you will be among the people of the truth and be saved from calamity and that it will make a way out for you from your problems.”

A true believer, one who is truly submitted to God, has many characteristics by which he can be identified. The most obvious of these noble characteristics are honesty of character and truthfulness of speech.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a perfect example of honesty. Even before his Prophethood, he had earned the titles of Al-Amin (the trustworthy one) and As-Sadiq (the truthful).

Al-Amin, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), once gathered all the people of Makkah and asked them:

“O people of Makkah!  If I say that an army is advancing on you from behind the mountains, will you believe me?”

All said in one voice:

“Yes, because we have never heard you telling a lie.”

All the people, without exception, swore to his truthfulness and honesty because he had lived an unblemished and extremely pious life among them for forty years.

Abu Sufyan described his honesty.  When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sent a letter to the Emperor of Byzantium inviting him to Islam, the Emperor, Heraclius, sent for the Makkan trader, Abu Sufyan. Even though he was, at that time, a dire enemy of Islam, he spoke the truth about Prophet Muhammad when he said:

“He neither tells lies nor betrays others, he bids people to worship God Alone and orders us to observe prayer, honesty and abstinence”

This honesty, an essential ingredient of the Muslim character, includes being truthful towards God by worshipping Him sincerely; being truthful to oneself, by adhering to God’s laws; and being truthful with others by speaking the truth and being honest in all dealings, such as buying, selling and marriage. There should be no deceiving, cheating, falsifying or withholding of information, thus a person should be the same on the inside as he is on the outside.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned us of the dangers inherent in dishonesty, and the benefits of living in an honest way.  He said:

“Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise.  In addition, a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person.  Falsehood leads to wickedness and evil-doing, and wickedness leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before God, as a liar”. (Al-Bukhari)

A true Islamic society is based upon honesty and justice, and is intolerant of dishonesty in all its various forms. Honesty in all business transactions is emphasized and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exhorts Muslims to be scrupulously honest in all their dealings.

Abdullah ibn Umar was once described as the “brother of the night.” He would stand at night performing prayer, weeping, seeking God’s forgiveness and reading Quran. One day, he was sitting among some close friends and he read the following verses:

Woe unto those who give short measure, those who, when they are to receive their due from people, demand that it be given in full but when they have to measure or weigh whatever they owe to others, give less than what is due.  Do they not know that they are bound to be raised from the dead (and called to account) on an awesome Day, the Day when all men shall stand before the Sustainer of all the worlds? (83:1-6)

Then, Abdullah wept until he was faint and kept repeating the words “the day when all men shall stand before the Sustainer of all the worlds.”

He was amongst the most honest and trustworthy men, but being reminded of the punishment for those who are deceitful filled him with fear.

Therefore, a Muslim seeking to please God and follow the path of righteousness should be aware of the dangers of deceit and dishonesty.  However, equally he should know that God is All-Merciful and All-Loving, willing to forgive even the gravest sins for those who strive for His sake.  Honesty is very important in the life of a believer.

“Honesty descended from the Heavens and settled in the roots of the hearts of men (faithful believers), and then the Quran was revealed and the people read the Quran, (and learnt it from it) and also learnt from the sayings and traditions.  Both the Quran and the traditions strengthened their honesty.” (Al-Bukhari)

This is from among the many sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), many of which forbade deceit and enjoined honesty among people. For those who wish to be among the truthful, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has left us with these words of guidance:

“Let he who believes in God and the Last Day either speak good or keep silent”. (Muslim)

Source: The Religion of Islam.

About Aisha Stacey

Aisha Stacey is the mother of three adult children. She embraced Islam in 2002 and spent the next five years in Doha, Qatar studying Islam and working at the Fanar Cultural Centre. In 2006 Aisha returned to university for a second time and completed at Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Certificate in Writing. Aisha is also a published writer in both internet and print media and in 2009 -10 she was the Queensland editor at a national Australian Islamic newspaper ~ Crescent Times.