What is the historical significance of Ghar e Hira?

During his youth, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) travelled to several places in Syria and Palestine in the capacity of a merchant. In between his commercial undertakings, he also worked as a shepherd. This afforded him the opportunity for quiet thought and meditation far from the maddening crowds of Makkah.

When the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was nearly forty years of age, one night while seated in deep thought and meditation in the cave of the Mount Hira, Hazrat Jibrail or the angel Gabriel (may God be pleased with him) came to him with a piece of silk brocade on which some words were written and said, “Read”. The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, “I cannot read!” But the angel repeated his words three times and said:

“Read in the name of thy Lord who created
Man from blood coagulated
Read! Thy Lord is wondrous kind
Who by the pen has taught mankind
Things they knew not, being blind.”

This was the first revelation. It affected the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) so deeply that he trembled all over and turned pale. He rose from his seat and hurried home where he related the incident to his wife – Hazrat Khadija bint Khuwaylid (may God be pleased with her). She comforted him and told him that he was the Prophet. In order to confirm her opinion, she went to her cousin, Waraqa bin Naufal, who was a ‘hanif’ or monotheist. This meant that he still followed the same uncorrupted religion of the Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him). He also supported her. Encouragements from his wife and her cousin comforted Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him).

There after the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) received the message of the God Almighty through the angel Gabriel that he was the Messenger of Allah and His Rasul. And that he was to deliver the message of Islam to the idolaters of Makkah in particular and the non-Muslims of the world in general. The Prophet (peace be upon him) returned and busied himself with the increasing burdens of prophet hood. He stood at the threshold of the most critical period in his own life and the history of the world. At first he conveyed the message privately to the close circle of his relatives and friends. But later on the message was spread in all directions. Thus God perfected religion. Sensible minds in Arabia understood that the mission of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was true and free from any worldly ambitions.


Not only was Mount Hira the choicest refuge of Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) but it also became a much frequented ziyarat in subsequent centuries.

The Mount itself would be known as Jabal e Noor or the Mountain of Light. Particularly during the Hajj season is this cave visited by pilgrims in large numbers. But Umrah pilgrims keep visiting it off and on throughout the year. Devotees of the Holy Prophet (Ashiq e Rasool) climb the rock to reach the top where the cave is located. Strictly following the way of the Prophet (peace be upon him), they climb the steep enthusiastically and make the descent anxiously. By no means is this the only way, or the compulsory way. Pilgrims can climb and descend the way they like it or in a way that is not hazardous to their health. This is just for those who wish to see the Cave of Hira from inside and in accordance with the Sunnah.

The Mount Hira is only three kilometres away from Makkah at the end of the Jabal An Nur Road. Vehicles may or may not go beyond Bilal bin Rabah Mosque. This is where the said road terminates and the Ghar e Hira Trail begins. The passage is about half a kilometre of unpaved dirt road and may not be for everyone

.Mount Hira

This is Mount Hira (Jabal Hira), which lies about two miles from the Ka’bah. Near the top is a small cave, a little less than 4 meters in length and a little more than one and a half meters in width. It was here that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) received the first revelations of the Holy Quran during the month of Ramadhan in 610 CE. The mountain is also known as Jabal Noor (the Mountain of Light).

The Prophet (ﷺ) first began to have revelations in the form of good dreams which came true. Then he began to like solitude. He would go to the cave of Hira and meditate there in solitude for a number of days and nights. He would take provisions with him to stay for an extended period, and when he returned to Khadija (رضي الله عنه), he would stock up again and go back to the cave. This was his practice until Truth was revealed to him by an angel while he was in the cave of Hira.

During Tahajjud time one night, when he was alone in the cave, there came to him an angel in the form of a man. The angel said to him, “Recite!”. “I cannot read”, the Prophet (ﷺ) replied. The angel took hold of him a second time and pressed him until he could not endure it any longer. After letting him go, the angel again said, “Recite!”. Again the Prophet (ﷺ) replied “I cannot read”. The angel further embraced him again until he had reached the limit of endurance and said “Recite!” for the third time the Prophet (ﷺ) said “I cannot read”. The angel released him and said: “Read in the name of your Lord, the Creator. He Who created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Bounteous. Who taught by the Pen, taught man what he knew not.” [96:1-5]

This was the first day of his Prophethood and these were the first verses of the Quran revealed to him. He recited these words after the angel, who thereupon left him; and he said; “It was as though the words were written on my heart.” He was very alarmed by the experience and feared that he had become possessed.

The Prophet (ﷺ) fled from the cave, and when he was halfway down the slope of the mountain he heard a voice above him saying: “O Muhammad, thou art the Messenger of God, and I am Jibraeel (Gabriel)”. The Prophet (ﷺ) stood gazing at the angel; then he turned away from him, but whichever way he looked the angel was always there on the horizon, whether it was to the north, east, south or west. Finally the angel turned away. The Prophet (ﷺ) was terrified and his heart was pounding hard. He returned home to Khadija (رضي الله عنها) and said, “Cover me!”. Khadija (رضي الله عنها) covered him and helped him calm down.

The Quran tells us that the first revelation descended in Ramadan on the ‘Night of Power’.“The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed.” [2:185]
“We have indeed revealed this message during the Night of Power.” [97:1]
The entire Quran was revealed over a period of approximately 22 years, 5 months and 14 days.

Twelve Proofs that Muhammad is a True Prophet

I ask Allah that He facilitates tat this essay reaches every ear, falls under the sight of every eye, and is understood by every heart...

Muhammad the son of `Abdullah is Allah's Prophet and the Final Messenger Sent by Allah to the Inhabitants of Earth.

My brothers and sisters everywhere! You should know that the Messenger, Muhammad the son of `Abdullah (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) is Allah's Messenger in reality and truth. The evidences that show his veracity are abundant. None but an infidel, who out of arrogance alone, could deny these signs.

Among these proofs:

1. Muhammad (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) was raised illiterate, unable to read or write, and remained like that till his death. Among all his people, he was known as being truthful and trustworthy. Before receiving revelation, he had no prior knowledge of Religion or any previously sent Message. He remained like that for his first forty years. Revelation then came to Muhammad with the Koran that we now have between our hands. This Koran mentioned most of the accounts found in the previous scriptures, telling us about these events in the greatest detail as if he witnessed them. These accounts came precisely as they were found in the Torah sent down to Moses and in the Gospel sent down to Jesus. Neither the Jews or Christians were able to belie him regarding anything that he said.

2. Muhammad (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) also foretold of everything that would occur to him and his community after him, pertaining to victory, the removal of the tyrannical kingdoms of Chosroes [the royal title for the Zoroastrian kings of Persia] and Caesar, and the establishment of the religion of Islam throughout the earth. These events occurred exactly as Muhammad foretold, as if he was reading the future from an open book.

3. Muhammad (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) also brought an Arabic Koran that is the peak of eloquence and clarity. The Koran challenged those eloquent and fluent Arabs of his time, who initially belied him, to bring forth a single chapter like the Koran. The eloquent Arabs of his day were unable to contest this Koran.

Indeed, till our day, none has ever dared to claim that he has been able to compose words that equal-or even approach-the order, grace, beauty, and splendor of this Glorious Koran.

4. The life history of this Noble Prophet was a perfect example of being upright, merciful, compassionate, truthful, brave, generous, distant from all evil character, and ascetic in all worldly matters, while striving solely for the reward of the Hereafter. Moreover, in all his actions and dealings, he was ever mindful and fearful of Allah.

5. Allah instilled great love for Muhammad (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) in the hearts of all who believed in and met him. This love reached such a degree that any of his companions would willingly sacrifice his (or her) self, mother or father for him.

Till today, those who believe in Muhammad honor and love him. Anyone of those who believe in him would ransom his own family and wealth to see him, even if but once.

6. All of history has not preserved the biography of any person in the manner it has preserved the life of Muhammad, who is the most influential human in history.

Nor has the entire earth known of anyone whom every morning and evening, and many times thereafter throughout the day, is thought of by those who believe in him. Upon remembering Muhammad, the believers in him will greet him and ask Allah to bless him. They do such with full hearts and true love for him.

7. Nor has there every been a man on earth whom is still followed in all his doings by those who believe in him.

Those who believe in Muhammad, sleep in the manner he slept; purify themselves (through ablution and ritual washing) in the manner he purified himself; and adhere to his practice in the way they eat, drink, and clothe themselves.

Indeed in all aspects of their lives, the believers in Muhammad adhere to the teachings he spread among them and the path that he traveled upon during his life.

During every generation, from his day till our time, the believers in this Noble Prophet have fully adhered to his teachings. With some, this has reached the degree that they desire to follow and adhere to the Prophet's way in his personal matters regarding which Allah has not sought of them to adhere to in worship. For example, some will only eat those specific foods or only wear those specific garments that the Messenger liked.

Let alone all that, all those who believe in Muhammad repeat those praises of Allah, special prayers, and invocations that he would say during each of his actions during day and night, like: what he would say when he greeted people, upon entering and leaving the house, entering and leaving the mosque, entering and leaving the bathroom, going to sleep and awaking from sleep, observing the new crescent, observing the new fruit on trees, eating, drinking, dressing, riding, traveling and returning from travel, etc.

Let alone all that, all those who believe in Muhammad fully perform-even to the minute detail-every act of worship-like prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage-as this Noble Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) taught and as he himself performed.

All of this allows those who believe in him, to live their lives in all aspects with this Noble Messenger as their example, as if he was standing before them, for them to follow in all their doings.

8. There has never been nor will there ever be a man anywhere upon this earth who has received such love, respect, honor, and obedience in all matters-small and large alike-as has this Noble Prophet.

9. Since his day, in every region of the earth and during every period, this Noble Prophet has been followed by individuals from all races, colors and peoples. Many of those who followed him were previously Christians, Jews, pagans, idolaters, or without any religion. Among those who chose to follow him, were those who were known for their sound judgment, wisdom, reflection, and foresight. They chose to follow this Noble Prophet after they witnessed the signs of his truthfulness and the evidences of his miracles. They did not choose to follow Muhammad out of compulsion or coercion or because they had adopted the ways of their fathers and mothers.

Indeed many of the followers of this Prophet (may Allah's blessings peace be upon him), chose to follow him during the time when Islam was weak, when there were few Muslims, and when there was severe persecution of his followers on earth. Most people who have followed this Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) have done so not to acquire some material benefits. Indeed many of his followers have suffered the greatest forms of harm and persecution as a result of following this Prophet. Despite all this harm and persecution, this did not turn them back from his religion.

My brethren! All of this clearly indicates to anyone possessing any sense, that this Prophet was truly and really Allah's messenger and that he was not just a man who claimed prophethood or spoke about Allah without knowledge.

10. With all this, Muhammad came with a great religion in its credal and legal make-up.

Muhammad described Allah with qualities of complete perfection, and at the same time in a manner that is free of ascribing to Him any imperfection. Neither the philosophers or the wise could ever describe Allah like such. Indeed it is impossible to imagine that any human mind could conceive of an existing being that possesses such complete ability, knowledge, and greatness; Who has subdued the creation; Who has encompassed everything in the universe, small or large; and Who possesses such perfect mercy.

Nor is it in the ability of any human being to place a perfect law based upon justice, equality, mercy and objectivity for all human activity on earth like the laws that Muhammad brought for all spheres of human activity - like buying and selling, marriage and divorce, renting, testimony, custody, and all other contracts that are necessary to uphold life and civilization on earth.

11. It is impossible that any person conceive wisdom,, morals, good manners, nobleness of characters as what this honorable Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) brought.

In a full and complete manner, Muhammad spread a teaching regarding character and manners toward one' parents, relatives, fiends, family, humanity, animals, plants and inanimate objects. It is impossible for the human mind alone to grasp all of that teaching or come with a similar teaching.

All of that unequivocally indicates that this Messenger did not bring an) of this religion from his own accord, but that it was rather a teaching and inspiration that he received from the One Who created the earth and the high heavens above and created this universe in its miraculous architecture and perfection.

12. The legal and credal make-up of the religion that the Messenger, Muhammad, (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) brought resembles the engineering of the heavens and the earth. All of that indicates that He who created the heavens and the earth is the One Who sent down this great law and upright religion.

The degree of inimitability of the Divine law that was sent down upon Muhammad is to the same degree of inimitability of the Divine creation of the heavens and earth. For just as humanity cannot create this universe, in the same manner humanity cannot bring forth a law like Allah's law that He sent down upon His servant and messenger Muhammad (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him).

The Fundamentals of Islamic Belief

 One could be forgiven for assuming that any group with the word Islam in its title would be Muslim.  But when it comes to the group calling itself the “Nation of Islam”, one must be very wary indeed.  To be Muslim means to hold certain fundamental theological beliefs.  The Muslim profession of faith is:

“I bear witness that there is no god but God, and I bear witness that Mohammed is a prophet of God.”

To elaborate on these statements, to be a Muslim means to believe that God is One, unique.  He has no partners, no associates, no Son, nor did He ever become incarnate.  As chapter 112 of the Quran makes clear:

“He is God, the only One,

God the Everlasting.

He did not beget and is not begotten,

And none is His equal.”

In Islam the ascribing of partners to God, referred to as shirk, is the greatest of all sins.  The Quran states explicitly in chapter 4, verse 36:

“Serve God, and join not any partners with Him.”

Secondly, Muslims believe Mohammed to have been the “Seal” or last of the prophets.  To recognize anyone after Mohammed claiming to be a prophet, negates one’s Islam.  As is stated in the Quran:

“O people!  Mohammed has no sons among ye men, but verily, he is the Messenger of God and the last in the line of Prophets. And God is aware of everything.” (Quran 33:40)

This is reinforced by various sayings of Prophet Mohammed, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him:

“The tribe of Israel was guided by prophets. When a prophet passed away, another succeeded him. But no prophet will come after me; only caliphs will succeed me.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

“In My Ummah, there shall be born Thirty Grand Liars (Dajjals), each of whom will claim to be a prophet, But I am the Last Prophet; there is No Prophet after Me.” (Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi)

The Errant Theology of the “Nation of Islam”

The “Nation of Islam” does not adhere to these core tenets of Islamic theology.  They believe that God appeared on earth in the person of their founder, a “great man from the East”, Master W. Fard Muhammad, a preacher who first came to public attention in the USA on July 4, 1930 then mysteriously “departed the scene” on February 26, 1934.  As the NOI website unambiguously declares:

“WE BELIEVE that Allah (God) appeared in the Person of Master W. Fard Muhammad, July, 1930; the long-awaited “Messiah” of the Christians and the “Mahdi” of the Muslims.”

In 1934 following the unexplained departure of the “Master”, the organization he founded came to be headed by one Elijah Poole, who became known as the Honorable Elijah Muhammad.  Until very recently, the “Nation of Islam” accorded the status of prophet to Elijah Muhammad.

Therefore it is clear that despite their name and calling themselves Muslims, “Nation of Islam” beliefs about God and prophethood are glaringly incompatible with Islam.

Louis Farrakhan, current leader of the Nation of Islam, finally allowed to enter the UK after a court orders the lifting of a 15-year government ban.

“Honorable” Elijah Muhammad, the “prophet” of the Nation of Islam.

“Master” W. Fard Muhammad in whose person God appeared in early 1930’s America, according to Nation of Islam beliefs.

 Racist ideology also at odds with universal Islam

A third area of non-compliance with Islam, and the one which receives by far the greatest attention in the secular media, is the issue of race.  The present “Nation of Islam” leader, Louis Farrakhan, is on record as having made objectionable anti-Jewish (as distinct from anti-Zionist) remarks.  Among other unfortunate utterances, he is alleged to have referred to Judaism as a “gutter religion”.

Moreover, the NOI is a segregationalist organization exclusively for black people descended from slaves.  Proper Islam is a universal religion open to people of every race.  Muslims are supposed to differentiate between people on the basis, not of ethnic origin, but of piety and upright behavior.  As the Quran makes clear:

“And mankind is naught but a single nation.” (Quran 2:213)

“O Mankind!  Most certainly, it is We (God almighty) who have Created you all from a single (pair) of a male and a female, And it is We who have made you into nations and tribes, that ye may recognize each other.  Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you.” (Quran 49:13)

And in his final sermon, Prophet Mohammed made clear that racism has no place in Islam:

“O people!  Verily your Lord is one and your father is one. All of you belong to one ancestry of Adam and Adam was created out of clay. There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab and for a non-Arab over an Arab; nor for white over the black nor for the black over the white except in piety. Verily the noblest among you is he who is the most pious.”

In contrast, the NOI has a pronounced anti-white bias.  They refer to blacks as God’s chosen people and Caucasians as white devils.  They call for a separate homeland for American blacks, for racially segregated education and for a ban on interracial marriage.  To quote again from their website:

We believe we are the people of God’s choice.

WE BELIEVE this is the time in history for the separation of the so-called Negroes and the so-called white Americans.

We want our people in America whose parents or grandparents were descendants from slaves, to be allowed to establish a separate state or territory of their own--either on this continent or elsewhere.

We want all black children educated, taught and trained by their own teachers.

We believe that intermarriage or race mixing should be prohibited.

Waldain Ke Huqooq - Maa Baap Ke Huqooq

    والدین کے حقوق

جنت کا ساتھی:

      حضرتِ سیِّدُنا موسی عَلَیْہِ السَّلَام نے اللہ پاک کی بارگاہ میں عرض کی کہ مجھے  میرا جنت کا ساتھی دکھا دے۔ اللہ پاک نے فرمایا: فلاں شہر کا قصائی تمہارا جنت کا ساتھی ہے۔ حضرت موسی عَلَیْہِ السَّلَام اس قصائی سے ملنے پہنچے تو اس نے آپ عَلَیْہِ السَّلَام دعوت کی۔ جب کھانے  کے لئے بیٹھے تو قصا ئی  نے ایک بڑی سی ٹوکری اپنے پاس رکھ لی۔ دو نوالے ٹوکری میں ڈالتا اور ایک نوالہ خود کھاتا۔ اتنے میں دروازے پر دستک ہوئی۔ قصائی باہر گیا، حضرت موسی عَلَیْہِ السَّلَام نے ٹوکری میں نظر کی تو کیا دیکھتے ہیں کہ ٹوکری میں بوڑھے مرد و عورت ہیں جیسے ہی ان  کی نظر حضرت موسی عَلَیْہِ السَّلَام پر پڑی، ان کے ہونٹوں پر مسکراہٹ پھیل گئی پھر ان بزرگوں نےآپ عَلَیْہِ السَّلَام کی رسالت کی گواہی دی  اور ُاسی وقت انتقال کرگئے۔ قصائی جب واپس آیا تو اپنے فوت شدہ والدین  کو دیکھ کر سارا معاملہ سمجھ گیا اور حضرت موسی عَلَیْہِ السَّلَام کا ہاتھ چومتے  ہوئے کہنے لگا: مجھے لگتا ہے کہ آپ اللہ پاک کے نبی حضرت موسی عَلَیْہِ السَّلَام ہیں؟ فرمایا ہاں تمہیں کیسے اندازہ ہوا؟ کہنے لگا کہ میرے والدین روز یہ دعا کرتے تھے: اے اللہ پاک ہمیں حضرت موسی عَلَیْہِ السَّلَام کا دیدار کرتے ہوئے موت دینا۔ ان کے اچانک انتقال کرنے سے میں نے اندازہ لگایا کہ آپ ہی حضرت موسی عَلَیْہِ السَّلَام ہیں۔ جب میری ماں کھانا کھالیتی تو مجھے اس طرح دعا دیتی:یا اللہ پاک میرے بیٹے کو جنت میں حضرت موسی عَلَیْہِ السَّلَام کا ساتھی بنانا۔ حضرت موسی عَلَیْہِ السَّلَام نے فرمایا: مبارک ہو  کہ اللہ پاک نے تمہیں میرا جنت کا ساتھی بنایا ہے۔

والدین کی شان بزبان قرآن:

اللہ پاک نے قرآن پاک کے کئی مقامات میں والدین کی اہمیت و مرتبے کو اجاگر کیا ہے۔ اللہ پاک قرآن کریم میں ارشاد فرماتا ہے:’’اور ماں باپ کو اُف تک نہ کہو اور نہ ہی انہیں جھڑکو اور ان سے نرمی سے بات کرو!‘‘(پ ۱۵، بنی اسرائیل، آیت۲۳(اللہ اکبر! ہمیں تو والدین کو اُف تک کہنے سے منع کیا جا رہا ہے جبکہ آج کل کی نادان اولاد کے نزدیک والدین کو اولڈ ہاؤس میں چھوڑ کر آنا کوئی برائی ہی نہیں!

احادیث مبارکہ میں بھی والدین کی قدر و اہمیت بیان کی گئی ہے: چنانچہ

حضور  اقدس صَلَّی اللہُ عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم کا فرمانِ عالی شان ہے: جس شخص سے اسکے والدین راضی ہوں اللہ پاک اس سے راضی ہے اور جس سے اس کے والدین ناراض ہوں اس سے اللہپاک بھی ناراض ہے۔ (ترمذی)

حدیث مبارکہ میں تو ماں باپ کو جنت دوزخ  سے تعبیر کیا گیا  اللہپاک کے نبی صَلَّی اللہُ عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم سے ایک شخص نے  پوچھا:یا سولُ اللہ صَلَّی اللہُ عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم ماں باپ کا اولاد پر کیا حق ہے؟ اللہ کے نبی صَلَّی اللہُ عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم نے ارشاد فرمایا: ماں باپ تیری جنت اور دوزخ ہیں۔ (ابن ماجہ)

ایک اور مقام پر ارشا د فرمایا: سب گناہوں کی سزا قیامت میں ملے گی لیکن ماں باپ کے نافرمان کو اللہ پاک دنیا میں ہی سزا دے دیتا ہے۔ (شعب الایمان)

حدیث پاک کا مضمون ہے: جو بچہ اپنے ماں باپ کو محبت کی نگاہ سے دیکھے اللہ پاک اسے مقبول حج کا ثواب عطا فرمائے گا اللہ اکبر! ذرا سوچئے کہ محبت سے دیکھنے کا یہ اجر ہے تو خدمت کرنے کا عالم کیا  ہوگا! ایک صحابی رسول نے عرض کی: حضور صَلَّی اللہُ عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم اگر کوئی دن میں سو بار دیکھے؟ آقا  صَلَّی اللہُ عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم فرماتے ہیں: کوئی سو بار بھی  دیکھے تو اسے اللہ پاک مقبول حج کا ثواب عطا فرمائے گا۔ (شعب الایمان، حدیث7859، ج6، ص186)

ماں کی شان:

ایک شخص رسولُ اللہ صَلَّی اللہُ عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم کی بارگاہ میں حاضر ہو کر عرض گزار ہوا: یارسول اللہ صَلَّی اللہُ عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم! میرے حسنِ اخلاق کا زیادہ حق دار کون ہے؟ ارشاد فرمایا: ’’تمہاری ماں‘‘ اس نے دوبارہ عرض کی: اس کے بعد کون؟ ارشاد فرمایا: ’’تمہاری ماں‘‘ تیسری بار عرض کی: اس کے بعد کون؟ تو آپ صَلَّی اللہُ عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم نے اس مرتبہ بھی یہی ارشاد فرمایا: ’’تمہاری ماں‘‘ اس نے پھر عرض کی: اس کے بعد کون؟ تو آپ صَلَّی اللہُ عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم نے ارشاد فرمایا: ’’تیرا باپ‘‘، پھر قریبی کا زیادہ حق ہے پھر جو اس کے بعد قریبی ہو۔ (صحیح بخاری)

ایک صحابی رَضِیَ اللہُ عَنْہ نے نبی کریم صَلَّی اللہُ عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم کی بارگاہ میں عرض کی: ایک راستے میں ایسے گرم پتھر تھے کہ اگر گوشت کا ٹکڑا اُن پر ڈالا جاتا تو کباب ہوجاتا! میں اپنی ماں کو گردن پر سوار کرکے چھ میل تک لے گیا ہوں، کیا میں ماں کے حقوق سے فارغ ہوگیا ہوں؟ سرکار مدینہ صَلَّی اللہُ عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم نے فرمایا: تیرے پیدا ہونے میں درد کے جس قدر جھٹکے اس نے اٹھائے ہیں شاید یہ ان میں سے ایک جھٹکے کا بدلہ ہوسکے۔)اَلْمُعْجَم الصَّغِیر لِلطّبَرانی (

باپ کی شان:

رسولُ اللہ صَلَّی اللہُ عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم ارشاد فرماتے ہیں: اللہ پاک کی رضا والد کی رضا میں ہے اور اللہ پاک کی ناراضی والد کی ناراضی میں ہے۔ )سنن الترمذي)

بے شک تمام نیک اعمال سے بڑھ کر نیک عمل یہ ہے کہ بیٹا اپنے باپ کے دوستوں سے اچھا سلوک کرے۔ (الصحیح المسلم)

بینک سے ریٹائرڈ تو گھر سے ریٹائرڈ:

ایک عمر رسیدہ بزرگ پانچ بیٹوں اور دو بیٹیوں کے والد ہیں اور کراچی کے مشہور علاقے میں واقع اولڈ ہاؤس میں رہتے ہیں۔  صحافت میں ماسٹرز کر رکھا ہے اور بینک افسر کی حیثیت سے ریٹائرڈ ہوئے اور گھر چھوڑ کر اولڈ ہاؤس آگئے، کہتے ہیں: پہلے میرے بچے مجھ سے بہت ڈرتے تھے۔ اب میں بوڑھا ہوگیا ہوں اس لیے اب وہ مجھ سے نہیں ڈرتے۔ ایک بیٹے کو میں نے ہی بینک میں لگایا تھا اور اب وہ مینیجر بن گیا ہے۔ ریٹائرمنٹ پر جو رقم ملی اس سے تین منزلہ مکان بنایا ہے جس میں سب رہتے ہیں۔

      پیارے دوستو! ماں باپ اس لئے نہیں کہ انہیں گھر سے نکالا جائے بلکہ انہیں توسرآنکھوں پر بٹھانا چاہیے۔یہ کمال ہستیاں بہت دکھی ہوں پھر بھی اظہار نہیں کرتے بلکہ بعض ماں باپ تو بچوں کے سامنے بولنے سے ڈرتے ہیں کہ زیادہ بولا تو اولاد گھر سے نہ نکال دے۔ حیرت ہے ایسی اولاد پر جس کے ماں باپ ان سے بات کرنے میں ڈرتے ہوں۔ تعجب ہے اس بیٹی پرجس سے ماں بات کرنے میں ہچکچائے کہ بیٹی مجھ پر چیخے گی! آپ غور تو کریں یہ کتنا بڑا گناہ ہے، کتنی بڑی نافرمانی ہے۔ اولاد کا ایک حق یہ بھی ہے کہ اولاد  کا انداز والدین کے سامنے ایسا ہو جیسا غلام کا انداز اپنے آقا کے سامنے ہوتا ہے مگر کیا آج ایسا نہیں کہ بعض والدین اپنی اولاد کے سامنے غلام بنے نظر آتے ہیں کہ بیٹا میرا یہ کام کردو! بیٹا مجھے تھوڑے سے پیسے دے دو اور بیٹا جھاڑ رہا ہوتا ہے  کہ یہ میرے پیسے ہیں! آپ پریشان نہ کیا کریں! ابو آپ کو سمجھ ہی نہیں آتی، امی آپ پرانی باتیں نہ کیا کریں، اب زمانہ بہت بدل گیا ہے۔ کیا یہ انداز ہوتا ہے والدین سے بات کرنے کا؟ ان کو اولاد یہ کہتی ہے کہ سمجھ نہیں آتی، ان کو تو تب بھی سمجھ آتی تھی جب اولاد کو بولنا نہیں آتا تھا بچہ روتا تھا تو ماں کو پتہ چل جاتا تھا کہ پیٹ میں درد ہورہا ہے یا بھوک لگ رہی ہے۔ ماں باپ کا نعم البدل ہو ہی نہیں سکتا کیو نکہ ماں باپ اپنی اولاد کی خاطر  زندگی کے شب و روز قربان کردیتے ہیں۔ باپ صبح سے رات تک صرف اس لئے محنت کرتا ہےکہ میری اولاد اچھا کھاسکے، اچھا پہن سکے، اچھا پڑھ سکے، معاشرے میں عزت و مقام حاصل کرسکے جبکہ ماں نو ماہ اپنے پیٹ میں رکھ کر، پیدائش کے وقت سخت تکلیف برداشت کرکے، اپنا خونِ جگر پلاکر، اپنی رات کی نیندیں قربان کرکے  اپنی اولاد کی تر بیت کرتی ہے۔

ماں باپ کے ساتھ ناروا سلوک کرنے والے کو دنیا میں کس طرح سزا ملتی ہے،ایک  عبرت انگیز حکایت   ملاحظہ کریں: چنانچہ ایک سنگ دل بیٹا اپنے بوڑھے باپ سے تنگ آ کر جنگل میں چھوڑنے پر آمادہ ہوگیا۔ جب جنگل میں اپنے باپ کو لے کر پہنچا تو باپ نے کہا: بیٹا سردی کا موسم ہے، مجھے کم از کم ایک کمبل تو دے جاؤ! اس وقت بوڑھے شخص کا پوتا  بھی وہاں موجود تھا۔ بیٹے نے اپنے بیٹے سے کہا: گھر جاؤ اور ایک کمبل لے کر آؤ۔ بیٹا گھر آیا، کمبل پھاڑ کر آدھا کیا اور جنگل کی طرف روانہ ہوگیا، جنگل پہنچتے ہی جب آدھا کمبل باپ کے حوالے کیا تو باپ حیرت ذدہ ہوکر بولا: آدھا کمبل کہاں گیا؟ بیٹے نے جواب دیا کہ وہ آدھا کمبل تو میں آپ کے لئے چھوڑ آیا ہوں  جب آپ بوڑھے ہوجائیں گے تو میں بھی آپ کو جنگل میں چھوڑ جاؤں گا  اور باقی ماندہ آدھا کمبل آپ کو لاکر دے دوں گا۔

                                                                                                اللہ پاک ہمیں  والدین کی قدر عطا فرمائے اور ان کی خدمت کرنے کی توفیق عطا فرمائے۔آمینم

Tasbih – How to recite Salatul Tasbih & its benifits

  Importance of Salatul Tasbih

 

This article discusses the significance and benefits of praying Salat ul Tasbih.

Our Beloved Prophet Mohammed (SAW) once said to his uncle (father’s brother) Sayyiduna Abbass (may Allah be pleased with him).

“Oh, uncle! Shall I not give you Shall I not grant you Shall not award you Shall not do mercy on you. When you do ten things Allah will forgive your sins of the future, and of the past; new and old; those you have forgotten and those you did knowingly; big and small; hidden and revealed”. He then (SAW) clarified the way how to pray Salatul Tasbih. He said the person who prays this Salah one in a day or every Friday or one in every month or only one Time in a whole year and if this is not possible then at least one time in a lifetime.(Abu’Dawood and Tirimzi)

How to pray salatul Tasbih

Salatul Tasbih has four Rakat, and it can pray and read at any time a day. But do not pray (Namaz) on away time and sunrise sunset makrooh time because Islam does not allow to pray in these times. So, keep in your mind these forbidden times for performing Salat (namaaz). But it is preferred before Zuhr (Fatawa Alamgeeri)

The Tasbih to be read in Salatul Tasbih:
“Subhan Allahi Wal Hamdulillahi Wa Laa ilaha illal Laahu Wallahu Akbar.”

Method:

 
Here is the method of how to pray Salatul Tasbih. The goal is to recite above Tasbih 300 times in Four Rakah with the following method.

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First Rakaat:

 
In the first rakaat, after reading Sana “Subhaana Kallahumma…”, read the above tasbih 15 times. Now recite Aaoz “Aoozubillah…”, Bismillah “Bismillah…”, Then read sura Fatiha and a Surah or minimum of three small Ayayhs then read the tasbih 10 times again. Go to Roku saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar), after reciting “Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem” minimum of three times read the tasbih 10 times in Ruku. Saying “Samee Allahu Liman Hamidah Rabbana Lakal Hamdh” gets up from ruku to qiyam position.

Now read the tasbih 10 times. Go to Sajdah saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar) and after reciting “Subhaana Rabbiyal A’la” minimum of three times read the tasbih ten times in Sajdah. Now go after first Sajdah go to Jalsa (sitting position) saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar). Sit in Jalsa read Tasbih ten times. Go to Sajood again saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar) and after reciting “Subhaana Rabbiyal A’la” minimum of three times read the tasbih ten times in Sajdah again.

Second Rakaat:

 
Get up to begin 2nd rakat saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar).

Do rakah #2 in the same fashion, but before reading Bismillah “Bismillah…”, and Surah Fatiha, read the Tasbeeh 15 times. Follow the rest as you did in the first Rakat. After the second Sajdah of Second Rakat sits in Qaidah Oola (first sitting) read Attahiyat, Durood and Dua then get up for 3rd rakaat without saying Salam.

Begin third Rakat, just like the first Rakat, with Sana “Subhaana Kallahumma…”, read the above tasbih 15 times. Follow the rest as you did in the first Rakat until you sit for Qaidah Akihra (last sitting) after the second sajdah of fourth Rakah.

In Qaidah Akihra Attahiyat, Durood, Dua finish Salah with Salam.

I hope you all know that how to pray Salatul Tasbih. No doubt this Salah has many rewards. So, being a Muslim try to pray Salatul Tasbih.

Our Beloved Prophet Mohammed (Sallallaho Alihiwassallam) said to his uncle (father’s brother) Sayyiduna Abbass (may Allah be pleased with him) Oh uncle shall I not give you Shall I not grant you Shall I not award you Shall I not do mercy on you When you do 10 things Allah will forgive your sins: of the future and of the past; new and old; those you have forgotten and those you did knowingly; big and small; hidden and revealed.

Then he (Sallallaho Alihiwassallam) explained the taught the way to pray Salatul Tasbih and then said if you can pray this salah once a day, if you can not pray once a day then every Friday, and even if this is not possible then once a month and even if this is not possible then once a year and even if this is not possible then at least once in a lifetime

This salaat (namaz) is offered in four rakat at a time and can be read in any part of the day and night besides Zawal and Sunrise and Sunset makrooh times, keeping in mind the forbidden times for performing Salat (namaaz). But is is preferred before Zuhr (Fatawa Alamgeeri)

The Tasbih to be read in Salaat-Ul-Tasbeeh:
" Subhaan Allahi Wal Hamdulillahi Wa Laa ilaha illal Laahu Wallahu Akbar "

Method:

Goal is to recite above Tasbih 300 times in Four Rakah with the following method.
In the first rakaat, after reading Sana "Subhaana Kallahumma...", read the above tasbih 15 times.

Now recite Aaoz "Aoozubillah...", Bismillah "Bismillah...", Then read sura Fatiha and a Surah or minimum of three small Ayayhs then read the tasbih 10 times again.
Go to ruku saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar), after reciting "Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem" minimum of three times read the tasbih 10 times in Ruku.
Saying "Samee Allahu Liman Hamidah Rabbana Lakal Hamdh" get up from ruku to qiyam position.

Now read the tasbih 10 times.
Go to Sajdah saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar) and after reciting "Subhaana Rabbiyal A'la" minimum of three times read the tasbih 10 times in Sajdah.
Now go after first Sajdah go to Jalsa (sitting position) saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar). Sitting in Jalsa read tasbih 10 times.

Go to sajda again saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar) and after reciting "Subhaana Rabbiyal A'la" minimum of three times read the tasbih 10 times in Sajdah again.
Get up to begin 2nd rakat saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar).

Do rakah #2 in same fashion, but before reading Bismillah "Bismillah...", and Surah Fatiha, read the tasbih 15 times. Follow the rest as you did in first Rakat.
After second Sajdah of Second Rakat sit in Qaidah Oola (first sitting) read Attahiyat, Durood and Dua then get up for 3rd rakaat without saying Salam.

Begin third Rakat, just like the first Rakat, with Sana "Subhaana Kallahumma...", read the above tasbih 15 times. Follow the rest as you did in first Rakat untill you sit for Qaidah Akihra (last sitting) after second sajdah of fourth Rakah.
In Qaidah Akihra Attahiyat, Durood, Dua finish Salah with Salam.

Special notes for Salat-Ul-Tasbih:
1) Do not count loudly. It will break Salah
2) Do not count on fingers or by holding a Bead Tasbih in hand. It is Makruh.
3) You may count by pressing the fingers as a reminder. For example if you are in Ruku. You me press pinky of your right hand first for the first count, then the finger next to it for second count, then the middle finger for third count, following this method untill you reach the pinky of left hand will give you an exact count of ten. Use the same method in Qayam, Sajdah and Jalsa.
4) If missed a count then make it up in the next posture. For example if forgot to recite Tasbih after Surah in Qayam. Then you may recite Tasbish 20 times instead of 10 in Rukuh after "Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem". Missed Tasbih cannot be recited in Qayam after ruku and Jalsa between Sajdah. If you missed the Tasbih in Ruku then recite 20 in the first Sajdah instead of the Qayam after rukuh. Similarly if missed the Tasbih in first Sajdah then do not make it up in Jalsa. Instead recite missed tasbih in the second Sajdah. If Tasbih has been missed in last sajdah of second or fourth Rakah then you can recite the missed ones before Attahiyat in Qaidah.
5) If you miss a wajib in Salah and have to do Sajdah Sahaw. You dont have to recite Tasbih in Sajdah sahoo, since the 300 count has been estalished. But if you had missed Tasbih in any of the postures and remeber it now. Then you may recite the missed Tasbih in Sajdah Sahaw now.
6) It is preferable to recite after Surah Fatiha Sura Takathuur in the first raka’, Surah Wal A’sr in the second raka’, Surah Kaferoon (qul ya aiyuhal Kafiroon) in the third and Surah Akhlas (Qul hu Allah-hu ahd) in the fourth raka’. If one does not remember these surah they can recite the ones they prefer.

WHAT TO DO UPON A DEATH

WHEN SIGNS OF DEATH START SHOWING UP

The blessed Companion Aboo Sa’eed Khudri radiyallahu anhu narrates that the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, “Prompt the dying among you to say (the kalimah): Lã ilãha illallãh (I declare that there is no god but Allah).” (Muslim)

The blessed Companion Ma’qil Ibne Yasãr radiyallahu anhu narrates that the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam said, “You should recite Soorah Yãseen over the dying among you.” (Musnade-Ahmad, Aboo Dãwood, Ibne Mãjah)

IN THE AGONY OF DEATH

Turn the face of the dying person towards the Qiblah. Let him or her make the following prayer, “O Allah, forgive me and have mercy on me and have me join higher companions.”    (Tirmizi)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

 RULINGS

1. Soon after the signs of death become obvious, make the dying person lie on his back with the Qiblah on his right. Turn the face slightly towards the Qiblah, raise the head a little by placing a pillow or some other head-rest, in which case also, the dying person will be considered as facing the Qiblah. But leave the dying person as he is if he feels uncomfortable while being made to face the Qiblah. One should sit down close by and say loudly, “Ash’hadu allã ilãha illallãhu wahdahoo lã shareeka lahoo wa ash’hadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhoo wa rasooluh.” (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah. He is One, there is no partner with Him; and I bear witness that Muhammad sallalahu alayhi wasallam is His Servant and His Messenger.) Given his condition, do not ask him to recite the kalimah, for that is a time of great trial – who knows what he might say under stress.

2. After the dying person has recited the kalimah once, leave it at that. Do not try to make him say the kalimah non-stop in an effort to see that he breathes his last whilst reciting it. For, the purpose is simply to make sure that the last words he says should be the kalimah. It is not at all necessary that the recitation of the kalimah continues right through the last breath. However, should he return to the mundane and the ordinary concerns of life, start reciting the kalimah again. When he, taking the cue, recites it, then be silent.

3. When breath loses its momentum and starts heaving faster and legs sag down, unable to stay up and the nose-top turns aside and the temples collapse inwards, take these signs to be the certain knock of death. At this time, start reciting the kalimah in a raised voice.

4. Reciting Soorah Yãseen lightens the hardship of death. Recite it sitting on the side of his head or anywhere else near the body, or ask someone else to do it.

5. At a time such as this, say nothing which may divert his attention to the concerns of worldly life, for this is the time to leave the mortal world and be present in the majestic Court of Allah Almighty. Do say that which turns his heart away from the concerns of the mortal world and diverts it towards the thoughts of his Creator, for it is here that the well being of the dying lies. At a time like this, bringing his children and family members before him, or anyone else he loved most, or to remind him of things or people in a nostalgic manner causing him to be swamped in the thoughts of loves lost, is a terrible thing to do to him. It is not nice that he says farewell to his life in the world so bound by its fond memories.

6. If, at the time of death, some unfortunate remark bordering on kufr (the denial of Faith) escapes the lips of the dying person, feel or say nothing about it. Instead, take it to be a slip of his reason under the stress of approaching death. When man loses his reason, he stands forgiven for his sayings and deeds. Keep praying that Allah Almighty forgives him.

7. When death comes, all concerned should say, “Innã lillãhi wa innã ilayhi rãji’oon” (Surely to Allah we belong, and to Him we are to return) and make the following prayer, “O Allah, help me in my hour of trial and replace it for me with what is better.” (Tirmizi)

8. When death becomes obvious and certain, take a strip of cloth, wide enough to pass under the chin, bring it on to the head, tie a knot, then close the eyes gently and pray, “I begin with the Name of Allah while being faithful to the Religion of His Messenger sallalahu alayhi wasallam. O Allah, make his matter easy on him and that which he is to face after death, and make him the blessed beholder of Thy Sighting, and make that to which he has departed better than what he has departed from.” (Durre-Mukhtãr)

9. Then straighten hands and feet, bring toes of the feet close together and tie them with a strip of cloth. Then, throw a sheet over the dead body and place it on a cot or a flat wooden bunk. Do not leave it lying on the ground. It is advisable to place some weight on the stomach lest it inflates. Allow no impure persons (in need of a bath, including women in conditions that exempt them from offering Salãh etc.) near the dead body.  (Durre-Mukhtãr)

Now inform relatives and friends of the deceased so that they can all participate in his funeral prayers.

10. Some incense (such as oblibanum, lobãn or Frankincense), if available, may be placed near the deceased.

11. Reciting the Qur’ãn near the deceased before the washing of the body is not correct.

12. All funeral arrangements including the shrouding of the dead body have to be made very quickly. Start with locating a gravesite and the preparation of the grave. Collect everything needed for the stages of washing, shrouding, funeral and burial.

13. If a person dies on a Friday, it is better to make all arrangements and bury the deceased before the Jumu’ah congregational Salãh. Holding on to the prepared body with the thought that there will be a lot of participants in the Janãzah salãh after Jumu’ah is makrooh (detested). (Shãmi)


LET THERE BE NO WAILING OVER THE DECEASED

It has been related in a Hadeeth that once the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam paid a visit to a Sahãbi who was on his deathbed. Seeing him in that condition, the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam broke in tears. When people saw him in that state, they too started weeping. He then said to them, “Listen to me O people, and listen well. Allah Almighty certainly does not apprehend the weeping eye and the hurting heart, for a Servant of Allah has no control over these.” Then, pointing to the tongue, he added, “But a mistake made by this, that is, on intentional mourning and wailing, He punishes, and on reciting ‘Innã lillãhi wa innã ilayhi rãji’oon’ (To Allah we belong and to Him we are to return), and on raising hands of prayer and on seeking of His Forgiveness, He bestows His Mercy.” (Bukhãri, Muslim)


KISSING THE DECEASED

After the deceased has been given the required ghusl (bath), it is permissible to kiss the deceased under intense desire to express love or personal devotion as it was with the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam when he kissed ‘Uthmãn Ibne Maz’oon radiyallahu anhu and wept. Very similar to this, the noble Companion Aboo Bakr radiyallahu anhu kissed the forehead of the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam after his departure from this mortal world. (Zãdul-Ma’ãd)


ALL FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE SWIFT

It has been narrated that once the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam came to visit Talhah Ibne Barã radiyallahu anhu when he was sick. Seeing his critical condition, he said to the people around him, “I feel that the time of his death has arrived. If it does come to pass, I should be informed and funeral arrangements be made with haste, for it is not appropriate that the dead body of a Muslim be left amidst his family members for long.” (Aboo Dãwood)

‘Abdullah Ibne ‘Umar radiyallahu anhuma narrates that he heard the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam saying, “When one among you dies, do not keep him in the house for long. Make haste in taking him to the grave and burying him.” (Bayhaqi, Shu’abul-Imãn)

THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN

Asad opened the refrigerator door and peered inside. His eyes fell on a huge chocolate cake and some sandwiches, the leftovers from yesterday’s tea.

“Oh God! Why am I being punished like this?” He groaned silently.
Beautiful written islamic arabic calligraphy Vector Image
It was the first day of Ramadan and Asad was fasting. He had just returned from school and was feeling ravenous. After dropping his heavy backpack on the bedroom floor, he made a beeline for his favorite spot in the house, the kitchen. But fasting meant no food for at least four more hours. He would have to wait till sunset to break the first fast of the month.
Just for a second, Asad felt sorely tempted.
“Who would know if I eat a slice of the cake?” he mused. His parents weren’t home, his grandparents were resting and his baby sister, Fatima was too young to tell tales.
“Somebody would know, “a little voice argued inside his heart. “He, who knows everything, since He is our Creator.”                                                                                                                            

Asad slammed the fridge door shut in frustration. He was fourteen and felt ashamed of his momentary weakness. He went to the living room where a maid was spooning Cerelac into Fatima’s little mouth. Fatima gurgled and grinned at her older brother who bent down to give her a hug. Asad looked at the pale yellow concoction that was smeared across her face and swallowed hard. Even Cerelac smelled good at this hour.

He flopped down on the sofa in disgust and switched on the television.

“Maybe a nice program will take my mind off food for a while,” he thought, aggressively pressing down the channel buttons on the remote control.

He paused at BBC channel where a cute anchorperson was presenting a report. Asad stared at her for a while without registering the news but then some live images made his attention snap back at the report. Rachel Hayward was talking about intense, widespread poverty and famine in Africa where millions of children perished each year due to hunger and malnutrition.

Asad stared at the disturbing pictures of dark brown skeletal children with distended stomachs. Flies hovered around their faces and their naked bodies, as mothers listlessly tried to wave them away. Their misery was writ large on their faces and their empty eyes bore testimony to man’s inured ways.

Asad thought with a guilty pang about the uneaten pizza he had thrown away in a fit of temper last night. He had ordered his favorite Chicken Supreme but the delivery boy had brought some other pizza and would not take it back. Asad had paid for it and just to show the impertinent delivery guy what he thought of his services, had tossed the pizza into the trash can outside his house. It had felt so good at that time but now he felt like a total jerk.

He remembered how his grandmother always chided him when he left rice uneaten on his plate that was later scrapped off by the servant and dumped in trashcan. He remembered the lavish meals he and his friends ordered in college canteen and then discarded because they could not eat a bite more. If excess, extravagance and waste were crimes, then he was guilty of each one of them.

He changed the channels once again and put on MTV. He had a huge crush on Beyonce but after witnessing the BBC report, the music seemed too loud, too cheerful and even obscene. He switched the television off.
“What is wrong with me today?” He thought uneasily. “It must be the lack of food that is making me so restless.” He glanced at the stately golden clock adorning the living room wall. Only twenty minutes had passed and he still had more than three and a half hours to kill.
“I’ll go to Bilal’s house.” He decided, thinking about his friend’s house across the street. “Maybe a few rounds of computer games will improve my mood.”
When he stepped out of his house, he saw was a couple of dirty, bedraggled children foraging through the trash can. The older kid, who seemed about 5 yrs old, dragged a piece of dried chapatti out of the refuse heap and brushed away blackened mango peels from it. He broke it in two and offered the other half to his younger sister. Asad stood rooted to the spot in horror.
“Hey. Don’t eat that. It’s terribly dirty and probably mouldy too,” he shouted but the duo quickly crammed the hard chapatti into their hungry mouths and scampered off.
“Why had I never noticed such things before?” he wondered.
Asad had never been hungry in his entire life so poverty, deprivation, and hunger were concepts that he had never thought about.If the home cooked meal was not to his liking, he always ordered his favorite foods from upscale restaurants and had them delivered home. He had a credit card, a gift from his father on his fourteenth birthday and he used it for lavish meals whenever he wished.
Now hunger due to the obligatory fast was forcing him to look at the plight of the less fortunate and the more he saw, the more disturbed he felt.
He crossed the street and saw a construction crew at work. Bilals’ father was having a wing added to his already imposing residence. Asad paused to admire the skill of an old carpenter who was busy smoothing a rectangular block of wood. Wood shavings littered the floor around him.
“Are you fasting, babaji?” He asked respectfully.
The old man looked up and wiped the perspiration from his brow.
“Aye, son. Work is no excuse for not fasting,” he replied.
Asad could not imagine fasting and then working in the relentless summer afternoon heat. He looked around at the laborers, mason, and brick layers working in a rhythmic method.
“What do you eat for iftaar?” he asked out of curiosity, referring to the evening meal. He imagined the lavish food that got prepared in their kitchen everyday. It took their chef at least two hours to put together an afternoon tea.
The old man smiled,” Whatever Allah provides for us, son. He is Merciful and Most Gracious.”
“Does Mr. Haroon provide you with meals?” Asad persisted. He knew Bilal’s father was rather tight fisted. He would have insisted that the men put in whole shifts instead of cutting down their working hours in deference to Ramadan.
“What do rich men know about empty stomachs, my son,” the old carpenter replied, moving his plane over the wood in a smooth, fluid motion.
With bile rising in his throat, Asad turned back towards his house. His mind was in turmoil and his heart ached. In the living room he paced restlessly and then saw some CDs that his grandfather was fond of listening. He put on one in the magnificent stereo system that his father had recently purchased. It was recitation of the Holy Quran. As the soul stirring voice of Qari Saad Al Ghamdi reciting Surah al Baqarah filled the room, Asad felt waves of serenity hitting him. He felt engulfed in peace and tears shimmered in his eyes.

“Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and do not follow up their spending by stressing their benevolence and causing hurt, will find their reward secure with their Lord. They have no cause for fear and grief. ”
Asad spent some time listening and absorbing the message from Allah. Then he took a bath and said his prayers. His parents came home and the smell of iftaar being prepared filled the house.
As the entire family gathered for breaking the fast, Asad looked at the dining table laden with a variety of food ___ sandwiches, cake, fruit cocktail, tempura, triangular samosay, fried chicken pieces, dates and a variety of other dishes.
“Mom, do we need to cook so much food for one meal that no one can possibly finish?”
“What’s on your mind, son?” his father asked, surprised by his son’s unusual question.
“Dad, Mom’s on a diet, grandpaents can’t eat fried and salty food as per doctor’s orders and Fatima can’t eat solid food. That leaves you and me to finish at least eight dishes. It’s pure waste.”
“Asad, what is wrong, son?” His mother asked concerned about her son’s state of mind.
“Mom there are people out there dying of hunger. There are people who have a handful of dried dates to eat and yet work all day on rich people’s mansions and then thank God for His blessings.”
“Asad, we do pay zakat and charity to help those in need. I am very happy that you are being so thoughtful and caring, but we cannot eradicate poverty on our own,” his father reasoned.
“Yes, but maybe this Ramadan we can share our food with those whose needs are greater than ours, father. May I?” Asad asked with a tilt of his head towards the food.
The grown ups looked bemused but Asad felt a gleam of pride in their eyes. He went outside and invited the laborers for iftaar. At first hesitantly and then with joy and gratitude they accepted his offer.
Asad’s servants laid out linen on the green grass of their beautifully manicured lawn and the men took off their shoes and sat cross legged waiting for the Maghrib azaan which would signal the time to break the fast.
As Asad passed out fresh daes and fruit to about two dozen men in the garden, the old carpenter said smilingly, “Didn’t I tell you that Allah is the best Provider and we eat out of His provisions.”
For the first time in the day, Asad laughed aloud in joy.
“Thank you for teaching me the true spirit of Ramadan, babaji . It is not about mindlessly abstaining from food and drink all day but understanding the needs of others and pleasing Allah to gain His blessings that Ramadan is all about. Sharing and caring, that’s the true spirit of this holy month.”
“Aye, and praying too. Now help this old man get up so that I can say my prayers, young man.”
Happy and satiated, they all went to the local mosque to offer their prayers and thank Allah for all His blessings.

Ruling on one who apostatises repeatedly

The important principle that Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, confirms in His revelation and states that it is the foundation of reckoning and the criterion of reward and punishment, is that repentance wipes out whatever came before it, and that Islam erases all that came before it; the gate of repentance is open to every individual, even if he falls into sin and kufr time after time. The grace and mercy of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, towards His slaves decrees that He should accept the repentance of the one who repents and forgive him his sins.                                                                                                                                                     

                                                                               Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): “Say to those who have disbelieved, if they cease (from disbelief), their past will be forgiven” [al-Anfaal 8:38]. 

The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Do you not know that Islam destroys whatever came before it, and that hijrah destroys whatever came before it, and that Hajj destroys whatever came before it?” Narrated by Muslim, 121. 

There are also verses which indicate that the repentance of the apostate, if he comes back to Islam and repents sincerely, is accepted. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“How shall Allaah guide a people who disbelieved after their Belief and after they bore witness that the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) is true and after clear proofs had come unto them? And Allaah guides not the people who are Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers).They are those whose recompense is that on them (rests) the Curse of Allaah, of the angels, and of all mankind

They will abide therein (Hell). Neither will their torment be lightened, nor will it be delayed or postponed (for a while).”

And yet after all that, Allah, may He be glorified, says:

“Except for those who repent after that and do righteous deeds. Verily, Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful”[Aal ‘Imraan 3:86-88, 89]. 

But if a person apostatises and then goes further in disbelief and wrongdoing, and he does not repent or come back to Islam, this is the one to whom the verse in Soorat al-Nisa’ –which the questioner mentioned – refers, and the verses from Aal ‘Imraan also indicate that his repentance will not be accepted. 

Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, those who disbelieved after their Belief and then went on increasing in their disbelief (i.e. disbelief in the Qur’aan and in Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) — never will their repentance be accepted (because they repent only by their tongues and not from their hearts). And they are those who are astray.

91. Verily, those who disbelieved, and died while they were disbelievers, the (whole) earth full of gold will not be accepted from anyone of them even if they offered it as a ransom. For them is a painful torment and they will have no helpers”[Aal ‘Imraan 3:90-91]. 

And He says:

“Verily, those who believe, then disbelieve, then believe (again), and (again) disbelieve, and go on increasing in disbelief; Allaah will not forgive them, nor guide them on the (right) way”

[al-Nisa’ 4:137]. 

Ibn Katheer (may Allah have mercy on him) said in Tafseer al-Qur’aan al-‘Azeem (1/753): 

Here Allah tells us about the one who enters Islam and then recants, then comes back to it, then recants and persists in his misguidance, and increases in it until he dies: there is no repentance after his death and Allah will not forgive him or grant him any way out from what he is in, and there is no way he could be guided. Hence He says: “Allaah will not forgive them, nor guide them on the (right) way.” Ibn Abi Haatim said: … It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) said concerning the verse, “and go on increasing in disbelief”: They persist in their disbelief until they die. This was also the view of Mujaahid. End quote. 

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said in Majmoo‘ al-Fataawa (16/28-29): 

Concerning these whose repentance will not be accepted, there were several opinions: 

It was said that it is because of their hypocrisy, or because they repented from sins less grave than shirk but did not repent from shirk, or it was said that their repentance would never be accepted after death. But the majority, such as al-Hasan, Qataadah, ‘Ata’, al-Khorasaani and al-Suddi said: Their repentance will never be accepted when death comes to them. So this is like the verse in which Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: ‘Now I repent;’ nor of those who die while they are disbelievers” [al-Nisa’ 4:18]. 

And the same applies to the verse in which Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, those who believe, then disbelieve, then believe (again), and (again) disbelieve, and go on increasing in disbelief; Allaah will not forgive them, nor guide them on the (right) way”[al-Nisa’ 4:137]. Mujaahid and other mufassireen said: “and go on increasing in disbelief” means, they remain steadfast in that until they die. 

I [Ibn Taymiyah] say: That is because the one who repents is giving up kufr, whereas the one who does not repent is persisting in it and adding kufr to kufr. The words “and go on increasing in disbelief” are like saying, they persisted in kufr and continued in kufr and remained in kufr. So they became disbelievers after becoming Muslim, then their kufr increased and did not grow less. The repentance of these people will not be accepted, referring to their repentance when they are dying, because the one who repents before death comes has repented soon enough and recanted his kufr, so it did not increase; rather it decreased, unlike the one who persisted in kufr until the time of death. End quote. 

There is no difference of opinion among the scholars that if the apostate repents sincerely and comes back to Islam, Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, will accept him and forgive him for what is past, even if he has apostatized repeatedly. 

This is with regard to Allah in the Hereafter. 

As for the rulings in this world, some of the scholars said that if a person apostatises repeatedly he should be executed and his repentance not accepted. The difference of opinion among the scholars about accepting repentance has to do with rulings in this world only and does not have to do with a person’s standing before Allah in the Hereafter, may He be glorified and exalted. 

Ibn Qudaamah said in al-Mughni (12/271): 

To sum up, the difference of opinion among the imams concerning the acceptance of their repentance has to do with rulings in this world, not executing them, and affirming that they should be treated as Muslims. As to whether Allah accepts their repentance and forgives the one who repents and gives up (apostasy) both inwardly and outwardly, there is no difference of opinion concerning that. End quote. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said in Majmoo‘ al-Fataawa, 30/16: 

When the fuqaha’ differed concerning the acceptance of the repentance of one who apostatises repeatedly and the acceptance of the repentance of the heretic, that only has to do with the ruling on outward appearances, because the repentance of such people cannot be trusted. But if he is sincere in his heart towards Allah in his repentance then he is included in the words of Allah (interpretation of the meaning): “Say: “O ‘Ibaadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allaah, verily, Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful” [al-Zumar 39:53]. 

According to the correct scholarly opinion, the repentance of one who has apostatised repeatedly is to be accepted with regard to rulings in this world too, and he comes under the same rulings as any other Muslim. This is the view of the majority of Hanafi and Shaafa‘i scholars and is the well-known view among the Maalikis, and is the second of the two views of Ahmad ibn Hanbal. 

See Haashiyat Tabyeen al-Haqaa’iq, 3/284; Fath al-Qadeer, 6/68; al-Insaaf, 10/332-335; Tuhfat al-Muhtaaj, 9/69; Kashshaaf al-Qinaa‘, 6/177-178; al-Mawsoo‘ah al-Fiqhiyyah, 14/127-128. In al-Mabsoot (10/99-100) it is attributed to ‘Ali and Ibn ‘Umar that they did not accept the repentance of one who had apostatised repeatedly. Based on that, the repentance of one who had given up prayer is acceptable if he is sincere, even if he repeatedly gave up prayer, but he should beware, because death may come before he is able to repent and Allah may cause his punishment to come in this world before the Hereafter.