Messages

31

Resources and Information Portal / Re: Arabic Alphabet Learning Material

« on: August 21, 2017, 01:27:29 AM »

Salamun alaykum

Alhamdulillah. Thanks for your contribution.  JazakAllah khair

32

Islamic Duties / Re: Funeral prayer (Janaza prayer)

« on: August 01, 2017, 01:26:48 AM »

Assalaamu 'Alaikum
Brother ilker,

I think I am wrong when I say, "So no point of performing Swalah other than the mentioned times."  I am sorry.
I don't know how valid such acts when they are performed at times other than the prescribed times. Thank you all for your kind replies/ advices.

Anyway I do not support the Janaza prayer as I did not find enough proofs for this act from Al Qur'an.

Salam.

wa alaykum selam brother Mohammad,

There is nothing to be sorry about brother it's very kind of you to say that.

For example Allah (swt) talks about people who spend extra time at nights to seek Allah's love and mercy in the Quran (51:17). From what I understand, He (swt) loves those who make self-sacrifice and devotion to earn His mercy and love.

Anyways, let's stay on the topic here

Take care.

33

Islamic Duties / Re: Funeral prayer (Janaza prayer)

« on: July 30, 2017, 12:21:26 AM »

Oh and i forgot to mention that i agree with brother Hamzeh's post above Thanks to all of you guys for your kindness.

Salam

34

Islamic Duties / Re: Funeral prayer (Janaza prayer)

« on: July 30, 2017, 12:03:23 AM »

Dear All,
Assalaamu 'alaikum

I hope you have corrected the mistake in my reply (#4) with the verse 2:239.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

But i would like to know what you think about when you say:

"So no point of performing Swalah other than the mentioned times. ."

To you, is it pointless (or maybe even wrong) to pray voluntarily to Allah(swt), for example praying two rakaats of volunteer prayer, besides the prescribed daily prayer times ? Is it forbidden or wrong to make volunteer salah between the fajr and the noon for example ?

Dear ilker,

As I understood from the Qur'an, Swalah is a timed practice of worship. If we are performing this practice at any time as our wish, it may not coincide with the Qur'anic definition for the Swalah (4:103). This can be easily understood if we apply this thought to Hajj,

What do you think about performing Hajj at months other than the 4 sacred months ?

The purpose of any rituals/ practices of worship is to remember Allah at/by certain times in different ways. Whether it is Swalah or Fasting in Ramadan or Hajj etc., the basic concept is the same.

Qur'an says,

[4:103] "So if you accomplished the Prayer, so remember Allah standing, and sitting, and on your sides..."

[2:152] "So remember Me, I remember you, and thank/be grateful to Me and do not disbelieve."

[24:37] "Men, commercial trade and nor selling/trading does not distract/divert them from remembering Allah, and keeping up the prayers and giving/bringing the charity/purification..."

[33:41] "You, you those who believed, remember Allah much remembering."

[33:35] "...and the remembering (the men) Allah much, and the remembering (the women), Allah prepared for them a forgiveness and a great reward."

[63:9] "You, you those who believed, (let) not your properties/possessions/wealths and nor your children distract/preoccupy you from remembering Allah, and who makes/does that, so those, they are the losers."

[29:45] "...and start/keep up the Prayer, that the Prayer forbid/prevent from the enormous/atrocious deeds and the defiance of Allah and His orders/obscenity and Allah's remembrance/reminder (is) greater indeed..."

So, the first and the foremost thing we always have to bear in mind is, the remembrance of Allah, the thankfulness for the great gift He has bestowed upon us. The awareness that He is watching our each second and each of it will be questioned. And this consciousness/ reminder is an essential part of our life, it is not restricted to any practices of worship, i.e. even without any special practices of worship (like Swalah) Qur'an command us to remember Allah.
But because of the ardent human desire towards the wordly life and the evil forces present around us, human beings are not able to keep the remembrance of Allah. That may be the reason behind the grace of the institution of the mandatory/ special practices of worship at particular time intervals by Allah.

And Allah knows best.

I expect opinions/ advises from you all,

Salam all

Dear brother Mohammad,

I'm obviously not speaking out against the concept of "timed daily prayers". What I'm trying to tell you is sometimes you feel so depressed that you want to call out to Allah (swt) sincerely, from the bottom of your heart, sometimes you feel so happy that you witnessed what you had asked from Allah(swt) came true, you want to thank him in tears of joy, then your head bends over and you do sajdah. Some people raise their hands and make a silent d'ua, some people want to offer a volunteer prayer with rukoo and sajdah.

In brief, I'm talking about nafila (extra) prayers which i don't find contrasting to the teachings of the Quran (like when Prophet Davud pbuh made sajdah to ask forgiveness from Allah in 38:21-24) This has nothing to contradict with the regular daily prayers cause it's not against the concept of it. According to you: we should not perform any prayers with rukoo and sajdah other than the daily prayers ? If I'm mistaken please correct me.

You give the example of hajj but i kindly want to remind you of "umrah", which is not the same as timed "hajj", you can do it anytime. It's a voluntary act of worship. Like "nafila" prayers, which are not the same as prescribed, obligatory daily prayers but still an act of worship and gratitude towards Allah (swt).

"Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the House in the Season or at other times (tatawwaAAa, voluntarily), should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if any one obeyeth his own impulse to good,- be sure that Allah is He Who recogniseth and knoweth." (2:158)


Take care guys

35

General Discussions / Re: Diseases and Illnesses

« on: July 24, 2017, 09:23:27 PM »

Salamun alaykum folks

Dear mohammad if you haven't watched it already i suggest that you watch this beautiful video which could also be a good answer to your question:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifllgTA2pmY

36

General Discussions / Re: Negativity and positivity

« on: July 23, 2017, 10:19:31 AM »

Salam

I'm not sure that this notion of "whatever you think happens ultimately" has any solid reference from the Quran. I mean yes, sometimes the things we think about might eventually come true as a test, but not always. If we knew they were to come true at all times then we would be able to get ready for them.

"Say, "I do not possess (any) benefit or harm for myself, except what ever Allah decides; and if I had known the Unseen, I would indeed have got plenty of the most charitable things, and in no way would odious times have touched me. Decidedly I am nothing except a constant warner and a constant bearer of good tidings to a people who believe." (7:188)

All we have to do is always put our trust in Allah(swt) inshaAllah. We seek refuge in Him from the things that cause fear in our hearts.

"As for man, when his Lord tests him, and thus gives him honour and bounties, he says, “My Lord has honoured me.” But when he tests him, and thus straitens his provision for him, he says, “My Lord has disgraced me.” No! But you do not honour the orphan, and you do not encourage one another to feed the poor. And you devour the inheritance with a sweeping gulp, and you love wealth with a passion." (89:15-20)

"Surely We will test you with a bit of fear and hunger, and loss in wealth and lives and fruits, and give good tidings to the patient." (2:155)

"Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned." (21:35)

"Do the people think that they will be left to say, "We believe" and they will not be tried ? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars." (29:2-3)

In Surah Kehf, Prophet Musa (pbuh) was also tested if he could be patient towards the things he witnessed from outside and then he understood the wisdom behind them and took the lesson which can be summarized as the last part of the ayah 2:216:

"Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not. (2:216)

We must always remember though, we cannot lose our hope of Allah(swt)'s mercy.

"O my sons, go and search for Yūsuf and his brother, and do not lose hope in the mercy of Allah. In fact, only the infidels lose hope in Allah’s mercy.” (12:87)

37

General Discussions / Re: About ascribing purity to oneself

« on: July 23, 2017, 08:43:08 AM »

Wa alaykum salam

In 53:32, Allah (swt) tells us not to consider ourselves sinless, pure, free of error. He knows us the best at any moment of our lives, from the wombs of our mother to our graves. He knows every thought that crosses our mind (good or bad) and whether we act upon them or choose to ignore them. So He tells us, "do not think of yourselves as impeccable, errorless beings". After all we are being tested here in this worldly life. We make mistakes. Allah (swt) reminds us that we are indeed fallible.

Claiming to be pure and faultless is actually a bit different from talking about our good deeds. We all know what is good to do or not, alhamdulillah by the favour of Allah (swt) upon us. He gave us the Reminder (Quran).

Furthermore, talking about good deeds does not necessarily mean bragging about them. In 12:90, Prophet Joseph (pbuh) does not present himself as pure and infallible, also he does not brag about himself. He was talking to his brothers who did terrible things against him when he was little. They also lied to their father Prophet Jacob (pbuh) about Prophet Joseph (pbuh), keeping him unaware of his little boy for years and causing him to suffer a lot ! Just because of their jealousy!

So he acknowledges that he and his little brother got together because Allah(swt) favored them. Then he gives advice about how Allah(swt) helps, protects and favours those who keep their faith in Allah (swt), who remain patient and continue to do good things (implying that Allah (swt) always favours those who keep themselves away from evil, trying to make his older brothers realize their bad deeds.)

"And proclaim the blessings of your Lord." (93:11)

Remembering that:

"There is no doubt that God knows what they conceal and what they reveal. He does not love the arrogant". (16:23)

38

General Discussions / Re: Musa and Khidr

« on: July 22, 2017, 10:19:35 AM »

Salam all

"Or have you thought that the companions of the cave and the inscription were, among Our signs, a wonder?" (18:9)

"We relate to you their story with the truth; surely they were youths who believed in their Lord and We increased them in guidance." (18:13)

"And they remained in their cave for three hundred years and exceeded by nine. Say: Allah is Best Aware how long they tarried. His is the Invisible of the heavens and the earth. How clear of sight is He and keen of hearing! They have no protecting friend beside Him, and He maketh none to share in His government." (18:25-26) 

"And all we relate to you of the accounts of the messengers is to strengthen your heart therewith; and in this has come to you the truth and an admonition, and a reminder to the believers." (11:120)

"And when Our revelations are recited unto them they say: We have heard. If we wish we can speak the like of this. Lo! this is naught but fables of the men of old. They also said, ‘God, if this really is the truth from You, then rain stones on us from the heavens, or send us some other painful punishment.’ But Allah would not punish them while thou wast with them, nor will He punish them while they seek forgiveness." (8:31-33)

Saying that the story of Prophet Musa and his companian (peace be upon them) is just a tale to show Allah(swt)'s forgiveness and nothing more, can make you unaware of the brilliant guidance and admonitions that you can extract from it (and from any other story in the Quran).

39

Islamic Duties / Re: Funeral prayer (Janaza prayer)

« on: July 21, 2017, 11:43:03 AM »

One more thing to note that 'The Swalah' described in Qur'an is with prostration (4:102), Qur'an does not teach a Swalah without prostration.

Salam

As a quick side note:

"If you are in danger, pray when you are out walking or riding; when you are safe again, remember God, for He has taught you what you did not know." (2:239)

(I didn't post this ayah to argue. Just a contribution for this exceptional case.)

40

Islamic Duties / Re: Funeral prayer (Janaza prayer)

« on: July 20, 2017, 06:38:05 AM »

Wa alaykum salam

Brother Mohammad,

I agree with you that we can spread wrong messages unintentionally. It's true for all of us. May Allah (swt) protect us.

You can of course interpret the word "salah" in that ayah as "support" or as any other action you want. But that also would require proof from the Quran as to why it must rather be translated as "support" than any other meaning "salah" can imply. I don't know what your opinion is about the concept of "salah" in general.

But i would like to know what you think about when you say:

"So no point of performing Swalah other than the mentioned times. ."

To you, is it pointless (or maybe even wrong) to pray voluntarily to Allah(swt), for example praying two rakaats of volunteer prayer, besides the prescribed daily prayer times ? Is it forbidden or wrong to make volunteer salah between the fajr and the noon for example ?

May Allah (swt) guide us to the right way.

Take care inshaAllah

41

General Discussions / Re: Utterance of Peace be upon him (pbuh) after mention of the Prophet.

« on: July 19, 2017, 08:29:44 AM »

Salam all

Brother good logic, I understand your point and I agree with you where you say: "to  support the prophet like GOD and  His angels support the prophet".. Yes it's not just about the utterance of these words, it's more than that. But can you please explain (quoting from you): "words that have no meanings whatsoever" ? You can wish for peace (salam) and salvation for the people who are gone (except for the ones mentioned in 9:113).

"And salam (peace) be upon him the day he was born and the day he dies and the day he is raised alive." (19:15)
"And salam (peace) be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!" (19:113)

Allah(swt) says "salam" for deceased prophets in surah Saffat (ayat 79, 109, 120, 130) and finally: "And peace be on the Messengers!" (37:181)

42

Islamic Duties / Re: Funeral prayer (Janaza prayer)

« on: July 19, 2017, 07:56:20 AM »

wa alaykum salam

I don't think the concept of janaza prayers conradicts the Quranic teachings.

About the hypocrites Allah(swt) says:

"And never offer prayer (wa la tusalli) for any one of them who dies and do not stand by his grave; surely they disbelieve in Allah and His Messenger and they shall die in transgression." (9:84)

Yes, "salah" has multiple meanings depending on the context of the passage the word is located in. But I think 9:84 might be a reference to this particular type of prayer performed after the deceased. Allah (swt) knows best.

I also don't think it goes against the first principle you remind us of. Janaza prayer already takes place inside one of the mentioned salah times during the day. It doesn't mean that you can't pray except for the daily mandatory prayers in those times.

I don't understand the phrase "no point of performing Swalah other than the mentioned times". Do you think Allah(swt) will ignore extra prayers that one does voluntarily besides the daily prayers ?

Salah is always to remember Allah (swt). All praise belongs to Him. Our life, our death, our salat is only for Him. Janaza prayer is just praying for the deceased brothers and sisters of the community. But you don't praise them or call for them or ask something of them during the janaza prayer. So it's ok.

43

General Discussions / Re: I think Wudu(Ablution) has to be done before *every* prayer, right?

« on: July 18, 2017, 03:15:18 PM »

Salam all,

Allah (swt) knows best but i think ablution and tayammum (with dust/soil) have benefits like removing the negative effects of static electricity over your body. You probably know already that soil actually removes the negative charge from the body. So, washing certain parts of the body is said to be doing the same. So it's not just about cleaning, it's also preparing oneself to prayer mentally and spiritually. Without water, you do it with soil.

44

Islamic Duties / Re: Swalaah and it's shortened form

« on: July 12, 2017, 12:14:14 AM »

Salam

Why do you keep reminding me that we should know what we are saying ? Alhamdulillah i know that brother. Brother Duster posted a link and i tried to remind you of 29:45 also.  Don't you know Allah(swt) is above all that you can think of ? greater than you can imagine ? Is it something about Allah you don't know ?

Well some people may be obstinate but i think it's better to examine ourselves first before talking about "people". You seem to understand the phrase "Allahu Akbar" like some kind of "sorting". I tried to tell you it's not.

You say (quote): " I believe, the term 'Allahu akbar' is imitated by people only because of their careless nature. They are not trying to know what they are saying actually. "

With all due respect brother that is just your negative assumption.

45

Islamic Duties / Re: Swalaah and it's shortened form

« on: July 11, 2017, 10:18:28 PM »

Salam,

Alhamdulillah brother mohammad, i know that "akbar" means "greater". When i say Allahu Akbar i don't mean to make some sort of a gradation. I don't use it as one of the names of Allah (swt) ! Like what brother Joseph said in the article brother Duster posted, the phrase "Allah is the greatest" also gives a sense of comparison too, when you think about it in the same way (when you take it as a "relative" expression).

You talk about associating partners etc.. That has nothing to do with it. Please read the article brother Duster posted above.

29:45:

"Recite that which has been revealed to you of the Book and keep up prayer; surely prayer keeps (one) away from indecency and evil, and certainly the remembrance of Allah is the greatest, and Allah knows what you do." (the word used in this ayah is "akbar" so remembrance of Allah (swt) is greater than anyting you can think of = remembrance of Allah (swt) is the greatest ).

When you say Allahu akbar, you mean the same thing like Allah (swt) said in this ayah. Whatever you think of, whoever you love, whatever you do, whatever you can imagine... Allahu akbar... Allah is above all of them. It's not a comparison as in "rating" (hasha). Allah (swt) is greater than your mind can comprehend.

Even when you say "Allah is the greatest", Allah (swt) is still greater than what you mean by "Allah is the greatest" by your human mind. So Allahu Akbar means actually, Allah is greater than what you think of Him. It is not comparing Him with other stuff that some people mention to associate with Him.

I think you wandered off a little bit brother.

Salam.