General
Significant places in Madinah Munawwarah
Monday, 16 January 2012 06:40
The entire city of Madinah Munawwarah is blessed. Just as the soil of Madinah Munawwarah is sacred, likewise the skies above Madinah Munawwarah are also blessed. The city which was chosen to be the residence of the Greatest of all humanity, Leader of the Prophets (Alayhimus salaam) can never be just like any other ordinary tract of land. Allamah Samhoodi (Rahimahullah) enumerates ninety nine virtues of Madinah Munawwarah in his magnum opus, Wafaa ul Wafaa, and thereafter adds, “…these were the virtues that I could remember. However, the reality is that barkaat (special blessings of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta`ala) are widespread all over the entire city”.
Visiting the Raudha Mubaarak (part 2)
Monday, 09 January 2012 00:00
Etiquettes of visiting the Raudha Mubaarak:
When visiting the Raudha Mubaarak is such an important and meritorious act, then obviously it deserves utmost respect and etiquette.
There are many etiquettes of visiting the Raudha Mubaarak, the details of which are not within the scope of this article. However a few shall be listed below:
- In principle, we should understand that during the entire journey to Madinah Munawwarah and the visit to the Raudha Mubaarak, the main element is love. If one has true love for Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam, then no one needs to instruct him how he should conduct himself in the esteemed presence of Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam. All these etiquettes would be displayed instinctively by him.
- The intention for visiting Madinah Munawwarah should be purely to visit Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam.
- One should not feel that he is visiting a dead person, rather it is the belief of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa`ah that Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam is alive in his grave. (Refer Shifaaus Siqaam, Alqoulul Badee` and other detailed books on this subject.)
- Upon reaching Madinah Munawwarah, one should settle down as quick as possible (without rushing), take a bath, wear one’s best clothes and apply `Itr (as one does on the days of Jumu`ah and `Eid).
Visiting The Raudha Mubaarak (part 1)
Wednesday, 04 January 2012 00:00
Virtues of visiting the Raudha Mubaarak:
Presenting oneself in the court of Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam is one the greatest acts of worship, for which great rewards and virtues have been promised in the Ahaadeeth. Hereunder are a few virtues:
- “My intercession becomes necessary for the one who visits my grave.”(Daaraqutni/Bayhaqi)
- “Visiting me after my death is akin to visiting me during my lifetime.”(Daaraqutni)
- “The one who visits me with this being his sole intention will be in my company on the day of Qiyaamah.”(`Uqayli)
(A detailed discussion on the authenticity of these narrations can be seen in the book Shifaaus Siqaam li Ziyaarati Khairil Anaam of the Hadeeth Master Taqiyyud Deen As-Subki (r.a.) and other detailed works on this subject.)
Holidays
Tuesday, 13 December 2011 00:00
Your teenage son attends school. You pay his fees, buy his uniform, provide him with his text books and stationery, arrange for his transport and give him whatever else is necessary for his education. However your son is not truly dedicated to studying. His main purpose of attending school is to enjoy the few exciting excursions arranged by the school each year. Hence in his school life he “lives” from one excursion to the next. This is what motivates him. It is his objective. He eagerly awaits the excursion and plans for the next excursion before the first is over. If the excursion is cancelled for any reason, he is dejected and depressed.
Like any sensible father, you are very disappointed. Your son should have been dedicated to his studies. The excursions are secondary and “by the way.” If no excursion was undertaken, it is not a serious issue. Studying diligently and obtaining a good pass should have been the main concern. You feel your son has “let you down.”
Aashura
Tuesday, 06 December 2011 00:00
The divine system of Allah Ta’aala
It is the divine system of Allah Ta’aala that He has afforded special virtue and significance to some things over others. From mankind, the Ambiyaa عليهم السلام have been blessed with distinguished positions and elevated statuses over others. From the different places in the world, the Haramain (Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah) have been accorded a special rank over the rest of the world. From the twelve months of the Islamic calendar, special sanctity and sacredness has been given to four specific months i.e. Zul-Qa’dah, Zul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab.
By the same token, amongst the days of the Islamic year the day of Aashura has been blessed with exclusive virtue and immense blessings.
عن أبي قتادة قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم صيام يوم عاشوراء إني أحتسب على الله أن يكفر السنة التي قبله
It is reported from Abu Qataadah (Radiyallahu Anhu) that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “On account of observing the fast of Aashura, I have hope that Allah Ta’aala will expiate the sins of the past year.” (Ibnu Maajah 1/124, Saheeh Muslim 1/368)
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