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Should I read Zikr and Awrad to a certain number or unlimited
Is it best to read uncounted Zikr and Awrad or should I limit the Zikr and remembrance of Allah to a specified number?
Posted in Hanafi Questions Answers
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Full Quran Recitation – Tilawat of Quran
Find below links to recitation of the Glorious Quran
Juz 1
Juz 2
Juz 3
Juz 4
Juz 5
Juz 6
Juz 7
Juz 8
Juz 9
Juz 10
Juz 11
Juz 12
Juz 13
Juz 14
Juz 15
Juz 16
Juz 17
Juz 18
Juz 19
Juz 20
Juz 21
Juz 22
Juz 23
Juz 24
Juz 25
Juz 26
Juz 27
Juz 28
Juz 29
Juz 30
Dua Khatam-e-Quran – Prayer at completion of Holy Quran
Posted in Holy Quran & Tajweed
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Islamic Studies Classes in Leeds
Assalam-u-Alaikum
It gives us a great pleasure to announce the start of a new Islamic Studies class for younger children.
Islamic Studies classes in Leeds
We started our first Islamic Studies class for West Park and Kirkstall area families’ about 2 years ago. Since then we have covered Level 2 to Level 5 of Safar Publications with the same class group. But now more families have been asking for beginners class for younger children. So finally we have organised a new beginner’s class for 6 – 9 age group.
Classes take place on Sundays between 10.30 – 12.30pm
We also have few places in the higher class. Currently, we are learning about Prophet Muhammad and soon will start Level 6 book.
May Allah keep all of us under His protection. Aameen.
Posted in Classes
Tagged classes, Islamic Studies, Leeds Quran Teacher, Quran, Quran classes in Leeds
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Eid Milad un-Nabi Cards
عید میلاد النبی مبارک
Get your pack of Eid Milad cards now
Please pay at least £7 for 6 cards and postage (higher donations are always welcome). Your contribution will vastly enable Peace Matters to continue its charitable work in UK and around the globe.
The month of Rabi-ul-Awal is the month of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. This is the month in which our love for our prophet intensifies and we want to show our love for our prophet to our children, family members, our community and the whole world. There are many ways to display our love for him including holding mahafil at home or in a masjid or having jaloos (a procession). Another way of displaying that love is through sharing Eid Milad cards with our loved ones; specially encouraging our children to share these cards with their friends.
You would have noticed that during Christmas time, our Muslim children receive Christmas cards from their friends. Children love this sharing experience. They love to share things. As Muslim parents and teachers we want to encourage our children to be confident with their faith; to share their faith and culture with others.
In particular, we want our children to have unwavering love of Prophet Muhammad and to develop that love we need to encourage our children to learn more about him and to practice his Sunnah.
Therefore, this Rabi-ul-Awal, we have designed and printed 3 elegant and beautiful cards that our children can give to others to show their happiness and delight that the month of the blessed birth of prophet Muhammad has arrived.
We understand that at first children may be reluctant to write these cards to their friends because they have never done it before. And thats exactly the point. Because our children don’t celebrate their religious days with others, they will be reluctant to share Eid Milad cards with others. But with a little of help and support, they will definitely enjoy the experience.
These cards contain important messages inside, increasing the knowledge of the person sharing and receiving the card.
The 3 Eid Milad cards contain these messages:
O Prophet Muhammad! We have sent you as a mercy to the whole universe. Quran 21.107
Say to people! If you love Allah then follow me [Prophet Muhammad] . In return, Allah will love you and forgive you. Quran 3.31
“None of you will have true faith till he loves me [Prophet Muhammad] more than his father, his children and all mankind.”
(Bukhari)
Eid Milad cards
So please do get these cards from us and ask your children to share them with their family and friends.
We do ask you to pay a small contribution to receive these cards. This will ensure that we have covered the cost of producing these cards and any remaining money can be used to support orphans around the world, which is an initiative of Peace Matters.
Posted in Community
Tagged Eid, Eid Milad, Mawlid, Milad, Milad-In-Nabi, Prophet Muhammad, Rabi ul Awwal
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Quran classes
We run Quran classes for Boys & Girls aged 5+ between MONDAY – FRIDAY
First class: 4.30pm – 5.30pm
Second class: 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Our Quran classes are ideal for families living in Leeds in West Park, Headingley, Kirkstall, Horsforth, Adel and Burley areas (LS16, LS17, LS5 and LS4).
We cover the following topics during the Quran classes: Qaida, completion of Quran, Surah memorisation, Kalimahs and Prayer book.
The venue is based near Spen Lane and Queenswood Drive.
Using toothpaste during fasting
There was a time when having unpleasant mouth odour during fasting was considered a source of pride and a humbling experience. The one fasting knew that his foul smelling breath was more pleasing to his Lord than the best smelling perfume of this world.
The times have changed. Now people consider missing their fast in order not to offend their clients or colleagues with their mouth smells.
In the fallowing clip Mufti Akmal explain the permissibility of using toothpaste during fasting. His points are that toothpaste or mouth wash can be used during fasting for people who have to deal with public. While using toothpaste, one must ensure that toothpaste residue do not go down this throat and that one must feel that he/she is doing an undesirable act.
Such permission is not a blanket permissibility for everyone to start using toothpastes or mouthwash during the fasting period.
May Allah make it easier for us. Aameen.
Posted in Current Issues
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Our treatment of our scholars – a case of Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
Muslims believe in one God, one last prophet – Muhammad, and in one last book – Quran. But after these niceties starts our real belief system. We have
- Political affiliations
- Country, Nationality & Place affiliations
- Race affiliations
- Madhab affiliations
- Scholar affiliations
If a person has so many affiliations how can that person truly worship one God and practice the teachings of his Prophet and Quran. Surely our understanding of Islam will be influenced by our other affiliations. Our worship of Allah will be influenced by our associations and connections. It is extremely difficult for a person to put aside his own inner self and truly submit to the teachings and commandments of Allah almighty.
I am deeply troubled with the recent incident with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf. What he has said during RIS 2017 interview with Mehdi Hasan is for him to clarify and ultimately to be answerable to Allah. But what has troubled me is that how Muslims have started using this incident to disrespect and to go as far as to ridicule a Muslim scholar.
It seemed as if the some Muslims were over joyous just to know that he had made these remarks and it became uncontrollable for these Muslims to start spreading and disseminating his comments online. It was a one time opportunity for these Muslims to show their frustration and their dislike of this highly esteemed scholar. How could these Muslims let go of this opportunity not to show their inner jealousy for Shaykh Hamza Yusuf. All of his years' of learning and service to Islam and to the Muslim community was left aside due to the political, national or race affiliations of those people who were throwing insult at Shaykh Hamza Yusuf.
One of the methods used to ridicule Shaykh Hamza Yusuf is to give him the title of Sufi. In their articles and social media posts Shaykh Hamza Yusuf is increasingly being referred to as 'Sufi Hamza Yusuf'. Due to their religious and sect affiliations they regard 'Sufi' and what this word stands for in a lower state. By replacing 'Shaykh' with 'Sufi', this is their way of showing their disgust towards Sheikh Hamza Yusuf.
It is also a sad state of affairs that a word that had such hight prestige and status in the past is disregarded in the current times. Part of the blame goes to the people who claim to be sufi and yet do not practice authentic sufism. This has given a bad reputation to sufism and ammunition to the opponents of sufism. Therefore, by calling Hamza Yusuf a sufi, he is being associated with a malpractice in Islam with a hope to taint his reputation of being the most respected scholar in the Western land.
But we should deduct positivity out of every negativity and hope that the new title is a compliment to Shaykh Hamza Yusuf's list of achievements. After years of learning and hard work he has finally moved towards a higher station of wilayat. Everybody is becoming a Shaykh nowdays and less and less people are becoming Sufi as it takes less effort to learn knowledge and takes greater efforts to apply that knowledge to our nafs.
Imam Ghazali has quite rightly said in his magnum opus:
"A wise man has said 'Whenever a man reaches the limit in his knowledge, people cast stones at him'
That is, his discourse goes beyond the limit of their comprehension and so they consider what he says a transgression or a blasphemy."
(Al Ihya: Kitab al-Mahabba)
So congratulations to Shaykh Hamza Yusuf on becoming a Sufi and we pray to Allah Almighty that he enables the rest of us to also follow in the footsteps of Sheikh Hamza Yusuf in learning and disseminating knowledge to others.
I have never had a personal sitting with Sidi Hamza Yusuf, therefore I do not know his personal views about what he said in his interview. This article is not in defence of Shaykh Hamza yusuf but in defence of respecting our elders and respected scholars.
This post was written with no particular person in mind therefore if you find it offensive please do not think it was aimed at you.
Posted in Current Issues
Tagged Mehdi Hsan, RIS 2017, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Sufi Hamza Yusuf
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Shamail Tirmidhi – Noble character and habits of Sayyidina Rasulullah
The following are some toughts on the beautiful character of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)
Special attention to everyone
Amr ibnul Aas reports:
- Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) gave attention, spoke and showed love to the worst person of a nation. So that, the person may feel he is being given special attention.
- He used to give attention, and spoke to me also in a manner, that I began to feel that I was the best among the community.
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Therefore, one day I asked:
- 'O Messenger of Allah, am I better or is Abubakr better?' He replied: 'Abubakr'.
- I then asked: 'Am I better, or 'Umar?' He replied. "Umar'.
- I asked: 'Am I better or 'Uthmaan?' He replied: 'Uthmaan'.
- When I asked him these questions, Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam told me the truth.I felt I should not have asked such a question.
Commentary
- He made everyone feel special and important. So much attention was give to this sahabi that he felt that perhaps he had a higher status to other important companions.
- He asked Rasulullah to confirm if what he was thinking was true. Its good to clarify your thoughts with others who know better.
- The companions knew the status of Hadrat Abu Bakar, Umar and Uthman in the eye of Rasulullah.
- Sometimes, to please others we tell them that we love them more than anyone else, but Rasulullah never lied. He did not misinform others or gave wrong expressions.
Prophet's treatment of the children
Anas bin Maalik Radiyallahu 'Anhu says:
- I remained in the service of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam for ten years. He never once told me 'Oof '.
- When I did something, he never asked me, why did you do so?
- When I did not do a certain task, he never asked me why I did not do it.
- Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam had the best character among all people.
- I never felt a silk cloth, nor pure silk, nor any other thing softer than the palm of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam.
- Nor did I smell any musk or any other fragrance, more sweet smelling than the sweat of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam".
Commentary
- Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam not uttering even the word 'Oof' on anything is due to his high and noble character and humbleness.
- He did not regard Sayyidina Anas Radiyallahu 'Anhu fulfilling or not fulfilling a duty to be something from Sayyidina Anas Radyallahu 'Anhu's own side, but something that is from Allah, and was always contented with it.
- 'Only that shall happen that Allah wills. If it is destined to happen it shall happen'. This is the uttermost pleasure from a beloved's deed.
- The perspiration of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu.'Alayhi Wasallam was collected and used as a fragrance.
- The one with whom Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam shook hands, a fragrance emitted from that hand for a whole day.
He did not hit anyone
Ayesha Radiyallahu 'Anha reports:
- Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam did noy hit anything with his mubaarak hands, besides the time when he made jihaad in the Path of Allah.
- He did not hit a servant nor a women (wife, slave girl etc.)'.
Commentary
By hitting, it is meant to hit in anger and not against one hitting un-intentionally and playfully.
He never talked indecently and forgave others
Ayesha Radiyallahu 'Anha reports, that:
- It was not the nature of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam to talk indecently, nor did he engage himself in the use of obscene language.
- Nor did he shout and talk in the bazaars.
- He did not avenge a bad deed with a bad one, but forgave it, and thereafter did not even mention it.
Commentary
- We do not guard our tongue and speak whatever comes into our minds. We are not careful if our language is polite or obscene.
- Our Holy Prophet taught us to be careful of our tongue all the time and only say good things.
- Sometimes we tell obscene jokes or indulge in indecent conversations in order to keep our gatherings happy. But all sorts of obscene and indecent talk is prohibited all the time.
- There is no harm if one goes into the bazaar to fulfil one's needs, but to go there and shout about is against dignity. One should complete ones needs and return in a quiet manner. If we can be calm at a shopping place, we can be calm and quiet at other places too, such as a Masjid.
Story of Zayd bin Sanah (Jewish scholar) accepting Islam:
- 'There was not a sign of prophethood in Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam which I had not found in him, except for two signs, which I did not have the opportunity to test. The first is that his hilm (gentleness) will overcome his anger. The second is, the more one acts foolishly towards him the more he will tolerate it. I looked for a chance to test these two signs, and kept on coming and going to his gatherings.
- One day Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam came out of his house. 'Ali was with him. just then a badawi type of person came and said:'O Rasulullah, my community have accepted Islaam, and I had told them that, if they became Muslims, they shall receive abundant sustenance. And now such a time has come where drought has befallen us. I fear that they will leave Islaam. If the idea is suitable, it is suggested that you assist them.
- Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam looked towards a person who may have been 'Ali. He replied, 'Ya Rasulullah, there is nothing available'.
- Zayd was witnessing this incident and he decided to test Rasulullah. He offered to lend money to Holy Prophet so he could help the person. Holy Prophet accepted his offer.
- Rasulullah gave the money to this badawi and said to him, do not forget to be just, and fulfil their needs with this.
- Zayd Radiyallahu 'Anhu further says, when two or three days were left for the time to collect his money back (dates), Rasulullah was sitting near a well.
- I came and caught the hem of the kurtah and sheet of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam and cynically said: 'O Muhammad, you do not want to pay my debt. I swear by Allah, that I know all the children of 'Abdul Muttalib very well. You are very poor payers'.
- Umar looked at me in anger and said: 'O enemy of Allah! what are you mumbling? I swear by Allah, that if I did not fear (the presence of Rasulullah) I would have severed your head'.
- Rasulullah was looking at me very calmly, and said smilingly to 'Umar: ''Umar, This person and I are in need of something more. He should have told me to take care in fulfilling his rights and should have advised in a better manner when putting forward his claim. Go take him and fulfill his rights, and for having scolded him give him in lieu extra dates in excess of his right'.
- Umar took me and fulfilled my rights and gave me the extra dates.
- I had seen the last two remaining signs of prophethood: his forbearance (hilm) suspersedes his anger; and that, the more one acts foolishly towards him, the more he will tolerate it. Now I have tested these two also, therefore I make you witness to my acceptance of Islam.
Getting angry over transgression of Allah's prohibitions and choosing the easy path
Ayesha Radiyallahu 'Anha says: '
- I have never seen Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam avenge himself for a personal affliction, but if one transgressed a prohibited thing from those prohibited by Allah then there was no one more angry than Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam.
- Whenever Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam was given a choice between two things, he always chose the one that was simple, if it did not lead to any type of sin.
Commentary
- During the Battle of Uhud, Rasulullah's mubaarak teeth became shaheed (broken), and his blessed face became full of blood.
- His companions said. 'Make du'aa against these people'.
- Instead Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam made this du'aa: 'O Allah, grant my people guidance, for they do not know'.
- Once a badawi came and pulled the sheet of Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam so hard that it made a mark an his mubaarak neck.
- Then the badawi demanded food to be loaded on his camel. Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam laughed off and had grain loaded onto his camels.
- If anything is said or done against our dignity how do we feel?
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He always chose easy and simple things:
- Especially he always chose the easy and simple thing for the ummah such as missing taraweh prayers in case it becomes obligatory for the ummah.
- In worldly matters where a choice between two things were given, he chose the simple one.
- Individually, he chose challenging tasks for himself in order to get closer to Allah, such as praying at night and fasting consecutive days
Holy Prophet Muhammad was the most generous person
- Jaabir Radiyallahu 'Anhu says. "Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam never said 'No' to a request of a person".
- Anas Radiyallahu 'Anhu says: "Rasulullah. Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam did not store anything for the next day".
It is reported from hadrat Umar that once a needy person came to Rasulullah and asked for some help.
- At that time Rasulullah did not have anything to give to him. So he asked the person to go to a shop and buy something to fulfil his needs at the expense of rasulullah.
- On hearing this Hadrat Umar said "O Messenger of Allah, whatever you possessed you have already given away. Allah did not make you responsible for that which is not in your means".
- Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam felt annoyed at hearing this.
- Thereupon a person from among, the Ansaar said: "O Rasul, of Allah, spend whatever you wish, and do not fear any lessening from the Lord of the Throne".
- Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam smiled and the happiness could be seen on his mubaarak face due to the saying of the Ansaari.
- Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam than said: "Allah Ta'aala has commanded me to do this".
Commentary
The following is another beautiful hadith shareef that shows the genrosity and magnanimus spirit of Holy Prophet Muhammad:
Hadrat Bilal also mentions that Rasulullah did not keep anything for himself. Hadrat Bilal was made responsible for looking after the needs of people if they come to Holy Prophet for assistance. He was even ordered to take out a loan to fulfil the needs.
Once a person from the mushrikeen (polytheists) came to him and said that he could take out as many loans from him as he needed them. So Hadrat Bilal asked him for assistance whenever he needed to help others. The creditor kept giving him with ease.
But then one day the creditor came and started demanding him money back. He threatened Hadrat Bilal to repay his moeny till the end of the month or otherwise he would take Hadrat Bilal as his slave.
There was no other way but to turn to Rasulullah for help. Hadrat Bilal had not taken the loan out for himself but to help others with the permission of Rasulullah and not only the Holy Messenger could help.
After Isha prayer, he came in the presence of Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam and narrated the whole incident to him. He also said that: 'There is no way to pay this debt so quickly, nor do you have anything nor do I have anything I will hide away. When you pay the debt I will come out, otherwise, that mushrik will disgrace me very much'.
Before the morning prayers a person came running to Hadrat Bilal and said that Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam is calling him. When he presented myself, Rasulullah Sallallahu'Alayhi Wasallam said: 'Allah Ta'aala has made a means to pay your debt. These four camels are standing, and are laden with gifts sent by the ruler of Fadak'.
Hadrat Bilal paid the full debt that morning, and informed Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam that Allah Ta'aala has freed him from debts.
The Hadith shareef continues:
Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam asked: 'Is there anything left from the gifts or not?'. I replied: 'A little is left'. Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam said: 'Distribute it, so that I may be at ease'. The evening fell and yet there was some left. After Isha prayer Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam inquired again, upon which I replied: 'The needy ones did not arrive, there is still some left'. Thereupon Rasulullah Sallallahu'Alayhi Wasallarn spent the night in the masjid and did not go home. The next day after Isha he inquired again, whereupon I replied: 'Allah Ta'aala has freed you from its responsibilities. Everthing has been distributed'. Rasulullah Sallallahu'Alayhi Wasallam then thanked Allah, and went to his home. (Abu Dawood)
Posted in Rasulullah - Prophet Muhammad
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