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Prints of the Qur’an in the Living Room

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Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat is asked if it is permissible to hang framed Qur’an verses in the house as decoration and remembrance.

Question:

Assalam alaykum wa rahmat Allah wa barakatuh.

I could really use some help right now for this issue I’m having and hoping it’s permissible to use this to ask. If not, can I be directed to where it would be appropriate. I’ve put myself in a bad spot by not speaking up initially and now just trying to save our relationship before it gets even more uglier.

My wife purchased a print with a lot of her money that has Ayat al-Kursi on it and we are now debating whether or not to actually keep it and use it. My wife initially wanted to have it hung in the living room of our house. My intentions of having it, was to have it as a reminder of what it stands for and to help with remembering and reciting it. After hearing opinions from others and considering the fact there’s a TV across the room (which I didn’t say anything about), we’re having second thoughts.

Is there any sort of ruling or resource that may be able to help in remedying the situation? Any rulings on Qur’anic verses being used in such a way?

Jazak Allah khayr.

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmat Allah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

In general, we are encouraged by the Shariʿa to remember Allah a lot, “O believers, make much remembrance of Allah.” (Sura al Ahzab 33:41). Anything which aids this remembrance would be praiseworthy with the proper intention and requisite adab.

Use the print as a means of remembering Allah and reflecting on His blessings; this will bring great good into your life. Please also see Rulings Regarding Selling and Displaying Islamic Wall Stickers.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

Abdul-Rahim

Checked and approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.

Is Writing Qur’an on the Wall Impermissible?

What Role Does Culture Play in Islam?

Don’t Forget to Mention Allah’s Name! – Shaykh Amin Buxton

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Every year in the blessed month of Rabi al-Awwal, we should come to know our Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace, a little better. In this series, we try to do this by looking at the things that brought a smile to his blessed face and at times made him laugh.

Remembering Allah

Ummayah bin Makhshi narrates that the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace was sitting with a man who was eating. The man did not mention Allah’s name and he kept eating until there was only one mouthful left. When he raised the food to his mouth he said: “In the name of Allah at the beginning and the end.”

The Prophet laughed and said: “The devil was eating with him until he mentioned Allah’s name, at which point the devil vomited up everything that was in his stomach!” (Narrated by Abu Daud)
This hadith reminds us of the importance of mentioning Allah’s name before even the smallest and most mundane actions such as dressing, entering and leaving our homes, going to sleep and waking up and, of course, eating and drinking.

The Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, taught us the precise etiquette in all of these situations and revealed to us the consequences of neglecting it.When we mention Allah’s name, it acts as a barrier which prevents darkness and evil from entering into our lives. Beyond this, it reminds us that only Allah sustains the existence of all things. When we eat, sleep and walk in Allah’s name, those actions take on a new meaning. This is because they are connected to the Divine and are blessed with Allah’s support and care.

If, however, we are not conscious of this reality (as is often the case) it is never too late. The key is to return to Allah as soon as we remember. If we forget to mention Allah’s name before we eat, we can say the following supplication when we remember:

بِسْمِ اللهِ أَوَّلَهُ وآخِرَهُ

Bismillāhi awwalahu wa ākhirahu

In the name of Allah at the beginning and the end.

This incident also shows us that the Prophet was actually witnessing the unseen. The angelic and demonic realms were unveiled to him. Although they are veiled to us (with very rare exceptions), it is part of our faith to believe that they exist just as the Prophet informed us of them.
Just as the devil is happy to see our actions come to nothing, the Messenger laughed and was happy to see the devil’s actions come to nothing. His happiness was always for the victory of light over darkness. In this case a member of his nation was neglectful even though he was in the presence of the Prophet. But what pleased the Prophet was that he made amends. We can take comfort from the fact that however heedless or forgetful we are, we can always make amends. In doing so, we make our guide and teacher happy. May Allah shower him with blessings and peace.

Shaykh Amin Buxton was born in London and became Muslim in 1999. He studied Arabic and Islamic Studies at SOAS, University of London, and then enrolled at Dar al Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen. There he studied the sacred sciences under the supervision of Habib Umar bin Hafiz.

He has edited and translated a number of books which explain the Prophetic way such as Imam al-Haddad’s ‘Beneficial Counsels’ and provides content for Muwasala. Since 2017 he has resided with his family in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is involved in a number of educational initiatives around the UK, including the iSyllabus, and has taught at the SeekersHub Retreat.

Salawat: A Source of Joy for the Prophet – Shaykh Amin Buxton

Our Lady Fatima al Zahra

Mawlid al-Barzanji and Celebrating the Mawlid – Shaykh Muhammad Ba-Dhib

Nasheed Hub: Biha Tathbut al-Iman

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The Nasheed Hub, an initiative of SeekersHub Global, aims to showcase the traditional Islamic art of nasheed, or Islamic devotional songs.

Biha Yathbut al-Iman (It Strengthens Faith)

There are many hadiths that speak about why repeating the Testification of Faith is beneficial, such as this one.

“Belief is seventy and some branches. Its lowest branch is the removal of harm from the road while its highest is to say: There is no god but Allah.” (Muslim, Tirmidhi, Nasa’i, Ibn Majah, and Ahmad). 

Sometimes, repetition can become dry, and that’s when this beautiful nasheed comes in, which literally sings the praises of singing praise. Whenever you feel like you’re losing focus, this poem, authored by ShaykhʿAbdul-Qadir al-Lubni, will come to your rescue.

With it faith is strengthened, with it security is obtained

Repeat it, whoever you are, “there is no God but Allah!”

The poem lists the benefits of saying this blessed phrase, including reaching success, healing from illnesses, and lifting of tribulations.

It cures all maladies, it rectifies all defects,

Mention it without fear of boredom, “there is no God but Allah!”

It’s pleasant tune and encouraging theme makes it a nice song to sing alone, in a group, or with children.

Click on the image below to scroll.

 

About Nasheed Hub

Throughout the decades and civilisations of Islam, the vocal tradition, sometimes known as nasheed or devotional songs, were penned as a way of celebrating and giving thanks to Allah for the message of Islam, as well as for the Messenger himself.
These nasheeds were a way for people to turn towards their Lord in joyful celebration, rather than stringent routine. They were also tools to spread the message of Islam in a non-confrontational way. These nasheeds were able to reach out to those who were alienated or indifferent to the religion and the Muslim community, as well as to teach children who were too young for academic study.
These nasheeds originating from all corners of the Muslim world – from West Africa to Malaysia, from Turkey to Great Britian – mirror their own culture but all carry a common thread: love of Allah and His Messenger.
This series will explore the different nasheeds, penned by some of the great historical Muslim figures, poets, and scholars.

Resources for Seekers

Nasheed Hub: Tala‘al Badru Alayna

Nasheed Hub: Talama Ashku Gharami

Iman Beyond the Masjid by Shaykh Ahmed Abdo

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What is Iman beyond the masjid? Look to the Messenger of God, peace and blessings upon him, and he will light the way, says Shaykh Ahmed Abdo.

If the light of the sinning believer was revealed the light would envelop the entire universe, what then of the light of the Muslim who is in obedience? And what is the source of this light?

It is the sacred way and tradition of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. His living is good for us, and his death is good for us.

Allah, Sublime and Majestic, granted his noble Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, the concern and authority to view the actions of his Umma and when he sees that which is good he praises his Lord, and when he sees other than good, our noble messenger seeks forgiveness on our behalf.

Step One: Go to the Highest Authority. Go to Allah’s Messenger

We take example from the noble lady Fatima al Zahra who went to her father for all things that happened in her life. In times of worry, in times of pain or suffering, Fatima went to the noble messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him.

When in need go to the Messenger of Allah. He will bring you ease and solve your problems. Go by means of sending blessings. Remember him, send peace and blessings upon him, and he will seek assistance for you.

Follow in his footsteps, and he will light your way. Adorn yourself with his manners and you will be illumined. Then the light of Faith sets in the heart and manifests in every place and action.

Step Two: Seek to become like him

In following in his noble footsteps one learns to live fully. One learns to live faith. Footstep by footstep, day by day one remembers Allah. Faith is the everyday when fueled by intentions.

Every moment is an opportunity to illuminate all of your affairs. An opportunity to bring blessings into your life.

In following in his noble footsteps, in uttering his blessed words and doing what he has done, blessings and peace be upon him, one becomes alive to the reality of existing for Allah. Rejoice in the illumination of faith.

Resources for Seekers:

We are grateful to Othman Bin Affan Cabramatta Mosque for the video.

What We Need More Than Food or Water, by Shaykh Faid Mohammed Said

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Allah, Most High, tells us in Qur’an about the most important thing we need in our life; the thing that we need more than food and drink, more than family and friends, more than the air that we breathe: peace and tranquility. Shaykh Faid Mohammed Said explains.

Allah, Most High, placed absolute peace and tranquility in His remembrance, as He said in Surah Ar-Ra’d (28): “Those who believe and they find peace and tranquility in remembering Allah; verily, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are made tranquil.”

We would not enjoy anything if we do not have peace and tranquility in our hearts. You cannot enjoy the best of anything if your mind is all over the place, if you are worried about something, anxious to get something, or if something is bothering you.

Remembrance is to see the problem that you have, to recognize its magnitude, to not discount the problem and how it may affect your life, affect your reputation and relations, and when taking into account all of this your Remember the only solution – to say Ya Allah! This is Remembrance!

The Story of Musa

Remembrance is the story of Musa, may Allah bless him, when he was between the sea and the soldiers of the pharaoh, when no one saw a solution, Musa, may Allah bless him, said: “My Lord is with me and He will guide me” – that is Remembrance!

In that situation, Musa, may Allah bless him, was under pressure from the people of Israel, as they did not see other than the soldiers of the pharaoh and the sea, but Musa, may Allah bless him, said: “My Lord is with me and He will guide me!” (Surah Ash-Shu’ara,62)

The story of Abu Bakr

Remembrance is the story of Syedina Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, when he traveled on the night of hijrah with the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him,, and whilst in the cave Syedina Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, out of worry said, if they were to tie their shoelaces they would see us!

He realized that they were in a small place that was not protected – he was seeing the practicality of the situation out of his love and care for the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. But in response, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Do not be worried, indeed Allah, Most High, is with us!” the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, is teaching Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, and us that we take practical steps and do all that we can, but we do not rely on anyone other than Allah, Most High!

In that moment of worry, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, redirected our attention to say: “Indeed, Allah is with us!” – So do not be worried!

The story of Yaqub

Remembrance is the story of Yaqub, may Allah bless him, when he was tested by the loss of Syedina Yusuf, may Allah bless him, and his younger brother; he was blamed by his children when they said:

“By Allah , you will not cease remembering Yusuf until you become fatally ill or become of those who perish.”

In response, Yaqub, may Allah bless him, said: “Verily, I complain and I speak about my sadness to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you do not know.” (Surah Yusuf, 85-86)

So in that moment of sadness, when he needed to take a breath and talk about his sadness, Yaqub, may Allah bless him, spoke to Allah, Most High,! He knew Allah, Most High, would listen and not judge him, and that there was no One to listen, comfort or help him other than Him – that is Remembrance!

The Remembrance of Allah, Most High, is to remember His Mercy, His favors and in our moments of joy to thank Him – that is Remembrance, and that is gratefulness!

The Story of Sulaiman

Remembrance is the story that Allah, Most High, tells us in Surah An-Naml when the ant spoke to its fellow ants and said – go to your places so that Sulaiman, may Allah bless him, and his army do not crush you while they are unaware. Upon hearing this Sulaiman, may Allah bless him, smiled and said: “My Lord, enable me to be grateful for the blessings you have bestowed upon me and my parents, and enable me to do righteous deeds that please You. And by Your Rahma, admit me into the circle of your righteous slaves.”

When Sulaiman, may Allah bless him, heard what the ant was saying, while no one else heard, he did not think about his Prophethood or any good he has done that Allah, Most High, made him to be in that position, but rather, he did not only thank Allah, Most High, but he begged Allah, Most High, to make it easy for him and to facilitate his gratefulness for the favors that had been bestowed upon him and his parents – that is Remembrance!

Every time, in every place, secretly and openly

The Remembrance of Allah, Most High, is not limited to a time or place, as Allah, Most High, said in Surah Ahli-Imran (191): “…remember Allah while standing, sitting or lying on their sides…”

Remembrance is in every time, in every place, secretly and openly. That is why Allah, Most High, says: “And remember your Lord, alone, beg Him, when no one can see you, in the early morn and late in the evening, and do not be among the heedless. Indeed, those who are with your Lord (malaika) will never stop remembering Him; they glorify and worship Him.” (Surah Al-A’raf,205-206)

Remembering Allah, Most High, is the life vof the heart and the light of the heart! It is the foundation of all that is good. That is why Allah, Most High, said in Surah Al-Anfal (24):

“Oh you who believe respond to Allah, Most High, and to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, when they call you to that which brings life.”

That life and that light (nur) is in the Remembrance of Allah, Most High,! This remembrance is an invitation that has been given by Him and through the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. The Call is beyond our understanding our even conception, and that is why Allah, Most High, summarized its meaning by saying “when they call you to that which brings life”, it is the absolute life, and we only beg Allah, Most High, as Musa, may Allah bless him, begged Him in Surah Taha, to open our chests and our hearts to understanding the meaning of this life.

May Allah, Most High, bless you and your jummah with every khair.

[cwa id=’cta’]

Is It Permissible for a Person to Say ‘Allah’ Repeatedly as a Form of Remembrance?

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Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question: Assalam’aleykum,

Is it permissible for a person to say ‘Allah’ repeatedly as a form of Remembrance?

I thought we were supposed to worship Allah only in the ways He has delineated for us…

Answer: Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

I pray this finds you in the best of health and spirits.

The Divine Command to ‘make much remembrance of Allah’ is general, and anything considered ‘remembrance’ (dhikr) fulfills it. Given this, it is permitted by general agreement of the majority of Sunni scholarship to make dhikr of individual names of Allah, such as the Supreme Name, ‘Allah.’

Regarding worshipping Allah ‘only in the ways He has delineated for us’, one must understand:

a) what innovation is;

b) that the ways delineated for worship and practice in the Qur’an and Sunna are two types:

i) specific;

ii) general.

Specific implementations of general ways of worship and practice are accepted if in accordance with the principles of the Shariah, and rejected otherwise.

Please see: The Concept of Bid’a in the Islamic Shari’a

And Allah alone gives success.

Faraz Rabbani

Photo: GourangaUK

Ten Qualities of Those Seeking Closeness to Allah

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:53 — 15.4MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | Google Podcasts

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explains the ten qualities or stations of those seeking closeness to Allah. Using the classical work Manazil al-Sa’ireen by Khawaja Abdullah al Ansari of Herat, Shaykh Faraz gives a description of each quality, its basis in the Holy Qur’an and a brief commentary.

The ten qualities are:

1. Resolve (القصد)
2. Determination (العزم)
3. Seeking (الارادة)
4. Proper manners (أدب)
5. Certitude (يقين)
6. Intimacy (أنس)
7. Remembrance (ذكر)
8. Neediness (فقر)
9. Freedom of need (غنى)
10. Station of being sought (مقام المراد)

Is There Any Supplication to Die in a Good State of Faith?

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Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Assalam alaikum

1) Is there any supplication we can make so that when we die, we die in a good state of faith and free from sins?

2) Can we recite any supplication while in the last prostration? How do I send blessings to the Prophet (Peace and blesings be upon him)? What are the best remembrance I should do?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.

(1) Ask Allah for what you want. He loves to be asked. Ibn `Ata’illah said, “Whenever He loosens your tongue with a petition, know that He wants to give to you” [al-Hikam]

(2) I’d advise purchasing: The Book of Remembrances (Kitab al-Adhkar), by Imam Nawawi, and translated by Dr. Muhammad Is Waley. This is a compilation of supplications for numerous occasions.

See also:

Struggling to Have Children: Ten Key Etiquettes of Du’a

Sending Blessings on the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) after Asr on Fridays

Supplicating in Prostration

Important Details Regarding Making Supplications During the Prayer

Supplicating for Death in Madina & Burial in Baqi

Fighting Depression Through The Remembrance Of Allah

And Allah alone gives success.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

How Do I Cure Satanic Whispers Causing Bad Thoughts About Islam?

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Answered by Saira AbuBakr
Question: As Salamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh,
May Allah bless you all who are holding this website giving and helping us Muslims!
I am suffering from some deeply bad whispers. It’s not the kind that I can just ignore. Sometimes I think of deep philosophic thoughts which I can’t handle. I am trying to ignore them but I can’t do so effectively. I don’t really know what to do. All kind of thoughts are coming up like for an example bad thoughts about Allah and the Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Sometimes I think things things that lead me to think Shaytan is getting me to abandon my belief. When I get to that point, I try to reject the thoughts and say, “I believe in Allah, La ilaha illAllah, Muhammadar-rasulullah. Never will I loose my faith.” What should I do? These last days are starting to plague me. I try to study more, pray more, and even do more dhikr but my problems persist.
Answer: Walaikum salaam wa RahmatuAllah,
May Allah reward you for asking this question. May Allah ease your situation.
Increase in Knowledge
It is important, as you said, to continuously increase in knowledge. Be vigilant about going to circles of knowledge and blessed gatherings in general. If there aren’t many in your area, start one. Do this even if it is just you and one other brother. Don’t be concerned about the numbers. Make a sincere intention and the gathering will be blessed. From the blessing there will be increase and not the other way around.
Dhikr and Good Company
Continue the dhikr that you are doing. Couple this with righteous company. This is key and its importance cannot be underestimated.
The Messenger of Allah is reported to have said,
A person is on the religion (deen) of his close friend and so one should look at whom one befriends.
Know that it takes effort to maintain relationships and if misunderstandings happen, as they usually do, try to rectify them quickly. Another of shaitan’s ploys is to isolate the believer by baseless whisperings about other believers.
If you currently do not have friends from whom you can benefit, ask Allah to give you good company. Don’t give up. Keep asking. Facilitate for others what you wish from your Lord and you will reap its benefits in this World and the Next. God willing.
For more details to your question, please see Ustadh Abdullah Anik Misra’s excellent answers in the two links below:
Doubts About Islam: I Don’t Find Any Observable Effect or Peace in My Worship

Ridding Oneself of Depression and Suicidal Thoughts
God bless.

Turning Towards the Truth Through Remembrance of Allah – Friday Sermon by Shaykh Faraz Khan

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In this compelling Friday Khubah, Shaykh Faraz Khan speaks about the importance of disconnecting ourselves from the chaotic world that we are living in. On how to turn way from everything that distracts us from Allah. He speaks about turning to al Haq, the owner of the truth.
Shaykh Faraz reminds us about how believers should be in constant remembrance of Allah through their tongues and hearts. We should strive to make Allah the central focus of their lives. Only then can we attain tranquillity (sakinah) and make our lives solely for the sake of Allah. Our life, profession, family and responsibilities would mean nothing if the qiblah of our heart is not directed towards Allah al Haq.
Who is Shaykh Faraz Khan?
Shaykh Faraz Khan is currently teaching at Zaytuna College as part of the Living Links program, find out more here.

By Sister Lina.