Stories of the Qur'an - 3

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful                  

 Allah the Almighty says: {And put forward to them a similitude: the (story of the) dwellers of the town, when there came Messengers to them. When We sent to them two Messengers, they belied them both; so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: "Verily we have been sent to you as Messengers." They (people of the town) said: "You are only human beings like ourselves and the Most Gracious (Allah) has revealed nothing. You are only telling lies." The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you." And our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message)." They (people) said: "For us, we see an evil omen from you: if you cease not, we will surely stone you, and a painful torment will touch you from us."They (Messengers) said: "Your evil omens be with you! (Do you call it "evil omen") because you are admonished? Nay, but you are a people Musrifun (transgressing all bounds by committing all kinds of great sins, and by disobeying Allah). And there came a man running from the farthest part of the town. He said: "O my people! Obey the Messengers. " “Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided. "And why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned." "Shall I take besides Him alihah (gods)? If the Most Gracious (Allah) intends me any harm, their intercession will be of no use for me whatsoever, nor can they save me?" "Then verily, I should be in plain error." “Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!" It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew. "That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honored ones!" And We sent not against his people after him a host from the heaven, nor was it needful for Us to send (such a thing). It was but one Saihah (shout) and lo! They (all) were still (silent, dead, destroyed)}. (Ya-Sin, 13-29)

'Abdullah Ibn 'Abbas, Ka'b Al-Ahbar and Wahb Ibn Munabih and others narrated a story of a town called Antioch (Antakiyah), governed by the king Antikhis Ibn Antikhis. This king used to observe idol worship. Allah Almighty sent him three Messengers whom he severely belied. The Messengers were: Sadiq, Masduq and Shalom. It is evidently apparent that they were Messengers sent by Allah the Almighty. Qatadah claimed them to be messengers sent by Jesus Christ. The same view was held by Ibn Jarir after Wahb after Ibn Sulaiman after Shu' aib Al- Jiba'i who added that: those messengers were called: Shimon, Jonah and Paul and the town was called Antioch. This view is groundless because the people of Antioch when received three of the disciples of Jesus Christ (Peace be upon him) -were the first to believe in him at that very time. Thereupon, Antioch was one of the first four towns in which there first existed Christian Patriarchs. These four towns were Antioch, Jerusalem, Alexandria and Rome. However, the people of these towns were not destroyed, whereas the people of the aforementioned town in the Qur'anic verses were totally annihilated, following the killing of their companion whom Allah sent to admonish them. Allah the Almighty says: {It was but one Saihah (shout) and lo! They (all) were still (silent, dead and destroyed)}. (Ya-Sin, 29) There is no contradiction between the two interpretations, if the case was that the three Messengers of Allah were sent to the earlier dwellers of Antioch and that they were belied, the matter which incurred complete destruction. Then, their land was re-inhabited and during the lifetime of Jesus (Peace be upon him) the new dwellers believed in his three messengers.

The claim that the story mentioned in the Glorious Qur'an is that of the messengers of Jesus (Peace be upon him) is very absurd and groundless. Obviously, the context shows that they, the Messengers were sent by Allah the Almighty. Allah the Almighty says: {And put forward to them a similitude} i.e. for your people 0 Muhammad (Peace be upon him). {The (story of the) dwellers of the town, when there came Messengers to them. When We sent to them two Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third} i.e. We supported them with a third Messenger, {and they said: Verily we have been sent to you as Messengers}. The people of the town said that the Messengers were only human beings and they set aside the idea that Allah Almighty might send human beings as His Messengers to mankind.

The Messengers asserted that Allah knows that they have been sent to them and that if they lie to Him, He would certainly give them the severest of all punishment. They added: {our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message)} i.e. what they were sent with and that guidance and misleading are in the Hand of Allah the Almighty Alone. {They (people) said: For us, we see an evil omen from you} i.e. from what you have brought us. {If you cease not, we will surely stone you} with bad words and stones as well; {and a painful torment will touch you from us} i.e. they threatened them with afflicting humiliation (bad words) and killing (stoning to death). {They (Messengers) said: Your evil omens be with you!} i.e. they will badly affect you. {(Do you call it "evil omen ") because you are admonished?} i.e. because we reminded you with guidance and invited you to it you threatened us with killing and afflicting humiliation. {Nay, but you are a people Musrifun} i.e. you transgress all bounds by committing all kinds of sinful deeds, and by disobeying Allah.

Allah the Almighty says: {And there came a man running from the farthest part of the town} to support the Messengers and to declare his faith in them. {He said: 0 my people! Obey the Messengers. Obey those who ask no wages of you (for themselves), and who are rightly guided} i.e. they invite you to the absolute truth without asking wages or reward for themselves of you. Then he invited them to worship Allah Alone, and not to worship other than Him that can do nothing in this present life or in the Hereafter. {Then verily, I should be in plain error} i.e. if I abandoned the worship of Allah and worshipped anything else besides Him. Then, the believing man said to the three Messengers: {Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!}, i.e. you should listen to my statement and bear witness to this before your Lord. Or, 0 my people! Listen to my declaration of faith of these Messengers. Thereupon, the people killed him either by stoning him to death, or biting, or making one sudden assault against him. Narrated Ibn Ishaq after some of his counterparts on the authority of `Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud that the people stepped over his body till they broke his neck.

Narrated Ath-Thawri after `Asim Al-Ahwal after Abu Majlaz his saying: The name of that believing man was Habib Ibn Murriy who was said to be a carpenter, or rope-maker, or shoe-maker. It is also said that he used to observe his religious rituals in an isolated cave. `Abdullah Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: He was Habib, the carpenter who was afflicted with leprosy. He was charitable, but killed at the end at the hands of his own people.

Then, Allah the Almighty says: {Enter Paradise} i.e. when he was killed by his people, Allah Almighty admitted him into Paradise. When he saw of the pleasures and joys therein, he said: {Would that my people knew? That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honored ones!}, i.e. to believe in what I have believed in and thus gain what I have just obtained. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: He advised his people during his life saying: {O my people! Obey the Messengers}, and after his death {Would that my people knew? That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honored ones!}. In addition, Qatadah said: The believer always gives counseling because of what he sees of the rewards granted by Allah {Would that my people knew? That my Lord (Allah) has forgiven me, and made me of the honored ones!}, i.e. he wished that his people would know the honor Allah bestowed on him. Qatadah added: By Allah! Allah did not admonish or even blame those people after killing him (the believing man) {It was but one Saihah (shout) and lo! They (all) were still (silent, dead, destroyed)}. Allah the Almighty says: {And We sent not against his people after him a host from the heaven, nor was it needful for Us to send (such a thing)}, i.e. it was not needful for Allah the Almighty to send against them a host from the heaven to avenge the Messengers.

Mujahid and Qatadah said: This means that Allah did not send them another Message. Ibn Jarir said: The first interpretation looks more proper because Allah the Almighty says after this: {nor was it needful for Us to send (such a thing)}, i.e. Allah was not in need to send such a thing to punish them when they belied His Messengers and killed His godly man, {It was but one Saihah (shout) and lo! They (all) were still (silent, dead, destroyed)}.

Interpreters said: Allah the Almighty sent Gabriel (Peace be upon him) who maintained a grasp on their town's gate and made a single shout {one Saihah (shout) and lo! They (all) were still (silent, dead, destroyed)}, i.e. they turned to be silent, motionless and dead.

Finally, all these indicate that the town mentioned in the Qur'anic verses was not Antioch because the people of Antioch believed in Allah and followed the Messengers of Jesus (Peace be upon him). Moreover, Antioch was said to be the first town to declare faith in Jesus (Peace be upon him).

(from Stories of the Qur'an by Ibn Kathir)

see also:

Stories of the Qur'an 1 - Habil and Qabil
Stories of the Qur'an 2 - Harut and Marut
Stories of the Qur'an 3 - Dwellers of the Town
Stories of the Qur'an 4 - Story of the Cow
Stories of the Qur'an 5 - Moses and Al-Khidr
Stories of the Qur'an 6 - The Story of Qarun
Stories of the Qur'an 7 - Bilqis (Queen of Sheba)
Stories of the Qur'an 8 - The Story of Saba' (Sheba)
Stories of the Qur'an 9 - 'Uzair (Ezra)

Pray for the Blessed Land of Sham (Syria Crisis)

Friday Lectures (khutbah)

Pray for the Blessed Land of Sham (Syria Crisis)

Tafsir of Surah 107 - Small Kindnesses

In the name of God, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy

"[Prophet], have you considered the person who denies the Judgement?
It is he who pushes aside the orphan and does not urge others to feed the needy.
So woe to those who pray
but are heedless of their prayer;
those who are all show and forbid common kindnesses. "

(107) translated by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

Tafsir by Ibn Kathir

The Tafsir of Surat Al-Ma`un (Chapter - 107
Which was revealed in Makkah
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

{Have you seen him who denies Ad-Din? That is he who repulses the orphan, And urges not the feeding of Al-Miskin. So, woe unto those performers of Salah, Those who with their Salah are Sahun.
Those who do good deeds only to be seen, And withhold Al-Ma`un.}

Allah says,
{O Muhammad! Have you seen the one who denies the Din}. Here the word Din means the Hereafter, the Recompense and the Final Reward.

{That is he who repulses the orphan,}  meaning, he is the one who oppresses the orphan and does not give him his just due. He does not feed him, nor is he kind to him.

{And urges not the feeding of Al-Miskin.} This is as Allah says, {Nay! But you treat not the orphans with kindness and generosity! And urge not one another on the feeding of Al-Miskin!} (89:17-18) meaning, the poor man who has nothing to sustain him and suffice his needs. Then Allah says,

{So, woe unto those performers of Salah, those who with their Salah are Sahun.} Ibn `Abbas and others have said, "This means the hypocrites who pray in public but do not pray in private.'' Thus, Allah says,

{unto those performers of Salah,} They are those people who pray and adhere to the prayer, yet they are mindless of it. This may either be referring to its act entirely, as Ibn `Abbas said, or it may be referring to performing it in its stipulated time that has been legislated Islamically. This means that the person prays it completely outside of its time.


This was said by Masruq and Abu Ad-Duha:

`Ata' bin Dinar said, "All praise is due to Allah, the One Who said, {with their Salah are Sahun.} and He did not say, `those who are absent minded in their prayer.''' It could also mean the first time of the prayer, which means they always delay it until the end of its time, or they usually do so. It may also refer to not fulfilling its pillars and conditions, and in the required manner. It could also mean performing it with humility and contemplation of its meanings. The wording of the Ayah comprises all of these meanings. However, whoever has any characteristic of this that we have mentioned then a portion of this Ayah applies to him. And whoever has all of these characteristics, then he has completed his share of this Ayah, and the hypocrisy of actions is fulfilled in him. This is just as is confirmed in the Two Sahihs that the Messenger of Allah said,

"This is the prayer of the hypocrite, this is the prayer of the hypocrite, this is the prayer of the hypocrite. He sits watching the sun until it is between the two horns of Shaytan. Then he stands and pecks four (Rak`ahs) and he does not remember Allah (in them) except very little."

This Hadith is describing the end of the time for the `Asr prayer, which is the middle prayer as is confirmed by a text (Hadith). This is the time in which it is disliked to pray. Then this person stands to pray it, pecking in it like the pecking of a crow. He does not have tranquility or humility in it at all. Thus, the Prophet said, "He does not remember Allah (in them) except very little." He probably only stands to pray it so that the people will see him praying, and not seeking the Face of Allah. This is just as if he did not pray at all. Allah says,

{Verily, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allah, but it is He Who deceives them. And when they stand up with laziness and to be seen of men, and they do not remember Allah but little.} (4:142) and Allah says here,

{Those who do good deeds only to be seen,} Imam Ahmad recorded from `Amr bin Murrah that he said, "We were sitting with Abu `Ubaydah when the people mentioned showing-off. A man known as Abu Yazid said, "I heard `Abdullah bin `Amr saying that the Messenger of Allah said,

"Whoever tries to make the people hear of his deed, Allah, the One Who hears His creation, will hear it and make him despised and degraded.''  from what is related to His statement,

{Those who do good deeds only to be seen.} is that whoever does a deed solely for Allah, but the people come to know about it, and he is pleased with that, then this is not considered showing off. Allah said:

{And withhold Al-Ma`un.} This means that they do not worship their Lord well, nor do they treat His creation well. They do not even lend that which others may benefit from and be helped by, even though the object will remain intact and be returned to them. These people are even stingier when it comes to giving Zakah and different types of charity that bring one closer to Allah. Al-Mas`udi narrated from Salamah bin Kuhayl who reported from Abu Al-`Ubaydin that he asked Ibn Mas`ud about Al-Ma`un and he said, "It is what the people give to each other, like an axe, a pot, a bucket and similar items.''

This is the end of the Tafsir of Surat Al-Ma`un, and all praise and thanks are due to Allah.

(from Tafsir Ibn Kathir)

Recommended Read: Face to Face - Maqrur of Paradise & Masrur of Fire

The events of the story take place in both the worldly life and the Hereafter.

Masrur was a ruler who was an unbeliever, whereas Maqrur was a true believer. The story traces the footsteps of their lives to the gates of Hell-fire and Paradise.

Really, it is a great story that inspires wisdom to some and admonishes others.

The Incidents of Hadhrat Rib'ee (r.a.) Hadhrat Hudhayfah (r.a.) and Hadhrat Mughiera (r.a.) with Rustam at Qadisiyyah

Hadhrat Muhammad (r.a.), Hadhrat Talha, Hadhrat Amr (r.a.) and Hadhrat Ziyaad (r.a.) all report that Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas (r.a.) sent for Hadhrat Mughiera (r.a.) and few others, and said to them, "I intend sending you to those people (the Persians). What have you to say about it?" They all said in one voice, "We shall do as you command and do no more. If a situation arises concerning which there are no directives from you, we shall look for what is best and most beneficial for the people and discuss that with them."

Hadhrat Sa'd (r.a.) then said to them, "Such is the behaviour of intelligent and experienced people. Go and get ready." Hadhrat Rib'ee bin Aamir (r.a.) then said, "The non-Arabs have their own peculiar ideas and etiquette and if we all go to them, they will feel that we are placing them on a pedestal. Do not send more than one person." When the other agreed with this, Hadhrat Rib'ee (r.a.) volunteered to go first Hadhrat Sa'd (r.a.) then sent him and Hadhrat Ub'ee (r.a.) left to meet Rustam in his cantonment.

However, the sentries at the bridge stopped Hadhrat Rib'ee (r.a.) and sent a message to Rustam, informing him of the arrival. Rustam consulted with some leaders of Persia, asking, ''What are your opinions? Should we boast only about our military superiority or should we make them feel worthless (by displaying our wealth and riches)?" They were all unanimous about making the Muslims seem worthless, so they made a display of their opulent commodities, they laid out exquisite carpets and cushions and spared nothing in their effort. A golden throne was made for Rustam and he dressed most lavishly. Expensive rugs and cushions woven with gold thread were also laid out.

Hadhrat Rib'ee (r.a.) arrived on his short, long-haired horse, carrying a shining sword. His scabbard was a pouch made of old cloth and his spear was tied with a leather strap. He also carried a shield made of cow's hide, the face of which had round patches of red leather that resembled rotis (1). He also carried his bow and arrows with him. When he came to the court and reached the first of the rugs, he was told to alight from his horse. He however rode the horse on the rug and alighted only when it stood properly on the rug. He then tore up two cushions, pierced the horse's reins through them and tied the horse up. All this while, the people there were unable to stop him. Hadhrat Rib'ee (r.a.)   knew well that they were displaying everything to him to make him feel inferior, so he wished to get the upper hand over them (because of which, he did what he did to show them that their wealth held no attraction for him).

The armour Hadhrat Rib'ee (r.a.) was wearing flowed over him like a dam and he wore the hide of a camel over it like a cloak. He had made a hole in the hide, drew it over his head and tied it about his waist with a cord made from plant fibres. Hadhrat Rib'ee (r.a.) was amongst the hairiest of all Arabs and his hair was tied with the leather reins of a camel. His hair was separated into four locks that stood like the horns of a mountain goat.

The people told him to put down his weapons, to which he replied, "I have not come here by my own accord, so you cannot instruct me to drop my weapons. It is you who have sent for me, so if you do not want me to come as I please, I might as well go back." When this was reported to Rustam, he said, "Allow him in. He is but one person." Hadhrat Rib'ee (r.a.) arrived, leaning on his spear that had a sharp head. He took short steps and tore the rugs and cushions (with the spear) as he walked. There was no cushion or rug that he did not ruin, leaving them all torn and tattered after him.

When he came up to Rustam, the sentries surrounded him. Hadhrat Rib'ee then sat on the ground and stuck his spear into the rug. "What made you do that?" they asked, Hadhrat Rib'ee replied, "We do not like to sit on those decorated places of yours." Rustam then addressed Hadhrat Rib'ee saying, "What brings you here?" "Allaah has sent us," Hadhrat Rib'ee replied, "Allaah has sent us to remove whoever He wills from servitude to man and to lead him to the servitude of Allaah. Allaah has sent us to remove them from the narrowness of this world towards its vastness and from the oppression of other religions, towards the justice of Islaam ... "

The narration then continues, as has been quoted in the chapter discussing the Da'wah that the Sahabah gave during the Khilaafah of Hadhrat Umar (r.a.). The narration proceeds to state that Rustam said to the courtiers (when they criticised Hadhrat Rib'ee's appearance), "Shame on you! Do not look at clothing but rather look at the prudence, the speech and the personality. The Arabs care little for clothing and food but are covetous about their lineage. They do not dress like you and have different tastes."

The Persians then approached Hadhrat Rib'ee (r.a.) to have a look at his weapons, regarding them to be inferior. He said to them, "Do you wish to show me your military prowess and I shall show you mine?" He then drew his sword from his cloth pouch and it flashed like a flame of fire. "Sheath it!" they called out (in terror). He then sheathed his sword. They then fired arrows at his shield while he fired arrows at theirs. Their shield was shattered while his shield remained intact. He then addressed them saying, "0 Persians! While you have given great importance to food and drink, we treat it with little ceremony." He then went back after giving them time (three days) to consider their position.

The following day, the Persians sent a message saying that they wanted the same person sent back to them. Hadhrat Sa'd (r.a.) however sent Hadhrat Hudhayfah bin Mihsin (r.a.). He also arrived in simple attire as Hadhrat Rib'ee wore. When he also came to the first rug, he was told to alight from his animal. He however said, "That I would have done if I had come to you for my own needs.  Ask your king whether I have come for his need or for mine, If he says that it is for my own need, he is lying and I shall return and leave you alone. However, if he says that it is for his own need, then I shall come as I please."

Rustam instructed the sentries to allow Hadhrat Hudhayfah (r.a.) in and he rode up to Rustam who was seated on his throne. "You may get off your animal," Rustam said. "I shall not," Hadhrat Hudhayfah replied. When he saw that Hadhrat Hudhayfah would not get off the animal, Rustam asked, 'What is the matter that you have come and not your companion who came yesterday?"

Hadhrat Hudhayfah (r.a.) replied, "Our leader wishes to treat us equally in favourable and adverse conditions. It is my turn today." 'What brings you people here?" Rustam asked. Hadhrat Hudhayfah (r.a.) replied, "Allaah has favoured us with His religion and shown us His signs until we realised that it was the truth even though we had been opposed to it. He then commanded us to invite people to one of three options. We shall accept any of the three options they choose. Either you accept Islaam and we shall leave you alone. Otherwise, you may choose to pay the Jizya and we shall stand in your defence whenever the need arises. The next option is battle." "Do we have a few days to enter into an agreement?" Rustam asked. Hadhrat Hudhayfah (r.a.) replied,  "You have three days which started yesterday."

When Rustam received from Hadhrat Hudhayfah (r.a.) nothing more than he got from Hadhrat Rib'ee (r.a.), he sent him away and addressed his companions saying, "Shame on you people! Do you not see what I see? The first man came to us yesterday and defeated us on our premises. He degraded what we were enamoured with, stood his horse on our opulence and even tied his horse to it. He took a good omen from what he did and returned to his people, taking some of our soil with him. That was apart from his superior intelligence. Today this other man arrived and stood over us, also taking a good omen from it by taking our land after expelling us from it." Rustam however, infuriated the others and they also infuriated him (by refusing to listen to him).

The following day, the Persians again asked for someone to be sent to them and this time, Hadhrat Mughiera bin Shu'ba (r.a.) was sent.(2) Another narration continues the narrative, saying that when Hadhrat Mughiera  (r.a.) reached the bridge to cross over into Persian territory, he was halted by the sentries who first sought permission from Rustam to allow him in. The Persians, however, did not leave out any of the pomp and ceremony in their effort to make the Arabs feel inferior. Therefore, when Hadhrat Mughiera (r.a.) arrived, the Persians still boasted their opulence. They wore crowns, garments woven from gold threads and carpets were laid out the distance that an arrow travelled. The only way to reach the king was over this length of carpet.

Hadhrat Mughiera (r.a.) who also wore four locks of hair, walked up to Rustam and sat with him on his throne and cushion. The courtiers sprang up, grabbed at him and brought him down, even hitting him mildly. Hadhrat Mughiera (r.a.) addressed them saying, "We have always heard that you people were intelligent, but I do not think that there is any nation more foolish than you. We Arabs treat each other as equals and do not make slaves of each other unless circumstances of war demand. I had always thought that you people also practice equality amongst yourselves just as we do. Rather than doing what you just did, it would have been better if you just told me that some of you prevail as masters over others. If sitting beside Rustam was not palatable to you, we will then not do so again. I would have not come to you had you not sent for me, but today I can see that your sovereignty is soon to vanish and that you will be vanquished because no power can survive with such a way of life and with such a mentality." (Hearing this) The common people shouted, "The Arab is right!" To this, the leaders remarked, "By Allaah! He has made a statement towards which our slaves will always be referring us! May Allaah destroy our elders! How foolish were they to regard these people (the Arabs) as insignificant (they should have realised the threat and wiped them out a long time ago) ... " The narration then continues to mention the questions Rustam asked and the replies Hadhrat Mughiera (r.a.) gave him. (3)

1) Round unleavened bread commonly eaten in Eastern countries.
(1) Ibn Jareer (Vol.3 Pg.33}.
(3) Ibn Jareer (Vol3 Pg.36).

(From Hayatus Sahabah by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)

Boys & Girls - A Love Story - By Shaykh Abu Eesa Niamatullah

see also: Part 2 Q+A Session

Boys & Girls - A Love Story Part 2 Q&A - By Shaykh Abu Eesa Niamatullah

See also: Part 1

The Forbidden Love

"It starts with the unrestrained look, the smile, the talk, the being alone, the touch, and finally the zinaa (fornication)."

An excerpt from the lecture "The Forbidden Love" by Kamal el Mekki. Listen to complete lecture here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHNsi4hnCa8.

Fasting tomorrow on the 9th and 10th of Muharram

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas (r.a.):

 When the Prophet (s.a.w.) came to Medina, he found (the Jews) fasting on the day of 'Ashura' (i.e. 10th of Muharram). They used to say: "This is a great day on which Allah saved Moses and drowned the folk of Pharaoh. Moses observed the fast on this day, as a sign of gratitude to Allah." The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, "I am closer to Moses than they." So, he observed the fast (on that day) and ordered the Muslims to fast on it.   (Sahih Bukhari Book #55, Hadith #609)
                
 Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan (r.a.) relates: I heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) say: "It is the day of ‘Ashura. Allah (s.w.t.) has not made fasting obligatory for you. But I am fasting. He who likes to observe fast among you should do so, and he who likes not to observe it (does not have to) observe it." (Sahih Muslim)

Abu Qatada (r.a) relates that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said that the fast on the 10th of Muharram atones for the sins of the preceding year. (Sahih Muslim)

It is best to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th because the Jewish people used to fast on the 10th and Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.) said:

"Observe the fast of Ashura and oppose the Jews. Fast a day before it or a day after."  (Baihaqi)

Ibn Abbas (r.a.) said:

"When Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) observed the fast of the day of Ashura and ordered (his Companions) to fast, they said: `O Rasulullaah! It is a day revered (glorified) by the Jews and Christians.' Thereupon Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) said: "The coming year, if Allah wills (I remain alive), I will for surely fast on the ninth (also)." (Muslim)

Honesty and Dishonesty

Ja'far ibn Sulayman ad-Duba'i says: I heard Malik ibn Dinar saying:

"Honesty and Dishonesty wage war against each other in the heart until one of them dispells the other.
Honesty starts weak just as the date palm: a single branch appears first. If a child breaks it, its source is destroyed. If a goat eats it, its source is destroyed But if it is irrigated, it spreads. When it is irrigated further, it spreads further till it develops a strong root, it then provides shade, and then fruit that is eaten.

In like manner, honesty starts weak in the heart. The person seeks it and so Allah increases it. The person seeks it further so Allah increases it more. Allah eventually makes it a source of blessing for the person and his speech becomes a medication for those who are in error."

Ja'far says: "Malik ibn Dinar continues: 'Have you not seen them?' He pauses for a while and says: 'By Allah! We have certainly seen them. [They are] Hasan al-Basri, Sa'id ibn Jubayr and their like. Allah causes the speech of a single person from among them to give life to large groups of people.
Abu Nu'aym: Hilyah al-Auliya, vol 2 p.359

A'ishah (r.a.) says: There was no trait that was more wicked in the sight of the Companions of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) than dishonesty. No sooner Rasulullah (s.a.w.) learnt that one of them [Companions] had some dishonesty in him, he would work on him till he repented".
Ahmad ibn Hambal: al-'Ilal wa Ma'rifah ar-Rijal, vol.1, p.406

from 'The  Sunnah Way of the Sufis' by Imam Harith al-Muhasibi.

Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr (r.a.) Rebukes a Jinn

Hadhrat Aamir bin Abdullaah bin Zubayr (r.a.) reports that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr was returning from Umrah with a group of people belonging to the Quraysh. They were at Yanaasib when they noticed a man sitting beneath a tree. Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr (r.a.) went up to him and greeted him with Salaam. The man paid no heed to him and gave only a feeble reply. When Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr (r.a.) alighted from his animal, the man did not move and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr had to ask him to move from the shade. The man reluctantly complied.

Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Zubayr (r.a.) himself says, "I then sat down and, holding him by the arm, I asked who he was. 'I am a man from the Jinn,' came the reply. He had hardly spoken the words when every hair on my body stood on end. I then pulled at him saying, 'You are a man from the Jinn and have the audacity to appear before me like this?!' I noticed that he had the legs of an animal and when I rebuked him, he started to become meek. I further said, 'You behave so impudently before me when you are a Dhimmi?' He then fled.

When my companions arrived, they asked, 'Where is the man who was with you?' 'He was a man from amongst the Jinn,' I replied, 'and he ran away.' Every one of them then fell from his animal and I had to take them all and tie them to their animals. I then led them for Hajj without any of them returning to their complete sense." 

Ibn Mubaarak.

(From Hayatus Sahabah by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)

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Ramadan Mubarak!

Happy Ramadan to all brothers and sisters

xxx

Hadhrat Ali (r.a.) once stood up to deliver a lecture saying, "All praise belongs to Allaah Who has created creation, Who breaks the dawn, Who will resurrect the dead and raise all within the graves. I testify that there is none worthy of worship but Allaah and I testify that Muhammad (s.a.w.) is the servant and Rasul (messenger) of Allaah.

I emphatically advise you to adopt Taqwa. Remember that the best means of attaining proximity to Allaah is by Imaan and Jihaad in the path of Allaah. It is also most effectively attained by the Kalimah of Sincerity that is most natural, by establishing salaah, which is part of the true creed, by paying zakaah, which one of the obligatory duties and by fasting during the month of Ramadhaan, which happens to be a shield against Allaah's punishment. Furthermore, it is attained by making Hajj at the Kabah, which eliminates poverty and obliterates sins. Fostering good family ties is also a means (of attaining proximity to Allaah) since it causes one's wealth to increase, one's lifespan to be extended and love within the family to grow. Sadaqah should also be given in secret because it erases sin and extinguishes the wrath of your Rabb. Good deeds need also be carried out because it thwarts a bad death and safeguards one against being floored by abject circumstances. Engage abundantly in Allaah's Dhikr because it is the best thing to engage the toungue with. You must look forward to the promises Allaah has made to the people of Taqwa because Allaah's promises are the most truthful of all promises.

Follow the guidance of your Nabi because it is the best of all guidance and adopt his way of life because it is the best of practices to follow. Learn the Book of Allaah because it is the best of all speeches and develop a deep understanding of Allaah's Deen because it is the spring of the heart. Treat (physical and spiritual) illnesses with its light because the Qur'aan is definitely a cure for all that hearts contain. Recite the Qur'aan beautifully because it is the most beautiful of all narratives and when it is recited to you, listen attentively and remain silent so that mercy may be showered on you. When you have been inspired to study the Qur'aan, practise what you have learnt so that you may receive guidance.

Remember that the practising Aalim who does not practise his knowledge, he would be just like the tyrannical ignoramus who cannot be straightened because of his ignorance. In fact, I feel that the regret is more lasting and the case stronger against the Aalim who forsakes his knowledge as opposed to the ignoramus who is confused in his ignorance. Both these persons are astray and destroyed.

Never entertain doubts because it will plunge you into misgivings and it is such misgivings that will lead you to kufr. Do not also practice on concessions because you will then soon become too compromising and as soon as you compromise on the truth, you will lose plenty. Bear in mind that it is an act of intelligence that you rely on Allaah but this reliance should not be such that it leads you to deception. The person who most wishes well for himself will be the most obedient to his Rabb whereas the one who is most deceived will be most disobedient to his Rabb. The person who obeys Allaah will remain safe and happy while the one who disobeys Allaah will remain in fear and have regrets. Furthermore, you must also pray to Allaah for conviction and always show Him your desire for well-being. In fact, conviction is the best of all things that remain entrenched within the heart. The best of all matters are those that are the most resolute while the worst of them are those that have been fabricated. Remember that every fabricated matter is a Bid'ah and every person who fabricates is engaging in Bid'ah. Such a person will be destroying (the Deen) because whenever he fabricates a Bid'ah, he is forsaking a Sunnah.

Those truly at a loss are those whose Deen is at a loss and who have put their own souls at the losing end (by disobeying Allaah). Verily ostentation is a part of Shirk, while sincerity is a part of good deeds and Imaan. Gatherings of futility make one forget the Qur'aan, are attended by Shaytaan and invite people to misguidance. Remaining in the company of (non-Mahram) women causes the heart to stray and captivates the eyes because women are indeed the traps of Shaytaan.

Be true to Allaah because Allaah is with those who are true and abstain from lying because lying is the antithesis of Imaan. Always bear in mind that the truth stands at the peak of salvation and honour while lying stands at the peak of destruction and devastation. Listen well! Always speak the truth and you will be known for it, practise it and you will be amongst its worthy bearers. Always return trusts to those who have entrusted goods with you. Join ties with those family members who have severed them and be gracious to those who deprive you. Fulfil the pledges you undertake with people, ensure that you exercise justice when passing judgement and never boast about your ancestors before each other. Never call each other names, never make fun of each other and never make each other angry. Assist the poor, the oppressed, those in debt, those striving in the path of Allaah, the beggars and slaves and always show mercy to widows and orphans. Make Salaam common amongst you and reply to the Salaam of those who greet you/ using the same words or words that are better. (He then recited the verse:) {Assist each other in good works (virtue and piety) and Taqwa and do not assist each other in sin and transgression (oppression and injustice). Fear (the punjshment of) Allaah! Most surely Allaah is severe in punishment.} [Surah Maa'idah, verse 2] Entertain guests, be good to your neighbour, visit the ill, accompany funeral processions and, 0 servants of Allaah, behave like brothers.

Furthermore, I wish to add that this world has turned its back and bid farewell, whereas the Aakhirah has arrived and is straining its eyes to look. Today (this world) is the time for the race while tomorrow it will be seen who has gone ahead. The winner will have Jannah while at the other end is Jahannam.

Behold! You are passing through days of respite which are followed by your death that is approaching very fast. Therefore, whoever does good deeds sincerely for Allaah during the days of respite before his death, has really done well and will have what he hopes for. On the other hand, whoever is neglectful of doing good will be at a loss for good deeds, will have shattered hopes and will actually come to harm because of his hopes. You must do good deeds with hope of reward as well as in fear (for punishment). If you are overcome with hope, then be grateful to Allaah and couple it with fear. Then, if you are overcome with fear, remember Allaah and couple it with hope because Allaah has announced that men shall have Jannah in return for their good deeds and will have an increase (in bounties) for their gratitude. I have never seen a place like Jannah yet its seeker is asleep. I have also not seen a place like Jahannam, yet the one who ought to be running away from it is also asleep. I have also not seen anyone earn as much as the one who earns for the day when treasures will be accumulated, when secrets will be exposed and when all major sins are collected together. Take note of the fact that whoever does not benefit from the truth will still be harmed by falsehood and the one whom guidance does not put on the straight path will certainly be led away (from the straight path) by misguidance. The one whom conviction does not benefit will be harmed by doubt and the one who does not benefit from what is before him will be one-eyed when viewing something far off and even more helpless when it comes to things that are not present. You have been instructed to travel (to the Aakhirah) and have been shown where to find the provisions for the journey. What I fear most for you people is that you follow the dictates of your passion and that you entertain long hopes of the future. As for entertaining long hopes, it makes one forget the Aakhirah, whereas following one's passions distances one from the truth.

Listen well! While this world has already embarked on its return journey, the Aakhirah has just commenced its arrival. Both these places have their sons, so as far as possible, you should endeavour to be amongst the sons of the Aakhirah and not amongst the sons of this world. While today you have the opportunity for actions without reckoning, tomorrow you will face reckoning without the
opportunity for actions." (1)


1) Al Bidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vol. 7 Pg.30). Haafidh Ibn Katheer states that this lecture is most  eloquent and comprehensive in enjoining good and forbidding evil and has been narrated through
many unbroken chains of narrators.

(From 'Hayatus Sahabah' by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)

The Sermon Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) Delivered upon the Arrival of Ramadhan

As Narrated by Hadhrat Salmaan (r.a.)

Hadhrat Salmaan (r.a.) reports that on the last day of Sha'baan, Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) addressed the Sahabah saying, "0 people! A great and blessed month is dawning upon you. It is a month that includes a day that is better than a thousand months. Allaah has made fasting compulsory in this month and standing in (Taraaweeh) salaah an act of tremendous merit. Whoever carries out an act of virtue (Nafl) during this month will receive the reward of carrying out a Fardh during any other month and whoever carries out a Fardh act during this month will receive the reward of carrying out seventy Fardh acts during any other month.

It is a month of patience and the reward for patience is Jannah. It is also a month of sympathy and a month when the sustenance of a Mu'min is increased. Whoever provides something for a fasting person to terminate his fast shall receive the reward of the fasting person without his reward being diminished in the least."
"0 Rasulullaah!" the Sahabah submitted, "Not all of us can afford something to give a fasting person to terminate his fast." Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) consoled them saying, "Allaah shall grant this reward to any person who gives a fasting person even a single date or a sip of water or milk to drink.

It is a month that has mercy at the beginning, forgiveness in the middle and emancipation from Jahannam at the end. For the person who makes work light for his slaves during this month, Allaah will forgive him and free him from Jahannam. In this month, you should endeavour to do four things in abundance. Two of these will please your Rabb while you cannot do without the other two. The two that will please your Rabb are to recite the Shahaadah 'Laa Ilaaha Illallaah' and to seek Allaah's forgiveness. As for the two without which you cannot do, it is to beg Allaah for Jannah and to seek protection from Jahannam. Whoever gives the fasting person something to drink to end the fast, Allaah shall give him such a drink from my pond after which he shall never be thirsty ever again." (1)


The Lecture Rasulullaah  (s.a.w.) Gave Stating that the sins of Muslims are forgiven on the First Night of Ramadhaan

Hadhrat Anas (r.a.) reports that when Ramadhaan drew close, Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) addressed them briefly at the time of Maghrib. Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) said, "Ramadhaan is arriving, so welcome it. Take note that on the first night of Ramadhaan there is not a soul from the people of the Qibla who is not forgiven..(2)


The Lecture Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) Gave Stating that the Shayaateen are Chained and that Du'aas are Accepted During Ramadhaan

Hadhrat Ali (r.a.) reports that on the first night of Ramadhaan, Rasulullaah stood up to address the Sahabah. After duly praising Allaah, he said, "Allaah has seen to your enemy from the jinn and promised to accept your du'aas. Allaah says: {Supplicate (make du'aa)  to Me and I shall respond.'} {Surah Mu'min, verse 60}

Allaah has appointed seven angels to (guard) every rebellious Shaytaan and Shaytaan is therefore unable to escape until the end of Ramadhaan. Take note also that the doors of the heavens are wide open from the first night of Ramadhaan until the end and all du'aas in this month are accepted."

Hadhrat Ali (r.a.)  says further, "When the first of the last ten nights of Ramadhaan arrived, Rasulullaah  (s.a.w.) would tighten his loincloth, leave his wives, sit in I'tikaaf and spend all night in Ibaadah." When someone asked Hadhrat Ali (r.a.) what he meant by tightening the loincloth, he explained that RasululIaah (s.a.w.) would separate from his wives during that period. (3)


(I) Ibn Khuzaymah. as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (VoU Pg.218). Bayhaqi and Ibn Hibbaan have reported a similar narration, as has Ibn Najjaar, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.4 Pg.323).
(2) Ibn Najjaar, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.4 Pg.325).
(3) lsfahaani, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol4 Pg.323).

(From 'Hayatus Sahabah' by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)

Signs Before The Day of Judgement - Part 2

The Greater Signs of the Hour

After the lesser signs of the Hour appear and increase, mankind will have reached a stage of great suffering. Then the awaited Mahdi will appear; he is the first of the greater, and clear, signs of the Hour. There will be no doubt about his existence, but this will only be clear to the knowledgeable people. The Mahdi will rule until the False Messiah (al-Maseeh ad-Dajjaal) appears, who will spread oppression and corruption. The only ones who will know him well and avoid his evil will be those who have great knowledge and Eemaan (faith).

The false Messiah will remain for a while, destroying mankind completely, and the earth will witness the greatest Fitnah (tribulation) in its history. Then the Messiah Jesus (a.s.) will descend, bringing justice from heaven. He will kill the Dajjaal, and there will be years of safety and security. Then the appearance of Ya'jooj and Ma'jooj (Gog and Magog) will take mankind by surprise, and corruption will overtake them again. In answer to Jesus' faithful prayer to Allaah (s.w.t.), they will die, and safety, security, justice and stability will return. This state of affairs will continue for some years, until the death of Jesus. The Ulamaa differ concerning the order in which the other greater signs of the Hour will come about. They are:

• The destruction of the Ka'bah and the recovery of its treasure.

• The rising of the sun from the west.

• The emergence of the Beast from the earth.

• The smoke.

• A wind will take the souls of the believers.

• The Qur'aan will be taken up into heaven.

• A fire will drive the people to their last gathering place.

• The Trumpet will be sounded: at the first sound everyone will feel terror; at the second sound all will be struck down; at the last sound all will be resurrected.

(from The Signs Before The Day of Judgement by Ibn Kathir)


Imam Mahdi, The Dajjal, Prophet Isa (Jesus) pbuh, Yajooj and Majooj

Please see:

  Imam Mahdi, The Dajjal, Prophet Isa (Jesus pbuh) and Yajooj and Majooj (Gog and Magog)

 Hadith regarding the sighting of the Dajjal


After Gog and Magog what?

Jesus Christ (as) will live on after the death of Yajooj-Majooj. He will die afterwards and be buried alongside the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) His Khalifah or successor will rule with great justice and piety. Several rulers will follow and slowly and gradually corruption and evil will creep in again.

Atheism and ignorance will prevail the earth again. (adapted from 'Islam, Jesus, Mehdi, Qadyanis and Doomsday' by Prof. Mohammad Abdullah)


Three Major Landslides or Swallowing of the Earth

Huthafah ibn Asad (r.a.) said, "The Prophet (s.a.w.), came over us as we were studying among ourselves (knowledge pertaining to) the Hour. He said, 'What are you discussing?' We said, 'We are mentioning (affairs pertaining to) the Hour.' He said, 'Indeed it will not come until you see ten signs: The smoke, the Dajjaal, the beast, the rising of the sun from the West, the descending of 'Eesa ibn Maryam, Yajooj and Majooj, three Khusoof (plural of Khasf, the swallowing of the earth and all that is on it) — the Khasf of the East, the Khasf of the West, and the Khasf of the Arabian Peninsula — and the last of them is a fire that will emerge from the East and that will steer people to their place of gathering." (Ahmad)

Here is another hadith mentioning Khasf:

Abdullah ibn 'Amr (r.a.) related that he heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) say, "When you see that my nation dreads saying to the oppressor, 'Indeed you are an oppressor,' then they have taken their leave (i.e. their existence and non-existence amounts to the same thing)." (Ahmad)

And the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said, "There will be Qadfh (heavy winds with stones flying), Khasf (swallowing of the earth with those on it), and Maskh (transformation of people into animals)."

The Smoke That Will Occur Before The Day Of Resurrection

Allah s.w.t. said:

"Then wait you for the Day when the sky will bring forth a visible smoke. Covering the people, this is a painful torment. (They will say): "Our Lord! Remove the torment from us, really we shall become believers!" How can there be for them an admonition (at the time when the torment has reached them), when a Messenger explaining things clearly has already come to them. Then they had turned away from (Messenger Muhammad ) and said: "One (Muhammad s.a.w.) taught (by a human being), a madman!" Verily, We shall remove the torment for a while. Verily! You will revert. On the Day when We shall seize you with the greatest grasp. Verily, We will exact retribution." (Qur'an 44:10-16.)

The apparent meaning of the Qur'an indicates the existence of Smoke from the sky that will envelop and cover the people.  According to a hadith, a thick fog or smoke will envelope the skies for 40 days. Believers will develop a cold and the infidels will lapse into unconsciousness. After a while, the skies will clear up.

The Night of Three Nights and the Rising of the Sun in the West

A night will come in the month of zill Hajj (sometime after Eidul Adha) which will be too long (unusually so). People and animals will become restless. Adults and children will be overtaken with extreme anxiety and they will repent. This night will end after a length of three nights. 

After the previous event, (the night of three nights) the Sun will finally arise but instead of from the usual east it will rise from the west and its rays will be extremely dull. When it reaches the Meridian it will return and set in the West as usual. At this time no repentance will be accepted. No sins will be forgiven. Nobody can become a Muslim or believer now. It is the end of Taubah. Before this event, there was Taubah (Muslim)
Allah (s.w.t.) says in the Holy Qur'an

"Do they then wait for anything other than that the angels should come to them, or that your Lord should come, or that some of the Signs of your Lord should come (i.e. portents of the Hour e.g., arising of the sun from the west! The day that some of the Signs of your Lord do come, no good will it do to a person to believe then, if he believed not before, nor earned good (by performing deeds of righteousness) through his Faith. Say: "Wait you! We (too) are waiting" (Qur'an 6:158)

Abu Hurairah (r.a) related that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said, "The Hour will not arrive until the sun rises from its West. When it rises (from its west) and when the people will see it, they will all believe, and that is when no good will it do to a person to believe then (if he believed not before)." The Prophet then recited the above mentioned Verse. (Bukhari) Muslim related the same, but through a different chain.

Abu Dharr (r.a.) said, "The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said to me, 'Do you know where this sun goes when it sets?' I said, 'No.' He said, 'It goes and then prostrates underneath the 'Arsh (Throne). Then it asks permission (to rise from the east). The time draws near when it will be said to it, 'Return from whence you came (i.e. rise from the west). And that is when no good will it do to a person to believe then, if he believed not before, nor earned good (by performing deeds of righteousness) through his faith. — (Bukhari and Muslim)

'Abdullah ibn 'Amr (r.a.) said, "I memorized from the Messenger of Allah his saying, "Indeed the first of the Signs to come out is the rising of the sun from its west and the coming out of the Beast upon the people in the morning — whichever of the two precedes the other, then the other will follow shortly thereafter." (Muslim, Abu Daawood, and Ibn Maajah)

Even Until The Sun Rises From Its West, There Will Still Be Muslims Who Will Stand In The Night, Worshipping Allah

'Abdullah ibn Abee Aouf (r.a.) related that he heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) say, "There will come upon the people a night that is equivalent to three of these nights of yours. When that happens, those who are praying voluntary prayers will know. One of them will stand and pray his Ahzub (portion that he normally recites), and then he will sleep. Then he will wake up, stand, read his Ahzub, and then sleep (again). While they are upon that state, some people will shout out to one another, saying, "What is this?" Frightened, they will hurry to the Masjids. Upon them the sun will rise until it is in the middle of the sky; it will return and rise from its place of rising. At that juncture no good will it do to a person to believe (if he believed not before)." (Related by Al-Haafiz Abu Bakr ibn Mirdawai, in his Tafseer)


The Emergence of the Beast from the Earth

The next day (after the previous event) while people will be talking about it, there will be an eathquake in mount Safa in Mecca causing a split in the ground, a very strange looking animal (beast) will emerge from the crack (in the ground). It will be very strange in appearance, and extremely huge; one cannot even imagine what it will look like. It will emerge from the earth and shake the dust from its head. It will have with it the ring of Solomon and the rod of Moses. People will be terrified of it and will try to run away, but they will not be able to escape, because such will be the decree of Allaah. It will destroy the nose of every unbeliever with the rod, and write the word "Kaafir" on his forehead; it will adorn the face of every believer and write the word "Mu'min" (true believer) on his forehead, and it will speak to people.

Allah (s.w.t.) said:

"And when the Word is fulfilled against them (the unjust), We shall produce from the earth a Beast to (face) them: it will speak to them..." [an-Naml (27):82]

Ibn 'Abbaas, al-Hasan and Qataadah (r.a.) said that "It will speak to them" (tukallimuhum) means that it will address them. Ibn Jareer suggested that it means that the Beast will address them with the words "...for that mankind did not believe with assurance in Our Signs..." [an-Naml (27):82 - latter part of the Ayah] Ibn Jareer reported this from 'Alee and 'Ata'. It was reported from Ibn 'Abbaas that tukallimuhum means that the Beast will cut them, i.e., it will write the word "Kaafir" on the forehead of the unbeliever. It was also reported from Ibn 'Abbaas that he will both address them and cut them; this suggestion incorporates both of the previous suggestions; and Allaah knows best. 

Bareedah (r.a.) said, "The Prophet (s.a.w.) took me to a place in the desert, near Makkah. It was a dry piece of land surrounded by sand. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, 'The Beast will emerge from this place.' It was a very small area." (Ibn Maajah) 

It was reported from Abu Hurairah (r.a.) that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, "The Beast of the Earth will emerge, and will have with it the rod of Moses and the ring of Solomon." It was also reported that he said, "(The Beast) will destroy the noses of the unbelievers with the ring, - so that people seated around one table will begin to address one another with the words "O Believer!" or "O Unbeliever!" (i.e. everyone's status will become clear) (Ibn Maajah)

'Abdullah ibn Buraidah (r.a.) said, "The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) took me to a place in the desert, near to Makkah. It was a dry land, and around it was sand. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said, 'The Beast will come out from this place...' Ibn 'Abbaas (r.a.) said, "It is a beast with short, soft hair; it has four legs and will come out from some of the valleys of Tuhaamah." (Related by 'Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Mu'ammir)

'Atiyyah related that 'Abdullah said, "The Beast will come out from the side of As-Safaa, coming out like the running of a horse — three days and two-thirds of it will not have come out." 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr (r.a.) said, "The Beast will come out from underneath a rock. It will face the East, and give out a shriek that will pierce through it. Then it will face the West, and give out a shriek that will pierce through it. Next, it will face Yemen and give out a shriek that will pierce through it. Then it will go from Makkah until it reaches 'Afsaan." It was said to him, "And then what?" He said, "I do not know." It is also related from him that he said, "The Beast will come out from underneath As-Sudoom  (Sodom) — i.e. the city of Prophet Lut's (a.s.) people." All of these sayings are in conflict with one another, and Allah (s.w.t.) knows best.

It is related from Abu Tufail that he said, "The Beast will come out from As-Safaa or Al-Marwaa." (Related by Al-Baihaqee) Abu Maryam related that he heard Abu Hurairah (r.a.) say, "Indeed the Beast has in it every color; between its two horns is the distance of a league for a rider." It is related from 'Alee ibn Abee Taalib (r.a.), that he said, "Indeed it is a beast that has a head. It has short, soft hair as well as hoofs. It also has a tail and a beard. It will come out with the speed of a racing horse for three (days perhaps?) and not even two-thirds of it will have come out." (Related by Ibn Abee Haatim)

(from 'Book of the End' by Ibn Kathir)


The Breeze from the South


There will blow an extremely fresh and fragrant breeze from the south causing a slight pain in the armpits of believers, who will all eventually die (in order of piety: pious ones first, then the sinners) until at last Doomsday will come on infidels only.

In part of a long hadith narrated by An-Nawaas Ibn Sam'aan (r.a.) Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.) said:
".....Allah will send a good wind, which will every believer and every Muslim. The most evil of people will remain, and they will engage in sexual intercourse out in the open as donkeys do: upon them the Hour will come to pass." (Muslim)


The Destruction of the Ka'bah

'Abdullah ibn 'Amr (r.a.) related that he heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) say, "Dhu As-Suwaiqatain, who is from Habasha (Ethiopia), will destroy the Ka'bah; he will steal its jewels and remove from it its covering. It is as if I am looking at him - Usaili'an (one who has a receding hairline or who is bald), Ufaidi'an (having crooked joints). He will strike it with his Masaahiyah (a steel shovel) and his Mai'wal (a huge axe that is used to pierce through rocks)." (Ahmad) This chain is good and strong.

'Abdullah ibn 'Amr (r.a.) related that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, "Leave Habasha (Ethiopia) alone so long as they leave you alone, for none shall remove the treasure of the Ka'bah except for Dhu As-Suwaiqatain, who is from Habasha." (Abu Daawood)

Ibn 'Abbaas (r.a.) related that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, "It is as if I am looking at him — (he is) black and bowlegged. He will tear it (i.e. the Ka'bah) down, stone by stone." (Ahmad)

The Great Fire

This is the final sign of the Doomsday. A huge fire will break out in Yemen from which the people will flee and it will follow the closely until they are all driven towards Syria. After this, the fire will disappear.     

Huthafah ibn Asad (r.a.) said, "The Prophet (s.a.w.), came over us as we were studying among ourselves (knowledge pertaining to) the Hour. He said, 'What are you discussing?' We said, 'We are mentioning (affairs pertaining to) the Hour.' He said, 'Indeed it will not come until you see ten signs: The smoke, the Dajjaal, the beast, the rising of the sun from the West, the descending of 'Eesa ibn Maryam, Yajooj and Majooj, three Khusoof (plural of Khasf, the swallowing of the earth and all that is on it) — the Khasf of the East, the Khasf of the West, and the Khasf of the Arabian Peninsula — and the last of them is a fire that will emerge from the East and that will steer people to their place of gathering." (Ahmad)

The following is related from Ibn Shuraihah Al-Ghaffaaree: "And a fire that will come out from the floor of 'Adan (a famous city in Yemen); it will steer or gather the people; it will spend the night with them wherever they spend the night, and it will be with them in the day wherever they take their day-nap." Sho'bah said, "A man from Abu At-Tufail related this Hadeeth to me from Abu Shuraihah, who did not impute it to the Prophet ."

Narrated Abu Huraira (r.a.): The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, "The people will be gathered in three ways: (The first way will be of) those who will wish or have a hope (for Paradise) and will have a fear (of punishment), (The second batch will be those who will gather) riding two on a camel or three on a camel or ten on a camel. (The third batch) the rest of the people will be urged to gather by the Fire which will accompany them at the time of their afternoon nap and stay with them where they will spend the night, and will be with them in the morning wherever they may be then, and will be with them in the afternoon wherever they may be then." (Bukhari Book #76, Hadith #529)

Abdullah ibn 'Umar (r.a.) said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) say, 'Indeed there will be Hijrah (migration) after Hijrah, people will betake themselves to the place of Ibraaheem's migration. None shall remain on earth except for its most evil inhabitants. Their lands will expel them, and the fire will gather them with the apes and pigs. It will spend the night with them wherever it is they spend the night, and it will spend the day with them wherever it is they take their day nap. And it will eat those who remain behind."' (Ahmad)


to be continued inshaAllah...

see also:

Signs Before The Day of Judgement - Part 1