The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said "The devil continually pursues humans as a wolf pursues sheep. The wolf only dares to attack those sheep which have separated from the rest of the flock and are standing alone. And so, my followers and my devotees! Save yourselves from being caught in the traps of misguidance and firmly remain with the largest and most well known group of Muslims!" (Ahmad)
Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.) said " Allah will never allow my Ummah to unite upon misguidance and incorrect beliefs. Allah's mercy, blessings and protection are with the largest group of Muslims. And he who deviates from this largest group of Muslims will be thrown into Hell." (Tirmidhi)
Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (r.a.) said, "People used to ask the Prophet (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) about good things, but I used to ask him about bad things because I was afraid that they might overtake me.
I said, 'O Messenger of Allaah, we were lost in ignorance (Jahiliyyah) and evil, then Allaah brought this good (i.e. Islaam). Will some evil come after this good thing?' He said, 'Yes' I asked, 'And will some good come after that evil?' He said, 'Yes, but it will be tainted with some evil' I asked, 'How will it be tainted?' He said, 'There will be some people who will lead others on a path different from mine.You will see good and bad in them."
I asked, 'Will some evil come after that good?' He said, 'Some people will be standing and calling at the gates of Hell; whoever responds to their call, they will throw him into the Fire.' I said, 'O Messenger of Allaah, describe them for us.' He said, 'They will be from our own people, and will speak our language.' I asked, 'What do you advise me to do if I should live to see that?' He said, 'Stick to the main body (jamaa'ah) of the Muslims and their leader (Imaam).
I asked, 'What if there is no main body and no leader?' He said 'Isolate yourself from all of these sects, even if you have to eat the roots of trees until death overcomes you while you are in that state.' "
(Bukhari, Kitaab al-Fitan, 9/65)
Saturday, 19 March 2011
Monday, 21 February 2011
The Messenger of Allah's (s.a.w.) Advice to the Person who Complained About the Ill Treatment he received from his Relatives
Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (r.a.) reports that a man once came to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) complaining, "I have relatives who sever ties with me when I foster them, who behave ill towards me when I am good to them and who behave foolishly with me when I behave tolerantly with them." Rasulullaah's (s.a.w.) advice to him was, "If you are as you claim, then it is as if you are filling their mouth with burning ashes (they are harming themselves by behaving as they do). As long as you behave as you are doing, there shall remain with you an assistant (angel) from Allaah." (1)
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Amr (r.a.) narrates that a man came to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) saying, "0 Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) I have relatives who severe ties with me when I attempt to foster them, who oppress me when I forgive them and who are bad to me when I am good to them. Should I do to them as they do to me?" Rasulullaah's (s.a.w.) response was, "In that case, you would all be partners (in evil). You should rather adopt the better stance and continue bonding ties because as long as you behave as you are doing, there shall remain with you an assistant (angel) from Allaah." (2)
(1) Muslim (Vol.2 Pg.315). Bukhaari has also reported the narration in his Adab (Pg.11).
(2) Ahmad. Haythami (Vol.8 Pg.154) has commented on the chain of narrators.
(From 'Hayatus Sahabah' by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Amr (r.a.) narrates that a man came to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) saying, "0 Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) I have relatives who severe ties with me when I attempt to foster them, who oppress me when I forgive them and who are bad to me when I am good to them. Should I do to them as they do to me?" Rasulullaah's (s.a.w.) response was, "In that case, you would all be partners (in evil). You should rather adopt the better stance and continue bonding ties because as long as you behave as you are doing, there shall remain with you an assistant (angel) from Allaah." (2)
(1) Muslim (Vol.2 Pg.315). Bukhaari has also reported the narration in his Adab (Pg.11).
(2) Ahmad. Haythami (Vol.8 Pg.154) has commented on the chain of narrators.
(From 'Hayatus Sahabah' by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)
Friday, 18 February 2011
Mind your eyes!
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abu Hudhayl reports that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood (r.a.) once visited a sick person along with several other men. There happened to be a lady in the house and when one of the men started looking at her, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood (r.a.) remarked,
"It would be better for you if your eye had to burst!"
Bukhaari in his Adab (Pg.78)
(From 'Hayatus Sahabah' by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)
"It would be better for you if your eye had to burst!"
Bukhaari in his Adab (Pg.78)
(From 'Hayatus Sahabah' by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Bravery of the Female Companions
Umme Sulaim (r.a.)
Umme Sulaim (r.a.) was the mother of Hadhrat Anas (r.a.). After the death of her husband, she remained a widow for some time with a view to devoting herself to the proper upbringing of her son. She was then married to Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.) and got a son named Abu Umair from him. The Prophet (s.a.w.) used to go to her house and play with the child.
One day, Abu Umair was ill and Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.) was fasting. While Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.) was out on his job, the child died. She washed and enshrouded the dead body and laid it on the cot. She then herself took a bath changed her clothes and made her toilet. When the husband returned home and had his Iftar he asked her: "How is the child?"
'She replied: "He is now in peace." He was satisfied. The couple shared the bed for the night. When they got up in the morning, they had the following conversation:
Hadhrat Umme Sulaim (r.a.): "I have a question to ask you."
Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.): "What is that?"
Hadhrat Umme Sulaim (r.a.): "Suppose a person is entrusted with something. Should he deliver up on demand that which is entrusted to him or not?"
Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.): "He must deliver up. He has no right to hold it back".
Hadhrat Umme Sulaim (r.a.): "Abu Umair was entrusted to us by Allah. He has taken him back."
Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.) was filled with grief. He simply said: "But why did you not inform me before?"
He went to the Prophet (s.a.w.) and narrated the story to him. He prayed for him and said: "Allah is likely to bless your sharing the bed with your wife last night."
One of the Sahabah says: "I lived to see the effect of the Prophet's blessing. As a result of his union with his wife on that night, Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.) got a son named Abdullah. This Abdullah had nine sons, all of whom were Qaris."
It needs much courage and patience to do what Hadhrat Umme Sulaim (r.a.) did at the death of her son. She did not like her husband to know about the death of the child while he was fasting and while he needed food and rest.
Hadhrat Safiyyah (r.a.)
Hadhrat Safiyyah (r.a.) was the aunt of the Prophet (s.a.w.) and a real sister of Hadhrat Hamzah (r.a.). She took part in the battle of Uhud. When the Muslims were defeated and some of them began to flee from the battle, she would smite their faces with her spear and excite them to go back and fight.
In the war of the Khandaq (Trench), the Prophet (s.a.w.) had collected all the Muslim women in a fortress and had deputed Hadhrat Hassaan bin Thabit (r.a.) to look after them. The Jews surrounded the place and sent one of them to find out if there were any men with the ladies. Hadhrat Safiyyah (r.a.) happened to see the Jew approaching the fort. She said to Hadhrat Hassaan (r.a.): "There is a Jew coming to spy on us. You go out and kill him."
Hadhrat Hassaan (r.a.) did not make bold to do the job. Safiyyah (r.a.) got hold of a tent peg and went outside the fortress and gave a blow on the head of the Jew that killed him on the spot. She came back and said to Hassaan:
"The man is dead. I have not removed the clothes and arms from his body for reasons of modesty. Now you go and remove everything from his body. Also bring his head after severing it from the body."
Hadhrat Hassaan (r.a.) was too weakhearted to do that even. She herself went again and brought his head, and threw it over the wall amidst the Jews. When they saw this, they said:
"We were wondering how Muhammad (s.a.w.) could keep the womenfolk alone in this fort. Surely, there are men inside to guard the ladies."
Safiyyah died in 20 A.H. at the age of seventy three. The war of the Trench was fought in 5 A.H. She was, therefore, 58 then.
(From the book 'Stories of Sahaba' by Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kaandhlawi)
Umme Sulaim (r.a.) was the mother of Hadhrat Anas (r.a.). After the death of her husband, she remained a widow for some time with a view to devoting herself to the proper upbringing of her son. She was then married to Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.) and got a son named Abu Umair from him. The Prophet (s.a.w.) used to go to her house and play with the child.
One day, Abu Umair was ill and Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.) was fasting. While Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.) was out on his job, the child died. She washed and enshrouded the dead body and laid it on the cot. She then herself took a bath changed her clothes and made her toilet. When the husband returned home and had his Iftar he asked her: "How is the child?"
'She replied: "He is now in peace." He was satisfied. The couple shared the bed for the night. When they got up in the morning, they had the following conversation:
Hadhrat Umme Sulaim (r.a.): "I have a question to ask you."
Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.): "What is that?"
Hadhrat Umme Sulaim (r.a.): "Suppose a person is entrusted with something. Should he deliver up on demand that which is entrusted to him or not?"
Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.): "He must deliver up. He has no right to hold it back".
Hadhrat Umme Sulaim (r.a.): "Abu Umair was entrusted to us by Allah. He has taken him back."
Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.) was filled with grief. He simply said: "But why did you not inform me before?"
He went to the Prophet (s.a.w.) and narrated the story to him. He prayed for him and said: "Allah is likely to bless your sharing the bed with your wife last night."
One of the Sahabah says: "I lived to see the effect of the Prophet's blessing. As a result of his union with his wife on that night, Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.) got a son named Abdullah. This Abdullah had nine sons, all of whom were Qaris."
It needs much courage and patience to do what Hadhrat Umme Sulaim (r.a.) did at the death of her son. She did not like her husband to know about the death of the child while he was fasting and while he needed food and rest.
Hadhrat Safiyyah (r.a.)
Hadhrat Safiyyah (r.a.) was the aunt of the Prophet (s.a.w.) and a real sister of Hadhrat Hamzah (r.a.). She took part in the battle of Uhud. When the Muslims were defeated and some of them began to flee from the battle, she would smite their faces with her spear and excite them to go back and fight.
In the war of the Khandaq (Trench), the Prophet (s.a.w.) had collected all the Muslim women in a fortress and had deputed Hadhrat Hassaan bin Thabit (r.a.) to look after them. The Jews surrounded the place and sent one of them to find out if there were any men with the ladies. Hadhrat Safiyyah (r.a.) happened to see the Jew approaching the fort. She said to Hadhrat Hassaan (r.a.): "There is a Jew coming to spy on us. You go out and kill him."
Hadhrat Hassaan (r.a.) did not make bold to do the job. Safiyyah (r.a.) got hold of a tent peg and went outside the fortress and gave a blow on the head of the Jew that killed him on the spot. She came back and said to Hassaan:
"The man is dead. I have not removed the clothes and arms from his body for reasons of modesty. Now you go and remove everything from his body. Also bring his head after severing it from the body."
Hadhrat Hassaan (r.a.) was too weakhearted to do that even. She herself went again and brought his head, and threw it over the wall amidst the Jews. When they saw this, they said:
"We were wondering how Muhammad (s.a.w.) could keep the womenfolk alone in this fort. Surely, there are men inside to guard the ladies."
Safiyyah died in 20 A.H. at the age of seventy three. The war of the Trench was fought in 5 A.H. She was, therefore, 58 then.
(From the book 'Stories of Sahaba' by Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kaandhlawi)
Saturday, 12 February 2011
The Encouragment that Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) Gave to Spend in the path of Allaah
Hadhrat Jareer (r.a.) reports that they were once with Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) one morning when some people belonging to the Mudar tribe arrived. They were barefoot and practically naked. All they had were striped shawls or cloaks and their swords hanging from their necks. The expression on Rasulullaah's face actually changed when he saw their poverty. He then went into his room and when he emerged, he gave instructions to Hadhrat Bilaal (r.a.), who duly called out the Adhaan and then the Iqaamah. After Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) led the salaah, he addressed the people with the following verses of the Qur'aan:
"O mankind! Fear your Rabb who created you from a single soul (from Aadam), created its spouse (Hawwa) from it, and spread great numbers of men and women from the two (from Aadam and Hawwa). Fear that Allaah in Whom (in Whose name) you ask (things and take promises) from each other and (fear breaking) family ties, Verily Allaah is Watchful over you," {Surah Nisaa, verse 1}
"Fear Allaah and let every soul see (consider) what (good deeds) it has sent ahead for tomorrow (to be rewarded on the Day of Qiyaamah)." {Surah Hashar, verse 18}
Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) then continued to say, "A man should therefore contribute something from his Dinaars, from his Dirhams, from his clothing, from his Saa of barley, from his Saa of dates." Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) continued until he said, "Even if it be a piece of a date (Everyone ought to give something regardless of how little it is),"
An Ansaari Sahabi (r.a.) then brought a bag (of food that was so full) that he could not even carry it. Hadhrat Jaabir (r.a.) says, "The others soon followed suit until I saw two heaps of food and clothing and I saw the face of Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) gleam as if it were a piece of gold. Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) then said, 'Whoever starts a good practice in Islaam will receive the reward for it in addition to the rewards of all those who do the same after him, without any of their rewards being diminished in the least. On the contrary, whoever starts an evil practice in Islaam will be burdened with the sin of it in addition to the sins of all those who do the same after him, without the burden of any of their sins being lightened in the least." (1)
(I) Muslim, Nasa'ee and others. as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (VoL I Pg.53)
(From 'Hayatus Sahabah' by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)
"O mankind! Fear your Rabb who created you from a single soul (from Aadam), created its spouse (Hawwa) from it, and spread great numbers of men and women from the two (from Aadam and Hawwa). Fear that Allaah in Whom (in Whose name) you ask (things and take promises) from each other and (fear breaking) family ties, Verily Allaah is Watchful over you," {Surah Nisaa, verse 1}
"Fear Allaah and let every soul see (consider) what (good deeds) it has sent ahead for tomorrow (to be rewarded on the Day of Qiyaamah)." {Surah Hashar, verse 18}
Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) then continued to say, "A man should therefore contribute something from his Dinaars, from his Dirhams, from his clothing, from his Saa of barley, from his Saa of dates." Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) continued until he said, "Even if it be a piece of a date (Everyone ought to give something regardless of how little it is),"
An Ansaari Sahabi (r.a.) then brought a bag (of food that was so full) that he could not even carry it. Hadhrat Jaabir (r.a.) says, "The others soon followed suit until I saw two heaps of food and clothing and I saw the face of Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) gleam as if it were a piece of gold. Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) then said, 'Whoever starts a good practice in Islaam will receive the reward for it in addition to the rewards of all those who do the same after him, without any of their rewards being diminished in the least. On the contrary, whoever starts an evil practice in Islaam will be burdened with the sin of it in addition to the sins of all those who do the same after him, without the burden of any of their sins being lightened in the least." (1)
(I) Muslim, Nasa'ee and others. as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (VoL I Pg.53)
(From 'Hayatus Sahabah' by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)
Recommended Reads
Asalaamu Alaikum
Would just like to recommed 'Fiqhul Imaam, Revised and Extended Edition' by Abdur-Rahman Ibn Yusuf, Prudence Publications.
'A Treatise on the concept of Taqleed and the Hanafi endeavour to establish the Prophetic statement:
"Perform Salaah in the manner you have observed from me." (Bukhari)
Masha'Allah this book is very interesting and gives evidences from the Hadith on the following issues:
-Reciting Behind the Imaam
-The Distance to be Kept Between the Feet in Qiyaam
-The Issue of Aameen - Explained
-Raising the Hands in Prayer
-Tawarruk or Iftirash?
-The Sunnah Rak'ats of Fajr
-The Watr Salaah
-Salaah After Asr
-Tahiyyatul Masjid During Kutbah
-Combining Two Prayers
-The Rak'ats of Taraweeh
Would just like to recommed 'Fiqhul Imaam, Revised and Extended Edition' by Abdur-Rahman Ibn Yusuf, Prudence Publications.
'A Treatise on the concept of Taqleed and the Hanafi endeavour to establish the Prophetic statement:
"Perform Salaah in the manner you have observed from me." (Bukhari)
Masha'Allah this book is very interesting and gives evidences from the Hadith on the following issues:
-Reciting Behind the Imaam
-The Distance to be Kept Between the Feet in Qiyaam
-The Issue of Aameen - Explained
-Raising the Hands in Prayer
-Tawarruk or Iftirash?
-The Sunnah Rak'ats of Fajr
-The Watr Salaah
-Salaah After Asr
-Tahiyyatul Masjid During Kutbah
-Combining Two Prayers
-The Rak'ats of Taraweeh
Friday, 21 January 2011
The Messenger of Allah's (s.a.w.) sermon in which he reminded people of Alláh, the Exalted; and called to loving Him and loving each other for His Sake
Abdullah bin Masud, (r.a.) narrated, that the Messenger of Alláh (s.a.w.) taught us Khutbatul-Hajjah:
"All thanks and praises are due to Alláh, Whom we thank, seek for help and invoke for forgiveness. We seek refuge with Alláh from the evils within ourselves. He whom Alláh guides will never be misled and he whom He misguides will never find one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Alláh and that Muhamrmad is His slave and Messenger."
He would then recite three Ayat (Verses of the Qurán): "O you who believe! Fear Alláh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining frorn all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. (Obey Hirn, be thankful to Hirn, and remember Him always.) and die not except in a state of Islam [as Muslims (with complete submission to Alláhj]." (3: 102)
"O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)]." (4:1)
And: "O you who believe! Keep your duty to Alláh and fear Him and speak (always) the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Alláh and His Messenger, he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e., he will be saved frorn the Hell-fire and will be adrnitted to Paradise)." (33:70,71)
Afterwards, he would rnention whatever he wanted to speak about.
(An-Nasai 'i, vol. 6, p. 89, Ibn Mdjah, vol. 1, p. 609 and p. 661, Ahmad, vol.1, p. 350 and Ad-Darimi, who collected these words for the Hadith, vol. 2, p. 143)
Ibn Ishaq said: "The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) gave another speech in which he said:
''All thanks are due to Allah, I thank Him and seek His Aid.
We seek refuge with Allah from the evils within ourselves and the burden of our evil deeds.
He whom Allah guides will never be misled and he whom He misguides will never find one to guide him.
I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, Alone without partners.
Verily, the best speech is the Book of Allah the Exalted. He in whose heart the Qur'an is made beautiful and on its account entered Islam after being a disbeliever, who chose the Qur'an above the speech of all people, has indeed attained success.
The Qur'an is the best and most eloquent speech there is. Love those who love Allah, and love Allah from the bottom of your hearts.'' (Al-Bidayah Wan-Nihayah, vol. 3, p. 214 and AI-Baqillani in Al-I'jaz, p.110)
(The Prophet (s.a.w.) meant here that Allah 's love should encompass all parts of the heart, for in this case, one's actions will start from his heart in sincerity with Alláh)
"Do not get bored with Allahs Speech or remembering Him, nor allow your hearts to grow hard towards it. Worship Allah, associate none with Him in worship and fear Him as He should be feared. Let your tongues say the truth for Allah's Sake and love each other on guidance of Allah's love. Verily, Allah becormes angry if His Covenant is broken. May Allah's peace, blessings and mercy be upon you."
(Ibn Hisham collected this sermon in his book on the Seerah of the Prophet vol. 1, p. 501 and Ibn Kathir)
(from 'Selected Friday Sermons' by Darussalam)
"All thanks and praises are due to Alláh, Whom we thank, seek for help and invoke for forgiveness. We seek refuge with Alláh from the evils within ourselves. He whom Alláh guides will never be misled and he whom He misguides will never find one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Alláh and that Muhamrmad is His slave and Messenger."
He would then recite three Ayat (Verses of the Qurán): "O you who believe! Fear Alláh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining frorn all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. (Obey Hirn, be thankful to Hirn, and remember Him always.) and die not except in a state of Islam [as Muslims (with complete submission to Alláhj]." (3: 102)
"O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)]." (4:1)
And: "O you who believe! Keep your duty to Alláh and fear Him and speak (always) the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Alláh and His Messenger, he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e., he will be saved frorn the Hell-fire and will be adrnitted to Paradise)." (33:70,71)
Afterwards, he would rnention whatever he wanted to speak about.
(An-Nasai 'i, vol. 6, p. 89, Ibn Mdjah, vol. 1, p. 609 and p. 661, Ahmad, vol.1, p. 350 and Ad-Darimi, who collected these words for the Hadith, vol. 2, p. 143)
Ibn Ishaq said: "The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) gave another speech in which he said:
''All thanks are due to Allah, I thank Him and seek His Aid.
We seek refuge with Allah from the evils within ourselves and the burden of our evil deeds.
He whom Allah guides will never be misled and he whom He misguides will never find one to guide him.
I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, Alone without partners.
Verily, the best speech is the Book of Allah the Exalted. He in whose heart the Qur'an is made beautiful and on its account entered Islam after being a disbeliever, who chose the Qur'an above the speech of all people, has indeed attained success.
The Qur'an is the best and most eloquent speech there is. Love those who love Allah, and love Allah from the bottom of your hearts.'' (Al-Bidayah Wan-Nihayah, vol. 3, p. 214 and AI-Baqillani in Al-I'jaz, p.110)
(The Prophet (s.a.w.) meant here that Allah 's love should encompass all parts of the heart, for in this case, one's actions will start from his heart in sincerity with Alláh)
"Do not get bored with Allahs Speech or remembering Him, nor allow your hearts to grow hard towards it. Worship Allah, associate none with Him in worship and fear Him as He should be feared. Let your tongues say the truth for Allah's Sake and love each other on guidance of Allah's love. Verily, Allah becormes angry if His Covenant is broken. May Allah's peace, blessings and mercy be upon you."
(Ibn Hisham collected this sermon in his book on the Seerah of the Prophet vol. 1, p. 501 and Ibn Kathir)
Image from http://islamicstyle.al-habib.info/
(from 'Selected Friday Sermons' by Darussalam)
Friday, 7 January 2011
The Narration of Hadhrat Dahhaak about the fear that Hadhrat Abu Bakr (r.a.) had for Allaah
Hadhrat Dahhaak reports that Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (r.a.) once saw a bird perched on a tree and said,
"How fortunate you are, O bird! By Allaah! I wish I had been like you.
You perch on trees, eat fruit and then fly off without (fear of) any reckoning or punishment. By Allaah! I wish that I was a shrub on the roadside that a passing camel takes into its mouth, chews and then swallows to eventually emerge as dung.
I wish I had never been a human (with worries of reckoning and punishment)."
Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hannaad and Bayhaqi
(From Hayatus Sahabah by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)
"How fortunate you are, O bird! By Allaah! I wish I had been like you.
You perch on trees, eat fruit and then fly off without (fear of) any reckoning or punishment. By Allaah! I wish that I was a shrub on the roadside that a passing camel takes into its mouth, chews and then swallows to eventually emerge as dung.
I wish I had never been a human (with worries of reckoning and punishment)."
Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hannaad and Bayhaqi
(From Hayatus Sahabah by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)
Wednesday, 29 December 2010
Kindness to Children
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) reported:
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) kissed his grandson Al-Hasan bin `Ali (r.a.) in the presence of Al-Aqra` bin Habis. Thereupon he (Al-Aqra` bin Habis) remarked: "I have ten children and I have never kissed any one of them." The Messenger of Allah (Muhammad s.a.w) looked at him and said,
"He who does not show mercy to others will not be shown mercy".
(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
Once while passing by three children who were out playing, Nabi (s.a.w.) indicated towards one of them and lifted him onto his mount seating the child in front of him. He then lifted the second child and seated him behind himself on the mount. Now there remained no place on the mount so he placed his hand on the head of the third child and prayed for him. He did this thrice. (Musnad-e-Ahmed). This third child was the child of Hadhrat Jafar (r.a.)
(From the book' Nabi's love for children, his teaching and nurturing them' by Moulana Abu Talha Muhammad, Izharul Hasan Mahmood)
Allah's Messenger's (s.a.w.) love for his grand-daughter Sayyidah Umamah (r.a.)
She was the daughter of the eldest daughter of Allah's Messenger, Sayyidah Zainab (r.a.). She was greatly loved by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) He did not like to separate from her even when offering prayers. It is stated in Sahih Bukhari that one one occasion, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) came to the mosque with the child Umamah on his shoulders. He offered his prayer with Umamah mounted upon him. When he lowered for ruku' or for sajdah, he put the child gently down and mounted her again on his shoulders when ruku and prostration had been done.
Bukhari Vol.1 p.741. Zurqani Vol.3 P.255.
Once a golden necklace was recieved by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) as a gift from Negus (Najashi of Ethiopia). Umamah was playing in the corner of the house. He said he would give it to the most beloved person. The wives of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) thought that it would go to Sayyida Aishah (r.a.). He called Umamah near him and put the garland in her neck. Some narrations say it was a golden ring.
Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd Vol.8, P.27.
(From the book 'Biographies of the Women Companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.)' by Maulana Saeed Ansari Nadvi, Maulana Abdul-Salam Nadvi, Allama Syed Suleman Nadvi)
Sunday, 26 December 2010
The Narration of Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Saabit and Others About the Advice that Hadhrat Abu Bakr (r.a.) gave to Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) Before his death
Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Saabit, Hadhrat Zaid bin Zubayd bin Haarith and Hadhrat Mujaahid all report that when death approached Hadhrat Abu Bakr (r.a.), he summoned Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) and said,
"Fear Allaah, 0 Umar!
Take note that Allaah has some acts (owing to Him) during the night that He does not accept during the day and some acts (owing to Him) during the day that He does not accept during the night. Also note that Allaah does not accept Nafl acts until the Faraa'idh are fulfilled.
The scales of those with heavy scales on the Day of Qiyaamah have only become heavy because they have always followed the truth in this world and have had high regard for it. It is also the right of a scale in which the truth is placed tomorrow that it should weigh heavily. On the other hand, the scales of those with light scales on the Day of Qiyaamah have only become light because they have always followed falsehood in this world and have made light of it. It is also the right of a scale in which falsehood is placed tomorrow that it should weigh lightly.
Where Allaah has made mention of the people of Jannah, He has mentioned the best of their deeds and overlooked their sins. Whenever I think of them, I say, 'I fear that I may never join them.' Wherever Allaah has also made mention of the people of Jahannam, He has mentioned them by the worst of their actions and rejected their good deeds. Whenever I think of them, I say, 'I fear that I may be from amongst them.'
Allaah has mentioned verses of mercy and verses of punishment so that Allaah's servant should become hopeful (of Allah's mercy) and fearful (of His punishment). Never entertain false hopes in Allaah (by continuing with sin in the hope that you would be forgiven) but also never lose hope in Allaah's mercy. Never throw yourself into destruction by the doings of your own hands.
If you remember this advice of mine, there will never be an unseen thing more beloved to you than death, which will certainly come to you. However, if you put it to waste, there will never be an unseen thing more hated to you than death, which you will never be able to escape."
Ibn Mubaarak, Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hannaad, Ib'n Jareer and Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanzul Ummaal (Vol4 Pg.363).
(From Hayatus Sahabah by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)
"Fear Allaah, 0 Umar!
Take note that Allaah has some acts (owing to Him) during the night that He does not accept during the day and some acts (owing to Him) during the day that He does not accept during the night. Also note that Allaah does not accept Nafl acts until the Faraa'idh are fulfilled.
The scales of those with heavy scales on the Day of Qiyaamah have only become heavy because they have always followed the truth in this world and have had high regard for it. It is also the right of a scale in which the truth is placed tomorrow that it should weigh heavily. On the other hand, the scales of those with light scales on the Day of Qiyaamah have only become light because they have always followed falsehood in this world and have made light of it. It is also the right of a scale in which falsehood is placed tomorrow that it should weigh lightly.
Where Allaah has made mention of the people of Jannah, He has mentioned the best of their deeds and overlooked their sins. Whenever I think of them, I say, 'I fear that I may never join them.' Wherever Allaah has also made mention of the people of Jahannam, He has mentioned them by the worst of their actions and rejected their good deeds. Whenever I think of them, I say, 'I fear that I may be from amongst them.'
Allaah has mentioned verses of mercy and verses of punishment so that Allaah's servant should become hopeful (of Allah's mercy) and fearful (of His punishment). Never entertain false hopes in Allaah (by continuing with sin in the hope that you would be forgiven) but also never lose hope in Allaah's mercy. Never throw yourself into destruction by the doings of your own hands.
If you remember this advice of mine, there will never be an unseen thing more beloved to you than death, which will certainly come to you. However, if you put it to waste, there will never be an unseen thing more hated to you than death, which you will never be able to escape."
Ibn Mubaarak, Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hannaad, Ib'n Jareer and Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanzul Ummaal (Vol4 Pg.363).
(From Hayatus Sahabah by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
Hadhrat Abu Bakr (r.a.), Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) And An Old Blind Lady
Hadhrat Abu Saalih Ghifaari narrates that there was an extremely old blind lady living on the outskirts of Madinah whom Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) used to regularly visit at night. He would go there to fetch water for her (from the well) and do other chores for her. However, whenever he got to her, he would find that someone else had beat him there and had already seen to her needs. He went to her many times only to find that he was not the first to get there. (One day) he sat in wait for the person (who always beat him) and found that the person was Hadhrat Abu Bakr (r.a.).
Hadhrat Abu Bakr (r.a.) would tend to the old lady even though he was the Khalifah. Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) exclaimed, "By my life! It could only be you!"
Khateeb. as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.4 Pg.347).
Hadhrat Awzaa'ee reports that Hadhrat Talha (r.a.) once spotted Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) coming out (of his house) late at night. Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) entered a house and then another house. The following morning, Hadhrat Talha (r.a.) went to the house, where he found an old woman who was blind and crippled. Hadhrat Talha (r.a.) asked her, 'Why does that man come to you?" She then informed Hadhrat Talha (r.a.) that Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) had been frequently coming to her for many years to see to her needs and remove all the filth from her house. Hadhrat Talha (r.a.) then said to himself, "Shame on you, 0 Talha! Were you searching for faults in Umar?"
Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.48).
(From Hayatus Sahabah by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)
Hadhrat Abu Bakr (r.a.) would tend to the old lady even though he was the Khalifah. Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) exclaimed, "By my life! It could only be you!"
Khateeb. as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.4 Pg.347).
Hadhrat Awzaa'ee reports that Hadhrat Talha (r.a.) once spotted Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) coming out (of his house) late at night. Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) entered a house and then another house. The following morning, Hadhrat Talha (r.a.) went to the house, where he found an old woman who was blind and crippled. Hadhrat Talha (r.a.) asked her, 'Why does that man come to you?" She then informed Hadhrat Talha (r.a.) that Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) had been frequently coming to her for many years to see to her needs and remove all the filth from her house. Hadhrat Talha (r.a.) then said to himself, "Shame on you, 0 Talha! Were you searching for faults in Umar?"
Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.48).
(From Hayatus Sahabah by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)
Monday, 13 December 2010
50 Daily Prayers
Allah (s.w.t.) says in the Holy Qur'an
"And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)." (Holy Qur'an 51:56)
When I read this verse of the Qur'an, I remember the hadith in Bukhari about the night of Al-Isra' wal Miraj (The Messenger of Allah's (s.a.w.) journey to the Heavens). In this hadith Allah (s.w.t.) commanded the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) to tell the Muslims to pray 50 times a day. The story of this is in the following hadith and I have put two videos below which are very interesting and informative. These videos go into more detail about Al-Isra' wal Miraj and the prayers.
Here is part of the hadith:
Narrated Anas bin Malik (r.a.)
".....Among the things which Allah revealed to him then, was: "Fifty prayers were enjoined on his followers in a day and a night."
Then the Prophet descended till he met Moses, and then Moses stopped him and asked, "O Muhammad ! What did your Lord enjoin upon you?" The Prophet replied," He enjoined upon me to perform fifty prayers in a day and a night." Moses said, "Your followers cannot do that; Go back so that your Lord may reduce it for you and for them." So the Prophet turned to Gabriel as if he wanted to consult him about that issue. Gabriel told him of his opinion, saying, "Yes, if you wish." So Gabriel ascended with him to the Irresistible and said while he was in his place, "O Lord, please lighten our burden as my followers cannot do that." So Allah deducted for him ten prayers where upon he returned to Moses who stopped him again and kept on sending him back to his Lord till the enjoined prayers were reduced to only five prayers.
Then Moses stopped him when the prayers had been reduced to five and said, "O Muhammad! By Allah, I tried to persuade my nation, Bani Israel to do less than this, but they could not do it and gave it up. However, your followers are weaker in body, heart, sight and hearing, so return to your Lord so that He may lighten your burden."
The Prophet turned towards Gabriel for advice and Gabriel did not disapprove of that. So he ascended with him for the fifth time. The Prophet said, "O Lord, my followers are weak in their bodies, hearts, hearing and constitution, so lighten our burden." On that the Irresistible said, "O Muhammad!" the Prophet replied, "Labbaik and Sa'daik." Allah said, "The Word that comes from Me does not change, so it will be as I enjoined on you in the Mother of the Book." Allah added, "Every good deed will be rewarded as ten times so it is fifty (prayers) in the Mother of the Book (in reward) but you are to perform only five (in practice)."
The Prophet returned to Moses who asked, "What have you done?" He said, "He has lightened our burden: He has given us for every good deed a tenfold reward." Moses said, "By Allah! I tried to make Bani Israel observe less than that, but they gave it up. So go back to your Lord that He may lighten your burden further." Allah's Apostle said, "O Moses! By Allah, I feel shy of returning too many times to my Lord." On that Gabriel said, "Descend in Allah's Name." The Prophet then woke while he was in the Sacred Mosque (at Mecca). "
(Sahih Bukhari 9 : 93 : 608)
"And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)." (Holy Qur'an 51:56)
When I read this verse of the Qur'an, I remember the hadith in Bukhari about the night of Al-Isra' wal Miraj (The Messenger of Allah's (s.a.w.) journey to the Heavens). In this hadith Allah (s.w.t.) commanded the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) to tell the Muslims to pray 50 times a day. The story of this is in the following hadith and I have put two videos below which are very interesting and informative. These videos go into more detail about Al-Isra' wal Miraj and the prayers.
Here is part of the hadith:
Narrated Anas bin Malik (r.a.)
".....Among the things which Allah revealed to him then, was: "Fifty prayers were enjoined on his followers in a day and a night."
Then the Prophet descended till he met Moses, and then Moses stopped him and asked, "O Muhammad ! What did your Lord enjoin upon you?" The Prophet replied," He enjoined upon me to perform fifty prayers in a day and a night." Moses said, "Your followers cannot do that; Go back so that your Lord may reduce it for you and for them." So the Prophet turned to Gabriel as if he wanted to consult him about that issue. Gabriel told him of his opinion, saying, "Yes, if you wish." So Gabriel ascended with him to the Irresistible and said while he was in his place, "O Lord, please lighten our burden as my followers cannot do that." So Allah deducted for him ten prayers where upon he returned to Moses who stopped him again and kept on sending him back to his Lord till the enjoined prayers were reduced to only five prayers.
Then Moses stopped him when the prayers had been reduced to five and said, "O Muhammad! By Allah, I tried to persuade my nation, Bani Israel to do less than this, but they could not do it and gave it up. However, your followers are weaker in body, heart, sight and hearing, so return to your Lord so that He may lighten your burden."
The Prophet turned towards Gabriel for advice and Gabriel did not disapprove of that. So he ascended with him for the fifth time. The Prophet said, "O Lord, my followers are weak in their bodies, hearts, hearing and constitution, so lighten our burden." On that the Irresistible said, "O Muhammad!" the Prophet replied, "Labbaik and Sa'daik." Allah said, "The Word that comes from Me does not change, so it will be as I enjoined on you in the Mother of the Book." Allah added, "Every good deed will be rewarded as ten times so it is fifty (prayers) in the Mother of the Book (in reward) but you are to perform only five (in practice)."
The Prophet returned to Moses who asked, "What have you done?" He said, "He has lightened our burden: He has given us for every good deed a tenfold reward." Moses said, "By Allah! I tried to make Bani Israel observe less than that, but they gave it up. So go back to your Lord that He may lighten your burden further." Allah's Apostle said, "O Moses! By Allah, I feel shy of returning too many times to my Lord." On that Gabriel said, "Descend in Allah's Name." The Prophet then woke while he was in the Sacred Mosque (at Mecca). "
(Sahih Bukhari 9 : 93 : 608)
Saturday, 11 December 2010
The Story of Hadhrat Ka'b bin Maalik (r.a.)
Hadhrat Ka'b bin Maalik (r.a.) says, "Besides the military expedition to Tabook, I did not miss a single military expedition in which Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) participated. Of course, I did miss the Battle of Badr, but no one was reprimanded for missing that expedition because Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) had only intended to intercept a caravan of the Quraysh, after which Allaah brought the Muslims and their enemy together without any prearrangement. I was present on the night that the Pledge of Aqaba took place with Rasulullah (s.a.w.) this was the night that we pledged our allegiance to Islaam. I would not like to exchange that night for being at the Battle of Badr even though the Battle of Badr is more popularly spoken about amongst people. This is my story:
I was never more healthier or more financially prosperous than the time when I missed the (Tabook) expedition with Rasulullah (s.a.w.) I had never before owned two animals as I had at the time of the expedition. Until this expedition took place, it was always the practice of Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) to conceal the destination and make it seem that he was heading in a different direction. When Rasulullah (s.a.w.) intended to march on this expedition, the heat was extreme, the journey was long and across barren land and the enemy were large in number. Rasulullah (s.a.w.) therefore disclosed the matter to the Muslims so that they could make proper preparations for the expedition. He informed the Muslims exactly where he intended marching.
The Muslims marching with Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) were so many that a single register could not contain their names. In fact, anyone who intended absenting himself knew that his absence would not be noted unless Allaah sent revelation about it. Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) left on this expedition at a time when the date crop and the shade was most appealing (because the dates were ripe for the picking and the intense heat drew everyone towards the shade). However, the Muslims started their preparations along with Rasulullaah (s.a.w.). Each morning I left to start my preparations with the other Muslims but returned home every time without doing anything, telling myself that I have the means to prepare (and can even do so at short notice). This procrastination continued until others had prepared in earnest and the morning arrived when Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) marched with the Muslims. By then I had still not yet made any preparations but told myself that I would get ready in a day or two and then catch up with them. After they had left, I started the morning with the intention of making preparations, but returned home without accomplishing anything. The next morning was the same and again I returned home without accomplishing anything. This continued happening to me and the Muslims marched very fast until every chance of catching up with the expedition was lost. I had a firm resolve to ride out to meet them and wish that I had. However, I was never destined to do so.
When I walked amongst the people after Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) had left, it saddened me greatly to see only people whose hearts were tainted by hypocrisy or ailing people whom Allaah had excused (staying behind). Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) made no mention of me until the Muslims had reached Tabook. As he was sitting amongst the others at Tabook, he asked, 'What has happened to Ka'b?' Someone from the Banu Salma tribe commented, '0 Rasulullaah! His fine clothing (wealth) has obstructed him.' Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal (r.a.) interjected by saying, 'You have made a terrible statement!, 0 Rasulullaah! I swear by Allaah that we only know him to be an excellent person.' Rasulullah (s.a.w.) remained silent."
Hadhrat Ka'b bin Maalik (r.a.) continues to narrate, "When the news reached me that Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) was returning, I became worried and started thinking of false excuses. I asked myself what I could do to avert the anger of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) and I also sought advice from every wise person of my family. When the news arrived that Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) was about arriving, all false excuses vanished from my mind and I knew that I could never come out of the situation with anything connected to lies. I therefore resolved to tell Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) the truth.
Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) arrived and according to his normal practice after returning from a journey, he proceeded to the Masjid where he performed two Rakaahs of salaah. He then sat to meet with people. As Rasulullah (s.aw.) did this, those who stayed behind started approaching him and to present their excuses. They numbered eighty odd men and even took oaths before Rasulullah (s.a.w.) (to substantiate their excuses). Rasulullah (s.a.w.) accepted their excuses at face value, renewed their pledges of allegiance and sought Allaah's forgiveness on their behalf. He then handed over the inner details of their affairs to Allaah.
When I approached Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) and greeted him with Salaam, he smiled the smile of an angry person and said, 'Do come forward.' I walked to him and sat in front of him. He asked, 'What kept you behind? Had you not already purchased your conveyance?' I responded by saying, 'That's true. By Allaah! Had I been sitting before someone other than you from amongst worldly men, I would have certainly escaped your anger by making some excuse because I have been given the ability to present convincing arguments. However, I swear by Allaah that if I lie to you today and manage to secure your pleasure, the time will soon come when Allaah shall make you angry with me. On the other hand, if I tell you the truth and you become angry with me, I have strong hopes of Allaah's forgiveness. I swear by Allaah that I really had no excuse. By Allaah! I was never more healthier or more financially prosperous than the time when I missed the expedition.' Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said , 'At least this man had spoken the truth. You may leave (and wait) until Allaah decides your matter.'
As I stood up, some men from the Banu Salma tribe (to which I belonged) also stood up and followed me. They said to me, 'By Allaah! We have never known you to commit a sin before this! Could you not make an excuse like the others who stayed behind had made excuses? The forgiveness that Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) would
have sought on your behalf should have then sufficed for our sin.' They kept scolding me in this manner so much that I actually made up my mind to return to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) and deny whatever I had told him. I then asked them, 'Has anyone else experienced the same treatment as I have?' They replied, 'Yes. The others said what you did and received the same reply you received.' 'Who are they?' I asked. 'Muraarah bin Rabee Amri and Hilaal bin Umayyah Waaqifl,' came the reply. The two men they named were two righteous men who had participated in the Battle of Badr and who made excellent examples to follow. I therefore went on my way when they mentioned these two names to me.
Rasulullaah (s.a.w) subsequently prevented people from speaking only to the three of us as opposed to the others who had missed the expedition. People avoided us and ignored us so much so that even the earth seemed like a different place to me. It was not the same place I had been used to. We remained in this condition for fifty days. My two companions became helpless and confined themselves to their homes, weeping excessively. Since I was the youngest and most daring of us, I used to go out and join the Muslims for salaah. I even walked about in the marketplace but no one spoke to me. When Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) sat in gatherings after salaah, I would approach him and greet him with Salaam. I would then ask myself whether his lips moved in reply to my Salaam or not. I also performed salaah close to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) and steal a glance at him. I noticed that whenever I was engaged in salaah, he looked at me and would avert his glance as soon as I turned towards him.
The time eventually arrived when the attitude of the people became too much to bear, I walked to the orchard of Abu Qataadah and scaled the wall. He was my cousin and my best friend. I swear by Allaah that he did not even reply to my Salaam when 1 greeted him. I protested by saying, 'O Abu Qataadah! I ask you in the name of Allaah to tell me whether I have love for Allaah and His Rasool (s.a.w.)? ' When he gave no reply, I repeated the question and again asked in the name of Allaah. He remained silent. Yet again, I repeated myself and took the name of Allaah. All he said was, 'Allaah and Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) know best.' My eyes welled with tears and I turned around to again scale the wall."
Continuing with the story, Hadhrat Ka'b (r.a.) says, "As I was walking in the marketplace one day, I heard the voice of a farmer from the farmers of Shaam who had come to Madinah to sell his grains. He was announcing, 'Who will show me where is Ka'b bin Maalik?' As the people pointed him in my direction, he handed over to me a letter from the king of Ghassaan (wrapped in a silken cloth).
The letter read:
'The news has reached me that your master is being harsh towards you. Allaah has not made you a lowly and ruined person. Join forces with us and we shall honour you.'
After reading the letter, I said to myself, 'This is part of the test.' I then went to an oven where I burnt the letter. when forty of the fifty days had passed, a messenger of Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) suddenly came to me with the message that I was to separate from my wife. 'Should I divorce her?' I asked. 'No,' he replied, 'Just be separated from her and do not go near her.' The same message was sent to my two companions. I then said to my wife, 'Go to your family and stay with them until Allaah decides this matter.'
The wife of Hadhrat Hilaal bin Umayyah (r.a.) approached Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) and pleaded, '0 Rasulullaah! Hilaal bin Umayyah is an extremely old and helpless man who has no servant. Would you object if I serve him?' 'No,' replied Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) Just ensure that he has no intimate relations with you.' She commented, 'By Allaah! He has no inclination to do anything. By Allaah! He has wept continuously since this affair started and continues to do so."'
Hadhrat Ka'b (r.a.) continues, "Some of my family members advised me to also request that my wife stays to serve me as Hilaal bin Umayyah (r.a.) had requested permission. I told them that I would never seek such permission from Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) for I do not know what reply Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) would give me as a young man (who can care for himself). I then remained in this condition (without my wife) for ten days until full fifty nights had passed since Rasulullaah banned others from speaking to us.
After performing the Fajr salaah on the morning of the fiftieth night, I was still on the roof of my house and sitting there in the condition. that Allaah describes in the Qur'aan (in verse 118 of Surah Taubah); the earth had narrowed for me despite its vastness (I could find no place to hide myself) and my own soul had narrowed for me (I had become frustrated with myself). It was then that I heard the voice of a caller who had climbed to the top of Mount Sala. He announced at the top of his voice, 'Rejoice, 0 Ka'b!' I immediately fell prostrate in Sajdah for I knew that relief had arrived.
Afer performing the Fajr salaah, Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) had announced to the people that Allaah had accepted our repentance. Many people came to congratulate us and went to congratulate my two companions. As someone (Hadhrat Zubayr bin Awaam -) spurred his horse to reach me, a man from the Banu Aslam (Hadhrat Hamzah bin Amr Aslami (r.a.)) tribe rushed to climb the hill and his voice was faster than the horse. When the person whose voice I had heard came to me, I took off the two sheets of cloth I was wearing and gave them to him (in thanks) for the good news he had given me. I swear by Allaah that I had no other clothes besides this at the time. I therefore borrowed some clothes and went to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.). Droves of people came to congratulate me on my repentance saying, 'Congratulations! Allaah has accepted your repentance.'
When I eventually reached the Masjid, Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) was sitting there surrounded by people. It was Talha bin Ubaydillaah (r.a.) who stood up and rushed towards me to shake my hands and to congratulate me. By Allaah! No other person from amoligst the Muhaajireen stood up to receive me. I shall never forget this gesture of Talha (r.a.). I then greeted Rasulullaah (s.a.w.). With his face beaming with delight, Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) said, 'Rejoice about the best day that has passed you since the day you were born. I asked, 'Is this from your side, O Rasulullaah or from Allaah?' Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) replied, 'It is from Allaah's side.' Whenever Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) was happy, his face would shine and appear to be a portion of the moon. We would therefore always recognise when he was happy. When I sat in front of Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) I said, 'O Rasulullaah (s.a.w.)! As part of my Taubah, I wish to give all my wealth as Sadaqah for the pleasure of Allaah and His Rasool.' Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) advised, 'It would be best if you keep some of your wealth for yourself.' 'I shall then keep my allotted piece of land in Khaybar,' I said. I added, 'O Rasulullaah! Allaah has saved me because of the truth I spoke and as part of my repentance, I shall speak only the truth as long as I live.'
By Allaah! I do not know of any Muslim whom Allaah had given a better reward than Allaah had given me from the time I spoke the truth to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.). From the time I mentioned this to, Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) I have not spoken any lies up to this day and hope that Allaah protects me from it as long as I remain alive.
Allaah has revealed the following verse to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.)
'Allaah has certainly turned in mercy towards the Nabi (s.a.w.) and towards the Muhaajireen and the Ansaar who followed him in the hour of difficulty (to Tabook) after the hearts of some of them were almost shaken (causing them to hesitate). Without doubt, He is Most Compassionate and Most Merciful towards them (by blessing them with steadhstness and devotion). And Allaah (has also turned in mercy to wards) the three (Sahaaba, namely Muraarah bin Rabee (r.a.), Kab bin Maalik (r.a.) and Hilaal bin Umayyah (r.a.)) whose matter (forgiveness for not marching to Tabook) was postponed (for fifty days) until the earth narrowed for them despite its vastness (and they could find no place to hide themselves), their own souls narrowed for them (they became frustrated with themselves) and they were convinced that there was no safety from Allaah except (in turning) towards Him. Then Allaah turned towards them (in mercy) so that they (could) turn to Him (in repentance). Indeed Allaah is Most Pardoning, Most Merciful. Oyou who have Imaan! Fear (the punishment of Allaah (by doing good and abstaining from sin) and stay (associate) with the truthful.' {Surah Taubah, verses 117-119}
I swear by Allaah that after guiding me to Islaam, Allaah has not granted me a greater blessing than making me speak the truth to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) rather than lying, thereby causing me to be destroyed like those who had lied. When Allaah sent revelation, he used the worst of terms for those who had lied than for anyone else. Allaah states:
'When you (0 Rasulullaah) return to them (the Munaafiqeen) shortly (in Madinah) they will swear before you by Allaah (that they had valid reasons for not accompanyingyou), so that you may leave them alone (and do not admonish them). Pay no attention to them! They (their beliefs and actions) are impure! Their abode shall be Jahannam as a punishment forwhat (evil deeds) they earned. They swear (oaths) before you (0 Rasulullaah) that you may be pleased with them.
(However,) Even if you are pleased with them, Allaah is certainly not pleased with the disobedient ones (Muslims should therefore not maintain close ties with such people).' {Surah Taubah, verses 95,96}
The matter of the three of us was postponed until after the matter of those whose excuses Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) had accepted. When they swore oaths before Rasulullaah he renewed their pledges of allegiance and sought Allaah's forgiveness for them. Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) then postponed our matter until Allaah had passed judgement. It is with reference to this that Allaah says: 'And Allaah (has also turned in mercy towards) the three whose matter was postponed.. .' {Surah Taubah, verse 118)
In this verse, Allaah is not referring to our staying behind from the expedition but to the postponement of our case after deciding the case of the others who had sworn oaths before Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) and who had made excuses that Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) accepted.
Bukhari, Muslim and Ibn Is'haaq. Ahmad has also reported the narration with some additions, as quoted in Al Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.5 Pg.23). Abu Dawood and Nasa'ee have also reported the narration in parts and with more brevity and Tirmidhi has reported a part of the beginning. These are quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.4 Pg.366). Bayhaqi (Vo1.9 Pg.33) has also reported the narration in detail.
(From Hayatus Sahabah by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)
I was never more healthier or more financially prosperous than the time when I missed the (Tabook) expedition with Rasulullah (s.a.w.) I had never before owned two animals as I had at the time of the expedition. Until this expedition took place, it was always the practice of Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) to conceal the destination and make it seem that he was heading in a different direction. When Rasulullah (s.a.w.) intended to march on this expedition, the heat was extreme, the journey was long and across barren land and the enemy were large in number. Rasulullah (s.a.w.) therefore disclosed the matter to the Muslims so that they could make proper preparations for the expedition. He informed the Muslims exactly where he intended marching.
The Muslims marching with Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) were so many that a single register could not contain their names. In fact, anyone who intended absenting himself knew that his absence would not be noted unless Allaah sent revelation about it. Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) left on this expedition at a time when the date crop and the shade was most appealing (because the dates were ripe for the picking and the intense heat drew everyone towards the shade). However, the Muslims started their preparations along with Rasulullaah (s.a.w.). Each morning I left to start my preparations with the other Muslims but returned home every time without doing anything, telling myself that I have the means to prepare (and can even do so at short notice). This procrastination continued until others had prepared in earnest and the morning arrived when Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) marched with the Muslims. By then I had still not yet made any preparations but told myself that I would get ready in a day or two and then catch up with them. After they had left, I started the morning with the intention of making preparations, but returned home without accomplishing anything. The next morning was the same and again I returned home without accomplishing anything. This continued happening to me and the Muslims marched very fast until every chance of catching up with the expedition was lost. I had a firm resolve to ride out to meet them and wish that I had. However, I was never destined to do so.
When I walked amongst the people after Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) had left, it saddened me greatly to see only people whose hearts were tainted by hypocrisy or ailing people whom Allaah had excused (staying behind). Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) made no mention of me until the Muslims had reached Tabook. As he was sitting amongst the others at Tabook, he asked, 'What has happened to Ka'b?' Someone from the Banu Salma tribe commented, '0 Rasulullaah! His fine clothing (wealth) has obstructed him.' Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal (r.a.) interjected by saying, 'You have made a terrible statement!, 0 Rasulullaah! I swear by Allaah that we only know him to be an excellent person.' Rasulullah (s.a.w.) remained silent."
Hadhrat Ka'b bin Maalik (r.a.) continues to narrate, "When the news reached me that Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) was returning, I became worried and started thinking of false excuses. I asked myself what I could do to avert the anger of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) and I also sought advice from every wise person of my family. When the news arrived that Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) was about arriving, all false excuses vanished from my mind and I knew that I could never come out of the situation with anything connected to lies. I therefore resolved to tell Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) the truth.
Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) arrived and according to his normal practice after returning from a journey, he proceeded to the Masjid where he performed two Rakaahs of salaah. He then sat to meet with people. As Rasulullah (s.aw.) did this, those who stayed behind started approaching him and to present their excuses. They numbered eighty odd men and even took oaths before Rasulullah (s.a.w.) (to substantiate their excuses). Rasulullah (s.a.w.) accepted their excuses at face value, renewed their pledges of allegiance and sought Allaah's forgiveness on their behalf. He then handed over the inner details of their affairs to Allaah.
When I approached Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) and greeted him with Salaam, he smiled the smile of an angry person and said, 'Do come forward.' I walked to him and sat in front of him. He asked, 'What kept you behind? Had you not already purchased your conveyance?' I responded by saying, 'That's true. By Allaah! Had I been sitting before someone other than you from amongst worldly men, I would have certainly escaped your anger by making some excuse because I have been given the ability to present convincing arguments. However, I swear by Allaah that if I lie to you today and manage to secure your pleasure, the time will soon come when Allaah shall make you angry with me. On the other hand, if I tell you the truth and you become angry with me, I have strong hopes of Allaah's forgiveness. I swear by Allaah that I really had no excuse. By Allaah! I was never more healthier or more financially prosperous than the time when I missed the expedition.' Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said , 'At least this man had spoken the truth. You may leave (and wait) until Allaah decides your matter.'
As I stood up, some men from the Banu Salma tribe (to which I belonged) also stood up and followed me. They said to me, 'By Allaah! We have never known you to commit a sin before this! Could you not make an excuse like the others who stayed behind had made excuses? The forgiveness that Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) would
have sought on your behalf should have then sufficed for our sin.' They kept scolding me in this manner so much that I actually made up my mind to return to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) and deny whatever I had told him. I then asked them, 'Has anyone else experienced the same treatment as I have?' They replied, 'Yes. The others said what you did and received the same reply you received.' 'Who are they?' I asked. 'Muraarah bin Rabee Amri and Hilaal bin Umayyah Waaqifl,' came the reply. The two men they named were two righteous men who had participated in the Battle of Badr and who made excellent examples to follow. I therefore went on my way when they mentioned these two names to me.
Rasulullaah (s.a.w) subsequently prevented people from speaking only to the three of us as opposed to the others who had missed the expedition. People avoided us and ignored us so much so that even the earth seemed like a different place to me. It was not the same place I had been used to. We remained in this condition for fifty days. My two companions became helpless and confined themselves to their homes, weeping excessively. Since I was the youngest and most daring of us, I used to go out and join the Muslims for salaah. I even walked about in the marketplace but no one spoke to me. When Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) sat in gatherings after salaah, I would approach him and greet him with Salaam. I would then ask myself whether his lips moved in reply to my Salaam or not. I also performed salaah close to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) and steal a glance at him. I noticed that whenever I was engaged in salaah, he looked at me and would avert his glance as soon as I turned towards him.
The time eventually arrived when the attitude of the people became too much to bear, I walked to the orchard of Abu Qataadah and scaled the wall. He was my cousin and my best friend. I swear by Allaah that he did not even reply to my Salaam when 1 greeted him. I protested by saying, 'O Abu Qataadah! I ask you in the name of Allaah to tell me whether I have love for Allaah and His Rasool (s.a.w.)? ' When he gave no reply, I repeated the question and again asked in the name of Allaah. He remained silent. Yet again, I repeated myself and took the name of Allaah. All he said was, 'Allaah and Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) know best.' My eyes welled with tears and I turned around to again scale the wall."
Continuing with the story, Hadhrat Ka'b (r.a.) says, "As I was walking in the marketplace one day, I heard the voice of a farmer from the farmers of Shaam who had come to Madinah to sell his grains. He was announcing, 'Who will show me where is Ka'b bin Maalik?' As the people pointed him in my direction, he handed over to me a letter from the king of Ghassaan (wrapped in a silken cloth).
The letter read:
'The news has reached me that your master is being harsh towards you. Allaah has not made you a lowly and ruined person. Join forces with us and we shall honour you.'
After reading the letter, I said to myself, 'This is part of the test.' I then went to an oven where I burnt the letter. when forty of the fifty days had passed, a messenger of Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) suddenly came to me with the message that I was to separate from my wife. 'Should I divorce her?' I asked. 'No,' he replied, 'Just be separated from her and do not go near her.' The same message was sent to my two companions. I then said to my wife, 'Go to your family and stay with them until Allaah decides this matter.'
The wife of Hadhrat Hilaal bin Umayyah (r.a.) approached Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) and pleaded, '0 Rasulullaah! Hilaal bin Umayyah is an extremely old and helpless man who has no servant. Would you object if I serve him?' 'No,' replied Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) Just ensure that he has no intimate relations with you.' She commented, 'By Allaah! He has no inclination to do anything. By Allaah! He has wept continuously since this affair started and continues to do so."'
Hadhrat Ka'b (r.a.) continues, "Some of my family members advised me to also request that my wife stays to serve me as Hilaal bin Umayyah (r.a.) had requested permission. I told them that I would never seek such permission from Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) for I do not know what reply Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) would give me as a young man (who can care for himself). I then remained in this condition (without my wife) for ten days until full fifty nights had passed since Rasulullaah banned others from speaking to us.
After performing the Fajr salaah on the morning of the fiftieth night, I was still on the roof of my house and sitting there in the condition. that Allaah describes in the Qur'aan (in verse 118 of Surah Taubah); the earth had narrowed for me despite its vastness (I could find no place to hide myself) and my own soul had narrowed for me (I had become frustrated with myself). It was then that I heard the voice of a caller who had climbed to the top of Mount Sala. He announced at the top of his voice, 'Rejoice, 0 Ka'b!' I immediately fell prostrate in Sajdah for I knew that relief had arrived.
Afer performing the Fajr salaah, Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) had announced to the people that Allaah had accepted our repentance. Many people came to congratulate us and went to congratulate my two companions. As someone (Hadhrat Zubayr bin Awaam -) spurred his horse to reach me, a man from the Banu Aslam (Hadhrat Hamzah bin Amr Aslami (r.a.)) tribe rushed to climb the hill and his voice was faster than the horse. When the person whose voice I had heard came to me, I took off the two sheets of cloth I was wearing and gave them to him (in thanks) for the good news he had given me. I swear by Allaah that I had no other clothes besides this at the time. I therefore borrowed some clothes and went to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.). Droves of people came to congratulate me on my repentance saying, 'Congratulations! Allaah has accepted your repentance.'
When I eventually reached the Masjid, Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) was sitting there surrounded by people. It was Talha bin Ubaydillaah (r.a.) who stood up and rushed towards me to shake my hands and to congratulate me. By Allaah! No other person from amoligst the Muhaajireen stood up to receive me. I shall never forget this gesture of Talha (r.a.). I then greeted Rasulullaah (s.a.w.). With his face beaming with delight, Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) said, 'Rejoice about the best day that has passed you since the day you were born. I asked, 'Is this from your side, O Rasulullaah or from Allaah?' Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) replied, 'It is from Allaah's side.' Whenever Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) was happy, his face would shine and appear to be a portion of the moon. We would therefore always recognise when he was happy. When I sat in front of Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) I said, 'O Rasulullaah (s.a.w.)! As part of my Taubah, I wish to give all my wealth as Sadaqah for the pleasure of Allaah and His Rasool.' Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) advised, 'It would be best if you keep some of your wealth for yourself.' 'I shall then keep my allotted piece of land in Khaybar,' I said. I added, 'O Rasulullaah! Allaah has saved me because of the truth I spoke and as part of my repentance, I shall speak only the truth as long as I live.'
By Allaah! I do not know of any Muslim whom Allaah had given a better reward than Allaah had given me from the time I spoke the truth to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.). From the time I mentioned this to, Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) I have not spoken any lies up to this day and hope that Allaah protects me from it as long as I remain alive.
Allaah has revealed the following verse to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.)
'Allaah has certainly turned in mercy towards the Nabi (s.a.w.) and towards the Muhaajireen and the Ansaar who followed him in the hour of difficulty (to Tabook) after the hearts of some of them were almost shaken (causing them to hesitate). Without doubt, He is Most Compassionate and Most Merciful towards them (by blessing them with steadhstness and devotion). And Allaah (has also turned in mercy to wards) the three (Sahaaba, namely Muraarah bin Rabee (r.a.), Kab bin Maalik (r.a.) and Hilaal bin Umayyah (r.a.)) whose matter (forgiveness for not marching to Tabook) was postponed (for fifty days) until the earth narrowed for them despite its vastness (and they could find no place to hide themselves), their own souls narrowed for them (they became frustrated with themselves) and they were convinced that there was no safety from Allaah except (in turning) towards Him. Then Allaah turned towards them (in mercy) so that they (could) turn to Him (in repentance). Indeed Allaah is Most Pardoning, Most Merciful. Oyou who have Imaan! Fear (the punishment of Allaah (by doing good and abstaining from sin) and stay (associate) with the truthful.' {Surah Taubah, verses 117-119}
I swear by Allaah that after guiding me to Islaam, Allaah has not granted me a greater blessing than making me speak the truth to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) rather than lying, thereby causing me to be destroyed like those who had lied. When Allaah sent revelation, he used the worst of terms for those who had lied than for anyone else. Allaah states:
'When you (0 Rasulullaah) return to them (the Munaafiqeen) shortly (in Madinah) they will swear before you by Allaah (that they had valid reasons for not accompanyingyou), so that you may leave them alone (and do not admonish them). Pay no attention to them! They (their beliefs and actions) are impure! Their abode shall be Jahannam as a punishment forwhat (evil deeds) they earned. They swear (oaths) before you (0 Rasulullaah) that you may be pleased with them.
(However,) Even if you are pleased with them, Allaah is certainly not pleased with the disobedient ones (Muslims should therefore not maintain close ties with such people).' {Surah Taubah, verses 95,96}
The matter of the three of us was postponed until after the matter of those whose excuses Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) had accepted. When they swore oaths before Rasulullaah he renewed their pledges of allegiance and sought Allaah's forgiveness for them. Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) then postponed our matter until Allaah had passed judgement. It is with reference to this that Allaah says: 'And Allaah (has also turned in mercy towards) the three whose matter was postponed.. .' {Surah Taubah, verse 118)
In this verse, Allaah is not referring to our staying behind from the expedition but to the postponement of our case after deciding the case of the others who had sworn oaths before Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) and who had made excuses that Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) accepted.
Bukhari, Muslim and Ibn Is'haaq. Ahmad has also reported the narration with some additions, as quoted in Al Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.5 Pg.23). Abu Dawood and Nasa'ee have also reported the narration in parts and with more brevity and Tirmidhi has reported a part of the beginning. These are quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.4 Pg.366). Bayhaqi (Vo1.9 Pg.33) has also reported the narration in detail.
(From Hayatus Sahabah by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Imam Mahdi, The Dajjal, Prophet Isa (Jesus pbuh) and Yajooj and Majooj (Gog and Magog)
Hadrat Mahdi (r.a.)
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: "Prophethood will remain among you as long as Allah wishes it to remain, and then Allah will remove it when He wishes to remove it. Then there will be a caliphate based on prophethood, and it will last as long as Allah wishes. Then Allah will remove it wh...en He wishes. Then there will be a proud kingdom, and it will last as long as Allah wills. Then Allah will remove it when he wishes. Then there will be a caliphate based on Prophethood." Then he was silent. (Ahmad, Tabarani)
The Prophethood referred to in the hadith is the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.), then after Prophethood came the rightly-guided caliphate: that of Abu Bakr (r.a.), Umar (r.a.) Uthman (r.a.) and Ali (r.a.). After that is the inherited kingdom, then the Mahdi will be victorious so that there will be once more caliphate based on prophethood as the hadith states.
'Abdullah ibn 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ood (r.a.) related that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: "Even if there remains from this world only a single day, Allah would prolong that day until a man from me or from my descendents is sent. His name is the same as my name, and his father's name is the same as my father's name." (Abu Dawood)
Abu Sa'id al Khudri (r.a.) narrates that Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said "The Mahdi will be from my progeny. He will have a wide forehead and a high thin nose. He will fill the earth with equity and justice just as it was filled with oppression and tyranny. He will rule for seven years." (Abu Dawud)
Remaining Hidden Until His Emergence
(from 'The Emergence of Mahdi' by Mufti Mahmud bin Maulana Sulayman Bardoli)
After the study of Ahadith we realize that the emergence of Hadrat Mahdi has been kept hidden until a specified time. When the time for his emergence comes, this secret will suddenly be opened for the people, by Allah (swt). It is also surprising to note that Hadrat Mahdi will not be acquainted with his status. This is learnt from the following narration:
Hadrat Ali (r.a.) narrates that Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said, "Mahdi will be from us, the Ahl al Bayt, Allah will bless him with the capacity overnight." (Ibn Majah,Ahmad)
Allah will bless him with the capacity to rule and hold the position of khalifah suddenly overnight. (Anjah Al Hajah)
Ibn Kathir writes in the commentary of this hadith: Allah will bless him with His special favour and will grant him divine ability, thereby inspiring him with this reality and making him acquainted with his position of which he was unaware. (An Nihayah fi Al Fitan wa Al Malahim vol.1. p.31)
The characteristics and good qualities of Hadrat Mahdi will remain hidden and unknown until the time for his emergence comes, in His infininite power, Allah (swt) will create all the abilities within him to rule in a single night.
Emergence of Sufyani
He will be from the desert part of Damascus in Sham. He will move to the corners of Sham and Egypt. Sufyani is a great tyrant and oppressor who will kill infants and carry out general massacres.
Hadrat Abu Hurayrah (r.a.) narrates that Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said, A person called Sufyani will come out of Damascus. Most of his followers will be of the Banu Kalb. He will kill to such an extent that he will rip the bellies of women and murder their children. The tribe of Qays will gather a force against him. He will kill them until no one will remain. Then a person of my family (Hadrat Mahdi) will emerge from Hira. When this news reaches Sufyani, he will send out one of his armies. He (Hadrat Mahdi) will defeat them all. Sufyani will then face him with his own army. When they (the army of Sufyani) will reach Bayda, the earth will swallow them. None of them will remain except the informant. (Mustadrak ala As Sahihayn vol.4 p.565, Hadith 8586)
The crux of this, is, when he will hear of the emergence of Hadrat Mahdi, he will immediately send one of his armies to face him. This army will head for Makkah Mukkarramah and will encamp at Bayda. Suddenly, the centre part of the army will inform those at the back, so that they do not fall into the same predicament. However, before they can resort to any plan to save themselves, they will be sunken too. The sinking of this large army into earth will be (a manifestation of) the help of Allah (swt) and it will be a miracle that will make Hadrat Mahdi famous in far away lands.
When Sufyani will hear of the sinking of the army, he will set out himself for Makkah Mukkarahmah. He will launch an attack there. Under the leadership of Hadrat Mahdi, the Muslims will be very weak as far as equipment is concerned. It will be like the scene of Badr, but, the help of Allah (swt) will come and the army of Sufyani will be heavily defeated. (from 'The Emergence of Mahdi' by Mufti Mahmud bin Maulana Sulayman Bardoli)
The fame and acceptance of Hadrat Mahdi will become widespread after his emergence and the defeat of Sufyani and his forces.
Umm Salamah (r.a.) the wife of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: "There will be discord when a Khaleefah (ruler) dies. A man from the inhabitants of Madina will flee to Makkah, and people will come to him from the dwellers of Makkah. They will bring him out (from his home), yet he will be averse to what they want of him (either because of the trials associated with being leader or because he is fearing trials). Then they will pledge allegiance to him between the Rukn (i.e. the Black Stone) and the Maqaam (the Station of Ibrahim). An army will be sent to (attack) him from Sham (Syria and surrounding areas) and they will be swallowed up in Al-Baidaa - a place between Makkah and Al-Madinah. When people will see that (i.e. the honour accorded to Al-Mahdi), the Abdall from Sham will come to him and the best people from Iraq will come and pledge allegiance to him. Then a man from the Quraish will appear; his uncles are from the children of Kalb. He will send an army to them but they (i.e. those who pledged allegiance) will be victorious over them....Wealth would be distributed and the people will apply the Sunnah of their Prophet (s.a.w.) Islam will achieve stability and fairness in the earth. That will last for seven years, after which the Mahdi will die and the Muslims will pray over him." (Abu Dawood)
The Black Flags
Once his (Imam Mahdi's) emergence is well known, Muslim armies as well as Muslims from Iraq, Syria,Yemen, Medina, (Pakistan and elsewhwere) as well as a large number of Arabs will present themselves before the Imam (Mahdi) and pledge their allegiance to him. One person from Khurasan will prepare a huge army and despatch them towards Mecca with the intention of helping Imam Mahdi. The armies leader will be a man by the name of Mansoor. Enroute this army will encounter many enemies, which it will conquer. (from Islam, Jesus, Mehdi, Qadyanis and Doomsday by Professor Mohammad Abdullah)
According to Buraidah (r.a) the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: " There will be many armies after me. You must join that army which will come from Khurasan." (Ibn Adi)
According to Abu Huraira (r.a.) the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: "Armies carrying black flags will come from Khurasan. No power will be able to stop them and they will finally reach Bela (Baitul Maqdas in Jerusalem) where they will erect their flags." (Tirmizi)
'Alqamah related that 'Abdullah (r.a.) said: As we were with the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) his eyes became bathed in tears and his colour changed. I said 'We still see something in your face (in terms of the Prophet's sadness) that we dislike.' The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, 'Allah has chosen for us, the people of this household, the Hereafter over this world. And indeed, after me (the people of) my house will face affliction, expulsion, and exile, until a people from the direction of the East will come with black flags. They will ask for bread but they will not be given it. They will fight and they will be made victorious. Then they will be given what they asked, but they will not accept it until they pass it (the matter of ruling) on to a man from the people of my household. He will fill it (i.e. the earth) with justice, just as it had been filled with oppression. Whoever from you reaches that, then go to them, even if you have to crawl on ice." (Ibn Majah)
The Appearance of the Dajjal (Anti-Christ)
The Dajjal will appear during the time of Hadrat Mahdi (r.a). There will be a time of drought preceding him.
According to Asma bint Yazeed (r.a.). "Once the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) came to my house and there he spoke about the Dajjal. He said that before the emergence there will be three spells of drought. In one year the skies will withold one third of its rains, causing the earth to withold one third of its produce. In the second year the skies will withold two thirds of its rains causing the earth to withold two thirds of its produce. In the third year the skies will withold all its water and there will be no crops that year. All animals be they hooved or toothed will die as a result.The greatest evil of the Dajjal will be to approach anyone and ask him, 'If I bring your camel back to life, will you then believe that I am your God (Rabb)?' The person will reply 'Most certainly' Thereafter a devil (Shaitan) from the many devils who will always accompany Dajjal, will appear before this person in the form of his camel, with a fat hump and fully laden udders.
Similarly Dajjal will appear before another person whose father and brother have long died and ask him. "If I bring your father and brother back to life will you believe that I am your God?" The person will reply "Why not?" The devils will once again take on the appearance of his brother and father..." (Ahmad)
He will claim to be a Prophet and later claim to be God (Allah).
Sulaimaan ibn Shihaab Al-Qeesee said: "Abdullah ibn Mughnim (r.a.) who was one of the Prophet's Companions, came down and related to me that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said 'Ad-Dajjal: there is nothing hidden about him. He will come from the East. He will call to the truth, and he will be followed. He will go on behalf of the people and fight them, and he will be victorious over them. He will continue upon that state until he reaches Kufa. There he will manifest Allah's religion and apply it, and for that he will be followed and loved. But then after that he will say 'Indeed I am a Prophet.'
Every person of sound mind will be alarmed by that, and as a result will part from him. Later on he will say, 'I am Allah.' Allah will cover his eyes; his ears will be cut and 'Kaafir' (disbeliever) will be written between his eyes, and that will not be hidden to any Muslim.
Any person who has a mustard-seed amount of Eemaan (faith) in his heart will then part from him. His companions will be from the Jews, the Magian, the Christians, and these foreigners from the polytheists. Then, according to what they see, he will call a man, order for him to be brought, and then he will kill him. Next, he will cut the body into (two) pieces, (displaying) each piece separately. He will separate between the two, so that the people can see them. After that, he will gather them back together, strike (the body) with a rod, and suddenly the man will be standing. The Dajjal will say, 'I am Allah, I bring to life and cause death." (At-Tabaraanee)
That is magic which he will use on the people; he will not really do any of that. (Ibn Kathir 'Book of the End' p.136)
He will travel the enire world but he will be unable to enter Mecca and Madina because of the angels guarding them. He will send down rains upon those who believe in him, which in turn will cause crops to grow, trees to bear fruits and cattle to grow fat.
His mischiefs will last 40 days, in which one day will equal a year and one day equals one month, and one day equals one week. The rest of the days will be as usual.
Description of Dajjal
Abu Lailah ibn Abi Umayyah related that a group of people entered upon Mu'aadh Ibn Jabal (r.a.) when he was sick. They said to him, "Relate to us a Hadith that you heard from the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) and that you have not forgotten?" He said, "Help me sit down." Some of the people took him by the hand while others seated themselves behind him. He said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) say, "There was no Prophet that did not warn his nation about the Dajjaal, and I am indeed warning you about his affair. He is one-eyed, and indeed, my Lord 'Azza wa-Jall (to Him belongs Might and Majesty) is not one-eyed. Written between the eyes of the Dajjaal is kafir (disbeliever). Every literate and illiterate one will read it. He will have with him a paradise and a fire; in reality, his fire is paradise and his paradise is fire." Our Shaykh, Al-Haafidh Adh-Dhahabee, said, "Khunais was the only one who related it, and we know of nothing to take away from his reputation as a narrator. And its chain is authentic." (found in Book of the End by Ibn Kathir)
According to Ubaidah bin Samit (r.a.) the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) once said. "I have explained Dajjal to you, but I fear you might not have understood. Masih Dajjal will be short and his legs will be crooked. The hair on his head will be extremely twisted. He will have one eye with which he can see, and this is the protuding eye (about which other Hadith inform us) his other eye will be totally flat. It will neither be deep in its socket nor protuding. If you have any doubt regarding him then remember your Sustainer (God) is not one-eyed (because Dajjal will eventually claim to be God) (1)
War with Anti-Christ (Dajjal)
Destruction of the Dajjal and Muslim victory
(1) I don't know which book this hadith is recorded in but I found it in 'Islam, Jesus, Mehdi, Qadyanis and Doomsday' by Professor Mohammad Abdullah
Yajooj and Majooj (Gog and Magog)
(The following is adapted from the page here at central-mosque.com aticle and the article Ya'juj Ma'juj (Gog and Magog) By Shaykh Ahmed Ali)
Many thousands of years ago the barbarous tribes of Yajuj and Ma'juj were imprisoned behind an iron wall built by Zulqarnayn. Referred to in the Qur'an in Surah Al-Kahf. Zulqarnayn was a Muslim Arab (fathul bari) who lived at the time of the Prophet Ibraheem and not Alexander the Great as it is commonly known. From amongst one of the four that ruled the entire world (the other three being Prophet Sulayman, Nimrod & Buktnasr) he was a pious and just king, provide with all forms of strength through which he was able to carry his conquests and missions.
Once he carried a mission in three directions, the far west, far east, and then in a northerly direction. Travelling first in the westerly direction, he conquered the lands he passed through establishing the laws of Allah therein until he reached the setting of the sun. There he met people that didn't believe in Allah. Given a choice of punishing them for their kufr or being lenient by inviting them first to Islam; he chose the latter and addressed them, ''Those evil-doers who do injustice to themselves by rejecting Allah will be punished by death in this world and the hereafter, the fire of hell is their abode. As for those who accept the invitation and believe in Allah they will be treated leniently and in the hereafter Jannah is their place of rest.''
After the journey towards the west he made preparation for the journey towards the east. Conquering the lands he passed through, establishing he laws of Allah therein. He continued travelling in the easterly direction until he reached the rising of the sun. In this area of the east he saw a nation receiving the sunshine without any obstruction and they were dealt with like the previous people in the west.
After the journey to the east he started his northern Journey. He kept on travelling until he reached the midst of two mountains, it was here he came across a tribe who complained to him about the tribes of Ya'juj and Ma'juj. Ya'juj and Ma'juj inhabited the land behind the mountains, plundered them, committed bloodshed, and then ran away. Observing Zulqarnain's power they asked to set a barrier in return for a wage for their protection from the disaster and bloodshed, which they often bore at the hands of Ya'juj Ma'juj. Refusing to accept any wealth he built an iron wall with their help which Ya'juj Ma'juj could not cross or pierce. (Qurtubi/ Ibne-Kathir)
Verses from Surah Al-Kahf
Thereafter he followed a way. [92]
Until when he reached between the two mountains, he found on their hither side a people who did not seem to understand anything said. [93]
They said, "0 Dhul-Qarnain, the Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog) are mischief-makers on the earth. So shall we set for you a revenue, provided that you make a barrier between us and them?' [94]
He said, 'That which my Lord has placed under my control is better, so help me with strength and I shall make a rampart between you and them. [95]
Bring me ingots of iron." (They proceeded accordingly) until when he leveled up (the gap) between the two mountain-sides, he said, "Blow." (They complied) until when he made it (like) fire, he said, ''Bring me molten copper and I will pour it upon this." [96]
So they (Ya’juj and Ma’juj) were not able to climb it, nor were they able to make a hole in it. [97]
He said, 'This is a mercy from my Lord. Then, when the promise of my Lord will come, He will make it leveled to the ground. And the promise of my Lord is always true." [98]
The emergence of the mighty tribes of Ya'juj and Ma'juj is also a major sign of Qiyamah. Allah says in the Qur'an, "When Ya'juj and Ma'juj are let loose (from their Barrier) and they swiftly swarm from every mound" (Surah Al-Anbiya)
Allah says in the Qur'an, " (Zulqarnain) said, 'This is a mercy from my Lord, but when the promise of my Lord comes, He shall level it down (the barrier) to the ground. And the promise of my Lord is ever true." (Surah Al-Kahf)
Zainab-b-Zahash (r.a.) says: "Once the Prophet awoke from such a sleep that his face was red and these words were on his tongue, "There is none worthy of worship but Allah. Destruction is upon the Arabs on account of that evil which has come close to them. Today a hole as big as this has opened in the wall of Yajuj and Ma'juj. (The Prophet indicated the size of the hole with his finger and thumb)" (Bukhari/Muslim)
Regarding the rest of their antecedents, the Hadith of Sayyidna An-Nawwas ibn Sam'an (r.a) is most detailed and sound in authority. It has been reported in the Sahih of Muslim and in all books of Ahadith recognized for their authenticity and Hadith experts declare it to be sound and authentic. This Hadith carries details concerning the appearance of Dajjal (anti-Christ), the coming of Sayyidna 'Isa and then, the appearance of Ya’juj Ma’juj. A translation of this entire Hadith is being given below:
Sayyidna an-Nawwas ibn Sam'an (RA) says that one morning the Holy Prophet (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) mentioned Dajjal (anti-Christ) and while doing that he said a few things which showed the low and negative aspect of his profile (such as his being one-eyed). Then, he also said a few things about him to the effect that his emergence was a matter of ominous trial (such as Paradise and Hell being with him and other extra-ordinary aspects of his persona). His narration (gripped us with such fear) as if Dajjal was lurking somewhere (in the nearby) grooves of the date palms.
When we presented ourselves before him in the evening, he read our confused inner condition and asked, 'What is the matter with you?' (What did you conclude from what I had said?). We submitted, 'You talked about Dajjal in the morning. Of things you said about him some seemed to belittle the matter of his emergence while you also said other things which seemed to highlight his matter to proportions of a great trial to the extent that we thought he was present close to us in the grooves of the date-palms!' Then he said, 'Not just the Dajjal, there are other trials I fear may afflict you more (that is, the trial of Dajjal is not as great as you have taken it to be). If he appears - and I am among you - I shall confront him personally without you. And if he appears and I am not among you - everyone will try to confront him in terms of his courage. And Allah is, in my absence, the guardian and protector of all Muslims. (You will recognize him as) a young man - hard curly hair, one eye protruding upwards (blind in the other as in other narratives). And if I can liken him (in this ugly profile) with someone, it is 'Abd al-'Uzza ibn Qatan (an ugly person from the tribe of Banu Khuza'ah during the Jahiliyyah). If a Muslim from among you runs into him, he should recite the initial verses of Surah al-Kahf against him (which will keep him protected from Dajjal). Dajjal will emerge from the empty space between Syria and 'Iraq creating havoc right and left. 0 servants of Allah, you then stay firm against him.' We said, 'Ya Rasulallah, and how long will he tarry on the Earth?' He said, 'Forty days. But, the first day will be equal to one year, and the second day to one month, and the rest of the days equal to the usual.' We said, 'Ya Rasulallah, so on that day which will be equal to one year, shall we be offering (the five-timed) Salah for one day only?' He said, 'No. You will, rather, go by estimating time and offering prayers for the whole year.' We said, 'Ya Rasulallah, how fast will he be moving about the Earth?' He said, 'Fast like the cloud being followed by wind. Then he will pass by a people and ask them to rally round his false beliefs. They will believe in him and respond to his call. Then he will commission the clouds. They will start raining. He will order the Earth. It will turn green and verdant (and herds of cattle will graze therein) and when they return in the evening, their humps shall be much higher than before and their udders shall be full of milk and their waists shall be plumb. Then, Dajjal will pass by another people and invite them to his disbelief. But, they will turn down his invitation. Losing hope, when he goes away from them, these believers will be stricken with famine and nothing of what once belonged to them will remain in their hands. And when Dajjal will walk by this wasteland, he will address it, saying: 'Bring your treasures out.' So, its treasures will start following him like the honeybees follow their queen. Then Dajjal will call a man whose youth shall be in full bloom, strike him with a sword and cut him into two pieces and the two pieces will be placed as far apart as the distance between an archer and his target. Then he will call him. He will come (alive) to Dajjal beaming with joy over his feat. In the meantime, Allah 'I'a'ala will send down AI-Masih ibn Maryam (Sayyidna 'Isa (AS)). He will alight at the white tower in the eastern part of Dimashq (Damascus) clad in two coloured sheets with both hands resting on the wings of angels. When he bows his blessed head, drops of water will drip down from there (as if one has just come out of the shower). And when he raises his head up, from it drop silvery globules like genuine pearls. Any disbeliever who breathes the air from his breath will die that very instant and his breath will reach as far as reaches his glance. Then he will look for him until he will overtake him at the gate of Ludd (still there in Baytul-Maqdis by the same name) and kill him. After that, 'Isa ibn Maryam will come to people whom Allah protected from Dajjal. He will then touch their faces (with compassion for them) and give them the good news of having high ranks in Paradise.
While he would still be in the same state, Allah will reveal to 'Isa: 'Verily, I am going to send forth the kind of men from among servants belonging to Me against whom no two hands will dare fight. So, you assemble and take My servants to the sanctuary of Mount 'Tur (which Sayyidna 'Isa will do) and would send out Ya’juj and Ma’juj and they will be seen hurtling down from every side. The first wave of them will pass by Buhairah Tabariyyah. They would drink out everything in it and when others of them will pass by it, (and seeing it dry) they will say: 'Surely, in this, there must have been water earlier in time.'
The prophet of Allah, 'Isa, and his companions will take refuge on the Mount 'Tur. Other believers will find sanctuaries in their own fortified places. Food supplies will be there, but it would run short whereupon the head of a bull will be considered better than a hundred dinar. Then, the prophet of Allah, 'Isa, and his companions will turn to Allah (and pray for the removal of their distress which will be answered) and He will send an epidemic (worm in neck) and they will be annihilated en masse to the last person. Then, the prophet of Allah, 'Isa, and his companions will come down from the Mount of 'fur and see not a hand-span worth of land remaining unfilled with corpses and (because of their decomposition) the place will be reeking with a strong stench. (Seeing this state of affairs) the prophet of Allah, 'Isa, and his companions will turn to Allah (praying for the removal of this distress as well which Allah will answer). He will send birds with necks like the neck of a camel. They will haul these corpses and throw them at the place where Allah wills (according to some narratives, they will put them away into the sea).
After that, Allah Ta'ala will send rains. No clay home in the villages and no Bedouin tent in the desert will remain without it. Lands will be washed clean and left like mirror. Then, Allah Ta'ala will tell the Earth, 'Grow your fruits and unravel the abundance of your blessings.' (And so it shall be and such shall be the bliss of increase that) one pomegranate will suffice as food for a group of people. And its shell will be used to make canopies for protection against the Sun and milk will be so blessed as to suffice for a large number of people. Milk from one cow will be enough for everyone in a tribe and milk from one goat will be adequate for a whole clan. (After forty years of this period of extra-ordinary abundance, peace and protection, when the time due for Qiyamah will draw near) Allah Ta'ala will send a pleasant wind which will cause their armpits to be benumbed and the soul of every believer and every Muslim will be taken away. Left there will be the worst among human beings, the wicked and the disbelieving ones, who will indulge in shame and outrage on the Earth like donkeys. And it is against them that the Hour will stand activated.' (Muslim)
see also:
Signs Before The Day of Judgement - Part 1
Signs Before The Day of Judgement - Part 2
Hadith regarding the sighting of the Dajjal
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: "Prophethood will remain among you as long as Allah wishes it to remain, and then Allah will remove it when He wishes to remove it. Then there will be a caliphate based on prophethood, and it will last as long as Allah wishes. Then Allah will remove it wh...en He wishes. Then there will be a proud kingdom, and it will last as long as Allah wills. Then Allah will remove it when he wishes. Then there will be a caliphate based on Prophethood." Then he was silent. (Ahmad, Tabarani)
The Prophethood referred to in the hadith is the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.), then after Prophethood came the rightly-guided caliphate: that of Abu Bakr (r.a.), Umar (r.a.) Uthman (r.a.) and Ali (r.a.). After that is the inherited kingdom, then the Mahdi will be victorious so that there will be once more caliphate based on prophethood as the hadith states.
'Abdullah ibn 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ood (r.a.) related that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: "Even if there remains from this world only a single day, Allah would prolong that day until a man from me or from my descendents is sent. His name is the same as my name, and his father's name is the same as my father's name." (Abu Dawood)
Abu Sa'id al Khudri (r.a.) narrates that Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said "The Mahdi will be from my progeny. He will have a wide forehead and a high thin nose. He will fill the earth with equity and justice just as it was filled with oppression and tyranny. He will rule for seven years." (Abu Dawud)
Remaining Hidden Until His Emergence
(from 'The Emergence of Mahdi' by Mufti Mahmud bin Maulana Sulayman Bardoli)
After the study of Ahadith we realize that the emergence of Hadrat Mahdi has been kept hidden until a specified time. When the time for his emergence comes, this secret will suddenly be opened for the people, by Allah (swt). It is also surprising to note that Hadrat Mahdi will not be acquainted with his status. This is learnt from the following narration:
Hadrat Ali (r.a.) narrates that Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said, "Mahdi will be from us, the Ahl al Bayt, Allah will bless him with the capacity overnight." (Ibn Majah,Ahmad)
Allah will bless him with the capacity to rule and hold the position of khalifah suddenly overnight. (Anjah Al Hajah)
Ibn Kathir writes in the commentary of this hadith: Allah will bless him with His special favour and will grant him divine ability, thereby inspiring him with this reality and making him acquainted with his position of which he was unaware. (An Nihayah fi Al Fitan wa Al Malahim vol.1. p.31)
The characteristics and good qualities of Hadrat Mahdi will remain hidden and unknown until the time for his emergence comes, in His infininite power, Allah (swt) will create all the abilities within him to rule in a single night.
Emergence of Sufyani
He will be from the desert part of Damascus in Sham. He will move to the corners of Sham and Egypt. Sufyani is a great tyrant and oppressor who will kill infants and carry out general massacres.
Hadrat Abu Hurayrah (r.a.) narrates that Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said, A person called Sufyani will come out of Damascus. Most of his followers will be of the Banu Kalb. He will kill to such an extent that he will rip the bellies of women and murder their children. The tribe of Qays will gather a force against him. He will kill them until no one will remain. Then a person of my family (Hadrat Mahdi) will emerge from Hira. When this news reaches Sufyani, he will send out one of his armies. He (Hadrat Mahdi) will defeat them all. Sufyani will then face him with his own army. When they (the army of Sufyani) will reach Bayda, the earth will swallow them. None of them will remain except the informant. (Mustadrak ala As Sahihayn vol.4 p.565, Hadith 8586)
The crux of this, is, when he will hear of the emergence of Hadrat Mahdi, he will immediately send one of his armies to face him. This army will head for Makkah Mukkarramah and will encamp at Bayda. Suddenly, the centre part of the army will inform those at the back, so that they do not fall into the same predicament. However, before they can resort to any plan to save themselves, they will be sunken too. The sinking of this large army into earth will be (a manifestation of) the help of Allah (swt) and it will be a miracle that will make Hadrat Mahdi famous in far away lands.
When Sufyani will hear of the sinking of the army, he will set out himself for Makkah Mukkarahmah. He will launch an attack there. Under the leadership of Hadrat Mahdi, the Muslims will be very weak as far as equipment is concerned. It will be like the scene of Badr, but, the help of Allah (swt) will come and the army of Sufyani will be heavily defeated. (from 'The Emergence of Mahdi' by Mufti Mahmud bin Maulana Sulayman Bardoli)
The fame and acceptance of Hadrat Mahdi will become widespread after his emergence and the defeat of Sufyani and his forces.
Umm Salamah (r.a.) the wife of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: "There will be discord when a Khaleefah (ruler) dies. A man from the inhabitants of Madina will flee to Makkah, and people will come to him from the dwellers of Makkah. They will bring him out (from his home), yet he will be averse to what they want of him (either because of the trials associated with being leader or because he is fearing trials). Then they will pledge allegiance to him between the Rukn (i.e. the Black Stone) and the Maqaam (the Station of Ibrahim). An army will be sent to (attack) him from Sham (Syria and surrounding areas) and they will be swallowed up in Al-Baidaa - a place between Makkah and Al-Madinah. When people will see that (i.e. the honour accorded to Al-Mahdi), the Abdall from Sham will come to him and the best people from Iraq will come and pledge allegiance to him. Then a man from the Quraish will appear; his uncles are from the children of Kalb. He will send an army to them but they (i.e. those who pledged allegiance) will be victorious over them....Wealth would be distributed and the people will apply the Sunnah of their Prophet (s.a.w.) Islam will achieve stability and fairness in the earth. That will last for seven years, after which the Mahdi will die and the Muslims will pray over him." (Abu Dawood)
The Black Flags
Once his (Imam Mahdi's) emergence is well known, Muslim armies as well as Muslims from Iraq, Syria,Yemen, Medina, (Pakistan and elsewhwere) as well as a large number of Arabs will present themselves before the Imam (Mahdi) and pledge their allegiance to him. One person from Khurasan will prepare a huge army and despatch them towards Mecca with the intention of helping Imam Mahdi. The armies leader will be a man by the name of Mansoor. Enroute this army will encounter many enemies, which it will conquer. (from Islam, Jesus, Mehdi, Qadyanis and Doomsday by Professor Mohammad Abdullah)
According to Buraidah (r.a) the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: " There will be many armies after me. You must join that army which will come from Khurasan." (Ibn Adi)
According to Abu Huraira (r.a.) the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: "Armies carrying black flags will come from Khurasan. No power will be able to stop them and they will finally reach Bela (Baitul Maqdas in Jerusalem) where they will erect their flags." (Tirmizi)
'Alqamah related that 'Abdullah (r.a.) said: As we were with the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) his eyes became bathed in tears and his colour changed. I said 'We still see something in your face (in terms of the Prophet's sadness) that we dislike.' The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, 'Allah has chosen for us, the people of this household, the Hereafter over this world. And indeed, after me (the people of) my house will face affliction, expulsion, and exile, until a people from the direction of the East will come with black flags. They will ask for bread but they will not be given it. They will fight and they will be made victorious. Then they will be given what they asked, but they will not accept it until they pass it (the matter of ruling) on to a man from the people of my household. He will fill it (i.e. the earth) with justice, just as it had been filled with oppression. Whoever from you reaches that, then go to them, even if you have to crawl on ice." (Ibn Majah)
The Appearance of the Dajjal (Anti-Christ)
The Dajjal will appear during the time of Hadrat Mahdi (r.a). There will be a time of drought preceding him.
According to Asma bint Yazeed (r.a.). "Once the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) came to my house and there he spoke about the Dajjal. He said that before the emergence there will be three spells of drought. In one year the skies will withold one third of its rains, causing the earth to withold one third of its produce. In the second year the skies will withold two thirds of its rains causing the earth to withold two thirds of its produce. In the third year the skies will withold all its water and there will be no crops that year. All animals be they hooved or toothed will die as a result.The greatest evil of the Dajjal will be to approach anyone and ask him, 'If I bring your camel back to life, will you then believe that I am your God (Rabb)?' The person will reply 'Most certainly' Thereafter a devil (Shaitan) from the many devils who will always accompany Dajjal, will appear before this person in the form of his camel, with a fat hump and fully laden udders.
Similarly Dajjal will appear before another person whose father and brother have long died and ask him. "If I bring your father and brother back to life will you believe that I am your God?" The person will reply "Why not?" The devils will once again take on the appearance of his brother and father..." (Ahmad)
He will claim to be a Prophet and later claim to be God (Allah).
Sulaimaan ibn Shihaab Al-Qeesee said: "Abdullah ibn Mughnim (r.a.) who was one of the Prophet's Companions, came down and related to me that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said 'Ad-Dajjal: there is nothing hidden about him. He will come from the East. He will call to the truth, and he will be followed. He will go on behalf of the people and fight them, and he will be victorious over them. He will continue upon that state until he reaches Kufa. There he will manifest Allah's religion and apply it, and for that he will be followed and loved. But then after that he will say 'Indeed I am a Prophet.'
Every person of sound mind will be alarmed by that, and as a result will part from him. Later on he will say, 'I am Allah.' Allah will cover his eyes; his ears will be cut and 'Kaafir' (disbeliever) will be written between his eyes, and that will not be hidden to any Muslim.
Any person who has a mustard-seed amount of Eemaan (faith) in his heart will then part from him. His companions will be from the Jews, the Magian, the Christians, and these foreigners from the polytheists. Then, according to what they see, he will call a man, order for him to be brought, and then he will kill him. Next, he will cut the body into (two) pieces, (displaying) each piece separately. He will separate between the two, so that the people can see them. After that, he will gather them back together, strike (the body) with a rod, and suddenly the man will be standing. The Dajjal will say, 'I am Allah, I bring to life and cause death." (At-Tabaraanee)
That is magic which he will use on the people; he will not really do any of that. (Ibn Kathir 'Book of the End' p.136)
He will travel the enire world but he will be unable to enter Mecca and Madina because of the angels guarding them. He will send down rains upon those who believe in him, which in turn will cause crops to grow, trees to bear fruits and cattle to grow fat.
His mischiefs will last 40 days, in which one day will equal a year and one day equals one month, and one day equals one week. The rest of the days will be as usual.
Abu Lailah ibn Abi Umayyah related that a group of people entered upon Mu'aadh Ibn Jabal (r.a.) when he was sick. They said to him, "Relate to us a Hadith that you heard from the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) and that you have not forgotten?" He said, "Help me sit down." Some of the people took him by the hand while others seated themselves behind him. He said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) say, "There was no Prophet that did not warn his nation about the Dajjaal, and I am indeed warning you about his affair. He is one-eyed, and indeed, my Lord 'Azza wa-Jall (to Him belongs Might and Majesty) is not one-eyed. Written between the eyes of the Dajjaal is kafir (disbeliever). Every literate and illiterate one will read it. He will have with him a paradise and a fire; in reality, his fire is paradise and his paradise is fire." Our Shaykh, Al-Haafidh Adh-Dhahabee, said, "Khunais was the only one who related it, and we know of nothing to take away from his reputation as a narrator. And its chain is authentic." (found in Book of the End by Ibn Kathir)
According to Ubaidah bin Samit (r.a.) the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) once said. "I have explained Dajjal to you, but I fear you might not have understood. Masih Dajjal will be short and his legs will be crooked. The hair on his head will be extremely twisted. He will have one eye with which he can see, and this is the protuding eye (about which other Hadith inform us) his other eye will be totally flat. It will neither be deep in its socket nor protuding. If you have any doubt regarding him then remember your Sustainer (God) is not one-eyed (because Dajjal will eventually claim to be God) (1)
Test of faith
According to Imran bin Husain (r.a.), the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said,. "Those who hear about the Dajjal should stay far away from him. By Allah! A person will approach him thinking him to be a believer but on seeing his amazing feats he will be a follower." (Abu Dawood)
Safeenah (r.a.), a freed slave of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said,: "The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.), gave us a sermon and said, 'Lo! Verily, there was no Prophet before me except that he warned his nation about the Dajjaal; he is 'Aawar (one-eyed) from the right eye. On his right eye is coarse skin, and written between his eyes is kafir (disbeliever). Two valleys will come out with him; one of them is his paradise and the other is his fire: in reality, his fire is paradise and his paradise is fire. With him are two angels who resemble two Prophets; had I wished to give their names (i.e. of the two Prophets) and the name of their fathers, I would have done so. One of them is on his right, and the other is on his left, and that is Fitnah (trial). The Dajjaal will say: 'Am I not your Lord? Do I not give life and cause death?' One of the two angels will say: 'You have lied.' But none of the people will hear him; only his companion (the other angel) hears him, and he will respond: 'You have spoken the truth.' The people will hear him and think that he is approving of and confirming the Dajjaal — and that is Fitnah (trial). He will continue moving until he tries to enter Al-Madeenah, but permission to enter it will not be given to him. He will say: 'This is the village of that man.' Then he will continue to travel until he reaches Ash-Sham, and Allah will destroy him at 'Aqabah Afeeq."' (Ahmad)
Ahmad alone related it; its chain is okay but the text has Gharaabah and Nakaarah in it. And Allah (s.w.t) knows best. (Ibn Kathir, 'Book of the End')
The Descension of Isa (Jesus) the son of Mary (a.s)
I have taken the following from 'Islam, Jesus, Mehdi, Qadyanis and Doomsday' by Professor Mohammad Abdullah. In this book the hadith have been summarised into setences.
Ahmad alone related it; its chain is okay but the text has Gharaabah and Nakaarah in it. And Allah (s.w.t) knows best. (Ibn Kathir, 'Book of the End')
The Descension of Isa (Jesus) the son of Mary (a.s)
I have taken the following from 'Islam, Jesus, Mehdi, Qadyanis and Doomsday' by Professor Mohammad Abdullah. In this book the hadith have been summarised into setences.
- The night will be dark (Muslim)
- People will be getting ready for war (Muslim)
- In the dark of the morning they will hear someone saying your helper has come. People will be surprised. It is the voice of someone properly fed. (Ahmed)
- Prophet Isa (Jesus) (a.s) will descend at the time of Fajr prayer. (Muslim)
- His both hands (and arms) will be on two angels shoulders. (Muslim)
- He would look like Urwa Masood (r.a) the Companion. (Muslim)
- Height medium. Colour red and white. (Ahmed, Abu Dawood)
- His hair hanging down his shoulders, straight, clean and shining as if after a bath. (Abu Dawood, Bukhari, Ahmed)
- When he bends his head water will (or appear to) twinkle like pearls. (Muslim)
- There will be an armour and (Muammar)
- Two light yellow clothes on the body. (Muslim, Abu Dawood, Ahmed)
- Jesus (a.s.) will descend on eastern white minaret of the Damascus grand Mosque or in Baitul Muqqadas near Imam Mahdi. (Muslim, Tibrani)
- At that time Imam Mahdi would have moved forward to lead the Fajr prayer. (Ibne Majah)
- Iqamah of the Salah (prayer) would have been said (Muslim)
- Imam Mahdi will invite Jesus (a.s.) for leading the prayer but he will turn down the offer and say... (Muslim, Hakim, Ahmed)
- This is an honour of this Ummah (Nation) that some would be leader (Imam) over some. (Muslim, Ahmed)
- When Imam Mahdi will go back, Jesus (a.s.) will put his hand on his back saying him to lead the prayer. (Ibn Majah, Ahmed, Hakim)
- Because the Iqamah has been recited for you (Ibn Majah)
- Imam Mahdi will lead the prayer that time then. (Bukhari, Muslim)
- After fajr prayers, Jesus will have the door opened, behind which will be the Dajjal with 70,000 Jews (armed with weapons). (Ibn Majah)
- He will point out with his hands to get away between him and the Dajjal. (Hakim)
- Dajjal will begin to melt on seeing Jesus (a.s.) like salt in water (or fat melts). (Muslim)
- Any Kafir who wil recieve the air of Jesus' breath will die. His breath will reach as far as his sight goes. (Muslim)
- Muslims will get down the mountain and attack Dajjal's army. The Jews will be so frightened that a strong person among them could not lift his weapon.. (Muammar)
- There will be war. (Hakim)
- Dajjal will run away. (Ibn Majah)
- Jesus (a.s.) will chase him. (Muslim, Ahmed)
- He will kill the Dajjal at Babul Ludd in Palestine. (now in Israel) (Tirmizi)
- Jesus will show the blood on the weapon to Muslims. (Muslim)
- His (Dajjal's) companions (the Jews ) will be fiercely defeated. (Ibn Majah, Ahmed)
- From the neighbourhood, those people who survived the atrocities of Dajjal will come to Jesus (a.s.) who will give them the good news of high places in Paradise. (Muslim)
- Then they will return to their homeland. (Ahmed)
- A group of Muslims will stay in his service and company. (Tirmizi)
- Jesus will move to 'Fajjur Rooha', from where he will go to Hajj (and/or Umra.) (Muslim, Ahmed, Hakim)
- He will say "salam" at the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) and he will reply to him (Hakim)
Yajooj and Majooj (Gog and Magog)
- People will be living happily when the wall will be broken. (Hakim)
- And Yajooj and Majooj will come out. (Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmizi)
- Allah will ask Jesus to collect the Muslims in Mount Sinai, because nobody could fight them. (Muslim)
(The following is adapted from the page here at central-mosque.com aticle and the article Ya'juj Ma'juj (Gog and Magog) By Shaykh Ahmed Ali)
Many thousands of years ago the barbarous tribes of Yajuj and Ma'juj were imprisoned behind an iron wall built by Zulqarnayn. Referred to in the Qur'an in Surah Al-Kahf. Zulqarnayn was a Muslim Arab (fathul bari) who lived at the time of the Prophet Ibraheem and not Alexander the Great as it is commonly known. From amongst one of the four that ruled the entire world (the other three being Prophet Sulayman, Nimrod & Buktnasr) he was a pious and just king, provide with all forms of strength through which he was able to carry his conquests and missions.
Once he carried a mission in three directions, the far west, far east, and then in a northerly direction. Travelling first in the westerly direction, he conquered the lands he passed through establishing the laws of Allah therein until he reached the setting of the sun. There he met people that didn't believe in Allah. Given a choice of punishing them for their kufr or being lenient by inviting them first to Islam; he chose the latter and addressed them, ''Those evil-doers who do injustice to themselves by rejecting Allah will be punished by death in this world and the hereafter, the fire of hell is their abode. As for those who accept the invitation and believe in Allah they will be treated leniently and in the hereafter Jannah is their place of rest.''
After the journey towards the west he made preparation for the journey towards the east. Conquering the lands he passed through, establishing he laws of Allah therein. He continued travelling in the easterly direction until he reached the rising of the sun. In this area of the east he saw a nation receiving the sunshine without any obstruction and they were dealt with like the previous people in the west.
After the journey to the east he started his northern Journey. He kept on travelling until he reached the midst of two mountains, it was here he came across a tribe who complained to him about the tribes of Ya'juj and Ma'juj. Ya'juj and Ma'juj inhabited the land behind the mountains, plundered them, committed bloodshed, and then ran away. Observing Zulqarnain's power they asked to set a barrier in return for a wage for their protection from the disaster and bloodshed, which they often bore at the hands of Ya'juj Ma'juj. Refusing to accept any wealth he built an iron wall with their help which Ya'juj Ma'juj could not cross or pierce. (Qurtubi/ Ibne-Kathir)
Verses from Surah Al-Kahf
Thereafter he followed a way. [92]
Until when he reached between the two mountains, he found on their hither side a people who did not seem to understand anything said. [93]
They said, "0 Dhul-Qarnain, the Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog) are mischief-makers on the earth. So shall we set for you a revenue, provided that you make a barrier between us and them?' [94]
He said, 'That which my Lord has placed under my control is better, so help me with strength and I shall make a rampart between you and them. [95]
Bring me ingots of iron." (They proceeded accordingly) until when he leveled up (the gap) between the two mountain-sides, he said, "Blow." (They complied) until when he made it (like) fire, he said, ''Bring me molten copper and I will pour it upon this." [96]
So they (Ya’juj and Ma’juj) were not able to climb it, nor were they able to make a hole in it. [97]
He said, 'This is a mercy from my Lord. Then, when the promise of my Lord will come, He will make it leveled to the ground. And the promise of my Lord is always true." [98]
The emergence of the mighty tribes of Ya'juj and Ma'juj is also a major sign of Qiyamah. Allah says in the Qur'an, "When Ya'juj and Ma'juj are let loose (from their Barrier) and they swiftly swarm from every mound" (Surah Al-Anbiya)
Allah says in the Qur'an, " (Zulqarnain) said, 'This is a mercy from my Lord, but when the promise of my Lord comes, He shall level it down (the barrier) to the ground. And the promise of my Lord is ever true." (Surah Al-Kahf)
Zainab-b-Zahash (r.a.) says: "Once the Prophet awoke from such a sleep that his face was red and these words were on his tongue, "There is none worthy of worship but Allah. Destruction is upon the Arabs on account of that evil which has come close to them. Today a hole as big as this has opened in the wall of Yajuj and Ma'juj. (The Prophet indicated the size of the hole with his finger and thumb)" (Bukhari/Muslim)
Regarding the rest of their antecedents, the Hadith of Sayyidna An-Nawwas ibn Sam'an (r.a) is most detailed and sound in authority. It has been reported in the Sahih of Muslim and in all books of Ahadith recognized for their authenticity and Hadith experts declare it to be sound and authentic. This Hadith carries details concerning the appearance of Dajjal (anti-Christ), the coming of Sayyidna 'Isa and then, the appearance of Ya’juj Ma’juj. A translation of this entire Hadith is being given below:
Sayyidna an-Nawwas ibn Sam'an (RA) says that one morning the Holy Prophet (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) mentioned Dajjal (anti-Christ) and while doing that he said a few things which showed the low and negative aspect of his profile (such as his being one-eyed). Then, he also said a few things about him to the effect that his emergence was a matter of ominous trial (such as Paradise and Hell being with him and other extra-ordinary aspects of his persona). His narration (gripped us with such fear) as if Dajjal was lurking somewhere (in the nearby) grooves of the date palms.
When we presented ourselves before him in the evening, he read our confused inner condition and asked, 'What is the matter with you?' (What did you conclude from what I had said?). We submitted, 'You talked about Dajjal in the morning. Of things you said about him some seemed to belittle the matter of his emergence while you also said other things which seemed to highlight his matter to proportions of a great trial to the extent that we thought he was present close to us in the grooves of the date-palms!' Then he said, 'Not just the Dajjal, there are other trials I fear may afflict you more (that is, the trial of Dajjal is not as great as you have taken it to be). If he appears - and I am among you - I shall confront him personally without you. And if he appears and I am not among you - everyone will try to confront him in terms of his courage. And Allah is, in my absence, the guardian and protector of all Muslims. (You will recognize him as) a young man - hard curly hair, one eye protruding upwards (blind in the other as in other narratives). And if I can liken him (in this ugly profile) with someone, it is 'Abd al-'Uzza ibn Qatan (an ugly person from the tribe of Banu Khuza'ah during the Jahiliyyah). If a Muslim from among you runs into him, he should recite the initial verses of Surah al-Kahf against him (which will keep him protected from Dajjal). Dajjal will emerge from the empty space between Syria and 'Iraq creating havoc right and left. 0 servants of Allah, you then stay firm against him.' We said, 'Ya Rasulallah, and how long will he tarry on the Earth?' He said, 'Forty days. But, the first day will be equal to one year, and the second day to one month, and the rest of the days equal to the usual.' We said, 'Ya Rasulallah, so on that day which will be equal to one year, shall we be offering (the five-timed) Salah for one day only?' He said, 'No. You will, rather, go by estimating time and offering prayers for the whole year.' We said, 'Ya Rasulallah, how fast will he be moving about the Earth?' He said, 'Fast like the cloud being followed by wind. Then he will pass by a people and ask them to rally round his false beliefs. They will believe in him and respond to his call. Then he will commission the clouds. They will start raining. He will order the Earth. It will turn green and verdant (and herds of cattle will graze therein) and when they return in the evening, their humps shall be much higher than before and their udders shall be full of milk and their waists shall be plumb. Then, Dajjal will pass by another people and invite them to his disbelief. But, they will turn down his invitation. Losing hope, when he goes away from them, these believers will be stricken with famine and nothing of what once belonged to them will remain in their hands. And when Dajjal will walk by this wasteland, he will address it, saying: 'Bring your treasures out.' So, its treasures will start following him like the honeybees follow their queen. Then Dajjal will call a man whose youth shall be in full bloom, strike him with a sword and cut him into two pieces and the two pieces will be placed as far apart as the distance between an archer and his target. Then he will call him. He will come (alive) to Dajjal beaming with joy over his feat. In the meantime, Allah 'I'a'ala will send down AI-Masih ibn Maryam (Sayyidna 'Isa (AS)). He will alight at the white tower in the eastern part of Dimashq (Damascus) clad in two coloured sheets with both hands resting on the wings of angels. When he bows his blessed head, drops of water will drip down from there (as if one has just come out of the shower). And when he raises his head up, from it drop silvery globules like genuine pearls. Any disbeliever who breathes the air from his breath will die that very instant and his breath will reach as far as reaches his glance. Then he will look for him until he will overtake him at the gate of Ludd (still there in Baytul-Maqdis by the same name) and kill him. After that, 'Isa ibn Maryam will come to people whom Allah protected from Dajjal. He will then touch their faces (with compassion for them) and give them the good news of having high ranks in Paradise.
While he would still be in the same state, Allah will reveal to 'Isa: 'Verily, I am going to send forth the kind of men from among servants belonging to Me against whom no two hands will dare fight. So, you assemble and take My servants to the sanctuary of Mount 'Tur (which Sayyidna 'Isa will do) and would send out Ya’juj and Ma’juj and they will be seen hurtling down from every side. The first wave of them will pass by Buhairah Tabariyyah. They would drink out everything in it and when others of them will pass by it, (and seeing it dry) they will say: 'Surely, in this, there must have been water earlier in time.'
The prophet of Allah, 'Isa, and his companions will take refuge on the Mount 'Tur. Other believers will find sanctuaries in their own fortified places. Food supplies will be there, but it would run short whereupon the head of a bull will be considered better than a hundred dinar. Then, the prophet of Allah, 'Isa, and his companions will turn to Allah (and pray for the removal of their distress which will be answered) and He will send an epidemic (worm in neck) and they will be annihilated en masse to the last person. Then, the prophet of Allah, 'Isa, and his companions will come down from the Mount of 'fur and see not a hand-span worth of land remaining unfilled with corpses and (because of their decomposition) the place will be reeking with a strong stench. (Seeing this state of affairs) the prophet of Allah, 'Isa, and his companions will turn to Allah (praying for the removal of this distress as well which Allah will answer). He will send birds with necks like the neck of a camel. They will haul these corpses and throw them at the place where Allah wills (according to some narratives, they will put them away into the sea).
After that, Allah Ta'ala will send rains. No clay home in the villages and no Bedouin tent in the desert will remain without it. Lands will be washed clean and left like mirror. Then, Allah Ta'ala will tell the Earth, 'Grow your fruits and unravel the abundance of your blessings.' (And so it shall be and such shall be the bliss of increase that) one pomegranate will suffice as food for a group of people. And its shell will be used to make canopies for protection against the Sun and milk will be so blessed as to suffice for a large number of people. Milk from one cow will be enough for everyone in a tribe and milk from one goat will be adequate for a whole clan. (After forty years of this period of extra-ordinary abundance, peace and protection, when the time due for Qiyamah will draw near) Allah Ta'ala will send a pleasant wind which will cause their armpits to be benumbed and the soul of every believer and every Muslim will be taken away. Left there will be the worst among human beings, the wicked and the disbelieving ones, who will indulge in shame and outrage on the Earth like donkeys. And it is against them that the Hour will stand activated.' (Muslim)
see also:
Signs Before The Day of Judgement - Part 1
Signs Before The Day of Judgement - Part 2
Hadith regarding the sighting of the Dajjal
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