Prayer in Islam with Daily Prayer Times

Muslims worship Allah Almighty in the form of prayer or offering Salah five times a day. Allah alone is the creator of this universe it is obligatory on us (Muslims) to worship Him. Pray five times a day is the part of Islamic faith for Muslims. In Muslim countries call to prayer or Adhan from Mosques is the source for calling Muslims to offer salah on time with the congregation. Adhan also sets the rhythm of the day for the entire population including Non-Muslims.

The prayer is not just spoken words but for a Muslim, it involves uniting mind, soul, and body in worship. So a Muslim carrying out the prayers will perform a whole series of set movements that go with the words of the prayer. Muslims make sure that they are in the right frame of mind before they start to pray. One should put aside all every day cares and thoughts so that he/she can concentrate exclusively on worship for Allah Almighty.

We all should pray with the right attitude of mind not for showing off other people. Allah Almighty says in Noble Quran in these words:  “Woe to those who pray but are unmindful of their prayer, or who pray only to be seen by people” (Quran, 107:4-6).  For Muslims prayer denotes a set of ritual movements and words said throughout fixed times in a day and night. Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran, “Verily, the prayer is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours”.  (Quran 4:103)

Timings for prayer are set on which Muslims should pray. Muslims pray Salah in the early morning before sunrise, in the middle of the day, in the afternoon, at sunset and at night. The purpose of worship is to pray in obedience to Allah Almighty because it is the belief of Muslims that Allah Almighty created humankind for no other purpose except to worship Him. Allah Almighty mentioned in the Quran: “And I did not create man…except to worship Me Alone” (Quran, 51:56).

Prayers five times a day remind us of the faithfulness of Allah Almighty and the many opportunities to seek His guidance and forgiveness. Prayer also serves as a reminder of the connection between Muslims of all over the world who share their faith and rituals among each other. Muslims should perform some rituals before prayer that includes clear of mind and the body. Wudu is essential before starting prayer in which ritualistic washing of hands, feet, arms, and legs included.

Once the Wudu has been completed, it’s time to find a place to pray. Many Muslims pray at mosques in the congregation, where they can share their faith with others. But any quiet place, even a corner of an office or home, can be used for prayer. Muslims must stand facing the Qibla direction for offering salah or prayer. Muslims pray five daily prayers on different times that mentioned below with their timings:

• Fajr: With Fajr prayer, Muslims start off their day with the remembrance of Allah Almighty. Fajr prayer must offer before sunrise.
• Dhuhr: After the day’s work has begun, one breaks shortly after noon to again remember Allah (SWT) and seek His guidance.
• Asr: The prayer of Asr should perform in the late afternoon. Muslims should take few minutes to remember Allah Almighty and the greater meaning of their lives while offering salah.
• Maghrib: The Maghrib prayer should perform just after the sun goes down. Muslims remember Allah Almighty again as the day begins to come to a close. This prayer should perform just after sunset.
• Isha: Muslims again take the time to remember Allah Almighty’s presence, guidance, mercy, and forgiveness before restrained for the night.

Muslims should also recite Quran in prayers. Prayer is a reminder and a comfort. The believer seeks the comfort that comes from feeling close to Allah Almighty, the peace that comes from feeling Allah’s love and mercy that comes from knowing that Allah is real. All these feelings of knowing Allah Almighty comes through prayer. May Almighty Allah guide us to pray five times a day on their specific timings! Ameen

Reasons to Avoid Sins in Islam

Sin can be something that can erase all good deeds a man did in his entire life in just a glance. Every one of us should be aware of this. Being a Muslim we must have knowledge of good and bad deeds. There is a very thin line to shift from good to bad things so, we should be very careful about our acts. Making mistakes or committing sins is a part of human nature and no one is free from it. All of us commit sins and make mistakes. Holy Prophet (PBUH) said in one of His hadith: “Every son of Adam sins and the best of those who sin are those who repent.” (Tirmidhi)

Reasons to Avoid Sins

We should keep away from committing sins and making mistakes no matter the sin is major or minor. One should be aware of its consequences and avoid it. Sin is a bad news for the one who does it. Below are some reasons why we should avoid sins:

• The one who will commit sins will be deprived of provision. The Messenger of Allah Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “A person is deprived of provision because of the sins that he or she commits.” (Ibn Majah)
• Things will become difficult for the one who commits sins in a way that a person cannot draw his attention towards any matter of his life. The person who involved in committing sins finds the way blocked or difficult. On the other hand for the one who fears Allah, things are made easy for him.
• The one who commits sin will be deprived of knowledge because knowledge is light that Allah Almighty causes to reach the heart, and sin extinguishes that light.
• Sin weakens the person’s willpower. Sins gradually strengthen the person’s will to commit sin and weaken their will to repent until there is no will in their heart to repent at all.
• Sin is the reason for deprivation of worship and obedience to Allah Almighty. Sins prevent a person from doing an act of worship which is the opposite of sin and cuts off access to other acts of worship, that would be bad enough.
• When someone commits sin, a sense of alienation comes between a person and Allah Almighty, and also between them and other people.
• The worst of all is when sin breeds sin until it dominates a person and he/she cannot escape from it.
• The sinners will find darkness in their heart. This darkness is like a blind man who goes out in the darkness of the night, walking alone.
• A sinner becomes numb or deaden and will no longer find sin repulsive, so it will become his habit, and he will not be bothered if people see him committing the sin or talk about him.
• The person’s heart who commit sins gets stained by sin, and if the sin increases then the stain grows bigger until it becomes the Raan (covering of sin and evil deeds), then it increases more until it becomes a seal, and the heart becomes covered and sealed due to sins.

May Allah Almighty protect all Muslim from committing sins and grant us the path of light and purity. Ameen!

Some Amazing Facts about the Holy Kaaba-The House of Allah

Muslims face the Holy Kaaba in Mecca Saudi Arabia for five daily prayers. Holy Kaaba is a cube-shaped stone structure that was built by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Hazrat Ismail (AS) on the same foundations where Prophet Adam (AS) is believed to have built a holy place for the worship of the One Lord. It is a misconception in Non- Muslims that Muslims worship the holy Kaaba but it’s not true Muslims do not worship the Holy Kaaba. The Kaaba serves as a focal point for Muslims around the world, unifying them in worship and symbolizing their common belief, spiritual focus, and direction.

Holy Kaaba is considered the most sacred place on earth as they go for offering Hajj according to the commands of Allah Almighty mentioned in Holy Quran. Every Muslim who makes the pilgrimage is required to walk around the Kaaba seven times, during which he/she kisses and touches the Black Stone. The Kaaba is a cube-shaped building which is roughly 50 feet high, and it is about 35 by 40 feet at its base. The Kaaba is constructed with gray stone and marble, its interior contains just three pillars that are supporting the roof and a number of suspended silver and gold lamps. The Holy Kaaba is covered with a black cloth known as Kiswah.

Facts about the Holy Kaaba

Most of the people know about the Kaaba below are some things that may not be known by many.

• It has been reconstructed many times: The Holy Kaaba has been constructed many times due to natural disasters or sometimes due to wars. Many of us don’t know that Kaaba is not in its original state from it was constructed by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Hazrat Ismail (AS). One of the major events of reconstruction took place during the life of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) before he became a Prophet. This is the occasion when the Prophet (SAW) avoided major bloodshed by His quick thinking on how to place the Black Stone using a cloth that every tribe could lift up.  After that time many renovations of holy Kaaba took place over the centuries and the last major one was held back in 1996.
• It had multiple doors and a window: The original Kaaba used to have a door for entrance and another for an exit. For a considerable period of time, it also had a window situated to one side. The present Kaaba only has one door and no window.
• Kaaba was of Multi-Colored: We are used to seeing the Kaaba being covered in the trademark black cloth Kiswah with gold banding that we can’t imagine it being any other color. The tradition of seeing Kaaba in black cloth that is Kiswah have started at the time of the Abbasids (whose household color was black) and before this, the Kaaba was covered in multiple colors including green, red and even white.
• There is only 1 Key bearer family of Holy Kaaba: When Mecca was conquered, the keys of the Kaaba were presented to the Holy Prophet (SAW) who in turn returned them to Hazrat UsmanibnTalha (RA) of the BaniShaiba tribe. They had been the keepers of the Kaaba for centuries and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) gave them the glad tidings that their family would remain so until the end of time.
• Kaaba used to be open to everyone: The Holy Kaaba was opened twice a week for anyone to enter and pray. But now due to the rapid expansion in the number of pilgrims and other factors, the Kaaba is now opened only twice a year for dignitaries and exclusive guests only.
• The inside of the Holy Kaaba contains plaques commemorating the rulers who renovated it: The interior of the Holy Kaaba is lined with marble and a green cloth covering the upper walls. The walls of the Holy Kaaba are plaques each celebrating the rebuilding of the House of Allah by the ruler of the day.
• The Black Stone is broken: The black stone was most damaged in the middle ages by an extreme heretical Ismaili group from Bahrain called the Qarmatians who had declared that the Hajj was an act of superstition. They decided to make their point by killing tens of thousands of hajjis and dumping their bodies in the well of Zamzam. As if this act of betrayal was not enough, these devils took the Black Stone to the East of Arabia and then Kufa in Iraq where they held it payoff until they were forced to return it by the Abbasid Caliph. When they returned it, it was in pieces and the only way to keep them together was by encasing them in a silver casing

What is Islamic Architecture? Some Fascinating Examples of Islamic Architecture

Islamic architecture is basically depicting Islamic teachings and values in an architectural process that required proper understanding and vision which ultimately leads to making a right intention. Islamic architecture enclosed a wide range of both secular and religious styles from the history of Islam till present. Islamic architecture includes buildings used by Muslims for religious purposes or secular buildings built in a predominately Islamic region. As we all know the most important building type in Islamic architecture is the Mosque which is not only a religious space intended for worship, it is also a place for lively discussion about topics relevant to daily life. Other than Mosques Islamic architecture covers a broad range of mosques, tombs, palaces and forts that we are going to show in this article.

Some Fascinating Examples of Islamic Architecture

Below we will discuss some fascinating examples of Islamic architecture that has breathtaking architectural designs.

• The Blue Mosque (Turkey): The official name of the blue mosque is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque located in Istanbul. The construction of Blue Mosque began in 1609 under the rule of Sultan Ahmed and completed in 1616. The magnificent structure completed with six minarets, eight domes, blue paint, stained glass windows, and a mihrab which is made from finely carved and sculpted marble and over 20,000 handmade tiles.

• Dome of the Rock (Jerusalem): The Dome of the Rock is located on the Temple Mount the Old City of Jerusalem. The dome of rock completed by the order of Umayyad Caliph Abdul Malik during the Second Fitna. Its interior is lavishly decorated with mosaic, faience, and marble, while it’s exterior is covered with tiles.

• Great Mosque of Damascus (Damascus): This mosque is also known as the Umayyad Mosque which is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. The great mosque of Damascus is considered the fourth holiest place in Islam. Its ground plan is rectangular in shape and its courtyard is enclosed with four exterior walls. This mosque has served as a model for congregational mosque architecture in Syria since its completion.

The Great Mosque of Samarra (Iraq): The Great Mosque of Samarra was built in the 9^th century that was completed by Abbasid caliph Al-Mutawakkil. Its most remarkable feature is its minaret, the Malwiya Tower, which is a vast spiraling cone 52 meters high and 33 meters wide. This mosque has 17 aisles and its walls are paneled with mosaics of dark blue

• Tomb of Jahangir (Pakistan): The Tomb of Jahangir is basically made of red stone, marble, and bricks built by Jahangir. It has two massive gateways of stone and masonry opposite each other as well as a platform with a tall, octagonal tower and a projecting entrance in the middle of each side. The ground floor of this tomb also has a square shape.

• Great Mosque of Kairouan (Tunisia): The great mosque of Kairouan is also known as the Mosque of Uqba, considered one of the most important mosques in Tunisia. This mosque is one of the oldest places of worship in the Islamic world and is one of the most impressive and largest Islamic monuments in North Africa. It features a hypostyle prayer hall, a marble-paved courtyard, and a square minaret. It was built in 670 A.D.

• Nur-Astana Mosque (Kazakhstan): Nur-Astana Mosque is located in the city of Astana in Kazakhstan. The Nur-Astana Mosque is the largest mosque not only in Kazakhstan but in the whole of Central Asia. Its structure is made of glass, concrete, granite and alucobond measures. This mosque has a capacity of 5,000 worshipers and its height symbolizes the age of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) when he began to receive revelations. It was built in 2008.

• Suleiman Mosque (Istanbul): Suleiman mosque is an Ottoman imperial mosque that is located on the third Hill of Istanbul. It is one of the best-known tourist attractions in Turkey. Its interior is almost a square, and just like most Islamic mosques, it is preceded by a monumental courtyard. It was specially designed to stand as a Kuliiye or a complex with adjacent structures. Its construction was started in 1550 and completed in 1558.

• Al-Azhar Mosque (Egypt): The Al-Azhar Mosque was constructed for the newly established capital city of Egypt Cairo in 970. It was the first mosque to be built in Cairo and was originally designed to be a prayer hall with five halls and a modest courtyard.

• Shah Mosque (Iran): Shah Mosque is also known as Imam or Jameh Abbasi Mosque that located in the south side of Naghsh-I Jahan Square in Isfahan the city of Iran. It was built during the Safavi period and serves as an excellent example of Islamic architecture. Shah mosque is remarkable for the beauty of its seven-colour mosaic tiles and calligraphic inscriptions.

Rights of Daughters in Islam

Daughters are the blessing of Allah Almighty. Before the advent of Islam, girls were treated very badly in Arab society. Father of a daughter used to feel shame when a girl born to him. Arab society used to bury girls alive in order to get rid of the shame.  At the time of darkness when people used to treat girls very badly, Islam came and gave rights to women, sisters, daughters, wives and especially to little girls who were affected badly.

Allah Almighty says in Noble Quran: “To Allah belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He creates what He wills. He gives to whom He wills female [children], and He gives to whom He wills males. Or He makes them [both] males and females, and He renders whom He wills barren. Indeed, He is Knowing and Competent” (Quran, 49:50). This Ayah of Holy Quran shows that Allah Almighty has the right or will to give whatever He wants to whom He wants to give. Allah is the One, based on His ultimate wisdom, who grants whomever He wills sons and daughters. He grants sons only to whomever He wills and daughters only to whomever He wills.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had 4 daughters and was of the opinion that raising daughters were considered as sacred in Islam. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in one of His hadith about the upbringing of daughters in these words:  “If someone has three daughters and is patient with them and clothes them from his wealth, they will be a shield against Fire for him.”

Rights and Duties of Daughters

Islam came into being and granted rights to women as a daughter, sister, and wife. Islam also created some responsibilities for them which are mentioned below:

• Islam gave equal rights to women as men and describe that there is no discrimination against them.
• Islam gave them rights of education. They can get an education just like men and can also work for their family.
• They have right to their father’s property. Her share is half of her brother’s share in the property.
• She has a right of Khula if she is not satisfied with her marriage and husband.
• Islam gave them right to receive love and best maintenance from parents, brother, and husband.
• A daughter always belongs to the paternal family. Marriage does not break this bond. The Islamic social order makes detailed arrangements for fair treatment of the daughter.
• Taking care of them, educating them, liberating them and training them for tomorrow and a better life all comes under the responsibility of parents to their daughters.
• They have the right to choose her husband. The father is not allowed to oblige her to marry a certain person without her wish.
• Islam gave her right to speak and express her views and ideas in front of the public.
• Anas (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “He who raises two daughters until their puberty will be with me in Paradise like this” and he symbolized the proximity by showing two of his fingers with a slight gap between them.” (Muslim)
• Daughter has a responsibility or duty to cover herself properly to live safely in the society.
• She has a duty to keep the dignity of herself.
• She has to take care of her family.
• She has to loyal to her husband after getting married.
• She has to be in limits when it’s a matter of Na-mahram.

These were some rights and duties of daughters according to religion Islam that every Muslim should know and fulfill. If someone wants to know about the honor of daughters then it is enough of an honor for girls that the Prophets (SAW), had daughters and that most of the children of our beloved Prophet (SAW) were daughters. So when you have a daughter don’t get upset instead be happy and celebrate this joy with all your family members and friends as daughters are the blessing of Allah Almighty. May Allah protect all our daughters and sister and blessed them with all the happiness of the world. Ameen!

Gender Equality and Islam- Their Complementary Nature to One Another

Men and women are equal in one aspect as both are human beings. In another sense, equality between men and women is impossible and an insane due to their natural differences in physical, mental, emotional and psychological qualities, affection and abilities. Keeping these two aspects in mind we must highlight how they are equal, and how they are respectful. Allah Almighty treat men and women as spiritual equals as in Holy Quran Allah Almighty says: “Never will I allow to be lost the work of [any] worker among you, whether male or female; you are of one another. So those who emigrated or were evicted from their homes or were harmed in My cause or fought or were killed – I will surely remove from them their misdeeds, and I will surely admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow as a reward from Allah, and Allah has with Him the best reward.” (Quran, 3:195)

Men and women are created for one another. They both are mutually bound to each other as legal and honorable mate and spouse by the grace of Allah Almighty. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: “O Mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you in the Sight of Allah is the believer who has Taqwa (piety and righteousness). Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.”(Quran, 49:13)

Men enjoyed rights are the duties of the women and the duties of men are the rights of women. This implies a similarity between both the genders. There is no right advice on a man that woman may be underprivileged because she is a woman. In Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says: “Men, however, have an advantage over them.” (Quran, 2:228). In this verse of Holy Quran man’s superiority is by virtue of his responsibility of protection and maintenance of woman and fulfillment of their rights. Nature has made the man stronger, more responsible and tolerant with reference to normal matters of life. So man is held superior to woman in the classification of responsibility.

In many occasions, Islam treats women equal to men. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Equality in Basic Humanity: Both genders are equal in terms of humanity. Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran: “O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women…” (Quran, 4:1) Allah depicted in the verse that He created both men and women from one single source. There is no difference between the two genders in terms of experience in humanity, and each correlates the other. Islam has eradicated and nullifies all the previous unjust laws that lower women as lesser in quality and nature.
• Equality in Preservation of Honor and Nobility: Women have the same moral obligations and are designated to the same general rights as men in observing chastity, integrity and personal honor and respect. No double standards are allowed in Islam. Allah says in Holy Quran: “And those who accuse chaste women, and produce not four witnesses, flog them with eighty lashes, and reject their testimony forever. Indeed, they are those who are disobedient to Allah.” (Quran, 24:4)
• Equality in Education: Islam entitles women to the same rights as men in terms of education. The Prophet (PBUH) said in his traditions: “Seeking knowledge is compulsory for each and every Muslim (i.e. both male and female).”(Ibn Majah)
• Equality in Social Responsibilities: Men and women have similar obligations and responsibilities to improve and correct the society to the best of their skills. Allah says in Holy Quran: “The believers, men, and women, are helpers, supporters, friends, and protectors of one another, they enjoin all that is good, and forbid all that is evil, they offer their prayers perfectly, and give Zakat (Obligatory Charity) and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will bestow Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” (Quran, 9:71)
• Rights in Inheritance: Men and women have set and determined rights to receive their fair share of wealth. A woman has her fixed share of inheritance which was right unthinkable in many societies before Islam. Allah Almighty stated in Quran: “There is a share for men from what is left by parents and those closely related, and there is a share for women from what is left by parents and those closely related, whether the wealth is small or large: a legal mandatory share.” (Quran, 4:7)
• Equality in Rewards and Punishments: Both males and females have similar rewards for obedience and punishment for disobedience in this world and the Hereafter. As stated by Allah (SWT) in the Noble Quran: “Whoever does righteous acts, whether male or female, while he is a believer, verily, to him We will give a good life, and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do.” (Quran, 16:97)

In short, Allah Almighty makes it clear from the verses of Holy Quran that men and women are equal. However, in some cases, a woman is not identical to man in her traits, gifts, and abilities. Men and women enjoy equal rights in all walks of life according to teachings of Islam.

Essential Tips to Change Bad Habits | The Habit Change Cheat sheet

What we repeatedly do in our daily life routine is known as habits. Our daily lives are usually a set of habits which we do throughout the day. We have all kinds of habits some are good and some are bad. We don’t realize earlier about bad habits when we realized about them it’s been too late to leave them. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) warned us against bad habits and asked us to do good deeds if we want to get rid of from bad habits.

The relief from bad habits is to gain religious knowledge and to practice Islam. So, if we spend our days by serving our religion, gain knowledge about it and try to inform others about the beauty of our religion, we will not have time for bad habits. Few things are more difficult than getting rid of bad habits since they are part of our daily routine and personality. It takes days of patience and practice to break old habits because it’s not going to end quickly.

In this article, we will discuss some essential tips to change bad habits. Don’t be overwhelmed be patience and remember some simple steps mentioned below which will help you to change the bad habits in a successful way.

• First of all, identify your bad habits. Two steps are required to identify bad habits. First one is to compare your life with our value system that is whether you are living your life according to the teachings of Islam that is according to Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The second one is to compare your life with the role model.
• Remember Allah Almighty loves those who commit mistakes and repent. Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “By Him in Whose Hand is my life, if you were not to commit sin, Allah would sweep you out of existence and He would replace (you by) those people who would commit sin and seek forgiveness from Allah, and He would have pardoned them.” (Muslim)
• Plan to change your bad habits. It should include your reasons for changing; obstacles you will face and also support which will help to achieve your planning to get rid of bad habits.
• Replace a bad habit with the good one. It’s essential to replace the lost natural needs, such as the need to socialize and to be entertained with something healthy. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) described in these words: “Fear Allah wherever you may be; follows up an evil deed with a good one which will wipe (the former) out, and behave good-naturedly towards people.” (Tirmidhi)
• Think yourself as a different person. Tell yourself that you can do better simply motivate yourself which will definitely be going to help you in this manner.
• Change the habits in a way the other things requires time, effort and a lot of willpower, so it’s wise to make the change slowly rather than in one go.
• Do Dua at the beginning, all along and till the end – asking Allah Almighty for help and courage to quit all the bad habits and for constancy to prevent a setback.
• Worship is the most important factor that always strengthens individual to resist his soul and a power that weakens the soul.
• Remind yourself the death and hereafter which will surely be going to help you to get rid of bad habits. Holy Prophet (PBUH) said in one of his hadith in these words: “Remember often the terminator (or destroyer) of all the pleasures [i.e. death],” the Prophet once stated. (Tirmidhi)

These were some tips that you can follow to change your bad habits. Just start to change your habits slowly with patience. May Allah help us in this matter! Ameen

Importance of Saying Salaam | Benefits of “As-Salaamu Alaikum”

Salaam” is an Arabic word; its literal meaning is ‘peace’. It also used for harmlessness, benefit, and protection from the evils. Salam is a name of Allah Almighty its meaning is “May the blessing of His name descend upon you.” Hence when someone greets Salaam to another it is as if he/she is saying to him/her “I am offering you safety and security and I have no intention to harm you anywhere.”

Muslims should greet each other by saying “As-Salaamu Alaikum”. One should respond with “Wa-Alaikumus Salaam”. The response of Salaam has the similar reward as of saying salaam. Saying salaam is the Sunnah but its response is a Fard.  Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “The person closest to Allah is the one who precedes others with greetings” (Abu Dawud). The greeting is one of the best things in Islam as Holy Prophet (PBUH) made spreading of Salaam a part of faith.

Saying Salaam is one of the rights over another Muslim as Holy Prophet (SAW) said in one of his hadith: “The Muslim has five rights over his fellow-Muslim: he should return his salaams, visit him when he is sick, attend his funeral, accept his invitation, and pray for mercy for him when he sneezes” (Bukhari).Muslims should greet another fellow Muslims no matter we know them or not. By greeting we can establish friendly relations with one another in a society. In Holy Quran Allah Almighty said about salaam in these words: “And those who believed (in the Oneness of God and His Messengers and whatever they brought) and did righteous deeds, will be made to enter Gardens under which rivers flow, – to dwell therein forever (i.e. in Paradise), with the Permission of their Lord. Their greeting therein will be, salam” (Quran, 14:23). Every one of us should make a habit of saying “As-Salaamu Alaikum”. Every time when you enter the house or see a child or an adult say, Salaam.

Benefits of saying As-Salaamu Alaikum

There are many benefits of saying As-Salaamu Alaikum some of them are given below:

• Saying As-Salaamu Alaikum is a means of extensive reward.
• Salaam is an aspect of Imaan. Once a man asked from Holy Prophet (SAW) about which aspect of Islam was the best then Holy Prophet (PBUH) replied: “Feeding the hungry and saying salaam to those you know and those you don’t know.”(Bukhari)
• Our beloved Prophet (SAW) said: “When two Muslims meet (give salaam), and shake hands, they are forgiven their sins before they part (with each other)”(Abu Dawud). So we can say that As-Salaamu Alaikum is a source of getting rid of sins.
• Saying salaam is a means of entering Jannah. Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:  “You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you about something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread salaam (the greeting of peace) among you.”(Muslim)
• In Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says: “Then, those that feared their Lord shall be driven in companies into Paradise. When they draw near its gates will be opened, and its keepers will say to them: “Salaamu ‘Alaikum”, you have done well. Enter and live in it forever.”(Quran, 39:73). From this verse of Noble Quran, we can say that Salaam is the greeting of people of Jannah.
• Salaam is a prayer of peace and blessings.

In a nutshell, Salaam is a blessing that Allah Almighty Himself send down for us so we should use it to get rewards from Allah Almighty. Salaam also helps us to get close to each other and also a source of removing arrogance. May Allah Almighty help us to revive the Sunnah of saying “As-Salaamu Alaikum”! Ameen

Top Leadership Qualities from Quran and Sunnah

Imam” is an Arabic word which means “Leader”. Imam is the leader of a country who runs administrative tasks of a country. Leader posses some qualities of leadership including qualities of personal character and the ability to motivate others towards the realization of specific goals are on top of the list. Leadership qualities can easily understand from Quran and Sunnah which we are going to discuss in this article.

Allah Almighty and His Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has guided humanity in every aspect of life.They have also guided us in matters of selection of our leader who can lead us. Everyone has different perceptions related to the choice of leadership. But we have to consider Quran and Sunnah when we have to specify leadership qualities of our leader. In Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says: “And We made them leaders, guiding by Our command; and We inspired them to do good works, and to observe the prayer, and to give out charity. They were devoted servants to Us” (Quran, 21:73)

From the above verse of Holy Quran, we concluded that it is Allah Almighty who appoints the leader. It is not selected by anyone, nor given in a will, nor established by the committee. The role of the leader is also summarized, to guide and establish the Islamic society. The main aspects of leadership are Knowledge and Power as mentioned in Holy Quran: “Have you not considered the assembly of the Children of Israel after [the time of] Moses when they said to a prophet of theirs, “Send to us a king, and we will fight in the way of Allah “? He said, “Would you perhaps refrain from fighting if fighting was prescribed for you?” They said, “And why should we not fight in the cause of Allah when we have been driven out from our homes and from our children?” But when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, except for a few of them. And Allah is Knowing of the wrongdoers. And their prophet said to them, “Indeed, Allah has sent to you Saul as a king.” They said, “How can he have kingship over us while we are more worthy of kingship than him and he has not been given any measure of wealth?” He said, “Indeed, Allah has chosen him over you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah gives His sovereignty to whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing [in favor] and Knowing.” (Quran, 2:246-247)

From the above verse of Holy Quran, we came to know that Knowledge guides the leader to the right path he is able to assimilate the situation wisely due to his knowledge and then after penetrating the situation he should have the power to take decision accordingly. If he does not have power than he is unable to implement his decisions that’s why he should have both power and knowledge. Power specifies the psychological decision and physical power. Besides knowledge and power justice, patience sound judgments are also important attributes which should be possessed by the leader.

Being a Muslim we all are leaders in some aspects as mentioned by Holy Prophet (SAW) in one of His hadith in these words: “All of you are shepherds, and each of you will be asked concerning his flock” (Bukhari).  Leadership is about teamwork as no one can alone accomplish anything without followers and for sure Allah’s help. And the important one is that effective leaders are those who are servant leaders. Good leaders are good followers, humble, piety, truthful, simple and they realize that success only comes from Allah (SWT).

There is a system of leadership in Islam so the leaders are to be obeyed, and they call to the truth. May Allah (SWT) give us knowledge and strength to choose our leaders by keeping in view the attributes pointed out by Allah and Prophet Muhammad (SAW)! Ameen

Severing the Ties of Kinship- Importance of Kinship according to Quran and Hadith

The importance of kinship and keeping the ties of kinship is obvious from the teachings of Quran and Hadith. It is very important to maintain the ties of kinship in Islam. Allah does not like those who are severing the ties of kinship. In Holy Quran Allah Almighty says: “… and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship)…” (Quran, 4:1). This verse shows that maintaining ties of kinship is obligatory.

Allah (SWT) emphasizes Muslims to be kind and merciful with friends and family in all kinds of matters or dealings. By keeping good relation with friends and family we are supposed to maintain a positive social impact on society which in result leads to uniting Muslims together.

Allah Almighty has warned us against severing the ties of kinship. In Holy Quran Allah (SWT) says: “And those who break the Covenant of Allah, after its ratification, and sever that which Allah has commanded to be joined (i.e., they sever the bond of kinship and are not good to their relatives), and work mischief in the land, on them is the curse (i.e., they will be far away from Allah’s Mercy); And for them is the unhappy (evil) home (i.e., Hell)” (Quran, 13:25). From this verse, we can conclude that such people deprive themselves of the great reward of maintaining ties of kinship in addition to the blessings that Allah places in their arrangement and lives.

Maintaining ties of kinship is the way to the security of the Muslim nation. Severing the ties of kinship is among the body sins and it is among the major sins. This is done by breaking the hearts of relatives by refusing to be good-hearted when they need you. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) said: “The one who severs the ties with the relatives will not be among the first to enter Paradise. Rather, this person will enter it after being tortured in Hellfire (i.e., if one dies as a Muslim).” (Al-Bukhari)

It is obligated on every Muslim to visit his or her relatives personally rather than through telephone or other modern means of communication, especially if they are in the same country or in the neighbor. But if they live far away, then one should strive to the best of his ability to keep in touch with them and utilize every means that is available to keep in touch. A person should be committed to that in order to receive the reward from Allah Almighty for keeping the ties of kinship.

Cutting the ties of kinship is a terrible thing in the sight of Allah (SWT).  Allah Almighty said in Holy Quran: “Would you then if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land, and sever your ties of kinship? Such are they whom Allah has cursed so that He has made them deaf and blinded their sight.” (Quran, 47:22-23)

Verses of the Holy Quran and different Hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) call strongly for the upholding of kinship ties and encourage this by offering worldly and religious rewards.

Quranic Verses on Keeping Ties of Kinship

There are many verses in Holy Quran related to upholding ties of kinship. Some of them are given below:

• Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran: “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)], and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you” (Quran, 4:1). From this verse, we can say that we should not sever ties of kinship because Allah Almighty does not like those who do so.
• In another verse of Noble Quran Allah (SWT) says: “Let not those among you who are endued with grace and amplitude of means resolve by oath against helping their kinsmen, those in want and those who migrated in the path of Allah. Let them forgive and overlook. Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? Indeed Allah is oft-Forgiving, most Merciful.” (Quran, 24:22)
• One must maintain ties of kinship and treat one’s family with kindness, even if that family does not treat you with kindness. Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran: “Surely all believers are brothers. So make peace between brothers and fear Allah that mercy may be shown to you.” (Quran 49: 10)

Hadiths of Prophet (PBUH) on Keeping Ties of Kinship

We can learn about keeping ties of kinship from the life of our beloved Prophet (SAW). We have various Hadiths on upholding ties of kinship some of them are mentioned below:

• “Allah, the Exalted, says: I am the Most Merciful, I created Ar-Rahim and I cut out a name for it from my name, so whoever keeps good ties with it, I will keep good ties with him, and whoever cuts it off, I will cut him and finish him off.” (Abu Dawud)
• “There is no sin that Allah more readily inflicts the punishment for in this life, in addition to what Allah keeps as punishment for the sinner in the Hereafter, than the sin of transgression and cutting off relations with relatives.” (At-Tirmidhi)
• “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should maintain good relation with his kindred.” (Al-Bukhari)
• Keeping ties of kinship is a sign of faith. Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should be hospitable to his guest, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should maintain his kinship ties; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should speak well or remain silent.”(Al-Bukhari)
• It is a cause for increased blessings in one’s provisions and age. Anas (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever loves to be granted ample provisions and a long life, should maintain good ties with his or her relatives.”(Al-Bukhari).
• “A Muslim is not allowed to abandon another Muslim brother for more than three days” (Sahih Bukhari)
• In another Hadith Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Never hate each other, never be jealous of each other; never think ill of each other, never boycott each other, always remain brothers unto one another, Oh servants of Allah.” (Sahih Bukhari)
• Duas to be fulfilled. “A person’s dua will still be answered as long as his dua does not involve sin or breaking ties of kinship and so long as he does not become impatient” (Muslim)
• In another Hadith Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Do you know what is better than charity and fasting and prayer? It is keeping peace and good relations between people, as quarrels and bad feelings destroy mankind” (Muslim)

In short, we should make good relation with our family and friends for making peaceful society to live in this world.  By keeping ties of kinship also get rewards and blessings of Allah Almighty in this world and hereafter too. May Allah give us the strength to keep good relations with our friends and family! Ameen