Resistance against Sheytaan

Prepared by Abul-Layth

Allah says,

As for those who strive hard in Our cause, We will surely guide them to Ours Paths (Allah’s religion) [Sooratu-l-'Ankaboot, 29: 69].

Therefore, guidance is dependent upon striving hard, not just making an effort, but to truly struggle with all one's might! The word Allah uses for striving is ‘jaahada’. From the verb (a doing word if you like) 'Jaahada' come the words 'jihaad' and 'al-mujaahadah'. Ar-Raaghib al-Asfahaanee (rahimahullaah) defines these words in his famous book on the language of the Qur’an, ‘Mufradaatu-Ghareebi-l-Qur’aan’ thus: ‘the words jihaad and al-mujaahadah both mean to exhaust ones resources to resist the enemy. Jihad is of three types:

1. Resisting the apparent enemy

2. Resisting the shayateen (Iblees)

3. Resisting the temptations of the self.

Shaykh Abdu-l-Qaadir al-Jilaanee (rahimahullaah) has mentioned that there are four targets for the plots of Shaytaan: the qalb (the heart), the nafs (lower self), the 'aql (the mind), and the hawa (passionate instincts/ desires). Concerning this he said,

'On the one hand the angel is inculcating taw in the heart. The devil, on the other hand, is busy instilling fujoor (moral depravity) in to the nafs. As a result the nafs tries to persuade the qalb to use the limbs and organs of the body for impious and immoral purposes.

Within the physical constitution there are also two target areas: the 'aql (the mind) and the haw aa (passionate instincts). The functioning of each of theses is subject to the will of a controlling influence, namely, that of helpful guidance (tawfeeq) and that of seductive [satanic] temptation (ighwaa').'

Allah says,

Waswaas - Insinuating thoughts from Shaytaan

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said

“The Shaytaan may come to any one of you and say, ‘Who created Allah?’ If any one of you experiences this, let him say, ‘Aamantu billaahi wa rasoolih (I believe in Allah and His Messenger),’ and that will drive him away.” (Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1657). The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The Shaytaan may come to any one of you and ask, ‘Who created the heaven?’ and he will say, ‘Allah’ The Shaytaan will say, ‘Who created the earth?’ and he will say, ‘Allah’ Then the Shaytaan will say, ‘Who created Allah?’ If any one of you experiences this, let him say, ‘Aamantu billaahi wa rasoolih.’” (Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1656). 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The Shaytaan may come to any one of you, and say, ‘Who created such-and-such? Who created such-and-such?’ until he asks, ‘Who created your Lord?’ If this happens to anyone, let him seek refuge with Allah and let him stop these thoughts.” (Saheeh al-Jaami’, 7993). 

Why is the Supplication of the Oppressed and the Distressed is Answered?

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Allah's Messenger (SAW) said:

'The prayer of the oppressed is answered, even if he is a sinner as his sinning is only against his own soul,'[49]

If we reflect upon the matter we will find that the one supplicating is sincere (and truthful) in his worship and he unites his heart in his supplication. There is nothing which preoccupies him from being earnest in his supplication and this is because he knows that his supplication being answered will definitely be accomplished. The Messenger (SAW) has explained the cause of the supplication not being answered when he said:

'Call upon Allah while you are certain of being answered and know that Allah does not respond to the supplication of the unmindful and heedless heart.'[50]

The supplicaton of the heart which is unmindful and heedless is not responded to. The heart of the one who is oppressed however, is not unmindful due to his constraint and dire need. Likewise, the one who is in distress, his supplication is answered even if he is not a Muslim.[51 ] Allah the Exalted said:

'And who responds to the distressed one when he supplicates Him?['52]

There is nothing which can occupy the heart of the one who is distressed or make him unmindful besides the thing which distresses him. Therefore he is sincere for the period that he is distressed regardless of his transgression or disbelief.

The hadeeth of Muslim explains to us this preoccupation and unmindfulness. Jabir (RA) said: 'Allah's Messenger (SAW) said: "Whoever climbed this hill, the hill of Murar, his sins would be obliterated as the sins of the Children of Israel were obliterated."So we were the first to take our horses up, the horses of Banul-Khazraj. Then everybody else followed and Allah's Messenger (SAW) said: "All of you are forgiven except the owner of the red camel." So we came to him (the camel's owner) and said: "Come! Allah's Messenger (SAW) will seek forgiveness for you." But he said: "That I find my lost thing is more beloved to me than that which your companion seeks forgiveness for me" and he remained occupied in trying to find his lost thing.'

Tips for upbringing muslim child in non muslim society

Every child is born pure. It is the environment created by his parents and society that determines his future. Every Muslim parent tries and wishes to raise his or her children well and properly. But this wish becomes a challenge when one has to perform this duty in a non muslim society. A happy home, comfort, care and love, providing the necessities of life and a good education are some of the responsibilities that parents are required to fulfill. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said whoever is not kind to young people is not one of us and the best teaching that a parent can give a child is the teaching of good manners and character. The Muslim child absorbs the Islamic values from its parents, teachers, peers, friends and the environment, including the care-givers. Nip it in the bud is the best advice. Otherwise once the Muslim child develops undesirable habits and unethical values, it becomes extremely difficult to make the child into a good Muslim/Muslimah. Especially where your child is growing up in an environment ,where it majority is of non muslims, it becomes very much difficult to filter the inputs your child is getting from environment. Not all of us are lucky enough to get an Islamic atmosphere for up brought of our children.

Al-Sira Al-Nabawiyya | The Life of the Prophet (4 Volume Set)

Al-Sira al Nabawiyya by Imam IBN KATHIR is a full examination, in chronological order of the background, life and the mission of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). Drawn from the earliest and most reliable Arabic sources, it offers, in this close English translation, the Fullest available account of the historical circumstances and personalities most important in the foundation of Islam.

IBN KATHIR's work offers a fine example of the Islamic scholarship; the quotations and anecdotes that constitute its core are evaluated in terms of trustworthiness of the sources. Variant wordings that are related through differing lines of transmission are noted, and Ibn Kathir gives both his own assessments and those of the earliest Islamic authorities concerning the likely authenticity of these records. The comments and conversations, derived from ancient texts, that are quoted in this work constitute the basis of our knowledge of Islam during the life time Muhammad (saw)

Volume I - Prior to Prophethood to First Revelation
Relates the history of the Arab tribes who were the Prophet’s forebear, the lives of his parents and the accounts unusual events surrounding his birth. It then goes on to relate anecdotes regarding his childhood, the signs of the Prophet hood and the first revelations. Reviewed by Dr. F Fareed PB 424 Pages -

Volume II - Early years to 2 AH
Looks at the early years of the prophethood and includes such episodes at the Night Journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and the ascent to Haven, the Prophets marriages to Aisha(RA) and Sawda (RA) and the emigration to Madina. It gives details of events in the two years following the emigration, including the building of the Holy Mosques and various military expeditions and reveals how Islam as a faith developed. Reviewed by Dr. M Fareed. Paper Back 412 Pages -

Volume III - 3AH - 8 AH
gives details of the numerous battles and campaigns waged between 3 (AH) and 8 AH to defend and spread the religion of Islam. Reviewed by Dr. M Fareed. Paper Back 600 Pages -

Volume IV - 9AH AND 10 AH
continues with the events of 9 AH and 10AH and presents the different accounts of the hajjat al –wada ( the farewell pilgrimage) and the events surrounding the death of the Prophet Muhamad.(saw) Reviewed by Dr. M Fareed. Paper Back 600 Pages -

This valuable work on the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and Blessings of Allah upon him) by Imam Ibn Kathir hardly stands in need of any introduction.

• Vol 1 | Vol 2 | Vol 3 | Vol 4 |
• GatewaytoQuran

Significance And Benefits Of Learning Holy Quran

Holy Quran is a book of Almighty Allah, and there is a difference between this book and the other ordinary books. Quran consists of words of Almighty Allah (SWT), while all the other books are written by humans which are based on the observations of creation of Almighty Allah. All these books deal with a specific topic and subject. Online quran teacher plays a vital role in teaching the Holy Quran to various Muslims. There is no way that any ordinary book can be compared with Holy Quran. This book is full of guidance and knowledge, and it will serve man till the end of time. The basis of true knowledge lies in the Holy Quran. Therefore, every human being must get out of darkness and start to move towards the bright future and limelight.

As Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) once said:

“O people I am leaving behind among you the Holy Book (Quran) and the Sunnah (way of Prophet (SAW)), if you follow these in letter and spirit you will never be strayed.”

(Hakim Al-Mustadrik, Book1 Hadith 318)

Here are the benefits of learning Holy Quran:

• Reading of Holy Quran is obligatory for a Muslim so reciting this Holy Book fulfills the Islamic Duty.
• On the Judgment Day, Holy Quran will be a proof for all mankind.
• Status of a person who recites the Holy Quran will be raised in this life.
• Holy Quran is a key for satisfaction and peace.
• Each and every letter of Holy Quran that you recite has certain rewards.
• Reciters of Holy Quran will be among the company of obedient and noble angels.

Holy Quran will determine your position in Paradise and will take you there.

www.waytoquran.tk

Bismillah ! When , Where and Why.

By Sidra Kaukab

Sayyidina Jaabir (RA) is reported to have said that when Bismillah hir rahmaanir raheem revealed, the clouds gave way by moving to the East, the winds ceased blowing, the oceans became calm, the creatures prepared themselves to listen, the shaytaan got pelted with fire from the heavens and Allah Ta’ala, swearing an oath by His honour, declared: Anyone who says this name of mine (ie. Bismillah hir rahmaanir raheem) upon anything, I will surely impart barakah in that thing,(Durre Manthoor and Ibne Katheer)

In Durre Manthoor Sayyidina Ibne Umar (RA) is reported as saying that surely, whenever Jibreel (AS) used to bring wahee to Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu-alayhi-wasallam), he used to first recite Bismillah hir rahmaanir raheem.

After attestation to faith (shahadah), the most cardinal and often-repeated phrase that Muslims use is bismillah hir- rahmanir-rahim. The invocation (bismillah) has from the beginning occupied an important and special place in Muslim piety and practice.