What have we done for our Nabi (SAW)?

"Muhammed (SAW) is no more than a messenger,and indeed (many) messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed will you then turn back on you heels(as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he to Allah, and Allah will give reward to those who are grateful." [Quraan, 3:44]

I think it is safe to say, without fear of contradiction, that the saddest moment in the annals of Islaamic history, nay history of the earth, is that catastrophic moment when the Nabi-e-Kareem (SAW) took his last breath and returned to his Creator; that very moment when Rahma-tul-A'alameen, the man for whom this earth was created for, left this world. Let us examine the final moments of our beloved Nabi's life.

Rasulullah (SAW) lay in the house of his wife Ayesha (RA). His daughter Fatimah (RA) and her husband Ali (RA) stood close by his side, and then Angel Jibraeel descended into the room. Slowly, Rasulullah (SAW)'s soul was pulled out from his Mubarak body. It seemed that his body was full of sweat and the nerves on his neck became tight. Jibraeel (AS) asked :"How painful is this sakaratul Maut?" Rasulullah (SAW) uttered a groan slowly. Hazrath Fatimah (RA) closed her eyes, Ali(RA) sat besides her and bowed his head and Jibraeel turned his face. "Am I repugnant to you that you turn your face back,oh Jibraeel?", asked the Messenger (SAW). Jibraeel said nothing for a while, Rasulullah (SAW) groaned because of the unbearable pain and said :"Oh Allah! How great is this pangs of death? Give me all these pains, don't give it to my people." 

Nabi (SAW) was almost at his last breath and wished to say something. Ali (RA) took his ear close to the Prophet (SAW) and heard the last words uttered by our beloved Nabi (SAW ) :"Ummati,ummati,ummati?"(My people,my people,my people?). And then the beloved Nabi (SAW) left us.
 

The last words of the Nabi (SAW) was not for concern of himself, nor his family but for his entire Ummat. It was concern for you and I. This is the same Nabi (SAW) who was chased from his home by his own people, the same Nabi (SAW) who was stoned at Taif, the same Nabi (SAW) who was injured and lost a tooth at Uhud, and his only concern up to his death was his Ummat. 

And how has his Ummah repaid him? With what ease today, his Ummati takes that razor and shaves off his Sunnat. With what ease do those statements come on the lips :"It is ONLY Sunnah so it is OK to leave it out." Have we forgotten the pelting of Taif? Have we forgotten the injuries in Uhud? Have we forgotten how he tied stones, out of hunger, to his blessed stomach for the sake of this Ummah? Have we forgotten his day and nights? "Ya Rabbi! Ummati ummati" (oh Allah! My people, my people). 

Today when we see the day of Arafah, how long is the dua of Arafat? Not very long due to the excessive desert heat.

May we be sacrificed for that Nabi, who on the back of a camel, in the burning sun of the desert, 6 hours he cried for his ummah, 6 hours! All for the forgiveness of this Ummah.

On that day when the screams of Jahannam are so severe, that even if you had the actions of 70 Ambiya, you would still think Allah will throw into Jahannam, that day when Khalillulah Ibrahim(AS) will say :"Ya Allah I am not asking you to even save my mother Maryam (AS) from Jahannam. Save ME from Jahannam."

Only one individual will be crying a different cry "Ya Rabi Ummati ummati."

Have we forgotten the Ehsan of that Nabi? Do we prefer the ways of his enemies over his ways?! Cry tears of blood! If in this heat the greatness of one way of Jews and Christians is more than the greatness of Sunnah. Cry tears of blood, if you see honour and dignity in the appearance of Jews or Christians, and do not see it in the appearance of our Nabi (SAW) who perfected himself for you. If our beloved Nabi (SAW) turned his head away from a Jew with no beard, how will an Ummati face him on the day of Qiyaamah with no beard?

Such a Nabi! Which facet of the Ummah today is a source of coolness to that Nabi (SAW)? The shamelessness of the youth of this Ummah is like an arrow being fired at the blessed heart in Madinah. The shamelessness and open parading of the daughters and mothers in this Ummah is like an arrow being fired at that blessed heart in Madinah. The lies, the treachery and deception of the businessmen of this Ummah is like an arrow being fired at the blessed heart in Madinah. Yet with 1 billion arrows being fired at his heart he is still saying "Ya Rabi ummati ummati."

Today let us go on the Musallah and cry and beg for forgiveness. Let us make sincere intention that we will change our ways, and try to please our beloved Nabi (SAW). "Ya Allah you accept me like you accepted the Sahaba. Accept my wealth and life and take me to the four corners of the globe to raise Your name and the name of Your Nabi (SAW). May Allah give each and everyone of us the ability. Ameen" 

_Zakariyya Kaka_

Article Writing Competition!!!

 The month of April signs the 1st year anniversary for the Becauseimmuslim blog. In order for us to celebrate this milestone and the success of the blog thus far, Becauseimmuslim is having its first ever article writing competition. A person must choose one of the following topics to write about:

1) In the Qur'aan and Sunnah, musical instruments are governed as haraam for various reasons, yet, they are currently playing a great role in our Islamic songs with the excuse of attracting the muslim youth towards Islam and away from the western way. Is this excuse justifiable?

2) Allah says in the Qur'aan: "...And made you into Nations and Tribes, that you may know each other." (49:13)
Discuss your views on the practice of inter-cultural and inter-racial marriages, with the mention of the ayat above.

3) Today, television has mostly become a means of corrupting and negatively influencing the younger, as well as the older generation as it full of fitnah. Should television officially be ruled as haraam for all muslims?


The rules of the competition are as follows:
1) The article must be 400-450 words
2) The article must refer to at least 1 Quraanic ayat or. hadith.
3) The article must not include any obscene language.
4) A person can only enter once.
5) The competition is open to everyone
6) Anyone caught for plagiarism will be immediately disqualified.
7) Personal experiences may be used as examples, but to a certain extent.
8) The closing date for entries is 10 April 2013.
9) Judges decisions are final.


Once you have completed your article, email it to:
Becauseimmuslim.blogspot@gmail.com
The email should contain the following information:
* persons name and surname
* date of birth
* country and city
* cell phone number
* the topic of your article as per competition
* your own chosen title for your article in relation to your contents.
*the article.

The competition will have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. The 3 winners will have their articles published on the blog. And the 1st place winner will receive a prize which will be revealed in a later stage.

For any questions regarding the competition, kindly leave your comments below or email: becauseimmuslim.blogspot@gmail.com


HAPPY WRITING!!!!!!

What will YOU take with you when you die?

A wise pious rich man, sensing his approaching death, called his son & gave him these instructions: “My son, I shall be leaving you very shortly. On the day when I die, & they have washed my body & wrapped it in the shroud, I want you to put 1 of my socks on my foot. This is my final request of you.”

Soon after this, the old man died, leaving behind his goods, property, his children & dependents. The body had been washed almost wrapped in the shroud, when the son remembered his father’s wish. Finding 1 of his old socks, he handed it to the washer of the dead, saying,
“In accordance with my father’s last request, please put this sock on his foot.”
“That is impossible,” said the man. “Such a thing is impermissible in Islam. I cannot act against the Sacred Law.”
But the son insisted, “That was my father’s final request; it must certainly be carried out.”
The man refused . “If you won’t take my word for it,go ask the Mufti. He will confirm that it is not permissible.”

Holding up the funeral, they consulted the Mufti & scholars, all of whom declared that this was not permissible in Islam. Just then, an aged friend of the deceased interrupted saying to the son:
“My boy, your late father entrusted me with a letter to give you after his death.”
And he gave the boy an envelope.

Surprised, the boy opened the envelope and read his father’s letter: “My son, all this wealth & property I have left to you. Now you see: at the last moment, they won’t even let you give me an old sock to wear. When you die, you too will also be refused to keep anything but your shroud. This is all you will be able to carry over from this fleeting world into the Hereafter. So pull yourself together & be prepared. Spend the fortune I have left you, not for the satisfaction of vain desires, but in ways pleasing to Allah, that you may achieve honour in both worlds.”
**Excerpt from Inspirational Stories

How buff is enough?!?

becauseimMuslim would like to introduce our new blogger, Zakariyya Kaka, whose articles will be more male related as this blog addresses male and female Muslims.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Walk into most gyms nowadays and what do you see?.... Young Muslim men with muscles bigger than their heads, picking up weights which are far too heavy for them to lift naturally, while the music is blaring in the background. And then if a woman has to walk pass, they flex even more and pick up an even heavier weight. The question is: "Is this permissible in Islam?"

Firstly it is not permissible to listen to music in a gym or anywhere else for that matter as there is a great deal of evidence which shows that it is haraam to listen to music produced by any musical instruments besides the duff.
Secondly, it is clearly stated that a man should lower his gaze.

It is also mentioned in the Holy Qur'aan ," Do not come close to zina" (17:32). By going to such places where there is open mixing of the genders, are we not coming close to zina? Yes we may not commit the actual act, but we do get some desires, and it is better to refrain from going to such places and lastly, but most importantly, is the issue of steroids..... The body is an amaanah(trust) from Allah and we are responsible for keeping it healthy. Steroids are medically proven to cause more harm to the body then benefit it. This is the main reason why it is classified with other drugs, alcohol in Islam, making it impermissible or in other words haraam.

Also, I don't understand why brothers think that having unnaturally large bodies makes them look good! Not only is it bad for your health, but it also looks bad, yet it has become an obsession amongst male youth. I am not saying that don't go to the gym or don't train, but do it in a way that will make it an ibaadah and not in a sinful manner. We should only go to a gym as an alternative to training at home, or a private gym etc. We should try as far as possible to exercise when the opposite gender is not present. If this is not possible then guard the eyes and refrain from looking at what Allah has made forbidden for you to look at.

In a hadith the Prophet (SAW) is reported to have mounted the pulpit, then wept and said,"Ask Allah for forgiveness and health, for after being granted certainty, one is given nothing better than health". Related in Tirmidi.
From the above we learn that staying healthy is very important. If one wishes to train, then one may do so, with the help of natural supplements which ARE NOT harmful to the body. We should also make sure that all the ingredients are halaal. We can turn our training into an Ibaadah by making a small intention before we start eg. "Oh Allah! I am trying to beautify this body which you have given me, and make it healthy so that i can partake in your service". Inshallah we will then be rewarded for our efforts. May Allah save us all, and Allah knows best!

From Your Valentine..

So you're worried because you don't have a valentine for Valentines Day?
What about those that don't have a mother for Mothers Day or a Father for Fathers day?

Every February 14th, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?

Well the history of Valentines began in Rome, when the Emperor, Claudius II, was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. “Claudius the Cruel” as he was called, was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. So, he cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome!

 The good Saint Valentine, who was a priest in Rome, in the year 269 A.D., together with his friend Saint Marius, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.
When Valentine's actions were discovered, he was sentenced to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off.
But while in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl, who may have been his jailor's daughter, who visited him during his confinement. Before his death on the 14th day of February, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed

" From your Valentine"

In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine.

Many of us Muslims know this story, we know the history, and we know it is wrong for us to participate in this tradition.. Yet, we still do. We still make and buy valentines cards, we write anonymous love letters to our admirers, we spend weeks planning the perfect date, and then, on that day, we commit one of the most hated sins by Allah.

Valentines is the most favourite day for any flower shop,
In foreign countries if there was no valentines day there would be no flower shops.
How often do people buy flowers?
The point being, believe it or not, public businesses wait the whole year for Valentines Day, because this is when all of their money come in. Muslims being a major contributor to their income.

The history behind this holiday gives more reasons of why we, as Muslims shouldn't celebrate this day.
It is mainly for boyfriend and girlfriend! Many 'wild' teenagers, who don't have someone just hook up with anyone, so the next day they will have a boyfriend or girlfriend.
This is the reality! This holiday is the most wicked of all.
Naoozubillah, all you see is images of hearts, love and cupid, and what is this? People trying to be loved. People love attention and love so they just try to get love and attention on a particular day.

But a Muslim doesn't need that. What kind of love are you looking for? The love of Allah [SWT]! If Allah loves you, who cares about anyone else? That's what we should aim for. Now if the people love us because Allah loves us, Alhumdulillah, but we try to have people love us even though Allah doesn't love us, This is not Good Love!

There is nothing wrong with you expressing love to your loved ones (family, friends, spouses), but why do it on Valentines day? Why not do it everyday? Why do we have to copy everything we see from other religions? Why not show appreciation and love everyday? Is Islam not a beautiful enough religion?, or do we have to practise upon beliefs of other faiths in order to be content or happy?

Woe be upon those who follow the kuffar, who send out love cards to the ones they love or even post a silly picture on facebook. This is a holiday where so many people commit Zina. People end up disobeying Allah, where people who are not married engage in that which only married couples engage in. All these are unacceptable! Zina is so grave in the sight of Allah [SWT] that in a Fatwa it states that if someone puts a gun to your head and forces you to leave Islam, you are allowed to do so, just to protect your soul, but the Ulama have said that if someone puts a gun to your head and forces you to commit Zina, it is not allowed, you're supposed to get killed.

Nabi [SAW] has said something to the effect:
"Whosoever imitates a nation is one of them"
May Allah protect us and grant us the ability to stay away from the strong pulls on us by the West.

After having read this, how willing are you to get rid of that gift you bought him/her for Valentines, solely for the sake of Allah?

"Why Do you Love Me So?"

The following is an article taken from another blog regarding our love for our Creator. Do we love Allah, and why do we love Allah?

"Why Do You Love Me So?"- A Conversation With Allah

Please Note: The below is a fictional story made up to make us think…

One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah, the beauty of Allah’s creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised Allah for His beautiful work. As I sat there, I felt his presence with me.

He asked me, “Do you love me?”

I answered, “Of course! You are my Lord!”

Allah then asked, “If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?”

I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn’t; be able to do, the things that I took for granted.

And I answered, “It would be tough, but I would still love You.”

Then the Lord said, “If you were blind, would you still love my creation?”

How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved Allah and His creation.

So I answered, “Its hard to think of it, but I would still love you.”

The Lord then asked me, “If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?”

How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to Allah’s Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts.

I answered, “It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word.”

The Lord then asked, “If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?”

How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me: Allah wants us to pray from our very heart and soul. And praising Allah is not always with a prayer, but when we are persecuted, we give Allah praise with our words of thanks.

So I answered, “Though I could not physically pray, I would still praise Your Name.”

And the Lord asked, “Do you really love Me?”

With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, “Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true Allah!”

I thought I had answered well, but…

“THEN WHY DO YOU SIN?”

I answered, “Because I am only human. I am not perfect.”

Allah asked, “THEN WHY IN TIMES OF PEACE DO YOU STRAY THE FURTHEST? WHY ONLY IN TIMES OF TROUBLE DO YOU PRAY THE EARNEST?”

I had No answers. I had only tears.

The Lord continued: “Why only pray at mosques? Why seek Me only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?”

The tears continued to roll down my cheeks. Allah asked, “Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the good news? Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?”

I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give.

“You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all. DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME ?”

I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? When I my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, “Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your servant.”

The Lord answered, “That is My Grace, My servant.”

I asked, “Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?”

The Lord answered, “Because you are My creation. You are my servant. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be with you till the end of days, and I will love you forever.”

Poem

In honour of World Hijab Day (01/02) and the wondeful article written by Ayesha Amra about Hijab.... here is a simple poem called "Cover" about modest dressing and Hijab.

Wearing hejab for Allah alone – wear it right
And Allah will shower you with soothing light

Wear baggy clothes so guys won't be attracted
To view you for your words and not get distracted

My scarves a crown that I place on with pride
Our beauty is treasure that we should protect and hide
 

See, my scarves not oppression; it's freedom to light
Islam, my religion, gives women full rights

Us ladies are diamonds that need to be protected
I cover my bode, for my mind I want to be respected
 

My religion honours her, it fears for her safety
Women are not meant to be viewed as hungry beauty

Beauty fades but minds are ongoing blooming books
So want her for how she thinks & not how she looks

by Mabrouka Al-Tajoury

Powerful Quote

Nobel Peace Prize winner "Tawakkul Karman," 'The mother of Yemen's revolution,' when asked about her Hijab by journalists and how it is not proportionate with her level of intellect and education, replied:

“Man in early times was almost naked, and as his intellect evolved he started wearing clothes. What I am today and what I’m wearing represents the highest level of thought and civilization that man has achieved, and is not regressive. It’s the removal of clothes again that is a regression back to the ancient times."

" لِبَاسُ التَّقْوَىَ "

The moon does not change when it is covered by the clouds, just as the beauty of a women remains covered by her Hijaab.

Hijaab...when the word hijaab is mentioned what is it that first comes to mind?
Just a scarf?
Or rather just a cloak but no scarf?
No my dear sisters in Islam
Hijaab isn't just the covering of your hair, iit is the covering of your haya [modesty], the covering of your imaan, and it is your hijaab that gives you your identitity as a true Muslimah.

The word hijab comes from the Arabic word “hajaba” meaning to hide from view or to conceal. Donning the hijaab therefore means to be dressed in loose fitting clothing with the satr completely covered [the satr of a women are those parts of her body which she cannot
expose ie. Her entire body except her face, hands and feet]

In instructing us to wear the hijab, Allah has given Muslim women what they can bear of injunctions and obligations. For Allah says:
“And we do not lay on any soul a burden except to the extent of its
ability, and with Us (God) is a Book which speaks the truth…” Quraan
23:62

According to these “liberated” women, the hijab not only covers the head, but also covers the mind, will and intellect. They say that our dress code is outdated and oppressive, and it stops us from being
productive human beings. They speak out of ignorance when they say that our hijab does not belong in these modern times, when due to the constant decrease in moral values in the world today, circumstances make the hijab even more necessary.

As mentioned, Hijaab is also that which guards your modesty as Allah says: “O Children of Adam! We (God) have bestowed clothing upon you to cover yourselves and as an adornment (for beauty); and the clothing of righteousness – that is best.” Qur’an 7:26

Our beautiful hijaab is actually:
•An act of obedience to our Creator.
•An act of honour and dignity.
•An act of purity.
•An act of Bashfulness.
•Our Shield.

And the hijaab is actually NOT :
•A portable prison.
•A symbol of opression.
•A means of restriction women.

A wise personality has once said :

"Islam has not given women rights, Islam has given women Heights"
How beautiful is our deen and how beautiful is our creator? Allah has just made the hijaab obligatory to protect us and as a means of a shield to guard us. SubhanAllah!

Febuary The 1st..denoted World hijaab day.
A day in which a Muslim women was asked to simply don the hijaab.
But why?
Why just for one day?
Hijaab is the command of Allah so why should it be that we obey his commands one out of 365 days when Allah cares for us, loves for us, sustains us and provides for us, not just one, but 365 days a year.

When the rest of the world dresses to please themselves, women wearing Saris [traditional hindu garb] or when the other non muslims dress half Naked, nothing is said. But let a Muslimah step out of her home dressed in her hijaab, and everybody starts raising their fingers at her. If the rest of the world is allowed to dress how they please, why is a muslim women not allowed to dress to please their creator?

To end with just a few words of wisdom:
Hijaab with bad attitude...is not hijaab.
Hijaab with tight clothes...is not hijaab.
Hijaab with hair on the side...is not hijaab.
Hijaab with five layers of make-up...is not hijaab.
Hijaab Is Beautiful...So Make It Look Beautiful. ♡

Ayesha Amra

Why is it that everything unislamic is appealing to the Ummah?

The following is a broadcast message that's been going around which shows how off track us Muslims have gone from our religion, and how we've lost our morals and our faith by following the Western ways.

Why is it that EVERYTHING unislamic is appealing to the Ummah! The sad thing is that even though many of us abstain from that which is prohibited, yet we allow Shaitaan to whisper in our ears that even though you are not drinking wine, imitate the manner in which wine is drunk.... Hence we find it enjoyable to have our halaal drinks in wine glasses.

There are numerous Ahadith which mention that we will be raised with those we love and imitate. Let's Ponder!!!

 

In recent times many Muslim are donning the Sari.... The traditional dress of Hindu women. According to many Ulama, it is not allowed for a Muslim woman to wear a Sari! So what do we do??? We can't wear a sari, so we design what is called a sari Abbaya to resemble the look of a sari!!! Will Hindus design an abbaya sari?? I doubt it very much!!!

 

Then we have become proud to display Kuffaar names on our Islamic garments and we stand tall and proud promoting such names! Subhanallah! What great honor has been given to a Muslim by none other than our Creator and sustainer Allah Subhanahu Ta'ala, yet we feel superior and honoured by carrying a kaafirs name on our clothing! Christian Dior, Guess, Burberry, Levis, and the list goes on.....

All people who blatantly deny Allah Subhanahu Ta'ala and our Beloved Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wasallam.

 

We can't eat Bacon so we eat macon!

We can't listen to Music so we add music to Islamic songs and make ourselves believe that music is acceptable in songs which praise Allah Subhanahu Ta'ala and our Beloved Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu alaihi wasallam!

We can't use nail polish so we invent "Halaal" nail polish! Rather call it peel off mendhi! Why is it more appealing if its likened to what the Kaafir find stylish! Will it be less stylish if its compared to something Islamic? Ponder!!!

 

Have we lost the plot???

Its not toooo late to get it back!!!

Let us carry the PROUDLY MUSLIM banner!!!

And Allah knows BEST!

May Allah Subhanahu Ta'ala grant us the true understanding of our DEEN!!!