Muhabbat ul Deen

Imam Suhaib Webb discusses prayer as connection to Allah and highlights it’s benefits
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This is a very important document aimed at unity conceived by Shaykh Abdullah Bin Bayyah and signed and approved by many scholars and Imams from all different schools of thought!

Hold fast to the Rope of Allah , all together, and be not divided. (Qur’an, 3:103)

Surely, those who have made divisions in their religion and turned into factions, you have nothing to do with them. Their case rests with Allah ; then He will inform them of what they used to do. (Qur’an, 6:159)

In light of the Divine Word, we recognize that the historical nature of Sunni Islam is a broad one that proceeds from a shared respect for the Qur’an and Sunnah, a shared dependence on the interpretations and derivations of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), and a shared respect for the writings of a vast array of scholars who have been identified by their support for and affiliation with the Sunni Muslims and have been accepted as the luminaries of Sunni Islam - as broadly defined.

Likewise, detailed discussions in matters of theology are the specific domain of trained specialists, and proceed on the basis of well-defined principles and methodologies, which are beyond the knowledge of the generality of Muslims.

Our forebears in faith, with all the dedication, brilliance and sincerity clearly manifested in their works, have debated and discussed abstruse and complex issues of creed and practice, and have failed in most instances to convince their opponents of the veracity and accuracy of their positions.

The average Muslim is only responsible for knowing the basics of creed as they relate to a simple belief in Allah , His Angels, Scriptures, the Prophets and Messengers, the Last Day, and the Divine Decree.

Recognizing that the specter of sectarianism threatens to further weaken and debilitate our struggling Muslim community at this critical time in human affairs, and recognizing that Allah , Exalted is He, has given the Muslim community in the West a unique historical opportunity to advance the cause of peace, cooperation, and goodwill amongst the people of the world, we the undersigned respectfully: 

- Urge Muslims to categorically cease all attacks on individual Muslims and organizations whose varying positions can be substantiated based on the broad scholarly tradition of the Sunni Muslims. We especially urge the immediate cessation of all implicit or explicit charges of disbelief;

- Urge Muslim scholars and students of sacred knowledge to take the lead in working to end ad hominem attacks on other scholars and students; to cease unproductive, overly polemical writings and oral discourse; and to work to stimulate greater understanding and cooperation between Muslims, at both the level of the leadership and the general community;

- Urge Muslims in the West, especially our youth, to leave off unproductive and divisive discussions of involved theological issues that are the proper domain of trained specialists, and we especially discourage participation in those internet chat rooms, campus discussion groups, and other forums that only serve to create ill-will among many Muslims, while fostering a divisive, sectarian spirit;

- Urge all teachers to instruct their students, especially those attending intensive programs, to respect the diverse nature of our communities and to refrain from aggressive challenges to local scholars, especially those known for their learning and piety;

- Urge our brothers and sisters in faith to concentrate on enriching their lives by deepening their practice of Islam through properly learning the basics of the faith, adopting a consistent regimen of Qur’anic recitation, endeavoring to remember and invoke Allah in the morning and evening, learning the basics of jurisprudence, attempting to engage in voluntary fasting as much as possible, studying the Prophetic biography on a consistent basis, studying the etiquettes that guide our interactions with our fellow Muslims, and the performance of other beneficial religious acts, to the extent practical for their circumstances;

- Finally, we urge the Believers to attempt to undertake individual and collective actions that will help to counter the growing campaign of anti-Islamic misinformation and propaganda that attempts to portray our religion as a violence-prone relic of the past unsuitable for modern society, and by so doing justify indiscriminate wars against Muslim peoples, occupation of Muslim lands, and usurpation of their resources.

Saying this, we do not deny the reality of legitimate differences and approaches, nor the passionate advocacy of specific positions based on those differences. Such issues should be rightfully discussed observing established rules of debate. However, we urge the above measures to help prevent those differences from destroying the historical unity and integrity of the Muslim community, and creating irreparable divisions between our hearts. Further, we do not deny the urgency, especially in light of the situation in Iraq, of efforts to foster greater cooperation between diverse Muslim communities. Hence, this document should not be seen as negating any statements, or declarations designed to foster greater peace and harmony between diverse Muslim communities. However, we feel, as Sunni Muslims, a pressing need to first set our own affairs in order.

In conclusion, having called our brothers and sisters to act on these points, we, the undersigned, pledge to be the first to actively implement them in response to the Divine Word:

Do you enjoin righteousness on the people and refuse to follow it yourselves and all along you are reciting the scripture!? Will you not reflect? (Qur’an (2:44)

We ask Allah for the ability to do that which He loves. And Allah alone is the Grantor of Success.

Signed,

Abdelrahman Helbawi
Abdul Karim Khalil
Abdullah Adhami
Abdurraheem Green
Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf Mangera
Abu Aaliyah Surkheel Sharif
Abu Eesa Niamatullah
Aisha Faleh AlThani
Asma Mirza
Cheikhna B. Bayyah
Dawood Yasin
Ebadur Rahman
Faraz Rabbani
Fuad Nahdi
Gul Mohammad
Haitham al-Haddad
Hamza Yusuf
Hasan al-Banna
Ibrahim Osi-Efa
Jihad Hashim Brown
M. Abdul Latif Finch
M. Afifi al-Akiti
Mehdi Kader
Mokhtar Maghroui
Muhammad Alshareef
Muhammad Ash-Shaybani
Muhammad ibn Adam
Omar Qureshi
S. Abdal-Hakim Jackson
Shamira Chothia Ahmed
Siddique Abdullah
Suhaib Webb
Tahir Anwar
Talal Al-Azem
Tanveer Hussain
Tawfique Chowdhury
Usama Canon
Usama Hasan
Walead Mosaad
Yahya Rhodus
Yasir Qadhi
Zaid Shakir

Take a look at this Ramadhan check list and see how well you are doing this month!

Click here

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Understanding Ramadan: A Day in the Life of an Imam
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Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq gives a great scholarly speech about the controversial issue regarding Taraweeh. Many Muslims say that Taraweeh is 8 rakats whilst the majority of Muslims say that no, Taraweeh is in fact 20 rakats. Shaykh addresses this issue directly and brings forward proof that 20 rakats is the correct number.

This is a fantastic speech as it shows Shaykh’s amazing ability to relate the opinions of many companions and ullema of the past from memory.

Listen here

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Ramadhan: Part 1
Ramadhan: Part 2
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Hadhrat Haatimasam (R.A.) was a famous saint and noble student of Hadhrat Shaqeeq Balkhi (R.A.).  Once his Shaykh Shaqeeq (R.A.) inquired from him, ‘Haatim, how long have you been with me?’

‘Thirty three years’, replied Haatim (R.A.); the Shaykh then inquired,

‘How much have you learnt from me in this period?’  Haatim (R.A.) replied, ‘I have learnt eight Masaa’il (Islamic rules).’

‘Inanaa, Lillaahi Wa Innaailaihi Raajioon.  My life has been wasted on you.’ Haatim (R.A.) replied, ‘Sir, I have learnt eight Mas’alaas (Islamic rules) only.  I cannot tell you a lie.  Hadhrat Shaqeeq (R.A.) said,

‘Tell what are these Mas’alaas?’  Haatim (R.A.) replied:

1. ‘I have seen everyone loves something or another - His wife, his children, his wealth, his friends, e.t.c,  but I have seen that when a person is lowered into the grave, then all the objects of his love are separated from him.  Therefore, I started loving good deeds in-stead, so that when I am lowered into my grave, my beloved will accompany me, and not be separated from me even after death.’  Hadhrat Shaqeeq (R.A.) said, ‘ You have done well.’  

2. ‘I have read the words of Allah ’s in the Holy Qur’an.  The Holy Qur’an states, ‘And as for him who fears to stand before his Lord (for the account) and restrained (held back) himself from low desires, verily the Garden (Jannat) that will be his home.’ (Chapt. 79 :Vr. 40-41 Q)  I believe in the truth of Allah ’s words and therefore stopped my nafs (love of ones self) from desires, so much so, that it became steadfast in the obedience of Allah .

3. I have seen that whosoever loves and values a thing of this world, keeps it safely.  I have read the words of Allah ..  The Holy Qur’an says: ‘That which is with you passes away and that which is with Allah is lasting.’  (Chapt. 16 Vr. 96 Q)  Because of this verse anything of value that reached me I advanced it to Allah , so that it could be secured forever.  

4. Viewing the world I have seen some people, turning towards their wealth as a manner of honour and greatness, others turning towards lineage (parentage) yet others do things that become a source of vanity and pride.  In the view of the words of Allah the Holy Qur’an says:  ‘Verily the noblest amongst you in the sight of  Allah is the one who is the most mindful of his duties.’  (Chapt. 49 :Vr. 13 Q)  I became mindful of the commands of Allah so that I may be honoured in his sight.  

5. I have seen people taunting (insulting), finding fault and abusing each other.  This is motivated (started) by jealousy which they have for one another.  The Holy Qur’an says:  ‘It’s we who have apportioned (divided) among them their livelihood in the life of  the world and we have raised some of them over others in rank, so that some of them may take others in service.’  (Chapt. 43. Vr. 32 Q)  ‘If all the people are of equal rank then why will one not work and why should one be employed.  This will upset the order of the world.’  Due to this verse I have left jealousy.  I became independent of the entire creation.  I became aware of the fact that the distribution of provision lies solely in the control of Allah Ta’aalaa.  He gives any amount to whomsoever he wishes, therefore I had left animosity (envy).  I have understood that man’s prosperity is not relative solely to his effort, instead it is a gift from the Master of the universe, hence I do not get angry.

6. I have observed that practically everyone has quarrels and harbors enmity.  Having pondered, I saw that Allah has commanded in the verse.  The Holy Qur’an says, ‘Surely, the Satan is your enemy, so treat him as an enemy. (Do not make him your friend).’  (Chapt. 35 Vr. 6Q)  Thus, I have chosen him as my enemy I try my best to stay away from him, because Allah ’s declared him as an enemy.  

7. I have seen everyone striving for their daily bread, due to this they disgrace themselves in front of others and take unlawful things.  Then I read the verse of Allah ’s: ‘And there is no moving creatures on earth but its sustenance dependant on Allah .’  (Chapt.11 Vr. 6 Q)  I saw that I am also amongst those walking on the earth whose provision is the responsibility of Allah .  I have utilised my time in those activities which Allah has ordained, and gained time by not undertaking the responsibility of Allah .  

8. I have seen the people depending on the creation, some on their properties others on their business, whereas others depend on their health and their strength.  These people in spite of being part of the creation yet show total dependence on the creation.  I have read the verse of Allah:  ‘And whosoever trusts in Allah , He is sufficient for him.’  (Chapt. 65 Vr. 3 Q)  Thus, I have put my reliance and confidence in Allah .  ‘I have found that all kinds of good actions fall within these eight masaa’il, therefore whoever practices these masaa’il has put into practice the contents of all four divine scriptures,’ said Hadhrat Shaqeeq (R.A

As Ramadhan is approaching throughout the world there will be millions of people looking towards the heavens to site the Hilal, (the crescent moon) that signifies the start of the month of fasting. This brief talk by Hamza Yusuf on the moon sighting - it is really good as he encourages us to actually take part with the natural universe by looking at the moon ourselves and not be dominated by time tables and other ‘unnatural’ ways of looking at time.

Listen here

Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq is scheduled to deliver a talk entitled “Ramadhan - The Month of the Qur’an” on the 2nd September 2007 after Zohar Salaah (1:30PM) at Masjid-e-Quba. This event is for brothers and sisters.

- Segragated seating arrangements have been made for sisters (2nd Floor).
- There will be stalls where you can purchase Islamic audio & books, itr, clothing and a variety of other Islamic goods.

Please come yourselves and invite others for as the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him, said, ‘Whomsoever guides towards a goodness, will get virtues equal to the one who performs that goodness.’ [Muslim]