The Things Which Shaytan Flees From (PART4)

1. When you say in a state of anger "A'oodhu bilLaahi min ash-Shaytaan ir-Rajeem" [I seek refuge with Allah from Shaytaan the Accursed].
Sulaymaan bin Sard (ra) said, "I was sitting with Allah's Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) and two men were abusing each other.  The face of one of them had become red (out of anger) and his veins had become inflated.  Allah's Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) said, "I know a word which, if he was to say, his anger would leave him.  If he said: "I seek refuge in Allah from Shaytaan the Accursed", his anger would leave him"" (al-Bukhaari, Muslim).

2. Upon saying "bismillah" [in the Name of Allah]
Abul-Maleeh (ra) reports that a man said, "I was behind the Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) and his riding animal stumbled.  I said, "May Shaytaan perish", and he said, "Do not say, "May Shaytaan perish".  If you say that he will grow in size until he becomes the size of a house and says, "By my strength".  Instead say, "In the Name of Allah".  When you say that, he reduces in size until he is like a fly." 
(Abu Dawood, saheeh isnad).

3.  When you supplicate for blessings for something which wins your admiration.
Allah's Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) said, "When one of you sees something in his self or in his possessions which amazes him (or wins his admiration) he should invoke blessings upon it as the (evil) eye is indeed true and real".

4. When you recite the M'uwadhataan [Surah al-Falaq and Surah an-Naaz].
Abu Sa'eed (ra) said, "Allah's Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) used to seek refuge from the jinn and from the effects of the (evil) of men until the m'uwwadhataan were revealed.  When they were revealed he clung to them and abandoned what was besides them."  
(at-Tirmidhi, hasan; an-Nasa'ee and Ibn Maajah - saheeh).

5. When you make the prostration of recitation.
Allah's Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) said, "When you read a verse of prostration then prostrate, Shaytaan departs crying and says: "Woe be to him.  He was ordered with prostration and he prostrated - so for him is Paradise. I was ordered with prostration and I refused - so for me is the Fire."  
(Muslim, Ahmad and Ibn Maajah).


6. When you recite Surah al-Baqarah.
Abu Hurayrah (ra) reports that Allah's Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) said, "Do not turn your houses into graves. Indeed Shaytaan flees from a house in which Surah al-Baqarah is recited." 
(Muslim).

7.  When reciting the Qur'aan.
The Messenger of Allah (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) went out one night and passed by Abu Bakr (ra) who was praying with a lowered voice.  Then he passed by 'Umar ibn al-Khattaab (ra) who was praying with a raised voice  When they came together with the Prophet (saw), he said, "O Abu Bakr! I passed by you while you were praying with a lowered voice."  Abu Bakr (ra) said, "I made the one with whom I was conversing with (i.e Allah) hear it, O Messenger of Allah."   He then said to 'Umar (ra), "I passed by you while you were praying with a raised voice".  'Umar (ra) said, "O Messenger of Allah! I was incitng those who were asleep and driving away the Shaytaan." The Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) then said, "O Abu Bakr! Raise your voice somewhat" and he said to 'Umar, "lower your voice somewhat". 
(Abu Dawood, al Haakim, who declared it saheeh as did adh-Dhahabi).

8. When you move the finger during the prayer.
It is established that Allah's Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) used to move his finger, supplicating with it (Abu Dawood, an-Nasaa'i, Ibn al_Jaarud in al-Muntaqa and others) and the Messenger of Allah said, "It is more powerful against the Shaytaan than iron" - meaning the forefinger. 
 (Ahmad and others).
Imam Ahmad was asked, "Should a man point with his finger in the prayer?" He replied, "Yes, vigorously".
 (Ibn Haani mentioned it in Masaa'il of Imam Ahmad).

The Things Which Shaytan Flees From (PART 3)

1. When you say "A'oodhu billah minka, al'anuka bi l'anatillaah" [I seek refuge in Allah from you, I curse you with the curse of Allah] three times during the prayer.
Abu Darda' (ra) reports that "Allah's Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) stood for prayer and we heard him saying, "I seek refuge in Allah from you".  Then he said, "I curse you with the curse of Allah"  three times.  At the same time, he was stretching out his hand, trying to grab hold of something.  When he finished his prayer we said to him: "O Messenger of Allah! We heard you say something in the prayer which we have never heard from you before and we saw you stretching out your hand".  He said, "That was the enemy of Allah, Iblees. He came with a flame of fire and tried to throw it in my face.  I said, "I seek refuge in Allah from you" three times and then (I said), "I curse you with the curse of Allah" three times and he did not hesitate.  Then I desired to capture him.  By Allah! If it had not been for the supplication of our brother (the Prophet) Sulaymaan, he would have been tied up and the children of             Madinah would have played about with him"". (Muslim).


In another hadeeth from 'Uthmaan bin Abul-Aas (ra) who said, "I said, "O Messenger of Allah! Shaytaan comes in between me and my prayer and my recitation, confusing me." He said, "That is a Shaytan called Khunzub. When you feel his presence, seek refuge in Allah from him and spit on your left three times."  I did as he said and Allah took that (distraction) away from me." 
(Muslim)

2.  When the servant finds something in his soul that concerns him and says "huwal-awwalu wal-aakhiru wadh-dhaahiru wal-baatinu wa huwa bi kulli shay'in 'aleem" [He is the First and the Last, the Outermost and the Innermost, and He has Knowledge of every single thing.]
Abu Zameel (ra) said, "I said to Ibn 'Abbas (ra), "What is this thing which I find in my soul?" - meaning doubt.  He said, "When you find something like that in your soul, then say, "He (Allah) is the First and the Last, the Outermost and the Innermost and He has knowledge of every single thing."" 
(Abu Dawood, al-Albaani declared it hasan in al-Kalim ut-Tayyib no.135).

3. When a calamity befalls you and you say "QadrAllahu wa ma sha' Allaahu fa'ala" [Allah has decreed (this) and He does whatever He wills].
Abu Hurayrah (ra) reports that Allah's Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) said, "The strong believer is more loved by Allah than the weak believer, but in both there is good.  Be zealous for what will benefit you.  Seek help from Allah the Mighty and Majestic and do not become incapacitated.  If something afflicts you, do not say: "If only I had done such and such" but say, "Allah has decreed (this) and He does whatever He wills".  Indeed saying "if.." opens up the doorway of Shaytan's handiwork."
 (Muslim)

4. When you say "Bismillah, Allahumma janibna ash-Shaytaan wa janibish-Shaytaana maa razaqtna" {in the Name of Allah, O Allah! Make us distant from Shaytan and make Shaytan distant from what you bestow upon us".
Ibn 'Abbas (ra) reports that the Prophet (saw) said, "If one of you says, when approaching his wife (for intercourse): "In the Name of Allah. O Allah!  Make us distant from Shaytan and make Shaytan distant from what you bestow upon us" and offspring is decreed for you, Shaytan will never be able to harm it (i.e. the offspring)". (al-Bukhaari, Muslim).

The Things Which Shaytan Flees From (PART II)

1. Remembering Allah the Sublime and Exalted when entering the house and before eating.
Jaabir (ra) said: "I heard the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) say: "When a man enters his house and remembers Allah the Exalted upon entering and before eating, Shaytaan says: "There is no place for you to spend the night and there is no supper for you."  When he enters the house and does not remember Allah, Shaytaan says: "You have found a place to spend the night" and when he does not remember Allah upon eating his food, Shaytaan says: "You have found a place to stay and some supper"".  

(Muslim).

2. Saying "A'oodhu bilLahil-'adheem wa bi wajhil-kareemi wa bi sultaanihil-qadeemi min ash-Shaytaani-rajeem" [I seek refuge with Allah the Mighty, with His Noble Face and with His Eternal Authority from Shaytaan, the Accursed] when entering the mosque.
'Abdullah ibn 'Umar (ra) said, "When the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) used to enter the mosque he would say, "I seek refuge with Allah the Mighty, with His Noble Face and with His Eternal Authority from Shaytaan, the Accursed". He then said, "When (a man) says this, Shaytaan says: "He has been protected from me for the whole day"".
 (Abu Dawud, al-Albaani declared it saheeh in Saheeh Abu Dawood, no. 458, and an-Nawawee and Ibn Hajr declared it hasan).

3. Upon pronouncing the adhan.
This is due to what has been reported from Abu Hurayrah (ra) that Allaah's Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) said, "When the call to prayer is made, Shaytaan flees on his heels and passes wind with noise during his flight so that he does not hear the adhan.  When the adhan is completed he comes back.  When the iqamah is pronounced he takes to his heels again until it is completed.  Then he returns again and whispers into the heart of the person and says to him:
"Remember this and remember that". So the person remembers those things which were not in his mind before the prayer began and as a result, he forgets how much he has prayed". 
(al-Bukhaari, Muslim).


Pronouncing the adhan can be done at any time to repel Shaytan.  This is due to what has been reported by Muslim from Abu Saheel bin Abu Saalih who said: "My father sent me to Bani Harithah and there was a young boy with me. Someone called him by his name from a wall, so he went to have a look at the wall but did not see anything.  I mentioned that to my father and he said: "If I had known that you would encounter this I would not have sent you.  However, when you hear a voice then make the call for prayer since I heard Abu Hurayrah (ra) saying the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) said, "When the call for prayer is made, Shaytan flees".

4. When seeking refuge in Allah due to the Exalted's saying: "And when an incitement to evil comes to you from Shaytan, seek refuge in Allah.  He is the All Hearing, the All Knowing".  (41:36)

The Things Which Shaytan Flees From (PART I)

1. When you say: La ilaha illAllaah - wahdahu laa shareeka lahu - lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu - wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadeer.  [There is none worthy of worship except Allah alone.  He has no partners.  To Him belongs the Dominion, to Him belongs all praise and He is capable over all things] a hundred times a day.  
Abu Hurayrah (radiAllahu anhu) reported  that Allah's Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) mentioned the above words and then said:  "He will receive the reward of setting free ten slaves, a hundred good deeds will be written for him and a hundred bad deeds will be erased from him.  It will be a sanctuary from Shaytaan for him on that day until he reaches the evening.  No one will come with something better except one who increases beyond that".
(Bukhari and Muslim)


2. Recitation of Ayaat ul-Kursi when you go to bed.
Abu Hurayrah (ra) reported that the Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) put him in charge of guarding the zakaah of Ramadan and someone would come and take handfuls from the zakaah for two nights in succession. On the third night, he (Abu Hurayrah) grabbed him and said: "I will take you to Allaah's Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam)".  He (the thief) said: "Leave me alone and I will teach you some words by which Allah will benefit you".  He then said, "When you depart to go to your bed recite aayaat ul-Kursi until you complete it.  There wil never cease to be from Allah a guardian to protect you and Shaytaan will not approach you until you wake up".  When he explained this to Allaahs Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam), he said, "He has told you the truth althought he is a great liar".  
(al-Bukhaari).

3. When you spit on your left three times and seek refuge in Allah from the evil of what you see in a dream.
Abu Salamah bin 'Abdur-Rahman said: "I heard Abu Qataadah ibn Rab'iyy say: "I heard Allah's Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) say, "The good dream is from Allah and the bad dream is from Shaytaan.  When one of you sees what he dislikes, let him spit on his left three times when he awakens and let him seek refuge in Allaah from its evil and then it will not harm him"".  Abu Salamah said, "I used to see in my dream that which would be more burdensome to me than a mountain and when I heard this hadeeth I considered it as nothing." In another narration he said, "I used to see in my dream which would make me concerned until I heard Abu Qataadah say: "I used to have dreams which would make me ill until I heard Allaah's Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) say, "The righteous dream is from Allah.  If one of you sees what he loves then let him not inform anyone about it except one whom he loves.  And if he sees what he dislikes, let him not inform anyone about it.  Let him spit on his left three times and let him seek refuge in Allah from Shaytaan, the accursed from the evil of what he saw and it will not harm him.""

4. Upon saying, when leaving the house "Bismillah tawakaltu 'ala Allah, la hawla wa la quwata illaa bilLah" [In the Name of Allah, I place my trust upon Allah, There is no power nor movement except by Allah].
Anas (ra) reports that Allah's Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) said, "Whoever says (when he leaves his house): "In the Name of Allah, I place my trust upon Allah, There is no power nor movement except by Allah" it is said to him: "You have been sufficed, you have been protected and you have been guided".  Then one of the devils turns to another and says, "How can you get to a man who has been sufficed, protected and guided". 
 (Abu Dawud, at-Tirmidhi, hasan saheeh).


Umm Salamah (ra) said, "Allaah's Messenger (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Salam) never left my house except that he raised his sight to the sky and said, "Allahumma innee a'oodhu bika an adil aw udal, aw azil aw uzal, aw azlima aw uslam, aw ajhal aw yujhal 'aleeyy (O Allah I seek refuge in you from leading others astray and being led astray, from causing others to slip and being made to slip, from oppressing others or being oppressed and from making others ignorant, and being kept ignorant.""
 (at-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood, an-Nasa'ee, Ibn Majah. at-Tirmidhi said "hasan saheeh", al-Albaani agreed with him in al-Kalim ut-Tayyib, no.59).

70,000 Angels asking for your forgiveness?

The virtues of Surah al Harsh

Maqal bin Yasart narrates that Rasulullah Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa salam said: "Whoever recites 3 times in the morning: 

I seek refuge in Allah the all-hearing, the all-knowing, from Shaytan (Satan) the accursed. 

And thereafter the last 3 verses of Surah al Hashr once, 70,000 Angels are appointed by Allah, who seek forgiveness on behalf of that person till the evening. Should he die during the day, he will die as a Shahid (martyr). Whosoever recites the above du’a in the evening will enjoy the same virtue till the morning.” 

[Mishkat P 188, 

Ibn Ahmad, Darimi, Tirmidhi 5/182]

Last 3 verses of Surah al-Hashr (recite once)

He is Allah, than Whom there is La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen (open). He is the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. 

He is Allah than Whom there is La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him.

He is Allah, the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms (or Colours). To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare His Praises and Glory: and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

Transliteration

(1) Aounzu Bilahi sameer ou Alim minal shaytani rajim (3 times)

(2) Bismillahi arrahmani arrahim

Huwa Allahu allathee lailaha illa huwa AAalimu alghaybi washshahadati huwa arrahmanu arraheem

Huwa Allahu allathee lailaha illa huwa al maliku al quddoosu assalamualmu/minu almuhayminu alAAazeezu aljabbaru almutakabbiru subhana Allahi AAamma yushrikoon

Huwa Allahu alkhaliqu albari-o  almusawwiru lahu al-asmao alhusna yusabbihu lahu ma fee assamawatiwal-ardi wahuwa alAAazeezu alhakeem (1 time)

All these angels praying for your forgiveness, guidance, etc... and THEN when you die, the death of the martyr on top, its a win-win situation, learn it!

May Allah have mercy and guide us all, ameen.

Etiquette of Eating : What we need to know!!

Main teachings of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him), Hadith, about food,

from the book of “Riyadh Assaliheen,” by Imam Nawawi, (Pp. 213-222):

1. Muslims should mention the name of Allah (God) before they start eating  or drinking and thank Him when they finish.
2. If you forget to mention the name of Allah (God) at the beginning, mention it whenever you remember, even at the end.
3. Mentioning the name of God on food repels the devil from getting into it.
4. Mentioning the name of God on food blesses it, making it healthier and better in sufficiency and effect.
5. Muslims are not arrogant in all aspects of life, including food. There is no superior or inferior food. If you like food, eat it. If you don’t like it, don’t eat it.
6. It’s an Islamic courtesy to accept invitations on food, if you are hungry or if you like the food. If you are fasting, thank the inviter and pray while people are eating.
7. If somebody invites you for food, in a party or a banquet, and you want to bring a friend with you, you have to ask the host’s permission first before you bring anybody with you.
8. Use your right hand while eating, and eat from what has been assigned to you or from which is directly in front of you. Don’t eat from what has been assigned to others or from which is direct to them.
9. Eating with a group, a family or friends, is more blessed than eating alone.
10.  Eat and drink while you are sitting down in an upright position. Don’t eat or drink while you are lying down or leaning toward one side or another, in a resting position.
11.  Don’t eat or drink while standing or walking, unless you have to, like in a place where there is no space for sitting down or when traveling.
12.  Don’t be wasteful in food. Don’t throw food away if it is good. Keep it for another time, give it to somebody else, or give it to birds or animals.
13.  It is recommended that you drink in several sips, not in a one-time and a long drink.
14.  The host should serve guests with food or drinks starting from his/her right if guests are close in age. Otherwise, the elderly should be served first, even if they are sitting on the left.
15.  The host eats or drinks last, after serving all guests.
16.  Muslims are humble. They should avoid showing off their wealth by using utilities (jugs, cups, plates, etc.) made of gold or silver. Gold, though, can be used by women as ornaments.

Allahu A'alam

* In our race to jannah, let us make sure that we are using these simple instructions  taught by our beloved Prophet sal allahu alayhi wa salam while we are nourishing our ourselves and others;  in order to get all the blessings from the food and the pleasure of Allah Subhanah wa Ta'ala.

10 Majors Excuses why not wear Hijab...

# 1 excuse : "I don't think it is necessary to wear the hijab."
We must asked if the person is truly convinced of the truth that is Islam?

And the clear answer given is: Yes, she is convinced, for she responds "Laa ilaaha illallah!" (There is no God but Allah), and then she says: "Muhammadun rasoolullah!" (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah). Therefore, she is convinced of Islam as a belief system and a way of life
So now isn't hijab then a part of Islamic Law and an obligation? If you are convinced of Islam, how then can you not be convinced of its orders?
What do we call a person who says they believe but who nonetheless does not do what Allah or His Messenger have ordered? Certainly they can in no way be described as those whom Allah speaks of in this verse:

The only saying of the faithful believers when they are called to Allah and His Messenger to judge between them is that they say: 'we hear and obey ' and such are the successful. [Sura An-Noor 24:51]

 #2 Excuse: "My parents prevent me from wearing it and I can't disobey my parents"
How can you obey your parents and disobey Allah, Who created you and your parents?

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said in these words of wisdom: There is no obedience to the created in the disobedience of Allah. [Ahmed]

Obedience to parents is not limited except in one aspect, and that is if they order to disobedience of Allah. Allah said: "But if they strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not." [Sura Luqmaan 31:15]


#3 Excuse : "My Job does not allow me to wear an Islamic dress"

It is not permissible for the Muslim woman to leave her home in any instance unless her clothing meets the conditions of Islamic hijab and it is a duty of every Muslim woman to know what they are. If you must go out, then do so only with the correct hijab, seeking the pleasure of Allah and the degradation of Shaytan. If your place of work does not allow it then  try your best to find another job.

if you are really truthful in your intention and correctly determined in wanting to wear hijab you will find a thousands hands of good assisting you and Allah will make it easy for you! Is He not the One Who says: And whoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty) and He will provide him from sources he never could imagine. [Sura At-Talaaq 65:2-3]?

#4 Excuse: "It is too hot to wear a hijab" 

Allah gives an example by saying:

Say: The Fire of Hell is more intense in heat if they only understand. [Sura At-Taubah 9:81]

Understand that Shaytan has trapped you and he is dragging you from the heat of this world to the heat of the Hellfire. Free yourself from his net and view the heat of the sun as a favor and not an affliction especially if it reminds you of the intensity of the punishment of Allah which is many times greater than the heat you feel now.

#5 Excuse: "I 'm afraid that if I wear the hijab I will take it off later because others did it

If everyone was to apply that logic then they would have left the Deen in its entirety! They would have left off salat because some would be afraid of leaving it later. They would have left fasting in Ramadan because so many are afraid of not doing it later but If you hold tight to the causes of guidance and taste the sweetness of faith you will not neglect the orders of Allah after having held to them.

#6 Excuse: "I will never find a husband if I wear it"

Why will you want to marry someone who does not want to follow Allah's commands?
Any husband, who desires that you be uncovered and adorned in public in defiance of and in disobedience to Allah, is not a worthy husband in the first place.  As Allah stated: But whosoever turns away from My reminder (i.e. neither believes in the Qur'an nor acts upon its teachings) verily for him is a life of hardship and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection. [Sura Ta Ha 20:124]

#7 Excuse: "I can't not hide the beauty that Allah blessed me with"
Have you forgotten these verses:

And do not show off their adornment except only that which is apparent [Sura An-Noor 24:31] and the statement of Allah Subhanah Wa Taala: Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks all over their bodies [Sura Al-Ahzaab 33:59]? 

 And is there a greater blessing and favor upon the woman than guidance and hijab?

#8 Excuse: "I will wear it when Allah guides me"
Are you serious? 

Haven't He already guided you by sending His Noble Quran and making you a muslim?

#9 Excuse: "I am still young I will wear when I get older"

How can you guarantee your own life until tomorrow?

The Angel of Death is visiting and waiting at your door for the order of Allah Taala to take your life at any moment. Death doesn't discriminate between the young or the old. 

We should all race to obedience to answer the call of Allah:"Race with one another in hastening towards forgiveness from your Lord and Paradise the width whereof is as the width of the heavens and the earth. [Sura Al-Hadeed 57:21] 

#10 Excuse: "If I wear it i will be labeled and people will stare at me" 
The hijab is a high form of worship that is not subject to the opinions of people and their orientations and choices because the one who legislated it is the Most Wise Creator.

In the way of seeking the pleasure of Allah and in hope of His Mercy and success in His Jannah and throw those statements against the wall! Dust your shoulders off from their evil and focus on the prize. Hold tight to the rope of Allah by your molars and follow the example of the striving and knowledgeable Mothers of the Believers and the female companions (radiallahu anhum ajmaeen).

Your body is on display in the market of Shaytan seducing the hearts of men. The hairstyles, the tight clothing showing every detail of your figure, the short dresses showing off your legs and other body parts all anger the Merciful and please the Shaytan. Isn't it time to liberate yourself?

In our Race to Jannah  let's get on the train of repentance, before it passes by our station. Deeply considering, what is happening today before tomorrow comes. Thinking about it, now, before it is too late!