Appreciate!

At the monthly spiritual gathering that the Shaykh holds, he advised the youngsters present regarding appreciation of the bounties of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.

Take a deep look into yourself...
Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, through his infinite mercy, has blessed us with Iman, of which the value is unimaginable. Furthermore, a person need not look much further than one's own body. The perfect eyes, ears, nose, tongue, hands and we could go on naming every part of the body, which Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has created so impeccably for our benefit. Allah, You blessed us with all of this, how well have we thanked You? How often have we used these very blessings to disobey you?

Take a look around you...
Thereafter, we look around us and we realise further ingratitude on our part. In comparison to so many throughout the world, the luxury that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has allowed us is unmatched maybe. Facilities and amenities that we deem a norm and a simple aspect of our lives, cannot even be dreamt of by many around the world. Electricity, taps of pure water, efficient drainage systems, free schooling, to name a few.

How many are there throughout the world who travel long distances everyday for just a bucket of water? How many are there, who must go in search of wood to use for fires to be used for cooking and lighting? How many are there for whom rain means floods due to poor, or no, drainage system? How many are there for whom a little education is a distant dream? The answer is: at least hundreds of thousands, very easily millions.

Our crime...
It is a great injustice on our part that these very blessings Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has bestowed upon us, we use to disobey Him.

Reward of appreciation...
The reward of appreciation is increase. As Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala informs us in the Qur'an:

"If you are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you; but if you show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed." [14:7]

The increase for gratitude of our bodies would be continued ability to use them in the obedience of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.

The increase for gratitude of our Iman (faith) would be further strength and firmness, as well as the ultimate blessing of death upon Iman.

Advice of the Greatest Imam...
Sayyiduna al-Imam al-A'zham Abu Hanifah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that whoever recites the following supplication of the Qur'an after every salah will die upon Iman, and it is a supplication of thanks and gratitude:

"Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate now after You have guided us, but grant us mercy from Your own Presence; for You are the Grantor of bounties without measure." [3:8]

In good times, and bad...
However, the situation we find ourselves in is that generally, there is much more ungratefulness than gratitude. We have not appreciated our Iman, hence sin is rife. We do not even appreciate the health that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has bestowed us with, whereas we should appreciate any illness that He gives too! However, we constantly complain.

True gratitude requires thanks for health as well as illness; wealth as well as poverty. True appreciation is a sign of strong trust upon Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, which is a sign of true faith.

Finally...
In conclusion, it is an obligation upon each of us to thank Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala verbally, but more so, through our actions. Obedience and submission to His laws is the best show of appreciation.

...And remember:

"When Allah takes something away from your grasp, He is not punishing you, but merely emptying your hands for you to receive something better."

So thank Him.

May Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) give us the ability to be grateful in every way.

Importance of Halal, by Shaykh Imran bin Adam

Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala has emphasized in his pure and holy words regarding the importance of Halal sustenance. Similarly, this issue has been emphasized in many blessed Ahadith of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam.

Below is one verse amongst many with its interpretation.

Verse 1

يا ايها الرسل كلوا من الطيبت واعملواصلحا اني بما تعملون عليم

O’ Messengers, eat of the good things and act rightly, I most certainly know what you do. 23:51

In this verse Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala mentions to the Prophets that the way in which We have given you the permission to use Our blessings and ordered you to worship, We have also commanded their nations that you and your Ummah should eat whatever is good and pure and thank Allah by doing righteous deeds. I am aware of what you are doing. I will reward you according to your worship and righteous deeds.

يا ايها الرسل
O Messengers!

When the Messengers of Allah are being addressed in this manner, then this decree holds greater importance for the respective nation of each Messenger. The ultimate aim of this verse is to make sure that the Ummah acts upon it.

In another verse the believers have been clearly ordered to do this. The Prophet of Allah has mentioned this subject matter in a Hadith.

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam once said:

O you people, Allah is good. He only accepts what is good. Allah has issued to the believers the same command that He gave to the Messengers, for He said:

O you Messengers, eat of the good things and do right. I am indeed aware of what you do. (23:51)

Allah also says:

O you who truly believe! Eat of the good things with which we have provided you. (2:172)

The Prophet mentions a man who undertakes a very long journey. He describes him as unkempt and covered in dust. He stretches his hands toward the sky crying ‘O my Lord! O my Lord!’ but his source of food, drink and clothing is unlawful and he sustains himself unlawfully, so how can he expect a response to his appeal? (Muslim / at-Tirmidhi)


كلوا من الطيبت
Eat of the good things.

‘Tayyibat’ literally means clean and pure.

Qadhi Thana’ullah Panipaty writes in his Tafseer al-Mazhari that ‘tayyibat’ clearly means everything that is Halal.

Consuming pure items is an obligatory order. Haram is absolutely not permitted.

Others say ‘tayyibat’ may mean delicious or tasteful. In this case the meaning of the verse is to create ease, show permissibility and forbid asceticism.

Some scholars have written that ‘tayyibat’ means Halal, pure and healthy.

Halal, means disobedience of Allah is not committed.
Pure, means a person will not become ignorant of Allah and does not follow his own egos.
Healthy, means that it keeps him away from his own desires and safeguards his intellect. (Tafseer al-Mazhari)

واعملواصلحا
And work righteous deeds.

In this verse we find that every Messenger in his time was given two advices amongst many; 1) to eat Halal and 2) to do righteous deeds.

By mentioning these two commands after one another, it is an indication that eating Halal has a great affect in being able to do righteous deeds.

When ones sustenance is Halal, it will enable him to do good deeds and when one consumes Haram, it will prevent him from doing righteous deeds even if one intends to.

Righteous deeds means to fulfil the command of Allah in the way it has been ordered solely for the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, Allah has commanded every messenger not to eat anything which is Haram but eat Halal and do righteous deeds.

Allamah Ibn Kathir Rahemahullah writes ‘Verily Halal helps to do good deeds’. In the verse, Allah is not mentioning a certain taste or colour but he is saying eat that which is Halal.

It is narrated in a Sahih Hadith that the Prophet of Allah said, “Every Messenger was a shepherd.” The companions asked, “Even you O’ Prophet of Allah?” The Prophet replied, “Even me, I used to graze the sheep of the people of Makkah in exchange for a few Qiraat.”

This explains that Rasulullah sallalhu alaihe wasallam worked hard for halal earnings.

It is also mentioned in the Hadith that the Prophet Daud Alaihis Salam used to eat from the money he earned whilst working.

At the end of the verse, Allah says ‘do not think even for a moment that we are unaware of what you do because “اني بما تعملون عليم” I most certainly know what you do.

TAZKIYAH by Shaykh Muhammad Imran

TAZKIYAH

Tazkiyah is the synonym of Tasawwuf. The literal meaning of Tazkiyah is purification, but in the terminology of the seekers (the Salekin those on the path to spiritual reformation) it means to purify ones soul from all sort of spiritual diseases and maladies, which can lead to displeasure of Allah Subhanahu Wata aala

Tazkiyah is extremely important for those who are in search for the love of Allah Subhanahu Wata aala. The main objective of Tazkiyah and Tasawwuf is to purify the heart before the true love of Allah Taala can penetrates in ones heart, similar to that when one begins to pray one has to purify his body.

Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Qur'an:

Indeed Allah loves those who repent and those who are clean"

For people to clean their physical bodies they need water, whether it is from a tap, well or river. In the same way for a person to clean his inner self (Nafs) he needs the water to flow from his eyes and his heart. The heart plays a great role here. Why? Because for true repentance and spiritual cleansing the tears have to flow from the heart before the tears flow from the eyes.

There is no tap that one can just turn on and expect to find clean water within the heart. Its source lies beneath the rocks of pride, jealousy, hatred, greed, ambition, doubt and so forth. Before the water comes bursting through the rocks, one has to begin the process of slowly but surely lifting away each rock, so that the water can flow through and the rays of the sun can enter those places, which were once covered in darkness by these rocks. If these rocks are removed then there is true spiritual reformation.

Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Qur'an

Indeed he is successful who purifies himself. (Surah as-Shams: 9)

It is only after cleansing the heart and the soul from spiritual diseases one is able to truly become aware of the presence of his Lord.

The Holy Qur'an and Ahadith are filled with warnings regarding specific diseases and their injurious and detrimental effects. Therefore it is essential to diagnose these diseases and find an effective cure in order to find serenity and peace in the hearts.

Allah Ta'ala says in the holy Qur'an:

Indeed whosoever purifies himself shall achieve success
(Surah al-Ghashiyah: 14)

Spiritual Retreat - Leicester

PEARLS OF WISDOM

Be yourself beautiful, and you will find the world full of beauty.

Whoever follows patience, success will follow him.

As there is no darkness in the moonlight. So is Mustafa (Muhammad), the well wisher, bright. - Abu Bakr as-Sideeq (radiAllahu anhu)

Suffering is a gift. In it is hidden mercy. - Jalaluddin al-Rumi

Stingyness has nothing to do with how much money you have. Neither does generosity. Its about how much heart you've got.

The only lasting beauty is the beauty of the heart. - Jalaluddin al-Rumi

Maa ki du'a, jannat ki hawa - (mother's dua, [brings] Jannah's air ) - Urdu proverb

Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.

Programme

Spiritual Halaqah / Radio Programme

My respected teacher gave a talk

CONDEMNATION OF PRIDE AND ARROGANCE

Pride and arrogance are destructive evils and, in fact, enmity to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala. Pride is a great sin opposing the purpose for which Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala created His Creation and revealed His Book in order that complete obedience should be devoted to Him alone. Therefore, He forbade the entry into paradise for those who have the atom weight of pride in their hearts. There are many criticisms for the arrogant in the Holy Qur’an.

Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala states:

• I shall keep away from my verses those who show arrogance on the earth with no right to do so. Even if they were to see every sign, they would not believe in it; and if they see the Path of guidance, they do not take it as their way. That is because they have rejected Our signs, and have been neglectful of them... [Qur’an 7:146]

Those people who rage pride confronting Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala and His messengers wrongly and they do not submit because of pride and arrogance, they are deprived of Allah’s help and guidance. Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala recompenses the arrogant ones by turning them away from understanding His Book, His prophets, and His signs placed in the horizons and in one’s self. Such people become unreceptive to the Truth.

• In variably, Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal. Surely he does not love the arrogant. [Qur’an 16:23]

It is enough to say about the arrogant that Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala does not love the arrogant, May Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala save us all.

• And do not turn your cheek away from people, and do not walk on the earth haughtily. Surely, Allah does not love every arrogant and boasting ones. [Qur’an 13:18]

Boasting is a problematic behaviour that universally evokes objections and considered a spiritual disease, Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala dislikes the one who brags about himself, the person who cannot be in the company of others without speaking about himself or drawing attention to what he has done.

• Those who quarrel in Allah’s verses without any authority having reached them. It is terribly hateful with Allah and with those who believe. That is how Allah stamps a seal on the entire heart of an arrogant tyrant. [Qur’an 40:35]

Those who do not bow down before truth out of pride, Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala sets a seal upon their hearts and they become totally unreceptive to the truth.

• Enter the gates of Hell to live in it forever. So, how evil is the abode of the arrogant. [Qur’an 40:76]

The abode of the arrogant has been mentioned in this verse, may Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala save us all.

Events..

spiritual Halaqah

Talk

Wednesday Hadith Lesson.....Recommendations with regard to Women

الحمد لله و الصلوة و السلام على رسول الله

عن ابي هريره رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلي الله عليه و سلم:

اكمل المؤمنين إيمانا احسنهم خلقا و خياركم خياركم لنسائهم

[ترمذي]

Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه reports that Rasulullah صلى الله عليه و سلم said:

“The most complete of the believers in the faith are those with the best character. And the best of you are those who treat their wives in the best manner.”

Good character is, as shown in the above Hadith, an essential part of faith. Shaykh Mufti Taqi Usmani (may Allah preserve him) has explained that the good character is a condition of the heart. It is not, as commonly believed, to simply put on a smile and ask someone, “how are you?!” It is a lot deeper than this. It is to see all others to be better than oneself. This state will lead to desiring good for others and then the smile one has on the face will be a true reflection of his heart, and not for show.

Rasulullah صلى الله عليه و سلم once said: الدين النصيحة; meaning, “Religion is to desire good.” The Companions رضي الله عنهم asked: “For whom?” He صلى الله عليه و سلم replied: “For Allah, His Messenger, for the leaders of the Muslims and the general Masses.” [البخاري و مسلم]

So with this in mind, we approach the second part of today’s Hadith, that, “The best of you are those who treat their wives in the best manner.” The importance of good treatment to wives could simply not be stressed enough.

One should keep in mind: “What would I like if I were in his/her position?” And after thinking of this, act accordingly. This is a simple, but effective method of ensuring a loving and peaceful environment in the home.

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Wednesday Hadith Lesson.....Recommendations with regard to Women

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم الحمد لله رب العالمين والصلوة والسلام على سيدنا محمد رسوله الرؤوف الرحيم

قال الله تعالى: ولهن مثل الذي عليهن... (البقرة : ٢٢٨)
“…Women have similar rights to what they are owed…” (Al-Baqarah: 228)

عن معاوية بن حيدة رضي الله عنه قال: قلت: يا رسول الله ما حق زوجة احدنا عليه؟ قال: أن تطعمها إذا طعمت وتكسوها إذا اكتسيت ولاتضرب الوجه ولاتقبح ولاتهجر إلا في البيت. (أبو داوود)

Mu’awiyah ibn Haydah radhiyallahu anhu is reported to have said: "I asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, what is the right of someone's wife over him?' He said, 'That you feed her when you eat and clothe her when you clothe yourself and do not strike in the face. Do not malign her and do not keep apart from her, except in the house.'" [Abu Dawud]

It is a common misconception that the husband in a marriage is owed more rights than he himself owes. This idea is clearly rejected by the Quran in the above mentioned verse, which the great commentator explains thus:

لهن من حقوق الزوجية على الرجال مثل ما للرجال عليهن
“In a marriage, the women have as many rights over the men as the men do over them.”

Ibn Zayd explained it thus:

تتقون الله فيهن كما عليهن أن يتقين الله فيكم
“You [husbands] must fear Allah with regard to their [wives’] rights, just as it is necessary for them to fear Allah with regard to yours.”

It has become widespread that a husband is careless and negligent of his own appearance and state whilst expecting that his wife remains adorned and beautified at all times. This is a selfish attitude which leads to quarrelling and disputes. A common example is that of a smoker who after smoking comes to his wife with the most awful stench coming from his mouth, body and clothes. Naturally, his wife is reluctant to go to him, so he complains that she doesn’t love him and is not attracted to him! And many conflicts happens..

The great sahabi and commentator of the Quran, Sayyiduna Abd ‘Allah ibn Abbas radhiyallahu anhu stated:

إني لأتزين لامرأتي كما تتزين لي؛ وما أحب أن أستنظف كل حقي الذي لي عليها فتستوجب حقها الذي لها علي

“I am keen to adorn myself for my wife just as she adorns herself for me. And I do not wish to simply take all my rights that she owes to me for she deserves her rights that I owe to her.”

Furthermore, as the hadith we mentioned at the beginning states, it is the right of the wife that her husband feeds her, clothes her and is never aggressive and violent towards her.

The hadith also states that a man should not separate from his wife except in the house.

This is in reference to one of the stages of disciplining an extremely disobedient wife where the husband is advised to separate the sleeping arrangements when the wife simply does not leave her wrong ways. So even in this situation, he is ordered to remain at home and not, as some do, leave the wife for many months whilst he is away on holiday! Nor can he stop talking to her; the separation is only in sleeping arrangements.

Even when one’s spouse is troublesome, Islam has placed sanctions on the action one may take, how then would it allow aggression and violence?

Ulama have written that it is a fiqhi mas’alah that husband cannot stay away from his wife more than 4 months without her permission even if it is a sacred journey i.e. hajj, to seek Islamic knowledge or in tabligh

واخر دعوانا ان الحمد لله رب العالمين

Next week (Insha ‘Allah): The Most Complete Believer…

Wednesday Hadith Lesson.....Recommendations with regard to Women

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

In continuation from last week’s hadith, wherein the Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, advises a man not to hate his wife; for if he dislikes one of her traits there will definitely be another which will appeal to him.

To treat her well and in an appropriate manner it is important to understand her status that Allah has bestowed her with. When we look into the stages in a life of a woman we find that when she is born Allah places her in the trust of her father and it has been made incumbent upon him to feed her, clothe her and provide her every need. This act of bringing up a daughter holds great virtue in the eyes of Allah. The Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, said in a hadith:

“The one who takes care of two girls (in another narration: one girl), he and I will be like this on the Day of Judgement.”(Indicating to his two fingers closed together). (Muslim)

Thereafter, the next stage in her life is that she becomes someone’s wife. At this point, the husband becomes responsible for taking care of her and providing for her. Allah has given the wife the role of a queen, where she needs not go out to work and earn but her husband must do so and provide her according to his capability. And as we have discussed in previous weeks, the Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, has given great emphasis upon the good treatment of wives.

After becoming a wife, next a woman becomes a mother. What to say about the importance of a child treating his/her mother with the utmost reverence, love, affection and care. It is very well-known that our beloved Master informed us that Jannah lies beneath a mother’s feet. Serving her and pleasing her is the key to the higher levels in Jannah.

So we can see that Islam gives great honour to women and it is an extremely far-fetched notion that Islam would ever give permission, let alone encourage, domestic violence.

Domestic violence and wife-beating is Haraam- Totally Forbidden.

Islam also acknowledges that tense and difficult times sometimes do occur. Even in these situations we are taught how to go about solving our problems. Such as reminding one’s spouse of Allah’s and His Messenger’s teachings and advices for a married couple. Thereafter, if a solution is not reached they should separate their sleeping quarters and wait to see if this brings about the correct awareness. Even after this, one may not hit or beat his wife. The most he should do is tap her sternly, to express displeasure. This should not leave a mark or even pain, that what is meant in Qur’an by saying hit them…

Insha Allah, we will continue next week.

Wednesday Hadith Lesson.....Recommendations with regard to Women

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم الحمد لله رب العالمين والصلوة والسلام على سيدنا محمد رسوله الرؤوف الرحيم

Abdullah bin Zam`ah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that he heard the Prophet (PBUH) giving a speech when he mentioned the she-camel (of Prophet Salih) and the man who had killed her. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "when the most wicked man among them went forth (to kill the she-camel).' (91:12) signifies that a distinguished, wicked and most powerful chief of the people jumped up to kill the she-camel.'' Then he (PBUH) made mention of women and said, "Some of you beat your wives as if they were slaves, and then lie with them at the end of the day." Then he (PBUH) admonished them against laughing at another's passing of wind, saying, "Why does any of you laugh at another doing what he does himself."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Continuing from last week’s lesson, we come to the next hadith which Imaam al-Nawawi has brought under the chapter headed: "recommendations with regard to women." In this hadith, the narrator has made mention of three things that The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, admonished the people regarding. Our focus is on the second phrase: "Some of you beat your wives as if they were slaves, and then lie with them at the end of the day."

The Messenger of Allah, throughout his blessed life, ordered kindness and compassion with all, whether it is humans or even animals. Hence, the companions once asked: "Shall we be rewarded for showing kindness to the animals also?'' He, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, said, "A reward is given in connection with every living creature."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

This is one of many such examples which show the emphasis he placed upon goodness and kindness to all creatures. Let alone one’s wife!

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, said, "A believer must not hate a believing woman (his wife); if he dislikes one of her characteristics he will be pleased with another".[Muslim].

This is the next hadith in this chapter. In this narration we find a beautiful principle for a happy married life. Here, the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, acknowledges the fact that everyone has shortcomings and if one was to take his wife to task for her every fault; the joy of their married life would almost definitely be short-lived.

It is up to each individual to ensure that he overlooks the minor faults of the other, which will naturally become apparent. One must endure, show patience and forgive the shortcomings and thereafter, as our beloved Master advised, he should look at and concentrate upon the good qualities and favors of the spouse.

Islam acknowledges that a man can not remain in a constant state of happiness. But Islam also teaches ways of handling such situations, for example, walking away from a heated situation and praying to Allah for help, and thereafter returning to one’s spouse with a loving smile.

In such a situation where one comes to know of a fault of the spouse, one should immediately take his attention to her better qualities and he will realize that she possesses many. As the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, said, "People are mines." This is in reference to the different materials that can be extracted from mines, and they are only discovered through searching into them. Hence, if one wants to, he will find many good and pleasing qualities in his spouse. On the other hand, if one expects his spouse to be perfect and always saying and doing only those things which comply with his desires, he is heading for a life of misery and discomfort.
"Even a stopped clock is right twice a day."

Shaykh Ashraf Ali Thanwi mentioned that there was once a pious scholar whose wife passed away. His children tried to persuade him not to wed again, claiming that they would suffice and serve him. However, he knew better, and hence, he married again. Some time later, he fell ill, and no one of his children was there to serve him as his new wife did. She stayed by his side and ran to his every need. One day, when he was back to good health, he was teaching his students when suddenly he received the news that his wife was ill. Immediately, he stood up and rushed to her side, sending his students away. People began taunting him but he would not care and he would say, "What my wife has done for me, no one could ever do."

This is a good example of how our pious predecessors gave importance to their marriages and keeping them in a way that conforms to the teachings of our beloved Messenger.

The husband should have a sense of humour to cheer his wife, sooth her pains and show his noble character because this will strengthen the bonds of love and respect between them.

واخر دعوانا ان الحمد لله رب العالمين وبالله التوفيق والعون فإنه هو الموفق والمعين

Wednesday Hadith Lesson.....Recommendations with regard to Women

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Quran:
"و عاشروهن بالمعروف"
Translation: "Consort with them (your women) in kindness"
This lesson is regarding the all-important matter of fulfilling the rights of fellow humans. This is a vital area in the life of every person and it is the make up of three-quarters of Islam. Hence, when you look into the books of Islamic Jurisprudence, for example, the famous Hidaya, in Hanafi Fiqh, you find it in four large volumes. One of the four volumes pertains to Ibaadat (acts of worship), whilst the remaining three relate to what is referred to as Mu’aamalat and Mu’aasharat (dealings and social life).

A Hadith is mentioned by Imam al-Tirmizhi in his Jami’ on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him). He reported a story of an event that took place. The Prophet, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, said to his Companions: "Whom do you consider as a bankrupt?" They said: "The one who does not have a dinar or dirham (money)." The Prophet, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, said: "The real bankrupt is the one who comes with mountains of good deeds but he also comes with many bad deeds that are related to attacking and harming the people." In this case, the bad deeds are not easily omitted because they are related to the rights of human beings. This person may wrong others by slander, backbiting, killing, etc. As a result, his good deeds will be taken from him in the Hereafter as a matter of just. In addition to that, the Prophet, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, says part of the bad deeds of the people whom he has wronged will be added to his record and the result would be that he will be thrown into the Hellfire. (This is a summary of the Hadith)

The importance of fulfilling the rights of fellow (Huqooq al-Ibaad) could never be stressed enough.

Now, let us first understand what we usually find in the Quran: the Quran normally gives a general order, without actually explaining it in detail. This explanation is found in the Ahadith. For example, Allah Ta’ala says:
"وأقيموا الصاوة"
Translation: "Establish prayer…" (Al-Baqarah: 43)

One can not find anywhere in the Quran the details on how to perform Salaah, so we look into the Ahadith and we find in depth explanations. However, when it comes to the matter of the rights of fellow humans, Allah went to great lengths to give a complete understanding. One chapter of the Quran: "al- Hujurat," was revealed totally on this subject.

Furthermore, this topic of "rights" can be sub-headed for the different people we interact with and who are affected by us. The wisdom-filled Quran also makes note of this and shows us that there are certain people whose rights are of utmost importance and neglecting them is a grave sin, leading to eternal failure. In such cases, the Quran gives extra detail and explanation. One such example is the relationship one has with his parents.

Another such example, which is the focus of today’s lesson, is the relationship between husband and wife.

In earlier times, before Islam, in the period known in history as the Era of Ignorance, women’s rights were non-existent. They would be deprived of even the simplest of niceties. They were treated like animals. Then came Islam. Then came the Holy Quran with its practical example, Muhammad, sallallahu alaihi wasallam. The much-needed rights of women followed very soon after.

A point to note here is that Islam introduced rights for women over 1400 years ago; whilst until very recently, British women were very much subdued. For example, in 1918 the British Parliament finally passed a bill allowing women over the age of 30 to vote! This is one of many such examples.

So, the Quran recognises that an essential chapter of life is marriage. Then the Quran stresses the importance of living together without oppression in the least bit. Especially, giving importance to the way a man treats his wife. Hence the verse "consort with them in kindness."
Imam Muhiy al-Din Abu Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi has brought a chapter in his famous "Riyadh al-Saliheen" with the name: "The Chapter of Recommendations with regard to Women."

The opening Hadith of this chapter is: Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: "Take my advice with regard to women: Act kindly towards women, for they were created from a rib, and the most crooked part of a rib is it’s uppermost. If you attempt to straighten it; you will break it, and if you leave it alone it will remain crooked; so act kindly toward women." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

In another narration of Al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: "A woman is like a rib, if you attempt to straighten it, you will break it; and if you benefit from her, you will do so while crookedness remains in her".In another narration of Muslim, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: 'Woman has been created from a rib and will in no way be straightened for you; so if you want to benefit from her, you will benefit from her while crookedness remains in her. If you attempt to straighten her, you will break her, and breaking her is divorcing her". The secret of a pleasant family life lies in this advice of the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam with its emphasis on kind treatment to wives.

The rib is bent. It is obvious that if the rib was not curved, it would not serve its vital purpose and a rib is considered to be a beautiful blessing from Allah Ta’ala, despite being curved. In the very same way, it is not considered a defect in a woman that she is created from the curved rib. Just as we see in the decoration of masaajid, one of the main aesthetics is the curved/domed design of the windows and doors, in exactly the same way, we say that a woman is beautiful and not defected due to her being created from a bent rib.

A good relationship between husband and wife is paramount for the progress of any community. It has been placed in the trust of two people who marry to fulfil each others rights, live together with love and happiness, and consequently bring children into the world who, following the correct example set by their loving parents, will contribute to making a community a better one.
May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the ability to act as we have taught by the Quran and Sunnah of our beloved master, Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam.
Insha’Allah, this topic will be carried on next week.
واخر دعوانا ان الحمد لله رب العالمين
وبالله التوفيق والعون فإنه هو الموفق والمعين