Monthly Archives: January 2017

The Winner

In the previous blog we discussed who is a loser in the context of Islam. Here we will discuss the concept of winner in Islam. Simply defined, winning is a measure of success in a field of endeavour one chooses to follow. People line up to win sports competitions, lotteries, elections, love and affection and high-profiled well paid positions. But even after they achieve what they want, are they the real winners. Many rich and famous personalities who are movers and shakers in their prime die poor and neglected in their old age. Famous celebrities without whose presence, photograph or news no entertainment event is complete take to drugs when they have been pushed out of camera lights by younger and more popular celebrities. Year after year, Olympic champions are defeated by younger and more resilient players. The stock market keeps bringing fortunes of billionaires up and down. In the real world where popularity ratings change every month, where fortunes smile occasionally and only for a short period and where stock markets bring high yield businesses into bankruptcy administration with a small fluctuation in markets, it is difficult to say what is the real measure of success in life.

Is success the name of a temporary triumph in a finite space and time or is it a lifelong achievement which only few human beings are able to reach. And after death, is there any significance of success for the achievers other than a name as their legacy.

In defining success, Islam’s message touches two universal desires which have always fascinated man. These are the desire to excel and be triumphant and the desire to keep their status forever. In the Islamic definition a winner never loses his status after he has attained it. This is the real meaning of success which is described in the holy Quran using the Arabic words Faz, Faez an Faezoon. “For the God-fearing, there is indeed success (and fulfilment of all that man can ever desire).” إِنَّ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ مَفَازًا [Surah Al-Naba: 78:31]

In Islam a winner is someone whose success is non-transferable and non-diminishable. It is a permanent state of being attained only by those who have been able to escape hellfire on the day of judgement and are admitted into Paradise. Those who enter hellfire are losers, those who enter Paradise are winners. “Those who are destined for the fire and those who are destined for Paradise are not the same. It is the latter (alone) who shall be successful (on the day of judgment)”. لَا يَسْتَوِي أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ وَأَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ أَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ هُمُ الْفَائِزُونَ [Surah Al-Hashr 59:20]

Paradise is earned by obeying Allah, following the sayings (Ahadith) and lifestyle (Sunnah) of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), fearing Allah and being conscious of Him at all time. “And (those) who pay heed to Allah and His Apostle, stand in awe of Allah and are conscious of His presence, they shall be successful (in the end)”. وَمَن يُطِعِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَيَخْشَ اللَّهَ وَيَتَّقْهِ فَأُوْلَئِكَ هُمُ الْفَائِزُونَ [Surah Al-Noor 24;52]

In Surah Al-Imran, Allah mentions the certainty of death and what comes thereafter: “Every human is bound to taste death but only on the day of resurrection you will be requited in full (for whatever you have done) – So he who is saved from hellfire and is granted entry into Paradise will indeed be successful, for the life of this world is nothing but an enjoyment and self-delusion”.
كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَمَن زُحْزِحَ عَنِ النَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ الْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ وَما الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلاَّ مَتَاعُ الْغُرُورِ
[Surah Al-Imran 3:185]

Once man gets on to the path of Jannah, Allah provides him opportunities to do more good deeds. Allah makes his walk to Jannah easy and facilitates opportunities to attain even higher status. In Surah Al-Ahzab, Allah says: “He (Allah) will cause your deeds to be virtuous, and He will forgive your sins. And whoever pays heed to Allah and His Apostle (Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has already attained great success”.
يُصْلِحْ لَكُمْ أَعْمَالَكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَمَن يُطِعْ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ فَازَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا [Surah Al-Ahzab 33:71]

On top of this, if by mistake such good men and women make any mistakes, Allah promises to overlook them as long as they remain steadfast in their faith. In Surah Al-Fath, Allah says: “He (Allah) might admit the believing men and believing women into gardens (of Paradise) through which streams (of pure) waters flow; they (the believers) will live there forever. And He (Allah) might efface their bad deeds; this is indeed for Allah, a great success”.
لِيُدْخِلَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا وَيُكَفِّرَ عَنْهُمْ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ وَكَانَ ذَلِكَ عِندَ اللَّهِ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا [Surah Al-Fath 48:5]

“Those who believe and struggle in the way of Allah’s with their possessions and their lives (shall) have the highest rank in the sight of Allah and it is they who shall succeed (in the end)”.
الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ وَهَاجَرُواْ وَجَاهَدُواْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ بِأَمْوَالِهِمْ وَأَنفُسِهِمْ أَعْظَمُ دَرَجَةً عِندَ اللّهِ وَأُوْلَئِكَ هُمُ الْفَائِزُونَ [Surah Tauba 9:20]

Success is further defined in the Holy Quran as the outcome of patience over trials and hardship: “On that day I have rewarded them (the believers) for their patience in adversity; verily, it is they who have achieved success”. إِنِّي جَزَيْتُهُمُ الْيَوْمَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا أَنَّهُمْ هُمُ الْفَائِزُونَ [Surah Al-Mominoon 23:111]

The key to success for the winner is to avoid hellfire. The rest automatically follows, paving the way for the believer to enter Paradise. Allah says except for the taste of death there will be no other punishment for the winners. And this is real success. “This indeed is a great success.” إِنَّ هَذَا لَهُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيم [Surah Al-Saffat 37:60]

May Allah save us from the hellfire and make us winners in the hereafter. Indeed, the attainment of Paradise is the real and everlasting success.

Syed Sharfuddin

The Loser

The term loser is used to describe someone who has no worth in society, someone who has failed in every field, lost his investment, failed in life, ended up in a big mess and has nothing to stand on his own to make an honourable and safe living. This definition is taken so seriously by people that no one wants to be a loser. People struggle, strive hard and do everything they can to avoid becoming a loser. They plan, adjust, adapt, learn, acquire skills, gain experience, invest in secure financial schemes and achieve their goals with enough savings to see them through comfortably in old age. Sometimes they spend a whole lifetime chasing their dreams but they don’t want to be called a loser.

Islam does not prevent its adherents from striving hard to be successful. On the contrary Islam discourages dependence on others and encourages perseverance in the face of adversity to live in dignity and honour. But it also provides its adherents a broader definition of loser. In the holy Quran [Chapter Al-Kahf] Allah says to Prophet Muhammad: (say to the unbelievers) “shall we (believers) inform you of the greatest losers as to (their) actions. (They are) those whose efforts are lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing good deeds.” Those are the ones who disbelieve in the verses of their Lord and (disbelieve in) meeting Him, so their deeds have become worthless. Allah will not give any importance to them on the day of resurrection. Their recompense is Hell, for (this is) what they denied and took Allah’s signs and His messengers in ridicule [18:101-106].

The state of someone being a loser is not permanent. A person who has taken a big hit in business or suffered a slump in his fortune can get back at recovering his losses and come out of the red. But in the afterlife a loser cannot recover his losses because it is a permanent state of being for which there is nothing but perpetual regret. Often, the people who will be in that condition (may Allah save us all from being losers in the hereafter) are the ones who are very successful in this life because it is often wealth and higher social status that takes one away from the remembrance of Allah and breeds contempt for the poor and dispossessed as if they are lesser human beings. A rich and famous person thinks that what really matters in life is wealth and status whether it is obtained through exploitation of others or through illegal means for the ruthless pursuit of greed and self-gratification. Such a person may or may not give charity but he has no time for Allah or His commandments. This person measures his success in terms of his bank balance and the people who follow him. He (thinks) says to others: “I am greater than you in wealth and mightier in followers (numbers of men).” [18:34]. “And I do not think the final hour will ever happen and even if (it occurs or if) I am brought back to my Lord, I will surely find a better (place) than what I have in this world as compensation.” [18:36]. When this person is reminded of the divine message and urged to believe and follow the path of Prophets and the faithful who have preceded our generation, he dismisses the invitation and says: “Should we believe as the foolish have believed? Unquestionably, it is they who are the foolish… [2:13]. Surely, if he knew the real meaning of loser he will avoid being one with as long a bargepole as his hands could handle.

May Allah give us the understanding to know who is the real loser and make us avoid being a loser (in the eternal life) just as we strive to do so hard in this world.

Syed Sharfuddin

Duas in the Holy Quran

Syed Sharfuddin

In the name of Allah the most beneficent, the most merciful.

In the holy Quran Duas are of three types – Duas that Allah’s messengers, angels and other pious men and women have made in their times and which are narrated in the holy Quran; Duas which Allah has taught to our prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be on him; and Duas which Allah has commanded the believers to make. These are the people who are “the steadfast, the truthful, the obedient, those who spend (and do not hoard) and those who pray for forgiveness in the watches of the night.” [Surah Al-e-Imran 3:18]

Duas also have three distinct features. Some Duas contain the glorification of Allah. Some are supplications from prophets and believers asking for help from Allah in this world and in the hereafter. Some are Duas which Allah has taught us through Prophet Muhammad to recite in our prayers to and Zikr of Subhanuhu wa Taala.

There are numerous verses in the holy Quran which provide the appropriate syntax to be used by man to remember Allah (Zikr) and engage in the praise of the good and glorious Lord in the manner as was done by His prophets and people of faith who preceded us in the world. Some of these verses are given below as illustration.

Glorification of Allah (Ayat Al Kursi)
“Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His dominion extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the most high, the most great.” [Surah Al-Baqara 2:255]

Glorification of Allah
“And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is over all things competent.” [Surah Al-e-Imran 3:189]

Glorification of Allah
“Call upon Allah or call upon the most merciful. Whichever [name] you call – to Him belong the best names.” And do not recite [too] loudly in your prayer or [too] quietly but seek between that an [intermediate] way. And say, “Praise is for Allah who has not taken a son and has had no partner in [His] dominion and has no [need of a] protector out of weakness; and glorify Him with [great] glorification.” [Surah Al-Isra 17: 110 to111]

Glorification of Allah
“He is Allah, save whom there is no deity. Unto Him all praise is due, at the beginning and at the end (of time) and with Him rests all judgment; and unto Him you all shall be brought back.” [Surah Al Qasas 28:70]

Glorification of Allah
“Allah is infinite in His glory, above anything that men may devise by way of definition.” [Surah Al-Saffat 37:159]

Glorification of Allah
“(Allah is) the forgiver of sin, acceptor of repentance, severe in punishment, owner of abundance. There is no deity except Him; to Him is the (final) destination. [Surah Al-Ghafir 40:3]

Glorification of Allah
“Allah is He save whom there is no deity: the Sovereign, the Supreme, the Holy, the one with whom all salvation rests, the giver of Faith, the one who determines what is true and false, the Almighty, the one who subdues wrong and restores right, the one to whom all greatness belongs. Utterly remote is Allah, in His limitless glory, from anything to which men may ascribe a share in His divinity.” [Surah Al Hashr 59:23]

Glorification of Allah
All that in the heavens and all that is on earth extol the limitless glory of Allah, the Sovereign and Supreme, the Holy. The Almighty, the Wise.” [Surah Juma 62:1]

Glorification of Allah
“All this is in the heavens and all that is on earth extol Allah’s limitless glory: His is all dominion, and to Him all praise is due; and He has the power to will anything.” [Surah Al-Taghabun 64:1]

The most comprehensive Dua in the holy Quran is Surah Fatiha (Chapter 1 of the holy Quran). Fateha is recited in every rakaat of the Salat and is also read in the prayer for the dead, Salat Al Janaza.

Glorification of Allah in Surah Fatiha
“All praise is for to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. The most beneficent, the most merciful. Sovereign of the day of recompense. It is You (our Lord) who we worship and You (our Lord) we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path. The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favours, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger and have gone astray.” [Surah Al-Fatiha 1: 1 to 7]

Dua of Adam and Eve (after committing the original sin)
“Our Lord we both have wronged our souls. If you do not forgive us and do not bestow upon us Your mercy; we shall certainly be among the losers”. [Surah Al-Araf 7:23]

Dua of Noah
“My Lord, I seek refuge in You from asking that of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have mercy upon me, I will be among the losers.” [11:47]

Dua of Noah
“My Lord, forgive me and my parents and whoever enters my house a believer and the believing men and believing women. And do not increase the wrongdoers except in destruction.” [Surah Nuh 71:28]

Dua of (Heber) Hud
“Indeed, I have relied upon Allah, my Lord and your Lord. There is no creature but that He holds its forelock. Indeed, my Lord is on a path [that is] straight.” [11:56]

Dua of Abraham (after he and his son Ishmael raised the foundations of Kaaba)
“Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us for You are the all-hearing and all-knowing.” [Surah Al-Baqara 2:127]

Dua of Abraham
“Our Lord! Make of us Muslims, bowing to your Will, and of our progeny a people who are Muslim, bowing to Your (will); and show us our place for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in mercy); for you are most merciful.” [Surah Al-Baqara 2:128]

Dua of Abraham
“Indeed I have set my face, firmly and truly, towards Him who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I ascribe partners to Allah.” [Surah Al-Anaam 6:79]

Dua of Abraham
“My Lord, make this city (Makkah) secure and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols.” [Surah Ibrahim 14:35]

Dua of Abraham
“O our Lord. Truly You know what we conceal and what we reveal: for nothing whatever is hidden from Allah, whether on earth or in heaven.” [Surah Ibrahim 14:38]

Dua of Abraham
“My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and (many) from my descendants. (Indeed You are) our Lord, and accept (our) my Dua.” [Surah Ibrahim 14:40]

Dua of Abraham
“O our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers on the day of reckoning when everyone will be held to account.” [Surah Ibrahim 14:41]

Dua of Abraham

(The Lord of the universe) is “the one who created me, and He [is the one who] guides me. And it is He who (provides) food to me and gives me (water to) drink. And when I am ill, it is He who cures me. And (He is the one) who will cause me to die and then bring me (back) to life. And I aspire that He will forgive my sins on the day of recompense.” [Surah Al-Shuara 26:78-81]

Dua of Abraham
“My Lord, grant me authority and join me with the righteous. And grant me a reputation of honour among later generations. And forgive my father. Indeed, he has been of those (who went) astray. And do not disgrace me on the day they are [all] resurrected. The day when there will not benefit [anyone] wealth or children. But only one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.” And Paradise will be brought near [that Day] to the righteous. And Hellfire will be brought forth for the deviators” [Surah Al-Shuara 26:83-92]

Dua of Abraham
“Lord, grant me (an offspring) from among the righteous.” [Surah Al-Saffat 37:100]

Dua of the Youth of the Cave
“Our Lord bestow on us mercy from Yourself, and dispose of our affairs for us in the right way.” [Surah Kahf 18:10]

Dua of Joseph
“Creator of the heavens and earth, You are my protector in this world and in the hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous.” [Surah Yusuf 12:101]

Dua of the companions of Jethro
“Our Lord decide between us and our people in truth, for You are the best to decide.” [Surah Al-Araf 7:89]

Dua of Jethro
“Upon Him I have relied, and to Him I return.” [Surah Hud 11:88]

Dua of Job (Ayub)
“Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You (my Lord) are the most merciful of the merciful.” [Surah Al-Ambia 21:83]

Dua of the companions of Saul (Taloot)
“Our Lord bestow on us endurance, make our foothold sure, and give us help against the disbelievers.” [Surah Al-Baqara 2:250]

Dua of the companions of Moses
“Our Lord pour out on us patience and constancy and take our souls unto thee as Muslims (who bow to Your will).” [Surah Al-Araf 7:126]

Dua of Moses
“O my Lord forgive me and my brother. Admit us to Your mercy, for You are the most merciful of those who show mercy.” [Surah Al-Araf 7:151]

Dua of the companions of Moses
“Our Lord, make us not (objects of) trial for the wrongdoing people. And save us by Your mercy from the disbelieving people.” [Surah Yunus 10:85 and 86]

Dua of Moses
“My Lord, expand for me my breast (with assurance). And ease for me my task. And untie the knot from my tongue. That they may understand my speech. And appoint for me a minister from my family. Aaron my brother. Increase through him my strength. And let him share my task. That we may exalt You much. And remember You much. Indeed, You are ever seeing us.” [Surah Ta’ha 20: 25 to 35]

Dua of Moses
“My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me,” and He forgave him. Indeed, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. “My Lord, for the favour You bestowed upon me, I will never be an assistant to the criminals.” [Surah Al-Qasas 28:16-17]

Dua of Moses
“My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people.” [Surah Al-Qasas 28:21]

Dua of David
“Allah is the best guardian, and He is the most merciful of the merciful.” [Surah Yusuf 12:64]

Dua of David and Solomon
“Praise be to Allah who has favoured us over many of His believing servants.” [Surah Al-Namal 27:15]

Dua of Solomon
“My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteous deeds which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into [the ranks of] Your righteous servants.” [Surah Al-Namal 27:19]

Dua of Jonah (Yunus)
“There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers.” [Surah Al-Ambia 21:87]

Dua of Zachariah
“O my Lord grant unto me from You a progeny that is pure: for You answer Dua.” [Surah Al-e-Imran 3:38]

Dua of Zachariah
And indeed, I fear the successors after me and my wife has been barren, so give me (my Lord) from Yourself an heir. [Surah Maryam 19:4]

Dua of Zachariah
“My Lord, do not leave me alone (with no heir), while you are the best of inheritors.” [Surah Al-Ambia 21:89]

Dua of Jesus
“O Allah our Lord send us from heaven a table set (with viands), that there may be (food) for us – for the first (of us) and the last of us – a solemn festival and a sign from You; and provide for our sustenance, for You are the best provider (of our needs).” [Surah Al-Maidah 5:114]

Dua of Jesus
‘If You cause them (my followers) to suffer, verily they are Your servants; and if You forgive them, verily, You alone are Almighty and truly wise!” [Surah Al-Maidah 5:118]

Dua of the companions of Jesus
“Our Lord we believe in what You have revealed and we follow the messenger. So count us among those who bear witness (to the truth).” [Surah Al-e-Imran 3:53]

Dua of Prophet Muhammad
“O Allah. Lord of power (and rule), You give power to whoever You please, and You take away power from whoever You please. You endow with honour whoever you please and you take away the honour of whoever you please. In Your hand is all (that is) good. Verily, You have power over all things.” [Surah Al-e-Imran 3:26]

Dua of Prophet Muhammad
“Indeed, my Lord has guided me to a straight path – a correct religion – the way of Abraham, inclining toward truth. And he was not among those who associated others with Allah.” [Surah Al-Anaam 6:161]

Dua of Prophet Muhammad
“Surely my prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are (all) for Allah, the Lord of the worlds.” [Surah Al-Anaam 6:162]

Dua of Prophet Muhammad
“He (Allah) has no partner. This I have been commanded and I am the first of the Muslims.” [Surah Al-Anaam 6:163]

Dua of Prophet Muhammad
“But if they turn away, say (O Muhammad SAW): “Allah is sufficient for me. La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), in Him I put my trust and He is the Lord of the mighty Throne” [Surah Taubah 9:129]

Dua of Prophet Muhammad
“My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.” [Surah Al-Isra 17: 80]

Dua of Prophet Muhammad
And say O Mohammad “”My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” [Surah Ta’ha 20: 114]

Dua of Prophet Muhammad
“My Lord, judge (between us) in truth. And our Lord is the most Merciful, the one whose help is sought against that which you describe.” [Surah Al-Ambia 21:112]

Dua of Prophet Muhammad
“My Lord, then do not place me among the wrongdoing people.” [Surah Al-Mominoon 23:94]

Dua of Prophet Muhammad
“My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the incitements of the devils. And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they be present with me.” [Surah Al-Mominoon 23:97-98]

Dua of Prophet Muhammad
“My Lord, forgive and have mercy, and You are the best of the merciful.” [Surah Al-Mominoon 23:118]

Dua of Prophet Muhammad
“Praise be to Allah and peace upon His servants whom He has chosen. Is Allah better or those they associate with Him?” [Surah Al-Namal 27:59]

Dua of Prophet Muhammad
“So know, [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your fault and for the believing men and believing women. And Allah knows of your movement and your resting place.” [Surah Muhammad 47:19]

Dua of Believers
“Our Lord grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of hellfire.” [Surah Al-Baqara 2:201]

Dua of Believers
“We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they (the believers) say, “We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness our Lord and to You is the [final] destination.” [Surah Al-Baqara 2:285]

Dua of Believers
“Our Lord do not condemn us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, do not lay upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, do not burden us with that which we are unable to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.” [Surah Al-Baqara 2:286]

Dua of Believers
“Our Lord (they say) let not our hearts deviate now after You have guided us, but grant us mercy from Your own presence; for You are the guarantor of bounties without measure.” [Surah Al-e-Imran 3:8]

Dua of Believers
“Our Lord You will bring mankind together on a day about which there is no doubt; for Allah never fails in His promise.” [Surah Al-e-Imran 3:9]

Dua of Believers
“Our Lord we have indeed believed: forgive our sins and save us from the agony of the hellfire.” [Surah Al-e-Imran 3:16].

Dua of Believers
“Allah bears witness that there is no god but He, and (so do) the angels and those possessed of knowledge, maintaining His creation with justice; there is no god but He, the Mighty, the Wise.” [Surah Al-e-Imran 3:18]

Dua of Believers
“Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything We may have done that transgressed our duty: Establish our feet firmly, and help us against those that resist Faith.” [Surah Al-e-Imran 3:147]

Dua of Believers
“Allah is sufficient for us and most excellent is the Protector.” [Surah Al-e-Imran 3:173]

Dua of Believers

“Our Lord, You did not create this (world) aimlessly; Glory is all Yours; give us salvation from punishment of Hellfire. “Our Lord! Whoever you destine for Fire, is condemned and never will wrong-doers Find any helpers Our Lord! Forgive us our sins, blot out from us our iniquities, and take to Thyself our souls in the company of the righteous. Our Lord! Grant us what Thou didst promise unto us through Thine apostles, and save us from shame on the Day of Judgment: For Thou never breach Your promise.” [Surah Al-e-Imran 3:191 to 194]

Dua of Believers
“Our Lord! Bring us forth from out this town of which the people are oppressors! Oh, give us from Your presence some protecting friend! Oh, give us from Your presence some defender.” [Surah Al-Nisa 4:75]

Dua of Believers
“Our Lord! We believe; register us among the witnesses. [Surah Al-Maidah 5:83]

Dua of Believers
“My Lord, have mercy upon them (my parents) as they brought me up [when I was] young.” [Surah Al-Isra 17: 24]

Dua of Believers
“Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us and have mercy upon us, and You are the best of the merciful.” [Surah Al-Mominoon 23:109]

Dua of Believers

“Our Lord remove for us the wrath of hell, for its wrath is indeed a grievous affliction. Indeed, it is an evil abode, and a (terrible) place to belong. [Surah Al-Furqan 25:66-67]

Dua of Believers
“Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous.” [Surah Al-Furqan 25:74]

Dua of Believers
“O Allah Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, You will judge between your servants concerning that over which they used to differ.” [Surah Al-Zumur 39:46]

Dua of Believers
(That you may settle yourselves upon their backs and then remember the favour of your Lord when you have settled upon them and say). “Exalted is He who has subjected this to us, and we could not have [otherwise] subdued it”. [Surah Al-Zukhruf 43:13]

Dua of Believers
“Glory to the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the Lord of Power and Throne, above what they describe”. [Surah Al-Zukhruf 43:82]

Dua of Believers
Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts (any) resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.” [Surah Al-Hashar 59:10]

(And) that He might admit the believers, both men and women, into gardens through which running waters flow, therein to abide, and that He might efface their [past bad] deeds: and that is, in the sight of Allah, indeed a supreme triumph.” [Surah Al-Fath 48:5]

“Our Lord! In You we trust, and toward You we turn in repentance: to You is (our final goal)” [Surah Mumtahana 60:4]

“Our Lord make us not a (test and) trial for the unbelievers, but forgive us, our Lord, for You are the Exalted in might, the Wise,” [Surah Mumtahana 60:4]

“Our Lord perfect our light for us, and grant us forgiveness, for You have power over all things. [Surah Tahrim 66:8]

Dua of the Believer in the Court of Pharaoh of Moses
“I entrust my affair to Allah. Indeed, Allah is seeing of (His) servants.” [Surah Al-Ghafir 40:44]

Dua of a Believer
“My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the (people who are) Muslims.” [Surah Al-Ahqaf 46:15]

Dua of Angels who hold the throne of Allah

“Our Lord your reach is over all things in mercy and knowledge. Forgive those who turn in repentance to You and follow your way and protect them from the punishment of hellfire. Our Lord make them enter the gardens of Eden which You have promised them, with such of their fathers and their wives and their descendants as do right. You, only You are the mighty, the wise.” [Surah Al-Ghafir 40:7 and 8]

Dua of the Believers on the day of judgement who will be the dwellers of the high places waiting to enter Paradise and will be hopeful they will get there
Our Lord! Send us not to the company of the wrong-doers.” [Surah Al-Araf 7:47]

Dua of the inheritors of Heaven
“Praise be to Allah, who has guided us to this (faith); never could we have found guidance had it not been from Allah. Indeed, it was the truth that the messengers of our Lord brought unto us. And they will be called, “This is (your reward) Paradise which you have been made to inherit for (the good deeds) what you used to do.” [Surah Al-Araf 7:43]

Dua of the inheritors of Heaven
“Praise be to Allah who has removed from us [all] sorrow. Indeed, our Lord is forgiving and appreciative. He has settled us in the home of duration out of His bounty. There touches us not in it any fatigue, and there touches us not in it weariness [of mind].” [Surah Al-Fatir 35:34-35]

Signs of Allah

By Syed Sharfuddin

Photo: Adnan Mirza

Allah’s status as the Creator of the universe and possessor of all knowledge and power that ever was or will be has hardly been disputed by human beings, except for a few who have even gone beyond Shaitan in denying the existence of God. What has been in dispute however, is Allah’s oneness.

Throughout human history the task of Allah’s messengers has been to reinforce the belief that there is only one God, not many. These messengers were up against history, mythology and fable which gave God a family and associates to help Him carryout the function of running the universe. Part of this myth was invented by the rulers of previous civilisations who used gods and their patronage to give legitimacy to their rule. The Pharaoh of Moses in Egypt went a step further. He cut out the priests of the high temple who supposedly interceded between the gods and the king and declared himself as Pharaoh the god.

In Surah Al-Akhlas (Chapter 112) the Muslim concept of God is very clearly presented in four simple to understand verses.

Allah is only one [112:1]
He is eternal and absolute [112:2]
He begets not, nor was He born [112:3]
And there is none equal or comparable unto Him. [112:4]

In the holy Quran the attributes of Allah are mentioned as a negation of deities. Some of the clear signs of Allah are his power to create and recreate, award life and death and cause the functioning of the heavenly bodies in the universe in which man is only a very tiny and mostly insignificant spec.

Allah challenges those who deny his existence or associate partners with Him to bring forward their argument in response to the challenge sets forth for them in numerous verses of the holy Quran. For example, in Surah Naml (Chapter 27) he advances some basic questions about the creation of universe and in Surah Al-Rum (Chapter 30), he provides clear signs of His might and excellence.

“Who has created the heavens and the earth, and Who sends down rain from the sky? Yes, with it (the rain) We cause to grow well-planted orchards full of beauty and delight. It is not in your power to cause the growth of the trees in them. (Can there be another) god besides Allah? No, they are a people who swerve from justice.” [Surah Al-Naml 27:60]

“Who has made the earth firm to live in; made rivers in its midst; set thereon stable mountains; and made a separating bar between the two bodies of flowing water? (can there be another) god besides Allah? No, most of them know not.” [Surah Al-Naml 27:61]

“Who listens to the desperate (soul) when it calls Him, and Who relieves its suffering, and makes you (mankind) inheritors of the earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? But you heed very little.” [Surah Al-Naml 27:62]

“Who guides you through the depths of darkness on land and sea, and Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, as a sign of His Mercy. (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Allah is higher and above what they associate with Him.” [Surah Al-Naml 27:63]

“Who originates creation, then repeats it, and who gives you sustenance from heaven and earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Bring forth (prove) your argument, if you are telling the truth”. [Surah Al-Naml 27:64]

“Say: None in the heavens or on earth, except Allah, knows what is hidden; nor can they perceive when they shall be resurrected (for Judgment).” [Surah Al-Naml 27:65]

“(Allah) brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living and brings to life the earth after its lifelessness. And thus will you be resurrected.” [Surah Al-Rum 30: 19]

“And of His signs is that He created you from dust. Then (He) dispersed you as human beings (throughout the earth).” [Surah Al-Rum 30: 20]

“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you (and your mate) affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for people who reflect. [Surah Al-Rum 30: 21]

“And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your (races and) colours. Indeed, in that are signs for those who seek knowledge. [Surah Al-Rum 30: 22]

“And of His signs is your sleep by night and day and your seeking of His bounty. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who listen.” [Surah Al-Rum 30: 23]

“And of His signs is [that] He shows you the lightening (causing) fear and aspiration, and He sends down rain from the sky by which He brings to life the earth after it has become (dry and) lifeless. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who use reason. [Surah Al-Rum 30: 24]

“And of His signs is that the heaven and earth remain by His command. Then when He will summon you with a [single] call from the earth, you will immediately come forth (from your graves).” [Surah Al-Rum 30: 25]

“And to Him belongs whoever is in the heavens and earth. All are devoutly obedient to Him.” [Surah Al-Rum 30: 26]

“And it is He who begins creation; then He repeats it, and that is [even] easier for Him. To Him belongs the highest attribute in the heavens and earth. And He is the exalted in might, the wise.” [Surah Al-Rum 30: 17-27]

“Indeed (mounts) Safa and Marwa are among the signs of Allah. So there is no sin on anyone who performs Haj or Umra to walk around them. And if any one obeys his own impulse to do good, he should know that Allah is responsive to gratitude and He is all-knowing.” (Surah Al-Baqrah 2:158]

“And it is He who gives life and causes death, and His (Will causes) the alternation of the night and the day.” [Surah Al-Mominoon 23:80]

“To (Him) belong the earth and all beings therein.” [Surah Al-Mominoon 23:84]

“(He) is the Lord of the seven heavens and Lord of the great throne.” [Surah Al-Mominoon 23:86]

“In (His) hand is the dominion of everything. He gives protection (to everyone), and He is not given protection (by anyone).” [Surah Al-Mominoon 23:88]

Some of the strongest verses against associating partners to Allah are found in Surah Maryam (Chapter 19). The gist of the divine message is that Allah is alone and the only one who is worthy of praise and worship. He will forgive every sin except the act of associating a son or partner with Him.

“And (people) have taken (for worship) gods other than Allah to give them honour and glory. But these (so-called gods) will deny their worship of them, and become their opponents (on the Day of Resurrection). Don’t you see that We have sent the Shayatin (devils) against the disbelievers to push them to do evil. So make no haste against them, for We have set aside a finite number of days (for them to live). And (then) We shall drive the sinners to Hell like thirsty cattle driven down to water. No one will have [permission for] intercession (with Allah) except he who had taken from the most merciful a covenant (to interdecde)).” [Surah Maryam 19:81 to 86].

The concluding verses in Surah Maryam (Chapter 19) are the strongest in the Quran against shirk. “They say: “(Allah) the most gracious has begotten a son, Indeed, you have brought forth (you have said) a terrible thing. For this saying, the skies are ready to burst forth, the earth is ready to split asunder and the mountains are ready to fall down in utter ruin. This is because they have attributed to the most merciful a son. And it is not appropriate for (Allah) the most glorious and the most merciful that He should take a son. There is none in the heavens and the earth but who comes to the most beneficent (Allah) as a slave. Verily, Allah knows each one of them and has kept a full count of them (and count of what they have done). And all of them will be coming up to Him upon the day of resurrection, everyone single-handedly. Verily, those who believe [in the oneness of Allah and in His messenger (Muhammad peace and blessing of Allah be on him) and work righteous deeds, the most beneficent (Allah) will bestow love for them in the hearts of the believers. [Surah Maryam 19:88 to 96].

And [beware the Day] when Allah will say, “O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, ‘Take me and my mother as deities besides Allah? Jesus will reply: “Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right. If I had said it, You would have known it. You know what is within myself, and I do not know what is within Yourself. Indeed, it is You who is the Knower of the unseen. I said not to the people except what You commanded me – to worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord. And I was a witness over them as long as I was among them; but when You took me up, You were the Observer over them, and You are a witness to all things. If You cause them to suffer – verily, they are Your servants; and if You forgive them – verily, You alone art almighty, truly wise!” Allah will respond to this as follows: “This is the Day when the truthful will benefit from their truthfulness. For them are gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever, Allah being pleased with them, and they with Him. That is the great attainment.” [Surah Al-Maidah 5:116 to 119]

A Commentary on Muslim Dua

by Syed Sharfuddin

kaaba
[Photo Courtesy Shariq Arif]

A Commentary on Muslim Dua

The Arabic word Dua is understood by Muslims in many ways. It means supplication; appealing for the mercy of the one and only Lord; calling Allah for help in time of distress; communicating with God secretly without any intermediary; making a prayer that combines the glorification of Allah and seeks His intervention for sustenance in this life and salvation in the hereafter; conversation with the Almighty God; and wishing well for someone else.

What is Dua
Dua is a bridge between man and his Creator, a medium through which man, living on earth tries to use to reach the Creator, living in the heaven. The Good and Glorious Allah permits human beings to call Him directly and He also gives assurance that He will respond to them when they call Him (40:60).

Meaning of Dua
The word Dua has also used with different meanings in the holy Quran. It has been used to mean as a mere voice which has no impact (2:171); as an invocation that is not answered by Allah in some specific circumstances (13:14), (21:15), (27:80), (40:50), (46:5) & (96:17); as an expression of thanks (14:39); as supplication to make a direct request to God (14:40) & (3:38); praying for the good and desired objects (17:11), (19:4) & (19:48); invitation or call to follow the right path (3:193), (21:45), (30:52), (35:14), (40:12) & (71:6); summoning one another in a group (26:43); to turn toward Allah for answers (24:48), (24;51), (25:77) & (40:60); and beseeching Allah to remove affliction (41:51).

How to make Dua
There are examples in the Quran and in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be on him how Dua should be conducted. These examples are found in the Duas of prophets, including the Duas of prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The verses dealing with the supplications the messengers of Allah made and the things they asked reveal the methodology of how Dua should be made and for what purpose.

Acceptance of Dua
We learn from the stories of prophets in the Quran that not every Dua reaches the level of acceptance. This is because human beings do not have the knowledge of the greater scheme of things in the universe that only Allah knows and plans. In Chapter 40 Verse 60 Allah says: “Man prays to seek evil as [eagerly as] he prays to seek good. Verily man is ever hasty”.

Duas can be instantly granted such as the Dua of Adam and Zachariah or can take a long time to come to fruition such as the Dua of Job. If a Dua is not granted in this world, then it is likely that it will be stored in the account of the worshipper and used on the Day of Judgement as a credit for balancing the book of deeds, or used for an upgrade to a higher level of reward in paradise.

Duas of Prophets
The Duas of other prophets such as Adam, Zachariah, Jonah and Moses were readily accepted by Allah. In the case of Solomon, Allah accepted his Dua for giving him a kingdom which will never be rivalled by any in the world. However, Solomon’s Dua for a good heir to succeed him was not accepted. The Duas of Job and David were accepted but were subject to a long waiting period.

Some examples of the Duas of prophets are the Dua of Jethro “Lord, judge between us and our people in truth, for you are the best of those who give judgement” (7:89); the Dua of Saul (Taloot) “Lord give me victory over the people who are mischief mongers” (29:30); the Dua of Joseph “Lord you are my protector in this world and in the hereafter; make me to die as one who has totally submitted himself to your Will and join me with the righteous” (12:101); the Dua of Abraham “Lord in you alone we put our trust, to you alone we turn in repentance and to you alone is our final return” (60:4) and the Dua of Moses “Lord I am in absolute need of the good You send me (28:24).

Duas of pious women
The Quran mentions the Duas of Pharaoh’s wife Asiyah “my Lord build for me a home with you in Jannah (66:11) and the Dua of holy Mary “I will abandon you and the gods you worship besides Allah; I will worship only my Lord; by imploring my Lord alone, I can never go astray” (19:48).

Duas that are never accepted
Some Duas are never accepted either in this world nor accounted for in the hereafter. These are Duas where Allah is associated with other idols or partners, and where someone repents after the hour of death has approached with the arrival of the angel of death. “And whoever invokes another god with Allah, whereof he has no proof, then surely his reckoning will only be in the Reckoning of his Lord; surely the disbelievers will not succeed.” [23:117]. “And those they invoke besides Him do not possess [power of] intercession; but only those who testify to the truth [can benefit], and they know.” [43:86].

Allah says in Chapter 46 Verse 5 “And who is more astray than he who invokes besides Allah those who will not respond to him until the day of Resurrection, and they, of their invocation, are unaware.” In Chapter 32 Verses 11, 12 & 14 Allah says: “The angel of death will take you who has been entrusted with you. Then to your Lord you will be returned. If you could but see when the criminals are hanging their heads before their Lord, [saying], ‘Our Lord, we have seen and heard, so return us [to the world]; we will work righteousness. Indeed, we are [now] certain.’ So taste [punishment] because you forgot the meeting of this Day; indeed, We have [accordingly] forgotten you. And taste the punishment of eternity for what you used to do (when you were alive).”
We learn from the Quran that the Dua of Abraham for his father Azer was not accepted. Likewise, the Dua of Noah in favour of his son was not accepted. Prophet Lut could not save his wife because she was the supporter of transgressors. “And address Me not in favour of those who have done wrong. Verily, they are to be drowned.” [23:27].

Dua is different from Salat (prayer)
In the context of the present discussion, Dua is different from established prayer which is called Salat in the holy Quran. There are specific timings and occasions when Salat prayers are performed. Salat prayers are both obligatory and optional. Dua is not obligatory and is mostly optional although Allah says in Chapter 25 Verse 77 “Allah will not attach any value to you were it not for your Duas to him”.

While there are differing opinions among scholars on whether Dua should to be made within salat or should be asked after salat as part of remembrance of Allah (Zikr), the practice is widespread for both. Some people follow the tradition of making Dua after offering the obligatory salat, others combine Duas within the salat such as making Dua after Surah Fateha has been read, while in sujood or juloos when sitting in Attahiyat after sajda.

A major path of Salat comprises Dua because every rakat starts with the recitation of Surah Fatiha which is a complete Dua in its own right. A Christian scholar Chawkat Moucarry in his book “Two Prayers for Today: The Lord’s Prayer and the Fatiha” (2007) has compared Surah Al-Fateha with the Lord’s Prayer in the Bible. A special Dua, Called Dua Qunoot is recited after the last obligatory prayer of the night (Isha) in the odd rakats of Vitr. It is also a comprehensive Dua and sometimes is supplemented by a longer Dua called Qunoot-e-Nazila.

For details one is invited to benefit from the works of renowned Muhaddesin (narrators of Hadith) namely, Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Nasaai, Sahih Muslim, Abu Dawood, Ibn-Al-Qaiyim Al Jawzi, Abd Al-Azeez Ibn Baz, Al-Nawawei, Ibn Taymiyah and Al-Daani. Their books in Arabic are easily available in libraries and Islamic resource centres. Translations of some of these works are also available in major languages.

Time and place for Dua
Dua has no fixed place or timing. A believer can always establish contact with Allah whenever and wherever he wants to connect to his Creator. However, from confirmed Ahadith, i.e. sayings of prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be on him, there are certain special times, places and relationships where Dua is highly effective and most likely to be accepted.

These times are: Dua of a fasting Muslim after he/she has broken his fast; the period between the Azan when prayers are called and Aqama when prayers actually stand in a congregation, the time after obligatory prayers have been offered and other specific occasions such as the Night of Power, Days of Haj, the Tawaf of the holy Kaaba and Saee between Mounts Safa and Marwa, and the Days of Eid.

Dua is also accepted around certain times of the day and night when Allah is exalted. Dua made during worship (Tahajjud salat) in the late hours of the night before dawn when everyone is asleep is believed to be the most acceptable Dua. “Call upon your Lord in humility and privately; indeed, He does not like transgressors.” [Surah Al-Araaf 7:55]. Allah Subhanuhu wa Taala is glorified in the universe constantly at all times. “Exalted is Allah when you reach the evening and when you reach the morning”. [Surah Al-Rum 30:17]. “And to Him is all praise throughout the heavens and the earth. And (exalted is He) at night and when you are at noon.” [Surah Al-Rum 30:18].

For the places it is mentioned that places which are regarded as the signs of Allah (shaair Allah) Dua is accepted. These include the Kaaba, Multazim, Hateem, Muqam Ibrahim, Mounts Safa and Marwa, Riad-al-Jannah in Madinah and generally the three holiest Mosques in Islam which have been the places of visitation by other prophets and messengers in ancient times.

For the personal relationships it is believed that the Dua of parents for children, or children for their parents; the Dua of a husband for his wife, the Dua of a just ruler for his people, the Dua of a pious person, the Dua of an oppressed person and the Dua of a traveller are more potent and powerful compared to the Dua of others. According to Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah the Dua of three persons is never rejected: the Dua of a father for his children, the Dua of a traveller and the Dua of the oppressed.

Pre-requisites for Dua
The etiquette of calling Allah in the state of Dua requires two fundamental conditions. The caller should fear Allah but he should also remain hopeful of mercy from Allah. In Chapter 7 Verse 56 Allah says: “And call unto Him with fear and longing. Allah’s grace is ever near to those who do good”. In Chapter 32 Verse 16, Allah says: “Those who stay away from their beds at night to remember Allah call Him in fear and hope”.

The state of fear and hope constitute the twin pillars of faith. All the prophets who were sent to guide mankind on the right path came with the dual role of being the bearer of good news (bashir) and at the same time being the trumpeter of warning (nazir). “And We send not the messengers except as bringers of good tidings and warners.” [Surah Al-Kahf 18:56]. However, Allah’s forgiveness and mercy are far more in abundance than His wrath or punishment.

According to Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah, on the authority of Anas who said he heard Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him said that Allah the Almighty says: ‘O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great at it.’
Individual and collective Dua

Dua can be made individually or collectively as taught to us by the Quran. Adam and Eve when they realised the mistake of eating the forbidden fruit made collective Dua for their forgiveness which was accepted by Allah. “Lord we have wronged ourselves. If you forgive us not and bestow not upon us your mercy, we shall certainly be among the losers” (7:23). Congregational Duas are collective such as the Dua after Friday prayers, the longer Dua in Qayamul Lail after the recitation of the Holy Quran and the collective Dua made on the Day of Mount Arafat as part of the annual Haj Khutba.

Components of Dua
A Dua has three parts. In the first part is the glorification of Allah and an admission that He alone has the power to change things (62:1), (64:1), (3:36), (3:189), (5;120), (57:2) & (67:1). He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. He listens and is aware of the true intention of the person making the Dua (3:29).

The second part of Dua is admission of the weakness of human frailty and the mistakes one has made in life and is truly embarrassed to stand before his Lord in shame and humiliation. Without confession, repentance is incomplete. However, when the confession and guilt is expressed sincerely Allah not only forgives the believer but also credits as much good in his account as was his debit prior to repentance (40:3), (66:8). “Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful” [Surah Al-Furqan 25:70].

In the third and final part Dua is focused on the believer seeking forgiveness for the sins, deliverance from Hellfire and help from Allah for himself, his family, community and nation to make things easy in this mortal life and grant the strength to face life’s challenges, overcome hardship and build a character to become a good Muslim and a good human being in this world and become the inheritor of Paradise in the next life (2:286).

Best Duas
The best Duas are contained in the holy Quran in the form of Duas of prophets and in the Sunnah of prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be on him.

Language of Dua
It is preferable to recite the Duas of the Quran and the holy Prophet in original Arabic because these are concise and contain the exact words used by the prophets in calling Allah. However, Duas can also be made in the mother tongue of the worshipper because these come directly from his/her heart and their sense is not lost in translation, especially if they are not familiar with the Arabic language.

Syed Sharfuddin

Safa and Marwa – Allah”s Symbols on Earth

safa-marwa

The following text is reproduced from http://sunnah.com/bukhari/60/43 which copies the narration of Ibn `Abbas in Arabic and English translation taken from Sahih Al-Bukhari 3364, Book 60, Hadith 43. English Reference Sahih Bukhari, Vol IV, Book 55, Hadith 583.

“The first lady to use a girdle was the mother of Ishmael. She used a girdle so that she might hide her tracks from Sarah. Abraham brought her and her son Ishmael while she was suckling him, to a place near the Ka`ba under a tree on the spot of Zamzam, at the highest place in the mosque. During those days there was nobody in Mecca, nor was there any water So he made them sit over there and placed near them a leather bag containing some dates, and a small water-skin containing some water, and set out homeward. Ishmael’s mother followed him saying, “O Abraham! Where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is no person whose company we may enjoy, nor is there anything (to enjoy)?” She repeated that to him many times, but he did not look back at her Then she asked him, “Has Allah ordered you to do so?” He said, “Yes.” She said, “Then He will not neglect us,” and returned while Abraham proceeded onwards, and on reaching the Thaniya where they could not see him, he faced the Ka`ba, and raising both hands, invoked Allah saying the following prayers: ‘O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Your Sacred House (Ka`ba at Mecca) in order, O our Lord, that they may offer prayer perfectly. So fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and (O Allah) provide them with fruits, so that they may give thanks.’ (14.37) Ishmael’s mother went on suckling Ishmael and drinking from the water (she had). When the water in the water-skin had all been used up, she became thirsty and her child also became thirsty. She started looking at him (i.e. Ishmael) tossing in agony; She left him, for she could not endure looking at him, and found that the mountain of Safa was the nearest mountain to her on that land. She stood on it and started looking at the valley keenly so that she might see somebody, but she could not see anybody. Then she descended from Safa and when she reached the valley, she tucked up her robe and ran in the valley like a person in distress and trouble, till she crossed the valley and reached the Marwa mountain where she stood and started looking, expecting to see somebody, but she could not see anybody. She repeated that (running between Safa and Marwa) seven times.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “This is the source of the tradition of the walking of people between them (i.e. Safa and Marwa). When she reached the Marwa (for the last time) she heard a voice and she asked herself to be quiet and listened attentively. She heard the voice again and said, ‘O, (whoever you may be)! You have made me hear your voice; have you got something to help me?” And behold! She saw an angel at the place of Zamzam, digging the earth with his heel (or his wing), till water flowed from that place. She started to make something like a basin around it, using her hand in this way, and started filling her water-skin with water with her hands, and the water was flowing out after she had scooped some of it.” The Prophet (ﷺ) added, “May Allah bestow Mercy on Ishmael’s mother! Had she let the Zamzam (flow without trying to control it) (or had she not scooped from that water) (to fill her water-skin), Zamzam would have been a stream flowing on the surface of the earth.” The Prophet (ﷺ) further added, “Then she drank (water) and suckled her child. The angel said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid of being neglected, for this is the House of Allah which will be built by this boy and his father, and Allah never neglects His people.’ The House (i.e. Ka`ba) at that time was on a high place resembling a hillock, and when torrents came, they flowed to its right and left. She lived in that way till some people from the tribe of Jurhum or a family from Jurhum passed by her and her child, as they (i.e. the Jurhum people) were coming through the way of Kada’. They landed in the lower part of Mecca where they saw a bird that had the habit of flying around water and not leaving it. They said, ‘This bird must be flying around water, though we know that there is no water in this valley.’ They sent one or two messengers who discovered the source of water, and returned to inform them of the water. So, they all came (towards the water).” The Prophet (ﷺ) added, “Ishmael’s mother was sitting near the water. They asked her, ‘Do you allow us to stay with you?” She replied, ‘Yes, but you will have no right to possess the water.’ They agreed to that.” The Prophet (ﷺ) further said, “Ishmael’s mother was pleased with the whole situation as she used to love to enjoy the company of the people. So, they settled there, and later on they sent for their families who came and settled with them so that some families became permanent residents there. The child (i.e. Ishmael) grew up and learnt Arabic from them and (his virtues) caused them to love and admire him as he grew up, and when he reached the age of puberty they made him marry a woman from amongst them. After Ishmael’s mother had died, Abraham came after Ishmael’s marriage in order to see his family that he had left before, but he did not find Ishmael there. When he asked Ishmael’s wife about him, she replied, ‘He has gone in search of our livelihood.’ Then he asked her about their way of living and their condition, and she replied, ‘We are living in misery; we are living in hardship and destitution,’ complaining to him. He said, ‘When your husband returns, convey my salutation to him and tell him to change the threshold of the gate (of his house).’ When Ishmael came, he seemed to have felt something unusual, so he asked his wife, ‘Has anyone visited you?’ She replied, ‘Yes, an old man of so-and-so description came and asked me about you and I informed him, and he asked about our state of living, and I told him that we were living in a hardship and poverty.’ On that Ishmael said, ‘Did he advise you anything?’ She replied, ‘Yes, he told me to convey his salutation to you and to tell you to change the threshold of your gate.’ Ishmael said, ‘It was my father, and he has ordered me to divorce you. Go back to your family.’ So, Ishmael divorced her and married another woman from amongst them (i.e. Jurhum). Then Abraham stayed away from them for a period as long as Allah wished and called on them again but did not find Ishmael. So he came to Ishmael’s wife and asked her about Ishmael. She said, ‘He has gone in search of our livelihood.’ Abraham asked her, ‘How are you getting on?’ asking her about their sustenance and living. She replied, ‘We are prosperous and well-off (i.e. we have everything in abundance).’ Then she thanked Allah’ Abraham said, ‘What kind of food do you eat?’ She said. ‘Meat.’ He said, ‘What do you drink?’ She said, ‘Water.” He said, “O Allah! Bless their meat and water.” The Prophet added, “At that time they did not have grain, and if they had grain, he would have also invoked Allah to bless it.” The Prophet (ﷺ) added, “If somebody has only these two things as his sustenance, his health and disposition will be badly affected, unless he lives in Mecca.” The Prophet (ﷺ) added,” Then Abraham said Ishmael’s wife, “When your husband comes, give my regards to him and tell him that he should keep firm the threshold of his gate.’ When Ishmael came back, he asked his wife, ‘Did anyone call on you?’ She replied, ‘Yes, a good-looking old man came to me,’ so she praised him and added. ‘He asked about you, and I informed him, and he asked about our livelihood and I told him that we were in a good condition.’ Ishmael asked her, ‘Did he give you any piece of advice?’ She said, ‘Yes, he told me to give his regards to you and ordered that you should keep firm the threshold of your gate.’ On that Ishmael said, ‘It was my father, and you are the threshold (of the gate). He has ordered me to keep you with me.’ Then Abraham stayed away from them for a period as long as Allah wished, and called on them afterwards. He saw Ishmael under a tree near Zamzam, sharpening his arrows. When he saw Abraham, he rose up to welcome him (and they greeted each other as a father does with his son or a son does with his father). Abraham said, ‘O Ishmael! Allah has given me an order.’ Ishmael said, ‘Do what your Lord has ordered you to do.’ Abraham asked, ‘Will you help me?’ Ishmael said, ‘I will help you.’ Abraham said, Allah has ordered me to build a house here,’ pointing to a hillock higher than the land surrounding it.” The Prophet (ﷺ) added, “Then they raised the foundations of the House (i.e. the Ka`ba). Ishmael brought the stones and Abraham was building, and when the walls became high, Ishmael brought this stone and put it for Abraham who stood over it and carried on building, while Ishmael was handing him the stones, and both of them were saying, ‘O our Lord! Accept (this service) from us, Verily, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.’ The Prophet (ﷺ) added, “Then both of them went on building and going round the Ka`ba saying: O our Lord ! Accept (this service) from us, Verily, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” (2.127).”

Arabic Text

. باب ‏{‏يَزِفُّونَ‏}‏ النَّسَلاَنُ فِي الْمَشْىِ
وَحَدَّثَنِي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّزَّاقِ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَعْمَرٌ، عَنْ أَيُّوبَ السَّخْتِيَانِيِّ، وَكَثِيرِ بْنِ كَثِيرِ بْنِ الْمُطَّلِبِ بْنِ أَبِي وَدَاعَةَ،، يَزِيدُ أَحَدُهُمَا عَلَى الآخَرِ عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ جُبَيْرٍ،
قَالَ ابْنُ عَبَّاسٍ أَوَّلَ مَا اتَّخَذَ النِّسَاءُ الْمِنْطَقَ مِنْ قِبَلِ أُمِّ إِسْمَاعِيلَ، اتَّخَذَتْ مِنْطَقًا لَتُعَفِّيَ أَثَرَهَا عَلَى سَارَةَ، ثُمَّ جَاءَ بِهَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ، وَبِابْنِهَا إِسْمَاعِيلَ وَهْىَ تُرْضِعُهُ حَتَّى وَضَعَهُمَا عِنْدَ الْبَيْتِ عِنْدَ دَوْحَةٍ، فَوْقَ زَمْزَمَ فِي أَعْلَى الْمَسْجِدِ، وَلَيْسَ بِمَكَّةَ يَوْمَئِذٍ أَحَدٌ، وَلَيْسَ بِهَا مَاءٌ، فَوَضَعَهُمَا هُنَالِكَ، وَوَضَعَ عِنْدَهُمَا جِرَابًا فِيهِ تَمْرٌ وَسِقَاءً فِيهِ مَاءٌ، ثُمَّ قَفَّى إِبْرَاهِيمُ مُنْطَلِقًا فَتَبِعَتْهُ أُمُّ إِسْمَاعِيلَ فَقَالَتْ يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ أَيْنَ تَذْهَبُ وَتَتْرُكُنَا بِهَذَا الْوَادِي الَّذِي لَيْسَ فِيهِ إِنْسٌ وَلاَ شَىْءٌ فَقَالَتْ لَهُ ذَلِكَ مِرَارًا، وَجَعَلَ لاَ يَلْتَفِتُ إِلَيْهَا فَقَالَتْ لَهُ آللَّهُ الَّذِي أَمَرَكَ بِهَذَا قَالَ نَعَمْ‏.‏ قَالَتْ إِذًا لاَ يُضَيِّعُنَا‏.‏ ثُمَّ رَجَعَتْ، فَانْطَلَقَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ حَتَّى إِذَا كَانَ عِنْدَ الثَّنِيَّةِ حَيْثُ لاَ يَرَوْنَهُ اسْتَقْبَلَ بِوَجْهِهِ الْبَيْتَ، ثُمَّ دَعَا بِهَؤُلاَءِ الْكَلِمَاتِ وَرَفَعَ يَدَيْهِ، فَقَالَ ‏{‏رَبَّنَا إِنِّي أَسْكَنْتُ مِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِي بِوَادٍ غَيْرِ ذِي زَرْعٍ‏}‏ حَتَّى بَلَغَ ‏{‏يَشْكُرُونَ‏}‏‏.‏ وَجَعَلَتْ أُمُّ إِسْمَاعِيلَ تُرْضِعُ إِسْمَاعِيلَ، وَتَشْرَبُ مِنْ ذَلِكَ الْمَاءِ، حَتَّى إِذَا نَفِدَ مَا فِي السِّقَاءِ عَطِشَتْ وَعَطِشَ ابْنُهَا، وَجَعَلَتْ تَنْظُرُ إِلَيْهِ يَتَلَوَّى ـ أَوْ قَالَ يَتَلَبَّطُ ـ فَانْطَلَقَتْ كَرَاهِيَةَ أَنْ تَنْظُرَ إِلَيْهِ، فَوَجَدَتِ الصَّفَا أَقْرَبَ جَبَلٍ فِي الأَرْضِ يَلِيهَا، فَقَامَتْ عَلَيْهِ ثُمَّ اسْتَقْبَلَتِ الْوَادِيَ تَنْظُرُ هَلْ تَرَى أَحَدًا فَلَمْ تَرَ أَحَدًا، فَهَبَطَتْ مِنَ، الصَّفَا حَتَّى إِذَا بَلَغَتِ الْوَادِيَ رَفَعَتْ طَرَفَ دِرْعِهَا، ثُمَّ سَعَتْ سَعْىَ الإِنْسَانِ الْمَجْهُودِ، حَتَّى جَاوَزَتِ الْوَادِيَ، ثُمَّ أَتَتِ الْمَرْوَةَ، فَقَامَتْ عَلَيْهَا وَنَظَرَتْ هَلْ تَرَى أَحَدًا، فَلَمْ تَرَ أَحَدًا، فَفَعَلَتْ ذَلِكَ سَبْعَ مَرَّاتٍ ـ قَالَ ابْنُ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ فَذَلِكَ سَعْىُ النَّاسِ بَيْنَهُمَا ‏”‏‏.‏ ـ فَلَمَّا أَشْرَفَتْ عَلَى الْمَرْوَةِ سَمِعَتْ صَوْتًا، فَقَالَتْ صَهٍ‏.‏ تُرِيدَ نَفْسَهَا، ثُمَّ تَسَمَّعَتْ، فَسَمِعَتْ أَيْضًا، فَقَالَتْ قَدْ أَسْمَعْتَ، إِنْ كَانَ عِنْدَكَ غِوَاثٌ‏.‏ فَإِذَا هِيَ بِالْمَلَكِ، عِنْدَ مَوْضِعِ زَمْزَمَ، فَبَحَثَ بِعَقِبِهِ ـ أَوْ قَالَ بِجَنَاحِهِ ـ حَتَّى ظَهَرَ الْمَاءُ، فَجَعَلَتْ تُحَوِّضُهُ وَتَقُولُ بِيَدِهَا هَكَذَا، وَجَعَلَتْ تَغْرِفُ مِنَ الْمَاءِ فِي سِقَائِهَا، وَهْوَ يَفُورُ بَعْدَ مَا تَغْرِفُ ـ قَالَ ابْنُ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ يَرْحَمُ اللَّهُ أُمَّ إِسْمَاعِيلَ لَوْ تَرَكَتْ زَمْزَمَ ـ أَوْ قَالَ لَوْ لَمْ تَغْرِفْ مِنَ الْمَاءِ ـ لَكَانَتْ زَمْزَمُ عَيْنًا مَعِينًا ‏”‏‏.‏ ـ قَالَ فَشَرِبَتْ وَأَرْضَعَتْ وَلَدَهَا، فَقَالَ لَهَا الْمَلَكُ لاَ تَخَافُوا الضَّيْعَةَ، فَإِنَّ هَا هُنَا بَيْتَ اللَّهِ، يَبْنِي هَذَا الْغُلاَمُ، وَأَبُوهُ، وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لاَ يُضِيعُ أَهْلَهُ‏.‏ وَكَانَ الْبَيْتُ مُرْتَفِعًا مِنَ الأَرْضِ كَالرَّابِيَةِ، تَأْتِيهِ السُّيُولُ فَتَأْخُذُ عَنْ يَمِينِهِ وَشِمَالِهِ، فَكَانَتْ كَذَلِكَ، حَتَّى مَرَّتْ بِهِمْ رُفْقَةٌ مِنْ جُرْهُمَ ـ أَوْ أَهْلُ بَيْتٍ مِنْ جُرْهُمَ ـ مُقْبِلِينَ مِنْ طَرِيقِ كَدَاءٍ فَنَزَلُوا فِي أَسْفَلِ مَكَّةَ، فَرَأَوْا طَائِرًا عَائِفًا‏.‏ فَقَالُوا إِنَّ هَذَا الطَّائِرَ لَيَدُورُ عَلَى مَاءٍ، لَعَهْدُنَا بِهَذَا الْوَادِي وَمَا فِيهِ مَاءٌ، فَأَرْسَلُوا جَرِيًّا أَوْ جَرِيَّيْنِ، فَإِذَا هُمْ بِالْمَاءِ، فَرَجَعُوا فَأَخْبَرُوهُمْ بِالْمَاءِ، فَأَقْبَلُوا، قَالَ وَأُمُّ إِسْمَاعِيلَ عِنْدَ الْمَاءِ فَقَالُوا أَتَأْذَنِينَ لَنَا أَنْ نَنْزِلَ عِنْدَكِ فَقَالَتْ نَعَمْ، وَلَكِنْ لاَ حَقَّ لَكُمْ فِي الْمَاءِ‏.‏ قَالُوا نَعَمْ‏.‏ قَالَ ابْنُ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ فَأَلْفَى ذَلِكَ أُمَّ إِسْمَاعِيلَ، وَهْىَ تُحِبُّ الإِنْسَ ‏”‏ فَنَزَلُوا وَأَرْسَلُوا إِلَى أَهْلِيهِمْ، فَنَزَلُوا مَعَهُمْ حَتَّى إِذَا كَانَ بِهَا أَهْلُ أَبْيَاتٍ مِنْهُمْ، وَشَبَّ الْغُلاَمُ، وَتَعَلَّمَ الْعَرَبِيَّةَ مِنْهُمْ، وَأَنْفَسَهُمْ وَأَعْجَبَهُمْ حِينَ شَبَّ، فَلَمَّا أَدْرَكَ زَوَّجُوهُ امْرَأَةً مِنْهُمْ، وَمَاتَتْ أُمُّ إِسْمَاعِيلَ، فَجَاءَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ، بَعْدَ مَا تَزَوَّجَ إِسْمَاعِيلُ يُطَالِعُ تَرِكَتَهُ، فَلَمْ يَجِدْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ، فَسَأَلَ امْرَأَتَهُ عَنْهُ فَقَالَتْ خَرَجَ يَبْتَغِي لَنَا‏.‏ ثُمَّ سَأَلَهَا عَنْ عَيْشِهِمْ وَهَيْئَتِهِمْ فَقَالَتْ نَحْنُ بِشَرٍّ، نَحْنُ فِي ضِيقٍ وَشِدَّةٍ‏.‏ فَشَكَتْ إِلَيْهِ‏.‏ قَالَ فَإِذَا جَاءَ زَوْجُكِ فَاقْرَئِي عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمَ، وَقُولِي لَهُ يُغَيِّرْ عَتَبَةَ بَابِهِ‏.‏ فَلَمَّا جَاءَ إِسْمَاعِيلُ، كَأَنَّهُ آنَسَ شَيْئًا، فَقَالَ هَلْ جَاءَكُمْ مِنْ أَحَدٍ قَالَتْ نَعَمْ، جَاءَنَا شَيْخٌ كَذَا وَكَذَا، فَسَأَلَنَا عَنْكَ فَأَخْبَرْتُهُ، وَسَأَلَنِي كَيْفَ عَيْشُنَا فَأَخْبَرْتُهُ أَنَّا فِي جَهْدٍ وَشِدَّةٍ‏.‏ قَالَ فَهَلْ أَوْصَاكِ بِشَىْءٍ قَالَتْ نَعَمْ، أَمَرَنِي أَنْ أَقْرَأَ عَلَيْكَ السَّلاَمَ، وَيَقُولُ غَيِّرْ عَتَبَةَ بَابِكَ‏.‏ قَالَ ذَاكِ أَبِي وَقَدْ أَمَرَنِي أَنْ أُفَارِقَكِ الْحَقِي بِأَهْلِكِ‏.‏ فَطَلَّقَهَا، وَتَزَوَّجَ مِنْهُمْ أُخْرَى، فَلَبِثَ عَنْهُمْ إِبْرَاهِيمُ مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ ثُمَّ أَتَاهُمْ بَعْدُ، فَلَمْ يَجِدْهُ، فَدَخَلَ عَلَى امْرَأَتِهِ، فَسَأَلَهَا عَنْهُ‏.‏ فَقَالَتْ خَرَجَ يَبْتَغِي لَنَا‏.‏ قَالَ كَيْفَ أَنْتُمْ وَسَأَلَهَا عَنْ عَيْشِهِمْ، وَهَيْئَتِهِمْ‏.‏ فَقَالَتْ نَحْنُ بِخَيْرٍ وَسَعَةٍ‏.‏ وَأَثْنَتْ عَلَى اللَّهِ‏.‏ فَقَالَ مَا طَعَامُكُمْ قَالَتِ اللَّحْمُ‏.‏ قَالَ فَمَا شَرَابُكُمْ قَالَتِ الْمَاءُ‏.‏ فَقَالَ اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَهُمْ فِي اللَّحْمِ وَالْمَاءِ‏.‏ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ حَبٌّ، وَلَوْ كَانَ لَهُمْ دَعَا لَهُمْ فِيهِ ‏”‏‏.‏ قَالَ فَهُمَا لاَ يَخْلُو عَلَيْهِمَا أَحَدٌ بِغَيْرِ مَكَّةَ إِلاَّ لَمْ يُوَافِقَاهُ‏.‏ قَالَ فَإِذَا جَاءَ زَوْجُكِ فَاقْرَئِي عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمَ، وَمُرِيهِ يُثْبِتُ عَتَبَةَ بَابِهِ، فَلَمَّا جَاءَ إِسْمَاعِيلُ قَالَ هَلْ أَتَاكُمْ مِنْ أَحَدٍ قَالَتْ نَعَمْ أَتَانَا شَيْخٌ حَسَنُ الْهَيْئَةِ، وَأَثْنَتْ عَلَيْهِ، فَسَأَلَنِي عَنْكَ فَأَخْبَرْتُهُ، فَسَأَلَنِي كَيْفَ عَيْشُنَا فَأَخْبَرْتُهُ أَنَّا بِخَيْرٍ‏.‏ قَالَ فَأَوْصَاكِ بِشَىْءٍ قَالَتْ نَعَمْ، هُوَ يَقْرَأُ عَلَيْكَ السَّلاَمَ، وَيَأْمُرُكَ أَنْ تُثْبِتَ عَتَبَةَ بَابِكَ‏.‏ قَالَ ذَاكِ أَبِي، وَأَنْتِ الْعَتَبَةُ، أَمَرَنِي أَنْ أُمْسِكَكِ‏.‏ ثُمَّ لَبِثَ عَنْهُمْ مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ، ثُمَّ جَاءَ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ، وَإِسْمَاعِيلُ يَبْرِي نَبْلاً لَهُ تَحْتَ دَوْحَةٍ قَرِيبًا مِنْ زَمْزَمَ، فَلَمَّا رَآهُ قَامَ إِلَيْهِ، فَصَنَعَا كَمَا يَصْنَعُ الْوَالِدُ بِالْوَلَدِ وَالْوَلَدُ بِالْوَالِدِ، ثُمَّ قَالَ يَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ، إِنَّ اللَّهَ أَمَرَنِي بِأَمْرٍ‏.‏ قَالَ فَاصْنَعْ مَا أَمَرَكَ رَبُّكَ‏.‏ قَالَ وَتُعِينُنِي قَالَ وَأُعِينُكَ‏.‏ قَالَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ أَمَرَنِي أَنْ أَبْنِيَ هَا هُنَا بَيْتًا‏.‏ وَأَشَارَ إِلَى أَكَمَةٍ مُرْتَفِعَةٍ عَلَى مَا حَوْلَهَا‏.‏ قَالَ فَعِنْدَ ذَلِكَ رَفَعَا الْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ الْبَيْتِ، فَجَعَلَ إِسْمَاعِيلُ يَأْتِي بِالْحِجَارَةِ، وَإِبْرَاهِيمُ يَبْنِي، حَتَّى إِذَا ارْتَفَعَ الْبِنَاءُ جَاءَ بِهَذَا الْحَجَرِ فَوَضَعَهُ لَهُ، فَقَامَ عَلَيْهِ وَهْوَ يَبْنِي، وَإِسْمَاعِيلُ يُنَاوِلُهُ الْحِجَارَةَ، وَهُمَا يَقُولاَنِ ‏{‏رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ‏}‏‏.‏ قَالَ فَجَعَلاَ يَبْنِيَانِ حَتَّى يَدُورَا حَوْلَ الْبَيْتِ، وَهُمَا يَقُولاَنِ ‏{‏رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ ‏}