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Q. A non-Muslim studying Islamics at a university is writing a project on the Tablighi Jamaat. Since I got to know him because of this, he frequently asks a thing or two concerning his project. One question is this :
“As far as I know “Dhikr” is not used in the Tablighi Jamaat in the same sense as Sufis use it, who use it often for mystical and spiritual exercises to attain a state of ecstasy. What is meant by “Dhikr” in Tablighi Jamaat and what is the difference between “Dhikr” and the Prayer (Salah)?”  Read more... (1328 words, estimated 5:19 mins reading time)

Q. (a) “Why is du’a of qunoot prayed during the ‘Isha’ Prayers (specially in the Witr). There must be a reason behind it.”

(b) “Since du’a qunoot is a du’a, can we use it to pay it in other prayers i.e. after finishing Fajr prayer?”  Read more... (412 words, estimated 1:39 mins reading time)

Q. “Is it necessary that the khutbah of Jum’ah is given in Arabic language or can it be given in some other language also. Some people say that if it is given in a local language it may be more useful to the audience.”.
(Shabbir Ali, Toronto)

A. The Khutbah of Jum’ah is not essentially a lecture meant for the people. Rather, it is a part of the prayer of Jum’ah. It is evident that the numbers of Rak’at in a Zuhr Prayer is four. On the Day of Jum’ah, the number of Rak’at has been reduced to two only, and the remaining two Rak’ats have been substituted by a Khutbah, which is basically a form of dhikr (ritual recitation of Allah’s name), and by this name it has been referred to in the Holy Qur’an (Surah al’Jum’ah).  Read more... (250 words, estimated 1:00 mins reading time)

Islam means to surrender absolutely to the Divine Will, as manifested and expressed in the Holy Qur’an and the Prophetic life model known as the Sunnah.

This absolute surrender to the Divine will in all possible life experiences, and in all facts of life, is based on a fundamental premise Allah, whose essence and attributes are perfect, and who is the source of all good, represents absolute wisdom. Allah is therefore the supreme legislator. Allah (whose essence and attributes cannot be fully perceived by man) has prescribed through the Holy Qur’an and prophetic life-model (“Sunnah”), a comprehensive and all-encompassing code of life to enable man to recognize and perceive his creator, and to enable man to follow the Divine will.  Read more... (1126 words, estimated 4:30 mins reading time)

Various ulama have written numerous booklets on Haj and how it should be performed; and the etiquette of every obligatory act. For most people a Haj journey comes but once in a lifetime. For this reason it is advisable that the intending Haji should acquire a few such booklets by acknowledged ulama; some time before his departure; and study them thoroughly. How unworthy and unfortunate will it be that after spending so much money; one finds that it has been wasted as result of wrong and prohibited acts rendering the Haj invalid.  Read more... (818 words, estimated 3:16 mins reading time)

Hazrat Ibn Abaas R.A. said: “Whoever has enough money to perform Hajj and does not do so, or enough wealth making Zakaat obligatory on him, and he does not give it, he shall surely at the time of his death beg to be sent back to the world.”

The fact that they shall beg to be returned to this earth is a reference to the verse I n Surah Mu’minoon which is thus: “In falsehood and deception will the be until when death comes to one of them, he says: “O My Lord, send me back to life, in order that I may work righteously in the thing I neglected.’ By no mean! But is a word he says.” Before them is a partition till the day they are raised up.”
(Surah 23 verse 99 and 100)  Read more... (493 words, estimated 1:58 mins reading time)

By moving aside at an arm’s length you should thereafter pay Salam to Hazrat Umar Faroque.

“Peace be with you O Commander of the Faithful, Umar Faroque by whom Allah added glory to Islam ! Allah made you the Leader of the Muslims, while He chose you as alive and as dead. May Allah grant you a good reward on behalf of the people of Muhammad.”
Here as well a decrease or an increase in the words depends upon your own choice. However, pay Salam on behalf of the persons who made such a request to you and then move a bit forward and say :  Read more... (683 words, estimated 2:44 mins reading time)

“And spend of your substance in the way of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to your destruction.”

Some of the commentators of the Holy Qur’an are unanimous that this verse refers to the pilgrimage among other things pertaining to the obligations and duties we owe to Allah. This verse encourages to spend in Allah’s way; to spend in Hajj and warns that refusal to spend that which Allah given in His own path means destroying your own self with your own hands. There can be no doubt in this.

Only those deeds have been discussed here that do not involve any significant labour or difficulty but earn much merit and reward. The purpose is to awaken in the hearts of the readers the urge to follow and observe them and increase their store of goodness for the Afterlife. However, it is necessary to remember the following points when reading this book:  Read more... (622 words, estimated 2:29 mins reading time)

Allah says,

“As for those who sell the faith they owe to Allah and their own solemn plighted word for a small price, they shall have no portion in the hereafter! Nor will Allah (Design to) speak to them or look at them on the Day of Judgement, nor will he clean them (of sin): they shall have a grievous chastisement.” (3: 77)  Read more... (807 words, estimated 3:14 mins reading time)