A monthly newsletter from Masjid Bani HashimJumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue#18 May 2015

بسم اهلل الرحمن الرحيمالسالم عليكم و رحمة اهلل و بركاته

Introduction

What is the value of this life?

قتدرا (٤٥) يـح‌ وكان ٱهلل على كل شىء م ا تذروه ٱلر مآء فٱختلط بهۦ نبات ٱألرض فأصبح هشيم وٱضرب لهم مثل ٱلحيوة ٱلدنيا كمآء أنزلنـه من ٱلس

ـلحـت خير عند ربك ثوابا وخير أمال (٤٦) ملال وٱلبنون زينة ٱلحيوة ٱلدنيا‌ وٱلبـقيـت ٱلص

And put forward to them the example of the life of this world, it is like the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But (later) it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allah is Able to do everything. Surah Al Kahf, ayat 45-46

Honestly, what is the value of this life in your opinion? I think there are two possible answers and I think both of them are right!!

1-The value of this life is high!

2-This life is meaningless, i.e. there is no value in it!

Ok, so apparently I contradicted myself! Maybe not!

1) Yes, life is valuable and it can be as valuable as the rain wa-ter which brings life to the dead land by the will and power of Allah سبحانه و تعالى

When is so? When faith enters our hearts and when it gives life to healthy emotions; this is valuable. When Islam not only enters our lives in the forms of visible obedience but also is established in our hearts; this is valuable. That is when life becomes worth living, that’s when you understood the meaning of life and you transform your days and nights in line with the will of The Creator, Allah سبحانه و تعالى, AlKhaleq. Those who have seen this happening, have been emerged in an amazing feeling of peace, independent of their circum-stances. They became free, they realized that they are slaves of only Allah سبحانه و تعالى, ArRahman. Noth-ing else matters. They still live in this dunya, but their sight and their vision is beyond the seventh heaven. They still mingle with people but their aim is to please Allah سبحانه و تعالى and to see the Face of Allah .for the firdaus el’ala سبحانه و تعالى when they reach firdaus el‘ala. We ask Allah سبحانه و تعالى

A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #18 May 2015

2) Life is meaningless if you are just having a fun ride in this dunya…lowest of the low. You have become so involved in amassing wealth, power, prestige, women, children, etc.

To a certain extent, we are living in this world as if we are going to stay here forever. The moment we start focusing too much in building our future in dunya, then reflect on the above ayat in Surah Al Kahf. Al is Al Qader, He created the existence and He also decreed its end. Our existence in this dunya is uncertain. In a nutshell, do I have the guarantee that I will be alive up till the end of this article? Will I finish it?

May Allah سبحانه و تعالى prolong our lives in goodness. Let’s work together and help each other in build-ing a dunya that does not make us forget Who is Allah سبحانه و تعالى and do not make us forget why we have been created.

It does not mean we do not live good lives and we do not enjoy the blessings that Allah سبحانه و تعالى has bestowed upon us. It only means that we use anything and everything good that we have in ways pleasing to Him. If our aim as we wake up in the morning is to please Allah سبحانه و تعالى in everything we do, in-cluding when we go out to earn a halal living and if we end the day, by thanking Allah سبحانه و تعالى for all we achieved and we ask Allah سبحانه و تعالى for a night in obedience of Allah سبحانه و تعالى, then sub-hana’ Allah, all 24 hours beithin Allah will be in ibadah, in worship of Allah سبحانه و تعالى. We would have achieved the objective of our days and nights, of our life:

وما خلقت ٱلجن وٱإلنس إال ليعبدون

And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). Surah Adh Dhariyat, ayah 56.

الحمدهلل رب العاملني

2

A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #18 May 2015

3

This Issue

Introduction: Pages 1 - 2

Names of Allah (SWT) - Al Jameel: Pages 4 - 10

The Real Superstars: Pages 11 - 12

Establishing an Identity: Pages 13 - 15

Biography of Prophet Mohammed (SAWS) A Quiz to refresh your memory: Page 15

Surah Yusuf: Pages 16 - 19

Foods from the Sunnah - Barley: Pages 20 - 24

Surah An-Naziat: Pages 25 - 27

Cheer Up!: Pages 28 - 29

Arabic: Pages 30 - 32

Masjid Bani Hashim: Pages 33 - 35

A Monthly Newsletter by Masjid Bani Hashim, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai Issue #18 May 2015

New

Al Jameel (اسم اهلل الجميل) – The Most Beautiful – Part 1

Where is this name found?The name of Allah Al Jameel (الجميل) is found and fixed in the Sunnah (هذا االسم

.(ثبت في السنة

Hadith:

(وعن عبد اهلل بن مسعود رضي اهلل عنه عن النبى صلى اهلل عليه وسلم قال: “ال يدخل الجنة من كان في قلبه

مثقال ذرة من كبر” فقال رجل” إن الرجل يحب أن يكون ثوبه حسنا ونعله حسنا؟ قال: “إن اهلل جميل يحب

لجمال الكبر بطر الحق وغمط الناس)

('Abdullah bin Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ملسو هيلع هللا ىلص) said, "He who has, in his heart, an ant's weight of arrogance will not enter Jannah." Someone said: "A man likes to wear beautiful clothes and shoes?" Messenger of Allah (ملسو هيلع هللا ىلص) said, "Allah is Beautiful, He loves beauty. Arrogance means ridiculing and rejecting the Truth and despising people.") – Muslim Book 1, Hadith 612

Meaning of the name of Allah Al Jameel (اسم اهلل الجميل)

Linguistic meaning (املعنى اللغوي)

So much beauty and illuminating (الحسن الكثير و البهاء). The opposite is ugly (قبح).

It can mean beauty in appearance (الجمال في الخلق) and beauty in character (الجمال .Beauty that is both inside and out .(في الفعل

Meaning in the Deen (املعنى الشرعي)

NAMES OF ALLAH

4

All beauty belongs to Him (الجمال كله له) and all beauty is from Him (الجمال كله منه). If you see a beautiful per-son, whether inside or out, it is not from themselves, but from Allah (swt).

All beauty – whether it is inner or outer beauty – in the duniya and akhira is from the impacts of Allah (swt)’s beauty, even the good character, good actions are all from Allah (swt) (كل جمال ظاهر او باطن في الدنيا و All of Allah (swt)’s creation is beautiful and if you were to collect all of it, it is nothing .(االخرة فمن آثار جمالهcompared to His (swt)‘s beauty, subhan Allah. This name helps us to be attached to Allah (swt) alone, be-cause we have the tendency to get attached to what is beautiful – so attach to Allah Al Jameel.

Four Levels to the Beauty of Allah (swt) (جمال اهلل على أربع مراتب)

1.Beautiful in His Self (جمال الذات):

It it is not detached from Him (swt), our beauty is given to us. So no one is beautiful on his own, except Al-lah (swt). No one can take away the beauty from Allah (swt). We can’t own our beauty and our beauty goes away, but not Allah (swt)’s. Allah (swt) is the Most Beautiful (اجمل من كل شيء), so when you see any-thing beautiful, remember that Allah (swt) is more beautiful. No one can realize or encompass the beauty of Allah (swt) (جماله ال يدركه أحد سواه). No matter how much we speak about Allah (swt) or think of Him (swt), He (swt) is beyond that – we are not giving Him (swt) His rights (ال يعلمه أحد من املخلوقني). And this makes us to long for Allah (swt), subhan Allah.

His beauty is screened (جماله محجوب):

The beauty of Allah (swt) is veiled with light, and if it that veil is lifted, it will burn the creation because of the beauty and glow of His face, subhan Allah.

Hadith:

(قال قال رسول اهلل ـ صلى اهلل عليه وسلم ـ “ إن اهلل ال ينام وال ينبغي له أن ينام يخفض القسط ويرفعه حجابه النور لو كشفها ألحرقت

بحات وجهه كل شىء أدركه بصره “)

(It was narrated that Abu Musa said: "The Messenger of Allah (saws) said: 'Allah does not sleep, and it is not befitting that He should sleep. He lowers the Scales and raises them. His Veil is Light, and if He were to remove it, the glory of his Face would burn everything of His creation, as far as His gaze reaches.') – Muslim Book 1, Hadith 201

Paradise is what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and never crossed the heart of a person (ما ال :(عني رأت و ال أذن سمعت و ال خطر على قلب بشر

Paradise is a creation of Allah (swt). And when the dwellers of paradise see Allah (swt) they will forget paradise and its delights (اذا رأوا ربهم و تمتعوا بجماله نسوا ما هم فيه من النعيم), subhan Allah.

5

The greatest delight and highest pleasure is to see the beauty of Allah (swt) (أعظم لذه و أعلى نيعم :(رؤية جمال اهلل

When you see Allah (swt), it will make you forget paradise, subhan Allah. May Allah (swt) make us to see Him and long to see Him without going through harm or trials. Ameen. The dwellers of paradise are of different levels – there are those who see Allah (swt) every morning and afternoon, others once a week. However you think about Allah (swt) is what you will get. The worst punishment in the hellfire is to not see Allah (swt) – this is the greatest torture. May Allah (swt) protect us. Ameen.

When the people of paradise see Allah (swt), their hearts will be longing even more to see Allah (swt), subhan Allah (كانت قلوبهم في شوق عظيم دائم لرؤية اهلل):

The day when people will see Allah (swt) is called ‘Yawm Al Mazeed’ (يوم املزيد) – The Day of Increase.

Hadith:

(آتاني جبريل عليه السالم وفي يده مرآة بيضاء ، فيها نكتة سوداء ؛ فقلت : ما هذه يا جبريل ؟ قال : هذه الجمعة يعرضها عليك ربك لتكون

لك عيدا ولقومك من بعدك ، تكون أنت األول ، وتكون اليهود والنصارى من بعدك قال : ما لنا فيها ؟ قال فيها خير لكم ، فيها ساعة من دعا

ربه فيها بخير هو له قسم إال أعطاه إياه ، أو ليس له بقسم إال ادخر له ما هو أعظم منه ، أو تعوذ فيها من شر هو عليه مكتوب ؛ إال أعاذه

، أو ليس عليه مكتوب ؛ إال أعاذه من أعظم منه قلت : ما هذه النكتة السوداء فيها ؟ قال : هذه الساعة تقوم يوم الجمعة ، وهو سيد األيام

عندنا ونحن ندعوه في اآلخرة يوم املزيد قال : قلت : لم تدعونه يوم املزيد ؟ قال : إن ربك عز وجل اتخذ في الجنة واديا أفيح من مسك

أبيض فإذا كان يوم الجمعة نزل تبارك وتعالى من عليني على كرسيه ، ثم حف الكرسي بمنابر من نور ، وجاء النبيون حتى يجلسوا عليها ،

ثم حف املنابر بكراسي من ذهب ، ثم جاء الصديقون والشهداء ، حتى يجلسوا عليها ، ثم يجيء أهل الجنة حتى يجلسوا على الكثيب ،

فيتجلى لهم ربهم تبارك وتعالى حتى ينظر إلى وجهه ، وهو يقول : أنا الذي صدقتكم وعدي ، وأتممت عليكم نعمتي ، هذا محل كرامتي ،

فسلوني ؛ فيسألونه الرضا ، فيقول عز وجل : رضائي أحلكم داري ، وأنالكم كرامتي ، فسلوني ؛ فيسألونه حتى تنتهي رغبتهم فيفتح لهم

عند ذلك ما ال عني رأت وال أذن سمعت ، وال خطر على قلب بشر إلى مقدار منصرف الناس يوم الجمعة ، ثم يصعد الرب تبارك وتعالى على

كرسيه ، فيصعد معه الشهداء والصديقون – أحسبه قال – ويرجع أهل الغرف إلى غرفهم دره بيضاء ، ال فصم فيها وال وصم أو ياقوتة

حمراء ، أو زبرجدة خضراء ، منها غرفها وأبوابها مطردة فيها أنهارها ، متدلية فيها ثمارها ، فيها أزواجها وخدمها ، فليسوا إلى شيء

حوج منهم إلى يوم الجمعة ليزدادوا فيه كرامة ، وليزدادوا فيه نظرا إلى وجهه تبارك وتعالى ، ولذلك دعي ) يوم املزيد () –

Jibreel (as) came to the Prophet (pbuh) and had a white mirror in his hand that had a black dot. So the Prophet (pbuh) asked, what is this? And he said this is Friday. And Friday is the best day in the week, and in paradise, it is called Yawm Al Mazeed. So the Prophet (pbuh) asked why? He said, Your Lord made a valley in paradise that has a fragrance greater than white musk. And on that Day, Allah (swt) will come down from His throne to His kursi, and the kursi will be encompassed with platforms of light and all of the messengers will be seated, then it will be encompassed with chairs of gold and all the martyrs will be seated, and then the dwellers of paradise will come out of their dwellings, and they will be seated on a dune of musk. But those who are sitting on the dunes will not see themselves as being lower, everyone feels satisfied with what they have. Then Allah – Owner of Majesty and Honor – will say, ‘Ask me’. They will ask for the pleasure of Allah (swt), then He will say, ‘My pleasure is to make you dwell in My place (paradise) and you will be honored.’ Then Allah (swt) will say, ‘Ask me’. Then all will say, ‘We ask you

6

Your pleasure’, then Allah (swt) will bear witness to His (swt) pleasure. Then He (swt) will say, ‘Ask me’. Then each person will individually ask, then Allah (swt) will open for them what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and what has not crossed the heart ) - الراوي:أنس بن مالكاملحدث:األلباني - املصدر:صحيح الترغيب- الصفحة أو الرقم:3761 خالصة حكم املحدث:حسن لغيره

When the people of paradise see Allah (swt), then their pleasure will increase and they will be even more beautiful. And when they see Allah (swt) they will know Him more, and this excitement will be-come multiplied and their love for Him will increase, subhan Allah.

From His Arsh to His kursi will be the Messengers, and Martyrs , and Allah SWT will be pleased with them in Yawmul Mazeed.

2.Beautiful in His names (جمال األسماء):

All of the names of Allah (swt) are the most beautiful (اسماء اهلل كلها حسنى). What does ‘husna’ mean? It means the names of Allah (swt) reach the max in beauty and goodness (بلغت من الحسن غايته). Even the Prophet (pbuh) encouraged us to call our children beautiful names in meaning and sound because you will carry it all your life. Surah Al ‘Araf 180:

وهلل ٱألسمآء ٱلحسنى فٱدعوه بہا

And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allâh, so call on Him by them) – Because Allah (swt) has the most beautiful names, you need to call Him (swt) by these names. Don’t call Him (swt) by names that He (swt) did not call Himself.

3.Beautiful in His attributes (جمال الصفات):

The names of Allah (swt) are beautiful and the attributes of Allah (swt) can be found in the Quran. The attributes are the description, and we can find out about Allah (swt)’s mercy, kindness, knowledge, etc – all from the Quran. How will you know about Allah (swt)? From His (swt) speech in the Quran. When you read His (swt) book, you will know about Him (swt)– you will know about His (swt) mercy, wisdom, kindness. If you want Allah (swt) to speak to you, then read the Quran. Anytime you want to speak to Allah (swt), then make a dua’a and pray, subhan Allah. All of these are great blessings from Allah (swt). Allah (swt) has the highest/max in attributes (اعلى الصفات), the most perfect (أكملها), and the most vast (أوسعها). Our attributes are limited – our mercy, our knowledge is all limited. But the mercy and knowledge of Allah (swt) is vast. The Face, Hands, Shin, Light, Eyes are all descriptions of Allah (swt) – we need to affirm it, but we don’t know how.

A person has a mix of good and bad qualities – but Allah (swt) has all the good qualities and there is nothing missing (لم يبق صفة كمال اال اتصف بها), subhan Allah.

7

No one can encompass the attributes of Allah (swt) (ال تحيط الخالئق بصفاته). No matter how much we do, we cannot reach what Allah (swt) deserves, the angels will say ‘we did not worship you as you deserve to be worshipped’, subhan Allah. But Allah (swt) still accepts our insufficient deeds. That’s why entering paradise is a favor and mercy from Allah (swt). Knowing about Allah (swt) purifies the heart, and it makes you know who you are and Who is Allah (swt), subhan Allah.

4.Beautiful in His actions (جمال األفعال):

The actions of Allah (swt) can be found in the Quran, and all of His (swt) actions are the most beautiful. When you gather all of the actions of Allah (swt), then they go around between two things (أفعال اهلل دائرة :(بني

Favor (الفضل):

When Allah (swt) rewards, honors, guides, elevates, gives – it is all favor, subhan Allah. Allah (swt) is praised and thanked for all of His favors (يحمد و يشكر عليها). When something good happens to you, then you say (الحمد هلل الذي بنعمته تتم الصالحات) – All praises to Allah (swt) that by His (swt) blessings all goodness are completed.

Justice (العدل):

When Allah (swt) punishes, humiliates, withholds – these are all justice, subhan Allah. When Allah (swt) doesn’t give or takes away, it is never unjust. To enter paradise is a favor from Allah (swt), and the hellfire is the justice of Allah (swt) – it is not unjust. Allah (swt) deals with good doers with favor and evildoers with justice. When Allah (swt) deals justly with you, you need to praise Allah (swt) (يحمد عليها). When some-thing bad happens to you, then you say (الحمد هلل على كل حال) – All praises to Allah (swt) in all cases. Allah (swt) loves the praise and loves those who praise Him, Alhamdulliah.

None of the actions of Allah (swt) are:

Vain/random (عبث)

Foolish (سفه)

Unjust (ظلم)

All of the actions of Allah (swt) are:

Guidance (هدى):

For example, a leaf that falls might be a means to guidance for someone, subhan Allah. Or someone comes and speaks to you, and it is a means of guidance for you. Allah (swt) does not bring people ran-domly to you, there is always wisdom. And when you know about Allah (swt) it makes you content in life. Everything in life is guidance, but we don’t see it, subhan Allah.

8

Light (نور):

All of Allah (swt)’s actions give clarity.

Mercy (رحمة):

All of the actions of Allah (swt) are merciful.

Good (خير)

All of the beauty in the duniya and akhira are just traces of His (swt) beauty (كل جمال في الدنيا و اآلخرة من .subhan Allah ,(آثار جماله

We praise Allah (swt) in this dua’a:

I cannot praise You enough, You are as You have praised Yourself

ال أحصي ثناء عليك أنت كما أثنيت على نفسك

Applications1.Allah (swt) has revealed upon His (swt) servants to be dressed, even accessorized and adorned in order to make the person beautiful from the outside, but according to what pleases Allah (swt).

)أن اهلل أنزل على عباده لباسا و ريشا و زينة تجمل ظواهرهم(.

Not according to what pleases the shaitan – not to uncover, display the beauty, change the nose, etc.

2.Allah (swt) has revealed upon His servants to have taqwa, which will give them inner-beauty

)انزل على عباده تقوى تجمل بواطنهم(

Surah Al ‘Araf 26:

رون) ا ولباس ٱلتقوى ذلك خير ذلك من ءايـت ٱهلل لعلهم يذك ا يوٲرى سوءٲتكم وريش يـبنى ءادم قد أنزلنا عليكم لباس

(O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts) and as an adornment, and the raiment of righteousness, that is better. Such are among the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, that they may remember (i.e. leave falsehood and follow truth)

Allah (swt) is addressing all of the children of Adam – all believers and disbelievers. Your beauty in front of Allah (swt) is your ‘gown of taqwa’. Sometimes people might hit your weak spot, but you should cover yourself with taqwa. Or people might misunderstand you, but Allah (swt) will never mis-understand you, subhan Allah. So the inner and outer gowns are all signs of Allah (swt), imagine when you open your closet and you see your clothes and remember that it is all from Allah (swt), you are rewarded for this, subhan Allah.

9

3.Allah (swt) beautifies the dwellers of paradise (اهلل الجميل جمل أهل الجنة)

Surah Al Insan 11-12:

وسرورا (١١) وجزٮهم بما صبروا جنة وحريرا (١٢) فوقٮهم ٱهلل شر ذلك ٱليوم ولقٮهم نضرة

(So Allâh saved them from the evil of that Day, and gave them Nadhrah (a light of beauty) and joy. (11) And their recompense shall be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient. (12))

One day in paradise is different from two days, one year, one thousand years – you will become more beautiful and joyful as the days go by, subhan Allah.

اهلل الجميل و هو الذي يجمل

Allah is Al Jameel and He is The One Gives Beauty

Impact of the Name of Allah (swt)

One of the impact is that it will strengthen the love of Allah (swt) and the more you know about the beauty of Allah (swt) you see everything beautiful till your heart becomes empty and filled of Love of Allah (swt) only.

Allah (swt) also loves when you beautify yourself. You need to beautify yourself outside and inside ac-cording with things that Allah (swt) loves. You beautify your body ... You usually do but when you do it to please Allah Al Jameel you get rewarded.

Also beautify your limbs, how? With obedience.

How can your eyes be beautiful? By seeing all good things in the creation.

Your tongue? By saying good things.

Hands? By giving in charity and so on.

Beautify your inside with Ihsaan, Shukoor, Taqwa, Rajaa:

Thank Allah (swt) for the blessings He (swt) has favored you with. If you have been blessed with money, then show it through the way you dress.

10

In this issue of The Real Superstars, we continue with the Sahaba who was known for his shyness and modesty- Uthman Bin Affan (RA).

As Salabee writes in his biography of Uthman Bin Affan (RA), "The Lord has made humility one of the main characteristics of His believ-ing slaves. The Rightly-Guided Caliph 'Uth-man also had this characteristic, which stemmed from his sincerity towards Allah (SWT). It was narrated that 'Abd-Allah al-Roomi said: 'Uthman ibn 'Affan used to get his wudoo' water for himself when he got up to pray at night. It was said to him Why don't you tell your servant to do it for you? He said: No; the night is for them to rest. This is an ex-ample of the mercy that was characteristic of the caliph 'Uthman. Even though he (RA) was older and of a high social status, he (RA) would help himself (RA) at night and not wake up the servants, even though Allah (SWT) has placed the servants at the service of their mas-

ters. The Muslim to whom Allah (SWT) has given servants should remember that the ser-vant is a human being like him: he has limited energy and he has feelings, so he should re-spect his feelings and let him rest fully when he sleeps, so that his work will not be too diffi-cult for him".

Uthman (RA) was also very deeply attached to the Qur'an.He (RA) loved to live with the Book of Allah (SWT). It was narrated that the sahaba who used to learn the Qur'an from the Prophet(SAWS) would not go beyond what they had learned until they had imbibed the knowledge contained in them, and had put them into action. Uthman (RA) had recited the entire Qur'an to Prophet(SAWS) before he (SAWS) passed away. ‘Uthman (RA) had memorized all of the Qur'an and he (RA) read Qur’an all the time. When he (RA) was asked about it, he (RA) said: “It is blessed and was brought by a blessed one.”

When ‘Uthman (RA) died,his (RA)’s Mus-haf was worn out because he (RA) had read from it so much. (Al-Bidayah wa'n-Nihayah). The wife of ‘Uthman (RA) said on the day when he (RA) was besieged: Either kill him or leave him alone, for by Allah, he would recite the whole Qur’an in one rak’ah when praying qiyam al-layl.

SubhanAllah such were our predecessors.. how far have we come, how much we have deviated. When we read about the sahabas , we should not read them as stories, as something with which we increase our knowledge in, rather we

THE REAL SUPERSTARS

11

should read their stories so that it increases us in emaan and good character. May Allah (SWT) make it easy for us to follow more than we read. Ameen,

As we all know Uthman Bin Affan (RA) was the 3rd Caliph after Abu Bakr and  Omar(May Allah be pleased with them). Uthman (RA) reigned for twelve years and during his (RA) rule all of Iran, most of North Africa, the Caucasus and Cyprus were added to the Islamic empire.

He (RA) was the first Caliph to organize a navy. He (RA) reorganized the administrative divisions of the Muslim Caliphate. He (RA) made huge ef-forts to better the economic conditions of the muslims of that time. He (RA) expanded and initi-ated many public projects. ‘Urwah bin az-Zubayr said "I lived at the time of ‘Uthmaan and there was not a single Muslim who did not have a right to the wealth of Allah [i.e. the Bayt al-maal]." [Al-Musannaf fil-Hadeeth, 3/1023]. Per-haps Uthmaan (RA)’s most important contribu-tion to the Muslim Ummah was his (RA) compila-tion of the Quran.

Various Muslim centers, like Kufa and Damas-cus, had begun to develop their own traditions for reciting and writing down the Qur'an. When ‘Uthmaan (RA ) heard of the differences among the people, he (RA) consulted the Companions who were still alive at this time, such as ‘Ali (RA), Talhah (RA), al-Zubayr (RA) and others, and they (RA) suggested compiling the Qur'an in one style, so that the people would not differ. He (RA) formed a four-man committee headed by Zayd ibn Thaabit (RA ). They (RA) compiled the Qur’an in one style, copied and distributed it to the vari-ous regions so that the people could rely on it and so as to put an end to disputes.

According to tradition, the process of collecting the surahs (chapters) of the Qur'an had started under Umar (RA), who instructed Zaid ibn Thabit (RA), who had served as one of Muhammad (SAWS)'s scribes, to begin gathering the various written pieces together. Some have it that a manuscript (Mushaf) existed during Abu Bakr (RA)'s caliphate and that the Prophet (SAWS) himself had determined the order of the surahs.

With regard to the seven recitations or ten recita-tions, they are present in what was compiled by ‘Uthmaan (RA), and have to do with adding a let-ter or omitting a letter, or elongating or shorten-ing a vowel. All of that is included in the one style that ‘Uthmaan (RA) compiled. The intention be-hind that was to preserve the word of Allah (SWT) and protect people from differences that could harm them or cause fitnah among them.

Allah (SWT) has not enjoined reciting it in the seven styles, rather the Prophet (SAWS) said: “Recite whichever is easiest.”

...To be continued

12

Do you ever ponder ‘Who am I?’ and ‘What is my identity?’ Before even trying to tackle these questions we need to ask ‘Why do we even need an identity?’

Identity means different things to different people. There are many debates as to what constitutes to an identity, does it solely take place in the realms of our mind, is it a reflection of our social rank, personality or gender, is it embedded in culture or does it reflect our nationality or our physical appearance? Most of us would agree that the above criteria is not exhaus-tive in promoting conflicts and differences than we would care to accept.

Day to day our friends, families and society’s relent-less efforts in bombarding us to confirm to a particu-lar image can be overwhelming; we are at times left struggling to establish a balance between self-perceived identity and the image reflected by the community.

Our identity should simply be the means to try and understand ourselves in the world that we live in; if we were to enrich it with some meaning, some direc-tion and purpose to our lives then we would define our identity in relation to none other than our Creator - Allah (SWT). Our submittal to the Will of Allah (SWT) can help us to create a purposeful identity given to us by no other than Allah (SWT).

Allah (SWT) tells us in the Quran,

طيبة‌ ا من ذڪر أو أنثى وهو مؤمن فلنحيينه ۥ حيوة من عمل صـلح

لنجزينهم أجرهم بأحسن ما ڪانوا يعملون

‘Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily, to them will We give a new Life, a life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions’ (Surat An-Naĥl 16:97).

Establishing an identity means we are not living aim-lessly, the process to establish an identity itself acts as an anchoring process pulling us towards a sense of belonging, a sense of realization and a develop-ment of self-consciousness. From a moral code per-spective, self-consciousness becomes a personal un-derstanding of the very core of one's own identity.

It is probable that we do tend to lose some of our identity at times and this is when we are likely to seek our sense of self-worth from others. Our own self-image can become polluted. Seeing ourselves in light of others doesn’t work all the time as we cannot see ourselves for who we truly are. Praise and criti-cism do not add to us; we need to see ourselves and our identity only in light of Allah (SWT).

13

Establishing an Identity

Allah (SWT) tells us in the Quran,

بلى قـدرين على أن نسوى بنانه

‘Yes, We are able to put together in perfect order the very tips of his fingers’ (Surat Al-Qiyāmah 75:4).

Each and everyone of us are different as empha-sized in the above verse. Every person in this world has a set of unique fingerprints. Fingerprints retain their characteristics from before we are born and re-main until for a lifetime. We also have different per-sonalities; life too is known to throw different opportu-nities and challenges at us. We should all try to work on our own predisposition. We need to not only try to recognize the type of personality Allah (SWT) has given us, but refine our personalities, work with our opportunities and challenges to make the most from

it. We should try to recognize our weaknesses too and surround ourselves with people who can sup-port you and me to defeat these weaknesses. Failure is not always bad as it exposes those areas that we need to work on.

Allah (SWT) has said to us in the Quran,

إن ٱهلل ال يغير ما بقوم حتى يغيروا ما بأنفسہم‌

‘Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a peo-ple until they change what is in themselves’ (Surat Ar-Ra`d 13:11].

Living up to our identity can be strenuous having to cope with new demands and expectations from a modern society, but we need to take whatever is beneficial and avoid whatever is harmful. We need

to try and face our realities and we can do this by seek reflection through our Quran. This will enable us to develop clarity about who we are and what pur-pose we serve thus guiding us to consciously and actively turn these into a reality.

Allah (SWT) has said to us in the Quran:

فمآ أوتيتم من شىء فمتـع ٱلحيوة ٱلدنيا‌ وما عند ٱهلل خير وأبقى للذين

لون امنوا وعلى ربہم يتوك

‘So whatever thing you have been given - it is but [for] enjoyment of the worldly life. But what is with Al-lah is better and more lasting for those who have be-lieved and upon their Lord rely’ (Surah Ash-Shuraa 42:36).

Our deen provides us with a sense of belonging, to-wards unity and praying in one direction towards the Qiblah.

We need to identify with an infallible source of guid-ance so let’s start to find and establish that connec-tion with our Creator - Allah (SWT). This will help de-fine and establish our identity.

Islam is the rope of Allah (SWT) which He (SWT) has ordered us to hold firmly. Allah (SWT) tells us is in the Quran:

‌ وٱذكروا نعمت ٱهلل عليكم إذ كنتم ا وال تفرقوا وٱعتصموا بحبل ٱهلل جميع

أعدآء فألف بني قلوبكم فأصبحتم بنعمتهۦ إخوٲنا وكنتم على شفا حفرة

ٱهلل لكم ءايـتهۦ لعلكم تہتدون ن ٱلنار فأنقذكم منہا‌ كذٲلك يبني14

‘And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favour of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you be-came, by His favour, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided’ (Surat Al-Imran 3:103).

We can have everything, families, loved ones and friends, however each and every one of us came alone to this world and will leave alone. Let’s start to make daily plans for akhira, let’s hold ourselves to a higher standard, constantly checking on our-selves and our identity in the light of the Quran. In order to achieve our akhira goals, the quest for knowledge should be alive and kicking. Our ef-forts along with supplication will help us in reach-ing our identity, insha-Allah.

15

Establishing an Identity

Biography of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)

A Quiz to refresh your memory1.Who took care of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) af-ter the death of Abdul Muttalib?

2.How old was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) when his grandfather Abdul Muttalib died?

3.When did Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) travel to Syria and with whom?

4.Who was Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her)?

5.Why did she (Khadijah) want to marry Mu-hammad (p.b.u.h.)?

6.When did she (Khadijah) marry Muham-mad (p.b.u.h.)?

7.How old was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) at the time of the marriage?

8.What did he (the Prophet) give her (Khadi-jah) as Mahr (dowry)?

9.Was Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) a widow?

10.How was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) known in the society?

11.Did he get any sort of education?

12.What should one say when the Prophet's (p.b.u.h.) name is mentioned?

13.How many times is the name of Muham-mad mentioned in the Holy Quran?

14.What are the names of the Prophet’s (p.b.u.h.) uncles?

15.Did his uncle Abu Talib accept Islam?

• Answers on page 27

سورة يوسف

Surah Yusuf # 4-7

إذ قال يوسف ألبيه يا أبت إني رأيت أحد عشر كوكب ا

مس والقمر رأيتهم لي ساجدين الش

[Of these stories mention] when Yusuf said to his father : O my father, indeed I have seen [in a dream] eleven stars and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me - 12:4

The story opens with a conversation between a fa-ther and his most beloved son, both messengers, gentle and kind. Yusuf begins the story by narrat-ing his dream to his father.

إذ قال يوسف ألبيه

[Of these stories mention] when Yusuf said to his father. This is a way of saying: Remember oh Mo-hammad صلى اهلل عليه و سلم. 

The son is so close to his father, he tells him every-thing, and the father focuses complete attention to what his son is telling him. The bond between par-ents and children should be strong, so that the parents can give the best advice, and the children avail by this advice. 

The father يعقوب ابن إسحاق ابن إبراهيم ابن آزر

Aazar, the father of Ibrahim, was a disbeliever; from him sprang a whole chain of messengers and prophets.

يا أبت

Oh my father

The form of address used by Yusuf عليه السالم for his father Ya'qub عليه السالم shows love, respect and the gentleness of his character. Ya'qub عليه عليه السالم had twelve sons, and loved Yusuf السالمthe most. Love cannot be controlled; you love all your children, treat all of them the same, with jus-tice, but in your heart, one is the dearest. You must not show this partiality, but it cannot be controlled. The youngest child is usually the most beloved. There is a saying in Arabic: 

الصغير حتى يكبر

املسافر حتى يرجع

املريض حتى يشفى

One is young until grown up

16

One is a traveller until he goes back

One is sick until he is cured

إني رأيت أحد عشر كوكبا

Indeed I saw eleven planets

The dream of Yusuf عليه السالم was رؤيا حقيقة , a true vision. The visions of messengers and proph-ets are always true.

مس والقمر رأيتهم والش

The sun and the moon I saw them

The verb رأى is used twice in different forms to emphasize the fact that it was a clear and unfor-gettable vision. 

لي

To me

This ضمير or pronoun is positioned before the خبر or predicate in the sentence, to emphasize.

ساجدين

Prostrating 

Ya'qub عليه السالم was given the gift of being able to interpret dreams by Allah (SWT). This dream was very clear: the eleven planets were the broth-ers of Yusuf عليه السالم, the sun and moon being the father and mother respectively. The prostra-tion pointed to a high rank for Yusuf عليه السالم in the future. Ya'qub عليه السالم knew the dream would come true, but he did not know how. For this dream to become true, Yusuf عليه السالم had to go through different stages in life. This dream was glad tidings from Allah (SWT) for Yusuf عليه for him to keep going during all the trials in ,السالمhis life. 

Everything in life is through means. Allah (SWT) is القادر, Overpowering, He (SWT) can make any-thing happen by saying كن}}, but He (SWT) wants us to struggle to appreciate the blessing, and get the honor. 

قال يا بني ال تقصص رؤياك على إخوتك فيكيدوا لك كيدا

نسان عدو مبني يطان لإل إن الش

He said : O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers or they will contrive against you a plan. Indeed Shaitan, to man, is a manifest en-emy. 12:5

Ya'qub عليه السالم advised his son as soon as he heard his dream.

قال يا بني

He said "oh my son"

He used gentle and kind words to talk to his son. 

ال تقصص رؤياك على إخوتك

do not relate your vision to your brothers

do not ; this is an order :

The dream would be difficult for the brothers to accept, because Yusuf عليه السالم, their younger brother, got the honor of the Prophecy of a high status in the future.

فيكيدوا لك كيدا

or they will contrive against you a plan

Now he عليه السالم was given his reason. Children must be given a reason when told to do some-thing. This is a rule of التربية, or bringing up chil-dren. Do not twist the truth, or scare them; tell them the reason truthfully.

17

Ya'qub عليه السالم knew the nature of all his sons; he عليه السالم was knew they were jealous of Yusuf This is usually the instinct of the .عليه السالمmother, but because Ya'qub عليه السالم spent so much time with his عليه السالم children, he عليه had insight into their hearts. Allah (SWT) السالمdid not use the word {على}, upon; this would have a stronger impact. 

The sons of Ya'qub عليه السالم could not control their nature, they were jealous of Yusuf عليه السالم. Their father was of the opinion that they were not all bad, they also had good in them. He عليه السالم felt they envied Yusuf عليه السالم, but would not harm him. Ya'qub عليه السالم didn't consider the fact that the jealousy could trigger an evil streak in them. 

نسان عدو مبني يطان لإل إن الش

Indeed Satan, to man, is a manifest enemy

Ya'qub عليه السالم also did not want Yusuf عليه السالم to hate his brothers. At the same time, he عليه Dreams .عليه السالم wanted to warn Yusuf السالمshould not be narrated to anyone but those you love, and you know they love you. If misinter-preted, that version could come true. 

وكذلك يجتبيك ربك ويعلمك من تأويل األحاديث ويتم نعمته

ها على أبويك من قبل إبراهيم وإسحاق ليك كما أتم

إن ربك عليم حكيم

And thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of narratives and complete

His favor upon you and upon the family of Ya'qub, as He completed it upon your fathers be-fore, Ibrahim  and Ishaq. Indeed, your Lord is Knowing and Wise. 12:6

Dreams are not straightforward stories, they have symbols which need to be interpreted. These vi-sions are rare. There are different dreams in this surah, which have significance to the story; the dream of the fellow prisoners  of Yusuf عليه السالم and the dream of the king, which comes later are pivotal in the story of Yusuf عليه السالم. 

This was a good dream. Ya'qub عليه السالم, which first warned Yusuf عليه السالم, then gave him glad tidings.

وكذلك يجتبيك ربك

And thus your Lord chooses you

Allah (SWT) knows which of His (SWT) slaves can carry the responsibility of the message. He (SWT) chose Yusuf عليه السالم, the one who de-served it. Ya'qub عليه السالم did not praise Yusuf but attributed the choice to Allah ,عليه السالم(SWT). 

ويعلمك من تأويل األحاديث

and teach you the interpretation of narratives

18

The dreams are like narrations. All the other mes-sengers had also to struggle to convey the Di-vine message. For Yusuf عليه السالم, there were dif-ferent trials, which in themselves were a دعوة, call-ing to Islam. When you are on the straight path, there are always obstacles in the beginning. You cannot reach your goal without going through trials. 

ويتم نعمته عليك وعلى آل يعقوب

and complete His favor upon you and upon the family of Jacob

This includes all the other brothers. Some schol-ars say they were all messengers later.

إسحاق ها على أبويك من قبل إبراهيم و كما أتم

as He completed it upon your fathers before, Abraham and Isaac

The two fathers who came before Ya'qub عليه .عليه السالم and Ishaq عليه السالم are Ibrahim السالمThe father of Ibrahim عليه السالم was a disbeliever, so he is not mentioned. The chain starts from Ibrahim عليه السالم , أبو األنبياء, the father of the messengers. 

إن ربك عليم حكيم

Indeed, your Lord is Knowing and Wise

Our رب is All Knowing, His (SWT) knowledge en-compasses every thing in the universe. He (SWT) is with you, with His (SWT) knowledge, through all your difficulties. He (SWT) knows what you feel. Be attached to Allah (SWT), rely on Him (SWT). Allah (SWT) knows what is in your heart. 

Our رب is All Wise. Whatever happens is due to a wisdom, which you might or might not realize. Nothing in this world is random, or a coinci-dence; everything is planned meticulously, ac-cording to His (SWT) perfect wisdom.

These words were gems of advice from Ya'qub inspired by Allah ,عليه السالم to Yusuf عليه السالم(SWT). They were carried by Yusuf عليه السالم in his heart as a comfort, throughout his trials. After many years of struggle, at last victory would be his. 

ائلني إخوته آيات للس لقد كان في يوسف و

Certainly were there in Yusuf and his brothers signs for those who ask. 12:7

There are two kinds of questioners or سائلني 

with the tongue : لسان املقال

with facial expressions : لسان الحال

The story of Yusuf عليه السالم answers both kinds of questions. At the end of the surah, all your es-sential questions will be answered, those that will reform you in this world and in the Hereafter. Al-lah (SWT) gave you intellect to develop a noble character. 

Every question has an answer : لكل سؤال جواب

19

Evidence of the beginning of cultivated barley goes back to the Middle East, 6,000 years ago. The fifth largest cultivated cereal crop in the world, the Barley crops are cultivated during the sea-son of rabi crops and utilized in various forms including the Bar-ley flour. The plants of barley are very similar to wheat and the seeds are elongated in shape in comparison to wheat with a cov-ering of light yellow color. Prophet Muhammad (saws) liked it very much and used it in various forms such as barley bread.

During the period of the Prophet (saws), generally the people ei-ther used to eat the barley bread or mix the wheat flour with bar-ley flour to prepare the bread generally. One boy used to sell the preparation from beetroots and barley at the gate of Masjid-e-Nabwi on every Friday and it is said that holy companions liked this preparation as much as they used to wait for Friday eagerly. Ummul Manzar states that the Prophet (saws) along with Ali (RA) came to our house, we had the dates and those were presented to them. Both of them ate from those dates. When Ali (RA) con-sumed a little of those, the Prophet (saws) said, "You recently re-covered from illness, hence you are weak, hence don’t eat more. Therefore, that lady prepared a dish from barley and beetroot.

FOODS FROM THE SUNNAH : BARLEY

THE PROPHET (SAWS) RECOMMENDED BARLEY TO CURE GRIEF'S OF HEART AND AILMENTS OF KIDNEY

20

Then, the Prophet (saws) told Ali "eat from it, it is better for you". (Ibn-e-Maja, Sanad-e-Ahmed, Tir-mizi)

This proves that after illness, the preparation made from barley and beetroots is a very good tonic for weak persons.

Anas Bin Malik (RA) states that a tailor invited the Prophet (saws) for a meal. He prepared the bar-ley bread and meat with Pumpkin. The Prophet (saws) very affectionately ate the pumpkin pieces from the curry. (Bukhari, Muslim)

The barley gruel was especially prepared after boiling barley with milk and sweetened with honey. That preparation was called as Talbina. Whenever a person of the family of Muhammad (saws) fell sick then it was ordered that the bar-

ley gruel should be prepared for him. Then he used to state, "it removes the grief of the patients heart, removes its weakness as any of you re-moves the dirt from your face after washing it". (Ibn Maja)

Aisha (R.A) used to order preparation of Talbina for a sick person and used to say "though the pa-tient dislike it, but it is highly beneficial for him. (Bukhari)

It was narrated from Aisha (R.A) that if a member of her family died, the women would gather to-gether, then they would depart, except her own

relatives and close friends. She would order that a pot of talbinah be cooked, then some thareed would be made and the talbinah would be poured over it. Then she would say: Eat some of it, for I heard the Messen-ger of Allah (saws) say: “Talbinah soothes the heart of the sick person, and it takes away some of the grief.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5101; Muslim, 2216. 

Some Benefits of Barley

According to the scholars of hadith, barley is very nutritious and provides energy for the body, besides this is also beneficial in pharyngitis and cough. It resolves the in-flammation of the stomach (Gastritis), ex-pels the toxins from the body and a good diuretic. It quenches the thirst. Barley water is a good remedy in kidney problem, to quench the thirst and provide the best nutri-tion for indisposed and weak persons.

Preparation of Barley water is described by Ibn Al-Qayyim. According to him, barley with five times water should be boiled, till the contents be-come 3/4 and the colour of the mixture becomes milky.

21

Scientists have found the following items during the chemical synthesis of barley- albuminoids, starch, fat, fiber, ash and water. Chemical compo-sition shows that it contains the fat in the form of Leucosine Gluten Albumen, the compound of Ni-trogen as palmatic Acid, Salisylic Acid, Phos-phoric Acid. Besides, it contains Hypoxanthens. British Pharmacopoeia recommends Malt extract for internal use. It contains 4 per cent Proteins, the enzymes for digestion of carbohydrates and vitamins. Some scientists also indicate the pres-ence of Arsenic in the barley grain.

The ancient physicians explained various experi-ences regarding the use of barley. Ibn Sina says that the blood produced by consuming barley is neutral, pure and of low consistency.

Health Benefits of Barley

Barley is low in fat and is known to reduce crav-ings. Therefore it is very useful to those who want to lose weight. It acts as an appetite sup-pressant making people feel like they have eaten more than they really have.

Barley is a highly soluble fiber and can reduce blood cholesterol and blood glucose levels. It helps in reducing the cholesterol level in the body as the dietary fiber in barley binds to bile acids and helps dispose them through the fe-ces. Consuming Barley is said to soothe and calm the bowels. Dietary fiber in Barley is help-

ful in making your digestive system run smoothly and maintaining a healthy colon. The friendly bacteria present in the large intestine ferment the insoluble fiber content of the bar-ley to form butyric acid which functions as the main fuel for intestinal cells. The insoluble fiber in barley is also said to help women fight against the formation of gallstones.

The Copper present in barley is known to be helpful in reducing the symptoms of rheuma-toid arthritis. Copper helps in maintaining the flexibility in blood vessels, bones and joints.

Barley is rich in niacin, which is highly effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and blood clots.

Barley is also good for persons suffering from diabetes and can take the place of normal food where rice is prohibited. Barley may be an even better breakfast choice than oats for people with Type 2 diabetes. Consuming bar-ley is known to reduce substantially the risk of diabetes.

Barley can prove to be extremely helpful in cur-ing childhood asthma.

It is easy to digest and can be given to the sick.

Barley is diuretic, brings clear urine and is use-ful in fevers. It can be used as a nutrient in

22

cases of mucus colitis or simple diarrhea with fever.

Barley contains Selenium which is helpful in pre-serving the elasticity of the skin and protects it from radical damage. It also has Manganese which works with the B complex vitamins and gives an overall feeling of well being.

Barley grass is used in traditional Chinese medi-cine. It rich in vitamins A, C, B1, B2, folic acid, B12, calcium, iron, potassium and chlorophyll. It has been prescribed to fight diseases of the spleen or poor digestion. It has also been util-ized to treat conditions such as depression or emotional imbalance. Barley grass is a powerful antioxidant that is believed to help the body kill cancer cells and overcome a variety of ail-ments, including acne and ulcers.

Talbinah

Ibn al-Qayyim said: If you want to know the vir-tue of talbinah, then think of the virtue of barley water, for it is barley water for them. It is a soup that is made from barley flour with bran. The dif-ference between it and barley water is that the latter is made from whole grains, whereas talbi-nah is made from flour, which is more beneficial as the properties of the barley are released through grinding. We have mentioned above that habits have an effect on whether medicines and foods are of benefit. It was the habit of the people to drink barley water made from flour rather than whole grains, which is more nourish-ing and effective. Zaad al-Ma’aad, 4/120 

Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar (RA) said, describing talbinah: It is a kind of food that is made from flour or bran, to which honey may be added. It is so called because it resembles milk in its

whiteness and consistency. Its benefit is that it is soft and well-cooked, not hard and raw. Fath al-Baari, 9/550 

There is no doubt that barley has many benefits,

some of which have been discovered in modern studies, such as: lowering cholesterol, treating the heart, treating depression, treating high blood sugar and high blood pressure, softening the stools and soothing the colon. Studies have also demonstrated the importance of barley in reduc-ing the incidence of colon cancer. 

23

Barley flour has a mild, but very slightly nutty, flavor that complements both regular and whole grain flours. You can substitute it into a regular recipe for up to 1/2 of the ordinary flour without compromising the texture of the baked good. In fact, because it has a low gluten content, it can actually help to tenderize baked goods while still lending enough gluten to the recipe to allow it to rise properly. When compared to regular all-purpose flour, there are some nutritional benefits to barley. It has slightly fewer calories and more than 4 times the fiber of all-purpose. It also has slightly more fiber than whole wheat flour.

Dr. Sahba’ Bunduq said – after noting the benefits mentioned above and discussing them in detail: In this sense, talbinah is a pro-tection against diseases of the heart and circu-latory system, as it protects the arteries from arteriosclerosis – especially the major arteries of the heart. It also protects against angina, re-duction of blood supply and cardiac infarction. As for those who have actually been affected by these vascular and cardiac prob-lems, talbinah, with its health benefits, can play an important role in preventing their symptoms from getting worse. This shows the miraculous nature of the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): “Talbinah soothes the heart of the sick.”

Recipes:

Combined with hawthorn fruit, it is of benefit during the process of childbirth.

Barley water using 3 tablespoons of barley boiled in 3 cups of water for one hour and then strained and cooled is placed on the face as a skin freshener, meanwhile cleansing and sof-tening normal skin. After rinsing, any left over water can be refrigerated. Drinking barley wa-ter clears the skin.

Honey and orange juice can be added to make it more palatable. Added to diluted

cow's milk, it becomes a nutritional drink for young children.

Barley Soup – Yemen

1 cup dried barley, ½ cup dried lentils, 6 cups of water, 3 small diced onions, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tsp. turmeric, ½ tsp. ground black pepper, 1 cup of cooked chickpeas.

Fry onions in hot olive oil until golden. Com-bine in a saucepan with all the other ingredi-ents except for the chickpeas and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 - 1½ hours stirring occasionally. Add chickpeas near the end of cooking time. Serve hot.

Now maybe one can better understand why the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised its con-sumption for the sick and grieving. After all, it is at these times that one's poor appetite can en-courage further illness or even cause one to seek satisfaction from harmful substances. If one's mind is clear, one is also better able to re-spect the cycle of life. Subhan Allah!

24

بسم اهلل الرحمن الرحيم

This is a Makki surah. Here Allah subahanahu wa ta alaa swears by His (SWT) creation. Regard-ing the swearing of creation in this chapter, schol-ars are of different opinions. According to some the object of swear maybe the Angels or stars or winds , though the most popular opinion being that of Angels.

Ayat 1-5

ا (٣) ـبحـت سبح شطـت نشطا (٢) وٱلس زعـت غرقا (١) وٱلنـ وٱلنـ

ـبقـت سبقا (٤) فٱملدبرٲت أمرا (٥) ٱلس

There are some angels who are appointed to tear out the souls of wicked violently, and some others who are appointed to draw out the souls of the blessed, gently and smoothly. These an-gels move fast and carry out the divine com-mands. And In doing so, they race with each other.

Ayat 6-14

يوم ترجف ٱلراجفة (٦) تتبعها ٱلرادفة (٧) قلوب يومٮذ واجفة

(٨) أبصـرها خـشعة (٩) يقولون أءنا ملردودون فى ٱلحافرة (١٠)

(١٢) فإنما (١١) قالوا تلك إذا كرة خاسرة ا نخرة أءذا كنا عظـم

اهرة (١٤) (١٣) فإذا هم بٱلس هى زجرة وٲحدة

Here the signs and incidents of the great day are described. With the first blow of the trumpet the

universe will he destroyed. And with the second blow new life will begin. Some hearts (criminals, sinners, and unjust) that day  will tremble. Their eyes will look down in fear. This was because in the world they didn't believe in resurrection and mockingly questioned if they would be returned to former state after death - When  they have be-come rotten bones? 

The event of resurrection will neither  be difficult nor a complicated action for Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) will only command 'Be' and it will become. With the second blow all the bones of all the dead will be gathered again and they will be raised from the graves. 

Ayat 15-26

هل أتٮك حديث موسى (١٥) إذ نادٮه ربه ۥ بٱلواد ٱملقدس طوى

(١٦) ٱذهب إلى فرعون إنه ۥ طغى (١٧) فقل هل لك إلى أن

تزكى (١٨) وأهديك إلى ربك فتخشى (١٩) فأرٮه ٱألية ٱلكبرى

(٢٠) فكذب وعصى (٢١) ثم أدبر يسعى (٢٢) فحشر فنادى

(٢٣) فقال أنا ربكم ٱألعلى (٢٤) فأخذه ٱهلل نكال ٱألخر ة

ن يخشى (٢٦) ءأنتم أشد وٱألولى (٢٥) إن فى ذلك لعبرة مل

مآء‌ بنٮها (٢٧) خلقا أم ٱلس

After the considerable description in the former verses about resurrection, and its rejection by the disbelievers, the painful end of Firoun (Pha-roah) is pointed out to show the pagan arabs that, those who were stronger than them could

SOORAH AN-NAZIAT (79)

25

not stand against Allah (SWT)`s wrath & punish-ment. And at the same time encouraging the be-lievers not to be afraid of the apparent strength of their enemies because it is up to Allah (SWT) to destroy them all.

Ayat 27 -33

ٮها (٢٨) وأغطش ليلها وأخرج ضحٮها (٢٩) رفع سمكها فسو

وٱألرض بعد ذٲلك دحٮهآ (٣٠) أخرج منہا مآءها ومرعٮها (٣١)

ا لكم وألنعـمكم (٣٣) ٱلجبال أرسٮها (٣٢) متـع

Here Allah (SWT) is giving logical proof and won-derful explanation of His (SWT)‘s infinite power to prove the fact of Resurrection to those who have doubts in being returned to former state long af-ter death. After sowing a few samples of His (SWT)‘s infinite powers, Allah (SWT) is posing a question to them...'Is the creation of yours harder or that of the heavens with so many celestial bod-ies and endless galaxies?

Ayat 34-41

نسـن ما سعى ر ٱإل فإذا جآءت ٱلطآمة ٱلكبرى (٣٤) يوم يتذك

(٣٥) وبرزت ٱلجحيم ملن يرى (٣٦) فأما من طغى (٣٧) وءاثر

ٱلحيوة ٱلدنيا (٣٨) فإن ٱلجحيم هى ٱملأوى (٣٩) وأما من خاف

مقام ربهۦ ونهى ٱلنفس عن ٱلهوى (٤٠) فإن ٱلجنة هى ٱملأوى (

(٤

It explains the continuation of Resurrection Day. Those who have transgressed and preferred the life of this life (Dunya), hell is the abode for them. Those who feared his Lords presence and re-strained the soul from low desires, garden is the abode.

Ayat 42-46

اعة أيان مرسٮها (٤٢) فيم أنت من ذكرٮهآ سـلونك عن ٱلس

(٤٣) إلى ربك منتہٮهآ (٤٤) إنمآ أنت منذر من يخشٮها (٤٥

كأنہم يوم يرونہا لم يلبثوا إال عشية أ و ضحٮها (٤٦)

When disbelievers ask about the hour when it is going to come, Mohammed (SAWS) was only warned as he is only a warner and only Lord knows about it.

CONCLUSIONS….

1.

2.Day of resurrection

26

3.For rejectors--- Painful end of Firaun is a les-son.

4.Is our creation harder for Allah (SWT) or that of the heavens with so many celestial bodies and endless galaxies?

5."

6.No one knows about the time of hour, except Allah (SWT) and Prophet Mohammed (SAWS) is sent only as a warner to us.

27

Biography of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)

A Quiz to refresh your memory

1. His uncle Abu Talib.

2.About eight years old.

3.He went to Syria with his uncle Abu Talib when he was twelve years old.

4.She was a wealthy merchant of Makkah.

5.Because of his truthfulness and good con-duct.

6.When she was 40 years old.

7.He was 25.

8.Twenty camels.

9.Yes. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) was her third husband.

10.He was known as Al Ameen (Truthful) and Al Sadiq (trustworthy).

11.No, he was illiterate.

12.One should say (May the peace and bless-ings of Allah be upon him).

13.Four times.

14.They are: Harith, Zubair, Abu Talib, Hamzah (May Allah be pleased with him), Abu Lahab, Ghidaq, Maqwam, Safar and Ab-bas (May Allah be pleased with him).

15.No, he died a polytheist.

Where is our honor?Bismil Allah, Ar Rahman Ar Rahim

Alhamdulil Allah Rabb al alameen

Wa salato wa salamo ala Rasulil Allah

ن تشاء وتعز من تشاء وتذل من تشاء بيدك قل اللهم مالك امللك تؤتي امللك من تشاء وتنزع امللك مم

الخير إنك على كل شيء قدير

Say (O Muhammad SAWS): "O Allâh! Possessor of the kingdom, You give the kingdom to whom You will, and You take the kingdom from whom You will, and You endue with honor whom You will, and You humiliate whom You will. In Your Hand is the good. Verily, You are Able to do all things. Surah Ale-Imran, ayah 26

Umar Ibn al-Khattab (RA) said upon entering Jerusalem: “Allah سبحانه و تعالى has honored you with Islam. If you seek honor elsewhere, you will be humiliated”. (AS-Sarjani, R. n.d. http://www.islamicstory.com)

Ibn Katheer said, "Whoever wants a place of honor in this life and the next, let him hold firmly to the obedience of Allah and his goal will be realized.”

Yes, you will surely attain honor if you obey Allah سبحانه و تعالى. If you think that by disobey-ing Allah سبحانه و تعالى you have found a shortcut to attain honor in this dunya, then surely

28

you are wrong. Sooner or later, you will come to realise the fact that it is not by running after dunya or its people that you are going to attain honor or invite the pleasure of Allah سبحانه و سبحانه و clearly states in the above ayah, that honor is from Allah سبحانه و تعالى Allah .تعالى is سبحانه و تعالى Hence you will measure every step you take to ensure that Allah .تعالىpleased with you. At every moment of my life, you will run to Allah سبحانه و تعالى for guidance:

راط املستقيم اهدنا الص

Guide us to the Straight Way. Ayah 6 in Surah Al Fatiha.

What is this way?

صرٲط ٱلذين أنعمت عليهم

The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace. Ayah 7, Surah Al Fatiha

You realize that alone you cannot do it, so you are asking Allah سبحانه و تعالى for the straight path and Allah سبحانه و تعالى is adding to you that this is the way on whom Allah سبحانه و تعالى has bestowed His grace. Obedience to Allah سبحانه و تعالى has two forms, one is external and it results in acts of obedience of the limbs that one does to please Allah, such as praying, giv-ing in charity amongst others. The other form of obedience, without which the first one is not complete, is internal, taqwa. Taqwa is that consciousness, realization that Allah سبحانه و تعالى is watching you all the time and hence you want to avoid any sin done deliberately. Ultimately, obedience to Allah سبحانه و تعالى will contribute to make the world a more peaceful place.

Be assured, honor will not come to you if you think you can become rich quicker by earning ri-bah; honor will not come to you if you deceive people when doing business; honor will not come to you when you miss a prayer to attend a meeting to discuss your promotion; honor will not come to you by having an MBA, honor will not come to you by marrying the prime minister of a country, etc. In a nutshell, ask Allah سبحانه و تعالى to grant you honor and He will open the ways where you easily attain the so much sought after honor in ways most pleasing to Allah But one short cut to attain this honor is doing good deeds and avoiding sins .سبحانه و تعالىonly for the sake of Allah, i.e. with ikhlas, sincerity.

الحمدهلل رب العاملني

والصالة والسالم على أشرف املرسلني

29

ARABIC

Every Muslim should know that Arabic is very important. There are several Ayaat in the Qur’an such as the one in Surat Yusuf, which inform us about the importance of Arabic.

The language of the Qur’an is Arabic. In order to understand Qur’an in depth, we must try to learn Arabic.

Allah ســـــــــــــــــبحانـــــــــــــــــه و تـــــــــــــــــعلى has informed us in

Surat Al-Qamar (The Moon):

This Ayah is repeated 4 times in Surat Al- Qamar. How can someone even think of saying “it is not easy”?!!

We should never say that Arabic is not easy. It is easy to learn, ma shaa’ Allah, we just have to have sincerity, do dua then put some effort and make a good

plan. Trying to find a good teacher is also a good idea. There were many non-Arab

Narrated `Uthman رضى اهلل عنه :The Nabi (ملسو هيلع هللا ىلص) said, "The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it."

30

Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an that you might understand.

And We have certainly made the Qur'an easy for

remembrance, so is there any who will remember?

Sahih al-Bukhari 5027Book 66, Hadith 49

scholars such as Imam Bukhari, whose Arabic was so strong, ma shaa’ Allah.

There are many non-Arabs who have mastered the Arabic language, ma shaa’ Allah. Not only should non-Arabs put an ef-fort to improve their understanding of Ara-bic but even Arabs should. Arabic gram-mar is crucial to be understood by all, at-least basic understanding should be pre-sent. It is also important to read the Tafseer. We should recite the Qur’an, pon-der over the Ayaat and apply the knowl-edge in our lives.

31

So, [O Muhammad], We have only made Qur'an easy

in the Arabic language that you may give good tidings

thereby to the righteous and warn thereby a hostile people.

And before it was the scripture of Moses to lead and as a

mercy. And this is a confirming Book in an Arabic tongue

to warn those who have wronged and as good tidings to the

doers of good. (46:12)

And if We had made it a non-Arabic Qur'an, they

would have said, "Why are its verses not explained in

detail [in our language]? Is it a foreign [recitation] and

an Arab [messenger]?" Say, "It is, for those who be-

lieve, a guidance and cure." And those who do not be-

lieve - in their ears is deafness, and it is upon them blind-

ness. Those are being called from a distant place. (41:44)

And indeed, the Qur'an is the revelation of the Lord of

the worlds.

The Trustworthy Spirit has brought it down

Upon your heart, [O Muhammad] - that you may be

of the warners -

In a clear Arabic language. (26:192-195)

(19:97)

32

33

Masjid Bani HashimAt Jumeirah Islands, Dubai

Masjid Bani Hashim by the Grace of Allah عز وجل, opened its doors 2nd Ramadan 1434; July 10th, 2013 & is a Non-Profit

Organization. It envisions to offer intensive courses, lectures, workshops, Tafseer elQuran with Taddabur, Tajweed, Seerah of

the Prophet pbuh & major Islamic Studies.

Our MissionMasjid Bani Hashim’s mission is to provide authentic

understanding of Islam based on Qur'an and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Mohammed (صلى اهلل عليه وسلم). Masjid Bani

Hashim welcomes all and provides a golden opportunity to access Islamic Courses to all seekers of Ilm. Without rushing back home, you can make a stop at Masjid Bani Hashim to nurture your soul,

pray & recite Quran.

34

35