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Fw: [AllahoAkbarGroup] Are You Gossip Guy or Girl ?

-------Original Message-------   From: Adil ibn Manzoor Khan Date: 01/14/12 23:20:00 Subject: [AllahoAkbarGroup] Are You Gossip Guy or Girl ?     In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate   "May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon You"   Praise be to Allaah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.      Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'Ala Rasulillah As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu    Let's face it, we live in a society that promotes, distributes, and thrives on gossip. It fuels our economy, provides us a seemingly endless supply of fodder for conversation, and can liven up even the most boring workplace—listen in on the crowd around your office water cooler next time they gather. Every single day there are endless and often up-to-the-minute reports all over the Internet, on TV and radio, in newspapers, magazines and "gossip columns" that specifically detail the private affairs of people throughout the world. In the literal sense, the famous idiom, "one man's meat is another man's poison," fits perfectly with the Islamic view of gossiping or backbiting.  The Quran states, "O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, for some suspicions are a sin.  Do not spy on one another, nor backbite one another.  Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother?  Nay, you would abhor it, [so similarly, avoid backbiting]. And fear God. Indeed, God is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful"(49:12).  The mere thought of eating dead human flesh can make even the most intrepid person sick to their stomach.  Yet despite that and the fact that many of us have heard this verse multiple times, gossiping is still a common problem in our community. Contrary to what those who wish to marginalize women may say, the fact is that both men and women have the nature to gossip. The proof of that is in the verse quoted above wherein God addresses the believers, which includes both men and women.  Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "O assembly of those who have believed with their tongues, but into whose hearts faith has not yet reached! Do not backbite the Muslims, nor seek out their secrets! For, whoever seeks out the faults of his brother, God will seek out his secrets.  And, whoever has his secrets sought out by God, God will disgrace him, even [if he hides] in the depths of his house."[1] And in another tradition, "Beware of backbiting, for backbiting is more serious than adultery.  A man may commit adultery, and drink [wine], and then repent, and God will forgive him.  But, the backbiter will not be forgiven by God until his companion [the one whom he backbit] forgives him."[2] In addition to the act itself, the actual desire to "seek out faults" in others is also a disease that needs to be remedied. Such a person never stops to ask him/herself, "Why do I have this desire to know someone else private business?" "How does that knowledge benefit/effect me?" "How would I feel if the details of my life were suddenly made public without my knowledge?" It makes no difference whether you are the one who initiates it or the one who listens to it; to gossip or engage someone else who gossips makes you an active participant. The only way to absolve yourself of the sin is to object verbally or in your heart if you are afraid.  The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever averts [an attack] from the honor of his brother, God will avert the fire from his face on the Day of Arising."[3] If you are unable to say something then at the very least you should try to change the subject to something of virtue instead. It is also important to note that there is a difference between gossip that is based on truth and that which is unverified.  The distinction is made clear in the hadith: "[Backbiting is] mentioning your brother with something about him that he dislikes [being spoken about]." Someone asked [the Prophet], "How about if my brother contains that [characteristic which I am mentioning]?" And he replied, "If he possesses that which you mention, then you have indeed backbit him. And, if he does not contain that which you say, then you have slandered him."[4] For obvious reasons, to slander someone is a worse offense because not only have you spoken ill of them behind their back but you have also lied doing so. Both backbiting and slandering are reprehensible acts that can manifest in different forms and sometimes unknowingly.  Refer to the list below to find out if you are engaging in either form of gossip: You Are a Gossiper if You… Revel in being the one to "break the news" when you discover something private about someone else. Lack emotional empathy upon hearing of a scandal in someones family, marriage, work, etc, and immediately become preoccupied with sharing the information with others. Eavesdrop in on private conversations, especially when you suspect something is amiss. Feel vengeful and take pleasure in peoples downfalls and shortcomings. Are judgmental and can find something wrong in just about anyone if you have reason not to like them. Lack the courage to stop someone else from gossiping and eventually join in. Are afraid you wont  be accepted by your friends if you dont gossip with them. Disparage others to make yourself look better. Enjoy mocking or ridiculing others to be praised for your humor. Deliberately pry for personal information when talking to others but purposely withhold private information about yourself. Delude yourself to think that everyone is out to get you so you live by the motto, "Get them before they get you." Try to disguise gossip as "sharing" about someones "problem" to seek advice or to pray for them. Don't have many true friends; in fact you have a high turn-over rate with friends. Have a tendency to cut people out of your life and as a result have enemies. Are a serial gossiper and as soon as one conversation is over you move on to the next. Attend social events and mock people for what they're wearing, how they walk, talk, dance, etc. Mock someones possessions, such as the model car they drive, or the furniture/decor in their house, etc. Make fun of peoples pictures and updates on Facebook/MySpace/Twitter. And FYI, it doesnt make it okay to gossip and then say, "Well, its not really gossip because if so-and-so were here I would say it to them in their face!"  This is an absolute cop-out and in no way justifies or absolves you of blame. It's also worth mentioning that there are circumstances that require us to disclose information about others but are not considered gossiping, as in the examples below: It is NOT gossip if one is afraid for their safety due to abuse, oppression, or any other harm at the hands of another person and is compelled to get help. In fact, in this case it's not just permissible but necessary for them to reach out to a qualified person who can help, such as a counselor, therapist, social worker, law enforcement agent or local imam/scholar.  It is NOT gossip if one wishes to warn a friend or family member about a potential business partner or suitor for marriage whom they know to be deceitful, untrustworthy or of questionable character.  It is NOT gossip if one is seeking a legal ruling from a scholar and must disclose pertinent details. An example would be if a person says to a scholar, "My husband/wife has done such-and-such to me. What can I do about it?" On the authority of Aishah: Hind, the wife of Abu Sufyan, said to the Prophet (peace be upon him), "Abu Sufyan is a miserly man, and he is not giving me what would suffice me and my child, unless I take from him without his knowing."  He said, "Take what suffices you and your child according to common usage."[5] It is NOT gossip if one is trying to prevent a potentially harmful or evil act from happening and has no other ulterior motive but to help.  An example would be if a teenager was planning a risky late night trip to a precarious location without his parent's permission. In such a case it would be wise to inform the teenager's parents of his plan and let them handle it. The Negative Social and Spiritual Implications of Gossip: Gossip can permanently ruin friendships and tear families apart Gossip compromises your principles of trust and loyalty Gossip discredits your reputation Gossip distances you from God So, next time you feel inclined to "share" something about someone or engage another person who is gossiping remember the verse in the Quran: "[Successful are] those who shun vain talk" (23:3). [1] Abu Dawud [2] Al-Suyuti, Al-Jami` as-Saghir [3] Al-Tirmidhi [4] Al-Muslim [5] Al-Bukhari & Al-Muslim http://muslimvillage.com/     Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications.     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveIslam_LiveIslam/     . __,_._,___

Bin Dekhe ka Sauda

Khwab men

Fw: [AllahoAkbarGroup] Preventing the Girlfriend - Boyfriend Relationship

-------Original Message-------   From: Adil ibn Manzoor Khan Date: 07-01-2012 12:49:52 AM Subject: [AllahoAkbarGroup] Preventing the Girlfriend - Boyfriend Relationship     In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate   "May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon You"   Praise be to Allaah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.      Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'Ala Rasulillah As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu   Preventing the Girlfriend - Boyfriend Relationship By Amatullah Islam Zina (fornication) has become a commonplace occurrence within the Muslim Youth community, and the Muslim girls and boys have sadly fallen prey to the snares of Western society. You may wonder how can such a situation occur when most Muslim parents virtually put their children under 'lock and key'. The answer is that although most parents are strict where their children are concerned, they do not take the time to talk and explain to them about the seriousness of Zina. Instead, they give a Fatwa of "no boyfriend" when their daughters reach puberty. The following article highlights ways in which we can teach our children to shun this corrupt act. In Islam, there is no such thing as a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship. You are either married or you are not. This is what we have to ingrain into our children at the early stage. We should not wait for them to come to us when they are teenagers to ask about girlfriend-boyfriend relationship. At this late stage, even if we forbid them to have such a relationship, how certain are we that they will obey us if they are smitten by someone? Hence, it is important that we teach our children that the only time a girl or boy can have a relationship with a non-mehram is when they are married! Furthermore, if a girl or boy enters into a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship then he/she is entering into a pre-marital relationship. At the teenage level, we should not be shy to teach them the severity of pre-marital relationship. We need to make them understand that that pre-marital relationships are like the extra-marital relationships, or what is commonly known as adultery or 'an affair'. It ruins the community by corrupting the people. It unleashes desires that, once allowed free-reign, will destroy families. We can quote to them the examples of illegitimate and abandoned children, broken homes, abortions, sexual diseases - the list goes on. We should also point out to them the punishment for sexual relationships outside of marriage: Ibn Masoud (r.a.a) related that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, "The blood of a Muslim may not be legally split other than in one of three instances: the married person who commits adultery, a life for a life, and one who forsakes his religion and abandons the community." [Bukhari and Muslim]. In other words, the married person who commits adultery is to be killed by stoning to death [Muslim]. But what about the unmarried person who has sexual relationships? Rest assured that this person will not go unpunished - he or she is to be caned or whipped one hundred times [Muslim]. Even in the Hereafter, the punishment is severe: the Prophet (s.a.w) saw adulterers, men and women, in a baking oven in Hellfire [Bukhari]. At this stage your teenage child may say that girlfriend-boyfriend relationships need not go as far as the sexual act; that they can control themselves and simply enjoy each others company. To counter this, you say that it is a fact when a girl and a boy are alone together, their sexual desires awaken and before they know it, they will be doing things that are not permissible . The reason for this is because Shaytaan will be the third person with them [Ahmad] and he will whisper and tempt them with the forbidden. This is why Islam shuns all avenues leading to corruption of the mind, body and soul. Something else we must teach them is to restrain their desires. We can do so by giving them examples of the rewards for doing so, such as the person who controls his lust will be among people who Allah bestows mercy upon: Abu Hurairah (r.a.a) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said that among the seven persons whom Allah will shade in His Shade on the Day (of Judgement) when there is no shade except His Shade, is a man who is tempted by a beautiful woman and refuses to respond for fear of Allah. [Bukhari and Muslim]. Below are more points on how to help your child, at an early age, to be chaste so that when he/she is older, he/she can avoid getting into a girlfriend-boyfriend relationship. First, you must talk and explain to them these things when they are young, then when they are older, you make sure that it is put into practice. You must teach him or her to: 1. Not to freely mix with the opposite sex. 2. Not to look at the opposite sex. This is done by lowering or averting their eyes as Allah tells us: "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and to protect their private parts. That is purer for them. Verily Allah is All-Aware of what they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and protect their private parts..." [24:30-31] Furthermore, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, "...do not let a second look follow the first. The first look is allowed to you but not the second." [Ahmad, Abu Dawood, at-Tirmidhi]. What this means is that the first look is by accident. If this happens then do not take a second look. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) also said that the eyes also commit adultery by looking at someone with lust. [Bukhari] 3. For girls, teach them not to make their voices seductive or sweet in front of non-mehram. This is done by lowering the voice and not flirting. As Allah tells the wives of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) "...do not be too pleasant of speech, lest one in whose heart there is a disease should feel desire for you..." [33:32] 4. Last but not least, teach them to wear appropriate clothing so as not to draw attention to themselves. That is, girls should wear Hijabs and loose clothing while boys should also wear loose clothing, not the tight jeans/pants. It is sad that, often, parents allow their children to wear the so called fashion clothing which, in most cases, do not meet the requirement of acceptable Islamic dress code. What is even sadder is to see Muslim mothers covering themselves properly walking with their uncovered teenage daughters and sons. It is important that we start teaching our children the need to feel modesty, especially around the opposite sex. If we instill this into them at an early age then, InshaAllah, whenever they are near the vicinity of the opposite sex, they will feel shy and, therefore, will not act inappropriately. It is also important that we keep the communication channels open with our children so that we can talk and explain to them things, and they can ask us questions, without any party feeling embarrassed. Then, when they are older, and with help from us, they will begin to understand why it is that there cannot be a thing called 'the girlfriend-boyfriend relationship'. Taken from "Al-Aqsa" magazine, September 1999 issue #60, Calgary, Alberta http://www.ummah.com/forum/showthread.php?167203-Preventing-the-Girlfriend-Boyfriend-Relationship Read More.... Ruling on taking boyfriends or girlfriends http://islamqa.info/en/ref/1114   Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications.     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveIslam_LiveIslam/ __._,_.___     . __,_._,___

Fw: [AllahoAkbarGroup] True Anecdotes | A Wise Old Woman

-------Original Message-------   From: Irfan Edhi Date: 03-01-2012 1:43:25 PM Subject: [AllahoAkbarGroup] True Anecdotes | A Wise Old Woman     A scholar once saw an old lady operating her spinning wheel and asked her, "Lady! You've been spinning that wheel your entire life. Have you ever taken any time to learn about Your Lord?" The woman replied, "I see everything through this wheel of mine." "Then tell me, is Allah present or not?" "Allah is present, every moment, every day, every night – all the time."   "But what's your proof of this?" "This very wheel of mine!" "How so?" The woman explained, "As long as I'm here running the wheel, it continues to spin in motion. Once I stop, it stops. So, if the wheel is in need of someone to keep it moving, why shouldn't the Earth, the Heavens, the Sun and the Moon be in need of someone to keep them moving? When I stop my work, the wheel stops spinning, but until now, we've never seen anything in our Universe stop moving. This is how I know that the One Who keeps our world in order is present and is always present." The scholar was happy with this answer but continued, "Okay, but how do you know that the One who controls the Universe is one and not two?" The woman replied, "The answer is again in my wheel! It only spins in the direction I tell it to. If someone wanted to assist me in spinning it, the wheel's motion would become inconsistent and it wouldn't work properly. And, if my assistant spun it in a different direction, the wheel would either stop spinning or break. This doesn't happen when I use it alone, and this is how I know that if there was another controller of the Universe besides Allah , there would be no uniformity in the day and night cycle or anything else. So, the controller of the Heavens and the Earth can only be one." [Seerat as-Saliheen, Page 3] Lesson: The world itself is proof that our Creator is one, but only those of insight see this. ——— Extracted from Stories Of The Prophets (Partial Translation of Sacchi Hikayaat) Urdu: Maulānā Abun-Nūr Muhammad Bashīr | English: Omar Sayed __._,_.___   . __,_._,___

Fw: [AllahoAkbarGroup] Know All About The Second Islamic Month of Safar

-------Original Message-------   From: Adil ibn Manzoor Khan Subject: [AllahoAkbarGroup] Know All About The Second Islamic Month of Safar     In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate   "May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon You"   Praise be to Allaah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.      Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'Ala Rasulillah As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu       Remember that our deen is Islam which guides us about each and every aspect of life. We only can find these guide lines in Quraan and Sunnah (the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad). Get the truth about the month of Safar and know that there are no Superstitions, bad omens, unfortunate, Calamities, Prohibition of marriage related to this month. Month of Safar is the second month in Islamic calendar. Safar literally means whistling of winds. This name was given because of the weather condition of that time. What events took place in the history of month of Safar?     1: The Beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad (saw) Fatima (R.A) married Ali (R.A) in this month.     2: Prophet Muhammad fell sick in the end of this month and died in the same sickness in the next month in 12th of Rabiul-Awwal.     3: Ghazwa-e- Khaiber (battle) took place in the same month.     4: Battle of Abwaa also took place in month of Safar. What is the misconception about Safar? Unlucky happenings such as Diseases, curses, evils, loss in business and all the misfortunes are relayed to that month. People try to apply many tricks to protect themselves from all the misfortunes, but this concept is nothing more than a misconception based upon the poor knowledge of Islam. No Muslim should fell into these conceptions which had no foundations on truth. What Prophet Muhammad guides us about Safar? Prophet Muhammad said about Safar;"No adwaa [transmission of infectious disease Without the permission of Allah], no tiyarah [superstitious belief in bird omens], no haamah [refers to a Jaahili Arab tradition described variously as: a worm that infests the grave of a murder victim until he is avenged; an owl; or the bones of a dead person turned into a bird that could fly], and no Safar [the month of Safar was regarded as "unlucky" in the Jaahiliyyah]." [Translators notes are in square brackets]. (Reported by al-Bukhari, 5757, and Muslim, 2220) What does the companions of prophet Muhammad (sahabah) said about this month? Jaabir (R.A) very clearly mentions about the superstitions and the wrong concept of Safar: "I have heard the Prophet saying, the descending of illness and evil superstition befalling in the month of Safar is untrue." (Muslim)  What Quraan says about month of Safar? Quraan explicitly rejects this concept of bad omen by saying; And [for] every person We have imposed his fate upon his neck, and We will produce for him on the Day of Resurrection a record which he will encounter spread open. [It will be said], "Read your record. Sufficient is yourself against you this Day as accountant." (13, 14 sura bani israeel) What comes to you of good is from Allah, but what comes to you of evil, [O man], is from yourself. And We have sent you, [O Muhammad], to the people as a messenger, and sufficient is Allah as Witness. (79 surah anisa) There is no bad omens,or calamities in any person or any month or any date or number in Islam. If some thing wrong happens with someone it is due to their evil deeds. We have to work on our self to remove calamities from our life. http://www.bukisa.com/articles/403115_know-all-about-the-second-islamic-month-of-safar#ixzz1ABX7N9ti     Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications.     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveIslam_LiveIslam/   __,_._,___

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Fw: [AllahoAkbarGroup] Beware of the Unseen Enemy

-------Original Message-------   From: Adil ibn Manzoor Khan Date: 06-12-2011 11:28:04 PM Subject: [AllahoAkbarGroup] Beware of the Unseen Enemy     In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate   "May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon You"   Praise be to Allaah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.      Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu   It is an established fact that there subsists an opponent who being a devoted threat, wishes eternal torments and dedicates his entire existence to that end. That sworn enemy of mankind: Satan whom ALLAH SWT the greatest has cursed and expelled from HIS presence. Nor is he a mere myth or legend, but a real being who constantly conspires and diverges humans thereby leading them astray on road to Hell. His promise made to ALLAH SWT is compelling. Iblees (Satan) proclaimed: "By Your Might, then I will surely mislead them all, except Your chosen slaves amongst them (i.e. faithful, obedient, true believers of Islamic Monotheism). ALLAH said: "The Truth is – and the Truth I say – That I will fill Hell with you [Iblees (Satan)] and those of them (mankind) that follow you, together." [Sad 38: 82-85]. Fundamentally Iblees strives to his best to ambush mankind within the shackles of kufr and Shirk. If this is successful, his goal of deviating mankind is accomplished. The affected being becomes a part of his army and he deploys him as his agent to mislead others. If despaired by default, Iblees concentrates in engaging the slaves of ALLAH SWT in bidah (innovations). He loves bidah more than impiety and disobedience as the harm of bidah is in the essence of religion. The holy Prophet PBUH mentioned "Every innovation is a misguidance and every misguidance goes to Hell fire." [Sahih Muslim]. Bidah is undoubtedly a gate to kufr and shirk. If defeated in trapping the slaves of ALLAH SWT by his two basic methods, Iblees ensures to corrupt them by involving in various forms of major sins. This is the bracket in which most of the common Muslims fall in. Heinous sins like lying, back biting, eavesdropping, deceit and usury (riba) are the common vices to which most succumb. ALLAH SWT says "Those who avoid great sins (Al Kabair) and Al-Fawahish (illegal sexual intercourse) except the small faults, – verily, your Lord is of vast forgiveness." [Al-Najm 53:32]. When overpowered by the worshiper in spite of the above means, Iblees snares believers into minor sins. The holy Prophet advised, "Be aware of the minor sin.These sins may destroy a person if they accumulate." Finally when Iblees is flattened by all of his operations, he sways the worshipers in engaging in deeds of lesser rewards so as to keep virtue away from them and to prevent them from attaining the rewards of the preferred acts. http://nlightmentz.wordpress.com/2011/04/05/satanic-entrapments/     Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications.     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveIslam_LiveIslam/     . __,_._,___

Fw: [AllahoAkbarGroup] 20th MuHarram | Hadrat Sayyiduna wa Mawlana Bilal ibn Rabah al-Habashi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu

-------Original Message-------   From: Irfan Edhi Date: 15-12-2011 10:00:59 PM Subject: [AllahoAkbarGroup] 20th MuHarram | Hadrat Sayyiduna wa Mawlana Bilal ibn Rabah al-Habashi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu     Sayyid al-Mu'azzineen (Leader of the Mu'azzins) Hadrat Sayyiduna Bilal al-Habashi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu Sayyid al-Mu'azzineen (Leader of the Mu'azzins), Imam al-Aashiqeen, The great devotee, faithful companion and Mu'azzin of the beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Sayyiduna Bilal al-Habashi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu is a famous and exalted Sahabi who accepted Islam in its early days in Makkah al-Mukarramah. When he accepted Islam, the non-believers placed great difficulties upon him which he bore with great forbearance in his youth. His father's name was Rabah and his mother's name was Hamamah. His birth place is Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and this is why he is known as Habshi (the old name for Abyssinia is Habsh). Born in the late 6th century, the preferred view is that Bilal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was 43 years old at the time of Hijra but it has been suggested by some that he could have been as old as 53. He was either a slave of a woman in Makkah who had made Umayyah bin Khalaf her agent in the matters of Hadrat Bilaal or Umayya Ibn Khalaf himself when he accepted Islam. The Kaafirs of Makkah persecuted him severely. When Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu came to know about the pain and anguish which he underwent at the hands of the Kuffaar, he bought him and set him free. One of the many emancipated slaves of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, Bilal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was known for his beautiful voice and was given the honour by the Holy Prophet Muhammad SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam of being the first Mu'azzin of Islam. He remained constantly in the company of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. He was at the service of the needs of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Muhaddith Hakim and Hafidh Abu Nu'aym also regarded him as one of the Ashaab of al-Suffah. After he had accepted Islam, he participated with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam in the battle of Badr and in all other battles. He called the Adhaan and he was the Mu'azzin of Masjid al-Nabawi as long as he remained with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. His greatness and excellence is mentioned in numerous books of Ahadith. VIRTUE One day at the time of Fajr, beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam asked Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, 'O Bilaal, Show me one action that you have done after accepting Islam, whose virtue is above all other actions, because I have heard your footsteps in Jannah'. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu explains that I have not done any action whose virtue is more than the others. But it is true, that during the day or night, whenever I made Wudhu, I made it my duty to read some Nafl Salaah, and from amongst the Salaah I read, I verily read Tahiyyatul Wudhu (Salaat after Wudhu)" when beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam heard this, he said that it was because of this action that he had attained such status. Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu used to mention أبو بكر سيدنا وأعتق سيدنا Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu is our leader who freed our leader Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala. In 'Hilyat al-Awliyaa', beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam mentions that he is Sayyid al-Mu'azzineen (leader of the Mu'azzins). ENDURANCE OF DIFFICULTY ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF ISLAM Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was harassed and beaten the day long and during the night. He was tied in chains and lashed. On the next day, he was again made to lie on the hot desert sands which cause even greater injuries to the body of Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, who was loved by Allah Ta'ala. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu used to be beaten by many people. When one would get tired, another would take his place. Sometimes it was Abu Jhal's turn and sometimes Umayyah bin Khalaf and others. Each of them would beat him until they got tired but no mercy was spared for the slave whom they so brutally injured and whose status in Jannah was to surpass that of many Arabs. In the sweltering heat under the Arabian skies, Hadrat Bilal's love for Allah shone brighter than the sun itself. So strong was it that he could not conceal it despite the punishment and torture afflicted on him by his cruel master. There were times when a large boulder would be placed upon his chest as he lay on the scorching sand, his ribs being crushed under the weight. Yet the words 'Ahad! Ahad! (There is only one Allah!)' were constantly repeated by Hadrat Bilal, so strong was his faith and love. His Jewish master would insult him and threaten him to denounce Islam, beat him, whip him and humiliate him on the streets of Makkah, but nothing was able to shake Hadrat Bilal's heart. FREEDOM One day, it so happened that Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was passing that way and saw Sayyidina Hadrat Bilal crying out, "Ahad! Ahad!", despite the immense torture he was being subjected to. As he watched, Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique's heart became agitated upon seeing Hadrat Bilal under such persecution, and tears filled his eyes. He then called Hadrat Bilal towards himself and advised him to utter Allah's name in solitude and not to utter it in the presence of his persecutor, or he would be subjected to further persecution and torture. Hadrat Bilal replied, "O Honoured One! You are the Siddique of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, and therefore I accept your advice and will act accordingly." The following day, Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu happened to pass that way, and again he witnessed the same sight. Hadrat Bilal was once more uttering the cry of "Ahad! Ahad!" while the Jew was torturing him to such an extent that again his body became soaked in blood. Seeing this, Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique's heart was filled with pain and he advised Hadrat Bilal, "Brother, why do you utter 'Ahad' in the presence of this persecutor? Utter it silently and secretly within yourself". Hadrat Mawlana Rumi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu says: "When Abu Bakr advised him towards silence and secrecy, Bilal repented again, But when love overwhelmed, he swallowed the repentance. It is the message of the troubled heart. Without You there can be neither peace nor comfort." Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique, on numerous occasions, gave Hadrat Bilal the same advice but on every occasion when he passed that way, he saw the same scene - the Jew persecuting Bilal who was all the time crying, "Ahad! Ahad!" Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu finally went to Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and related the story to him. When Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam heard the story, he was filled with sorrow and tears flowed from his blessed eyes. He asked, "O Siddique! What is the solution to this problem? How can we save Bilal from this calamity?" Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu replied: "Ya Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, I shall buy Bilal. Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam agreed and said, "Let my share also be therein". SubhanAllah! How great the fortune of Sayidina Hadrat Bilal, that Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam himself took part in purchasing him. Hadrat Abu Bakr then approached the Jew while he was again torturing Hadrat Bilal. Hadrat Abu Bakr said to him, "Why are you beating this friend of Allah?" How long will you carry out this practice on this poor person?" Umayyah bin Khalaf retorted that, 'since you have instigated him (by teaching Islam to him) so you free him." Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu answered, "Yes, I will free him. I have a black slave who is even stronger than him and who is in your religion. Will you accept this slave in exchange for him?" Umayyah bin Khalaf accepted the offer. Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu exchanged the slaves and thus bought Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu and freed him before migration. It is also narrated that Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique paid the ransom and freed Hadrat Bilal. Besides Bilal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu he bought other slaves who were being beaten and harassed for accepting Islam and freed them also. After this, Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, out of love and joy, embraced Hadrat Bilal and held him to his heart. Hadrat Mawlana Rumi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu says: "Beloved Mustafa embraced Bilal and held him against his chest. The ecstasy Bilal felt! Who can ever imagine that?" CONQUEST OF MAKKAH When the Muslims finally conquered the city of Makkah, its people fled to their houses in fear and bolted the doors and windows. They feared that the Muslims would avenge themselves for the wrong done to them years ago. The Muslims advanced towards the Holy Kabah and then Hadrat Bilal assured the people that they were safe. He announced out loud, "All those who lay down arms are safe. All those in the house of Abu Sufyan are safe. All those behind closed doors are safe." BROTHERHOOD After the migration Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam formed brotherhood between the Sahaaba Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhum Ajma'een which meant that two two brothers should be concerned about each other's difficulty and necessity. In this way all of them became Muslim brothers and they shared in the sorrow and grief of each other. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam made Hadrat Bilaal and Hadrat Ubaida bin Haarith (Radi Allahu Anhuma) brothers and a few Historians mention that beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam made Hadrat Abu Rawahah Khashami Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu the brother of Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu. [Isabah] PARTICIPATION IN THE BATTLE OF BADR AND THE KILLING OF UMAYYA BIN KHALAF A year after beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and his beloved Sahaaba Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma'een migrated from Makkah Mukarramah to Madinah Munawwarah, the battle of Badr took place. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu also participated in this battle with the other Sahaaba Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma'een. The leaders of the Mushrikeen of Makkah (who were the enemies of Islam and the Muslims - who forced the Muslims out of Makkah, who also oppressed Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) were killed in this battle. Specially, Abu Jahl and Umayyah bin Khalaf who severely punished Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu were both killed in this battle. THE BEGINNING OF ADHAAN AND THE APPOINTMENT OF HADRAT BILAAL RADI ALLAHU TA'ALA ANHU AS MU'AZZIN In the second year after Hijrah, the announcing of the time of Salaat began and Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was appointed Mu'azzin and always remained the Mu'azzin of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam both in his presence and also during travel. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu stayed with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam In Madinah Munawwarah, he was the Mu'azzin and even while travelling, he went with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, and at the time of Salaah he used to give Adhaan. Very seldom beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam went somewhere and someone other than Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu called the Adhaan. Whenever beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam went to Masjid al-Qubaa, then Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu would give the Adhaan and when hearing him, the people living around the area knew that beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was in the area. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu used to give the Fajr Adhaan from the roof of the house of a lady from the tribe of Banu Najjaar. Her home was joined to the Masjid. From the time of Sehri he used to sit on the roof waiting for the time of Fajr. When it was time to commence the Adhaan then he should stretch his limbs, and make the following Du'a after which he gave the Adhaan. اللهم إنى أحمدك وأستعينك على قريش أن يقيموا دينك 'Oh Allah I praise you, and I desire that You become aid to the Quraysh to establish Your Deen' The woman from whose roof he gave the Adhaan said that there was not a day that he did not mention this Du'a. [Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol. 2, Page 198, Hadith 519] TREASURER OF BELOVED PROPHET SALLALLAHO ALAIHI WA SALLAM Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was the Muazzin of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and his treasurer. If anyone came to beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam with any necessity then he used to ask Hadrat Bilaal to carry out this task who would then make sure to get the necessary item and fulfill the need on behalf of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam Hadrat Bilal mentioned it to Abdullah Al-Hawzaani that if some Muslims came who did not have anything to wear, then Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam should order me to take a loan and purchase a cloth to clothe the needy. [Hilyatul Awliyaa] Whilst doing this once Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu accumulated a heap of dates. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam asked Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu what is this? Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu answered I have accumulated this for you and your visitors. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said, 'Oh Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, spend it and do not fear it becoming less' [Hilyatul Awliyaa] ENDURANCE OF HUNGER Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was the special companion of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. It is for this reason he also endured difficulties. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said that undoubtedly, the fear he had for Allah was greater than anyone else. On one occasion thirty nights and days passed with him and Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu having had only that amount to eat which could be concealed under the armpits (side) of Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu. COMPANIONSHIP WITH BELOVED PROPHET SALLALLAHO ALAIHI WA SALLAM Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was always present in the company of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Hadrat Jaabir Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu mentions that at the time of Eid, he was present with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam started the Salaah without the Adhaan and Iqaamat and thereafter gave the Khutbah. Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu stood up and stood side by side with beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam while beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam stood up resting on him and after praising Allah, beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam delivered a lecture and reminded the people about the commands of Allah and encouraged the people to be obedient to Allah Ta'aala. Thereafter, he took Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu with him and addressed the women and ordered them to fear Allah and advised them and reminded them about the commands of Allah. At one time Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu presented himself in the company of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam It was morning and beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was having meals. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam told Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu to join him. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu mentioned to beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam that he was fasting. Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam remarked, 'We are eating our sustenance and the sustenance of Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu is preserved in Jannah." Then he told Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu that the bones of a fasting person make Tasbeeh and the Angels request his forgiveness when something is eaten near him." [Mishkat al-Masabih] HEARTBREAK & IMMENSE GRIEF   After the passing away of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Bilal was overcome with immense grief. This death had completely shattered his heart and in this state, he decided that he could no longer stay in Madinah Sharif. He then gathered his belongings and left for Syria. He had just left the border of Madinah Sharif, when sleep overcame him. He found a tree to sleep under and took some rest there. In his sleep, Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam appeared in his dream and said, "Bilal, why did you leave me?" Hadrat Bilal immediately woke up and, without hesitation, made the journey back to Madinah Sharif. When the people of Madinah saw Hadrat Bilal returning through the city gates, they were overwhelmed with joy. Word spread through the streets that Bilal, the Holy Prophet's Muazzin had returned. As Hadrat Bilal made his way to the Holy Prophet's Masjid, requests for him to do the Azan were ringing in his ears. People followed him through the streets, pleading for him to deliver the call to prayer once more. The blessed city had been deprived of his beautiful Azan for too long, and the people craved to hear it one last time. However, since the passing away of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Bilal's grief had been so immense that he resolved that he would never do the Azan again, and so he refused the pleas of the people. As he advanced towards the blessed Masjid, he saw the two beloved grandsons of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Hassan and Hussain. They too requested for him to do the Azan, and when he looked upon their blessed young faces, his love for them overwhelmed his heart. He knew he could never refuse them anything, and they were, after all, the grandsons of the one whose love had penetrated his heart through and through. Hadrat Bilal then stood up on the Mimbar, assumed his position as the Muazzin and started to read the Azan. His voice, beautiful as it was, rang through the streets of Madinah Sharif, his pain and heartbreak evident in the painful tune. He read to his heart's content, and in such a manner that there was not a person in the blessed city whose eyes were not wet with tears. When Hadrat Bilal reached "Ash-hadu anna Muhammadur Rasulallah", he broke down and could not continue. His pain and the pain of Madinah's people was unbearable. Memories of the beautiful days when Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam sat amongst them penetrated their hearts with hurt and agony. The emptiness of their lives and their souls without Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam had devastated them and left them broken inside. Even the strongest amongst them who were usually able to suppress the pain could not hold back any longer. STAY IN SYRIA Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu then came in the presence of Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu and said, 'Oh Khalifah of Rasoolullah, without doubt I have heard from beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam that the best action of a Mu'min is Jihaad in the path of Allah and I have intended now to spend my life in Jihaad till I die." Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu said, 'Oh Bilaal! I swear by Allah and my right which is deserving to honored (it is for this reason) that during my lifespan you spend it in Madinah al-Munawwara and give Adhaan. Because I have become old and my time is near (death)." Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu then remained in Madinah Munawwarah. [Asad al-Ghabbah] After Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu became Khalifah, then Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu came to him and said the same thing again. Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu gave the same answer which Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu had given, but Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu respectfully refused to stay any longer. Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu granted permission to him. Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu became a Mujaahid forever and went to Syria. During the Khilaafat of Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu when he went to Syria, then Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu gave Adhaan in his presence. The narrator says that on this day, Hadrat Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu thinking of the days of beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam cried to such an extent which we never saw before. MARRIAGE While in Syria, Hadrat Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu got married but it is not known whether he had any children or not. The author of Asad al-Ghabbah states that at the time of death, Bilaal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu had no children. PASSING AWAY OF THE PROPHET'S MU'AZZIN The great devotee and Muazzin of Rasulallah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, the courageous and beloved Abyssinian by the name of Hadrat Bilal Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu passed away in the 20th year after Hijrah in the middle of reading Adhan in Damascus, Syria between the years 638 and 642 (AD) at the age of 60 or 63 and there he is buried near 'Bab as-Sagheer'. When beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam proclaimed Prophethood, he was 30 years old. He spent the remaining 33 years of his life in the assistance of this Deen, persecuted severely for admitting his Islam and despite this, he continued to announce boldly, 'Ahad, the One Allah!'. He participated in the battles and endured both hunger and pain. He was not only a Mu'azzin, but was granted the status of being the leader of the Mu'azzins. His respected stature during the birth of Islam is a perfect example of the importance of pluralism and racial equality in the foundations of Islam. May Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala be pleased with him forever... Aameen!! . __,_._,___