ALMISKEENAH

The Shepherd.

A mere ten minute drive from Haram will bring you to the peripheral nomadic farmers. Their temporary "homes" constructed of all sorts of recycled materials, including packing cases, cardboard, frayed pieces of canvas and discarded fabrics. The shelters for their animals mimic their homes! Such a rugged lifestyle at the foot of rugged rock mountains, a rugged awesome beauty of sorts. The weather beaten, gnarled features of these farmers and their families blend with the harsh terrain. An ambience of transience pervades these clusters of animal husbandry. Perpetual lessons of this mortal life sculpt the essence of their being. SubhanAllah, how I sometimes envy how their lot will be on the Day of Qiyamah when they will be required to render their account; maybe seconds to describe their possessions and the simplicity of their existence. Allahu ‘Alum. Their endurance in the intense summer heat is beyond my comprehension! Water has to be carted in and stored in metal tanks, solar heated! Wood and dung for cooking. A natural sparkling star-studded ceiling in the bathroom! Such conditions reflect how for centuries people survived in and around Madinah, and all over the Kingdom. The presence of the lonely shepherd attending his, and sometimes her, flock is quite common, astride a camel or a donkey amidst hundreds of sheep or goats or camels.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said that all of Allah Ta’ala’s prophets shepherded sheep at some stage during their mission.  His Companions RadhiAllahu anhu asked him, "Did you do the same?" The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam replied, "Yes, I used to shepherd the sheep of the people of Makkah for some Qirats." 

Working as a shepherd allowed the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to work in peace and quiet, to enjoy the beauty of the desert, and to contemplate the wonders and magnificence of Allah Ta’ala’s creation. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam through his experience of being a shepherd learnt and developed many wonderful qualities which assisted him in leading the Ummah. A shepherd is busy taking care of his flock from sunrise till sunset. A life of ease, comfort and luxury are unknown to the shepherd. Long days in the intense heat with the most basic of course food, requires maximum patience, an attribute necessary for a good leader. The very nature of herding a flock requires humbleness. Serving, supervising, guarding and sleeping in close proximity to the animals are the daily duties, contributing to ridding oneself of pride and arrogance. The desert harbours an array of natural enemies to the flock, with various wild predatory animals to be aware of and face, so bravery is another characteristic instilled in the shepherd. Mercy and compassion for all the creation of Allah Ta’ala is paramount, along with the honourable satisfaction of earning a lawful income. And thus is the legacy of all prophets seen in these humble settings.

Allah Ta’ala says in one Hadith Qudsi, Your Lord delights at a shepherd who, on the peak of a mountain crag, gives the call to prayer and prays. Then Allah Almighty says: Look at this servant of Mine, he gives the call to prayer and performs the prayers; he is in awe of Me. I have forgiven My servant and have admitted him to Paradise.

SubhanAllahu, such a blessing!

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: Verily Shaytan is the wolf of a man just as the wolf is the enemy of a flock. He seizes the solitary sheep going astray from the flock or going aside from the flock. So avoid the branching paths; it is essential for you to remain along with the community.

And another narration he SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said:  If there are three men in a village or in the desert among whom prayer is not offered in congregation, the devil has got the mastery over them. So observe prayer in congregation, for the wolf only eats only the straggling animal.

Profound messages in these few lines, may we all ponder on such wisdom.

Wahab bin Qabus RadhiAllahu anhu was a shepherd who lived in a village near Madinah. To think that maybe some of these places were once home to the Sahabah shepherds jolts the heart! One day he came to Madinah to see the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. He was accompanied by his nephew, and his herd of goats. In Madina, Wahab came to know that the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam had left for Uhud where he was fighting against the Quraysh. He left his nephew and his goats at Madina, and himself proceeded to Uhud. When he reached Uhud, the battle was at its thickest. A group of the Quraysh was at the time advancing to attack the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. It was a critical situation, and turning to his Companions RadhiAllahu anhum the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said: "He who disperses these people will be my companion in the Paradise." Hearing the call, Wahab RadhiAllahu anhu rushed at the advancing Quraysh. Some were killed and the rest scattered. The Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam watched Wahab RadhiAllahu anhu overpower the Quraysh group single handed. When Wahab RadhiAllahu anhu after the flight of the Quraysh came to the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, he was given the tidings of Paradise. Wahab RadhiAllahu anhu was intoxicated with pleasure at these tidings. As soon as he heard this, he took his sword, and rushed to the enemy line. Killing right and left he penetrated deep into the enemy line. He was surrounded by the enemy on all sides. He received many wounds but he went on playing havoc in the ranks of the enemy. The blood flowed profusely from his wounds, and then he fell dead on the battle-field. When the battle was over, and the Muslims collected the dead bodies of all the martyrs, the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam stood by his dead body and said: "O Wahab, you have pleased me. May Allah be pleased with you." Although the Holy Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam was himself wounded, he led the funeral prayer of Wahab RadhiAllahu anhu, and put him in the grave with his own hands. Umar RadhiAllahu anhu who was present said that in the battle of Uhud none surpassed Wahab RadhiAllahu anhu in bravery. Thereafter Umar RadhiAllahu anhu used to say often: "I never envied anybody more than Wahab. I wish I could appear before Allah with a record as good as his."

Narrated Unais bin ‘Amr RadhiAllahu anhu: Ahban bin Aus said, "I was amongst my sheep. Suddenly a wolf caught a sheep and I shouted at it. The wolf sat on its tail and addressed me, saying, ‘Who will look after the sheep when you will be busy and not able to look after it? Do you forbid me the provision which Allah has provided me?’ Ahban added, "I clapped my hands and said, ‘By Allah, I have never seen anything more curious and wonderful than this!’ On that the wolf said, ‘There is something more curious and wonderful than this; that is, Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam is over there amongst palm trees, inviting people to Allah ‘ " Unais bin ‘Amr RadhiAllahu anhu further said, "Then Ahban went to Allah’s Apostle and informed him what happened and embraced Islam."

And finally a slightly related moral.
Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "There were two women with whom there were their two sons. A wolf came and took away the son of one of them. That lady said to her companion, ‘The wolf has taken your son.’ The other said, ‘But it has taken your son.’ So both of them sought the judgment of the Prophet Daoud alaihis Salam who judged that the boy should be given to the older lady. Then both of them went to the Prophet Sulaiman alaihis Salam, son of Daoud alaihis Salam and informed him of the case. Sulaiman alaihis Salam said, ‘Give me a knife so that I may cut the child into two portions and give one half to each of you.’ The younger lady said, ‘Do not do so; may Allah bless you! He is her child.’ On that, he gave the child to the younger lady." Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu remarked after he heard Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam tell this story, "By Allah! I had never heard the word "Sakkin" as meaning knife, except on that day, for we used to call it ‘Mudya.’ "

"All of you are shepherds, and each one is responsible for his flock. A leader of the people is a shepherd and responsible for them. A man is like a shepherd over his family, and he is responsible for his flock. A woman is like a shepherd over her husband’s house and children, and she is responsible for them. And a slave is a guardian of his master’s property and is responsible for it. So all of you are guardians and are responsible for your charges."

Such a moving Hadith.

O Allah, make us all responsible shepherds. Ameen.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

Ya Rabb Al Qaadir,

You commanded

WRITE,

and the Pen wrote

until it became dry.

Etched in Al Lauh al Mahfooz

Is the infinitesimal;

a black ant

on a black rock

in the blackest of nights.

Decreed. Seen. Heard,

by You.

Ya Rabb Al Khabir.

The enormously monumental;

One colossal sun flare

from two million every five minutes

combusting like ten million hydrogen bombs,

and capable of blasting a satellite

93 millions miles away!

Decreed. Seen. Heard,

by You.

Ya Rabb Al Qadeer.

The Pen wrote.

The Ink dried.

Poverty,war,humiliation,murder,destruction,oppression,injustice,

disasters,insincerity,betrayal,anger,hurt,pain,retaliation,hate,death,

decay,disease,denial,rebellion,arrogance,ignorance,tyranny,hypocrisy.

Stones, arrows, bombs, bullets, missiles, fly.

Agitated tongues

Debate

Justify

Argue

Criticize

Slander

Scream and yell

Obcenities.

Decreed. Seen. Heard,

by You.

Ya Rabb Al Khaafid.

Astaghfirullah.

Allah, the Omnipotent.

His decrees engraved and chronicled.

The Pen Wrote.

His decrees enforced by His decisions.

His judgements decree the fate,

Every fate is governed by an appointed time.

Every appointed time is pre determined.

Furthermore,

Allah obliterates or preserves whatever He likes.

Al Lauh Al Mahfooz is His alone.

The Pen wrote.

The Ink is dry.

Ya Rabb Ar Rahman.

Horrors shake the heedless.

Shake us.

Violently shake us.

Turn us upside down,

inside out, 

Until the Abaser becomes the Exalter,

The Crusher becomes the Gentle Subtle One.

Opposites within each other. 

Make our striving to You facilitating

The hearts to see the fine delicate mist of

Quietude

Within the worldly turbulence of chaos.

Let us see the Hand that lowers

Become the Hand that Raises.

Immerse us in the shining glare of

faith, sincerity, justice, compassion, generosity, wisdom, truth, peace, harmony.

Where jubilant tongues

constantly praise,

in the knowledge that

You created us for Yourself.

Decreed. Seen. Heard.

By You. 

Ya Rabb Al Muqtadir,

Alhumdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen.

The Pen wrote

The Ink dried.

O Allah, Lord of the heavens and the earth, Lord of the great Throne, our Lord and the Lord of all things. I seek forgiveness from You from my sins and I seek Your mercy.  

O Allah, I invoke Your perfect words, from which no person, good or bad, can escape, for protection against any evil that may descend from the sky, or ascends up to it; and any evil that is scattered on the earth or springs from it, and from the mischief of every calamity befalling upon the Ummah of Your Beloved Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam.

O Allah, be a Caretaker for me against the mischief of all Your creation, whose control is in Your Hands. Your protection is indeed strong and Your Name is full of blessings.

O Allah, You are the First and nothing precedes You, and You are the Last and nothing will remain after You, You are the Obvious and nothing is above You, You are the Latent and nothing is beyond You.

O Allah, You are mightier than Your entire creation, You are mightier than what I fear. Your praise is high; the one who seeks protection in You, always remains honoured.

O Allah, I seek protection from severe trials, unfortunate disasters, undue feeling of frustration over Your Decrees, over the mischief of things which I do, and the things which I do not do. I seek your protection from the mischief of the things I know, and the things which I do not know.

O Allah, I seek Your protection from my being deprived of Your Grace and peace, and all circumstances which are likely to provoke Your wrath.

O Allah, I seek Your protection from oppressing others or being oppressed by others.

O Allah, Lord of Jibreel, Mikaeel, Israfeel and Lord of Ibrahim, Ismail and Ishaaq, grant me safety and do not let anyone of Your creation whom I cannot fight have the better of me.

O Allah, unite out hearts and set aright our mutual affairs, guide us to the path of peace, liberate us from the darkness by Your Light, save us from obscene practices whether hidden or open, bless us in our ears, eyes, hearts, spouses and children and accept our repentance; verily You are Oft-returning, Merciful; and grant us that we may be grateful to You and full of praise for You and Your bounty and that we may welcome it and be pleased to fulfill Your bounty for us.

O Allah, I beg of You all good things which had been asked for by Your Messenger SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, and seek Your protection from all things which Muhammad SallAllahu alaihi wasallam had asked protection from You.

O Allah, through the intermediary of that right which Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam enjoys by You, remove from the creation all calamities which has befallen them. And do not set over them such a person who has no mercy for them. Because at present such a calamity has befallen on them that none except You are able to remove it.

O Allah, remove our difficulties, O Most Benevolent, O Most Merciful of those who show mercy.

Ameen Ameen Ameen.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

Stellar Sahabah, Umar ibn Khattab RadhiAllahu anhu.

Umar RadhiAllahu anhu was a true ascetic. He withheld and limited his reliance on the transient comforts. He preferred hardships over convenience, and uncompromisingly sought the everlasting solace of the Hereafter. His words of wisdom are a truthful mirror of a true believer who has submitted and dedicated his body, mind and soul to the privilege of serving his Lord. When Umar RadhiAllahu anhu embraced Islam, the spirit of the believers was uplifted, and he brought about a new clarity and determination to defend the divine revealed message of Allah Ta’ala. From that day on the perfidy of the unbelievers was heavily shaken, the weight of their numbers no longer influenced the balance of power, and their ignoble plots were openly challenged. May this legacy live on in the hearts of the entire Ummah. May we regain such strength as personified in this Wise Caliph, as to shake all oppressors. May his actions that once filled the Madinah air with such noble and honourable qualities, influence our contemporary lives, giving truth and justice the same impact they had through Umar RadhiAllahu anhu and his contribution to the glory of Islam.  

The Prophet said SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, "None of you believes until he loves me more than he loves his children, his parents, and all people." He also said: "None of you believes until he loves me more than he loves himself." 

One day Omar RadhiAllahu anhu went for a walk with the Prophet of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam took Omar’s hand, and Omar RadhiAllahu anhu said, “By Allah, I love you O Prophet of Allah”.  The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then asked him, “More than your children, O Omar?”  Omar RadhiAllahu anhu replied, “Yes, O Prophet of Allah.” The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then asked him, “More than your family, O Omar?”  Omar RadhiAllahu anhu replied, “Yes, O Prophet of Allah.” The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then asked him, “More than your money, O Omar?”  Omar RadhiAllahu anhu replied, “Yes, O Prophet of Allah.” The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then asked him, “More than yourself, O Omar?”  Omar RadhiAllahu anhu replied, “No, O Prophet of Allah.”  The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, “O Omar, your faith will never be complete until you love me more than yourself.” 

So Omar RadhiAllahu anhu went away and stayed alone for a while, then he came back and stood in the middle of the mosque saying loudly, “O Prophet of Allah, now I love you more than myself.”  The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then replied, “Now, O Omar.  Now, O Omar.” (Meaning that now Omar’s faith is complete.)  Omar RadhiAllahu anhu was later asked how he could make himself love the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam more than himself in such a short time.  He replied, “I went out and asked myself whom I needed more, myself or the Prophet of Allah?  I found that I needed the Prophet more.  I will not intercede for myself on the Day of Judgment, but the Prophet of Allah will.  My deeds will not place me in the highest of levels, but my love for the Prophet will.  I did not take myself from the darkness to light, but the Prophet of Allah did.  Hence, the love of the Prophet fell in my heart more than my love for myself." SubhanAllah.

Umar RadhiAllahu anhu one night went in disguise with his companion Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu to check the condition of the people on the outskirts of Madinah. They strolled from one quarter to another. At last they came to a tribe where very poor people lived. While passing by a small hut, the Caliph overheard voices from inside. A mother was telling her daughter that the amount fetched by her that day on account of the sale of milk was very little. She told her that when she was young, and used to sell milk, she always mixed water with milk, and that led to considerable profit. She advised her daughter to do the same.
The girl said, "You diluted milk, when you were not a Muslim. Now that we are Muslims, we cannot dilute milk." The mother said that Islam did not stand in  the way of her diluting the milk. The daughter said, "Have you forgotten the Caliph’s order? He wants that the milk should not be diluted" The mother said, "But the Caliph has forgotten us. We’re so poor, what else should we do but dilute milk in order to survive?" The daughter said "Such living would not be lawful, and as a Muslim I would not do anything which is against the orders of the Caliph, and whereby other Muslims are deceived."
The mother said, "But there is neither the Caliph nor any of his officers here to see what we do. Daughter you are still a child. Go to bed now and tomorrow I will myself mix the milk with water for you."
The girl refused to fall in with the plan of her mother. She said, "The Caliph may or may not be here, but his order is order, and it must be obeyed. My conscience is my Caliph. You may escape the notice of the Caliph and his officers, but how can we escape the notice of Allah and our own conscience?" Thereupon the mother remained quiet. The lamp was extinguished and the mother and the daughter went to sleep.
The next day, Umar RadhiAllahu anhu sent a man to purchase milk from the girl. The milk was undiluted. The girl had kept her resolve. Umar RadhiAllahu anhu turned to Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu and said, "The girl has kept her resolve in spite of the demands of her mother. She deserves a reward. What reward should I give her?"
"She should be paid some money" said Ibn Abbas RadhiAllahu anhu. Umar said, "Such a girl would become a great mother. Her integrity is not to be weighed with a few coins; it is to be measured in the scale of national values. I shall offer her the highest award in my gift, and which shall also be in the highest interest of the nation."
The Caliph summoned the daughter and the mother to his court. The mother trembled as she stood before the mighty ruler. But the girl faced Umar RadhiAllahu anhu with a calm repose. She was beautiful, and there was an impressive dignity about her.
Then before the gathering, Umar RadhiAllahu anhu related how he had overheard the mother and the daughter, and how in spite of the pleads of the mother the daughter had kept he resolve.
Someone suggested that the mother should be taken to task. The Caliph said that ordinarily he would have punished the mother, but he had forgiven her for the sake of her daughter. Turning to the girl Umar RadhiAllahu anhu said, "Islam needs daughters like you, and as a Caliph of Islam I wish to reward you by owning you as a daughter".
The Caliph called his sons, and addressing them said "Here is a gem of a girl who would make a great mother. I desire that one of you should take this girl as wife. I know of no better bride than this girl of sterling character. In matters of wedlock, it should be the character, and not the stature in life that should count."
Abdullah and Abdur Rahman RadhiAllahu anhuma the elder sons of Umar RadhiAllahu anhu were already married. Asim RadhiAllahu anhu the third son was unmarried, so he offered to marry the girl. Thereupon with the consent of the milkmaid and her mother Asim RadhiAllahu anhu was married to the girl, and the milkmaid became the daughter-in-law of the Caliph.
From this union was born a daughter Umm Asim, who became in due course the mother of Umar bin Abdul Aziz, who later became a Caliph.
While other Caliphs of the Umayyad dynasty lived in luxury, Umar bin Abdul Aziz upheld standards of austerity and simplicity following in the footsteps of Umar the second Caliph of Islam. It is said that if ever there was a noble Caliph after the ‘Rightly Guided Caliphs’, such a man was Umar bin Abdul Aziz. He inherited the noble qualities of the milkmaid who married the Caliph’s son, and those of Umar Farooq RadhiAllahu anhu who had the eye to discern the noble and honest qualities in a poor girl.

Another incident when Umar RadhiAllahu anhu was anonymously traveling around the environs of Madinah, dressed in his usual old and tattered clothes he came upon a young shepherd tending his flock. Umar RadhiAllahu anhu requested that he milk one of the sheep so he could satisfy his thirst. He offered the young boy money for the milk.
The shepherd said he would willingly give him a drink, but the sheep were not his, they were entrusted to him by the owner and he did not have the owner’s permission to offer any milk to any body.
Umar RadhiAllahu anhu being the wise guardian of his people took the opportunity to test this young boy suggesting that he sell him one of the sheep so he could milk it and then slaughter it later if necessary, while the shepherd profits from the money Umar RadhiAllahu anhu was prepared to pay him. He offered the shepherd an explanation for the missing sheep suggesting he tell the owner that a wolf had eaten one of the flock, that nobody would know the truth. The young shepherd exclaimed, "What about Allah?" Such love and fear and strength of Yaqeen!

Umar RadhiAllahu anhu once was wearing a new shirt, which he considered had sleeves that were too long. He called upon his son Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu to trim the sleeves with a blade, instructing him to place his forefingers across the edge of his knuckles, cutting the excess length. Ibn Umar RadhiAllahu anhu cut the sleeves accordingly, but remarked that it looked untidy with the fabric unraveling. He offered to hem the sleeves, but Umar RadhiAllahu anhu insisted they remain like that as he had seen Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam wear sleeves like that. Abdullah ibn Umar RadhiAllahu anhu reported that his father RadhiAllahu anhu kept on wearing that shirt, even though threads dangled from the sleeves and the hem.

Many narrations tell that Umar’s RadhiAllahu anhu dress had as many as twelve patches on it, with some of the patches sewn on the top of others!

Hafsa RadhiAllahu anha, his daughter, and one of the blessed wives of the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam one day said to him, "O Commander of the Faithful, There is no harm if you wear a better dress than this, and eat more wholesome food, because Allah Ta’ala has provided you amply." He replied, "Don’t you remember what Allah’s Messenger and Abu Bakr used to suffer?" he started to mention them until she wept. He continued, "By Allah, if I can share with them some of the hardships in the world, perhaps I could share with them some of their comfort in the Hereafter."

Salim ibn Abdullah narrated that Umar RadhiAllahu anhu said, "By Allah, we do not care much for the pleasures of this world. We ask for the most inferior of goats to be prepared for food when we are hungry, and we ask for wheat husk and oats’ pith to be grounded for our bread, and we prefer raisins for our vinegar. We want to save our pleasures and comfort for the Hereafter, for we have heard Allah Almighty say:

You have wallowed in your satisfaction during your life in the world and sought comfort therein. (46:20)

Another time, Umar RadhiAllahu anhu was walking along with some of the Companions RadhiAllahu anhum when they passed a rubbish dump. Umar RadhiAllahu anhu stood there for a moment pondering, which disturbed the Companions RadhiAllahu anhum. When he noticed that they were offended by the stench, he commented, "This is the world you care so much about to hoard, and this is the outcome of what you trust the most and rely upon your needs!"

During the drought year, Hijrah 18, known as the "Year of the Ashes" Umar RadhiAllahu anhu vowed not to eat meat, butter and other delicious meals until the calamity lifted. Once when he was extremely hungry, and his stomach was rumbling he was seen to tap on his stomach with his finger saying, "It does not matter if you rumble or not. You will only receive oil when life returns to normal."

One day he saw a fat camel for sale in the market. Upon inquiry he was told that it belonged to Abdullah, his son. So he went to him and asked how the camel became so fat. Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu explained that after he originally purchased it was so thin so he put it in the government grazing ground where it became healthy, so he thought he would sell it for a good profit. Umar reprimanded him saying that seeing it became fat while in the governments ground that he could only retain a very small amount of the money from the sale and the bulk of it was to be deposited in the Baitul Maal!

Another story relays that once a supply of ambergris and musk reached Madinah from Bahrain, and he needed to find someone who knew how to weigh and measure the scents into containers. Atika bint Zaid RadhiAllahu anha, his wife offered to do that. Umar RadhiAllahu anhu told her, "I would not ask you to do this job because while performing this work if some scent sticks to your hands, I am afraid that some may rub onto your clothing, meaning I may be receiving more than my share than others in the community."

Some of Umar RadhiAllahu anhu ’s words of piety and wisdom;

"Patience is the healthiest ingredient of our life."

"You must know that greed means poverty, despair means wealth. When a man gives up hope in having something, he means that he no longer needs it, and hence, abundance connotes absence of need."

"My heart was mellowed in Allah to the degree that it became softer than butter, and it was steeled in Allah to the degree that it became harder than rock."

"I would have loved to have already met my Lord had it not been for three blessings in this world. That is: One, to prostrate my forehead on the ground before Him. Two, to sit in gatherings that favour the good word, which is like opting for the better dates on a platter and three, for the opportunity to fight in His cause, to proclaim His Word, and to establish His religion on earth."

"Wintertime is an auspicious time for worshippers."

"Weigh your actions before they are weighed, and reckon yourselves before you are reckoned, this will make it easier for you tomorrow. Adorn yourselves for the grand exhibition:

On the day, you will be displayed for judgement, and all your secrets will be brought to light. (69:18)"

Umar RadhiAllahu anhu knew of his martyrdom, as he was foretold by Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. He was once heard to say in prostration, "Lord, Thy will be done, I pray that Thou will not let my murder be at the hands of a servant who prostrated himself even once before Thee, so that his prostration will not be in his favour on the Day of Judgement." He died from the wound he suffered from a poisonous dagger of a traitorous Magian.

Peace be on you, Amir of the believers, Umar ibn Khattab, whom the Messenger of Allah said about him, "He is the lamp of the People in Paradise," and "Never the sun rises onto anyone better than Umar."
Peace be on you, who administered justice, and said what was right. Peace be on you, who was the father of the weak and destitute, the widows and orphans. We beseech Allah Ta’ala to bestow on to you, the best reward for what you have done for the nation of the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

Who hears worms wriggle in the ground?

And sees the ants crawling around?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who Wills each leaf to flutter?

And from green grass produces butter?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who controls the sun to rise?

And directs the birds in the skies?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who tells the winds to blow?

And freezes the rain to make it snow?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who created flowers to bloom?

And is the One Who can remove all gloom?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who has the wisdom to know all things?

And gave many of His creatures’ wings?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who is the Only One to bless?

And if He wants, to sometimes give less?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who has the power to make the earth shake?

And produce a massive earthquake?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who tells the waters to flood?

And chooses to nourish our blood?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who decides when we are born?

And if we will be blessed by a new morn?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

And who deems to make a drought?

And which animals to have a snout?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who says when it is time to die?

And how long in the ground we lie?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who makes the colour of a rainbow?

And the full moon to glow?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who provides all instructions for life?

And guides us to keep out of strife?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who commands the sea to foam?

And the wild animals to roam?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who wills the seasons to change?

And formed a rocky mountain range?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who causes jewels to glisten?

And our ears to listen?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who provides us with clothes to wear?

And creates everything as a pair?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who chooses who is sick and who is healthy?

And distributes loans to the poor or wealthy?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

 Who gives us tongues to talk?

And legs with feet so we can walk?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

Who decrees when there is war or peace?

And decides when all horror will cease?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

 Who blessed us with the Best of Creation?

And honoured us to be of his nation?

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

 So surely to Allah we pray,

And only to Him we obey.

May He guide us to His Commands,

So we can truly understand,

That everything is in His hand.

And that His Way is magnificently

GRAND!

ALLAHU ALLAHU ALLAHU
SUBHANALLAHI RABBIL AALAMEEN

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

Banu Haraam.

The tribe of Banu Haraam had the honour of such a title indicating that their wealth and dignity were forbidden upon their enemy. They consisted of children from a man from the Bani Salamah tribe, who resided near the present day Masjid Qiblatain. The Banu Haraam was located on the western side of Mount Sal’a. (purple dot)

 

A short distance from where they resided, up the steep slopes of Mount Sal’a is an old dome construction marking a cave where Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam would retreat during the nights of the Battle of Khandaq. (yellow dot) We have been told that he received a revelation at this place, but as yet have not learnt what it may have been. Our search is ongoing, Insha’Allah, we find the right Alim to enlighten us.

There are many inspiring incidents related to the Banu Haraam. Abdullah bin Haraam RadhiAllahu anhu was a prominent figure in this tribe. He was the father of Jabir RadhiAllahu anhu, who is the narrator of many Ahadith and who accompanied the Prophet on many expeditions.

Abdullah bin Haraam RadhiAllahu anhu was the first martyr of Uhud. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said to Jabir bin Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu upon the death of his father, "Allah gave life to your father and openly conversed with him without a veil, and He has never conversed with any one except from behind a veil, and He said to him, ‘O Abdullah, desire and I shall grant thee.’ He asked, ‘Oh my Lord, return me to the world that I may again be martyred in your cause.’ Allah said, ‘I have decreed that none shall be returned.’ Abdullah then said, ‘So inform those whom I have left behind.’ Thus Allah revealed the following verse:

"Think not of those who are slain in Allah’s way as dead. Nay, they live, with their Lord they have provision." (3:169)

Jabir bin Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu once fell ill and he had seven sisters (some narrations say nine). The Apostle of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam came to him and blew on his face, reviving him. He asked Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, "O Apostle of Allah, may I not bequeath one-third of my property to my sisters?" He replied: "Do good." I asked: "Half?" He replied: "Do good." He then turned to leave me, and said: "I do not think, Jabir, you will die of this disease. Allah has revealed verses and described the share of your sisters. He appointed two-thirds for them." Jabir RadhiAllahu anhu used to say: This verse was revealed about me:

They ask you (O Prophet) for a ruling. Say: Allah gives you a ruling about inheritance from someone who dies childless with no surviving parents.  (4:176)

Jabir bin Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu said, "I accompanied the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam on one of the expeditions. When we were returning the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, ‘Whoever wants to return earlier to his family, should hurry up.’ We set off and I was on a black red tainted camel having no defect, and the people were behind me. But then the camel stopped suddenly because of exhaustion. On that the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said to me, ‘O Jabir, wait!’ Then he hit it once with his lash and it started moving at such a fast pace that I had to hold it back from going ahead of Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. He then said, ‘Will you sell the camel?’ I replied in the affirmative. When we reached Medina, and the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam went to the Masjid along with his companions. I, too, went to him after tying the camel on the pavement at the Masjid gate. Then I said to him, ‘This is your camel.’ He came out and started examining the camel and saying, ‘The camel is ours.’ Then the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam sent an amount of gold with Bilal RadhiAllahu anhu saying, ‘Give it to Jabir.’ Then he asked, ‘Have you taken the full price of the camel?’ I replied in the affirmative. He said SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, ‘Both the price and the camel are for you.’ SubhanAllah!

Jabir ibn Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu was the one to whom the Messenger of Allah, SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Before you sleep, lock the door, tie the waterskin, turn the vessel over or cover it, and put out the lamp. Shaytan does not open a locked door or untie a tied knot, or uncover a vessel, but a mouse may set fire to people’s houses about them."

Jabir bin ‘Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu also said, "Once a big pot containing cooked vegetables was brought. On finding unpleasant smell coming from it, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam asked, ‘What is in it?’ He was told all the names of the vegetables that were in it. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam ordered that it should be brought near to some of his companions who were with him. When the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam saw it he disliked to eat it and said, ‘Eat. I don’t eat from it for I converse with those whom you don’t converse with (the angels).’ The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, ‘Whoever eats garlic or onion should keep away from our mosque or should remain in his house.’

Once Jabir ibn Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu was sitting in his mosque. He said: The Apostle of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam came to us in this mosque and he had a twig of date-palm of the kind of Ibn Tab. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam looked and saw phlegm on the wall towards qiblah. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam turned to it and scraped it with the twig. He then said: Who of you likes that Allah turns His face from him? He further said: When any of you stands for praying, Allah faces him. So he should not spit before him, nor on his right side. He should spit on his left side under his left foot. If he is in a hurry, needs to spit immediately, he should do with his cloth in this manner. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then placed the cloth on his mouth and rubbed it off. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam then said: Bring perfume. A young man of the tribe stood and hurried to his house and returned with perfume in his palm. The Apostle of Allah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam took it and put it at the end of the twig. He then rubbed the mark of phlegm with it. Jabir RadhiAllahu anhu said: This is the reason you use perfume in your mosques.

The blue circled area indicates the main command centre during the time of the digging of the trench in preparation for the battle against the Qureysh. I find it fascinating pondering on the relationship between this command area, the position of Banu Haraam and the cave. It truly is awe-inspiring to attempt to imagine the struggles our Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and his Sahabah RadhiAllahu anhu went through. They were so overcome with difficulties during this unique trench digging exercise; starving, under pressure, surrounded, exhausted, facing the unknown, concerned for their women and children gathered in refuge places back in Madinah. They could easily have resorted to falling into despair. But through the optimistic leadership of the Best of Creation, and the signs Allah Ta’ala kept giving them, all hardships were born with a winning attitude. SubhanAllah, may the Ummah relearn from these times. Ameen.

More details on Khandaq later in another post, Insha’Allah.

The following touching story is took place in the house of Jabir bin Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu, at the site of the present day Masjid Banu Haraam, and travel between this place and the main command area of the digging.

When the Trench was almost ready dug narrated Jabir bin Abdullah RadhiAllahu anhu, I saw the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam in the state of severe hunger. So I returned to my wife and said, "Have you got anything to eat, for I have seen Allah’s Apostle in a state of severe hunger." She brought out for me, a bag containing one Sa’ of barley, and we had a domestic kid goat which I slaughtered then, and my wife ground the barley and she finished at the time I finished my job of slaughtering. Then I cut the meat into pieces and put it in an earthenware cooking pot, and returned to Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. My wife said, "Do not disgrace me in front of Allah’s Apostle and those who are with him." So I went to him and said to him secretly, "O Allah’s Apostle! I have slaughtered a kid goat of ours, and we have ground a Sa’ of barley which was with us. So please come, you and another person along with you." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam raised his voice and said, "O people of Trench! Jabir has prepared a meal so let us go." Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said to me, "Don’t put down your earthenware meat pot from the fireplace or bake your dough till I come." So I returned to my house with Allah’s Apostle proceeding before the people. When I came to my wife, she said, "May Allah do so-and-so to you." I said, "I have told the Prophet of what you said." Then she brought the dough to the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, and he spat in it and invoked for Allah’s Blessings in it. Then he proceeded towards our earthenware meat-pot and spat in it and invoked for Allah’s Blessings in it. Then he said to my wife, "Call a lady-baker to bake along with you and keep on taking out scoops from your earthenware meat-pot, and do not put it down from its fireplace." They were one-thousand (some narrations say 1,500, and Almighty Allah Ta’ala knows best) who took their meals, and by Allah they all ate, and when they left the food and went away, our earthenware pot was still bubbling, full of meat as if it had not decreased, and our dough was still being baked as if nothing had been taken from it.

SubhanAllah, all these events happened in or around, or about the Companions of this most Mubarak tribe. The present day Masjid built on the site of the original place of Banu Haram is in the midst of a very poor suburb, hugging near to the side of Mount Sal’a. However I find visiting this area to be more than exhilarating. It is as though the essence of the deeds and actions of the Prophet and his noble Sahabah still fills the air and one is able to breathe in this blessedness by the Will of Allah Ta’ala.

I have also included on the image Thaniyyatul Wadaa (red) Masjid Sabaq (lime) and Saqeefa (pink) from yesterdays post, as well as the blue dot indicating the far north eastern corner of the courtyard of Haram, Insha’Allah to reiterate the relationships between the places we are discussing. May these squiggles and dots be clear, and the information of benefit, Insha’Allah.  

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

Fatimah az-Zahra, the Queen of Jannah RadhiAllahu anha.

The intricately patterned metal doors, heavily secured with antique locks, guard the sacred chamber of the place where the house of Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha was; the most loved daughter of our Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, who is resting in his Abode of Peace a few meters to the left. This was the residence of Fatimah and her husband Ali and their five esteemed children, Hasan, Hussein, Mohsin (who died in childhood) Umme Kulthoom and Zainab RadhiAllahu anhum. 

This small room was the earthly home of the Queen of Jannah! Her husband, Ali RadhiAllahu anhu being one of the ‘Asharah Mubasharah, the ten to have been given the glad tidings of their place in Jannah, with Hasan and Hussein being the Masters of the youth in Jannah! Such a humble dwelling exchanged for the most magnificent mansion in Paradise! The Prophet said, "On the Day of Judgment, a caller will call out, ‘lower your gaze until Fatimah has passed."

Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha will be the first woman to enter Jannah, where she will be surrounded by Al-Hur with downcast eyes due to the extreme reverence they have for her! Their exceptional beauty will wane in her presence, as their beauty is their natural disposition as gifted by Allah Ta’ala, whereas Fatimah RadhiAllahu earnt her status and radiance from the sacrifices and struggles she endured throughout her short life for the sake of Islam and her Akhirah. SubhanAllah.

When the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam traveled for five hundred thousand light-years on his journey to the Seven Heavens, and arrived at the fifth paradise which is called Jannat al Naim, the Garden of Beauty and Felicity, with doors of mixed gold and silver from heaven, he saw beautiful ladies whose radi­ant light among their servants made them appear like diamonds surround­ed by pearls. His heart was moved towards them. He asked Jibreel, "Who are these ladies?" He answered, "This is Khadeeja, your first wife and the first Mu’minah, this is Maryam, the mother of Isa, and this is Asiyah, the wife of Firoun." (Some say Hawwa, the mother of all humanity, and Yukabid the mother of Musa are among these ladies, Allahu ‘Alum.) The most glowing lady looked like a sun among stars. Her light shone over the rest of the inhabitants of that Paradise. Jibreel said, "This is an angel representing your daughter Fatimah, 0 Prophet!"

Her mission to support the new Message bestowed on her father, our Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam began when she was only five. She witnessed much of the torture and torment he was subjected to from such an innocent age. It was our Glorious Lady Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha who with passionate grief ran to the aid of our Noble Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam and cleaned his body from the filth the Quraysh threw on him when he was in Sujud in the Ka’aba. From her chaste lips she stood cursing the Quraysh.

Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha seeing her father SallAllahu alaihi wasallam being shunned and abused so much at one time asked him to halt this mission of spreading and propagating Islam, but he replied to the effect that he would never desist from what Allah Ta’ala has commanded him to do and that these actions made him even more determined to spread the Truth throughout the world.

Life in Madinah was a series of different tests and trials.

Ali RadhiAllahu anhu wanted to propose to Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam for Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha, but he had nothing. When Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam heard of this he asked, "Where is your coat of mail I gave you on such and such a day?" (Some narrations say it was a shield) Ali RadhiAllahu anhu replied, "I have it." The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "Give that to her." It is said that Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha married Ali RadhiAllahu anhu for an iron coat of mail! Other narrations offer slight variations saying that she also received an old Yemeni shawl and a worn out sheep skin, which they slept on during the night and would turn it over during the day using it to put the feed for the animals. 

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam instructed that fresh sand be spread on the floor of their original house, and he gave them gifts of a palm leave bed, a leather pillow stuffed with palm fibre, a waterskin and a stone grinding mill. Slight variations have also been narrated. Their life was simple, both working tirelessly. The touching story of Tasbih Fatimah humbles us to accept all conditions Allah Ta’ala in His Wisdom presents to us.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam made the following beautiful Du’a for them.

The First, The Beginning, The Foremost, The Last, The End, The Ultimate, The Most Powerful, The Most Merciful for the Humble, The Most Merciful for the Merciful. O Allah, forgive my sins, be generous to my nature, make my earnings lawful. Satisfy me with Your sustenance. And do not let my heart turn to anything You have diverted away from me.

Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam also instructed Ali RadhiAllahu anhu to perform five acts every night before going to bed.

1.      Give 4,000 dinaar, gold coins, as Sadaqah

2.      Read the Qur’an Shareef once.

3.      Pay the price of Jannah.

4.      Reconcile two fighting persons.

5.      Perform Hajj.

Ali RadhiAllahu anhu said: Ya Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, this is difficult for me. I will not be able to do that. Whereupon Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam replied:

1. Recite Surah Fatiha 4 times and the reward for giving 4,000 dinaar will be recorded in your Book of Deeds.
2. Recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times, and this will be equal to the reward of reciting one Qur’an Shareef.
3. Recite Durood Shareef 3 times, and this will be the reward of paying the price of Jannah.
4. Recite Astaghfirullah 10 times and you will receive the reward of reconciling two fighting persons.
5. Recite the third Kalimah 4 times to receive the reward of performing one Hajj.

On hearing this Ali RadhiAllahu anhu said, Insha’Allah I will perform these acts every day before going to bed.

During the battle of Uhud, the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam sustained wounds to his face and head, and it was Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha who washed the blood while Ali RadhiAllahu anhu held the water. When she saw that bleeding was increasing continuously, she burnt a mat of date-palm leaves till it turned into ashes which she put over the wound and thus the bleeding ceased.

One day Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam went to Fatimah’s house but did not find ‘Ali there. So he asked, "Where is your cousin?" She replied, "There was something between us and he got angry with me and went out. He did not sleep for the mid-day nap in the house." Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam asked a person to look for him. That person came and said, "O Allah’s Apostle! Ali is sleeping in the mosque." Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam went there and found him lying with his upper body uncovered as the sheet had fallen down and he was covered with dust. The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam started cleaning the dust from him saying: "Get up! O Aba Turab. Get up! O Aba Turab. There was no name dearer to Ali than his nickname Abu Turab, the father of dust. He used to feel happy whenever he was called by this name.

When Ali RadhiAllahu anhu had shown his dislike for what Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha had said to him she tried to win back his favour and circled around him seventy one times asking for his forgiveness. The next time she went around him he revealed a slight smile.

The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam requested Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha to visit a very pious lady, the wife of a woodcutter, who lived a little out of Madinah. Allahu ‘Alum, if this was in relationship to the incident when Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha upset Ali. So Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha set out to visit this lady whom her father recommended, walking in the hot sun over dusty tracks. She came upon the humble hut consisting of one room and knocked on the door, giving the greeting of Salam. A voice from inside asked who was there. Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha replied, "Fatimah, the daughter of Rasulullah." An answer from behind the door said that she did not have permission from her husband to allow any body to enter, that she would request permission, and Insha’Allah, she come back the next day. So Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha returned to her house with the intention of visiting the following day. She decided this time to take Hasan and Hussein RadhiAllahu anhuma with her. So she once again made the journey to the woodcutters wife. Once again knocked on the door and stated who she was and how he father had sent her. The woodcutter’s wife could hear the voices of the grandsons of Rasulullah and said through the closed door, but I only received permission for Lady Fatimah to visit. Insha’Allah I will ask my husband if I may invite young Hasan and Hussein in as well. Once again Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha walked the dusty track back to Madinah, with the intention of returning the next day, which she did and this time she entered the humble woodcutter’s home.

As they sat talking Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha saw that there was one small window high in the wall with a beam of sunlight streaming through. At the end of this beam were a few pieces of bread. As the light beam moved, so too did the woodcutter’s wife move the pieces of bread, so they remained in the sunlight. This fascinated Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha, who found herself asking why the woodcutter’s wife was doing such a thing. Whereupon she explained that her husband went out each day, all day long in the searing sun with a few pieces of bread in his pocket, with the bread becoming dry and hard in the hot sun, and that she did not feel comfortable eating soft bread if her husband could not! SubhanAllah!

Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha noticed three mats on the ground constituting the bed, and she knew that there was only the wood cutter and his wife, so she politely inquired about the third mat. The woodcutter’s wife explained, that if her husband happened to turn during his sleep she would not like that her back would be facing him, so she would get up and go to the other mat. Repeating this moving of position if he happened to turn. Such respect and obedience to her husband winning her the praise of Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam!

I have heard Ulema narrate that this woodcutters wife will be the one leading Lady Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha’s horse into Jannah, SubhanAllah, and that Almighty Allah knows best, and therefore enter before Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha. This has also been said of Bilal RadhiAllahu anhu. That he will be honoured by holding the rope of al-Buraq, the same miraculous steed Rasulullah rode to Paradise during the Night Visit, when Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam rides it into Jannah. Allahu ‘Alum.

The great love and affection the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam had for his daughter was seen in the manner in which whenever Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha would visit her father SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, it was he who would stand and kiss her forehead before offering her his seat! When he set out on any journey it was her that he visited last, and upon his return, after attending to prayers in the Masjid, Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha was the first to be visited.

Only six months passed after the death of her Beloved father SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, when she too was called back to Allah Ta’ala. Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam had told her that she would be the first person to meet him in the world beyond death. Her Janazah was the first to use the modest custom of making a cover for the deceased female. This was based on a previous conversation she had with Asmaa bint Anees RadhiAllahu anha when she said, "I do not like the dead bodies of women taken to the grave yard uncovered." Asmaa RadhiAllahu anha, who had been in Habshah, explained how they created a frame over the body of a woman. She demonstrated this to Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha with two long stems of the date palm forming an arch over the body, then draping a sheet over them to conceal the shape. Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha was thus carried to her grave in Jannatul Baqi upholding all the resplendent qualities befitting the name of Zahra.  

Lady Fatimah RadhiAllahu anha, represents the embodiment of all that is divine in womanhood, the noblest ideal of feminine virtues, who was proclaimed by her devoted father SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to be the Queen of Jannah. May Allah Ta’ala shower her and all her noble lineage with the most brilliant of lights and the most fragrant of perfumes. Ameen. And may He, place in our hearts a desire and tenderness to follow her endearing examples. Ameen.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen. 

The Arabic Hadith relating to when Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam called Ali RadhiAllahu anhu "Aba Turab":

Hope.

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right way. (2:186)

And they hope for His mercy and fear His chastisement. (17:57)

Their sides draw away from (their) beds, they call upon their Lord in fear and in hope, and they spend (benevolently) out of what We have given them. (32:16)

That no bearer of burden shall bear the burden of another. And that man shall have nothing but what he strives for. And that his striving shall soon be seen. Then shall he be rewarded for it with the fullest reward. And that to your Lord is the goal. And that He it is Who makes people laugh and weep. (53:38-43)

Abu Hurairah RadhiAllahu anhu heard Allah’s Apostle SallAllahu alaihi wasallam saying: “Verily Allah created Mercy. The day He created it, He made it into one hundred parts. He withheld with Him ninety-nine parts, and sent its one part to all His creatures. Had the non-believer known of all the Mercy which is in the Hands of Allah, he would not lose hope of entering Paradise, and had the believer known of all the punishment which is present with Allah, he would not consider himself safe from the Hell-Fire."

Hope.

Shapeless forms

ceaselessly amble

smoothly

on hallowed ground,

humming

wishing words

released by a longing soul

sequestered in a desirous heart.

Sweet whispers

ride the perfumed breeze of Hope

to the Imam of the Ummah.

The embroidered ornament of the Lord of Dominion.

Amorous avarice

for an everlasting intimacy

with the Intimate One,

dominates

our colour palette

of life. 

Oh that the seeds of our Hopes

are nurtured

by The All-Hearing, The All-Knowing, The Wise One.

Blooming as garlands manifest

in the Eternal Plain,

nourished by Dhikr

and streams of

Salutations

On our Nabi.

Shapeless forms

ceaselessly amble.

Misty haze

of Hopes dispatched.

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.