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Showing posts with label MUHAMMAD AWAL LAWAL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MUHAMMAD AWAL LAWAL. Show all posts

ZINA/FORNICATION


Assalamu Alaikum warahmatuLlah

All Praises Are Allah's; Blessings and Salutations upon his HiS noble Prophet. May Allah bless his household and companions and guide us in his obedience. Aameen
Our topic for tonight is *Zina* translated as *Fornication* in our  English parlance
Firstly what is Zina/fornication and what constitutes it?*
The answer to this comes in the hadith of the Prophet PBUH where he says;
Allah has decreed for every son of Adam his share of zina, which he will inevitably commit. The zina of the eyes is looking, the zina of the tongue is speaking, one may wish and desire, and the private parts confirm that or deny it.[Narrated by al-Bukhaari & Muslim]

From this we find out not only is Zina penetration but there's the hands, eyes and so on but in shaa Allah we'll focus on the Zina of the private part. Thus; Fornication
Undoubtedly fornication is an impermissible act in Islam such that when Allah warns about it, HE warns in a different & scary way and orders not even getting close or near to it.
Allah says;

Surah Al-Isra, Verse 32*
وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا الزِّنَا إِنَّهُ كَانَ فَاحِشَةً وَسَاءَ سَبِيلًا
And go not nigh to fornication; surely it is an indecency and an evil way.

Also considering the how huge fornication is a transgression to Allah, HE orders the perpetrators of it *100 lashes* first on this earth and may Allah protect if they don't repent the punishment of the next awaits them.

A lot of us constantly fall into this evil deed because of our *failure of lowering our gaze*

Allah instructs both the believing men & women to lower their gaze which will help them guard & protect their private organs. *[Surat Nuur(24) : 30-31]*

Allowing the gaze or sight to wander freely without being heedful about the things we see causes sickness of the heart and may Allah forbid the evil capabilities of an sickness or corrupted heart. The eye indeed influences the heart.

Also *Freemixing & being alone with the opposite sex*leads us to fornication.

The Prophet PBUH in Sunan Tirmidhi said; *A man is not  alone with a woman except that shaytaan is the 3rd.

The purpose of shaytaan in our lives is to incite us into falling into evil which later we will be remorseful about. The solitude-ness with the opposite sex provides such perfect opportunity for him to make us commit fornication after which later it will be all regret and disappointment.

My dear Bros & Sisters; never be convinced of your piety/chastity and be sure you wouldn't commit fornication due to your loneliness with the opposite sex but remember the tempting nature of this world which not surprising Allah prohibited things that leads to fornication like illegal hugging, kissing, including being alone with the opposite sex. Another cause of fornication in our societies these days is *Expensive Dowries*

Unfortunately many parents have made their daughters commodities and a criteria they've place in marrying their daughters off is in no way different like the rise of dollar. Unnecessary demanding of things which in no way can or will lead to the success of the marriage.

Also considering the how huge fornication is a transgression to Allah, HE orders the perpetrators of it *100 lashes* first on this earth and may Allah protect if they don't repent the punishment of the next awaits them.

A lot of us constantly fall into this evil deed because of our *failure of lowering our gaze*

Allah instructs both the believing men & women to lower their gaze which will help them guard & protect their private organs. *[Surat Nuur(24) : 30-31]*

Allowing the gaze or sight to wander freely without being heedful about the things we see causes sickness of the heart and may Allah forbid the evil capabilities of an sickness or corrupted heart. The eye indeed influences the heart.

Also *Freemixing & being alone with the opposite sex*leads us to fornication.

The Prophet PBUH in Sunan Tirmidhi said; *A man is not  alone with a woman except that shaytaan is the 3rd.

The purpose of shaytaan in our lives is to incite us into falling into evil which later we will be remorseful about. The solitude-ness with the opposite sex provides such perfect opportunity for him to make us commit fornication after which later it will be all regret and disappointment.

My dear Bros & Sisters; never be convinced of your piety/chastity and be sure you wouldn't commit fornication due to your loneliness with the opposite sex but remember the tempting nature of this world which not surprising Allah prohibited things that leads to fornication like illegal hugging, kissing, including being alone with the opposite sex. Another cause of fornication in our societies these days is *Expensive Dowries*

Unfortunately many parents have made their daughters commodities and a criteria they've place in marrying their daughters off is in no way different like the rise of dollar. Unnecessary demanding of things which in no way can or will lead to the success of the marriage.

Until the means of marriage is made easy for those wanting to marry then I'm afraid the chapter of fornication in our societies won't be closed.

The Prophet PBUH said; *If the proposal of a man comes to you for your daughter and you find peace with his religion & character then make them marry, else you only will make way for fitnah in this world.

Part of the fitnah is fornication.

May Allah protect. Aameen

This issue of expensive dowries is more of a family/social issue than an individual one.

Another cause is *Bad Company & Friendship*

The people we associate with day in day out shape the kind of lives and acts we engage in the long run. Its unsurprising that the Prophet PBUH said; a person is on the path of his friend so anyone of you should be watchful who he befriends. If you are surrounded by good people with God fearing characters then you are on the path Allah instructs and may Allah forbid the other path. Aameen.

Another cause is *Flirting among the opposite sex*

My dear brothers & sisters if anything at all Islam instructs us to deal with people with dignity and respect. We today Muslims have taken this to a different level and with the help of social media flirting with even those we don't know has become the order of our moments. The end of every great thing has a strong foundation, with the foundation of your interaction with your non-mahram being flirty words and illegal gestures then what great evil end are you planning for yourself my dear one. Allah says in Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse 32 impressing on not beautifying our speeches especially the lady to avoid temptations.

.َّ فَلَا تَخْضَعْنَ بِالْقَوْلِ فَيَطْمَعَ الَّذِي فِي قَلْبِهِ مَرَضٌ وَقُلْنَ قَوْلًا مَّعْرُوفًا
then be not soft in (your) speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease yearn; and speak a good word. Fornication has & brings about *negative effects* in the life of a person. *It makes a  person looses their state of title as a believer.* The Prophet PBUH mentioned 4 things of which Fornication was included that; there's no way a person commits it and they'll be in the state of believe. (Muslim & Bukhari)

Also fornication leads to *Anger & displeasure* of Allah as it is transgressing of HIS commands. It also leads to *Poverty and the door to other sins* causing *loss of a blessed life* & *darkness of the heart*

Now the way forward; I would be untruthful if I don't acknowledge the sensitivity and tempting nature of our era now. Avenues for Fornication are just a hand stretch from each one of us but we  ought to *fear Allah and remain steadfast* and not become victims of our lusts & desires. Fornication & sin in general won't lead to nothing but increasing worry and degeneration in our lives.

Where is the joy of committing a deed when you'll be punished for it later my dear one. Way forward, in case you have fallen victim of this grievous deed and you want to repent from it never lose hope.

No matter how great your sin is; Allah's mercy is greater. You need 3 things and they are;

~ be remorseful & have a sense of regret for committing the deed

~ leave the sin

& ~ Never go back to it again. Don't sin and repent Thursday evening and Saturday night you on it again. In this tempting world things that can save us are  my brothers & sister;

~ Being serious with our prayers & Constant reading of the Qur'an. ~ Making Dua to Allah to save us from falling into temptations and keeping us from sins.

Abu Hurayra RA used to make a dua;

*Allahumma inni Audhubika  An Aznii Wa Asriq*

 (O Allah I seek refuge in you from Fornicating and stealing. Someone said to him; a great person like you, a companion of the Prophet and you afraid.

Abu Hurayra RA replied him and said; I have to be afraid the Prophet PBUH is gone but shaytaan is still much with us. ~ Another is keeping good friends & company.

~ constructive interactions with the opposite sex. ~ Fasting constantly as it reduces a persons yearn for sexual activity. ~ Lastly & importantly easing the avenues of marriage. May Allah protect us from the tests of time & make us come out successfully. Aameen.

May He inspire us to see good and follow it, guide us to identify false and shun it. Aameen.

May Allah grant us good in this life & the hereafter. Aameen

I end here and whatever I've said of good is from Allah and then HIS messenger and the faults and mistakes is from my fallible self and shaytaan.

Assalamu Alaikum warahmatuLlah😊

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INSPIRATION OF ALJANNAH

 
Assalamu Alaikum warahmatuLlah.
Audhu Bi-Llahi Minash Shaytaanir Rajeem..
Bismi-Llahir Rahmaanir Raheem..
 
"Indeed, all praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and seek His Help and forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from our souls' evils and our wrong doings. He whom Allah guides, no one can misguide; and he whom He misguides, no one can guide."
 
 
"I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah- alone without any partners. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger
Honoured Brothers & Sisters; Presented before us today is the topic *Inspiration of Al Jannah (Paradise)
My Bros & Sisters; every single one of us regardless of our race, culture, or creed have an aim and foresight of a life full of happiness; a life where we'll wake up and nothing but bliss all around us but contrary to that this world proves exact negative to that.
 
This world we live in now is full of worry, fear, hunger & poverty, disappointments and the list goes on and on but then that is the reality of life...
 
Without them truth be told this life would be incomplete...
But before we lose hope; Allah has a promise for us; a promise of the fulfilling our dream of a better and happy life and thus the life of Jannah (Paradise).
My Bros & Sis; as believers all we do from the day we are born to the day we die should be channelled at making it to paradise, just as those before and even those that'll come after us...
 
The Prophet PBUH was asked about Jannah and He replied; no matter how hard I try to explain Jannah to you, you can only imagine but will never understand
It thus comes in a narration of Abu Huraira RA where He reports Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:        
 
 Allah the Exalted and Glorious, said: I have  prepared for My pious servants which no eye has ever seen, and no ear  has ever heard, and no human heart has ever perceived but it is  testified by the Book of Allah.* He then recited:" No soul knows what  comfort has been concealed from them, as a reward for what they did".  (xxxii. 17)
Reference : Sahih Muslim 2824 a
In-book reference : Book 53, Hadith 3
Now the question surrounding our interaction today, How Do We Get To Jannah??
 
Just as Imam Ghazali Rahimahu-Llah has scribed; The way to Jannah is like an uphill and therefore it needs struggling to get there...
 
The struggle to Jannah consists primarily of *sincere intention & devotion fashioned into good deeds* which makes one attain Allah's mercy and finally makes it to Jannah...
Now, the ways to Jannah (Paradise) is vast and hence the paths to Jannah are numerous.
 
Let's go through some narrations of the Prophet PBUH to enlighten us and at the end emulate these ways so our aim of making it to Jannah (Paradise) won't only be a thought in our minds or word from our mouths but an action in our deeds also...
 
May Allah make it easy for us. Aameen...
1. Whoever meets Allah without ascribing anything to Him will enter Jannah. (Bukhari)
 
This hadith imbibes in us the sole worship & obedience of Allah SWT; believing HE created us & putting HIM where he belongs above every one  and thing in worship...
2. Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs I guarantee Jannah for him. (Bukhari)
This hadith also tells us the importance of safeguarding the *tongue* and the *private parts.*
 
In a different narration, the Prophet PBUH was questioned, what are the things that'll lead people most to Hell? He said; the Tongue & Private Parts...
 
To make it to Jannah, its important we protect this organs very much & use them in the best possible way to help us achieve our aim of making it to Jannah (Paradise).
3.  Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Jannah. (Bukhari)
 
My Bros & Sis; Another major importance in the acquisition of knowledge is it leads to the ease of the way to Jannah...
 
Let's not tire in this regard, whatever knowledge we are seeking provided it is not against Islamic teachings and its not deteriorating to Islam, let's be focused and purify our intentions and Allah will indeed ease it for us.
4. The Prophet PBUH said; I saw a man going about in Jannah (and enjoying himself) as a reward for cutting from the middle of the road, a tree which was causing inconvenience to the Muslims. (Muslim)
 
SubhanaLlah; another way to Jannah is by the sincere service to our fellow humans. As Muslims, we have to be selfless rather than selfish... It should be our aim always to help one another, see wrong and make an impact by correcting it and not adding fuel to it.
 
Its very important we correct things and make life easy for others in this world as its another way of making it to Jannah (Paradise).
5. The Prophet PBUH said; Indeed, truthfulness leads to righteousness and indeed righteousness leads to Jannah.  (Bukhari)
 
This hadith tells us the importance of truthfulness in our lives and how it smoothens our way to entire Jannah (Paradise). Lies no matter how small it is  shouldn't be a feature of a Muslim. As Muslims we ought to be firm and speak the truth no matter where we find ourselves...
 
Once you lie then you make way for the bigger lies in order to protect the first lie and as you continue to lie, may Allah forbid you get recorded by name with Allah that you are among the liars and the liars will never be successful.
6. The Prophet PBUH said; Whoever prays the two cool prayers (Asr and Fajr) will go to Paradise. (Sahih al-Bukhari )...
 
I don't know why but I'm tempted to say this is the easiest way we can enter Jannah...
 
If for nothing at all, we should be very serious about our salats dear brothers & sisters...
 
This doesn't stop at mere performing but one wisdom is, salat is supposed to prohibit us from engaging in immortality & evil acts which in turn makes us close to Allah and leads us to Jannah / Paradise.
7. The Prophet PBUH said; "Whoever builds a Masjid seeking by it the Pleasure of Allah, Allah will build for him a similar place in Jannah." (Sahih al-Bukhari )
One other way we can make it to Jannah (Paradise) is by joining in the cause of building of the house of Allah SWT... Cash, strength are all needed in the building of a masjid and if you can provide with any; do not draw back but help as it also leads one to Jannah.
8. Whoever says SubhanAllah al-Adthim wa Bihamdihi (Glorified and Exalted is Allah, The Great, and with His Praise), a date-palm tree will planted for him in Jannah. (Jami` at-Tirmidhi )
 
This narration tells us the importance of dhikr thus remembrance of Allah SWT and how it eases the way to Jannah.
9. Whoever raises two girls then I and he will enter Jannah like these two (Prophet indicated with his two fingers). (Jami` at-Tirmidhi )
 
 
Another way of entering into Jannah is the care of the girl child. This is a solace for parents who have girl children or if one adopts girls to cater for them...
10. The Prophet PBUH said; "Whoever visits an ailing person or a brother of his to seek the Pleasure of Allah, an announcer (angel) calls out: May you be happy, may your walking be blessed, and may you be awarded a dignified position in Jannah. (Jami` at-Tirmidhi )
 
 
This hadith imbibe in us the importance of looking out for one another even in sickness and how it leads to Jannah...
And then finally;
11. The Prophet PBUH said; "Whoever prays 12 Rakah (units of prayer) in the day and night, a house in Jannah will be built for him." ( Sunan an-Nasai )
 
These 12 units of prayer are what is known as the sunan rawaatib and they are;
 
~ 2 units before Fajr
~ 4 units before Zuhr
~2 units after Zuhr
~2 units after Magrib
~ 2 units after Isha
 
The performance of this sunna prayers help one get a house in Jannah.
My Bros & Sis, let's note these are not the only way one can get to Jannah but due to time factor and not to bore you most this is the ones I would like to mention...
 
Also, there should be *Sincerity & Consistency* in the performance of the deed. That is how we can attain the reward that it comes along with it...
 I end here and the truth of anything I've said is from Allah and His Messenger PBUH and the false and evil is from my fallible self and shaytaan and They are free from it.
We ask Allah to bless and protect us, accept from us & forgive us our shortcomings and make unite us in Jannah...
May Allah grant us good in this world and better in the hereafter and protect us from the torment of the fire... Aameen..
Wassalamu Alaikum...
Thanks for your time & hosting me.

The Relationship between the obligatory and optional acts of worship in Islam


Assalamu Alaikum warahmatuLlah...

I hope we are in good health AlhamduliLlah...

Endless Praise & Thanks is due to Our Lord, the One who created us when we were nothing, selected us above all HIS creations and bestowed upon us the beautiful boon of Faith & Islam.

We seek for endless peace & blessings upon the Noble Prophet Muhammad PBUH, May Allah bless His household and companions including those who have followed the path of guidance. May Allah equally keep us on the right path.

Our topic for this morning AlhamduliLlah is The Relationship between the obligatory and optional acts of worship in Islam and I hope to be brief as much as possible...

First and foremost as believers and humans first, worship is the sole reason of our existence in this earth.

It is through this worship that we tend to attain factors that'll be tickets of our success both on this earth and then the important one the hereafter. Worship of Allah gets us this closeness, pleasure and mercies of Allah...

Due to this, it is very very important that we be cognisant of our daily acts, the in and out of these acts of worship in order to be part of the great blessings and favours that comes along with them..

Like the Imam of Ahdar has scribed; The first incumbent thing on the matured person is to perfect his faith and then know things that he'll use to perfect/beautify his faith..

Therefore, its very important a Muslim knows the rulings and limitations of our daily acts for if nothing at all for the aim of prioritizing our acts which in turn will lead to the beautification of our faith..

In total, the rulings guiding our daily acts as Muslims are five(5) even though some scholars (Hanafis) have made further divisions to get a total of seven (7) but they are widely accepted as five.

In the division of five(5) they are;

~ Fard / Waajib = Obligatory/Compulsory

 

~ Sunnah / Mustahab = Optional / Recommended

 

~ Haram = Prohibited / Forbidden

 

~ Makroor / Takreer = Disliked / Reprehensible

 

~ Mubah = Neutral

 

While in seven(7) they are;

~ Fard = Compulsory

~ Waajib = Obligatory

~ Sunnah = Preferred

~ Mustahabb = Recommended

~ Haram = Forbidden

~ Makroor = Disliked

~ Mubah = Neutral

 

So this morning in our interaction, we would limit ourselves to the obligatory and optional acts together with the relationship between both...

1. Obligatory Acts

This stand in place of Fard or Waajib and is referred to acts that are commanded and each matured responsible Muslim is obliged to do it.

They include the five daily prayers, Fasting during the month of Ramadan, Charity, covering oneself and so on.

Leaving out these acts without a valid reason is tantamount to sinning and by valid it is meant  valid according to the sharee'a and not valid per our thinking..

There are 2 types in this category namely;

 

Fard Ayn

Fard Kifaaya

 

Fard Ayn; is an obligation that is on a personal level. Each Muslim performs it on their own. Example being, the 5 daily prayers....

 

Fard Kifaaya; this type of obligation is on a personal scale till a group of people have performed it then the obligation is lifted on each person. Example is the funeral prayer...

 

2. Optional Acts

This stands in place of sunnah or mustahab and are acts not compulsory but recommended, performing them is rewarding but leaving them is not sinning.

 

Examples include, charity outside zakat, initiating a salaam and so on...

There are also two namely,

Sunnah Muakaddah

Sunnah Ghayr Muakaddah

 

Sunnah Muakaddah; these are sunnah acts that were performed frequently by the Prophet PBUH... They were more unless like habits..

Examples include, 2 units of prayer before Fajr prayer, Thursday fasting...

 

Sunnah Ghayr Muakaddah; these were performed at most times and not necessarily all the time...

Example include, 4 rakats before Asr prayer...

So now the relationship between both, let's take an hadith for a better understanding in shaa Allah;

A man approached the Prophet and asked: Tell me about an action that if I do, I will enter paradise?

The Prophet said, Worship Allah, do not associate partners, establish prayers, give zakat, and fast during Ramadan.

The man said, By Allah, I will not increase anything from this and I will not decrease anything from this.

When the man left, the Prophet said if anyone is pleased to see a person from paradise then look to that man.

This hadith spells out what is required of the Muslim and without doubt it is what he has been commanded or obliged with and that is enough for the salvation of that Muslim.

So the direct relationship between the obligatory and optional acts is that;

the obligatory acts are required and a must for a believer and leaving them incurs sins for the person but the optional acts are just acts that help us get closer to Allah and to compensate for any shortcomings in the obligatory acts and one has  no fault in leaving their performance.

Also the obligatory acts is prioritized over the optional acts as they are the most important.

 

Its reported regarding obligatory prayers and optional prayers in a hadith;

 

Abu Huraira reported the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) as saying: When the prayer commences then there is no prayer (valid), but the obligatory prayer. (Muslim Book 4, Number 1531)

Also it has been narrated by 'Abdullah b. Sarjis:

 

A person entered the mosque, while the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) was leading the dawn prayer. He observed two rak'ahs in a corner of the mosque, and then joined the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) in prayer.

 

When the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) had pronounced salutations (he had concluded the prayer), he said:

 

 O, so and so, which one out of these two prayers did you count (as your Fard prayer), the one that you observed alone or the prayer that you observed with us ?

(Muslim Book 4, Number 1537)

 

This also tells us the preference of the obligatory acts over the optional acts in our daily acts...

 

Also one relationship is just as leaving the obligatory leads to sin, leaving optional leads to loss of rewards.
The negligence of an obligatory acts leads to one sinning and at a length leaving the fold of Islam like abandoning salat while when one performs a sunnah or optional act theirs is a reward and hence if one leaves them they lose nothing but rewards..
All in all, the major concern of a Muslim should be fulfilling what they have been commanded to perform and striving to perform the optional acts but the secret is correct and true intention when performing obligatory acts leads to the performance of the optional acts as at this juncture the believer enjoys and has an ecstasy in his worship.
I advice that The optional acts also should also be our priority as it attains for us a status which obligatory acts wouldn't attain for us and its beautifully described in the hadith of the Prophet PBUH where he says;
Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war with him. My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and *My servant continues to draw near to Me with optional/supererogatory works so that I shall love him.* When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it. I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about [seizing] the soul of My faithful servant: he hates death and I hate hurting him.
(Al-Bukhaari  6502)
We have to be ambitious and perform our daily acts without being selective as we don't know that exact one which will attain us the salvation we need... Leaving optional acts and focusing only on obligatory opens door for our failure as we are humans and perfection is not our character..
I end here and the truth of anything I've said is from Allah and His Messenger PBUH and the false and evil is from my fallible self and shaytaan and They are free from it.
 
We ask Allah to bless and protect us, accept from us & forgive us our shortcomings...
 
May Allah grant us good in this world and better in the hereafter and protect us from the torment of the fire... Aameen..
 
Wassalamu Alaikum...