Information on Islam For Non Muslims Part 9

BEAUTIFUL SAYINGS OF THE HOLY PROPHET

The Holy Prophet said:
1. Nothing is comparable to two traits of one's character i.e. believing in Allah and benefitting the general Muslims and nothing is worse than two things i.e. associating a partner(s) with Allah and hurting Muslims.

2. There are three things which emancipate a believer, three things destroy him, three things upgrade his degrees and three things atone for his sins.

a. Emancipation: (1). Fearing Allah openly and secretly, (2). To be' moderate in destitution and affluence and (3). Be just in pleasure and in anger.

b. Destruction: (1). To be miserly or greedy, (2). To be selfish and (3). To be self-conceited. Conceit leads one to haughtiness.

c. Upgradation: (1). Promoting "Salaam" among believers, (2). Feeding the poor,destitutes and (3). Offering "Nafil" prayers late night while others are asleep.

d. Atonement: (1). Performance of ablution in chilling cold washing the necessary parts of the body well, (2). Walking on foot to mosque to join congregational prayer and (3). Waiting for anther prayer having offered the one.

Minor sins are automatically forgiven by the blessings of these good acts. However, for the forgiveness of one's major sins, one is required to repent and seek forgiveness of Allah.

3. Four things are signs of misfortune: (a). Forgetting one's past sins although they are written in his sheet of actions preserved with Allah Almighty, (b). Publicising his virtues even though he does not know whether they have been accepted or rejected, (c). Keeping those ones in eyes who enjoy higher status in society than oneself (with the intention of imitating them) and (d). Looking only to those ones who have less knowledge of religious affairs than oneself. For such person Allah Almighty says: "I intend good for him but he did not make My pleasure his objective. So I abandoned him to himself."
And four things signify good fortune: (a).Keeping one's sins in mind. (It enables one to repent and seek forgiveness of Allah), (b). To do a virtue and then to forget that, (c). Keeping such ones in eyes who have profound knowledge of the religion. (It will inspire him to greater efforts for Islaam) and (d). Looking to the poor and destitutes (it will make him thankful to Allah).

4. There will come a time over my Ummat when they will love five things and forget five things:
a. They will love this world but will forget the next world.
b. They will love their homes but will forget graves.
c. They will love wealth,property but will forget the Day of Judgement.
d. They will love their family members but will forget houris.
e. They will love their ownself but will forget Allah.

5. Six types of people incur my (Holy Prophet's) and of all Prophets' curse:
a. He who interpolates or tampers with or distorts the meaning of the Holy Qur-aan.
b. He who refutes "Taqdeer" (predestination).
c. The one who obtrudes oneself on others and tries to disgrace those (right-guided scholars) whom Allah has honoured and respects those (the mean and wicked people) whom Allah has disgraced.
d. The one who has the temerity to profane Haram.
e. He who considers those things permissible for my (Prophet's) family members, posterity which have been declared unlawful by Allah Almighty (like oppressing them or hurting them unjustly).
f. He who is in practice of neglecting my 
Sunnat.
Allah Almighty will not show mercy to these people
on the Doomsday.

6. Allah Almighty will bless seven kinds of people with the cool shade of His empyrean on the Doomsday where there will be no shade on that day except for it: (a).Upright leader and just ruler, (b).the young who grew up in the worship of Allah, (c). The one who remembers Allah Almighty in privacy and sheds tears for fear of Allah, (d). The one whose heart remains involved in mosque (i.e. he is keen to go to mosque for one prayer after another), (e). The one who gives charity for the sake of Allah in such a way that the left hand does not know of what the right hand gives, (f). Those persons who love each other for the sake of Allah and (g). The one whom a beautiful woman attracted with lust but he refused saying: "I fear Allah."

7. There are eight things which are never satisfied/ satiated with eight things: (a). The eye with lustful glance [the more one casts evil eye (on women) the greater the want], (b).the earth with rain, (c).a female with male, (d).a religious scholar with knowledge, (e).beggar with beggary, (f). An avaricious with amassing wealth, (g). The sea with the water and (h). Fire with wood.

8. Allah Almighty revealed to Prophet Moses in Torah that three things are the origin of all sins: (1). Pride/haughtiness, (2). jeolousy and (3). Avarice. These three evil things produce six more vices multiplying the number to nine: (1). Satiety, (2). excessive sleep, (3). idleness, (4). Undue love of wealth, (5). self-importance/ self-praising and (6). inclination to ruling clique.

9. The prayer (Salaat,Namaaz) is the pillar of Islamic faith which embodies ten qualities: (l).Beauty of the face, (2).light of the heart, (3).comfort of the body, (4).consolation in grave, (5).descent of mercy, (6). key to heavens, (7). weight (in favour of believer) of Balance (on the Doomsday), (8).pleasure of the Creator (Allah). (9). Price of Paradise and (10). Protection against hell. So the believer who offers/ establishes prayers, in fact, strengthens the fortress of Islaam and he who abandons prayers, in fact, attempts to demolish the fortress of Islaam.

10. Whosoever (male or female) recites the following ten sentences/words 1000 times on the night of 'Arafah (the night to follow 9 th Zilhij), being preceded and followed by Durood Shareef at least thrice and then make Du'aa, his supplication would be definitely accepted unless he severs ties with his relatives and makes unlawful Du'aa:

l.Subhaanal Lazee Fissamaaa-i 'Arshuhoo.
2.Subhaanal Lazee Fil-Ardi Mulkuho wa Qudratuhoo.
3.Subhaanal Lazee Fil-Bahri Sabeeluhoo.
4.Subhaanal Lazee Fil-Hawaaa-i Roohuhoo.
5.Subhaanal Lazee Fin-Naari Sultaanuhoo.
6.Subhaanal Lazee Fil-Arhaami 'Ilmuhoo.
7.Subhaanal Lazee Fil-Quboori Qadaaa-ohoo.
8.Subhaanal Lazee Rafa'as Samaaa-i Bilaa 'Amadin.
9.Subhaanal Lazee Wada'al 'Arda.
l0.Subhaanal Lazee Laa Malja-a Walaa Manja-a Minhoo Illaaa Ilaiehi.

Information on Islam For Non Muslims part 8

Q17: Can woman come out from "Masjid-e-Bait" during Etikaaf or not?
A. A woman who is observing Etikaaf irrespective of "Waajib" or "Masnoon" at Masjid-e-Bait (the place reserved for prayer at home) can not come out from It without a valid excuse. If she does even though remains within the precinct of her house, her Etikaaf will be spoilt.

Q18: What excuse is there for stepping out of the mosque during Etikaaf?
A. There are two excuses for coming out from the mosque during Etikaaf i.e. (1)."Haajat-e-Tabi'ee" (natural needs) like relieving oneself, abstersion, ablution and bath and (2)."Haajat-e-Shar'ee" (Shar'ee needs) like offering Jumu'ah or Eid prayer in other
mosque if not held in the mosque where he is observing Etikaaf or to climb the minaret of the mosque for calling Azaan if its way/door is from outside the mosque and in case the way of the minaret is from inside the mosque then anyone can climb it for Azaan without particularising the Muazzin.

Q19: Can Etikaaf-observing man perform ablution or bath in mosque?
A. The permission accorded to "Mo'takif (Etikaaf-observing man) for stepping out of the mosque to perform ablution or take bath is aimed at preserving the sanctity of the mosque, for, dropping/sprinkling the water of ablution or bath in mosque is unlawful. And in case a trouph,basin is available in which he can perform ablution taking all care that no drop of water falls in the mosque during the process then he can not go out of the mosque for ablution. If he does, his Etikaaf will be spoilt. Likewise, if there is a place or pond for performing ablution or bath within the periphery of the mosque then he can not go outside.

Q20: Can "Mo'takif stay or not outside the mosque for some other need after relieving oneself?
A. If Mo'takif (Etikaaf-observing man) goes out of the mosque to relieve oneself he must come back immediately after abstersion without any delay. If the house of his friend is situated near the mosque then he is not required to use his (friend's) lavotary. He can go to his own house for the purpose. But in case, he has two houses - one is located near the mosque and the other at some distance then he should go to the nearby house. The religious scholars maintain that if Mo'takif goes to the distant house in the given case, his Etikaaf will be spoilt.

Q21: When should Mo'takif leave the mosque for other mosque to offer Jumu'ah prayer?
A. If Jumu'ah prayer is not held in the mosque where one is observing Etikaaf then he should leave the mosque for the nearest mosque where Jumu'ah prayer is held at such time after post-meridian that he could offer Sunnat prayer there before second Azaan and in case the mosque where Jumu'ah prayer is held is situated at a distant place then he can go even before meridian. But he should leave at such a calculated time that he could, reaching there, offer Sunnat prayer before second Azaan. He should reach there neither much before the time nor be late.

Q22: How long can this Mo'takif stay in mosque after offering Jumu'ah prayer?
A. Mo'takif should come back to his Etikaaf s mosque after having offered Jumu'ah prayer followed by four or six Rak'ahs of Sunnat. If he needs to repeat Zuhar prayer (being doubtful about the accomplishment of Jumu'ah prayer due to omission of any pre-requisite), he should offer it in his Etikaaf s mosque.

Q23: Will Etikaaf of this Mo'takif be spoilt or not if he stays in the principal mosque?
A. The Mo'takif who came to the principal mosque to offer Jumu'ah prayer (from his Etikaaf s mosque) and did not go back but instead stayed there for a day and night or completed his Etikaaf there in such case his Etikaaf would not be spoilt. But it is Makrooh to do so.

Q24: Can Mo'takif go or not to other mosque for congregational prayer?
A. If one is observing Etikaaf in such mosque where Jama'at (congregational prayer) is not held five times a day then he can go to other mosque to attend Jama'at.

Q25: Can Mo'takif step out of the mosque for some other need than "Haajat-e-Shar'ee" or "Haajat-e-Tabi'ee"?
A. Mo'takif can step out of his Etikaaf s mosque under the doctrine of necessity apart from Shar'ee needs and natural needs. For example, the mosque where one is observing Etikaaf falls down or he is forced out of the mosque or he is under threat and feels that if he does not leave the mosque, irreparable harm may come to his person or to his property, in such case if he shifts to other mosque, his Etikaaf will not be spoilt.

Q26: How is that for Mo'takif who goes out of the mosque to rescue a drowning man or for such exigent case?
A. If Mo'takif steps out of the mosque to rescue a drowning man or a man engulfed in fire or to give evidence in a case or to inquire after the sick or to attend funeral prayer even though there is none to offer funeral prayer, in such case his Etikaaf will be spoilt.

Q27: Will Etikaaf be spoilt or not if Mo'takif eats or drinks
something during fasting by mistake? A. If Mo'takif eats or drinks something in the day by
mistake, his Etikaaf will not be spoilt. Likewise, Etikaaf is not spoilt by abuse or brawl but such indecent things strip it of the divine light and grace.

Q28: Which things spoil Etikaaf?
A. The following things spoil Etikaaf:
(1). Stepping out of mosque without necessity, (2). to have sex intentionally or unintentionally irrespective of discharge and whether it is done within or without the precinct of the mosque in the day or at night, (3). to kiss or (4).touch or (5) hug a woman provided that he discharges, (6). for woman: to be free from menstruation or (7). discharge of blood of the childbirth, (8). protracted madness or unconciousness that one can not observe fast.
It is unlawful for a Mo'takif to kiss or touch or hug a woman though he does not discharge, for, such acts come under sex. However, discharge during sleep does not spoil Etikaaf.

Q29: Which acts are permissible for Mo'takif in mosque?
A. Mo'takif can hold "Nikah" (can be united in matrimony) and can refer to his wife verbally if divorced her revocably (can remarry his wife whom he divorced conditionally) in mosque. Likewise, he can eat, drink and sleep in mosque maintaining the sanctity of the mosque. If he goes out of the mosque for such purposes, his Etikaaf will be spoilt. Non-Mo'takif can not eat, drink and sleep in a mosque unless he intends for Etikaaf and offers prayer or do "Zikr" (remembrance of Allah) before doing so.

Q30: Can Mo'takif buy or sell something in mosque under necessity?
A. Mo 'takif can buy or purchase a thing necessary for his family in mosque provided that the commodity is not placed inside the mosque. If done then it should be in such a small quantity that it does not encroach the space of the mosque and in case shopping is done for business even though the merchandise is not placed in the mosque then it is impermissible.

Q31: How is that for keeping quiet during 'Etikaaf?
A. If Mo'takif keeps silence under the impression that keeping quiet during 'Etikaaf is a rewarding act, it is "Makrooh Tahreemi" (strictly odious act) otherwise there is no harm in keeping silence and in case he keeps quiet to avoid indecent or frivolous talk then it is, of course, a rewarding act because avoidance of indecent talk is Waajib.
And indulgence in such talk that carries neither reward nor sin meaning "Mubaah" is also Makrooh for Mo'takif unless direly needed. Indulgence in Mubaah talk in mosque without necessity ruins goodnesses as fire consumes the fuel.

Q32: In which acts should Mo'takif busy himself?
A. Mo'takif must busy himself in reading,reciting the Glorious Quraan and Ahaadees (Prophetic sayings, practices and guidances), extensive invocation of Allah's blessings on the Holy Prophet (Durood Shareef), teaching of Islamic knowledge, reading of the Holy Prophet's, other Prophets', companions' (of the Holy Prophet), saints' and savants' lives, writing of Islamic books and listening to Islamic lectures and attending the meetings,sittings of "Zikr" (repeated invocation of Allah's Name/attributes) etc. if held in the mosque.

Q33: Will "Qada" become due or not if Mo' takif abandons Etikaaf?
A. There is no "Qada" (observance of worship again to offset the loss,sin) of Nafil Etikaaf if Mo'takif abandons it. But if Mo'takif abandons "Masnoon Etikaaf of the last ten days of Ramadaan then he will have to observe "Qada" only of the day on which he abandoned it not of full ten days. And in case he forsakes the Mannat's Etikaaf of a determined month then he should observe Qada of the remaining days and if Mannat was aimed at observing continuous Etikaaf then he should observe Etikaaf afresh and if it was not continuous one then observe Qada of the residual days.

Q34: Will Qada be due or not if Etikaaf is discontinued unintentionally?
A. If Etikaaf is abandoned intentionally or unintentionally its Qada will become due even in case Mo'takif forsakes Etikaaf for sickness or woman has menstruation or discharge of blood of the child-birth or Mo'takif goes mad or falls unconscious and remains in this condition for a long time. Qada will be due of as many days as are abandoned. If whole of Etikaaf is given up then Qada of full Etikaaf will be due. And in case Mannat is aimed at observing continuous Etikaaf then it will have to be observed afresh continuously if abandoned.

Information on Islam For Non Muslims Part 7

"SADAQATUL FITR"

Q 1: What is meant by "Sadqatul Fitr"?
A. "Sadqatul Fitr" is, in fact, Sadaqah (charity) of the fasts of the holy month of Ramadaan. It aims at cleansing one's fasts of any expected absurd and indecent action and works, helping the poor and indigent people on the occasion of religious festival - Eid and expressing one's gratitude to Allah Almighty for the bounties and favours he gained through the fasts.

Q 2: Upon whom is Sadqatul Fitr binding?
A. It is binding (Waajib) upon every free Muslim who is solvent and his Nisaab is also free from essential needs to pay Sadqatul Fitr. Being sane and mature and for assets to be "Naamee"(productive assets) is no condition. If a minor and an insane are solvent then Sadqatul Fitr is binding on them and their guardian should pay it from their asset.

Q 3: When should Sadqatul Fitr be paid?
A. Sadaqatul Fitr should be paid before Eid prayer which is "Masnoon" (accepted way). If not paid, pay it any time in whole life. This "Waajib" (essential act) is not annulled on non-payment and likewise its delayed payment is also not "Qada" (accomplishment of Waajib after due time). Whenever Sadaqatul Fitr is paid in life it is deemed to be "Adaa" (accomplishment of Waajib on time).

Q 4: When does Sadqatul Fitr become due?
A. Sadqatul Fitr becomes due (Waajib) soon after dawn on Eid day. So if one died or became insolvent before it was dawn, there would be no Sadqatul Fitr for such person and in case one died or became insolvent after dawn then Sadqatul Fitr would be due.

Q 5: Will Sadqatul Fitr be due or not if assets,cattle are anyway destroyed, killed?
A. It is no condition that assets should remain intact and cattle alive for paying Sadqatul Fitr. It will remain due even if assets,cattle are destroyed,killed unlike Zakaat and Ushr which stand annulled in such cases.

Q 6: Who should pay Sadqatul Fitr for a minor child?
A. If the father of minor child is solvent then he should pay his own and his child's Sadqatul Fitr and in case the child is himself solvent then it should be paid from his asset.

Q 7: Who should pay Sadqatul Fitr for an orphan child?
A. Paternal grand-father of an orphan grand-son or grand-daughter should pay Sadqatul Fitr for him/her. However, it is not binding (Waajib) on a mother to pay Sadqatul Fitr for her children.

Q 8: Is it essential or not for the one to pay Sadqatul Fitr who did not observe fasts?
A. Observance of fasts is no condition for paying Sadqatul Fitr. If one could not observe fasts owing to old age or journey or God-forbid! without any valid reason even then Sadqatul Fitr is Waajib.

Q 9: Who should pay Sadqatul Fitr of an insane?
A. Father of the insane child should pay Sadqatul Fitr for him even though he is mature and if the insane is solvent then it should be paid from his assets.

Q10: Who should pay Sadqatul Fitr of a married immature girl?
A. If an immature girl who is able to serve,enjoy the company of her husband, has been married and sent to her husband's home, her Sadqatul Fitr is neither binding on her husband nor on her father and in case she is not able to serve her husband or has not been sent to her husband's home then her Sadqatul Fitr is binding (Waajib) on her father as usual provided that she is not solvent. If solvent then it should be paid from her assets.

Q11: Is Sadqatul Fitr of one's wife and sane and mature children binding on him or not?
A. Sadqatul Fitr of one's wife and sane and mature children is not binding on him even though they depend on him or are disabled.

Q12: Will Sadqatul Fitr of one's family be deemed to have been paid or not if paid by him?
A. If one paid Sadqatul Fitr of his wife and mature children without their permission, it would stand paid provided that they depend on him otherwise Sadqatul Fitr of his children will not be deemed to have been paid but his wife's would stand paid. And if a wife pays Sadqatul Fitr for her husband without his permission then it would not be deemed to have been paid.

Q13: Is Sadqatul Fitr of one's parents binding on him or not?
A. It is not the responsibility of one to pay Sadqatul Fitr of his parents, paternal grand-parents and other relatives. If paid without their permission it would not be deemed to have been paid.

Q14: What is the quantity of Sadqatul Fitr?
A. The quantity of Sadqatul Fitr is half "Sa'a" of wheat or its flour or parched barley meal or one Sa'a of dates or large raisins or barley or its flour or parched barley meal.

Q15: What is the weight of a Sa'a?
A. The research and care to this effect which benefit the poor,indigent much suggest that a Sa'a of barley should be taken and then wheat be weighed according to it. The wheat so weighed will be equal to the weight of 351 rupee coins. Thus half Sa'a is of 175.8 rupee coins. A Sa'a is of about 4 1/2 "Sair" and half Sa'a of 2 1/4 Sair. According to decimal system the quantity of Sadqatul Fitr is 2.41 kg. Giving more in the way of Allah is greatly rewarding for oneself.

Q16: Should Sadqatul Fitr be paid in accordance with weight or price?
A. If Sadqatul Fitr is paid by wheat, barley, dates and large raisins then their weight would be countable not price. For example, one gave half a Sa'a of barley of fine quality in Sadqatul Fitr which carried the price of one Sa'a of coarse quality of barley or a quarter of a Sa'a of fine quality wheat which carried the price of half a Sa'a of low quality wheat. It is not permissible. Only the weight of grain not price would be countable towards Sadqatul Fitr. Thus the Sadqatul Fitr would be deemed to have been paid to the extent of what quantity of cereals has been given and the remaining quantity thereof will have to be given.

Q17: Is it permissible or not to give wheat and barley fifty-fifty in Sadqatul Fitr or only the prescribed weight of each of them is to be given?
A. It is also permissible to give half a Sa'a of barley and a quarter of a Sa'a of wheat or half a Sa'a of barley and half a Sa'a of dates.

Q18: If wheat and barley are mixed then the weight of which one is to be counted?
A. That one will be countable which is more in quantity. For example, if wheat is more in the mix then give half a Sa'a in Sadqatul Fitr otherwise one Sa'a.

Q19: Can price of the prescribed weight of commodity be given in Sadqatul Fitr or not?
A. It is also permissible to give price of the prescribed weight of wheat, barley etc. in Sadqatul Fitr. But in case, one gave price of low quality wheat and barley, then he should calculate price of the fine quality and give the remaining amount thereof.

Q20: Is it permissible or not to give other cereals like rice, corn, millet etc. in Sadqatul Fitr?
A. If one wants to give other cereals like rice, corn, millet etc. or any other thing in Sadqatul Fitr than the four ones (wheat, barley, dates and large raisins) then price of the commodity will be countable irrespective of weight i.e. the intended commodity should be given, how much or less it may weigh, equal to the price of half a Sa'a of wheat or one Sa'a of barley.

Q21: Is "Tamleek-e-Faqeer" a precondition for Sadqatul Fitr or not?
A. Tamleek-e-Faqeer (to make a poor,indigent full owner of asset,commodity) is also a precondition for Sadqatul Fitr and after taking possession of asset,commodity the poor,indigent may spend,use it of his own accord like that of Zakaat.

Q22: Is it permissible or not to give Sadqatul Fitr in advance?
A. It is permissible to give Sadqatul Fitr before Ramadaan or in advance even of year(s) like that of Zakaat provided that the person on behalf of whom it is given is alive.

Q23: Can Sadqatul Fitr of one person be distributed among some destitutes or not?
A. It is better to give Sadqatul Fitr of one person to only one destitute. However, it is also permissible to distribute it among some destitutes.

Q24: Is it permissible or not to give Sadqatul Fitr of some persons to only one destitute?
A. It is also permissible to give Sadqatul Fitr of some persons to only one destitute even if those are joint.

Q25: What are the uses of Sadqatul Fitr?
A. The uses of Sadqatul Fitr are the same as that of Zakaat meaning the deserving one of Zakaat is also entitled to Sadqatul Fitr and the one who is not deserving of Zakaat is also not entitled to Sadqatul Fitr except "Aamil" who is entitled to Zakaat but not entitled to Sadqatul Fitr.

Q26: Is it lawful or not for a solvent person to take Sadqatul Fitr?
A. It is unlawful for a solvent person to take "Sadqa-e-Waajibah" such as Sadqatul Fitr like that of Zakaat even though he is an Imaam of a mosque. If given, neither Zakaat nor Sadqatul Fitr would be deemed to have been paid.

Q27: Can Sadqatul Fitr be given to a student seeking after religious knowledge or not?
A. Yes, indeed. It is more rewarding to give Sadqatul Fin-to a student seeking after religious education, knowledge than giving to others. Giving charity earns the giver ten-fold reward but helping a student get religious education by charity will earn the giver at least seven hundred times more reward particularly when there is an apprehension that he might give up religious education for want of money or may (God forbid) fall into the hands of disbelievers or of those who have incorrect beliefs about Islaam.

Information on Islam For Non Muslims Part 6

GOOD SUPPLICATIONS

1. On visiting market, recite this Du'aa: "Allaa Humma Innee As-aluka Khaira Haazassooqi wa Khaira Maa Feehaa wa A'oozu Bika Min Sharrihaa wa Sharrimaa Feehaa". He who does not have this supplication in his memory may recite "Fourth Kalimah" i.e. "Tauheed"(The Oneness of Allah), he will be protected against evil.
2. On eating meal at someone's home, recite this: "Allaa Humma Baarik Lahum Feemaa Razaqtahum Waghfir-lahum War-hamhum"
3. On visiting/inquiring after the sick, place one's right hand on his forehead and recite: "Laa-basa Tahoorun Inshaa-Allahu Ta'aalaa".
4. On sighting worship places of unbelievers or hearing the sound of their conch-shell, horn or bell recite: "Ash-hadu Allaaa Ilaaha Illal Laahu Wahdahu Laa Shareeka Lahu Laa Na'budu walaa Nasta-'eenu Illaa Ei-yaahu".
5. When having seat on a conveyance,mount recite this: "Subhaanal Lazee Sakh-khara Lanaa Haazaa wama Kunnaa Lahu Muqrei-neena wa Innaaa Ilaa Rabbinaa La-munqaleiboon".
6. When one sees somebody afflicted with adversity recite this Du'aa: "Al-Hamdu Lil-Laahil-Lazee 'Aafaanee Mimma-Nibtalaaka Bihee wa Faddalanee 'Alaa Kaseerin Mimman Khalaqa Tafdeelaa".
7. When boarding a boat or ship recite this: "Bismil Laahi Majree-haa wa Mursaa-haa Inna Rabbee La-Ghafoorur Raheem".
8. On reaching one's destination recite this Du'aa: "Allaa-humma Anzilnee Munzalan Mubaa-rakaoon wa Anta Khairul Munzileen".
9. When the locality one wants to stay in comes into sight recite: "Allaa-humma Innaa Nas-aluka Khaira Haazi-hil- Qaryati wa Khairi Ahli-haa wa Khaira Maa Feehaa wa Na'oozu Bika Min Sharri Haazi-hil-Qaryati wa Sharri Ahli-haa wa Sharri Maa Feehaa".

Information on Islam For Non Muslims part 5

DIVQ 6: How will the mankind cross over "Siraat"?

A. All humanbeings will cross over "Siraat" in different ways according to their deeds. Some will cross it like lightning, some like blowing of wind, some will cross it like a bird's flight, some like running of a horse, some will run and walk, some will crawl and even some will move like ant.

Q 7: What is "Haud-e-Kauser"?

A. "Haud-e-Kauser" (an exclusive heavenly pond) is a great favour and grace of Allah Almighty in the fearful distress of the Doomsday which He has gifted to our Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him). The distance between the two banks of Haud-e-Kauser is equal to a journey of one month. There are pearls and jewels-studded domes on its sides. Its earth is of musk. Its water is whiter than the milk, sweeter than the honey and purer than the musk. Its pots are more in number than the stars in the sky. The believer who once drank its water would never be thirsty. Muslim Ummah will be satiated with its unique water by the Holy Prophet. May Allah also grace us with this favour! Aameen.

Q 8: Where will humankind go after completion of all these stages?

A. Believers will go to paradise and infidels to hell. Allah Almighty has made a beautiful place to reward the believers which is equipped with such kinds of corporal and spiritual bliss and felicity that can not be imagined even by the kings and emperors of the world. This place of felicity is called "Jannat" or "Bahisht" (Paradise). Likewise, there is a dreadful place to chastise and torment sinners and infidels which is full of such types of torment that one is shuddered with horrors to think of it. However, the sinful believers who had recited "Kalimah" (the holy code) sincerely will at last be taken out of hell either on completion of the term of their punishment or by the intercession of Prophets, Angels and saints or by the grace of the Merciful of merciful (Allah Almighty) leaving there only infidels and unbelievers and then its mouth will be sealed. The faces of the dwellers of Paradise will look bright and fresh and of the inmates of hell will be black and nasty and their eyes blue. The paradise and hell which were created millions of years back are extant.

Q 9: What is "A'raaf'?

A. There is a transparent wall or a veil between the paradise and hell which will prevent the boons and bounties of paradise from reaching the hell and the afflictions and torments of hell from reaching the paradise. The place over this transparent wall or veil is called "A'raaf1 (heights). It is reported by a number of righteous servants of Allah Almighty that the people of "A'raaf would be those ones whose virtuous and sins would be equal. Seeing the dwellers of paradise, they will greet them and yearn for heavens. At last they will be admitted into paradise.

Q10. How will the Muslim Ummah be identified on the Doomsday?

A. It will be dark when people will proceed to "Siraat" from the field of "Hashr". The light of faith and good deeds which the humanbeings will possess corresponding to the degree of their faith and actions will lead them to paradise. The light of Muslim Ummah will be brighter than that of the other Prophets' communities by dint of the Holy Prophet. The Holy Prophet said to this effect that my Ummah will be summoned on the Doomsday in such, a state that their faces, hands and feet will shine by the traces of ablution. So shine them more if one could i.e. perform ablution well.

Q11: What will happen after admittance into paradise and casting into hell?

A. After admittance of all believers into paradise leaving only those in hell (destined to live there permanently), the death will be brought in the shape of a ram and stood in between the paradise and hell. A proclaimer will call the dwellers of paradise who will peep through and fearing that they might be taken out of it and the inmates of hell will peep through hoping that they may be relieved of the torment, and ask about the ram who will identify it as "death". It will be slaughtered and proclaimed that the death is no more there. The dwellers of paradise will abide permanently in the place of bliss and felicity and the inmates of hell will live in hell for ever.

At this juncture, the paradise dwellers will rejoice immensely and the hell's inmates will be stricken by profound grief and sorrow.

"Nasaa Lul-Laahal 'Afwa wal 'Aafiyah Fiddeeni wad Dunyaa wal Aakhirah" (we beg forgiveness of Allah and seek refuge with Him and protection against every misfortune, calamity for our good in religion, this world and the next world).

Q12: Why will there be the vision of Allah in the next world?

A. It is definite that every Sunni Muslim will have "Deedar" (Splendid Sight,Vision) of Allah Almighty. However, it is inexplicable as to how will they see Him. The thing which is seen is situated at a distance and to a specific direction, far or near, above or below, right or left and in front or back, but Allah Almighty is pure and free from all such things. Then "how will that be?" Be clear! there is no room for ifs and buts in it. It is certain and sure. We all will, by the grace of Allah Almighty, have His Vision. Even the eye sight can not see or comprehend "His Sight", for, only that thing can be seen or comprehended which has limits and directions whereas Allah Almighty is purely free from these things.

This is the creed of Ahle Sunnat but some misguided sects like "Mo'tazilah" (non-conformists, dissenters) failed to differentiate between "Idraak" (comprehension) and "Roiyat" (Sighting) and declared that Allah's vision is impossible ignoring the established facts that when Allah can be known and His Existence acknowledged sans physical entity and directions then He can also be seen likewise.

In brief, Ahle Sunnat have an unwavering belief about "Deedar" (vision) of Allah Almighty in the next world which is borne out by Quran-o-Hadees, Ijma and myriad of cogent arguments of Muslim scholars. Had it been impossible, Prophet Moses would not have wished to see Allah nor Allah Almighty would have said to him "Inistaqarra Makaanahoo Fasaufa Taraani" (if it [mountain] remains standing at its place then soon you will see Me). A number of Ahaadees prove that Allah Almighty will manifest Himself in a garden of Paradise where tables and chairs made of light, jewels, ruby, jasper, topaz, gold and silver will be set for the dwellers of paradise. Even the lower grade dwellers will sit on the mounds of musk and camphor. Nevertheless, nobody will consider himself inferior to those sitting on heavenly chairs. Allah's Deedar to the believers will be as clear as the sun and the full moon. Allah will manifest Himself to every Paradise dweller who will see Him without any difficulty or hindrance. The chosen servants of Allah Almighty will be graced with His "Splendid Sight" every morning and evening. First of all the Holy prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) will have Allah's Vision which is the supreme and greatest favour in paradise. The dwellers of paradise who once had Allah's Deedar would never forget it and be absorbed in the Splendid Sight for ever.

Information on Islam For Non Muslims part 5

GOOD SUPPLICATIONS

1. On visiting market, recite this Du'aa: "Allaa Humma Innee As-aluka Khaira Haazassooqi wa Khaira Maa Feehaa wa A'oozu Bika Min Sharrihaa wa Sharrimaa Feehaa". He who does not have this supplication in his memory may recite "Fourth Kalimah" i.e. "Tauheed"(The Oneness of Allah), he will be protected against evil.
2. On eating meal at someone's home, recite this: "Allaa Humma Baarik Lahum Feemaa Razaqtahum Waghfir-lahum War-hamhum"
3. On visiting/inquiring after the sick, place one's right hand on his forehead and recite: "Laa-basa Tahoorun Inshaa-Allahu Ta'aalaa".
4. On sighting worship places of unbelievers or hearing the sound of their conch-shell, horn or bell recite: "Ash-hadu Allaaa Ilaaha Illal Laahu Wahdahu Laa Shareeka Lahu Laa Na'budu walaa Nasta-'eenu Illaa Ei-yaahu".
5. When having seat on a conveyance,mount recite this: "Subhaanal Lazee Sakh-khara Lanaa Haazaa wama Kunnaa Lahu Muqrei-neena wa Innaaa Ilaa Rabbinaa La-munqaleiboon".
6. When one sees somebody afflicted with adversity recite this Du'aa: "Al-Hamdu Lil-Laahil-Lazee 'Aafaanee Mimma-Nibtalaaka Bihee wa Faddalanee 'Alaa Kaseerin Mimman Khalaqa Tafdeelaa".
7. When boarding a boat or ship recite this: "Bismil Laahi Majree-haa wa Mursaa-haa Inna Rabbee La-Ghafoorur Raheem".
8. On reaching one's destination recite this Du'aa: "Allaa-humma Anzilnee Munzalan Mubaa-rakaoon wa Anta Khairul Munzileen".
9. When the locality one wants to stay in comes into sight recite: "Allaa-humma Innaa Nas-aluka Khaira Haazi-hil- Qaryati wa Khairi Ahli-haa wa Khaira Maa Feehaa wa Na'oozu Bika Min Sharri Haazi-hil-Qaryati wa Sharri Ahli-haa wa Sharri Maa Feehaa".