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".

Information on Islam For Non Muslims Part 4

ISLAMIC BELIEFS

"TAUHEED" (MONOTHEISM)

Q 1: How many fundamental beliefs of Islaam are there?
A. There are three fundamental beliefs of Islaam i.e. Oneness of Allah (Monotheism), Prophethood and the Resurrection Day. The remaining beliefs are subsidiary to these fountain-heads of Islaam.

Q 2: What does Tauheed mean?
A. Tauheed means to believe with all heart and express by the tongue that Allah alone is the Creator of all the worlds and everything therein. He has no partner, neither in His Ownself, in His Attributes, in His Kingdom nor in His worship.

Q 3: What proof about Allah's Existence is there?
A. The Existence of Allah is brighter than the sun. The belief in His Existence is ingrained in everybody's nature which is evident from the fact that even deniers (of Allah) take ultimate recourse to God when afflicted by any distress and disease and spontaneously call God for help on death-bed.

Q 4: Which things of the world are reflective of Allah's Existence?
A. The sky, earth, stars, planets, humanbeings and animals and all other creatures are a cogent proof to convince one of an average sense that all these giant and tiny things have not come into existence at their own but have been created by any "most powerful authority" who is the real Creator (Allah). How convincing are the words of a bedouin who said: droppings of a camel lead one to acknowledge the existence of camel and footprints lead to the existence of a walker.

The creation of the earth, the sky, the sun, the moon and other planets their movement and function and alternation of the night with the day and vice versa in harmony and perfection are the potent proofs of the existence of One Creator i.e. Allah Who is All-powerful, Omnipotent, Supreme and All-wise. Nothing can go out of the control of this Mightiest Controller.

Q 5: What proofs in respect of Tauheed are there?
A. The first proof of the Oneness of God (Allah) is the human sense provided it is inclined to acknowledge the truth. Almost all the prominent scholars and philosophers believe in monotheism. The other proofs to this effect are adduced by the Holy Qur-aan.

Q 6: What Qur-aanic proof of monotheism is there?
A. There are many Qur-aanic verses which prove the Oneness of God (Allah). For example:
1. "Wa Ilaahukum Ilaahun Waahid. Laaa Ilaaha Illaa Huwar Rahmaa-nur-Raheem" (And your God is One God, there is no God but He, the Most Affectionate, the Most Merciful).
2. "Shahidal Laahu Annahu Laaa Ilaaha Illaa Hoo. Wai Malaaa-ikatu wa Ulul-'Ilme Qaaa-Imaam Bilqist" (There is the witness of Allah that there is none to be worshiped but He (Allah) alone and the angels and the men of learning are witness and His dispensation is based on justice).
3. "Lau Kana Feehimaa Aalihatun Illal Laahu Lafasadataa" (If there were other gods on the earth and in the sky than Allah, they would have ruined).
4. "Izal Lazahaba Kullu Uaahin Bimaa Khalaqa Wala'alaa Ba'duhum 'Alaa Ba'd. Subhaanal Laahe 'Ammaa Yasefoon" (If there were many gods, every god would have taken its creature and swooped on the other. Glorified is Allah above all that which they say).

Q 7: What are the cardinal points of Tauheed? A. The cardinal points of Tauheed are four:
1. Allah alone is Eternal.
2. Allah alone is the Creator of all the celestial and terrestrial worlds.
3. Allah alone is the Supreme, Final and Ultimate Sovereign, Master, Fashioner and Controller of the earth, the sky and everything therein.
4. Allah alone is worthy of worship.

Q 8: What is meant by "Waajib-ul-Wujood"?
A. Waajib-ul-Wujood is the entity which is Self-existent, Eternal and Which has no beginning and no end. He has created and creates everything but nobody created Him. This Sublime entity is of Allah alone.

Q 9: What does "Qadeem" mean?
A. Qadeem means eternally existing.

Q10: What is meant by "Baaqi"?
A. Baaqi means eternal in the end. It is also called" Abdi" which means ever-lasting(eternal). All these attributes are the proved ones for Allah.

Q11: What other things are eternal like the Sublime Person of Allah?
A. The attributes of Allah are also eternal in the beginning and in the end like His Sublime Person. All other things are "Haadis" (created ones). The one who considers anything excepting Allah and His Attributes, as eternal and is doubtful about any "Haadis" or considers soul or any other matter as eternal like Aryans, is undoubtedly an infidel and polytheist.

Q12: What does "Haadis" mean?
A. Haadis means a thing which had no existence but was created by anyone. It is also called "Mumkin" (possible to be created).

Q13: What are the Proper (Personal) and Attributive names of Allah?
A. The proper (personal) name of Allah is "Allah" and all other names which indicate His one or the other quality are attributive names.

Q14: How many names of Allah are there?
A. There are innumerable names of Allah. A saying of the Holy Prophet gives a glad tidings of paradise to the believer who memorises ninety-nine names of Allah.

Q15: Can Allah be remembered by other names besides these ones or not?
A. Remembering Allah by the names which are inconsistent with the Holy Qur-aan and Sunnah like "Sakhi" (generous) or "Rafiq" (companion) is not allowed. Similarly those names which have been fixed by other nations for Allah and carry bad meanings like "Raam" or "Parmaatama" are also forbidden.

Q16: Can humanbeings be named by the name of Allah?
A. Some names of Allah can be given to His servants like 'Alee, Rasheed, Kabeer etc: since such names are not taken to mean for man what they signify for Allah. However, such names should not be distorted i.e. to deliberately pronounce them incorrectly.                                                                          'MALAA-IKAH" (ANGELS)

Q 1: What is meant by Malaa-ikah?
A. Malaa-ikah is plural of Malak which is called angel.

Q 2: What are angels?
A. Angels are Noori (luminous, ethereal) creature and thorough obedient. They scrupulously comply and carry out the commands of Allah and are, ipso facto, His chosen ones.

Q 3: Do angels have any particular figure?
A. No, angels do not have any particular figure. However, Allah Almighty has empowered them to adopt any form or appearance. The Holy Qur-aan proves that angels are possessed of wings, so we must believe in that.

Q 4: Which angels are the highest and choicest ones?
A. Hadrat Gibreil, Hadrat Michael, Hadrat Israfeil and Hadrat Izraeel are the choicest and highest of all angels.

Q 5: Which other angels are next to these four highest angels in status?
A . The other higher angels after the four highest ones are: Hamalaat al-Arsh (four angels holding the empyrean), angels who are taking circuit of Allah's throne, angels of throne (in Divine presence), angels (status-wise) of all the seven skies, angels who arrange air, clouds and water, angels posted on mountains and then are the other angels.

Q 6: Is humanbeing superior to an angel or vice versa?
A. Pious humanbeings (Allah's saints) are superior to the ordinary angels and the Messengers among the angels are superior to common men whereas the Messengers/ Prophets of mankind are superior to angels' Messengers.

Q 7: What is Jinn (genie)?
A. Genies are a creature like humanbeings, which were produced from fire. They have soul, body, intellect and also eat and drink. They also reproduce themselves and are noted for their longevity.

Q 8: What appearance or figure do genies have?
A. Some genies have been empowered to adopt any appearance or figure. It is proved by traditions that some of them possess wings and fly in the air. Some live like humanbeings and some wander in the figures of snakes and dogs. Their habitations are mostly deserts, forests, mountains and desolate buildings.

Q 9: What is Ibilis (Satan)?
A. Mischievous genies are called devil and their leader is Ibilis (Satan). Ibilis was a devout servant of Allah so much so that he was counted among the angels, but he was driven out and cursed for ever due to his arrogance i.e. when Allah Almighty commanded angels to prostrate before Prophet Adam, all did obey Him but he stood haughtily. The Satan has off-spring which is all accursed like him. His only job is to lead the mankind astray.                                                                                                             DIVINE BOOKS

Q 1: What is Divine Book?
A. Divine Books are those books or Suhuf (little books) which Allah Almighty descended on His Prophets for the guidance of His creatures (particularly mankind). These Divine Books are "Kalaam Allah" (Speech of Allah) and whatever these books contained is the truth. It is must to believe in all of them.

Q 2: Which one of these Divine Books is the most distinguished?
A. Of all these Divine Books, four are prominent ones: Torah (old Testament), Zabur (the original Psalms), Bible (new Testament) and the Holy Qur-aan. The Glorious Qur-aan is the most distinguished of all Divine Books.

Q 3: In which languages were these prominent Divine Books sent down?
A. Torah and Zabur were sent down in Hebrews' language, Bible in Syriac and the Holy Qur-aan in Arabic.

Q 4: What is meant by the distinction of the Holy Qur-aan when all the Divine Books aire "Kalaam Allah"?
A. One thing is superior to the other in "Kalaam Allah" means the Holy Qur-aan carries more reward for us.

Q 5: Can we follow Torah and Bible etc: or not?
A. No, we can not follow other Divine Books except the Holy Qur-aan because firstly the jews and Christians have interpolated them thus these divine books are no more in original condition and secondly most of the injunctions contained in the past books have been annulled (Mansookh) by the Holy Qur-aan. Hence, if it is supposed that these books are original ones even then we can not follow them. Besides, the Glorious Qur-aan contains all the things which are necessary for mankind.

Q 6: What is meant by "Mansookh" (annulled)?
A. "Naskh" means that certain injunctions are for certain conditions or period. After the said period is over, the other injunction is sent down which annuls the previous one(s) but, in fact, the new injunction speaks of the fact that the period of the previous injunction is over. Thus the former is called "Mansookh" (annulled) and the latter "Naasikh" (annulling injunction).

Q 7: It means that the annulled injunction is not "Baatil" (false) so what about him who says it "Baatil"?
A. "Mansookh"(annulled injunction) should not be taken as "Baatil"(false) as some people do. Use of such words is derogatory. Every divine injunction is the truth.

Q 8: Was the Holy Qur-aan sent down in the same composition in which it is at present?
A. The verses of the Holy Qur-aan were sent down either singly or in batches (as the need arose) during the span of 23 years. Its composition was not that which is at present.

Q 9: How then the Holy Qur-aan was arranged in the present form?
A. The Holy Qur-aan was sent down in verse (singly or in batches). If the verses of one chapter descended at one time the verses of the other chapter descended the other time and then the verses of the former descended. At each time (Hadrat) Gibreil told the Holy Prophet about the chapter to which the verses pertained and also their place in the chapter and in turn the Holy Prophet told his companions that the verses descended belonged to such and such chapter and to be put before that verse and after that one. Thus the verses of the Holy Qur-aan were placed in the concerned chapters.
The Holy Prophet used to recite the Holy Qur-aan so arranged in and out of the prayers and his great companions followed the Holy Prophet to this effect. In short, the verses and chapters of the Glorious Qur-aan were arranged in the present form by the command of Allah, (revealed through Hadrat Gibreil) as it was preserved in "Lauhay Mahfooz" (protected tablet) during the life time of the Holy Prophet.

Q10: What is meant by "Makki" verses and "Madani" verses?
A. The verses which were revealed to the Holy Prophet in Holy Makkah and its adjoining areas are called "Makki" and the verses which were sent down in Holy Madinah and its surrounding areas are called "Madani".

Q11: What is the difference between the topics of Makki and Madani verses?
A. The difference between Makki and Madani verses in respect of topics is that Makki verses generally explain the cardinal beliefs i.e. Tauheed (monotheism), Risaalat (Prophethood), resurrection, Doomsday etc: whereas the Madani verses are the elucidation of actions i.e. injunctions to ameliorate behaviour and manners and how to conduct life affairs in a decent way etc.                              THE PROPHETS & MESSENGERS

Q 1: Which things are not found in Prophets?
A. Six things are not found in Prophets i.e. 1. "Walad-uz-zina"(bastard). 2. Ugly countenance. 3. Foolishness. 4. Cowardice. 5. Despondency, and 6. Impotency.

Q 2: Can a Prophet commit major sin or not?
A. Prophet is endowed with innocence and impeccable nature. He can not commit such things which Allah Almighty dislikes. He is divinely protected even at such a critical juncture where a man can not help erring. He does not do even a thing which is against decency what to talk of committing a major sin.

Q 3: Can he (Prophet) commit minor sins?
A. Prophet can not commit even a minor sin intentionally irrespective of pre or post-prophethood period. Any sort of mistake even a lapse in the communication of his mission is absolutely impossible. However, being (apparently) a humanbeing the slightest error at his part that too under divine wisdom is not impossible.

Q 4: Can we talk about the lapses of the Prophets?
A. Talking about the lapses of the Prophets, excluding the recitation of Qur-aanic verses or Holy Prophet's sayings to this effect, is "Haraam" (strictly forbidden). All Apostles, Messengers and Prophets are "chosen servants" of Allah and He is their Lord and Master. Nobody has got right to speak of their lapses on the excuse of Allah's words in the Holy Qur-aan. Such person will render himself "accursed" before Allah. Let us take an example of a father who admonishes his son and calls him "disrespectful" on any mistake. Can any younger use such words for him which his father did? No one can indeed. If does so, he will be considered insolent.
In view of the given instance, it is easy to understand that those who willingly talk about the lapses of the Prophets are "accursed" and will be consigned to the worst kind of torment in hell. The believers must exercise great care and circumspection in such matters to save their "Eimaan" (Islamic faith).

Q 5: Has any Prophet been deposed by Allah Almighty?
A. No, absolutely not. Prophethood is the highest rank which Allah Almighty conferred upon His chosen servants who are made capable of acquitting well with the heaviest responsibility. He who believes that any Prophet was deposed, is an infidel because he indirectly denigrates the Omniscience and Omnipotence of Allah Almighty.

Q 6: Which Prophets are living?
A. All Prophets are living. A tradition in this context says: "Allah Almighty has made it "Haraam" (strictly forbidden) for the earth to harm or spoil the bodies of the Prophets". So they are alive with their Sovereign Lord (Allah) and divinely fed. The death had touched them for a moment just to prove the Qur-aanic promise of death and thereafter they were endowed with the real temporal life, which we can not conceive. However, four Prophets have not yet received the taste of death i.e. Prophet Khider (Khizr) and Prophet Ilyas who are on the earth and Prophet Idrees and Prophet Jesus who are in the skies/heavens. They will also meet the death.                                                                                       THE LAST PROPHET

Q 1: What does "Khaataman Nabi-yeen" mean?
A. "Khaataman Nabi-yeen" or "Khatamal Mursaleen" means the "Last Prophet" i.e. Allah Almighty has finished the succession of Prophets on Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessing & peace be upon him). No new Prophet will succeed him. The institution of Prophethood/Messengership attained its pinnacle in him.

Q 2: Is the Prophethood of our Holy Prophet meant for a particular nation or for all (is general)?
A. The Prophethood of our Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) is general for all creatures from the first humankind (Prophet Adam) to the end of time (Doomsday). The Islaamic scholars and savants say that the Prophethood/Messengership of the Holy Prophet encircles all mankind, genies and angels and even all animate and inanimate creatures. The obedience to the Holy Prophet is not only obligatory upon humanbeings but also upon all creatures. All these living and lifeless creatures are included in his Ummah (community).

Q 3: Are all Apostles, Messengers and Prophets included in the Holy Prophet's Ummah?
A. Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) is the Prophet of all creatures of Allah with no exception. That's why all Apostles, Messengers and Prophets are, ipso facto, included in his Ummah.

Q 4: How many excellences and traits has Allah Almighty gifted to the Holy Prophet?
A. Some excellences and traits of the Holy Prophet are:
1. He was the first to receive the Prophethood.
2. He will be the first to rise from his (blessed)grave on the Doomsday.
3. He will cause the commencement of the proceedings of the Day of Judgement.
4. First of all he will be granted permission to intercede with Allah Almighty for his
Ummah.
5. He will be provided with "Liva-ul-Hamd"(the banner of praise) under which all believers right from the time of Prophet Adam to the Doomsday will gather.
6. Whole the earth was declared "pure" and mosque for him. It means his Ummah can worship Allah anywhere.
7. Spoils (Maal-e-Ghanimat) was made Halaal (permitted) for him.
8. He is the leader and chief of all the Apostles, Messengers and Prophets.
9. He will lead mankind on the Day of Reckoning.
10. First of all he will lead his Ummah and cross "Siraat" (narrow pathway over hell).
11. All Apostles, Messengers and Prophets were sent for their respective groups, nations and time but the Holy Prophet came for all creatures and time.
12. Allah Almighty will make him stand on "Maqaam-e-Mahmood" (the station of praiseworthy primacy) on the Day of Judgement. Seeing this all humanbeings (creatures) will praise and glorify him.
13. He attained "Me'raaj" (ascension to heavens) with the body (not mere spiritual).
14. Allah Almighty took covenant from all Apostles, Messengers and Prophets that they would believe in him and help him, if he (Holy Prophet) came in their time.
15. The title of "Habeeb Allah" (Beloved of Allah) was conferred on him. All the worlds
seek Allah's pleasure but He seeks the pleasure of His Beloved.

The Holy Prophet possesses myriad of excellences and traits which can be read in other books on his impeccable life.

Q 5: Which family did the Holy Prophet hail from?
A. The Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) hailed from a noble and prominent family of Arabia i.e. Quresh. The Quresh family was an acknowledged leader of all the Arab families. This family had many branches and the most esteemed of those branches was "Bani Haashim" to which our Holy Prophet belonged. The Holy Prophet has himself said that Allah Almighty chose "Kanaanah" from amongst the posterity of Prophet Ishmael, Quresh from amongst the Kanaanah, Bani Haashim from amongst the Quresh and I (Prophet) was chosen from amongst Bani Haashim.

Once the Chief Angel Gibreil told the Holy Prophet that he had visited the east and the west but did not find (see) any family more prominent than the Bani Haashim.
The Holy Prophet is called Haashmee due to being a descendent of Bani Haashim.

Q 6: Who was Haashim whose posterity is called Bani Haashim?
A. Haashim was the (paternal) great grand father of the Holy Prophet. He was the son of Abd-e-Manaaf. Haashim's real name was Umro. He was all hospitable. Once during drought, he bought dry breads from Syria and soaking them in the soup of camels' flesh, fed all people in Makkah to their fill. Since that day he was called "Haashim" (the one who
crumbles dry breads).

He was highly respected because "Noor-e- Muhammadi" (the light of the Holy Prophet) reflected in his forehead.

Q 7: Who was Abdul Muttalib?
A. (Hadrat) Abdul Muttalib was (paternal) grand father of Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him). Noor-e-Muhammadi reflected in his forehead and musk-like fragrance emanated from his body.

The Quresh people used to make "Du'aa" (supplication) through him, if afflicted by any calamity, which was answered. Once Hadrat Abdul Muttalib prayed to Allah Almighty that he would sacrifice his one son if he was graced with ten sons whom he also saw grown up in his lifetime. The supplication was answered. He took all his ten sons to the precincts of holy Ka'bah to fulfill his vow. Lots were cast to choose one son for sacrifice which fell to the name of Abdullah, the youngest and the dearest son of Abdul Muttalib. The Quresh people did not want to sacrifice Abdullah and advised Hadrat Abdul Muttalib to spare him paying the price of life which was then ten camels.

At last, Hadrat Abdul Muttalib agreed to the proposal with the condition that lots should be drawn for the sacrifice of ten camels in lieu of Abdullah. Hence, the lots were cast. The answer again came in the name of Abdullah. Ten more camels were added to the former ten. In brief, the lots were kept casting until it fell to the animals' name and by then the number of camels swelled to one hundred by adding ten more camels on every draw. Thus one hundred camels were sacrificed to save Abdullah, the father of the Holy Prophet. The Holy Prophet, therefore, once said: "Anabnuz Zabeehaien" (I am the son of two "Zabeehein" [Prophet Ismail & Hadrat Abdullah] who were [to be] sacrificed for Allah).

Q 8: How did Arabs regard the Holy Prophet?
A. Though the Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) had not yet disclosed his Messengership yet the Arabs held him in high esteem because of his honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, unblemished character and impeccable life. He was famed as "trustworthy". During the construction of Holy Ka'bah a difference developed amongst the prominent clans and every clan wanted their leader to put "Hajr-e-Asvad" (black heavenly stone) on its place. After much debate it was decided that the person who would enter into the precincts of the Holy Ka'bah next morning first, would resolve the issue.

The first man who entered the Ka'bah next morning was Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him). Seeing him all shouted "he is the truthful" and desired him to settle the matter. The Holy Prophet spread a sheet and placed the heavenly stone on it and then asked the chieftains to lift the sheet grasping its four corners up to the level of the wall of Holy Ka'bah. They did so and the Holy Prophet put the stone in the wall himself. Thus a bloody conflict brewing up among the clans was averted and all were satisfied with the decision.                                                              THE PROPHET'S COMPANIONS

Q 1: Who is called "Sahaabee"?
A. The one who saw the Holy Prophet in the state of Islaamic faith and also died as believer, is called "Sahaabee" (companion of the Holy Prophet). Muhaajirs and Ansaars are also among the Prophet's companions.

Q 2: Which companions are Muhaajirs?
A. Muhaajir companions (Sahaabee pl:Sahaabah) are those who left their homes and hearth for the sake of Allah and His Messenger Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) and migrated to holy Madinah.

Q 3: Which companions are "Ansaar"?
A. The companion (permanent residents of Madinah) who welcomed and helped the Holy Prophet and his Mohaajir companions in Madinah are called Ansaar.

Q 4: What beliefs should we have about Sahaabah (companions)?
A. All companions of the Holy Prophet are devoted servants and staunch lovers of Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) and we must speak good of them with due respect. What the Holy Qur-aan and Holy Prophet say about them is that they all would be admitted into paradise and would have all their desires fulfilled. The angels would welcome them in heavens. The dread of the Doomsday and hell would not touch them. A saint even of the highest rank is no match for any Sahaabi.

He who scoffs at or harbours malice for any Sahaabi is a disbeliever and deserves to be consigned to hell.

Q 5: Which Sahaabah are superior?
A. Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) is superior to all mankind excepting Apostles, Messengers and Prophets. Next to him are Hadrat 'Umar-e-Farooq (may Allah be pleased with him), Hadrat 'Usman-e-Ghani (may Allah be pleased with him) and Hadrat 'Alee (may Allah be pleased with him) respectively, superior to all mankind. Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) was elected the first "Khalifah" (Caliph) after (apparent) passing away of the Holy Prophet.

Q 6: What does "Khalifah" mean?
A. The one who runs and conducts all religious and temporal affairs of Muslims in consonance with the teachings of Qur-aan and Sunnah and whose rightful orders are to be followed by Muslims, is called "Khalifa-e-Rasool" (vicegerent of the Holy Prophet).

Q 7: Who was the first Caliph after the Holy Prophet?
A. Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) was elected the first "Caliph of the faithfuls" with the harmonious concensus of all Muslims. Therefore, he is called "Khalifa-e-Rasool". After him, Hadrat 'Umar-e-Farooq (may Allah be pleased with him) was elected the second Caliph of the faithfuls.

Hadrat 'Usman-e-Ghani (may Allah be pleased with him) was elected the third Caliph of the faithfuls after Hadrat 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was martyred.

Hadrat 'Alee (may Allah be pleased with him) succeeded Hadrat 'Usman (may Allah be pleased with him) and became the fourth Caliph of the faithfuls. After him, his eldest son Hadrat Imaam Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him) was Caliph for only six months.

These devout personages are called "Khulfaa-e-Raashideen" (the true Caliphs of the faithfuls) and their aggregate period of Caliphate is called "Khilaafat-e-Raashidah" (the true Caliphate), as they acquitted well with the heavy responsibility of being the vicegerent of the Holy Prophet.

Q 8: Who are superior after Khulfaa-e-Raashideen?
A. After the four true Caliphs, Hadrat Talaha, Hadrat Zubair, Hadrat Abdul Rehmaan bin Auf, Hadrat Sa'ad bin Waqas, Hadrat Saeed bin Zaid and Hadrat Abu Obeidah bin Jarrah (may Allah be pleased with them all) respectively are superior to other faithfuls.

Q 9: Which companions are "Ashrah Mubash-Sharah"?
A. The above-mentioned six companions of the Holy Prophet and four true Caliphs are "Ashrah Mubash-Sharah i.e. those ten companions who were graced with the salvation and given glad tidings of paradise even in their lifetime. All these ten pious personages are undoubtedly the inhabitants of paradise.

Q10: Which other companions besides the afore-mentioned ones, are certain to be entered into paradise?
A. Besides the afore-mentioned ten companions, the following ones were also given the glad tidings of being admitted into paradise? Ummul Mu'mineen Hadrat Khadija-tul-Kubra and Ummul Mu'mineen Hadrat Aisha Siddiqa (pious wives of the Holy Prophet and revered mothers of the faithfuls), Hadrat Faatemah (beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet) and her two sons Hadrat Imaam Hasan and Imaam Husain, two paternal uncles of the Holy Prophet - Hadrat Hamzah and Hadrat Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with them all) and As-haab-e-Badr (those companions who participated in the battle of Badr) and As-haab-e-Baie'at Ridwaan" (those companions who reaffirmed their allegiance to [the blessed hands of] the Holy Prophet at the place of Ridwaan to fight against infidels and disbelievers). All these companions are also the certain inhabitants of paradise.

Q11: Who is Ameer Mu'aawi-yah?
A. Hadrat Ameer Mu'aawi-yah (may Allah be pleased with him) is also a companion of the Holy Prophet. He was the first king in the history of Islamic kingdom. However, he was king as a companion of Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him). Hadrat Imaam Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him) had surrendered his caliphate to him and had also taken oath of allegiance to him. To speak ill of him or his father Hadrat Abu Suf-yaan or his mother Hadrat Hindah is an extreme insolence and amounts to hurting the Holy Prophet because they are all "Sahaabi".

Q12: How long did the "Khilaafat-e-Raashidah" last?
A. According to a saying of the Holy Prophet the Khilaafat-e-Raashidah lasted for 30 years that ended on the completion of six months' Caliphate of Hadrat Imaam Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him). Later, Hadrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz (may Allah be pleased with him) was Caliph. In the last time (towards the end of the world) Hadrat Saiey-yidinaa Imaam Mehdi (may Allah be pleased with him) will be Caliph whose Caliphate will also be "Khilaafat-e-Raashidah".

Q13: Who are called "Taaba'een"?
A. Taaba'een are those believers who enjoyed the company of the companions of the Holy Prophet and those believers who had the company of Taaba'een are called Taba Taaba'een. Taaba'een (Successors to the Holy Prophet's Companions) are superior to all other Muslims save "Sahaabah", and "Taba Taaba'een" (Successors to the Companions' Successors) rank next to them.AHL-E-BAIT

Q 1: Which personages are included in "Ahl-e-Bait"?
A. Posterity of the Holy Prophet and his near relatives for whom "Sadaqa"(propitiatory gift, alms) is unlawful, his pious wives (revered mothers of believers), Hadrat Faatemah, Hadrat 'Alee, Hadrat Imaam Hasan and Hadrat Imaam Husain (may Allah be pleased with them all) are included in Ahle Bait.

Q 2: What is the status of the Holy Prophet's wives?
A. It is proved by the Holy Qur-aan that the pious wives of the Holy Prophet are superior to all women. No woman is like them in any way. Their virtues and good deeds earned them more reward than other women (i.e. twenty fold for them and ten fold for others) owing to their submission to and worship of Allah and their services and obedience to the Holy Prophet.

Q 3: Which personages are called "Panj-tan-Pak"?
A. "Panj-tan-Pak (five revered personages) means the Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa(may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him), Hadrat Faatemah, Hadrat 'Alee, Hadrat Imaam Hasan and Hadrat Imaam Husain (may Allah be pleased with them all).

Q 4: What are the excellences of Ahle Bait?
A. The Qur-aanic verses and sayings of the Holy Prophet concerning Ahl-e-Bait indicate that their excellences are numerous. Some of them are:
1. Allah Almighty has cleansed them of impurity and purified them well. They have been protected from such things which are
unbecoming of their status.
2. Hell-fire is Haraam (forbidden) for them.
3. Sadaqa (propitiatory gift, alms) is unlawful for them because it is dross of the property/ wealth.
4. The first group of believers for whom the Holy Prophet will intercede on the Day of Judgement is of Ahle Bait.
5. To love them is one of the obligatory duties of Islaam and to harbour ill-will or malice against them is hypocrisy.
6. The case of "Ahle Bait" is like Noah's Ark that the one who boarded it was safe and annihilated was he who avoided it.
7. Believers have been emphasised upon to hold fast to the rope of Ahle Bait.

A tradition to this effect says: I am leaving among you two things i.e. the Holy Qur-aan and my "Aal" (progeny), you will never go astray unless you abandon them. Another saying stresses the believers to equip their off-spring with three qualities i.e. love of the Holy Prophet, love of Ahle Bait and regular recitation of the Holy Qur-aan.

Q 5: What are the excellences of Hadrat Faatemah (may Allah be pleased with her)?
A. The Holy Prophet is reported to have said: (1). I have named my daughter "Faatemah" because Allah Almighty has protected her and those believers who love her, against hell-fire. (2). Hadrat Faatemah is chaste and hell is "Haraam" (forbidden) for her and for her posterity. (3).She is from me. I like what she likes and dislike what she dislikes. (4).Addressing Hadrat Faatemah, the Holy Prophet once said: O' Faatemah! Allah's anger lies in your anger and His pleasure lies in your pleasure. (5). On another occasion, he said: O' Faatemah! Are you not pleased with the grace that Allah has made you the leader of all female believers in paradise. (6). The Holy Prophet said (Hadrat) Faatemah is dearest to me of all my family members.

Q 6: What are the excellences of Hadrat Imaam Hasan and Imaam Husain (may Allah be pleased with them)?
A. The Holy Prophet said: (1) [Hadrat]Hasan and Husain are my two flowers in the world. (2). He who loves them actually loves me and he who harbours malice against them actually harbours malice against me. (3). [Hadrat]Hasan and Husain are the leader of all youths in paradise. (4) He who loves me and loves Hasan and Husain and their parents [Hadrat 'AH and Hadrat Faatemah] will be in paradise with me. In short, the Ahle Bait are Muqtadaa (leader) of Ahle-Sunnat-wa-Jama'at (true followers of Sunnah). He who does not love them is, indeed, accursed one. Hadrat Imaam Hasan and Imaam Husain are the "martyrs of high rank". Denial of their martyrdom is misguidance and disbelief.

Q 7: Will the love of Ahle Bait be of any avail to believers without the love of Prophet's companions?
A. It is obligatory upon every believer to love and respect "Aal-o-Ashaab" (progeny and companions) of the Holy Prophet. One is not true believer unless he loves Aal-e-Rasool. Similarly one's belief is also defective until he loves the Prophet's companions. If Aal-e-Rasool is a boat for the Muslim Ummah, the companions are stars. So the help of boat and stars is must to achieve the goal of Islaamic faith. A tradition runs in this respect which says: "the love of Hadrat 'Alee and malice against Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique and Hadrat 'Umar-e-Farooq can not stay together in the heart of a believer". It means that it is against Islaamic faith to love one companion and to hate the other.

Q 8: Who was Yazeed?
A. Yazeed belonged to Bani Umaie-yah family whose hands are stained with the blood of Hadrat Imaam Husain and his family members. His crime will keep him earning hatred and scorn of the Muslim Ummah till the end of time.

Yazeed was born to Hadrat Amir Mu'aawi-yah (may Allah be pleased with him). He was awkwardly fatty, ill-tempered, drunkard, dissolute and tyrant. He re-enforced usury and desecrated the Holy Ka'bah and Holy Madinah.

Despite all these ill and blasphemous activities at his part, believers should not call him "Kaafir" (infidel,disbeliever), as Imaam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa's (may Allah be pleased with him) creed is "Sukoot" (silence) to this effect which means that we can call him "Faasiq-o-Faajir" (transgressor and sinful) but should neither call him "Kaafir" nor Muslim.

Now-a-days some misguided people say that Hadrat Imaam Husain and Yazeed were both princes and we got no right to speak about their dispute, such people are Kharijites (those who dissented from Hadrat Ali) and render themselves liable to be cast into hell-fire.

Q 9: Who are Eleven Imaams of Ahle Bait?
A. Eleven Imaams (religious leaders) of Ahle Bait are: (1)Hadrat 'Alee (2) Hadrat Imaam Hasan (3) Hadrat Imaam Husain (4) Hadrat Imaam Zain-ul-Abideen (5) Hd:Imaam Baqar (6) Hd:Imaam Jaffar Sadiq (7) Hd:Imaam Musa Kazim (8) Hd:Imaam 'Alee Musa Raza (9) Hd:Imaam Muhammad Taqi (10) Hd:Imaam Naqi (11) Hd:Imaam Hasan Askari.                                                                                       "AULIYA ALLAH" (SAINTS)

Q 1: What is Wali (Saint)?
A. The believers who suppress their carnal and temporal desires and devote themselves to the love of Allah and His Messenger Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) are called "Auliya Allah" (singular Wali).

Q 2: How is "Wilaayat"(sainthood) attained?
A. Wilaayat (Sainthood) is an exceptional divine gift which Allah Almighty grants to His pious servants. However, sometime worship and remembrance of Allah earns the believer Wilaayat and some are born Wali.

Q 3: Can an unknowledgeable believer be Wali?
A. No, an unknowledgeable believer can not attain to Sainthood. Islaamic knowledge is must for Wilaayat whether he acquires it or he is divinely graced with it.

Q 4: Can a man be called "Wali" who does not follow Shari'ah?
A. No believer even a saint is immune from Shari'ah till such time he is sane. He who claims to be free from Shari'ah is no Wali but an imposter. Such concept is misguidance and disbelief. However, Shari'ah is not applicable to that believer who has lost himself in the love of Allah (Majzoob) i.e. he is no more in his senses. But it should be borne in mind that he will also not oppose the Shari'ah.

Q 5: What are the excellences of Auliya (Allah's saints)?
A. Auliya Allah are the true viceregents of the Holy Prophet whom Allah Almighty has endowed with marvelous power to demonstrate "Karaamat pi: Karaamaat" (mini miracles). Allah Almighty answers the supplications of His servants and meet their needs by the means of His saints. Their supplications benefit Allah's creatures and their love earns believers the good in this world and the next world and Allah's pleasure too. Visiting their shrines and attending their "Urs" (death anniversaries) bring blessings to the believers provided no act inimical to Shari'ah is done.

Q 6: Is it lawful or not to seek help from Auliya Allah?
A. Asking Allah's Saints for help which is called "Istimdaad" and "Ista'anat" (help-seeking) is undoubtedly lawful provided help is sought in permissible words. By the grace of Allah they help the needy. Calling them and seeking their help (irrespective of distance) is proved by our pious ancestors.

Q 7: Is "Nazar-o-Neyaaz" for Saints lawful or not?
A. "Eisaal-e-Sawaab" (submission,conveying of reward of virtuous deeds) which is called "Nazar-o-Neyaaz" in Persian is lawful for Auliya Allah. Eisaal-e-Sawaab i.e. recitation of the Holy Qur-aan, remembrance of Allah's names and attributes, recitation of Durood Sharif (invocation of Allah's blessings on the Holy Prophet), alms etc. is not only lawful but also commendable act and proved by the traditions. This is rife among Muslims for long. "Geyarwin Shareef'(Nazar-o-Neyaaz of Hadrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani [may Allah be pleased with him], the founder of Qadria mystic fraternity is highly blessed one.

Q 8: What about he who dissuades from Nazar-o-Neyaaz of Auli-yaa Allah?
A. It is proved by traditions of the Holy Prophet so he who dissuades from Nazar-o-Neyaaz of Allah's Saints, in fact, opposes the traditions and such person is necessarily a misguided.

Q 9: What about placing floral wreaths or sheets on shrines of Auli-yaa Allah?
A. Placing floral wreaths or sheets on the shrines of Muslim scholars, sages, saints and righteous servants of Allah with the intention of respecting them and seeking Allah's grace through their means is lawful.                                                                                                                                                                                             OF TA-YAMMUM (DRY ABLUTION)

Q 1. What is Ta-yammum?
A. Doing "Masah" of the face and hands with the clean clod in a specified way to purify oneself from invisible impurity is called Ta-yammum (dry ablution).

Q 2: Who should perform Ta-yammum?
A. He should perform Ta-yammum (dry ablution) who owes Wudu or Ghusl but can not attain to the water despite striving hard.

Q 3: In what condition is one helpless to attain to or use the water?
A. There are several conditions in which one is helpless either to use or attain to the water:
1. One is sure that his sickness will aggravate if he uses water for Wudu or Ghusl,
2. Water is not available within the radius of one mile (1.6 km).
3. Chilling cold may cause death or serious sickness.
4. Fear of being seen and killed by enemy or will be looted or any animal or beast will attack or kill or chastity will be outraged.
5. There is no can and rope to draw the water from well which is located in jungle.
6. One has water but fears that he or his fellow or his animals will face thirst if the water is used for Wudu or Ghusl and that water is not available in the area he is travelling.
7. Water is available but sold at exorbitant price which one can not afford.
8. Fear of missing caravan or train if one tries to search for the water.
9. One is sure to miss Eid prayer if he performs Wudu or Ghusl.
10. One fears (excepting guardian) to miss funeral prayer i.e. all four Takbeers if he performs Wudu or Ghusl.
In all these conditions and circumstances the performance of Ta-yammum is lawful.

Q 4: What is meant by "one is sure that his sickness will aggravate or prolong if he uses water"?
A. He should have experienced himself that use of water for Wudu or Ghusl has either aggravated or prolonged his sickness or any reliable Muslim physician (who should not be Faasiq [transgressor]) advises to perform Ta-yammum instead of Wudu or Ghusl. Mere apprehension or an advice by any non-Muslim or Faasiq physician is not lawful for Ta-yammum.

Q 5: How many obligatory acts (Fard) are there in Ta-yammum?
A. There are three obligatory acts (Fard) in Ta-yammum: (1). Intention: If one strikes his hands on the pure earth and rub them on the face and hands without making "Niyah"(intention) his Ta-yammum will not be in order. (2). Passing the hands over the whole face in such a way that no spot remains untouched. (3). Doing "Masah" of both the hands upto elbows. No spot should remain untouched otherwise Ta-yammum will not be valid.

Q 6: What are the Sunnat acts in Ta-yammum?
A. The Sunnat acts in Ta-yammum are: (1). To recite Bismillah.(2). To strike both the hands on pure earth lightly. (3).To keep fingers apart from one another. (4). To strike the hands against each other to shake off the excess dust. (5). To do "Masah" first of the face then of the hands. (6). To do "Masah" of the face and hands in succession. (7). To do "Masah" first of the right hand and then of the left. (8). To pass fingers through the beard and (9)."Khilaal" of fingers: to run the fingers of one hand through the fingers of the other. If dust does not reach the spaces between the fingers, then "Khilaal" is Fard (obligatory).

Q 7: What is the method of Ta-yammum?
A. The method of performing Ta-yammum is that one should strike his hands with the fingers out-stretched and wide open, lightly on anything of the earth's genre, shake off the excess dust and wipe the whole face with them and then strike the hands on the earthen object again and rub the palms on the hands alternately from the tips (nails) of the fingers to the elbows.

Q 8: How to do "Masah" of the hands?
A. The method of doing "Masah" of the hands is that one should run four fingers (except thumb) of his left hand on the outer side of the right hand from the tips of the fingers upto the elbow and then rub the palm on the inner side of the right hand from the elbow down to the wrist-joint. Pass the thumb of the left hand on the upper side of the right hand's thumb. Deal with the left hand in the same manner.

Q 9: With which things the performance of Ta-yammum is
lawful?
A. Ta-yammum is lawful with the things which are of the genre of the earth. Such things neither burn to ashes nor melt and nor soften like sand, lime, antimony (collyrium), arsenic, sulpher, red ochre, stone, salt which is obtained from mines and jewels like emerald, carnelian etc.

Q10: With which things is Ta-yammum unlawful?
A. Ta-yammum is not lawful with the things which burn to ashes like wood, grass etc.or which melt or soften like silver, gold, copper, brass and iron etc.

Q11: Is Ta-yammum lawful with the wood which has dust thereon?
A. Ta-yammum is lawful with wood, grass, lead, gold, silver and iron etc. provided they have so much dust thereon that it sticks to the hands when one strikes on them.

Q12: What is the difference between the Ta-yammum of Wudu and Ghusl?
A. Ta-yammum is the same for Wudu and Ghusl.

Q13: With which Ta-yammum is prayer lawful?
A. Prayer will be in order with that Ta-yammum which is performed for (with the intention of)prayer or purifying oneself or for such worship that can not be done without Tahaarah (purification). Prayer can not be offered with the Ta-yammum which is performed for entering or coming out of mosque or touching the Holy Qur-aan or uttering Azaan (call to prayer) or visiting grave or burying the dead. Only that worship or work can be done with the Ta-yammum for which it is performed. Besides, the practical demonstration of the method of Ta-yammum to others will also not enable the demonstrator to offer prayer with the Ta-yammum he demonstrated for education purpose.

Q14: Is prayer lawful with the Ta-yammum done for funeral prayer or Sajda-e-Tilaawat (to prostrate for the verse of prostration)?
A. If Ta-yammum is performed for funeral prayer or Eid prayer due to serious sickness or non-availability of water, the obligatory prayer and other worships can be offered with the said Ta-yammum. In such conditions, the obligatory prayers can be offered even with the Ta-yammum done for Sajda-e-Tilaawat.

Q15: Will prayer be in order if one offers with Ta-yammum without searching for the water?
A. There are two conditions in this regard i.e. (1) If one has an idea that the water is available within the radius of one mile (1.6 km), he should search for it otherwise Ta-yammum will not be lawful. (2) If one is sure that the water is not available within the radius of one mile (1.6 km) then he should not search for it provided there is none from which he could enquire about the water. In case, somebody was there who knew about the availability of water nearby but he did not ask of him then he will have to repeat his prayer after performing Wudu.

Q16: Can many prayers be offered with one Ta-yammum?
A. Yes, Ta-yammum to us is the substitute of Wudu and Ghusl so we can offer many obligatory and optional prayers with one Ta-yammum as we do with one Wudu or Ghusl.

Q17: Can several persons perform Ta-yammum with one clod of the earth or can one person do several times with the same clod?
A. Earth does not fall within the parameter of rules meant for the water, hence several persons can or one person can use the same clod of the earth several times for Ta-yammum.

Q18: Which things make Ta-yammum void?
A. Ta-yammum is nullified by the things which render Wudu void or make Ghusl obligatory. Besides, attainment to the water or physical fitness to use the water also render Ta-yammum void. For example, one performed Ta-yammum for Ghusl being seriously ill but afterwards he recovers and now he is fit to use water, then he will have to do Ghusl as his Ta-yammum has gone void.

Q19: How long can one keep performing Ta-yammum?
A. One can keep doing Ta-yammum unless the water is available or the disability is removed. No matter if one has to practise it for years under compulsion.

Q20: Is Ta-yammum lawful for one whom the cold water harms but the hot water suits him?
A. If the cold water harms one in sickness and the hot water does not, then he should use hot water. Ta-yammum is not lawful for him. However, he can do Ta-yammum if he is at such a place where the water is not available.

In case,Wudu or Ghusl harms one in the cold climate but does not harm in hot climate then he should perform Ta-yammum in the cold climate and when it turns hot (feasible to him) he should do Ghusl or Wudu as the case may be. If water harms the head he should begin Ghusl from the neck (throat) downwards and do "Masah" of the head i.e. pass the fingers of both the hands over it.

Q 21: Is Ta-yammum lawful for one who is in possession of "Zam Zam" water?
A. Ta-yammum is not lawful for the one who is in possession of a sufficient quantity of Zam Zam (water of sacred well adjacent to Holy Ka'bah) with which he can perform Wudu. No matter if he is taking it as a gift or for a patient.                                                                                                                      IMPORTANT CONDITIONS FOR "SALAAT"(PRAYER)

Q 1: How many conditions are there for the soundness of prayer?
A. There are six conditions for the soundness of prayer i.e. (1). One's body and dress in which he is attired should be free from visible and invisible impurities. (2). Cloths and place of worship should be free from every sort of filth. (3). "Satr-e-Aurat"(covering the body from navel to knees). (4). "Istiqbaal-e-Qiblah" (to face the Qiblah). (5). Prayer time has come. (6). "Niyah" (intention of prayer).

Q 2: What condition is there about cloths' being free from impurity?
A. Cloths in which one offers prayer should be as much free from impurity as needed by the Shari'ah. For example if filth sticks larger than the size of a "Dirham" (depression of a palm) or an impurity pollutes the body or cloths more than l/4th then prayer will not be lawful in such condition.

Q 3: How much a place should be clean and pure to offer prayer?
A. A clean and pure place for prayer means the spots of the ground which come under the feet (during "Qiyaam" [standing posture]) and toes, knees, palms, nose and the forehead (during prostration) must be clean and pure.

Q 4: Will prayer be in order if offered placing a cloth on an unclean and impure place?
A. Prayer will be in order if a thick piece of cloth is placed on the unclean and impure place provided the colour and stench of the impurity is not felt during the prayer and in case the piece of cloth is so thin that the impure place gives off stench and the colour also appears then the prayer will not be valid.

Q 5: Will prayer be valid if offered on a double-folded piece of cloth whose one fold is polluted by impurity?
A. Prayer offered on the clean fold of cloth will not be in order if the cloth is sewn in two folds, otherwise it can be offered thereon.

Q 6: Will prayer be lawful on an unclean and impure plank?
A. If one side of the plank (which is so thick that it can be cut or sawed into two) is polluted then the prayer can be offered on the unpolluted side, otherwise not.

Q 7: Will prayer be lawful if offered on the ground smeared with dung?
A. Prayer will not be in order if offered on the ground smeared with dung even though it has dried up. However, prayer can be offered on a thick piece of cloth placed on the ground.COVERING OF THE BODY FROM NAVEL TO KNEES

Q 1: What does "Satr-e-Aurat" mean?
A. "Satr-e-Aurat" means to cover those parts of the body which are necessarily covered during prayer.

Q 2: Which parts of the body are to be covered by man and woman during prayer?
A. It is obligatory (Fard) upon man to cover himself from the navel to the knees (exclusive of navel and inclusive of knees) and woman (not slave-girl) to cover her entire body except face, palms and soles of the feet. Her hair (plaited on the back or loose), neck and wrists are also included in "Satr-e-Aurat". The face of woman is not included in Satr-e-Aurat but even then it should not be exposed to strangers.

Q 3: Will prayer be in order or not if any covered part of the body gets exposed?
A. Prayer will be in order if any covered part of the body (Satr-e-Aurat) gets exposed less than l/4th or gets exposed more than l/4th but is immediately covered. In case, the covering of the exposed part is delayed for such an interval that one could easily say "Subhaan Allah" thrice or any part was deliberately exposed even though covered immediately, the prayer will go void in such condition.

Q 4: What injunction is there for a person who is in darkness and offers prayer naked?
A. Prayer will not be lawful if one offers naked even in a lonely house in darkness despite possessing a piece of cloth to cover his "Satr-e-Aurat". There is a consensus of Muslim scholars on "Satr-e-Aurat" for prayer sans any exception.

Q 5: Is "Satr-e-Aurat" to be observed even in loneliness?
A. The observance of Satr-e-Aurat is Waajib (essential) in all conditions (within or without the prayer even one is alone). It should not be exposed in loneliness unless permitted by the Shari'ah.

Q 6: What should one do if he has no cloth for Satr-e-Aurat?
A. He who has no cloth to cover necessary parts of his body should use whatever is available for the purpose like hessian, grass, leaves etc. and even any of these things is not possible then it is better for him to offer prayer in sitting posture and gesture for Rukoo and Sujood (bowing and prostrations) placing hands on his private parts.

Q 7: Can a naked man use silk or not?
A. If one has no cloth for Satr-e-Aurat except silk then he should use it for prayer, otherwise silk is Haraam (unlawful) for men and prayer in silk is "Makrooh Tahreemi" (odious and will have to be repeated).

Q 8: Can thin cloth be used for Satr-e-Aurat?
A. Wearing so thin cloth(s) that the body looks through (see-through dress) is Haraam for both man and woman. Prayer will not be lawful in such dress. Even the hair of woman should not look-through from her sheet of cloth in which she is wrapped-up.