The Blessings of Jum'ah (Friday)

The Blessings of Jum'ah (Friday)

This is a Friday Khutbah delivered by Shaykh Muhammad Taher on 4th February 2005. This has been taken from leeds grand mosque and is worth sharing.

O Muslims! Today is Friday - Jum’ah; the most superior of days within the week. For Muslims, it is regarded as the weekly Eid.

The Prophet (SAW) was told about the important events which took place on this great day and of the preference Allah has given to it. It is mentioned in Sahih Muslim on the authority of Abu Hurayrah who said: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him said:

“The best day on which the sun rises is the day of Jumu’ah; on it Adam was created, on it he entered Paradise and on it he was taken out of Paradise”

And in another narration he said:

“The Final Hour will take place on the day of Friday” {Narrated in Muslim}

“Every moving thing listens from morning till sunset in apprehension of the Hour, except Jinn and Men” (Narrated in the Muwatta of Malik)

Know, that the obligation of the Friday prayer applies to Muslim males only.

On the day of Jumu’ah, the day in which Muslims gather to pray, listen to the sermon and remember Allah the Most High. It is recommended to bathe, to dress well, to use the tooth stick (Siwaak) and to wear perfume. This is recommended for everyone attending Jumu’ah prayer or attending any other Muslim gathering, as it is a Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). He (SAW) said:

“Whoever makes ghusl on the day of jumu’ah, uses the tooth stick (siwaak), applies perfume if he has it, wears of his best clothes, and then goes out until he comes to the mosque, and does not harm anyone, then prays as much as occurs to him to pray, and then remains silent when the Imam speaks until he prays the obligatory prayer, it is an reparation of whatever minor sins are between this and the next jumu’ah”(Narrated by Ahmad, Abu Dawud&Others)

In another narration it is related:

“Whoever performs ghusl, goes to Jumu’ah, prays as much he is able to, remains silent until the Imam finishes his khutbah, then prays with him; he is forgiven (his minor sins) from that Friday until the next Friday in addition to three extra days and whosoever fails to do so has erred (Narrated by Muslim)

On Friday it is vital that we strive to make the most of our time by supplicating to Allah, as it is mentioned in both Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (SAW), mentioned the day of Friday and said:

“In it there is an (opportune) hour when Allah gives to the Muslim standing in prayer whatever he asks for.” And he pointed out the shortness of that time with his hands. (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

It also recommended to send blessings and prayers upon the Prophet (SAW) on the day of jumu’ah and the night preceding it. The Prophet (SAW) said:

“Friday is from amongst the best of days, on it Adam was created, and on it the horn will be blown and all will fall unconscious, so send abundant blessings upon me on this day for indeed your salutations are presented to me. They, the companions said: O Messenger of Allah how can this be when you have been buried and your body has decayed? And the Prophet (SAW) said: Indeed Allah, Exalted and Magnified is He, has forbidden the earth from consuming the bodies of the Prophets”.

Another recommended act is the reciting of Surah Al-Kahf on the day of Jumu’ah and the night preceding it, as mentioned in the Hadith

“Whosoever recites Surah Al-Kahf on Friday will have a light illuminated for him between the two Fridays” (Narrated by Nasa’i Bayhaqi & others)

O Muslims! - Busy lifestyles have led to the abandoning of the Sunnah of arriving early at the Mosque on Friday. The Prophet (SAW) stressed earliness in attending the prayer, especially the Friday prayer and he likened it to charitable and sacrificial acts.

It is mentioned in Bukhari and Muslim:

"Any person who takes a bath on Friday like the bath of Janaba (to clean ritual impurity) and then goes for the prayer (in the first hour i.e. early), it is as if he had sacrificed a camel (in Allah's cause); and whoever goes in the second hour it is as if he had sacrificed a cow; and whoever goes in the third hour, then it is as if he had sacrificed a horned ram; and if one goes in the fourth hour, then it is as if he had sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour then it is as if he had offered an egg. When the Imam comes out (i.e. starts delivering the Khutba), the angels present themselves to listen to the Khutba"

And in another Hadith he (SAW) said:

“When it is a Friday, the Angels stand at the gate of the mosque and keep on writing the names of the persons coming to the mosque in succession according to their arrivals. The example of the one who enters the mosque in the earliest hour is that of one offering a camel (in sacrifice). The one coming next is like one offering a cow and then a ram and then a chicken and then an egg respectively. When the Imam comes out (for Jumua prayer) the Angels fold their papers and listen to the Khutba. (Narrated in Bukhari and Muslim)

O Muslims: It is incumbent upon those aware of these two aHadith to bow their heads in humility before Allah, shame before the Angels and compassion for the servants of Allah. If so many of us are neglecting this act of goodness, let us consider then how big the difference is between one who presents a sacrificial offering with one who offers nothing because he arrives only after the Angels have folded-up their scrolls? So how many Fridays have passed by wherein the angels have recorded but a few first-comers?

There is no power or strength except with Allah; why such abstinence from reward? Do you not know the saying of the Prophet (SAW):

“If people knew the reward of hearing the adhan and being from amongst the first row and if they didn’t find a place therein they would even compete for it by drawing lots”(Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)

This is for the one who is late; so consider then, the one who purposefully abandons the Friday prayer without excuse. Listen to this Hadith of the Prophet (SAW) and take it to those whom you know are neglectful of the Friday prayer:On the authority of Abu Hurayrah and Ibn Omar, may Allah be pleased with them both, who heard the Prophet (SAW) say on his Minbar:

“If people are neglectful of jumu’ah prayers, Allah will set a seal over their hearts and they shall be from the heedless.” (Narrated by Muslim)

In other words, Allah puts a barrier between them and guidance and goodness.

O Muslims! Compete in this great act of goodness which Allah has made on Friday for those who follow the example of the Prophet (SAW). So purify yourselves, wear your best clothes, use the tooth stick (Siwaak) and perfume and hasten to the Friday prayer with composure and dignity.

Compete for the first row and then the second and so on without offending or harming any one of your brothers, pray the voluntary (nawaful) prayers and increase in the remembrance of Allah and recitation of the Qur’an.

Ask Allah the Glorious for an increase in blessing and stick to the etiquettes of the Prophet and be from amongst the first to do good and attain the highest of ranks:

“That is the favour of Allah; which He gives to whom He will. And Allah’s favour is immense.” (Surah Jum’ah 62:4)

The second Khutbah
The ruling on speaking or being distracted during the Khutbah

There is a severe prohibition regarding this as the majority of scholars consider it obligatory to remain silent. It is essential to listen to the Khutbah without distraction. It is not permissible to entertain oneself with anything.

The ruling on arriving late and missing a unit (Rak’ah) of prayer with the Imam:

Many scholars have said ‘whosoever misses a rak’ah of the Friday congregational prayer, has missed the prayer’ and must make up the missed rak’ah, as the Prophet (SAW) said :

“Whoever missed a rak’ah with the Imam, has missed the entire prayer”

However, most scholars are of the opinion that missing one full rak’ah does not mean that one has missed the entire prayer, but it is necessary to pray the four rak’ahs of Dhur.

Preoccupation with buying and selling and business transactions at the time of the call to Jumu’ah prayer:

Allah the Exalted and Magnificent has prohibited this at the time of Jumu’ah prayer and has made it unlawful for everyone who is obliged to attend the prayer, as He the Exalted says:

“O you who believe! When the call is made for the prayer on Friday, come to the remembrance of Allah and leave off business. That is better for you if only you knew!” ( Surah Jum’ah 62:9)

Ibn Abbas said:

"Selling is prohibited at this time."

A’ta said :

"Trade is prohibited. And Allah knows best." .

DISCLAIMER: This reminder was originally delivered in Arabic. Any meanings lost in translation are not to be attributed to the speaker as reminders are translated by volunteers. The mosque has no official translater and volunteers often have no formal qualifications to translate on the day. Please forgive any errors as they are from our human weakness and any right guidance is from Allah.

Everyday Islamic Words

Everyday Islamic Words

Taken from missionislam.com and other sources

Every muslim should know these words, what they mean and when to say them because, we want the blessings from Allah.

General

Bismillah
In the name of Allah
When to say it: before we do anything

Alhamdulillah
Praise be to Allah
When to say it: for showing gratitude to Allah after success or even after completing anything

Insha Allah
If Allah wishes
When to say it: for expressing a desire to do something

Masha Allah
As Allah has willed
When to say it: for expressing appreciation of something good

Subhaanallah
Glory be to Allah
When to say it: for praising something

Astaghfirullah
I beg Allah for forgiveness
When to say it: repenting for sins before Allah

Al hamdu lillah
Praise be to Allah
When to say it: after sneezing

Yar hamukallah
May Allah have mercy on you
When to say it: someone else sneezes

Fi sabi lillah
For the sake of Allah
When to say it: giving charity

Aameen
May it be so
When to say it: the end of a Dua or prayer

Fi Amanullah
May Allah protect you
When to say it: by way of saying good-bye

Bismillahi tawakkaltu 'alal-lahi was la hawla wa la quwwata 'illa billah
In the Name of Allah, I trust in Allah and thereis no strength notr power except with Allah.
When to sat it: When leaving the home

Greeting other muslims

As salamu aleiykum
Peace be upon you
When to say it: meet a Muslim

Waleiykum assalam
And peace be upon you
When to say it: return a greeting to a Muslim

As salamu aleiykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
Peace and mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you
When to say it: meet a Muslim

Waleiykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh
And peace and mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you
When to say it: return a greeting to a Muslim

When mentioning the Prophets (peace be upon them) and their Companions

Sal allahu aleihi wasallam
Peace be upon him (S.A.W.)
When to say it: whenever we say the name of Prophet Muhammad

Alaihi salaam
Peace be upon him (A.S.)
When to say it: whenever we say the name of a prophet or an angel

Radi Allah Anhu
May Allah be pleased with him (R.A.)
When to say it: whenever we say name of male companion of the Prophet (Sahabi)

Radi Allah Anha
May Allah be pleased with her (R.A.)
When to say it: whenever we say name of female companion of the Prophet

Radi Allah Anhum
May Allah be pleased with them (R.A.)
When to say it: Plural form of saying companions of the Prophet

Expressing Thanks

Jazakallah
May Allah reward you
When to say it: when we want to express thanks

JazakAllahu khair
May Allah reward you for the good
When to say it: for expression of thanks

BarakAllahu feekum
May Allah bless you
When to say it: responding to someone’s thanks

Expression of sympathy

Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji'oon
To Allah we belong and to Him is our return
When to say it: this is uttered as an expression of sympathy of the news of loss or some one's death

La hawla wala quwata illah billah
There is no strength nor power except Allah
When to say it: during the time of hardship

How to serve Islam

How to serve Islam
Taken from islam-qa.com

Question:
I want to serve my religion, what should I do?

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

1 – You can serve Islam by having a correct resolve and sincere intention, for Allaah blesses an action that is done sincerely for His sake alone, even if it is little. Sincere devotion, if it becomes a constant feature of acts of worship and obedience, even if they are small or simple in the sight of the one who does them, makes them great in the sight of Allaah, so Allaah will forgive him for major sins because of that, as it says in the hadeeth about the piece of paper on which is written La ilaaha ill-Allaah.

2 – You can serve Islam by knowing the right way and following it. The Straight Path means following the way of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with regard to the principles, ways and means of da’wah and being patient in adhering to that, whilst treating people with kindness and compassion, because they are suffering from the disease of sin.

3 – You can serve Islam by making the most of all available means and circumstances. This is a great blessing, for all means are permissible except those which have been forbidden by Allaah. So we call people to Allaah by all means prescribed in sharee’ah, whilst paying attention to the evidence of sharee’ah and correct etiquette.

4 – You can serve Islam by giving precedence to that which is in the interests of Islam over your own whims and desires. Serving this religion means giving what is most precious of your money, effort, time, thought, etc. Have you not seen those who love sport (football or soccer) for example, how they devote their efforts, time and money to their beloved sport? But more is expected of you than that.

5 – You can serve Islam by following in the footsteps of the scholars, daa’iyahs and reformers, having patience as your companion and putting up with tiredness and exhaustion. For you are doing a great act of worship which is the mission of the Prophets and Messengers and those who follow in their footsteps.

6 – You can serve Islam by shunning laziness, weakness and apathy, for this religion is the religion of resolve, ambition and courage, and its call is only harmed by laziness or reckless ignorance.

7 – You can serve Islam by connecting your heart to Allaah and reciting a lot of du’aa’ and prayers for forgiveness, and persisting in reading Qur’aan. There is nothing that is more effective in cleansing the heart and refreshing the soul, and making it active and energetic so that it will not get tired or bored, than remembering Allaah much and drawing nearer to Him by means of obeying Him and doing naafil (supererogatory) acts of worship.

8 – You can serve Islam by forming bonds with scholars who practise what they preach, those who are known to be sincere and who are well established in jihad and supporting this religion. Marching under their banner and following their lead is very good and beneficial.

9 – You can serve Islam by organizing your time on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. There are actions which should be done every day, others which should be done every week, and others which should be done every month or every year.

For example, you should make da’wah to those whom you see every day and to those whom you see once a week. You may have a family gathering once a month, and there may be annual conferences, or journeys for Hajj or ‘Umra once a year, and so on.

10 – You can serve Islam by paying it some attention and giving it some of your time, thoughts and money, and making it your main concern. So when you stand up, it is for Islam; when you walk, it is for Islam; when you think, it is for Islam; when you give, it is for Islam; when you sit, it is for Islam.

11 – you can serve Islam by hastening to contribute every time you find an opportunity to do good. Do not hesitate or delay or put it off.

A Brother like That

A Brother like That

Taken from members.tripod.com
Originally taken from everymuslim.com, Author: Unknown

Shuaib received an automobile from his brother as a Eid present. On Eid day when Shuaib came out of his office, a street urchin was walking around the shiny new car, admiring it. "Is this your car, Uncle?" he asked. Shuaib nodded. " My brother gave it to me for Eid." The boy was astounded.

"You mean your brother gave it to you and it didn't cost you nothing? Boy, I wish..." He hesitated. Of course Shuaib knew what he was going to wish for. He was going to wish he had a brother like that. But what the lad said jarred Shuaib all the way down to his heels.

"I wish," the boy went on, "that I could be a brother like that." Shuaib looked at the boy in astonishment, then impulsively he added, "Would you like to take a ride in my automobile?" "Oh yes, I'd love that."

After a short ride, the boy turned and with his eyes aglow, said, "Uncle, would you mind driving in front of my house?" Shuaib smiled a little. He thought he knew what the lad wanted. He wanted to show his neighbors that he could ride home in a big automobile.

But Shuaib was wrong again. "Will you stop where those two steps are?" the boy asked. He ran up the steps.

Then in a little while Shuaib heard him coming back, but he was not coming fast. He was carrying his little crippled brother. He sat him down on the bottom step, then sort of squeezed up against him and pointed to the car.

"There she is, uncle, just like I told you upstairs. His brother gave it to him for Eid and it didn't cost him a penny. And some day I'm gonna give you one just like it...then you can see for yourself all the pretty things in the Shop windows that I've been trying to tell you about."

Shuaib got out and lifted the boy to the front seat of his car. The shining-eyed older brother climbed in beside him and the three of them began a memorable holiday ride.

That Eid, Shuaib learned what Rasullallah(sallallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) meant when he had said: "Love for your brother what you love for yourself ".