The Virtues of Hijab

1. An act of obedience.

The hijab is an act of obedience to Allah and to his prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), Allah says in the Quran:

"It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His messenger have decreed a matter that they should have an option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), has indeed strayed in a plain error." [Noble Quran 33:36]

Allahu Ta'ala also said:

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc) and not to show off their adornment except what must (ordinarily) appear thereof, that they should draw their veils over their Juyubihinnah." [Noble Quran 24:31]

Juyubihinnah: The respected scholars from As-Salaf As-Saleh (righteous predecessors) differed whether the veil cover of the body must include the hands and face or not. Today, respected scholars say that the hands and face must be covered. Other respected scholars say it is preferable for women to cover their whole bodies.

2. The Hijab is Iffah (Modesty).

Allah made the adherence to the hijab a manifestation for chastity and modesty. Allah says:

"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested." [Noble Quran 33:59]

In the above Ayah there is an evidence that the recognition of the apparent beauty of the woman is harmful to her. When the cause of attraction ends, the restriction is removed. This is illustrated in the case of elderly women who may have lost every aspect of attraction. Allah made it permissible for them to lay aside their outer garments and expose their faces and hands reminding, however, that is still better for them to keep their modesty.

3. The hijab is Taharah (Purity)

Allah had shown us the hikmah (wisdom) behind the legislation of the hijab:

"And when you ask them (the Prophet's wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and their hearts." [Noble Quran 33:53]

The hijab makes for greater purity for the hearts of believing men and women because it screens against the desire of the heart. Without the hijab, the heart may or may not desire. That is why the heart is more pure when the sight is blocked (by hijab) and thus the prevention of fitnah (evil actions is very much manifested. 

The hijab cuts off the ill thoughts and the greed of the sick hearts:

"Be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner." [Noble Quran 33:32]

4. The hijab is a Shield

The prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Allah, Most High, is Hayie (Bashful), Sittir (Shielder). He loves Haya' (Bashfulness) and Sitr (Shielding; Covering)." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also said: "Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's house (to show off for unlawful purposes), has broken Allah's shield upon her." The hadith demonstrates that depending upon the kind of action committed there will be either reward (if good) or punishment (if bad).

5. The hijab is Taqwah (Righteousness)

Allah says in the Quran:

"O children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better." [Noble Quran 7:26]

The widespread forms of dresses in the world today are mostly for show off and hardly taken as a cover and shield of the woman's body. To the believing women, however the purpose is to safeguard their bodies and cover their private parts as a manifestation of the order of Allah. It is an act of Taqwah (righteousness).

6. The hijab is Eeman (Iman = Belief or Faith)

Allah did not address His words about the hijab except to the believing women, Al-Mo'minat. In many cases in the Quran Allah refers to the "the believing women". Aisha, the wife of the prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), addressed some women from the tribe of Banu Tamim who came to visit her and had light clothes on them, they were improperly dressed: "If indeed you are believing women, then truly this is not the dress of the believing women, and if you are not believing women, then enjoy it."

7. The hijab is Hayah' (Bashfulness)

There are two authentic hadith which state: "Each religion has a morality and the morality of Islam is hayah'" AND "Bashfulness is from belief, and belief is in Al-Jannah (paradise)". The hijab fits the natural bashfulness which is a part of the nature of women.

8. The hijab is Gheerah

The hijab fits the natural feeling of Gheerah, which is intrinsic in the straight man who does not like people to look at his wife or daughters. Gheerah is a driving emotion that drives the straight man to safeguard women who are related to him from strangers. The straight MUSLIM man has Gheerah for ALL MUSLIM women In response to lust and desire, men look (with desire) at other women while they do not mind that other men do the same to their wives or daughters. The mixing of sexes and absence of hijab destroys the Gheerah in men. Islam considers Gheerah an integral part of faith. The dignity of the wife or daughter or any other Muslim woman must be highly respected and defended.

Nur alan Nur (Cahaya Diatas Cahaya)

Bismillaahirrohmaanirrohiim.

 

"Allaahummaj 'al fii qalbii nuran. Wa fii lissaanii nuran, Wa fii basharii nuran, Wa fii sam'i nuran, Wa'an ya mii nii nuran, Wa'an yasari nuran, Wa min fauqii nuran, Wa min khalfii nuran, Waj'al lii fii nafsii nuuran, Waa'dhim lii nuuran"

Ya Allah, Jadikanlah di dalam hatiku cahaya, pada lidahku dan lisanku cahaya, pada penglihatanku cahaya, pada pendengaranku cahaya... Jadikanlah juga di kananku cahaya, di kiriku cahaya, Di atasku cahaya, di depanku cahaya... Dan di belakangku cahaya... Jadikanlah untukku di dalam diriku cahaya dan besarkanlah bagiku cahaya

O God, give me light in my heart and light in my tongue and light in my hearing and light in my seeing and light in my feeling and light in every part of my body and light before me and light behind me. Give me, I beg you, light on my right hand and light on my left hand and light above me and light beneath me. O Lord,... make light grow within me and give me light and illuminate me

 
(Sebuah Doa Nabi Muhammad saw, one of du'a from the Prophet Muhammad pbuh)

Maulud Nabi Muhammad SAW

Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW terkadang Maulid Nabi atau Maulud saja (bahasa Arab: مولد، مولد النبي‎, mawlidun-nabī), adalah peringatan hari lahir Nabi Muhammad SAW, yang di Indonesia perayaannya jatuh pada setiap tanggal 12 Rabiul Awal dalam penanggalan Hijriyah. Kata maulid atau milad dalam bahasa Arab berarti hari lahir. Perayaan Maulid Nabi merupakan tradisi yang berkembang di masyarakat Islam jauh setelah Nabi Muhammad wafat. Secara subtansi, peringatan ini adalah ekspresi kegembiraan dan penghormatan kepada Nabi Muhammad SAW.

Sejarah

Perayaan Maulid Nabi diperkirakan pertama kali diperkenalkan oleh Abu Said al-Qakburi, seorang gubernur Irbil, di Irak pada masa pemerintahan Sultan Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi (1138-1193). Adapula yang berpendapat bahwa idenya justru berasal dari Sultan Salahuddin sendiri. Tujuannya adalah untuk membangkitkan kecintaan kepada Nabi Muhammad SAW, serta meningkatkan semangat juang kaum muslimin saat itu, yang sedang terlibat dalam Perang Salib melawan pasukan Kristen Eropa dalam upaya memperebutkan kota Yerusalem dan sekitarnya.

Perayaan di Indonesia

Masyarakat muslim di Indonesia umumnya menyambut Maulid Nabi dengan mengadakan perayaan-perayaan keagamaan seperti pembacaan shalawat nabi, pembacaan syair Barzanji dan pengajian. Menurut penanggalan Jawa bulan Rabiul Awal disebut bulan Mulud, dan acara Muludan juga dirayakan dengan perayaan dan permainan gamelan Sekaten.

Perayaan di luar negeri

Sebagian masyarakat muslim Sunni dan Syiah di dunia merayakan Maulid Nabi. Muslim Sunni merayakannya pada tanggal 12 Rabiul Awal sedangkan muslim Syiah merayakannya pada tanggal 17 Rabiul Awal, yang juga bertepatan dengan ulang tahun Imam Syiah yang keenam, yaitu Imam Ja’far ash-Shadiq.

Maulid dirayakan pada banyak negara dengan penduduk mayoritas Muslim di dunia, serta di negara-negara lain di mana masyarakat Muslim banyak membentuk komunitas, contohnya antara lain di India, Britania, dan Kanada. Arab Saudi adalah satu-satunya negara dengan penduduk mayoritas Muslim yang tidak menjadikan Maulid sebagai hari libur resmi. Partisipasi dalam ritual perayaan hari besar Islam ini umumnya dipandang sebagai ekspresi dari rasa keimanan dan kebangkitan keberagamaan bagi para penganutnya.

Perbedaan pendapat

Terdapat beberapa kaum ulama yang berpaham Salafi dan Wahhabi yang tidak merayakannya karena menganggap perayaan Maulid Nabi merupakan sebuah bid’ah, yaitu kegiatan yang bukan merupakan ajaran Nabi Muhammad SAW. Mereka berpendapat bahwa kaum muslim yang merayakannya keliru dalam menafsirkannya sehingga keluar dari esensi kegiatannya. Namun demikian, terdapat pula ulama yang berpendapat bahwa peringatan Maulid Nabi bukanlah hal bid’ah, karena merupakan pengungkapan rasa cinta kepada Nabi Muhammad SAW.

Imam As-Suyuthi dalam kitab Husn Al-Maqosid fi Amal Al-Maulid menerangkan bahwa orang yang pertama kali menyelenggarakan maulid Nabi adalah Malik Mudzofah Ibnu Batati, penguasa dari negeri Ibbril yang terkenal loyal dan berdedikasi tinggi. Mudzorofah pernah menghadiahkan sepuluh ribu dinar kepada Syekh Abu Al-Khatib Ibnu Dihyah yang telah berhasil menyusun sebuah buku riwayat hidup dan risalah Rasulullah dengan judul At-Tanwir fi Maulid Al-Basyir Al-Nazir. Pada masa Abbasiyah, sekitar abad kedua belas masehi, perayaan maulid Nabi dilaksanakan secara resmi yang dibiayai dan difasilitasi oleh khalifah dengan mengundang penguasa lokal. Acara itu diisi dengan puji-pujian dan uraian maulid Nabi, serta dilangsungkan dengan pawai akbar mengelilingi kota diiringi pasukan berkuda dan angkatan bersenjata.

Dua pendapat yang bertentangan

Dilihat dari sudut pandang hukum syarak ada dua pendapat yang bertentangan dalam menangani masalah peringatan maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW.

Pendapat pertama
Pendapat pertama, yang menentang, mengatakan bahwa maulid Nabi merupakan bid’ah mazmumah, menyesatkan. Pendapat pertama membangun argumentasinya melalui pendekatan normatif tekstual. Perayaan maulid Nabi SAW itu tidak ditemukan baik secara tersurat maupun secara tersirat dalam Al-Quran dan juga Al-Hadis. Syekh Tajudiin Al-Iskandari, ulama besar berhaluan Malikiyah yang mewakili pendapat pertama, menyatakan maulid Nabi adalah bid’ah mazmumah, menyesatkan. Penolakan ini ditulisnya dalam kitab Al-Murid Al-Kalam Ala’amal Al-Maulid.

Pendapat Kedua

Pendapat kedua, yang telah menerima dan mendukung tersebut, beralasan bahwa maulid Nabi adalah bid’ah mahmudah, inovasi yang baik, dan tidak bertentangan dengan syariat. Pendapat kedua diwakili oleh Imam Ibnu Hajar Asqalani dan Imam As-Suyuthi. Keduanya mengatakan bahwa status hukum maulid Nabi adalah bid’ah mahmudah. Yang tidak pernah dilakukan oleh Rasulullah SAW, tetapi keberadaannya tidak bertentang dengan ajaran Islam. Bagi As-Suyuti, keabsahan maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW bisa dianalogikan dengan diamnya Rasulullah ketika mendapatkan orang-orang Yahudi berpuasa pada hari Asyura sebagai ungkapan syukur kepada Allah atas keselamatan Nabi Musa dari kejaran Firaun. maulid Nabi, menurut As-Suyuti, adalah ungkapan syukur atas diutusnya Nabi Muhammad SAW ke muka bumi. Penuturan ini dapat dilihat dalam kitab Al-Ni’mah Al-Kubra Ala Al-Alam fi Maulid Sayyid Wuld Adam.

Terlepas dari polemik di atas, pelaksanaan maulid Nabi adalah perbuatan Bid’ah walaupun disinyalir mendatangkan dan memberikan manfaat kehidupan beragama kaum muslimin secara filosofis, peringatan maulid Nabi dapat menumbuhkan rasa cinta kepada Rasulullah yang kemudian ditunjukkan dengan mengikuti segala sunahnya dan menumbuhkan kesadaran akan beragama menuju kesempurnaan takwa, tapi tetap didahului dengan perbuatan Bid’ah. Secara sosiologis, dengan asumsi kehidupan manusia di abad ini, dengan kecenderungan bergaya hidup konsumeristik, hedonistik, dan materialistik, punya andil cukup besar terhadap penurunan tingkat kesadaran seseorang, maka peringatan maulid Nabi menjadi tuntutan religius yang penting.

Hadist

Kekhawatiran ini tidak terlalu berlebihan bila kita lihat sabda Nabi SAW:

“Pada mulanya Islam itu asing dan akan kembali asing dan akan kembali asing, maka berbahagianlah bagi orang-orang asing, yakni mereka yang telah menghidupkan sunah Nabi SAW, setelah dirusak orang. Orang yang berpegang teguh dengan sunahku ketika terjadi wabah dekadensi moral, pahalanya sama dengan pahala seratus orang yang mati syahid.” (HR. Ibnu Abbas)

Dan kekhawatiran akan menjadi hilang jika kita berwawasan secara meluas,memang semua pekerjaan yang kita lakukan dizaman sekarang ini adalah bid’ah, karena tidak dilakukan dan tidak diperintah oleh Nabi  Muhammad SAW, tapi kita tahu bahwasannya bid’ah itu ada 2 macam yaitu bid’ah hasanah (bid’ah yang baik) dan bid’ah sayyi’ah (bid’ah yang jelek dalam artian menyimpang dari syariat), Jadi kita tidak meniru Rasulullah SAW hanya konteks saja, tapi juga nonkontekstualnya. Berbahagialah orang yang selalu mengagungkan Rasulullah SAW, dan jangan mudah menganggap sesuatu itu bid’ah dlolalah finnar. Kita tentunya ingin umat islam bersatu padu mengunggulkan ISLAM, jangan mudah terpedaya kaum yang ingin memecah-belahkan umat islam baik dari dalam ataupun dari luar. Allah SWT selalu bersama orang2 yang benar.

Fathimah Az Zahra’

Fathimah binti Rasulullah dipersunting oleh Ali bin Abu Thalib. Ketika itu, Ali berusia duapuluh satu tahun lima bulan, sedangkan Fathimah berusia limabelas tahun lima bulan, sesudah kepulangan dari perang Badr. Demikian disebutkan dalam kitab sejarah Al-Halabiyah. Sedang lahirnya adalah satu tahun sebelum kenabian, dan meninggal dunia enam bulan sesudah ayahnya Rasulullah s.a.w. meninggal, yaitu pada malam Selasa tanggal 3 Ramadhan tahun kesebelas Hijriah. Dimakarnkan oleh Ali pada malam hari.

Fathimah, seperti yang dikatakan oleh Ibnu Duraid, adalah kata yang berasal dari “Fathman” yang sama artinya dengan “qathan” atau “man’an”, artinya “memotong, memutuskan atau menecegah”. Ia dinamakan demikian karena Allah SWT mencegah dirinya dari api neraka. Sebagaimana yang disebutkan dalam akhbar-akhbar yang akan dijelaskan nanti.

Sebelum itu, Fathimah sudah pernah dilamar oleh Abu Bakar dan Umar, namun ditolak oleh Rasul dengan halus. Ketika Ali mengajukan lamaran, maka lamarannya itu langsung diterima. Mas kawinnya adalah baju besinya, sebab Ali tidak mempunyai apa-apa selain dari itu. Kemudian baju besi itu dijual denga harga empat ratus delapan puluh dirham. Kemudian Rasulullah s.a.w. memberi kan kepada Fathimah sebuah bantal dari kulit yang diisi rumput kering, dan rumahnya dihampari dengan pasir.

Beliau juga memberikan sebuah kulit domba yang sudah disamak kepada Fathimah untuk dijadikan kasurnya, dan sebuah gantungan pedang, wadah air dari kulit serta dua buah tempayan tanah, seperti yang disebutkan dalam beberapa riwayat.

Dalam sebuah hadis riwayat Muslim dari sahabat Jabir: “Kami menghadiri perayaan perkawinan Ali bin Abu Thalib dan Fathimah binti Rasulullah s.a.w. Tidak pernah kami menyaksikan perayaan sebaik itu. Rasulullah telah menghidangkan buat kami buah anggur kering dan kurma.”

Diriwayatkan oleh Al-Thabarani hadis yang bersumber dari Asma: “Tatkala Fathimah diserahkan kepada Ali bin Abu Thalib, ia tidak mendapatkan apa apa di dalam rumah Ali selain dari lantai pasir, sebuah bantal yang berisi rumput kering, sebuah tempayan tanah dan sebuah kendi. Kemudian Rasulullah mengutus seseorang kepada Ali membawa pesan: ‘Janganlah kau dekati isterimu hingga aku datang menemui kalian berdua! ‘

Tak lama kemudian beliau datang, lantas beliau meminta sebuah bejana berisi air, lalu beliau membacakan doa pada air itu beberapa saat lamanya. Setelah itu beliau mengusap dada dan muka Ali dengan air tadi, lalu beliau memanggil Fathimah, kemudian sisa air itu dipercikkan beliau ke atas tubuh Fathimah.

Dalam hadis Buraidah disebutkan: “Lalu Rasulullah meminta sebuah bejana berisi air dan kemudian berwudhu. Setelah itu beliau memercikkan air itu ke atas Ali seraya berdoa ’Ya Allah, berilah keberkatan dalam perkawinan mereka ini dan berilah keberkatan kepada keturunan mereka!’”

Sedang dalam riwayat lain disebutkan: “Dan beliau pun memercikan air tersebut pada kepala dan antara kedua dada Siti Fathimah seraya berdoa: ‘Ya Allah, aku memohonkan perlindungan kepadamu buat dirinya dan diri keturunannya dari gangguan setan yang terkutuk’

Selama hidup berumah tangga dengan Siti Fathimah, Ali tidak mengawini wanita lain. Ali pernah melamar puteri Abu Jahal, namun Rasulullah tidak menyetujui hal itu. Beliau berkata: “Demi Allah, puteri Rasulullah tidak mungkin dikumpulkan dengan putri musuh Allah di bawah satu orang laki-laki.” Ali pun membatalkan lamaran tersebut. Dari perkawinan Ali dan Fathimah ini, Fathimah melahirkan enam anak, tiga laki-laki dan tiga perempuan. Laki-laki: Hasan, Husein dan Muhassin.

Sedangkan yang perempuan ialah, Zainab, Ummu Kultsum dan Ruqayah. Demikian diriwayatkan oleh Laits bin Sa’ad. Ruqayah meninggal dunia sebelum dewasa, dinukil oleh Ibnu Jauzi. Adapun Hasan dan Husein banyak menurunkan keturunan sebagaimana akan dijelaskan kemudian. Sedangkan Muhassin, meninggal karena ibunya keguguran.

Zainab dipersunting oleh saudara sepupunya yang bernama Abdullah bin Ja’far bin Abu Thalib, dan melahirkan Ali, Aunan Al-Akbar, Abbas, Muhammad dan Ummu Kultsum. Keturunan mereka banyak dan sampai sekarang masih ada. Tentang Zainab ini akan dibicarakan lagi di bagian lain.

Umum Kultsum dipersunting oleh Umar bin Khattab r.a. Ia melahirkan Zaid dan Ruqayah, tetapi keduanya tidak memperoleh keturunan. Kemudian Umar tiada, ia dipersunting pula oleh saudara sepupunya yang bernama Aun bin Ja’far bin Abu Thalib. Dan ketika Aun ini meninggal dunia, maka ia dipersunting pula oleh saudara Aun yang bernama Muhammad, dan Muhammad pun meninggal. Lalu ia dipersunting pula oleh saudara Muhammad yang bernama Abdullah, tanpa melahirkan seorang putra pun dari ketiga orang suaminya yang terakhir ini.

Demikian disebutkan oleh Al Suyuthi dalam kitab Al-Zainabiyah. Sedangkan di dalam kitab Al-Mawahib disebutkan bahwa Ummu Kultsum melahirkan seorang anak perempuan dari suaminya yang kedua, namun meninggal dunia selagi kanak-kanak.

 

 

Celebrating Mawlid Nabi Muhammad SAW

Every year, when the month of Rabi al-Awwal comes around once again, bringing in its train the night of the twelfth, it seems to us as if the whole world is perfumed by the memory of the birth of the Final Messenger, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him. Countless millions of Muslims in every corner of the earth fix their thoughts on his birth, by re-reading his biography and learning from his unique values and qualities. For he was the Unlettered Prophet, in whose human essence were combined and perfected every noble and generous trait of character: the best of all role-models, of whom Allah Himself has said: “Truly, yours is a tremendous character.” 

Without the slightest doubt, the best way of commemorating this most noble of all birthdays is in reciting the story of his life, to adults and to children, in order to accustom them to the love of Allah’s great Messenger.

My own mother, may Allah show her soul mercy, used to put us in the habit of sitting down and reading the sira books. Even though she herself could neither read nor write, she knew much of the sira by heart, and would constantly encourage her family and neighbours to become intimately familiar with the beautiful life-story of the Prophet.

No-one could deny that gathering to listen to the career of the Master of the Messengers is one of the most desirable of all activities. It can yield a whole range of blessings and benefits, as long as it takes place in a proper Islamic atmosphere without any reprehensible innovations or distortions. Needless to say, the life of the Prophet, upon him be blessings and peace, can and should be commemorated at any time of the year. Nonetheless, when he is remembered in Rabi al-Awwal, people’s attachment to him grows even stronger, for the simple reason that it was in this month that he was born. At this special time, when the impulse to gather for this purpose is at its strongest, one feels an overwhelming sense of connection between our time and his, as the present reminds us of the past, and helps us to bring to mind and relate to events which took place many centuries ago.

The love of the Prophet, and the joy which his birth and career have brought to us, bring every imaginable kind of good thing to a true Muslim. Even an unbeliever can benefit from his birth. The idolator Abu Lahab, one of the greatest enemies of Islam, was pleased when one Monday he heard the news that Muhammad had been born: and he freed his slave-girl Thuwaiba who had brought him the news. We are told that because of this deed his punishment in the grave is reduced every Monday. This hadith, which is narrated by Imam Bukhari, inspired Imam Shams al-Din al-Dimashqi to write:

If an unbeliever, condemned by the Quran to eternal pain, Can be relieved every Monday through his joy at Ahmad, Then what must a true servant of God hope to gain, When with the truth of Tawhid he felt joy at Ahmad?

The Prophet himself, may Allah bless him, used to commemorate his birthday, thanking his Lord for His great kindness to him. He would express this commemoration by fasting, as we are told in a hadith narrated by Imam Muslim. The methods by which his birthday may be celebrated vary widely, but the objective is the same: whether in fasting, giving food to the poor, gathering for the remembrance (dhikr) of Allah or calling down blessings upon His Messenger, and listening to the story of his virtues and mighty achievements.

Allah has commanded us Muslims to rejoice at the things by which His grace and mercy comes to us. In the Holy Quran we read: ‘Say, by Allah’s grace and mercy; and let them be made joyful by this!’ (Yunus, 58.) And we have never received any mercy greater than the Prophet himself: ‘We sent you only as a mercy to the worlds.’ (Anbiya, 107.)

The Blessed Prophet was keenly aware of the connection of the flow of time with the great religious events of the past. Whenever the time of year recalled such an event, he would seize the opportunity to commemorate it, and call to mind its significance.

There are many examples of this. For instance, when he first arrived at Madina, he found the Jews fasting on the Day of Ashoura. When he enquired about this practice, he was told, ‘They fast on this day because Allah rescued their prophet on this day, and drowned their enemy, so that they fast it in gratitude to Allah for this blessing.’ And the Prophet remarked: ‘We have even more right to Moses than have they!’, and ordered that the Muslims should fast on that day as well.

For all these reasons, every year during the month of the Mawlid I devote my time to the great books of the Sira, spending some time enjoying their shade and cool breezes. I recall to my mind the episodes and events of his unique career from the time when the light of Muhammad first shone upon the world: the Arbitration at the Ka’ba, the Beginning of Revelation, the trials and sufferings endured while calling men to Allah, the Hijra, the great and heroic battles against paganism and misguidance, the creation of the Islamic State, the Farewell Pilgrimage, and finally, the moment when revelation to earth came to its conclusive end with the demise of the Blessed Prophet and his passing-on to the Highest Companion in Heaven.

During this month, I spend as much time as I can in this blessed company. This is despite the fact that these astonishing and moving events remain in my thoughts and reflections during the entire year, forming a constant guide, reference and inspiration, as I remember the actions and deeds of him whose every action and deed had the purpose of educating the human race.

Yesterday, my wife came to me while I was engrossed in my reading. She looked at the book before me, and saw that it was about the Mawlid, open at the page where the greatest of all sira writers Ibn Ishaq says: ‘Allah’s Messenger, may He bless and keep him, was born on Monday, during the twelfth night of Rabi al-Awwal, in the Year of the Elephant.’

She asked me this interesting question: ‘Why was he born during that month, rather than during Ramadan, the month when the Quran was revealed, or in one of the Sacred Months, which Allah rendered sacred on the day He created the heavens and the earth? Or even in Sha’ban, the month which contains the blessed Night of Mid-Sha’ban?’

She stopped, and looked at me for an answer. I looked again at the book, and searched for a clue, but without success. So I asked her to give me a little time to allow me to read and do some thinking.

I fell silent and began asking myself: Why did the Almighty Creator decree that this noble Prophet should come into the world on Monday the twelfth of Rabi al-Awwal? Why this date in particular? There must be some exquisite wisdom in this choice: but where and what?

I pulled out the great works of Sira, and turned their pages. I read the words of the scholars and historians of Islam, trying to unearth the secret of this divine decision. After hours of reading and contemplation, the books gave me four subtle indications which together point to the answer.

Firstly, in a hadith we read that Allah created the tree on Monday. This can be taken to mean that the creation of sustenance, fruits and all the good things of the earth upon which the children of Adam depend for their life, and which give them medicines to heal them, and whose very sight brings them rest and joy: all this was decreed to come into existence on this day.

The Prophet, upon him be peace, also came into the world on this day, as a cause of rapture and joy. He is associated with it in other ways also: according to Ibn Abbas, ‘Allah’s Messenger was born on a Monday, became a Prophet on a Monday, and raised up the Black Stone on a Monday.’

Secondly, we should recall that the Arabic name of the month of his birth signifies the season of spring: the time of rebirth and renewal. Shaykh Abu Abd al-Rahman al-Siqilli writes: ‘Every human being is associated in some way with his name and circumstances in time. When we look at the season of spring, we see that it is the time when the Blessed Lord splits open the earth to reveal His bounty within, without which His servants could not subsist. Seeds split open and produce countless kinds of plant, which make all who see them rejoice. Though silent, they mutely proclaim the news of the imminent and delightful ripening of their fruit. Now, the Birthday of the Prophet, may Allah bless him, resembles this closely. His birth in the month of this name gives good tidings of the greatest forms of sustenance and protection for the believers. It proclaims Allah’s mercy, the greatest of which is His granting guidance, through His messenger, to the Straight Path.’

Thirdly, Shaykh Muhammad Yusuf al-Salihi writes: ‘Can you not see that the season of spring is both the most beautiful and moderate of seasons, free of both bitter cold or stifling heat, or exaggerated length in its days or nights? It is the time of year when people feel most refreshed and whole, so that they can enjoy the pleasure of prayer at night, and of fasting during the day. All of this symbolises and resembles the moderation and healthfulness of the Sunna and the Law which the Prophet brought.’

Fourthly, it would seem to be the case that the Wise God sometimes wishes to ennoble times through events, not events through times. A time otherwise left vacant can thereby be filled with a special quality from which people can derive benefit.

Obviously, if the Blessed Prophet had been born in Ramadan, or one of the Sacred Months, or in the holy month of Sha’ban, some people might think that it was he himself who was being ennobled by these times because of their great merit. But it was Allah’s wise decree that he be born in Rabi al-Awwal in order to ennoble that month, and to display Allah’s care and good providence for His Prophet. As an Arab poet has written:

Allah gave good news of you to the heavens, and they were adorned, The soil of the earth turned to musk when it heard of you. A day whose dawn is part of history, And whose evening is made luminous by Muhammad!

To sum up what I have been trying to say: celebrations of the Mawlid are nothing other than a revival of the memory of the Chosen One. When this is done in the context of an Islamically-learned circle of knowledge and remembrance, in which the manners of our Islamic religion are observed, it is something which the great scholars approve of strongly. It provides a superb opportunity to link us to the Sira, to his miracles and beautiful character, and to the magnification of the Prophet whom Allah has commanded us to follow and emulate in all things.

Only by knowing his virtues and good qualities can we have perfect faith in him.
 

Only by listening to his life-story will we acquire a true and deep love for him.
 

As Allah Himself has stated: ‘We tell you the stories of the Messengers, in order to make firm your heart.’
 

O Allah, make firm our hearts in Islam! Make our faith true and deep, and bestow upon us real love for Your Prophet! Ameen.

by: Dr. Muhammad Abduh Yamani

One of the Prophet Muhammad (saw)'s Character

Generosity was among the countless good qualities of the Prophet Muhammad. He was the most generous of people and he used to be most generous in Ramadan.

One day the Prophet Muhammad offered the prayer in the mosque and then hurriedly went to his house and returned immediately. A companion asked why he left and he replied,

“I left a piece of gold at home which was given for charity and I disliked letting it remain a night in my house, so I bought it to the mosque to distribute.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Our worldly possessions are bounties from God, who is Al Kareem, the Most Generous. Muslims believe that everything originates from God and everything will return to Him, thus, it is logical to behave as if that which we possess is merely a loan, something we are obligated to preserve, protect and ultimately share.

Whenever Prophet Muhammad met a miserly person, he advised him to be more generous and charitable. Ibn `Abbas said that he heard Prophet Muhammad say, “The believer is not the one who eats when his neighbour beside him is hungry,” another companion heard the Prophet say, “The believer is simple and generous, but the wicked person is deceitful and ignoble.”

Generosity can be viewed as a wise investment in the future. Generosity or sadaqa may pave the way to Paradise because with every generous act comes great reward from God. However, being generous does not only mean giving freely from what you have in abundance. Generosity does not lie in giving away something that is no longer useful but in giving freely from the things we love or need.

Aisha (the wife of the Prophet) said, “A lady, along with her two daughters came to me asking for some alms, but she found nothing with me except one date which I gave to her and she divided it between her two daughters.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

God tells us in the Quran that whatever we give away generously, with the intention of pleasing Him, He will replace it. God knows what is in the hearts of men.

Say: “Truly, my Lord enlarges the provision for whom He wills of His slaves, and also restricts it) for him, and whatsoever you spend of anything (in God’s Cause), He will replace it. And He is the Best of providers.” (Quran 34:39)

The Value of Generosity

The companions of Prophet Muhammad understood the value of being generous. Abdullah ibn Omar was seen in the market buying fodder for his camel on credit. One of the men queried this knowing that Abdullah had received 4000 dirhams and a blanket the previous day. It was explained that before nightfall Abdullah had distributed the money amongst the needy. He then took the blanket, threw it over his shoulder and headed home, but by the time he arrived even the blanket was gone, he had given it to a needy person.

After the death of the Prophet, the people faced great hardship due to drought. They came to Abu Bakr asking him to provide them with enough to sustain them, but he was unable to help, the treasury was empty. Just at that time, the camel caravan belonging to Uthman arrived from Damascus. It was filled with foodstuffs and other goods. The merchants gathered at Uthman’s house offering him large amounts of money for the goods; however, he turned them down saying he was prepared only to give the goods to the One from whom he would receive the greatest reward. Uthman gave all the goods to the starving people of Madinah and did not charge them. He knew that God would reward him with something far greater than money.

Even in the direst of circumstances, person who is a true believer in Almighty God is able to be generous.

The people came to the Prophet Muhammad and asked, “If someone has nothing to give, what will he do?” He said, “He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns).” The people further asked, “If he cannot find even that?” He replied, “He should help the needy who appeal for help.” Then the people asked, “If he cannot do that?” He replied, “Then he should perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds and this will be regarded as charitable deeds.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

And God says in the Quran that He will repay the generosity of a believer.

“And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged.” (Quran 2:272)

Allah is the One who provides for us and He expects us to share generously. We are encouraged to be benevolent and unselfish with our possessions, with our time and with our exemplary behaviour towards others.

Treat Other Muslim as Your Brother/Siter

Narrated Ma'rur:

I saw Abu Dhar wearing a Burd (garment) and his slave too was wearing a Burd, so I said (to Abu Dhar), "If you take this (Burda of your slave) and wear it (along with yours), you will have a nice suit (costume) and you may give him another garment." Abu Dhar said, "There was a quarrel between me and another man whose mother was a non-Arab and I called her bad names. The man mentioned (complained about) me to the Prophet.

Rasullallah (SalAllahu Alayhi WaSallam) said, "Did you abuse so-and-so?" I said, "Yes" He said, "Did you call his mother bad names?" I said, "Yes". He said, "You still have the traits of (the Pre-lslamic period of) ignorance." I said. "(Do I still have ignorance) even now in my old age?" He said, "Yes, they (slaves or servants) are your brothers, and Allah has put them under your command. So the one under whose hand Allah has put his brother, should feed him of what he eats, and give him dresses of what he wears, and should not ask him to do a thing beyond his capacity. And if at all he asks him to do a hard task, he should help him therein." (Bukhari)

Hadith: Good Naturedly Towards People

A Hadith is a light for us, which will lead us to our creator, Allahu Ta'ala 

Rasullullah (saw) said: “Fear Allah wherever you may be; follow up an evil deed with a good one which will wipe (the former) out, and behave good-naturedly towards people.” (At-Tirmidhi)10

Qanaa'ah (Contentment and satisfaction): Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu `Alayhi Wasallam has said: "Whatever Allah Ta'aala gives His creation, He examines them in it. If they are pleased with their fate, they are granted barakah in their rizq (sustenance). If they are not pleased, their rizq is not made extensive." - Musnad Ahmed

Satisfaction with Taqdeer (Allah's knowledge of every happening): Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu `Alayhi Wasallam has said: "Whatever Allah Ta'aala grants His bondsmen, He tests them with it. If they are content with their fate, He grants them barakah in their rizq (sustenance). If they are not content, He does not grant them barakah." - Musnad Ahmed

Among the people of Hell are there those who will be immersed in fire to their ankles, some to their knees, some to their waists, and some to their throats. (Muslim)

When the inhabitants of the Garden have gone to the Garden and the inmates of the Fire have gone to the Fire, death will be called and placed between the Garden and the Fire. Afterward the following announcement will be made: "Inhabitants of the Garden! There is no more death! Inmates of the Fire! There is no more death!" This will increase the delight of the inhabitants of the Garden and the grief of the inmates of the Fire. (Muslim)

...Shall I inform you about the people of the Fire? They comprise every cruel, violent, proud and conceited person. (Bukhari)

When the dwellers of Paradise enter Paradise, an announcer will call: (you have a promise from Allah that) you will live therein and you will never die; you will stay healthy therein and you will never fall ill; you will stay young and you will never become old; you will be under a constant bliss and you will never feel miserable. (Muslim)

Messenger said, “Allah shows compassion only to those among His slaves who are compassionate.” (Al-Bukhâri and Muslim)

Narrated Abû Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “The strong man is not one who is good at wrestling, but the strong man is one who controls himself in a fit of rage.” (Al-Bukhâri and Muslim)

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Abu Aufa : Allah’s Messenger, at a time when he was face to face with the enemy, and was waiting for the sun to decline, stood up and said, “ O people! Do not long for an encounter with the enemy and supplicate to Allah to grant you security. But if you face the enemy, you should show patience and steadfastness; and keep it in mind that Paradise lies under the shade of the swords.” Then he invoked Allah, saying, “O Allah, Revealer of the Book, Disperser of the clouds, Defeater of the Confederates, put our enemy to rout and help us in over-powering them.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “It is from the excellence of (a believer’s) Islam that he should abandon that which is of no benefit to him (in this world and the Hereafter).” (At- Tirmidhi)

Narrated ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab: I heard Allah’s Messenger saying. “If you all relied on Allah with due reliance, He would certainly give you provision as He gives it to birds who issue forth hungry in the morning and return with full belly at dusk.”(At-Tirmidhi)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “Be prompt in doing good deeds (before you are overtaken) by turbulence which would be like a part of the dark night. During (that stormy period) a man would be a believer in the morning and turn to disbelief in the evening, or he would be a believer in the evening and turn disbeliever in the morning, and would sell his Faith for worldly goods.” (Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “Hasten to do good deeds before you are overtaken by one of the seven afflictions.” Then (giving a warning) he said, “Are you waiting for such penury as will make you unmindful of devotion; or such prosperity as will make you corrupt, or such disease as will disable you, or such senility as will make you mentally unstable, or sudden death, or Ad-Dajjal who is the worst apprehended of the Hour, and the Hour will be most bitter.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Narrated Ibn Abbas: Allah’s Messenger said, “There are two blessings in which many people incur loss. (They are) health and free time (for doing good).” (Al-Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “A strong believer is better and dearer to Allah than a weak one in all good things. Adhere to that which is most beneficial for you. Keep beseeching Allah for help and do not refrain from it. If you are afflicted in any way, do not say: ‘If I had taken this or that step, it would have resulted into such and such,’ but say only: ‘Allah so determined and did as He willed.’ The word ‘if’ opens the gates of satanic conduct.” (Muslim)

Narrated Abu Dharr: The Prophet said, “Do not disdain any good deed, even your meeting with your brother (Muslim) with a cheerful face.” (Muslim)

Narrated Jabir that he heard Allah’s Messenger saying, “Every good deed is charity.” (Al-Bukhari)

Verily, Allah is Graceful and He loves Grace. Pride is disdaining the truth out of self-conceit and contempt for the people." (Muslim)

Do not turn away a poor man...even if all you can give is half a date. If you love the poor and bring them near you...Allah will bring you near Him on the Day of Resurrection. (Tirmidhi)

He who seeks repentance from the Lord, before the rising of the Sun from the west, before the Day of Resurrection, Allah turns to him with Mercy. (Bukhari)

Paradise is nearer to any of you than the strap of his shoe, and so is the Hell Fire. (Ahmad ibn Hanbal) 

Belief is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers… (Bukhari)

I will joke, but I only speak the truth. It is not lawful for a Muslim to frighten his brother. Do not dispute with your brother, not joke with him in mocking terms. Shame on him who speaks lies in order to entertain others. One cannot be a good believer until he ceases to tell lies, even in jest, and to dispute, even if he is in the right. Do not speak lies, even in jest. (Bukhari)

There is nothing heavier in the scales than good character. (Ahmad ibn Hanbal)

Do not envy one another; do not hate one another; do not turn away from another; and do not undercut one another, but be you. O servants of Allah, brothers. (Muslim)

The most severe sin is to associate partners with Allah, known as shirk, while He has created you. (Bukhari and Muslim) 

I swear by whom my soul is in His hand, you will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love each other. Do you want me to guide you to something which if you practice, you will love each other? Spread greeting with peace among of you." (Bukhari)

Narrated Anas: The Prophet said, “Make things easy and do not make them difficult, cheer the people up by conveying glad tidings to them and do not repulse (them).” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

The most perfect believer in respect of faith is he who is best of them in manners. (Sunan Abu Dawud)

You possess two qualities that Allah loves. These are clemency and tolerance. (Muslim)

If you put your faith completely in Allah, He will arrange for your sustenance in the same way as He provides for the birds. They go out in the morning with their stomachs empty and return filled in the evening. (Tirmidhi)

Narrated Al-Bara’ bin ‘Azib: Whenever Allah’s Messenger went to bed, he would lie down on his right side and recite: “Allahumma aslamtu nafsi ilaika, wa wajjahtu wajhi ilaika, wa fawwadtu amri ilaika, wa’alija’tu zahri ilaika, raghbatan wa rahbatan ilaika, la malja’a wa la manja illa ilaika. Amantu bikitabikalladhi anzalta, wa nabiyyikal-ladhi arsalta (O Allah! I have submitted my soul to You, I have turned myself to You, entrusted my affairs to You and sought Your refuge for protection out of desire for You and out of fear of You ( expecting Your reward and fearing Your punishment). There is no refuge and no place of safety from You but with You. I believed in the Book You have revealed, and in the Prophet You have sent (Muhammad saw). (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “he who believes in Allah and the Last Day must not harm his neighbour, and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day must show hospitality to his guest, and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Izroil as. Mencabut Ruh & Membawanya ke hadirat Allah SWT

Nabi Muhammad SAW bertanya, “Katakanlah padaku bagaimana kau mencabut ruh orang sekarat?”

Malaikat maut yaitu Izroil a.s. mengungkapkannya pada Nabi SAW: “Ketika Allah memerintahkan aku untuk mencabut ruh manusia di saat terakhir hidupnya dan disaat pertama kehidupan abadinya, aku mengirimkan kepadanya wakilku untuk membawa serta wewangian surga dan sebatang pohon surga yang mereka letakan diantara matanya. Ketika aroma harum itu sampai kepadanya dan ia menangkap dalam sekejap cabang surgawi, ruhnya tertarik dan jiwanya mulai naik ke surga, hingga ia mencapai tenggorokannya. Di saat itu, aku turun dari tempatku dan mencabut ruhnya dengan cara yang paling hebat, karena Allah menginginkan saat itu untuk memudahkan hamba-Nya. Lalu aku membawa jiwanya kesurga.

Di jalan, dimanapun aku dilewati malaikat, mereka akan menyalami jiwa ini dan memberi hormat hingga ia mencapai ke hadirat Tuhannya, Allah Yang Maha Mulia berkata pada jiwa itu saat itu juga, ‘Selamat datang jiwa yang baik yang AKU ciptakan dan ditempatkan dalam tubuh yang baik. Hai para malaikat-KU, tulis diatas lapisan surga sebagai ganjaran untuk orang itu’.

Lalu para malaikat membawanya ke surga, tempat melihat apa-apa yang telah Allah siapkan baginya dan ia akan tinggal dan bahagia disana.

Bagaimanapun juga, Allah SWT memerintahkan ruh-ruh untuk kembali ke tubuhnya di bumi, dimana ia bisa melihat bagaimana orang-orang memandikannya, menangisinya, dan semua mereka yang mencintainya berdiri disekelilingnya hingga mereka membawa tubuhnya ke kuburan.

Disana tanah berkata padanya, ‘Selamat datang, wahai yang tercinta. Aku selalu merindukanmu ketika kau berada diatasku. Kini kau ada didalam diriku dan aku akan menunjukan padamu apa yang akan berikan padamu’. 

Segera, kuburnya akan diperluas melebihi jasadnya, hingga malaikat penjaga kubur datang menanyai tentang Tuhannya dan imannya. Ia akan memberikan jawaban yang tepat atas izin Allah. Saat itu mereka akan membukakan baginya pintu menuju surga dan ruhnya akan kembali ke atas ke tempat yang sama tempat Allah pertama kali memanggilnya ke hadirat-Nya.”

Aku ingat akan maut yang kelak memisahkan kita.

Aku menghibur diriku, berfikir tentang Nabi Muhammad SAW tercinta.

Aku berkata; Kita semua akan menapaki jalan ini suatu hari nanti.

Yang tidak mati hari ini, ia akan mati esok hari.

Bahagialah, hai jiwaku, karena Tuhanmu menantikanmu.

Dan seseorang yang tercinta memanggilmu.