Misconceptions Vs Facts About Shabaan By Javeria

Misconceptions Vs Facts About Shabaan

By Javeria

FACT : The most involuntary fasts (nafil fasts) kept by Rasool Allah sallalahu alayhe wasallam were in the month of shabaan.

A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) did not observe fast in any month of the year more than in the month of Sha’ban, and used to say: Do as many deeds as you are capable of doing, for Allah will not become weary (of giving you reward), but you would be tired (of doing good deeds) ; and he also said: The deed liked most by Allah is one to which the doer adheres constantly even if it is small.( Muslim :: Book 6 : Hadith 2582 )

Common Knowledge About Shab e Baraat Vs FACTS
MISCONCEPTION: Fasting only on 15th of Shaban is a deed of great reward.
FACT: Fasting ONLY on 15th of Shabaan is an innovation and not according to the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Thus should be totally avoided. Fasting frequently in Shabaan was the Sunnah of Rasool Allah However; Rasool prohibited his ummah from fasting after 15th of Shabaan due to fear of becoming too weak to be able to fast in Ramadan.
Rasool Allah Sallaalahu alayhe Wasallam said : “When half of shaban has passed, do not fast” (Abu Dawood Bab 12: Hadith  2337- Classed Hasan Sahih by Albani)
Therefore the Muslims should fast frequently in the first half of Shabaan and avoid fasting in the second half of Shabaan.
MISCONCEPTION: Shab e Baraat i.e. the 15th of Shabaan is a Special Night for prayers in Islam.
FACT: There is no such thing as Shab e Baraat. Word Shab e Baraat never appears in the Quran or Hadith. Shab e Baraat is infact NOT an Arabic Word.

Shab e Barat is actually Persian for lailatul qadr:
The night on which the Quran was revealed is termed “Lailatul Qadr” in Surah al Qadr in the Quran. When Lailtul Qadr is translated in Persian Language : Lailatul became Shabb and Qadr became “Baraat”. Thus Shab e Baraat is the Persian translation of Lailatul Qadr.
This is the night on which Quran was revealed, it is a night of great blessing and it falls in the last 10 days of Ramadan.Thus there is no reality in celebrating the night of 15th of sha’baan, because Shab e Baraat actually falls in Ramadan.
(Reference:Translation of Tafsir Surah Dukhaan, Taiseer ul Quran , Vol 4, pg. 176 by Molana Abdul Rehman Kelani.)
MISCONCEPTION: On this blessed night Allah Tala descends down to forgive people
FACT: Allah Tala descends down EVERY night to forgive the people who repent.
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah’s Apostle said, “When it is the last third of the night, our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, descends every night to the heaven of the world and says, ‘Is there anyone who invokes Me (demand anything from Me), that I may respond to his invocation; Is there anyone who asks Me for something that I may give (it to) him; Is there anyone who asks My forgiveness that I may forgive him?’ “Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 75, Number 333:
MISCONCEPTION: This is the blessed night on which the taqdeer is decided. Who will live…who will die. Who will get how much rizq…
The following verses of the Quran are presented as evidence for this as this verse is talking about a blessed night on which everything is decreed..
بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
إِنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ فِى لَيۡلَةٍ۬ مُّبَـٰرَكَةٍ‌ۚ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنذِرِينَ (٣) فِيہَا يُفۡرَقُ كُلُّ أَمۡرٍ حَكِيمٍ (٤) أَمۡرً۬ا مِّنۡ عِندِنَآ‌ۚ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُرۡسِلِينَ (٥) رَحۡمَةً۬ مِّن رَّبِّكَ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ (٦)
Verit ly We Sent it down on a blessed night Verily,We are ever warning (3) There in is decreed every matter of ordainments(4) As a Command from Us. Verily, We are ever sending , (5)(As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is theAll-Hearer, the All-Knower. (6)
Surah Dukhaan Chapter 44 Verse 4

FACT: The verse is being misquoted.
This Verse is about a Night in Ramadan NOT Shab e Baraat. The verse is talking about revelation of Quran on a blessed Night. Read the first 2 ayats of Surah Dukhaan again! Indeed we sent IT (i.e. The Quran) on a blessed Night (Lailtul Qadr in Ramadan)

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Hâ-Mîm (1) By the clear Book,(2) Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind].(3) On that night is made distinct every precise matter -(4)(Quran Surah Dukhaan 44: 1-4)
Allah has informed us in Surah Baqarah that the Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan.
شَہۡرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ
The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an.( Surah Al Baqarah. Chapter 2:185)
So which night is Surah Dukhaan talking about? The night of revelation of Quran in Ramadan is none other than Lailtul Qadr. On this night angels descend and taqdeer is decided.Read Surah Qadr
بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
إِنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ فِى لَيۡلَةِ ٱلۡقَدۡرِ (١)
وَمَآ أَدۡرَٮٰكَ مَا لَيۡلَةُ ٱلۡقَدۡرِ (٢)
لَيۡلَةُ ٱلۡقَدۡرِ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّنۡ أَلۡفِ شَہۡرٍ۬ (٣)

تَنَزَّلُ ٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ وَٱلرُّوحُ فِيہَا بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّہِم مِّن كُلِّ
أَمۡرٍ۬ (٤)
سَلَـٰمٌ هِىَ حَتَّىٰ مَطۡلَعِ ٱلۡفَجۡرِ (٥
Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. (1) And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree?(2) The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months(3) The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.(4) Peace it is until the emergence of dawn(5)(Quran  97: Surah Qadr)

Lailtul Qadr is the night on which decree is decided.
Please re-read verse four: “On that night is made distinct every precise matter.”
This is the verse which is talking about deciding of fate. and in Surah Qadr, the name itself is self explanatory, ” Qadr” – Taqdeer” The night of decree – \decree means “to decide”


Please visit the following link and read the tafsir of Surah Qadr from Tafsir Ibn Kathir.
http://www.tafsir.com/default.asp?sid=97&tid=58835

And we all know that Laitul Qadr isa night which falls in the odd nights of last 10 days of Ramadan.So the Night of Decree is NOT 15th Shabaan but Lailatul Qadr.
MISCONCEPTION : Souls of the dead visit the earth and therefore one should go to cemeteries.
FACT: Once a person dies, if the soul is good, it is sent to IleeYeen and if it is bad it is sent down to Sijeyeen. There is a barzakh / a barrier between the souls and this world and they can never ever return to this world or contact us.
Until, when death comes to one of them (those who join partners with Allâh), he says: “My Lord! Send me back, (99) “So that I may do good in that which I have left behind!” No! It is but a word that he speaks, and behind them is Barzakh (a barrier) until the Day when they will be resurrected.(Surah Mominoon -100)
also Allah says in this surah Qadr:
The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for EVERY MATTER.

surah baqarah verse 91-104

TRANSLATION:

91. And when it is said to them (the Jews), "Believe in what Allah has sent down," they say, "We believe in what was sent down to us." And they disbelieve in that which came after it, while it is the truth confirming what is with them. Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him to them): "Why then have you killed the Prophets of Allah aforetime, if you indeed have been believers?"

92. And indeed Musa (Moses) came to you with clear proofs, yet you worshipped the calf after he left, and you were Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers).

93. And (remember) when We took your covenant and We raised above you the Mount (saying), "Hold firmly to what We have given you and hear (Our Word). They said, "We have heard and disobeyed." And their hearts absorbed (the worship of) the calf because of their disbelief. Say: "Worst indeed is that which your faith enjoins on you if you are believers."

94. Say to (them): "If the home of the Hereafter with Allah is indeed for you specially and not for others, of mankind, then long for death if you are truthful."

95. But they will never long for it because of what their hands have sent before them (i.e. what they have done). And Allah is All-Aware of the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers).

96. And verily, you will find them (the Jews) the greediest of mankind for life and (even greedier) than those who - ascribe partners to Allah (and do not believe in Resurrection - Magians, pagans, and idolaters, etc.). Everyone of them wishes that he could be given a life of a thousand years. But the grant of such life will not save him even a little from (due) punishment. And Allah is All-Seer of what they do.

97. Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him ): "Whoever is an enemy to Jibrael (Gabriel) (let him die in his fury), for indeed he has brought it (this Qur'an) down to your heart by Allah's Permission, confirming what came before it [i.e. the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] and guidance and glad tidings for the believers.

98. "Whoever is an enemy to Allah, His Angels, His Messengers, Jibrael (Gabriel) and Mikael (Michael), then verily, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers."

99. And indeed We have sent down to you manifest Ayat (these Verses of the Qur'an which inform in detail about the news of the Jews and their secret intentions, etc.), and none disbelieve in them but Fasiqun (those who rebel against Allah's Command).

100. Is it not (the case) that every time they make a covenant, some party among them throw it aside? Nay! the truth is most of them believe not.

101. And when there came to them a Messenger from Allah (i.e. Muhammad Peace be upon him ) confirming what was with them, a party of those who were given the Scripture threw away the Book of Allah behind their backs as if they did not know!

102. They followed what the Shayatin (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulaiman (Solomon). Sulaiman did not disbelieve, but the Shayatin (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic and such things that came down at Babylon to the two angels, Harut and Marut, but neither of these two (angels) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, "We are only for trial, so disbelieve not (by learning this magic from us)." And from these (angels) people learn that by which they cause separation between man and his wife, but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah's Leave. And they learn that which harms them and profits them not. And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter. And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their ownselves, if they but knew.

103. And if they had believed, and guarded themselves from evil and kept their duty to Allah, far better would have been the reward from their Lord, if they but knew!


EXPLANATION
The Yahood were commanded to believe in what was sent to them (the Quran) but they said  that they will believe only in what they possessed (The Torah). Allah then said to them that even if they believe in Torah then why do they kill the prophets sent by Allah because in no Book of Allah has such a command been revealed that they should kill the prophets. And when they starting worshipping the calf, the love of the calf took over their body and soul as a curse of Allah. Because love for any creation of Allah while staying within limits is a blessing but when the love exceeds that limit and supercedes the love of God then it becomes a curse. Such was their faith that the were engaged in polytheism, killed the prophets of Allah and yet claimed to be the "chosen people" for whom heaven is an eternal abode. They used to say that they will go Heaven so Allah tells them that if they are so sure and confident about this then they should long for death. The next verse then states that they will never long for death because they know what their deeds are like and they are aware of their actions.Even though the desire for death is forbidden but here a challenge is being given to the Bani Israel that if they are so sure that their abode lies in Heaven even if they refute the Holy Prophet(pbuh) then they should desire for death. Rather they all wished for a life of thousand years but even such a long life could not save them from the severe consequences they will face on the Last Day. The excuse they had for refuting the Holy Prophet has been given by the following incident:
Ibn e Surya, a scholar of the Bani Israel, once asked the Holy Prophet (pbuh) that who bought the revelations to him. The Prophet(pbuh) replied that Hazrat Jibrael did. at this Ibn e Surya replied that Hazrat Jibrael is an old enemy of theirs since he always brought bad news and disasters to them. Hence they refused to believe the revelations brought by Hazrat Jibrael. The Bani Israel were also disgruntled since Hazrat Jibrael brought revelations to Bani Ismail and not to Bani Israel. But all these were stupid excuses for refuting the word of Allah.
In response to this verse 97 and 98 state that whoever is an enemy of Hazrat Jibrael will suffer the consequences of this enmity since Hazrat Jibrael brought down revelations by the permission and command of Allah. And whoever is an enemy to the messengers and angels of Allah, He is an enemy to them.
And when Allah sent down Quran for their guidance they ignored and disbelieved the Book and rather engaged in activities which the devils used to engage in during the times of Hazrat Sulaiman.
Hazrat Sulaiman had command over the winds and he was taught the language of the animals by the Grace of Allah. At that time the devils from amongst the Jinn and men spread the word that Hazrat Sulaiman did this through magic and they then dsitributed books of such magic among the people. when Hazrat Sulaiman got to know about this, he collected all those books and hid them. After his death when those books were recovered, the evil-doers once again spread the word that since the books were recovered from the possession of Hazrat Sulaiman, hence proved that he was a magician and not a messenger.and then the people started reading those books and the devils taught them magic. The Yahood also engaged in learning what had been taught to Harut and Marut (two angels) in the city of Babylon. even though Harut and Marut refused to teach them, they said that they have been sent as a trial for the people so the people should refrain from the disbelieving act of learning and doing magic. But the Yahoods ignored the Book of Allah to learn the tricks of magic(an act of devil). it wasnt Hazrat Sulaiman who did magic rather it were these devils who disbelieved and taught magic to others, the kind of magic that creates seperations between a man and his wife, the magic that breaks homes. the doers of magic have no share in the Hereafter such is their misfortune, if they they knew and realized.and if only they had guarded themselves against the evil magic they indulged in and had believed in the word of Allah they would have been rewarded.

surah Baqarah ayat 84-90

TRANSLATION
84. And (remember) when We took your covenant (saying): Shed not the blood of your people, nor turn out your own people from their dwellings. Then, (this) you ratified and (to this) you bear witness.

85. After this, it is you who kill one another and drive out a party of you from their homes, assist (their enemies) against them, in sin and transgression. And if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, although their expulsion was forbidden to you. Then do you believe in a part of the Scripture and reject the rest? Then what is the recompense of those who do so among you, except disgrace in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they shall be consigned to the most grievous torment. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.

86. Those are they who have bought the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter. Their torment shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped.

87. And indeed, We gave Musa (Moses) the Book and followed him up with a succession of Messengers. And We gave 'Iesa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), clear signs and supported him with Ruh-ul-Qudus [Jibrael (Gabriel)]. Is it that whenever there came to you a Messenger with what you yourselves desired not, you grew arrogant? Some, you disbelieved and some, you killed.

88. And they say, "Our hearts are wrapped (i.e. do not hear or understand Allah's Word)." Nay, Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so little is that which they believe.

89. And when there came to them (the Jews), a Book (this Qur'an) from Allah confirming what is with them [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], although aforetime they had invoked Allah (for coming of Muhammad Peace be upon him ) in order to gain victory over those who disbelieved, then when there came to them that which they had recognised, they disbelieved in it. So let the Curse of Allah be on the disbelievers.

90. How bad is that for which they have sold their ownselves, that they should disbelieve in that which Allah has revealed (the Qur'an), grudging that Allah should reveal of His Grace unto whom He will of His slaves. So they have drawn on themselves wrath upon wrath. And for the disbelievers, there is disgracing torment.


EXPLANATION
in previous verses the Bani Israel were told what to do and related more to individualistic life (prayers,zakaat,rights of parents etc). However the verses being discussed in this post relate to the nation as a whole i.e. deal with the collectivistic life as opposed to the individualistc life.
The bani israel were told not to kill their own brothers, their own people and not to kick out from their himes the people of their religion. And they promised that they wont do this. But they did not act on this promise rather they killed their own brothers, kicked them out of their own homes and plotted against their own brothers.
The Bani Israel were instructed the following:
1. dont kill you Yahood brothers
2. dont be unjust to you Yahoodi brothers by kicking them out of their country/homes
3. dont help others plot against your Yahoodi brothers
4. If the  yahoodi brothers become prisoners then get them released by paying fidya (compensation/payment in any specified form)

However the Bani Israel did not follow the first three commandment since they were not in their favour but they followed the fourth commandment. Banu Nazir, Banu Quraiza and Banu Qainuka were three tribes of Bani Israel before the arrival of Holy Prophet (pbuh). Aus and Khazraj were two brothers whose children divided into two groups. these two groups were the pagan tribes of Madina. The Banu Nazir and Banu Qainuka befriended the Khazraj tribe while Banu Quraiza befriended the Aus tribe.
When Aus and Khazraj entered into a war the corresponding allies from Bani Israel also entered into a fight amongst themselves even though they were forbidden to do so ( they were told not to kill their own brothers and not to kick their brothers out of their homeland and homes for the benefit of some other tribe or nation). However when people from their own tribe were taken prisoners they got them released by paying fidya (but this was only for their own tribe and not for everyone belonging to their religion). Secondly giving fidya to release prisoners increased the worth of the leader of the tribe since this act of his would potray him to be a very generous and kind hearted leader. Therefore the Bani Israel acted on the last command only because it was in their own favour.
those who believe only certain parts of the Book and refute the rest of the parts, for such people the consequence is humiliation (explanation given in surah Hashar about the tribe of Banu Nazir). After the battle of Khandak, the women and children of Banu Quraiza were made slaves and the men were killed. This was their consequence (an example of their humiliation) since they accepted only those commandments of Allah which were in their favour and refuted the rest. this was the humilation in the world and on the Day of Judgement they will suffer from severe punishment primarily because they were involved in hypocrisy (Munafiqat). No one would be allowed to help them and their punishment wont be reduced.
And Allah sent Torah to Hazrat Musa and sent so many messengers to the Bani Israel one after the other. Hazrat Isa (whose birth to Hazrat Maryam was a miracle in itself) was also sent to Bani Israel with special gifts(he could bring the dead back to life, he could cure leprosis and blindness and all this he could do through the sole power of Allah). explanation in surah Imran ayat 48-53. Hazrat Isa was helped by Hazrat Jibrael at various occasions:
1. at the time of the birth of Hazrat Isa, Hazrat Jibrael protected him from the devil.
2. Hazrat Jibrael blowed and hence Hazrat Maryam conceived Hazrat Isa
3. It was through Hazrat Jibrael that Hazrat Isa was raised ot the skies.
4. And Hazrat Jibrael brought Injeel to Hazrat Isa.
when the Bani Israel did not like any message  of Allah they would refute the truth and in their arrogance killed the messengers and prophets of Allah like Hazrat Yahya and Hazrat Zakaria. They even tried to kill Hazrat Isa but were unsuccessful. And they said theit hearts are wrapped up in a covering hence they fail to accept the Truth. And it was the curse of Allah on them that very few of the Yahoodis believed in the True Faith or this ayat could also mean that the Yahoodis believed a very small part of the Truth- the Word of Allah.
And then Allah sent down the Quran which confirmed the teachings of their Book (Torah).
Before the arrival of the Holy Prophet(pbuh) the disbelievers and the hypocrites both would pray to Allah during a battle that Oh God by the virtue of Your messenger who is supposed to come, grant us victory in this battle. Another opinion holds that they used to say that a messenger of Allah is expected to come and from him we will gain power and will defeat the enemies. Thus, before the arrival of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) they were waiting for him to come but when he did arrive and they even recognized him yyet they refused to accept him since he was not from amongst the Bani Israel rather hw was from the Bani Ismail and this shattered the ego of the Bani Israel and in their arrogance, they refused to accept him as the last messenger of Allah even though they knew the Truth.

surah baqarah verse 74-83

TRANSLATION
74. Then, after that, your hearts were hardened and became as stones or even worse in hardness. And indeed, there are stones out of which rivers gush forth, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which split asunder so that water flows from them, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which fall down for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.

75. Do you (faithful believers) covet that they will believe in your religion inspite of the fact that a party of them (Jewish rabbis) used to hear the Word of Allah [the Taurat (Torah)], then they used to change it knowingly after they understood it?

76. And when they (Jews) meet those who believe (Muslims), they say, "We believe", but when they meet one another in private, they say, "Shall you (Jews) tell them (Muslims) what Allah has revealed to you [Jews, about the description and the qualities of Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him , that which are written in the Taurat (Torah)] , that they (Muslims) may argue with you (Jews) about it before your Lord?" Have you (Jews) then no understanding?

77. Know they (Jews) not that Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal?

78. And there are among them (Jews) unlettered people, who know not the Book, but they trust upon false desires and they but guess.

79. Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands and then say, "This is from Allah," to purchase with it a little price! Woe to them for what their hands have written and woe to them for that they earn thereby.

80. And they (Jews) say, "The Fire (i.e. Hell-fire on the Day of Resurrection) shall not touch us but for a few numbered days." Say (O Muhammad Peace be upon him to them): "Have you taken a covenant from Allah, so that Allah will not break His Covenant? Or is it that you say of Allah what you know not?"

81. Yes! Whosoever earns evil and his sin has surrounded him, they are dwellers of the Fire (i.e. Hell); they will dwell therein forever.

82. And those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, they are dwellers of Paradise, they will dwell therein forever.

83. And (remember) when We took a covenant from the Children of Israel, (saying): Worship none but Allah (Alone) and be dutiful and good to parents, and to kindred, and to orphans and Al-Masakin (the poor), and speak good to people [i.e. enjoin righteousness and forbid evil, and say the truth about Muhammad Peace be upon him ], and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat. Then you slid back, except a few of you, while you are backsliders. 

Explanation
so far we have seen 3 prominent traits in the attitudes of Bani Israel:1. They went back on their promise and broke the convenant with Allah, openly refusing to believe His signs and ayats.
2. Pretending to be innocent they would engage in cunning plans in an attempt to fool Allah- example the saturday incident of the fishermen
3.engage in unnecessary questioning to avoid /delay the command - example the incident of the cow sacrifice

because of these three traits their hearts hardened like rocks infact even rocks provide some form of benefit but expecting any goodness from these people with such hard hearts was out of question. there are rocks from which springs of pure water gush out and then there are rocks which come rolling and tumbling down(landslides) in fear of God but the people who engage in the above mentioned acts have hearts harder than even the rocks but Allah is aware of their deeds and actions. He knows everything. This verse implies that even something as hard rocks fear Allah and bow down before Him but people who engage in such acts their hearts are even harder than the rocks so their attitude can be well imagined.
people with hard hearts are the farthest away from Allah.Soft hearted people who outwardly look strong but when the words of Allah are recited or when in remembrance of Allah their tears come out ( the first example - like there are stones out of which rivers gush forth). then there are people who are far from Allah but an incident or an accident opens up their hearts and brings them closer to Allah (the second example - indeed, there are of them (stones) which split asunder so that water flows from them). such incidents bring them on the right path and closer to Allah. and lastly there are people who outwardly seem arrogant but it comes to the Greatness of Allah and  His Supremacy they become humble and bow down before Him (the third example - indeed, there are of them (stones) which fall down for fear of Allah).
very beautifully Allah explained the different attitudes of people by giving examples of rocks indicating that even the non living things have a certain level of understanding and intelligence and the man is the Ahsraful Makhlooqaat yet he acts so foolishly .Nothing is hidden from Allah but no incident not even the sacrifice of the cow (the sacrifice actually turned out to be a benefit for them as the actual murderer was revealed) opened their eyes and gain Hidayat (guidance). Rather they turned away.
Holy Prophet (pbuh) has said that to soften the hearts read the Quran regularly and remember death.

in the 2nd ayat Allah says that Bani Israel used to listen to the word of Allah through Torah,zaboor and Injeel and then they would change the words in it and ultimately their meaning. even though they understood and knew the truth yet their scholars would change the meanings for worldly benefits. So Allah says that how will they listen to the religion of Holy Prophet(pbuh) when they changed the meaning of their own religion. when this is what they did to their own religion then what will they do to the religion brought through someone from outside their tribe. today their books represent hardly any truth and even now every year a new version of their books come out implying constant changes to the original word of Allah.
there were some Munafiqs(hypocrites) among these yahoods. when they met the Muslims they claimed to be a staunch believer of their religion and when they met in private they would ask each other that are you telling the Muslims about that which Allah has told us? (this refers to the knowledge regarding the arrival of the Holy Prophet pbuh. The Bani Israel knew about this yet they refrained from telling the Muslims.) And they said to each other that don't tell the Arabs about this otherwise they will conflict against us (bani israel) in front of Allah that the Jews knew and did not tell the Arabs.
among these Bani Israel were some uneducated people as well who had no knowledge of the Torah and hence they were the easy preys to misguidance. they lived on their desires and their desires were derived from what the scholars had misguided them with like absolutely insane methods for "easy ways to get to Jannah", "free entry to Jannah" etc. through such false stories the scholars misguided the people claiming it to be the word of Allah. A severe consequence is for those who write the Book of Allah with their own meanings and then say its the word of Allah just for some insignificant worldly benefits.
these people gave priority to the word of the scholars as opposed to what Allah actually said in His Book. They blindly listened and believed and acted on what was told to them without trying to determine if its actually Allah's words. When the rich people of their nation came across some problem or difficulty they would bribe the scholars to give a solution or decision in their favour potraying it to be the word of Allah. the scholars would receive money for misguiding people like this.

The Bani Israel said that the hell fire wont touch them for more than a few days. some said that their life on this earth is for 7000 years so if they are supposed to go to hell then for every year they would go to Hell for just one day. Some said that they worshipped the calf for 40 days so they would go to Hell for 40 days because they were under the illusion that they are "the chosen people" so Hell wont touch them. So Allah asks them that has He promised them any such thing? If He has then He never goes against His promise but they need to show an evidence of  what they say has been promised to them.
Allah then made it clear to them in the next two ayats that who will be the dwellers of the Heaven and the Hell, respectively. Allah says that whoever has earned evil and is surrounded by his sins then he will go to Hell and will stay there forever. On the other hand, those who believed and did good deeds will go to Heaven and will stay there forever.
in the last ayat Allah clarifies what exactly is meant by good deeds:

1. Ibadat through four means:
      body - prayers, tawaaf
      money- zakaat, sadqa
      heart- remembrance of Allah
      tongue - Ziqr of Allah

2. giving the rights of parents- treating them respectfully and nicely
3. fulfilling the obligations and rights of the blood relations and in-laws relations.
4. helping the needy people of the society.
5. speaking nicely to people i.e. without arrogance and telling them nice things which will help in promoting goodness in the society.

Hijab is not a piece of cloth on your head. by Asma Bint Shameem               

                                                                                                                                            

Hijab is not a piece of cloth on your head. It's a way of life.

Just because some of the sisters have their head covered, they think that the requirement of Hijaab is fulfilled. They don’t realize that wearing a Hijaab requires much more than just covering your head.

Actually, if you think about it, Hijaab is the way you talk…..the way you walk….the very way you carry yourself. In fact, Hijaab is an attitude in itself. Its a whole way of life.
Allaah says:

“And say to the believing women to lower their gazes, and to guard their private parts, and not to display their beauty (zeenah) except what is apparent of it, and to extend their headcoverings(khimars) to cover their bosoms (jaybs), and not to display their beauty except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons, or their brothers, or their brothers' sons, or their sisters' sons, or their womenfolk, or what their right hands rule (slaves), or the followers from the men who do not feel sexual desire, or the small children to whom the nakedness of women is not apparent, and not to strike their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments. And turn in repentance to Allah together, O you believers, in order that you are successful.” (Surat-un-Nur: 31).

Here are some of the more common issues in light of this verse about the Hijaab.

Well, my head is covered. What more do you want?
If you look carefully at the ayah, it clearly states that the head covers (khumur) should be drawn over the neck slits (juyoob). Khumur is the plural of the Arabic word "khimar" which means a headcover. Juyoob is the plural of the Arabic word "jaiyb", which refers to the neck slit (of the dress).
Yet, some sisters just cover their head with something, and think they are fulfilling the rights of Hijaab, although part of their hair or body is showing, or their whole neck and chest area are exposed. Actually, that was the way of the women of Jahilliyah.
Al-Qurtubi said: "Women in those days used to cover their heads with the khimar, throwing its ends upon their backs. This left the neck and the upper part of the chest bare, along with the ears. Then Allah commanded them to cover those parts with the khimar."
So secure the scarf well around your face, covering your neck/chest area, and keep those half sleeves and capri pants for your Mahrams

Sorry.…tight jeans and short shirt just don’t cut it
You can’t wear tight jeans and a short shirt with a piece of cloth on your head and think this is Hijaab. Nor can you wear anything else that is tight, describing the shape of the body in any way, even if it is long. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhiwa Sallam) said:
"In later (generations) of my ummah there will be women who will be dressed but naked. On top of their heads (what looks) like camel humps. They will not enter into paradise or (even) get a smell of it." (Muslim)

If it is see-through, its NOT Hijaab
You CANNOT use chiffon or other see through material to cover your hair and body. Everything should be covered and the color of the skin underneath should not be visible.
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhiwa Sallam) once received a thick garment as a gift. He gave it to Osamah b. Zayd, who in turn gave it to his wife. When asked by the Prophet why he did not wear it, Osamah indicated that he gave it to his wife. The Prophet then said to Osamah"ask her to use a "gholalah" under it (the garment) for I fear that it (the garment) may describe the size of her bones." (Ahmad, Abi-Dawood)
(The word gholalah in Arabic means a thick fabric worn under the dress to prevent it from describing the shape of the body).

TheHijaab shouldn’t attract attention
The dress should not be such that it attracts men's attention to the woman's beauty. Allaah clearly states “not to display their beauty (zeenah).” Yet, SubhaanAllaah, some Hijaabisisters are dressed in such a way that they attract more attention to themselves than they would if they didn’t wear Hijaab!! How could such zeenah be concealed if the dress is designed in a way that it attracts men's eyes to the woman? It beats the purpose of Hijaab.
Allaah tells us: “And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance…” [al-Ahzaab:32]

What about make-up and perfume???
Wearing make up is also part of the zeenah that Allaah orders us NOT to display. So if your head and body are appropriately covered yet you are wearing bright red lipstick or dark eyeliner such that people confuse between you and a raccoon….uh sorry, that’s not Hijaab. And keep those nice fragrances for the home, between you and your husband. That’s part of Hijaabtoo, even if you are going to the Masjid. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Any woman who puts on perfume and passes by people so that they can smell her fragrance, is an adulteress.” (al-Nasaa’i, Tirmidhi:hasan by Albaani)

Tinkling Jewelry and Jingling bracelets
‘Loud’ and tinkling anything, be it jewelry, bracelets, clip-clopping shoes, little bells on clothes, you name it, if it jingles or makes noise, it is against the principles of Hijaab, because it attracts attention to the one wearing it. That is what is meant when Allaahorders us in the above verse…“not to strike their feet (on the ground) so as to make known what they hide of their adornments.”

No laughing, joking, or hanging out with non-Mahrams
Some sisters assume that since they are properly covered, its okay for them to sit around and talk, laugh, joke, etc. with the men, but that’s not right, even if he is ‘the Shaikh’. Allaahsays:". . . then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease should be moved with desire, but speak in an honorable manner." [al-Ahzaab:32]
So talk to them when there is a specific need, and in a manner that is not necessarily rude, yet it is polite but firm.

Staring at the brothers or ‘checking them out’ is NOT Hijaab
Allaah orders us to “lower your gaze” in the above verse. Why? Because a single ‘look’ can say more than a thousand words. So, even if you are properly covered, keep those eyes down, conduct yourself with ‘Hayaa’, and avoid ‘fitnah’.

‘Chatting’on the internet/phone is not part of Hijaab, either
There is no such thing as “we’re just friends”. Talking to non-Mahrams is wrong even if it is through the internet or telephone. There are too many stories of illegal relationships, fornications, broken homes, extra-marital affairs and runaway brides to even mention. That is why in Islam anything that leads to haraam is also haraam. Allaah says:
“Do not (even) come close to fornication, for it is an indecency, and its way is evil.” (Surah Israa:32)

Be careful, even in the way you walk
Remember, you are not a runway model displaying the latest fashion. Walk with modesty and hayaa and you will be respected. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhiwa Sallam) said:
“There are two types of the people of Hell that I have not seen yet….women who are clothed yet naked, walking with an enticing gait…..” (Muslim).

Don’t shake hands with non-Mahrams. Its part of Hijaab
It is not permissible to shake hands with a non-Mahram, because the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhiwa Sallam) said: “For one of you to be stabbed in the head with an iron needle is better for him than to touch a woman who is not permissible for him.” (at-Tabaraanisaheeh by al-Albaani).
And no, it is not rude to refuse to shake hands with non-Muslims. Simply politely explain that its part of your religion and they are very understanding.

Stay away from the men’s areas
I see many sisters entering the Masjid from the men’s entrance, or standing idle in the hallways or where there is a chance of unnecessary mixing with the brothers. What for?
Don’t we have a separate entrance for ourselves? Why do you think Allaah ordained the Hijaab in the first place? To avoid fitnah, by reducing temptation and separating the genders.

“The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhiwa Sallam) said to the women on his way out of the mosque when he saw men and women mixing together on their way home: ‘Give way (i.e., walk to the sides) as it is not appropriate for you to walk in the middle the road.’ Thereafter, women would walk so close to the wall that their dresses would get caught on it.” (Abu Dawood)

Hijaab is also to conceal your sister
Although some sisters wear the Hijaab themselves, they forget that they cannot talk about another sister and her beauty in front of their own husbands, brothers, etc. Remember, part of your Hijaab is to cover your sisters ‘awrah’as well.
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhiwa Sallam) said: “No woman should mix with a woman and describe her to her husband so that it is as if he can see her.” (Muslim)

May Allah guide us and bless us with the TRUE understanding of His Deen. Ameen.

Hijaab - the covering for Muslim sisters

It has been a while since I last posted anything on this blog. Sincere apologies to my readers (if i have any:P) for the long gap in between. A very good friend of mine motivated me to write something on this topic so here goes.
Before saying anything on this topic I regretfully claim to be a hypocrite since I know the entire concept of Hijaab, its practicalities,reasoning, logic and benefits yet I do an incomplete Hijaab- just a headscarf.
I start off with some evidence from the Quran and Sunnah regarding Hijaab.

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, headcover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful”

[al-Noor 24:31]


“And as for women past childbearing who do not expect wedlock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment. But to refrain (i.e. not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them. And Allaah is All‑Hearer, All‑Knower”

[al-Noor 24:60]



“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”

[al-Ahzaab 33:59]


“O you who believe! Enter not the Prophet’s houses, unless permission is given to you for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation. But when you are invited, enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse without sitting for a talk. Verily, such (behaviour) annoys the Prophet, and he is shy of (asking) you (to go); but Allaah is not shy of (telling you) the truth. And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. And it is not (right) for you that you should annoy Allaah’s Messenger, nor that you should ever marry his wives after him (his death). Verily, with Allaah that shall be an enormity”
[al-Ahzaab 33:53]

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4481. The following version was narrated by Abu Dawood (4102):

May Allaah have mercy on the Muhaajir women. When Allaah revealed the words “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)”, they tore the thickest of their aprons (a kind of garment) and covered their faces with them.


there are quite alot of misconceptions about Hijaab in our society:
1. Firstly people are of the belief that its completely fine to just cover the head and then dress in fitted clothes, jeans etc. TOTALLY WRONG. Islam instructs us to dress modestly not just cover the head. Dressing modestly includes the entire body and it a modest dress fulfills certain conditions:

• the dress should be loose
• the cloth should be thick and not see through
• it should cover the whole body
• and it should not resemble the dress of men

there has not been any specification on the style or type of cloth to be used. Any dress which fulfills the above conditions is a hijaab.

2. people believe that its completely okay to wait for a good proposal and getting married before starting off with a hijaab. WHY?? Would the guy reject you if he gets to know you observe hijaab? If he does then lucky you that you were saved from a bad marriage and a poor husband. If he calls you beautiful when you dont observe hijaab and calls you "an old fashioned aunt" when you cover yourself then he was never worth marriage in the first place.  We the women of our society fail to realize that if a man likes to see us dressed provocatively and that becomes a factor for his marriage to us then tomorrow he would be oogling at other non-modestly dressed women in a similar manner. Marry a guy who respects you for who you are, encourages you to cover yourself up when you go out and respects you for your hijaab. If your hijaab embarrasses him or stops him from marrying you then your better off without him.

3. People are scared to observe hijaab because they feel people would ridicule them and treat them as outcasts. I wont sugarcoat my words but honestly people would definitely do that. but in the long run does it really matter? If we please Allah with this one deed then would the taunts and jeers of the stupid people bother us? I dont think so..No one ridicules others for no reason at all. there is always a reason behind every humanly action and behind this act its mostly insecurity and envy. They know we are doing the right thing they just dont have the guts to do it themselves. hence they try to dissuade us as well with their remarks and taunts.

4. some people believe that its only in the Muslim country where a Hijaab is required otherwise "when in rome do as the romans do". such people need to understand the logic behind hijaab. Hijaab saves a woman from committing sinful acts, it also helps the men in averting their gaze and guarding their modesty. A hijaab of a woman saves both the man and the woman from regretful acts performed by eyes . wearing modest clothes in Pakistan but going abroad to shed that very dressing and emerging in fitted jeans, sleeveless and fitted tops, no dupattas?? is that really the concept of Hijaab? that its applicable only in Pakistan? why? are the men in america or london or canada etc pious or angels? the worst part is that we even try to justify this act by saying " everyone wears such clothes there so the men have so many other women to look at why would they look at us" or they say " we would be outcasts here if we dress like we used to in Pak". Today all we care about is being accepted by the society we live in(which by the way is hardly ever happy with whatever we do) but I hope we realize this soon enough that its the acceptance of the Creator that matters more than the acceptance of His creations.

5.Our parents discourage hijaab because they feel a modestly dressed girl would not get good proposals. No guy would marry her and frisk her off to dubai and london. That is the dream of most mothers isnt it? their girl settling in canada and europe and america so she has to dress 'appropriately' to get the 'appropriate' proposal. Do i really need to say anything here?

the saddest part of our society is that we dress for the non-mehrams of our society, we dress to please them, we dress for their compliments. After marriage the women of our society dress up only when they are going out (i.e. for outsiders) while at home she may be dressed in pajamas or rags who cares - with no ornaments to decorate her, no flashy clothes no makeup. WHY? Time we realize that dressing up and looking good for the husband saves him from many evils of the society (he stays satisfied with his wife and doesnt feel the need to look elsewhere) and makes the wife feel good about her resulting in a happily married life.  for those who are unmarried that doesnt justify non-modest dressing either. So what if they dont have husbands to dress up for and to look good for. They have the best complimenter up there observing each and every move they make, feeling pleased to see the women act on His Commandments:).

the first step towards hijaab is to end the misconception that only "Abayas" fit the description of a Hijaab. any dress looosely stitched from the top to the bottom,and thick enough is a hijaab. Islam doesnt define a uniform for muslim women rather define the kind of dressing a muslim women should have. Get anything made as long as it fits the criteria of a hijaab it doesnt necessarily have to be an abaya.

someone who lives abroad recently asked me about the ankle length shirts that are in fashion these days. She asked if they fullfill the criteria of hijaab. I dont think they do.. they are fitted to the body from the top even if not from waist down. the shape of the upper body is totally visible so the argument of them being are ankle length are futile. Her second query was that what if we wear a headscarf on it. Again, the headscarf covers the hair and maybe some part of the front body. what about the rest of the body and the back where once again the fitted dress makes the shape of the body obvious. the dressing should be so loose that the shape of the body is not visible at all.

May Allah grant each of us the Hidayat to act on His commandments without hesitation especially myself since I am the one who knows all this, writes it for others to gain knowledge yet do not fully observe the proper Hijaab as yet. May Allah give me and all of us Hidayat.Ameen.

God Forbid if i misquoted anything please correct me.