Believers! Do not raise your voice when calling thy Lord

Or religion Islam teaches us etiquettes when addressing our elders or when in the company of others. This is essential to establish a healthy and loving company even if there are only two people sitting together. It is also taught to us that wen addressing or even talking to each other, we must never raise our voice for the worst raised voice is that of a braying donkey.

And if so much emphasis is laid on the mode and volume of the inter personal communication, shouldn't we be careful when addressing Allah, the unchallenged Lord of the worlds? It is genially seen lamenting women raising their voice and trying to put across their grievance to Allah. This is something against the very etiquette of addressing our Lord, for neither He is deaf, nor absent, for He is always very near to us and always listening and hearing.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is quoted to have talked on this very irritant aspect of man's behaviour and has warned to be merciful to our souls and learn the etiquette of addressing Allah with respect, diginity and lower our tone for He is not be yelled at all. 

This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 56 - Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad) /  كتاب الجهاد والسير / Chapter 131:  Raising the voice when saying Takbir / باب مَا يُكْرَهُ مِنْ رَفْعِ الصَّوْتِ فِي التَّكْبِيرِ) as Hadith 2992, given herein under:

Narrated by Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari: We were in the company of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (during Hajj). Whenever we went up a high place we used to say: "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and Allah is Greater," and our voices used to rise, so the Prophet (ﷺ) said, 

"O people! Be merciful to yourselves (i.e. don't raise your voice), for you are not calling a deaf or an absent one, but One Who is with you, no doubt He is All-Hearer, ever Near (to all things).

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ عَاصِمٍ، عَنْ أَبِي عُثْمَانَ، عَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى الأَشْعَرِيِّ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ كُنَّا مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم، فَكُنَّا إِذَا أَشْرَفْنَا عَلَى وَادٍ هَلَّلْنَا وَكَبَّرْنَا ارْتَفَعَتْ أَصْوَاتُنَا، فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ، ارْبَعُوا عَلَى أَنْفُسِكُمْ، فَإِنَّكُمْ لاَ تَدْعُونَ أَصَمَّ وَلاَ غَائِبًا، إِنَّهُ مَعَكُمْ، إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ قَرِيبٌ، تَبَارَكَ اسْمُهُ وَتَعَالَى جَدُّهُ ‏"‏‏.‏

Let us, thus, be always mindful of our tone and volume trying to  when addressing Allah and be very humble and respectful to speak to Allah, even when trying to put across our grievances. May Allah help us to be merciful to ourselves and know the etiquette of addressing the Lord of the worlds.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference pages: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions  and Etiquettes taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more Hadiths on the subject

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Hadith

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Post burial etiquette as taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Except for one's own death, man is always in a hurry - impatient to get over things as soon as possible. This impatience is observed more often than not in the burial of one's acquaintances. No sooner the dead body is lowered down and the grave closed, men become restless to leave the graveyard as early as possible, what they do not realize that the person being left behind in the grave will be subjected to questioning by the angels, called Munkar and Nakirr (in Islam) and will undergo unimaginable test unknown to the living. 

Munkar and Nakir (Arabic: منكر ونكير) (English translation: "The Denied and The Denier") in Islamic eschatology, are angels who test the faith of the dead in their graves. If the deceased answers correctly, the time spent awaiting the resurrection is pleasant and may enter heaven. Those who do not answer as described above are chastised until the day of judgment.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had always warned and cautioned his companions to the torment of the grave and whenever he accompanied a dead to its grave, would stay back and pray for its forgiveness and advised his companions to follow the suit too.

One of the Hadiths of the revered Prophet about post burial etiquette is mentioned in Sunan Abi Dawud (Book # 21 Funerals (Kitab Al-Jana'iz) / كتاب الجنائز / Chapter # 1202 Praying for Forgiveness for the Deceased by the Grave at the Time of Departing (Burial) / باب الاِسْتِغْفَارِ عِنْدَ الْقَبْرِ لِلْمَيِّتِ فِي وَقْتِ الاِنْصِرَافِ ) as Hadith number # 3221, quoted herein under:

Narrated by thman ibn Affan: Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) became free from burying the dead, he used to stay at him (i.e. his grave) and say: Seek forgiveness for your brother, and beg steadfastness for him, for he will be questioned now.

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ مُوسَى الرَّازِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامٌ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ بَحِيرٍ، عَنْ هَانِئٍ، مَوْلَى عُثْمَانَ عَنْ عُثْمَانَ بْنِ عَفَّانَ، قَالَ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا فَرَغَ مِنْ دَفْنِ الْمَيِّتِ وَقَفَ عَلَيْهِ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ اسْتَغْفِرُوا لأَخِيكُمْ وَسَلُوا لَهُ التَّثْبِيتَ فَإِنَّهُ الآنَ يُسْأَلُ ‏"‏‏.‏ 

Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)

One does not know how terrible would be the end game be in the grave, but once Prophet Muhammad ﷺ passed by a grave, he stood by it with anguished face and uprooted a small plant and planted on the grave. His companions asked the reason why. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ replied that he could hear the cries of the dead from inside the grave who was being subjected to torture for he did not care his urine falling on his clothes while urinating. This is but one example - the way we lived our life will have a reciprocating treatment in the grave. So, beware of our actions now before we face the torment of the grave.

Also, stay for a while when the grave is closed and supplicate as much as possible for the forgiveness of the dead of his sins and specially pray so that his stay in the grave is eased and is saved off the torment of the grave. 

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may refer to our exclusive page: Collection of Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to read posts written on general matters.

You may refer to our exclusive page: Collection of Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on Warnings / Cautions to read posts written on similar matters.

You may refer to our reference page:  Hadiths related to Muslim Women for more Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Muslim women

You may refer to our reference page: As Salat / Prayer for more related Hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ 

You may visit our post: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards for more Hadiths on specific subject of Rewards.

You may refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadith e Qudsi attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more Hadith e Qudsi

You may refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about oftn asked queries and special matters for more answers to queries and some special matters as mentioned by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ 

You may refer to our reference page:  Etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ   for more etiquettes as taught to us by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

You may refer to our reference page:  Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ 

Please also refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah / Hadith of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Hadith

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Etiquettes of attending the Jumu'ah Congregation - Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Youm e Jumu'ah (Friday day congregation) assumes a very important day in the life of Muslims all over the world. It is the day when all adult men (and women too) flock the masjids to offer the noon prayer in a congregation as commanded by Allah in Surah Jumu'ah, the 62nd Chapter of Qur'an. We have already written a number of posts to highlight the importance of the day based on verses from Qur'an and many a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Today we share yet another important Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in which the revered prophet has highlighted the need to prepare well for the Friday Prayer as best as one can and then pray as much to Allah as one can after entering the masjid before commencement of Jumu'ah prayer khutba (address) by the imam leading the prayer. 

This Hadith is quoted in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: Book (#11) Friday Prayer - كتاب الجمعة   / Chapter # 6 To use (hair) oil for the Friday prayer / باب الدُّهْنِ لِلْجُمُعَةِ ) as Hadith number # 883 as under:

Narrated Salman-Al-Farsi: The Prophet ﷺ said, "Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jumu'ah prayer) and does not separate two persons sitting together (in the mosque), then prays as much as (Allah has) written for him and then remains silent while the Imam is delivering the Khutba, his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا آدَمُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ أَبِي ذِئْبٍ، عَنْ سَعِيدٍ الْمَقْبُرِيِّ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي أَبِي، عَنِ ابْنِ وَدِيعَةَ، عَنْ سَلْمَانَ الْفَارِسِيِّ، قَالَ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ لاَ يَغْتَسِلُ رَجُلٌ يَوْمَ الْجُمُعَةِ، وَيَتَطَهَّرُ مَا اسْتَطَاعَ مِنْ طُهْرٍ، وَيَدَّهِنُ مِنْ دُهْنِهِ، أَوْ يَمَسُّ مِنْ طِيبِ بَيْتِهِ ثُمَّ يَخْرُجُ، فَلاَ يُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ اثْنَيْنِ، ثُمَّ يُصَلِّي مَا كُتِبَ لَهُ، ثُمَّ يُنْصِتُ إِذَا تَكَلَّمَ الإِمَامُ، إِلاَّ غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَ الْجُمُعَةِ الأُخْرَى ‏"‏‏.‏

The self-explanatory Hadith lays down the special preparation one has to make before embarking to the masjid for the Friday Congregational Prayer which entails:

• Taking a bath on Friday, purifying himself as much as he can. Since the Jumu'ah congregation is an obligation on all Muslims, on this day, the masjids are overcrowded as compared to usual noon prayer, that is Dhur. Therefore, it is incumbent over every Muslim to take a complete bath and wear clean / washed clothes so that they are not smelly.
• In addition, one should use his (hair) oil and perfume himself with the scent of his house. This is for the same reason as taking a bath and warding off any odd smell.
• Upon entering the masjid, one should not jump over the people already sitting in the masjid.
• Thereafter, one should busy himself in remembering Allah as much one can. 
• And when the imam commences the Khutba, one should silently listen to the imam.

You may like to read a Hadith earlier posted by us on importance of Jumu'ah Congregation: Why Friday chosen for Congregational Prayer (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: Hadith 876)

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Etiquettes taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.

You may also refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Hadith

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Etiquettes taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

The Bedouins of Arab peninsula lived a coarse life, devoid of manner and etiquette. Their way of living was generally devoid of mutual respect and honour, especially when it came to different classes of society. Even when in a company, there was rowdyism and complete disregard for the manners of entering, sitting and speaking. Much too often the pagans would barge into the company of people and would start talking loudly with complete disregard for what people were already discussing. Likewise, they would enter the houses of others without knocking and seeking permission to enter.

When Islam started to take its roots, one of the prime tasks of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was teaching manners and etiquette to the Bedouins who were then entering the fold of Islam. The manners and etiquette taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ are still valid and widely adopted, showing their strength and need to enforce quality of social life.

Herein under are some of the etiquettes advised by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as already published by us:

• Believers! Do not raise your voice when calling thy Lord (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: Hadith 2992)
• What protocol is to be accorded to a funeral procession by a believer (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: Hadith 1310)
• Etiquettes of eating (Sunan Ibn Majah: Hadith 3349)
• Mention name of Allah before eating (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: Hadith 5376)
• Speak what is good or keep silent (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: Hadith 6136)
• Etiquettes of Greeting (Sahi al-Bukhārī: Hadith 6234)
• Etiquette of conversation when in a company:  Let no two people hold secret counsel (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: Hadith 6290)
• Sharing same food with servant that he made for you (Sunan Ibn Majah, hadith: 3291)
• How should children honour their parents after their death (Sunan Ibn Majah, hadith: 3664)
• Clearing walkways for ease of others (Sunan Ibn Majah, hadith: 3681)
• Prophetic Directive for Bodily Cleanliness 

We will continue to develop this page by adding more manners and etiquettes as advised by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ i due course. In the meantime, our readers are requested not only to implement these to them but also advise others so that we improve our mannerism etiquettes both at home and outside.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | 

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Etiquettes of collective life

It has been emphasized many a times before in our posts that Islam is not only a mere religion, but it is a Deen - that it is a complete code of life. Besides guidance to walk on the straight path, a path that leads to the ultimate salvation, it also teaches man ethics and etiquettes to live a life by caring for others first than meeting one's own requirements and priorities. Islam also teaches man how his behaviour should be when he is in the company of elders and society or community as a whole.

The 11th verse of Surah 58. Al-Mujadila (The Pleading Woman) is one such Divine Commandment stressing upon the etiquettes of sitting in a gathering. Many scholars are also of the view that this etiquette should also be applied to our collective life in every sphere.

يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡۤا اِذَا قِيۡلَ لَـكُمۡ تَفَسَّحُوۡا فِى الۡمَجٰلِسِ فَافۡسَحُوۡا يَفۡسَحِ اللّٰهُ لَـكُمۡ​ ۚ وَاِذَا قِيۡلَ انْشُزُوۡا فَانْشُزُوۡا يَرۡفَعِ اللّٰهُ الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا مِنۡكُمۡ ۙ وَالَّذِيۡنَ اُوۡتُوا الۡعِلۡمَ دَرَجٰتٍ ​ؕ وَاللّٰهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُوۡنَ خَبِيۡرٌ‏ 

(58:11) Believers, when you are told: “Make room for one another in your assemblies,” then make room; Allah will bestow amplitude on you. And when it is said: “Rise up,” then rise up; Allah will raise to high ranks those of you who believe and are endowed with knowledge. Allah is well aware of all that you do.

The explanation of the abovesaid verse by one of the most competent Muslim scholars Ibn Kathir is very elaborate. For this very reason, it is not being shared here as readers may find this post to be very lengthy. Those interested to consult Ibn Kathir explanation may open the reference page: Ibn-Kathir Al-Qur'an Tafsir, Surah 58. Al-Mujadila . Ayah 11.

Muhammad Asad Explanation:

(O YOU who have attained faith! When you are told, "Make room for one another in your collective life") Lit., "in the assemblies (al-majalis)". Although it is frequently assumed that this refers to the assemblies held by the Prophet, when his followers would throng around him in their eagerness the better to hear what he had to say, or - more generally - to congregations in mosques, etc., in later times, I am (with Razi) of the opinion that the plural noun majalis is used here in a tropical or metaphorical sense, denoting the totality of men's social life. Taken in this sense, "making room for one another" implies the mutual providing of opportunities for a decent life to all - and especially to the needy or handicapped - members of the community. See also the next note.

(Do make room: [and in return,] God will make room for you [in His grace].) Commenting on this passage, Razi says: "This verse indicates that if one widens the means (abwab) of happiness and well-being of God's creatures ('ibad), God will widen for him all that is good in this life and in the hereafter. Hence, no reasonable person (al-'aqil) could ever restrict [the purport of] this verse to merely making room for one another in an [actual] assembly."

(And whenever you are told, "Rise up [for a good deed]", do rise up;) The interpretation implied in the words "for a good deed" interpolated by me above is analogous to that offered by most of the classical commentators, and most explicitly by Tabari; in the words of Qatadah (ibid.), "Whenever you are called upon to do a good deed, respond to this call."

([and] God will exalt by [many] degrees those of you who have attained to faith and, [above all,] such as have been vouchsafed [true] knowledge:) Cf. the saying of the Prophet: "The superiority of a learned man ('alim) over a [mere] worshipper ('abid) is like the superiority of the moon on the night when it is full over all other stars" (Ibn Hanbal, Abu Da'ud, Tirmidhi, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah and Darimi).

Explaining the meaning of the abose said verse, Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi is of the opinion:

This has been explained in the Introduction to the Surah above. Some commentators regard this Command as restricted to the assemblies of the Holy Prophet (upon whom be Allah's peace). But as pointed out by Imam Malik, the correct view is that this is a general instruction for the assemblies held by the Muslims. One of the rules of etiquette taught by Allah and His Messenger to the Muslims is that when they are sitting in an assembly and some more people arrive, they should have the courtesy to accommodate the new-comers and should squeeze in together as far as possible to make room for them to sit. The newcomers also should have the courtesy not to press in forcibly and make others rise up in order to take their place. In the Hadith Hadrat 'Abdullah bin 'Umar and Hadrat Abu Hurairah have reported that the Holy Prophet said: Nobody should make another person rise up so as to take his place, but you should yourself make room for others. " (Musnad Ahmad Bukhari Muslim). And Hadrat `Abdullah bin `Amr bin 'As reports that the Holy Prophet said: "It is not lawful for a person that he should forcibly press in between two men except by their leave." (Musnad Ahmad, Abu Da 'ud, Tirmidhi).

'Abdur Rahman bin Zaid bin Aslam stated that the people used to prolong their sitting in the Holy Prophet's assemblies and tried to sit till the end. This caused him inconvenience and discomfort as well as hindrance in his daily chores. At this Allah sent down this Command, teaching the people the etiquette: `When you are told to rise up froth the assembly, you should rise up and disperse." (Ibn Jarir, Ibn Kathir). 

"You should not think that if in the Holy Prophet's assembly, you had to sit a little farther away from him for the sake of making room for others, you would be reduced in rank or if you were asked to rise up and disperse from the assembly, you were disgraced. The real means of exaltation of ranks is faith and knowledge, and not an opportunity to sit nearest to the Holy Prophet (upon whom be Allah's peace) in his assembly and sit the longest. If a person happened to sit nearer to him, it does not mean that he became exalted in rank, for the high ranks belong only to those who have attained the wealth of knowledge and faith. Likewise, the person who prolonged his sitting with the Holy Prophet only to cause him inconvenience and discomfort, in fact, displayed a lack of good manners. His sitting near him for a long; time will not exalt him in rank in any way. Far higher and exalted in rank in the sight of Allah is he who attained to taste faith and knowledge and imbibed the morals that should belong to a believer. 

Yusuf Ali Explanation: 

Even when a great man or a Leader comes into an Assembly, we are not to press forward without discipline, as it causes inconvenience to him and detriment to public business. Nor are we to shut out other people who have equal rights to be in the Assembly. We must spread out, for Allah's earth is spacious, and so are our opportunities.

"Rise up" here may imply: 'when the Assembly is dismissed, do not loiter about'.

Faith makes all people equal in the Kingdom of Allah, as regards the essentials of citizenship in the Kingdom. But there is leadership, and rank and degree, joined with greater or less responsibility, and that depends on true knowledge and insight.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from the following sources: 

• Tafsir Ibn Khatir
• Muhammad Asad Translation
• Yusuf Ali Translation
• Translation Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
• Qur'an Wiki
• Verse by Verse Qur'an Study Circle
• Towards Understanding the Quran

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites.

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Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Etiquette for Believers: Speak what is good or keep silent (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

A true believer is a symbol of peace and love for others. In fact, ne does not have to tell someone that he is a Muslim, for his acts should be talking louder than his tongue. We have been sharing the etiquettes exhibited by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in our previous posts. Today we share yet another Hadith which teaches three etiquettes to the believers if they truly believe in Allah and the Last Day. 

This Hadith is mentioned in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī  (Book 78 - Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab) كتاب الأدب / Chapter 85: To honour guest and to serve him  بَابُ إِكْرَامِ الضَّيْفِ وَخِدْمَتِهِ إِيَّاهُ بِنَفْسِهِ) as Hadith 6136, given herein under:

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ مَهْدِيٍّ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ أَبِي حَصِينٍ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلاَ يُؤْذِ جَارَهُ، وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ ضَيْفَهُ، وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْرًا أَوْ لِيَصْمُتْ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him):

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should not hurt his neighbor and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should speak what is good or keep silent."

There are three things mentioned in this Hadith: (1) Being good with the neighbor, (2) Treating the guest well and (3) speaking what is good or better keep silent.

We have already published a Hadith on Rights of Neighbour, which amply highlights the importance of our behavior towards our neighbor. As for the treatment to the guest, we shall share a specific Hadith shortly. For now, let us explain the third etiquette mentioned in the aforesaid Hadith: Remaining silent unless something good is to be spoken. 

Gary Chapman referred to "words to bullets" and seeds in his book titled Love as a Way of Life. The metaphors he used fittingly represent the contrasting impact of words in our lives. Words are bullets, our mouth is a gun. When fired upon others, you can obviously harm them.

That is words once uttered, just like a fired bullet, do harm even before one realizes how badly one has spoken. No amount of explanation can clarify one's viewpoint thereafter. There are people who are in the habit of talking too much and such people are more often than not talking about things that they should not have and hurt others. 

The above quoted Hadith thus advises a believer to remain silent if one cannot come up with anything good. While one is in the company of others, it is better to keep silent and be on the listening end and should not just proffer one's comments to mark one's presence. Silence allows us to think and channel our thought process. While others are engrossed in a futile discussion and putting across argument after argument to score a point over the others, a true believer remains silent and is putting together his view point so that nothing bad or hurtful words are let loose. Remember silence is an act, advised to maintain peace and good relations between one another.

Remember: Noise is linked to a lower level of learning, for those who talk excessively have no substantive point of view and keep other guessing of their actual mindset. Thus, in the noise of one's unnecessary words, one exhibits one's level of thinking and wisdom. Silence in fact teaches one patience and allows control over oneself for not letting oneself flow into the tide unprepared.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Etiquettes taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.

You may also refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Hadith

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

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Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Etiquette of clearing walkways for ease of others (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

One doesn't have to tell others that he is a Muslim. Rather, one's outward behaviour should be so pleasing and refreshing that others should realize that he has been groomed well and knows the etiquette of living and easing living off others. 

We share today a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which is about the etiquette of clearing walkways for ease of others. This Hadith is mentioned in Sunan Ibn Majah (Book # 33 Etiquette كتاب الأدب / Chapter # 7 What Removing a harmful thing from the road  باب إِمَاطَةِ الأَذَى عَنِ الطَّرِيقِ ) as Hadith number # 3681 

It was narrated that Abu Barzah Al-Aslami said:

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَعَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، عَنْ أَبَانَ بْنِ صَمْعَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي الْوَازِعِ الرَّاسِبِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي بَرْزَةَ الأَسْلَمِيِّ، قَالَ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ دُلَّنِي عَلَى عَمَلٍ أَنْتَفِعُ بِهِ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏ "‏ اعْزِلِ الأَذَى عَنْ طَرِيقِ الْمُسْلِمِينَ ‏" Muslims, and create hurdles for others. ‏‏.‏

"O Messenger of Allah! Tell me of an action by which I may benefit.' He said: 'Remove harmful things from the path of the Muslims.'"

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) 

This a simple advice by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, yet it has far reaching effect on the wellbeing of the community. We often come across stones and other distracting things littered on the walkways and many a times we simply ignore the menace these could cause for someone who doesn't see these and stumbles, getting hurt in the process. Although the ease for Muslims has been mentioned in the Hadith, this does not mean that one clears walkways frequented by Muslims, say walkway to the masjid or madrassa, and make it inconvenient for others. Etiquette must be applicable for everyone's ease.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Etiquettes taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.

You may also refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Hadith

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Understanding the Holy Quran: Sajda-e-Tilawat - Prostration while Reciting the Quran

The Holy Qur'an is a Divine Book, which contains commandants, prohibitions, and directions for the mankind as how to lead their life as envisioned by none other than Allah, God to some. Therefore while reciting the Holy Qur'an, one must adhere to etiquette as a gesture of extreme respect and uphold its diginity and sacredness. 

While reciting the Holy Qur'an, one comes across at a number of places as given below where one is obliged to prostrate, called as Sajda-e-Tilawat - Prostration while Reciting the Quran. Generally, up to fifteen points in the Quran, a prostration is considered Waajib (necessary). These are:

1. Chapter 7       Surah Al A’Raf - Ayat 206  
2. Chapter 13     Surah Al Ra’d - Ayat 15
3. Chapter 16     Surah Al Nahl - Ayat 50
4. Chapter 17     Surah Al Isra - Ayat 109
5. Chapter 19     Surah Maryum - Ayat 58
6. Chapter 22     Surah Al Haj - Ayat 18
7. Chapter 25     Surah Al Furqan -) Ayat 60
8. Chapter 27     Surah Al Naml - Ayat 26
9. Chapter 32     Surah As Sajdah - Ayat 15
10. Chapter 38     Surah Sa’d - Ayat 24 (There exists a difference of opinion on Sajdah in verse 24)
11. Chapter 41     Surah Fussilat - Ayat 38
12. Chapter 53     Surah Al Najam (53) Ayat 62
13. Chapter 84     Surah Inshiqaq - Ayat 21
14. Chapter 96     Surah Al Alaq - Ayat 19

As for the second sajda mentioned in Surah Al Haj [Chapter 22] - Ayat 77, one is not liable to perform Sajdah as the Command of Allah in this verse is solely about prayers.  According to the Shafi'is and Hanbalis, this is the only surah to have two prostrations of recitation, however the Hanafis and Malikis do not recognise the second apparent sajda on a person to perform Sajdah (prostration)

The places where Sajda-e-Tilawat is to be offered are either denoted by Arabic word "Al Sajda" [Surah Al A’Raf - Ayat 206]:

Or denoted by a symbol [Surah Al Isra - Ayat 109]:

Or by both the Arabic text and symbol [Surah As Sajdah - Ayat 15]:

Narrated Ibn `Umar: When the Prophet recited a Surah that contained the prostration he would prostrate and we would do the same and some of us (because of the heavy rush) could not find a place for prostration. [ Sahi Bukhari, Hadith No. 1075]

The Prophet of Allah when prostrating for sajda-e-tilawat would say Allahu-Akbar, prostrate and while rising from sajdah with Allahu-Akbar. Sajda-e-tilawat which may be performed sitting or from standing position."

However, there are two views on sajda-e-tilawat; One school of thought considers it obligatory, like fard, and the other takes it as sunnah, an act of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In some instances the Prophet of Allah has been mentioned of skipping the sajda on the same verse in which he had earlier performed prostration. This shows that sajda-e-tilawat is Sunnah. This implies that offering prostration of recitation will fetch the believer many rewards, but no one will be penalized for skipping it. So we should do it for our good deeds and resultant Thawab / sawab are always lagging behind our bad deeds. However, many take it as obligation and stress on MUST rather than option. 

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

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Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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