How shameful will be the people who will be under the Betrayal Flag on Day of Judgement

Betrayal is the action of betraying one's country, a group, or a person. Betrayal means "an act of deliberate disloyalty," like exposing state secrets to people not allowed to know, or even exposing some family member's weak point to others to belittle that person. Betrayal is also disloyalty to one's people when placed in a position of authority and putting the national interests at stake.

In the context of Islamic teachings and general moral principles, betrayal is the act of breaking trust, loyalty, or faith with someone who has placed confidence in you. It is considered a grave sin and a serious moral failing. Betrayal can occur in various forms, including:

• Breaking Trust: Violating the trust someone has placed in you, whether in personal relationships, business dealings, or other commitments.
• Deception: Lying or misleading someone who believes in your honesty and integrity.
• Infidelity: Being unfaithful in relationships, particularly marital infidelity.
• Treachery: Betraying one's country, community, or group for personal gain or out of malice.
• Disloyalty: Failing to support or uphold the interests of those to whom one owes loyalty, such as friends, family, or colleagues.

In view of the above evil actions of betrayal, Islam places a high value on trustworthiness and loyalty. Betrayal is explicitly condemned in both the Quran and Hadith.

In this context of betrayal and their shame, we share a hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which highlights the utter shame for those who betrayed their families, people or even nations for their personal gains and benefit: This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 58 Jizyah and Mawaada'ah /  كتاب الجزية والموادعة / Chapter 22:  The sin of a betrayer / باب  باب إِثْمِ الْغَادِرِ لِلْبَرِّ وَالْفَاجِرِ ) as Hadith 3188, given herein under:

Narrated Ibn `Umar:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Every betrayer will have a flag which will be fixed on the Day of Resurrection, and the flag's prominence will be made in order to show the betrayal he committed."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادٌ، عَنْ أَيُّوبَ، عَنْ نَافِعٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ لِكُلِّ غَادِرٍ لِوَاءٌ يُنْصَبُ لِغَدْرَتِهِ ‏"‏‏.‏

That is when Allah gathers the earlier and later generations on the Day of Resurrection, He will raise a flag for every betrayer, and it will be announced: 'This is the betrayal of so-and-so, the son of so-and-so.' Let us examine this hadith as explained by the scholars:

Significance of the Flag: The flag symbolizes public exposure and disgrace for those who committed acts of betrayal. It serves as a warning and a mark of dishonor that everyone will see, highlighting the gravity of treachery.

Accountability on the Day of Judgment: This hadith emphasizes that betrayers will not escape accountability. Their actions will be publicly known, and they will be identified by their deeds.

Moral and Ethical Implications: The teachings stress the importance of trustworthiness, truthfulness, and fidelity in dealings and relationships. Betrayal is considered a severe moral failing in Islam, and the "betrayal flag" serves as a powerful deterrent against such behavior.

Thus in view of the above quoted hadith and its explanation, the concept of the "betrayal flag" underscores the seriousness of betrayal and treachery in Islam. It serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty, trust, and loyalty in all aspects of life, and the severe consequences of failing to uphold these values. 

Taking this hadith as a caution, let us take a self appraisal and see if any action of ours is not tantamount to betrayal and if we get a negative feedback, then it is time to make amends. Let us be honest to ourselves and to our families, friends, societies and even nations, for betraying anyone has very serious ramification and will not be be forgiven. For it will be highlighted by the betrayal flag on the Day of Judgement and one will fetch nothing but utter shame. Let us save ourselves for this shame - time is now!!

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: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject

For more hadiths on varying subjects, 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.

Photo | Source of Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. 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.

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

Why Islam gives so much emphasis on Modesty " Hayā حياء "

Modesty is the quality of not being too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities. (She accepted the award with modesty). It is also the propriety in dress, speech, or conduct (like "the young man was known for his modesty".) When it comes to women, modesty is known as demureness, is a mode of dress and deportment which intends to avoid the encouraging of sexual attraction in others. The word modesty comes from the Latin word modestus which means 'keeping within measure'. It is genrally observed that most of the ills in our societies are due to non adherence to a code of conduct due to which the entire personality of a person, both within and without. 

While the term "Haya" is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran, the principles and behaviors associated with it are emphasized throughout. The Quran encourages modesty, chastity, and humility, which are core elements of Haya. The hadiths further reinforce the importance of Haya as an integral part of faith, illustrating its significance in the daily lives of Muslims. Quran promotes principles and behaviors that embody the essence of Haya, such as modesty, chastity, and humility. It is for this purpose much emphasis is laid on avoid gazing bodies of other men and women, for such lusty gazes invites the evil ro mislead man and women, as was Adam and Ever were enticed in the Heavens to disobey Allah and thus lured them to fall into his evil trap. It is said in Qur'an :

(O Prophet), enjoin believing men to cast down their looks and guard their private parts.30 That is purer for them. Surely Allah is well aware of all what they do. (Surah 24 An Nur:30) 

As women too have been duly cautioned too:

And enjoin believing women to cast down their looks and guard their private parts and not reveal their adornment except that which is revealed of itself, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their husbands, or their fathers, or the fathers of their husbands, or of their own sons, or the sons of their husbands, or their brothers, or the sons of their brothers,41 or the sons of their sisters,.... (Surah 24 An Nur:31)

    * You may detailed explanation of the above said verses in our exegesis / tafsir of Surah An Nur

Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللّٰەُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, too has emphasised the need to observe modesty and Haya:

In a Hadith he has been quoted as saying: When you do not have modesty, so do whatever you want. (Sahih Bukhari, vol. 2, pp. 470, Hadith 3484) 

It is narrated by Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Modesty is a branch of faith." (Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 56

It has become obvious that one of the reasons for avoiding any evil act is modesty.

As stated above, when one is immodest, Satan and his associated entice such men, and women, to push aside barriers that differentiate between modesty and immodesty, and enter the domain of lewdness - something highly detested by Allah.  

Thus, in Islam, modesty, or "Haya" in Arabic, is a comprehensive concept encompassing both inner and outer aspects of a Muslim's life. It involves modest behavior, speech, dress, and overall demeanor. Modesty in Islam is considered a virtue that reflects a person's faith and piety. 

The concept of modesty is addressed in Islamic teachings from many angles. In physical terms, modesty is connected with the awra', an Arabic term meaning 'inviolate vulnerability' (El Guindi 1999:142), or 'what must be covered' and consisting of the private body parts of a human being. Here’s a detailed exploration of what modesty means in Islam:

Inner Modesty

Modesty in Faith and Actions: Fear of Allah: Inner modesty involves having a strong consciousness of Allah (taqwa) and being mindful of His presence in all actions.

Humility: It includes humility and avoiding arrogance. A modest person acknowledges their own faults and strives to improve them, seeking Allah’s guidance and forgiveness.

Self-Respect and Dignity: Self-Control: Inner modesty is about self-control and avoiding sinful behaviors. It encourages one to restrain from actions that might lead to immorality or immodesty.

Outer Modesty

Modesty in Dress:  Islam has fixed the standards of modesty for both men and women. For men, the minimum amount to be covered is between the navel and the knee. For women who are in the presence of men not related to them, they must cover their bodies except for their face, hands and feet. Some go to extreme of covering face with only eye visible, but most scholars do not agree with this extra precaution.  It is therefore haram to look at the awrah/satr/private areas(navel of others. If someone's awrah is exposed in front of you, it is your duty to look away and protect your gazes.

For Women: Women are instructed to dress modestly, covering their bodies in a way that does not attract undue attention. This is outlined in Surah An-Nur (24:31) and Surah Al-Ahzab (33:59). Though they can take off your hijab when you are in privacy, such as in their own home, bedroom, or bathroom. This allows them to be comfortable and free in their personal space without worrying about anyone seeing them.

For Men: Men are also required to dress modestly, covering their bodies from the navel to the knees as a minimum standard, and to avoid wearing tight or transparent clothing that reveals their body.

Modesty in Behavior:

Lowering the Gaze: Both men and women are commanded to lower their gaze to avoid looking at things that may lead to sinful thoughts or actions (Surah An-Nur 24:30-31).

Interactions with the Opposite Gender: Modesty in interactions includes maintaining a respectful and professional demeanor, avoiding unnecessary physical contact, and being mindful of privacy and boundaries.

Modesty in Speech: Respectful Communication: Modesty in speech involves speaking kindly, avoiding vulgar or offensive language, and not engaging in gossip or slander.

Truthfulness: Being honest and avoiding lies is part of maintaining modesty in speech.

Modesty in Islam, thus, is a multifaceted concept that includes inner qualities like humility and self-respect, and outer expressions such as modest dress, behavior, and speech. It reflects a person's commitment to their faith and their awareness of Allah’s presence in their lives. Modesty helps to maintain social harmony, protect individual dignity, and foster an environment of respect and morality.

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.

Photo | references: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A

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 Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Illegal is the sale of dead animals and idols (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Many a believer often ask whether sale of alcohol is legal or otherwise. These queries often arise when Muslims working in non Muslim countries are to sell merchandise which is otherwise illegal in Islam. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has forbidden trading in merchandise which are mentioned in the Hadith attributed to him herein under:

This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 34 Sales and Trade /  كتاب البيوع / Chapter 112:  The sale of dead animals and idols / باب   بَيْعِ الْمَيْتَةِ وَالأَصْنَامِ ) as Hadith 497.

Narrated by Jabir bin `Abdullah:

I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), in the year of the Conquest of Mecca, saying, "Allah and His Apostle made illegal the trade of alcohol, dead animals, pigs and idols." The people asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What about the fat of dead animals, for it was used for greasing the boats and the hides; and people use it for lights?" He said, "No, it is illegal." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) further said, "May Allah curse the Jews, for Allah made the fat (of animals) illegal for them, yet they melted the fat and sold it and ate its price."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ بْنِ أَبِي حَبِيبٍ، عَنْ عَطَاءِ بْنِ أَبِي رَبَاحٍ، عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ عَامَ الْفَتْحِ، وَهُوَ بِمَكَّةَ ‏"‏ إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ حَرَّمَ بَيْعَ الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْتَةِ وَالْخِنْزِيرِ وَالأَصْنَامِ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَقِيلَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، أَرَأَيْتَ شُحُومَ الْمَيْتَةِ فَإِنَّهَا يُطْلَى بِهَا السُّفُنُ، وَيُدْهَنُ بِهَا الْجُلُودُ، وَيَسْتَصْبِحُ بِهَا النَّاسُ‏.‏ فَقَالَ ‏"‏ لاَ، هُوَ حَرَامٌ ‏"‏‏.‏ ثُمَّ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عِنْدَ ذَلِكَ ‏"‏ قَاتَلَ اللَّهُ الْيَهُودَ، إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَّا حَرَّمَ شُحُومَهَا جَمَلُوهُ ثُمَّ بَاعُوهُ فَأَكَلُوا ثَمَنَهُ ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عَاصِمٍ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْحَمِيدِ، حَدَّثَنَا يَزِيدُ، كَتَبَ إِلَىَّ عَطَاءٌ سَمِعْتُ جَابِرًا ـ رضى الله عنه ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏.‏

The hadith above can be understood better with the following explanation:

Trade of Dead Animals: The sale of dead animals (carrion) is prohibited because consuming carrion is haram (forbidden) in Islam. This prohibition is based on the principle that Muslims should avoid benefiting from anything that is harmful or impure.

Trade of Idols: The sale of idols is prohibited because idol worship (shirk) is considered one of the gravest sins in Islam. Engaging in the trade of idols would indirectly support and promote practices that are antithetical to Islamic monotheism (Tawhid).

General Prohibition of Unlawful Items: The hadiths collectively prohibit not only the sale of dead animals and idols but also alcohol and pigs. These items are all considered impure or harmful, and their trade is forbidden to prevent Muslims from engaging in or benefiting from unlawful activities.

The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) thus clearly prohibit the trade of dead animals, idols, alcohol, and pigs. These prohibitions are aimed at maintaining the spiritual and physical purity of the Muslim community and ensuring that economic activities align with Islamic values and ethics.

Muslims should therefore be mindful of trading items mentioned in the above quoted Hadith for such trading clearly clashes with Islamic teachings and values. 

Lard is made from 100 percent animal fat (usually pork) that has been separated from the meat. Most lard is made through a process called rendering, whereby the fatty parts of the pig (such as the belly, butt, and shoulder) are cooked slowly until the fat is melted.

 

Be careful for HS code 1501, which indicative of PIG FAT (INCLUDING LARD) AND POULTRY FAT. Likewise beware of Code E476 is emulsifier and stabilizer - salt or esters of fatty acids. It is halal if it is 100% from plant fats and haram if it is from pork fats.

Swine by-products are also important parts of products such as water filters, insulation, rubber, antifreeze, certain plastics, floor waxes, crayons, chalk, adhesives and fertilizer (USDA, 2016). Lard is fat from pig abdomens and is used in shaving creams, soaps, make-up, baked goods and other foods. 

Some toothpastes use glycerin which is derived from animal fats, mainly pork. This is used to give the toothpaste its texture. Some commercial toothpastes also contain harmful ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate, flavorings, artificial sweeteners, dyes and colorings, antimicrobials and thickening agents. 

In view of the information above, we should also be mindful of buying eating items which include pig fats. This can be done by reading the ingredients of any eatable, specially chocolates etc.  

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: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  for more Hadiths on the General Subjects.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, 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.

Photo | Source of Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. 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.

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

Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Self-Reliance with Dignity and Value of Honest Labour

Islam highly values hard work and self-reliance. The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) discourage beggary and emphasize the virtue and dignity of earning a living through one's own efforts. These hadiths serve as a reminder of the importance of honest labor and the benefits it brings to individuals and society.

There are many individuals and even countries who instead of working by themselves or tapping their own abundant resources, though by hard way, resort to beggary or asking for loans and aids from other countries. Loans from others not only continue to pile up including interest, for which more loans are sought to pay the mere interest of previous loans. This results in piling of loans which lazy countries who spend more on their leisure rather than spending to tap their resources, and finally find them bankrupt and losers.

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) provided several teachings regarding beggary, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and hard work over begging. He encouraged Muslims to avoid beggary unless absolutely necessary and praised the dignity of earning one's own livelihood through honest labor. He has always asserted to earn a living by one's own hand rather than looking up to others to throws a morsel or a penny for them.

The essence of such hadiths is as under:

Role Models from Prophets: The mention of Prophet Dawud (David) earning his living through manual labor serves as an example and inspiration for Muslims to follow. It shows that even prophets engaged in work and did not rely on others for their sustenance.

Self-Reliance and Dignity: These hadiths emphasize the dignity of earning one's own livelihood through hard work and effort. It is considered more honorable and rewarding to work and earn one's living than to depend on others through begging.

Value of Honest Labor: The hadiths highlight that engaging in honest labor, even if it involves physically demanding tasks like gathering firewood, is preferable to begging. This underscores the value Islam places on self-sufficiency and integrity.

Encouragement of Economic Activity: These teachings encourage economic activity and personal responsibility within the Muslim community. They promote a work ethic that values productivity and self-reliance.

Consequences of Unnecessary Begging: Begging to accumulate wealth is strongly discouraged, with the Prophet (ﷺ) warning that it is akin to collecting live coals, symbolizing the harm it brings to one's spiritual well-being. 

Exceptions to the Rule: There are exceptions where begging may be permitted, such as when one is in dire need or when seeking help from a ruler or authority figure for a legitimate need. 

Some of the Hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with references and links shared herein under provide you with accurate and authentic sources for the hadiths emphasizing the importance of working hard to earn a living over resorting to beggary:

"Nobody has ever eaten a better meal than that which one has earned by working with one's own hands. 

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "No doubt, it is better for any one of you to cut a bundle of wood and carry it over his back rather than to ask someone who may or may not give him."  (Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 3, Book 34, Hadith 2074)

We see around a lot of able bodied men and women, even children asking for charity and alms, while they are physically strong to do some work as labourer and earn a Halal living. But they resort to beggary for it is easy money earned, but forget the fate of those who earn Haram money and will be asked on the Day of Judgement.

The above quoted Hadiths underscores the value of self-reliance, dignity, and hard work in Islam. It teaches that even menial labor is preferable to begging and emphasizes the importance of earning one's own livelihood through honest means. These hadith aligns with the broader Islamic principles of self-respect, responsibility, and community welfare.

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: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  for more Hadiths on the General Subjects.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, 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.

Photo | Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. 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.

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

What is unique about the Qur'anic Arabic - A linguist explains

The grammar of any language generally follows a similar patters. And the same style is observed when reading various religious scriptures. However there is a uniqueness in the Arabic language of Qur'an which is altogether different from the language of all previous scriptures.

Herein under are some features of the language of Qur'an which makes it a book of unique linguistics and it really requires a linguist to decipher the true meaning of its verses:

The grammar and syntax of Quranic Arabic are highly structured and complex, enabling intricate and sophisticated constructions. Quranic Arabic has a rich and extensive vocabulary, allowing for precise and nuanced expression.

The Quran employs a variety of rhetorical devices, including metaphors, similes, and parables, enhancing its literary beauty and depth. The text features rhythmic patterns and phonetic harmony, contributing to its recitability and memorability.

It is widely believed that the Quran's language is inimitable, meaning it cannot be replicated or matched in its eloquence, style, and depth. This is considered a sign of its divine origin. The Quran itself challenges skeptics to produce a text of comparable beauty and meaning, which is considered an impossible task.

That is why those who criticize Qur'an get bogged down for one they read only the English translation of the Qur'an and secondly they are handicapped as far the unique Arabic language used in the Qur'an. It is for the reason that there a large number of Arabic words in Qur'an which cannot be translated in any language for their uniqueness.

Unlike other scriptures, there are frequent switches between the gender. And these are so abrupt that anyone who has learnt the grammar of one's language is flabbergasted as to why there are sudden and abrupt changes within the text of the Qur'an. Likewise, the scenes also change which in matter time are really mind boggling. 

In order to understand the uniqueness of the Qur'anic Arabic, we share today a wonderful video of immense education value, both for Muslims and non Muslims who get confused about the abrupt changes in the language, grammar and syntax of Qur'an. In the video, Nauman Ali Khan, a prominent Muslim scholar and an authority of language of Qur'an being a linguist himself.

After watching the video, readers would acknowledge that Qur'an is truly unique in its structure and literature. Allah's Speech shifts from addressing us directly to referring to past nations, with changes in perspective only seen in the Quran. This video explores these narrative techniques, showing the profound switches between the first, second, and third person. Discover how these elements contribute to the Quran’s unmatched style and divine standard.

Please watch the video:

About Nouman Ali Khan: Born to a Pakistani family, Nouman Ali Khan is an American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.

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 to convey only 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.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. 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 | For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

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, Twitter, 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.

Read More

Selected Verses from Qur'an: Slandering, False Accusations and Sins (Reference Page)

One of the most detested thing in any society and community is slandering and false accusation. These too acts can destroy someone's reputation in matters of seconds. Islam strongly and explicitly condemns slandering and false accusations, emphasizing both the worldly and spiritual consequences for such actions. Believers are urged to uphold truth, respect others, and refrain from spreading falsehoods, as these actions undermine social harmony and justice.

There are many verses in which Allah commands Muslims to be on the guard against the Satanic machinations lest believers falls in the evil trap. Passing slanders and falsely accusing another Muslim brothers are but done at the behest and enticement by evil. 

We have already shared many such verses, which we are compiling in this reference page so that it is easy for our viewers to search for verses regarding Slandering and False Accusations. These verses explicitly condemn slandering and false accusations, emphasizing the severe consequences and moral reprehensibility of such actions.

Sinning

• Beware! Allah is watching you very closely (Surah 4 An Nisa:1)
• Believers! Do not go near ADULTERY [Zināʾ (زِنَاء)] because it is blatant lewdness and a very evil path (Surah 17. Al Isra/Bani Israil:32)
• Those who love  that indecency spread among the believers deserve a painful chastisement  (Surah An-Nur (24:19)
• No one can share burden of sin committed by another - even though he be a near of kin (Surah 35. Fatir: 18)

False Accusations / Gossiping

• Cursed are those who accuse chaste believing women (Surah 24. An Noor (The Light):23)
• Do Not spread gossip, for in the sight of Allah it is a serious matter (Qur'an 24:15)
• Painful chastisement for those who spread indecency among the believers  [This verse refers to the incident of the false accusation against Aisha (RA), emphasizing the seriousness of speaking without knowledge and the grave sin of spreading false accusations.]  (Surah An-Nur (24:19)

Scorners / Slanderers: There is a complete chapter / Sürah 104. Al Humazah (The Slanderer) to warn the slanderers and the backbiters. Read | Summary | Exegesis / Tafseer | of the Surah Al Humazah.

• Woe to every scorner and mocker (Surah 104. Al Humaza (The One Who Slanders) :1) 
• Do Not spread gossip, for in the sight of Allah it is a serious matter (Surah 24. An Noor (The Light):15)
• Don't spy nor backbite (Surah 49. Al Hujaraat:12)
• Do not slander or backbite your brother
• Believers, do not spy or backbite one another
• Do not backbite and be excessively suspicious
• A Qattat will not enter Paradise (Hadith)

Hadiths Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on above quoted subjects:

• Backbiting and slandering - The worst acts of a believer

We will continue to add more such verses for the benefit of our readers, In Sha Allah.

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 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. 

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.

Please refer to our Selected verses from Sūrahs of Qur'an to highlight important topics with detailed explanation and Reference Page on Understanding Al Qur'an and Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

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 Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Blindness to Truth in this world will lead to Utter Blindness in the Hereafter (Selected verses from Qur'an)

The virtue to see is one of the greatest blessings of Allah. One just need to ponder over the life of the blind who live in a state of total darkness all along their lives, tumbling over obstructions and unsure of where they are going. But there is a category of people who despite being blessed with the ability to see are still blind - blind to the truth, and despite knowing the truth, follow the path that leads them to misfortunes and places that are abound by evil.

While the total blind cannot see, yet the windows to spirituality and their hearts are always wide open. And despite not seeing anything, they are enlightened spiritually and see the unseen through their hearts. But those who see the signs of truth remain oblivious of their presence and lead a derailed life, far away from the truth.

The 72nd verse of Surah Al-Isra (also known as Surah Bani Isra'il) of Quran is an important verse that speaks about spiritual blindness and guidance. It serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual insight and guidance. It warns that those who ignore or reject the truth in this life will face greater misguidance and blindness in the Hereafter, highlighting the serious consequences of spiritual neglect. 

وَمَن كَانَ فِي هَٰذِهِۦٓ أَعْمَىٰ فَهُوَ فِي ٱلۡأٓخِرَةِ أَعۡمَىٰ وَأَضَلُّ سَبِيلٗا

(Wa man kāna fī hādhihi aʿmā fa-huwa fī al-ākhirati aʿmā wa-adallu sabīlā)

"And whoever is blind in this [life] will be blind in the Hereafter and more astray in way."

The above quoted verse follows the premise given in the 71st verse which says: "One day We shall summon every community by their leaders. Those who are given their records in their right hands will read their records. None shall be wronged by as much as a hair’s breadth." 

This is a scene showing all creatures gathered together. Every group is called by the doctrine it followed in this life, or the messenger in whom it believed, or the leader it followed in this first life. It is called to be handed the record of its actions and the result that determines its reward in the life to come. Whoever is given his record in his right hand will be full of joy, reading through his record and looking carefully at its details. Such people are given their reward in full. Nothing is denied them, even though it may be no larger than a hair’s breadth. On the other hand, a person who chooses in this life to remain blind to all indications of guidance will be also blind to the way of goodness in the life to come. They will be even far more astray. The outcome they will suffer is well known. However, the sūrah portrays them in this overcrowded scene as blind, moving aimlessly, lacking a guide to lead them. They are left like this without a final abode mentioned for them. This is because the blindness and strayness in that difficult situation is a destiny to be avoided at all costs.

Let us analyze this verse and ponder over our decision to find the truth or fall into abyss of darkness forever:

Spiritual Blindness: The verse speaks about spiritual blindness, which refers to a person's inability or unwillingness to recognize the truth and guidance provided by Allah. This is different from physical blindness; it is a metaphor for lack of insight and faith.

Consequence in the Hereafter: The verse indicates that those who are spiritually blind in this world, who ignore or reject divine guidance, will remain blind in the Hereafter. This means they will face the consequences of their disbelief and misguidance in the afterlife.

Greater Misguidance: It further states that such individuals will not only be blind in the Hereafter but will also be even more astray. This emphasizes the severity of ignoring divine guidance and the compounded consequences in the afterlife.

In view of above explanation, let us ponder over the theme of this verse and what is expected of us after reading this verse:

Recognition of Truth: The verse urges individuals to seek and recognize the truth in this life. Accepting and following divine guidance is crucial for success in the Hereafter.

Accountability: It highlights the concept of accountability, where the state of one’s heart and actions in this life directly impacts their state in the Hereafter.

Guidance and Misguidance: The verse contrasts the state of being guided versus being astray, underscoring the importance of following the right path as laid out by Allah.

Qur'an shows the truth and indicates the path that leads to it. This verse if specially for the atheists who for the sake of fashion, deny existence of One True God and neglect the signs that if pondered upon seriously can lead one to God. It is these deniers of truth who are blind and unless they try to see the light at the end of the tunnel, they will be the utter losers in the life of the hereafter. 

My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, know that those who keep their eyes open and benefit from the signs of God will see their destination in the light of the full day and happily reach it without any obstruction. So let let us see the truth both visually by seeing the signs Allah has made for us, and also spiritually get enlightened with the Divine Wisdom contained in many such verses contained in Qur'an. Remember, we will be doubly responsible for not seeing the truth than the totally blind.

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.

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.

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.

Please refer to our Selected verses from Sūrahs of Qur'an to highlight important topics with detailed explanation and Reference Page Believers!! Beware of the Rules of the Divine Court on the Day of Judgement. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam.

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 

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 Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More