It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “The performance of two ‘Umrahs [lesser pilgrimage] expiates the sins that are committed in the interval between them, and the accepted Hajj commands no reward except Paradise.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In another narration, it reads: “Two consecutive ‘Umrahs cause the sins which are committed therein between them to be forgiven, and the accepted Hajj commands no reward except Paradise.” [At-Tirmithi]

The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Perform Hajj and ‘Umrah repeatedly for they both rid one of poverty and just sins as the blacksmith's bellows removes all impurities from iron and gold.” [At-Tirmithi, Ibn Maajah and An-Nasaa’i] The bellow is a tool that the blacksmith uses to purify his metals, this may be made clearer through the following Hadeeth that refers to Madeenah: “Madeenah is like a pair of bellows; it expels its impurities and brightens and clears its good.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

An Explanation of the Ahadeeth

Scholars have said that the accepted Hajj is the one which is not mixed with any misdeed. Signs of the accepted Hajj include that the slave returns from Hajj as a better person than the one he was before he left and that he keeps away from sins. The accepted Hajj may also refer to the one performed truly and offered with full sincerity to Allah The Almighty. Al-Qurtubi, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said, “All interpretations expressed about the accepted Hajj are correlative, confirming that it is the Hajj which fulfills its rulings and is performed perfectly as required of the Muslim.”

It was narrated on the authority of Jaabir, may Allaah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “‘The accepted Hajj commands no reward but Paradise.” A man asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, how would Hajj be accepted?’ He replied: ‘Feeding people and greeting each other with peace profusely.’” [Ahmad and others] This shows what is meant by an accepted Hajj. The Prophet's saying: “The performance of two ‘Umrahs expiates the sins that are committed in the interval between them,” emphasizes the virtue of ‘Umrah and that it is recommended to perform it as much as one can afford to. Moreover, ‘Umrah causes the sins committed between two consecutive ‘Umrahs to be forgiven. The majority of scholars relied on this Hadeeth to affirm that it is recommended to perform ‘Umrah repeatedly. They stated that the whole year is a suitable time for ‘Umrah and that it becomes valid at any time except for the pilgrim who is performing the rituals of Hajj. Such a pilgrim cannot perform ‘Umrah until he has done his Hajj. A group of scholars held that ‘Umrah is obligatory for the Muslim only once throughout his lifetime, such as ‘Umar, Ibn ‘Umar, Ibn 'Abbaas, Taawoos, ‘Ataa’, Ibn Al-Musayyib, Sa‘eed ibn Jubayr, Ahmad, Daawood and others. Maalik and Abu Haneefah are of the opinion that ‘Umrah is a recommended act and not an obligatory one.

Sins in the Prophet's saying: “The performance of two ‘Umrahs expiates the sins that are committed in the interval between them,” refer to the minor sins, not the major ones, as he said elsewhere that: “Sins committed between two consecutive Fridays are forgiven as long as major sins are not approached.” [Ibn Maajah] In Fat’h Al-Baari, Ibn Hajar, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said, “Some people are unsure as to the fact that ‘Umrah remits sins although avoiding major sins helps in attaining the forgiveness of [other sins], asking, ‘Which sins does ‘Umrah expiate then?’ The answer is that the expiation caused by ‘Umrah is limited to its time, whereas the expiation caused by keeping away from major sins is general and encompasses the whole lifetime of the Muslim, and it is in this aspect that they vary.”

The Prophet's saying: “They both rid one of poverty and sins,” implies that performing Hajj and ‘Umrah repeatedly causes a Muslim's wealth to accumulate. Although the Muslim may spend much money on Hajj or ‘Umrah, Allah The Almighty compensates him with better than what he spent for the sake of obeying Him. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {…But whatever thing you spend [in His cause] - He will compensate it; and He is the Best of Providers.} [Quran 34:39]

We conclude this article with a tradition reported on the authority of ‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, who once saw a caravan coming back from Hajj and remarked, “Had the caravan known about the grace and forgiveness they have attained, they would have stopped working. But nay, let them continue working [doing good deeds].” This shows that the pilgrim should not rely on his work, good deeds and acts of worship that Allah favored him with during his Hajj. Rather, he should continue performing good deeds and acts of worship regularly till he meets Allah The Almighty, as Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty [death].} [Quran 15:99]

 1)  I recommend all pilgrims and visitors to the Holy Mosque to pay Zakah if they have money for which Zakah has become obligatory. Zakah is one of the greatest duties of religion and it is the third pillar of Islam. Allah The Almighty Legislated it to purify the Muslim, bless his money, and as means of helping the poor and the other people and purposes that are entitled to Zakah. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase,…..} [Quran 9:103]

Paying Zakah means thanking Allah The Almighty for the blessing of money, and grateful people are promised reward and increase. Allah The Exalted Says (what means):

     *  {And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, “If you are grateful, I will surely Increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.”} [Quran 14:7]

     *  {So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.} [Quran 2:152]

Moreover, Allah The Almighty threatened whoever did not pay the Zakah to torment him with his money on the Day of Judgment. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {O you who have believed, indeed many of the scholars and the monks devour the wealth of people unjustly and avert [them] from the way of Allah. And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the Way of Allah - give them tidings of a painful punishment. The Day when it will be heated in the fire of Hell and seared therewith will be their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, [it will be said], "This is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard."} [Quran 9:34-35]

The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, explained this verse saying: “Any owner of money who does not pay the Zakah due on it will, on the Day of Resurrection, have his treasure heated in the Fire of Hell and he will be tormented with it on a day that will last fifty thousand years. Then he will be shown his path, leading him either to Paradise or to Hell.”

Every Muslim who has money for which Zakah has become obligatory, must fear Allah The Almighty and pay the Zakah on time to the people who deserve it in response to the commandments of Allah The Almighty and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and to save himself from the Wrath and Punishment of Allah The Almighty. We also remind you that Allah The Almighty promised the charitable people compensation Saying (what means):

     *  {Say, "Indeed, my Lord extends provision for whom He wills of His servants and restricts [it] for him. But whatever thing you spend [in His cause] - He will compensate it; and He is The Best of Providers."} [Quran 34:39]

     *  {Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend out of that in which He has made you successors. For those who have believed among you and spent, there will be a great reward.} [Quran 57:7]

2)  Fasting the month of Ramadan, which is one of the greatest duties on Muslim men and women who are competent for religious duties. Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous - [Fasting for] a limited number of days….} [Quran 2:183-184]

Then Allah The Almighty explained what is meant by the “limited number of days” Saying (what means): {The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days….} [Quran 2:185]

The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Islam is based on five (pillars): testifying that there is no true god except Allah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger; performing prayer; the payment of Zakah; fasting Ramadan; performing Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House [of Allah (Ka`bah)].” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

This authentic Hadeeth proves that all the aforementioned recommendations (Two Testimonies of Faith, Prayer, Zakah, and fasting), constitute the pillars of Islam.

Hence, every Muslim man and woman must respect, revere and observe these pillars, and beware of whatever invalidates them or affects their reward.

Allah The Exalted has created Man and Jinn to worship Him Alone, and He sent the Books and Messengers and revealed the Books for this purpose. The worship of Allah The Almighty means adherence to true monotheism, worshipping Him Alone, and obeying Him and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, with devotion and sincerity. We have to believe in Allah The Almighty and His Messengers to receive His reward and escape His punishment. In this way, the slave would win and prosper in this world and the Hereafter.

Muslims have been afflicted with humiliation and disunity and subordination to their enemies in recent times because of neglecting the commandments of Allah The Almighty and refraining from cooperation in goodness and righteousness.

Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And whatever strikes you of disaster - it is for what your hands have earned; but He Pardons much.} [Quran 42:30]

Hence, we ask Allah The Exalted to unite the Muslims around the truth, guide them to sincere repentance and adoption of His Book and the Sunnah of His Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. We also ask Allah The Almighty to guide the Muslim rulers to rule according to the Sharee‘ah and to oblige their peoples to abide by the Divine commandments. In this way, Allah The Almighty will enable us on earth just as He did with our righteous predecessors.

3)  Performing Hajj, as it is the fifth pillar of Islam, as stated in the aforementioned Saheeh Hadeeth. Hajj is an individual duty upon every Muslim man and woman who can perform it once in a lifetime. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Ibraaheem (Abraham). And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves - then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.} [Quran 3:97]

The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:

     -  “Hajj is only once, and whoever does more than that, it is voluntary (act of worship).” [Ahmad and Ad-Daarimi]

     -  “The performance of two ‘Umrahs expiates the sins committed in the interval between them, and an accepted Hajj brings no reward other than Paradise.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

     -  “Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity (any sin or sexual intercourse while being in the state of Ihraam) or commit any evil return free of sin as on the day his mother gave birth to him.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

Hence, the pilgrims have to protect their Hajj from evil and sins and obey Allah The Almighty, and cooperate in good and righteousness, so that their Hajj will be accepted and rewarded. The accepted Hajj is the one that is free from obscenity and disputes. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of Ihraam], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj….} [Quran 2:197]

The most important pillar of prayer that the Muslim has to take care of is tranquility and submissiveness in the Rukoo’, Sujood, standing and sitting postures. Unfortunately, many people perform the prayer absently, forgetting that contemplation and tranquility in prayer are essential and their absence invalidates the prayer. When the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, bowed, he used to lean his hands on his knees and straighten his back. He bowed, he used to be straight, his head neither up nor down (with respect to his hips), and he used to place his hands on his knees as if he was holding them. He used to keep his head bowed until every bone returned to its normal place. When the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, raised his head from the Rukoo‘, he used to stand up until every bone returned to its normal place. When he sat in between the Sujoods, he used to be straight until every bone returned to its normal place.

Once, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, saw a man performing his prayer hastily and he ordered him to pray again, and said: “When you go to pray, say Takbeer, then recite whatever you can of the Quran. Then bow until you are at ease in bowing, then rise until you are standing up straight. Then prostrate until you are at ease in prostration, then sit up until you are at ease in sitting. Then do that throughout the entire prayer.” [Al-Albaani: Saheeh]

This Saheeh Hadeeth proves that the Muslim has to revere prayer and take care of it, and perform it attentively until he performs it as legislated by Allah The Almighty and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Prayer should be a source of delight and tranquility for the believer, as the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “The delight of my heart is in prayer.”

Performing prayer in congregation is one of the most important obligations of prayer, because this is an Islamic rite, and it was commanded by Allah The Almighty and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Allah The Almighty Says (what means):

     *  {And establish prayer and give Zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].} [Quran 2:43]

     *  {And when you are among them and lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand [in prayer] with you and let them carry their arms. And when they have prostrated, let them be [in position] behind you and have the other group come forward which has not [yet] prayed and let them pray with you, taking precaution and carrying their arms….} [Quran 4:102]

The last verse speaks about the obligation of the congregational prayer during wartime, which means that it is even more obligatory to perform it in times of peace. This verse also proves the obligation of preparing for the enemy and of being wary of conspiracies.

Islam is the religion of dignity and power, as well as vigilance and true Jihaad. It is also the religion of mercy, benevolence, and good morals. When our righteous predecessors combined all these traits, Allah The Almighty enabled them on earth, honored them and made them dominant over their enemies and they assumed the leadership of the whole world. However, when the later generations changed, Allah The Almighty deprived them of these blessings. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.} [Quran 13:11]

It was authentically narrated that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “I was about to order the Iqaamah for prayer to be established, then tell a man to lead the people in prayer, and set out with men carrying bundles of firewood, and go to people who do not attend the prayer and burn their houses down on them.” [Al-Bukhaari, Muslim, and Abu Daawood and this is his wording]

A blind man came to the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and said, “O Messenger of Allah! I have no one to guide me to the mosque.” He, therefore, sought his permission to perform prayer in his house. The Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Do you hear the Athaan (call to prayer)?"He replied in the affirmative. The Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, then ordered him to respond to it.” [Muslim]

It is better for women to perform prayer inside their houses as the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, told us, because the woman is ‘Awrah and may cause temptation. However, they should not be prevented from going to the mosque if they ask to, as the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Do not prevent the female slaves of Allah from going to the mosques of Allah.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

The Quranic verses and authentic Ahadeeth of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, proved that they must stay away from men and refrain from exposing their adornment. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, also warned women against applying perfume when they go out, because this may cause temptation. Hence, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “They should go out without applying any perfume (so as not to fascinate men).”

The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Any woman who applies incense should not attend the ‘Ishaa’ Prayer with us.” [Muslim]

‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, “If the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, had seen what women have introduced after he died, he would have forbidden them from going out.”

Hence, women have to fear Allah The Almighty and keep away from Fitnah and temptation by showing their adornment, applying perfume, or exposing parts of the body such as the hands or legs when they meet men or go shopping. This also applies at the time of Sa‘y and Tawaaf. Needless to say, it is prohibited for the woman to uncover her head, wear short clothing, because this is one of the strongest causes of temptation. That is why Allah The Exalted Says (what means):

     *  {And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance….} [Quran 33:33]

     *  {O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments….} [Quran 33:59]

The garment here means the dress that covers the head, face, chest, and the whole body of the woman. ‘Ali ibn Abu Talhah narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, said, “Allah commanded the believing women, if they go out of their houses for some need, to cover their faces from the top of their heads with their garments, and to leave one eye showing.” Allah The Exalted Says (what means): {And when you ask of them any goods, ask of them from behind a curtain…} [Quran 33:53]

The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “There are two types of the people of Hell whom I have not seen yet: men with whips like the tails of cows, with which they strike the people, and women who are clothed yet naked (because their clothes are short, transparent, tight, etc.), walking with an enticing gait, with something on their heads that looks like the humps of camels, leaning to one side. They will never enter Paradise or even smell its fragrance, although its fragrance can be detected from such-and-such a distance.” [Ahmad and Muslim]

Certainly, this Hadeeth should urge women to abide by the Hijaab and adhere to the Sharee‘ah-approved dress code to avoid the causes of the Anger and Wrath of our Lord.

 We would like to offer certain recommendations to the pilgrims and visitors of the Holy Mosque in implementation of the Quranic verse in which Allah The Exalted Says (what means): {…And cooperate in righteousness and piety….} [Quran 5:2]

These recommendations are also in line with the Prophetic Hadeeth in which the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Religion is Naseehah (sincere advice), to Allah, His Book, and to the Muslim leaders and the Muslim public.” [Muslim]

Recommendations:

1)    Fearing Allah The Exalted in all conditions and cases. Piety is the source of all good morals and it is one of the Divine recommendations to His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Allah The Exalted Says (what means):

     *  {O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul…} [Quran 4:1]

     *  {…And We have instructed those who were given the Scripture before you and yourselves to fear Allah...} [Quran 4:131]

In many of his Khutbahs (sermons) the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, used to command people to fear Allah The Almighty.

Piety means doing what Allah The Almighty has imposed on His slaves and keeping away from His prohibitions out of sincerity and love for Him. This should also be with the aim of winning the reward of Allah The Almighty and being saved from His punishment, in accordance with the way that Allah The Almighty and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, legislated for us.

‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, who was one of the senior scholars of the Companions of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, “True piety and fear of Allah The Almighty mean obeying Him without any form of disobedience, remembering Him without any form of forgetfulness, and thanking Him without any sign of ingratitude to Him.”

‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul ‘Azeez, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said, “Piety cannot be obtained only through fasting all day and praying all night, and then committing sins in between, but piety can be obtained through keeping away from what Allah The Almighty has prohibited and doing what He has made obligatory. Anything good after that is an additional good.”

The revered Tabi‘ee, Talq ibn Habeeb, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said, “Piety is to act in obedience to Allah, on a light (guidance) from Allah seeking the reward of Allah, and to refrain from disobeying Allah, on a light from Allah, fearing His punishment.”

These are precious words and they mean that the Muslim has to learn his religious affairs and know what will make him sinful if he does not know it. In this way, the Muslim will worship Allah The Almighty with insight. This is the practical application of the Two Testimonies of Faith (I bear witness that there is none truly worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

The first testimony of faith entails believing in Allah The Almighty Alone, and dedicating worship to Him Alone, as well as doing everything for His sake Alone, hoping for His Mercy and fearing His Punishment.

The other testimony of faith entails believing that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is the Messenger of Allah The Almighty to humankind and the Jinn, in addition to believing in his sayings, adhering to his Sharee‘ah and keeping away from whatever contradicts it. Those two testimonies form the foundation of the religion of Islam. Allah The Almighty Says (what means):

     *  {Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge - [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, The Exalted in Might, The Wise.} [Quran 3:18]

     *  {And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, The Entirely Merciful, The Especially Merciful.} [Quran 2:163]

     *  {Say, [O Muhammad], "O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allah to you all, [from Him] to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death." So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allah and His words, and follow him that you may be guided.} [Quran 7:158]

2)    All pilgrims and visitors to the Holy Mosque, as well as all Muslims, are advised to observe the five daily prayers on time. Every Muslim must revere these prayers and perform them tranquilly, because they constitute the greatest pillar of Islam after the Two Testimonies of Faith. They represent the post of Islam and the first thing about which the Muslim will be reckoned. Whoever leaves the daily five prayers is a disbeliever. Allah The Almighty Says (what means):

     *  {And establish prayer and give Zakah and obey the Messenger - that you may receive mercy.} [Quran 24:56]

     *  {Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient.} [Quran 2:238]

     *  {Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive.} [Quran 23:1-2]

     *  {And they who carefully maintain their prayers - Those are the inheritors. Who will inherit al-Firdaws. They will abide therein eternally.} [Quran 23:9-11]

The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said:

     -  “Between a man and disbelief and Shirk is the abandonment of prayer.” [Narrated by Muslim in the chapter of “Calling the One who leaves the prayer a disbeliever”]

     -  “That which differentiates us from the disbelievers and hypocrites is our performance of prayer. He who abandons it, becomes a disbeliever.” [Ahmad, Abu Daawood, An-Nasaa’i, At-Tirmithi, and Ibn Maajah]

     -  “Whoever observes prayer (punctually fulfilling its conditions), it will be light, evidence, and salvation for him on the Day of Resurrection; but whoever does not, it will not be for him light, evidence, or salvation; and on the Day of Resurrection, he will be associated with Qaaroon, Pharaoh, Haamaan, and Ubayy ibn Khalaf (a great enemy of Islam from among the Quraysh).” [Ahmad]

Some scholars interpreted this Hadeeth saying,

"The person who abandons prayer will be raised with such a foursome because his neglect of prayer may be due to his preoccupation with his property, his presidency, his work, or his trade. Hence, if he was preoccupied with his property, he will be resurrected with Qaaroon; if with his position as a leader, then he will be resurrected with Pharaoh; if with his work, then with Haamaan; and if with his trade, then with Ubayy ibn Khalaf, the trader among the disbelievers of Makkah."

 Fourth: Frequently saying la ilaaha illallaah, Allahu Akbar and Al-Hamdullilaah as the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Therefore, during these days frequently say: 'Subhaanallaah, Al-Hamdulillaah, la ilaaha illallaah and Allahu Akbar (Glory be to Allah, all praise be to Allah, there is none truly worthy of worship but Allah and Allah is The Greatest).”[Ahmad] It is recommended to say these words of remembrance without confining them to any time or place by saying Allahu Akbar at home, in the market, and at work with the exception of times and places during which texts consider Thikr to be disliked. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And mention the Name of Allah on known days}. [Quran 22:28]

 It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “Discipline your child for you will be asked about him: how you disciplined him and what you taught him. Your child will be asked about being dutiful and obedient to you.” [Ibn Al-Qayyim] Some scholars said, “On the Day of Resurrection, Allah The Almighty will ask parents about [the duties towards] their children before asking the children about [the duties towards] their parents.” [Ibn Al-Qayyim]

Our Children and the First Ten Days of Thul-Hijjah - II

 Islam is Allah's final Message to mankind in its most perfect form. This is proclaimed in the following verse (what means):

"Today I have perfected your religion for you and I have completed thus My favors upon you and I have chosen for you Islam as your religion." [Quran 5: 3]

Furthermore, Islam is the only religion accepted by Allah. The Holy Quran says (what means): "And whoever chooses a way of life other than Islam, this will not be accepted from him. And in the Hereafter he will be among the losers." [Quran 3:85]

Thus Islam, stands as the only hope for the salvation of all nations -- nations that are in conflict with themselves and with each other; people who have lost faith and confidence in themselves and in others; States which are building their welfare at the expense of others’ lives; communities that have reached the immeasurable depth of moral degradation.

Humanity stands today on the brink of destruction. And it is our moral duty to extend to them Islam's brotherly love and compassion, so that they experience the community of faith and righteousness brought up by the best of educators, Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, (may Allah exalt his mention) who said: "I have been sent to perfect the beauties of moral conduct."

And: "I have been sent to the 'red' and the 'black' alike".

Allah, Most High declares (what means): "And verily We have sent you as a mercy to the entire mankind." [Quran 21: 107]

"O Prophet, Truly We have sent you as a witness, a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner. And as one who invites to Allah by His leave and as a lamp spreading light. Then give the glad tidings to the believers, that they shall have from Allah a very great bounty." [Quran 33: 45-47]
      
The challenge is clear. It is now our turn to take up the responsibility of spreading Allah's Message after the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.

The Noblest Example Provided by the Messenger of Allah:

Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, received the Divine Message willingly and took upon himself the greatest responsibilities ever conceivable. Undoubtedly, the prophethood posed the heaviest and most troublesome burden on the shoulders of Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.

For, prophethood entails courage, boldness, steadfastness, wisdom, intelligence, judgment and caution coupled with compassion, mercy, love, magnanimity, selflessness, generosity, humility, justice, loyalty and countless other qualities of excellence and perfection. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, faced hardships, persecution, torture; put up with stubborn ignorance, relentless enmities, treacherous tribes and endured insolence, ill-treatment and oppression. Yet, in spite of all this, the Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam,  carried out Allah's orders.      

The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was commanded by his Lord to call people to piety, modesty and submission to the Sustainer of the universe; to warn those who rejected the message and give glad tidings to those who believed; and to fight those who obstructed the path to the truth of Allah's guidance.

The Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was solemnly reminded on a number of occasions through the Quran to preach and spread Allah's Message. Allah, Most High Says (what means): "O Messenger! Verily We have sent you as a witness, one giving glad tidings and a warner and as one who invites (people) to Allah by His permission, and an illuminating light." [Quran 33: 45-46]

The very word Messenger implies that the person to whom this name is attributed carries a message, which invariably concerns everybody according to his frame of mind, inquisitiveness and thirst for truth.
      
Allah's address to His Messenger, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam,  recurs time and again to remind him that it is his duty to invite people to Allah, to be steadfast in conveying Allah's message to mankind and not to lose sight of this sublime goal, even for a moment. Allah, the Most Glorious and the Most High, addresses His Messenger Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, thus (what means): "…And do invite (them) to your Lord, for you are assuredly on the Right Way." [Quran 22:67]

Here are some more injunctions to the same effect (what mean): "And let nothing keep you back from the signs of Allah after they have been revealed to you. And invite (men) to your Lord, and be not of the company of polytheists." [Quran 23: 87]

And also (what means): "... Say: ‘I am commanded to worship Allah, and not to join partners with Him. Unto Him, do I call, and unto Him is my return.’" [Quran 13: 36]

It is a fact that Allah, out of His Mercy sent many Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention, at different times and places. Their mission was the same – all of them, without exception, invited people to believe in Allah and worship Him alone.

Allah, the Most Exalted, Says (what means): "And verily We have sent to every nation a Prophet so that they worship Allah and shun the idols." [Quran 16: 36]

And again, He Says (what means): "O Messenger, proclaim (to them) what has been sent down to you from your Lord." [Quran 5: 6]

 We all know that advertising is a means of communication to promote a product or service through a paid specialized agency. Previously, advertisements had limited reach as advertisers had only a few media channels at their disposal: newspapers, radio, or television, but now the emergence of new media, represented in computers, the Internet, and social networks, made it super easy to extend the reach of advertisements to all people, young and old. Therefore, companies turned to social media networks, especially Snapchat and Instagram, because of their far-reaching nature, being accessible to a large segment of society with many shared interests. This made it quite easy for the advertisements to reach the targeted audience with the least effort and time possible. But the companies did not settle for advertising their products and services on their social media accounts; they sought the services of celebrities, who have a huge following and can significantly boost the advertisement reach. They were not discouraged by the high fees celebrities demand for this service because they know well that the profits would be much greater given their huge number of followers. However, sometimes the advertised product is harmful, and some celebrities only care about the money they make rather than honesty and integrity.

The Importance of Advertising

Advertising helps improve the economic situation of a company by enhancing the purchasing motive in consumers, increasing the production volume, and influencing consumers buying behavior by promoting the product and emphasizing its quality to increase their desire to buy it. Advertising also increases investments and raises the individual and national incomes.

Advertisements influence people’s way of thinking and convince them to buy a product by promoting persuasive information about it and facilitating the provision of products and services to people at the lowest prices and in the easiest manner.

Techniques Used in Advertising to Influence Consumers’ Minds

There are many techniques used in advertising that indirectly influence your purchasing decision, including the following:

1) Celebrity Endorsement: we find that most advertisements nowadays are broadcast and promoted by celebrities such as “fashionistas,” singers and actresses, because they have a large audience in the society. They advertise various products, including the endorsement of restaurants which has recently been on the rise. However, such advertisements caused some of the diseases that are prevalent nowadays, as indicated by Consultant Gastroenterologist ‘Aadil ‘Abdul-‘Azeez. He stated that the increase of fast-food advertising and food promotions were responsible for the high rates of obesity, which in turn leads to diabetes. Moreover, fast foods are high in fat which links them to serious health problems.

2) Frequency and repetition: it is noticeable that the same product may be repeatedly advertised by many celebrities, which influences the consumers, persuading them that it is the ideal product that would fulfil their needs and thus prompt them to rush to buy it.

3) Catchy slogans: advertisers choose catchy slogans to promote a product to enhance people’s desire to buy it. An example is toothpaste advertisements wherein the slogan “Fresh Breath” is repeated, because the consumer cares more about having a good breath than about his health.

4) Exploration of consumers’ needs: Most companies try to develop what the consumer needs.

5) Specialist recommendations and the use of scientific studies: for instance, a famous doctor advertised a drug, claiming that it helped people lose weight because it converted fats into muscles. However, this claim was later disproved by another doctor based on scientific studies that proved that fats cannot be converted into muscles. This shows how dangerous advertisements can be, especially when they feature doctors.

How to Deal with Celebrity-Endorsed Advertisements?

You have to be mindful when choosing the celebrities whom you follow on social media, and you should unfollow those from whom you get no real benefit. You should have a clear objective and adhere to sound moral values ​​when you use social media lest you fall prey to harmful advertisements. Whenever you come across a fake advertisement, you should report it to the concerned authorities.

Suggestions to Reduce Harmful Advertisements

The concerned authorities should closely monitor celebrities’ accounts on social media and allow them to post advertisements only after obtaining the required licenses and after verifying the quality of the product, so that their endorsements should not be used as fraudulent means to deceive their followers.

Do you want to have peace of mind, reassurance, and joy?

You should ask for the forgiveness of Allah, The Almighty. Allah, The Almighty, Says (what means): {And [saying], "Seek Forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, [and] He Will Let you enjoy a good provision} [Quran 11: 3]

Do you want to have a strong body and be healthy, and be free of diseases and disabilities? Is so, you should ask for the forgiveness of Allah, The Almighty. Allah, The Almighty, Says (what means): {Ask Forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers and Increase you in strength [added] to your strength.} [Quran 11: 52]

Do you want to drive disasters and accidents away and be safe from Fitnah (trials) and afflictions? You should ask for the forgiveness of Allah, The Almighty. Allah, The Almighty, Says (what means): {But Allah would not punish them while you, [O Muhammad], are among them, and Allah would not punish them while they seek forgiveness.} [Quran 8: 33]

Do you want rain in continuing showers, righteous children, lawful money, and expanded sustenance? Then you should ask for the forgiveness of Allah. Allah, The Almighty, Says (what means): {And said, 'Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He Is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers. And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.} [Quran 71: 10- 12]

Do you want your sins to be forgiven, your rewards to be increased, and your rank to be elevated? You should ask for the forgiveness of Allah, The Almighty. Allah Says (what means): {And say, 'Relieve us of our burdens.' We will [then] forgive your sins for you, and We will Increase the doers of good [in goodness and reward]."} [Quran 2: 58]

Asking for forgiveness is the successful remedy for getting rid of sins. This is why the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, ordered us to ask for the forgiveness of Allah, The Almighty, frequently.
The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: “O people! Ask for the forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him as I ask for the forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him one hundred times a day.”

Allah, The Almighty, is satisfied with the one who asks for His forgiveness as this person acknowledges his sin as if he says, “O Allah! I have made a mistake and I was negligent with Your rights as I wronged myself and the devil tempted me and my soul, which is a persistent enjoiner of evil, betrayed me. I relied on Your mercy, forgiveness, and forbearance. Now, I come to You while repenting and regretting, so forgive me, remove my sins and mistakes as I do not have any other Lord but You. O Allah! Even if my sins are grave, Your Forgiveness is greater and more comprehensive."

 

There is a large collection of the Prophet's, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, ideas, thoughts, instructions, teachings, beliefs, morals, manners and principles. The greatness and glory of Islam rests upon these ideals. Only a portion of them are listed here.

Purity of self

1. Wise is he who regards himself small, and performs deeds that are useful after death; foolish is he who is controlled by his desires and expectant of Allah's grace and mercy.

2. The strong man is he who controls himself, not the one who throws down his adversary.

3. Contentment is treasure that is never empty.

4. To give up the unimportant is highly religious.

5. Advice is a trust and wrong instruction is a breach of trust.

6. To give up evil or wickedness is also a charity.

7. Modesty is a branch of faith.

8. Health and comforts are blessings not available to all.

9. Moderation in spending is equal to half of one's income. (Spending with sense is as good as half of one's income).

10. Careful thinking is wisdom.

11. The one who keeps promises is righteous.

12. Wisdom is the greatest wealth.

13. Good speech is the charm of man.

14. Ignorance is the greatest limitation.

15. One who is trustworthy is righteous.

16. Love is not as effective as good manners.

17. Humility elevates one's position.

18. Alms-giving does not lead to decrease of wealth.

19. Don't mock at your brother or you might meet the same situation.

20. Bad manners spoil good qualities as vinegar spoils honey.

Obedience to parents

1. Allah is pleased when the father is pleased. Allah is displeased when the father is displeased.

2. Of all the deeds performed, offering prayers on time is the best, and then the second in importance is obedience to parents.

3. The greatest sins are polytheism, disobedience to parents, giving false evidences and telling lies.

Behaviour with relatives

The word "Kinship" [Rahm] is derived from "The Most Beneficent" [Ar-Rahman]. The man who maintains the bonds of kinship is close to Allah and one who severs relations with his kin is forsaken by Allah Almighty.

Bringing up daughters

1. One who raises and educates three or two daughters or sisters, out of fear of Allah Almighty, will go to Paradise (even if the number is one).

2. Bringing up daughters is a test; one who passes the test will be safe from Hell.

Bringing up orphans

One who brings up orphans will be with me (the Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) like the two fingers of a hand (in the Hereafter).

Kindness

One who is not merciful and kind cannot expect mercy upon him.

Evils of begging

1. One who begs is collecting fire (of Hell) for himself, whether it is small or great.

2. The worst person is he who begs in the Name of Allah and still gets nothing. Don't beg from men for Allah's sake. It is better to demand from Allah Himself.

Cooperation

1. Those who are not kind to the young and do not respect the elders, do not belong to us.

 2. Be kind to people on the earth and Allah will be Merciful in Heaven.

3. In friendliness and sympathy, the Muslims are like a building in which the bricks strengthen one another.

4. To meet cheerfully, to talk about virtues, to prevent people from vices and villainy, to show the right path to those who have lost the way, to lead weak-sighted persons on the way, to remove thorns, stones, and bones from paths and to draw water from wells for others, are all deeds of virtue.

5. To greet and feed the poor, and to say prayers alone at night are the good signs of Islam.

6. Only courteous men will be close and dear to me on the Day of Judgement. I shall be disgusted and distant from those who are not well-behaved. I am also sick of those who talk nonsense, discuss things irresponsibly and are proud.

7. To live comfortably is not arrogance. Arrogance is to despise the people and to reject the truth.

8. Love all; in it is half of wisdom.

9. Don't behave well only when others behave well and to mischief if others do mischief. Instead, try to behave well with those who behave well with you and do not create mischief if they do likewise.

The greatness of learning

1. One who seeks knowledge finds the road to Paradise easier.

2. Knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.

3. Quest for learning is atonement for past sins.

4. Learning is greater than devotion and optional prayer in importance.

5. Knowledge and wisdom are your lost treasures; seek them wherever they are.

6. He who conceals his knowledge will be chained with fire.

7. Nothing in the world is better than the collecting of knowledge and patience.


From: The Last of the Prophets, by Qadi Muhammad Mansurpuri

 Relying on Allah is one of the greatest forms of worship. Allah Says (what means): “…And upon Allah rely, if you should be believers.” [Quran 5: 23]  Allah Almighty made relying upon Him a condition for faith. Allah the Almighty Said to His Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam (what means): “…Rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].” [Quran 3: 159]

Islam instils honour and dignity in the hearts of Muslims, and it is only Islam that can grant such honour and dignity; therefore, those who resort to the disbelievers for support and assistance are in reality humiliating themselves. These Muslims may feel honour under the protection of these disbelievers, but in reality they are humiliated and have become slaves to them; they follow their commands precisely and cannot do other than what they are commanded to by them.

After the death of the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, the Muslims conquered the two most powerful forces on earth at the time: the Romans and the Persians. The Muslims ruled and commanded for a very long time after the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, but now they live an era of weakness, and others have power and control the world; but for how long have these disbelievers had control? Two to three hundred years. We Muslims had power for more than a thousand! Allah has decreed that we would now be living in an era of weakness, but we must always remember the saying of Allahwhich means: “…And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people…” [Quran 3: 140]