Sunnah: Fragrance / Itr

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) liked aromatic things and perfume, he used them himself and recommended their use to others. On waking up he would relieve himself, perform Wudhu, and apply fragrance on his clothing. If fragrance was presented to him, he would never refuse it. He would use perfume at night too, especially on Fridays for Jumu'ah prayers.

Naf'i (may Allah be pleased with him) said that ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would at times burn only 'Ud and at times he would use 'Ud and Camphor and say, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would do this.'

To use any fragrance that burns like incense sticks or loban is permissible. If you burn these with the intention of the Sunnah then you will be rewarded for that . The Scholars say that 'Ud opens the clogs and does away with gas; it also dries away unnecessary moisture while strengthening the intestines and brings relief and comfort to the heart. It helps the mind, sharpens the senses, constipates and helps relieve the enuresis, bed wetting that result from coldness of the prostrate.

'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that she used to perfume the Messenger of Allah's (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) with the best scent available until he saw the shine of the scent on his head and bear.

Natural smell
A sweet fragrance was naturally emitted from the blessed body of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). In a narration Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, 'I did not smell anything more fragrant than the fragrance of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The fragrance was better than Amber and Musk'. Subhanallah!

Jabir Ibn Samura (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) touched my cheek and I felt a cool sensation and his hand were scented. It was as if he had taken his hand from a bag of perfumes.'

Subhanallah! This was the natural fragrant from the Prophet's (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) hands.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) slept on a rug in the house of Anas (may Allah be please with him) and being very warm he perspired. Anas's (may Allah be pleased with him) mother brought a long necked bottle in which to put his blessed perspiration. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked her about this. She said, 'We put it in our perfume and it is the most fragrant of scents.' Subhanallah!

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, 'I have never smelt any 'Itr or fragrance better than the fragrance of the Messenger of Allah's (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) blessed perspiration.'

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that when a companion would desire to visit the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and would not find him, they would track him by his fragrance in the streets.

Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, 'When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) went down the road, anyone who had followed him knew that he had passed that way because of his scent.'

If the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) shook hands with a man, his beautiful scent would remain on that man's hand for the rest of the day, and if he placed his hand on the head of a child, that child would stand out from others by virtue of his sweet fragrance.

Umme Salma (may Allah be pleased with her) reported to have said, 'When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) left this world I placed my hand on his chest. Many weeks have passed and I eat and wash this hand yet the fragrance still remains. Subhanallah!

Spend a third on 'Itr
'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say that, 'Whoever spends a third of his wealth on 'Itr is not being extravagant.'

Once the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) blew (for blessing) on his palm and wiped it over the back and stomach of 'Uqbah (may Allah be pleased with him) as he complained of an illness to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). It became so fragrant, and as he had four wives, everyone put on so much perfume, to equal that fragrance, but it could not overcome the fragrance that 'Uqbah had.

Do not refuse 'Itr
Thumaamah bin 'Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that, 'Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) did not refuse perfume, and would say that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) never refused (the acceptance of) perfume.'

Azra bin Thabit Al Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, 'When I went to Thumama bin 'Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) he gave me some perfume and said, that Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) would not reject the gifts of perfume.' Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would not reject the gifts of perfume.'
When someone offers us any fragrance do not refuse, if you don't want any then just take a small amount and you will get the reward of following the Sunnah.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'Whosoever is presented with Raihan should not refuse it, because it is easy to wear and has a good scent.'

Fragrance form Paradise
Abu Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) states from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, 'Whosoever is offered Raihaan (name of a fragrance) do not reject it as this is from Jannah (paradise).'

Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'Three things should not be refused: a pillow, fragrance ('Itr-oil), or milk.''
These three items are usually cheap and easy to give as a gift. The scholars say that if someone gives you these three items then do not refuse them as it could break the heart of the person giving it. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not like to break anyone's heart or feelings.

'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, 'I would put a lot of fragrance on the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to the extent that you could see the shine on his blessed forehead and blessed beard.'
We find from this hadith that to apply 'Itr on the beard is the Sunnah.

The smell from the Rose
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'When I was taken into the sky then the earth started to cry because of my separation. When I was coming back from the ascension then my perspiration dripped on the earth, from which a red rose grew, whosoever wants to smell my fragrance, smell a red rose.' Subhanallah!

Use 'Itr without Alcohol
We should also use 'Itr to follow the sweet Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Let's start this from today and stop using other things that can be very expensive and contain alcohol. Make it a regular habit to rub perfume on Fridays when going for Jumu'ah prayer too.

Imam Shafi'i (may Allah's mercy be upon him) states that four things make the body strong; eating meat, using scent, bathing and putting on linen clothes.

Women & perfume
Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him) has related the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'An eye that looks at an unknown man or woman (with evil intent) commits adultery and a women who perfumes herself and then passes by a gathering of men is no better.'
Allahu Akbar! If a woman applies any scent and a man can smell it, then it attracts him towards adultery, hence, for women to apply perfume of any type is unlawful. However, if applying to please her husband in her home only then that is encouraged.

Maymuna bint Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'Allah (The Exalted) remains displeased with a woman who emerges from her home wearing perfume and gives men the opportunity to look at her, until she returns home.'

The Scholars say that fragrance is the fuel of the soul, which is the engine of the powers of the body. Therefore, various strengths and powers in the body are nurtured in the presence of fragrance.

Fragrance for men & women
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said, 'The perfume for men is that whose odour is apparent but whose colour is hidden and the perfume for the women is those whose colour is apparent but whose odour is hidden like henna and saffron.'

It is forbidden for men and children to use henna except on the hair and the beard. It is forbidden for females to use fragrance of any type.

Manners of 'Itr

1. To apply 'Itr on the hair and beard is Sunnah.
2. To apply 'Itr at night and before Jumu'ah prayers is a Sunnah.
3. One should not refuse 'Itr when offered.
4. To use 'Itr of Raihan and 'Ud is Sunnah.
5. Women should not use 'Itr or any perfumes but apply Henna.
6. One should not use a fragrance that contains unlawful ingredient or alcohol.
7. To burn 'Ud and Camphor is a Sunnah.

Tags: Sunnah: Fragrance / Itr

Read More

Sunnah: Drinking

Water is a great gift of Allah (The Exalted). Without it we will not survive. Humans as well as animals drink water. Both Muslims as well as non-Muslims drink. Everyone has a different way of drinking. A Muslim's way should be according to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Hence, when we drink water or any other liquid in accordance to the Sunnah, our drinking becomes a rewardable act.

The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Liked'
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) liked sweet and cold water. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) never made a noise whilst drinking water and when he (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would drink milk, milk shake, (Sharbat) etc. he would give others first and then take himself.

Drinking With The Devil
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, 'Once the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saw a person drinking whilst standing, the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked him to vomit it back out', the person ask 'Why shall I vomit it out!' the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said 'Surely who drank with you is worse than a cat, that is the devil'.'

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) forbade drinking water standing up. It was asked, 'What about eating'' he said, 'That (i.e. eating whilst standing) is even worse'.'

We see Muslims' walking in the town centres today eating and drinking whilst standing. Even at gatherings some eat and drink whilst standing and are ignorant of the Sunnah way. Let us take the sayings of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) seriously and start practising them wherever we are.

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, 'Do not drink water standing up, if you do it by mistake and you remember then vomit it out.'

This is the importance of drinking whilst sitting. To drink water standing up is disliked (Makrooh-e-Tanzihi )
and we don't want to displease Allah (The Exalted) and His beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The Sunnah is only beneficial and to save oneself from any harm to the health. It is praiseworthy (Mustahab) to drink the water of ablution standing up also the water of Zam Zam as this is Sunnah.

Zam Zam
Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, 'I presented some Zam Zam water to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) he stood up and drank it.'

Respected brother / sister! We are Muslims and we have been taught the manners of drinking. We should drink whilst sitting as even research has proved that to drink standing is bad for health. Muslims do not pay much attention in the Sunnah manner of drinking. Do not emulate or feel ashamed of the non-Muslims, as we have been given a way which is the best as it is shown by the best of all creation, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). One of the reason's for drinking Zam Zam standing is because it is the Sunnah of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the other reason is for respect. Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Na'eemi (may Allah's mercy be upon him) states that water drank by the pious can also be drank standing up.

Supplication for Zam Zam
Allahumma Innee Asaluka 'Ilman naafiaw Wa Rizqaw Wasi 'Aw-Wa 'Amalan Mutaqabbalaw Wa Shifa ammin Kulli Daa'
'O Allah! I ask You for beneficial knowledge, increase in wealth, accepted deeds and cure from illness'
whatever supplication you make after drinking this blessed water will be accepted. We should make good supplications for yourself, family and the Ummah.

Drinking Like a Camel
Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, 'Do not drink water in one breath like a camel. However, drink it in two or three breaths. Say 'Bismillah' and when you move the glass, praise Allah (The Exalted) by saying 'Alhamdulillah.''

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would breath three times (outside the container) in the course of a drink and said; 'It is more thirst quenching, harmless and healthier.''

Do Not Blow On Hot Stuff
Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) forbade from breathing or blowing in the container.'
Research proves that when one blows in a hot drink, the bacterium increases in the drink. These bacteria's you will drink and will increase in the stomach, as there is warmth and this will create more illness in the stomach.

Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Naeemi (may Allah's Mercy be upon him) writes, 'The tongue that has been engaged in the dhikr of Allah (The Exalted) and the air that is released thereof is a cure for illness.'

Drink From Your Hands
Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, 'Wash your hands and drink from your hands as there is no glass or object cleaner than your hands.'
This is the Sunnah of Prophet Isa (upon whom be peace). You can drink with your hands and use both hands and it is not permissible to drink with just one hand as water is wasted. People may want to practise the Sunnah by drinking with the hands, however, bear in mind that water or any drink is not wasted.

Wasting Water
Some people where with Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan (may Allah's Mercy be upon him) a person had drank some water and threw the rest away. The Shaykh said, 'You should not throw away the left over water, you could have placed it in another container as at the moment we have plenty of water, this is the reason we do not value a sip of water.'

Suck The Water
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, 'Suck the water when drinking, as it will digest easily and prevents illness.'

How Did The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Drink'
The glass was held in the Prophet's (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) right hand and he would sit down and pray 'Bismillah.' The method of drinking is to take three small sips by sucking the water without making any noise and moving the glass away from the mouth each time and praising Allah (The Exalted) each time by saying 'Alhamdulillah' and at the end the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would say 'Ash-shukru-Lillahi.'

Respected brother/sister in Islam! If you see any Muslim drinking with their left hand then advise them in a nice way and instruct them to act upon the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and gain the reward of reviving a Sunnah. Jazakallah Khayrah.

Cover The Utensils
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) commanded us to cover any utensils, to close the tops of water bags and to turn the containers over.'

This is done when there is nothing to cover the utensils. Specially at night as there is a day in the year where difficulties descend and enters the utensils that are open. In the hadith it states if there is no cover then use a stick (i.e. pen etc.) and recite 'Bismillah' and place on top of the utensils.

Serving
Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'One who serves should drink last.'

Best Charity
Sa'ad bin 'Ubada (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, 'I came in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and asked what type of charity do you like' He said, 'Water'.'

Fire In Stomach 
Umm Salma (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'Whosoever drinks from silver enters fire in their stomach.' Allahu Akbar!

In another hadith narrated by Huzaifa (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) forbade eating and drinking from gold or silver and said that, 'These are for the non-believers in this world and for you in the hereafter.'
One should also bear in mind that to wear a watch made from gold or silver or to use a pen with a tip of gold or silver is a sin.

Manners Of Drinking
1. Pray 'Bismillah Hirahma Niraheem' and drink with your right hand as the devil drinks and eats with the left hand.
2. To sit and drink.
3. Drink by taking three separate sips and not all at once. Separate the utensil from the mouth each time.
4. Whilst drinking, suck the drink and do not make a noise.
5. Do not blow into any drink for cooling.
6. Say 'Alhamdulillahi Rabbil 'Aalameen' after drinking.
7. It is not permissible to throw away the left over drink.
8. Always cover the water that is left in a glass, jug or pot.
9. Drink where you can see in the container.

Supplication After Drinking Water
'Alhamdulilla Hilladhi Saqana 'Adhbann Furotann Birrahmatihi Walam Yaj'Alhu Milhann Ujajann Bidhunoo Binaa'

'All praise is due to Allah (The Exalted) who has given us fresh sweet water through His mercy and did not make it salty and bitter due to our sins'

Supplication After Drinking Milk
Pray 'Bismillah' and pray this supplication after drinking milk:

'Allahumma Baarik Lana Feehi Wazidna Minhu'

'O Allah grant us blessings in it (the milk) and increase it for us.'

Milk has both nutrients of food and drink. When a child is born all it has is milk and this is sufficient for so many months. This is why we should thank Allah (The Exalted) and ask Him to increase it for us.

10. Not to drink from a big container like a jug or bottle etc. but from a cup or glass.
11. One should not drink from a chipped end of a cup.
12. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has prohibited the usage of gold and silver utensils.
13. In the hadith it states, whoever makes utensils make from earth for their house, as the angles visit that house.
14. Drinking water after meals is not the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) especially, if the water is very hot or cold as both are harmful.
15. There is cure from (the drink) that a Muslim has drunk from.
16. One serving should drink last.
17. Nowadays, many people drink with the left hand mostly whilst eating and think it is against the practice to drink with the right hand, the Islamic practice is to drink with the right hand.
18. To cover the utensils when not in use, be it with a stick if nothing else is available.
Imam Shafi states that four things make the body idle, excessive sexual intercourse, too much thinking, too much drinking of water when hungry, and too much pepper.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would use utensils for drinking made from earth. He had a wooden cup , which had on its exterior a metal handle, and he would drink liquids from this. In another narration narrated by ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) it is reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had a glass cup.

O Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to practise the Sunnah of Your beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) whilst we drink. Ameen.

Tags: Sunnah: Drinking

Read More

Sunnah: Henna Dye

Use of henna (mehndi)
The Shariah (Islamic law) allows women to use henna. Hindh-Binte-'Ukbah (may Allah be pleased with her) said to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), 'I want to take oath to you,' to which the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, 'First go and colour your hands.'

Male or a Female'
A woman wished to give the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) a book (from behind a curtain), the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) withdrew his hands and said, 'I cannot tell whether this is a male or a female's hand.' The woman replied, 'It is a woman's hand.' The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, 'If it is a woman's hand then the fingers should be coloured with henna.'

It is important to learn from the previous two hadiths that a woman can colour her hands and feet with henna. If a woman does not wish to colour her hands and feet then she should at least colour her fingernails, so that one can distinguish between a man's hand and a woman's hand. Therefore if a woman is interested in colouring her hands then she should not use nail polish, but should resort to henna as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) agreed with it.

Men & Henna
It is forbidden for men to apply Henna (Mehndi) on their hands or feet. If applied on a young boy then the person putting the henna on him is responsible for the sin.

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a person was bought to the Messenger of Allah
(may Allah bless him and grant him peace) whose hands and feet where coloured with henna. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked, 'Why did he do this'' people replied that he imitates women. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'Send him out of Madinah.'

Allahu Akbar! We find that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was displeased with men wearing henna on their hands or feet. It is permissible and Sunnah to apply henna on the hair and beard.

Abu Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'The best thing that changes white hair is Mehndi or Khatam .' Meaning apply either of these.

To dye the beard
Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Abu Qahafa father of 'Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was presented to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) on the day of the conquest of Makkah and his head and his beard were just like snow. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'Change it with something and avoid black.' Meaning dye it with a colour and do not use black.

The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'The best youth is he who follows the elderly and the worst of the elders is he who follow the youth.'

To dye the hair or beard black is forbidden as the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'Black dye is the sign of the inmates of hell.'

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, 'The first to dye the hair with Mehndi and Khatam was Prophet Ibrahim and the first man to dye his hair black was Pharaoh.'
Mehndi and Khatam are the Sunnah of the friends of Allah (The Exalted) and enemies of Allah (The Exalted) use black dye.

Types of dye'
Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan (may Allah's mercy be upon him) in his book Ehkam-e-Shariat writes: Red or yellow dyes are good, and in the hadith concerning black dye it states it is of the non-believers. This is unlawful and the ruling of the permissibility is incorrect and void.
He was asked, 'What if the dye is from Wasma''
Ala Hadhrat replied, 'If it is from Wasma or Tasma it is unlawful.'
He was then asked, 'What if an old person wanted to marry a young woman''
Ala Hadhrat replied, 'A bull would not turn into a calf by cutting of its horns.'
He was then asked, 'In some books it states that Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him) when he was martyred had dye of Wasma.'
Ala Hadhrat replied, 'Imam Hasan, Hussain and 'Abdullah bin 'Umar, (may Allah be pleased with them all) they would put it on, as they were fighters.'

We find that the only time one can dye their hair or beard is when in jihad and that is to deceive the enemy. To apply dye to cover white hair is to deceive Muslims and to look young. To deceive Muslims is forbidden anyway.

Dying the hair
'Abd-Allah Ibn 'Abbas, (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'At the end of time there will be people who will use this black dye like the crops of doves, these will not experience the fragrance of Paradise.'

Muhammad bin Sirin (may Allah's Mercy be upon him) narrates that, 'I asked Anas, (may Allah be pleased with him) 'Did the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) dye his hair'' Anas replied, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not have but a few Grey hairs.'' Meaning he had no need to dye them.

Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, 'Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked whether the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used a hair dye or not.' Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) replied, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had not enough grey hair to dye. I could even count the white hairs on his beard.''

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that towards the last era there will be some people who will use dye to colour their hair and these people will not even smell the scent of paradise (the scent of paradise can be smelt from a distance of 500 years). Allahu Akbar!

Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'A true believer's dye is yellow, a Muslim's dye is red and a non-believer's dye is black.'

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'Everyone from my Ummah will enter Jannah except those who reject.' The companions asked: 'Who are those who reject'' The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied: 'The person who follows me will enter Jannah and the person who disobeys me has rejected.'


Rules of Beauty
1. To have extensions using someone else's or even your own once taken out is forbidden.
2. It is allowed for women to wear artificial hair (not someone else's) to extend their plats.
3. It is permissible for women to apply henna on their hands and feet as this is for beauty. It is better not to, without any reason colour the hands and feet of young children.
4. It is permissible to use henna on young girls as it is permissible for them to wear jewellery.
5. It is preferable for females to be content with silver jewellery and not insist on gold.
6. It is permissible for women to place beads in their hair made from gold or silver.
7. Whosoever wears gold jewellery due to pride shall be punished in the hereafter.
8. Females should not wear such jewellery that creates a jingling noise with movement especially on the feet as the curse of Allah (The Exalted) is on them.
9. Females can colour their nails with henna.
10. When the women are feeding their children, they should use a veil to cover up even in their own homes.
11. If the eyebrows are too long then they may be trimmed, only if they have over grown.
12. It is permissible to remove the hair of the arms and the legs.
13. To take off the hair from the chest and back is not recommended.
14. You can remove the hair from the arms, feet and stomach.
15. To have a young girl's ears pierced is permissible. Some even get the boys done too, this is not permissible. Boys are not allowed to wear jewellery.
16. For women to wear glass bangles is permissible.
17. To use black dye is forbidden and to use henna is permissible.

Tags: Sunnah: Henna Dye

Read More

Sunnah: Bathroom Etiquette

Everyone needs to go to answer the call of nature. All creatures also need to relieve themselves; however, the Muslims have been given the best etiquettes for relieving oneself. In Paradise we will not have to relieve ourselves. Instead we will perspire and even the perspiration will be beautifully scented like musk.

Subhanallah! However, in this temporary world we all need to relieve ourselves. Many people suffer from illnesses and find it very difficult to control themselves and when going to relieve one's self it is very difficult. May Allah (The Exalted) free them from their illnesses, Ameen. Islam being a complete way of life has given us etiquettes and manners of even going to the toilet, we find that Islam has not left any stone unturned. We should follow Islam as much as possible and gain benefits and rewards. Let us learn some Sunnahs regarding the manners of going to the toilet.

Privacy
Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, 'When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would go to relieve himself he would go so far that no-one could see him.'
We should make sure that there is complete privacy whilst relieving one's self; this is modesty that every Muslim should have.

Covering The Head
Habib bin Saleh (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) entered the toilet, he would put on his shoes and cover his head.'

Which Foot'
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would enter the toilet with his left foot, and exit with the right foot.

Removing The Clothing
Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, 'When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would go to relieve himself, he would not remove the clothing from his body until he was close to the ground.'

Jinns and Devils Stay in The Toilets
Zaid bin Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'These toilets are peopled by Jinn and devils, so when one of you goes there say, 'I seek protection in you from the male and female devil.'' Meaning pray the supplication before entering the toilet.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'When one of you intends to go to the toilet then recite 'Bismillah' a veil will be placed between the jinn and the parts of your body.' This should be recited before entering the toilet.

The Prophet Teaches This'
Salman (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that it was said to him, 'Your Apostle (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) teaches you about everything, even about excrement'' He replied, 'Yes, he has forbidden us to face the Qibla at the time of defecation or urination, or cleansing with the right hand or with less than three pebbles, or with dung or bone.'

Facing the Qibla
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, 'When any one amongst you squats for answering the call of nature, he should neither turn his face towards the Qibla nor turn his back towards it.'

Facing or keeping the back towards the Qibla whilst going to the toilet is forbidden. We should take care of this at all times. If the toilet is facing the Qibla in your home then try and sacrifice some money and have it changed as you will be sinning every time you use the toilet. Even if children are taken to the toilet then it is the adult's responsibility to make sure the child does not face or have the back towards the Qibla or the sin will lie on the adult.

Punished For Splashes And Backbiting
Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, 'Once the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) while passing through a graveyard heard the voices of two persons who were being punished in their graves. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'These two persons are being punished not for something major (it is not difficult to be save from it).' The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then added, 'Yes! (They are being tortured for a major sin) Indeed, one of them never saved himself from being soiled with his urine while the other would go about with backbiting (to make enmity between friends).' The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then asked for a branch of a date-palm tree, broke it into two pieces, and put one on each grave. On being asked why he had done so, he replied, 'I hope that their torture might be lessened, until these get dried.'

'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) says that, 'Whosoever says that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would stand up and urinate do not believe them, he would urinate but sitting down .'

Respected brother/sister! One of the reasons of the punishment in the grave is because of urinating standing up, Islam has given us a method to follow not only will you relieve yourself but you will be rewarded too. Don't forget, in this time when corruption is everywhere and by following one Sunnah, the reward of one hundred martyrs is awaiting for you! Another reason for the punishment in the grave is talking bad about other people, in today's society many do not want to here good things about others. We should always speak well otherwise remain silent. There are major punishments of speaking ill of others be it true. For more details read my booklet on evils of backbiting. May Allah (The Exalted) save us from these major sins, Ameen!

Using The Left Hand
Abu Qatada (may Allah be pleased with him) reported it from his father that, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'None of you should hold the private parts with the right hand while urinating, or wipe with the right hand in the privy.'

Do not use the right hand for cleansing (Istinja) as it goes against the Sunnah unless you have a problem with your right hand. We use the right hand for eating, drinking, shaking hands, reading the Qur'an etc. we should use the other hand for cleaning, holding shoes, cleaning the nose etc.

Cleansing With Water
'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) went to answer the call of nature, 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) bought some water. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'What is this'' He replied, 'Water for cleansing (Istinja).' The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'It has not been made necessary (Wajib) upon me after urinating to cleanse myself with water.''

Many are ignorant of the fact that if you cleanse yourself with tissue paper when you don't have access to water then you are unclean (napaak) and in need of a bath , this is incorrect and an excuse from Shaytan to miss Salaah. Some people when traveling miss their Salaah which is obligatory (Fardh) due to their ignorance. We go out of our way to make preparations and make sure we are financially secure; however, when we have to go on a journey, many do not prepare their journey for Salaah, i.e. a prayer mat, a container for cleansing (Istinja) etc. We should make sure we make preparations for Salaah before making any other preparations.

If impurity gets on your clothes or body and is more in size than a Dirham , then to clean it is compulsory, without cleaning it your Salaah will not count. If the impurity on your clothes or body is the same size as a Dirham, then to clean it is necessary (Wajib) and therefore if Salaah is prayed, you must repeat it as the Salaah is Makrooh-e-Tehrimi and to pray it again is Wajib. If the impurity is less in size than a Dirham, then to clean it is Sunnah and if Salaah is prayed, it will count but is against the Sunnah and to repeat it is better.
No-one should make excuses that I did not clean (Istinja) with water so I need a bath or that I am unclean. Take appropriate cleaning material to the toilet. If you feel uncomfortable if at a service station or at work then at least wet some tissue and cleanse yourself with that other wise by cleansings without water and making sure the impurity is cleaned there is no problem, do not be ashamed of your religion as this is complete and perfect. Most importantly the Salaah should not be missed.

Relieve Yourself First
'Abd Allah bin Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that he heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) say 'When the time for prayer comes and one of you needs to relieve himself, he should do that first.'
In the books of Hanafi Fiqh (Jurisprudence) it states it is Makrooh-e-Tehrimi to hold urine/wind or the need to go to the toilet. One should relieve themselves first as the Salaah will have to be repeated. It is said that holding urine is harmful for the body, just as everything around a stream is destroyed if it is held up.

Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saw a bedouin urinating in the mosque and told the people not to disturb him. When he finished, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked for some water and poured it over (the urine).'

Look at the teaching of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) some companions got up to stop him, however, he would have ran and made other parts of the Mosque impure. So the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, let him finish, as he was a new Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) called him and explained that this is the house of Allah (The Exalted) and should be kept clean from impurities. This companion said, 'I have never seen a teacher like the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).'

No More Stomach Ache
A woman accidentally drank some of the Messenger of Allah's (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) urine. Then the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) told her, 'You will never complain of a stomach ache.'

Ibn Jurayj (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, the name of this woman was Baraka, but they disagree about her lineage. Some say it was Umme Ayman, who would serve the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). She said, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has a wooden cup which he placed under his bed, in which he would urinate during the night. One night he urinated in it and when he examined it in the morning, there was nothing in it.' He asked Baraka about that. She said, 'I got up and felt thirsty and drank it without knowing.'

Muhammad ibn Sa'd, al-Waqidi's scribe, related that 'A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her) said to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) 'When you come from relieving yourself, we do not see anything noxious from you.' He said, ''A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her) don't you know that the earth swallows up what comes out of the prophets (upon them all be peace) so that none of it is seen''

The urine or blood of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was clean as Allah (The Exalted) made him unique. How can some people say that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is like us' We believe that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) a human, however, not like us. For instance, there are different types of stones of which all come from the earth. A diamond is also from the earth and if placed with an ordinary stone, no one would say that these two are the same, so those who say the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is like us, need to understand who the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is and what his virtues are.

Manners of Going to The Toilet
Supplication Before Entering
When going to the toilet the messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would wear footwear. He would cover his blessed head and before stepping into the room, he would read:

'Bismillah' 'Allah-Hum-ma Inni A'oodhu-bika Minal Khu-buthi Wal-kha-baith'

'O Allah I seek your protection from the male and female devils.'

We should try and learn these short supplications and practise them too. If we do not seek Allah's (The Exalted) protection from the devils, then there is a chance we can be affected with mental illnesses from the devils. We can not see the devils and when you can not see your enemy they are more dangerous. May Allah (The Exalted) protect and give us the ability to follow the Sunnah, Ameen.

1. Cover your head.
2. Enter with the left foot.
3. Any item (e.g. ring, locket etc.) that has the names of Allah (The Exalted) or His beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) or any verse of the Qur'an, should be removed before entering the toilet. An Amulet (Ta'weez) can be worn as long as it is covered.
4. It is forbidden (Haram) to face or have the back facing towards the Qibla whilst relieving oneself.
5. It is best to lower oneself as much as possible before uncovering the body.
6. Put slight pressure on the left leg it makes it relieving easier.
7. One should be very careful about the splashing of urine (as this is a grave sin). One should sit to urinate.
8. One should not talk in the toilet without absolute necessity but if a person outside is calling and does not know then cough thrice to make them aware. This includes the use of a mobile phone be it for texting as this is not the place to do such things.
9. When two people talk when the body is uncovered Allah (The Exalted) is displeased.
10. Hold the container in the right hand whilst cleansing with the left.
11. The right hand should not be used to cleanse oneself. Unless there is a problem with the left hand then one can use the right hand.
12. Use the left hand middle three fingers for cleanings.
13. The sister should cleanse themselves with the lower palm of the left hand and do not separate the legs to wide.
14. Wash in odd numbers i.e. 1, 3, 5 or 7 times.
15. When cleansing yourself, males should hold their penis from the top with the left hand index finger and the thumb. Gently work your way down (as if milking an animal) so if drops are left they will come out.
16. After performing urination, if you feel that another drop of urine will come, then it is wajib for you to perform 'Istibrao' meaning after urination to perform some act that would force the urine left inside, to come out .
17. First wash the front then the back.
18. After cleansing with water you can dry yourself with some tissue.
19. After you have relieved yourself, wash your hands up to the wrists thrice.
20. Without necessity do not look at your private parts as there is a chance of the memory becoming weak.
21. Do not sit on the toilet for a long time as there is a chance of getting piles.
22. Do not play with your clothing or body, nor look here or there, nor look above, and do not touch your body without necessity.
23. Do not spit or clean your nose in the toilet.
24. Soon as you have cleansed yourself cover yourself as soon as possible.
25. When leaving the toilet one should step out with the right foot.

Supplication on Leaving
Once outside the toilet read this supplication :

'Ghuf-raa-naka Al-ham-du-Lil-la-hil-ladhi Adh-haba 'An-nil Adhaa Wa-'Aa-faani'

'O Allah I seek Your pardon. All praises are due to Allah who has taken away from me discomfort and granted me relief.'

This supplication was to teach the Ummah to seek refuge in Allah (The Exalted) from Shaytan. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was free from the influence of the Shaytan. 'Abd-Allah ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'Everyone of you is given a companion from the Jinn and a companions from the angels.' The companions asked, 'You as well, Messenger of Allah'' He said, 'Me as well, but Allah (The Exalted) has helped me against him and he has given up.' Subhanallah!

Respected brother/sister of Islam, try to learn these short supplications and follow the blessed Sunnah in your day-to-day activities. By learning these supplications Allah (The Exalted) will be pleased. Remember, once you learn them do not forget them. There are so many benefits in following the Sunnah. The Sunnah only benefits, hence, it has been discussed in volume two.

Tags: Sunnah: Bathroom Etiquette

Read More

Sunnah: Eating

Food is a great gift from Allah (The Exalted). Within, it has many different tastes and nourishments to fulfil our need. By eating according to the Sunnah there will be many blessings. The manners of eating are very important to learn and perfect since they are repeated many times a day. One must learn how to eat properly whether eating alone, with family or with friends. To avoid pretences, you with your family should practice proper eating manners until it becomes a natural part of your behaviour.

Enquire About Your Food
'Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) had a slave who would give 'Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) a portion of his daily income as the master's share. Once he bought him some food, and 'Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) took a morsel out of it. Then the slave remarked: 'You always enquire about the source of what I bring to you, but today you have not done so.'

He replied: 'I was feeling so hungry that I failed to do that. Tell me now, how did you come by this food''
The slave said: 'Before I embraced Islam, I practised fortune-telling. During those days I came across some people who I would practice some charms for. They promised to pay me later on, I met them and they were in a marriage ceremony, and they gave me this food.'

'Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said, 'Achh! You would have killed me!' he tried to vomit the food, but could not as his stomach was empty. Someone suggested drinking water to the full and trying to vomit it. Somebody remarked 'May Allah (The Exalted) have mercy on you! You put yourself to such trouble for one single morsel.' He replied that 'I would have thrust it out even if I had to lose my life. I have heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) say that the flesh nourished by haraam (strictly forbidden) food is destined for the fire of Hell. I therefore made haste to vomit this morsel, lest any portion of my body should receive nourishment from it.'

Allahu Akbar! We should make sure that our food is from lawful sources. Making sure the work we do is lawful, the food is lawful etc. if not then our supplications will not be accepted, nor our Salaah. Imam Ghazali (may Allah's mercy be upon him) writes in Ihya ul uloom from a pious person that, When a Muslim eats the first morsel of lawful food, his previous sins are forgiven. Subhanallah!

'Abu Hurayrah And Hunger
Once, 'Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) after wiping his nose with a piece of fine linen remarked to himself 'Look at 'Abu Hurayrah! He cleans his nose with fine linen, today. I remember the time when he would lie down between the pulpit and the Prophet's (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) house. People took him to be suffering from epilepsy and put their feet on his neck. But there was no other illness with him, other than spasms of hunger.'

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that, 'I asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) pray to Allah (The Exalted) that he make me mustajab ad-da'waat (someone whose prayers are always accepted). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, 'O Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) make sure your earnings are lawful, Allah (The Exalted) will accept your prayers. A person eats a morsel of unlawful and his prayers are not accepted for forty days.''

Respected brother/sister of Islam! Look at the life of the companions and look at our lives. After reading the Sunnah and the hadith of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) we should understand that every thing that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has shown us is only for our benefit, the companions acted upon all the saying of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). As Muslims, we should also start to follow the blessed Sunnah. Following the Sunnah is also counted as worship as in reality you are following the Qur'an.

Washing The Hands
'Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying 'Before and after eating perform ablution as it banishes poverty and is the practises of the Prophets (upon them all be peace).'
This means to wash the hands and rinse the mouth and not to perform ablution as one would do for Salaah.

Eating Whilst Seated On The Floor Is Sunnah
Qataada (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would eat his food from a mat (laid out on the floor).'

How To Sit
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used to often squat down on his knees and sit on his heels for the meal. At other times he would raise this right leg and sit on his left. He used to say, 'I do not eat when reclining ' for I am but a slave, I eat as a slave eats and sit as a slave sits.'

The first principle of the law of Islam is that nothing can compare with any habit or act of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Anyone who does not believe this should beware; for Allah (The Exalted) has stated that He does not favour those who disbelieve. Everything else can be open to criticism but not the Qur'an or the Sunnah. Wherever we are in the world when the time comes to eat, the food should be arranged on the floor on a mat and we should sit and partake of it from there. In many of our homes today this beautiful Sunnah has been neglected. Muslims are sitting on chairs and tables moving away from the Sunnah. Islam is simple but we have made it complicated. To sit on a table is an innovation as it is contrary to the Sunnah.

Covering The Head
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would always cover his head when eating and he would wash both hands up to the wrist. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) sat on the floor at the side of a mat and ate with three fingers of his right hand. The three fingers include the thumb, index, and the middle finger and he would start with 'Bismillah' and in between three morsels our master (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would say 'Bismillah' and say 'Alhamdulillah.'

Recite Bismillah For Blessing
Wahshi bin Harmat (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, 'Eat together and recite 'Bismillah', there will be blessings for you in this.'

Food Becomes Lawful For Devil
Hudhayfa (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, 'He who does not recite 'Bismillah' before eating, that food becomes lawful for the devil.'

Eat together for blessing
The people said, ''O Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) we eat but are not satisfied,' The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'You may be eating separately,' they said, 'Yes,' the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'Eat together and recite 'Bismillah' there will be blessing.'

People have become very busy in their lifestyle and need to understand that it is the Sunnah to sit together and eat. Love and blessings will increase in the family, Insha-Allah! Not reciting 'Bismillah' is a means of loosing out on the blessings.

Shaytan Partakes 
Ummayya bin Makhshi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, 'A person was eating without reciting 'Bismillah' and just before he had finished and had one morsel left he recited 'Bismillahi Awwalahu Wa Aakhirahu', the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) smiled and said, 'The Shaytan was eating with him, when he recited the name of Allah (The Exalted) whatever was in his stomach he vomited it out.'

If ever we forget to recite 'Bismillah' then recite the supplication which has been mentioned above and Insha-Allah the Shaytan will not take part in the food and will be full of blessings.

Use The Right Hand
'Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states, 'Eat with the right hand and drink with the right hand and take with the right hand and give with the right hand. This is because the devil eats with the left hand and drinks with the left hand and gives with the left hand and takes with the left hand.'

Salmah bin Aku' (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, 'A person was eating with his left hand in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'Eat with the right hand.' He said, 'I can't eat with my right hand.' The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'May your right hand not be used.'

Because of arrogance the person did not use his right hand and since that day he could not lift his right hand to his mouth.

Eat With Three Fingers
'Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'To eat with three fingers is the practice of the Prophets (Peace be upon them).'

Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'Eat with three fingers as it is Sunnah and do not eat with five fingers as this is the way of the bedouins.'

Try to eat with three fingers, however, at times some foods do not allow you to do so, then eat with five as a last resort.

Ka'ab bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ate with three fingers and before wiping his hands he licked them.'

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, 'To eat with one finger is the way of Shaytan, to eat with two is the way of the arrogant and with three is the way of the Prophets (upon them all be peace).'

Once Mamunur Rasheed (Khalifa Abbasi) was presented with some cutlery. The Qazi of the time, Imam 'Abu Yusuf said, 'Your grandfather 'Abd-Allah ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) writes in his Tafsir under this verse, 'And without doubt We have given respect to the children of Adam.' It states, 'We made for them fingers with which they eat.' Mamunar Rasheed did not except the cutlery and ate with his fingers.

Food which can not be eaten with the fingers such as soup etc. can be eaten with a spoon, however, we should try and eat with our fingers and follow the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in foods that can be eaten with fingers.

No Accounting
Hasan Basri (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, 'Whatever a person eats and drinks and feeds his mother and father, will be accounted for, except for food eaten with friends.'
Subhanallah! We learn that to have food with friends is a greatly rewarded act and love will increase between the Muslim communities.

Wasting Food
'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) states that, 'I came to the Messenger of Allah's (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) house, I saw a piece of bred, he picked it up wiped it and ate it and said, ''Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) appreciate good things, once this (bread) has left (taken away) it has not returned.'

Respected brother/sister of Islam! Today we see in weddings and in other functions that we take more food than required and leave food in our plates, which will inevitably be thrown away. This is a sinful act and we will have to answer for it on the Day of Resurrection. We should take only small amounts of food and if we require more, we can always take more later. Always keep in your mind to clean the plates, save yourselves from sin, and fulfil the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).

Leaving Food For Shaytan
Ma'qal bin Yasaar (may Allah be pleased with him) was eating when a morsel fell from his hand. He picked it up, cleaned it and ate it. The bedouins indicated with there eyes (what a low graded act), someone remark 'May Allah (The Exalted) favour our leader as some people are indicating that you have all this food present and you pick the food that has dropped.'

Ma'qal bin Yasaar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, 'Because of the Bedouins I will not leave that which I have heard from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). As we were ordered to pick up the morsel that has dropped and not to leave it for the Shaytan.'

No matter who is present do not feel ashamed in following the Sunnah, your love for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) will increase and Allah (The Exalted) will reward you for not wasting too.

Once 'Abd-Allah ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) saw a piece of bread on the floor and said to his slave, 'Clean it and save it.' At the time of opening the fast he asked for it and the slave said, 'I have eaten it.'' Go you are free as I have heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, 'Whoever picks up and eats a piece of bread from the floor, before it reaches the stomach Allah (The Exalted) forgives the person. Now that the person is forgiven, how can I keep him as a slave'' said ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him)

The Plate Makes Supplication
It is mentioned in the hadith that the plate and other vessels which are wiped and licked using fingers, pray for the person doing this and say; 'May Allah (The Exalted) free you from the Hell fire the way you have freed me from the devil.' Another version of the hadith says, the plates ask for your forgiveness. Subhanallah!

Supplication Before Eating:

'Bismillahi Wa-'Ala Baraka Tillah'
'Allah's (The Exalted) name I begin with, and with the blessings of Allah (The Exalted)'

Nothing Will Affect You
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that 'When you pray this supplication, you will have no illness (nor be affected by anything):

'Bis-mil-lahi Wa Bil 'la-hil La-dhi Laa Ya-durru Ma 'As-mihi Shai-un Fil-ardi Wa-la-fis Samaa-i Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyoom'

Allah, the name I begin with, and Allah is He whose name nothing on earth nor in the heavens can cause harm. O the everlasting, O the self existent..'

If You Forget To Recite
'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that 'Whoever eats food, remember Allah (The Exalted) meaning recite 'Bismillah' and if in the beginning you forget to pray 'Bismillah' then pray the following:

'Bimillahi Fi Awwalihi Wa-aakhirihi'
'Allah's name I begin with at the beginning and end of it.'

One can also pray 'Awwalahu' and 'Wa-aakhiraha'

Not reciting 'Bismillah,' the devil has an opportunity to partake in the food.

Manners Of Eating

1. Wash both hands up to the wrists before and after eating but not to wipe them before you eat, as it is not the Sunnah and bacteria from the towel will come on the hands and will go down the stomach with the food increasing illness.
2. To wash both hands and gargle before and after eating. The habit of gargling the mouth together with washing of the hands after meals is a source of great blessing.
3. Place food on a Sufra (a ground cover made from leather).
4. Do not just wash the fingers, as this is not the Sunnah.
5. Start and finish with salt or something that contains salt, as it banishes seventy illnesses.
6. After completing the meal wash your hands so that no smell remaining.
7. Say 'Bismillah' loudly so that those who have forgotten are reminded.
8. It is an emphasized Sunnah (Sunnat-e-Moakedah) to recite the praise of Allah (The Exalted) before and after meals.
9. To eat together and not individually, as this will bring more blessing.
10. Do not wipe your hands with bread.
11. To lean on something or to leave your head uncovered is disrespectful and against the Sunnah. To lean on the left-hand side is Makrooh (disliked).
12. To keep each mouthful small and chew it well.
13. Do not find fault in anything you eat. If you like it eat it otherwise do not pass any comment.
14. Eat with your right hand, similarly when taking food from a bowl and when giving to someone the right hand should be used.
15. If some food has been dropped then pick it up, clean it and pray 'Bismillah', eat it, and do not leave it for the devil.
16. If a visitor comes, he should also be urged to join you.
17. When taking the food out, take it out from the side and not the middle. Eat from the food, which is closest to you.
18. Sit the Sunnah way i.e.
' Squat with the buttocks away from the ground. (Both knees touching the stomach and the souls of feet on the floor)
' Sit on the left leg having the right knee raised touching the stomach
' Sit on both the legs as in the Tashahud posture (shins touching the ground).
19. To use a red mat (dastarkhan) as it is the Sunnah of Musa, Isa (upon them be peace) and the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace.).
20. If a variety of dishes are served then it is permissible to partake in any that you wish and leave any that you are not inclined towards without passing any remarks.
21. Small pieces of meat should not be cut with a knife, but rather shred with the teeth, this assists in digestion.
22. Do not smell the food.
23. To have vinegar and honey in the house is Sunnah.
24. Do not eat hot food or hot drink, as there is no blessing in excessively hot food let it cool down.
25. Do not blow on the food to cool it.
26. When eating together, the most pious or eldest should be asked to begin.
27. Talk about good things as to stay quiet is the act of the fire worshippers.
28. Take from one side of the dish and not from the middle.
29. After eating one should clean the plate (via their finger) as it is possible that Allah (The Exalted) may have kept blessings on that morsel left behind on the plate or the fingers.
30. Lick your fingers at the end in the following manner, middle finger, index finger, the thumb, little finger, and then ring finger. NOTE: do not place the entire finger inside the mouth, as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would lick the inner side of the finger first and then the outer.
31. To remove shoes before eating as this is more comfortable.
32. Hold the bread in the left hand and break it with the right hand.
33. When eating together then as far as possible we should eat till the end so that we can accompany the slow eater and if this is not possible then we should rather excuse ourselves when we finish eating.
34. To eat from a plate / bowl made from clay / earth is a Sunnah.
35. Allama Safuwri relates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying that (after eating) wash the plate and drink it. One who does this is as if freeing forty slaves from the people of Prophet Ismail (upon whom be peace).
36. In another place Imam 'Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (may Allah's Mercy be upon him) states, 'Whoso cleans the dish they have eaten in and drinks the water will get the reward of releasing a slave.'
37. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'Whoever cleans his plate and his fingers, Allah (The Exalted) keeps the person satisfied both in this world and the next.'
38. To use a toothpick after eating is a Sunnah.
39. One is rewarded with freeing two slaves if you perform Miswak after eating.

Few Rules Of Eating: 
1. Do not eat to the fill of your stomach, as you will feel lazy.
2. Do not eat standing or walking, as it is Makrooh.
3. When someone has asked you to join them to eat, do not say 'Bismillah', as this has no meaning at this time, but say may Allah (The Exalted) give you more blessings or say 'Barakallah'.
4. If perspiration or tears fall in the food than it does not become unlawful.
5. If the meat has burnt then to eat it is forbidden.
6. You are not allowed to eat food from someone else's land until you have permission.
7. Do not wipe your hand or a knife on the chapatti.
8. In all conditions we should be satisfied and content with the food we get no matter what the quantity or type is. We should always be happy and regard it as a bounty from Allah (The Exalted).

Supplication After Eating
After eating pray this supplication:

'Alhamdu Lillahil Ladhi At'Amana Wasa Qanaa Waja 'Alana Minal Muslimeen'
'All praise is due to Allah (The Exalted) who gave us food and drink and made us Muslims.'

You will not have to account for food eaten on the day of resurrection, if the meals are completed with this supplication.

When Eating At Someone's House
When eating at some oneelse's home the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would read the following;

'Allahumma At'Im Man-at'Amani Wasqi Man-saqani'
'O Allah (The Exalted), feed he who has fed me and quench his thirst who has quenched my thirst.'

Tags: Sunnah: Eating

Read More

Sunnah: Sleeping

Sleeping is similar to death. That is why sleeping has been linked to death, and waking with life. When preparing to sleep we should fear that may be our eyes close and do not open again. This has happened many times ; hence we should ask Allah (The Exalted) for forgiveness of our sins as it is not good to do so without.


The pious would sleep little as the time spent in sleep is of no use. Only if we are successful and able to understand to reality of our life. For instance if someone has a life of 60 years and sleeps for 8 hours a day then we would have spend 20 years in sleep, that's 1/3 of the life spent in sleeping. In these 20 years we did not achieve anything, however, if we spend our sleeping in the way of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then Inshallah we will gain some benefit as this will become worship.


Imam Ghazali (may Allah have mercy upon him) states that those who can not stay awake and worship and are engaged in sin. When completed the necessities such as Salaah etc. it is superior for them to go to sleep. At least one will abstain from sin. In a hadith it states to the nearest meaning that until a person is asleep the pen of deeds is lifted, meaning one is not bound by the Shariah.


After Isha
After the Isha congregational prayer, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would see the companions off before returning home himself. At his bed side, he would keep the following items; a Surma bottle (eye colouring), a comb, some oil, a pair of scissors, a Miswak, a mat or a folded cloth to lie on, a mirror and a wooden stick.


Safety Check 
Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a house in Madinah with the inhabitants inside set on fire. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was informed about this and he said, 'The fire is your enemy, this is why when you prepare for sleeping put it out.'


We should make sure that any appliances are not left on. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is teaching us how to live, those who follow him will succeed.


Recite Bismillah
According to the hadith narrated by Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'Recite Bismillah whilst closing the doors and cover any utensils i.e. water, food, etc. and switch off the light i.e. not leave it burning or the utensils open so the Shaytan can not come in or use the utensils.' The reason is that something may fall inside the foodstuff & if candles are left lit it may catch fire.


Wudhu Before Sleeping
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'When a person sleeps with wudhu, Allah (The Exalted) gives permission to his soul to circumambulate the 'Arsh and bow to Allah (The Exalted). Whilst sleeping in the state of wudhu, the reward of worship is being written for you in your book of deeds all night. Subhanallah!


Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'When one of you goes to bed then with the edge of your lower garment (or the edge of the duvet) clean to bed, what were you to know what is in the bed.' 


One may ask the question, why do we need to do this because they lived in a hot country and there is a chance small animal/creatures such as a snake or scorpion etc. may seek refuge, we don't have this problem here neither do we have sand or dust particles getting into our bed' I say that the Sunnah is for all mankind no matter who or where you are. Those who live in these climates and conditions can use this method and those who live in cold climates can use it too as there are other insects like bed mites which the visible eye can not see which can harm. Then to clean the bed is a great Sunnah and no matter where in the world you may be, one can practise it, Subhanallah!


Angel & The Devil
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'When a person enters his bed (to sleep), an angel and a devil surround him. The devil whispers 'Your awakening will end in evil' and the angel says 'ends in good.' But if one sleeps after engaging in remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) the angels will protect him throughout the night.'


Going on One's Stomach
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) never laid on his stomach and if he saw anyone doing so he would wake them up by his feet and be very upset.
Ya'eesh bin Tighfat Gafari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from his father that he states, 'I was reclining in the mosque on my stomach (due to chest pains), suddenly a person nudged me with his feet and said, 'To lie down like this is disliked by Allah (The Exalted).' When I turned to see who it was, I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).'


In another similar hadith narrated by Abu Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him it states; 'It is the way of the people from Hell.' Meaning either the non-Muslims recline like this or the people of Hell fire will recline like this.


Imam Shafa'i (may Allah have mercy upon him) states that there are four types of sleep;
1. One is to lie on the back this is the sleep of the Prophets, 
2. One is to sleep on the right side which is the sleep of the worshippers, 
3. One is to sleep on the left which is the sleep of the rulers 
4. And one is to sleep on the stomach that is the sleep of the devil.


We should sleep according to the Sunnah as there are many benefits including health benefits.


The Prophet's (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Bed
'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with he), states that, 'The Messenger of Allah's (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) bed was made of animal skin, which had leaves of date trees.'


Imam Muhammad Al-Baaqir (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, 'Someone asked 'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), 'How was the bed of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)'' She replied, 'It was made of leather, in which was filled the coir of the date palm.''


Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked how was the bed of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in your house'' she replied: 'It was a canvas folded into two, which was spread for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to sleep on. On one night I thought if I folded it into four and spread it, it would become softer. I folded it and spread it that way. In the morning the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked: 'What did you spread for me last night'' I replied: 'It was the same bed; I only folded it into four so that it may become softer'. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: 'Leave it in its original form. Its softness deprived me of my prayers (Tahajjud) at night.'


'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, 'The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was sleeping on a mat, the marks of the mat were left on his blessed side. I said, 'O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) only if you would sleep on something better than this'. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, 'What have I to gain in this world, this world is like as if a traveller is travelling in the sun and he sits under a tree and gets up and goes.'''


Look at the simplicity of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and we sleep on the best mattress available. There is no problem in sleeping on a good bed; however, you should make sure to wake up for Fajr Salaah. Unfortunately people stay in their comfortable beds and miss their Salaah but when it comes to waking up for work we will not miss a day. We should try to sleep on the floor at times following the Sunnah, Inshallah; you will not have a problem waking up for Salaah.


The Pillow
Abu Qataadah (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that, 'If the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) made an early journey-break in the last portion of the night on his travels, he slept on his right side. If he was staying there till before the morning, he lifted his right arm, put his head on it and slept.' 
Meaning that he rested his blessed head on the inner part of his arm and the hand would be near his back.


Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) forbade placing one leg on top of the other when reclining on your back. 
This is when you have one leg raised and the other leg over it as there is a chance of the Satr being seen. There is no problem if both feet are stretched out and one is on top of the other.


Supplication Position
'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) states that, 'When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would lie down every night on his bed, he would raise his hands in the supplication position and pray. He would recite Surah Ikhlas (Qulhuwallahu Ahad) three times, Surah Falaq (Qul A'oodhubi Rabbil Falaq) once and Surah Naas (Qul A'oodhubi Rabbinnaas) once and blow on his palms and wiping his hands over his blessed body where they could reach, this was done thrice.'


How The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Slept
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would put his blessed right hand under his blessed right cheek. He would lie on his blessed right side facing the Qibla and rest on a pillow that was made from leaves of a date tree.


Bara bin 'Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) reports; 'When the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) retired, he put his right hand under his right check'.


Supplication Before Sleeping
Hudhayfa (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, before the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) went to sleep he would place his right hand under his cheek and pray this supplication:


'Alla-humma Bis-mika Amu-tu Wa-Ahya'


'O Allah (The Exalted) with Your name I die and I live'


Lesson From Supplication
In the hadith the meaning of living and dying is to awaken and sleep. In Your name do I sleep and in Your name do I awake, meaning I do not stay headless of You at any time, O Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability and this state, Aameen.


The Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would talk to his wife and whilst praising Allah (The Exalted) he would go to sleep. The Messenger's (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) blessed eyes were closed but his heart was always in the remembrance of his creator. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'My eyes sleep, but my heart does not sleep.'


The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not sleep until he recited Surah Sajdah and Surah Mulk.


For The Guest
Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'For a man he has a bed for himself, one for his wife, the third for a guest and the fourth is for Shaytan.


Sleeping After 'Asr
Abu Ya'la narrates from 'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'Whosoever sleeps after 'Asr Salaah and loses their intellect, has only themselves to blame.'


To keep a spare bed is permissible for a guest; however, to have more then necessary leads to pride and arrogance due to excess wealth as this is from Shaytan. It is Shaytan who places evil whispers in us, hence we should abstain from having anything in access.


Die as a Muslim
Al-Bara' bin 'Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, 'O so-and-so, whenever you go to your bed (for sleeping) say, 'O Allah (The Exalted)! I have surrendered myself over to you and have turned my face towards You, and leave all my affairs to You and depend on You and put my trust in You expecting Your reward and fearing Your punishment. There is neither fleeing from You nor refuge but with You. I believe in the Book (Qur'an) which You have revealed and in Your Prophet (Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace) whom You have sent.' If you die that night, you will die as a Muslim, and if you wake up in the morning you will receive the reward.'


Zaid bin Thabit complained to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) about his sleepless nights. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) advised him to read the following supplication:


O Allah (The Exalted) the stars have sunk in and the eyes have become tranquil and quiet and You are alive and everlasting neither does sleep overcome You. O! The live and everlasting one make my night tranquil and give my eyes sleep.


The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, 'Whoever at the time of sleeping recites Ayat-ul-Kursi will themselves be protected and his neighbour, to the extent your neighbour's neighbour, and the houses surrounding will be protected too.'


Sleepless Night
Once the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) spent a sleepless night. He would turn from side to side and could not sleep. His wife asked him: 'O Prophet of Allah! (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Why can you not sleep'' He responded, 'A date was lying about. I took it up and ate it, lest it should be wasted. Now I am troubled that it may be from Sadaqah (charity).'


Respected brothers/sisters of Islam! Before going to sleep we should think of the sins we may have done and try our best not to do these again, repent and ask for Allah's guidance. If you want to spend your night in worship then sleep the way our beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) slept and offer Fajr Salaah with congregation. You will surely gain the reward of worshipping all night even though you were sleeping.


Manners of Sleeping
1. One should recite 'Bismillah' whilst closing the doors and latching the lock. 
2. Containers with foodstuff including water should be covered with the recitation of 'Bismillah'. 
3. To put out any burning fire i.e. candles, fireplace etc.. 
4. To switch off or put out anything that may catch alight if left on. 
5. To discuss, with members of the household, matters relating to Islam. For example, by telling stories (of Sahabas, etc.) or simply talking about matters that pleases the family but within the confines of Shariah. 
6. To have available Surma and apply three times in the right and left eye. 
7. It is desirable (Mustahab) to sleep with wudhu the Sunnah way. 
8. To sleep in the state of purity, (i.e. with Wudhu and Ghusl if necessary). If one has just made Wudhu prior to the sleep then it would not be necessary to repeat the Wudhu. If one is not able to make Wudhu then tayammum (dry ablution) will suffice.
9. To lay or spread the bed yourself. 
10. To clean the bed three times with a cloth before sleeping. 
11. When a child reaches the age of ten, he must not sleep in the same room as his sister, mother or another woman except his wife. 
12. For two men to sleep on one bed or in one blanket is not permissible, it has been prohibited in the hadith. 
13. A child of ten must not sleep in the same bed as the husband and wife. 
14. The feet should not be facing towards Makkah or Madinah. 
15. Before sleeping recite 'Bismillah' and the three Quls , and thereafter to blow on the palms and rub three times on one's entire body ' beginning from the head and ending at the toes. 
16. To use a pillow is Sunnah (to rest one's head on). 
17. The Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) disliked lying on the stomach. 
18. Do not have your feet facing the Qur'an or other religious books and if the books are higher than the feet there is no problem. 
19. To recite any Surah from the Qur'an one remembers, especially Surah Mulk , Surah Sajdah , Surah Bani Israeel and Surah Zumar . 
20. To recite Surah Waaqi'ah before sleeping as this safeguards one from hunger and poverty. 
21. To recite Tasbih-e-Fatima and Kalimah Tayyab once, before sleeping. 
22. To keep a prayer mat for the Tahajjud prayer besides the head is a Sunnah. 
23. When going to sleep, remember your grave as you will be sleeping on your own with your deeds and no one will be there with you. 
24. Remember Allah (The Exalted) because the state a person sleeps in is the state in which one will wake up. 
25. Do not sleep after 'Asr as there is a chance of loosing the intellect and it is disliked (Makrooh) to sleep in the beginning part of the morning and between Maghrib and Isha.


Tags: Sunnah: Sleeping

Read More