General
From Issue: 458 [Read full issue]
| Living the Quran |
Yunus (Jonah)
Ibn Abbas, Mujahid and Hasan have said that the words "bounty," and "mercy" allude to Islam and Quran (Ibn Jarir). Ibn Kathir adds: When the Iraqi tribute arrived at Madinah Umar came out counting the camels, but gave up because of the huge numbers. One of his slaves remarked, "This is by Allah's bounty and mercy." Umar reacted, "You have lied. Allah has said in reference to the Revelation, "Say: "In the Bounty of Allah. And in His Mercy, in that let them rejoice": that is better than the (wealth) they hoard." Rather, this is what they (the people like to) amass." The textual term for rejoice, "farh" is used for over-joyousness and is normally disapproved of. It also bears an element of boastfulness. Nonetheless, here, the blessing of the Quran and Islam is so great that the faithful might indulge in over-joyousness. Source: |
| Understanding the Prophet's Life |
The Victory of Moses The most virtuous day of Muharram (the First Month of Islamic Calendar) is the day of Ashura - the tenth of Muharram. It is reported in Sahih al-Bukhari, when Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) came to Madinah, he saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He said: 'What is this?' They said: 'This is the day when Allah saved Musa from drowning, so we fast on this day.' Then he said: “We have more right to Musa than you.” So he fasted on this day and advised the Muslims to do the same. Also, Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: “When Allah's Messenger observed the fast of the day of Ashura and ordered (his Companions) to fast, they said: “O Messenger of Allah! It is a day revered by Jews and Christians.” Allah's Messenger said: “The coming year, if Allah wills, we will fast on the ninth (also).” [Sahih Muslim, vol: 1, p: 359] Ibn Abbas also reported: “I never saw the Prophet more keen to fast on any day other than the day of Ashura and any month than the month of Ramadan.” [Sahih al-Bukhari] The phrase 'more keen' of Ibn Abbas indicates that the Prophet looked forward to fast on the day of Ashura in order to earn the reward for doing so. The Prophet said: “Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope will be an expiation of sins for the year before.” [Sahih Muslim v: 1, p: 368] Thus, the day of Ashura is mercy from Allah and an opportunity for one to get his sins forgiven. It is recommended for the Muslim Ummah to fast both the tenth and the ninth of Muharram since Allah's Messenger fasted the tenth and intended to fast the ninth. Another important thing to be understood here is that voluntary fasts are expiation for minor sins, as long as one completely refrains from major sins and is always cautious about minor sins. Some people who are deceived rely greatly on voluntary worships (like fasting on the day of Ashura or the day of Arafat) while neglecting the obligatory worships (praying five daily prayers, fasting in Ramadan, etc.) Source: |
| Muslim Heritage |
Fountain Pen An outstanding publicist, confidant and companion of Al-Mu'izz, the Egyptian sultan in 953 CE, wrote a book called "The Book of Audiences and Concurrence". His name was Qadi abu Hanifah al-Nu'man ibn Muhammad and here he recounts al-Mu'izz commissioning the construction of a fountain pen.
The story continues that a few days later the craftsman brought a pen which wrote when it was filled with ink. The pen could be turned upside down and tipped from side to side without any ink being spilt. The pen did not release the ink except in writing and it didn't leave stains on hands or clothes. Lastly, it didn't need an ink pot because it had its own, hidden away. Source: |
