There are two main reasons why one would want to reach a destination quickly and be as close as possible - either to see a specific person or to receive something valuable. These are the two factors that Allah mentions when referring to the Friday prayer, known as "Salat ul Jummah".         It is usually the individuals who go to the mosque for the regular prayers, are those who occupy the first row during the Friday congregational prayer (Jummah). However, the way Allah emphasizes the importance of attending Jumuah, even if one is unable to attend other prayers, is truly impactful. Allah's words are "O you who believe, when the call to prayer is made on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave behind your worldly affairs and trade”. This shows the significance of the Friday prayer, attending Jummah is a priority and one should set aside any distractions and focus on worshipping Allah. Ali bin a...

  When a person passes away, their rank with Allah can be elevated as a result of someone seeking forgiveness for him. Abu Huraira, (RA) narrated that a person after death would experience an increase in rank with Allah, and as they ascend, they would ask Allah, "Oh my Lord, what is this? Where is this coming from? Why am I elevating?" Allah would reply, "Your son sought forgiveness for you”. This connection highlights the beauty of supplicating for the deceased. It is essential to remember that istighfar, seeking forgiveness, is crucial when making dua for the deceased. It was the beginning of almost every dua the Prophet (Pbuh) made for the deceased.                        Although one may not know the ultimate standing of the deceased with Allah, one must assume well of Allah, Having a good expectation of Allah i.e Husnul Zann is crucial. Imam al-Bukhari's Sahih mentions the hadith ...

  Being in the presence of someone who is dying can be a humbling experience, reminding   man of the precious value of life. Unfortunately, this experience is often left to medical staff or funeral homes, but witnessing someone's final moments can be profound. Watching as they take their last breath and seeing the look on their face as the angel of death enters the room can evoke a sense of awe and contemplation. As described by the Prophet (Pbuh), some people may see angels of mercy coming to them, while others may appear to be confronted by something terrifying. Only Allah knows what actually happens during this transition, but those who have been around dying individuals have noticed differences in how people leave this world. The Prophet (Pbuh) would often be present during his companions' dying moments, such as with 'Abu Salamah (RA) and 'Um Salamah (RA). He observed that when the soul leaves the body, the eyes follow the soul, and it is the sunnah to then close th...

  Can one imagine what it would look like if 70,000 birds were flapping their wings in unison, or if 70,000 soldiers stood in one place? Now, consider a Hadith from the Prophet (pbuh) that states when a person visits their sick brother or sister for the sake of Allah , they are accompanied by 70,000 angels who pray and seek forgiveness for them throughout the visit, and even until the next day. This incredible reward includes a special garden promised in paradise. It's hard to fathom the magnitude of an entourage of angels far greater than humans or birds, all seeking forgiveness and praying for one person.     However, in this day and age, we see people giving charity and voluntarily fasting for the sake of Allah. There are individuals who pray "Qiyam ul layl" and there are those who engage in service initiatives such as feeding the poor. However, it is rare to find people who visit the sick for the sake of Allah without being a chaplain or in some pastoral capaci...

  Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) shares an authentic account recorded by 'at-Tabarani' about the Prophet (Pbuh) visiting an unknown sick man from the Ansar community. This man is simply referred to as "Rajulan min al-Ansar" meaning a man from the Ansar, with no mention of his name. As the Prophet (Pbuh) approached the man's home, he overheard the man speaking to someone inside, after which he knocked on the door and asked for permission to enter. However, upon entering, the Prophet (Pbuh) found no one with the sick man. The man then explained to the Prophet (Pbuh) that he had briefly stepped out because he was upset about how people were treating him due to his illness, which is described in the narration as a "hum-ma," meaning fever, but it is possible that it had caused some visible appearance or behavior that led to negative treatment. The illness had made the Ansari man unappealing to others.      The sick man went on to tell the Prophet that someone had...

        Allah has said that those who spend their wealth in His cause are like seeds that grow seven pods, each containing a hundred grains, resulting in a total of seven hundred. Allah multiplies the reward for those whom He wills, as He is Vast and All-Knowing.      To develop good character, one needs to cultivate qualities that serve as these pods, bearing good deeds that stem from those qualities. This leads to the maqaam or station in tazkiya, where good becomes natural due to the nurtured quality producing fruit repeatedly. Allah rewards even a single good deed way more than its worth, while never punishing anyone with a sin more than it is worth. The Prophet (Pbuh) had said that Allah records good and bad deeds and made them clear. If someone intends to do a good deed but fails to follow through, Allah still records it as one complete good deed. If they follow through, Allah may record it as ten good deeds up to seven hundred times ...

  Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab were not small in the physical sense, but rather small in character, just like those who are considered blind are not physically blind, but rather have blind hearts. People with no character tend to overcompensate with material possessions, loud behavior, and obnoxiousness. However, worldly scales cannot weigh a person's character, only Allah's scales can do that.       Comparing Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (RA) to Abu Jahl, the former was a giant in the deen, known for being the first person to recite the Qur'an publicly, and the one whose recitation made the Prophet (Pbuh) weep. On the other hand, Abu Jahl was huge in physical stature but small in character, as evidenced by his stomping and attacking Ibn Mas'ud during the public recitation of Surah Ar-Rahman. Despite being physically shorter than his companions, Ibn Mas'ud (RA)'s legacy is greater than any of them, and he remains one of the greatest companions in Islam.   ...

         There is a well-known event involving the Prophet (Pbuh) and Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA). Abu Bakr (RA) responded to an insult, causing the Prophet (Pbuh) to leave. Later, the Prophet (Pbuh) informed Abu Bakr (RA) that before he responded, an angel was responding on their behalf. However, once Abu Bakr (RA) responded, a Shaytaan took over, prompting the Prophet (Pbuh) to leave because he did not want to be in the presence of a Shaytaan.        When it comes to overcoming one's own nafs, the story segues to Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA). A general rule is that wherever Shayateen are absent, there is an abundance of angels. And wherever angels are present, Shayateen cannot be. Our actions ultimately determine who is present, either angels or Shayateen. When we act like angels, we are surrounded by angels, and when we give in to Shayateen's whisperings, we are surrounded by them. This concept is significant to Umar (RA), who was kn...

        Imam adh-Dhahabi (RA) has titled a companion of the Prophet (Pbuh) as Al-Amir, Al-Nabil, Al-Jamil, Abaa 'Amr Jarir ibn AbdAllah in his collection, where he has described his exceptional qualities in great detail. Jarir (RA) was the leader of his people from Yemen and accepted Islam nine years after the Prophet (Pbuh)'s migration to Medina, during 'Aam al-Wufood. He brought 150 individuals with him to embrace Islam and meet the Prophet (Pbuh). Jarir (RA) was known for his ability to always bring a smile to the Prophet (Pbuh)'s face whenever he saw him. This quality exemplifies the kind and affectionate character of the Prophet towards his companions and sets Jarir (RA) apart as a remarkable individual among them.        What is the account of Jarir's encounter with the Prophet (Pbuh)? One day, while the Prophet was addressing his companions in Masjid an Nabawi in Medina, he suddenly paused and declared that a man fro...

  Abdullah ibn Rawaha (RA) recounts the indescribable aura surrounding the presence of the Prophet (Pbuh), stating that even without reciting or saying anything, one could sense his divinely beautiful essence just by looking at him. This is evident in the many stories of people who converted to Islam simply by seeing the Prophet (Pbuh). For example, Abdullah ibn Salam (RA), who was the Chief Rabbi of Medina before the Prophet's arrival, knew immediately upon seeing the Prophet's face that he was not a liar.       In books describing the Prophet (Pbuh), such as the Shama'il, he is often described as being more beautiful than the moon. His appearance is described as awe-inspiring, with his face more radiant and stunning than the full moon on the darkest of nights. Anas ibn Malik (RA) once compared the Prophet's face to the full moon and concluded that the Prophet's face was even more radiant and beautiful. Despite his stunning appearance, the Prophet (Pbuh)...

       The manner in which our dear Prophet (Pbuh) conducted himself in gatherings has consistently brought delight to those in his presence. The youth, in particular, relished their morning sessions with the Prophet (Pbuh). After leading the Sahaba in Salat al-Fajr, the Prophet (Pbuh) used to sit in the masjid and engage in the remembrance of Allah until the sunrise, sometimes immediately after, and other times a little later. Despite spending the entire night in worship and morning in the remembrance of Allah, the Prophet (Pbuh) would sometimes pray two, four, six, or more raka'at at the time of sunrise. If he missed any of his regular prayers during the night, he would make them up between the sunrise and the next prayer. The Sahaba would also sit in the masjid and wait for the Prophet (Pbuh) to finish his Salah. The Prophet (Pbuh) would sit with any group he saw in the masjid and encouraged others to do the same, without going to the front but sitting wher...

  Allah grants greater honor to those who demonstrate humility. One’s ultimate challenge in showcasing humility and honor will ari se when he comes across individuals who lack these qualities entirely.   Imam al-Ghazali (RA) stated that “The ultimate examination of "husn al-khuluq" or good character, lies in how an individual interacts with those possessing "suu' al-khuluq" or bad character” . It is in these situations where one's negative traits, such as arrogance, pride and flaws of the heart and tongue gets revealed through their actions towards such individuals.       Consider the following incident involving the Prophet (Pbuh) and Abu Bakr (RA). While sitting together, a man began to hurl insults at both the Prophet (Pbuh) and Abu Bakr (RA). . In response, the Prophet (Pbuh) remained patient and did not engage with the insults in any way. However, Abu Bakr (RA), who loved the Prophet (Pbuh) more than himself, eventually spoke up in defense. As a res...

  The Quran's revelation upon the Prophet (Pbuh) was an awe-inspiring and magnificent miracle that remains just as wondrous and glorious today as it did back then, rendering it a timeless wonder. Besides Quran miraculous revelation,   there were other miracles that occurred while in the Prophet's presence, and they had a profound impact on those who witnessed them. Two categories of miracles that were witnessed regularly were those involving trees and stones that would greet him, demonstrating nature's attachment to him. The Prophet (Pbuh) taught that the student of knowledge has everyone and everything making dua'a for them, including animals, fish in the sea, and the environment, as they benefit everything around them. Since the Prophet (Pbuh) received knowledge directly from the heavens, he was the most blessed among those who were given knowledge. .         Before receiving revelation, the Prophet (Pbuh) experienced miracles, such as tr...

  Angels are believed to be spiritual beings in many religions and belief systems. In Islam, angels are believed to be created by Allah to serve as His messengers and agents of His will and commands. They are often depicted as beings of light who perform various tasks. Angels are believed to be responsible for protecting believers from harm, both physical and spiritual.. They also record the good and bad deeds of human beings. While the angels serve as intermediaries between Allah and man, t heir guidance and support aid the believers in their spiritual journey .        It is believed that each person has their own guardian angel who is assigned to them at birth and remains with them throughout their life. These angels are seen as friends and allies of human beings, helping to protect and guide them throughout the life. While they record their deeds they also protect them from harm. It is also believed that the guardian angel is present at all time...

          Despite spending only three years with the Prophet (Pbuh) between the ages of 10 and 13, Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) was extremely devoted to the Prophet (Pbuh). His dedication enabled him to grasp a vast amount of knowledge during this short period, which continues to benefit us today. He went on to narrate over a thousand hadith from the Prophet (Pbuh) and became Habru al-Ummah – “The scholar of this Ummah". People look to him for guidance in tafsir, fiqh, and hadith, making him a revered figure in every aspect.     This great scholar was born in 3 BH (619-620 CE) and his mother brought him to Muhammad (Pbuh) before he had begun to suckle, initiating a close bond between them. As he grew older, he served the Prophet (Pbuh) in various ways, such as bringing him water for ablution (wudu), praying alongside him and accompanying him on journeys and expeditions. The Prophet (Pbuh) would often draw him close, affectionately pat him on the sho...

  In that particular moment when one leaves his home with an intention to seek knowledge, there is no more blessed moment than that for him. Since it is in those times when the angels that surround him lower their wings for him and give him their approval. The Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) said “No one leaves their house seeking knowledge except that the angels lower their wings and give approval for that person”. Since such a person steps out to spread good throughout the world, the angels too spread their wings for him. This intention of seeking or spreading knowledge that brings one closer to Allah is the noblest pursuit that one finds in the Sunnah of the Prophet (Pbuh).       The Prophet (Pbuh) said   " Whoever seeks out a path of knowledge, Allah will make the path to paradise easy for him" . There are many Ahadith. One most famous Hadith on which   Abn Rajab (RA) wrote the entire book states “As a person goes out seeking knowledge, the inhabit...

        Imagine being the man that Jibreel (AS) takes the form of when he comes to your people. Now, imagine being married to that person. This is the unique position of Dihyah (RA), who is primarily known for this role as a companion of the Prophet (Pbuh). It was never suggested that Dihyah (RA) was impersonating Jibreel (AS), even by the enemies of the Prophet (Pbuh). When Jibreel (AS) appeared, he would take a form that resembled Dihyah (RA), but upon closer inspection, it was not an exact match. Imam Al-Zarkashi, (RA), explains that Jibreel (AS) would always take the form of the most beautiful person when appearing in human form to the Arabs or other peoples. When he appeared to Mariam (AS), he appeared as a very handsome man from Bani Israel. Therefore, it is not surprising that Jibreel (AS) took on the form of Dihyah (RA), who was known to be the most handsome man among the Arabs.      There have been numerous instances of the Prophet (Pbu...

         There is another wife of the Prophet (Pbuh), Hafsa bint Umar, who had a unique interaction with the angel Jibreel (AS). Unlike Khadija (RA) or Aisha (RA), Hafsa's story has a serious twist to it. Before delving into her story, it is worth mentioning her brother Abdullah ibn Umar, who was a devout follower of the Sunnah of the Prophet (Pbuh) and was very similar to Umar bin al-Khattaab (RA). When he was young and in the company of the Prophet (Pbuh), he wished to have a dream that he could share with the Prophet (Pbuh). This background information will help in understanding Hafsa's story and her interaction with Jibreel (AS).       The reason for this is that in the mornings, the Prophet (Pbuh) would ask people to share their good dreams as a means of connecting with him. Therefore, Abdullah ibn Umar prayed to Allah to give him a dream that he could share with the Prophet (Pbuh). However, instead of the dream he had h...