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Going to Jumu'ah Salat early!

As salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu wa maghfiratuh! I have noticed that most masjids I have attended over the years that many Muslims arrive for Jumu'ah Salat after the Khutbah has started! Ignorance is costly! The person who arrives after the Khutbah has started will not receive any of the many blessings for attending. They are not even listed as having being there! When they perform the salat with those who came early they will receive only the blessing of performing Zuhr salat. Wow! I want to receive as many blessings I can - not just one!

Going To Masjid Early:

In the Jumu'ah salat, the Khutbah is before the prayer and the more early a person goes for prayer, the greater the chances of him listening more of the remembrance of Allah Almighty. In this regard, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in a hadith:

“On the day of Jumu'ah, the angels stand at the entrance of the Masjid in which Jumu'ah Salat is to be offered. They write down the name of the person who enters the Masjid first, and thereafter the name of the person who follows, and they continuing doing this. The person who entered first will receive the reward of sacrificing a cow, thereafter a chicken, thereafter the reward of giving an egg as charity in the path of Allah. Once the Khutbah commences, the angels close the register and begin listening to the Khutbah.” (Muslim)

This hadith of Prophet (SAW) tells of a variety of things about Jumu'ah salat. The first thing is that those who come to the prayer earlier receive a higher or greater reward compared to those who arrive later. Secondly, if one enters the masjid once the Khutbah has started then one does not receive any special reward, rather at that time the reward left for a person is of a regular Zuhr salat. Therefore, if you wish to attain greater reward, then you must ensure that you arrive at the masjid as early as possible and listen to Khutbah prior to offering salat.

May Allah (SWT) bless every Muslims to attend Jumu'ah Salat early! Ameen! 

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

The following is extremely important if one  itemizes their tax return. Please read, study and act accordingly.

Muslims give greatly to Masjids, Islamic Centers, Muslim schools, shelters and orphanages, etc. All of these are listed as 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations with the federal government. Because they are listed as 501's all of the above encourage Muslims to give generously to them to receive a tax break at the end of the year. When they file their federal tax returns they itemize and list all donations given to masjids, schools, shelters and orphanages, etc to get tax breaks for their donations.

Please consider the following.

On the authority of the Commander of Faith Abu Hafs 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) say: “Actions are but by intention and every man shall have but that which he intended.. Thus he whose migration was for Allah and His messenger, his migration was for Allah and His Messenger, and those whose migration was to achieve some worldly benefit or to take a women in marriage, his migration was for that which he migrated.”

Based on this hadith everyone who gave to Masjids, Islamic Centers, Muslim schools, shelters and orphanages to get tax breaks will get their tax breaks. However, since it was not for the 'pleasure of Allah', 'fi sabilillah' they will not get a single blessing from Allah (SWT). So, on the Day of Judgment they will be in for a great surprise. Those who gave to receive tax breaks and did not received any blessings will be confronted with a great possibility of the Hell-Fire.

“Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Shall We tell you the greatest losers in respect of (their) deeds? Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds! They are those who deny the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord and the Meeting with Him (in the Hereafter). So their works are in vain, and on the Day of Resurrection, We shall assign not weight for them. That shall be their recompense, Hell; because they disbelieved and took My Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and My Messengers by way of jest and mockery.” (Qur'an 18:103-106)

One may say, “This is referring to nonbelievers.” Yes, it is. Giving to masjids, schools, shelters and orphanages is done with the belief that they are storing larges amount of good deeds. But...! It is, also, referring to anyone who does good to acquire good deeds but they will find they are losers.

"Shall We tell you the greatest losers in respect of (their) deeds? Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds! (Qur'an 18:103-104)

Please consider the following from Hadith Qudsi.

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (RA), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) say:

“The first of people against whom judgment will be pronounced on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who has died a martyr. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: 'I fought for You until I died a martyr. He will say: You lied – you did but fight that it might be said (of you): He is courageous. And so it was said. The he will be ordered to dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-Fire.

[Another] will be a man who has studied [religious] knowlegde and has taught it and who used to recite the Qur'an. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I studied [religious] knowlegde and I taught it and I recited the Qur'an for Your sake. He will say: You have lied – you did but study [religious] knowlegde that it might be said [of you]: He is learned. And you recited the Qur'an that might be said [of you]: He is a reciter. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-Fire.

[Another] will be a man whom Allah had made rich to whom He had given all kinds of wealth. He will be brought and Allah will make known to him His favors and he will recognize them. [The Almighty] will say: And what did you do about them? He will say: I left no path [untrodden] in which You like money to be spent without spending in for Your sake. He will say: You have lied – you did but do so that it might be said [of you]: He open-handed. And so it was said. Then he will be ordered to be dragged along on his face until he is cast into Hell-Fire.

[It was related by Muslim (also by at-Tirmidhi and an-Nasa'i)

Based on the above hadith those who gave to masjids, schools, shelters and orphanages truly believing they are giving for 'fi sabilillah' and then file for a tax break will end in the very place they were trying to avoid, the Hell-Fire.

SOLUTION TO THE ABOVE.

1. All masjids, schools, shelters and orphanages soliciting for contributions STOP stating that they are 501(c)(3) to encourage them to file for tax break at the end of the year.
2. Give to masjids, schools, shelters and orphanages with the thought, intent, that it is 'fi sabilillah', for the pleasure of Allah (SWT).
3. NEVER AGAIN SEEK TAX BREAKS for your contributions to masjids, schools, shelters and orphanages.
4. Seek Allah's (SWT) forgiveness for the pass filings for tax breaks.
5. Give in such a way your left hand does not know what your right hand does. Don't get receipts for any contributions.
6. Increase your contributions for 'fi sabilillah' since the rewards are much greater.

The rewards for giving 'fi sabilillah' are much greater than getting any tax breaks.

Allah (SWT) says:

“By no means shall you attain Al-Birr (piety, righteousness - here it means Allah's Reward, i.e. Paradise), unless you spend (in Allah's Cause) of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well. (Qur'an 3:92)

“...And whatever you shall spend in the Cause of Allah shall be repaid unto you, and you shall not be treated unjustly.” (Qur'an 8:60)

“Believe in Allah and His Messenger [Muhammad (SAW)], and spend of that whereof He has made you trustees. And such of you as believe and spend (in Allah's Way), theirs will be a great reward.” (Qur'an 57:7)

“Who is he that will lend Allah a goodly loan, then (Allah) will increase it manifold to his credit (in repaying), and he will have (besides) a good reward (i.e. Paradise).” (Qur'an 57:11)

“If you lend Allah a goodly loan (i.e. spend in Allah's Cause) He will double it for you, and will forgive you. And Allah is Most Ready to appreciate and to reward, Most Forbearing, “ (Qur'an 64:17)

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR MEMBERS OF THE NATION OF ISLAM (NOI)

In the Name Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Al-Qur'an

Al-Qur'an is not the bible for Muslims. It is guidance for all mankind. Those of mankind who chose to acknowledge Allah as The Creator of all that exist; and to acknowledge Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the last prophet, who was sent to all mankind are known as Muslims. A Muslim is one who is conscientiously striving to submit to the Will of Allah.

GOAL FOR MANKIND IS TO ACHIEVVE PARADISE AND AVOID THE HELLFIRE!

Allah says in His Speech to mankind, Al-Qur'an,

“And of them there are some who say: "Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire! (Qur'an 2:201)

“And with truth We have sent it down (i.e. the Qur'an), and with truth it has descended. And We have sent you (O Muhammad SAW) as nothing but a bearer of glad tidings (of Paradise, for those who follow your Message of Islamic Monotheism), and a warner (of Hell-fire for those who refuse to follow your Message of Islamic Monotheism)” (Qur'an 17:105)

The Messenger of Allah, son of Abdullah, (SAW) has said, “All members of my nation shall enter Paradise except those who refuse to.” He was asked who refuses to enter into Paradise, O Messenger of Allah? “Whoever obeys me,” he said, “shall enter Paradise, and whoever does not shall be one who refuses to enter.”

Based on the above whether or not a person achieves Paradise is solely up to the individual themselves.

NATION OF ISLAM'S BEGINNINGS

Elijah Poole was a follower of Wallace Fard Muhammad who was born February 26, 1877. They created the fairy tale that created the Nation of Islam (NOI). This fairy tale, a false story that was deliberately meant to trick, deceive the African Americans about Islam. It should be understood that Wallace Fard Muhammad taught Elijah Poole the truth about Islam for he practiced it. They plotted to deceive the African Americans in the USA for reasons unknown.

While he was in Detroit, Elijah Poole began taking part in various Black Nationalist movements within the city. In August 1931, at the urging of his wife, Elijah Poole attended a speech on Islam and black empowerment by Wallace Fard Muhammad. Afterward, Poole said he approached Fard and asked if he was the redeemer. Fard responded that he was, but that his time had not yet come.

Fard taught that Blacks, as original Asiatics, had a rich cultural history which was stolen from them in their enslavement. Fard stated that African Americans could regain their freedoms through self-independence and cultivation of their own culture and civilization. Poole, having strong consciousness of both race and class issues as a result of his struggles in the South, quickly fell in step with Fard's ideology. Poole soon became an ardent follower of Fard and joined his movement, as did his wife and several brothers. Soon afterward, Poole was given a Muslim surname, first "Karriem", and later, at Fard's behest, "Muhammad". He assumed leadership of the Nation's Temple No. 2 in Chicago, Illinois.

Fard turned over leadership of the growing Detroit group to Elijah Muhammad, and the Allah Temple of Islam changed its name to the Nation of Islam. Elijah Muhammad and Wallace Fard continued to communicate until 1934, when Wallace Fard disappeared. Elijah Muhammad succeeded him in Detroit and was named "Minister of Islam". After the disappearance, Elijah Muhammad told followers that Wallace Fard Muhammad had come as Allah, in the flesh, to share his teachings that are a salvation for his followers.

They called Elijah Muhammad honorable and now they call Louis Farrakhan honorabe. There is absolutely nothing honorable about the enormous lies they have told and Minister Louis Farrakhan continues to tell. Both of these individuals are servants of Shaitan (Satan) leading their followers to the HELLFIRE. Why!

Allah says in His Speech to mankind, Al-Qur'an,

“Except Iblis (Satan) he was proud and was one of the disbelievers. (Allah) said: "O Iblis (Satan)! What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with Both My Hands. Are you too proud (to fall prostrate to Adam) or are you one of the high exalted?" [Iblis (Satan)] said: "I am better than he, You created me from fire, and You created him from clay." (Allah) said: "Then get out from here, for verily, you are outcast. "And verily!, My Curse is on you till the Day of Recompense." [Iblis (Satan)] said: "My Lord! Give me then respite till the Day the (dead) are resurrected.” (Allah) said: "Verily! You are of those allowed respite "Till the Day of the time appointed." [Iblis (Satan)] said: "By Your Might, then I will surely mislead them all, "Except Your chosen slaves amongst them (faithful, obedient, true believers of Islamic Monotheism)." (Allah) said: "The Truth is,— and the Truth I say, — That I will fill Hell with you [Iblis (Satan)] and those of them (mankind) that follow you, together." (Qur'an 74-85)

The above verses of the Qur'an gives the reasons behind Wallace Fard Muhammad and Elijah's deceit. As Satan imp's they wanted to 'mislead them all'. Understand that Satan is the one who started racism - “Iblis (Satan)] said: "I am better than he,”

The following two questions and answers from the NOI's lessons bear this out:

Who is the Original man? The original man is the Asiatic Black man; the Maker; the Owner; the Cream of the planet Earth - God of the Universe.

Who is the Colored man? The Colored man is the Caucasian (white man). Or, Yacub's grafted Devil - the Skunk of the planet Earth.

Elijah Muhammad die on February 25, 1975. In 1976 Imam Warith Deen Mohammed, Elijah's son, disbanded the Nation of Islam and taught them true Islam. In 1977 Minister Lois Farrakhan rejected Warith Deen Mohammed's leadership and re-established the Nation of Islam on the original model with all its lies and deceits!

ISLAM

Islam is an Arabic word that means surrender or submission. Islam, as a faith, means total and sincere surrender to Allah. A person that surrenders to Allah is known as Muslim.

Allah is The Creator of all that exist. Allah says,

“All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).” (Qur'an 1:2)

Allah is not a man and He cannot be described by any human. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an, the Speech of Allah to all mankind,

“Say: "He is Allah, (the) One. "Allah-us-Samad [Allah the Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, (He neither eats nor drinks)]."He begets not, nor was He begotten; "And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him." (Qur'an 112: 1-4)

Allah created all that exist and the universe is 13.8 billion years old. Allah existed before the creation of the universe. Having created the universe He is over it - not in it.

“Allah is on His 'Arsh, (Throne) which is over the heavens and the earth!

“...His Kursi (Footstool) doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. For He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory).” (Qur'an 2:255)

Foot Note in “The Noble Qur'an” at 2:255 “Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: The Kursi compared to the 'Arsh is nothing but like a ring thrown out upon open space of the desert.” If the Kursi, footstool to the 'Arsh, extents over the entire Universe, then how much greater is the 'Arsh. Indeed Allah, the Creator of both the Kursi and the 'Arsh, is the Most Great!

“It is Allah Who has created the heavens and the earth, and all between them, in six Days, and then He established Himself on the 'Arsh (Throne) (of authority): you have none besides Him, to protect or intercede (for you): will ye not then receive admonition?” (Qur'an 32:4)

Allah lets us know that Prophet Muhammad is His messenger.

“Muhammad (SAW) is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last (end) of the Prophets. And Allah is Ever All¬Aware of everything.” (Qur'an 33:40)

Allah does not prescribe racism.

“O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [i.e. he is one of the pious]. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Qur'an 49:13)

Prophet Muhammad's (SAW) said in his farewell address: “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.”

“And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers' way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell - what an evil destination. Verily! Allah forgives not (the sin of) setting up partners (in worship) with Him, but He forgives whom He wills sins other than that, and whoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, has indeed strayed far away. They (all those who worship others than Allah) invoke nothing but female deities besides Him (Allah), and they invoke nothing but Shaitan (Satan), a persistent rebel! cursed him. And he [Shaitan (Satan)] said: "I will take an appointed portion of your slaves; Verily, I will mislead them, and surely, I will arouse in them false desires; and certainly, I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and indeed I will order them to change the nature created by Allah." And whoever takes Shaitan (Satan) as a Walî (protector or helper) instead of Allah, has surely suffered a manifest loss.” (Qur'an 115-119)

SHIRK!

The above lets us know that Fard and Elijah and now Louis are servants of Satan with the sole desire to lead all members of the NOI to the HELL FIRE by committing shirk!

Anyone who says that Allah came in the person of a man whom they pray to is committing shirk! Shirk means 'association'. The sin of shirk, association, is the fundamental state of being in revolt against Allah. Shirk is the opposite of surrender to Allah, which is acceptance and recognition of Allah's Reality: knowledge, or Islam. Because Islam is knowledge, it is initiated by the act of recognition: the shahadah. The shahadah is perceiving and declaring that “ None deserve worship but Allah!”

Allah says in the following about the seriousness of committing shirk.

“Verily, whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise to him, and the Hell Fire will be his abode. And for the wrong doers) there are no helpers.” (Qur'an 5:72)

Shirk is so serious that one who commits is loses past good.

“And indeed it has been revealed to you, as it was to those (Allah's Messengers) before you: "If you join others in worship with Allah, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be nullified and you shall certainly be among the losers." (Qur'an 39:65)

Can you imagine putting all your valuables in a safe and find out later when you really need it that there was a large whole in the bottom the safe and it is empty. Members of the NOI will be greatly surprised on Judgment Day when they find no GOOD DEEDS in their record and staring at the HELLFIRE.

Know for a fact: NOI is not Islam! Fard Muhammad is not Allah! Black man is not God! White man is not Devil! Members of NOI are not Muslims! Members of the NOI are Mushriks – those who commit shirk.

Members of the NOI may pray five times a day but...! In their mind they are praying to Master Fard Muhammad, therefore, committing shirk. All members of the NOI who have fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, cousins who died while being members of the Nation of Islam should be extremely upset for they died in the state of shirk and are destined to the HELLFIRE.

Present members of the NOI save yourselves! On Judgment Day Fard, Elijah or Louis will not be able to help save you – they won't be able save themselves! You will be on your own. Allah is extremely Merciful. Become a Muslim by going to a masjid (mosque) or Islamic center and recite with sincerity the Shahadah in front of Muslim witnesses.

The first step to being a Muslim who strives to submit to the Will of Allah is to bear witness that, “None deserve worship but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger”! This statement is known as the Shahadah.

NOTE: Allah, the Creator, the Lord - not some man who lived and died. Muhammad ibn Abdullah of fourteen hundred years ago - not Elijah Muhammad!

Once this is done all the sins committed in the individual's life up to that moment are forgiven. Now you are as sinless as a new born baby. Now the person is known as a Muslim.

Now, instead of being destined to the Hellfire now you are destined to Paradise!

QUALITIES OF A GOOD HUSBAND:

As salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu wa maghfiratuh! I was sent the following article, which gives extremely sound advise to Muslim husbands to improve their relationships with their wives. Note: As stated in a previous article Shaitan does not want a marriage to work, therefore, make every effort to apply these wonderful suggestions to your marriage; but know Shaitan may attack you! Do not allow him to stop you from having a happy wife; don't listen to him!

Muslimahs give this article to all your male family members that are married or old enough to get married, including your husband or future husband! May Allah (SWT) bless everyone with a happy and enduring marriage! Ameen!

_________________________________________________________

QUALITIES OF A GOOD HUSBAND: from Islamic Research Foundation.

Husbands with goals to Nurture Happy Wives…

No one ever thinks about the characteristics of a Muslim husband. It is always what a wife should do for the husband...and the list never ends; home management, tutoring, ferrying the kids, caring, cooking, cleaning, washing, working even; you name it, she’s doing it, so what about the brothers?

Our beloved Nabi (SAW) was not EVER lazy, so why are the men of this Ummah? It is quite interesting, so I thought I'd share it with you!!!

What a Muslim husband should be like...

• Dress up for your wife, look clean and smell good. When was the last time you went shopping for designer pajamas? Just like the husband wants his wife to look nice for him, she also wants her husband to dress up for her too. Remember that Nabi (SAW) would always start with Miswak when returning home and always loved the sweetest smells.

• Use the best names for your wife. Call your wife by the most beloved names to her, and avoid using names that hurt their feelings.

• Don't treat her like a fly. We never think about a fly in our daily lives until it 'bugs' us. Similarly, a wife will do well all day - which brings no attention from the husband - until she does something to 'bug' him. Don't treat her like this; recognize all the good that she does and focus on that.

• If you see wrong from your wife, try being silent and do not comment! This is one of the ways Nabi (SAW) used when he would see something inappropriate from his wives (R.A). It's a technique that few Muslim men have mastered.

• Smile at your wife whenever you see her and embrace her often. Smiling is Sadaqah and your wife is not exempt from the Muslim Ummah. Imagine life with her constantly seeing you smiling. Remember also those Ahadith when Nabi (SAW) would kiss his wife before leaving for Salaah, even when he was fasting.

• Thank her for all that she does for you. Then, thank her again! Take for example a dinner at your house. She makes the food, cleans the home, and a dozen other tasks to prepare before your return. And sometimes the only acknowledgment she receives is that there needed to be more salt in the soup. Don't let that be; thank her! Nabi (SAW) use to help his wives with the housework, he mended his own clothes, and patched his own footwear. Never forget –what your wife does for you without any assistance is actually out of her goodness, much of the tasks today’s wife does is actually a favor to you Acknowledge it. Be grateful.

• Ask her to write down the last ten things you did for her that made her happy. Then go and do them again. It may be hard to recognize what gives your wife pleasure. You don't have to play a guessing game, ask her and work on repeating those times in your life.

• Don't belittle her desires, comfort her, sometimes the men may look down upon the requests of their wives. Nabi (SAW) set the example for us in an incident when Safiyyah (R.A) was crying because, as she said, he had put her on a slow camel. He wiped her tears, comforted her and brought her the camel.

• Be humorous, play games with your wife, and surprise her once in a while with gifts. Nabi (SAW) encouraged the giving of gifts. Look at how Nabi (SAW) would race with his wife Aisha (R.A) in the desert. When was the last time we did something like that?

• Don’t ever refer to your wife in the third person, & never in a negative or mocking manner, even if you are right. Remember, she is the mother of your children. She deserves their respect & honor more than anyone else in the world. Don’t promote & advertise yourself as better than her. Let Allah be the judge, protect her dignity. Woman was not made from man’s head to be superior over, Nor his feet to be trampled on. She emerged from his side to walk next to, from under the arm to be protected & from near the heart to be loved & valued.

• Don’t feel intimidated by your woman’s strengths or aptitude, admire her, & treat her as an equal as in the eyes of Allah. Encourage her, support her & be there for her. Allah has not granted superiority of one over the other, but rather has assigned each different tasks according to the uniqueness of His male and female creation. Nabi (SAW) has said that if he would have commanded bowing to any other aside from Allah, it would have been the wife to the husband. This is not a matter to inflate your ego, but to underline how much you need to do for her so as to have earned this status. Remember your attitude towards her would determine the depth of her love for you, her appreciation, and the warmth of her behavior towards you.

• Don’t be a “ruler”. Be a mediator; compassionate, loving, understanding, compromising. This is what wins a woman’s heart, nothing more, nothing less. Hear her cries for acceptance, don’t complicate matters for her, make things easier. Always remember the words of Allah's Messenger (SAW): 'The best of you are those who treat their families the best. And I am the best amongst you to my family.' Try to be the best!

• Every time you see your wife, don’t order her to do something, Neither complain about anything. She’ll begin to avoid you and your company like the plague! Stop finding faults with her all the time, she’ll lose respect for you. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Use hikmah (tact), be diplomatic. and be considerate. Do things to develop her love for you and strengthen the bond.

• NEVER EVER COMPARE YOUR WIFE TO YOUR MOTHER, SISTER, SISTER-IN-LAW, OR ANY FEMALE, whose supposedly “better” at something than she is. Don’t praise other women so as to make her feel as if she “doesn’t-cut-the-cloth”. This spells disaster for her self-confidence, and stunts love between spouses. She’ll begin to feel inferior, and in her desire to live up to your expectations, she’ll soon feel taken for granted, because you’d never recognize her attempts, but always find something else that’s not right or needs to be bettered. Your wife will soon begin to despise you, she’d feel like your servant, a wall-fly, because it’s always “so hard to please you” and you’re “never satisfied”! So please be cognizant of this habit!

• In conclusion: Everyone has weaknesses, find agreeable ways of working around them together. Never forget to make Du'a to Allah (SWT) to make your marriage successful. And Allah (SWT) knows best!!

NOW BE BRAVE AND SEND THIS TO ALL FRIENDS  SO THAT THERE WILL BE POSITIVE CHANGES IN OUR MATRIMONIAL HOMES.       

Shaitan and Domestic Violence

The Causes and Treatment of Domestic Violence from an Islamic Perspective!

October is Domestic Violence (DV) Awareness Month. Domestic violence has effected all segments of society, all races, all nationalities and faith groups around the world; Muslims are victims as well! Of all faith groups Muslims are the only ones that should not be so overwhelmed by DV. However, due to lack of understanding of the root cause they are unable to deal with it properly. Muslims have joined Christians, Jews and and others in DV seminars and have resigned to discussing all the horrible results and all the surface symptoms without going to the root cause.

Like going to a doctor complaining of pain; many doctors treats the symptoms by prescribing

painkillers. The painkillers do lessen the pain but does absolutely nothing for the cause of the pain; so, the pain will return! Or it is like putting a two inch Band-Aid on a knife wound – the wound still hemorrhages!

At all Muslim programs on DV the discussion is almost the same as the interfaith programs. Most of the discussions are center around male abusers and female victims. The biggest difference with Muslim seminars is the discussions centers around the fact Muslim men should be kind to women and follow the way Prophet Muhammad (SAW) treated women. This is absolutely correct! However....!

How many abusers come to these seminars? If they did do anyone really believe that telling them to act like Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is going cause them to change! Will anyone there tell them why they are behaving this way? It should be noted that almost all abusers are sorry and regretful after their abuse – but they will do it again and again! Why?

Domestic violence is like all other violence, murder, assault, rape, oppression, verbal insult, etc. The only different is that DV is committed by a family member to a family member they claim to love. Why?

To deal effectively with DV one needs to understand the cause of violence! The root cause of all violence including DV is Shaitan.

Allah (SWT) said: "(O Iblis) get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced." (Iblis) said: "Allow me respite till the Day they are raised up (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)." (Allâh) said: "You are of those respited." (Iblis) said: "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You)." (Allâh) said (to Iblis) "Get out from this (Paradise) disgraced and expelled. Whoever of them (mankind) will follow you, then surely I will fill Hell with you all." (Qur'an 7:13-18)

Here we find the reason for the violence done by man. Iblis, Shaitan, is extremely angry and pledged to lead man to the Hell Fire! By persuading man to commit violence against another person almost guarantees his entrance to the Hell Fire; which is what Shaitan wants!

Shaitan's first victims were our parents, Adam (AS) and Hawwa (Eve); they were deceived by him!

"And O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in Paradise, and eat thereof as you both wish, but approach not this tree otherwise you both will be of the Zalimun (unjust and wrong-doers)." Then Shaitan (Satan) whispered suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their private parts (before); he said: "Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save that you should become angels or become of the immortals." And he (Shaitan) swore by Allâh to them both (saying): "Verily, I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you both." So he misled them with deception. Then when they tasted of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they began to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise (in order to cover their shame). And their Lord called out to them (saying): "Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily, Shaitan is an open enemy unto you?" They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers." (Qur'an 7:19-23)

The very first act of domestic violence was committed by Qabeel (Cain) when he killed his brother, Habeel (Abel)!

“And (O Muhammad SAW) recite to them (the Jews) the story of the two sons of Adam (Habeel and Qabeel — Abel and Cain)] in truth; when each offered a sacrifice (to Allâh), it was accepted from the one but not from the other. The latter said to the former: "I will surely kill you." The former said: "Verily, Allah accepts only from those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious)."If you do stretch your hand against me to kill me, I shall never stretch my hand against you to kill you, for I fear Allâh; the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinn, and all that exists).” (Qur'an 5:27-28)

Shaitan convinced Qabeel (Cain) to kill his brother Habeel (Abel).

Allah's (SWT) has warned us about Shaitan!

“O Children of Adam! Let not Shaitan (Satan) deceive you, as he got your parents [Adam and Hawwa (Eve)] out of Paradise, stripping them of their raiments, to show them their private parts. Verily, he and Qabîluhu (his soldiers from the jinn or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them. Verily, We made the Shayatin (devils) Auliya' (protectors and helpers) for those who believe not.” (Qur'an 7:27)

“O mankind! Verily, the Promise of Allah is true. So let not this present life deceive you, and let not the chief deceiver (Shaitan) deceive you about Allah. Surely, Shaitan (Satan) is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire.” (Qur'an 35 5-6)

“Verily, I will mislead them, and surely, I will arouse in them false desires; and certainly, I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and indeed I will order them to change the nature created by Allah." And whoever takes Shaitan (Satan) as a Wali (protector or helper) instead of Allâh, has surely suffered a manifest loss.” (Qur'an 4:119)

We, all, have been seduced and continue to be seduced by Shaitan and each one of us have been assigned our own personal shaitan that never leaves us.

Muslim recorded that Aisha narrated that one night the Prophet (SAW) left her room and she felt jealous. When he returned he saw her upset. He said to her, “Oh, Aisha, what has happened to you? Are you jealous?” She responded, “How could it be that a woman like myself would not be jealous with respect to a man like you?” He told her, “It was your shaitan that came to you.” She asked, “Oh, Messenger of Allah, is there a shaitan with me?” He said, “Yes.” She asked, “Is there a shaitan attached to everyone?” He said, “Yes.” She again asked, “Oh Messenger of Allah, even with you?” He answered, “Yes, but my Lord has aided me against him and, therefore, I am absolutely safe from his actions.”

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim and Musnad Ahmad that the (SAW) said, “There is none among you except that he has a partner entrusted to him from among the jinn.” The companions asked, “You too, Oh Messenger of Allah?” He responded, “Yes, but Allah aids me against him so I am safe from him and only orders me to do good.”

“And whosoever turns away blindly from the remembrance of the Most Gracious (Allâh) (i.e. this Qur'an and worship of Allah), We appoint for him Shaitan (Satan devil) to be a Qarin (a intimate companion) to him.” (Qur'an 43:36)

“And We have assigned them (devils) intimate companions (in this world), who have made fair-seeming to them,...” (Qur'an 41:25)

The root cause of domestic violence is Shaitan's whisperings to the heart of man. Violence is the key tool Shaitan uses to cause man that commit it to be lead to the Hell Fire. An incident of domestic violence has two victims not one. The greatest victim is the perpetrator! The he or she is the greatest victim because they have allow themselves to follow the whisperings of Shaitan and commit acts that will destine them to the Hell Fire!

The perpetrators of all violence have befriended Shaitan!

“And whosoever turns away blindly from the remembrance of the Most Gracious (Allâh) (i.e. this Qur'an and worship of Allâh), We appoint for him Shaitân (Satan devil) to be a Qarîn (a intimate companion) to him.” (Qur'an 43:36)

“Will you then take him (Iblîs) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me while they are enemies to you? What an evil is the exchange for the Zâlimûn (polytheists, and wrong-doers).”

(Qur'an 18:50)

“Allâh cursed him. And he [Shaitân (Satan)] said: "I will take an appointed portion of your slaves; (118)Verily, I will mislead them, and surely, I will arouse in them false desires; and certainly, I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and indeed I will order them to change the nature created by Allâh." And whoever takes Shaitân (Satan) as a Walî (protector or helper) instead of Allâh, has surely suffered a manifest loss.” (Qur'an 4:118-119)

“Allâh is the Walî (Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Auliyâ (supporters and helpers) are Tâghût [false deities and false leaders], they bring them out from light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will abide therein forever.” (Qur'an 2:257)

“Surely, Shaitân (Satan) is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire.” (Qur'an 35:6)

The perpetrator of violence is a victim destined to the Hell Fire, because he/she choice to listen to the whisperings of Shaitan! By listening to Shaitan's whisperings he/she becomes a follower or friend of Shaitan. In DV the perpetrator or abuser is a victim because of being tricked into believing the sincere advise of Shaitan. Shaitan is extremely good at giving sincere advise that will lead to destruction of those that listen and act on it!

Verily, We made the Shayâtin (devils) Auliyâ' (protectors and helpers) for those who believe not. (Qur'an 7:27)

And indeed Iblîs (Satan) did prove true his thought about them, and they followed him, all except a group of true believers (in the Oneness of Allâh). (Qur'an 34:20)

You cannot reason with the perpetrator because he/she is listening to Shaitan. The abuser cannot just stop his/her abuse because they have become friends with Shaitan and they are overwhelmed by him!

Now that we have determined the root cause of violence and DV we can apply the proper medical treatment! There are different levels of treatments; just like drug addiction! The first level is prevention! The prevention of DV must start with the potential abusers or the abuser. As Muslims we would like to believe all Muslims are striving to qualify to enter Jannah. Every Muslim wanting to achieve the greatest success must not forget their goal! Shaitan is extremely good in getting us to forget!

“And indeed We made a covenant with Adam before, but he forgot, and We found on his part no firm will-power.” (Qur'an 20:115)

“He said:"Do you remember when we betook ourselves to the rock? I indeed forgot the fish, none but Shaitân (Satan) made me forget to remember it. It took its course into the sea in a strange (way)!” (Qur'an 18:63)

“And he said to the one whom he knew to be saved: "Mention me to your lord (i.e. your king, so as to get me out of the prison)." But Shaitân (Satan) made him forget to mention it to his Lord [or Satan made [(Yûsuf (Joseph)] to forget the remembrance of his Lord (Allâh) as to ask for His Help, instead of others]. So [Yûsuf (Joseph)] stayed in prison a few (more) years” (Qur'an 12:42)

“Shaitân (Satan) has overpowered them. So he has made them forget the remembrance of Allâh. They are the party of Shaitân (Satan). Verily, it is the party of Shaitân (Satan) that will be the losers!” (Qur'an 58:19)

Muslims have forgotten that Shaitan is their avowed enemy! Therefore, they do little to nothing in fighting him. When it comes to DV Shaitan is the furthest from the minds of the abuser, the victim and those counselors of the DV victims! Shaitan has made everyone forget!

As part of the prevention there must be pre-marriage counseling by the imam warning the future married couple that Shaitan will attack them because they are doing something that is for the pleasure of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) established the institution of marriage; therefore, any time a man and a woman gets married this angers Shaitan and he wants to destroy the marriage! He should advise them to establish a home environment that Allah (SWT) is remembered 60/60/24/7 or at least 24/7.

The second part of first level of prevention is to create a defense in the homes since that is where DV is committed. As Muslims we are blessed to have the greatest ability to prevent DV. The best defense is a great offense! Muslims can take the offense against Shaitan's negative whisperings by Dhikr (remembering) Allah (SWT) 66/66/24/7, i.e., to bring Allah (SWT) to mind every second of every minute of every hour of every day. By doing this we will not forget, insha'Allah. Each member of the family must worship Allah (SWT) at home in this manor. They should make all five daily salats, Fard and Sunnahs. They should perform extra salats, Duha and Tahajjud. They should Dhikr, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah one hundred times each per day. By doing all the above and more Shaitan's whisperings will be nullified, insha'Allah! There will not be anywhere for DV to occur in the home! By doing these and other forms of Dhikr like reading the Qur'an regularly we will not forget but...if we forget!

Allah (SWT) has given us instruction as to what to do when we relies we have forgotten;

“...And remember your Lord when you forget ...” (Qur'an 18:24)

Along with Dhikr Allah each family member should always recite ayat Kursi (Qur'an 2:255) after every Fard salat. From time to time recite the entire Surah Al-Baqara (2^nd surah) in the home. Each member of the family should do all the other items that are in the arsenal to fight Shaitan. SEE ATTACHMENT! If the abuser truly desires to enter Jannan then he/she will be one who does all of the above.

It was narrated that Abu Umamah Al-Bahili (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said; “Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi immediately after each prescribed Prayer, there will be nothing standing between him and his entering Paradise except death.” [an-Nasa’l, Ibn Sunni, at-Tabarani, ibn Hibban - Sahih]

When you lie down in your bed, recite Ayat al-Kursi, and then you will have a protector from Allah and no shaitan will come near you until morning comes. [Saheed Bukhari]

It is narrated from Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said; “In Surat- al-Baqarah there is a verse which is the best of all the verses of Qur’an. It is never recited in a house but Shaitan leaves: Ayat al-Kursi.”

Abdullah bin Mas’ud (RA) narrates that a person said to the Prophet (SAW): “O Messenger of Allah (SAW), teach me something through which Allah (SWT) will give me benefit.” He said: “Continue reciting Ayatul Kursi. This will be a means of protection for you, your children and even those houses which are near your house.”

It is reported by at-Tabrani that the Prophet (SAW) said: “The one who recites Ayat al-Kursi after the conclusion of an obligatory prayer, he is under the care of Allah until the next prayer commences.” [at-Tabarani’s At Targheeb wat-Tarheeb (2:435)]

The second level of treatment is fighting back! Unfortunately, there are Muslim homes that DV is running rampant, husband abusing wife, wife abusing husband, husband and wife fighting each other, parents abusing children , children abusing parents, etc. Shaitan has set up home there and has settled in for a long stay. This can be stop! One member of the family must start doing all of the above. That one person then must get the others to do the same! Someone in the family must remind everyone the reason Allah (SWT) created them is to worship Him! This worship should be 60/60/24/7!

“And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).” (Qur'an 51:56)

When you start fighting back against Shaitan he will become very angry and come call in a army of his imps to get you back in line. Once you start to fight don't stop! SEE ATTACHMENT! Clean your home of Shaitan's influence!

Now lets deal with the victim of DV. Every victim has the same weapons to stop the attacks! What is stated here applies to any and all attacks of violence and DV. Remember Shaitan is the cause of all evil violent acts. First the potential victim should be one to Dhikr Allah (SWT) 60/60/24/7 if not then at least 24/7. To deal a with sudden violent attack she/he should recite out loud, ayat Kursi! Recite it over and over until the attacker stops! It does work; Allah (SWT) is the only One that can deal with Shaitan. By reciting ayat Kursi you are calling Allah (SWT) and Shaitan will run away, insha'Allah!

A wife at home alone and her husband has been abusive then should recite ayat Kursi out loud in her home just before he comes home. And do the same whenever she detects a violent event. A husband should do the same upon entering his home if his wife is the one who is abusive. Come in reciting ayat Kursi out loud. Don't shout just recite it out loud. Shaitan will run away – the potential DV as been prevented.

Now, if this does not work there is a more serious problem, the abuser is possessed. If a person is in the habit of Dhikr Allah (SWT) 60/60/24/7 they can excise the possessed person. However, if the person worships Allah (SWT) only 24/7 they should leave if reciting ayat Kursi does not work! This means the shaitan that has possessed the the person is very strong and doesn't fear them or anything they say or do. But a person who Dhikr 60/60/24/7 can deal with this without harm, insha'Allah. It is highly recommended that if reciting ayat Kursi does not work then the victim should leave and don't come back!

In shelters for women and children who have been victims of DV there should be a program to teach everyone there women and children all of the above! The shelter is home and all the members of the shelter are family and they all should Dhikr Allah 60/60/24/7.

The counselors of DV victims should teach them all the above, especially the victim who cannot leave home and go to a shelter. They need to be given more than, “Make du'a to Allah!” Prayer without action is like whistling in the wind! Give the action plan stated above! Insha'Allah, they will be okay!

The Muslim Ummah all around the world needs to FIGHT SHAITAN; everything stated here applies to all evil attacks of Shaitan not just DV. Study the ATTACKMENT and apply the information in your daily lives.

May Allah (SWT) bless each member of the Muslim Ummah with a life free of all violence including DOMESTIC VIOLENCE! Ameen!