Entries Tagged 'Islamic Knowledge' ↓

Hadhrat Imraan bin Husain (R.A.) relates that,

“I heard Rasulullah (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) saying: “Since the birth of Adam (A.S.) till the advent of Qiyamah there is no fitnah (evil, test) much greater that of Dajjal.”

Dajjal is the greatest fitnah of the world as mentioned by the prophet. It is believed that he would lead people to fire. He would give rise to conflict, war and bloodshed.

Who is Antichrist (Dajjal)

Antichrist is one of the signs of end of times. He would emerge before the doomsday and organize the evil powers together to fight against good. This would turn the people away from religious and moral values.

Dajjal would deceive the people with weak faith and lead them to the edge of fire. These people would follow him because of Dajjal displaying magic, hypnotism, false miracle etc. People with lack of knowledge and weak faith would follow him. He would be the major source of violence, terror and evil.

In view of Quran

In one verse it is stated that: If someone shuts his eyes to the remembrance of the All-Merciful, We assign him a satan who becomes his bosom friend (Surat Az-Zukhruf: 36)

Each time they kindle the fire of war, Allah extinguishes it. They rush about the earth corrupting it. Allah does not love corrupters. (Surat Al-Ma’ida: 64)

Those who are unbelievers are the friends and protectors of one another. If you do not act in this way there will be turmoil in the land and great corruption. ( Surat Al-Anfal: 73)

The above ayahs draw the true picture of the evil forces of the world. Satan is the friend of people who have deviated and who have weak faith. This is why Dajjal would follow satan. He would be scared of satan instead of being scared of Allah.

In view of Hadith

Prophet of Allah, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, said,

“There will be three hard years before the Dajjal (appears). During them, people will be stricken by a great famine. In the first year, Allah will command the sky to withhold a third of its rain, and the earth to withhold a third a third of its produce. In the second year, Allah will command the sky to withhold two thirds of its rain, and the earth to withhold two thirds of its produce. In the third year, Allah will command the sky to withhold all of its rain, and it will not rain a single drop of rain. He will command the earth to withhold all of its produce, and no plant will grow. All hoofed animals will perish, except that which Allah wills.” He (sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) was asked, ‘What sustains people during that time?’ He said, “Tahlil, takbir and tahmid (Saying, la ilaha ill Allah, Allahu Akbar and al-hamdulillah). This will sustain them just as food does.”

[Sahih Al-Jami` as-Saghir, no. 7875]

Signs of appearance

According to hadees it is evident that Dajjal will hide in a rocky place and it is believed that this rocky place Haram Sharif. In the same time it is evident from hadees that imam Mehdi will lead the forces of the believers against Dajjal. Jesus and Mehdi would say prayers together at bait ul muqadas.

Menace

The chaos caused by the Dajjal has its roots laid in the world. As we can see the conflicts between the countries and it has no valid reason for it. Terrorism is on its peak. Muslims are surrendered by bloodshed and pain in the present time. We can see turmoil and menace of the fitnah of Dajjal in the world.

How to protect ourselves

Holy Quran is the only way to succeed in the time of Dajjal. We should read, learn Quran and implement its teachings to take refuge in Allah’s shelter.

According to hadees following dua should be recited for taking refugee:

O Allah! I seek Your protection from the torture of hell, and I seek Your protection from the torture of the grave, and I seek refuge with You from the mischief of life and death, and I seek Your protection from the mischief of Dajjal pretending as Messiah.
[Sahih al-Bukhari 2:102, Muslim 1:412, 588]

Miswak is a twig that has been used since ages for oral hygiene. Studies show that miswak works better then a tooth paste. Muslims use it now as well as it is believed that the last Prophet used it.

A few important benefits of Miswak

• Miswak is used as an effective anti-bacterial for teeth, by kill gum diseases that cause bacteria formation. Thus keeps teeth healthy and safe.  It kills a bacterium that causes periodontal disease.
• Another reason miswak is an effective oral hygienic element as it fights plaque with is natural comment.
• It effectively Fights against caries.
• While your teeth are healthy your mouth doesn’t smell bad. It has its natural fragrance that keeps your mouth sell good.
• It acts like a brush to. Brushes between the teeth as well and keeps them clean. It has parallel bristles to its stick. Therefore it not only acts a tooth brush or a tooth paste it also acts like floss.
• Miswak also Increases salivation and hence restrains dry mouth (Xerostomia).
• It is 20 times more effective than ordinary mint. Studies show that ordinary mint only kills3.6% of bacteria while mint laced with miswak killed up to 60 % of bacteria.

It prevents gingivitis provided it is used correctly.

Studies show that there are positive effects of reading Quran on heart rate, Psychology and blood pressure.

There has been very little research on the effects of holy Qur’an on human body. According to research by, Vander Hoven from Netherlands stated that “Muslims who can read Arabic and who read the Holy Qur’an regularly can protect themselves from psychological diseases”.

Yucel Salih (2007) “there are statistical changes in body temperature and respiratory rate, but they are not significant enough to support the positive effects of prayer on physical well-being”. He also stated that “the current study found statistically significant changes of physiological conditions, and the study supports the hypothesis that prayer does have positive effects on physiology”.

There was such a research also carried out at University of Sal ford. Heart rate, blood pressure and perceived stress levels were measured before and after reading Surah Alam Nashrah and Surah Al Rahman from the Holy Qur’an.

The participants heart rate, blood pressure and perceived stress levels decreased after reading Surah Alam Nashrah, Surah Al Rahman from the Holy Qur’an.10 Muslim psychology undergraduates were interviewed.

Another research carried out on ten Muslim students. It educates and guides the reader to living a good life. It increases the faith and relaxes them. That has an effect on the psychology of Muslim students.

There are psychological and physiological effects on a person reading Quran. It lower downs the perceived stress levels, heart rate and blood pressure of the person reading Quran.

Salat is an obligatory act of worship for Muslims. The importance of Salat has been given in the Quran.

God says “Surely Prayer restrains one from indecency”. (29:46) Surah e Luqman

The benefits of Salat are as follows:

1. Salat is an exercise that reduces cholesterol in the body that causes heart failures, strokes, diabetes and many other ailments.
2. Salat is an exercise that prevents indigestion.
3. In salat the part of takbir increases the flow of blood towards torso.
4. In tashah’hud provides a form of relaxation to our entire body and releases tension.
5. In sajda when you touch your fore head on the ground increases fresh supply of blood to our brain.
6. Holy Prophet said, “There is an organ in the body, when it is healthy, the whole body is healthy, and when this is sick, the entire body becomes sick”. It is the heart. Salat gives exercise to the heart and makes one healthy.
7. Salat has many orthopedic benefits for all Muslims. Salat is a perfect exercise to protect the body from Bacteria and viruses’. It prevents the body forms the diseases like arthritis, painful joints and paralysis.

Indeed it is true that there is cure in salat.

It is easy to understand how the idea of Muslims praying five mandatory prayers a day is misunderstood to mean that they pray only those five observances and no more. The key word here is mandatory.

Muslims should know the great status of fajr in the sight of Allah. Allah (SWT) says (interpretation of the meaning) “Establish regular prayers at the sun’s decline till the darkness of the night, and the recital of the Qur’an in the fajr prayer, for the recital of the fajr is witnessed” (Al-Israa 17:78)

In addition, the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever prays the fajr prayer in congregation, it is as if he (or she) had prayed the whole night long.” [Muslim & Tirmidhi]. Now, to show the seriousness of missing this prayer, we present the Hades of the Prophet (PBUH) “The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are ishaa and fajr, but if they only knew what they contain, they would come even if they had to crawl.” [Ahmad]

The Fajr (dawn) prayer is amongst the most important acts of worship, being one of the five obligatory prayers. Unfortunately many of us have become so used to missing it at its prescribed time – which ends at sunrise – that we have forgotten its position in our religion, and barely feel anything is wrong when we wake up in the morning for work or school without having performed the fajr prayer. On the other hand, if one of us was to miss a job interview or a flight, we all know how disappointed he or she would feel.

Do not let Satan benefit from his actions. Do not put off a good that you intended to do as you never know how much reward you might receive from the hardships you encounter while trying to achieve that good.

We are living in the age of computers, laser surgeries, advanced medical treatments, and cloning! In today’s world of constant scientifically groundbreaking discoveries, how can we accept that Allah’s revelation, The Quran, did not reveal this all before? Believing the entire world to be created by God Himself, the Qur’an revealed 1400 years ago contains 1000 verses of scientific knowledge, and none of them contradicting with today’s scientific facts and discoveries. (SubhanAllah)

Apart from guiding mankind personal, social, moral and spiritual areas, the Quran doesn’t stop here and also throws light on varied scientific topics like astronomy, geology, embryology, genetics, biology, archeology an much more. Following lines will show you that Quran is truly a divine gift of Lord upon His creators. Read on.

The Big Bang Theory and Quran!

• Modern Science: Astronomers of today accept the big bang philosophy for the creation of this universe. According to the theory, 15billion years ago a primordial mass exploded and the universe was formed. This was discovered somewhere in 1973.
• The Quran: “Do not the unbelievers see that the Heavens and the earth were joined together, and then We split them apart.” (21:30)

Expansion of the Universe

• Modern science: “The universe is not static, as had previously been thought, it is expanding”
• The Quran: “And the firmament, We constructed with power and skill and verily We are expanding it” (51:47)

Reality of Sun’s Orbit

• Modern Science: Previous theories stated that sun is motionless in the center of the solar system with all the planets revolving around it. But modern science tells us today that the sun too is in motion along with the planets, and travels at 150 miles per second takes about 200 million years to complete one revolution around the center of our Milky Way Galaxy and 25 days to make one complete rotation around its own axis.
• The Quran: “It is He who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon, all (the celestial bodies) swim along, each in its orbit with its own motion.” (21:33)

Invasion of Space by Human Beings

• Modern Science: After launching of the Russian Satellite, Sputnik I in 1957, the human interest in the space took form. Entailed by several incidents including man’s landing on moon, human dream of conquering space was given a reality.
• The Quran: “O assembly of Jinns and humans, if you can penetrate the regions of the heavens and the earth, then penetrate them! You will not penetrate them save with a power (of God).” (55:33)

Earth’s Ozone Layer

• Modern Science: Science proves that Earth is frequently attacked by meteoroids that collapse by sun rays. Similarly the dangerous UV radiation is absorbed by the Ozone layer around our planet, thus protecting it and making us live on earth.
• The Quran: “And We have made the atmosphere a protective roof, yet do they turn away from the Signs which these things point to.” (21:32)

The Creation of Mankind:

• Modern Science: Through powerful microscopes, ultra sound and fiber optics technology, the science of embryology shows that life is generated by eggs. Here are the processes defined by modern embryology:

1. Fertilization takes place with only one sperm among several tens of millions produced by man.
2. Implantation of the blastocyst in the uterus
3. The human embryo is similar to a leech from days 7-24, when it clings to the endometrium of the uterus.
4. The internal ears appear before the eyes, and the brain appears last.

• The Quran:

1. “God fashioned man from a small quantity (of sperm)” (16:4)
2. “Then We placed him as a drop in a place of rest” (23:13)
3. “Then We made the drop into a leech like structure…” (23:14)
4. “And He (God) gave you hearing and sight and feeling and understanding.” (32:9)

The Quran describes not only the development of external form but also the internal stages – the stages inside the embryo of its creation and development, emphasizing major events recognized by contemporary science.

Existence of Two Genders

• Modern Science: Science tells us that everything from animals to plants and even bacteria are divided into pairs, male and female.

• The Quran: “Hallowed is He, Who created pairs in all things, those that grow from the earth and of themselves, and what they know not.” (36:36)

“Pray to me and I will hear your prayer” Quran (40:60).

Namaz, Salah or Prayer is obligatory on every Muslim man and woman after reaching adolescence. Among all the wonderful benefits of praying, here is why Prayer is so important a deed in Islam:

• Allah Is With Those Who Pray

“Oh ye who believe! Seek help with perseverance and prayer: for God is with those who patiently persevere (11:153)

• Prayer Leads to Taqwa

“This is the Book in which there is no doubt, a guidance for those who have taqwa; who believe in the unseen, and who establish Salah, and spend out of what we have provided for them” (2: 2-3)

• Prayer Is a Believer’s Deed

“The believers, men and women, are protecting friends of one another; they enjoin good and forbid evil, and they establish Salah, and give Zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them, and surely, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” (9: 71)

• Prayer Results in Allah’s Blessings

“So whatever you have been given is but (a passing) enjoyment for this worldly life, but that which is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. And those who avoid the great sins and lewdness, and when they are angry, they forgive. And those who answer the Call of their Lord, and perform the Salah, and who conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, and who spend of what We have bestowed on them.” (42:36-38)

• Prayer Reward in Akhirat

“Truly, those who believe and do righteous deeds, and perform Salah, and give Zakah, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (2:277)

• Prayers Keep You In Connection With the Almighty

“When have finished performing the Salah, remember Allah standing, sitting, and reclining, but when you are free from danger, perform the Salah. Surely, Salah is enjoined on the believers at
fixed times.” (4:103)

• Command of Allah to Observe Prayers

“Guard strictly the Salah, especially the middle Salah. And stand before Allah with obedience.” (2:238)

• Prayers Are A Way To Seek Allah’s Help

“Oh you who believe! Seek help through patience and Salah. Truly, Allah is with those who are patient.” (2:153)

• Importance of Friday Prayer

“Oh you who believe! When the call is made for the Salah on Friday, come to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business. That is better for you, if you only knew! And when the Salah has ended, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah, and remember Allah much so that you may be successful.” (62:09-10)

• Prayer Prevents From Satan

“Shaytaan desires only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from Salah. So will you then not abstain
(from these evils)?” (5:91)

• Prayer Saves from Troubles

“Recite that which has been revealed to you of the Book, and perform Salah. Verily, Salah prevents from lewdness and evils. And indeed, the remembrance of Allah (by you) is greatest. And Allah knows what you do.” (29:45)

• Only Those Who Pray Can Be Your Good Friends

“Indeed, your protecting friend (Wali) is none other than Allah, His Messenger, and the Believers who establish Salah, and give Zakat, and bow down (in prayer). (5: 55)

• Prayer and Women

“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, and perform Salah, and give Zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah wishes only to remove uncleanness from you, Oh people of the House, and to purify you with a thorough purification.” (33:33)

• Not Observing Prayer Is a Hypocrite’s Act

“Verily, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allah, but it is He who deceives them; When they stand up for Salah, they stand with laziness, only to be seen by men; and they do not remember Allah but a little.” (4:142)

• Leaving Prayer Causes Kufr

“(And remain always) turning to Him (only), and be fearful and dutiful towards Him, and perform Salah and be not of those who commit Shirk.” (30: 31)

• Leaving Prayers Destroys A Nation!

“Then, there came after them a generation who gave up Salah and followed lusts; so they will be thrown in Hell.” (19: 59)

Everyone in this world is well aware of the fact that this life is mortal. All of us are sent in to this world for some specific time after that we have to dwell in eternal life which starts after the end of this life. Humans pass through different phases after the death i.e. separation of soul from body, life, in grave and the most important event that will happen on the Day of Judgment is when we will be held accountable for our deeds and when we will be questioned by our Lord Allah (S.W.T.) as He says in Qur’an:

“Then surely, We shall question those (people) to whom it (the book) was sent and verily, We shall question the Messengers.” ( Al-A’raf, 6 and 7)

Two Methods of Accountability

On the Day of Judgment, every human being who is sent into this world in any era will be stood together at a place where they will be held accountable in front of God as He says in Qur’an:

“The Day is approaching when every soul shall find itself confronted with whatever good it has done and whatever evil it has wrought. It will then wish there is a wide space between it and the Day! Allah warns you to beware of Him; He is most tender towards His servants.” (Surat Al-Imran, 30)

There will be two methods of accountability,

• Those who have successfully spent their lives according to the teachings of Allah and His Prophet (PBUH) will be directly sent to the paradise to live an eternal life with all the blessing they have been promised for and will be considered as the most successful people.

They will say: “Praise be to Allah Who has fulfilled His promise to us and made us the inheritors of this land, letting us settle in Paradise wherever we want. How excellent is the wage of those who work.” (Surat az-Zumar, 74)

• Those who used to commit evil things in the worldly life will be questioned about their bad acts and surely they will have no answer for it except shame on their own deeds and begging pardon for their wrongdoings but the time of forgiveness will be over. Those people will be sent to hell fire where they will be tortured for their sins until they complete their punishments.

On the Day when those who were unbelievers are exposed to the Fire, [it will be said to them]: “You dissipated the good things you had in your worldly life, and enjoyed yourself in it. So today you are being repaid with the punishment of humiliation for being arrogant in the earth without any right, and for being deviators.” (Surat al-Ahqaf, 20)

First Question for the Mankind

Prayer is the very first question that will be asked from the people on the Day of Judgment. If a person performs prayers with the extreme quality, then the person will be saved. If the prayers were done incompletely or half-heartedly, then his voluntary prayers will suffice for the shortcomings.

Prophet (PBUH) said:

The Messenger (S.A.W.) told us in an authentic hadith , “The first thing the people will be accountable for on the Day of Judgment is prayer, Allah will say to His angels (even though he already knows) : “Look at my servants prayers. Were they complete or not?” If they were complete it will be written as complete. If they were not fully complete Allah will say: “See if my servant has voluntary prayers, if he has them Allah will say: Complete his obligatory prayers shortage with his voluntary prayers.” Then the rest of his deeds will be dealt with in the same manner.” (Reported by Imams Ahmad, Abu Dawood, An-Nisa’i, and Al-Hakim)

Five Things that will be Asked

The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told us about five major questions that will be asked, and no one can bypass these prosecutions.

1. How he lived his life?
2. How he utilized his youth?
3. What means did he earn his wealth?
4. How did he spend his wealth?
5. What did he do with his knowledge?

There are lots of other question that will be asked from us e.g. all of our covenants and promises that have made in our lives, hearing, our vision, and our hearts.

“And fulfill (every) covenant. Verily! The covenant will be questioned about.” ( Surat Al-Israa, Verse 34)

“Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those, you will be questioned (by Allah)” ( Surat Al-Israa, Verse 36)

Conclusion

Muslims should consider themselves very lucky by having told about the day of judgment in such clear words and have Qur’an, Hadith and Sunnah to learn and live the life according to them so that at the Day of Judgment we stand amongst the believers and successful people. The good believer is the one who prepares himself for those difficult events by getting closer to Allah (S.W.T), by doing good deeds, and by staying away from what Allah has forbidden, so that he will be among those who receive their book of deeds on the Day of Judgment in their right hand and Allah will enter them into paradise.