Muslims who commit grave sins are still believers as long as they did not commit an act that amounts to disbelief in Almighty Allah who says in the Qur'an: [Surely Allah does not forgive that anything should be associated with Him, and He forgives what is besides this to whom He pleases…](An-Nisaa’4: 116).
Therefore, we have to deal with them as Muslims and never lose hope in reforming them, since the door of repentance is wide open and Almighty Allah may guide them to the straight path.
We do not have the right to mistreat or dishonor them; however, our duties towards them are to give advice, guide, and remind them of Allah's punishment and that death comes suddenly and that this life is short. If they respond to our advice, we have to thank Almighty Allah, but if they insist on wrongdoing, we should realize that we are only advisors, not judges. Almighty Allah says in the Qur'an: [The duty of the messenger is only to convey (the message). Allah knoweth what ye proclaim and what ye hide.](Al-Ma’idah5: 99) And, He also says for Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)[Thereforedoremind, for you are only a reminder. You are not a watcher over them.](Al-Ghashiyah88: 21-22)
In his response to your question, Dr. Salah Sultan, president of the American Center for Islamic Research, Columbus, Ohio, and Member of the European Council for Fatwa and Research, states:
Since they are not in a Muslim country, you have no other option but to advise them and invite them gently to give up these sins. If they respond positively, they should be told to make a contract of marriage to change this relationship into one that is halal. We cannot label them as kafir because of their sinfulness; that is not the attitude a Muslim should take towards people who are not following the right path.
A Muslim is supposed to follow the example of the man mentioned in SuratAl-Kahf. When this man saw that his friend had disbelieved, he started questioning him gently: [His companion said to him, in the course of the argument with him: "Do you deny Him Who created you out of the dust, then out of a sperm-drop, then fashioned you into a man?" But (I think) for my part that He is Allah, my Lord, and none shall I associate with my Lord.](Al-Kahf 18:37-38)
So, he argued with his friend gently and started inviting him to give up disbelieving in Almighty Allah. We should take the same approach with the people mentioned in the question.
7.26.2009
Showing Off Fatwa: Islamonline.net
Sincerity is the essence of worshipping Almighty Allah. However, it is easier said than done. Man is always tempted to be praised and commended. Gaining favor with people for being religious and pious, and thus, enjoying their trust and respect, drives many people to talk about their acts of worship and use them as means of publicity.
Answering this question, Sheikh M. S. Al-Munajjid, a prominent Saudi Muslim lecturer and author, said:
If a person wants to stop himself from showing off, he has to do the following things to be rid of this problem:
1. Be always mindful that Almighty Allah is ever watchful over His servants: This is the status of ihsan which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned to Jibreel (peace be upon him), defining it as “to worship Allah as if you can see Him, and even though you cannot see Him, He can see you.” (Muslim)
When a person feels that Almighty Allah is always watching him, what other people think will become insignificant, and this will make him respect and fear Almighty Allah alone.
2. Seeking the help of Allah to rid himself of the habit of showing off: Almighty Allah says that the believers should say: (You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help.) (Al-Fatihah 1:5) One of the things that will be of benefit in this matter is seeking the help of Almighty Allah and calling upon Him. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “O people, beware of shirk, for it is more subtle than the footsteps of an ant." The one whom Almighty Allah willed should speak, said to him, “How can we beware of it when it is more subtle than the footsteps of an ant, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Say, Allaahumma innaa na`oodhu bika min an nushrika bika shay’an na`lamuhu wa nastaghfiruka limaa laa na`lam (O Allah, we seek refuge with You from knowingly associating anything with You, and we seek Your forgiveness for that which we do unknowingly).” (Ahmad)
3. Knowing the consequences of showing off and how it will be judged in the Hereafter: Not knowing this leads a person to fall into this sin or persisting in it. The person should realize that showing off destroys all his actions (i.e., cancels out the reward), and that it incurs the wrath of Almighty Allah. The wise person does not waste his energy in doing things that do not bring any reward, let alone deeds that incur the wrath and anger of Almighty Allah.
One of the greatest hadiths concerning the punishment in the Hereafter of those who show off is the following, in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“When the Day of Resurrection comes, Allah, may He be blessed and exalted, will come to judge between His slaves, and every nation will be kneeling. The first ones to be called forth will be a man who learned the Qur’an by heart, a man who fought for the sake of Allah, and a man who had a lot of wealth. Allah will say to the Qur’an-reader, ‘Did I not teach you that which I revealed to My Messenger?’ He will say, ‘Yes, O Lord.’ He will say, ‘What did you do with that which I taught you?’ He will say, ‘I used to read it night and day.’ Allah will say to him, ‘You have lied,’ and the angels will say to him, ‘You have lied.’ Allah will say, ‘Rather you wanted it to be said that so and so is a reader of the Qur’an, and that is what was said.’ Then the wealthy man will be brought forth, and Allah will say to him, ‘Did I not give you ample provision so that I did not leave you in need of anybody?’ He will say, ‘Yes, O Lord.’ He will say, ‘What did you do with that which I gave you?’ He will say, ‘I used to keep the ties of kinship and give in charity.’ Allah will say to him, ‘You have lied,’ and the angels will say to him, ‘You have lied.’ Allah will say, ‘Rather you wanted it to be said that so and so is generous, and that is what was said.’ Then the one who was killed for the sake of Allah will be brought forth and Allah will say to him, ‘Why were you killed?’ He will say, ‘I was commanded to fight in Jihad for Your sake, so I fought until I was killed.’ Allah will say to him, ‘You have lied,’ and the angels will say to him, ‘You have lied.’ Allah will say, ‘You wanted it to be said that so and so was courageous, and that is what was said.’” Then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) struck my knee, and said, “O Abu Hurairah, these three are the first of the creation of Allah who will be dragged into the Fire on the Day of Resurrection.” (Al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban, and Ibn Khuzaymah)
4. Thinking about the punishment in this world for showing off: Just as there will be a punishment in the Hereafter for showing off, there is also a punishment for it in this world, which is that Allah will expose him and make his bad intentions known to others. This is one of the interpretations of the hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): “Whoever shows off, Allah will expose him.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Ibn Hajar said: Al-Khattabi said that this means: Whoever does something that is not sincerely for the sake of Allah, merely wanting people to see him and hear him, will be punished for that – Allah will expose him and make known what he is concealing.
5. Concealing worship and not making a display of it: The further away a person gets from places where his worship can be seen, the safer he is from showing off. Whoever looks for places where people gather, Satan makes him keen to show off his worship so that they will praise him for it.
The acts of worship which should be hidden are those which are not obligatory or those in which it is not the Sunnah to do them openly, such as Qiyam Al-Layl, and giving charity. This does not apply to giving the Adhan, praying in congregation and other things which cannot and should not – according to Shari`ah – be hidden.
We ask Almighty Allah to make our words and deeds sincere, and to forgive us if we ever show off.
Answering this question, Sheikh M. S. Al-Munajjid, a prominent Saudi Muslim lecturer and author, said:
If a person wants to stop himself from showing off, he has to do the following things to be rid of this problem:
1. Be always mindful that Almighty Allah is ever watchful over His servants: This is the status of ihsan which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) mentioned to Jibreel (peace be upon him), defining it as “to worship Allah as if you can see Him, and even though you cannot see Him, He can see you.” (Muslim)
When a person feels that Almighty Allah is always watching him, what other people think will become insignificant, and this will make him respect and fear Almighty Allah alone.
2. Seeking the help of Allah to rid himself of the habit of showing off: Almighty Allah says that the believers should say: (You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help.) (Al-Fatihah 1:5) One of the things that will be of benefit in this matter is seeking the help of Almighty Allah and calling upon Him. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “O people, beware of shirk, for it is more subtle than the footsteps of an ant." The one whom Almighty Allah willed should speak, said to him, “How can we beware of it when it is more subtle than the footsteps of an ant, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Say, Allaahumma innaa na`oodhu bika min an nushrika bika shay’an na`lamuhu wa nastaghfiruka limaa laa na`lam (O Allah, we seek refuge with You from knowingly associating anything with You, and we seek Your forgiveness for that which we do unknowingly).” (Ahmad)
3. Knowing the consequences of showing off and how it will be judged in the Hereafter: Not knowing this leads a person to fall into this sin or persisting in it. The person should realize that showing off destroys all his actions (i.e., cancels out the reward), and that it incurs the wrath of Almighty Allah. The wise person does not waste his energy in doing things that do not bring any reward, let alone deeds that incur the wrath and anger of Almighty Allah.
One of the greatest hadiths concerning the punishment in the Hereafter of those who show off is the following, in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“When the Day of Resurrection comes, Allah, may He be blessed and exalted, will come to judge between His slaves, and every nation will be kneeling. The first ones to be called forth will be a man who learned the Qur’an by heart, a man who fought for the sake of Allah, and a man who had a lot of wealth. Allah will say to the Qur’an-reader, ‘Did I not teach you that which I revealed to My Messenger?’ He will say, ‘Yes, O Lord.’ He will say, ‘What did you do with that which I taught you?’ He will say, ‘I used to read it night and day.’ Allah will say to him, ‘You have lied,’ and the angels will say to him, ‘You have lied.’ Allah will say, ‘Rather you wanted it to be said that so and so is a reader of the Qur’an, and that is what was said.’ Then the wealthy man will be brought forth, and Allah will say to him, ‘Did I not give you ample provision so that I did not leave you in need of anybody?’ He will say, ‘Yes, O Lord.’ He will say, ‘What did you do with that which I gave you?’ He will say, ‘I used to keep the ties of kinship and give in charity.’ Allah will say to him, ‘You have lied,’ and the angels will say to him, ‘You have lied.’ Allah will say, ‘Rather you wanted it to be said that so and so is generous, and that is what was said.’ Then the one who was killed for the sake of Allah will be brought forth and Allah will say to him, ‘Why were you killed?’ He will say, ‘I was commanded to fight in Jihad for Your sake, so I fought until I was killed.’ Allah will say to him, ‘You have lied,’ and the angels will say to him, ‘You have lied.’ Allah will say, ‘You wanted it to be said that so and so was courageous, and that is what was said.’” Then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) struck my knee, and said, “O Abu Hurairah, these three are the first of the creation of Allah who will be dragged into the Fire on the Day of Resurrection.” (Al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban, and Ibn Khuzaymah)
4. Thinking about the punishment in this world for showing off: Just as there will be a punishment in the Hereafter for showing off, there is also a punishment for it in this world, which is that Allah will expose him and make his bad intentions known to others. This is one of the interpretations of the hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): “Whoever shows off, Allah will expose him.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Ibn Hajar said: Al-Khattabi said that this means: Whoever does something that is not sincerely for the sake of Allah, merely wanting people to see him and hear him, will be punished for that – Allah will expose him and make known what he is concealing.
5. Concealing worship and not making a display of it: The further away a person gets from places where his worship can be seen, the safer he is from showing off. Whoever looks for places where people gather, Satan makes him keen to show off his worship so that they will praise him for it.
The acts of worship which should be hidden are those which are not obligatory or those in which it is not the Sunnah to do them openly, such as Qiyam Al-Layl, and giving charity. This does not apply to giving the Adhan, praying in congregation and other things which cannot and should not – according to Shari`ah – be hidden.
We ask Almighty Allah to make our words and deeds sincere, and to forgive us if we ever show off.
One Religion Different Interpretations: fatwa: islamonline.net
Difference of opinions could be a healthy phenomenon and could also be a damaging one. This depends on the nature of disagreement and how it is perceived and tackled.
There are clear injunctions for Muslims to maintain unity and avoid division. Almighty Allah says: (And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves) (Aal `Imran 3.103) and says: (and fall into no disputes, lest ye lose heart and your power depart) (Al-Anfal 8:48)
However, this did not withhold Muslim jurists and thinkers from employing their intellects in comprehending and interpreting the divine message expressed in the Qur'an and the Sunnah. This, for a variety of reasons, has resulted in a wide range of interpretations that have enriched the intellectual debates throughout the Muslim history. Of course, not all of these interpretations are correct, acceptable, or even excusable.
Therefore, a group of Muslim scholars have occupied themselves with establishing the criteria and methodology of how to differentiate proper interpretations from improper ones. The unprecedented science of Usul al-fiqh provide the basic tools necessary to approach shari`ah texts and the requirements for those eligible for practicing this interpretation.
Responding to the issue you have raised, Dr. Hatem Al-Haj, Professor of Fiqh at Shari`ahAcademy of America, stated:
Allah says, (If your Lord had so willed, He would have made mankind one people, but they will not cease to differ, except those on whom Your Lord has bestowed His mercy, and for this did He create them.) (11: 118-119).
Human beings are diverse and different in their mental capabilities, world views, perceptions and thoughts. All these are catalysts to having multiplicity of opinions and judgments. When the constitution of the USA, which was written only about 200 years ago by humans, is interpreted by the Supreme Court, the judges differ in their interpretations and it is usually 5/4 or 6/3 division. Difference of opinions is not equal to dissension and doesn't necessarily lead to it if the intentions are sincere and the methodology of deduction is sound and the ethics of disagreement are observed.
Let us follow those parameters to avoid the abhorred and forbidden dissension. Allah says, (And be not as those who divided and differed among themselves after the clear proofs had come to them. It is they for whom there is an awful torment.) (Aal `Imarn 3:105)
Let us cherish the intellectual freedom of our religion, and let us cherish the lack of papal hierarchy.
There are several benefits for healthy disagreement and variety of opinions that have always existed in our Ummah since the time of the Sahabah. Of those benefits is to protect the religion from human fallibility when people agree on something wrong, and of them is to stimulate the great intellectual discourse with the subsequent intellectual vitality which all resulted in this great fiqhi heritage of ours.
The disagreement over the ruling of covering the face and whether it is mandatory is an old one; and though the majority believes it is not mandatory, the other position can't be discredited and the legitimacy of doing so is a matter of consensus. Men and women are different and equity is what Allah prescribed, but their roles will continue to vary.
The media may not say the truth at times and may spin it at other times. So, don't base your opinions about your fellow Muslims on what you watch on FOX news. Having said this, there is a kind of extremism within some Muslims. There is also laxity in others, and that is a much bigger problem in my view.
The only way to deal with both sides is to refer them to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, as Allah says, (O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.) (Al-Nisa` 4:59)
The people who are most capable of referring matters to Allah and His Messenger are the trustworthy scholars who are deeply-grounded in knowledge. Allah says, (…if only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly).) (An-Nisa': 83)
There are clear injunctions for Muslims to maintain unity and avoid division. Almighty Allah says: (And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves) (Aal `Imran 3.103) and says: (and fall into no disputes, lest ye lose heart and your power depart) (Al-Anfal 8:48)
However, this did not withhold Muslim jurists and thinkers from employing their intellects in comprehending and interpreting the divine message expressed in the Qur'an and the Sunnah. This, for a variety of reasons, has resulted in a wide range of interpretations that have enriched the intellectual debates throughout the Muslim history. Of course, not all of these interpretations are correct, acceptable, or even excusable.
Therefore, a group of Muslim scholars have occupied themselves with establishing the criteria and methodology of how to differentiate proper interpretations from improper ones. The unprecedented science of Usul al-fiqh provide the basic tools necessary to approach shari`ah texts and the requirements for those eligible for practicing this interpretation.
Responding to the issue you have raised, Dr. Hatem Al-Haj, Professor of Fiqh at Shari`ahAcademy of America, stated:
Allah says, (If your Lord had so willed, He would have made mankind one people, but they will not cease to differ, except those on whom Your Lord has bestowed His mercy, and for this did He create them.) (11: 118-119).
Human beings are diverse and different in their mental capabilities, world views, perceptions and thoughts. All these are catalysts to having multiplicity of opinions and judgments. When the constitution of the USA, which was written only about 200 years ago by humans, is interpreted by the Supreme Court, the judges differ in their interpretations and it is usually 5/4 or 6/3 division. Difference of opinions is not equal to dissension and doesn't necessarily lead to it if the intentions are sincere and the methodology of deduction is sound and the ethics of disagreement are observed.
Let us follow those parameters to avoid the abhorred and forbidden dissension. Allah says, (And be not as those who divided and differed among themselves after the clear proofs had come to them. It is they for whom there is an awful torment.) (Aal `Imarn 3:105)
Let us cherish the intellectual freedom of our religion, and let us cherish the lack of papal hierarchy.
There are several benefits for healthy disagreement and variety of opinions that have always existed in our Ummah since the time of the Sahabah. Of those benefits is to protect the religion from human fallibility when people agree on something wrong, and of them is to stimulate the great intellectual discourse with the subsequent intellectual vitality which all resulted in this great fiqhi heritage of ours.
The disagreement over the ruling of covering the face and whether it is mandatory is an old one; and though the majority believes it is not mandatory, the other position can't be discredited and the legitimacy of doing so is a matter of consensus. Men and women are different and equity is what Allah prescribed, but their roles will continue to vary.
The media may not say the truth at times and may spin it at other times. So, don't base your opinions about your fellow Muslims on what you watch on FOX news. Having said this, there is a kind of extremism within some Muslims. There is also laxity in others, and that is a much bigger problem in my view.
The only way to deal with both sides is to refer them to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, as Allah says, (O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.) (Al-Nisa` 4:59)
The people who are most capable of referring matters to Allah and His Messenger are the trustworthy scholars who are deeply-grounded in knowledge. Allah says, (…if only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly).) (An-Nisa': 83)
Approaching Non Moslems: Fatwa: islamonline.net
Approaching non-Muslims has to be in a courteous and delicate way; firstly to attract them and secondly to set a good example for Muslims. Moreover, the one who intends to argue with them has to be well-knowledgeable, otherwise he will fail in convincing them and will give a distorted image about Islam.
In his response to this question, Dr. Main Khalid Al-Qudah, a member of the Permanent Fatwa Committee and the Assembly of Muslim Jurists in America, said:
The best way to approach non-Muslims is to call them to the oneness of Allah (Exalted be He) and disclaim polytheism, and not to have partners with Him.
Allah Almighty says: (Say: O People of the Scripture!, Jews and Christians, come now to a word agreed upon between us and you, and it is, that we worship none but God and that we do not associate anything with Him, and do not take each other for lords, beside God and if they turn their backs, in rejection of God's Oneness, say, you to them: 'Bear witness that we have submitted?) (Al `Imran 3: 64)
Also, when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent Mu`adh ibn Jabal to Yemen, he advised him saying: You will approach the people of the Scriptures, and that the first thing to start with is to call them to believe in the oneness of Allah, and that Muhammad is His servant and His Prophet.
As of the infidels (those who do not attribute themselves to any of the Divine Religions) and atheists (those who deny the existence of God); introducing Allah to them as the only creator, maintainer, and sustainer of the whole universe is the best approach. This could be done by emphasizing the perfection of creating the heavens and the earth, the variety in all creatures, the diversity of human beings, etc. Once they recognize His ultimate power and the perfection of His creation, the next step is to call them for worshipping Him alone because He is the only One worthy of worship because of the aforementioned facts. A part of that is to believe in all the prophets and messengers He sent to guide humanity to the right path, including Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
In case the above did not work out, especially with the people of the Scriptures because they follow what is written in their Scriptures, then arguing with them in a good way is the second step. Almighty Allah says: (And do not dispute with the People of the Scripture but in the most virtuous way, except for the aggressive people amongst them, and say; we believe in what has been revealed to us and revealed to you. Our God and your God is the same, and to Him we submit?) (Al-`Ankabut 29:46)
Argument should focus on discussing the authenticity of the current Scriptures they already have because of the long period of time between the revelation of these Scriptures and the beginning of their documentation, consequently, questioning the genuineness of what is written therein.
In addition, the fact that current Christians have more than one Bible, although what was reveled to Jesus (peace and blessings be upon him) was only one Bible, should be highlighted. The original language of the Scriptures was not Arabic or English. So, the possibility of changing the meaning is highly expected, leave a side the accuracy of the translation itself.
You may refer to the great effort of Sheikh Ahmad Dedat (may Allah have mercy on his soul) in this field. Another expert in interfaith dialogue and comparative Religions studies is Dr. Jamal Badawi, may Allah bless him and his effort. You may benefit from his books too.
In his response to this question, Dr. Main Khalid Al-Qudah, a member of the Permanent Fatwa Committee and the Assembly of Muslim Jurists in America, said:
The best way to approach non-Muslims is to call them to the oneness of Allah (Exalted be He) and disclaim polytheism, and not to have partners with Him.
Allah Almighty says: (Say: O People of the Scripture!, Jews and Christians, come now to a word agreed upon between us and you, and it is, that we worship none but God and that we do not associate anything with Him, and do not take each other for lords, beside God and if they turn their backs, in rejection of God's Oneness, say, you to them: 'Bear witness that we have submitted?) (Al `Imran 3: 64)
Also, when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent Mu`adh ibn Jabal to Yemen, he advised him saying: You will approach the people of the Scriptures, and that the first thing to start with is to call them to believe in the oneness of Allah, and that Muhammad is His servant and His Prophet.
As of the infidels (those who do not attribute themselves to any of the Divine Religions) and atheists (those who deny the existence of God); introducing Allah to them as the only creator, maintainer, and sustainer of the whole universe is the best approach. This could be done by emphasizing the perfection of creating the heavens and the earth, the variety in all creatures, the diversity of human beings, etc. Once they recognize His ultimate power and the perfection of His creation, the next step is to call them for worshipping Him alone because He is the only One worthy of worship because of the aforementioned facts. A part of that is to believe in all the prophets and messengers He sent to guide humanity to the right path, including Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
In case the above did not work out, especially with the people of the Scriptures because they follow what is written in their Scriptures, then arguing with them in a good way is the second step. Almighty Allah says: (And do not dispute with the People of the Scripture but in the most virtuous way, except for the aggressive people amongst them, and say; we believe in what has been revealed to us and revealed to you. Our God and your God is the same, and to Him we submit?) (Al-`Ankabut 29:46)
Argument should focus on discussing the authenticity of the current Scriptures they already have because of the long period of time between the revelation of these Scriptures and the beginning of their documentation, consequently, questioning the genuineness of what is written therein.
In addition, the fact that current Christians have more than one Bible, although what was reveled to Jesus (peace and blessings be upon him) was only one Bible, should be highlighted. The original language of the Scriptures was not Arabic or English. So, the possibility of changing the meaning is highly expected, leave a side the accuracy of the translation itself.
You may refer to the great effort of Sheikh Ahmad Dedat (may Allah have mercy on his soul) in this field. Another expert in interfaith dialogue and comparative Religions studies is Dr. Jamal Badawi, may Allah bless him and his effort. You may benefit from his books too.
What Nullifies Ones Faith? Fatwa: Islamonline.net
Image via Wikipedia
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear brother in Islam, thanks for your question. May Allah safeguard us against the nullifiers of faith.
Beliefs dwell in the heart, but undeniably appear in one's practices. Thus, Iman (the Islamic faith) manifests itself in the Muslim's practices which usually reveal the degree of his faith. There are many inward and outward factors that contribute to its increase or decrease. Certain beliefs and acts contradict Islamic faith and thus a Muslim has to be aware of and totally estrange himself from being involved in them.
Responding to this question, AMJA online Jurisprudence Section, stated:
The nullifiers of faith (nawaqid al-iman) are those things that invalidate, falsify and negate it. Apostasy nullifies faith just as ablution (wudu') is nullified by ritual impurity.
The most important nullifiers of faith are:
1 – Associating partners with Allah in Lordship
2 – Associating partners with Allah in worship
3 – Associating partners with Allah in His Divine Names & Attributes
4 – Objecting to, looking down to or denial, rejection or making mockery of the rules of Shari`ah.
A person who nullifies his faith exits the fold of Islam, if he insists on his attitude after being informed and after the proof has been made clear to him.
Consequently, his marriage contract becomes annulled, and therefore, his wife becomes no longer lawful for him after his apostasy. If he dies on disbelief, all his deeds will be in vain as Allah the Most High said, (And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever, the deeds of these people will be lost in this life and in the Hereafter, and they will be the dwellers of the Fire; they will abide therein forever.)(Al-Baqarah 2:217)
Moreover, his repentance will not be accepted once death has approached him, as Allah the Most High said, (Verily, for those who disbelieved after their belief, and then went on increasing in their disbelief – never will their repentance be accepted [because they repent only with their tongues, not with their hearts]. And they are those who are astray.)(Aal-Imran 3:90)
Furthermore, there is no inheritance between such a person and his Muslim family and relatives as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said; "A Muslim does not inherit from a disbeliever, nor does a disbeliever inherit from a Muslim." (Bukhari and Muslim) He also deserves the Divinely-ordained punishment for the apostate if there is a Muslim state that applies such penalty.
The Prayer of the one who has nullified his faith is also invalid for the same reasons.
However, these aforementioned rules and consequences of nullifying the faith do not apply – as we have said – until the textual proofs has been made clear to the apostate, he has been asked to repent, the misconceptions which have driven him to nullify his faith have been removed, it has been checked that the conditions are applicable and there is absolutely nothing to prevent this specific person from being declared a disbeliever.
The factors preventing a specific Muslim from being declared a disbeliever are many. Among them are: ignorance, falling under compulsion, holding improper interpretation, error and lack of intent.
Furthermore, establishing the proof against him is quite relative. The proof may be established against one person but not against the other. It may be established by one person and not by the other. It is not necessary when the proof has been established against a particular person that it will automatically be established against each and every Muslim in the world.
The basic rule in terms of establishing the proof is that this should be done by someone in authority, such as a scholar qualified to make ijtihad, or an a Muslim ruler, such as a Shari`ah judge in Islamic societies, and the like.
It is necessary to be highly careful in this respect, for it is less serious for a Muslim to err in judging an apostate to be a Muslim than to err in expelling a Muslim from the fold of Islam.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=788c582b-0061-41be-87fc-c56f947406d8)
7.13.2009
7.05.2009
Guidelines For The Husband In Islam
Guidelines for the Husband in Interacting with his Wife
The family is that brick which forms the foundation of a society. It is composed of individuals that have permanent relations established between them. Most importantly, it possesses almost a majority of the different kinds of personal relations.
Because of this, there must be certain etiquettes placed in order to control and regulate these relations. This is such that it can be maintained in the best possible manner, and so that it can generate and produce its proper fruits. Family relations consist of the relationship between the spouses from one perspective, the relationship between the parents and the children from a second perspective, and the relationship between the children themselves from a third perspective.
Etiquettes of the husband:
1. It is not from the deficiencies, but rather from good manners, that the husband shares in the responsibility of specified matters, such as the mending of garments or what is similar to that.
2. It is appropriate for a man to not restrict himself from serving himself. This is since the wife takes care of the household affairs. So therefore, it is from good manners that the husband extend a helping hand to his wife in the house, during times of necessity, such as when she is sick, pregnant, has given birth or similar to that.
3. The exemplary husband is he who cooperates with his wife by bearing good relations and showing kind manners (to her), according to the full extent of the meaning contained in these (last) two expressions. Truly, the husbands who are best at working alongside their wives are the best of mankind in the view of Islaam. This good way of living between the spouses must be deeply imbedded into the daily marital life, even at the time of divorce.
4. Beware of characterizing the relationship between the spouses with over-seriousness! For indeed characterizing the family life with a militaristic nature amounts to one of the causes for failure and bad results.
5. From the kind and noble manners of the husband is that he complies and assents to the requests of his wife, so long as they are not forbidden in the Religion. And being luxurious in food, drink and clothing is at the entrance of matters forbidden in the Religion.
6. The husband should specify a time in which he can play around and pass free time with his wife.
7. The relationship between the spouses must contain one singular and specific nature. And it cannot be this way unless the couple begins demolishing all the obstacles and impediments that stand between them. For example, the husband should not feel timid and restrain himself from drinking out of the same cup that his wife drinks out of.
8. There is no human being that is perfect. So there is no doubt that the husband will see things in his wife that does not comply with his natural disposition and preferences. If these aspects are not in opposition to the fundaments of the Religion or to the obedience of the husband and his rights, then at that point, he should not try to change her personality so that it complies with his natural preference.
9. And he must always remember that for each member of the couple, there will be an aspect of ones personality that conflicts with the others personality. And he should also remember that if there are some characteristics that he doesn't find pleasing in his wife, then indeed she has other characteristics, which will definitely be pleasing to him.
10. Do not let Ramadaan be a barrier that impedes you from showing affection to your wife, such as by kissing her. But this is so long as you are able to refrain yourself, since what is forbidden during the days of Ramadaan is only sexual intercourse.
11. Do not chase after the errors of your wife and recount them to her, for too much blaming and reprimanding will worsen the relationship between the two of you, and it will pose a threat to your marital life. So overlook your wife's easy ability to make mistakes, and make her falling into them seem like something small.
12. If you are able, do not hold back from providing your wife with good clothing and food, and from being generous in spending money on her. This is of course according to the extent of your ability.
13. Do not give little importance to implementing the punishment required for any acts in opposition to the Religion, which your wife has committed, whether it is in the home or outside it. This should be the main reason that causes you to become angry, thus no other reason should affect you (besides this one).
14. What has been stated previously does not mean that you should leave matters alone until that result comes to happen. Thus, whenever you realize that a matter is left alone, weigh it with seriousness and determination, without being too harsh or rude about it.
15. The woman is the head of the household, the one responsible for it. So do not attempt to meddle into affairs that do not fall into your area of duties and responsibilities, such as the food and the order of the house.
16. Beware of scolding your wife or blaming her for a mistake she committed, in the presence of others, even if they are your own children. For indeed that is an act that goes against correct behavior and it will lead to raising anger in the hearts of people.
17. If you are forced to place punishment upon your wife, then let it be by staying away from her at bedtime. And do not boycott her except that it is done within the household. And avoid using foul language, insulting her, beating her and describing her with repulsive names. For these matters do not befit an exemplary husband.
18. Having jealousy and caring about the modesty of your wife is a praiseworthy thing, which shows your love for her. However it is on the condition that you do not go to great extremes in this jealousy. For then at that point, it would turn into something worthy of no praise.
19. Entering the house: Do not alarm your family by entering upon them suddenly. Rather, enter while they are aware of it, and greet them with Salaam. And ask about them and how they are doing. And do not forget to remember Allaah, the Mighty and Sublime, when you enter the house.
20. Beware of spreading any secrets connected with the intimate encounters you have with your wife, for that is something restricted and forbidden.
21. Constantly maintain the cleaning of your mouth and the freshening of your breath.
22. Guardianship of your wife doesn't mean that you can exploit what Allaah has bestowed upon you from taking charge of her, such that you harm and oppress her.
23. Showing respect and kindness to your wife's family is showing respect and kindness to her. And this applies even after her death, on the condition that it is not accompanied by an act forbidden in the Religion, such as intermingling of the sexes or being in privacy (with them).
24. Too much joking will lead to (your family having) little fear (of disobeying you) and a lack of respect for you. So do not joke too much with your wife.
25. Be considerate that fulfilling the conditions which you promised to your wife during the pre-marriage agreement is a matter possessing the highest of importance and priority. So do not neglect that after getting married.
26. When you lecture your wife or reprimand her or simply speak to her, choose the kindest and nicest of words and expressions for your speech. And do not reprimand her in front of others or in front of your children.
27. It is not proper for you to ask your wife to look for work outside of the house or to spend upon you from her wealth.
28. Do not overburden your wife with acts that she is not able to handle. Consider, with extreme regard, the environment she was raised up in. Rural service is not like urban service, and the service of a strong woman and her preparation for it is not like the service of a weak woman.
29. There is nothing in the obligation of a woman's service to her husband that negates his assisting her in that regard, if he should find the free time. Rather, this is from the good manners of living between the spouses.
The family is that brick which forms the foundation of a society. It is composed of individuals that have permanent relations established between them. Most importantly, it possesses almost a majority of the different kinds of personal relations.
Because of this, there must be certain etiquettes placed in order to control and regulate these relations. This is such that it can be maintained in the best possible manner, and so that it can generate and produce its proper fruits. Family relations consist of the relationship between the spouses from one perspective, the relationship between the parents and the children from a second perspective, and the relationship between the children themselves from a third perspective.
Etiquettes of the husband:
1. It is not from the deficiencies, but rather from good manners, that the husband shares in the responsibility of specified matters, such as the mending of garments or what is similar to that.
2. It is appropriate for a man to not restrict himself from serving himself. This is since the wife takes care of the household affairs. So therefore, it is from good manners that the husband extend a helping hand to his wife in the house, during times of necessity, such as when she is sick, pregnant, has given birth or similar to that.
3. The exemplary husband is he who cooperates with his wife by bearing good relations and showing kind manners (to her), according to the full extent of the meaning contained in these (last) two expressions. Truly, the husbands who are best at working alongside their wives are the best of mankind in the view of Islaam. This good way of living between the spouses must be deeply imbedded into the daily marital life, even at the time of divorce.
4. Beware of characterizing the relationship between the spouses with over-seriousness! For indeed characterizing the family life with a militaristic nature amounts to one of the causes for failure and bad results.
5. From the kind and noble manners of the husband is that he complies and assents to the requests of his wife, so long as they are not forbidden in the Religion. And being luxurious in food, drink and clothing is at the entrance of matters forbidden in the Religion.
6. The husband should specify a time in which he can play around and pass free time with his wife.
7. The relationship between the spouses must contain one singular and specific nature. And it cannot be this way unless the couple begins demolishing all the obstacles and impediments that stand between them. For example, the husband should not feel timid and restrain himself from drinking out of the same cup that his wife drinks out of.
8. There is no human being that is perfect. So there is no doubt that the husband will see things in his wife that does not comply with his natural disposition and preferences. If these aspects are not in opposition to the fundaments of the Religion or to the obedience of the husband and his rights, then at that point, he should not try to change her personality so that it complies with his natural preference.
9. And he must always remember that for each member of the couple, there will be an aspect of ones personality that conflicts with the others personality. And he should also remember that if there are some characteristics that he doesn't find pleasing in his wife, then indeed she has other characteristics, which will definitely be pleasing to him.
10. Do not let Ramadaan be a barrier that impedes you from showing affection to your wife, such as by kissing her. But this is so long as you are able to refrain yourself, since what is forbidden during the days of Ramadaan is only sexual intercourse.
11. Do not chase after the errors of your wife and recount them to her, for too much blaming and reprimanding will worsen the relationship between the two of you, and it will pose a threat to your marital life. So overlook your wife's easy ability to make mistakes, and make her falling into them seem like something small.
12. If you are able, do not hold back from providing your wife with good clothing and food, and from being generous in spending money on her. This is of course according to the extent of your ability.
13. Do not give little importance to implementing the punishment required for any acts in opposition to the Religion, which your wife has committed, whether it is in the home or outside it. This should be the main reason that causes you to become angry, thus no other reason should affect you (besides this one).
14. What has been stated previously does not mean that you should leave matters alone until that result comes to happen. Thus, whenever you realize that a matter is left alone, weigh it with seriousness and determination, without being too harsh or rude about it.
15. The woman is the head of the household, the one responsible for it. So do not attempt to meddle into affairs that do not fall into your area of duties and responsibilities, such as the food and the order of the house.
16. Beware of scolding your wife or blaming her for a mistake she committed, in the presence of others, even if they are your own children. For indeed that is an act that goes against correct behavior and it will lead to raising anger in the hearts of people.
17. If you are forced to place punishment upon your wife, then let it be by staying away from her at bedtime. And do not boycott her except that it is done within the household. And avoid using foul language, insulting her, beating her and describing her with repulsive names. For these matters do not befit an exemplary husband.
18. Having jealousy and caring about the modesty of your wife is a praiseworthy thing, which shows your love for her. However it is on the condition that you do not go to great extremes in this jealousy. For then at that point, it would turn into something worthy of no praise.
19. Entering the house: Do not alarm your family by entering upon them suddenly. Rather, enter while they are aware of it, and greet them with Salaam. And ask about them and how they are doing. And do not forget to remember Allaah, the Mighty and Sublime, when you enter the house.
20. Beware of spreading any secrets connected with the intimate encounters you have with your wife, for that is something restricted and forbidden.
21. Constantly maintain the cleaning of your mouth and the freshening of your breath.
22. Guardianship of your wife doesn't mean that you can exploit what Allaah has bestowed upon you from taking charge of her, such that you harm and oppress her.
23. Showing respect and kindness to your wife's family is showing respect and kindness to her. And this applies even after her death, on the condition that it is not accompanied by an act forbidden in the Religion, such as intermingling of the sexes or being in privacy (with them).
24. Too much joking will lead to (your family having) little fear (of disobeying you) and a lack of respect for you. So do not joke too much with your wife.
25. Be considerate that fulfilling the conditions which you promised to your wife during the pre-marriage agreement is a matter possessing the highest of importance and priority. So do not neglect that after getting married.
26. When you lecture your wife or reprimand her or simply speak to her, choose the kindest and nicest of words and expressions for your speech. And do not reprimand her in front of others or in front of your children.
27. It is not proper for you to ask your wife to look for work outside of the house or to spend upon you from her wealth.
28. Do not overburden your wife with acts that she is not able to handle. Consider, with extreme regard, the environment she was raised up in. Rural service is not like urban service, and the service of a strong woman and her preparation for it is not like the service of a weak woman.
29. There is nothing in the obligation of a woman's service to her husband that negates his assisting her in that regard, if he should find the free time. Rather, this is from the good manners of living between the spouses.
How To Make A Husband Happy
How to Make your Husband Happy
Sited From: http://www.themoder nreligion. com/women/ happyhubby. html
To help strengthening the Muslim families and spread the teachings of Islam in building families, the Muslim Students' Association at the University of Alberta prepared a extremely summarized translation for two books. The books are Arabic by Sheikh Mohammad Abdelhaleem Hamed. An Egyptian scholar, who graduated from the Islamic University of AlMadinah Al-Munawwarah in Saudi Arabia. The two books are:
1- How to make your wife happy
2- How to make your husband happy
These books exceed the traditional presentation of stating rights and duties to the 'Adab (good manners) and extend into application of these rights in daily life. The following summary highlights mainly the responsibilities or examples of what could or should be done. Every single item mentioned by the author is supported by evidences from Qur'an, Sunnah or the actions of the companions, but evidences are omitted in this translation. The following is the translation of the SECOND book.
This translation is copyrighted to MSA at University of Alberta. Feel free to repost it or reprint it by all means, provided that you do not make any changes, additions, or omissions without permission.
1. Beautiful Reception. After returning from work, school, travel, or whatever has separated you, begin with a good greeting
Meet him with a cheerful face.
Beautify and perfume yourself
Start with good news and delay any bad news until he has rested
Receive him with loving and yearning sentences
Make hard efforts for excellence of the food & having it ready on time.
2. Beautify and Soften the Voice
For your husband only, it shouldn't be used in front of non-mahram men (men who can marry you if you were unmarried)
3. Smelling Good and Physical Beautification
Taking good care of your body and fitness
Put on nice and attractive clothes and perfumes
Bath regularly and, after the monthly period, remove any blood traces or bad smells
Avoid that your husband observes you in dirty clothes or rough shape
Avoid prohibited types of ornamentation, e.g. tatoo
Use the types of perfumes, colors, and clothes that the husband likes
Change hair style, perfumes, etc. from time to time
However with these things you should avoid excessiveness and, of course, only act as such in front of mahrem men and women.
4. Intercourse
Hasten for intercourse when your husband feels compulsion for it.
Keep your body clean and smelling good as possible including cleaning yourself of released fluids during intercourse.
Exchange loving phrases with your husband.
Leave your husband to fully satisfy his desire.
Choose suitable times and good occasions for exciting your husband, and encouraging him to do intercourse, e.g. after returning from a travel, weekends, etc.
5. Satisfaction With What Allah (SWT) Has Allotted
You shouldn't be depressed because your husband is poor or works in a simple job.
You should look at poor, sick, and handicapped people and remember Allah (SWT) for all that was given to you
You should remember that real wealth lays in Iman and piety.
6. Indifference to Worldly Things
You should not consider this world as your hope and interest
You should not ask your husband for many unnecessary things
Asceticism does not mean not to enjoy what is good and permissible (Halal), but it means that one should look forward to the hereafter and utilize whatever Allah SWT gave them to achieve paradise (Jannah).
Encourage your husband to reduce expenses and save some money in order to give charity and feed poor and needy people.
7. Appreciation
By the saying of the prophet, the majority of people in hell were women because they were ungrateful and deny the good done to them.
The result of being grateful is that your husband will love you more and will do his best to please you in more ways
The result of being ungrateful is that your husband will be dissappointed and will start asking himself: Why should I do good to her, if she never appreciates?
8. Devotion and Loyalty
In particular in times of calamities in your husband's body or business, e.g. an accident or a bankruptcy
Supporting him through your own work, money, and properties if needed.
9. Compliance to Him
In all what he commands you, unless it is prohibited (Haram).
In Islam, the husband is the leader of the family, and the wife is his support and consultant
10. Pleasing Him If He Is Angry
First off, try to avoid what will guarantee his anger.
But if it happens that you can't, then try to appease him as follows:
1- If you mistaken, then apologize
2- If he mistaken then:
# Keep still instead of arguing or
# Yield you were right or
# Wait until he is no longer angry and discuss the matter peacefully with him.
3- If he was angry because of external reasons then:
# Keeping silent untill his anger goes
# Find execuses for him, e.g. tired, problems at work, some one insulted him
# Do not ask many questions and insist on knowing what happened, e.g.
1) You should tell me what happened?
2) I must know what made you so angry.
3) You are hidding something, and I have the right to know
11. Guardianship While He is Absent
Protecting yourself from any prohibited relations
Keep the secrets of the family, particularly intercourse and things that the husbands don't like other people to know
Take care of the house and children
Take care of his money and properties
Do not go out of your house without his permission and put on full hijab
Refuse people whom he does not like to come over
Do not allow any non-mahram man to be alone with you in any place
Be good with his parents and relatives in his absence
12. Showing Respect for his Family and Friends
You should welcome his guests and try to please them, especially his parents
You should avoid problems as much as you can with his relatives
You should avoid putting him is a position where he had to choose between his mother and his wife
Show good hospitality for his guests by arranging a nice place for them to sit in, perfection of food, welcoming their wives, etc.
Encourage him to visit his relatives and invite them to your home.
Phone his parents and sisters, send letters to them, buy gifts for them, support them in calamities, etc.
13. Admirable Jealousy
Jealousy is a sign for wife's love for her husband but it should be kept within the limits of Islam, e.g. not insulating or backbiting others, disrespecting them, etc.
You should not follow or create unfounded doubts.
14. Patience and Emotional Support
Be patient when you face poverty and strained circumstances.
When you face calamities and disasters that may happen to you, your husband, your children, relatives or properties, e.g. diseases, accidents, death, etc.
When facing hardships in Da'wah (imprisonment, getting fired, arrested, etc.), be patient and encourage him to keep on the path of Allah and remind him of paradise.
When he mistreats you, counteract his ill-treatment by good treatment
15. Support in Obedience to Allah, Da'wah and Jihad
Cooperate with your husband and remind him of different obligatory and voluntary worships.* Encourage him to pray at night.
Listen and reciting the Qur'an individually and with your husband.
Listen to Islamic tapes and songs individually and with your husband.
Remember Allah SWT much, particularly after Fajr and before Maghrib.
Share in arranging Da'wah activities for women and children.
Learn Islamic rules (ahkam) and good manners ('adab) for women.
Support your husband's activities by encouraging him, offering wise opinions, soothing his pains, etc.
Yielding some of your rights and a part of your time with your husband for Da'wah.
Encourage him to go for Jihad when needed and remind him that you and children will be in the preservation of Allah SWT.
15. Good Housekeeping
Keep it clean, decorated and well arranged.
Change house arrangements from time to time to avoid boredom.
Perfect of food and prepare healthy foods.
Learn all the necessary skills for managing the house, e.g. sewing.
Learn how to raise children properly and in an Islamic way.
17. Preservation of Finances and the Family
Do not spend from his money, even for charity without his permission unless you are sure that he agrees on this.
Protect his house, car, etc. while he is absent.
Keep the children in good shape, clean clothes, etc. Take care of their nutrition, health, education, manners, etc. Teach them Islam and tell them the stories of the Prophets and companions.
Finally, please make Du'a for the writer; Sheikh Mohammad Abdelhaleem Hamed, for the translator brother Abu Talhah and for reviewer Br. Adam Qurashi. Remember this is not a perfect translation so forgive us our faults and correct our errors.
Sited From: http://www.themoder nreligion. com/women/ happyhubby. html
To help strengthening the Muslim families and spread the teachings of Islam in building families, the Muslim Students' Association at the University of Alberta prepared a extremely summarized translation for two books. The books are Arabic by Sheikh Mohammad Abdelhaleem Hamed. An Egyptian scholar, who graduated from the Islamic University of AlMadinah Al-Munawwarah in Saudi Arabia. The two books are:
1- How to make your wife happy
2- How to make your husband happy
These books exceed the traditional presentation of stating rights and duties to the 'Adab (good manners) and extend into application of these rights in daily life. The following summary highlights mainly the responsibilities or examples of what could or should be done. Every single item mentioned by the author is supported by evidences from Qur'an, Sunnah or the actions of the companions, but evidences are omitted in this translation. The following is the translation of the SECOND book.
This translation is copyrighted to MSA at University of Alberta. Feel free to repost it or reprint it by all means, provided that you do not make any changes, additions, or omissions without permission.
1. Beautiful Reception. After returning from work, school, travel, or whatever has separated you, begin with a good greeting
Meet him with a cheerful face.
Beautify and perfume yourself
Start with good news and delay any bad news until he has rested
Receive him with loving and yearning sentences
Make hard efforts for excellence of the food & having it ready on time.
2. Beautify and Soften the Voice
For your husband only, it shouldn't be used in front of non-mahram men (men who can marry you if you were unmarried)
3. Smelling Good and Physical Beautification
Taking good care of your body and fitness
Put on nice and attractive clothes and perfumes
Bath regularly and, after the monthly period, remove any blood traces or bad smells
Avoid that your husband observes you in dirty clothes or rough shape
Avoid prohibited types of ornamentation, e.g. tatoo
Use the types of perfumes, colors, and clothes that the husband likes
Change hair style, perfumes, etc. from time to time
However with these things you should avoid excessiveness and, of course, only act as such in front of mahrem men and women.
4. Intercourse
Hasten for intercourse when your husband feels compulsion for it.
Keep your body clean and smelling good as possible including cleaning yourself of released fluids during intercourse.
Exchange loving phrases with your husband.
Leave your husband to fully satisfy his desire.
Choose suitable times and good occasions for exciting your husband, and encouraging him to do intercourse, e.g. after returning from a travel, weekends, etc.
5. Satisfaction With What Allah (SWT) Has Allotted
You shouldn't be depressed because your husband is poor or works in a simple job.
You should look at poor, sick, and handicapped people and remember Allah (SWT) for all that was given to you
You should remember that real wealth lays in Iman and piety.
6. Indifference to Worldly Things
You should not consider this world as your hope and interest
You should not ask your husband for many unnecessary things
Asceticism does not mean not to enjoy what is good and permissible (Halal), but it means that one should look forward to the hereafter and utilize whatever Allah SWT gave them to achieve paradise (Jannah).
Encourage your husband to reduce expenses and save some money in order to give charity and feed poor and needy people.
7. Appreciation
By the saying of the prophet, the majority of people in hell were women because they were ungrateful and deny the good done to them.
The result of being grateful is that your husband will love you more and will do his best to please you in more ways
The result of being ungrateful is that your husband will be dissappointed and will start asking himself: Why should I do good to her, if she never appreciates?
8. Devotion and Loyalty
In particular in times of calamities in your husband's body or business, e.g. an accident or a bankruptcy
Supporting him through your own work, money, and properties if needed.
9. Compliance to Him
In all what he commands you, unless it is prohibited (Haram).
In Islam, the husband is the leader of the family, and the wife is his support and consultant
10. Pleasing Him If He Is Angry
First off, try to avoid what will guarantee his anger.
But if it happens that you can't, then try to appease him as follows:
1- If you mistaken, then apologize
2- If he mistaken then:
# Keep still instead of arguing or
# Yield you were right or
# Wait until he is no longer angry and discuss the matter peacefully with him.
3- If he was angry because of external reasons then:
# Keeping silent untill his anger goes
# Find execuses for him, e.g. tired, problems at work, some one insulted him
# Do not ask many questions and insist on knowing what happened, e.g.
1) You should tell me what happened?
2) I must know what made you so angry.
3) You are hidding something, and I have the right to know
11. Guardianship While He is Absent
Protecting yourself from any prohibited relations
Keep the secrets of the family, particularly intercourse and things that the husbands don't like other people to know
Take care of the house and children
Take care of his money and properties
Do not go out of your house without his permission and put on full hijab
Refuse people whom he does not like to come over
Do not allow any non-mahram man to be alone with you in any place
Be good with his parents and relatives in his absence
12. Showing Respect for his Family and Friends
You should welcome his guests and try to please them, especially his parents
You should avoid problems as much as you can with his relatives
You should avoid putting him is a position where he had to choose between his mother and his wife
Show good hospitality for his guests by arranging a nice place for them to sit in, perfection of food, welcoming their wives, etc.
Encourage him to visit his relatives and invite them to your home.
Phone his parents and sisters, send letters to them, buy gifts for them, support them in calamities, etc.
13. Admirable Jealousy
Jealousy is a sign for wife's love for her husband but it should be kept within the limits of Islam, e.g. not insulating or backbiting others, disrespecting them, etc.
You should not follow or create unfounded doubts.
14. Patience and Emotional Support
Be patient when you face poverty and strained circumstances.
When you face calamities and disasters that may happen to you, your husband, your children, relatives or properties, e.g. diseases, accidents, death, etc.
When facing hardships in Da'wah (imprisonment, getting fired, arrested, etc.), be patient and encourage him to keep on the path of Allah and remind him of paradise.
When he mistreats you, counteract his ill-treatment by good treatment
15. Support in Obedience to Allah, Da'wah and Jihad
Cooperate with your husband and remind him of different obligatory and voluntary worships.* Encourage him to pray at night.
Listen and reciting the Qur'an individually and with your husband.
Listen to Islamic tapes and songs individually and with your husband.
Remember Allah SWT much, particularly after Fajr and before Maghrib.
Share in arranging Da'wah activities for women and children.
Learn Islamic rules (ahkam) and good manners ('adab) for women.
Support your husband's activities by encouraging him, offering wise opinions, soothing his pains, etc.
Yielding some of your rights and a part of your time with your husband for Da'wah.
Encourage him to go for Jihad when needed and remind him that you and children will be in the preservation of Allah SWT.
15. Good Housekeeping
Keep it clean, decorated and well arranged.
Change house arrangements from time to time to avoid boredom.
Perfect of food and prepare healthy foods.
Learn all the necessary skills for managing the house, e.g. sewing.
Learn how to raise children properly and in an Islamic way.
17. Preservation of Finances and the Family
Do not spend from his money, even for charity without his permission unless you are sure that he agrees on this.
Protect his house, car, etc. while he is absent.
Keep the children in good shape, clean clothes, etc. Take care of their nutrition, health, education, manners, etc. Teach them Islam and tell them the stories of the Prophets and companions.
Finally, please make Du'a for the writer; Sheikh Mohammad Abdelhaleem Hamed, for the translator brother Abu Talhah and for reviewer Br. Adam Qurashi. Remember this is not a perfect translation so forgive us our faults and correct our errors.
Beauty 101:Tips For Muslimahs
Sited from :
http://sisters.islamway.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=175
For attractive lips
Speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes,
Seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure,
Share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair,
Let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise,
Walk with the knowledge that you will never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived,
reclaimed, and redeemed;
Never throw out anybody.
Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,
The figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows.
And the beauty of a woman, with passing years, only grows!
http://sisters.islamway.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=175
For attractive lips
Speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes,
Seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure,
Share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair,
Let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise,
Walk with the knowledge that you will never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived,
reclaimed, and redeemed;
Never throw out anybody.
Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,
The figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows.
And the beauty of a woman, with passing years, only grows!
Reasons For Sleeping and Waking Up Early
Evening at 9 - 11pm : is the time for eliminating unnecessary/ toxic chemicals (detoxification) from the antibody system (lymph nodes). This time duration should be spent by relaxing . If during this time a housewife is still in an unrelaxed state such as washing the dishes or monitoring children doing their homework, this will have a negative impact on health.
Evening at 11pm - 1am:is the detoxification process in the liver, and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state.
Early morning 1 - 3am: detoxification process in the gall, also ideally done in a deep sleep state..
Early morning 3 - 5am: detoxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time. Since the detoxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process.
Morning 5 - 7am: detoxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.
Morning 7 - 9am: absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you should be having breakfast at this time. Breakfast should be earlier, before 6:30am, for those who are sick. Breakfast before 7:30am is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit. Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 - 10am rather than no meal at all.
Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals. Aside from that, midnight to 4:00 am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood. Therefore, have a good sleep and don't sleep late.
TAKE CARE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH
Evening at 11pm - 1am:is the detoxification process in the liver, and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state.
Early morning 1 - 3am: detoxification process in the gall, also ideally done in a deep sleep state..
Early morning 3 - 5am: detoxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time. Since the detoxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process.
Morning 5 - 7am: detoxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.
Morning 7 - 9am: absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you should be having breakfast at this time. Breakfast should be earlier, before 6:30am, for those who are sick. Breakfast before 7:30am is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit. Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 - 10am rather than no meal at all.
Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals. Aside from that, midnight to 4:00 am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood. Therefore, have a good sleep and don't sleep late.
TAKE CARE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH
Fiqh: Hair Dyes and good news for those who would like to dye their hair black for their husbands!!
Fiqh of Hair Dyes
Q:Is it permissible to use hair dyes, and which ones?
In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
It is permissible, rather recommended (mandub) to dye the hair of the head (and beard for men) provided the ingredients used in the hair dye are Halal.
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said:
“Change the old age (white/grey hair), and do not imitate the Jews” (Sunan Tirmidhi & Sunan Nasa’i).
He (Allah bless him & give him peace) also stated:
“The best dye to change your old age is Henna (a red plant dye) and Katm (type of grass)” (Narrated by many Hadith Imams).
There is a difference of opinion between the scholars on whether the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) himself dyed his hair. However Sayyiduna Abu Bakr and Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with them) did dye the hair of their head and beard, thus it will be classed as recommended (mandub), if not Sunnah.
The great Hanafi Imam, Ala' al-Din al-Haskafi states in his Durr al-Mukhtar:
“It is recommended for men to dye their hair and beard, even outside war”. (Durr al-Mukhtar 5: 271)
It is stated in the famous Hanafi Fiqh Reference book al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah:
“The scholars have all unanimously agreed that it is a Sunnah for men to dye the hair of their head and beard with red colour. It is also considered a sign for Muslims” (5/329).
Pure black dye
The foregoing explanation was regarding using dye other than the colour of pure black. The ruling on using pure black hair dye will defer according to the reason one uses it for.
a) If a warrior (mujahid) used black hair dye in order to create awe and fear into the heart and mind of the enemy, then all the scholars agree that it is permissible (al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, 5/329).
b) To use pure black dye in order to deceive somebody, e.g. a prospective fiancée or in order to get a job, then this (according to all) is impermissible.
The Companion Ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah said:
“Whosoever deceives us is not from us” (Sahih Ibn Hibban)
c) The third situation is when pure black dye is used for adornment, meaning the husbands or the wives use it in order to please the spouse. The scholars have differed with regards to its ruling.
Many Hanafi scholars have said that to use pure black dye is not permissible, even for the purpose of adornment and pleasing the spouse.
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said:
“There will be people who will come later (in my Ummah) and apply black dye. They will not even smell the fragrance of paradise” (Sunan Abu Dawud, 2/578).
In another Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “Abstain from using black dye” (Sahih Muslim).
However other scholars including the great Hanafi jurist and student of Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Abu Yusuf (Allah have mercy on him) permitted the use of black dye for adornment, especially the wife, to adorn herself for her husband. It has also been narrated from some of the companions such as: Sayyiduna Uthman, Sayyiduna Hasan, Sayyiduna Husain & others (Allah be pleased with them all) that they used black colour dye.
Imam Abu Yusuf also permitted it for men in order to adorn themselves for their wives. His words are:
“As I desire my wife to adorn herself for me, she also desires that I adorn my self for her” (Radd al-Muhtar).
Imam al-Haskafi states in Durr al-Mukhtar:
“It is recommended for men to dye their hair and beard, even outside war according to the sounder opinion. The sounder opinion is that the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) did not do it. It is disliked with black, though some said it is not”
My respected teacher, Shaykh Mufti Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) says:
“The final word regarding the using of black dye is that, it will not be considered unlawful (haram), although disliked (makruh). The prohibition in the Hadith will be understood to be confined in the situation when one uses it to deceive others”. (Taqrir Tirmizi, 2/354).
It should also be remembered here that the above discussion is when the dye is pure black. However, if it is not pure, rather it is dark and black-inclined; it would be permissible to apply it.
Also, the dying of hair will not affect the validity of ablutions (wudu) or obligatory bath (ghusl), because the coating is not considered a perceptible barrier.
In conclusion, it is recommended to dye the hair (for men and women) with other then pure black colour. To use pure black dye in order to deceive others is unlawful (haram), and totally permissible for a Mujahid engaged in Jihad. As far as using it for adornment purposes, it will be somewhat disliked (makruh tanzihan), although some have declared to be reprehensible.
And Allah Knows Best
Muhammad ibn Adam
Darul Iftaa
Leicester, UK
Q:Is it permissible to use hair dyes, and which ones?
In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,
It is permissible, rather recommended (mandub) to dye the hair of the head (and beard for men) provided the ingredients used in the hair dye are Halal.
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said:
“Change the old age (white/grey hair), and do not imitate the Jews” (Sunan Tirmidhi & Sunan Nasa’i).
He (Allah bless him & give him peace) also stated:
“The best dye to change your old age is Henna (a red plant dye) and Katm (type of grass)” (Narrated by many Hadith Imams).
There is a difference of opinion between the scholars on whether the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) himself dyed his hair. However Sayyiduna Abu Bakr and Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with them) did dye the hair of their head and beard, thus it will be classed as recommended (mandub), if not Sunnah.
The great Hanafi Imam, Ala' al-Din al-Haskafi states in his Durr al-Mukhtar:
“It is recommended for men to dye their hair and beard, even outside war”. (Durr al-Mukhtar 5: 271)
It is stated in the famous Hanafi Fiqh Reference book al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah:
“The scholars have all unanimously agreed that it is a Sunnah for men to dye the hair of their head and beard with red colour. It is also considered a sign for Muslims” (5/329).
Pure black dye
The foregoing explanation was regarding using dye other than the colour of pure black. The ruling on using pure black hair dye will defer according to the reason one uses it for.
a) If a warrior (mujahid) used black hair dye in order to create awe and fear into the heart and mind of the enemy, then all the scholars agree that it is permissible (al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, 5/329).
b) To use pure black dye in order to deceive somebody, e.g. a prospective fiancée or in order to get a job, then this (according to all) is impermissible.
The Companion Ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah said:
“Whosoever deceives us is not from us” (Sahih Ibn Hibban)
c) The third situation is when pure black dye is used for adornment, meaning the husbands or the wives use it in order to please the spouse. The scholars have differed with regards to its ruling.
Many Hanafi scholars have said that to use pure black dye is not permissible, even for the purpose of adornment and pleasing the spouse.
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said:
“There will be people who will come later (in my Ummah) and apply black dye. They will not even smell the fragrance of paradise” (Sunan Abu Dawud, 2/578).
In another Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “Abstain from using black dye” (Sahih Muslim).
However other scholars including the great Hanafi jurist and student of Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Abu Yusuf (Allah have mercy on him) permitted the use of black dye for adornment, especially the wife, to adorn herself for her husband. It has also been narrated from some of the companions such as: Sayyiduna Uthman, Sayyiduna Hasan, Sayyiduna Husain & others (Allah be pleased with them all) that they used black colour dye.
Imam Abu Yusuf also permitted it for men in order to adorn themselves for their wives. His words are:
“As I desire my wife to adorn herself for me, she also desires that I adorn my self for her” (Radd al-Muhtar).
Imam al-Haskafi states in Durr al-Mukhtar:
“It is recommended for men to dye their hair and beard, even outside war according to the sounder opinion. The sounder opinion is that the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) did not do it. It is disliked with black, though some said it is not”
My respected teacher, Shaykh Mufti Taqi Usmani (Allah preserve him) says:
“The final word regarding the using of black dye is that, it will not be considered unlawful (haram), although disliked (makruh). The prohibition in the Hadith will be understood to be confined in the situation when one uses it to deceive others”. (Taqrir Tirmizi, 2/354).
It should also be remembered here that the above discussion is when the dye is pure black. However, if it is not pure, rather it is dark and black-inclined; it would be permissible to apply it.
Also, the dying of hair will not affect the validity of ablutions (wudu) or obligatory bath (ghusl), because the coating is not considered a perceptible barrier.
In conclusion, it is recommended to dye the hair (for men and women) with other then pure black colour. To use pure black dye in order to deceive others is unlawful (haram), and totally permissible for a Mujahid engaged in Jihad. As far as using it for adornment purposes, it will be somewhat disliked (makruh tanzihan), although some have declared to be reprehensible.
And Allah Knows Best
Muhammad ibn Adam
Darul Iftaa
Leicester, UK
Foods Of Nabee Mohammed SAWS
Foods of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)
And the earth hath He appointed for His creatures
Wherein are fruit and sheathed palm trees,
Husked grain and scented herb.
Which is it of these favors of your Lord
that ye deny?
Qur'an 55:10-13
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) was once reported to have said, "There are two kinds of knowledge: knowledge of religion and knowledge of the body." The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) frequently commented upon the nature and value of various foods and spices. These comments were noted by his wives and companions (r.a.) and remain available to us today.
Before presenting a selection of the Hadith specifically relating to health, it is necessary to reflect for a moment on the nature of some of these recommendations. To some people, the advice which follows may seem quaint, old-fashioned, or simply bizarre. Some may feel that a particular statement has not been or cannot be confirmed by scientific knowledge. However, all of the statements and actions of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) are woven upon the nucleus of divine inspiration, and so do not admit of any error, inaccuracy, or amendment. A few illustrations will make this clear.
There is a Hadith that says that if a fly falls into a liquid while one is preparing to drink it, the person should first dip the fly completely under the surface of the water and submerge the fly totally before removing it. This advice seems very strange, if not dangerous.
Medically it is known that a fly carries some pathogens on some parts of its body (this was mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad [s.a.w.s.] 1,400 years ago, when there was practically no formal medical knowledge). But Allah has said that He created no disease without also creating its remedy, except death (meaning the decline of old age). Therefore, in modern times penicillin has been discovered, which is used to counteract harmful organisms such as staphylococci. However, Dr. Muhammad M. el-Samahy, director of the Department of Hadith at al-Azhar University at Cairo, Egypt, has written an article revealing the astute medical genius of this apparently mysterious advice.
Dr. el-Samahy relates that microbiologists have discovered that there are longitudinal cells living as parasites inside the stomach of the fly. These yeast cells, as part of their own reproductive cycle, protrude through the respiratory tubules of the fly. When the fly is dipped completely into a liquid, the resulting change in the osmotic pressure causes the cells to burst. The contents of those cells is an antidote for pathogens which the fly carries on its body. Thus, the latest research in microbiology confirms what has been known from Prophetic knowledge for 1,400 years.
Another example concerns the advice to take a small amount of salt before beginning a meal. This in particular seems to be contradicted by modern medical wisdom, which stresses the harmful effects of excess salt consumption. However, a knowledge of the metabolism of the body illustrates the wisdom of this suggestion as well.
Salt is composed of two chemicals: sodium and chloride. The chlorides present in salt constitute the only readily available source of chlorides with which the body can manufacture hydrochloric acid, vital for proper digestion in the stomach. Thus, taking in a small amount of salt prior to the meal allows any deficiency of hydrochloric acid to be made up just before introducing new food.
It should be added that the harmful effects of excess salt are primarily associated with raised levels of sodium, not chlorides. In fact, persons who eliminate salt entirely from their diet may be subject to further disease caused by lack of proper levels of hydrochloric acid.
These two examples prove that there is indeed intelligent medical reason-ing for following the recommendations of these Hadith. It is true that not all of these Hadith have been submitted to scientific confirmation. It must be pointed out, however, that even if scientific experiments were done to confirm each and every statement, the fact that science did not, or could not, confirm its value would not negate the truth of the statement.
For scientific knowledge is constantly changing, and too often experiments have been found to be done incorrectly, and even intentionally falsified. For the Sufi, it is sufficient that Allah has mentioned, or inspired His Prophet (s.a.w.s.) to advise, a practice. Human knowledge or experience can never contradict or amend the divine knowledge and commandments.
Once these words of advice are integrated into dietary habits, one will discover that every action is perfectly in accord with human nature, and immense health benefits will accrue to anyone applying them with sincerity.
Not only can various recipes be gleaned from the commentaries that follow, but also individual foods and herbs are often prescribed as medicines.
It is impossible to state with finality which food or herb would be given in a particular case, because the person must be present before the healer or physician, in order for him to make a correct diagnosis of the imbalance. Nonetheless, the foods discussed in the following sections should be preferred over others, and the suggestions for combining them adhered to.*
It must be remembered that it is not simply the eating of one or more foods that marks the Sufi's behavior. There are many other aspects of behavior that bear upon health--fasting, prayer, giving of alms, and other practices--and these other factors may have a greater total impact on health than any foods.
Sayings Of The Prophet (S.A.W.S.)
Before proceeding to the listing of foods, it is worthwhile to provide the statements of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) relating to manners, hygiene, prevention, and similar topics, bearing on health.
Said the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.s.):
Allah did not create any illness without also creating the remedy, except death [old age]. Allah said that he who lives according to the Qur'an will have a long life.
The origin of every disease is cold. So eat when you desire and refrain when you desire.
The stomach is the home of disease and abstinence the head of every remedy. So make this your custom.
In the sight of Allah, the best food is a food shared by many.
To eat the morning meal alone is to eat with satan; to eat with one other person is to eat with a tyrant; to eat with two other persons is to eat with the prophets (peace be upon them all).
*In my judgment, the cuisine of Afghanistan provides the best recipes for applying all of these foods in proper proportion, and in that country, at least, the foods are eaten in light of availability by season. Unfortunately, there are few easily obtainable books on Afghan cooking. It is also a fact that the men and women of Afghanistan are probably among the most vigorous and hearty and pious on earth.
Allow your food to cool before eating, for in hot food there is no blessing.
When you eat, take your shoes off, for then indeed your feet have more rest. This is an excellent advice.
There is blessing in the middle of a dish. So commence from the side and not from the middle.*
There is blessing in three things: in the early morning meal, in bread and in soup.
Brush your teeth with a miswak [a wooden toothpick usually made from a twig of the pelu tree] after a meal and rinse out your mouth. For these two practices are a safeguard for the eyeteeth and the wisdom teeth.
Use miswak, for this practice comes from cleanliness, and cleanliness comes from faith, and faith takes its practitioner to heaven.
The dish pleads for mercy for the one who takes up the last morsel [i.e., do not be wasteful].
Eat together and then disperse, for a blessing resides in groups.
Less food, less sin.
To horde in these things is unlawful: wheat, barley, raisins, millet, fats, honey, cheese, walnuts, and olives.
Let no one drink while standing up, except one who is suffering from sciatica.
Eat your meal at dawn, for there is blessing in a meal at dawn.
When I was taken up into Heaven, I did not pass one angel who did not say to me: "O Muhammad, tell your people to make use of scarification [allowing out a small amount of blood from an incision]. The best treatment that you have is scarification, coriander, and costus [an East Indian herb].
Whoever is sick for seven days, thereby he expiates before Allah the sins of seventy years.
There is no pain like pain in the eye, and no worry like the worry of a debt.
When the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) came before a sick person, he used to say: "Get rid of evil delusions. Strength is with Allah the Almighty. Cure and be cured. There is no healing but Yours."
*The implication here is that one should exhibit a selfless reserve and allow another to obtain the blessing, not hog it for oneself.
Qualities Of Foods
(From Traditional Sources)
Aniseed (anisun)--Among its many properties, the seed of anise soothes internal pains, increases menstrual flow, promotes secretion of milk and semen, and dissolves intestinal gas. It may be applied in tea form to the eyes to strengthen eyesight. In nature, snakes coming out of winter hibernation seek out the anise plant and rub their eyes against it, because their vision becomes weak over winter.
Apple (tuffah)--Sour apples are more cooling than sweet ones. It is claimed that apples strengthen the heart.
Asparagus (hiyawn)--Hot and moist, asparagus opens obstructions of the kidneys and eases childbirth. It is said that asparagus will kill dogs that eat it.
Banana (mawz)--Hot in the first degree, banana has little use as a food, except for people with a very cold intemperament, who should eat it with honey.
Barley (sha’ir)--Barley ranks below only wheat as a desirable food. It is the first recommendation for hot intemperament diseases. Barley is soaked in water, which is drunk for coughs and sore throats. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) always gave a soup made from barley to anyone suffering from the pain of fever. '
Basil, Sweet (rayhan)--Smelling basil strengthens the heart. Sleep is promoted by rubbing the head with basil and water.
Bread (khubz)--The best bread is made of the finest whole grain flours and is baked in a circular stone oven. Bread should be allowed to cool somewhat before being eaten, or it will make one excessively thirsty. Stale bread clogs the bowels. Bread containing substantial bran is digested quickly, but is very nourishing. The softer the bread, the easier the digestion and the greater the nourishment. Bread crumbs produce gas. Breads made from barley and pea flours are slow to be digested and must have salt added to them. Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): "Do not cut bread with a knife, but give it due honor by breaking it with the hands, for Allah has honored it."
Butter (zubdah)--Butter is mildly hot and moist. Useful to alleviate constipation, butter is also mixed with honey and dates to make a food that removes the food cravings of pregnant women.
Cauliflower (qunnabit)--This vegetable is hard to digest, and it is said to harm the vision.
Chamomile (babunaj)--Hot in the first degree, chamomile is mild. Its main use is to promote urination and menstrual flow.
Carrot (jazar)--Sexual urges arise from eating carrot, which is hot in the second degree. It also is used to increase menstrual flow and urination.
Coconut (narjil darja'i)---The best type is very white, which is hot and moist. The nature of coconut is that it increases sexual powers and relieves pain in the back.
Coffee Bean (qahwah)--Coffee is a corrective for dysentery, relieves thirst, and is said to produce wisdom. It should be used sparingly.
Coriander Seed (habb al-suda)--The most respected books of traditions state that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, "Make yours the seeds of coriander, for it is a cure of all diseases except swelling [cancer], and that is a fatal disease." It is also reported that Allah informed the Prophet, "She has been given every-thing." And then Allah revealed that "she" is coriander. Coriander alleviates flatulence and resolves fevers. It is effective in the treatment of leukoderma, and it opens the subtlest networks of the veins. Excess moisture in the body is dried up by coriander, and it increases milk flow, urine, and menses. It is particularly useful when a person has a cold. The oil of coriander is a treatment for baldness and scalp problems, and prevents gray hair. The smoke of the burning seeds is an insect repellent.
Chicken (dajaj)--Light on the stomach and easy to digest, chicken is the best of fowl meats. It corrects and balances all the essences, is a food that is good for the brain, and improves the complexion. However, overconsumption of chicken leads to gout. The best chicken is a hen that has never laid an egg.
Cinnamon (darchini)--Cinnamon is hot in the third degree. Its volatile oil is a great medicine for indigestion. It forms an ingredient in spice blends used as the basis of cooking in almost three-fourths of the world.
Citron (utrujj)--The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) is reported to have said, "The citron is like a true believer: good to taste and good to smell." Citron strengthens the heart, dispels sadness, removes freckles, satisfies hunger, and slows the flow of bile. The wife of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used to treat blind persons with citron dipped in honey. Citron is best taken about ten minutes after the conclusion of meals.
Cucumber (qitta')--Ripe cucumbers dispel heat and are diuretic. Eating dates with green cucumber is said to cause weight gain.
Cumin (kammun)--Cumin is very hot. It is reported to be the only spice or herb that travels through the stomach unaffected by digestion, until it reaches the liver. Cumin soaked in water, which is then drunk, is excellent for colic.
Dates, Dried (tamr)--The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) is reported to have said, "A house without dates has no food." Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) used to plant date trees himself. Dates should be eaten with almonds to annul any adverse effects. Fresh dates were the food eaten by Mary (r.a.), at the time of her delivery of the infant Jesus (a.s.). Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), "He who finds a date, let him break his fast on that. If he finds no date, let him break it on water. For verily that is purity."
Eggplant (badhinjan)--The dark variety of eggplant causes production of bile. Small amounts of it help piles. Eggplant's tendency to produce bile is corrected by eating it with meat dishes.
Eggs (baydah)--The best eggs are those of chickens, eaten soft, not hard-boiled. Egg white relieves pain of sunburn, aids healing of burns, and prevents scarring. Eggs are aphrodisiac.
Endive (hindiba')--The effects of endive change according to the season. Endive at the earliest time is best, and at the end of the growing season, virtually useless. The Hadith states: "Eat endives and do not belch, for verily there is not one day that drops of the water of Paradise do not fall upon them [endives]."
Fenugreek (hulbah)--It is reported the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) once said: "If my people knew what there is in fenugreek, they would have bought and paid its weight in gold." Fenugreek is hot and dry. As a tea it aids menstrual flow and is useful in colic and as a cleansing enema. Fenugreek strengthens the heart.
Fig (tin)--Fresh figs are preferred to dried. Although quite nourishing, they are very hot. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) is reported to have said, "If you say that any fruit has come from Paradise, then you must mention the fig, for indeed it is the fruit of Paradise. So eat of it, for it is a cure for piles and helps gout."
Fish (samak)--Fresh-water fish are best, and those which feed on plant life, not mud and effluvia. Uncooked fish is hard to digest and produces imbalance of phlegm.
Garlic (thawm)--Garlic is hot in the third degree. It is used to dispel gas, promote menses, and expel afterbirth. It is excellent to correct cold intemperament, for dissolving phlegm, and the oil is used to treat insect bites. The eating of raw garlic and then visiting the mosque has been forbidden by the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.).
Ghee (clarified butter) (samn)--Ghee is the most fatty of all condiments. It is to be considered a medicinal additive to foods. Mixed with honey, ghee is said to be an antidote to poisons.
Ginger (zanjabil)--Ginger is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an (76:17). It is hot in the third degree, and is best for softening phlegm. It also aids digestion and strengthens sexual activity.
Henna (hinna)--One Hadith reports that nothing is dearer to Allah than henna. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) recommended it for many conditions: bruises, pain in the legs, infection of nails, burns, and to beautify the hair. Henna is noted for its great heat and its ability to excite the passions of love. The perfume made from henna flowers is considered to be one of the finest in the world. The dyeing of hands, nails, and feet is a common practice in the East, especially for weddings and feasts.
Honey ('asal)--Allah has said: "There comes forth, from within [the bee], a beverage of many colors in which there is a healing for you." Mixed with hot water, and taken in several small doses, honey is considered the best remedy for diarrhea.
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) once said, "By Him in whose hand is my soul, eat honey. For there is no house in which honey is kept for which the angels will not ask for mercy. If a person eats honey, a thousand remedies enter his stomach and a million diseases will come out. If a man dies and honey is found within him, fire will not touch his body [i.e., he will be immune from the burning of hell]." The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) himself used to drink a glass of honey and water each morning on an empty stomach.
Honey is considered the food of foods, the drink of drinks, and the drug of drugs. It is used for creating appetite, strengthening the stomach, and eliminating phlegm; as a meat preservative, hair conditioner, eye salve, and mouthwash. The best honey is that produced in the spring; the second best is that of summer, and the least quality is produced in winter.
Lentils ('adas)--All lentils produce dryness. Small amounts should be eaten, as a side dish, for in quantity they are generally bad for the stomach. Hadith say that the eating of lentils produces a sympathetic heart, tears in the eyes, and removes pride.
Lettuce (khass)--Although cold, lettuce is considered the best nourishment of all vegetables. It softens a hard constitution and helps those who suffer delirium. It contradicts the sexual energy and dries up semen. Excess consumption of lettuce weakens the eyesight.
Marjoram, Sweet (marzanjush)--The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) is reported to have said that sweet marjoram is most excellent for anyone who has lost the sense of smell.
Meat (lahm)--Allah has said in the Qur'an (52:22): "And we will aid them with fruit and meat, such as they desire." The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) reportedly said that one who does not eat meat for forty consecutive days will waste away, whereas to eat meat for forty consecutive days will harden the heart. In other words, one should moderate the intake of meat.
The most desirable of all meats is mutton, which is hot and moist in temperament. The best mutton is that of a male yearling; the best cut is a shoulder roast. Mutton should be cooked in some liquid, or it tends to dry out.
Beef fat mixed with pepper and cinnamon acts as a tonic medicine. The meat of pigs is forbidden to eat. The consumption of horse flesh as a food is disputed. Avicenna said the flesh of camels, horses, and asses are the worst of all meats. Also prohibited for human consumption are beasts of prey, animals that possess canine teeth, and birds with hooked talons.
Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): "Do not cut up meat with a knife upon the dish, for that is the way of non-Muslims. But grasp it in your fingers and so it will taste better." And, he said: "One sheep is a blessing; two sheep are two blessings; three sheep are wealth."
Melon (battikh)--Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): "Whenever you eat fruit, eat melon, because it is the fruit of Paradise and contains a thousand blessings and a thousand mercies. The eating of it cures every disease." Generally, the sweeter a melon, the greater its heat. Green varieties tend to be cold; the yellow, hot. The Prophet took melons with fresh dates. Melon purifies the bladder and the stomach, and improves the spinal fluid and eyesight. Melons should not be eaten first in a meal. Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): "None of your women who are pregnant and eat of watermelon will fail to produce offspring who are good in countenance and good in character."
Milk (laban)--Allah has mentioned milk to us, saying, "Rivers of milk the taste whereof does not change" (Qur'an 47:15). And again He said, "Pure milk, easy and agreeable to swallow for those who drink" (Qur'an 16:66). The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) is said to have remarked that milk is irreplaceable and that he himself loved milk.
Milk is composed of fat and water and milk solids (cheese). Together, these components are well suited to the constitution of humans. However, we should not take the milk of animals whose pregnancy lasts longer than that of humans. The milk of cows is best, for they feed off grasses.
Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): "Drink milk, for it wipes away heat from the heart as the finger wipes away sweat from the brow. Furthermore, it strengthens the back, increases the brain, augments the intelligence, renews vision, and drives away forgetfulness."
A milk diet is the best treatment there is for dropsy; however, anyone with fever must avoid milk.
Mint (nana)--The most subtle and refined of pot herbs, mint is heating and drying. Mint strengthens the stomach, cures hiccups, and encourages sexual activity. Placed in milk, mint will prevent it from turning to cheese.
Myrtle (as)--Cold in the second degree, myrtle is most used to stem diarrhea. Smelling the oil will cure headache caused by overheating. Myrtle tea with quince added is used for coughs.
Narcissus (narjis)--One Hadith says, "Smell a narcissus, even if only once a day or once a week or once a month or once a year or once a lifetime. For verily in the heart of man there is the seed of insanity, leprosy, and leukoderma. And the scent of narcissus drives them away."
Olives and Olive Oil (zayt and zaytun)--The older olive oil is, the hotter it becomes. Olive oil is an excellent treatment for the skin and hair, and it delays old age.
Allah has said of the olive tree: "And a tree that grows out of Mount Sinai which produces oil and a condiment for those who eat. For olive oil is the supreme seasoning." Allah has also called it the Blessed Tree (Qur'an 24:35).
Green olives are the most nourishing, and counteract autointoxication. Black olives cause the spleen to overproduce bile and are hard on the stomach. Olive leaves can be chewed as treatment for inflammation of the stomach, skin ulcerations, and eruptions of herpes and hives.
Onion (basal)--Quite hot, the onion is a good corrective for all excess wetness. Onion improves the flavor of foods and eliminates phlegm. Raw onions cause forgetfulness. An excess of cooked onions causes headache and forgetfulness.
Parsley (karafs)--A Hadith states that eating parsley just before sleep will cause one to awaken with sweet breath and will eliminate or prevent toothache. Parsley stimulates sexual activity.
Peach (khu'kh)--Peaches generate cold, relax the stomach, and soften the bowels. A good laxative, peaches should be eaten before, rather than after, a meal.
Pistachio (fustaq)--It is said that to eat the heart of a pistachio nut with egg yolk will make the heart grow strong. The reddish skin stems diarrhea and vomiting.
Pomegranate (rumman)--Sweet pomegranates are preferred over the sour. The juice stems coughs. All kinds of pomegranates settle palpitations of the heart. Hazrat Ali (r.a.) said that the light of Allah is in the heart of whoever eats pomegranates. It is also reported that one who eats three pomegranates in the course of a year will be inoculated against ophthalmia for that year.
Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Pomegranate "cleanses you of Satan and from evil aspirations for forty days."
Quince (safarjal)--It is said that to eat quince on an empty stomach is good for the soul. Cold and dry, quince is astringent to the stomach, and it checks excessive menstrual flow. A few seeds placed in water will, after a few minutes, form a mucilage which is an excellent remedy for cough and sore throat, especially in the young. Quince is also excellent for pregnant women, gladdening their hearts. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: "Eat quince, for it sweetens the heart. For Allah has sent no prophet as His messenger without feeding him on the quince of Paradise. For quince increases the strength up to that of forty men."
Rhubarb (rawand)--Rhubarb is hot and dry, and best when picked fresh. It opens blockages of the liver and resolves chronic fever.
Rice (aruzz)--Next to wheat, rice is the most nourishing of whole grain foods. It is said eating rice increases pleasant dreams and the production of semen. Eating rice cooked in fat from sheep's liver is better and more effective than a major purging.
Saffron (zafaran)--Hot and dry, saffron is excellent for the blood and strengthening to the soul. It eases pains in the joints, but can cause great increase in the sex drive of young men.
Salt (milh)--Hot and dry in the third degree, salt, when taken moderately, is beautifying to the skin, giving it a soft glow. Salt causes vomiting when purging, and stimulates the appetite. Excessive use causes the skin to itch.
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) recommended beginning and ending each meal with a pinch of salt. He said: "From the one who begins a meal with salt, Allah wards off three hundred and thirty kinds of diseases, the least of which are lunacy, leprosy, bowel troubles, and toothache. The rest is pre-scribed in the supreme knowledge of Allah."
Senna (sana)--The best species of henna is that from the blessed city of Medina, where it grows plentifully. The chief property of senna is that it strengthens the heart without harshness. Its nobility has caused it to be referred to by the hakims as the Glory of Drugs. Its uses are many--in purgative infusions, decoctions, pills, enemas, and powders. Senna causes the bile to flow, and reaches to the very depths of the joints to balance the essences therein. The most effective use is as a tea, which can be made even more efficacious by adding violet blossoms and crushed red raisins. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) recommended senna most highly, making a statement similar to the one about coriander: that it cures every disease except death itself.
Spinach (asfanakh)--Spinach is cold and moist, causing irritation to the chest and throat. Still, it softens the bowels.
Sugar (sukkar)--Sugar is cold and moist. It is most often used in combination with other medicinal herbs, which carry the effects to the furthest point of an organ. Eating too much sugar creates disease of moisture.
Thyme (sa'tar)--In the time of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), it was customary to fumigate houses by burning frankincense and thyme. Thyme is cold and dry in the third degree. An excellent digestive aid to heavy foods, thyme beautifies the complexion, annuls intestinal gas, and benefits coldness of the stomach and liver. When drunk as an infusion, it is said to kill tapeworms.
Vermicelli (itriyyah)--This food is hot and excessively moist, thus hard to digest. For those with very strong constitution, it provides excellent nourishment.
Vinegar (khall)--The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) was reported to have once remarked that vinegar was the seasoning of all the prophets who came before him. Vinegar is both cold and hot, nearly balanced between the two. Mixed with rose water, it is an excellent remedy for toothache and headache. Vinegar dissolves phlegm. Another Hadith states that a house containing vinegar will never suffer from poverty.
Walnut (jawz)--Walnut is the hottest of nuts. Although hard to digest, when eaten with raisins it is the best remedy for winter cough. Avicenna said that walnuts cure the effects of poisons.
Water (ma')--The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) reportedly said: "The best drink in this world and the next is water." Water is moist and, because of this, slightly cooling. It extinguishes thirst and preserves the innate moisture of the body. It assists digestion of foods and absorption of nutrients. Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): "When you have a thirst, drink [water] by sips and do not gulp it down .... Gulping water produces sickness of the liver."
Wheat (hintah)--Wheat is somewhat hot, and balanced between dryness and moisture. The eating of raw wheat produces intestinal worms and gas. Wheat flour should be ground during the daytime.
So praise be upon this Prophet who produced for us this marvelous knowledge which makes us see and understand and dazzles the wisest minds. Herein are proofs of Allah's kindness and benevolence upon His creatures, for He is the most kind and all-loving. May we serve Him with true vision.
Al-hamdu li-Lahi Rabb il-Alamin!
So all praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds! Amin!
And the earth hath He appointed for His creatures
Wherein are fruit and sheathed palm trees,
Husked grain and scented herb.
Which is it of these favors of your Lord
that ye deny?
Qur'an 55:10-13
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) was once reported to have said, "There are two kinds of knowledge: knowledge of religion and knowledge of the body." The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) frequently commented upon the nature and value of various foods and spices. These comments were noted by his wives and companions (r.a.) and remain available to us today.
Before presenting a selection of the Hadith specifically relating to health, it is necessary to reflect for a moment on the nature of some of these recommendations. To some people, the advice which follows may seem quaint, old-fashioned, or simply bizarre. Some may feel that a particular statement has not been or cannot be confirmed by scientific knowledge. However, all of the statements and actions of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) are woven upon the nucleus of divine inspiration, and so do not admit of any error, inaccuracy, or amendment. A few illustrations will make this clear.
There is a Hadith that says that if a fly falls into a liquid while one is preparing to drink it, the person should first dip the fly completely under the surface of the water and submerge the fly totally before removing it. This advice seems very strange, if not dangerous.
Medically it is known that a fly carries some pathogens on some parts of its body (this was mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad [s.a.w.s.] 1,400 years ago, when there was practically no formal medical knowledge). But Allah has said that He created no disease without also creating its remedy, except death (meaning the decline of old age). Therefore, in modern times penicillin has been discovered, which is used to counteract harmful organisms such as staphylococci. However, Dr. Muhammad M. el-Samahy, director of the Department of Hadith at al-Azhar University at Cairo, Egypt, has written an article revealing the astute medical genius of this apparently mysterious advice.
Dr. el-Samahy relates that microbiologists have discovered that there are longitudinal cells living as parasites inside the stomach of the fly. These yeast cells, as part of their own reproductive cycle, protrude through the respiratory tubules of the fly. When the fly is dipped completely into a liquid, the resulting change in the osmotic pressure causes the cells to burst. The contents of those cells is an antidote for pathogens which the fly carries on its body. Thus, the latest research in microbiology confirms what has been known from Prophetic knowledge for 1,400 years.
Another example concerns the advice to take a small amount of salt before beginning a meal. This in particular seems to be contradicted by modern medical wisdom, which stresses the harmful effects of excess salt consumption. However, a knowledge of the metabolism of the body illustrates the wisdom of this suggestion as well.
Salt is composed of two chemicals: sodium and chloride. The chlorides present in salt constitute the only readily available source of chlorides with which the body can manufacture hydrochloric acid, vital for proper digestion in the stomach. Thus, taking in a small amount of salt prior to the meal allows any deficiency of hydrochloric acid to be made up just before introducing new food.
It should be added that the harmful effects of excess salt are primarily associated with raised levels of sodium, not chlorides. In fact, persons who eliminate salt entirely from their diet may be subject to further disease caused by lack of proper levels of hydrochloric acid.
These two examples prove that there is indeed intelligent medical reason-ing for following the recommendations of these Hadith. It is true that not all of these Hadith have been submitted to scientific confirmation. It must be pointed out, however, that even if scientific experiments were done to confirm each and every statement, the fact that science did not, or could not, confirm its value would not negate the truth of the statement.
For scientific knowledge is constantly changing, and too often experiments have been found to be done incorrectly, and even intentionally falsified. For the Sufi, it is sufficient that Allah has mentioned, or inspired His Prophet (s.a.w.s.) to advise, a practice. Human knowledge or experience can never contradict or amend the divine knowledge and commandments.
Once these words of advice are integrated into dietary habits, one will discover that every action is perfectly in accord with human nature, and immense health benefits will accrue to anyone applying them with sincerity.
Not only can various recipes be gleaned from the commentaries that follow, but also individual foods and herbs are often prescribed as medicines.
It is impossible to state with finality which food or herb would be given in a particular case, because the person must be present before the healer or physician, in order for him to make a correct diagnosis of the imbalance. Nonetheless, the foods discussed in the following sections should be preferred over others, and the suggestions for combining them adhered to.*
It must be remembered that it is not simply the eating of one or more foods that marks the Sufi's behavior. There are many other aspects of behavior that bear upon health--fasting, prayer, giving of alms, and other practices--and these other factors may have a greater total impact on health than any foods.
Sayings Of The Prophet (S.A.W.S.)
Before proceeding to the listing of foods, it is worthwhile to provide the statements of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) relating to manners, hygiene, prevention, and similar topics, bearing on health.
Said the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.s.):
Allah did not create any illness without also creating the remedy, except death [old age]. Allah said that he who lives according to the Qur'an will have a long life.
The origin of every disease is cold. So eat when you desire and refrain when you desire.
The stomach is the home of disease and abstinence the head of every remedy. So make this your custom.
In the sight of Allah, the best food is a food shared by many.
To eat the morning meal alone is to eat with satan; to eat with one other person is to eat with a tyrant; to eat with two other persons is to eat with the prophets (peace be upon them all).
*In my judgment, the cuisine of Afghanistan provides the best recipes for applying all of these foods in proper proportion, and in that country, at least, the foods are eaten in light of availability by season. Unfortunately, there are few easily obtainable books on Afghan cooking. It is also a fact that the men and women of Afghanistan are probably among the most vigorous and hearty and pious on earth.
Allow your food to cool before eating, for in hot food there is no blessing.
When you eat, take your shoes off, for then indeed your feet have more rest. This is an excellent advice.
There is blessing in the middle of a dish. So commence from the side and not from the middle.*
There is blessing in three things: in the early morning meal, in bread and in soup.
Brush your teeth with a miswak [a wooden toothpick usually made from a twig of the pelu tree] after a meal and rinse out your mouth. For these two practices are a safeguard for the eyeteeth and the wisdom teeth.
Use miswak, for this practice comes from cleanliness, and cleanliness comes from faith, and faith takes its practitioner to heaven.
The dish pleads for mercy for the one who takes up the last morsel [i.e., do not be wasteful].
Eat together and then disperse, for a blessing resides in groups.
Less food, less sin.
To horde in these things is unlawful: wheat, barley, raisins, millet, fats, honey, cheese, walnuts, and olives.
Let no one drink while standing up, except one who is suffering from sciatica.
Eat your meal at dawn, for there is blessing in a meal at dawn.
When I was taken up into Heaven, I did not pass one angel who did not say to me: "O Muhammad, tell your people to make use of scarification [allowing out a small amount of blood from an incision]. The best treatment that you have is scarification, coriander, and costus [an East Indian herb].
Whoever is sick for seven days, thereby he expiates before Allah the sins of seventy years.
There is no pain like pain in the eye, and no worry like the worry of a debt.
When the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) came before a sick person, he used to say: "Get rid of evil delusions. Strength is with Allah the Almighty. Cure and be cured. There is no healing but Yours."
*The implication here is that one should exhibit a selfless reserve and allow another to obtain the blessing, not hog it for oneself.
Qualities Of Foods
(From Traditional Sources)
Aniseed (anisun)--Among its many properties, the seed of anise soothes internal pains, increases menstrual flow, promotes secretion of milk and semen, and dissolves intestinal gas. It may be applied in tea form to the eyes to strengthen eyesight. In nature, snakes coming out of winter hibernation seek out the anise plant and rub their eyes against it, because their vision becomes weak over winter.
Apple (tuffah)--Sour apples are more cooling than sweet ones. It is claimed that apples strengthen the heart.
Asparagus (hiyawn)--Hot and moist, asparagus opens obstructions of the kidneys and eases childbirth. It is said that asparagus will kill dogs that eat it.
Banana (mawz)--Hot in the first degree, banana has little use as a food, except for people with a very cold intemperament, who should eat it with honey.
Barley (sha’ir)--Barley ranks below only wheat as a desirable food. It is the first recommendation for hot intemperament diseases. Barley is soaked in water, which is drunk for coughs and sore throats. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) always gave a soup made from barley to anyone suffering from the pain of fever. '
Basil, Sweet (rayhan)--Smelling basil strengthens the heart. Sleep is promoted by rubbing the head with basil and water.
Bread (khubz)--The best bread is made of the finest whole grain flours and is baked in a circular stone oven. Bread should be allowed to cool somewhat before being eaten, or it will make one excessively thirsty. Stale bread clogs the bowels. Bread containing substantial bran is digested quickly, but is very nourishing. The softer the bread, the easier the digestion and the greater the nourishment. Bread crumbs produce gas. Breads made from barley and pea flours are slow to be digested and must have salt added to them. Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): "Do not cut bread with a knife, but give it due honor by breaking it with the hands, for Allah has honored it."
Butter (zubdah)--Butter is mildly hot and moist. Useful to alleviate constipation, butter is also mixed with honey and dates to make a food that removes the food cravings of pregnant women.
Cauliflower (qunnabit)--This vegetable is hard to digest, and it is said to harm the vision.
Chamomile (babunaj)--Hot in the first degree, chamomile is mild. Its main use is to promote urination and menstrual flow.
Carrot (jazar)--Sexual urges arise from eating carrot, which is hot in the second degree. It also is used to increase menstrual flow and urination.
Coconut (narjil darja'i)---The best type is very white, which is hot and moist. The nature of coconut is that it increases sexual powers and relieves pain in the back.
Coffee Bean (qahwah)--Coffee is a corrective for dysentery, relieves thirst, and is said to produce wisdom. It should be used sparingly.
Coriander Seed (habb al-suda)--The most respected books of traditions state that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, "Make yours the seeds of coriander, for it is a cure of all diseases except swelling [cancer], and that is a fatal disease." It is also reported that Allah informed the Prophet, "She has been given every-thing." And then Allah revealed that "she" is coriander. Coriander alleviates flatulence and resolves fevers. It is effective in the treatment of leukoderma, and it opens the subtlest networks of the veins. Excess moisture in the body is dried up by coriander, and it increases milk flow, urine, and menses. It is particularly useful when a person has a cold. The oil of coriander is a treatment for baldness and scalp problems, and prevents gray hair. The smoke of the burning seeds is an insect repellent.
Chicken (dajaj)--Light on the stomach and easy to digest, chicken is the best of fowl meats. It corrects and balances all the essences, is a food that is good for the brain, and improves the complexion. However, overconsumption of chicken leads to gout. The best chicken is a hen that has never laid an egg.
Cinnamon (darchini)--Cinnamon is hot in the third degree. Its volatile oil is a great medicine for indigestion. It forms an ingredient in spice blends used as the basis of cooking in almost three-fourths of the world.
Citron (utrujj)--The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) is reported to have said, "The citron is like a true believer: good to taste and good to smell." Citron strengthens the heart, dispels sadness, removes freckles, satisfies hunger, and slows the flow of bile. The wife of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used to treat blind persons with citron dipped in honey. Citron is best taken about ten minutes after the conclusion of meals.
Cucumber (qitta')--Ripe cucumbers dispel heat and are diuretic. Eating dates with green cucumber is said to cause weight gain.
Cumin (kammun)--Cumin is very hot. It is reported to be the only spice or herb that travels through the stomach unaffected by digestion, until it reaches the liver. Cumin soaked in water, which is then drunk, is excellent for colic.
Dates, Dried (tamr)--The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) is reported to have said, "A house without dates has no food." Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) used to plant date trees himself. Dates should be eaten with almonds to annul any adverse effects. Fresh dates were the food eaten by Mary (r.a.), at the time of her delivery of the infant Jesus (a.s.). Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), "He who finds a date, let him break his fast on that. If he finds no date, let him break it on water. For verily that is purity."
Eggplant (badhinjan)--The dark variety of eggplant causes production of bile. Small amounts of it help piles. Eggplant's tendency to produce bile is corrected by eating it with meat dishes.
Eggs (baydah)--The best eggs are those of chickens, eaten soft, not hard-boiled. Egg white relieves pain of sunburn, aids healing of burns, and prevents scarring. Eggs are aphrodisiac.
Endive (hindiba')--The effects of endive change according to the season. Endive at the earliest time is best, and at the end of the growing season, virtually useless. The Hadith states: "Eat endives and do not belch, for verily there is not one day that drops of the water of Paradise do not fall upon them [endives]."
Fenugreek (hulbah)--It is reported the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) once said: "If my people knew what there is in fenugreek, they would have bought and paid its weight in gold." Fenugreek is hot and dry. As a tea it aids menstrual flow and is useful in colic and as a cleansing enema. Fenugreek strengthens the heart.
Fig (tin)--Fresh figs are preferred to dried. Although quite nourishing, they are very hot. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) is reported to have said, "If you say that any fruit has come from Paradise, then you must mention the fig, for indeed it is the fruit of Paradise. So eat of it, for it is a cure for piles and helps gout."
Fish (samak)--Fresh-water fish are best, and those which feed on plant life, not mud and effluvia. Uncooked fish is hard to digest and produces imbalance of phlegm.
Garlic (thawm)--Garlic is hot in the third degree. It is used to dispel gas, promote menses, and expel afterbirth. It is excellent to correct cold intemperament, for dissolving phlegm, and the oil is used to treat insect bites. The eating of raw garlic and then visiting the mosque has been forbidden by the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.).
Ghee (clarified butter) (samn)--Ghee is the most fatty of all condiments. It is to be considered a medicinal additive to foods. Mixed with honey, ghee is said to be an antidote to poisons.
Ginger (zanjabil)--Ginger is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an (76:17). It is hot in the third degree, and is best for softening phlegm. It also aids digestion and strengthens sexual activity.
Henna (hinna)--One Hadith reports that nothing is dearer to Allah than henna. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) recommended it for many conditions: bruises, pain in the legs, infection of nails, burns, and to beautify the hair. Henna is noted for its great heat and its ability to excite the passions of love. The perfume made from henna flowers is considered to be one of the finest in the world. The dyeing of hands, nails, and feet is a common practice in the East, especially for weddings and feasts.
Honey ('asal)--Allah has said: "There comes forth, from within [the bee], a beverage of many colors in which there is a healing for you." Mixed with hot water, and taken in several small doses, honey is considered the best remedy for diarrhea.
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) once said, "By Him in whose hand is my soul, eat honey. For there is no house in which honey is kept for which the angels will not ask for mercy. If a person eats honey, a thousand remedies enter his stomach and a million diseases will come out. If a man dies and honey is found within him, fire will not touch his body [i.e., he will be immune from the burning of hell]." The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) himself used to drink a glass of honey and water each morning on an empty stomach.
Honey is considered the food of foods, the drink of drinks, and the drug of drugs. It is used for creating appetite, strengthening the stomach, and eliminating phlegm; as a meat preservative, hair conditioner, eye salve, and mouthwash. The best honey is that produced in the spring; the second best is that of summer, and the least quality is produced in winter.
Lentils ('adas)--All lentils produce dryness. Small amounts should be eaten, as a side dish, for in quantity they are generally bad for the stomach. Hadith say that the eating of lentils produces a sympathetic heart, tears in the eyes, and removes pride.
Lettuce (khass)--Although cold, lettuce is considered the best nourishment of all vegetables. It softens a hard constitution and helps those who suffer delirium. It contradicts the sexual energy and dries up semen. Excess consumption of lettuce weakens the eyesight.
Marjoram, Sweet (marzanjush)--The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) is reported to have said that sweet marjoram is most excellent for anyone who has lost the sense of smell.
Meat (lahm)--Allah has said in the Qur'an (52:22): "And we will aid them with fruit and meat, such as they desire." The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) reportedly said that one who does not eat meat for forty consecutive days will waste away, whereas to eat meat for forty consecutive days will harden the heart. In other words, one should moderate the intake of meat.
The most desirable of all meats is mutton, which is hot and moist in temperament. The best mutton is that of a male yearling; the best cut is a shoulder roast. Mutton should be cooked in some liquid, or it tends to dry out.
Beef fat mixed with pepper and cinnamon acts as a tonic medicine. The meat of pigs is forbidden to eat. The consumption of horse flesh as a food is disputed. Avicenna said the flesh of camels, horses, and asses are the worst of all meats. Also prohibited for human consumption are beasts of prey, animals that possess canine teeth, and birds with hooked talons.
Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): "Do not cut up meat with a knife upon the dish, for that is the way of non-Muslims. But grasp it in your fingers and so it will taste better." And, he said: "One sheep is a blessing; two sheep are two blessings; three sheep are wealth."
Melon (battikh)--Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): "Whenever you eat fruit, eat melon, because it is the fruit of Paradise and contains a thousand blessings and a thousand mercies. The eating of it cures every disease." Generally, the sweeter a melon, the greater its heat. Green varieties tend to be cold; the yellow, hot. The Prophet took melons with fresh dates. Melon purifies the bladder and the stomach, and improves the spinal fluid and eyesight. Melons should not be eaten first in a meal. Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): "None of your women who are pregnant and eat of watermelon will fail to produce offspring who are good in countenance and good in character."
Milk (laban)--Allah has mentioned milk to us, saying, "Rivers of milk the taste whereof does not change" (Qur'an 47:15). And again He said, "Pure milk, easy and agreeable to swallow for those who drink" (Qur'an 16:66). The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) is said to have remarked that milk is irreplaceable and that he himself loved milk.
Milk is composed of fat and water and milk solids (cheese). Together, these components are well suited to the constitution of humans. However, we should not take the milk of animals whose pregnancy lasts longer than that of humans. The milk of cows is best, for they feed off grasses.
Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): "Drink milk, for it wipes away heat from the heart as the finger wipes away sweat from the brow. Furthermore, it strengthens the back, increases the brain, augments the intelligence, renews vision, and drives away forgetfulness."
A milk diet is the best treatment there is for dropsy; however, anyone with fever must avoid milk.
Mint (nana)--The most subtle and refined of pot herbs, mint is heating and drying. Mint strengthens the stomach, cures hiccups, and encourages sexual activity. Placed in milk, mint will prevent it from turning to cheese.
Myrtle (as)--Cold in the second degree, myrtle is most used to stem diarrhea. Smelling the oil will cure headache caused by overheating. Myrtle tea with quince added is used for coughs.
Narcissus (narjis)--One Hadith says, "Smell a narcissus, even if only once a day or once a week or once a month or once a year or once a lifetime. For verily in the heart of man there is the seed of insanity, leprosy, and leukoderma. And the scent of narcissus drives them away."
Olives and Olive Oil (zayt and zaytun)--The older olive oil is, the hotter it becomes. Olive oil is an excellent treatment for the skin and hair, and it delays old age.
Allah has said of the olive tree: "And a tree that grows out of Mount Sinai which produces oil and a condiment for those who eat. For olive oil is the supreme seasoning." Allah has also called it the Blessed Tree (Qur'an 24:35).
Green olives are the most nourishing, and counteract autointoxication. Black olives cause the spleen to overproduce bile and are hard on the stomach. Olive leaves can be chewed as treatment for inflammation of the stomach, skin ulcerations, and eruptions of herpes and hives.
Onion (basal)--Quite hot, the onion is a good corrective for all excess wetness. Onion improves the flavor of foods and eliminates phlegm. Raw onions cause forgetfulness. An excess of cooked onions causes headache and forgetfulness.
Parsley (karafs)--A Hadith states that eating parsley just before sleep will cause one to awaken with sweet breath and will eliminate or prevent toothache. Parsley stimulates sexual activity.
Peach (khu'kh)--Peaches generate cold, relax the stomach, and soften the bowels. A good laxative, peaches should be eaten before, rather than after, a meal.
Pistachio (fustaq)--It is said that to eat the heart of a pistachio nut with egg yolk will make the heart grow strong. The reddish skin stems diarrhea and vomiting.
Pomegranate (rumman)--Sweet pomegranates are preferred over the sour. The juice stems coughs. All kinds of pomegranates settle palpitations of the heart. Hazrat Ali (r.a.) said that the light of Allah is in the heart of whoever eats pomegranates. It is also reported that one who eats three pomegranates in the course of a year will be inoculated against ophthalmia for that year.
Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Pomegranate "cleanses you of Satan and from evil aspirations for forty days."
Quince (safarjal)--It is said that to eat quince on an empty stomach is good for the soul. Cold and dry, quince is astringent to the stomach, and it checks excessive menstrual flow. A few seeds placed in water will, after a few minutes, form a mucilage which is an excellent remedy for cough and sore throat, especially in the young. Quince is also excellent for pregnant women, gladdening their hearts. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: "Eat quince, for it sweetens the heart. For Allah has sent no prophet as His messenger without feeding him on the quince of Paradise. For quince increases the strength up to that of forty men."
Rhubarb (rawand)--Rhubarb is hot and dry, and best when picked fresh. It opens blockages of the liver and resolves chronic fever.
Rice (aruzz)--Next to wheat, rice is the most nourishing of whole grain foods. It is said eating rice increases pleasant dreams and the production of semen. Eating rice cooked in fat from sheep's liver is better and more effective than a major purging.
Saffron (zafaran)--Hot and dry, saffron is excellent for the blood and strengthening to the soul. It eases pains in the joints, but can cause great increase in the sex drive of young men.
Salt (milh)--Hot and dry in the third degree, salt, when taken moderately, is beautifying to the skin, giving it a soft glow. Salt causes vomiting when purging, and stimulates the appetite. Excessive use causes the skin to itch.
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) recommended beginning and ending each meal with a pinch of salt. He said: "From the one who begins a meal with salt, Allah wards off three hundred and thirty kinds of diseases, the least of which are lunacy, leprosy, bowel troubles, and toothache. The rest is pre-scribed in the supreme knowledge of Allah."
Senna (sana)--The best species of henna is that from the blessed city of Medina, where it grows plentifully. The chief property of senna is that it strengthens the heart without harshness. Its nobility has caused it to be referred to by the hakims as the Glory of Drugs. Its uses are many--in purgative infusions, decoctions, pills, enemas, and powders. Senna causes the bile to flow, and reaches to the very depths of the joints to balance the essences therein. The most effective use is as a tea, which can be made even more efficacious by adding violet blossoms and crushed red raisins. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) recommended senna most highly, making a statement similar to the one about coriander: that it cures every disease except death itself.
Spinach (asfanakh)--Spinach is cold and moist, causing irritation to the chest and throat. Still, it softens the bowels.
Sugar (sukkar)--Sugar is cold and moist. It is most often used in combination with other medicinal herbs, which carry the effects to the furthest point of an organ. Eating too much sugar creates disease of moisture.
Thyme (sa'tar)--In the time of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), it was customary to fumigate houses by burning frankincense and thyme. Thyme is cold and dry in the third degree. An excellent digestive aid to heavy foods, thyme beautifies the complexion, annuls intestinal gas, and benefits coldness of the stomach and liver. When drunk as an infusion, it is said to kill tapeworms.
Vermicelli (itriyyah)--This food is hot and excessively moist, thus hard to digest. For those with very strong constitution, it provides excellent nourishment.
Vinegar (khall)--The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) was reported to have once remarked that vinegar was the seasoning of all the prophets who came before him. Vinegar is both cold and hot, nearly balanced between the two. Mixed with rose water, it is an excellent remedy for toothache and headache. Vinegar dissolves phlegm. Another Hadith states that a house containing vinegar will never suffer from poverty.
Walnut (jawz)--Walnut is the hottest of nuts. Although hard to digest, when eaten with raisins it is the best remedy for winter cough. Avicenna said that walnuts cure the effects of poisons.
Water (ma')--The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) reportedly said: "The best drink in this world and the next is water." Water is moist and, because of this, slightly cooling. It extinguishes thirst and preserves the innate moisture of the body. It assists digestion of foods and absorption of nutrients. Said the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): "When you have a thirst, drink [water] by sips and do not gulp it down .... Gulping water produces sickness of the liver."
Wheat (hintah)--Wheat is somewhat hot, and balanced between dryness and moisture. The eating of raw wheat produces intestinal worms and gas. Wheat flour should be ground during the daytime.
So praise be upon this Prophet who produced for us this marvelous knowledge which makes us see and understand and dazzles the wisest minds. Herein are proofs of Allah's kindness and benevolence upon His creatures, for He is the most kind and all-loving. May we serve Him with true vision.
Al-hamdu li-Lahi Rabb il-Alamin!
So all praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds! Amin!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
