Quran and ancient destroyed civilizations.

[ghumbasa]

CONTINUE....

Allah Said: "If you mock at us, so do we mock at you likewise for your mocking. And you will know on whom will come, a torment that will cover him with disgrace and on whom will fall a lasting torment." [Chapter 11:38-39]

The ship was built and Nuh as sat waiting for Allah's command. Allah informed him that when the hearth in his house overflowed, this would be the sign of the start of the flood and Noah should act.

The horrible day arrived, Nuh as hurried to open the ark and call in the believers. Angel Gabriel/jibrail as descended to earth and carried into the ark a pair of each type of animal and bird, a male and a female. Nuh as had made cages for the beasts when he built the ark, to ensure their survival on earth; it's as if Allah were telling us that the ark was the safe, holding the equipment for the redevelopment of life.

The believers were few in number. Allah said "(So it was) till then there came Our command and the oven gushed forth (water like fountains from the earth). We said: 'Embark therein, of each kind two (male and female), and your family, except him against whom the word has already gone forth, and those who believe.' And none believed with him except a few." [Chapter 11:40]

Nuh 's as wife and one of his sons did not believe in him, so they did not board the ark, along with all the disbelievers. There was not a crack in the earth which water did not rise from. Rain poured from the sky in large quantities never been seen before on earth. The water rose hour after hour, the seas lost their calm and started to invade the land. The earth's interior was moving in an unusual way, the bottom of the oceans rose in sudden bursts and the waves flooded the earth.
Allah said in the Moon Chapter:*"So we opened the gates of heavens with water pouring forth. And we caused the earth to gush forth with springs. So the waters (of the heavens and the earths) met for a while. And we carried him on a (ship) made of planks and nails." [Chapter 54:11-40]

The water rose, to a higher level, then above the people and even higher then the peak of the mountains, until the whole earth drowned. Allah drowned the disbelievers, it did not matter how important they were or what their relationship with the Prophet was (i.e.: his son, wife etc.)

The flood continued until every moving, breathing creature on earth had died, except those who were in the ark. Then a divine order was given to the sky to stop the rainfall, and to the earth to settle and absorb the water, and to the ark to harbour at Judi, the name of an ancient place said to be a mountain in Iraq.

With that order came peace on earth. The water retreated, and the earth's mainland shone once again under the rays of the sun. The flood cleansed the earth. Allah said: "And it was said: O earth swallow up your water, and O! sky With hold (your rain)".

After that, Nuh as remembered his son who drowned, until that moment Nuh as did not know his son was a disbeliever. He thought that he was just a stubborn believer who preferred to save himself in a mountain. The waves ended their conversation before it was over. So Noah never knew the extent of his son's faith. Fatherly feelings rose in Noah's heart."And Noah called upon his lord and said, 'O my Lord! Verily, my son is of my family! And certainly, Your Promise is true, and You are the most just of the judges." [Chapter 11:44]

This verse teaches us a very important lesson; Allah wanted to tell Nuh as that his son was of the disbelievers, and that blood is not the true bond between people. The son of the prophet is not his son in faith; it's who ever follows Allah and the Prophet. Not those who disbelieved in him, even if it was his own flesh and blood.

Nuh as disembarked the ark, he released the birds and beasts and they scattered throughout the earth. After that the believers came out, Nuh as prostrated on the wet ground and after his prayer he dug the basis for building a temple dedicated to Allah. There followed a day of fasting in thankfulness to Allah.

The Qur'an closed the curtain on Nuh's as story.He then passed away.

[ghumbasa]

Presenting the Witnesses of the Day of Judgment


Allah will assemble witnesses on nations and on individuals. Allah will make this ummah witness on others. Allah will send witnesses against us – our hands, feet, tongue will speak about the sins we committed.


Nuh as will be the witness against his nation.
He will say that he presented the truth to them, but they rejected it.
Abu Sa’eed ra narrated that Allah’s Apostle saww said, “Nuh and his nation will come (on the Day of Resurrection and Allah will ask (Nuh),
‘Did you convey (the Message)?’
He will reply, ‘Yes, O my Lord!’
Then Allah will ask Nuh’s nation, ‘Did Nuh convey My Message to you?’
They will reply, ‘No, no prophet came to us.’
Then Allah will ask Nuh as , ‘Who will stand a witness for you?’
He will reply, ‘Muhammad and his followers (will stand witness for me).’
So, I and my followers will stand as witnesses for him (that he conveyed Allah’s Message).”

That is, (the interpretation) of the Statement of Allah: "Thus we have made you a just and the best nation that you might be witnesses Over mankind."(2:143).” [Bukhaari, 4/55/555]


The people of Nuh as will say to the Muslims, “How do you know? You weren’t there.” The Muslims will say, “We received it in the book of Allah (the Qur’an).”


Then, Allah will make Muhammad sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam a witness against us. “And thus we have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you. "

[ghumbasa]

Prophet Adam as:

THE CREATION OF PROPHET ADAM

Before the creation of mortals, Almighty Allah directed all the angels to assemble. Thousands upon thousands of angels (created from light) and Jinns (created from fire) gathered in groups. They bowed respectfully in the presence of Almighty Allah. The Creator of the universe declared that he intended to create Man.
And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, “Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.” (Qur’an 2:30)[So mention] when your Lord said to the angels, “Indeed, I am going to create a human being from clay. (Qur’an 38:71)

The angels and Azazil or Iblees (Shaytan) reacted with surprise and concern. They quickly pointed out that human beings would cause disorder on the earth. They would make mischief and shed blood indiscriminately.

The Qur’an gives a description of this event in the following verses:

They said, “Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?” (Qur’an 2:30)

Allah, the Subtle, the All-Aware, knew with perfect knowledge that the angels neither intended to contradict Him nor express enmity towards His new creation. Rather, out of their boundless love for Him and protectiveness of His sanctity and majesty, they were simply asking to be informed about what they did not understand. Hence, Allah Most High, was not angry, but merely said to them,

“Indeed, I know that which you do not know.” (Qur’an 2:30)
In a hadith, Prophet Muhammad SAW said,
Allah created Adam from a handful of clay which He took from the whole of the earth; so the children of Adam are in accordance with the earth, some red, some white some black, some a mixture, also smooth and rough, bad and good. (Mishkat)
And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, “I will create a human being out of clay from an altered black mud. (Qur’an 15:28)

The clay was brought to Allah at His command by the Angel of Death and from this clay Allah created the first human being, Adam. Adam AS, the first prophet, the father of all mankind. Several hadith mention the day on which Adam AS was created.

The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday. On it, Adam was created and on it he was made to enter Paradise on it he was cast out of it. And the Last Hour will not take place on any day other than Friday. (Muslim)

And what more blessed day for the most perfect and developed of Allah’s creations! Describing the creation of Adam AS, Prophet Muhammad SAW said,

Allah created Adam AS in his finished form and his height was sixty cubits (about 41 meters or 126 feet)…. Therefore, all who enter Paradise will be of the form of Adam, and the people have not stopped decreasing in stature up to the present. (Bukhari)

Prophet Muhammad SAW also said,

When Allah had fashioned Adam in Paradise, He left him as he willed to leave him. Then Iblees went around him to see what he was. And when he found him hollow, he recognised he has been created with an uncontrolled disposition. (Muslim)

Allah then breathed life into His creation. The breath came from the front of Adam’s head, narrated Ibn Abbas RA, and everything that flowed from it within his body became flesh and blood.[So mention] when your Lord said to the angels, “Indeed, I am going to create a human being from clay.
So when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] soul, then fall down to him in prostration.” (Qur’an 38:71-72)

Prophet Muhammad SAW informs us, as recorded in Mishkat, when the breath in Adam’s AS body was complete, he sneezed and by divine inspiration he said, “Alhamdu lil Lahi Rabbil Alamin (All praise is for Allah, Lord of the worlds), words which became the opening verses of the Holy Qur’an. Thus Adam AS praised Allah by His own permission. And Allah replied to him, “Yarhamak-Allah, Adam (may Allah have mercy on you).” The Prophet SAW further said that when Allah created Adam, He to him, “Go and greet that group of seated angels and then listen to what they will greet you with, for that will be your greeting and the greeting of your descendants.” So Adam said to the angels, “As-salamu ‘alaikum (peace be upon you all),” to which they replied, “As-salamu ‘alaika wa rahmat-Allah (peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy).” (Bukhari)

ADAM IS TAUGHT THE NAMES:

And He taught Adam the names – all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said, “Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful.” (Qur’an 2:31)

Allah taught Adam the names of all things and inculcated into his mind the knowledge of their properties. What were these names that Allah taught Adam AS? There are various interpretations of this by Qur’an commentators. Some affirm that Adam was taught the names of angels, others say that the names were names of his own descendants, and others say that the names were holy names of Allah Himself, by which Adam AS was granted knowledge of his Lord.
Majority agree that the names taught to Adam were the names of all things living and non-living. Allah’s words, “Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful” according to most interpretations, refer to the truthfulness of the angels’ claim of possessing knowledge that their Lord’s new creation would cause corruption and shed blood on earth, and that they themselves, as the most obedient and worshipful among his creations, were the most deserving of filling the role of His khalifah.
Allah was making clear to the angels that Adam AS possessed certain characteristics and knowledge which they themselves did not possess, and that because of this, he would have a very different role and destiny from theirs. Allah most High, informed the angels that He was aware of their reservations, at the same time reminding them of the limitations of their knowledge, while assuring them that, according to His infinite knowledge and wisdom, the creation of Adam was entirely good, right and proper.

The angels then understood Allah’s wisdom and voiced their submission to His Glory:

“Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise.” (Qur’an 2:32)
Allah then addressed His new creation.He said, “O Adam, inform them of their names.” And when he had informed them of their names, (Qur’an 2:33)

And then Adam AS did so. From the special knowledge Allah had granted him, he told the angels the names of the things that Allah had presented to them, names which the angels themselves did not know. And when Adam AS had finished, Allah Almighty again addressed the angels,

“Did I not tell you that I know the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed.” (Qur’an 2:33)

In a broader sense, this may refer to Allah’s perfect knowledge, which the angels were not privy to, of the final destiny of His creation, in which Adam and his descendants would play a major role.

THE COMMAND TO HONOUR ADAM as:

Allah asked all the angels to bow as a mark of respect to Adam who was created so miraculously. The order to prostrate was obviously not so that the angels would worship Adam AS, for no one may be worshipped except Allah, the Creator of all things. Rather, the prostration was a mark of respect to the one whom their Lord in His infinite wisdom had created in a special manner who as a result would have a special destiny, as the father of mankind who carried within himself the seeds of all his descendants to come.

And We have certainly created you, [O Mankind], and given you [human] form. Then We said to the angels, “Prostrate to Adam”; so they prostrated, except for Iblees. He was not of those who prostrated. (Qur’an 7:11)

And when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] soul, then fall down to him in prostration.” So the angels prostrated – all of them entirely, Except Iblees, he refused to be with those who prostrated. (Qur’an 15:29-31)

IBLEES REBELS:

When Allah Most High, the All-Powerful, the Glorious, the Majestic, had given this order, all those who heard it, obeyed without question except one among them – Iblees. When this occurred, the previously unsuspecting angels became aware of had been concealed in Iblees’ heart.
The arrogant, stubborn, proud Iblees who thought his being as Jinn made of fire was far superior to Allah’s creation from clay. Allah in his divine Mercy, gave Iblees a hearing for his blatant rebellion. Instead of showing remorse, the wretched Iblees attempted to justify his disobedience and shamelessly said,

“Never would I prostrate to a human whom You created out of clay from an altered black mud.” (15:33)
"Should I prostrate to one You created from clay?” (Qur’an 17:62)

“Do You see this one whom You have honoured above me? If You delay me until the Day of Resurrection, I will surely destroy his descendants, except for a few.” (Qur’an 17:63)

Allah then condemned Iblees and banished him from Paradise.

Allah said, “Then get out of it, for indeed, you are expelled. And indeed, upon you is the curse until the Day of Recompense.” (Qur’an 15:34-35)

“Get out of Paradise, reproached and expelled. Whoever follows you among them – I will surely fill Hell with you, all together.” (Qur’an 7:18)

The arrogant Iblees, not to be outdone, goes on unabashedly, challenging Allah that as he had been let to fall into error, he would make evil and disobedience attractive for those on earth and mislead all mankind.

“Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path. (Qur’an 7:16)

“By your might, I will surely mislead them all, Except, among them, Your chosen servants.” (Qur’an 38:82-83)

Allah in all His powerful grace, declares,This is a path [of return] to Me [that is] straight. Indeed, My servants – no authority will you have over them, except those who follow you of the deviators. And indeed, Hell is the promised place for them all. (Qur’an 15:41-43)

But Iblees being Iblees, is not moved at all by the prospects of Hell, inflamed and determined to destroy the race of the one on whose account he had gone astray. The transition from a devoted worshipper and teacher of the angels, excelling in divine knowledge and the praise of his Lord, to the abased, accursed Tempter of mankind was now complete. Stripped of all the high honours, Iblees stands accursed, outlawed, and now known as Shaytan, leader of the forces of evil whose sole purpose is to entice and incite Allah’s slaves to wrong-doing and disobedience to Him.

[ghumbasa]

HAWWA

With that, Iblees was cast out of Paradise, an abode filled with blessings and favours beyond imagination. Our forefather Adam AS was settled in Paradise, with everything he could desire, every kind of pure pleasure and wholesome satisfaction was his. No hunger or thirst, fatigue or boredom, cold or heat, just comfort and pleasure. No burdens or responsibilities, no sufferings, pain or sadness. In Ibn Abbas’ ra narrations, Adam AS fell asleep in Paradise. And when he woke, he found a woman, whom Allah had created from his rib, sitting beside his head.

It is He who created you from one soul and created from it its mate that he might dwell in security with her. (Qur’an 7:189)

To test the extent of Adam’s AS knowledge, the angels asked him, “What is her name, O Adam?” “Hawwa,” he replied “Why is she called Hawwa?” the angels asked “Because she was created from something living (hayy),” Adam AS replied, meaning that she been created from his own living self. And thus Adam and Hawwa began their life together in the blessed Garden, like innocent new‑borns, they knew nothing of evil or sin. They hadn’t the slightest idea of what lay ahead, that their Lord would soon be testing them and that their lives would change dramatically.

[ghumbasa]

Adam and Hawwa dwelt in tranquility in Paradise. The Qur’an does not reveal the exact location of where this Paradise was; however, commentators agree that it is not on the earth, and that the knowledge of the location is of no benefit to mankind. The benefit is in understanding the lesson from the events that took place there.

Allah most Exalted, warned Adam AS of the vulnerability of their position.

“O Adam,”*He said,*“dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise, and eat therefrom in ease and abundance, from wherever you will. But,”*Allah said, imposing a single condition for their continuance in their present state,*“do not come near this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers”*(Qur’an 2:35)

THE FORBIDDEN TREE

What was that Tree? This is not revealed in the Qur’an. Early commentators differed widely concerning it. Some considered it a plant rather than a tree; in the opinion of Ibn Abbas, it was a wheat plant. However, Allah did not specify its name. Had there been any benefit for us in mentioning it, He would have specified it.

Allah Almighty issued a second warning, designed to make the new couple aware of the existence and enmity of Iblees.

O Adam, indeed this is an enemy to you and to your wife. Then let him not remove you from Paradise so you would suffer. Indeed, it is promised for you not to be hungry therein or be unclothed. And indeed, you will not be thirsty therein or be hot from the sun. (Qur’an 20:117-119)

A clear, direct warning.

But the disgraced, debased Iblees had formulated a plan, a simple plot actually. Having noted that Adam*was hollow inside, he awaited to exploit the weakness of mankind. He had already made up his mind that Adam could be easily overcome and ruined. The intelligence that he previously used for good deeds, Iblees now employed to destroy his new enemy.

His evil intention was therefore to trick the two into eating from the Tree, resulting in their losing their heavenly innocence. Disobeying Allah would render them unfit to dwell in Paradise forever putting an end to their high station and bliss life, and their Lord would cast them out, Iblees assumed, as disgraced and accursed as himself.

The guardians of Paradise prevented Iblees’ entry to the Garden. He then approached different animals, proposing to them that they should take him into the Garden so that he could speak to Adam AS and his wife, but they all refused. He finally managed to persuade the snake. Permitting Iblees to enter it by the side of its mouth, the snake passed the guardians of Paradise, and as Allah willed, Iblees got in without them noticing.

The wicked, cunning Iblees approached the innocent couple with craftiness and deceit.

“O Adam,”*he whispered,*“shall I direct you to the tree of eternity and possession that will not deteriorate?” (Qur’an 20:120)

“He said, “Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you become angels or become of the immortal.” And he swore [by Allah] to them, “Indeed, I am to you from among the sincere advisors.” (Qur’an 7:20-21)

As Adam AS listened to Shaytan’s evil suggestions and false promises, they forgot Allah’s clear warnings about the forbidden Tree and about their enemy Iblees. Completely pure and free of ill intentions, they could have no suspicion of the intense envy and enmity that burned in the heart of the Arch Deceiver, concealed from all except his Lord.

Iblees continued mercilessly in his attack on the unsuspecting pair till they fell headlong into his trap. By being forgetful and heedless, they were tricked and slipped into disobedience to their Lord’s command,

And We had already taken a promise from Adam before, but he forgot; and We found not in him determination. (Qur’an 20:115)

The ultimate catastrophe then occurs.

And Adam disobeyed his Lord and erred. (Qur’an 20:121)

Satan caused them to slip out of it and removed them from that [condition] in which they had been. (Qur’an 2:36)

So he made them fall, through deception. (Qur’an 7:22)

EXPULSION FROM PARADISE

By disobeying their Lord, the couple had made an abrupt transition from pure spiritual beings, dwelling with the Holy One and His blessed angels in Paradise, to humans with wills of their own.

Obviously, none of the lying promises Shaytan had made to them, came true. They had not become gods or angels by eating from the Tree and there was no question of them living forever.

Just as planned by Shaytan, once they had eaten from the Tree, “their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten together over themselves from the leaves of Paradise.” (Qur’an 7:22)

Thus originated the virtually universal habit of covering private parts of the body, suggesting that modesty and sense of shame are an inherent part of the basic nature that Allah has endowed mankind.*

And Allah called to the pair, “Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?” (Qur’an 7:22)

Deeply remorseful, they said,*“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.” (Qur’an 7:23)

While Iblees disobeyed Allah willfully with full understanding of the consequences, Adam AS and Hawwa did so through simple forgetfulness and heedlessness and were intensely sorry, humbly repenting and beseeching Allah for forgiveness.

Then Adam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful. (Qur’an 2:37)

Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, turned to Adam AS and accepted Adam’s AS repentance.

In spite of their repentance and Allah’s acceptance of it, once they had disobeyed Allah, there was no easy way back for them. Just as Iblees had been cast out of Paradise for his disobedience, so were they.

Allah pronounced his divide judgment on the first of mankind and expelled them from Paradise.

He commanded,

Go down from it, all of you. (Qur’an 2:38)

Descend, being to one another enemies. And for you on the earth is a place of settlement and enjoyment for a time. He said, “Therein you will live, and therein you will die, and from it you will be brought forth.” (Qur’an 7:24-25)

And at the same time, Allah the most Merciful, issued a promise which softened His judgment and made it more bearable,

And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. (Qur’an 2:38)

This statement of mercy was followed by a stern warning,

And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs – those will be companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally. (Qur’an 2:39)

The seriousness of the consequences of our first parents’ sin both for themselves and for each one of us, does not require comment. It was their own individual sin for which each was personally responsible, and which Allah also forgave individually. This is a central point in Islamic teachings that each one is responsible and will bear their own burdens. This is reiterated several times in the Qur’an:

Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned. (Qur’an 2:286)

And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful. (Qur’an 4:110)*

And every soul earns not [blame] except against itself, and no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. (Qur’an 6:164)

The true, original homeland of Adam AS and Hawwa was Paradise. And whilst it was their destiny to leave it and dwell on earth, the earth was a temporary sojourn for them, from which they would be returned to their place of origin. By giving them a taste of Paradise, Allah the All-Knowing established an unbreakable connection between their hearts and the spiritual world from which they had come and which would be their eternal home.

[ghumbasa]

THE NEW HOMELAND – LIFE ON EARTH*

Allah accepted Adam’s AS repentance and forgave him. He then sent him to the earth as His first messenger.

There are many reports by Qur’anic commentators about the descent and settling in of* Adam AS and Hawwa upon this earth.

Several hadith report that Adam AS came to earth on a Friday, the same day of the week that he was created and the most excellent day of the seven days. Ibn Abbas RA and other commentators report that Adam AS was sent down on a mountain called Budh or Nudh in India. He brought with him the scent of Paradise, which clung to India’s trees and river valleys, filling them with perfume. (Tabari)

Other traditions hold that Adam AS came down to earth in Serendib i.e. Sri Lanka. According to local traditions, Adam AS descended from Paradise to Mount Budh, at whose summit there is a depression in the rock, roughly shaped like a foot. It is believed to be Adam’s footprint.

As we read earlier, Adam AS was immensely tall. It is said that when Allah sent him from Paradise, his feet were upon the mountain while his head was in Paradise. He heard the speech and glorification of the angels. In his sorrow, he did not eat or drink for forty days, and for two hundred years he mourned bitterly for all he had lost because of this sin.

As for Hawwa, some commentators assert that she came down with Adam AS to Mount Budh. Others say that she came down to near Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Later, Adam AS went in search of her and eventually they were united at Arafat in the vicinity of Mecca.

On earth they had to face conflict and struggle. No sooner had one ended than another began. Adam AS also had to toil to sustain himself. He had to protect himself with clothes and weapons and protect his wife and children from the wild beasts. Above all he had to struggle with the spirit of evil.

Shaytan the cause of his expulsion from Paradise, continued to beguile him and his children in an effort to have them thrown into the eternal hellfire. The battle between good and evil is continuous, but those who follow Allah’s guidance and should fear nothing while those who disobey Allah and follow Iblees will be damned along with him.

There were many trials and hardships as were benefits and blessings. All this had been implied in their Lord’s earlier warning.

O Adam, indeed this is an enemy to you and to your wife. Then let him not remove you from Paradise so you would suffer. Indeed, it is [promised] for you not to be hungry therein or be unclothed. And indeed, you will not be thirsty therein or be hot from the sun. (Qur’an 20:117-119)

From this experience, Adam learned the great lesson that Shaytan is cunning, ungrateful and the avowed enemy of mankind. Adam, Hawwa and their descendants learned that Shaytan caused their expulsion from Paradise. Obedience to Allah and enmity towards Shaytan is the only path back to Heaven.

Adam grasped all of this and with the knowledge of this suffering he started his life on the earth. The only thing that allowed his grief was that he was master of the earth and had to make it yield to him. He was the one who had to perpetuate, cultivate and construct and populate the earth. He was also the one who had to procreate and raise children who would change and improve the world.

Allah had prepared them in many ways. He gave them the experience of struggling against the whisperings and schemes of Shaytan. He taught Adam AS*the names of everything and instructed him in its properties and usefulness. Adam took up his position as caretaker of the earth and Prophet of Allah. Adam AS, the first Prophet of Allah, was responsible for teaching his wife and offspring how to worship Allah and seek His forgiveness. Adam established the Laws of Allah and set about trying to support his family and learning to subdue and care for the earth. His task was to perpetuate, cultivate, construct and populate; he was to raise children who would live according to Allah instructions and care for and improve the earth.

Thus was the home of Adam AS and Hawwa established on this earth. On this green, living planet, they and all the human beings who would come from them would live and strive and carry on the struggle between good and evil until the end of the world. On it they would die. Their mortal bodies would be buried in its soil and from it they would be raised on the Last day. May Allah’s mercy, blessings and peace be upon our first parents.

The first husband and wife then established the first family.

Ibn Abbas RA states each boy born to Adam was born together with a girl twin. Adam would marry the boy of one pregnancy to the girl of another, and vice versa. However, his children were forbidden to marry their own twins.

Mankind then multiplied and scattered throughout the land, they grew in their number and went farther and farther in the land. Allah says,

O* mankind,* fear* your* Lord,* who* created* you* from* one* soul* and* created* from* it* its mate* and* dispersed* from* both* of* them* many* men* and* women. (Qur’an 4:1)*

QABIL AND HABIL

Among all these children of Adam AS and Hawwa, only two are mentioned in the Qur’an, although not by name. Islamic tradition gives them the names of Qabil and Habil.

The family enjoyed the bounties and fruits of the earth provided by their Lord. The children grew up to be strong and healthy young adults. Qabil tilled the land while Habil raised cattle.

The time arrived when the two young men desired life partners. This was part of Allah’s plan for mankind, to multiply and form nations with different cultures and colours. Adam instructed his children according to Allah’s command, that is to marry each other’s twin, but Qabil was displeased with the partner chosen for him, for Habil’s twin sister was not as beautiful as his own. Qabil rebelled against Allah’s command.

The brothers then offered a sacrifice to Allah. According to major commentators, the purpose of the sacrifice was to determine which of the two brothers had more right to Qabil’s sister. Habil sacrificed a plump young sheep, while Qabil offered* a bundle*of the worst crops he had grown. Fire then came down from Heaven, consuming Habil’s offering leaving Qabil’s according to Allah’s words,

They both offered a sacrifice to Allah, and it was accepted from one of them but was not accepted from the other. (Qur’an 5:27)

This infuriated Qabil.*“I will surely kill you.”*(Qur’an 5:27), he threatened, impelled by envy and hatred, kindled by his brothers desire to marry his twin or by the rejection of his sacrifice, or both.

Habil replied,

Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him]. If you should raise your hand against me to kill me – I shall not raise my hand against you to kill you. Indeed, I fear Allah, Lord of the worlds. (Qur’an 5:27-28)

Habil continued, reminding Qabil that if he killed him wrongfully, he would assume the burden of all of Habil’s sins,

Indeed I want you to obtain [thereby] my sin and your sin so you will be among the companions of the Fire. And that is the recompense of wrongdoers. (Qur’an 5:29)*

Qabil pursued while Habil trying to escape from him. It is said that one Qabil came upon Habil while he was asleep.

And his soul permitted to him the murder of his brother, so he killed him and became among the losers. (Qur’an 5:30)*i.e. among those who have lost all good in this world and the Hereafter.

Not knowing what to do with Habil’s body, Qabil let it lie there naked.

Then Allah sent a crow searching in the ground to show him how to hide the disgrace of his brother. (Qur’an 5:31)

It is said that this crow was one of two brother crows. The two fought, and when killed the other, it dug a hole for its body and covered it with earth.

Seeing this, Qabil cried out,

He said, “O woe to me! Have I failed to be like this crow and hide the body of my brother?” And he became of the regretful. (Qur’an 5:31)

Following this, Allah the Exalted, added,

Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. (Qur’an 5:32)

And so, the first blood was spilled on earth by one of its second generation of human inhabitants, the first criminal act, carrying out the angels’ prediction and setting the precedent for all future bloodshed.

ADAM AS, THE FIRST PROPHET

In addition to granting him rule and authority on the earth Allah Most High made him His first prophet and messenger.

Abu Dharr RA asked Prophet Muhammad SAW, whether Adam AS was a prophet sent by Allah. The Prophet SAW replied that he was messenger to his children, who were forty in number consisting of pairs of male and female twins. (Ayoub)

Abu Dharr RA also reported asking the Prophet SAW which of the prophets was first, to which he replied, “Adam.” Abu Dharr RA then asked, “Was he a prophet?” to which he replied, “Yes, a prophet who was addressed (that is through divine revelation).” (Mishkat)

Thus Adam AS was the first in a great, unbroken chain of prophets and messengers which continued up to the last and greatest of them, Muhammad, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him and upon them all. While some details certainly differed, each of these prophets and messengers brought the same Message – the religion which Allah Most High perfected for mankind, to which He gives the name of Islam, meaning “peace through submission and surrender”:

Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. (Qur’an 3:19)

And derived from the word Islam, Allah called its followers “Muslims”, meaning those who have voluntarily surrendered to Him:

Allah named you “Muslims” before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation]. (Qur’an 22:78)

THE DEATH OF ADAM AS*

Adam AS lived for a full thousand years. Before dying, he made his son Shiith his heir. Shiith means the Gift of Allah. They named him that because they were given him after Habil’s death.

Ibn Ishaq narrated that when death approached Adam, he made a covenant with his son Shiith, and taught him the hours of the day and night, and the acts of worship for those hours. He also informed him about the Flood to come after him.

According to hadith, Adam AS died on a Friday (Abu Dawoud, Mishkat). Prophet Muhammad SAW is reported to have said that when Adam AS was near death, Allah sent from Paradise embalming materials and a shroud. Angels washed Adam several times with extract of lote tree and water, and wrapped him in layers of shrouds. Then they prepared a grave, offered their prayer upon him and buried him, saying,

“This shall be the custom of the children of Adam after him.” (Tabari).

Ibn Ishaq says, The sun and moon eclipsed for seven days and seven nights when Adam AS passed away.

Qur’anic commentators differed concerning Adam’s AS burial place. Some said that he was buried in the cave of Mount Abu Qubays, one of the mountains of Mecca. According to others, he died upon Mount Budh, the mountain which he was sent upon from Paradise. It is also said that in the time of the Flood, Nuh AS carried him and Hawwa in a coffin and buried them at Bait-ul-Maqdis in Jerusalem.

It is said that Hawwa lived only a year after his death, and she was buried with him in the cave of Mount Abu Qubays.

May Allah’s best blessings and peace be upon our father Adam AS and mother Hawwa.

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http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ILid49tfDNk

Jinns,grigorim or nephilium or mythical gods or fallen angels ...in various regions of the world and their association with idolatory.How shayateen misguided them.Its described in bible..genesis too.

Prophet Nuh as made dua against them while his nation got involved in worshipping jinns and previous pious people by making statues of them...satan had misguided them.Allah destroyed them.

Even today..satan is misguiding various nations in name of idolatory or taking help of jinns...misguiding people.

(Note: few idols and sculpturs etc shown in video are not covered ...but take that which is good and leavethe bad.I had no choice to present a video better than this capturing the best picture overall of how satan and his assissting jinns have misguided nations world wide.)

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The existence of the Jinn is firmly established by the Quran and the authentic Sunnah and the consensus of the Scholars (Ijma) .It suffices to say that the word Jinn and its derivatives occur more than 29 times in the Quran. A related word shaytan and its plural shaytana together occur more than 80 times. In fact, there is an entire Surah called Surah Al-Jinn, which speaks in clear explicit terms about the Jinn.

The reality which we have to affirm is that the Jinn live in an established world unseen to us. They eat and drink, and procreate. Similar to Humans, some are righteous while others are not.

The Jinn were created before the creation of mankind. There origin is from fire. The Quran verified these facts in Surah Al-Hijr:

"And verily, We created mankind from sounding clay of altered smooth mud and the jinn We created from smokeless fire."
Quran 15:26-27

The creation was also reported by Ibn Abbas (ra):

"Two thousand years before (mankind) was created, there were Jinn on (the Earth), and they caused corruption on it and shed blood. Then Allah sent against them a troop of Angels who beat them and cast them away to islands in the seas.
So, when Allah said:
'I am placing (mankind) generations after generations on Earth.'
They (the Angels) said, 'Will You place therein one who will cause corruption and shed blood.?
(Al Baqarah, 2:30), That is: Just as those Jinn did??

Then Allah said: 'I know that which you do not know.'

Al-Hakim:

We can not ordinarily see the Jinn, unless they take a material form, which is usually in an unpleasant or ugly form such as a snake or a black dog, as opposed to angels who take pleasant and handsome forms. They can also take a human form.
For example: In the battle of Badr, a kind of Jinn known as Ibliss, assumed the form of a man named Suraqah Ibn Malik, and urged the disbelievers to move forward to the battle, saying:

"There is none who can overcome you today."
Quran 8:48

Then Allah sent the Angel Jibreel against him and when Ibliss saw him, he cried out to the disbelievers: 'I have nothing to do with you ! I see that which you do not see ! I fear Allah, and Allah is severe in retribution.' And then he fled.

There are 3 types of Jinn as described in the following authentic Hadith:

The Prophet Muhammed (saws) said:

There are 3 types of Jinn;
One type flies through the air, another type consists of snakes and dogs. A third is based in one place but travels about.

Tabarani and Buhaqi:

Jinni:Is a term used by the Arabs to refer to one Jinn.

The 3 types of Jinn are as follows:

1 Amir: (Resident Jinn) used to mean that he is one of those who lives with people.

2 Shaytan: Used for a Jinni who is malicious and has become wicked.

3 Ifrit: Used for a Jinni who is stronger and more powerful than a Shaytan.

The way of life for the Jinn is just like Human Beings. For Example: they are accountable for their actions, just as Human Beings are.

Allah says in the Quran:
"I created Jinn and Mankind only in order that they might worship Me."
Quran 51:56

"There are believers amongst them, who will be rewarded, and disbelievers, who will be punished.", as they admit in the following verse from the Quran:

"And indeed there are amongst us, Muslims and amongst us, wrongdoers. As for those who accept Islam, they have sought out the right path. And, as for the wrongdoers, they will be firewood for Jahannam."

Quran 72:14-15

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http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6dWm9yrYAtw

Prophet sheeth /sheth/shees as...by mufti Ismail Menk in zimbabwe.

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http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4v7ZY_yTxwE&feature=youtu.be

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Importance of Al kahaf: Ever wondered why Prophet Muhammad(SAW) asked us to recite Surat Al-Kahf every Friday?

Let’s find out today inshaAllah...



This Surah has Four stories in it,having some morals,lets see them and understand what they are saying to us:



1) The People Of The Cave:

Its the story of young men who lived in a disbelieving town, so they decided to migrate for the sake of Allah and run away. -Allah rewards them with mercy in the cave and protection from the sun - They woke up and found the entire village believers.

MORAL:TRIAL OF FAITH.




2) The Owner Of Two Gardens:

A story of a man whom Allah blessed with two beautiful gardens, but the man forgot to thank the One who blessed him with everything and he even dared to doubt Allah regarding the afterlife.So His garden was destroyed - He regretted ,but was too late and his regret did not benefit him .

MORAL:TRIAL OF WEALTH.



3) Musa(AS) and Khidr(AS):

When Musa(AS) was asked-“Who’s the most knowledgeable of the people of earth?"” Musa(AS) said:Me...,but Allah revealed to him that there’s someone who Knows more than him.Musa(AS) traveled to the man and learnt how the Divine Wisdom can sometimes be hidden in matters which we perceive as bad.

MORAL:TRIAL OF KNOWLEDGE.



4) Dhul-Qarnayn:

Its a story of the great King that was given knowledge and power and was going around the world,helping people and spreading all that's good.He was able to overcome the problem of Yajooj-Majooj and build a massive dam with the help of people whom he could not even understand.

MORAL:TRIAL OF POWER.




In the middle Allah mentions Iblees as the one who stirs these trials:

Behold! We said to the angels "Bow down to Adam": they bowed down except Iblis. He was one of the Jinns, and he broke the Command of his Lord. Will ye then take him and his progeny as protectors rather than Me? And they are enemies to you! Evil would be the exchange for the wrongdoers!"



Relation between Al kahaf and dajjal:
Now let us see what’s the relationship between Surat Al-Kahf and the Dajjal (Anti-Christ)?


Dajjal will appear before Day of Judgement with the 4 trials:


1.He’ll ask people to worship him and not Allah:

Trial of Faith .



2.He’ll be given powers to start/stop rain and tempt people with his wealth:

Trial of with his wealth. .



3.He’ll trial people with the “knowledge” and news he gives them:

Trial of Knowledge .



4.He’ll control huge parts of the Earth.

Trial of Power .




Survival:

How to survive these trials? The answers are in Surat Al-Kahf

1: Good companionship:

“And keep thy soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face; and let not thine eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this Life; no obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect the remembrance of Us, one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds.” (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 28)



2: Knowing the Truth of this World:

“Set forth to them the similitude of the life of this world: It is like the rain which we send down from the skies: the earth's vegetation absorbs it, but soon it becomes dry stubble, which the winds do scatter: it is (only) Allah who prevails over all things” (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 45)



3: Humbleness:

“Moses said: "Thou wilt find me, if Allah so will, (truly) patient: nor shall I disobey thee in aught."”(Surat Al-Kahf, verse 69)



4: Sincerity:

“Say: "I am but a man like yourselves, (but) the inspiration has come to me, that your Allah is one Allah. whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and, in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner.” (Surat Al- Kahf, verse 110)

5: Calling to Allah :

“And recite (and teach) what has been revealed to thee of the Book of thy Lord: none can change His Words, and none wilt thou find as a refuge other than Him.” (Surat Al-Kahf, verse 27)


6.Remembering the HereAfter :

“ One Day We shall remove the mountains, and thou wilt see the earth as a level stretch, and We shall gather them, all together, nor shall We leave out any one of them. And they will be marshalled before thy Lord in ranks, (with the announcement), "Now have ye come to Us (bare) as We created you first: aye, ye thought We shall not fulfil the appointment made to you to meet (Us)!"
"And the Book (of Deeds) will be placed (before you); and thou wilt see the sinful in great terror because of what is (recorded) therein; they will say, "Ah! woe to us! what a Book is this! It leaves out nothing small or great,but takes account thereof !" They will find all that they did, placed before them: And not one will thy Lord treat with injustice.” (Surat Al-Kahf, verses 47-49)

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Ghuraba(Strangers)

The Messenger (saww) has informed us that the correct Deen is like a stranger to the people when he said:
"Indeed Islaam began as a stranger and shall return as a stranger just as it began, so Toobaa (a tree in Paradise) for the strangers."
[Reported by Muslim from Abu Hurairah].

And in the narration of Imaam Ahmad and Ibn Maajah: It was then said:"O Messenger of Allaah, who are the strangers?"
He saww replied: "Those looked down upon in every tribe."

And in the narration of Tirmidhee:" So Toobaa for the strangers, those who rectify what the people have corrupted of my Sunnah."

And also in the authentic narration of Imaam Ahmad the Messenger (sas) after being questioned as to who the strangers were, said:

" Righteous people amidst a majority of evil people. Those who disobey them are greater than those who obey them. This group strives for the ways of correction and reform and carries the torch of revival so that the Muslims awaken and return to the correct form of Islaam."

Let us say to those who turn away, to their own ruin, what Allaah has said to their equals:”No reason have we why we should not put our trust on Allaah. Indeed He Has guided us to the Ways we (follow). We shall certainly bear with patience all the hurt you may cause us. For those who put their trust should put their trust on Allaah” [Ibraaheem 14:12]

WHO ARE THE STRANGERS?

Author: Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbalee (736H-795H)

Source: Kashf-ul-Kurbah fee Wasfi Haali Ahlil-Ghurbah

This article is a direct translation and so you may encounter weak ahadeeth and narrations. Please refer to the footnotes for gradings of the ahadeeth.

The strangeness of the Sunnah and its adherents:

Concerning the statement of the Prophet saww:

“Islaam began as something strange and will return to being strange, as it began”, Imaam Al-Awzaa’ee (ra) said: “As for this, then it does not mean that Islaam will go away, but rather it means that the Ahl-us-Sunnah will go away, up to the point that there will not remain in a land, any from them except one person.”

Based on this understanding, there can be found in the statements of the Salaf of past much praise for the Sunnah and their describing it as being strange, and describing its adherents and followers as being few.

Al-Hasan Al-Basree (ra) used to say to his companions:
“Oh Ahl-us-Sunnah! Be gentle with one another and may Allaah have mercy on you. For indeed, you are from amongst the fewest of people.”

Yoonus Ibn ‘Ubaid (ra) said: “There is not a thing more stranger than the Sunnah. And what is more stranger than it, is the one who knows it.”

Sufyaan Ath-Thawree (ra) said: “Treat the Ahl-us-Sunnah kindly, for verily, they are strangers.”

The understanding of the term “Sunnah” to these scholars, was the way of the Prophet saww that which he and his companions were upon – free from Doubts (Ash-Shubuhaat) and Desires (Ash-Shahawaat). Due to this, Al-Fudail Ibn ‘Iyaad (ra) used to say:
“Ahl-us-Sunnah is he who knows what is entering his stomach from the halaal.”

That is because the consumption of halaal is from the greatest aspects of the Sunnah, which the Prophet saww and his companions were upon.

Then it remained the custom of the majority of the later scholars, from the scholars of hadeeth and other fields, that the Sunnah consisted of what was free from Doubts in regards to Creed. This was especially the case with issues such as the belief in Allaah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and other issues such as Qadr and the merits of the Sahaabah.

They compiled literary works concerning this knowledge and named them books of “Sunnah”. This knowledge was only labeled with the name “Sunnah”, because its significance was tremendous and all those who opposed it were on the brink of destruction.

And as for the complete Sunnah, then it is the path that is free and safe from Doubts and Desires, as has been stated by Al-Hasan, Yoonus Ibn ‘Ubaid, Sufyaan, Al-Fudail and others besides them. Due to this, its adherents are described as strange because of their small number and rarity in the Last Days.

This is why it has been mentioned in some of the previously stated reports that they are:
“A righteous people surrounded by people abounding in much evil. Those who disobey them are greater than those who obey them.”

In this is an indication of the smallness of their amount in number and in the amount of those who answer and accept their call. We also are made aware of the greatness in number of those who oppose them and disobey them.

That is why it is reported in numerous ahaadeeth, praise for the one who sticks firmly to his Religion during the Last Days. And that he who does so will be like one who holds tightly onto hot pieces of coal. And that the one who acts upon it, will receive fifty times the reward more than those before him.This is because he will not find any supporters in doing good deeds.

These strangers are of two categories:

The first of them are those who rectify themselves when the people have become corrupt.

The second category contains those who rectify what the people have corrupted of the Sunnah. And this (latter one) is the most highest and virtuous of the two categories.

The strangeness of the believer during the Last Days:

At-Tabaraanee and others transmitted with a chain of narration that has some speculation to it from the hadeeth of Abu Umaamah ra that the Prophet saww said:

"Verily, for every matter there is a progression and a regression. And verily from the progression of this Religion is what you used to be upon from blindness and ignorance and what Allaah sent me with.

And verily from the progression of this Religion is that the clan was taught (Islaam) by its family members, to the point that there was not found amongst them (the tribes) anyone except for one evildoer or two evildoers. So these two were oppressed and degraded. When they want to speak, they are restrained, subdued and persecuted.

And verily from the regression of this Religion is that the tribe acts harshly against its family members, to the point that there is not seen amongst them anyone except one faqeeh (one with understanding) or two faqeehs. Thus they will both be oppressed and degraded. If they speak and command the good and forbid the evil, they are restrained, subdued and persecuted. And they will not find any supporters or helpers in that matter.”


Thus, the believer who is knowledgeable of the Sunnah and who possesses understanding of the Religion, is described in this hadeeth as being one who during the Last Days – at the point of its corruption – will be oppressed, debased and not able to find any helpers or supporters.

At-Tabaraanee also reported with a weak chain of narration on the authority of Ibn Mas’ood ra that the Prophet saww said:
"And verily from its signs (i.e. the Hour) is that the believer will be in the sight of his tribe, more lower (in status) than the young sheep.”

And it is recorded in the Musnad of Imaam Ahmad that ‘Ubaadah Ibn As-Saamat t said to one of his companions:
“It is imminent that should your life be prolonged for you, you will see a man who recites the Qur’aan upon the tongue of Muhammad r repeating it and displaying it, allowing its halaal and forbidding its haraam. He will then be lowered in his status and his position will be neglected amongst you and considered just as the position of a dead donkey.”

And similar to this is the saying of Ibn Mas’ood t: “There will come upon the people a time in which the believer will become lower than the bondmaid.”

Indeed the believer will only be debased in the Last Days due to his strangeness in front of the evildoers from among the people of Doubts and Desires. Every one of them will hate him and abuse him because of his opposing of their way by following his way, and because of the seeking of his goal over their goal, and because of his evidences over what is with them.

And when Dawood At-Taa’ee died, Ibn As-Samaak said:

“Indeed Dawood looked with his heart at what was in front of him and the sight of his heart overtook the sight of his eyes. So it was as if he no longer saw what you were looking at, and as if you could not see what he was looking at. And you were amazed at him, and he was amazed at you. It became strange to you that he was alive in the middle of death.”

And from among them was he whose own family and children would hate him due their loathing of his condition.

‘Umar Ibn ‘Abd-il-‘Azeez rahimullah once heard his wife say: “May Allaah relieve us from you.” So he said: “Ameen.”

Our Salaf (predecessors), during their lifetimes, would mainly describe the believer with strangeness as has preceded in their narrations.

And from the words of Ahmad Ibn ‘Aasim Al-Andaakee, who was one of the biggest scholars at the time of Sulaimaan Ad-Daaraanee, was:
“Indeed, I have reached from all the times, a time when Islaam has returned to being strange as it began. In it, the description of truth has returned to being strange as it began.

If you were to turn to the scholar, you would find him being tested with the love of this worldly life and the love for honor and authority. And if you were to turn to the worshipper, you would find him ignorant in his worship, deceived and fallen victim to his enemy Iblees. He has mounted to the highest levels of worship while being ignorant of how to perform them so how can he be at that level?
And the rest of the people are from among the ignorant followers, simple-minded and quick to follow a way, as if he were a wolf looking to steal a sheep, or a hungry lion, or a fox on the prowl. This is the description of the people of your time from the carriers of knowledge and the Qur’aan and the callers of wisdom.”

This was the description of the people of his time. So how much has the situation increased and the crisis become greater after it. Indeed, it has reached a point that would have never been thought of nor imagined.

Clinging onto the Sunnah during the time of affliction:

At-Tabaraanee reported from the hadeeth of Abu Hurairah ra that the Prophet saww said: “The one who clings onto my Sunnah at the time of the corruption of my ummah will receive the reward of a martyr.”

And Abu Ash-Shaikh Al-Asbahaanee reported with a chain connected to Al-Hasan (Al-Basree), that he (ra) said:
“If a man from the first generation of Muslims were sent (to us) today, he would not recognize anything from Islaam except for this prayer!”

Then he (ra) said:
"I swear by Allaah, that if he were to live to the time of these evils, he would see the innovator calling unto his innovation, or the individual involved with the worldly life calling unto his worldly affairs. Then Allaah would protect him and his heart would long for that which the Salaf As-Saalih (pious predecessors) were upon. And so he would follow their footsteps and act according to their ways. For him there will be a great reward.”

Ibn Al-Mubaarak reported from Al-Fudail from Al-Hasan,that he once mentioned the rich and extravagant man who has authority and who amasses wealth claiming that he has no end in it.
And then he mentioned the misguided innovator who sets out against the Muslims with an unsheathed sword, changing the meaning of what Allaah has revealed concerning the disbelievers in favor of the Muslims.Then he said:
“Your Sunnah, and I swear by the One besides whom there is nothing worthy of worship except Him, is between these two: between the self-sufficient one and the hard-hearted, the extravagant one and the ignorant. So have patience upon it, for indeed, Ahl-us-Sunnah are from amongst the fewest of people, those who do not fall into the category of the extravagant ones in their excessiveness nor do they fall with the innovators in the following of their desires. Rather, they bear with patience upon their Sunnah until they meet their Lord. So be that way, if Allaah wills!”

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Prophet Yaqoob as,Benyamin and Yusuf as

1. Introduction.

Prophet Yusuf (AS) was the son of Prophet Ya'qub (AS). In the Bible he is referred to as Joseph son of Jacob. The Holy Qur'an has mentioned his story in a beautiful chapter entitled "Surah Yusuf". Prophet Yusuf (AS) had 11 brothers. He was one of the youngest and possessed excellent character and manners. His father loved him dearly.

Prophet Yusuf (AS) once dreamt that eleven stars and the sun and moon were prostrating to him. He related the dream to his father. Prophet Ya'qub (AS) realised that the dream outlined his son's destiny and greatness and cautioned him not to tell his brothers about the dream.

His brothers were jealous of the favour that he enjoyed in their father's eyes and planned to somehow get rid of him. Whenever they took their goats out for grazing they would ask their father if Yusuf (AS) could accompany them. Prophet Ya'qub (AS) always refused, saying that the boy was too young. When Prophet Yusuf (AS) reached the age of 16, his brothers insisted that he was now old enough to accompany them. With reluctance, their father agreed to let them take him with them.

As soon as they were far enough from home, they began to plot about how to dispose of Prophet Yusuf (AS). Then, they came across a dry well. They removed Prophet Yusuf's (AS) shirt, and threw him into the well. Ignoring their young brother's pleas, they heartlessly left him to die of hunger.*

On the way back, they slaughtered a goat and stained Prophet Yusuf's (AS) shirt with its blood. They arrived home weeping and told their father that while they were grazing their sheep, a wolf came and ate their brother. He did not believe their story and could do nothing but remain patient and wait for Allah to reunite him with his beloved son.
Meanwhile a caravan of traders passing by the well stopped to draw some water. They were surprised to see Prophet Yusuf (AS) come up holding the bucket. They hid him with their merchandise and sold him to some slave traders for a few pieces of silver.

2. Prophet Yusuf (AS) in Egypt

Thus, Prophet Yusuf (AS) arrived in Egypt. At the slave market the buyers were all attracted by him, because he was a very handsome young man. News of this remarkable youth swept through the city. The Aziz (Governor of Egypt and Chief Officer of the King), whose name was Fotifaar, offered a price that none could match. He brought Prophet Yusuf (AS) home and told his wife Zuleikha that they would adopt him as their son.

Zuleikha, however, was so taken by Prophet Yusuf's (AS) beauty that she sought to have an illegal association with him. A Prophet of Allah could never be part of such an evil deed and Prophet Yusuf (AS) backed away from the advances of Zuleikha. As he raced for the door she ripped his shirt from behind. At the door they met the Aziz. On seeing her husband, Zuleikha tried to blame Yusuf (AS) by claiming that he had tried to lay a hand on her. Before the Aziz could vent his fury on Prophet Yusuf (AS), a baby spoke up from the cradle, and the Holy Qur'an says:

And a witness from her own household testified, "If his shirt is torn from the front, then she speaks the truth and he is of the liars. And if his shirt is torn from behind, then she lies and he is of the truthful ones.
Surah Yusuf, 12:26,27

The shirt was, of course, torn from behind, and the Aziz was extremely angry with his wife for attempting such an act of indecency. The women of the city heard about Zuleikha's actions and began to gossip and make fun of her. To explain her attraction she decided to let them see Prophet Yusuf (AS) themselves.

She called forty of them to the palace for a meal. As soon as they all had a knife to cut some fruit, she called Prophet Yusuf (AS) into the room on some excuse. So dazzled were they by his beauty and presence, that they cut their fingers in their distraction and exclaimed, "This is not a human being - he must be an angel!"
Zuleikha was furious with Prophet Yusuf (AS) because he had caused her to be ridiculed. In her anger and frustration, she caused him to be imprisoned on false charges of assault.

1. Prophet Yusuf (AS) in Prison

Due to continued pressure from his wife Zuleikha, the Aziz of Egypt decided to imprison Prophet Yusuf (AS), despite his innocence. The reason he gave was that people would forget the actions of his wife while Prophet Yusuf (AS) lay in prison, and her dignity would be restored.

On the same day that Prophet Yusuf (AS) was put into prison, two other men were also imprisoned. One used to serve the king wine, while the other was the royal cook. Both men had been accused of trying to poison the king. On the following day, the wine-server said to Prophet Yusuf (AS), "I saw in a dream that I was crushing grapes to make wine for the king". The cook said, "I dreamt that I was carrying some bread in a basket on my head and birds were pecking at the bread".

Both men saw that Prophet Yusuf (AS) was a noble and pious person and asked him if he could interpret their dreams. Prophet Yusuf (AS) took this opportunity to preach the religion of Allah to his prison-mates. He promised to tell them the meaning of their dreams and informed them that this was a special power given to him by Allah Before he did so, however, he explained to them how senseless it was to believe in various gods and explained to them about the Oneness of Allah and the Day of Resurrection.*

Finally he said, "O my prison-mates! The man who dreamt that he was crushing grapes will soon be released from here and will go back to his previous post. The second one, who carried the bread on his head in the dream, will be executed and the birds will start to eat his brain." Prophet Yusuf (AS) thought of getting himself released from prison through the wine-server, and told him to remind the king of his innocence when he saw him. The dreams of both men came true just as he had foretold. One of the captives was released while the other was hanged. Unfortunately, the wine-server forgot all that Prophet Yusuf (AS) had told him to convey to the king.

2. Prophet Yusuf's (AS) Release From Prison

The Holy Qur'an says:
The king dreamt that seven lean cows were eating seven fat ones and that there were seven green ears of corn and seven dry ones. He asked the nobles to tell him the meaning of his dream if they were able to. They replied, "It is a confused dream and we do not know the meaning of such dreams."
Surah Yusuf, 12:43,44

The king was very concerned about the meaning of his dream and even though his wise men thought over it seriously, they could not make sense of it. The king's dream became a means of the liberation of Prophet Yusuf (AS) from prison. As soon as the wine-server heard about the dream he was reminded of his time in prison and remembered the powers of his cell-mate. He also remembered that Prophet Yusuf (AS) had asked him to tell the king of his innocence. He approached the king and got his permission to see Prophet Yusuf (AS).

Prophet Yusuf (AS) interpreted the dream by the power given to him by Allah . He said, "For seven years the crops will yield abundant food-grain for the people of Egypt. After that there will be a famine for seven years during which all the food-grain lying in the storehouses will be finished and people will starve. Therefore, the people should try to grow as much extra grain as possible so that it would stand them in good stead during the time of famine".

On hearing this very reasonable and sensible interpretation of his dream from the wine-server, the king was delighted. He ordered that Prophet Yusuf (AS) be brought before him so he could make good use of his wisdom in solving his problems.
Although he had been in the dark dungeon for so long, Prophet Yusuf (AS) refused to leave the prison until he proved his innocence. He said to the courtiers, "I will not come out of the prison until the king makes enquiries about my case. Tell the king to ask the wives of the noble men about the time when they cut their fingers on seeing me".

The courtiers passed on this message to the king who called the concerned women to him for an explanation. They all confessed the truth and Zuleikha, the wife of the Aziz, also testified that Prophet Yusuf (AS) was innocent of any guilt. Thus, Prophet Yusuf (AS) was released from the prison with his dignity and honour restored.

1. Prophet Yusuf (AS) in the Royal Court

The Holy Qur'an says:
The king ordered his men to bring Yusuf before him; he wanted to grant him a high office. The king said to him, "From now on you will be an honoured and trusted person amongst us." Yusuf said, "Put me in charge of the treasuries of the land, I know how to manage them."
Surah Yusuf, 12:54,55

When the king met Prophet Yusuf (AS), he found him to be a wise and broad-minded man. In response to the request of Prophet Yusuf (AS) as related in the verse above, the king made him in charge of finance and food and ordered his ministers and officials to treat Prophet Yusuf's (AS) commands as his own.

Prophet Yusuf (AS) thus became the Aziz of Egypt and began his new duties without delay. He was determined that when the famine arrived, nobody should starve.
The river Nile flooded its banks regularly to provide fertile soil for the growth of food grain and Prophet Yusuf (AS) was aware that the famine would be caused by the decrease of the water in this river. He decided to make a brief tour of Egypt to assess the best locations where intensive cultivation could be carried out.*

He allocated extra money to the farmers in the most fertile areas of the Nile, so that they would be able to grow the maximum amount of grain. He also ordered the construction of huge storehouses (granaries), capable of storing several hundred tons of the surplus grain.
During the first seven years, he supplied grain to the people according to their minimum needs, and stored the rest in the newly-built granaries. By the time the seven years were over, the granaries were full. The water level of the Nile fell tremendously and the country was hit by a severe drought. However, due to his foresight and planning, the country did not face a shortage of food.

The famine also extended to the lands of Palestine and Kanaan where Prophet Ya'qub (AS) lived with his sons. One day he called them and said, "My sons! We are in great distress due to the famine. You may go to the Aziz of Egypt whose reputation as a kind and just person has spread everywhere in the country. Leave Binyameen with me for company so that I may not be lonely." As commanded by their father, the brothers of Prophet Yusuf (AS) set off for Egypt to purchase grain and bring it back to Kanaan.

[ghumbasa]

Continue..Yaqoob as,Benyamin and Yusuf as
(Jacob as,Benjamin and Joseph as) Prophet Yusuf's (AS) Brothers in Egypt

When his brothers arrived in Egypt, Prophet Yusuf (AS) was very pleased to see them. They did not recognise him at all, never expecting that he was alive. Prophet Yusuf (AS) was disappointed not to see his full brother, Binyameen, and asked his brothers to tell him about themselves.*

They introduced themselves and told him about their father and mother. Prophet Yusuf (AS) was relieved to hear that Prophet Ya'qub (AS) was alive, and he welcomed his brothers sincerely. He provided them with enough wheat for their needs and had their money put back in their bags secretly. He also asked them to bring their other brother the next time as proof that they were speaking the truth about their family. The Holy Qur'an narrates this episode in the following words:

Yusuf's brothers came to him and when they entered his court, he recognised them. They did not know him. And when he gave them the provisions, he said, "Next time, bring me your other brother from your father. As you can see, I give each of you a certain amount of grain, I am a polite host. If you do not bring him, do not come to us for we shall not give you any more grain.
Surah Yusuf, 12:58- 60

On their return home, the brothers related their experiences to their father, praising the generosity and hospitality of Prophet Yusuf (AS). When they opened their bags they were delighted to see that their money had been returned. Soon they were out of grain and were impatient to go back to Egypt to get more. However, they could not go back without Binyameen, so they tried to convince their father to let him come with them. Prophet Ya'qub (AS) refused to let them take Binyameen, saying that they would do the same thing with him as they did with Prophet Yusuf (AS).*

After repeated promises the brothers finally convinced him that they would sincerely look after Binyameen, so he let him accompany them to Egypt.
When they reached Egypt, the brothers proceeded to the court of Prophet Yusuf (AS) and presented their brother Binyameen to him. Prophet Yusuf (AS) was extremely happy to see his younger brother and invited all of them to dine with him. Later he gave them all accommodation at his own house, and asked Binyameen to sleep in his room. During the night, Prophet Yusuf (AS) revealed his identity to Binyameen.*

He explained how he had been raised from a lowly slave to a position of great power by the Grace of Allah. However, he asked Binyameen not to tell their brothers anything of their conversation.

1. Prophet Yusuf's (AS) Plan to Detain Binyameen

After they had received their requirement of wheat, the brothers of Prophet Yusuf (AS) began to prepare for their journey home. Meanwhile, according to the command of Allah, Prophet Yusuf (AS) put into action a plan to detain his full brother Binyameen. He ordered his men to put a gold cup belonging to the king in Binyameen's baggage. The Holy Qur'an describes the incident in the following words:

When he (Yusuf) had furnished them with provisions, (someone) placed the (king's) drinking cup in his brother's baggage. Then someone shouted, "People of the caravan, you are most surely thieves."
Surah Yusuf, 12:70

The brothers of Prophet Yusuf (AS) had not gone very far when they were stopped and accused of stealing. They denied this, and said that if anyone of them was found guilty of theft, he could be held as a slave by Prophet Yusuf (AS). The caravan was searched, and the cup was found in the bag of Binyameen.

When the brothers were brought before Prophet Yusuf (AS), he said, "According to your own words, we will now detain Binyameen with us." They replied, "O Aziz of Egypt! Our father is old and weak. You may detain any of us, but not Binyameen." However, Prophet Yusuf (AS) said that he could not detain anyone who was not guilty. The brothers had no choice but to leave for Kanaan. The eldest brother, Yahuda, refused to return without Binyameen. He remained behind in Egypt, rather than face his father.

2. The Reunion of the family of Prophet Ya'qub (AS)

When the brothers returned to Kanaan and told Prophet Ya'qub (AS) what had happened, he was heartbroken.
He had already lost his eyesight crying for his beloved son Prophet Yusuf (AS), and this second loss was almost too much for him to bear. He now recalled the memory of his lost sons and wept.

He asked his sons to immediately return to Egypt to look for both Prophet Yusuf (AS) and Binyameen. According to their father's instructions, the brothers came to the Aziz of Egypt for the third time, and pleaded for the release of Binyameen as well as some grain for food.

Prophet Yusuf (AS) reminded them of how badly they had treated their brother Yusuf, and caused separation between him and his father. The brothers were amazed to hear their secret from the Aziz, who now spoke in the language of the people of Kanaan. They asked him, "Are you Yusuf?"

He replied, "Yes, I am Yusuf, and this is my brother. Allah has been gracious to me. One who is pious and patient against hardships is always rewarded by Allah for his virtues." On hearing this, the brothers hung their heads in shame and asked him for his forgiveness. He said, "You need not be frightened of me. Allah may forgive you your sins. Now take my shirt and cover my father's face with it, so that he may regain his lost sight. Then return to me with all your family."

The Holy Qur'an says:
When the caravan had left the town (from Egypt), their father (in Kanaan) said, "I smell Yusuf's fragrance. I hope you will not think that I am weak in judgement (due to my love for him). They said, "By Allah ! You are still making the same old error. When someone brought him the glad news, Yusuf's shirt was placed on his face and his eyesight was restored. He said, "Did I not tell you that I know about Allah that which you do not know?"
Surah Yusuf, 12:94-96

After getting his eyesight back and hearing the good news of his son, Prophet Ya'qub (AS) decided to proceed to Egypt immediately. Prophet Yusuf (AS) was delighted to meet them and embraced his father and mother.
As a token of their gratitude to Allah at this reunion, his parents and brothers prostrated themselves on the ground.

Thus Allah made true the dream of Prophet Yusuf (AS), when he had seen eleven stars and the sun and the moon in prostration in front of him. After many trials, Allah raised him from the position of a slave to the highest rank in the land.
At the request of his son, Prophet Ya'qub (AS) settled in Egypt with his family, and their clan came to be known as the Bani Israa'il.

Prophet Ya'qub (AS) lived in Egypt for 17 years and died at the age of 147. Prophet Yusuf (AS) breathed his last some years later at the age of 110 years, and his kingdom passed into the hands of rulers whose titles were Fir'aun.

Moral Lessons from the Story of Prophet Yusuf (AS)

Allah says the following about the story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) in the Holy Qur'an:
We narrate unto you (O Muhammad) the most excellent of the stories (by which) We have revealed unto you this Qur'an; though before this you were of the unaware ones (of its details).
Surah Yusuf, 12:3

Indeed, the adventures and experiences of Prophet Yusuf (AS), and his conduct throughout his life, provide us with a wealth of lessons and morals. Some things we may learn from his life are:

1.*The belief in the presence of Allah makes a man's troubles easier for him to bear, and as long as he keeps himself away from sins despite temptations, he will ultimately be successful. Prophet Yusuf (AS) taught us this by his cheerful conduct throughout his enslavement and imprisonment.

2.*In all difficulties and hardships one should seek only Allah's protection. Prophet Yusuf (AS) showed his faith by seeking refuge from Allah when faced with the evil intentions of Zuleikha. He was thus saved from committing a terrible sin.

3.*One should always remain attached to religion and should take every opportunity to persuade others towards the right path. Prophet Yusuf (AS) did not forsake his duty even when in the prison, where he preached against idol worship before interpreting the dreams of his cell-mates.

4.*Patience in the face of hardship is the best of qualities and results in reward from Allah in this life and the hereafter. Prophet Yusuf (AS) remained calm and resigned to the Will of Allah, despite being abandoned in the well by his brothers.
He also bore the shame of being sold as a slave patiently.
He also accepted his false imprisonment. In return for his forbearance, Allah raised his position till it was the highest in Egypt.

5.*It is important to act in such a manner as to preserve your honour and dignity, and these qualities must always be safeguarded. Prophet Yusuf (AS) taught us this valuable lesson when he refused to accept his freedom from prison until his innocence was proved to the people.
Thus when he was finally released, he knew he could come in front of the people with his head held high and without any blemish on his record.

6.*Above all, this story teaches us that we should forgive and forget the past. When Prophet Yusuf's (AS) brothers came to him in Egypt, they were in a pitiable condition and would have been helpless against his great power. If he had wished, Prophet Yusuf (AS) could have severely punished them for the heartless treatment they had given him. Instead he forgave their errors and treated them well.

[ghumbasa]

Children of israel

In the Quran, one of the most recounted stories is the story of the bondage of the Children of Israel and their deliverance from Egypt's Pharaoh.

Many Jews may be surprised to learn that Islam as preached by Muhammad saww was the same religion preached by Ibrahim as as well as of all other prophets mentioned in the Torah and the Bible. Muslims honor all the prophets of the bani israel Ibrahim as, Jacob (yaqoob) as, Joseph(yusuf) as, Moses (Musa) as, David (Daud) as and Solomon[Suleiman as (peace be upon them all)] among others - as their own prophets.

Here is how Allah ordered Muhammad saww o follow the religion of the Patriarch Ibrahim as:

"So We have taught thee the inspired (Message), "Follow the ways of Ibrahim the True in Faith, and he joined not gods with God."" (Surah Al Nahl 16:123)

In fact, the most important belief that unites Muslims and Jews is the faith in the One God as the Creator, Sustainer and Law-Giver of the universe. Both religions teach the need for establishing the Law of God on earth, so that there will be peace and harmony flourishing everywhere.

As Muslims have a Shari'ah (Law) to live by, the Jews have their Halakha (a compendium of laws, based on the Torah).

It is particularly noteworthy that in the Quran, there is no story that is recounted as many times and with as much emphasis, as the story of the bondage of the Children of Israel and their subsequent deliverance from Egypt's Pharaoh. The Quran quotes Musa as saying to his people:

"Remember Moses (Musa) said to his people: "O my people! Call in remembrance the favor of God unto you, when He produced prophets among you, made you kings, and gave you what He had not given to any other among the peoples." (Surah Al Ma'idah 5:20)

It was Moses(Musa as) and Haroon as, with the help and guidance of Allah Almighty, who led them out of Egypt towards a land of promise. Allah in the Quran says what means:

"Children of Israel! call to mind the (special) favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others (for My Message). Then guard yourselves against a day when one soul shall not avail another nor shall intercession be accepted for her, nor shall compensation be taken from her, nor shall anyone be helped (from outside). And remember, We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh: they set you hard tasks and punishments, slaughtered your sons and let your women-folk live; therein was a tremendous trial from your Lord. And remember We divided the sea for you and saved you and drowned Pharaoh's people within your very sight." (Surah Al Baqarah 2:47-50)


The story is narrated elsewhere in the Quran, where we may read these verses:

"We took the Children of Israel across the sea: Pharaoh and his hosts followed them in insolence and spite. At length, when overwhelmed with the flood, he said: "I believe that there is no god except Him Whom the Children of Israel believe in: I am of those who submit (to God in Islam)."

(It was said to him): "Ah now!- But a little while before, wast thou in rebellion!- and thou didst mischief (and violence)! "This day shall We save thee in the body, that thou mayest be a sign to those who come after thee! but verily, many among mankind are heedless of Our Signs!"

"We settled the Children of Israel in a beautiful dwelling-place, and provided for them sustenance of the best: it was after knowledge had been granted to them, that they fell into schisms. Verily Allah will judge between them as to the schisms amongst them, on the Day of Judgment." (Surah Yunus 10:90-93)

The torments inflicted on the Children of Israel by the Pharaoh were continuous and harsh; and so Allah sent His prophets Mosa as and Haron as(peace be upon them) to warn the tyrant that he should stop the oppression of the Children of Israel and free them.

Under guidance from Allah, the Israelites fled Egypt; while the Pharaoh and his men pursued them. It seemed like their journey would end at the Red Sea which prevented their escape.

But a miracle happened when Mosa as struck the water with his staff: The waves of the Red Sea parted and the Israelites hurried along the passage between the parted waves. Pharaoh and his soldiers followed; but by the time the Israelites reached the other shore, the sea closed in engulfing their pursuers. Thus the Israelites were delivered from bondage, and the Pharaoh and his people perished.

Muslims are in sympathy with the Jewish celebration of the Pesach, as the fast on `Ashura' amply demonstrates. When the Prophet Muhammad saww came to Madinah on the tenth of the lunar month of Muharram, he found that the Jews there were fasting.

The Prophet saww asked them why they were fasting on this day, and they explained that it was the day that God saved the Children of Israel from the Pharaoh, and that Mosa as fasted in thanks on this day.

Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas: "The Prophet saww came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked them about that. They replied, "This is a good day, the day on which Allah rescued Bani Israel from their enemy. So, Moses fasted this day." The Prophet saww said, "We have more claim over Mosa than you." So, the Prophet fasted on that day and ordered (the Muslims) to fast (on that day)." (Sahih Bukhari, Book #31, Hadith #222)