Islamic Golden Age (800-1258)

 بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيم

All praise is due to ﷲ. We seek refuge with Allah from the evil within ourselves, and our actions. Whoever Allah (SWT) guides, no-one can misguide, and whomsoever Allah misguides, no one can guide. I testify that there is no god but Allah, and no one has the right to be worshipped except Him, and Muhammad ﷺ is his servant and messenger. He (S.A.W.S) was responsible for the mission, conveyed it, advised the beloved Ummah, brought peace and relieved affliction, and left the Ummah on a straight path.

Non-Muslims often imply that Islam requires serious reformation. I imply that it does not need to be reformed, but the governmental systems all around the world should be reformed based on the Sharia law constitution. The Islam propagated by the western media is propaganda that has been carefully and meticulously broadcast by evil minds pulling the strings thousands of kilometres away from Europe, Asia. Billions of people around the world have the wrong image of Islam. If you research regarding pure Islamic law and not "extremist" or “misogynistic” Islam, you will find immense wisdom behind the laws and regulations set by the originator of time and the universe, Allah SWT. Once these laws are adopted in the governmental constitution based on sources such as the Holy Book of God (Allah) (the Quran), the Sunnah (the traditions or known practices of the Prophet Muhammad), Ijma' (Consensus), and Qiyas (analogy), it will significantly boost lifestyle, peace, contentment, economic progress, and the standard of living of the daily lives of the residents of the country. It will reduce local crime rates per district as well, increase safety in streets, flourish the cash circulation, eliminate riba (interest), eliminate black money, and deal justly with the criminals and transgressors. The perfect nation in the face of planet Earth is the USA, for example. The American judiciary system charges a single father for 20 years so the serial killer can freely roam the streets.

ISLAMIC GOLDEN AGE

Did you know that the high school algebra seen in worldwide schooling was invented during this era? Perhaps you should take a sip of coffee to digest that fact, but hey, the Western world's drink du jour, coffee, was first brewed in Yemen around the 9th century. If you still have some disregard regarding Muslims and their inventions, I challenge you to wake up for your university class or job and set an alarm clock, but you cannot since clocks were invented during this era. As you’ve lost the concept of time, you feel sick. Well, hospitals, as we know them today, with wards and teaching centres, come from 9th-century Egypt; the first such medical centre was the Ahmad ibn Tulun Hospital, founded in 872 in Cairo. Other inventions included surgery, optics, cranks, etc. During the period of the Islamic Golden Age from 8th to 13th centuries, the Islamic world was ruled by various caliphates, and science, economic development, and cultural works flourished. This included the fields of literature, mathematics, medicine, art, and philosophy.

1. Algebra
2. Algorithm
3. Optics
4. Astronomy
5. Medicine
6. Surgical Instruments
7. Clocks
8. Geography
9. Chemistry
10. Flying Machine
11. Papermaking
12. Windmills
13. Hospitals

    

                                    

                

MILITARY EXPANSION

When the proper Islamic law commandments are followed, advancements in the military field are inevitable. During the period of Rashidun Caliphate (632–661), within the span of 24 years, a vast territory was conquered comprising Mesopotamia, the Levant, parts of Anatolia, and most of the Sasanian Empire. The Persian and Roman empires were fighting each other for 700 years until Khalid Ibn Al Walid RA came and eliminated the two empires within 4 years. Who says that such military accomplishments cannot occur in this modern era?

Azaab e Qabr (Grave Punishment) in Islam

Seriousness of Grave Punishment

Once Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sat down on a grave not yet dug, the companions sat down as well  around him quietly. He had a stick in his hand, and he was making marks on the ground, Afterwards, he raised his head and said, “Seek refuge from Allah from the grave punishment”.         

He said this twice or thrice.

Seizing of the Infidel’s Soul by Malik Al Maut

 But when an infidel is about to leave the world and proceed to the next world, angels with black faces come down to him from heaven with hair-cloth and sit away from him as far as the eye can see. Then the angel of death comes and sits at his head and says, ‘Wicked soul, come out to displeasure from God.’ Then it becomes dissipated in his body, and he draws it out as a spit is drawn out from moistened wool. He then seizes it, and when he does so they do not leave it in his hand for an instant, but put it in that hair-cloth and from it there comes forth a stench like the most offensive stench of a corpse found on the face of the earth.

Soul’s Journey to the Hellfire and Back to Grave

 They then take it up and do not bring it past a company of angels without their asking, ‘Who is this wicked soul?’ to which they reply, ‘So and so, the son of so and so,’ using the worst names he was called in the world. When he is brought to the lowest heaven request is made that the gate be opened for him, but it is not opened for him. (God’s messenger then recited, ‘The gates of heaven will not be opened for them and they will not enter paradise until a camel can pass through the eye of a needle.)(Qur'an, vii, 40) God who is great and glorious then says, ‘Record his book in Sijjin (Cf. Qur’an, Ixxxiii, 7 ff) in the lowest earth,’ and his soul is thrown down. (He then recited, ‘He who assigns partners to God is as if he had fallen down from heaven and been snatched up by birds, or made to fall by the wind in a place far distant.')(Qur’an, xxii, 31).

His soul is then restored to his body, two angels come to him, and making him sit up say to him,

QUESTIONS                                    INFIDEL ANSWERS:

1.     Who is your Lord?                                                  1. Alas, Alas, I don’t know

2.  What is your religion?                                            2. Alas, Alas, I don’t know

3.  Who is this man who was sent among you?          3. Alas, Alas, I don’t know

Then one cries from heaven, ‘He has lied, so spread out carpets from hell for him, and open a gate for him into hell.’ Then some of its heat and hot air comes to him, his grave is made narrow for him so that his ribs are pressed together in it, and a man with an ugly, face, ugly garments and an offensive odour come to him and says, ‘Be grieved with what displeases you, for this is your day which you have been promised.’ He asks, ‘Who are you, for your face is most ugly and brings evil?' He replies, ‘I am your wicked deeds.’ He then says, ‘My Lord, do not bring the last hour.’

His soul, i.e., the infidel’s, is pulled out along with the veins and every angel between heaven and earth and every angel in heaven curse him, and the gates of heaven are locked, no guardians of a gate failing to supplicate God that his soul may not be taken up beyond them.

May Allah SWT save us from the punishment of grave. Ameen.

Seizing of the Believer’s Soul by Malik Al Maut

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that once a believer/righteous slave of Allah is about to leave the world (meaning he has not died yet) and go to the realm of Barzakh, angels with the faces white as the sun come down onto him/her with one of the shrouds and perfumes from Jannah and sit away as far as the believer’s eyes can see.

Then, Malik Al Maut (Angel of Death) comes and sits at his/her head and says, “Good soul, come out to forgiveness and acceptance from Allah”. The soul comes out of the body as a drop flow from a water-skin and he seizes it, when Malik al Maut does so, it is not left in his hand for an instant, but it is taken and placed in that shroud and perfume where there comes forth from it a fragrance like the sweetest musk found on the face of the Earth.

Soul’s Journey to the Heaven and Back to Grave

 Afterwards, the soul is taken above to heavens one by one and a company of angels ask “Who is this good soul?” to which they reply, “So and so, the son of so and so,” using the best names of which people called him/her on Earth. In the lowest heaven, it is asked whether the gate should be opened, this is done from every heaven one by one till the 7^th heaven, and Allah SWT says “Record the book of my servant in Illiyun” and take him back to Earth.

Since I decreed, I created mankind from it, I shall return them into it, and from it I shall bring them forth another time. The soul is restored to the believer’s body and two angels (Munkar and Nakir) make the person sit up and ask:

QUESTIONS                               BELIEVER ANSWERS:

1.     Who is your Lord?                                            1. My Lord is Allah

2.     What is your religion?                                      2. My Religion is Islam

3.     Who is this man who was sent among you?     3. He is Allah’s Messenger

FINAL QUESTION                     FINAL ANSWER

What is your source of knowledge?            I read Allah’s book (Quran), believed & declared it true

After all questions are successfully answered, one cries from the heaven, “My servant has spoken the truth, so spread out carpets from paradise for him, clothe him from paradise, and open a gate for him into paradise” from which some joy & fragrance comes to the believer and his grave is made spacious as far as the eye can see. A man with a beautiful face, beautiful garments, and sweet odour comes to the believer and says “Rejoice in what pleases you for this is your day which you have been promised. He/she asks, “Who are you?” He replies, “I am your good deeds” The believer then asks Allah “My Lord, bring the last hour; my Lord bring the last hour, so that I may return to my people and my property.”

In a version there is something similar containing an addition: “When his soul comes out every angel between heaven and earth and every angel in heaven invoke blessings on him, and the gates of heaven are opened for him, no guardians of a gate failing to supplicate God that his soul may be taken up beyond them.

REFERENCE:

Mishkat Al Masabih 1630 - Mishkat al-Masabih 1630 - Funerals - كتاب الجنائز - Sunnah.com - Sayings and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم)

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shah Saud Zaman (شاه سعود زمان)

Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, originally from Pakistan, as a bachelor's student in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia, I am interested in topics such as Islam, History, Psychology, Current Affairs, Fitness etc. I started this blog in January of 2024 through the guidance of God and I want to share even the tiniest of knowledge bestowed to me by Allah ﷻ. It is my humble responsibility to be writing to the best of my ability through the little knowledge out of his vast provision bestowed to me by Allah azzawajal. I am currently a student of knowledge and not an Islamic scholar. I am inspiring others through my work to write and propagate the message of Islam, as it is a responsibility bestowed by God. I recommend people to engage in contemplation, tafakkur, tadabbur, as we are all heading towards Allah SWT every minute that passes. We must be prepared and present a good record in front of Him. We must seek his refuge from the punishment and at the same time have hope in the infinite mercy of Allah azzawajal. Be the soldiers, warriors, helpers, righteous, torch bearers of knowledge, and righteous slaves of Allah SWT in this world.

A HADITH FROM THE REHMATULIL-ALAMEEN I LOVE DEEPLY

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Ballighu ‘Anni walau Ayah..”

“Convey my teachings to the people even if it were a single ayat(sentence),

[Sahih Bukhari:3461]

CONTACT ME

Personal Email: shahsaudzaman12@yahoo.com

Instagram: @shahsaudx

LinkedIn: @shahsaudzaman

The World Is A Prison For The Believer

 بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيم

All praise is due to ﷲ. We seek refuge with Allah from the evil within ourselves, and our actions. Whoever Allah (SWT) guides, no-one can misguide, and whomsoever Allah misguides, no one can guide. I testify that there is no god but Allah, and no one has the right to be worshipped except Him, and Muhammad ﷺ is his servant and messenger. He (S.A.W.S) was responsible for the mission, conveyed it, advised the beloved Ummah, brought peace and relieved affliction, and left the Ummah on a straight path. 

PROPHETIC HADITH

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

The world is a prison-house for a believer and Paradise for a non-believer.

حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْعَزِيزِ، - يَعْنِي الدَّرَاوَرْدِيَّ - عَنِ الْعَلاَءِ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ الدُّنْيَا سِجْنُ الْمُؤْمِنِ وَجَنَّةُ الْكَافِرِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

: Sahih Muslim 2956

HOW SATAN TRICKS US

I would say that there is enjoyment in the Duniya which is through the halal way of living. I wouldn't necessarily call it enjoyment but rather contentment, which is far more superior than small surges of happiness. Dopamine surges through gambling, alcohol and other harmful addictions will never make you satisfied in life. That being said, it is natural human psychology that once you restrict yourself from these bad habits, and you see other people doing it freely, Satan whispers thoughts into your brain that you're missing out on big things. Hence, the term “prison”. Now, this is just one perspective. You get the idea.

As Muslims, in our true nature and beliefs, we are 100 percent in conformation that this Duniya (world) is a temporary abode, a mere pass-by station to the afterlife, which is far more sustainable and enduring. Imagine spending an average 70-year lifespan in so called “enjoying life” drinking shots of alcohol and smoking cigarettes, shatter your own physical and mental health among indulging in other impermissible acts in Islam only to risk your chances of Jahannam. That being said, a person cannot hold a finger near a flame for more than 1 seconds, imagine even a millisecond of hell. It's not worth it. Words cannot do justice to this concept. It's a whole another story. Imagine falling towards short-term harmful desires seeking permanent happiness in a brief 70–100-year lifespan and risking billions of years of eternity in paradise. 

As this world is oriented towards logic and rationality nowadays, a logical Muslim would be god-fearing in every small decision they make. This is because performing acts prohibited by God is indirectly a challenge to God itself. Allah SWT has made distinct actions, foods, habits haram. It is for our betterment itself. God is never unjust to His slaves. Why do we always compare our limited bestowed human intellect to the intellect of the originator of time and universe? The worldly lavishes, maleficent beauty, riches, fame and popularity are all adornments Allah SWT has created and dispersed throughout Earth for testing us. He knows what we are going through, as avoiding haram is a struggle due to the "pleasure" & attractiveness it is enveloped with, thus, mentions this exact fact several times in the Holy Quran.

QURANIC EVIDENCE (SURAH HADID - 20) 

ٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا لَعِبٌۭ وَلَهْوٌۭ وَزِينَةٌۭ وَتَفَاخُرٌۢ بَيْنَكُمْ وَتَكَاثُرٌۭ فِى ٱلْأَمْوَٰلِ وَٱلْأَوْلَـٰدِ ۖ كَمَثَلِ غَيْثٍ أَعْجَبَ ٱلْكُفَّارَ نَبَاتُهُۥ ثُمَّ يَهِيجُ فَتَرَىٰهُ مُصْفَرًّۭا ثُمَّ يَكُونُ حُطَـٰمًۭا ۖ وَفِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ عَذَابٌۭ شَدِيدٌۭ وَمَغْفِرَةٌۭ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضْوَٰنٌۭ ۚ وَمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَآ إِلَّا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلْغُرُورِ ٢٠

Know that this worldly life is no more than play, amusement, luxury, mutual boasting, and competition in wealth and children. This is like rain that causes plants to grow, to the delight of the planters. But later the plants dry up and you see them wither, then they are reduced to chaff. And in the Hereafter, there will be either severe punishment or forgiveness and pleasure of Allah, whereas the life of this world is no more than the delusion of enjoyment.

Nothing In Your Life is a Coincidence

 بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيم

All praise is due to ﷲ. We seek refuge with Allah from the evil within ourselves, and our actions. Whoever Allah (SWT) guides, no-one can misguide, and whomsoever Allah misguides, no one can guide. I testify that there is no god but Allah, and no one has the right to be worshipped except Him, and Muhammad ﷺ is his servant and messenger. He (S.A.W.S) was responsible for the mission, conveyed it, advised the beloved Ummah, brought peace and relieved affliction, and left the Ummah on a straight path. 

NOTHING IN YOUR LIFE IS A COINCIDENCE

Once you set in your mind the fact that nothing happens out of coincidence, but every experience, situation, circumstance you’re in is from Allah. Of course, we have the liberty of free will and we get to decide what experience we have. But do we though? After a wrong action you do, God makes you know that you’re not in control of your life as much as you think you are. People call it “You reap what you sow”, “universal law”, or “Karma”, sure; there may be a disparity in the labelling, but the negative consequences you face due to your actions is Allah’s way of telling you “The more you stray away from me, the more you wrong your soul”. That is the point you’ll realize you’ve unconsciously neglected hundreds of signs Allah shows you every day. That is the point you realize whatever sin you are doing does not affect Allah, the Self-Sufficient, but your own soul. When you’re walking by on a random street, and you hear someone complaining about “I should pray more often,”. It’s a sign to fix your prayers. When you see an old man crossing the road with a stick, and you think “will I really be able to live that long?”, that’s Allah’s way of telling you that death is inevitable, so turn to Him before you return to Him. There are countless signs from daily actions of scrolling through a random Instagram post in your feed, it’s not the algorithm that pushes the post to you based on your interests, its Allah. You open your phone, head to Instagram, enter the feed, and right in front of your face a post about Namaz (salah) appears, coincidentally, the call to prayer (Adhan) happens to begin as well. You may call it a “coincidence”, but do we really know better than God. This world is Allah SWT’s simulation as everything has been decreed by Him.

QURANIC EVIDENCE

[Quran 42:51] وَمَا كَانَ لِبَشَرٍ أَن يُكَلِّمَهُ اللَّهُ إِلَّا وَحْيًا أَوْ مِن وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ أَوْ يُرْسِلَ رَسُولًا فَيُوحِيَ بِإِذْنِهِ مَا يَشَاءُ ۚ إِنَّهُ عَلِيٌّ حَكِيمٌ

And it is not for any human being that Allah should speak to him except by revelation or from behind a veil, or that He sends a messenger to reveal what He wills by His permission. Indeed, He is Most High, Most Wise.

[Quran 41:53] سَنُرِيهِمْ آيَاتِنَا فِي الْأَفَاقِ وَفِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ ۗ

We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth.

SUMMARY

Allah SWT has already mentioned in the Quran that He communicates through the signs that are manifested in the universe around us and within ourselves. Allah communicates with humans in ways that transcend direct physical interaction. There is a reason He has specifically mentioned the 'veil' that refers to the unseen barrier between Him and His creation. Allah SWT is constantly giving you signs, yet we do not perceive it due to our sin-filled hearts. You only realize the signs of Allah when you develop Taqwa (consciousness, piety) of Him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shah Saud Zaman (شاه سعود زمان)

Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, originally from Pakistan, as a bachelor's student in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia, I am interested in topics such as Islam, History, Psychology, Current Affairs, Fitness etc. I started this blog in January of 2024 through the guidance of God and I want to share even the tiniest of knowledge bestowed to me by Allah ﷻ. It is my humble responsibility to be writing to the best of my ability through the little knowledge out of his vast provision bestowed to me by Allah azzawajal. I am currently a student of knowledge and not an Islamic scholar. I am inspiring others through my work to write and propagate the message of Islam, as it is a responsibility bestowed by God. I recommend people to engage in contemplation, tafakkur, tadabbur, as we are all heading towards Allah SWT every minute that passes. We must be prepared and present a good record in front of Him. We must seek his refuge from the punishment and at the same time have hope in the infinite mercy of Allah azzawajal. Be the soldiers, warriors, helpers, righteous, torch bearers of knowledge, and righteous slaves of Allah SWT in this world.

A HADITH FROM THE REHMATULIL-ALAMEEN I LOVE DEEPLY

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Ballighu ‘Anni walau Ayah..”

“Convey my teachings to the people even if it were a single ayat(sentence),

[Sahih Bukhari:3461]

CONTACT ME

Personal Email: shahsaudzaman12@yahoo.com

Instagram: @shahsaudx

LinkedIn: @shahsaudzaman

Tazkiya-e-Nafs (Purification of the Soul)

  بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيم

THE ESSENCE OF LIFE

All praise is due to ﷲ. We seek refuge with Allah from the evil within ourselves, and our actions. Whoever Allah (SWT) guides, no-one can misguide, and whomsoever Allah misguides, no one can guide. I testify that there is no god but Allah, and no one has the right to be worshipped except Him, and Muhammad ﷺ is his servant and messenger. He (S.A.W.S) was responsible for the mission, conveyed it, advised the beloved Ummah, brought peace and relieved affliction, and left the Ummah on a straight path. 

2024 - BY TIME, INDEED MANKIND IS IN LOSS

In the 21st century, we live in an era where every country in the world has been exposed to liberalistic values and the fear of God has vanished. The western society has engulfed our media, our lives, and our mental makeup. Wherever we navigate throughout life, in the bustling crowd of malls, in the pursuit of shopping in shops and markets, in the path to seek knowledge in schools and universities, and earning a living in offices, we observe that Satan has truly deluded billions of humans in a global scale. Music, free-mixing, and backbiting has been normalized. Satan provides us to feel a sense of freedom in our living if we pursue haram actions, but it is a mere delusion. Whoever turns away from the remembrance of Allah ﷻ, he will be raised in the day of resurrection blind. (Quran: 20:24). Religion does not restrict us. It frees us from the shackles of society. Progressiveness is a double-edged sword. If you are open-minded, there's nothing wrong with that, it even leads to generation of new ideas and development in society and in matters of Deen. But we do not have the full ability to cross Al Hakeem ﷻ that has set certain limits. If we cross those boundaries with our sudden urges of "open-mindness", we do damage to ourselves, our nafs, our soul. No matter how small of a sin, transgression itself is a sin. We often fail to realize that our sins affect ourselves and our hearts and Allah does not owe us anything. Allah ﷻ mentions in Surah At-Talaq:

 وَتِلْكَ حُدُودُ ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَمَن يَتَعَدَّ حُدُودَ ٱللَّهِ فَقَدْ ظَلَمَ نَفْسَهُۥ ۚ

These are the limits set by Allah. And whoever transgresses Allah’s limits has truly wronged his own soul.

THE FEELING OF EMPTINESS WE FEEL

 Although Allah SWT has only provided Iblis the ability to whisper, it is a shame that our self-control has been snatched away from excess social media usage, bad company, over-sleeping, over-eating, indulging in vain talk, etc. Ever noticed that empty feeling you get once you come back home from a major social event or after you're done hanging around with friends? This is the heart yearning for Allah ﷻ. You've probably delayed Isha or have not thought of Allah SWT for most of your day. No matter how many worldly gains such as social media followers, post likes and comments, appreciation, compliments you receive, you should remind yourself:

"There is no power or might except with Allah ﷻ"

This is not just generic advice. This is to keep your feet lowered to the ground and not rise in the skies. It is to protect you from ego. If Allah ﷻ is not the priority of your life, and if you don't keep your heart pure for the sake of Him, you will feel a sense of emptiness. Develop Taqwa, mindfulness and consciousness of Allah in every action and saying 24/7. You will remain in the state of Ibadah all the time, even if you are pursuing university studies or office work. In the midst of walking in a mall, buying groceries, eating, sleeping, chores, talk with Allah SWT in your brain. He is the only guider, protector, friend, master, light of the heavens and Earth. You can never have negative thoughts once you're in the state of mindfulness of Allah. Reminder, this does not necessarily involve the state of Dhikr all the time, but even when your mouth is closed. Once Allah SWT is in our mind 24/7, Satan whispers are the similitude of that of a duck blabbering for attention, although the position of Satan is the biggest enemy of mankind. This is the power of the free will you possess. Contemplate on a verse from Surah Nisa:

THE CONCEPT OF DEPRESSION AND ISLAM 

As Muslims, we can indeed have feelings of sadness. But a wise muslim man/woman realizes this as an opportunity to head in Sujood and ask Allah SWT for relieving of burden and negative thoughts. If we perform this on a daily basis, which Ar-Rahmaan gives us a chance 5 times a day, we can never be depressed. This is why developing Taqwa is necessary, concentration in prayer benefits your nafs, not Allah SWT. He is independent from our deeds. We should remind ourselves that we are the one being tested, and not us doing favours to Allah by our Ibadah. No one can be admitted to paradise except by His mercy and His mercy alone. The western society has over-emphasized the concept of depression so much so that the global youth thinks that they are fighting inner demons but neglect the blessings Allah ﷻ has provided. We often overlook the basic necessities as we think it is a normal acquisition of every human. Try explaining your problems to the Palestinians being bombed in Gaza. You will sound like a fool to them. May Allah ﷻ have mercy on them. 

PROTECT YOUR HEART (قلب) 

Sahih al-Bukhari 52 - Narrated An-Nu'man bin Bashir:

I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, 'Both legal and illegal things are evident but in between them there are doubtful (suspicious) things and most of the people have no knowledge about them. So, whoever saves himself from these suspicious things saves his religion and his honour. And whoever indulges in these suspicious things is like a shepherd who grazes (his animals) near the Hima (private pasture) of someone else and at any moment he is liable to get in it. (O people!) Beware! Every king has a Hima and the Hima of Allah on the earth is His illegal (forbidden) things. Beware! There is a piece of flesh in the body if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and that is the heart.

LOWER YOUR GAZE

Battling the fitnah of obsessing over the adornments of this worldly life can be a way for us to attain Paradise by the will of Allah SWT Insha'Allah. إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ. This includes the over-glarification of wealth and women. Do not let these both control your life. The more you fulfil your desires, the more the craving. 

"The eye is the mirror of the heart, if the slave lowers his gaze, the heart will lower its desires and whims, and if he lets his gaze wander, the desire in his heart will be released."

"No man is alone with a woman but the Shaitaan is the third one present."

[Narrated by Ahmad, al-Tirmidhi and al-Haakim; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami' (2546)

If you're single and are struggling with sexual desires, opt for marriage. This is the first and only priority. If monetary or societal circumstances are holding you back, which they shouldn't (Allah is All Wise), but that's another topic. Resort to fasting and dua. Never skip going the gym. Distract yourself from the plot of Satan, keep yourself busy all times, and lower your gaze. If any factor I just mentioned is slipped from your daily routine, this is the very entrance from where Satan will attack you again. Indeed, Allah SWT has given the ability of patience to Satan to test the patience and Jihad al Nafs of believers. (War against Soul) 

PPL METHOD

1. Purpose - If you’re working on some affair such as a project, you have to converse as an obligation. Therefore, this is an example of a “purpose” that is set.

2. Public - Make sure your conversation is in public areas. It is safer for you and her as Shaytaan’s plots are mostly ineffective.

3. Limited - This relates to the “purpose” point. Converse details to the point instead of laughing and being frank. Leave that right to your blessed wife that is Halal. Have active consciousness regarding Allah SWT every time.

WISDOM FROM A COMIC

FINAL COMMENTS 

Lowering your gaze is such a comprehensive protection. And it doesn't just mean lowering your gaze from what is inappropriate. Also lower your gaze from what doesn't concern you, from the faults and private matters of others. This prevents habits of over-thinking of what other people think of you, as you are busy with yourself and your connection with God. Allah SWT wants to see your effort in turning towards Him. He will give you knowledge, wisdom, fearlessness, discipline, whatever you ask Him. At least, keep your heart pure and develop Taqwa. This opens the doors to endless knowledge. If your goal is to memorize the entire Quran in your lifetime by the will of Allah SWT, avoid sins and habits that would affect your heart, the Word of Allah ﷻ does not stay in the heart of the sinner for long. Do not let Satan deceive you and lead you to an endless loop of negative thoughts if you've recently sinned. 

Resort to Sujood

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shah Saud Zaman (شاه سعود زمان)

Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, originally from Pakistan, as a bachelor's student in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia, I am interested in topics such as Islam, History, Psychology, Current Affairs, Fitness etc. I started this blog in January of 2024 through the guidance of God and I want to share even the tiniest of knowledge bestowed to me by Allah ﷻ. It is my humble responsibility to be writing to the best of my ability through the little knowledge out of his vast provision bestowed to me by Allah azzawajal. I am currently a student of knowledge and not an Islamic scholar. I am inspiring others through my work to write and propagate the message of Islam, as it is a responsibility bestowed by God. I recommend people to engage in contemplation, tafakkur, tadabbur, as we are all heading towards Allah SWT every minute that passes. We must be prepared and present a good record in front of Him. We must seek his refuge from the punishment and at the same time have hope in the infinite mercy of Allah azzawajal. Be the soldiers, warriors, helpers, righteous, torch bearers of knowledge, and righteous slaves of Allah SWT in this world.

A HADITH FROM THE REHMATULIL-ALAMEEN I LOVE DEEPLY

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Ballighu ‘Anni walau Ayah..”

“Convey my teachings to the people even if it were a single ayat(sentence),

[Sahih Bukhari:3461]

CONTACT ME

Personal Email: shahsaudzaman12@yahoo.com

Instagram: @shahsaudx

LinkedIn: @shahsaudzaman

Is Music Haram? Detailed Analysis on Hadith and Quranic Evidence and Satan's Plot

 بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيم

All praise is due to ﷲ. We seek refuge with Allah from the evil within ourselves, and our actions. Whoever Allah (SWT) guides, no-one can misguide, and whomsoever Allah misguides, no one can guide. I testify that there is no god but Allah, and no one has the right to be worshipped except Him, and Muhammad ﷺ is his servant and messenger. He (S.A.W.S) was responsible for the mission, conveyed it, advised the beloved Ummah, brought peace and relieved affliction, and left the Ummah on a straight path. 

INTRODUCTION

We find ourselves focusing more on fatwas (legal rulings) and expert opinions of Islamic scholars who have a great difference of opinion whether music is halal or haram, when our own inner conscience deeply knows Music is not the right path to follow. We all know truly deep within ourselves. I'll prove this right now in front of you. 

THE PICK AND CHOOSE ISLAM WE FOLLOW

I would like to provide confirmed evidence regarding the prohibition of music in the religion:

“Narrated Abu 'Amir or Abu Malik Al-Ash'ari: Sahih Bukhari 5590

that he heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk, the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments, as lawful. And there will be some people who will stay near the side of a mountain and in the evening their shepherd will come to them with their sheep and ask them for something, but they will say to him, 'Return to us tomorrow.' Allah will destroy them during the night and will let the mountain fall on them, and He will transform the rest of them into monkeys and pigs and they will remain so till the Day of Resurrection.”

Think logically. When there exists a sahih hadith which is preventing the use of musical instruments? Why do we have to consider the option "I think I'm okay with listening to Music" and at the same time we mutually agree that "Indeed, Zina - unlawful sexual intercourse, alcoholic drinks, and wearing Silk is haram". We all are mutually agreeing that 3 out of 4 things are haram, but neglecting the music being haram part. Why? Isn't this the same old "pick and choose " Islam we are propagating? Follow this part of Islam and leave the rest. Is this what Allah SWT expected from us? Do you want to be considered as a Munafiq (hypocrite) in the day of judgement? May Allah guide us in these worldly trials and grant us protection from the punishment of the grave and hellfire. Ameen. 

QURANIC EVIDENCE

I may be not wise enough to know why we do this. And I'm honestly so tired of how we see one scholar declaring it as halal, so we're like "Yes, I found my answer", I'll follow that instead of evaluating the entire situation from a holistic perspective as the consensus opinion implies that it is Haram. But then again, you don't even have to focus on the legal statements to find the answer sometimes. Look at the clear hadith, or sometimes even investigate your nafs. Perform Tafakkur and Tadabbur. Allah azzawajal has blessed us an intellect. 

The "gut feeling" we sense, it may be so that Allah SWT has implanted this mechanism inside us to remind us of danger in physical and internal environments (body and mind). Music does not feel natural to our nafs at all. We all have felt this. Gut feeling is what science 100% agrees on. Of course, we as Muslims justify science with Islam and not Islam with science, because science is always changing with debunked theories and open to new discoveries and innovations. 

HOWEVER

Quran, the book of the supreme lord of the universe Allah SWT contains all fields of knowledge. Say it be science, psychology, history, chemistry, mathematics, etc. It was never altered, is changing, or will ever change. May Allah SWT grant us understanding of the Holy Quran. Ameen. 

SATAN'S POWER

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, Satan flows through the human being like the flowing of blood.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2174

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Muslim

Allah SWT has created us, raised us, will cause us to die, will resurrect us. He knows more about us than you can even realize. Allah SWT has given Satan the ability to flow through us like blood, and Satan has clearly deluded billions of individuals in this planet Earth. Thus, not comparing, but realize and contemplate and imagine the word of Allah ﷻ, The Holy Quran has billions of knowledge factors we cannot fathom, there is hidden wisdom behind Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.S) sayings we cannot comprehend. We should not find ourselves neglecting parts of the sayings of Rehmat-ulil-Alameen (S.A.W.S). May Allah save us from these evil thoughts, if they arise. Ameen. Or perhaps even think of matching our level of limited intellect against the infinite knowledge of the originator of the universe. May Allah SWT grant us wisdom to act upon and understand this concept. 

Even if we put Islam to the side (which we should never of course), if science is what you care about, based on my knowledge of the effects of music and the brain chemistry itself, I do not think Music would ever provide me a sense of benefit mentally, physically, or spiritually. Even if it was declared Makruh in an official legal ruling by contemporary scholars, I'd still personally never listen to it and I would 100% recommend you do not listen to music at all, as it is Haram. I'll explain my findings. 

SCENARIO

DISCLAIMER: I recommend you do not try this scenario. We all have listened to music un-intentionally too. So just relate to this passage, and you definitely will.

Listening to music in a neutral mood. Say it be happy music, observe how your mood rapidly fluctuates based on the beats, highs, lows, trebles etc. Try putting on sad music in a neutral mood. In some form or another, you will maybe imagine sad situations that are occurring or have occurred in your life and reflect on that as you listen to the music, even if you were happy just a moment back. (Majority of the cases). So, you’re just going to let your mood fluctuate by other things without you having control on yourself whatsoever? This is why teenagers nowadays are heading into depression. With all these expected life-long but can't even cross 6 months relationship affairs, bollywood-imitated breakups, someone in the corner of the world finding their true love at the age of 15 itself, music enhances their state of sadness, even if you have never gone through a breakup, an imaginary partner pops up in your head out of nowhere. A true Fitnah. May Allah guide our youth. Ameen. Back to the point, music in a literal sense, forces you to feel a certain way, does that seem natural to you? Does that not feel like mental programming? You were just in control of your own thoughts a while back, and a piece of high frequency audio fluctuating automatically changes your thought process. It is a form of melodic infiltration; no sane person would find it natural.

Does that not feel like mental programming?

Credits: DrJockers.Com

MY PERSONAL ADVICE TO YOU READING THIS

Musics gives you an artificial dopamine rush & affects your brain chemistry, and I cannot express how much Shaytan is willing to be patient and has grasped our entire weakness spots like the similitude of running blood within our bodies and has taken rigorous steps to harden the Quloob - hearts. May Allah azzawajal save us from the whispers of Satan. Ameen. Music indulges you into other distractions, addictions, eventually turning you away from the remembrance of Allah SWT etc. It turns your state into a "lucid sleep" where you are vulnerable to suggestions and manipulation. You may think I'm dragging it too much but why would I? The sweetness of the Quran can only be sensed when you completely eliminate music from your life. Of course, it is not avoidable fully as we do not control what we hear. Everywhere we go in society, university events, corporate seminars, family gatherings, business conferences, the effect of Satan's plot has reached everywhere. What we should be avoiding, by the grace of Allah SWT, the intentional hearing of music. Allah SWT sees your effort. This is the Jihad Al Nafs among other desires. Fight it. May Allah SWT give us the strength to avoid music as much as possible and guide us all to the straight path, Ameen!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shah Saud Zaman (شاه سعود زمان)

Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, originally from Pakistan, as a bachelor's student in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia, I am interested in topics such as Islam, History, Psychology, Current Affairs, Fitness etc. I started this blog in January of 2024 through the guidance of God and I want to share even the tiniest of knowledge bestowed to me by Allah ﷻ. It is my humble responsibility to be writing to the best of my ability through the little knowledge out of his vast provision bestowed to me by Allah azzawajal. I am currently a student of knowledge and not an Islamic scholar. I am inspiring others through my work to write and propagate the message of Islam, as it is a responsibility bestowed by God. I recommend people to engage in contemplation, tafakkur, tadabbur, as we are all heading towards Allah SWT every minute that passes. We must be prepared and present a good record in front of Him. We must seek his refuge from the punishment and at the same time have hope in the infinite mercy of Allah azzawajal. Be the soldiers, warriors, helpers, righteous, torch bearers of knowledge, and righteous slaves of Allah SWT in this world.

PROPHETIC HADITH I LOVE DEEPLY

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Ballighu ‘Anni walau Ayah..”

“Convey my teachings to the people even if it were a single ayat(sentence),

[Sahih Bukhari:3461]

CONTACT ME

Personal Email: shahsaudzaman12@yahoo.com

Instagram: @shahsaudx

LinkedIn: @shahsaudzaman

Never Underestimate Allah SWT's Power

 بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيم

SCENARIO: 

You set the right intention, you make wudhu, cold water makes you shiver, you're going to perform Salah purely for the sake of Allah SWT, you head to the prayer mat, you compose yourself to meet Allah SWT, you say Allahu Akbar (الله أكبر) and proceed to complete your Salah. You recite the Adhar and head to Sujood (prostration). Now do not underestimate the dimension you just accessed. This is the blessed opportunity what people with the wrong record in the grave are yearning for, and yet we are deluded and express not the amount of khushoo (consciousness) in this exact position. May Allah save us from punishment of Qabr/Hereafter. Ameen. 

Any prayer you supplicate towards God does not go into vain or is ever neglected. It is heard by the Allah azzawajal ﷻ. It is either granted or compensated ever better than what you asked for. You are asking the originator of the universe who has already written your story, and you sometimes think "Will these duas even get answered?". Do not over-complicate things.

RELATING THE NAME OF ALLAH (AL WASI) TO MAKING DUA

Al-Wasi Meaning: The Vast, The All-Embracing, The Boundless. Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ is Al-Wasi (in Arabic: ٱلْوَاسِعُ): The one who's knowledge, mercy, and provision are vast. He is of limitless capacity and abundance and gives without expecting anything in return. If money is what you need, do not ask Him to make you a millionaire. Do not ask Him to make you a billionaire. Ask Him to make you a trillionaire. There is no limited quantity of provision with Ar Razzaq. That's the bare minimum Tawwakkul you need to have in Allah SWT. Do not be one of those who would request their bosses to raise their salary, but neglect asking Allah SWT in the heart or in Sujood first. Allah SWT has provided us a means to socialize, connect, and ask people and navigate throughout life but we fail to realize 24/7 that Allah SWT has 100% control over each scenario you face 7 days a week, 24hrs a day in real-time. He is the originator of time and the best disposer of all affairs, our protector, our helper, our guider, our Lord. Please do not make the mistake of under-estimating his might. Even if you need to a new computer mouse, do not just go and drive to the computer store and ask the cashier where the mouse is located, unless you have asked Allah SWT in your heart first as soon as the thought of you needing a mouse came into your brain. That's how much we need to include Allah SWT in our lives, and even that is less. That's the infinitely elevated position of our lord ALLAH. 

ALLAH SWT'S PLAN FOR US

Based on your current circumstances, he reviews your request and grants or delays it until the right time. He wants to teach you lessons and make you go through hardships to get you closer to Him. He wants the best for you. Logically speaking, by definition, God is the most just and has to be. It may be that you like a thing, but it is bad for you, and it may be that you hate a thing, but it is good for you. Based on this concept, if God would accept every wish you requested, most of what we humans contemplate and require would not benefit us at all at that particular time, or in extreme cases, be detrimental to us. God has the knowledge of the unseen and apparent—the knowledge of billions of factors, situations, and activities going on this planet. It doesn’t even take a millisecond for Him to decide what’s best for you, as the Lord is the originator of time itself.

HIS MIGHTY POWER

He has everything decreed from the beginning to the present to the end. He knows what is happened inside Earth, what is happening, or ever will happen. From the inner oceans, the land He has straightened since billions of years, and above to the mighty heavens He has fashioned and the vast infinite universe He has originated in real-time. Everything is in front of him. He is the best disposer of all affairs, your protector, helper, master, and guider. Men hurt you, but God heals you. Folks judge you; God justifies you. Trust the hand of God. You will never see the hand of God in your life if you keep trusting the hand of man. Contemplate on the story of Musa AS.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shah Saud Zaman

Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, originally from Pakistan, as an Electrical and Electronics Engineering student at Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia, I am interested in topics such as Islam, History, Psychology, Current Affairs, Fitness etc. I started this blog in January of 2024 through the guidance of God and I want to share even the tiniest of knowledge bestowed to me by Allah ﷻ. It is my humble responsibility to be writing to the best of my ability through the little knowledge out of his vast provision bestowed to me by Allah azzawajal. I am currently a student of knowledge and not an Islamic scholar. I am inspiring others through my work to write and propagate the message of Islam, as it is a responsibility bestowed by God. I recommend people to engage in contemplation, tafakkur, tadabbur, as we are all heading towards Allah SWT every minute that passes. We must be prepared and present a good record in front of HIm. We must seek his refuge from the punishment and at the same time have hope in the infinite mercy of Allah azzawajal. Be the soldiers, warriors, helpers, righteous, torch bearers of knowledge, and righteous slaves of Allah SWT in this world.

PROPHETIC HADITH 

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Ballighu ‘Anni walau Ayah..”

“Convey my teachings to the people even if it were a single ayat(sentence),

[Sahih Bukhari:3461]

CONTACT ME

Personal Email: shahsaudzaman12@yahoo.com

Instagram: @shahsaudx

LinkedIn: @shahsaudzaman